Saturday Movie Review: The Promise

Set during the last days of the Ottoman Empire, The Promise follows a love triangle between Michael, a brilliant medical student, the beautiful and sophisticated Ana, and Chris - a renowned American journalist based in Paris.

Director: Terry George

Writers: Terry George, Robin Swicord

Stars: Oscar Isaac, Charlotte Le Bon, Christian Bale 

 2h 13min | Drama, History / 2016

My thoughts:

Some movies have to be watched. Those who deny history are doomed to repeat it. I picked it up cos it was a Bale movie, and then I saw 1914 and Armenia and I knew it would be sad. And of course it made me cry.

It seems some certain people tried to give bad ratings on IMDB since they still claim the Armenian genocide is a lie. Oh you know, 1.5 million just died from nothing. I had to check, it seems the Turkish government still deny it happened. And that is why you have to watch this movie. For those Armenians who were massacred. But ok, I will not get all political. Back to the movie.

Michael wants to become a doctor and goes to Constantinople to study. There he falls in love with a married woman. A fellow Armenian married to a journalist. Another drunken role for Bale, he does them well, he is in the background and does not take too much room so to say. And Isaacs performance was which made me cry so he is good.

Of course it's a heavy movie. People are killed because of whom they were born as.

Watch it.

Here is an article about the denial and they mention this movie

Audio Review: Will's true wish - Grace Burrowes

Will Dorning, as an earl's spare, has accepted the thankless duty of managing his rambunctious younger siblings, though Will's only true companions are the dogs he's treasured since boyhood. When aristocratic London is plagued with a series of dognappings, Will's brothers are convinced that he's the only person who can save the stolen canines from an awful fate. Shy, bookish Lady Susannah Haddonfield has no patience with loud, smelly beasts of any species, but must appear to like dogs so as not to offend her sister's only marital prospect. Susannah turns to Will, an acquaintance from her most awkward adolescent years, to teach her how to impersonate a dog fancier. Will has long admired Susannah, though he lacks the means to offer for her, and yet as they work together to rescue the purloined pets, it's loyal, dashing Will who steals Susannah's heart. 

Audio CD, 9 hPublished September 12th 2017 by Tantor Audio (first published February 2nd 2016)True Gentlemen #3Historical romanceFor review

My thoughts:

I like her books because they are just so sweet. And the characters talk to each other, there are no misunderstandings, they talk, they get to know each other. And in audio that works really well, you know, them talking and all.

Susannah is on her way to spinsterhood and fine with it. Instead she is trying to launch her sister and find her a match. Susannah would rather be home reading.

Will trains dogs, or humans if you look at it like that, he does not have a lot to offer and wont.

And someone is stealing dogs! Evil is afoot.

So they meet, they talk, they flirt. We meet her sister, his brother. Everyone is fun and lovely. Well except the guy who wants to marry her sister, he is a fool.

Conclusion:

Sweet and I want heas for everyone in this book.

Narrator: Jame Langton

I have listened to quite a few by him now and he does Burrowes books so well. His proper voice is so excellent and my face betrays me every time something happens in this book. I do wonder how I look to those meeting me ;)

The only weird thing would be the very deep voices he has for some men to show they are all different, but at least it makes them all sound different then, so it works.

I do enjoy his narration. And I'd say her books works excellent to listen to.

Listen to a sample

Cover

Good

The Prince of Mist - Carlos Ruiz Zafon

In 1943, Max Carver's father - a watchmaker and inventor - decides to move his family to a small town on the coast, to an abandoned house that holds many secrets and stories of its own. Behind the house Max discovers an overgrown garden surrounded by a metal fence topped with a six-pointed star. In the centre is a large statue of a clown set in another six-pointed star.

As the family settles in they grow increasingly uneasy: Max’s sister Alicia has disturbing dreams while his other sister, Irina, hears voices whispering to her from an old wardrobe. With his new friend Roland, Max also discovers the wreck of a boat that sank many years ago in a terrible storm. Everyone on board perished except for one man - an engineer who built the lighthouse at the end of the beach.

As they learn more about the wreck, the chilling story of a legendary figure called the Prince of Mist begins to emerge...

My thoughts:
I did not know what to expect, was there really a Prince of Mist or not? I can not say, spoilers ;=)

It's a short book and it was one of his earlier works so I can not really compare it to The Shadow of the Wind (which is SO beautifully written). It's YA too, even if the author says it works as an adult novel. But I still say YA.

A family comes to a sea side town. Max learns about the story of the Prince of the Mist, all while he senses strange things in the house. He and his sister meets a new friend and learns even more about the legend. Something strange is going on, or is it?

It was short so it was a fast read. There is a bit of suspense at the end and a few paranormal vibes. A good story.

Paperback, 202 pages
Published March 28th 2011 by Phoenix (first published 1986)
Original Title: El príncipe de la niebla
Niebla #1
YA, fiction, paranormal

The Scot beds his wife - Kerrigan Byrne

Gavin St. James, Earl of Thorne, is a notorious Highlander and an unrelenting Lothario who uses his slightly menacing charm to get what he wants—including too many women married to other men. But now, Gavin wants to put his shady past behind him...more or less. When a fiery lass who is the heiress to the land he wishes to possess drops into his lap, he sees a perfectly delicious opportunity...

Samantha Masters has come back to Scotland, in a pair of trousers, and with a whole world of dangerous secrets from her time spent in the Wild West trailing behind her. Her only hope of protection is to marry—and to do so quickly. Gavin is only too willing to provide that service for someone he finds so disturbingly irresistible. But even as danger approaches, what begins as a scandalous proposition slowly turns into an all-consuming passion. And Gavin discovers that he will do whatever is necessary to keep the woman he has claimed as his own...

My thoughts:

It took me a week to finish this book, not that it was bad or anything, just...ebooks and me this last week have not gone hand in hand. The baby is way too curious about what is going on behind her. The text was tiny too. Poor book never got my full attention.

Gavin really hates his family name, like haaaaaaaate it. He hates his brother too. And that first chapter, damn, messed up family for sure. Though I feel he should forgive his brother and his brother should forgive him. So after a messed up childhood he boinked his way through the world. 

Samantha is messed up too. She married a train robber. She ran away to Scotland and pretends to be someone else. Someone who is supposed to hate Gavin's family...

Oh they do clash. Guns a blazing. Tempers flair. Stolen kisses. These two are at each other's throats and not just cos they want to boink, but cos they do irritate each other. But at the same time want to boink. And then they fall in love.

Did I like how she handled one of her secrets...no...not cool. But it all worked out in the end.

Conclusion:
I do wish I had read his brother's book too, these guys are intense!!

Cover

ok

Kindle Edition, 368 pages
Expected publication: October 3rd 2017 by St. Martin's Paperbacks
Victorian Rebels #5
Historical romance
NetGalley

TMST: Best UF Books

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post on Rainy Day Ramblings where Rainy discuss a wide range of topics from books to blogging. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog.

This week's conversation starter:

September 26th: Favorite UF Books

Well obviously, Mercy Thompson! I still remember where I was when I read book 1 and I devoured it.

October Daye rocks! This is another series that has never strayed from its path and it has stayed strong.

Come on, do you think I would not mention Kate Daniels! But this series did have a rocky start, book 1 and 2 are not the best, Ilona herself said so once ;)

There are more. I do love UF, but I can not mention them all. Well I can, but S needs to go to sleep so we will end here with my top 3 :)

Goblin War - Jim C Hines

If you think it’s hard being a hobgoblin or a human, try living a goblin’s life for a while. In fact, try imagining what it’s like to be the runtiest goblin in the caves, the lone worshiper of a god who’s been forgotten for a good reason, and the target everyone points to at the first hint of trouble. Try picturing yourself as Jig Dragonslayer, and see how you like it…Despite impossible odds, Jig was still alive. He’d survived an adventurer’s quest against a dragon and a necromancer, a pixie invasion that had ogres and trolls dropping like flies, and, most frightening of all, the threat of being made chief of the goblins. He wasn’t sure how much more he could stand. Naturally, he was about to find out.War was brewing in the world outside the Mountain, and when the goblin’s lair was invaded by human warriors in search of the Rod of Creation, Jig knew it was just the start of another really bad day… 

My thoughts:

Poor Jig, he sure does not have it easy. He just wants to stay in his mountain and live in peace. No stupid humans, elves or dwarves around there. No stupid adventures making things hard. 

Jig is such an unlikely hero. He just does things, and sometimes they go right. Mostly they go right cos he has a god on his side and he has managed to have good followers. He does not want to fight, to deal with things, but he does have a brain. Very strange for a goblin.

In this book, they get taken when invaders come. There will be battles, danger and arguing. It's an amusing book, and it was an amusing series. You never had to take anything too seriously.

Cover
Yup, that is Jig

Paperback, 336 pages
Published March 4th 2008 by DAW
Jig the Goblin #3
Fantasy
Own

Joint discussion:To marry a Texas Outlaw

Happy September everyone! 

This month Carole and I discussed "To Marry a Texas Outlaw".  Blodeuedd is in blue and Carole in red-brown. 

Author: Linda Broday

Title: To Marry a Texas Outlaw (Men of Legend #3)

Genre: Historical Romance & Western

Pages: ebook

First Published: Will be released November 7th 2017 

Where I Got It: Netgalley

Outlaw Luke Weston survives by his wits. On the run for a murder he didn't commit, the last thing he needs is to go looking for more trouble. But when Luke stumbles across a fiercely beautiful woman struggling against two heavily armed men, it's obvious that trouble has found him.

After all, he never could resist a damsel in distress.

Josie Morgan's distressed, all right―and hopping mad. She has no idea why she's been kidnapped...or who she is...or why her body melts for the mysterious gunslinger who saved her life. But as the lost memories come tumbling back together, Josie is faced with the stark reality of why she and Luke can never be...even as her heart is telling her she will always be his.

Howdy there little miss!

Howdy *spits some tobacco* lol

LOL! I am happy we decided on a western. I was in the mood for a good cowboy tale!

I seem to prefer my cowboy tale, contemporary...strange. One would think these would be hot. Alas, it left me a bit cold.

Really? I like any sort of cowboy. Any time period. But I was disappointed that this outlaw really wasn’t an outlaw. He was framed!!!! No! I wanted a bad boy outlaw flinging guns and not giving a care. I mean...he wasn’t bad….but not what I really wanted.

Ok so I do like a good outlaw…*wait, cranky teething baby* Hold that thought a sec...right. Where was I, sexy outlaws. Yes. But at the same time I was glad he was not an outlaw cos in the end those kill, rob, not so good guys. No Robin Hoods.

True, true. But it is like pirates...you don’t want a nice pirate. You want the bad boy! LOL But yes, besides for that, I liked him. I even warmed up to Josie/Rose. It took a bit, but she grew on me.

LOL. I used to like pirates, but then Jack Sparrow came and destroyed that. A  drunk weird pirate. Thanks a lot Depp!

Josie Josie, I do not think I really liked either of them, or disliked them. Like I said, never warmed up to anything. I really can not say why.

I honestly liked the side characters the best. LOL! I want to know more about his brothers and his dad. I would really like a short story or something of his dad and his mom. That would be cute.

Cute and sad. Id rather see his dad in a new story finding love again, and yes his brothers stories seemed nice

That would be fun! And I also liked that beer drinking horse! LOLLL! What a character. Let’s get book about that horse.

And the ladies hiding out in that house. Theirs would be a good story

See? The side characters stole the show in my opinion.

I have to agree. They were more memorable to me. Even Rowdy and that kid whose mum gave birth

Ooo! Yes. I remember that. She was a hoot. But yeah...the couple were just barely okay overall. I also wasn’t sure how I liked the ending.

Some weird things going on there….I guess you nailed why i never warmed to the book. I blame Luke and Josie, cos i sure did not feel any chemistry

It was weird. Like...it was different way for them to get their HEA. But I can’t decide if I like it or not. I also thought that the insta-love was not fitting. I am glad that Luke did fight it, because he is honorable and Josie is a head-trauma victim and shouldn’t be making life decisions.

Yes not the best time to fall in love.  The end felt rushed too

It did feel a little rushed.

Hmmm, what more to say…..

I liked the adventure part of the story. Finding the baddie and trying to find Josie’s past. I really enjoyed that aspect of the book along with the side characters. However, it just didn’t feel like a romance and that is kinda a bummer to me. LOL

It could have been better. For me it was only ok

Agreed. It could have been better in a lot of different ways. It was entertaining for me, but overall...just okay.

oh , we sure know how to pick them

LOL! We seem to go in waves. Lots of goods and then lots of….just okay or bleh. We are never consistent!

I do not know how we do it...but i do feel my pick next will be good. I feeeeeel it

Ekkk! I hope so! It sure does sound gooooooooooooooood. Hopefully it will be a 5 star one!

Fingers crossed.

Well, is that all? Anything left to say? I think I’m good. I have to get back on my horse and head back into work x_x.

I am good. Bit hard to write with sigrid in my lap but it worked. Have fun at work hehe

Hehehe. It did work! And thankkkkkkkkkkkkks I’ll try.

*tips hat* tell next time partner!! HEEE HAWWW! *rides away*

*waves*

About the Authors

Carole and Blodeuedd have been blogging a long while now. The last couple of years the epic duo have been discussing books, watching movies, and even wetting the pen and sharing their stories with the worldwide web. They both love cats, chocolate, and a good story.

Saturday Night Movie: Voice from the stone

Set in 1950s Tuscany, Voice from the Stone is the haunting and suspenseful story of Verena, a solemn nurse drawn to aid a young boy who has fallen silent since the sudden passing of his mother.

Director: Eric D. Howell

Writers: Silvio Raffo (novel), Andrew Shaw (screenplay)

Stars: Emilia Clarke, Marton Csokas, Caterina Murino

Drama Myster Thriller / 1h 34 min

Musings:
It started slow, yes don't they all! Why am I choosing these? Well I want a bit of lesser known movies to be honest to review. Also, I like finding movies based on novels.

It's about a boy that wont talk after his mum died and there is something strange about his behavior.

Emilia Clarke's Verena tries to help him and she does a good job in her role, especially later on.

The movie is one of those you just watch. Not awesome. Not bad. And then it gets interesting towards the end. Suspenseful and creepy. The end was the best part.

I think this one works better a dark evening, when it is raining ;)

Audio Review: Highland Flame - Mary Wine

Laird Diocail Gordon has just come into his title and inherited his uncle's run-down castle and rag-tag clan. He knows the sorry sight of the castle would send any woman running, but is determined to find a wife to help return his home to its former glory. Widow Jane Stafford is on a mission-return to England even if it means trudging through the Scottish Highlands on foot. Her travels lead her straight to the path of danger until a mysterious, brawny man comes out of nowhere and saves her-and the spark between them is immediate. With a target on Jane's back, she knows the only way to stay safe is to go with Diocail. But the real trouble will be guarding her heart from her newly ignited Highland flame . . . 

My thoughts:

I have enjoyed this series so far and when we met Diocail in the previous book I was curious to know more. The Gordons have caused a LOT of troubles in previous books. 

But Diocail is new to the lairdship and he will hopefully bring some order to the land. But the keep is in ruins and no one is doing anything to fix it. Good for them that he is persistent. 

Jane had a crappy marriage and is now on her own and trying to get back to England. She had courage and would not back down. A spine of steel.

They meet, they clash and they start falling in love. But the road there is long. The clansmen do not want an Englishwoman! The English suck after all.

His retainers were so much fun. They started to like having her around and I kind of wanted a story for all of them after that. I just got to know them so well.

But before that it seems Simon Grant is getting a story, or Brenda (She so deserves love so hopefully hers first).

Narrator Anthony Ferguson

Oh I could not listen to a Wine book without him narrating. He is the characters. I like how he does them and with that fine accent of his.

Listen to a sample

Cover

ok

Audio CD, 9h
Published September 5th 2017 by Tantor Audio
Highland Weddings #4
Historical romance
For review

The corner of always and forever - Lia Riley

Tuesday Knight's dream of Broadway stardom has flopped, leaving her unemployed and brokenhearted. Ready to quit kissing frogs and make her own happily-ever-after, she takes a job as a princess in Everland, Georgia's historical amusement park. 

Mayor Beau Marino lives an unenchanted existence-all work, no play-which is fine by him. After his marriage ended in disaster, the last thing he wants in his life is more drama. But Everland's new free spirit has a talent for getting under his starched collar. 

When the town's beloved but bankrupt park might be shut down, Tuesday and Beau face a choice. Can they join forces, save the day-and each other? Or will their fierce battle of wills destroy any chance of a fairy-tale ending? 

My thoughts:

I wanted to read this one after book 1 because the couple seemed like a disaster to happen, in the best possible way.

Beau works and works and works. No time (or will) do do anything else.

Tuesday is a whirlwind who jumps in puddles and plays a princess at an amusement park.

He is a mountain, she is a river. Oh they are perfect for each other. He needs to live, she needs a bit of structure in her life.

Yes like I said, these two are opposites. He went through a bad marriage, she has failed relationships behind her. She wants forever, he wants a boring workaholic. But obviously they fancy each others pants off. There is lightning and they fall in lust and love.

But there is also a sidestory where they will clash over something, and then there are people from a nearby small town who tries to ruin the chances for Everland to grow (long story, will not spoil the details ;)

Conclusion:

Romance,  gossipy ladies in a small town, dogs and new friendships being made. A cute story 

Cover

Obviously really cute

Ebook, 350 pages
Expected publication: September 26th 2017 by Forever
Everland, Georgia #2
Contemporary romance
Netgalley

Long, tall Cowboy Christmas - Carolyn Brown

Nash Lamont is a man about as solitary as they come. That's exactly why ranch life in middle-of-nowhere Happy, Texas suits him. So what the heck is he doing letting a beautiful widow and her three rambunctious children temporarily move in? Before he knows it, they're stringing Christmas lights and decorating the tree... and he's having the time of his life. But after everything he's been through, Nash knows this kind of happiness doesn't last.

Kasey Dawson thought she'd never get over the death of her husband. Nash, with his strong hands and infinite patience, is stirring something she hasn't felt in a long time. Kasey knows the sexy cowboy isn't telling her everything about this past, though. And she refuses to risk heartbreak all over again. But her kids have a plan of their own: Nothing will keep them from having a real family again-even if it takes a little help from Santa himself. 

My thoughts:

You might have noticed I liked my Brown books, I have only read about 21 *coughs*. I like them because...

1. Cowboys. Honestly what is it with me and some guy in jeans, boots and his hat. Damn. They love their animals, their farm and are not afraid to get their hands dirty.

2. Small towns. Yes there are the gossipy small minded folk there too, but most often it is a close knit community where people can rely on each other.

3. The country music. Ok so this one is weird, but it just makes me feel like I am in Texas when I am told there is some country music playing on the radio and the character drums their fingers and sings along.

4. The food. For some reason they are always eating pie, yummy cookies, burgers, cinnamon rolls, you name it. Everything sounds delish.

5. The sweetness of it all. These are sweet books, sure they have a few passionate moments, but mostly these are cute books where they meet, fall in love and it's sweet you know.

And all those things happened in this book ;)

Kasey was a mother of 3 and do wants more kids, She is sweet, hard working and loves her kids beyond all.

Nash suffers from PTSD and there is a reason he is in happy. This was one hero for the books, he is really messed up. Poor guy is in a black hole at times. I am glad he met someone to help him out.

And they kids are the sweetest and it takes place before xmas. Awww, and everyone lived happily ever after.

Conclusion:
A lovely book

Cover
Nice

Mass Market Paperback, 368 pages
Expected publication: September 26th 2017 by Forever
Happy, Texas #2
Contemporary romance
NetGalley

Carole does TMST: Teen romances

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post on Rainy Day Ramblings where Rainy discuss a wide range of topics from books to blogging. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog.

I wrote most of my posts before Sigrid was born, then I wrote a couple after that (the short ones ;) And now I have reached the end so I asked Carole to help out this time :D

Favorite teen romances? Hmmm that is a tough one for sure……

I am about to hear the groans and moans on this one, but it isn’t what it will seem. I promise. But I love the teen romances in the Twilight books. NOT Edward and Belle or Belle and Jacob. I love the side character romances like Rosalie and Emmett or Alice and Casper. I love all the pack members when they find the ones they imprint on. I loved hearing about those romances and love stories. Edward and Belle has nothing on them at all. 

The teen romance that I really love is the love story between the characters in Reincarnation by Suzanne Weyn. SO tragic, SO sad. These two spirits keep finding each other in all these lifetimes, but something always pulls them apart. Some may call this one cheating, because in some of their lifetimes they are not teens, but I totally count this one! This is so good and it takes centuries for them to have their HEA. SO GOOD!!! I need to re-read this. 

Thank you, Blodeuedd, for letting me share my thoughts this week!!

What is there really to say? I am of course a lover of books, poetry, movies, plays, and music. Nothing is better than enjoying a cup of tea and immersing yourself in another world and forgetting about the world for just a little bit. My cat and chinchillas keep me entertained over here in Michigan (the mitten state of the USA). I'm game for any genre of book or movie. You can find me over at Carole Rae's Random Ramblings.

Audio: Going Dark - Monica McCarthy

After walking into a trap on a covert op in Russia, the men from top secret SEAL Team Nine are presumed dead. Not knowing whom they can trust, and with war hanging in the balance, the survivors must go dark and scatter around the globe. Marine ecologist Annie Henderson joins her new boyfriend on a trip to the Western Isles of Scotland to protest a hazardous offshore drilling venture. When she realizes that she may be swept up in something far more dangerous than she'd intended, there is only one man she can turn to . . . She and the mysterious but sexy dive boat captain have't exactly gotten off to the best start, but something about his quiet confidence makes her think that he's the kind of man she can depend on. Because he's gruff and guarded, she can tell Dan Warren has secrets. But she could never imagine how high the stakes are for him to keep his cover, even as he risks everything to protect her . . .

My thoughts:

I was reading some reviews, which I tend to do while reading/listening to a book, and I found that many were annoyed with things. But those things did not bother me here, but when I think of it, I think they would have in print, but in audio...nope. Funny how that goes.

Annie is in Scotland to protest oil drilling. She has her new boyfriend with her (an asshat). She is idealistic, kind and perhaps too trustworthy.

Dan, omg, I do not have to tell you he is one of the missing Seals. He is tough as nails and just wants to know what the f went down in Siberia.

They meet and sparks fly, but she does have that asshat of a boyfriend and Dan has gone dark. But things happen that throw them together and sparks fly. Enough passion to set the bed on fire.

I did like how much suspense there was. Bad things happen and there is action, danger and running...can not say more.

I also really want to know what happened in Siberia. Cos no we do not find out, i guess all the other Seals must find love first...arghhh. Need to know!

Conclusion:
I enjoyed it. Good action and a plot that kept me going

Narrator. Elizabeth Wiley

I liked her voices and I can still hear it narrate things in my head. I guess that is a good thing. I would totally listen to more by her

Cover

Nope

MP3 CD, 11 pages
Published September 5th 2017 by Tantor Audio
The Lost Platoon #1
Romantic suspense
For review

Carole's Sunday Review. Woman enters left

Author: Jessica Brockmole

Title: Woman Enters Left

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 352

Published: August 2017

Where I Got It: My shelf (Given to me by the author/publisher for my honest and unbiased opinion)

In the 1950s, movie star Louise Wilde is caught between an unfulfilling acting career and a shaky marriage when she receives an out-of-the-blue phone call: She has inherited the estate of Florence “Florrie” Daniels, a Hollywood screenwriter she barely recalls meeting. Among Florrie’s possessions are several unproduced screenplays, personal journals, and—inexplicably—old photographs of Louise’s mother, Ethel. On an impulse, Louise leaves a film shoot in Las Vegas and sets off for her father’s house on the East Coast, hoping for answers about the curious inheritance and, perhaps, about her own troubled marriage.

Nearly thirty years earlier, Florrie takes off on an adventure of her own, driving her Model T westward from New Jersey in pursuit of broader horizons. She has the promise of a Hollywood job and, in the passenger seat, Ethel, her best friend since childhood. Florrie will do anything for Ethel, who is desperate to reach Nevada in time to reconcile with her husband and reunite with her daughter. Ethel fears the loss of her marriage; Florrie, with long-held secrets confided only in her journal, fears its survival.

In parallel tales, the three women—Louise, Florrie, Ethel—discover that not all journeys follow a map. As they rediscover their carefree selves on the road, they learn that sometimes the paths we follow are shaped more by our traveling companions than by our destinations.

This story follows three women who go on a journey for three different reasons: Florrie to run away to California and make something of herself, Ethel to try and get her husband and child back, and Louise who needs to find herself and what she really wants in life. 

I enjoyed the stories of these women. After a couple of chapters, I could NOT put this down. I finished reading this in a couple of sittings. 

It did take a minute to warm up to Florrie and Ethel's story, but once I really understood more about these women the more I looked forward to their stories. I think it also took me a while to get used to the different format when it would switch to Florrie and Ethel. It was for sure different and you really have to pay attention, because Ethel sometimes adds her own writings to the diary Florrie is writing. It worked, but I feel like there could've been a different way to share Ethel's POV. 

What I really liked about this story is the side characters and how important of a role they play in all the women's stories. I really felt bad for Arnie, Louise's hubbie. I wish I could feel bad for Carl, but his reason for leaving Ethel and taking the kid with him was crappy. I wanted Ethel to yell and scream and be mad when she found out. I think Carl was a real jerk. Especially how he kept so many secrets from Louise. Not cool. 

I loved the complexity behind Florrie. I think she ended up being my favorite character. I can't help but adore really complex characters. 

The ending was the best. I loved how everything tied together and we got all the answers. The "article" snipbits were an added bonus and I think it was a nice way to get a good understanding. I'm happy with how everything ended. So good. 

Overall, this was good. I wasn't 100% in love with the format with the POV for Florrie and Ethel, but it worked. I really loved the whole journey all the women took. It makes me want to do a long road trip like that. I think being on the road for that long really does give time for someone to reflect upon their lives and who they are. I'll give this 4 stars. 

Saturday Movie Review: Storks

Storks have moved on from delivering babies to packages. But when an order for a baby appears, the best delivery stork must scramble to fix the error by delivering the baby.

Directors: Nicholas Stoller, Doug Sweetland

Writer: Nicholas Stoller

Stars:Andy Samberg, Katie Crown, Kelsey Grammer 

Lenght: 1 h 27 min

Adventure/Comedy

Musings:

I should have written this at once, I am so forgetful.

It feels like if I am writing a review I am going to go into all the plotholes. Like how are the babies made? Are they all weird clones? And if someone sends a letter to screw with someone and that someone gets 10 babies. Do not think of that, do not think of that! It's an animated movie for Loki's sake.

Storks deliver babies, or used to, now they work for “Amazon”.

And once they messed up and a baby still lives with them in their warehouse (honestly, wtf, what about the people that wanted that baby, oh, do not think.) That girl is a screw up and ends up going on an adventure with a stork.

The weird ass wolves were fun.

The Pidgeon I wanted to kill, SO annoying.

But you know, it was a good, funny movie and I cried, darn hormones. Yes I cried at the end.

Divine Descendant - Jenna Black

What happens when fertility goddesses go on strike? Nothing much—except maybe the end of the human race.

When private investigator Nikki Glass became immortal as a descendant of Artemis, she never dreamed she’d find herself playing marriage counselor to the gods. But she doesn’t really have much of a choice when the crazed ex-wife of Anderson Kane—a god in disguise who just happens to be the son of a Fury—decides to enact revenge by wiping out all of humanity. Somehow, Nikki must convince the two to kiss and make up, but with Anderson now gone AWOL, she'll have to find him first. To top it all off, the cat’s out of the bag that Anderson killed Konstantin, the Olympians’ deposed leader. Now their new boss—Konstantin’s son—is out for blood.

With every mere mortal’s fate now resting in Nikki’s hands, can she outsmart the gods…or will she be doomed to spend the rest of eternity in a barren and desolate world? 

My thoughts:
Still reading the omnibus  and now I see that this one was ebook only. That would so have annoyed me if I had read the books in paper. I would just not have bought it, since I can't. But I had the omnibus, via la omnibus.

I guess that is why the series ended also when it went ebook only. Cos it did speed up in this one. She needed an ending and yes it was a decent enough ending, but it also left space so there could be more. And I am sad that there wont be more. The books just felt so light and nice, much thanks to the omnibus since well you should see it. No dead space.

In this one we learn a secret about Anderson. And fine I take back what I said in the last book when I said she should fancy him instead. Yeah, maybe not. Jamal has issues but they are a good fit and getting closer again.

And there are angry fertility goddesses around. And those pesky Olympians. She is the one to stop them.

A good ending to this series. It worked buying the omnibus so I am glad for that, I did have book 1, but it was cheaper getting this one than the rest so I took a chance and it paid off.

Conclusion:
I read them really fast.

Cover
Always the butts

Kindle Edition, 228 pages
Published May 16th 2016 by Pocket Star
Nikki Glass #4
Urban fantasy
Own