Search

Search only in certain items:

Weathering with You (2019)
Weathering with You (2019)
2019 | Animation, Drama, Fantasy
Well, it's official - Makoto Shinkai is now my comfort director. Only he could make something so conventional and arguably problematic so rich and compelling that those previous two things don't really even matter that much at the end of the day. Impossible (unfairly so, I realize) not to compare this to 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘕𝘢𝘮𝘦. as this never really reaches those same emotional peaks, story/character complexities, the music's cornier and it doesn't look *as* good imo. But it reminds me of something like Miike's 𝘍𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦 where even his lesser, more commercial works are still better than most other stuff available - I mean this is still one of the best looking and sounding movies on the planet which features a heap of continuous tear-draining emotional moments that are impossible to forget. Unlike many recent Disney outings - for example - which are guilty of comparable sins, this really, truly believes in itself and it's reverberated while viewing with a staggering force. Not ashamed to admit I loved nearly every second of it.
  
40x40

Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2316 KP) rated Running on Empty in Books

Mar 7, 2025 (Updated Mar 7, 2025)  
Running on Empty
Running on Empty
Karin Fitz Sanford | 2024 | Mystery
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Murder Among the Rich
When Lino Pardini dies, Anne McCormack finds herself drawn into the resulting family drama. Meanwhile, her uncle Jack is hoping for a fresh clue or two about what happened to Lino’s previous wife. Then there are the questions around Lino’s death itself. Can Anne help untangle it?

If you pick this book up expecting a typical mystery, you’ll be disappointed. The family drama takes up much of the pages. But that’s not a bad thing. Thanks to the well-developed characters, the story is very compelling. The multiple viewpoints are also used perfectly. Still, the mysteries were wrapped up to my satisfaction. There were a few details that were wrong and bugged me, but they are minor. On the other hand, I am very familiar with the setting, and I loved seeing real places and roads I know popping up in the middle of the fictional locations. Think of this more as a crime drama rather than a mystery and you’ll be pulled in, watching the pages fly by all too quickly.
  
    Bid Wars: Storage Auctions

    Bid Wars: Storage Auctions

    Games and Entertainment

    (0 Ratings) Rate It

    App

    Bidding on storage auctions is a very good way to make money, if you’re not afraid to test your...

I have been a fan of Tamera Alexander's ever since I read her book, Inheritance. She captivated me with that book and I would read anything of hers blindly! I was super excited to take part in being able to review this newest release, the  third book in her Belle Meade Plantation series. Let me tell you what! I had so much fun reading this book. I loved the detail she incorporated into the story and the characters she created owned me while I read this book! It did not take me long to read it, I was that engrossed in it.  I love historical novels set around during, beginning and end of the Civil War. Ms. Alexander created this particular story post- Civil War and really made me feel a part of the time period. I could picture the clothing perfectly as the characters wore them, and the scenery was vivid in my mind. 

I adored Alexandra and Sylas' characters! Both were seeking a path in life that was their own and no one elses. Watching Alexander break away from her controlling father and seek a love that her heart wanted, was incredibly wonderful! Having dealt with a somewhat controlling mom a time or two, I could really feel my heart being tugged by Alexandra. The interactions between Sylas and Alexandra really popped in the story and I loved watching them together. I could see the sparks of interest literally fly off the pages! 

This story of following your own heart, seeking the true path that God has laid out for oneself was really soul capturing for me. Each page turn brought something new to the book and I thoroughly enjoyed it all. This trip to the Belle Meade Plantation was definitely not my last! I can't wait to go back and grab a copy of the rest of the books in the series. 

If you are looking for a fun, soul grabbing story rich in history (I loved learning about Fisk University!) and detail, and characters that come to life, then this book is definitely for you. Be warned! This 5 star novel will keep you so engrossed you will forfeit the rest of your adulting duties! Hats off to Ms. Alexander on an incredible new book! I can't wait to read another amazing novel by you! <a href="http://cafinatedreads.com/book-review-to-wager-her-heart-by-tamera-alexander/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads</a>
  
Warriors with Holy Hands
Warriors with Holy Hands
Peter Toeg | 2017
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Warriors With Holy Hands is the story of a young woman who finds herself lost in time and whose life over a period of three years is spiraling downward. Ruth Falk is stricken with an inexplicable illness and then orphaned. With only a distant relative in her life now, Ruth faces a life of debilitating pain and infirmity. She determines to look to the past for answers she believes her bloodline may reveal.



Searching through diaries and records, Ruth discovers blood relatives and others who lived far away over the course of a century. We follow their lives across three generations culminating in the revelation of indisputable connections that are created—words and actions with lasting results.



Ruth learns that a curse spoken by one ancestor may have had a devastating domino effect, one whose beginning also engaged her prayer-warrior grandmother in a pitched spiritual battle to break. A challenged believer herself, Ruth grows in the faith of her predecessors who faced ominous situations.



The rich symbolism of Judaism provides a backdrop for the saga with traditions and meaning sprinkled throughout the story.



When she faces increasing paralysis, Ruth and a birth friend in the faith journey to the Southern Highlands of Tennessee where it all began. Here in the span of seven days—over ten months—all that has unraveled in recent years comes together. Life as she knows it will never be the same.



God reveals himself to Ruth and others in remarkable ways along a tortuous path that comes full circle.


Warriors is a mystery that is finally, stunningly, revealed as serendipitous fruit from the branches of a family tree. It is a story of encouragement and life that empowers those who seek God and believe.



My Thoughts: This is a story about Ruth, a woman who is injured while deployed. As she recovers from her injuries, including PTSD and other physical injuries, she learns about her past through journals that her aunt gave to her. The author has done a skillful job of intertwining the history from the journals to the present time to Ruth. The author Peter Toeg, presents us with a good picture of how we can be affected by our past relatives whether it's good or bad.


I love history and journals. We cal learn so much through our past. This is a story about healing, both physically and of course, spiritually. The author has done a brilliant job with this storyline and I believe that others will enjoy this book also.