Early Book Review: Picturing Joy: Stories of Connection by George Lange

Picturing Joy: Stories of Connection by George Lange is a guide to Lange’s approach to life as well as the highlights of his career. It is currently scheduled for release on November 7 2023. This optical and optimistic book captures his curiosity, energy, and enthusiasm for people and photography. It also distills wisdom gleaned from a lifelong search for quotidian beauty that might otherwise go unnoticed. Through intimate stories and more than eighty photos, Picturing Joy invites readers to appreciate life with all their senses and to change their perspective by being open to new things.

Picturing Joy is a lovely coffee table book that offers stories and photographs from Lange's career and life. Some of the people he has had the opportunity to work with, and the amazing shots he has taken are wonderful to read about and enjoy. I was glad that he included stories for the celebrates that he did, but that he also included 'normal' folks and lesser known individuals in the book. I love that he also included information on why and how he does this job, and offers encouragement and tips for others to follow their own path. I think aspiring photographers, and those just starting out or interested in the field will get the most out of this book. 

Book Review: The Library of Shadows by Rachel Moore

The Library of Shadows by Rachel Moore is a young adult paranormal mystery. Radcliffe Prep is the third most haunted school in the country. A student disappearance isn’t uncommon and no one dares stay in the library after dark. And Este Logano enrolls with the hopes of finding her dead father. Not literally, of course. She doesn’t believe in ghosts. Going to her dad’s school just seems like her best hope at figuring out who he was. But then Este meets Mateo, who is maybe—probably—definitely—a real ghost. And an annoying one at that. When Mateo frames Este for the theft of a rare book from the library’s secret spire and then vanishes, Este will have to track him down or risk being expelled and leaving Radcliffe early just like her father did. Except following her father’s footsteps might be more dangerous than Este ever anticipated. As she investigates the library with its secret passageways, hidden tunnels, and haunted halls, she learns that the student disappearances aren’t just myth. And if she isn’t careful, she’ll be next.

The Library of Shadows is an interesting read. I liked getting to know Este, and thought her thoughts and behaviors were realistic, and I could relate to some of her efforts to stay unconnected to those around her. Her struggles to do everything herself, and do the best she can were completely on point for me. Mateo, the mystery of the book, and her father's connect to it all were revealed in a slow but steady pace, and I think that was done very well. I will admit that I saw certain reveals and aspects of the story coming, but the ride was worth it. I do have to admit that at some point I started to drift from the story, but that could completely be blamed on a busy life and could very well have nothing to do with the read. However, I felt like there was just a little bit of a lull in the story, but it picked back up for the ending. 

The Library of Shadows is an engaging read with a nice balance of mystery, ghosts, and romance.

Early Book Review: Anatomical Oddities: The Otherworldly Realms Hidden within Our Bodies by Alice Roberts

Anatomical Oddities: The Otherworldly Realms Hidden within Our Bodies by Alice Roberts is currently scheduled for release on November 7 2023. Every part of the human body has a name—and story. But how familiar are you with your arachnoid mater or your Haversian canals? Anatomical Oddities explores the less-familiar realms of the body, unveiling the mysteries etched into the most outlandish landscapes hidden inside all of us: our crypts and caverns, gorges, islets, and mountains. Along the way, it dips into the history of our relationship with our physical form and the discoveries that paved the way for modern anatomy and medicine. Quirky, bizarre, and beautiful, these pages feature original artworks by Alice Roberts. The stunning, full-color illustrations lay bare the intricate details of the human body, the stories of people who unearthed its secrets, and the meanings of the words we use to describe it.

Anatomical Oddities is a fascinating read, and I am very glad that I requested it on Netgalley. I thought the page long sections on each body feature was just enough information to keep readers engaged, interested, and learning. I found the text to be accessible, with a conversational tone and sense of humor that balanced the more scientific and technical aspects of the topic. I thought the matching images were very well done, and gave context to the text. It was well written, and readers can feel the expertise and knowledge that has gone into crafting the book. The only thing I could have asked for is a bibliography or suggestions for further reading for those that would like to explore anatomy or the entomology of the related language further.  I really enjoyed the entomology for the terms, and learning more about the human body, and how bizarrely wonderful it is. 

Early Book Review: unOrdinary (Volume 1) by uru-chan

unOrdinary (Volume 1) by uru-chan is currently scheduled for release on November 7 2023. From WEBTOON, the #1 digital comic platform, comes unOrdinary, the popular, action-packed series about John, an ordinary teen trying to survive high school in a world where superpowers dictate social status, and betrayal and conspiracies make up every turn. Nobody pays much attention to John – just a normal teenager at a high school where the social elite happen to possess unthinkable powers and abilities. John prefers it that way. The more he stays under the radar, and stays close to the Royal’s most powerful Ace, Seraphina, the safer he is in the halls of Wellston High. But John has a secret past that threatens to bring down the school’s whole social order—and much more. And when the other students start to suspect John has something to hide, he becomes their latest target. Suddenly, John is pulled into a world of turf wars, betrayals, and deadly conspiracies. 

unOrdinary is an enjoyable and engaging read. I liked that hints to the personalities and secrets of many characters were given, and there is clearly more going on in the background of the story than the author is sharing with readers thus far. John and those in the story are all so much more than they appear. There are several storylines and important characters that have been well developed, and while there is so much going on the strength of the writing and flow does not suffer for it- which sometimes happens when there are this many threads to follow. I feel like there is a great deal of foreshadowing, and I have many ideas where certain parts of the story might go next, but there are so many story threads that I am doubting myself. My only complaint with this volume is that it ends at the perfect spot. I felt like I had a decent handle on who everyone was and that something big was coming, and then it was over. Perfect way to leave me looking for the next volume- and to explore WEBTOON more. 

Audiobook Review: Stray Shadow: Oh Sh*t! Wrong Side of Heaven! (Arachnomancer) by Dustin Tigner, Narrated by Qarie Marshall

Stray Shadow: Oh Sh*t! Wrong Side of Heaven! is the second book in the Arachnomancer series by Dustin Tigner, audiobook narrated by Qarie Marshall. This is very much a series that needs to be read, or listened to in order. 

Heaven sucks. It most definitely, undeniably did not live up to the expectation of a paradise in the clouds, not with the talking spiders, evil priests of Light, and war, lots of war. Those of Light simply wouldn’t leave the fledgling village—Dedu Tedu Novus—alone. Peace was not on the menu. The seven declarations of war made that point crystal clear. Worse, in a series of unfortunate and escalating events, our stray King of Shadows finds himself where he really ought not to be. But maybe . . . this is a good thing? Probably not. Dhane, Dhane, Dhane, what ever will you do next? Uncover forgotten truths? Form alliances with monsters? Take a stroll in the most dangerous places a Shadow can be? Probably.

Stray Shadow is just as much fun, and as full or danger and angst, as the first book in the series. Dhane is coming into his own more, leaning into his responsibilities, abilities, and role in the larger picture. I liked getting to see some of my favorite characters from the first book make an appearance, and I look forward to how the story will continue. There is constant and consistent world building, and character building. It is exciting seeing all the thread get woven together and towards a bigger conclusion. I think my biggest complaint is that I listened to a companion book for a secondary character, that took place before the action of Dhane's first book. They have had moments in both of Dhane's book, and there is clearly so much more to their story (which I want desperately) but see no coming books for them, instead I see another companion book for another character coming. Do not get me wrong, I will be reading that one too- but I need some loose ends tied up and some questions answered for Sarah. 

Stray Shadow is a superb follow up to Wrong Divinity. This series, and related companion books, is my new obsession. 

Book Review: Let's Just Be Friends by Katy Turner

Let's Just Be Friends by Katy Turner is a contemporary romance.  Right person, wrong time? Or better off as friends? Holly Anderson needs to decide. Cheerful and confident veterinarian Holly doesn’t do flings. Falling in love is not in her five-year plan. Moving her entire life out of London to a fishing village in the Scottish Highlands is definitely not part of her plan. But then Holly’s life is turned upside down. She finds herself in tiny Eastercraig, where a run-down surgery, a gorgeous seaside home and two immediate new friends await. She has barely arrived when a tipsy Greg Dunbar lets himself into her cottage in the middle of the night. Greg is only back in Eastercraig to discuss the future of the family farm with his stubborn brother. He doesn’t know that Holly has moved in. Neither of them is looking for romance. They should just be friends, right?

Let's Just Be Friends is a romance with several layers. Going in I thought I would just be getting Holly and Greg's love story. Instead I get a story about Holly finding her place, making new friends, and figuring out life in a small Scottish town. The story visits several character's view points, and I thought the story line was great, and I loved getting to know the secondary characters and their stories so well. My only real complaint is that there was so much going on, so many stories to be told, that it sometimes felt like too much. I think the stories of Holly and her friends could easily have been divided into three books, giving readers more time to get to know each character much better. Since there was so much story I felt like any one character or part of the story got the depth and detail that they deserved. I felt like there are a lot or great moments and details to the story of Eastercraig and its residents that just did not make it to the page, and I will be keeping an eye on the author to see if more of it gets told.

Let's Just Be Friends is an engaging read with great characters. 

Early Book Review: Finding My Elf by David Valdes

Finding My Elf by David Valdes is a young to new adult romance currently scheduled for release on November 7 2023. Escaping to NYU for college didn’t turn out the way Cameron planned—he’s flunking his theater classes, about to lose his scholarship, and he still hasn’t found anyone he can call his “people.” When he gets home for winter break, he’s so desperate to avoid a Conversation with his dad that he takes the first acting job he can get—as a mall elf. Despite how Scroogey he feels, the plus side is that there’s a cash prize for the most festive of Santa’s helpers. But the competition is fierce—especially from fellow elf Marco. Christmas spirit oozes out of his veins. At first Cam is determined to see him as nothing but a rival, but as they spend more time together, Cam starts to second-guess himself. What if he’s finally found his people here—in the fakest consumerist nightmare place on Earth, where he least expected it?

Finding My Elf is a book that is as much about finding romance as it is figuring yourself out. I think it also hold the great reminder, that even the people you think have it all figured out are struggling too, and that being true to the people that matter is much more important that what anyone else thinks of you (which you might have wrong any way). I felt for Cameron a great deal, even when he made mistakes that I felt were realistic for someone their age and struggling to find their place. I adored Marco, and saw the basic trajectory of the story coming from the start, but I loved the ride. I thought the depth given to the secondary characters was great, making no character all bad or good- just human with concerns, flaws, and issues that they need to figure out. I really enjoyed this read and will be on the lookout for more from the author. 

Finding My Elf is a a romance that many readers will be able o relate to on some level while getting into the holiday spirit. 

Early Book Review: Tying the Knot with an Amagami Sister (Volume 1) by Marcey Naito

Tying the Knot with an Amagami Sister (Volume 1) by Marcey Naito is a manga style graphic novel currently scheduled for release on October 17 2023. Uryu Kamihate has had a rough start to life, but plans to forget it all by achieving his dream -- matriculating into medical school. But when he arrives at his new foster home, a working shrine, his dream of a quiet place to study goes up in smoke. Not only will he be living with three beautiful, lively Amagami sisters -- but he learns that he must marry one of them and take over the shrine!

Tying the Knot with an Amagami Sister is a fun story. It is very well drawn, and I think the artwork and the story work together well. I had a few moments when reading that I was confused. I have watched a decent amount of anime and read a good deal of manga, and I had trouble figuring out what direction this story was going to go in- and honestly I still do not know. I thought the basics of the characters are all developed and there, same with several layers of set up. There are a lot of ways this story can go. It can get in to the spiritual aspects of shrines and beliefs, into Uryu finding his own path and succeeding, or a very complicated romance with one or three girls. In fact the story had all of these elements in it, and it could take all, one, or none of these paths. I enjoyed the book while reading, and this it will be interesting to see what happens next.

Book Review: Otherworldly Izakaya Nobu (Volume 1) by Natsuya Semikawa, Virginia Nitouhei

Otherworldly Izakaya Nobu (Volume 1) is a manga style graphic novel written by Natsuya Semikawa, with art by Virginia Nitouhei. A Japanese style pub called “Nobu” exists in a back alley of the fictional medieval European city of Eiteriach. Its customers? A pair of slacker soldiers, a spoiled heiress, an uptight tax collector, and more. When the citizens of this strange world sit down to enjoy some unfamiliar Japanese cuisine, their troubles simply melt away. The curtain rises on this otherworldly eatery and the gourmet fantasy about to unfold within!

Otherworldly Izakaya Nobu is a well drawn and fun read. It is light hearted and quick to read. There was a good variety of characters, and I liked the undercurrent of mystery. Just where did this shop come from, and how do they get their ingredients? There is good character description and development for the each member of the rotating cast. We get deep insights into a cast of very different characters, more than you might expect in such short chapters.  I look forward to more from this series, because I want to know more about the pub, its two person staff, and its regular patrons. 

Book Review: Time to Shine by Rachel Reid

Time to Shine by Rachel Reid is not part of her Game Changer series, it is a more cozy hockey romance. For Landon Stackhouse, being called up from the Calgary farm team is exciting and terrifying, even if, as the backup goalie, he rarely leaves the bench. A quiet loner by nature, Landon knows he gives off strong “don’t talk to me” vibes. The only player who doesn’t seem to notice is Calgary’s superstar young winger, Casey Hicks. Casey treats Landon like an old friend, even though they’ve only interacted briefly in the past. He’s endlessly charming and completely laid-back in a way that Landon absolutely can’t relate to. They couldn’t have less in common, but Landon needs a place to live that’s not a hotel room and Casey has just bought a massive house—and hates being alone. As roommates, Casey refuses to be defeated by Landon’s one-word answers. As friends, Landon comes to notice a few things about Casey, like his wide, easy smile and sparkling green-blue eyes. Spending the holidays together only intensifies their bromance-turned-romance. But as the new year approaches, the countdown to the end of Landon’s time in Calgary is on.

Time to Shine is much more of a sweet or cozy read that I usually get with Reid. The heat is still there, as is the complexity of the major players, but worries about homophobia or larger complications to their relationship outside themselves does not really come into play. The only this this book lacks in comparison with books from that series is the deeper understanding of the team, its dynamics, and its other players. I love that Landon and Casey each have their own issues, and have a healthy dose of self awareness. I have to admit that Landon's biggest fault is one I share- the difficulty in talking about and unpacking the big feelings. Of course, if he was better at that there would have been very little delay or conflict with this couple. It was nice to see Reid do something a little different, but still very much in her wheelhouse. She continues to be a must read author for me. 

Time to Shine is a sweet, fun read with doses of heat.

Book Review: Safe and Sound: A Renter-Friendly Guide to Home Repair by Mercury Stardust

Safe and Sound: A Renter-Friendly Guide to Home Repair by Mercury Stardust is a nonfiction resource. For too many people, the simple act of contacting a plumber or repair person can feel like a game of chance. As a transwoman and a professional maintenance technician, Mercury Stardust has discovered (the hard way) that we live in a world with much to fear. If you've ever felt panicked about opening your home to strangers in order to fix a maintenance issue, this book is for you. Renting a home can be a complex process—from finding a safe and affordable space, to hiring help for moving in and out, and of course, managing any repairs that come up during your stay. You deserve to feel empowered to take matters into your own hands—and it’s not as hard as you might think. In this book, Mercury will show you how to tackle the projects that need improvement in your home—from how to properly fix a clog in your bathroom sink and safely hang things on your walls to patching small and medium drywall holes. Remember—a little bit of knowledge can go a long way toward making you feel more safe and in control of your own life.

Safe and Sound is a great resource for renters, that have rules and conditions that they need to follow in their lease. The book offers useful information about renters rights, as well as support and encouragement that readers can do new and challenging things. I found the text to be well written, easy to follow, and strangely comforting. I loved the gentle tone of the writing, and the space for emotional resets.  I have followed Mercury Stardust on Instagram for awhile, and I was thrilled to get a copy of this book via NetGalley. I have always leaned towards trying to fix the little problems in my apartments, now house, myself and this is resource I wish I had back when I first was on my own. I think that homeowners who would rather tackle the doable repairs themselves rather than invite other people into their space unless they have to could get a great deal from this book as well, even if apartment hunting and all they trials that go with it are not something they need. 

Safe and Sound is a well written and valuable resource for renters, and a good book to have on hand for anyone that might need to deal with a household emergency. I will be buying copies of this book for all the young adults in my extended family when they are ready to strike out on their own.

Book Review: Rebel at Heart (Kincaid Brothers) by Zoe York

Rebel at Heart by Zoe York is the final novel in the Kincaid Brothers. I have read some, but not all of the previous books, and I think they all stand fine on their own, but returning readers will get a kick out of seeing old favorites pop up.

Monica Fischer needs to make things right with the man who was her husband for two short, beautiful weeks. Before she lied and told him it was a mistake. But making things right means crossing the continent to find him and tell him that actually, no, her father’s high-priced attorneys didn’t successfully get them an annulment, and now they need a divorce. Josh Kincaid left his heart and his patience in California, three years ago. Now he’s trying to make a living as a small town mechanic. The last person he expects to show up on his doorstep is his wife. Ex-wife. Whatever. But demanding she leaves—immediately, without speaking to anyone in his hometown—doesn’t work. A spring snowstorm traps them together, and forces them to confront their lingering resentment, inconvenient longing, and some painful truths.

Rebel at Heart is a second chance romance that skirts around the things in that sub genre that usually don't work for me. We got to see the entire relationship with flashback that work well in the story, rather than feeling jarring which sometimes happens. I liked both Monica and Josh as characters and was glad to see Josh get his happy ending. The book hit a nice balance between them getting to know each other again and handling feelings, although I would have liked it if they spoke about the issues more, and earlier, rather than just stewing in their own hurt and fear. But, if they did that the book would have been much shorter. I enjoyed the tiny slice of small town you get in the story, but I feel like there was much less of that in this book than in the previous books in the series. I also liked the family and support system that was hinted at, but again that was less evident to those that might have not read the other books and know how much the brothers support each other. 

Rebel at Heart is an engaging and entertaining read. A must read for fans of the author and series, and enjoyable for everyone. 

Early Audiobook Review: After the Forest by Kell Woods, Narrated by Esther Wane

After the Forest by Kell Woods, with the audiobook narrated by Esther Wane, is currently scheduled for release on October 3 2023. Twenty years after the witch in the gingerbread house, Greta and Hans are struggling to get by. Their mother and stepmother are long dead, Hans is deeply in debt from gambling, and the countryside lies in ruin, its people starving in the aftermath of a brutal war. Greta has a secret, though: the witch's grimoire, secreted away and whispering in Greta's ear for the past two decades, and the recipe inside that makes the best gingerbread you've ever tasted. As long as she can bake, Greta can keep her small family afloat. But in a village full of superstition, Greta and her mysteriously addictive gingerbread, not to mention the rumors about her childhood misadventures, is a source of gossip and suspicion. And now, dark magic is returning to the woods and Greta's magic—magic she is still trying to understand—may be the only thing that can save her. If it doesn't kill her first.

After the Forest takes a unique look at several fairy tales, and ties the together. I have seen this done before, but not with this particular set of tales or quite so thoroughly. I liked getting to see Greta and Hans grown up (for the most part) and how their lives have continued on, and how life has progressed for the poor people struggling to survive. I liked the blend of real life, struggle, and magic. I thought the characters were well built, and while I often disagreed with their choices or words, I fully understood what they took that path. There were some moments that I thought Greta was far too naïve or overlooking what I thought was obvious, but I have to admit that the ride was quite the adventure. I was emotionally invested as I listened, and even when it was over I found myself thinking about the story and the characters. I would definitely read a follow up book about what comes next for several sets of characters. 

After the Forest is a engaging and entertaining read that ties together a collection of classic fairy tales in a new way, with a different look at 'ever after'. 

Audiobook Review: Wrong Divinity: Oh Sh*t! I F*cking Hate Spiders! by Dustin Tigner, Narrated by Qarie Marshall; Reba Buhr

Wrong Divinity: Oh Sh*t! I F*cking Hate Spiders! by Dustin Tigner is narrated by Qarie Marshall and Reba Buhr. It is the start of a new GameLit series that balances comedy with serious themes. It's an isekai—a portal fantasy—to the spirit realm. Join Dhane, our underdog, as he explores his new world, a world full of unique characters, RPG mechanics, and spiders—ugly, terrifying spiders—while he learns what it means to be an Arachnomancer.

Dhane kicked the bucket in spectacular fashion, every bone crushed, every organ popped against the full force of a 40-ton garbage truck speeding through a red light. The only part of him intact—whole—entirely unaffected by the grisly affair was his soul. Souls are durable things, you see, like kids: they bounce. And bounce he did, into the abyss between worlds, drifting until one excited soul watcher fished him out and found him a new home, a heaven for gamers and nerds and everything in between. It was all he could have ever wanted in the afterlife, down to choosing his class, killing mobs, and exploring a beautiful fantasy world chock full of mysteries yet to be discovered. At least…it would have been those things if that first day had gone a little tiny bit differently. Instead, he now finds himself locked in the middle of an eternal conflict between Light and Shadow—humans and monsters—potentially being the enemy to all.

Wrong Divinity is a fun and entertaining listen. I enjoyed Dhane's voice and personality, and hope I would be half so entertaining in his place. I thought the world building was well done, and followed the rules of most online sand table top games so that anyone with a basic understanding or enjoyment of either could really enjoy hat aspect of the story without leaving those with a less than extensive knowledge lost since explanations are made well and brief. I was quickly drawn into Dhanes drama, eager to see how everything paned out for him. Even after finishing the listen I am left hoping to dig into the next installment so I can see how everything works out. I thought the narrators did a great job with the book, but I think that most listeners will find their attention drifting during some of the stat building stuff, which I find much easier to tackle on paper. There is a PDF with that information for those looking to delve in.  My only real complaint is that while I enjoyed Dhane's character and some of his creative cursing, that was one phrase- that while it made me smile the first time- I found to be used way too often and started to get annoying by the end of the book. I think if there had been one other phase so that they alternated that would have made me happier. However, that was my biggest complaint and I greatly enjoyed the listen on several levels. I think there is a great audience for this style and subject and that they will enjoy the series. 

Book Review: Grave Suspicions (Lavington Windsor Mysteries) by Alice James

Grave Suspicions by Alice James is the third book in the Lavington Windsor Mystery series. I thought I had read at least one of the two previous books, but I have not. Thankfully I have read enough of this sub genre of books that I was able to figure out most of the important bits quickly.

Estate agent by day, necromancer by night, and reluctant amateur sleuth when bullied into it Toni Windsor is already juggling life and now she has to find out who clubbed a Cornish cheese millionaire to death while he was alone in a locked room. And her diary was already full. She’s trying to keep the peace between vampire courts, a fistful of demonic contracts have just landed on her lap and – no surprise – her love life still isn’t looking great even though she’s finally dating someone who isn’t dead. Can’t a girl catch a break?

Grave Suspicions is an enjoyable and engaging read. When I started the book I thought I had certainly read the first book in the series, simply because this is right up my ally, but I must have some how missed the first two books at some point, which is something I will now have to rectify. The book is balanced well between snarky humor, trying to figure out several mysteries and problems at one, and Toni just trying to figure out exactly who she is and what she want. There is fun, danger, sexy times, and character growth all woven together. If you have read the first two books, then don't stop now. If you have not read the other books I do suggest starting at the beginning (I wish I had) so that you don't have the earlier surprises ruined for you. I am going back to read the first two books now- and I look forward to seeing how Toni got to the point where I met her in this book. 

Grave Suspicions is a fun read with plenty of mystery, shenanigans, and some sexy times.

Book Review: The Cutting Edge (St. Pete Slashers) by Lisa Daily

The Cutting Edge by Lisa Daily is the first book in the St. Pete Slashers series. Logan Rivers is a star pro hockey player for the St. Pete Slashers -- and he's in a slump. He hasn’t scored in 3 games and it’s starting to freak him out. Enter Olympic figure skater Coco, who strikes a deal with an assistant coach to be Logan's lucky charm to pay off her training expenses. Sparks fly and everything is looking up for both of them. She’s almost got her debt paid off and the Slashers are on a winning streak. There's only one problem: she doesn’t know how to tell Logan she’s been lying to him the whole time. If she can just keep her secret until the playoffs are over.

The Cutting Edge started off strong and I thought it had a lot of potential. I liked Coco and her friends and could appreciate Logan's character. I loved his daughter, although I felt like more could have been done with her character. I liked the characters, thought the set up was neat, but once they added the 'conflict' I started to lose interest and some of the shine started to wear off for me. There were some moments that felt really out of character for both Coco and Logan, and about half way though the story I started to lose interested in how things were going to come together. I was looking for more information on how Coco's sick neighbor was doing, and the lives of the secondary characters more than our main players. 

The Cutting Edge started off great and had a lot of potential. I still think I'll give the next book in the series a try.

Early Book Review: Shitty Craft Club: A Club for Gluing Beads to Trash, Talking about Our Feelings, and Making Silly Things by Sam Reece

Shitty Craft Club: A Club for Gluing Beads to Trash, Talking about Our Feelings, and Making Silly Things by Sam Reece is currently scheduled for release on September 19 2023. Did you know that you are a glorious and incredible artist? Wait, really? Well, you are. Shitty Craft Club gives you permission to have fun and be as weird, wild, and wonderful as you want to be. It’s about trying your best, not perfection. With step-by-step instructions and funny, deeply relatable tales from her life, Sam Reece, founder of the Shitty Craft Club movement, hilariously guides you through dozens of projects. Making a bunch of pom-poms so you can be your own cheerleader? That’s a craft. Sculpting a rhinestone shrimp out of aluminum foil and a glue gun? A craft. Having literally one sip of water (congrats, by the way)? Yup, you bet—a craft. Because life is hard. So why not spend a bit of time gluing some trash to more trash if it makes you happy?

Shitty Craft Club is a fun and enjoyable read. Are the crafts in the book my style? Nope, but I think that is kind of the reason I read this book. The encouragement to craft things just because it is fun and you deserve to do something you enjoy is fantastic. I have been doing different types of arts and crafts all my life, and I admit to falling into the trap of needing things to be just right or as close to perfect as possible before letting it been seen. Making myself a trophy for getting through the week might have sounded silly before, but maybe that is just the reward I need. Not the final result necessarily, but the making and doing of the craft for no good reason other than I want to and can is something we could all stand to do a little more, especially when (hot glue gun burns and clean up aside) there is no harm or downside in giving yourself the space to do this type of thing. I thought the authors voice was very honest and funny, making this book a joy to read. The emphasis on being health and happy, and working with sustainable and recycled supplies was an added bonus. I think this book is a great read for crafters and perfectionists of all kinds, and is definitely worth the read. 

Book Review: Our Satyr Prince (Myth Shifters) by Dylan Drakes

Our Satyr Prince is the first book in the Myth Shifters series by Dylan Drakes. It is a spicy queer fantasy inspired by Ancient Greece.

Aurelius Savair, twenty-one, can have any man he wants. Disinherited for his deviant lifestyle, the former heir to the throne of Mestibes has schemed and screwed his way back to prominence. But it isn’t enough – he yearns for the power that was stolen from him. Suddenly, an opportunity comes to get it. War is looming, and the only man who can save his city is Calix Viralis, the mysterious crown prince of Ardora, the distant land of passion. Now, Aurelius must put his skills of seduction to the test. But in doing so, he will uncover Calix’s monstrous secret. And discover that his own ashen heart can burn once more. Teigra Cosmin, eighteen, is living a wasted life. The best pegasus rider in Mestibes' history, she has been reduced to a groveling bachelorette by her power-hungry mother. Worse, she is plagued by the life-destroying mistake that she can never allow herself to forget. But all this changes when she is sent with her cousin, Aurelius, on a dangerous mission. Now, she must take control of her own destiny, and make the soul-wrenching decision between saving her family’s legacy, or the powerful woman who fills her with forbidden desire.

Our Satyr Prince is a multilayered book that I both loved and sometimes dreaded. The characters were very well developed and the story was full of twists and turns. I felt for the major players, and was greatly effected by their struggles. Several times I could see the bad things coming, and wanted to warn the characters only to be heart broken and fearful of the future right along with them. This is an engaging and entertaining read. However, I also found it to be a very emotional read, and if you are not in the right head space for that I just might hit you hard. With all that out of the way, I have always been a big fan of mythology and I loved the take on the creation and powers of the mythological creatures here. It was well thought out, planned, and executed.  I thought the world building and character development was well paced, and had me eager for more despite the emotional trauma. There is a good deal of sexual tension and interaction, as the blurb and all other promotions for this book state, so if you are not open to that (or looking for that) you might want to tread lightly. 

Our Satyr Prince is a well written and engaging read that hit a lot of great notes. I will be looking to read the second book, but only after a few light and fluffy books to give my poor heart some time to rest. 

Book Review: A Degree to Die For (University Police) by Karis Walsh

A Degree to Die For by Karis Walsh is a contemporary romance and the second book in the University Police series. I did not read the first book in the series, and spent a good portion of the book trying to figure out if I had. I was still able to enjoy this read, but I thing returning readers will enjoy the seeing the returning characters.

Tig Weston’s beloved classics department is evolving, expanding its course offerings to entice a new and more diverse generation of students. Not everyone is willing to accept these changes, though. Tempers flare, and when the body of a prestigious alum turns up outside Denny Hall, Tig doubts she can bring her department through the crisis. Sergeant Adriana Kent always pictured classical scholars as tweedy bookworms, but suddenly her campus police officers are being called to Denny on a near-daily basis. Arguments in the halls, threatening emails, and even a fistfight, for God’s sake. What should have been the most sedate department on campus seems to be going through a volatile transformation. And the most visible proponent of that transformation? The decidedly unstuffy and very sexy Professor Antigone Weston. Kent and Tig seem to be on opposing sides in this battle until the stakes become more personal. But before they can even think about a future together, they’ll need to fight to protect the campus from a killer.

A Degree to Die For is balanced well between the romance and mystery. The two are wound together well, and it never felt like to different aspects of the story were at odds. I enjoyed the secondary characters and setting a great deal, and while some seemed familiar, and I spent a good amount of time trying to remember if I had read the first book in the series, the circle of friends is one I would love to be a part of. I thought the development of the relationship between Tig and Kent was well done. Some readers might not like that we got different points of view through the book, but I found knowing why certain decisions were made and perceptions of more than just Tig and Kent brought everything into focus. I will say that I had figured out the big bad fairly early on, but I still enjoyed the ride as everyone one in the book worked their way to the same answer. 

A Degree to Die For is an engaging read, and I look forward to what might happen next.

Early Book Review: The Thrifty Baker: Shop, Bake & Eat on a Budget by Hermine Dossou

The Thrifty Baker: Shop, Bake & Eat on a Budget by Hermine Dossou is currently scheduled for release on September 12 2023. It offers readers sixty five delicious, affordable and impressive recipes, complete with gluten-free options, plus advice, tips and hacks covering many areas of shopping, baking and cooking in general. Filled with clever ideas and useful features, the book is written with a realism and empathy that comes from the heart, from a lived experience. It isn’t just a book of great recipes, but an essential manual for anyone baking today.

The Thrifty Baker: Shop, Bake & Eat on a Budget is a well written and informative cookbook. I loved the honest and real tone of the book, and the focus on not just cost but reducing waste. I thought the introduction with instructions on how to make things like your own muffin liners and piping bags was great, and the information on tools and ingredients are things that I might have known but those just starting out on their own are not likely to even think about in advance. I also appreciated that each recipe included all measurement systems- so everyone can use this book without having to do conversions. As someone that is always looking to do my baking in the most efficient way, both cost and time wise, I found all the information about the best use of the baking time and multitasking to limit waste of ingredients and energy to be helpful. I really loved that while there is a wide variety of recipes, most are ones that appeal to me and my family and normal life. Yes there are fancy items, but there are also hot dog pretzels and mug cakes- which my teenagers would love and can help make. I think this is a great book for bakers that are looking to learn, are looking to conserve, and just want to eat well with limited funds and waste. 

The Thrifty Baker: Shop, Bake & Eat on a Budget is a cookbook that I just might be looking to squeeze into my overcrowded bookcase. If not, it is one I will be borrowing from the library to re read and make great use of.