Early Book Review: Astro Pea by Amalia Hoffman

Astro Pea is a picturebook by Amalia Hoffman that is currently scheduled for release on March 29 2019. Imagine what would happen if fresh veggies could go on a cosmic adventure! Well, blast off with Pete the pea and find out what he discovers outside his pod. Pete joins other curiously shaped vegetables such as an eggplant, artichoke, cauliflower, ear of corn, and mushroom as they each take a starring role in this creative tale of space exploration, daring, and friendship. Who knew healthy food could be so much fun? 

Astro Pea is a cute and creative story. A young pea goes on a vegetable laden journey through the stars, and I like that while he enjoys the trip still wants his home and family in the end. I think this is something people of all ages can relate to. No matter how cool the journey, we always want to find our way back to those that love us, and that we love. I think the use of veggies as the characters, ships, and so on was very well done. It was obvious o me what all the produce was, but young readers that are not too fond of eating their veggies might need one or two named for them. I loved the illustrations, chalk work on a black background. I think this color scheme will be helpful when reading in the dim light that goes hand in hand with bedtime stories.

Book Review: Eighth Gave After Dark (Charley Davidson) by Darynda Jones

 Eighth Gave After Dark is part of the Charley Davidson series by Darynda Jones.  I am still binge reading, and still recommend reading the series in order. Not only will it make the read more fun, but it is well worth the time.   

With twelve hellhounds after her, pregnant Charley Davidson takes refuge at the only place she thinks they can’t get to her: the grounds of an abandoned convent. But after months of being cooped up there, Charley is ready to pop. Both metaphorically and literally since she is now roughly the size of a beached whale. Fortunately, a new case has captured her attention, one that involves a murder on the very grounds the team has taken shelter upon. A decades-old murder of the newly-vowed nun she keeps seeing in the shadows is almost enough to pull her out of her doldrums. Charley’s been forbidden to step foot off the sacred grounds. While the angry hellhounds can’t traverse the consecrated soil, they can lurk just beyond its borders. They have the entire team on edge, especially Reyes. And if Charley didn’t know better, she would swear Reyes is getting sick. He grows hotter with every moment that passes, his heat scorching across her skin every time he’s near, but naturally he swears he’s fine. While the team searches for clues on the Twelve, Charley just wants answers and is powerless to get them. But the mass of friends they’ve accrued helps. They convince her even more that everyone in her recent life has somehow been drawn to her, as though they were a part of a bigger picture all along. But the good feelings don’t last for long because Charley is about to get the surprise of her crazy, mixed-up, supernatural life 

Eighth Gave After Dark is more emotionally charged than some of the previous books, and all the threads are coming together. I like that the characters continue to stay true to what readers know about them, even as new revelations and complications continue to arise. I think that this is really a turning point in the series were the goofiness of Charley's personality stops being quite so entertaining, and things are consistently more serious and complicated. Charley is still funny, but the really amusing bits seem further apart and the intrigue and danger really ramp up. The series is still a very engaging read, but the charm that captured my attention really seems to have faded a bit. I know it returns in the next book, because I have read ahead, and that all the serious moments are needed for the larger story line. However, this is where the series lost some of its shine for me. 

Book Review: The Art of Crochet Blankets: 18 Projects Inspired by Modern Makers by Rachele Carmona

The Art of Crochet Blankets: 18 Projects Inspired by Modern Makers by Rachele Carmona offers readers the chance to follow popular crochet blanket designer Rachele Carmona through her unique collection of crochet blankets inspired by the work of popular independent artists. The Art of Crochet Blankets will help you create your own colorful crochet blankets as unique works of art for your home! Inside this one-of-a-kind crochet blanket guide you'll find details on how to translate art to hook with 18 bold and unique crochet afghan patterns influenced by the works of their feature artist. Modern quilts, fabric designs, tapestry weaving, digital art, and more become the source of one-of-a-kind projects for a more artful home. Biographies and beautiful photos profiling 6 inspiring modern makers--Tula Pink, April Rhodes, Maryanne Moodie, Fransisco Valle, Maud Vantours, and Caitline Dowe-Sandes. 

The Art of Crochet Blankets: 18 Projects Inspired by Modern Makers is a lovely book with great designs, and stories that tell of how they were inspired and came together. Some of the designs were just not my style, which happens with any collection of art or designs, but others made me smile and think about what I might do in a similar vein. For instance, the Boho Desert, Abstract Blocks, and Layered Waves caught my eye, and I love them. I also enjoyed getting to know the artists and medium that inspired some of these designs. Seeing the beauty and creativity in the original, and how the shapes and colors were turned into something new was very interesting. I like how varied the starting points were, and in turn how different the end results turned out. While I am not likely to design my own blankets, I like reading or binge watching too much as I stitch, I do like seeing how inspiration can become a tangible creation and a design to share. However, I just might be giving one (or more) of these patterns a go.

I think this book would be a good addition to a personal library if you like creating and exploring new designs, and enjoy the inspiration of others that do as well. For those of us who are content to find a lovely pattern and maybe change a color, size, or so on I think this would be better borrowed from the library. It is wonderful and lovely to explore, but not a necessary addition to my craft room at this point. 

Book Review: Slothilda: Living the Sloth Life by Dante Fabiero

Slothilda: Living the Sloth Life is a collection of comics by Dante Fabiero. Are you a fan of carbs, the internet, and naps? Slothilda is your spirit animal! From former Simpsons animator Dante Fabiero comes this all-too-real comic series about an adorable little sloth who's driven by her desire for self-improvement. Slothilda explores an inner conflict we can all relate to―the desire to succeed and grow, while paradoxically dealing with the ever present temptation to sloth. With themes related to work, fitness, food, shopping, and pets―this book shows that you're not the only sloth at heart.

Living the Sloth Life is a cute, fun read. I had not seen the comics from the blog previously, so it was all new to me. I related to some of the images and thoughts, but not all, which  is usually the case with collections. However, I really like the artwork, I thought Slothilda was very cute. I liked the inherent honest the author has in sharing the desire we all have to eat and rest as often as we want, and the over exaggeration of the lack of motivation made it funny while making the reader feel better about the things they do and their choices. I am feeling much more accomplished with the amount of work, cleaning, and reasonably healthy eating I do after seeing the sloth version of such activities.

Early Book Review: Little Monsters of the Ocean: Metamorphosis under the Waves by Heather L. Montgomery

Little Monsters of the Ocean: Metamorphosis under the Waves by Heather L. Montgomery is a children's nonfiction title that is currently scheduled for release on April 1 2019. Everyone knows that butterflies and frogs go through metamorphosis. But a number of sea creatures do too! Experienced science writer Heather L. Montgomery explores wacky details in the life cycles of some of the world's most bizarre and fascinating ocean animals in this fresh spin on a highly curricular topic.

Little Monsters of the Ocean is a fascinating look at how some ocean life changes as it grows. Most people know insects and amphibians change as they grow, but I never thought much about creatures in the ocean. I had no idea how much crabs changed, and I know my children have no clue (at least until they read this)! THe text and images do a good job of explaining the vocabulary and processes involved without talking down to readers or oversimplifying the topic. I was completely enthralled with the read and learned so much about these ocean creatures as an adult, I think interested readers of all ages will be just as amazed as I was. While even scientists that study these creatures still do not know all the answers about how and why these things happen as they do, most of the answers we do have are included here. I like that the author also points out that we do not have all the answers, and that more study can answer some of them we might never know it all. I am hoping this mixture of science facts and explanations, and our unanswered questions, will help readers understand just how wild the world is and encourage them to study and explore further. I also like that the author included a metamorphosis cart, glossary, and further resources for readers to explore in the endpapers. Extras like that are always a great addition to a book, and help interested readers continue their explorations.

Little Monsters of the Ocean is well written, informative, and simply fascinating. Whenever you start to feel like you have a good understanding of nature, take a look at the crazy life forms in the ocean in books like this, and you will see just how little we all know. 

Early Book Review: Crochet in a Day: 42 Fast & Fun Projects by Salena Baca; Danyel Pink and Emily Truman

Crochet in a Day: 42 Fast & Fun Projects by Salena Baca; Danyel Pink and Emily Truman is currently scheduled for release on April 1 2019.  This book has patterns that can all be started and finished in a day or less. From wearables like cowls, hats, slippers, and even a poncho, to home items like place mats, dish cloths, and baskets, every item will crochet up fast! Its patterns are fast and fun, and do not require a large time or yarn commitment. Perfect for using up stash yarn or to create something from that perfect skein you were saving, these patterns are creative, colorful, modern, and stylish. 

Crochet in a Day solid collection of patterns that are quick, and relatively simple. I think collections like this are great for using up yarn left over from larger projects, or that you have in your stash and simply cannot remember why. I like the variety of projects offered, and I thought that the instructions and photographs were well done and put together. My only issue was that not of the projects really struck me as terribly unique. So, while the collection is good I think it would be most helpful to those that are not used to browsing sites like Ravelry for crochet or creative inspiration, or the backlist of crochet magazines at the library. Maybe I am the only one that does that though.  This was a good but not great collection, and while it would be a good resource for some, it is not a must buy for many.

Early Book Review: Bea's Bees by Katherine Pryor, Ellie Peterson

Bea's Bees is a children's book written by Katherine Pryor, and illustrated by Ellie Peterson. It is currently scheduled for release on March 28 2019. Beatrix discovers a wild bumblebee nest on her way home from school and finds herself drawn to their busy world. When her bees mysteriously disappear, Bea hatches a plan to bring them back. Can Bea inspire her school and community to save the bees? Bees provide us with valuable resources, and some types of bees are in danger of disappearing forever. But ordinary people (and kids!) can help save them.

Bea's Bees is a nice picturebook about a young girl discovering the wonders of bees, and when they goes missing doing her own research to learn about all that they do. I like that Bea's interest in bees is organic, and that she takes steps to learn more about the bees and makes an effort to make her area more hospitable for them in hopes that they will return. My digital galley, which I received via Netgalley, was missing a couple important pages. So I do not know how Bea discovered the bees were missing. I do like that the book offers some good information on bees, the good that they do, and what people can do to help them thrive. I do not like that there are unanswered questions. Was the hive Bea watching hibernating or did they die off and a new hive come and take their place? Perhaps this was hinted at or directly addressed in the pages I was missing, but it felt like more important bee information could have been woven through the story. I liked the artwork, and thought there was a nice balance of text and art to keep the story flowing and the reader's interest focused on the tale. 

Bea's Bees is a good book and I think it would work well in a storytime setting or in a lower grade classroom when introducing certain topics. 

Book Review: Seventh Grave and No Body (Charley Davidson) by Darynda Jones

Seventh Grave and No Body is the next book in the Charley Davidson series by Darynda Jones. I am still binge reading, and still recommend reading the series in order. Not only will it make the read more fun, but it is well worth the time. 

Twelve of the deadliest beasts ever forged in the fires of hell have escaped onto our plane, and they want nothing more than to rip out the jugular of Charley Davidson and serve her lifeless, mangled body to Satan for dinner. So there’s that. But Charley has more on her plate than a mob of testy hellhounds. For one thing, her father has disappeared, and the more she retraces his last steps, the more she learns he was conducting an investigation of his own, one that has Charley questioning everything she’s ever known about him. Add to that an ex-BFF who is haunting her night and day, a rash of suicides that has authorities baffled, and a drop-dead sexy fiancé who has attracted the attentions of a local celebrity, and Charley is not having the best week of her life.

Seventh Grave and No Body is full of fun twists and turns, and plenty of grin worthy comments from Charley. The books are starting to get more intense and emotional, but there is still the humor of Charley's ADD fueled comments and mental tangent. Charley and the group are dealing with huge issues, and taking the time to figure out how they are always making each other angry and having misunderstandings is low on their priority list, but I think a few heart to hearts might have lowered everyone's stress level in several instances. I will admit that I really read these books for the humor, snark, and heat because reading is my escape. However, I am fully invested in these characters and while I prefer the snark to the sap I am still thoroughly enjoying the series and am currently moving onto the next read. I know there are plenty of though moments coming but I there will be plenty of fun waiting for me as well. 

Book Review: 5-Ingredient One Pot Cookbook: Easy Dinners from Your Skillet, Dutch Oven, Sheet Pan & More by Linda Kurniadi

5-Ingredient One Pot Cookbook: Easy Dinners from Your Skillet, Dutch Oven, Sheet Pan & More by Linda Kurniadi offers readers a selection of one pot meals to help make meal planning and cooking easier, more enjoyable, and healthy. From waking up with a Tex-Mex Omelette to winding down your day with Chicken Cordon Bleu or a Ravioli and Spinach Bake for dinner, this cookbook offers low-effort, delicious dishes that need only one pot and 5 main ingredients to make. With most recipes requiring only 30 minutes or less to prepare, cook, and serve—and others that only take 20 minutes or less— the 5-Ingredient One Pot Cookbook gets you in and out of the kitchen in no time at all. The book also includes shopping and storage tips, along with an overview of cooking techniques for every piece of cookware. It is organized by cooking vessel and features skillet, saucepan, Dutch oven, sheet pan, baking dish, roasting pan, and no-cook bowl recipes.

5-Ingredient One Pot Cookbook was a well organized and useful resource. I like the way the book is organized, the information given on the different cookware, and how tips to adapt recipes to change ingredients or cooking tools can be done. Since I changed jobs this past summer, I have become more intent on meal planning and keeping the dishes simple, since my husband has had to take over the actual cooking part. I get the groceries, some of the prep work, and gather everything together for cooking ease. This also means a slow cooker meal about once a week. The recipes in the book help me get new recipes together, while not making my husband feel like a short order cook or under pressure to put together something complicated- while still mixing things up a little and making food the whole family will eat. It is hard to meet all those requirements in a single meal, but some of these recipes will fit the bill, or inspired me. The instructions and information is easy to understand and put into practice. I learned some great tips that I had never heard before, and am looking forward to trying out some new dishes.

Early Book Review: In Her Sights (Rocky Mountain Bounty Hunters) by Katie Ruggle

In Her Sights is the first book in the Rocky Mountain Bounty Hunter series by Katie Ruggle. Bounty hunter Molly Pax fought hard for everything she has, turning the bail recovery business she shares with her sisters into an unqualified success. So when their sticky-fingered mother jumps bail and puts the childhood home up as collateral, Molly's horrified. To make matters worse, every two-bit criminal in the Rockies now sees her family's misfortune as their next big break. She needs help, stat. Enter rival bounty hunter John Carmondy: six feet of pure trouble, with a cocky grin to match. John's the most cheerfully, annoyingly gorgeous frenemy Molly's ever had the pleasure of defeating...and he may be her only hope of making it out of this mess alive.

In Her Sights is has all the elements one expects from a Katie Ruggle book. Women working hard and doing what they need to survive despite some tough odds, and a strong guy that is working just as hard while trying to deal with attraction. Molly was well fleshed out, although I expect that there is more to her story than I fully know or understand even after finishing the read. Carmondy is a much bigger mystery. I feel like I still have no idea who he is, even after he and Molly figure things out. I am used to knowing much more about Ruggle's heros, and I am sad that I have no idea what was going on in his head through the entire book. Watching two great, flawed human being find their way together despite issues, danger, and explosions is what I love about the other books I have read by Ruggle- and I did not get nearly enough of that here. The set up is good, the action is good, and the character building for the secondary characters is good. Those all held up to my expectations, but since I knew so little about Carmondy I honestly expected him to be on the wrong side of things for the first few chapters and kept waiting to see the big reveal. However, I am not giving up on the author, I trust that this might be a fluke and her next book will have me just as engaged with the characters as everything else I have read from her. 

In Her Sights is not all I had hoped for. I am a huge fan of Ruggle, and usually find myself fascinated by the characters and what will happen next. With this one I never really connected with the characters, and while the action and story were good, it just felt like something was different from what I usually get.