Follow the Crow (Vanished, #1)

Follow the Crow by B.B. Griffith

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I would give this book ten stars if I could! A very human tale, with a bit of a supernatural bend. I was absolutely enthralled from start to finish. So glad I'll be able to continue on this amazing journey, with these awesome characters!

Ridiculousness!

Photo Credit: Tiffany Sequeira

Devastated!

I waited for months to hear whether or not So You Think You Can Dance would be renewed for a 13th season. When the announcement of a green light finally came, relief and joy were quickly replaced with dread. Because of the horror that was last season, the network thought changes necessary. What changes? One of my all-time favorite shows is now overtaken by children. That's right! Instead of watching adults achieve their lifelong dream and launch careers, viewers are going to be subjected to brats between the ages of 8 and 13 destroy the credibility of the art form. Before everyone jumps on me for not giving the new take a fair shake, I tried. I really did. Made it about halfway through the premiere before I tapped. I am genuinely heartbroken that my journey with this amazing show seems to have come to an end. My only hope is that those involved realize the cataclysmic mistake made, and rectify it if a 14th season is in the cards. Whatever comes, So You Think You Can Dance has left an indelible mark on me, and I am forever grateful for that.

My Childhood Is Officially Ruined!

Something Like Hearts (Holidays, #4)

Something Like Hearts by Jay Bell

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


A romantic story, that went a little ways toward softening my intense dislike of Kelly.

Mystery Solved!

Something Like Shamrocks (Holidays, #5)

Something Like Shamrocks by Jay Bell

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Wasn't a huge fan of the premise of this one. Seemed quite silly to me.

Something Like Ornaments (Holidays, #2)

Something Like Ornaments by Jay Bell

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I LOVE JACE! I love Jace and Ben! I love Jace and Ben ten times more than I love Ben and Tim! Don't judge me! Such a sweet little holiday story! Proof that love never dies. So awesome! It made me cry!

Encore: Movie Partners Sing Broadway

Barbra's new album is coming out on August 26th! This showcase of Broadway tunes has been hinted at, and much-anticipated for years. Let's hope it delivers! I think it will. Whenever Barbra sings songs from The Great White Way, magic happens! I'm not familiar with some of her duet partners, but I have faith in her choices. Heard At The Ballet just about twenty minutes ago, and am impressed. Justice was definitely done for one of my favorite theatre songs. If the others are as good, I wouldn't be surprised at yet another #1! Here's some info!

At The Ballet, from A Chorus Line, with Anne Hathaway and Daisy Ridley

Loving You, from Passion, with Patrick Wilson

Who Can I Turn To (When Nobody Needs Me), from from The Roar of the Greasepaint, The Smell of the Crowd, with Anthony Newley

The Best Thing That Ever Has Happened, from Road Show, with Alec Baldwin
Any Moment Now, from an unproduced version of Smile, with Hugh Jackman

Anything You Can Do, from Annie Get Your Gun, with Melissa McCarthy

Pure Imagination, from the film Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (later adapted for the stage), with Seth MacFarlane

Take Me To the World, from Evening Primrose, with Antonio Banderas

I'll Be Seeing You/I've Grown Accustomed To Her Face, from Right This Way and My Fair Lady, with Chris Pine
Climb Ev'ry Mountain, from The Sound of Music, with Jamie Foxx

Something Like Turkey (Holidays, #1)

Something Like Turkey by Jay Bell

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Yet another perfectly delightful short story! I say it every time, but I feel like these characters are old friends. I love visiting with them!

The Daily Lives Of Monsters

The Daily Lives of Monsters by J.H. Mae

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


While it was beautifully written, the first story wasn't my cup of tea. The others, however, are absolutely wonderful! I have now read every one of this author's works to date, and will be a fan for life! Her talent is inspiring, and I hope she continues to weave extraordinary tales for years to come!

Harvest Home: A Novel

Harvest Home: A Novel by Thomas Tryon

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


I was positive this book was destined to become a favorite, until the final chapters. The turn it takes is so dark and twisted that I felt physically ill. Way too much for me. I like strange, but this went into territory far beyond...

Accomplice

Accomplice by J.H. Mae

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I wasn't sure when I saw a robot on the cover, but then remembered the old saying about judging a book. Am so happy my snap judgment proved wrong. I loved every second of this book, and even added it to my favorites shelf. AWESOME!

Buried

Buried by S.H. Livernois

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Well-written, and enjoyable. Just wish it had been a little longer.

Downhill

Downhill by S.H. Livernois

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


It is indeed the mark of a skilled storyteller to make the reader empathize with a seemingly grotesque subject in such short order. Kudos must also be given to the ability to tackle the deeper issues of acceptance, mortality, and love we all face, no matter what the world may see. Bravo!

Limbo

Limbo by S.H. Livernois

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


A quick read, with a strange and unique premise. I would very much have liked a bit more…

Something Like Champagne (Holidays, #3)

Something Like Champagne by Jay Bell

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I love it! Another perfect little story!

Slip

Slip by S.H. Livernois

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Unlike anything I've ever read. Very scary. Very strange.

The Scarecrow (Solom #1)

The Scarecrow by Scott Nicholson

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


While the premise is solid and sufficiently creepy, execution is noticeably lacking until three quarters of the way through. A book, which until said mark is marred with unnecessary, endless descriptions, rushes to an end.

The Rest Of Forever

The Rest of Forever by Kate Aaron

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I love this book! It gives me hope!

Coming Home

Coming Home by Jay Northcote

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


A sweet, fluffy, insignificant, enjoyable way to pass a couple of hours.

A Star Shattered: The Rise & Fall & Rise Of Wrestling Diva

A Star Shattered: The Rise & Fall & Rise of Wrestling Diva by Tammy "Sunny" Sytch

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


A sad, but unfortunately all-too-common tale. Meteoric rise to fame, on top of the world with everything seemingly going perfectly, and then the overpowering lure of excess. A supposed story of redemption and self-discovery ultimately comes across as bitter, and accusatory. Every single bad thing that happens in Tammy's life is effortlessly blamed on someone else. I hate when people refuse to accept accountability. Why did I give the book four stars? As crazy as it might sound, I believe that she thinks every word is honest. Also, she isn't afraid of providing excessive detail. While it's all too much on several occasions, props must be given to someone willing to go all out.

Returning!

Wally Kurth is returning as Ned. He left last year, after signing on to return to Days Of Our Lives. He has since been downgraded, and is free to appear on both shows once again. I like the character, and will be glad to see him again. Hopefully, he and Olivia can find each other again. I'm sure he'll figure into Tracy's storyline as well.

Back In The Studio!

It appears as though Barbra is at work on a new album! As of this post, we know she has recorded songs with Jamie Foxx, and Daisy Ridley. I don't know the consensus opinion, but I think another album of duets, which this looks as though it is shaping up to be, would be a mistake. I understand wanting to capitalize on the success of previous work, but think an offering so similar in nature would greatly diminish interest. Of course, I could be completely off the mark with my assumptions, and we could very well be looking at standard Streisand. Either way, I'm very happy something new is on the horizon.

Stranger Child

Stranger Child by Rachel Abbott

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This book came highly recommended, and was very good. Language is swift, and flows effortlessly. The door is cracked for a sequel, and, if there is, I will definitely be reading it.

3:46 a.m.

3:46 a.m. by Nick Pirog
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another perfectly crazy Henry adventure! Can't wait to see what happens next! Loved every second!

Last…

Photo Credit: Jill Rock

More Christmas!

Photo Credit: Jill Rock

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 Photo Credit: Jill Rock

Jealous!

Photo Credit: Elizabeth Letourneau

Really love my sister's ceramic tree! Offered her money for it, but she didn't bite. Will definitely be on the lookout for one this year.

The Last Anniversary

The Last Anniversary by Liane Moriarty

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


While I enjoyed this book very much, I wasn't captivated, like with Ms. Moriarty's other tales. Still, very solid, and well worth the read.

Hilarious!

 Photo Credit: Jill Rock

My little guy loved playing in the snow, but didn't much enjoy the bath after. How pathetic does he look?!