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Why is no one talking about “Nancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase”?

Happy Sleuthing today, Precious Readers!

As most of you know, I am a Nancy Drew fan, and if you haven’t heard, there is a new movie in the theaters (right now!) with a modern twist to the character.

While I was concerned that in a seemingly whole world of sequels and reboots in Hollywood at the moment this one would be another disappointment, I was pleasantly surprised. While not going to win any awards, I found this to be a more authentic modernization of the Nancy Drew character. She still had global appeal, there was more diversity in the film (though the only Asian was in the move for 5 seconds at the beginning of the movie), and actually had some gasping jump-scare moments.

Part of the reason I think I enjoyed the film was because I went in with ZERO to LOW expectations. This was not 1930’s Nancy. It’s about a girl with exceptional reasoning and deduction skills, sassiness towards authority, and with the help of her friends try to figure out strange happenings in the small mid-western town of River Heights.

With that criteria, I believe they succeeded, including a positive message towards female empowerment and fighting the “mean girl” stereotypes. It also doesn’t hurt that it was produced by Ellen DeGeneres. (Whatever your opinion, I love Ellen.) I was deeply disappointed in the lackluster advertising for the film. The movie itself only played in 1 local theater and had a tepid launch. I firmly believe that if Ellen and other producers had put in more money for the advertising, it would have reached a wider audience. There were a few scattered attendees at the theater and while the film wasn’t great, it wasn’t bad.

You may recall a film back in 2007 starring Emma Roberts, but I have to admit I was sorely disappointed in that version. They made it like Nancy Drew was an old fashioned “freak of nature” trying to make life work in Hollywood, California. She was even considered absurdly old fashioned in her hometown of River Heights. I figure, if you’re going to have a person with 1930’s mannerisms, have them exist in a 1930’s world. This did not prevent me from adding the movie to my DVD collection, but I will be far prouder to have the 2019 Nancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase featured alongside it on my DVD shelf.

If you decide to watch the movie, take the little ones in your life, grab some snacks, and sit back to watch a pleasant family film.

I give it a solid C, but hopefully look forward to more being made. Maybe if a wider audience purchased more tickets to see it in the theater, it will encourage another.

This blog post is of my sole opinion. I have not been compensated in any way to review this movie.

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Last minute stocking stuffers!

Winter AdTrying to find the right gift for someone?

A book is a fantastic last-minute gift for cozying up by the fire for your loved ones! Give the gift of adventure today!

Did you know you can send e-books to other people? You can! Amazon has an oh-so-convenient feature where you can select an e-book, and THEN instead of “Deliver to” yourself, you select “Transfer via Computer” to another person! (But… don’t forget that extra copy for yourself!)

Give the gift of a Roxy Summers Mystery to someone today! Are you craving summer and warm weather? Consider Capture Meor Crush On You! Can’t get enough of the snow? Give Missing You a try!

It’s the perfect gift for the perfect someone!

Wishing you and yours the happiest of holidays!

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Guest Blog: Only Her Series by Olivia Stephen

Hello, Precious Readers!

I’m so happy to introduce you to another author, Olivia Stephen. She writes steamy contemporary romance and her Only Her series is a wonderful read for those who enjoy them.

Her first book, Watch Over Her (Only Her Book 1) released back in June, and her second book Hold On To Her (Only Her Book 2) just released last month!

Enjoy this snippet of romance and check her books out!

Watch Over Her (Only Her Series Book 1)

Watch Over Her ebook UPDATED (1)

When her first love abandons her, and a heart-wrenching accident takes her parents too soon, Raina decides it’s time for a fresh start.  In a brand new town, with walls planted firmly around her heart, Raina has given up on her happily ever after, deciding it’s easier to be alone than to risk losing it all.  For a second time.

When she meets Zane, the new bartender in the small North Carolina town she now calls home, the foundation of those walls begins to crumble.  Broody, irritable, and incredibly sexy, there’s something about him she just can’t shake.

As they begin to forge a connection together, Zane’s tumultuous past catches up with him and threatens to destroy any potential future they may have, leaving Raina to question all the decisions she’s made.

Watching over Raina is the hardest promise Zane has ever had to make. Sometimes love doesn’t heal all wounds and not all happy endings are meant to be.  But perhaps two tortured souls can find the peace they deserve, together.

Hold On To Her (Only Her Book 2)

WOH_teaser4 copy

When her first love abandons her, and a heart-wrenching accident takes her parents too soon, Raina decides it’s time for a fresh start.  In a brand new town, with walls planted firmly around her heart, Raina has given up on her happily ever after, deciding it’s easier to be alone than to risk losing it all.  For a second time.

When she meets Zane, the new bartender in the small North Carolina town she now calls home, the foundation of those walls begins to crumble.  Broody, irritable, and incredibly sexy, there’s something about him she just can’t shake.

As they begin to forge a connection together, Zane’s tumultuous past catches up with him and threatens to destroy any potential future they may have, leaving Raina to question all the decisions she’s made.

Watching over Raina is the hardest promise Zane has ever had to make. Sometimes love doesn’t heal all wounds and not all happy endings are meant to be.  But perhaps two tortured souls can find the peace they deserve, together.


Check out Olivia Stephen here!

Amazon links/free in KU –

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2K15fi4

Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2K15Gcc

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2K3jNh9

Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2JXEB9R

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WANT A FREE BOOK? Call for Beta Readers!

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CALL FOR BETA READERS!

Hello my lovely Precious Readers!

 

I wrapped up edits for MISSING YOU right now! Yes, RIGHT NOW! Literally right now! What I need now are YOUR EYEBALLS! If you’re interested in an ARC (advanced reader copy), and want to help me out, email me at katherinebacher@gmail.com with the email subject line as: MY BETA. You’ll receive an email with instructions. This is the final step before sending Missing You to the printers for its June 25th release!

 

Thank you for your support! Go Roxy!

– KB


Haven’t read the Roxy Summers Mystery SeriesYou have time to catch up!
Start with Capture Me and meet Roxy in a case of cat-and-mouse for a grand Seattle adventure! Then, travel with Roxy to sunny Los Angeles for a food competition to die for in her sequel novel, Crush On You! Roxy’s third book, Missing You releases in June 2018. Keep an eye out on my bookshelf page for pre-order links closer to the release date!

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Get your copies today!
Katherine Bacher on Amazon
Katherine Bacher on Barnes and Noble


Are we connected? No? Well let’s do that!

Find Katherine Bacher on Twitter
Find Katherine Bacher on Instagram
Find Katherine Bacher on Facebook
(…and join her FB Group: Katherine Bacher’s Happy Hour!)
Find Katherine Bacher on Trifecta Publishing House

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Avengers: Infinity War I, a spoiler-free review

PROS
If ever there was a better time in cinema to have a culmination of multiple storylines, characters, and plot, I don’t know when that was. The writers and directors nearly succeed in this astoundingly daunting feat.
Unless you’ve been watching all 18 films before now, late newcomers to the MU will be left scratching their heads at the characters and relationship dynamics. (If you haven’t seen Ant Man, you’ll be OK.) Longtime fans will be cheering for their favorite super/anti-hero(ines) while learning more about Thanos’ (psychotic) reasoning for developing this intergalactic war.
As with modern-day technology, the special effects offer a gripping visual overload of wonder and awe, with real life setting scenery grounding the movie in relatable visuals to help keep moviegoers from feeling too separated from the multi-planet-bouncing scenes. Josh Brolin deserves some kudos for offering a refreshing vocal and physical performance at playing a villain who is difficult to relate to, while still providing a simmering evil underneath his purple skin as a personal, imposing emotional threat. (Despite his performance being painted over with the now mundane process of CGI motion-capture animation.)
CONS
Moderately adequate pacing will continuously remind viewers of all 149 minutes that they’re sitting in the theater. At the 2 hour mark, I found myself glancing over at Pilot, and him to me, both of us watching the clock.
OVERALL
Definitely not one of the best films of the decade long series, as with over 20 main characters it’s hard to provide major character development for everyone, but also not the worst in the series. Again, juggling multiple layers of storylines and relationships is a difficult feat, and I think they nearly pull it off. I tip my hat at their attempt. Plot-wise, the movie demands the extended time needed to properly lay out this interwoven tapestry of cosmic comic glory, but you still painstakingly feel every minute of that extended time. Impressive visuals are interrupted by choppy editing, and you walk away with your jaw aching right along with the writers and editors. You feel every struggle of making it all come together — a clear impression that the writers and editors may have bitten off more than they could chew. It sounds counterintuitive, but maybe taking a page from the multi-film spanning Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter films, changing the timing of the last chapter by stuffing in an extra 15-30 minutes would’ve helped make transitions seamless rather than exhausting. Those extra minutes might have also helped shine that extra bit of limelight on each of the characters we’ve grown to know and love in this multi-movie series, and make the moviegoers care just a little bit more.
Movie Score: A-
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The robot apocalypse is closer and closer, says my 8-bit heart (Satire)

8-Bit Wishes and Digital Dreams to you, Precious Readers!

I was checking out Google News recently and came across not one, but two articles about robots developed to replace jobs previously manned by actual humans.

Those in Georgia will need to keep their eyes and ears out, along with keeping their head on a swivel for these automatically driven diesel trucks shipping stuff all over the area.
The robot apocalypse is at least not here yet, as the recently created “Flippy,” a fast food robot was turned off for being too slow. See video here.

In all seriousness, I’m not super paranoid about a robot apocalypse… at this time. (JK, JK, people. I don’t lose sleep over this.) However, in the quiet times when my mind is allowed to wander, the idea of robot-driven cars does freak out the analog part of my brain. Have you ever seen the Terminator films, iRobot, or a more recently rave-reviewed Ex Machina? Food for thought, folks. I used to watch futuristic films from the 1960’s-1990’s, but never have I ever felt that the human race was as close to developing a “fleet” of robots until now. With the exponentially rapid pace that technology is advancing, those movies might not be as far off from my lifetime as previously thought.

What do you think of a (potential) robot apocalypse? Share below!

– KB


Haven’t read the Roxy Summers Mystery SeriesYou have time to catch up!
Start with Capture Me and meet Roxy in a case of cat-and-mouse for a grand Seattle adventure! Then, travel with Roxy to sunny Los Angeles for a food competition to die for in her sequel novel, Crush On You! Roxy’s third book, Missing You releases in June 2018. Keep an eye out on my bookshelf page for pre-order links closer to the release date!

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Get your copies today!
Katherine Bacher on Amazon
Katherine Bacher on Barnes and Noble

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The perfect gift, if you’re a last-minute shopper like me!

It’s a countdown to the holidays, Precious Readers!

Need a last-minute gift? Why not pick out an item to reflect your love of your favorite sassy Seattle photographer, Roxy Summers! There are shirts, bags, mugs, magnets, and more to represent your favorite unexpected, amateur detective.


Roxy Summers Fan Gear
www.zazzle.com/katherinebacher

Katherine Bacher Fan Gear


Don’t forget that books make an excellent gift as well! Give the gift of mystery, romance, and adventure. Let your favorite reader enter Roxy’s world with CAPTURE ME, keep the momentum going with CRUSH ON YOU, all before her third adventure in MISSING YOU releases in June 2018!

Give the gift of
Mystery, Romance, Hilarity, and Adventure
for the reader in your family!

Book 1 – Capture Me: https://books2read.com/u/3nOO29
Book 2 – Crush On You: https://books2read.com/u/bapznQ

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Time to travel for a virtual field trip! Guest blogging on Night Owl Romance, Friday, December 22, 2017!

Hello, Precious Readers!

I’m excited to announce that on Friday, December 22, 2017 I will be guest blogging on the Night Owl Romance NOR 2017website to talk about my two-week trip to South Korea back in August 2016 — including tons of PICTURES for your viewing pleasure — and talking a little about my most recent book release, Crush On You (a Roxy Summers Mystery #2).

 

My blog post will be titled Born in Korea, but seeing it for the first time by Katherine Bacher #AuthorTravel.”

Consider yourself forewarned, my look in those photos are not exactly my best for traveling, but it was hot, exhausting, and one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life. I’m excited to be able to share some of my experiences with all of you.

I’ll be logged in the day of the blog post responding to comments and answering any questions you may have.

Your mission, should you choose to accept it (and I hope you do) is on December 22nd, don’t forget to do a mini field trip and hop on over to leave a question or a simple “Hello!” to me and all of the wonderful people at Night Owl Reviews.

Looking forward to seeing you there!
– KB

#NightOwlRomance #NightOwlReviews #Blog #Blogging #GuestBlog #GuestPost #SouthKorea #Korea #Seoul #Pusan #Busan #Daegyu #Vacation #VacationPictures #VacationPics #Vacay #Travel #Traveling #InternationalTravel #Adoption #IKAA #IKAAGathering2016 #IKAA2016 #InternationalKoreanAdopteeAssociation

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Please share your opinion!

Hello, Precious Readers!

I want to make sure that my efforts meet your needs. Please take less than 10 minutes to help me gain a better understanding of you. You are important to me, and this quick survey will help me stay on track.

It’s critical for me to provide what you want. Sharing your opinion is vital on my decision of what freebies to provide.

QS: What do you want to see on this blog?

 

QS: Do you like audiobooks?

 

QS: Would you like the Roxy Summers Series as an Audiobook?

 

QS: What kind of freebies do you want?

Thank you for your time!
Here’s a free kitten and puppy for you!

Love and hugs,
KB

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How mad would you be? [Re-Blog from Patricia Johns Romance]

wedding

Source: Patricia Johns Romance: How mad would you be?

There has been an article circulating about a wedding that was interrupted by the groom’s best friend/officiant. The BF decided to interrupt the ceremony to propose to his own girlfriend, and then forced the band to play a “special song” for him and his bride-to-be to dance to during the wedding.

Friend and fellow author, Patricia Johns (look her up, she’s amazing) commented on this event on her blog with an post called How mad would you be? I don’t know about you, but I would’ve been pretty upset. Here is the comment I posted on Patricia’s blog and I stand by it. What do you think?

———– START OF COMMENT ———–

I have a major problem with this, and it’s not because of the financial factor: The friend did this during the ceremony.

I don’t care how small or big your budget is for this event. The ceremony is about the people involved and making a commitment to each other. Interrupting their ceremony, which is their declaration in front of their loved ones, is narcissistic, disruptive, and completely overstepping the boundaries of friendship with someone. No matter how small the budget, how casual the environment, perhaps this was the one time in their lives when all of their friends and family will be in one place. To hijack that intimate setting during of one of the biggest emotional events of your life is a horrible thing to do. My husband and I aren’t well off people. We’re not at the poverty line, but not above it by much and live in a quasi-ghetto area. This was a special moment for us and having so many friends and family from out of town in one place made it all the more special.

I can understand getting caught up in the emotion of the day. It makes guests and participants reflective of their own relationships. I think if any type of declaration had to be made by the officiant/best friend/narcissistic idiot, it should’ve been made during the reception, after the speeches and first dance are done, when the environment is more casual and collaborative. Then, maybe requesting a special dance also would’ve fit more in with the festive ambience. Everyone’s (hopefully) feeling the good vibes and wanting to celebrate in this life event. Guests make music requests of the band/DJ/jukebox, what have you, all of the time at these events. Making a declaration taking the spotlight off of the main people involved before the milestone moments of a wedding would be extremely hurtful. I’m not saying don’t do it, but have some respect for the people involved and wait for the right time during the event if it absolutely has to be done.

Also, Judy above [first commenter] makes a good point. I can’t possibly believe if someone had the gall to do this during the ceremony that it was the first time this kind of stunt has occurred. However, even if it was due to shock, neither the groom nor the bride stepped in to say, “Hey, can this wait until later?” Then, if the officiant/best friend/narcissistic idiot continued to try and move forward, I would’ve been more upset and say “bye bye” to that friend. There had to have been, for lack of better phrasing, warning signs that this guy was capable of pulling a stunt like this out of thin air. He would’ve had to have done this before with other life events.

————–*END OF COMMENT*————–

What do you think, folks?

Would you be angry or upset?

Should I shut up and enjoy the festivities?

Are the bride and groom completely justified?

Would you stay friends with someone like this?

Share in the comments below!