Sandra Says Blog

  Voices in Summer by Rosamunde Pilcher The first 2 chapters of this book gives a good solid background to the story, so me as the reader knew what the situation was before the story really took off. Whilst reading this book, and after a phone call from Alec (who is in Scotland) to Laura, I suddenly realised and asked myself “Why couldn’t Laura have gone to Scotland?” yes she had an operation, where the dates coincided with the trip, but Alec postponed and went to Scotland later. Even after taking Laura to Cornwall. He could have so easily been with Laura during her operation and then took her to Scotland. This blows the story wide open. The story is a little vague in some places, a bit more research by the author may have been a good idea, but at the time this book was written, women’s problems were not talked about much. So for the time of the story the vagueness is somewhat relevant. This book is not one of Rosamunde Pilcher’s best books, but still a light-hearted read...

  The Carousel by Rosamunde Pilcher Some films and books are a journey and how the characters reach the destination, this is normally at the end of the film or book. This book is an extreme version of this story type. 4 chapters out of seven and Prue Shackleton is only a couple of days into her 2 weeks in Cornwall looking after her Aunt Phoebe, who has broken her arm and cannot drive. Prue is there to help with driving her Aunt about, but so far Prue has only used the car for her own purposes, to give Daniel Cassens an artist friend of Ph oebe and Charlotte, Mrs Tolliver’s granddaughter a lift back to the two places they are staying. Although maybe if Phoebe could’ve driven she would’ve gave them a lift, but the story seems a little forced that Prue is there to help in that small part of the book. The book is called The Carousel and although Chips, Phoebe’s late partner made Prue one, when she was a little girl and went to stay with them both. This doesn’t feature too much...

  How to Train Your Dragon There is more to this film than the name suggests and what meets the eye, when watching it. This shows how people can be wrong and what lessons we can learn, or how we can make the world a better place for all the inhabitants, people and animals alike. This film shows what the lack of information and the correct, factual, knowledge can result in and the damage it can do. It then shows what being kind and if you do something kind or good for someone or something, it can pay off. (although you should do good with no intention of being rewarded, that should be a bonus and you should do things because of the kindness of your heart) The film shows what learning and studying can achieve and how the innocence of children can absorb information. When Hiccup (Voiced by Jay Baruchel) helps a dragon, he goes on to name Toothless they form a connection, this is my favourite part . Hiccup discovers how things ar...

  8 Simple Rules When I first see this listed in the TV guide I was intrigued as to what it was about. I soon found out it was about the Hennessy family, Paul, the dad (John Ritter), Cate, the mom ( Katey Sagal ), Bridget, the eldest daughter (Kaley Cuoco ) , Kerry (Amy Davidson) the middle child and Rory, the yo ungest son (Martin Spanjers ). T o give it its full title ‘8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter’. The story lines were clear and wit h a likable family, this made this nice to watch. After initially watching it and despite liking it , there was a short while before I watched it again, by this time the dad , Paul wasn’t in it. My first thought , “ he had left the show ” , or , “ I had missed the divorce storyline ” , however, as I continued watching the show I discovered he had passed away. Unfortunately, I heard John Ritter who played Paul had actually passed away so young, leaving a hole in the show. Then s ometi me later , I watched the devasta...

  So basically we read a question of old, or not, flint and a, what I can only describe as, a quickly determined murder. However, it does become quickly apparent as to why murder was obvious. This is really well written and described. ‘I cannot follow’ . I agree this is a bit wordy. However, I do love how the word ‘ Illuminant’ was used in what, I see, as another way to describe ‘A light bulb moment’. Or a realisation of what happened and who did it? This is an intriguing story/case. I didn’t like that once he had means he didn’t want to know his poorer so-called, who was supposed to be his friend. Well that was cleverly solved, I like it. Thank you for reading Sandra

  Well this story hasn’t turned out as I thought and the white powder certainly isn’t what I thought it could be. I don’t like that the doctor initially refused to come back to the house, but I am glad that he did change his mind and did return after all. Well that was a bit extreme of the doctor. Also I cannot believe they got all that from just a small amount of white powder. Most of the novel, I would say, is speculative. Yes, novel does mean fiction, but that wasn’t the point of the story at all. It makes the title of this story a little far-fetched.  I do, however, believe in the paranormal and have had some herbal remedy that has actually worked, but have never heard such a strange explanation behind it. So yes, to me, this is full on weird. And the poor doctor Thank you for reading Sandra

  I love the precise description of London. This is a clever observation of parts that don’t look like London/a big city at all. Despite the author writing about trying to describe what he saw, I would say that he made a very good job of the description of what the character saw. If this is going in the direction I think it is, then not everything on the surface is as it seems overall, very cleverly done. I don’t want to stop reading now, I am curios as to what is written on the paper, too curious to even think of destroying it. I am so glad he didn’t, but sad that it was even considered. The ending was a bit quicksand well that was weird and I felt the story ended too soon, but, like as they say ‘Always leave them wanting more’ which is, I believe, a sign of a good story. Thank you for reading Sandra

  This act is a brilliant act, even fooling Simon Cowell. The narrative behind the act, the timing and the singing is all perfect. It was hilarious because it looked so unexpected. Yes, it deserved the 4 yeses to get through to the next round. However, they did take it a bit far with her being dragged off the stage. It felt that part was a bit over done. So, The Dots are through to the next round, what next? Well the second act, the narrative again, starts off ok but, as the surprise and unexpected parts of the act are not there. This act doesn’t work. Sadly, so I would have to say that The Dots are a one act group.  So this brings me to yes, they have the talent for a talent show but not enough content in the nature of their act once you take out the major surprise element of it. That is 95% of the act gone/missing. Thank you for reading  Sanda

  Moving forward I have decided to just carry on with Wildcard Wednesday and Fun Friday blogs and keep Mum’s Monday to any special ones that may come along. Thank you for reading my blogs and I hope you will continue to read and enjoy my 2 remaining blogs. Thank you Thank you for reading  Sandra

  A great classic. I like how the song slots naturally into the film script. Strange but the film reminds me of Sister Act with Whoopi Goldberg but in reverse. ‘Make her stay’ I don’t agree with that part. With Deloris in Sister Act she was forced into a nun’s life. Maria (Julie Andrews) clearly isn’t cut out to be a nun. So she is effectively forced out. I like this idea. Wow, they are not dogs. Nice one. That did make me smile. The lyrics to the song Sixteen going on seventeen are unworldly and wisely out dated, but it does work into the nature of this film. I like her thinking, what great outfits. Wow, there is a deep lesson to be learnt, when Maria asks the children why they play tricks on people and their answer, to get their ‘Father’s attention’. This is sad to hear but again makes sense as in the nature of this film. No, saved by beautiful singing. I am so pleased. I love the puppet show. Bedtime has never been so much fun. I love it. What a nasty piece of work she is. Yes, ...