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Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated Amish Cooking Class : The Celebration in Books
Feb 25, 2019
The Cooking Class is back! I'm so glad that Mrs. Brunstetter brought us back to the Troyers and Heidi's cooking class. This one was as addictive as the first two, and Mrs. Brunstetter's extremely captivating talent has shone once again!
I loved seeing the Troyers and Marsha and Randy again. They are wonderfully chiseled characters and really come to life with each story. The other characters that Mrs. Brunstetter created for this one really stole a piece of my heart, too! Being married to my own firefighter, I loved seeing Darren Keller's character worked in there. It was definitely an added bonus to an already amazing novel.
I loved the way Mrs. Brunstetter made this novel about the kids. It was such a refreshing change from the first two, though they were amazing, as well. The different familes that Mrs. Brunstetter created really made the story pop. Each family had a different circumstance, different struggles, and they all felt real to me. The inspiring ways that Heidi Troyer helps each family, really shines.
This is definitely a 5 star worthy addition to a fantastically created 5 star series by the Queen of Amish Fiction. Mrs. Brunstetter adds yummy sounding recipes to the book, making this a tasty treat for all Amish fiction lovers everywhere. While this could easily be read as a stand alone, I don't recommend that you read it as one. Grab this one, along with the first two, and take a trip to the Troyer's farm, to the fun of cooking and baking, and to where God is foremost the center of the story! You won't be sorry!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
I loved seeing the Troyers and Marsha and Randy again. They are wonderfully chiseled characters and really come to life with each story. The other characters that Mrs. Brunstetter created for this one really stole a piece of my heart, too! Being married to my own firefighter, I loved seeing Darren Keller's character worked in there. It was definitely an added bonus to an already amazing novel.
I loved the way Mrs. Brunstetter made this novel about the kids. It was such a refreshing change from the first two, though they were amazing, as well. The different familes that Mrs. Brunstetter created really made the story pop. Each family had a different circumstance, different struggles, and they all felt real to me. The inspiring ways that Heidi Troyer helps each family, really shines.
This is definitely a 5 star worthy addition to a fantastically created 5 star series by the Queen of Amish Fiction. Mrs. Brunstetter adds yummy sounding recipes to the book, making this a tasty treat for all Amish fiction lovers everywhere. While this could easily be read as a stand alone, I don't recommend that you read it as one. Grab this one, along with the first two, and take a trip to the Troyer's farm, to the fun of cooking and baking, and to where God is foremost the center of the story! You won't be sorry!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated Room on the Porch Swing (Amish Homestead #2) in Books
Feb 27, 2019
I'm so excited to be back on the Homestead with another amazing hit from the incredibly talented hands of Amish author, Amy Clipston. She is one of my top authors when it comes to writing Amish novels and she has once again managed to completely capture my heart and my soul with these beautifully created characters and this page turning plot line.
Instantly, I'm drawn to Allen. Bless him, from the start, I had tears in my eyes and I wanted to wrap my arms around him and tell him God's in control and all will work out. He was wonderfully chiseled, wonderfully life-like and I fell in love with him instantly. Laura's character was wonderful, as well, and I was so happy she was there in a tragic time! She really made the story pop. And sweet Mollie......oh sweet Mollie. A little character that was a perfect addition (not that I think that because of our names, though spelled differently, being the same!). These characters, while suffering from tragic events, were characters that became a part of me, wholly, like family.
I highly recommend this 5 star addition to the Amish Homestead series. You'll be instantly captivated, turning page after page, long into the night. This book is emotional, yet full of God's grace, God's timing and characters that you'll want to invite to your own porch swing and sip tea and visit with until the sun sets on the horizon. Ms. Clipston, you've done it again and I can't sign praises high enough for another hit! Bring on the next!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Instantly, I'm drawn to Allen. Bless him, from the start, I had tears in my eyes and I wanted to wrap my arms around him and tell him God's in control and all will work out. He was wonderfully chiseled, wonderfully life-like and I fell in love with him instantly. Laura's character was wonderful, as well, and I was so happy she was there in a tragic time! She really made the story pop. And sweet Mollie......oh sweet Mollie. A little character that was a perfect addition (not that I think that because of our names, though spelled differently, being the same!). These characters, while suffering from tragic events, were characters that became a part of me, wholly, like family.
I highly recommend this 5 star addition to the Amish Homestead series. You'll be instantly captivated, turning page after page, long into the night. This book is emotional, yet full of God's grace, God's timing and characters that you'll want to invite to your own porch swing and sip tea and visit with until the sun sets on the horizon. Ms. Clipston, you've done it again and I can't sign praises high enough for another hit! Bring on the next!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated Where the Fire Falls (Vintage National Parks, #2) in Books
Feb 27, 2019
Ms. Barnett is back and she's done it again! Another fabulous park mystery with amazing characters and a twisty plot line, all filled with God's grace! I loved this one as much as the first one and I am so glad I read it!
Ms. Barnett takes us to the heart of Yosemite during the '20s. It was such a fun time getting to know the world back then, along with being introduced to Olivia and Clark. Both had decisions to make, both knew there was a lot at stake. Watching them throughout this novel was not only interesting, it was a fresh of breath air! I became a part of the story and loved feeling as though I was right there next to them! My son's grandparents travel the United States in their RV and visit some of the National Parks and I've heard them tell some great things, but they don't describe near like Ms. Barnett does! She truly is wonderful with her character creations and her descriptions!
This is definitely a 4.5 star worthy novel! Clark and Olivia come to life with each page turn, the romance is tender and the messages of truth and accepting God's will are strong through the entire story. From start to finish, Ms. Barnett had me hooked, and I never lost interest! If you are looking for a fun novel that will transport you back in history, then this is a novel just for you. Ms. Barnett's writing style will captivate you and you'll become a fan for life! I can't wait for book 3!!! Well done, Ms. Barnett!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Ms. Barnett takes us to the heart of Yosemite during the '20s. It was such a fun time getting to know the world back then, along with being introduced to Olivia and Clark. Both had decisions to make, both knew there was a lot at stake. Watching them throughout this novel was not only interesting, it was a fresh of breath air! I became a part of the story and loved feeling as though I was right there next to them! My son's grandparents travel the United States in their RV and visit some of the National Parks and I've heard them tell some great things, but they don't describe near like Ms. Barnett does! She truly is wonderful with her character creations and her descriptions!
This is definitely a 4.5 star worthy novel! Clark and Olivia come to life with each page turn, the romance is tender and the messages of truth and accepting God's will are strong through the entire story. From start to finish, Ms. Barnett had me hooked, and I never lost interest! If you are looking for a fun novel that will transport you back in history, then this is a novel just for you. Ms. Barnett's writing style will captivate you and you'll become a fan for life! I can't wait for book 3!!! Well done, Ms. Barnett!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
MaryAnn (14 KP) rated An Hour Unspent (Shadows Over England, #3) in Books
Mar 5, 2019
Once London’s top thief, Barclay Pearce has turned his back on his life of crime and now uses his skills for a nation at war. But not until he rescues a clockmaker’s daughter from a mugging does he begin to wonder what his future might hold.
Evelina Manning has constantly fought for independence but she certainly never meant for it to inspire her fiancé to end the engagement and enlist in the army. When the intriguing man who saved her returns to the Manning residence to study clockwork repair with her father, she can’t help being interested. But she soon learns that nothing with Barclay Pearce is as simple as it seems.
As 1915 England plunges ever deeper into war, the work of an ingenious clockmaker may give England an unbeatable military edge—and Germany realizes it as well. Evelina’s father soon finds his whole family in danger—and it may just take a reformed thief to steal the time they need to escape it.
My Thoughts: This is an intriguing and entertaining book. From the first chapter to the last, it has the reader completely enamored. This is the third book in the series and if the reader like myself hasn't read the first two, they will be able to read along easily. The setting takes place during the first world war and grabs the readers attention from the first page. The characters are fun, witty and down to earth.
I believe that this book is to teach us what family really is and to appreciate and to hold on tight and love our famililies. It's a book about serving others and putting family first.
I believe that readers will truly enjoy this novel, especially those who love historical fiction.
Evelina Manning has constantly fought for independence but she certainly never meant for it to inspire her fiancé to end the engagement and enlist in the army. When the intriguing man who saved her returns to the Manning residence to study clockwork repair with her father, she can’t help being interested. But she soon learns that nothing with Barclay Pearce is as simple as it seems.
As 1915 England plunges ever deeper into war, the work of an ingenious clockmaker may give England an unbeatable military edge—and Germany realizes it as well. Evelina’s father soon finds his whole family in danger—and it may just take a reformed thief to steal the time they need to escape it.
My Thoughts: This is an intriguing and entertaining book. From the first chapter to the last, it has the reader completely enamored. This is the third book in the series and if the reader like myself hasn't read the first two, they will be able to read along easily. The setting takes place during the first world war and grabs the readers attention from the first page. The characters are fun, witty and down to earth.
I believe that this book is to teach us what family really is and to appreciate and to hold on tight and love our famililies. It's a book about serving others and putting family first.
I believe that readers will truly enjoy this novel, especially those who love historical fiction.
MaryAnn (14 KP) rated A Duel for Christmas (Pevensey Mysteries, #3) in Books
Mar 5, 2019
After seven long years in Devon, Lady Maud Worlington returns to London to reclaim life on her own terms, but a nefarious shadow and the prospect of financial ruin dog her steps. An impulsive and unforgettable kiss under the mistletoe creates a connection with Geoffrey, the handsome, young Duke of Tilbury. Yet as pleasant as it is to have a suitor, Maud is not sure how a boy of one-and-twenty can prove an equal partner in life and the equal of all the forces mounted against her.
The Duke of Tilbury considers himself as adept at managing matters as he is at swordplay, but his beautiful new acquaintance Lady Worlington has other ideas about how to manage her complicated life. Intrigued by their stolen kiss, Geoffrey pursues Lady Worlington’s affections, only to be foiled by the lady’s own doubts, by rivals for her hand, and by a sudden death, that affects both their families. When Jacob Pevensey, the investigator from Bow Street enters the scene, the duke becomes a prime suspect in the murder case. Truths are unearthed that Geoffrey would rather keep hidden, and the twelve days of Christmas race toward a perilous end.
My Thoughts: A story full of mystery, suspense, romance, and some charming characters. I truly enjoyed this story, based on the twelve days of Christmas, in true Victorian style. The characters were well developed and easy to relate to. Some you liked and some you dislike. It was good to see the strengthening of Maude's character, that she was finally able to stand up for herself and to go on with life without being bullied or blackmailed. This story takes many twists and turns and has many surprises for the reader. This is a book for those who like historical fiction. A wonderful read just in time for the Christmas season!
The Duke of Tilbury considers himself as adept at managing matters as he is at swordplay, but his beautiful new acquaintance Lady Worlington has other ideas about how to manage her complicated life. Intrigued by their stolen kiss, Geoffrey pursues Lady Worlington’s affections, only to be foiled by the lady’s own doubts, by rivals for her hand, and by a sudden death, that affects both their families. When Jacob Pevensey, the investigator from Bow Street enters the scene, the duke becomes a prime suspect in the murder case. Truths are unearthed that Geoffrey would rather keep hidden, and the twelve days of Christmas race toward a perilous end.
My Thoughts: A story full of mystery, suspense, romance, and some charming characters. I truly enjoyed this story, based on the twelve days of Christmas, in true Victorian style. The characters were well developed and easy to relate to. Some you liked and some you dislike. It was good to see the strengthening of Maude's character, that she was finally able to stand up for herself and to go on with life without being bullied or blackmailed. This story takes many twists and turns and has many surprises for the reader. This is a book for those who like historical fiction. A wonderful read just in time for the Christmas season!
RəX Regent (349 KP) rated The Adjustment Bureau (2011) in Movies
Mar 7, 2019
No Adjustment Necessary
Contains spoilers, click to show
Is it just me, or is Matt Damon just getting better and better? He is developing into a well-rounded actor, with a definite ability to draw in his audience and deliver some great performances. In this, Damon is a would-be Senator who meets a falls in love with Emily Blunt, a modern ballet dancer.
Meanwhile it quickly becomes clear that the world is being organised by a group of shady men in 50's suits and hats, don't forget the hats, who 'Adjust' Peoples life paths to adhere to the grand plan. Unfortunately for the star-crossed lovers, they are not meant to be together and the they must ultimately challenge them to pursue their own fate.
Philip K. Dick is a strange and often wonderful sci-fi novelist, whose work has often been adapted for the screen, with the likes of Bladerunner, Total Recall, Minority Report and more recently, and I believe more faithfully In A Scanner Darkly.
The cinematography, art direction and ultimately the direction as a whole was very stylised without becoming uncomfortable or otherworldly, which I think was quite an achievement.
This has been referred to by other critics as 'Inception light', and though I can recognise a vague comparison, I wouldn't like to compare them myself. This was an interesting science fiction story, dealing with deep ideas in a lighter and ultimately more palatable way. Damon and Blunt were both enjoyable to watch as their romance blossomed, though be it in small vignettes, and the shady men themselves were often amusing if not outright funny.
There is nothing particularly new for fans of the genre, and though it is not as deep or intense as Bladerunner, this is certainly a nice addition to the Philip K. Dick movie cannon and it's always great to see a decent Sci-Fi film.
Meanwhile it quickly becomes clear that the world is being organised by a group of shady men in 50's suits and hats, don't forget the hats, who 'Adjust' Peoples life paths to adhere to the grand plan. Unfortunately for the star-crossed lovers, they are not meant to be together and the they must ultimately challenge them to pursue their own fate.
Philip K. Dick is a strange and often wonderful sci-fi novelist, whose work has often been adapted for the screen, with the likes of Bladerunner, Total Recall, Minority Report and more recently, and I believe more faithfully In A Scanner Darkly.
The cinematography, art direction and ultimately the direction as a whole was very stylised without becoming uncomfortable or otherworldly, which I think was quite an achievement.
This has been referred to by other critics as 'Inception light', and though I can recognise a vague comparison, I wouldn't like to compare them myself. This was an interesting science fiction story, dealing with deep ideas in a lighter and ultimately more palatable way. Damon and Blunt were both enjoyable to watch as their romance blossomed, though be it in small vignettes, and the shady men themselves were often amusing if not outright funny.
There is nothing particularly new for fans of the genre, and though it is not as deep or intense as Bladerunner, this is certainly a nice addition to the Philip K. Dick movie cannon and it's always great to see a decent Sci-Fi film.
Bubblesreview (110 KP) rated The Maze Runner in Books
Mar 13, 2019
Pros:
▪ Lots of action
▪ Suspense from page 1
▪ Fast paced (once past the slowish start)
Cons:
▪ More questions than answers at the end
*deep breath* ok here we go. So, this took me slightly longer to finish than I'd hope. I watched the films only days before starting this, I don't think that helped. I should've learnt my lesson by now, read the book before watching the films! My issue was, the film was almost entirely different from the book, if it weren't for the same character names and wording than you could easily mistake the film for not even being connected to the book, it's that bad. Ok, not that drastic but seriously though it's pretty bad.
The first half of the book was a little slow but still had plenty of suspensful moments and action. The second half is when it really began to pick up and from here is when it got interesting for me because it had no similarity to the film so it was like I was reading a story I had no idea how it was going to end. The ending really smashed it and made it for me but it did leave me with too many questions than answers, which is what the author usually aims for but perhaps TOO many questions is not that great.
Overall this is a really fun book to read, the characters are all really well described and you quickly gain strong connections with them, I really like the strong use of descriptive writing when it comes to the smell of things.
I do have the rest of the series which I plan on reading but for now I feel I need a break between each book but I'll definitely be picking up book 2 soon!
▪ Lots of action
▪ Suspense from page 1
▪ Fast paced (once past the slowish start)
Cons:
▪ More questions than answers at the end
*deep breath* ok here we go. So, this took me slightly longer to finish than I'd hope. I watched the films only days before starting this, I don't think that helped. I should've learnt my lesson by now, read the book before watching the films! My issue was, the film was almost entirely different from the book, if it weren't for the same character names and wording than you could easily mistake the film for not even being connected to the book, it's that bad. Ok, not that drastic but seriously though it's pretty bad.
The first half of the book was a little slow but still had plenty of suspensful moments and action. The second half is when it really began to pick up and from here is when it got interesting for me because it had no similarity to the film so it was like I was reading a story I had no idea how it was going to end. The ending really smashed it and made it for me but it did leave me with too many questions than answers, which is what the author usually aims for but perhaps TOO many questions is not that great.
Overall this is a really fun book to read, the characters are all really well described and you quickly gain strong connections with them, I really like the strong use of descriptive writing when it comes to the smell of things.
I do have the rest of the series which I plan on reading but for now I feel I need a break between each book but I'll definitely be picking up book 2 soon!
Daniel Boyd (1066 KP) rated Love, Death & Robots in TV
Apr 4, 2019 (Updated Apr 4, 2019)
A breezy pace throughout the series (1 more)
Some incredible animation work
Now For Something Completely Different
Love Death & Robots is an animated anthology series from David Fincher and Tim Miller, made up of 18 short films, with each one done in a completely different animation style, ranging from stylistic 2D to hyper realistic 3D. I felt compelled to watch this series, not only as a fan of Fincher's and Miller's previous respective works, but as an aspiring animator myself.
My favourite thing about this series is how brief each episode is. Even if there is a story that you aren't enjoying so much, it is over promptly and you are onto the next one. I also like the idea of this series perhaps being a way for filmmakers to pitch their ideas in the form of these short stories and then, - if they are well received, - they could maybe go on to be developed into a longer more fleshed out feature length movie.
The style of animation varies wildly and everyone who watches the series will no doubt have their own personal preference. My favourite of the series was episode 13, which was titled "Lucky 13." It was based around a spaceship owned by a pilot played by Samira Wiley, who gave an phenomenal performance throughout the short film.
If you are looking for something fresh and different to anything else on Netflix, give this one a go. You may not enjoy every single episode, but I guarantee you there will be at least a few that you like. I really hope that this gets a second series and I am looking forward to anything else that is coming in the future from this creative team.
My favourite thing about this series is how brief each episode is. Even if there is a story that you aren't enjoying so much, it is over promptly and you are onto the next one. I also like the idea of this series perhaps being a way for filmmakers to pitch their ideas in the form of these short stories and then, - if they are well received, - they could maybe go on to be developed into a longer more fleshed out feature length movie.
The style of animation varies wildly and everyone who watches the series will no doubt have their own personal preference. My favourite of the series was episode 13, which was titled "Lucky 13." It was based around a spaceship owned by a pilot played by Samira Wiley, who gave an phenomenal performance throughout the short film.
If you are looking for something fresh and different to anything else on Netflix, give this one a go. You may not enjoy every single episode, but I guarantee you there will be at least a few that you like. I really hope that this gets a second series and I am looking forward to anything else that is coming in the future from this creative team.
Rodney Barnes (472 KP) rated The Cloverfield Paradox (2018) in Movies
Apr 4, 2019
Hyped to be Letdown
Contains spoilers, click to show
I have enjoyed the Cloververse movies but Paradox seemed to be missing something. I thought the idea and story was great...but it moved really slow for me. The idea of there being multiple universes with people the same as you is a very good angle. This is what Paradox tackled and very well. The main characters were experimenting with particle acceleration for a power source because Earth was in the verge of collapse. They activated it and thought they had caused the disappearance of the Earht. Later they find out that they have left their Earth and found themselves on a parallel planet. They run into many challenges, including getting a fellow scientist out of the wall she got caught up in when they teleported. There were more tragic events that took place with most of the crew getting killed. Hamilton and Schmidt were the last two survivors. Hamilton and her husband had lost their kids in a house fire and she finds out the Hamilton in this parallel world still has her whole family. Before they leave she gives the parallel Hamilton a warning to help her keep her kids alive. They finally make it back to "our" Earth and they have a successful test of the accelerator. Schmidt and Hamilton leave the accelerator for Earth but when her husband is told he is livid. He told the base of operations to tell them to turn back. As they land...a huge Clover monster pops up through the clouds. I know that is telling a story over but it was agonizingly slow to get to a terrific ending. It's still worth a watch if you like the Cloververse.
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated Eeny Meeny (Helen Grace, #1) in Books
Apr 9, 2019
People are being kidnapped from off the street in couples and forced to make a horrible decision. Killed or be killed! Who is the killer and what is her motive? Yes, her. The killer in this book is a female. And it's up to Detective Inspector Helen Grace and her team to figure this all out before any more people end up dead. After abducting the victims, the killer drugs them and keeps them in a dungeon of her own making. There in the middle of the floor, the victims find a phone and a gun. The phone has just enough battery life to receive a message. "On the floor by the phone you'll find a gun. It has one bullet in it...That is the price of your freedom. You must kill to live." I don't know if how I could make the decision. The only other option is for both people to die from starvation.
M.J. Arlidge gives a gripping tale that leaves you wanting more. It was very hard for me to put the book down, but I had to while on vacation because it was impossible to keep sand out of my Kindle. It had me on the edge of my seat and I had to find out who the killer was and why she was doing this to these poor innocent people. When DI Grace finds out the common denominator with each victim is her, the pressure to find the killer intensified with her as well as with me.
This was a great book with a fast pace that will keep you interested until the end. WIth little twists and unexpected circumstances you will thoroughly enjoy this book.
M.J. Arlidge gives a gripping tale that leaves you wanting more. It was very hard for me to put the book down, but I had to while on vacation because it was impossible to keep sand out of my Kindle. It had me on the edge of my seat and I had to find out who the killer was and why she was doing this to these poor innocent people. When DI Grace finds out the common denominator with each victim is her, the pressure to find the killer intensified with her as well as with me.
This was a great book with a fast pace that will keep you interested until the end. WIth little twists and unexpected circumstances you will thoroughly enjoy this book.