Book Review: Modular Crochet: The Revolutionary Method for Creating Custom-Designed Pullovers by Judith Copeland

Modular Crochet: The Revolutionary Method for Creating Custom-Designed Pullovers by Judith Copeland is a reprint of a crochet book from 1978. This book shows basic crachet technigues with plenty of detailed photographs to demonstrate how to crochet clothing using modular crochet techniques. The garments are worked in the same basic shape, which consists of eight modules, or rectangles. Yarn, color, size, and stitches used can turn the basic format into a variety of finished projects.

Modular Crochet is a technique that I have never really used, having taught myself to crochet via internet instructions and a few fantastic books while I was pregnant with my oldest child (who is just shy of 9). The idea is sound, and has been around for awhile, since this is a republication. I have to admit that I am intrigued and might be testing out the method when I finish up my current project. The technique is described well, and the photographs used do a good job of illustrating the technique. However, I will admit that I found the book to be dated, which is not completely unexpected. I think anyone that has the basic crochet stitches mastered, but is still intimidated by patterns and clothing could use this book to help master freeform or improvisational crochet. Not a bad guide, but definitely dated, although I guess we could just call it retro?

Modular Crochet is a well done guide, and would be useful to those wanting to try making clothing without using a prewritten pattern. The diagrams, instructions, and photographs work together to explain everything very well. My only complaint is that the book does not seem to be updated from the 1978 version in this publication.

Book Review: Wicked Business by Janet Evanovich

Wicked Business by Janet Evanovich is the second book in the Lizzy and Diesel series. Lizzy Tucker's once normal life as a pastry chef in Salem, Massachusetts, turns upside down as she battles both sinister forces and an inconvenient attraction to her unnaturally talented but off-limits partner, Diesel. When Harvard University English professor and dyed-in-the-wool romantic Gilbert Reedy is mysteriously murdered and thrown off his fourth-floor balcony, Lizzy and Diesel take up his twenty-year quest for the Luxuria Stone, an ancient relic believed by some to be infused with the power of lust.Diesel's black sheep cousin, Gerwulf Grimoire, also wants the Stone. His motives are far from pure, and what he plans on doing with the treasure, no one knows. Never far and always watching, Grimoire has a growing, vested interest in the cupcake-baker-turned-finder-of-lost-things. As does another dangerous and dark opponent in the hunt, a devotee of lawlessness and chaos, known only as Anarchy. Treasures will be sought, and the power of lust will be unmistakable as Lizzy and Diesel attempt to stay ahead of Anarchy, Grimoire, and his medieval minion, Hatchet, in this ancient game of twisted riddles and high-stakes hide-and-seek.

Wicked Business is a good follow up to Wicked Appetite. Lizzy is a little more comfortable with the idea of being an 'Unmentionable', and the characters have mostly been introduced and fleshed out enough that they feel like old friends. Lizzy and Diesel are on the hunt, following a series of clues. However in this round the stakes seem to be higher, and the danger level certainly is. Lizzy's boss and co-worker are both players in this round, and Glo's misfiring attempts at magic made me laugh out loud a few times. Hatchet is a combination of humorous and scary weird, and Wulf has me doubting his nefarious intentions on several occasions, and Diesel's flirty is getting much more obvious. The mystery and scavenger hunt part of the story leaves some questions unanswered, which was a little annoying, but was well done.

Wicked Business is exactly what I was expecting. It was a fun, fluffy read with a good about of humor and unfulfilled flirtation and lust. A sweet weekend read that has me looking for my copy of the third book, Wicked Charms (which is waiting for my attention on my Kindle with many other books). 

Book Review: No Yeti Yet by Mary Ann Fraser

No Yeti Yet is a picturebook by Mary Ann Fraser. It's a snowy, blowy, wintry day which one big brother thinks is just perfect for a yeti hunt! The younger brother is not as convinced and his questions abound. Have you ever seen a yeti? Is a yeti strong? Can a yeti run fast? The big brother’s answers and the readers search for the yeti make the book interactive and enjoyable.

No Yeti Yet is a fun and entertaining story. I love how the older brother is attempting to ‘teach’ his younger brother while also appearing to be smarter and stronger than he might actually feel. This feels very true for sibling relationships, older siblings always want to be more or better than their younger siblings- even when it is with good intentions. I really liked how each page has a hidden yeti that readers can enjoy searching for and finding. A hunt for the brothers and readers alike. The younger brother proves himself stronger and more observant than his older brother, and there is a happy ending for the brothers and yeti alike.

No Yeti Yet is an entertain interactive picture book that will delight readers. Readers that enjoy seek and finds will enjoy hunting for the yeti on each page, and the idea of searching for the signs of him in the landscape. The sibling relationship and trek through the snow will capture the imagination of most readers, and the artwork is a perfect pairing with the story and its mood. 

Early Book Review: The Highlander's Bride by Amanda Forester

The Highlander's Bride is the first book in the Highland Trouble series by Amanda Forester. It is currently scheduled for release on September 1 2015. After years of fighting in France, Sir Gavin Patrick longs for his Scottish home and for an easier life off the battlefield. However, laden with a massive treasure to transport and Lady Marie Colette, a sharp-tongued French heiress, Gavin realizes that the real battle is only beginning. Colette expects a painless trip as Gavin transports her to her Highland fiancé, but their relationship takes an unexpected turn and more complication arrive at every turn.

The Highlander's Bride is a story of characters that are complicated and more than they seem. Colette has been trained to conceal her emotions and to be the perfect lady. She wants nothing more than to serve her people and to taste freedom. She is not thrilled with journeying to a foreign land to marry an older stranger, but knowing her family and people will be safer with her playing her part as a pawn makes her determined to go through with it. However, she does not want to leave her inheritance from her mother behind. Gavin is a practical man, and the amount of luggage Colette brings with her leaves the crew in danger of thieves and the English soldiers that are causing most of the trouble in the region. Adding an injured baby and a group of orphans to the mix, as well as danger at every turn, make the long journey from France to Scotland even more challenging. The attraction between the stoic Colette and the pragmatic but chivalrous Gavin is constant and they struggle against it, and themselves, while trying to be the best people they can. There is plenty of prayer and mention of doing the right thing, but it is true to character so it does not stand out as an awkward addition to the story like it often does in some stories. I fully expected some of the twists and turns, but they were so well done that I did not care. I fell in love with Colette and the orphans, and thought that Gavin was pretty much the perfect guy, almost too perfect.

The Highlander's Bride is  a wonderful example of historical romance with great characters. I enjoyed the people and their story. I might not be a big fan of religion in my romance, but the prayer and piety of the characters was so much a part of them that it did not jar me out of the story like it often can. It was well done all around. 

Early Book Review: The Rogue You Know by Shana Galen

The Rogue You Know is the second book in the Covent Garden Cubs series by Shana Galen. This historical romance is currently scheduled for release on September 1 2015. I do not remember reading the first book in the series, but did not feel lost in the story because of that lack. Gideon Harrow has spent his life in London's dark underworld-and he wants out. He plans one last heist to finally win his freedom. When everything goes wrong, he finds himself at the tender mercies of Lady Susanna Derring. Susanna has spent her life under the thumb of a domineering mother, and she wants out. When wickedly charming Gideon lands at her feet, she jumps at the chance to experience life before it's too late. But as she descends into London's underworld, she finds that nothing is as it seems. Excitement quickly turns to danger and  Susanna must decide what price she's willing to pay.

The Rogue You Know is a very nice example of fun and action in a historical romance. Susanna is naive, but also smart and great at getting in and out of trouble. Gideon is a thief, but has the expected good heart of the hero of a romance. The pair has some grand adventures, hiding from thieves and killers and finding other thieves and fences that have good hearts and are in their positions in spite of it, mostly because of the lack of options in the world. I had to chuckle at one scene, that struck me as particularly reminiscent of a moment in Disney movie Tangled. In fact, some of the character interactions reminded me of the movie, but in a good way. The innocent joy of freedom, even in the less pleasant moment as well as our hero thief's good deeds and steady progression towards completely good guy are well done in both. I think the real fun in this novel is the characters, I really liked both Susanna and Gideon and was rooting for them through the entire book. They did have one (or two) moments when I was a little frustrated with their decision making skills- the almost expected getting busy when it is definitely not a good idea, but the rest of the story and characterization made up for it.

The Rogue You Know is a solid read with great characters and action. I really enjoyed the main characters, and the secondary characters that readers met along the way. I fully expect to go back and read the book I missed, and to continue on with this series. Characters are usually what makes or breaks a book for me, and that was certainly the case here. 

Early Book Review: Too Hard to Handle by Julie Ann Walker

Too Hard to Handle is the eighth book in the Black Knights Inc. series by Julie Ann Walker. It is currently scheduled for release on September 1 2015. I would not recommend starting the series here, as the main players have some serious back story that is very important to the story, along with a larger story arch that is just starting to get very intense. Readers that have already read the first book in Walkers newest series, Hell or High Water, will have even more recognition and satisfaction of the larger story arch.

Dan "The Man" Currington is back in fighting form with a mission that takes him four thousand miles south of BKI headquarters, high in the Andes Mountains of Peru. He's hot on the trail of a rogue CIA agent selling classified government secrets to the highest bidder, when Penni DePaul (who fans of the series will recognize) arrives on the scene. Suddenly the stakes are higher, and keeping Penni safe becomes Dan's number one priority. A lot has changed since former Secret Service Agent Penni DePaul last saw Dan. Now a civilian, she's excited about what the future might hold. But before she can grab onto that future with both hands, she has to tie up some loose ends-namely, Dan Currington, the man she just can't forget. And a secret that's going to change both their lives-if they can stay alive, that is.

Too Hard to Handle is a satisfying addition to the BKI series. I have been eagerly awaiting this story, to see Penni and Dan find each other again and see things through. Penni ending up in the midst of an operation that will lead then to the person responsible for the catastrophe that neither can forget is not completely unexpected, but is well done. There was high action and we get a look at how deep the corruption and evil causing so much trouble is rooted. The multilayered connections and changes of narrator could get confusing, I will admit to reading a couple passages more than once because of the differing perspectives and trying to figure out the larger puzzle before it all played out. While Penni does not reveal her big secret until the end, but I rather suspected what it was well before she finally revealed it. I think most readers will have the same experience with that part of the story, but suspense and efforts Penni and Dan make to come together that that a minor blip in my enjoyment.

Too Hard to Handle is a very well done addition to a very complex and realistic world created by Walker. While each book might be satisfying on its own, I would not recommend reading them as stand alones. The greater story is so well woven through the series that it would be a shame to read only part of it. I am looking forward to the continuation of this story, and how the rest of our BKI characters find their happy ever after. This is a must read for fans of Walker's work. If you love suspense, fast action, complex plots and characters, and hot love connections then I would highly recommend this series as a whole.

 

Early Book Review: Smart and Spineless by Ann Downer

Smart and Spineless: Exploring Invertebrate Intelligence by Ann Downer is a nonfiction book for middle grade through adult readers. It is currently scheduled for release on September 1 2015. 

When you think of smart creatures, animals such as owls, dolphins, dogs, and gorillas come to mind.  We don't usually think of invertebrates, or animals without a spine, as being smart. But invertebrates can be astonishingly intelligent. These animals exhibit surprising feats of learning, memory, and problem-solving using their relatively simple, tiny brains, some the size of a sesame seed or even smaller. In fact, some intelligent invertebrates have no brain at all! Scientists around the world are putting invertebrate intelligence to use in mind-boggling ways. Engineers are designing swarmbots based on bees to take part in search-and-rescue efforts. And materials scientists are basing a new, tough ceramic on the structure of a mantis shrimp's claw.

In Smart and Spineless, readers get a interesting information on a variety of invertebrates. Worms, jumping spiders, octopus, honey bees and paper wasps, Argentine ants, mantis shrimp, and more critters that have tiny little brains, or no brain at all, than can do amazing things. The volume of information might seem daunting at first, but the organization and constant new bits of information make the reading highly engaging. I thought I knew a significant amount about animals, but I was thrilled to learn a large amount about these particular invertebrates, how they are being studied, and the importance of what they can teach us. I think any child or adult that enjoys learning new things about animals and insects in the world around us, particularly the less 'cute and fluffy' critters will greatly enjoy this book.

I highly suggest Smart and Spineless for school and library collections, or the home collection for any family with an inspiring scientist. The book is highly informative and interesting with the bonus of great images to fully engage readers.

Ann Downer was born in Virginia and spent part of her childhood in the Philippines and in Thailand. She is the author of five fantasy novels for young readers and three previous books about science, including the award-winning Elephant Talk: The Surprising Science of Elephant Communication for Twenty-First Century Books. Her first picture book, Shark Baby, was published in 2013. She lives outside Boston, Massachusetts, with her husband and son. Their backyard is visited by woodchucks, skunks, and rabbits, but no bears—so far. 

Early Book Review: Not Always a Saint by Mary Jo Putney

Not Always a Saint is the seventh book in the historical romance series, The Lost Lords, by Mary Jo Putney. It is currently scheduled for release on August 25 2015.  This is a book that can stand well on its own, but reading the previous books might give a better sense of some of the secondary characters. I have only read one of the previous books.

Daniel Herbert has spent most of his life focused on his medical studies and his passion for healing. Viewed as saintly by those who know him, he never quite manages to live up to his own high standards.  Daniel is appalled because the burden of wealth that comes with an unexpected inheritance, and the likelihood that it will interfere with his medical work. Warily he accepts that he must enter society and seek a wife, preferably a sensible woman who can oversee his properties, leaving him free to continue his work. Jessie Kelham’s looks have always been a curse. Now alone with a young daughter and a perilous secret, she is in need of protection. But dangerously attractive Daniel Herbert is not the kind of husband she has in mind. If he recognizes her, the demons of her past will surely erupt.

Not Always a Saint is an solid read, with my only complaint that it got a little too complicated and dramatic for my tastes. Daniel is a good, honorable man that loves his work and honestly cares about the welfare of other people. Jessie is a woman with many secrets, and two dead husbands. Rumors abound, and a greedy nephew plots to take over her daughter's unexpected inheritance- and he will stop at nothing to get his way. When these two run across each other in the ballrooms of London, each looking to marry for their own reasons, their plans all go awry. Neither planned for each other; but attraction, plots against Jessie, and similar needs draw them together against the odds. Marriage is only the start of their journey, as secrets from the past and that greedy nephew keep creeping up to cause danger and drama. I really enjoyed the honesty and banter between such honestly good hearted characters. Jessie has pretty much face every bad thing that could happen to a woman, and managed to stay a loving and compassionate woman. Daniel has faced hard times as well, and has focused all his grief and disappointment into helping others. While problem after problem arises, they actually talk things out and face everything head on. Most often, the conflict in romance comes from conflict between the main characters, rather than outside sources, so that was a change of pace.  I also liked that they were not instant bed mates, although they got to that pretty quick, since the wedding is fairly early in the book.

Not Always a Saint is an entertaining read, with plenty of action and witty banter. I think everything got a little too complicated, with several 'big reveals' but I enjoyed the character's banter and connection. All of the big drama worked, but I did not think it was absolutely necessary, a few more deep conversations between Daniel and Jessie would have covered all the ground needed for their happy ending without so many near death experiences.

Book Review: All the Lost Things by Kelly Canby

All the Lost Things is a picturebook by Kelly Canby. Olive is not your ordinary girl; she is curious, thoughtful, and spunky. And one day when she goes for a walk in her grumpy, too-busy city, she finds some extraordinary things. Lured by a strange sound she ventures into a hidden space and finds a stash of lost things like memory, sight, and more. What Olive does with them will delight and inspire.

All the Lost Things is filled with delightful artwork including hand lettered words and bold strokes. Olive is a spunky and curious girl, lured through a man hole cover to explore what exactly was making a particular sound. She finds an old lady and boxes, jars, and more. Each box and jar is clearly labeled with the type of lost items that fill the container. When Olive finds jars holding memory, humor, the way, and hope she does something wonderful with each. Her thoughtfulness and love for others shines through her actions and makes this a great story.

All the Lost Things is a fabulous picturebook about finding the things we all seem to lose, but all need to hold on to and share with those around us. Olive’s thoughtfulness and the artwork are just about perfect. The artwork and the hand drawn lettering offer readers high action pages that capture and keep the attention and imagination of readers of all ages. 

Early Book Review: Possession of a Highlander by Madeline Martin

Possession of a Highlander is the second book in the Highlander series by Madeline Martin. It is currently scheduled for release on August 11 2015. Brianna Lindsay's grip on the inheritance that is rightly hers hangs by a thread. If the town finds out her father has died Brianna will be forced into marriage with her loathsome cousin, Lord Robert, and will lose all of Edzell Castle and its lands. To protect her home, she'll have to trust a complete stranger, a brooding Highland barbarian who sweeps into Edzell with a small retinue and insists on replacing her Captain of the Guard. He proves his worth by defeating her men and she has no choice but to accept his offer. Though his motives are suspect, Colin MacKinnon has nobility in his blood and good intentions in coming to Edzell. He seeks his own kingdom and sets out to conquer Brianna in the best way he knows how, with seduction. Together, they must navigate a treacherous world of spies and intrigue, of legacy and fidelity, of love and betrayal, to find what is truly worth possessing.

Possession of a Highlander is a historical romance with plenty of intrigue and conflict. Brianna has a loyal castle of retainers, but with the loss of her father and the wondering mind of her maid she is in need of help. When an effort to receive aid results in the loss of her Captain of the Guard and the arrival of Colin there is only more trouble on the way. Her relations are more trouble than help, and while Colin seems to good to be true, and she certainly does not trust him. I liked Brianna's spunk and dedication to her people, she wasn't just avoiding marriage to her cousin for herself, she also knew that he and his father were cruel and would be bad leaders for everyone involved. Colin might have come in with grand plans for himself, but he also proves to be smart and chivalrous. I like that on several occasions he proves himself even better than even he thinks he is, and is willing to risk his safety and pride for the sake of the greater good and Brianna's welfare. I really liked Brianna’s character, and Colin’s as well. I was a little less thrilled with some of the secondary characters, particularly the cousin and uncle that caused all sorts of issues. Perhaps that was because I felt like it dragged on a little too long with the series of complications. However, I still enjoyed the book as a whole and was glad to see the final resolution. 

Possession of a Highlander is a complicated but enjoyable read. I liked the main characters, but was occasionally disappointed with the pacing. Despite that minor bump, I still am very happy with the read and would recommend the book to fans of the author and the genre. It might have been a little more complicated than most stories with a few extra layers of conflict, but it is well worth the read.