tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85329656230074935342024-03-13T11:53:20.363-05:00Unlimited PossibilitiesSharing bits and pieces from my little space in timeLinda Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15632742979407627617noreply@blogger.comBlogger256125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532965623007493534.post-60278831474299552612012-12-20T10:00:00.000-06:002012-12-20T10:00:51.556-06:00My "To Do" List for End of World December 211. Return library books<br />
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2. Cancel dentist appointment<br />
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3. Clip toenails<br />
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4. Discard old magazines<br />
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5. Send notes of apology to anyone I have ever offended (whoops; should have started this one sooner)<br />
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6. Eat all remaining Christmas Cookies<br />
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7. Pet kitties twice as much today<br />
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8. Give away my stash of "forever" stamps<br />
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9. Throw out yogurt dated later than Dec 20<br />
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10.Turn off all the lightsLinda Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15632742979407627617noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532965623007493534.post-5079088607112545942012-11-09T09:44:00.000-06:002012-11-09T09:45:35.376-06:00Book Review - The Secret Keeper<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13508607-the-secret-keeper" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="The Secret Keeper" border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1345228600m/13508607.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13508607-the-secret-keeper">The Secret Keeper</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/615274.Kate_Morton">Kate Morton</a><br />
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My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/351542190">4 of 5 stars</a><br />
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Wonderful story with huge secrets taking center stage.<br />
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Set in England and traveling from present day back to World War II, we are involved in solving the mysteries of the lives of Dorothy and her family of five children.<br />
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Full of great characterizations and intricate plotting, we experience what effect our actions and choices can have on ourselves and those we love.<br />
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With some surprising ending bits, the book gives a rather satisfying conclusion to a very intriguing story.<br />
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/4239366-linda-k-k">View all my reviews</a>Linda Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15632742979407627617noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532965623007493534.post-42799011277844793162012-11-01T16:01:00.000-05:002012-11-01T16:01:31.734-05:00Two Book Reviews <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13513092-life-after-death" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Life After Death" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1340468446m/13513092.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13513092-life-after-death">Life After Death</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/234724.Damien_Echols">Damien Echols</a><br />
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My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/417116879">3 of 5 stars</a><br />
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Convicted unjustly of the murder of three young Boy Scouts and kept in prison for 18 years, this story is mesmerizing. This book does not give details of the crime or the trial, but deals with what has happened since.<br />
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Although not in agreement with many of the beliefs that Mr. Echols holds, I was very interested to read his book as I have believed in his innocence for many years. He and the other two of the "West Memphis Three" were, in my opinion, railroaded and convicted with no actual evidence.<br />
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Mr. Echols does employ a good use of the language and writes especially about his very sad and troubled childhood with great skill.<br />
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Although he and his other two friends were released on an Alford plea, it remains a hope that some day they will capture the true killer and be totally declared innocent.<br />
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<br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15807610-the-cases-of-susan-dare" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="The Cases of Susan Dare" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1344609159m/15807610.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15807610-the-cases-of-susan-dare">The Cases of Susan Dare</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/322043.Mignon_G_Eberhart">Mignon G. Eberhart</a><br />
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My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/433624481">3 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
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First time reading this mystery author from Nebraska.<br /><br />This group of short stories all feature Susan Dare, a mystery writer. As she is also adept at solving crimes, she is called in to investigate, usually undercover. The stories are rather simple, but well crafted and enjoyable.<br /><br />Think I will try one more of her regular length mysteries.<br />
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Linda Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15632742979407627617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532965623007493534.post-40999850693920534502012-10-29T10:24:00.000-05:002012-10-29T10:24:10.104-05:00Book Review - The Provincial Lady in WartimeIt feels a bit wrong to adore a book about the beginning of WW II in England, and to especially enjoy it's humor, but with this endearing diary, it cannot be helped.<br />
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Having read several other Delafield books, I knew that I enjoyed her humorous tongue-in-cheek style.<br />
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This book centers on the late months of 1939 before the war, when children were beginning to be evacuated and people not in the military were seeking ways to do their part toward the war effort. Delafield gives us an idea of what was transpiring, but with that clever British wit that I love.Linda Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15632742979407627617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532965623007493534.post-49252640977719828722012-10-29T10:22:00.000-05:002012-10-29T10:22:07.328-05:00Book Review - Greenbanks<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7717839-greenbanks" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Greenbanks." border="0" src="http://www.goodreads.com/assets/nocover/111x148.png" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7717839-greenbanks">Greenbanks.</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/279856.Dorothy_Whipple">Dorothy Whipple</a><br />
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My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/322878877">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
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A very good story about the life of an English family beginning in the very late 1800's. <br /><br />With issues of unfaithfulness in marriage and also illegitimacy, most of the characters react in the proper modes of the times. Some of them see another side and that makes for conflict. A mother's love for one son more than another also adds fuel to the fire.<br /><br />Rachel is the beloved granddaughter of Louisa, the family matriarch. Rachel keeps rooms at both her parents home and her grandmother. We follow her through the years from a very little girl until she is 20 and has fallen in love.<br /><br />Dorothy Whipple has written a number of good book and this is one of them. <br />
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Linda Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15632742979407627617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532965623007493534.post-13809814188591014422012-10-23T11:55:00.000-05:002012-10-23T11:56:07.656-05:00Triple Book Reviews<br />
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/588747.Lady_Audley_s_Secret" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Lady Audley's Secret" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1176065001m/588747.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/588747.Lady_Audley_s_Secret">Lady Audley's Secret</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/45896.Mary_Elizabeth_Braddon">Mary Elizabeth Braddon</a><br />
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My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/291385948">5 of 5 stars</a><br />
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Beautifully written Victorian mystery with colorful characters to admire and dislike.<br />
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Lady Audley is at the center of a story that involves love, longing, pain, deceit and regret.<br />
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Mary Elizabeth Braddon was a contemporary of Dickens and Willie Collins and quite successful at her writing. This bestselling story is a great read and makes me want to read more of her work.<br />
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1528926.Greenery_Street" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Greenery Street" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1348320762m/1528926.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1528926.Greenery_Street">Greenery Street</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/713057.Denis_Mackail">Denis Mackail</a><br />
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My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/324924305">3 of 5 stars</a><br />
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Life on Greenery Street of the 1920's is full of fun and adjustment and angst of proper manners and worry about money and much more for the young married couples who live there. <br />
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Engaging a property there is indeed very desirable and deemed quite a coup. So interesting to read about this time when every action every day was scrutinized for it's propriety.<br />
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A very fun read.<br />
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13153963-a-wreath-of-snow" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="A Wreath of Snow: A Victorian Christmas Novella" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1333242383m/13153963.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13153963-a-wreath-of-snow">A Wreath of Snow: A Victorian Christmas Novella</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6214.Liz_Curtis_Higgs">Liz Curtis Higgs</a><br />
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My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/417117340">3 of 5 stars</a><br />
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A somewhat fluffy little story, but with great purpose; a man seeking forgiveness for great harm he had inflicted years ago.<br />
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The gorgeous cover draws you in to the beauty and comfort of a snow-filled Christmas in Scotland in the late 1800's.<br />
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A nice change from heavier reading with a beautifully packaged finish tied up with a beautiful bow.<br />
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<br />Linda Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15632742979407627617noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532965623007493534.post-91816691671898802192012-10-11T11:15:00.000-05:002012-10-11T11:15:47.635-05:00Book Review - Mr. Rosenblum Dreams in English<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7117958-mr-rosenblum-dreams-in-english" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Mr. Rosenblum Dreams in English" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1344264449m/7117958.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7117958-mr-rosenblum-dreams-in-english">Mr. Rosenblum Dreams in English</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3161782.Natasha_Solomons">Natasha Solomons</a><br />
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My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/406728007">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
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I love this book! It seems to have all the parts to make it a great story and such an engaging read.<br /><br />Jack and Sadie are Jewish Germans who emigrate to England in 1937. Jack is determined to be everything a British man should be, adhering to all the principles in a pamphlet given to him about how to assimilate into the culture. <br /><br />After a time living in London and beginning a rug manufacturing business, Jack decides he needs to move to Dorset to a country home with lots of land. The reason? As he yearns to be the ultimate Brit, he decides to build his own golf course, after being refused by so many clubs for membership. He does not tell Sadie of his plans until their home is sold and they are on their way. The kicker is that he does not even know how to play golf! Sounds a bit far-fetched, but within the story, it really works.<br /><br />Their thatched home is in need of repairs, but all Jack truly wants to do is to work on his golf course. Sadie is depressed, not only at the state of their marriage, but still sad over losing her family in Germany. She uses baking and cooking as her way of working out her sadness.<br /><br />It is not until a near tragedy that Jack realizes what is most important in his life. <br /><br />As Jews they are treated by some with disrespect, but by others are seen for who they are and treated as friends.<br /><br />I felt an array of emotions as I read; sympathy, disgust, joy, understanding and just plan fun. I love the idea of having a goal and not letting yourself veer away from it no matter what.<br />
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Linda Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15632742979407627617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532965623007493534.post-29207395196595658742012-10-10T15:03:00.001-05:002012-10-10T15:03:59.861-05:00Book Review - The Railway Children<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15901746-the-railway-children" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="The Railway Children" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1347229049m/15901746.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15901746-the-railway-children">The Railway Children</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6468260.Edith_Nesbit">Edith Nesbit</a><br />
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My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/425290774">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
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A perfect English children's book from early 1900.<br /><br />Three children and their mother must move to lesser quarters in the country after the father has to go away leaving them quite poor. Their home is near a railway station and they are in love with the place from the beginning. They are smart and active children, and very well behaved, but they do have a number of exciting adventures.<br /><br />While their mother is at home writing stories to sell for their income, the children make many friends at the railway station and among the people in the nearby town.<br /><br />At the storey's end, the whereabouts of their father is known and the family is happily reunited.<br /><br />The story is fun, educational and promotes good character traits. I loved it.<br />
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Linda Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15632742979407627617noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532965623007493534.post-40966196593030172332012-10-07T14:51:00.000-05:002012-10-07T14:51:27.458-05:00Book Review - The Lady's Money<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1000857.My_Lady_s_Money" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="My Lady's Money" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1348546097m/1000857.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1000857.My_Lady_s_Money">My Lady's Money</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4012.Wilkie_Collins">Wilkie Collins</a><br />
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My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/266028544">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
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I adore Wilkie Collins. As a friend of the well-known Charles Dickens, I think he was a bit overshadowed by him. <br />
<br /><br />This is a delightful tale of a woman of means who becomes the victim of the theft of a 500 pound note in her home. There are a number of possible suspects and she obtains help in pursuing the perpetrator. She retains a young girl as her companion and as she is of much lower rank and may be looked on as the possible thief, she is sent away to her Aunt, Miss Pink, to live until the manner is resolved.<br /><br />The book is full of colorful characters and the action is fun and such an interesting look at the times of the mid to late 1800's England.<br /><br />
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Linda Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15632742979407627617noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532965623007493534.post-89103290932994014212012-10-07T14:30:00.001-05:002012-10-07T14:33:55.513-05:00Book Review - The Story of Jessie<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15100324-the-story-of-jessie" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="The Story of Jessie" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1348364090m/15100324.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15100324-the-story-of-jessie">The Story of Jessie</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1175749.Mabel_Quiller_Couch">Mabel Quiller-Couch</a><br />
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My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/425287170">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
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A simply precious story about a 5 year old girl who is sent to live with her grandparents by her mother, wants a better life for her. Jessies' father is mean and abusive and was not who the grandparents wanted for their daughter to marry.<br /><br />Jessie and her grandparents are so happy together until word comes that her mother has died and her father comes to take her away. He has remarried and only wants Jessie to help his wife run a boarding house.<br /><br />Jessie is distraught, but tries to make the best of things. She has great faith in God and meets a sweet woman where she lives who also has great faith and encourages her to think of her time there as what God wants for her; to have a positive effect on those around her. <br /><br />After a few years of hard work, Jessies' father dies, leaving her free to return to her grandparents. They are reunited in joy.<br /><br />A simple story, but told so sweetly and with her wisdom.<br />
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Linda Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15632742979407627617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532965623007493534.post-72510611633766576352012-10-03T17:14:00.000-05:002012-10-03T17:14:02.380-05:00Book Review<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5046846-the-secret-holocaust-diaries" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="The Secret Holocaust Diaries: The Untold Story of Nonna Bannister" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1348351627m/5046846.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5046846-the-secret-holocaust-diaries">The Secret Holocaust Diaries: The Untold Story of Nonna Bannister</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2093047.Nonna_Bannister">Nonna Bannister</a><br />
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My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/324920740">2 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
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I have read many stories and accounts about the holocaust perpetuated by the evil Hitler, but never one about someone from Russia.<br /><br />Nonna was from a very well-to-do family in the Ukraine. When the Germans declared war and descended on Russia, her family was torn apart. After her father was beaten and died, Nonna and her mother forge their own way any way they can. They eventually make the decision to go to Germany and are placed in forced labor camps. Their day to day life is desolate and their living conditions are bleak and meagre.<br /><br />Nonna tells her story from written bits and pieces that she had saved throughout this time. She also saved many pictures and documents that she kept in a hand sewn package kept close to her chest for many years. <br /><br />After the war, she become a nurse and then was sponsored to the United States, where she married and had 3 children. It was not until many years later as an older woman, that she decided to tell of her past in this book, most of which even her family did not know.<br /><br />Her great faith in God as well as her positive outlook on life gave her the strength to endure and tell her story.<br />
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Linda Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15632742979407627617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532965623007493534.post-2496701590868479662012-09-27T11:14:00.000-05:002012-09-27T11:14:27.915-05:00Book Review - A Daughter's a Daughter<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2975046-a-daughter-s-a-daughter" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="A Daughter's a Daughter" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1345264601m/2975046.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2975046-a-daughter-s-a-daughter">A Daughter's a Daughter</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/10058.Mary_Westmacott">Mary Westmacott</a><br />
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My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/420589761">3 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
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Another non-mystery story by Christie. A young widow with a 19 year old daughter calls off marriage due to her daughters' dislike for the man. Ann changes a great deal due to that and begins to live a rather wilder life as does her daughter.<br /><br />After a disastrous marriage by the daughter a few years later, both mother and daughter come to terms with the past and their lives are placed onto a more positive track. <br /><br />Although the few fiction I have read by Christie are good, her mysteries are by far her best writing.<br />
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Linda Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15632742979407627617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532965623007493534.post-86400342748619293012012-09-23T14:50:00.000-05:002012-09-23T14:50:42.593-05:00Book Review - Daphne<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2380072.Daphne" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Daphne: A Novel" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1312041836m/2380072.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2380072.Daphne">Daphne: A Novel</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/192087.Justine_Picardie">Justine Picardie</a><br />
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My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/324928122">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
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Fascinating look into the author DuMaurier of Rebecca fame and her quest to discover the unwritten tale of Branwell Bronte, brother of the more celebrated group of sister writers.<br /><br />Her research prompts her to take up correspondence with Mr. Symington, former head of the Bronte library and also a lover of Branwell and the unknown. Unfortunately, Mr. Symington is so ardent in his quest for all things Bronte, that he is accused of stealing some of the documents and is dismissed from his position. Daphne knows none of this history and buys a number of Bronte documents from him.<br /><br />A secondary storyline is of a modern day researcher of DuMauier and her life at Menebilly. Her recent marriage to a much older scholar is not going well and his take on her DuMaurier interest is a sore spot.<br /><br />Underlying it all is DuMauriers' distress at her inner demons as well as those that inhabit her marriage in the form of her husbands' affair.<br />Daphnes close relationship with her cousin Peter is also important to her and his tragic life cause her great grief.<br /><br />Although she does complete the novel on Branwell, it is rather anti-climactic, as he does not reveal himself to be much of a writer or a man.<br /><br />Although fiction, this story is based on truth and the author has researched the DuMaurier archives to bring a credible voice to the book. It is an excellent look into the life of a beloved author.<br />
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Linda Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15632742979407627617noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532965623007493534.post-43790089498976013942012-09-22T15:29:00.000-05:002012-09-22T15:29:10.072-05:00Book Review - The Orchardist<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13540215-the-orchardist" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="The Orchardist" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1335562453m/13540215.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13540215-the-orchardist">The Orchardist</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5774116.Amanda_Coplin">Amanda Coplin</a><br />
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My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/384058882">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
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So good, but so sad as well. Talmadge raises apples and lives alone after the death of his mother and the disappearance of his sister in the early 1900's. Two young women, both pregnant show up on his property and he cares for them from a distance, as they are very skittish and defensive.<br /><br />Talmadge is a deep thinker and a kind and thoughtful man. When tragedy strikes the young women, he does what he thinks best for them.<br /><br />The text is very descriptive both in the characters feelings and also about the geography of the area.<br /><br />Although I felt a great admiration for the authors' writing, I felt also a huge frustration at the characters behavior. <br /><br />Not a happily ever after book, but a thoughtful, realistic one.<br />
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Linda Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15632742979407627617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532965623007493534.post-6816504532639446462012-09-20T10:45:00.000-05:002012-09-20T10:45:29.015-05:00Book Review - The Beautiful Mystery<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13513646-the-beautiful-mystery" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="The Beautiful Mystery (Chief Inspector Armand Gamache, #8)" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1334866061m/13513646.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13513646-the-beautiful-mystery">The Beautiful Mystery</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/194243.Louise_Penny">Louise Penny</a><br />
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My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/413047257">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
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As the 8th book in the series, Inspector Gamache and his sidekick, Beauvoir, investigate a murder at a monastery in the wilds of Canada. <br /><br />Penney always gives the reader good lessons about her topic, in this case, the history of this group of monks as well as the background of the Gregorian chants they use in the services many times each day. <br /><br />The relationship between the two detectives is always interesting as they work their way through the evidence. I find myself disliking Beauvoir as much as I like Gamache.<br /><br />The mystery remains so until the very end, but with the relationship between the detectives rather unhinged, left hanging for interpretation until the next book.<br /><br />
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Linda Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15632742979407627617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532965623007493534.post-80693595171325354792012-09-13T12:59:00.002-05:002012-09-13T12:59:56.932-05:00Book Review - The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13227454-the-unlikely-pilgrimage-of-harold-fry" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1335816092m/13227454.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13227454-the-unlikely-pilgrimage-of-harold-fry">The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5309857.Rachel_Joyce">Rachel Joyce</a><br />
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My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/363380340">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
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Harold receives a letter from an old co-worker who reveals she has cancer. He writes a letter to her and sets off walking to mail it from his home in the far south of England. On his way, he decides to continue walking all the way to where she is in a nursing home. What makes it incredible is that it is over 600 miles from his home. He believes that by walking there he can not only keep her alive, but make amends to her for a past injustice. <br /><br />As Harold is dealing with a rather dysfunctional marriage as well as a tragic childhood, he has much to think about during his journey. He meets many memorable people and deals with a lot of physical pain. He does call his wife often and each of them begin to see their marriage in new ways. <br /><br />I love the idea of taking on a seemingly unobtainable mission and the commitment behind it. The emotion that works through all of Harolds' journey makes his efforts even more valuable in the end.<br />
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Linda Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15632742979407627617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532965623007493534.post-63738183343078793712012-09-11T10:04:00.000-05:002012-09-11T10:04:42.837-05:00Book Review - Three Lives<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7197039-three-lives" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Three Lives" border="0" src="http://www.goodreads.com/assets/nocover/111x148.png" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7197039-three-lives">Three Lives</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/817886.Lettice_Cooper">Lettice Cooper</a><br />
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My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/395719275">3 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
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England of the 1950s sets the stage for the intersection of three lives. Amyas is owner of Nunbarrow, a large estate that also encompassed nearby coal mines at one time. He sells half the estate to a group of academics to use as a school. Margery, wife of the head of the school is a bright light that shines on it all. Tod, a young coal miner who hates his job, becomes a sort of project for Amyas, who hopes to lead him into something of a better life. Although quite busy with her husband, 3 children and the school life, Margery slowly becomes more than a good friend to Amyas, who lives in his half of the estate with an elderly aunt who is dying.<br /><br />This is a good story of post war life and how the country was changing, with nuclear war a topic of possible catastrophe. The manners and customs of the time and place are interesting. Also, a sad time when more and more of the old estates were given over to other concerns due to lack of money and the changing culture.<br />
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Linda Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15632742979407627617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532965623007493534.post-44771785835286746712012-09-05T15:09:00.000-05:002012-09-05T15:09:02.269-05:00Book Review - Heading Out to Wonderful<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13404803-heading-out-to-wonderful" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Heading Out To Wonderful" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1340467289m/13404803.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13404803-heading-out-to-wonderful">Heading Out To Wonderful</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/266461.Robert_Goolrick">Robert Goolrick</a><br />
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My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/363381239">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
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This book began WONDERFULLY, just like the title, but with an ending quite shocking and sad.<br /><br />Charlie comes to the small town of Brownsburg Virginia in the summer of 1948. He finds work at a butcher shop, becomes friends with the owner, his wife and their 5 year old son, Sam. He soon becomes a favorite of all the folks in town. <br /><br />Unfortunately, he falls for a beautiful young married girl and they begin an affair. <br /><br />Full of beautiful phrasing and descriptive pieces that find their mark. Mr Goolrick is a gifted storyteller and pulled me in page after page.<br /><br />His slant on the religious beliefs in the town left me shaking my head. Supposed to be Christians, the ministers lead their flock to believe that anyone befriending someone like Charlie, who is in a sinful relationship, would be doomed to hell, as he said Charlie would be. This is not a Biblical Christian viewpoint and rather put me off the story.<br /><br />This story does shine in that it deals honestly with human emotion and frailty and roads that can take us to tragedy.<br />
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Linda Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15632742979407627617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532965623007493534.post-39266083760857610422012-09-04T14:27:00.000-05:002012-09-04T14:27:14.657-05:00Book Review - The House at Tyneford<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11488123-the-house-at-tyneford" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="The House at Tyneford" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1327925038m/11488123.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11488123-the-house-at-tyneford">The House at Tyneford</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3161782.Natasha_Solomons">Natasha Solomons</a><br />
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My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/324221533">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
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It is 1938. Elise lives in Vienna with her parents and sister. They are Jewish and although not practicing ones, are at risk for what is possibly to come at the hands of the madman Hitler. She gains a position in England as a maid and finds herself at Tyneford.<br /><br />This story is as much about the ordered estate of Tyneford, which has existed for centuries as well as it is of Elise and the life she finds there as she learns to live an entirely new way.<br /><br />There are many descriptive passages about the landscape, the sea and the gardens and livestock.<br /><br />As time passes and the war comes to England, Kit, the only son of the current master of Tyneford, enlists. Through the years, Elise seeks to hear word of her parents who were supposed to travel to New York, but did not leave in time before the war.<br /><br />Without giving the story away, suffice it to say that the war brings great changes, both in relationships and the life at Tyneford.<br /><br />I did not find out until after finishing the book, that it is based on true events in the life of the author who had relatives who closely mimic the main characters, which makes it all the more fascinating.<br /><br />I adore reading not only of this time period with it's vivid history, but also the views of the endearing countryside of England.<br />
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Linda Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15632742979407627617noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532965623007493534.post-90341140402763921222012-08-31T14:42:00.000-05:002012-08-31T14:42:09.760-05:00Book Review - Absent in the Spring<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15817678-absent-in-the-spring" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Absent in the Spring" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1344621173m/15817678.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15817678-absent-in-the-spring">Absent in the Spring</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/10058.Mary_Westmacott">Mary Westmacott</a><br />
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My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/403999906">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
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A happily married English woman with 3 grown children is stranded on a trip home from Iraq and is at a station in the desert in the middle of nowhere. The food is meagre and poor, she quickly reads her two books and there is nothing more to do but take walks.<br /><br />After several days of alone, she has what I would call an epiphany and sees the ways she has always behaved with her family, urging them under her control. She seems to be given a second chance at asking forgiveness of them and making life more positive.<br /><br />She is so relieved when she is finally home and is convicted that she should make amends as soon as possible.<br /><br />I will not spoil it by writing about what occurs. This was an excellent look at a life not well lived, and being shown how to correct it for the better. It is a lesson to be learned for any of us.<br /><br />I would actually like to re title this as "Absent in Her Head" as it seems as though she was not cognizant of her own character traits. This is my 2nd Christie fiction book and I was surprised and delighted at the story line and it's affect.<br />
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Linda Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15632742979407627617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532965623007493534.post-58434220740148143892012-08-29T15:12:00.000-05:002012-08-29T15:12:42.140-05:00Book Review - The Uninvited Guests<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12389865-the-uninvited-guests" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="The Uninvited Guests" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1333576548m/12389865.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12389865-the-uninvited-guests">The Uninvited Guests</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/821338.Sadie_Jones">Sadie Jones</a><br />
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My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/322667040">2 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
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As one who does not read the previews much before reading the book, I was a bit surprised at where this story ended up from where it began.<br /><br />What seems to be a very proper English family is upended when a group of travelers from a train accident show up at their home on the night of the oldest daughter's birthday. The father has gone to the city in hopes of working a financial miracle to save their home.<br /><br />Without giving away too much, the evening takes some very strange turns as the stranded travelers seek food and comfort and a strange man shows up at the door. <br /><br />Then things get quite bizarre but with all turning right at the end. Rather strange and supernatural.<br />
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Linda Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15632742979407627617noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532965623007493534.post-11061077081121610302012-08-26T13:41:00.000-05:002012-08-26T13:41:18.604-05:00Book Review - Some Old Lover's Ghost<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/583387.Some_Old_Lover_s_Ghost" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Some Old Lover's Ghost" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1176008644m/583387.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/583387.Some_Old_Lover_s_Ghost">Some Old Lover's Ghost</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/82505.Judith_Lennox">Judith Lennox</a><br />
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My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/395722912">3 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
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Starting in the year 1912 in England and spanning until current day, this book was rather a saga of families torn apart by a rape of a young maid by her wealthy master and the baby it produced, as well as the destruction and anguish of two world wars.<br /><br />Now in her 80's, Tilda, employs Rebecca to write her biography, with the hidden desire that she might unravel one great mystery of the family. The story segues from old to current times, weaving a story of deception and pain. At the same time, Rebecca's story is also one of pain and hurt, as she continues to find her way as a young writer.<br /><br />The characters are well formed, although there seems to be much jumping to conclusions on many of their parts, that only leads to more doubt and confusion in their relationships.<br /><br />All the plot lines tied up neatly at the end, and not a page too soon, as this was a bit long at 474 pages.<br />
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Linda Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15632742979407627617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532965623007493534.post-79510406017772901912012-08-19T13:59:00.000-05:002012-08-19T13:59:36.675-05:00Book Review - The Soldier's Wife<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13403634-the-soldier-s-wife" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="The Soldier's Wife" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1327923291m/13403634.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13403634-the-soldier-s-wife">The Soldier's Wife</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/67820.Joanna_Trollope">Joanna Trollope</a><br />
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My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/366948962">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
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The inner workings of a British soldiers' family are on display in this very insightful story. Dan is home from from Afghanistan, at least physically, although his emotions are still very much with his men as he seeks to assist them in acclimating back to their home life. Wife Alexa and three daughters are left to continue on their own, as Dan cannot seem to reconnect as needed.<br /><br />The couples' parents and grandparents give the family lots of space at first, but then combine to offer their support and help when they realize life is not all it should be.<br /><br />Alexa is a strong woman who loves her husband and children deeply, but who would still like to use her life skills in another career. This seems impossible due to the demands of an Army life.<br /><br />After weeks of turmoil, the couple finally come to some conclusions about their lives and what is most important to both of them.<br /><br />Trollope always writes within her characters a full range of emotions and her stories are compelling. I learned so much about how the lives on both sides of the equation of military life are affected from wartime and all the baggage it brings with it.<br />
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Linda Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15632742979407627617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532965623007493534.post-13712535091098790302012-08-18T10:41:00.003-05:002012-08-18T10:41:57.904-05:00Book Review - Wodehouse is the Best Medicine<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2090277.Wodehouse_Is_The_Best_Medicine" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Wodehouse Is The Best Medicine" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1219590675m/2090277.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2090277.Wodehouse_Is_The_Best_Medicine">Wodehouse Is The Best Medicine</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7963.P_G_Wodehouse">P.G. Wodehouse</a><br />
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My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/360034279">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
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Funny, clever short stories with that British spin always makes for a good read. Contrived plots filled with quirky characters and it all comes right in the end.<br /><br />If you love humorous writing and especially British humor, you will love these stories.<br />
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Linda Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15632742979407627617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8532965623007493534.post-61455516316127246252012-08-17T14:42:00.000-05:002012-08-17T14:42:23.506-05:00Book Review - The Burden<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8042279-the-burden" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="The Burden" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1271298411m/8042279.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8042279-the-burden">The Burden</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/10058.Mary_Westmacott">Mary Westmacott</a><br />
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My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/392372652">3 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
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I have owned this paperback forever, (it sold for 45 cents!!)but just never read it although I am a HUGE Christie fan.<br /><br />The story begins simply with Laura being quite jealous of new baby sister, Shirley. After a near tragedy, Laura becomes smitten with Shirley and devotes her life to her care, nearly smothering her with love. Shirley marries Henry and the plot becomes more involved.<br /><br />Other characters in the story are Baldy, their neighbor who is influential in both the girls lives, and two other men, both love interests.<br /><br />I dislike giving away too much in a review, so will suffice to say, that although there was major sadness in this book, it was very worthwhile reading. The characters are mostly likable and all challenging in their views on life.<br />
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