HIDE YOUR FEAR: Book Review

When a mother of two moves into a new house, she has no idea that she just stepped into her worst nightmare. Besieged by a cunning stalker, she begins to tap into the house’s tainted past. And worse yet, her daughter, an avid swimming competitor is being difficult – a bit of a brat. The teenager is angry with her mother for separating from her father, demanding they reunite.  But despite all the turmoil, local teens are disappearing at an alarming rate – their connection –swimming competitors with promising futures. But someone else is watching, deciding just who will step into his own brutal forum.  

Hide Your Fear will leave you feeling breathless as you anticipate the next move of a deranged killer. Well written, page turner. 

Held my attention to the very end.  

Author Tamera Lawrence 

THE SHINING

OVER the past weekend, I had the wonderful opportunity to explore Ocean City, Maryland. I visited the Princess Royale - an elegant hotel with an ocean view. 

But I couldn't help but think of the movie The Shining as I walked the elaborate, carpeted hallways. Everyone familiar with the movie can recall the moment when the boy - riding a big wheel- comes upon a set of twins at the end of the hallway - twins with a message. Throughout my tour of the hotel, this scene stood out in my mind.  

THE SHINING

And then I came upon a set of twins at the end of one of the halls. 

Sure enough, the twins had a special message for just me.

5th Floor hallway 

Message - Your vacation is ending. Chores await you at home. 

Longer view of hallway

In any event, being in this hotel made me recall one of my all time favorite movies.

 THE SHINING made its debut May 23, 1980 - how fitting.

Author Tamera Lawrence 

SPLIT: Movie Review by Tamera Lawrence

SPLIT

Movie Review: by Tamera Lawrence

Survival. There are those of us who will never encounter a terrifying life and death situation. But for those that do, one can only imagine the impact on those people’s lives. But to really understand the struggle to survive, one would have to take part in that reality. A grim perspective – indeed.

Have you ever come upon someone talking to his or herself? Then they see you and freeze. Embarrassment slips over their features. Perhaps they flush.  Or maybe they don’t care. It’s not a big deal, like singing in the shower. I have been guilty of taking to myself on occasion. I suppose there’s no shame in it. I think we’ve all done it.  

But what if you came upon someone who was not only talking to themselves but having an actual disagreement? It would be even more troubling if this person’s voice altered between identities. Then you discover there’s more than one personality lurking inside.  Maybe more. I’m sure you wouldn’t stick around to see the outcome. But what if you didn’t have a choice.

Three young women are abducted by a stranger. Terrified, they try to find a way to escape or at least survive. But to outmaneuver their capture, they must first understand what he wants from them. But how does one do that when your captor holds multiple personalities, each unique in his or her own way. But there is another personality about to reveal himself – the beast. And he is very, very, hungry.

Want to be immersed in dread? Split will leave you panting. This intense flick keeps you guessing on the outcome. It does not disappoint.

Nerve Wracking.  Those two words sum up the feeling pretty nicely. Go see it!

Reviewed by:  Author Tamera Lawrence

PASSENGERS: MOVIE REVIEW

We as human beings need companionship. We need to matter. That is life. 

What if you had a chance to live on another planet. Would you do it? Even if it meant leaving your family and friends behind and then being put to sleep for many years? Would you step into the future? Charter a new course? Sacrifice ever being again with the people you once loved? 

Sure it sounds exciting. Tempting. But what if something goes wrong on the ship? And you - you alone were woken up 90 years too early?

When Jim's capsule opens, he wakes to find himself surrounded by 5000 sleeping passengers. He is horrified to find out he is alone. Sure the ship is made for comfort. Food is plentiful. Swimming and recreation are ample. There is even a feisty bartender to chat with - only he's a robot. 

Jim toughs it out for a year.  He wanders around the passenger pods, trying to figure out a way to put himself back to sleep. But to no avail. That's when he notices the beautiful, Aurora (Jennifer Lawrence). With loneliness eating him alive, he beings to think of the unthinkable. Wake her up. For days he struggles with the idea. And then he does it. He wakes her.  Then tells her a lie. Her pod has malfunctioned. 


With her emotions in turmoil, Aurora follows Jim's (Chris Pratt) earlier path - trying to find a way to put herself back to sleep. Finally, she resigns herself to fate. As she and Jim draw closer, the truth is revealed. Everything turns sour. 

As things get dicey between the couple, they discover a problem with the ship. Lives are at stake and it's up to them to find a solution.

PASSENGERS explores basic human needs - not only to survive but to love. It makes one wonder what they would do in a similar situation. This movie was enjoyable from start to finish. It was entertaining and thought, provoking. 

I highly recommend it.

Author Tamera Lawrence