1deep220
After many years away looking forward to some good reading challenges this year. My library catalogue is horribly out of date. I want to focus on updating my books and reading at least 50 from my current TBR list.
Currently Reading:
Burn Bright by Patricia Briggs
Yumi and the Nightmare Painter by Brandon Sanderson
Throne of the Horde King by Zoey Draven
Black Order by James Rollins
Same Time Next Year by Tessa Bailey
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January Reads:
1. Lone Women by Victor LaValle
2. Dead Heat by Patricia Briggs
3. Manacled by SenLinYu
4. Straw Into Gold by Carol Beth Anderson
1. Lone Women by Victor LaValle
2. Dead Heat by Patricia Briggs
3. Manacled by SenLinYu
4. Straw Into Gold by Carol Beth Anderson
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March Reads:
7. Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
8. Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam
9. Rhapsodic by Laura Thalassa
10. Strands of Joy by Anna Johanna
11. Man Hunt by Vanessa Vale
12. The Art of Circular Yokes by Kerry Bogert
13. Viking Knits by Lasse Matberg
14. Only Yoking by Olga Putano
7. Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
8. Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam
9. Rhapsodic by Laura Thalassa
10. Strands of Joy by Anna Johanna
11. Man Hunt by Vanessa Vale
12. The Art of Circular Yokes by Kerry Bogert
13. Viking Knits by Lasse Matberg
14. Only Yoking by Olga Putano
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April Reads:
15. THe Girl in the Mirror by Rose Carlyle
16. Lovely Lace Knits by Gabrielle Vezina
17. Vintage Modern Knits by Kate Gagnon Osborn
18. Fire in His Chaos by Ruby Dixon
19. Fire In Her Dreams by Ruby Dixon
20. Mountain Made of Glass by Scarlett St Clair
21. Hopeless by Colleen Hoover
22. Finding Cinderella by Colleen Hoover
23. Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
24. Compact Farms by Josh Volk
25. Same time next year by Tessa Bailey
26. Death on the Danube by Jennifer Alderson
15. THe Girl in the Mirror by Rose Carlyle
16. Lovely Lace Knits by Gabrielle Vezina
17. Vintage Modern Knits by Kate Gagnon Osborn
18. Fire in His Chaos by Ruby Dixon
19. Fire In Her Dreams by Ruby Dixon
20. Mountain Made of Glass by Scarlett St Clair
21. Hopeless by Colleen Hoover
22. Finding Cinderella by Colleen Hoover
23. Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
24. Compact Farms by Josh Volk
25. Same time next year by Tessa Bailey
26. Death on the Danube by Jennifer Alderson
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May Reads:
27. The Cold is in Her Bones by Peternelle van Ardale
28. I Married Krogal by Regine Abel
29. Backyard Winter Gardening by Caleb Warnock
30. Little Stranger by Leigh Rivers
31. The Handmaids Tale by Margaret Atwood
32. Terrible Virtue by Ellen Feldman
33. A Nearly Normal Family by M. T. Edvardsson
34. The Maidens by Alex Michaelides
27. The Cold is in Her Bones by Peternelle van Ardale
28. I Married Krogal by Regine Abel
29. Backyard Winter Gardening by Caleb Warnock
30. Little Stranger by Leigh Rivers
31. The Handmaids Tale by Margaret Atwood
32. Terrible Virtue by Ellen Feldman
33. A Nearly Normal Family by M. T. Edvardsson
34. The Maidens by Alex Michaelides
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June Reads:
35. Nights of Obedience by Rachel Mays
36. Track of the Cat by Neveda Barr
37. Where ever you go, There you are by Jon Kabat-Zinn
38. Ward D by Freida McFaden
39. One by One by Freida McFaden
40. Hallowed Ground by James McPherson
41. Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann
42. Liberty Falling by Neveda Barr
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48.
49.
50.
35. Nights of Obedience by Rachel Mays
36. Track of the Cat by Neveda Barr
37. Where ever you go, There you are by Jon Kabat-Zinn
38. Ward D by Freida McFaden
39. One by One by Freida McFaden
40. Hallowed Ground by James McPherson
41. Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann
42. Liberty Falling by Neveda Barr
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44.
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46.
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48.
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50.
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Book 1.
Lone Women by Victor LaValle
3 of 5 stars
WTF did I just read? The beginning of the book grabbed my attention. The middle slowed down, but I had to know what was in the trunk. The end can't say I saw that coming. Probably will end up donating to make room on my shelves.
Description:
Blue skies, empty land—and enough wide-open space to hide a horrifying secret. A woman with a past, a mysterious trunk, a town on the edge of nowhere, and an “absorbing, powerful” ( BuzzFeed ) new vision of the American West, from the award-winning author of The Changeling .
Adelaide Henry carries an enormous steamer trunk with her wherever she goes. It’s locked at all times. Because when the trunk opens, people around Adelaide start to disappear.
The year is 1915, and Adelaide is in trouble. Her secret sin killed her parents, forcing her to flee California in a hellfire rush and make her way to Montana as a homesteader. Dragging the trunk with her at every stop, she will become one of the “lone women” taking advantage of the government’s offer of free land for those who can tame it—except that Adelaide isn’t alone. And the secret she’s tried so desperately to lock away might be the only thing that will help her survive the harsh territory.
Crafted by a modern master of magical suspense, Lone Women blends shimmering prose, an unforgettable cast of adventurers who find horror and sisterhood in a brutal landscape, and a portrait of early-twentieth-century America like you’ve never seen. And at its heart is the gripping story of a woman desperate to bury her past—or redeem it.
Lone Women by Victor LaValle
3 of 5 stars
WTF did I just read? The beginning of the book grabbed my attention. The middle slowed down, but I had to know what was in the trunk. The end can't say I saw that coming. Probably will end up donating to make room on my shelves.
Description:
Blue skies, empty land—and enough wide-open space to hide a horrifying secret. A woman with a past, a mysterious trunk, a town on the edge of nowhere, and an “absorbing, powerful” ( BuzzFeed ) new vision of the American West, from the award-winning author of The Changeling .
Adelaide Henry carries an enormous steamer trunk with her wherever she goes. It’s locked at all times. Because when the trunk opens, people around Adelaide start to disappear.
The year is 1915, and Adelaide is in trouble. Her secret sin killed her parents, forcing her to flee California in a hellfire rush and make her way to Montana as a homesteader. Dragging the trunk with her at every stop, she will become one of the “lone women” taking advantage of the government’s offer of free land for those who can tame it—except that Adelaide isn’t alone. And the secret she’s tried so desperately to lock away might be the only thing that will help her survive the harsh territory.
Crafted by a modern master of magical suspense, Lone Women blends shimmering prose, an unforgettable cast of adventurers who find horror and sisterhood in a brutal landscape, and a portrait of early-twentieth-century America like you’ve never seen. And at its heart is the gripping story of a woman desperate to bury her past—or redeem it.
15deep220
Book 2
Dead Heat by Patricia Briggs
4.5 of 5 stars
Book 4 in the Alpha and Omega Series. Great read. I forgot how much I enjoy Charles and Anna's story, as book has been on my shelves waiting to read for years. I also have the next 2 books in the series waiting on my selves. So on to more rooting and wrapping up a series.
Amazon Book Description:
For once, mated werewolves Charles and Anna are not traveling because of Charles’s role as his father’s enforcer. This time, their trip to Arizona is purely personal--or at least it starts out that way...
Charles and Anna soon discover that a dangerous Fae being is on the loose, replacing human children with simulacrums. The Fae’s cold war with humanity is about to heat up—and Charles and Anna are in the cross fire.
Dead Heat by Patricia Briggs
4.5 of 5 stars
Book 4 in the Alpha and Omega Series. Great read. I forgot how much I enjoy Charles and Anna's story, as book has been on my shelves waiting to read for years. I also have the next 2 books in the series waiting on my selves. So on to more rooting and wrapping up a series.
Amazon Book Description:
For once, mated werewolves Charles and Anna are not traveling because of Charles’s role as his father’s enforcer. This time, their trip to Arizona is purely personal--or at least it starts out that way...
Charles and Anna soon discover that a dangerous Fae being is on the loose, replacing human children with simulacrums. The Fae’s cold war with humanity is about to heat up—and Charles and Anna are in the cross fire.
16deep220
Book 3
Manacled by SenLinYu
5 of 5 stars
This one gave me all the feels. Must read the trigger warnings. Not for everyone.
Description:
Harry Potter is dead. In the aftermath of the war, in order to strengthen the might of the magical world, Voldemort enacts a repopulation effort. Hermione Granger has an Order secret, lost but hidden in her mind, so she is sent as an enslaved surrogate to the High Reeve, to be bred and monitored until her mind can be cracked.
Fanfiction for Harry Potter by J. K. Rowling.
Words: 370,256
Manacled by SenLinYu
5 of 5 stars
This one gave me all the feels. Must read the trigger warnings. Not for everyone.
Description:
Harry Potter is dead. In the aftermath of the war, in order to strengthen the might of the magical world, Voldemort enacts a repopulation effort. Hermione Granger has an Order secret, lost but hidden in her mind, so she is sent as an enslaved surrogate to the High Reeve, to be bred and monitored until her mind can be cracked.
Fanfiction for Harry Potter by J. K. Rowling.
Words: 370,256
17deep220
Book 4
Straw into gold by Carol Beth Anderson
3 of 5 stars.
This one caught my eye during stuff your kindle day. A Faerie tale retelling of Rumpelstiltskin. I didn't however notice this was a novella, 45 pages.
Straw into gold by Carol Beth Anderson
3 of 5 stars.
This one caught my eye during stuff your kindle day. A Faerie tale retelling of Rumpelstiltskin. I didn't however notice this was a novella, 45 pages.
18deep220
Book 5
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
4 of 5 stars
Stalled reading book 5 in the Alpha and Omega series so decided to pick up one of last year's Christmas gifts. I was hooked from page one. This was a very busy weekend and still managed to finish the book in 3 days.
Description:
Twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail was supposed to enter the Scribe Quadrant, living a quiet life among books and history. Now, the commanding general—also known as her tough-as-talons mother—has ordered Violet to join the hundreds of candidates striving to become the elite of Navarre: dragon riders.
But when you’re smaller than everyone else and your body is brittle, death is only a heartbeat away...because dragons don’t bond to “fragile” humans. They incinerate them.
With fewer dragons willing to bond than cadets, most would kill Violet to better their own chances of success. The rest would kill her just for being her mother’s daughter—like Xaden Riorson, the most powerful and ruthless wingleader in the Riders Quadrant.
She’ll need every edge her wits can give her just to see the next sunrise.
Yet, with every day that passes, the war outside grows more deadly, the kingdom's protective wards are failing, and the death toll continues to rise. Even worse, Violet begins to suspect leadership is hiding a terrible secret.
Friends, enemies, lovers. Everyone at Basgiath War College has an agenda—because once you enter, there are only two ways out: graduate or die
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
4 of 5 stars
Stalled reading book 5 in the Alpha and Omega series so decided to pick up one of last year's Christmas gifts. I was hooked from page one. This was a very busy weekend and still managed to finish the book in 3 days.
Description:
Twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail was supposed to enter the Scribe Quadrant, living a quiet life among books and history. Now, the commanding general—also known as her tough-as-talons mother—has ordered Violet to join the hundreds of candidates striving to become the elite of Navarre: dragon riders.
But when you’re smaller than everyone else and your body is brittle, death is only a heartbeat away...because dragons don’t bond to “fragile” humans. They incinerate them.
With fewer dragons willing to bond than cadets, most would kill Violet to better their own chances of success. The rest would kill her just for being her mother’s daughter—like Xaden Riorson, the most powerful and ruthless wingleader in the Riders Quadrant.
She’ll need every edge her wits can give her just to see the next sunrise.
Yet, with every day that passes, the war outside grows more deadly, the kingdom's protective wards are failing, and the death toll continues to rise. Even worse, Violet begins to suspect leadership is hiding a terrible secret.
Friends, enemies, lovers. Everyone at Basgiath War College has an agenda—because once you enter, there are only two ways out: graduate or die
19deep220
Book 6
Behind Her Eyes by Sarah Pinborough
4 of 5 stars
Did I see that ending coming... I thought so.
Book Description:
Louise is a single mom, a secretary, stuck in a modern-day rut. On a rare night out, she meets a man in a bar and sparks fly. Though he leaves after they kiss, she’s thrilled she finally connected with someone.
When Louise arrives at work on Monday, she meets her new boss, David. The man from the bar. The very married man from the bar…who says the kiss was a terrible mistake but who still can’t keep his eyes off Louise.
And then Louise bumps into Adele, who’s new to town and in need of a friend, but she also just happens to be married to David. David and Adele look like the picture-perfect husband and wife, but then why is David so controlling, and why is Adele so scared of him?
As Louise is drawn into David and Adele’s orbit, she uncovers more puzzling questions than answers. The only thing that is crystal clear is that something in this marriage is very, very wrong, but Louise can’t guess how wrong―and how far a person might go to protect their marriage’s secrets.
Behind Her Eyes by Sarah Pinborough
4 of 5 stars
Did I see that ending coming... I thought so.
Book Description:
Louise is a single mom, a secretary, stuck in a modern-day rut. On a rare night out, she meets a man in a bar and sparks fly. Though he leaves after they kiss, she’s thrilled she finally connected with someone.
When Louise arrives at work on Monday, she meets her new boss, David. The man from the bar. The very married man from the bar…who says the kiss was a terrible mistake but who still can’t keep his eyes off Louise.
And then Louise bumps into Adele, who’s new to town and in need of a friend, but she also just happens to be married to David. David and Adele look like the picture-perfect husband and wife, but then why is David so controlling, and why is Adele so scared of him?
As Louise is drawn into David and Adele’s orbit, she uncovers more puzzling questions than answers. The only thing that is crystal clear is that something in this marriage is very, very wrong, but Louise can’t guess how wrong―and how far a person might go to protect their marriage’s secrets.
20deep220
Book 7
Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
4.5 of 5 stars
Wish I would have waited to start the series until it was completed. Now the suffering of no release date announced.
Amazon Description:
Everyone expected Violet Sorrengail to die during her first year at Basgiath War College—Violet included. But Threshing was only the first impossible test meant to weed out the weak-willed, the unworthy, and the unlucky.
Now the real training begins, and Violet’s already wondering how she’ll get through. It’s not just that it’s grueling and maliciously brutal, or even that it’s designed to stretch the riders’ capacity for pain beyond endurance. It’s the new vice commandant, who’s made it his personal mission to teach Violet exactly how powerless she is–unless she betrays the man she loves.
Although Violet’s body might be weaker and frailer than everyone else’s, she still has her wits—and a will of iron. And leadership is forgetting the most important lesson Basgiath has taught her: Dragon riders make their own rules.
But a determination to survive won’t be enough this year.
Because Violet knows the real secret hidden for centuries at Basgiath War College—and nothing, not even dragon fire, may be enough to save them in the end.
Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
4.5 of 5 stars
Wish I would have waited to start the series until it was completed. Now the suffering of no release date announced.
Amazon Description:
Everyone expected Violet Sorrengail to die during her first year at Basgiath War College—Violet included. But Threshing was only the first impossible test meant to weed out the weak-willed, the unworthy, and the unlucky.
Now the real training begins, and Violet’s already wondering how she’ll get through. It’s not just that it’s grueling and maliciously brutal, or even that it’s designed to stretch the riders’ capacity for pain beyond endurance. It’s the new vice commandant, who’s made it his personal mission to teach Violet exactly how powerless she is–unless she betrays the man she loves.
Although Violet’s body might be weaker and frailer than everyone else’s, she still has her wits—and a will of iron. And leadership is forgetting the most important lesson Basgiath has taught her: Dragon riders make their own rules.
But a determination to survive won’t be enough this year.
Because Violet knows the real secret hidden for centuries at Basgiath War College—and nothing, not even dragon fire, may be enough to save them in the end.
21deep220
Book 8
Leave The World Behind by Rumaan Alam
DNF
I gave it 16 chapters (over a third of the book) but didn't find the characters or plot particularly interesting.
Description:
A magnetic novel about two families, strangers to each other, who are forced together on a long weekend gone terribly wrong
Amanda and Clay head to a remote corner of Long Island expecting a a quiet reprieve from life in New York City, quality time with their teenage son and daughter and a taste of the good life in the luxurious home they've rented for the week. But with a late-night knock on the door, the spell is broken. Ruth and G. H., an older couple who claim to own the home, have arrived there in a panic. These strangers say that a sudden power outage has swept the city, and - with nowhere else to turn - they have come to the country in search of shelter.
But with the TV and internet down, and no phone service, the facts are unknowable. Should Amanda and Clay trust this couple - and vice versa? What has happened back in New York? Is the holiday home, isolated from civilization, a truly safe place for their families? And are they safe from one another?
Leave The World Behind by Rumaan Alam
DNF
I gave it 16 chapters (over a third of the book) but didn't find the characters or plot particularly interesting.
Description:
A magnetic novel about two families, strangers to each other, who are forced together on a long weekend gone terribly wrong
Amanda and Clay head to a remote corner of Long Island expecting a a quiet reprieve from life in New York City, quality time with their teenage son and daughter and a taste of the good life in the luxurious home they've rented for the week. But with a late-night knock on the door, the spell is broken. Ruth and G. H., an older couple who claim to own the home, have arrived there in a panic. These strangers say that a sudden power outage has swept the city, and - with nowhere else to turn - they have come to the country in search of shelter.
But with the TV and internet down, and no phone service, the facts are unknowable. Should Amanda and Clay trust this couple - and vice versa? What has happened back in New York? Is the holiday home, isolated from civilization, a truly safe place for their families? And are they safe from one another?
22deep220
Book 9
Rhapsodic by Laura Thalassa
4 of 5 stars
Enjoyed from page one. This is a re-read for me.
Description:
Callypso Lillis is a siren with a very big problem, one that stretches up her arm and far into her past.
For the last seven years Callie has been wearing a bracelet of black beads up her wrist, magical IOUs for favors she once received. Only death or repayment will fulfill her obligations.
Everyone knows that if you need a favor, you go to the Bargainer to make it happen. He's a man who can get you anything you want … at a price. And everyone knows that sooner or later he always collects. But for Callie, he's never asked for repayment. Not until now.
When Callie finds the Bargainer in her room, a grin on his lips and a twinkle in his eye, she knows things are about to change. At first it's admitting a truth―a single bead's worth―acknowledging the attraction between them. But the Bargainer is after more than just rekindling their connection. Something is happening in the Otherworld. Fae warriors are going missing one by one, and only the women are returned, each in a glass casket, a child clutched to her breast.
For the Bargainer to save his people, he'll need the help of the siren he spurned long ago. If she can forgive him.
Rhapsodic by Laura Thalassa
4 of 5 stars
Enjoyed from page one. This is a re-read for me.
Description:
Callypso Lillis is a siren with a very big problem, one that stretches up her arm and far into her past.
For the last seven years Callie has been wearing a bracelet of black beads up her wrist, magical IOUs for favors she once received. Only death or repayment will fulfill her obligations.
Everyone knows that if you need a favor, you go to the Bargainer to make it happen. He's a man who can get you anything you want … at a price. And everyone knows that sooner or later he always collects. But for Callie, he's never asked for repayment. Not until now.
When Callie finds the Bargainer in her room, a grin on his lips and a twinkle in his eye, she knows things are about to change. At first it's admitting a truth―a single bead's worth―acknowledging the attraction between them. But the Bargainer is after more than just rekindling their connection. Something is happening in the Otherworld. Fae warriors are going missing one by one, and only the women are returned, each in a glass casket, a child clutched to her breast.
For the Bargainer to save his people, he'll need the help of the siren he spurned long ago. If she can forgive him.
23deep220
Book 10
Strands of Joy by Anna Johanna
To be rated - need to complete a couple projects before review.
I don't often pick up a knitting book that I like the majority of patterns. Looking forward to casting on a couple of these beauties.
Strands of Joy by Anna Johanna
To be rated - need to complete a couple projects before review.
I don't often pick up a knitting book that I like the majority of patterns. Looking forward to casting on a couple of these beauties.
24deep220
Book 11
Man Hunt by Vanessa Vale
4 of 5 stars
Such a cute quick little read.
Description:
What’s worse than spilling coffee all over my billionaire boss? Accidentally emailing him my answers to a sex quiz.
That was me. I did that. I might be a genius, but that was really dumb.
I sneak into the office to delete it, but it’s too late. He knows my naughtiest fantasies.
Instead of firing me, he wants to fulfill every one of them.
He’s everything I didn’t know I wanted: Older, fiercely protective and a possessive streak the size of Montana.
But can he really want someone like me with a past full of man struggles and a head full of math problems?
Man Hunt by Vanessa Vale
4 of 5 stars
Such a cute quick little read.
Description:
What’s worse than spilling coffee all over my billionaire boss? Accidentally emailing him my answers to a sex quiz.
That was me. I did that. I might be a genius, but that was really dumb.
I sneak into the office to delete it, but it’s too late. He knows my naughtiest fantasies.
Instead of firing me, he wants to fulfill every one of them.
He’s everything I didn’t know I wanted: Older, fiercely protective and a possessive streak the size of Montana.
But can he really want someone like me with a past full of man struggles and a head full of math problems?
25deep220
Book 12
The Art of Circular Yokes by Kerry Bogert
5 of 5 stars
In addition to trying to read from my TBR I am also trying to knit from my yarn hoard.
Both are only going so so...
I have started on the Altheda pattern and the sweater is knitting up easily and quickly.
The Art of Circular Yokes by Kerry Bogert
5 of 5 stars
In addition to trying to read from my TBR I am also trying to knit from my yarn hoard.
Both are only going so so...
I have started on the Altheda pattern and the sweater is knitting up easily and quickly.
26deep220
Book 13
Viking Knits by Lasse Matberg
rating TBD
The book looks amazing but will adjust my review once I have had a chance to knit something.
Likes:
Beautiful patterns
Plenty of patterns for men
Dislikes:
Why do knitting authors not automatically include weight of yarn for the pattern. I appreciate the yarn used but it isn't always an option to purchase and trying to find the weight once the yarn is discontinued can be difficult. I did find the information in the front of the book and just added it to each pattern.
Viking Knits by Lasse Matberg
rating TBD
The book looks amazing but will adjust my review once I have had a chance to knit something.
Likes:
Beautiful patterns
Plenty of patterns for men
Dislikes:
Why do knitting authors not automatically include weight of yarn for the pattern. I appreciate the yarn used but it isn't always an option to purchase and trying to find the weight once the yarn is discontinued can be difficult. I did find the information in the front of the book and just added it to each pattern.
27deep220
Book 14
Only Yoking by Olga Putano
TBD rating
Interesting set up. Each section of the book is arranged by weight of yarn, each sweater is knitted the same so just the chart changes for each sweater in it's section.
Only Yoking by Olga Putano
TBD rating
Interesting set up. Each section of the book is arranged by weight of yarn, each sweater is knitted the same so just the chart changes for each sweater in it's section.
29deep220
I am about finished with the colorwork on my first circular yoke sweater, and I am so excited about what sweater I will knit next. Goal to have one knitting project/ craft project a month.
Book 16
Lovely Lace Knits by Gabrielle Vezina
Rating TBD
I have not knitted a lot of larger lace items, intimidating. I appreciated the tips and tricks about lace knitting at the beginning of the book. This book has three sweaters I am dying to knit but I will probably work my way up with some of the smaller projects.
Book 17
Vintage Modern Knits by Courtney Kelley Kate Gagnon Osborn
Rating TBD
Book 16
Lovely Lace Knits by Gabrielle Vezina
Rating TBD
I have not knitted a lot of larger lace items, intimidating. I appreciated the tips and tricks about lace knitting at the beginning of the book. This book has three sweaters I am dying to knit but I will probably work my way up with some of the smaller projects.
Book 17
Vintage Modern Knits by Courtney Kelley Kate Gagnon Osborn
Rating TBD
32deep220
Book 20
Mountain Made of Glass by Scarlett St. Clair
3.5 of 5 stars
I love a fairytale retelling. I wanted to rate the book higher, but it is just missing something. The writing was a little rushed, staccato. Still a very enjoyable read.
Description:
"Could you love me?" he whispered. The question stole my breath and burned my lungs in the silence that followed.
I wanted to answer, to whisper yes into the space between us, but I was afraid.
All Gesela's life, her home village of Elk has been cursed. And it isn't a single curse—it is one after another, each to be broken by a villager, each with devastating consequences. When Elk's well goes dry, it is Gesela's turn to save her town by killing the toad that lives at the bottom. Except… the toad is not a toad at all. He is an Elven prince under a curse of his own, and upon his death, his brothers come for Gesela, seeking retribution.
As punishment, the princes banish Gesela to live with their seventh brother, the one they call the beast. Gesela expects to be the prisoner of a hideous monster, but the beast turns out to be exquisitely beautiful, and rather than lock her in a cell, he offers Gesela a deal. If she can guess his true name in seven days, she can go free.
Gesela agrees, but there is a hidden catch—she must speak his name with love in order to free him, too.
But can either of them learn to love in time?
Mountain Made of Glass by Scarlett St. Clair
3.5 of 5 stars
I love a fairytale retelling. I wanted to rate the book higher, but it is just missing something. The writing was a little rushed, staccato. Still a very enjoyable read.
Description:
"Could you love me?" he whispered. The question stole my breath and burned my lungs in the silence that followed.
I wanted to answer, to whisper yes into the space between us, but I was afraid.
All Gesela's life, her home village of Elk has been cursed. And it isn't a single curse—it is one after another, each to be broken by a villager, each with devastating consequences. When Elk's well goes dry, it is Gesela's turn to save her town by killing the toad that lives at the bottom. Except… the toad is not a toad at all. He is an Elven prince under a curse of his own, and upon his death, his brothers come for Gesela, seeking retribution.
As punishment, the princes banish Gesela to live with their seventh brother, the one they call the beast. Gesela expects to be the prisoner of a hideous monster, but the beast turns out to be exquisitely beautiful, and rather than lock her in a cell, he offers Gesela a deal. If she can guess his true name in seven days, she can go free.
Gesela agrees, but there is a hidden catch—she must speak his name with love in order to free him, too.
But can either of them learn to love in time?
34deep220
Book 27
The Cold is in Her Bones by Peternelle van Arsdale
4 of 5 stars
Fairytale retellings have a special place in my heart.
Description:
“A dark and enchanting tale.” —Bustle
“Fiercely written and beautifully feminist.” —Lisa Maxwell, New York Times bestselling author of The Last Magician
One girl must uncover secrets of the past to save her friend from a terrible curse in this “dark, angry fairy tale” (BCCB, starred review) filled with love, revenge, and redemption that is inspired by the myth of Medusa.
Milla knows two things to be true: Demons are real, and fear will keep her safe.
Milla’s whole world is her family’s farm. She is never allowed to travel to the village and her only friend is her beloved older brother, Niklas. When a bright-eyed girl named Iris comes to stay, Milla hopes her loneliness might finally be coming to an end. But Iris has a secret she’s forbidden to share: The village is cursed by a demon who possesses girls at random, and the townspeople live in terror of who it will come for next.
Now, it seems, the demon has come for Iris. When Iris is captured and imprisoned with other possessed girls, Milla leaves home to rescue her and break the curse forever. Her only company on the journey is a terrible new secret of her own: Milla is changing, too, and may soon be a demon herself.
Suspenseful and vividly imagined, The Cold Is in Her Bones is a novel about the dark, reverberating power of pain, the yearning to be seen and understood, and the fragile optimism of love.
The Cold is in Her Bones by Peternelle van Arsdale
4 of 5 stars
Fairytale retellings have a special place in my heart.
Description:
“A dark and enchanting tale.” —Bustle
“Fiercely written and beautifully feminist.” —Lisa Maxwell, New York Times bestselling author of The Last Magician
One girl must uncover secrets of the past to save her friend from a terrible curse in this “dark, angry fairy tale” (BCCB, starred review) filled with love, revenge, and redemption that is inspired by the myth of Medusa.
Milla knows two things to be true: Demons are real, and fear will keep her safe.
Milla’s whole world is her family’s farm. She is never allowed to travel to the village and her only friend is her beloved older brother, Niklas. When a bright-eyed girl named Iris comes to stay, Milla hopes her loneliness might finally be coming to an end. But Iris has a secret she’s forbidden to share: The village is cursed by a demon who possesses girls at random, and the townspeople live in terror of who it will come for next.
Now, it seems, the demon has come for Iris. When Iris is captured and imprisoned with other possessed girls, Milla leaves home to rescue her and break the curse forever. Her only company on the journey is a terrible new secret of her own: Milla is changing, too, and may soon be a demon herself.
Suspenseful and vividly imagined, The Cold Is in Her Bones is a novel about the dark, reverberating power of pain, the yearning to be seen and understood, and the fragile optimism of love.
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