Trailer Thursday: Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

I think I read this when I was in high school and LOVED it! I went through a phase of reading spy books mostly dealing with the Cold War or WWII.

Plus it has Colin Firth and a strong cast!

It's a bit of a wait: November 18th for the US release

Review: Secrets of Sophia Musgrove

Sophia Musgrove navigates through society with her best friend Lucy. She adores anything French - in terms of fashion. Both of them love to shop and pour over fashion pieces in magazines together.

However, lately, she's begun to think there's more to life than balls, fashion, and gossiping.

At her sister's wedding, she meets a young man - Mr. Stevens. He asks if he can call on her when they are both back in town.

Sophie's excited to meet him again. He introduces in politics into their discussions. Sophie admits that her father doesn't discuss politics with her, but that she'd like to know more about the world.

Soon, she's sneaking out to meetings, lying to her father, and planning a dangerous mission.

Will her new found interest in politics ruin her reputation or has she finally found her calling?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this read - I admit it's my favorite historical time period. I Love reading about the balls, the dresses, and the gentlemen. I admired Sophie for wanting to know more about her world. I admired the way she took charge of situations - including fights with her father, rejecting suitors, and helping her sister at her wedding. I loved Lily and Lucy (although at times I got them confused because of the similarities of their names) I loved the romantic parts of the tale. This appears to be the start of a new series, I'm so looking forward to more adventures for Sophia.

Cover Thoughts: I adore this cover - it's perfect!

Source: My Library

Review: The Day Before

Amber runs away from her family for the day. She needs some time alone. She needs to think.

Amber heads to the beach - where she feels safe. Her life is about to be ripped apart. There's nothing she can do to stop it.

All she wants is a one day of fun before tomorrow begins.

Then she meets Cade. He also has a secret. They spend the day together as they both hide from the real world. Cade and Amber play on the beach, fly a kite, build on bonfire, and eat an amazing dinner. They feel an instant connection.

Was it fate that brought them together to do what they have to do?



My Thoughts: I love Lisa Schroeder's verse novels. They're quick reads, but fill of emotion and always make me think. I love the way this novel unfolded - with secrets and memories from the past creeping into the future. I loved how the relationship developed between Cade and Amber. Another amazing read.

Cover Thoughts: Interesting - I love the way you can see her eyes through the grass.

Source: My Library

Sunday (really Monday) Matinee: Transformers Dark Side of the Moon

What I liked:
As usual, I love Sam and his smart aleck remarks.

I love his mother

I love Bumblebee

Happy for the return of John Turtorro - who is very funny as usual

Also happy for return of my two favorite soldiers

I liked the addition of John Malkovich and Patrick Dempsey - those were two surprises

All the action and special effects


What I didn't Like:
It was hard to distinguish between robots at times. There was one fight when they all looked like the same robot and it was hard to figure out what side won the fight.

Also the new girl - Carly wasn't as good. She didn't have many good lines or the wit of Mikaela's character.

What was wrong:
The whole premise with the moon and the discovery of the machines - as the Hoover Dam (from the first movie) was built in the 1930s. Therefore, they already knew of their existence!!! But I confess I love how they mixed history in with these movies. I loved the idea of moon landing being a secret mission and the footage of Kennedy.


What I wish they did differently:
They didn't explain the break-up of Sam and Mikaela

There were too many new robots and no explanation of them - I wish there had been a little more character development. For the most part - there are only two Autobots that are well known - Optimus Prime and Bumblebee

Overall Thoughts: A pretty good movie with the usual action and special effects

Mysterious Saturday: July edition

Cozy Mystery books coming out this month (and some from last month) that I'm eagerly anticipating...

I still haven't finished the 2nd ice cream mystery, but they are fun reads.

I love this author - this is the 2nd in the Grace series and it deals with renactors.

I love this series - it's the 4th Vintage Magic series with a sexy relationship between the heroine and her on and off again boyfriend. I love the clothing descriptions

The 4th book in the Della Cooks mystery series - all excellent reads. I love the bits about the cooking show.

The start of a new series by the author of the cupcake mysteries - about libraries, how can I not want to read this one?

The second in the museum series (also author of apple orchard mysteries) - both are very good.

A new mystery series starting in the Gilded Age - an elegant time.

Book of the Month: June

I read all sorts of amazing books this month, but I think my favorite read

was Uncommon Criminals by Ally Carter. Read my gushing review here.

Review: So Much Closer

Brooke has always loved Scott - she knows they're destined to be together. Just when they have a moment, he tells her he's moving to New York City.

Brooke does the only sensible thing - she moves there too. It's not too hard convincing her mother that the schools are better and she wants more of relationship with her father. Her mom's not happy, but their relationship has been strained for years.

Brooke can hardly believe it when she bumps into him at school. It turns out they live near each other. Brooke also finds out that he has a girlfriend. How can she let him know that they are meant to be together?


My Thoughts: I Loved watching Brooke discover her love for the city - in so many different ways and seeing new places. I loved the tourists things she did and the things most people don't see about the city. I enjoyed watching her struggle to figure to her relationships - with her friends and family. It felt like watching an episode of Felicity and I enjoyed every minute of it.

Cover Thoughts: I would love this cover if it were not for the purple and pink shirt/sweater combination.

Source: My Library