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Mrs. Pollifax teams up with her old friend Farrell and heads to Jordan to smuggle out a manuscript about life in Iraq under Saddam Hussein. Their mission is complicated when someone - the wrong someone – seems interested in them. Might it have something to do with Mrs. Pollifax’s seatmate from the plane?

Welcome back to the late 90’s and the penultimate Mrs. Pollifax adventure. Things get off to a great start, but unfortunately Mrs. Pollifax isn’t a driving force in most of the climax. That’s only a minor complaint because any time spent with Mrs. Pollifax is plenty of fun, and that holds true again here. The characters, new and old, are a delight. And the book provides a good reminder of the political situation of 20 years ago.

Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/08/book-review-mrs-pollifax-innocent.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
  
The Mercy (2018)
The Mercy (2018)
2018 | Biography, Drama
A little depressing
I think the problem with this film is that it's a little too depressing. It's a true story that hasn't been hollywood-ised, and it comes across as very bleak and sad.

Performance wise, Colin Firth and Rachel Weisz do well and they come across as endearing and likeable characters. The issue is that the story feels like it's missing something. It hurries along at a rather speedy pace and although it doesn't at least linger too long, I feel like there's more to Donald Crowhurst's story and life than they tell us. The score at times seems a little misplaced, seeming ominous in what should be a fairly light hearted scene. The scenes towards the end of the film that really highlight the loneliness and madness are done well and some are actually quite harrowing to watch. This is definitely not a feel good film.
  
Throne of Glass
Throne of Glass
Sarah J. Maas | 2012 | Children, Fiction & Poetry
10
8.7 (91 Ratings)
Book Rating
Wow, wow, wow!! I really loved this book more than I thought I would. For the first few chapters, I couldn't understand what the hype was all about. However, as I got more in to the book, I understood.

The pacing is fantastic!! I had a hard time stepping away from the book to do real life things. The prose is also amazing!

I loved Celaena's sarcasm the most. I found myself laughing out loud at some of her remarks. I found her to be a very good character =) She was definitely a well-formed character and wasn't some meek little girl.

I also loved Dorian and Choal. I won't say too much because of spoilers, but they were fantastic!!

All of the characters were well-rounded and felt real.

Do NOT give this book a miss. It is definitely a book you will want to read =)
  
Fragility Unearthed (The Cascade book 3)
Fragility Unearthed (The Cascade book 3)
Rebecca Royce | 2021 | Fiction & Poetry
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
204 of 250
Kindle
Fragility Unearthed ( The Cascade Book 3)
By Rebecca Royce

Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments

Malcolm is missing. Levi is taken. And all the light from the world has gone with them.

Kendall Malcolm thought the world ended when her marriage ended and her life fell apart. She was wrong. Things could be a lot darker. She stands at the precipice - leader, mother, warrior - placing herself between the world and darkness.

But does she have to do it alone? It's looking that way.


3rd in the series an I think there is only 1 more book! Another very good instalment from Rebecca what I love most is Kendall being a middle aged mum. She has a few personal losses in this book not including the ending but she fights on and does what she needs to.
  
AA
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Fashion, intrigue, danger and surprises. After a Fashion will leave you breathless with anticipation.

In New York City, 1882 Mr. Oliver Addleshaw is one of the wealthiest men in the country. His goal in life is to acquire more wealth than Mr. Vanderbilt ever did. That is, until Ms. Harriett Peabody, who has a love of fashion and designing, happens across his path. When they enter into a business agreement, they have no idea the plans that God begins to unfold. As humans, we tend to think that the plans we have made are the best we will ever see in life. But, God’s plan for your life is far greater than you could ever dream of.

I cannot begin to adequately express the joy it was reading After a Fashion. Quite simply, it is one of the best books I have ever read. The style that Jen Turano uses to tell this story is unique and engaging. I had a very hard time putting the book down, which was unfortunately quite often due to the needs of my 2 kids. However, this book had me laughing, yelling and even tearing up by the time I was finished. I cannot praise this book enough! If you don’t read any other book this year, I recommend After a Fashion for certain. It is easy to read and the action never ceases. I look forward to reading Jen Turano’s previous books as well as her new release this July In Good Company.

I received a free digital edition of After a Fashion from Bethany House Publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.