Krista Wagner's Blog, page 3

Friday the 13th Part 3--the novel

Crafted respectfully and beautifully in honor of the film, Hawke's story delves a bit deeper into the characters, giving us interesting backstories, like Edna's, who we learn nothing about in the movie other than her husband annoys her. In the book, we get a much fuller picture of their relationship, which makes their interactions senseful. And the bit about how Jason came into being is reasonably explained, and quite enticing!Loco, the white thug in the liquor store, is surprisingly far more evil than depicted in the film.A great homage for lovers of this franchise. Hawke's writing style is smooth, naturally flowing, and constantly entertaining.

INCREDIBLY ENGAGING!

WOW!I loved this book! In fact, after reading a few chapters on a recent road trip with my husband at the wheel, I decided it was too good not to share. So, I turned myself into an audio narrator and read it to the both of us!The entire story line had us both gripped to our seats!I COULD NOT STOP READING!Mora had us spinning 360 degrees, and then once more, twice more. The surprises kept coming, thrusting us into a finale that was pleasantly shocking for SO MANY REASONS!There is some language, but it's not there for shock value, rather due to the heightening tension.You will be fully immersed in this spine-tingler that captures not only deepening mystery, but the beautiful quintessence of a mother's love.

A Good Reminder That You Are Not Alone

Are you hurting? Do you feel your life has no purpose? That the darkness will never subside? OK Lord, Now What? is the book for you. It's a quick read that takes you right into the heart of the matter, the loneliness and lies that plague millions of people every day. Harry Trapp Jr. felt those same awful things, and found freedom from them. After he shares his experience and instills the promise of hope, he leaves you with a wonderful supplement: a 31 day space to journal with a daily prompt that reminds you that you are never alone and are always loved. Bonus: "The semicolon" and finding someone to be a constant encourager.

Compelling Mystery

An excellent story of memory loss, suspicions, and deepening mystery. The more Ally uncovers about those two days she can't remember, the more her life spins into danger and uncertainty.Kate White's writing style kept tugging me in every moment. The plot was so enrapturing, I couldn't bear leaving the page!White unpacks a TON of layers here, including a cast of characters that circulate Ally's life in intriguing ways, a gamut of red herrings, and a past that is suddenly revived, and White balances all of these dynamics with artful skill and hammering suspense.

The Twilight Saga (through Eclipse)

I've read the first three books. Breaking Dawn will be next, but I wanted to pause in between readings to review the storylines, thus far.Having seen the films first, I enjoyed making connections between the actors and the characters in the books. The casting director did an amazing job capturing the perfect people for these roles. And the films honor Meyer's books.Twilight was okay, the writing a bit stale. But I am glad I kept going, because New Moon and Eclipse are far better, Meyer clearly having broken out of her shell. In Twilight, I wondered why Jacob was unaware of the wolf transformation; that seemed unbelievable, but perhaps I am missing something?New Moon: I know that Bella is awkward and detached from everyone, but why does she resort to calling her parents by their names? And, to address the first part of that question, why IS she so detached from people? I don't think that's something that Meyer fully addresses. YET, Bella is close to Jacob and Edward. Why only them? All I can conclude is that it's because they are not completely human, and that inevitably draws her toward her own ultimate destiny.I found it interesting how cold Bella is, for instance, which seems like an unspoken foreshadowing to who she will be, and the cold shoulder she gets from Jess was another interesting tie-in.Bella gets her first night of peaceful sleep (after Edward's departure) after being in Jacob's presence; this isn't capitalized on in the film that I recall, which I thought would have been an important aspect to include, especially when she later struggles to untether her emotions for him.Eclipse: I DO NOT like Jacob in the books. He's very rough with Bella, very heartless and cruel, physically, emotionally, and mentally. He's way more hostile in the books (I can't emphasize this enough). I still don't get why Bella keeps him in her life. He's very unhealthy for her. And yet, she blames herself for confusing his feelings, even though he's the one that pushes his on hers.Having said that, I still enjoyed the 2nd and 3rd books. The writing is deep and thorough, carrying you on waves of otherworldliness and intriguing plot points.Edward is just as wonderful and kind and patient and understanding as he is in the films (Can you tell I'm Team Edward?). Alice is absolutely charming, as to be expected. The plot is enriching and Bella fits into it perfectly.

Engaging and Beautiful Story

What a wonderful Christian story about two different couples. Yes, two. At first, when the second couples' perspectives appeared, it seemed odd as I have never read a romance from four perspectives. But Bayless makes it work well. This is a story about true love, forgiveness, and redemption. There are multiple layers here as Bayless weaves a polished engaging plot with very likeable and memorable characters who deal with very real problems, yet find a way to get past the complications.I enjoyed this story very much. It will encourage you and give you hope.

So Much Fun

What a great original story. First of all, I am married to a Marine veteran, so this was right up my alley. Secondly, I know what it's like to be in love with an active-duty Marine, and this story hits home with me.Mastorakos brings us a story that is very well-written and engaging. You get the ups and downs of being apart, of recognizing changing feelings, and of finding a way to deal with all that in an ever-changing environment (of the military).The story is realistic and exciting. The two main characters, Spencer and Ellie are totally likeable. They're fun, smart, and real.GREAT STORY!

Unique Romance W/Mystery

This was a great read with lots of sparks between the two main characters all the way through. There's no suspense there!The only suspense comes from Cassandra's dangerous stepfather who is released from prison, forcing her to protect her younger twin brothers and herself and go into hiding.But what's unique here is that the edge in the storyline comes from the romance. It's the romance that protects her, that drives the plot, that makes us stand up and cheer!

Overall Good Clean Enjoyment

Porter's writing is nice and inviting for the most part. it's easy to root for Candice. She's a very likeable character. Didn't see the point in the opening scene--would have been better to just jump right into the moment David lands in Utah. I also thought David moved way too fast and had feelings for Candice that were far too advanced at this stage. You can't tell someone you will never hurt them, especially when you just met them, and because it's unrealistic. Plus, he acted like he'd been trying for years to get her to go out rather than a few mere days. While these initial things were bothersome, Porter's writing style is very nice and smooth. It was easy to love Candice and her daughter, though it took a bit to warm up to David. This is a nice, clean romance that leaves you with positive, happy feelings. Very little drama and just good connection-making over time.

Intriguing Characters

The characters make this story. They are exciting, selfish, and a little crazy.There's a lot of good tension between two of the major characters, and because they are so opposite, it works quite well.One of the problems it that this doesn't feel much like a Halloween book. The setting needs a bit of a boost to resonate with that feel.I found Halley and Brenda to be much like Valerie and Kelly, respectively from BH90210, so that was fun. But what doesn't make sense is they way Stine wraps up the plot. It nulls one of the character's thoughts, actually contradicts it, thus, making no sense at all. I think it was a quick way to resolve things, to "surprise" us, yet without any logical basis. The culprit could have made sense, but Stine would have had to go back and delete several moments and then add a bit more to make the conclusion plausible.