Maybe it's because I listened to the audio version but this didn't make me fall in love with Moriarty as much as I usually do. A good story, just seemMaybe it's because I listened to the audio version but this didn't make me fall in love with Moriarty as much as I usually do. A good story, just seemed long and complicated without much substance. The main story was good, it just didn't need all the fluff unless the intention is to have a sequel to close the gaps....more
While I expected some vulgarity with a title like that, the amount of it was too much for me. It was like an educated person who wanted to help but coWhile I expected some vulgarity with a title like that, the amount of it was too much for me. It was like an educated person who wanted to help but couldn't quite find the right words so just swore until she did. Listening to the audio version was hard, too as the quality was poor. The underlying message was worthwhile but there are better ways to absorb it than was offered in this read....more
A quite compelling read about relationships and how they effect others. Those in glass houses, like Emily and Daniel, take different lessons and circuA quite compelling read about relationships and how they effect others. Those in glass houses, like Emily and Daniel, take different lessons and circumstances to realize, quite literally, you shouldn't throw stones.
Reading it after Hurricane Fiona hit my small community in Nova Scotia, I was shocked by how traumatic the telling of such a storm could be. Healing, as well.
As we follow Emily as one of the main characters, as she navigates being home with a three year old in a new to her again community, the uphill road to her new home was easier to traverse than the hill of settling in. Through burdens of isolation, Emily realizes she needs out of the house, something just for her though Daniel, her husband, doesn't first understand the importance of the why.
Their lives on the picturesque cliff overlooking the ocean endure chaos, commitment and revelations of the past they never saw coming. Davison has a way of creating extreme and real characters for me and, even though there were a few involved, the compassion I felt for each one of them taught me more about myself than anything else.
Driven by relationships and how hard they can be, this story is a small beautiful glimpse of a very large picture and she smashed the glass....more
As a Nova Scotian, but on the other side, I loved learned bits of Lunenburg history mixed in with a murder mystery. It was clear from the onset that tAs a Nova Scotian, but on the other side, I loved learned bits of Lunenburg history mixed in with a murder mystery. It was clear from the onset that this was a well-developed and researched collection of snippets mixed with a fictional but well-written array of characters. Based heavily on plot, I wasn't weighed down by it. The dialogue seemed realistic, the characters were a mixed bags of fun and the storyline kept me eagerly reading.
I loved the authors use of linguistics and plot as it weaved through mystery, romance, politics and kept me intrigued.
As my first read by Bruce W Bishop, I am eager to read more. ...more
A quick but powerful read I tackled in a day as I was eager to get to the conclusion. The struggle of fourteen year old Shanti defying her father and A quick but powerful read I tackled in a day as I was eager to get to the conclusion. The struggle of fourteen year old Shanti defying her father and grandmother's traditions, in a village of India that went against laws to have teenagers get married before turning 18. Shanti simply wants to return to high school though understands that the birth of her sister, the third girl in her family, could change all of that.
This book teaches the reader of traditional ways in India, groups that form to change and improve (though that could be debated by many) their way of living. From the perspective of an eager young student who simply wants to maintain her education and teach others, there was a lot of history and traditions taught throughout while still being an interesting story.
The author, after growing up in India, moved to Canada, wrote this book with respect for tradition, health and understanding of both cultures. She balanced the teachings and reasonings without disrespecting the differences....more
A beautiful story that I connected with immediately. About a tired mom and wife of forty or so years trying to rediscover herself outside of the typicA beautiful story that I connected with immediately. About a tired mom and wife of forty or so years trying to rediscover herself outside of the typical family roles. With her only child away at university, her self and her art seem out of reach.
And then she gets a call that brings her home and on a self discovery trip of a lifetime. Of course, I didn't agree with all of Jessie's healing methods though, through this well written story from her perspective, I can understand why she did all she did.
There is a small gap in the story that will forever bug me, but I don't go into detail as I don't want to spoil it for you.
A recommended read for anyone who questions themselves and wonders what if... ...more
So super creepy and chilling. I cannot believe this is Karen's first book as it is spell-binding and addictive. So super creepy and chilling. I cannot believe this is Karen's first book as it is spell-binding and addictive. ...more
A gripping read from beginning to end, Gary Blackwood’s, The Devil to Pay is likeis like an historic roller coaster on paper and bound as tightly as cA gripping read from beginning to end, Gary Blackwood’s, The Devil to Pay is likeis like an historic roller coaster on paper and bound as tightly as communities in Nova Scotia.
It is clear that the author has done his research and has captured a moment in time with references to the use effects of Agent Orange, cracking codes, the twisted humour Mad Magazine and the conflict of money over justice. It’s historical fiction with themes that are still relevant today and has kept me thinking since. “The worn, vellum-bound journal has been sitting in this same spot, on this same shelf, for longer than anyone can remember.” This was the first line of the novel the set the tone and dripped in the right amount of intrigue to keep me reading. ...more
This story has left me breathless. Local Nova Scotia history, a woman's insight into struggling, and thriving, through wartime, this story offered a wThis story has left me breathless. Local Nova Scotia history, a woman's insight into struggling, and thriving, through wartime, this story offered a wealth of different perspectives and helped me embrace a different view of war. The story stung, it broke my heart, it filled me in on moments of local Halifax possibilities during wartime and peace time.
Polly, the main character outside of the setting and time, is the embodiment of indecision mixed with confidence. Learning who she is through a tragic time of soldiers lost, families gained and labyrinths navigated, Polly is a firecracker in a world that remains in the dark as to its full potential.
The spicy scenes are definitely filled with unbridled passion, questions and answers while the heartbreaking ones are sweet, thought-provoking and all together make for a wild historic filled ride with big emotions so relevant in the present day.
The amount of questions this story has sparked with in me is astronomical, both with respect to the story itself and my own internal chaos.
I am so glad this author found the right home for her brilliant story....more