Book Review: Better Living Through Origami: 20 Creative Paper Projects for a Beautiful Home by Nellianna van den Baard, Kenneth Veenenbos

Better Living Through Origami: 20 Creative Paper Projects for a Beautiful Home by Nellianna van den Baard and Kenneth Veenenbos invites readers to take papercraft to a new creative level. Learn how to create 20 items of functional home decor using simple, origami inspired paper folding and manipulation techniques, and then show off your DIY creations at the heart of your home. There are step-by-step illustrations to guide readers through the projects, which include beautiful lampshades, creative wall art ideas, an ingenious clock, pretty garlands and decorations, unique vases, candle holders, plant holders, decorative bowls and more. Using readily available paper and card stock, readers can create some stunning designer accents for your home for a fraction of the cost of store-bought versions.

Better Living Through Origami is a craft and decorating book that is different from anything I have tried before. Oh, I have tried origami before- and never really excelled at it. However, I have never tried to include paper crafts into my home decorating. I like that there is a detailed explanation about the tools and materials readers will need to attempt the projects, and the detailed information about the terminology and techniques. Although I think the techniques and link to downloadable templates could have been moved towards the front of the book, before the first project so that readers could use that information to practice before finding a project they love, only to discover they will need to drastically increase their skill level before attempting it. I do like that the projects are labeled with their difficulty levels, to mitigate that sort of frustration.  Since I do have kids and cats, some of the ideas and designs simply would not survive my house. Others just do not fit with my style and tastes, but I could picture them fitting wonderfully in other people's homes or offices.  I did like some of the lamp shades and well decorations, and could admire the craftsmanship and skill that went into not just making these items, but designing and testing them in order to sell, and to share. I think the instructions are understandable, but I could not try them for myself since I did not have access to the diagrams, just the instructions and images of the finished projects. 

Better Living Through Origami is a well organized and written book. The digital copy I received via Netgalley did not include the diagrams, although did contain a link to downloadable templates. Without the diagrams to attempt some of the designs I cannot give it a higher rating, because I can not test the accuracy of the diagrams and their ease of use when combined with the instructions and templates. 

Book Review: Lulu is a Rhinoceros by Jason Flom, Allison Flom, Sophie Corrigan

Lulu is a Rhinoceros is a picturebook written by Jason Flom and Allison Flom and illustrated by Sophie Corrigan. Everyone thinks Lulu is a bulldog, but she knows that can't be true, because Lulu is a Rhinoceros. That is what she sees staring back at her when she looks in the mirror. But sometimes, being yourself can be a difficult road to walk. And just when all hope seems lost, Lulu finds a small friend that makes a big difference in her life when she realizes that the courage to be herself has been inside of her all along.

Lulu is a Rhinoceros is a story about a bulldog that feels like a rhino. Lulu has fur, rather than the gray skin she thinks she should, so everyone thinks she is a dog. She hunts for something that will help others see her as the rhino she is- a horn! She has quite the adventure, and in the end finds a friend that helps her feel like her true self. I love the feel of the story and the illustrations are charming and sweet. I enjoyed the read and think animal lovers will enjoy the read. One of my favorite things about about this book is that part of the proceeds will be donated to the African Wildlife Foundation to help protect Africa's endangered wildlife.

Book Review: Ready to Ride by Sébastien Pelon

Ready to Ride is a picturebook written and illustrated by Sébastien Pelon. A little boy is told to play outside by his mum and bumps into an imaginary friend with whom he goes for a bike ride. At first he finds it difficult to keep up, but with the imaginary friend’s help he takes off the bike’s training wheels and learns to ride. 

Ready to Ride is a fun story with smooth, charming illustrations. The boy's efforts to learn to ride is well done ad sweet. The story is certainly light-hearted, but still manages to encourage kids to keep trying and practicing, showing them that putting in some effort is the only way to learn and get better. I enjoyed the read, but must admit that there were some formatting issues with my digital galley, which I know will not effect readers in the final copy. That made it slightly more challenging to read- however it was worth the effort and I found the book to be enjoyable and sweet.

Early Book Review: Marriage Lessons (Off Guard) by Katie Allen

Marriage Lessons is the third book in the Off Guard series by Katie Allen, and is currently scheduled for release on October 15 2018. Each book does stand up on its own, with only brief mentions of the characters from the previous books. However, the books are all great, so I still recommend reading them all.

Falling for your boss—no matter how fast he makes your pulse race—is such a cliché. But it’s one Annabelle Shay can’t seem to avoid. Gallery owner Louis Dumont is stupid hot. Plus, he’s sweet, sensitive and a brilliant artist. But he’s also oblivious. Which is good because Annabelle loves her job too much to risk it. Louis hasn’t been with a woman since he was wounded in Afghanistan, remaining guarded about his body and his heart. But Annabelle is different. She keeps him grounded. Which is why protecting her—first pretending to be her husband to ward off unwanted attention, then inviting her to move in after her landlord kicks her out—feels so natural, even if it invites rampant temptation. Try as Annabelle might, there are some desires you simply can’t shake. Louis repeatedly joke-asking her to marry him isn’t helping, especially when their unbearable attraction upgrades them to roomies with benefits. But Louis is still keeping pieces of his past to himself, leaving Annabelle to wonder if he’ll ever truly be vulnerable with her—or if she stands to lose everything.

Marriage Lessons is a contemporary romance that hit all the right chords with me. Annabelle and Louis have chemistry from the very beginning- but work together and are friends but neither seems willing to take the risk. It is only after Annabelle faces unwanted attention at the gym, she needs a place to live, and she is attacked in the gallery they finally have to think about the attraction and where it might go. I thought Annabelle was a great character- she is strong, smart, and quirky. I liked Louis a lot, he is funny and thoughtful, with a humorous fear of ladies hunting him. I thought a little bravery- and conversation about how they felt might have wrapped things up a little quicker but I really enjoyed the ride. I liked the danger and suspense portion of the story- although I have a vague suspicion about the who and what before hand. I really wanted to get inside Louis's head, I wanted to know what he was thinking and how he felt- much like Annabelle wanted to. However, I was completely engaged with the characters and was left wanting more insight into the characters, and maybe a follow up to the series where all the characters get together and interact (maybe a weeding?). I just love the personalities in the entire series and want to see them all again.

Marriage Lessons is another wonderful book from Allen. The characters drew me in and never let me go, and I can not wait to read more.

Book Review: Skyward: the Story of Female Pilots in WWII by Sally Deng

Skyward: the Story of Female Pilots in WWII is a children's, informational picturebook written and illustrated by Sally Deng. The year is 1927, and in America, England and Russia, three young girls share the dream of becoming pilots. Against the odds, these ambitious young trailblazers follow their hearts, enrolling in pilot school (some in secret) and eventually flying for their countries in World War II. This book lets readers follow the adventures of these young female pioneers as they battle not only enemies in the skies but sexism and inequality in their own teams. It includes legends like Jackie "Speed Queen" Cochran. Risking their lives countless times in feats of incredible bravery, the female air pilots--WASPS--of the Second World War are honored in this beautiful story based on actual events, illustrated in Sally Deng's raw, dynamic style.

Skyward: the Story of Female Pilots in WWII is a fabulous fictional reimagining of what a few real female pilots might have felt and endured before, during, and after WWII. Like may females in fields typically dominated by men the three pilots Deng focus's on face more hurdles than simple mastering a skill set. They face the hardships of regular life during the war, but also breaking barriers that allow them to train and then use their talents for the greater good. they each faced different issues and challenges along the way, but young readers will be able to empathize with their needs to follow their dreams and fit in with their family and friends. I really like that the three pilots are from different backgrounds and face different reactions from their families. I also enjoyed the information on the day to day lives of the pilots during the war,m showing the hard work and comradery that was part of the journey.  It really shows the differences and similarities we all have underneath it all. I hope young readers come away from this book with that message, and determined to follow their dreams and support others along the way. 

Early Book Review: Cooking with Scraps: Turn Your Peels, Cores, Rinds, Stems, and Other Odds and Ends into Delicious Meals by Lindsay-Jean Hard

Cooking with Scraps: Turn Your Peels, Cores, Rinds, Stems, and Other Odds and Ends into Delicious Meals by Lindsay-Jean Hard is currently scheduled for release on October 16 2018. Do you want to stop throwing away food scraps or composting them? Well, you can start enjoying some of them on your table! This book is a collection of 80 surprising, creative, delicious recipes for anyone who wants to cook smart, sustainable, and impressive meals out of unused bits of produce, cheese rinds, stale bread, and other oft-discarded foods.

Cooking With Scraps is a well written and forgiving cookbook. I like that it opens with the idea that no recipe or person is perfect, or unchangeable. Doing the best we can in our shopping and cooking is the goal. I found the recipes to be well organized, in alphabetical order by the type of food you are using in the process. This makes finding a recipe to deal with a specific type of scrap easier. I like that there are alternatives and further suggestions for foods that can be used recipes as applicable. There are also some hints and tricks included through the book, some of which will be helpful to new cooks, and others that will be useful to everyone. Some I found to be common sense, but I also grew up in a household that saved everything, canned, and scrimped much more than I currently do. The instructions and ingredient lists are well written and clear, letting even new cooks keep up and find success in their cooking. While many of the recipes are thing that would not be well received in my house, there were some idea that I will be using and some changed I will be making to my cooking and baking habits. I found the read to be interesting, inspiring, and important to those that will make the effort to create as little waste as possible.

Cooking With Scraps is a valuable cookbook for those looking to save money and resources, while willing to put in the necessary planning and work. I found it interesting, and it helped me plan my meals with the idea of limiting the waste I produce.

Early Book Review: The Brain: The Ultimate Thinking Machine (Science Comics) by Tory Woollcott, Alex Graudins

The Brain: The Ultimate Thinking Machine is another installment to the Science Comics series. It was written by Tory Woollcot, illustrated by Alex Graudins, and is currently scheduled for release on October 16 2018. Nour wants to sell the most cookies for her Woodland Adventure Troop. Her sister Fahama is helping her, not necessarily by choice. When they split up, Fahama ends up in a old mansion with a mad scientist and his sidekick who want to take her brain to study. In an attempt to stall them, she asks a lot of questions about the brain. Along with Fahama reader learn all about the brain: what it does, how it does things, what it is made of, the role of the various parts, and so on. Meanwhile her sister is busy selling cookies, and looking for her sister.

The Brain: The Ultimate Thinking Machine is both entertaining and education- as I fully expected from this series. I like the fun and touch of adventure in the set up story. Sisters selling cookies, one of which is a little controlling, and then the search for the missing sister. I liked that Fahama is smart enough to keep the scientist and his henchman talking and explaining the brain and nervous system. The brain is described in great detail, and I will admit that it might be too much in a single sitting for some. I had to reread a few bits to make sure I fully understood it, and there is just so much information that it could be overwhelming for some readers. That being said, the information is well presented, the framing story well told, and the artwork was wonderful. Readers interested in learning about the brain will get a lot out of the book, and even those not looking for this amount of information can enjoy the story and learn some of the information along the way. This series offers a wonderful balance of information and entertainment, and I have yet to be disappointed. 

The Brain: The Ultimate Thinking Machine is another Science Comic installment that combines entertainment with information. It is packed with information and vocabulary, and might be a little overwhelming for some readers, but if they take it in small doses and persevere in reading they will enjoy learning from this book quite a bit. 

Early Book Review: Rocky Mountain Cowboy Christmas by Katie Ruggle

Rocky Mountain Cowboy Christmas by Katie Ruggle can be counted as the 5th book in the Rocky Mountain K-9 Unit series, but it reads more like the first book in a related series. It can stand up fine all on its own regardless. It is currently scheduled for release on September 25 2018.

When firefighter and single dad Steve Springfield moved his four kids to a Colorado Christmas tree ranch, he intended for it to be a safe haven. But he never expected that he would come face-to-face with the one girl he could never forget. Folk artist Camille Brandt lives a quiet life. As the town's resident eccentric, she's used to being lonely, until Steve freaking Springfield changes everything. Brave and kind, he's always had a piece of her heart, and it doesn't take long before she's in danger of falling for him and his rambunctious kids. But as mysterious fires break out across the sleepy Colorado town, Steve and Camille will have to fight if they want their happy family to survive until Christmas.

Rocky Mountain Cowboy Christmas is a contemporary romance with the touch of suspense that I have come to expect from Ruggle. I adored Camille's character. She is not a fan of attention, and just wants to go about her day with as little small talk and conversation as possible- a trait that I share (to a smaller extent). Steve is trying to be a good father, and give his children a safe and happy home. Working with the fire department and at the family tree farm- as well as getting them involved- seems like the way to go. When Camille and Steve reconnect the attraction is there- but self doubt from both and parties and some interfering family make things more complicated. Then there are the nosy neighbors, fires, and personal quirks make things even more interesting. I greatly enjoyed watching the two dance around each other, and loved getting to know Steve's kids better. I found the suspense part to be well done, and had my suspicions as to who was behind the danger, and why. I will say I was partly right, but loved the ride to get to our happy ending. I love this story, and series, and will continue reading everything I can from the author.

Rocky Mountain Cowboy Christmas is another great romance from Ruggle. I like her character work and am always left wanting more, even though the story is complete.

Book Review: Cleo and Cornelius: A Tale of Two Cities and Two Kitties by Elizabeth Nicholson, Janine Pibal, Nick Geller, Michelle Thies

Cleo and Cornelius: A Tale of Two Cities and Two Kitties is a picturebook by Elizabeth Nicholson, Janine Pibal, Nick Geller, and Michelle Thies. This book offers a twist on Aesop’s classic “The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse” fable featuring adventurous feline Cleo and couch potato Cornelius. The pair live in ancient Egypt, where cats are worshiped like gods and goddesses. When Cornelius accidentally boards a boat departing on a voyage across the sea, Cleo and Cornelius find themselves in the faraway city of Rome, a place where dogs are treated like kings.  In Rome, the activities never end! Cleo and Cornelius race chariots, play games, perform in a theater, and more. Do they even want to return to Egypt? 

Cleo and Cornelius: A Tale of Two Cities and Two Kitties is a well drawn and fun picturebook. I like the concept and the story. I like that while we get the different feline life styles, we also get some real information about living in ancient Egypt and Rome.There was some good humor, some adventure, and some information. It balanced well and worked. The images and text were paired well, and the images were adorable. However, I do need to admit that the digital copy I received via Netgalley had some formatting issues, which made it more challenging to follow and enjoy. I was able to figure it out, and enjoy it, but  I think I would have enjoyed a physical or properly formatted version better. 

Book Review: Night and Silence (October Daye) by Seannine McQuire

Night and Silence is the twelfth book in the October Daye series by Seanan McGuire. You do need to read these books in order to understand the characters and world. I highly recommend the series, but you do need to start from the beginning.

In the aftermath of Amandine's latest betrayal, October "Toby" Daye's fragile self-made family is on the verge of coming apart at the seams. Jazz can't sleep, Sylvester doesn't want to see her, and worst of all, Tybalt has withdrawn from her entirely, retreating into the Court of Cats as he tries to recover from his abduction. Toby is floundering, unable to help the people she loves most heal. She needs a distraction. She needs a quest. What she doesn't need is the abduction of her estranged human daughter, Gillian. What she doesn't need is to be accused of kidnapping her own child by her ex-boyfriend and his new wife, who seems to be harboring secrets of her own. There's no question of whether she'll take the case. The only question is whether she's emotionally prepared to survive it. Signs of Faerie's involvement are everywhere, and it's going to take all Toby's nerve and all her allies to get her through this web of old secrets, older hatreds, and new deceits. If she can't find Gillian before time runs out, her own child will pay the price. One question remains: Who in Faerie remembered Gillian existed? And what do they stand to gain? No matter how this ends, Toby's life will never be the same.

Night and Silence is a book that made me wonder how we got to book 12. So often by this point in a series characters and the problems they face start getting old or predictable. Somehow McGuire keeps avoiding all of those pitfalls. Toby is facing her own crisis, dealing with the fact that she can not fix the damage her mother has cause to Tybalt and Jazz. Those are battles that she can not fight for them, and talking and facing emotions head on (not her strong suit) is all that she can do to help. The latest crisis falls in Toby's lap she discovers more secrets and complications that lead her on another crazy quest, dealing with dangers and conspiracies, to save her daughter again. I loved that October had to face her emotions and deal with facing big surprises. I loved seeing the characters from previous books make their appearances, some of which were key to the story and seeing everything come together to make things work they way she needs it to. Sometimes I worry that the story will end, and the series will stop- others I worry that not everything can come together in time- but McGuire makes it all work. I really loved the short story at the end of the story, giving readers a look at Gillian's point of view.

Night and Silence is another nail biting adventure for October, with plenty of character and emotional crisis along side the physical. Fans will need to pick it up, and will likely devour it as quickly as I did.