The Tea Dragon Festival (Tea Dragon #2) by Katie O'Neill

 
The Tea Dragon Festival by Katie O'Neill
My Rating: ★★★★

Rinn loves venturing out to the forest to forage for supplies for her family and friends in the village. While she’s grown up with tea dragons, she’s in for a surprise when she stumbles across an entirely different dragon named Aedhan while foraging. Confused, Aedhan can’t understand how they fell asleep for eighty years. You see, they were appointed to protect the village, but somehow fell asleep for several decades and missed its progression! Thankfully, Rinn’s uncle’s, Erik and Hesekiel, are down with investigating what caused this mysteriously long nap while Rinn helps Aedhan come to terms with how much time has passed.

I absolutely loved the first book, so I was delighted when I saw that there was a second installment even though the first book seemingly closed the story at the end. When I started this one, I was surprised to learn that this is actually a prequel. The story picks up sometime before Erik and Hesekiel retire and start their own shop. While they are present in the story, we primarily follow Rinn’s adventures.

I loved Rinn. She’s such a sweet and warm character who loves to forage. When she stumbles upon Aedhan, she’s quickly becomes friends with the well-rested dragon who is baffled by their 80-year-nap. I loved following Rinn as well as learning more about dragons and the magic in the world that Rinn lives in. I also really enjoyed how Rinn found a way to make Aedhan feel at home in the village again and come to terms with the time they missed while sleeping.

As always, the artwork was absolutely stunning. Should there be a third installment, I hope we primarily follow Erik and Hesekiel so that we can learn more about their adventures as well as the magic that runs through their world.

The Hazards of Love Vol. 1: Bright World by Stan Stanley

 
The Hazards of Love Vol. 1: Bright World by Stan Stanley
My Rating: ★★★★

Amparo is always up to something and is known as a delinquent. When a talking cat comes in through their window and offers to grant one wish, Amparo is game. All they need to do is offer up a drop of blood and they’ll become a better person. What could possibly go wrong? Everything! The cat steals Amparo’s name and life, banishing them to some place called the Bright World. Nameless, shoeless, and confused, Amparo is left fighting to get their name and home back while trying not to get eaten along the way.

I received a copy from Oni Press through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I have to say that this is one of the neatest graphic novel concepts I’ve seen in a while. I’m a fan of fantasy, and Bright World is an entirely new and fascinating world. I’m obsessed! We mainly follow Amparo as their life takes quite the turn when they become tapped in Bright World. The main rule of Bright World is that there are no rules. They’re always changing, so any humans who find themselves there can’t seem to find a way to escape. I’m fascinated by this world. I’m also interested in learning more about Amparo’s patron, El Ciervo, as the story continues.

We also loosely follow Amparo’s crush, Iolanthe, in the human world. Iolanthe is a straight edge, rule following, and serious person. When she gets looped into dating who she thinks is Amparo, she slowly becomes aware that something isn’t right when they seem to do a complete personality flip. Once the imposter everyone thinks is Amparo goes missing, we see her leading the search to find out what happened to them.

I wish that Iolanthe’s story was mapped out a little better between each issue. There were times that having the human world suddenly pop up side by side was out of place. In one instance, the human and bright world were depicted side by side across several panels, which was completely and utterly confusing. I had to read the human world panels and come back to read the bright world panels separately because it was just too confusing to read in the order it was laid out in.

The artwork was also absolutely beautiful. I loved looking at how rich and vibrant each panel was on top of the beautiful drawings. I’m super excited to eventually read the second volume and see where the story takes Amparo and company next.

Delicates (Sheets #2) by Brenna Thummler

 
Delicates by Brenna Thummler
My Rating: ★★★★

I received a copy from Oni Press through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A year after the events of the first book, Majorie Glatt is trying to figure out her life. She’s about to start eighth grade and has been trying to get the attention of her crush all summer but has found herself a new member of his mean group of friends instead. Her new friends have begun to target one of their classmates, Eliza Duncan. Eliza is obsessed with trying to photograph ghosts, which has made her even less popular than before. Bullied and feeling invisible everywhere else in her life, Eliza is getting closer to wanting to become one of the ghosts she has been trying to find.

I read the first book and loved it, so I knew I had to pick this one up when I saw it was becoming a series. I was a little confused since the first book wrapped up in a way that seemed like a stand-alone story, but I decided to pick it up anyway. The first book is about Majorie, who was trying to find her place in the world as well as figure out how to continue life without her mother. This time around, we see it’s been a year and she’s still trying to find her place. Unfortunately for her, she thinks that place might be with a group of mean people claiming to be her friends.

The story expands a bit, and we follow another character, Eliza, as well. Eliza is used to being bullied and her interests, ghosts and ghost photography, doesn’t help her make friends. She does try, but those who are not bullying her aren’t interested in befriending a girl dubbed as weird. Meanwhile, Majorie is busy trying to fit in with her new friends and stands on the sidelines as the bullying occurs.

As the book continues, we see the two of them begin to overcome their individual struggles. Depression and suicide are present in Eliza’s plot, so that is something to take into consideration before giving this book to younger readers. Bullying is also prevalent. I like that this book encourages readers to speak up about depression in addition to encouraging readers to look at how their actions and their friend’s actions impact others.

I think this is a great follow-up to the first book and it covers some very important topics. I’m interested in seeing if there will be a third book in the series or if this will end at two books.

The Witch and the Beast, Vol. 1 (The Witch and the Beast #1) by Kousuke Satake

The Witch and the Beast, Vol. 1 by Kousuke Satake
My Rating: ★★★★

I received a copy from Kodansha Comics through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Working for the Order of Magical Resonance, Ashaf and Guideau solve any magical problem that comes their way. Whether it’s murderous magical mischief or opening a chest locked by magic, the duo are on it. However, there’s more to the duo that meets the eye, and Guideau has some serious beef with any witch who crosses their path.

I picked this up because it looked and sounded like an interesting take on Beauty and the Beast, and I was certainly not disappointed. It opens with a fast-paced story that demonstrates how evil witches are viewed in the world the characters live in. Of course, there’s a seemingly nice witch who turns out not to be all that meets the eye, and that’s when we learn why Guideau is furious with any and all witches.

As the story progresses, we learn a tiny bit more about the Order of Magical Resonance, but not much. This volume is more of an introduction to the story than anything. Think of it as the opening episode to a new television series. It introduces us to the main characters and the plot, but it leaves its readers with many questions that will be answered throughout the series. I wasn’t expecting it to be anywhere near as dark as it was, but I did still enjoy it. I plan on checking out the next volume and seeing where the story goes next.

Secrets of Camp Whatever Vol. 1 by Chris Grine

 
Secrets of Camp Whatever Vol. 1 by Chris Grine
My Rating: ★★★★★

I received a copy from Oni Press through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

When Willow’s family moves to Nowhere, her dad insists on dropping her off at his old summer camp. The last thing Willow wants to do is attend camp Whatever, which is plagued with rumors of supernatural creatures on top of being surrounded by an eerie fog. Once Willow arrives, she discovers that camp Whatever isn’t so bad. In fact, she’s determined to get to the bottom of its secrets, especially mysterious supernatural creature that broke in and stole everyone’s snacks along with the batteries to her hearing aids.

This is such a fun graphic novel following Willow and her new group of friends at camp Whatever. I was excited to see Willow as the main character because representation matters, and it’s not often that I see deaf or hard of hearing characters represented in books. Willow goes back and forth between speaking and using sign language, and other characters show interest in learning sign language as they get to know her. Of course, there’s also some prejudiced characters who yell as loud as they can when talking to her and ignore what she has to say. I’m not deaf or hard of hearing myself, but this rings true based on what I know one of my friends often experiences.

I initially thought that Willow was a bit pushy and abrasive, but I grew to love her as the story continued. Once she gets comfortable at the camp, she and her group of new friends really shine. Each of her friends are wonderful on top of the supernatural characters we meet and learn about, which was pretty exciting.

I love how the supernatural world and its risk of being exposed to those who are not friendly is slowly revealed to Willow and company. It reveals a whole new world of interesting and funny characters that I quickly grew to love. I’m really interested in seeing how this aspect continues to expand as well as who they have to go up against to protect everyone in future volumes.

Opium and Absinthe by Lydia Kang

 
Opium and Absinthe by Lydia Kang
My Rating: ★★★★★

First, Tillie Pembroke is involved in a horse-riding accident that shatters her shoulder. Then her missing sister is murdered, sending her entire life spinning. The Pembrokes are trying to move on as fast as possible, but Tillie is obsessed. Why is no one investigating Lucy’s murder? And was she really killed by a vampire as it appears? Tillie cannot rest until she gets the answers even if she has to put herself in the line of danger to get them.

I’ve been a fan of Lydia Kang for a few years now, so I was excited when I saw she had a new book coming out. There was an audiobook promotion when I was buying the book, so I got the book and then the audiobook free. Sadly, the audiobook really put me off, so I took a long break before returning and starting over on page one. I’m starting to think audiobooks aren’t for me because I’m taken straight out of the story any time I try to listen to them. I wish I just decided to start over on page one on the same day that I ditched the audiobook because I was sucked in right away. Kang has done it again with such a gripping tale!

We follow Tillie, a young lady living in New York City in the late 1800s. Tillie has always been the odd sister busy learning new things and questioning her surroundings. Because of this, she grew up in her seemingly perfect older sister’s shadow. When Lucy is murdered, not only is Tillie left with a huge hole in her heart, but she begins to discover that she didn’t know Lucy as well as she thought she did. On top of everything, poor Tillie is recovering from a terrible injury and quickly finds herself abusing pain medication. If drug abuse will trigger you, I advise skipping this book because her addiction along with her struggles with it is very detailed. As the story continues and more victims turn up, Tillie questions whether or not vampires are real. The victims certainly appear to have been killed by a vampire, especially with the fang marks accompanying the lack of blood left in their bodies.

I absolutely loved this story. I thought Tillie was an interesting character to follow, and the book has a great cast of characters full of good, bad, and everything in between. I love that there was such a variety of types of characters. We’ve got seemingly good people who are 100% smarmy right next to creepy characters who are actually good people. I can honestly say that I didn’t suspect the murderer once because of this.

While I wish the ending wasn’t wrapped up so quickly, I rather enjoyed the book. There are so many fascinating characters here and Kang really had me going with the potential supernatural aspect. I kept going back and forth on whether or not a real vampire was going to bust out during the first half of the book. Once I recovered from trying to listen to the audiobook rather than reading, I got sucked in so fast. I’m looking forward to checking out Kang’s next book.

Leave It to Fate by Beth Corby

 Leave It to Fate by Beth Corby
My Rating: ★★★★

I received a copy from Hodder & Stoughton through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

As Ella inches her way toward thirty, she loses her job due to a hilarious and unfortunate event involving a yogurt thief and a trap set with yogurt spiked with hot sauce. A stranger urges her to leave it all up to fate and she does just that when Gillian, her estranged aunt, suffers a bad fall and needs someone to help her while she recovers. When Ella arrives, she discovers her aunt has been struggling with anger and grief after her long-time partner died, leading her to push everyone away. It seems fate has brought the pair together to repair their lives.

I read and loved Beth Corby’s first book, Where There's a Will, so I knew I had to check this out when I saw she published another book. While I did enjoy this one, I do have some mixed feelings that left me feeling a bit iffy about some things by the end. That said, I really did enjoy the story and great cast of characters.

We follow Ella, whose life has been floundering. Her art career never took off, she just lost what she was hoping would become her dream job, and she just had to go crawling back to her old soul sucking job so she can continue to make ends meet. Unsure about where her life is heading or what the point is, Ella is extremely relatable. She’s realistic, funny, creative, and a breath of fresh air. I also really liked her best friend. I wish we got to see more of her, but given Ella had to leave town to help her aunt, it makes sense that we didn’t see much of her.

We also closely follow Gillian, who is angry, and grief stricken after her long-time partner, Mike, suddenly passed away. Her house is a mess, she’s pushed everyone away, and now she needs help she doesn’t really want. The more time Ella spends with Gillian, the more we learn to love her. While abrasive, she’s smart, funny, and straight to the point. Gillian is someone who does not beat around the bushes and anyone who meets her will discover that right off the bat. 

The characters in Gillian’s small town are mostly wonderful. It made me wish I knew most of these fictional people. Plus, while Mike is dead before the story starts, he plays a large role in the story due to some secrets that came out at his funeral. This plays a large role in while Gillian is so angry on top of extremely anguished.

While the story is cute, funny, and even sad at times, I will say that the romance was beyond flat. Ella’s biological father his heavily implied all book long. The foreshadowing is there. Her mom is extremely illusive about it and dislikes her own sister along with this guy. Everything is there and then, surprise! It’s revealed that her biological father is someone else. I assumed the romance between Ella and Joe was super flat because it was super obvious who her father was from the start, and that would make her and Joe cousins. Then it’s revealed that her father is someone else and they’re free to be together with their extreme lack of chemistry. Maybe I could accept this revelation if their romance was on fire before they found out they’re cousins only to find out they’re not, but this isn’t the case.

All in all, I did enjoy this cute and funny slice of life story. It just seems silly to do all that buildup only to not go through with it so that the story ends with Ella getting a cherry on top of her ice-cream sundae. It was not necessary for her to find romance while finding her place in life, so the revelation at the end and the romance that comes from it doesn’t make sense.

Truly Devious (Truly Devious #1) by Maureen Johnson

 
Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson
My Rating: ★

Stevie Bell is the new girl at Ellingham Academy, a prestigious private boarding school. Obsessed with true crime, she’s interested in the mysterious dark history of her school and wants to be the one to solve the mysterious unsolved cold case that haunts it. Unfortunately for her, she finds a different murder mystery on her hands, fulfilling one of her wishes in a way she did not expect.

I picked up this book after a friend told me she was reading it and wanted me to check it out and tell her what I thought of it. Unfortunately, it turns out I’m not a fan. I disliked nearly every character, including the protagonist. Of the three characters I did like, one immediately dies and the other two are hardly there. I think the book has everything there for me to like it, but it’s sadly a miss for me.

I think I would’ve liked the book better if it didn’t take place in two eras. Majority of the book follows Stevie in the present, but I found that I liked the chapters that take place in the 1930s the best. The characters during these chapters are interesting and there is an actual mystery taking place. The rest of the time, we follow Stevie and her classmates who are all trying a little too hard to be cool, mysterious, and artsy. They come off as one-dimensional versions of stereotypes out of a movie.

As far as the mystery goes, we have a double mystery here. The first is what happened to the school founder and his family, and the second is a lackluster murder mystery that starts a little over halfway through the book. I would have liked it better if it stuck to one mystery that continues throughout the series over having two in this book. It would have also been fun to see Stevie trying to investigate the abduction and murders on a much greater level, especially if she attended the school within 15 years of the events and not several decades later. I just think that too much time has passed to make her determination to solve the cold case and the school’s strange interest in encouraging her investigation make sense.

Weirdly enough, the most interesting thing that happened in the entire book occurs at the end of the final chapter. While I’m tempted to pick up the second book just to see where this revelation takes us, the bland characters and slow-moving plot are not enough to get me to continue the series. I’m sad to say that this is a miss for me.

Trauma is Really Strange by Steve Haines

 
Trauma is Really Strange by Steve Haines
My Rating: ★

This short graphic novel explains what trauma is, how it works, and how it can inwardly and outwardly present itself. The book really had me going with how well it simplified what dissociation is and how it works. I’ve never seen dissociation explained so well in such a simplified way. I’m impressed that it was done so well here since this is such a short graphic novel.

Sadly, I was not impressed by the rest of the book. I understand that it’s hard to simplify the different aspects of trauma, especially for a short graphic novel, but it ultimately came off insulting rather than an informative little guide. By the end, it makes it sound like we’re all built to overcome trauma and we’re not trying hard enough if we fail to overcome it. That’s just not how it works and I’m not sure if that’s the message they intended to give since it starts out as a simplified guide with some great info before it started to sour itself.

Best Laid Plaids (Kilty Pleasures #1) by Ella Stainton

 
Best Laid Plaids by Ella Stainton 
My Rating: ★★

I received a copy from Carina Press through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Dr. Ainsley Graham set his career on fire when he went public with the claim that ghosts are real and that he has been communicating with them. Since then, he’s spent his time drinking and floating around as he desires since the world thinks he’s odd. When Joachim Cockburn is sent his way to check out known hauntings in Scotland, Ainsley thinks he’s just another person coming to poke fun at him for his beliefs. What he did not expect was an extremely sexy man to come knocking at the door. Even more shocking, he wasn’t even expecting Joachim when he arrives, so Ainsley puts the moves on him in a case of mistaken identity. What else could possibly go wrong?

This book had me at spooky romance set in 1920s Scotland. Unfortunately for me, I didn’t care for the story. The book told through the rotating perspectives of Ainsley and Joachim. Despite seeing things through their perspectives, I quickly discovered that I didn’t particularly care for either character. Ainsley is arrogant, both flighty and clingy, and doesn’t know what he wants on top of shutting down when he does get what he was hoping for. Meanwhile, Joachim is arrogant in a different sense while closed off and stiff. I couldn’t connect with either of them in addition to not being interested in following them as I continued to read. The romance couldn’t been on fire if the two didn’t keep waffling about each other to the very end.

Honestly, I found myself more interested in the hauntings, which were sadly lackluster. I would say this is a romance with a touch of paranormal. I was really interested in the ghosts along with the other characters, including Ainsley’s sister. I think I was happiest whenever a chapter came along that included a gathering of characters because I didn’t care for the leads.

I wouldn’t say that this is a bad book. I do think that Ella Stainton had something going here, but I just didn’t care for Ainsley and Joachim as characters and the romance didn’t seem all that romantic to me. If you like romance novels that are sex without the romancing, this might be something you’ll like.

The Tea Dragon Society (Tea Dragon #1) by Katie O'Neill

 

The Tea Dragon Society by Katie O'Neill
My Rating: ★★★★★

Greta is a blacksmith apprentice not sure that she wants to learn blacksmithing when, one day, she stumbles upon a tea dragon. Saving the tea dragon from being attacked, she becomes immersed in their world, learning it’s a dying art. Learning about tea dragons and how to care for them open her eyes to a whole new world, which makes her appreciate blacksmithing and how even the little things in life can create new memories and take on lives on their own.

This book is absolutely adorable, heartwarming, and beautiful. I read a Katie O’Neill book before, so I was excited to finally pick up this book because her artwork is stunning in addition to creating magical and heartwarming stories. I was not disappointed one bit. We follow Greta as she enters the world of tea dragons, creating new friends and learning to appreciate even the little things and their impact along the way. She’s such a sweet and caring character who is really thoughtful and curious. Greta makes a wonderful protagonist, so I loved following her adventures.

Along the way, we meet various characters who become Greta’s new friends. Hesekiel and Erik are tea shop owners who care for tea dragons, and Minette is their ward who has lost much of her memory. These are the characters we see most, in addition to Greta of course, and they are positively sweet and magical in their own ways.

The artwork is absolutely beautiful. I would honestly buy a giant poster of any panel from this book and put it on my wall. Plus, O’Neill makes a point to represent different skin colors, LGBT characters, and disabilities. I can’t wait to pick up the next book in the series. It’s bound to be just as wonderful as this series opener.

Monster, She Wrote: The Women Who Pioneered Horror and Speculative Fiction by Lisa Kröger

 
Monster, She Wrote: The Women Who Pioneered Horror and Speculative Fiction by Lisa Kröger
My Rating: ★★★★★

If you’re looking for a bit of history on women writing horror, then this is the book for you. I picked this up because I rarely hear people talking about how long women have been writing horror. As soon as I opened the book, I got very excited because it goes back as far as the 1600s and talks about the lives of the authors focused on in each section in addiction to the books that they wrote.

One of the things I like about this book is that it’s separated into sections with authors that fall under that section. You can find anything from gothic to pulp fiction covered along with the authors who wrote them. There’s also a reading list for each other, which is great for anyone who returns to the book later looking to quickly find something new to read from one of the authors featured.

Plus, it’s not daunting to anyone who normally avoids fiction. Each chapter is extremely engaging and is bound to keep anyone glued to the pages. It’s truly a book that is both a guide and biography.

Animal Embroidery Workbook: Step-by-Step Techniques & Patterns for 30 Cute Critters & More by Jessica Long

 
Animal Embroidery Workbook by Jessica Long

My Rating: ★★★★★

I received a copy from HarperCollins Publishers through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

As someone new to embroidery, I thought this book would be a great help on top of having cute patterns and was not disappointed. The opening has a lot of good information on the basics of getting started, including the different ways to put the outline of a pattern on fabric based on the type of fabric you are using. I also love the finishing techniques that are included, especially the double hoop. I was aware of most of these methods since I’m a cross stitcher, but I’ve never seen the double hoop finishing method and I can’t wait to try it.

There is a comprehensive stitch guide included, which is great for beginners like me. If any stitch does not make sense, it is easy to look how a how-to video and it suddenly makes sense. Plus, the patterns have tips geared toward each pattern, such as how to make transferring that particular pattern easier on yourself or choosing a fabric shade to make it pop. There are little ideas on how to take the patterns to the next level if you’re up to it and things like that. I think it’s a great touch.

I absolutely love this book and plan on purchasing it. I can’t wait to make my favorite pattern included, Honeybee Love, when I think I’m up to making something a little more complex. All in all, I think it’s a great book all around and can’t wait to make some of the patterns included.

Bread of the Dead (Santa Fe Cafe Mystery #1) by Ann Myers

 

Bread of the Dead by Ann Myers
My Rating: ★★★

Rita is starting her life over as a single parent and chef working at the Tres Amigas Café under her friend and snoopy boss, Flori. Life is good when the main mystery in her sight is Flori’s obsession with a potential cheater in the Day of the Dead bread-baking contest when her daughter discovers her landlord dead. Shaken to the core, Rita becomes convinced that her landlord was murdered while her bitter ex complains about the imaginary crime and her amateur investigating.

I decided to pick up this series opener because it seemed like a good cozy to read given Halloween is coming up. The more I read it, the more I was glad that I picked it up because it was so funny. Between Rita’s shenanigans and Flori’s fun personality in addition to her own shenanigans, I was having a good time laughing while reading. Myers brings such a great cast of characters to the table that it is the real selling point of the book. There are very few unlikable characters, and trust me, you’ll know who they are when you see them. I could honestly follow this entire series for however long it goes on for just for the characters and their hilarious antics. It’s truly what we all need, especially right now when we’re all having such a bleak year.

Plus, the food descriptions had me ready to eat. I was surprised that there wasn’t a recipe at the back of the book like there usually is with books following bakers and chefs, but it’s not a dealbreaker. I can make much of the food that was described, and I love to bake on top of that. However, if you look forward to making a recipe the characters in these types of cozies were making, be aware that there isn’t one featured in the book.

That said, I do think the mystery itself was lacking. All suspects were obviously red herrings, but the buildup on the actual killer was lacking so they seemed like a red herring as well. I wish there was some foreshadowing or a lead that pointed in this character’s direction earlier on. By the time the character seems like they might be suspicious, everything is revealed and then we’re suddenly at the final chapter wrapping up the book.

As much as it hurts me to give a book I loved three stars, this is a cozy mystery and mystery is something that this book lacked. I will be checking out the next book, but I hope the mystery aspect is something that improves over time because I think that Myers has something good going here.

Wayward Witch (Brooklyn Brujas #3) by Zoraida Córdova

 
Wayward Witch by Zoraida Córdova
My Rating: ★★

Rose’s life has been turned upside down. First, she was accidentally trapped in a tree by Alex. Then she had to deal with zombies and everything that came with it thanks to her other sister, Lula. On top of that, she found out that her magic is much different than what she thought it was. Now that her death day has creeped up, she’s convinced her family’s happiness is a band-aid that’s about to be ripped off. Her father’s return is not what her family imagined it would be, and she’s convinced everyone is just pretending to be happy instead of enjoying the lull before the next big crisis. Then she finds out her father has been lying about not remembering his time in the fairy realm, and it opens a whole new can of worms.

I absolutely loved the first two books in the series, so I was excited to read the third and final book in the trilogy. I wish I could say I loved this as much as the previous books. Sadly, I have mixed feelings about this one. Something seems to be missing and I can’t put my finger on what that is other than it felt unfinished when I got to the end. I got to the final chapter and said, “That’s it?” I watched Rose go through so much before finally getting back to her family only to find the closing very rushed and lacking in heart and substance. Unless I’m mistaken and this isn’t the end of the series, this was a pretty lackluster and rushed way to tie up the story in the final chapters.

That said, there is a lot of good here. Rose narrates the final book, and it was so much fun to see the world through her eyes. On top of this, we get a whole new cast of characters when she finds herself abducted and taken to a fairy realm called Adas. The descriptions are so beautiful, and the characters are so complex, that I had a lot of fun watching her journey progress. I loved the new characters so much. I wish that more of them were developed more than they were, but not enough to make me feel that any of them were lacking.

However, I do think that the fast pace and sheer number of new characters was confusing at times, especially early on. It took me a hot minute to get the characters down because it seemed like someone new was popping up everywhere I turned. It’s also fast paced, but it still somehow left me feeling like a lot and nothing happened at the same time. I came out of the book feeling like I got dropped out of a crazy whirlwind where too much and not enough happened. It’s entirely possible that we’re meant to feel this way, but it’s still a strange feeling.

All in all, while the characters and setting is great, I find that this is the weakest link in the series. I hope it turns out that this is not a trilogy because there are a lot of loose ends that have been left open, and I think that there is a lot more story that can be told especially since it feels so unfinished. I’ve got my fingers crossed that a novella or fourth book in the series is something that occurs somewhere down the line.

WitchCraft Cocktails: From Aphrodite's Love Potion to Mercurial Grounding Elixir, 75 Seasonal Drinks Infused with Magic and Ritual by Julia Halina Hadas

 

WitchCraft Cocktails by Julia Halina Hadas

My Rating: ★★★★★

I received a copy from Adams Media through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

When I saw this book, I knew I had to check it out because it seemed like an interesting take on cocktails. I knew it was inspired by witchcraft, but I was still pleasantly surprised by how the author combined cocktails and witchcraft. I could tell that she is a practicing witch as well as a well-versed bartender right away.

The book starts out with a bit of history on alcohol, witchcraft, and general herb preservation. She also goes through the basics of bartending, which includes tools and techniques, as well as getting into the ingredients and how to combine witchcraft with drink making. It was a very interesting read and I rather enjoyed the opening.

Once I got to the drinks, I was amazed by the wide range of drinks and the information she includes with each one. Other than the delightful pictures, there is a bit of information on what inspired each drink and what properties the drinks have. While majority of the drinks are alcoholic beverages, there are some non-alcoholic drinks mixed in. I also like that the end of the book includes a list of classic cocktails and an herbal intentions list to encourage readers to try their hand at creating their own drinks based on tastes and what they hope to invoke.

Whether or not witchcraft or general herbal properties and what they can do for you is something you’re interested in, I think this is a great book. There’s a wide variety of delicious looking and sounding drinks along with detailed bartending tips and recipes on how to make some ingredients from scratch. I think that it’s a great book for anyone interested in expanding their cocktail recipes.

Once Upon a Time I Lived on Mars: Space, Exploration, and Life on Earth by Kate Greene

 

Once Upon a Time I Lived on Mars: Space, Exploration, and Life on Earth by Kate Greene
My Rating: ★★★

I received a copy from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

In this collection of essays, we follow Kate Greene through a period of her life, which takes some interesting turns. One of the most interesting events in her life is when she becomes a member of a life on Mars simulation to study the eating habits of the faux astronauts. Outside of this simulation, she also reflects on her life, which includes her parents, brother, friendships, marriage and eventual divorce.

I’ve always been fascinated with space, so when I got the opportunity to read this book, I took it. I find the studies on space travel very interesting, and Greene was a member of a simulation that involved pretending to live on Mars while living in an artificial environment built in Hawaii. I never knew how many space studies that take place outside of space until later life, but it makes sense. Even something as simple as food can become a big deal due to the limitations of what and how one can eat while in space.

While the subject matter was interesting, it took me a while to read because the book itself felt disjointed. It is a collection of essays reflecting on various parts of Greene’s life, but because it is a collection of essays from one person, the book bounces around quite a bit. I discovered that I would’ve liked it better if it was in chronological order, but that’s just my preference. The way it bounces around would’ve worked if this was a collection of essays from different people instead of one author.

All in all, I did enjoy the book as well as Greene’s perspective on anything from space to general life experiences. If space related experiments to general life reflections is something you’re interested in, I would highly recommend this. Just be aware that Greene does bounce around subject matter since this is a collection of essays. 

Chasing American Monsters: Over 250 Creatures, Cryptids & Hairy Beasts by Jason Offutt

Chasing American Monsters: Over 250 Creatures, Cryptids & Hairy Beasts by Jason Offutt
My Rating: ★★★★

Cataloging the monster sightings across America, Jason Offutt provides a comprehensive list of monsters organized by state. In this book, you will find anything from the many Bigfoot sightings to mysterious lake monsters and human sized talking cockroaches. Not one to skip over hoaxes, Offutt also includes monster sightings that are known hoaxes and notes which monsters are confirmed hoaxes. This book is sure to make a fascinating read whether or not you are a believer.

I picked up this book because I’ve always been fascinated by the different monsters and creatures that have been sighted over the years. When I started reading, I didn’t realize how many different monsters that are allegedly all over the states! While some creatures, such as Bigfoot, are well known, there are others that I have never heard of. I know I have never heard of the human sized talking cockroaches. Are those real? Who knows, but I certainly hope not!

I loved reading about all the various beings, like the Menehune in Hawaii and the Batsquatch in Washington. It was interesting to learn about the different sightings reported all over the states that include vampires and mysterious lake monsters. I also liked that Offutt noted when a monster sighting was a confirmed hoax while the others are up in the air, so people can choose to decide how real or fake the sightings are.

The book is organized very well. The states are listed alphabetically, and the monsters are listed on a state by state basis. The Bigfoot sightings did get a bit redundant after a while since they’ve been reported in most states. I was more surprised when a Bigfoot wasn’t listed among a state’s monsters. While the layout of the book worked very well, its only downfall was the sheer amount of Bigfoot sections.

Otherwise, I think it was a great book that gives a little information on each monster. I don’t think this was meant to be an extremely detailed list of monsters, but more of a monster encyclopedia, so don’t expect lengthy descriptions on each creature mentioned.

Kawaii Doodle Cuties: Sketching Super-Cute Stuff from Around the World by Pic Candle; Zainab Khan

 

Kawaii Doodle Cuties: Sketching Super-Cute Stuff from Around the World by Pic Candle; Zainab Khan
My Rating: ★★★★★

Are you ready to level up your doodling skills? With this book, you can learn new drawing foundations that will not only level up your doodles, but also increase your general drawing skills. 

This book is absolutely adorable. I decided to check out more books from Pic Candle and Zainab Khan after reading Kawaii Doodle World, so I picked up this book and was not disappointed. Not only is it cute, but it also includes basic drawing skills that are presented in a simple and relaxing environment. I actually learned something that I didn’t even pick up in my college level drawing classes. I don’t know what that says about those classes, but hey. There is always something new to learn so I can’t complain.

As I noted in my review for Kawaii Doodle World, I think this is a great book for kids who like to draw. Each doodle has step-by-step instructions that are easy to follow, but I would say this book is better for kids close to middle school age. I can see younger kids getting frustrated with the more complex doodles included in the book, so I wouldn’t recommend it for younger kids who like to draw.

At the back of the book, there’s more search-and-find puzzles that double as coloring pages. I love these little search-and-find puzzles because they’re such a fun way to end the book.

There Are Things I Can't Tell You by Edako Mofumofu

 
There Are Things I Can't Tell You by Edako Mofumofu
My Rating: ★★★

I received a copy from Diamond Book Distributors through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Kyousuke and Kasumi have been close friends since they met in elementary school. Complete opposites, the pair were drawn to one another and quickly became friends. Now out of college, their friendship teeters on the edge of becoming something more as they struggle to define their feelings for one another. The only problem is that they are both too self-conscious to put their feelings on the table and clear the air.

I thought this was a realistic plot about best friends who have feelings for each other struggling to figure out what that means on top of talking about them. It was quite realistic to see them struggling with their sexuality, especially during a flashback sequence where Kyousuke overhears a conversation between his parents where homosexuality is described as disgusting. Starting to realize that you are attracted to the same gender and beginning to learn that people are against it is an unforgettable memory.

I think that the story does a great job at bringing depth and realism to the story in many ways. It’s quite heartbreaking to watch these two characters struggle with their sexuality, grappling with how society views same sex couples, and remembering their own hardships from their upbringing. Kyousuke is a well-developed character and majority of the story is told through him and his experiences, so I understood him well.

At the same time, I think the story is lacking in other areas. I think that there are parts of this story that are not very memorable and will easily be forgotten as time goes on. Kasumi is not developed well, and I feel like I only got to know him on a superficial level. In fact, Kyousuke is the only fully developed character in the story. I wish that we got to learn more about Kasumi outside of what we did learn. He was a little too glossed over, which made him a little hard to follow at times.

I also think that the flashbacks and the overall timeline could have been handled better. There were a couple flashbacks that threw me through a loop because I couldn’t tell if they were a flashback or taking place in the present at first. Because of this, I honestly thought the story was going to reveal that Kasumi was dead at some point because of the way the timeline was handled.

While I do have a few complaints, I think that the overall story itself is good and I’d like to read more from Edako Mofumofu in the future.

The Numerology Guidebook: Uncover Your Destiny and the Blueprint of Your Life by Michelle Buchanan

The Numerology Guidebook by Michelle Buchanan
My Rating: ★★★★★

Taking the next step in my path to learn numerology, I picked up this book and was not disappointed. This is a nice, detailed book that begins with an explanation on numerology and how there’s a difference between modern and old school numerology. Neither is wrong, it’s all up to personal preference. From there, the book dives into how to calculate your core numbers before diving into the juicy bits.

There is a lot of useful information on learning numerology along with how to compile your own numerology profile. The instructions on how to calculate core numbers along with other numbers, such as challenge numbers, are clear and nothing is left to the imagination. I like that there’s multiple ways to calculate the numbers so that people can choose the method that makes the most sense to them. The question that I had with a different numerology book was do we reduce the number if we get a power number? Michelle Buchanan provides an explanation on this so calculating is left without questions.

I love how much information is in this book without making it overwhelming for anyone dipping their toes into numerology for the first time. There are clear explanations and how to blend the information you get from the numbers together to create a clear profile. I also like that it encourages to look at both the power number and what it reduces to if you get a power number in your core numbers. There’s a reason for this and it makes a lot of sense.

Toward the end of the book, there’s other numbers to check out for when selecting baby names, pet names, and so on. I decided to calculate the numbers for my cats even though I named them when I adopted them. Their numbers are spot on. It’s pretty interesting how a name can tell us so much about a person, place, or animal.

Numerology is so interesting. I’m glad I came across this book because it’s very informative and I highly recommend it for other people just getting into numerology.

Gustavo, the Shy Ghost by Flavia Z. Dragó

Gustavo, the Shy Ghost by Flavia Z. Dragó

My Rating: ★★★★★

Gustavo is great at being a ghost, but he’s feeling lonely because he doesn’t have any friends. You see, Gustavo is so shy that he finds it difficult to talk to people. What’s even worse is that he discovers no one tries to talk to him because they can’t see him!

This is such a cute little story about a shy ghost who just wants to make friends. The story is very short and simple, making it a perfect read for small children. The artwork is very pretty and detailed, but simple enough for kids to follow along and enjoy as they read it. If this had been around when I was a kid, I know it would’ve been among my collection because I loved ghosts and monster stories when I was a kid.

I think it’s the perfect heartwarming and encouraging story for kids. Gustavo is shy and people can’t see him because he’s a ghost, but he works up the courage to strike out and make friends. Just when he thinks no one was coming to see him, he decides to play his violin anyway. It turns out he glows when he’s doing what he loves, which draws in all the people he invited to come watch him play, allowing him to finally form new friendships. It’s a great encouraging and uplifting story for kids to read and enjoy, especially for kids who are very shy.

One Year at Ellsmere by Faith Erin Hicks

 

One Year at Ellsmere by Faith Erin Hicks

My Rating: ★★★

Juniper is one step closer to her dream of becoming a doctor when she wins a scholarship to a prominent private school. Excited to get the ultimate education at Ellsmere Academy, she discovers that she feels out of place as soon as she arrives. It turns out that she’s the only student there on scholarship. Making a close friend and evil enemy right off the bat, Juniper finds herself in for a wild ride during her first semester at the school.

This is such as sweet story that is more about friendship than anything else. Juniper is new and the only kid at the school on scholarship, so she sticks out from the rest of the kids for not being a rich legacy student. Meanwhile, Cassie has been at the school since she was a kid and doesn’t have many friends. Instead, she’s picked on and called an orphan by the resident school bully. I loved how positive Juniper and her new friend, Cassie, bonded and became essentially best friends right off the bat. Their friendship is what I love about the story.

The artwork is also absolutely beautiful. I love how vibrant the colors are and how the artwork really brings the story to life before you read the dialogue. I also enjoyed seeing the drawing process for re-inking the story at the end of the book. It was really need to see and I think it’s a nice bonus.

While I loved the story, I do have two issues. I’m disappointed that Emily, the school bully, got a slap on the wrist for her evil deeds. I know she was forgiven by Juniper, but I think it’s a shame that not much happened with Emily as the story ended. No meeting with her parents, nothing. Just a slap on the wrist and an order to stay away from Juniper and Cassie.

My second issue is the lack of a fantasy plot. I was expecting some form of magical realism, but a long running school myth and the appearance of a mythological being for a few seconds was it. From the synopsis, I was expecting much more on the fantasy front. Instead, it seemed to be inserted at the end without much thought.

That said, I do like the story. I just wish that the fantasy aspect was well executed and that the story itself was longer because it ends abruptly.

Kawaii Doodle World: Sketching Super-Cute Doodle Scenes with Cuddly Characters, Fun Decorations, Whimsical Patterns, and More by Pic Candle; Zainab Khan

 

Kawaii Doodle World: Sketching Super-Cute Doodle Scenes with Cuddly Characters, Fun Decorations, Whimsical Patterns, and More by Pic Candle; Zainab Khan
My Rating: ★★★★★

I received a copy from Quarto Publishing Group through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Are you ready to level up your doodling skills? With this book, you can learn how to doodle various kawaii characters and add some simple techniques to your drawing skills.

This book is absolutely adorable. I saw it and thought it was so cute. I’m always doodling, so I thought it’d be a cute book to get. Inside, you’ll find step-by-step instructions on how to draw various characters in addition to how to take these characters and create a big picture with them. There’s all kinds of neat little additions the book covers as well, such as patterns that you can use to give your doodles extra dimension.

At the back of the book, there’s a few search-and-find puzzles that also double as coloring pages. If you can’t find the item you’re looking for in the picture, there’s an answer key at the very end. I thought it was a cute idea as well as a great way to end the book.

I think this is a great book for kids learning how to draw because it teaches you how to draw simple characters and patterns. It has some simple yet great drawing techniques that will be easy for kids to pick up and really feel like they are learning without the pressure of producing a masterpiece. The step-by-step instructions are easy for kids to follow, so I think it’s the perfect book to get for any kid interested in drawing.

Ever After by Olivia Vieweg

 

Ever After by Olivia Vieweg
My Rating: ★★★★

I received a copy from Lerner Publishing Group through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Vivi and Eva are living in a world ravaged by the zombie apocalypse. Leaving the safety of the place they called home, they find themselves out in a world of wonder. The problem? This beautiful world is also riddled with the undead while the two fight to survive the horrors of their past and present.

I love all things zombies, so I was excited to get this book and read it. It’s dark and sad while somehow managing to have a positive and lighthearted message. I know that this sounds like an odd combination, but I swear that it works for the story. It does get very dark, and there is an attempted suicide very early on, but it does get positive down the line.

Vivi and Eva are living in a terrible situation. They’ve survived zombies for two years and have horrible memories associated with the beginning of the zombie apocalypse all the way up to the present. Unfortunately for Eva, she’s hiding that she’s been infected and is turning into a zombie, so she lashes out quite a bit. Meanwhile, Vivi is continuing to deal with depression and PTSD along with the guilt she has about her sister. While they both feel very alone, they’ve also accidentally found a friend in each other.

What I like about this comic is that it’s a slice of life story. We don’t find out why or how the zombie apocalypse started or how many communities full of the living are out there. The story only tells us what Vivi and Eva are going through in the present. Anything we learn about the past is through their memories, and anything about other people are based on who they meet along the way. I think it’s an interesting take on a zombie story because it’s not about the zombies nor is it necessarily about surviving the apocalypse. It’s about two people finding a way to survive the hardships they’ve each been dealt and discovering there is light for them to hold onto.

While I enjoyed the story, I also loved the artwork. It’s absolutely beautiful. If Olivia Vieweg’s other work is translated into English, I will definitely check them out.

Werewolf on the Western Front (Avery & Carter Book 2) by Shane Carrow

Werewolf on the Western Front by Shane Carrow

My Rating: ★★★★

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

It’s been a few years since Lucas Avery and Sam Carter have seen each other. Their shared bond is just the past for Sam when he finds himself on patrol in France. Sam and his unit are chasing after some deserters when they hear a wolf howling. What’s odd is that everyone claims it’s impossible since there are no wolves in France. In an even stranger turn of events, a werewolf hunts down Sam, his unit, and the deserters they were chasing. Sam’s past is no longer the past when he survives the werewolf attack and finds himself in Lucas Avery’s company once again.

I was super excited when I saw that the novella I enjoyed so much was becoming a series. I was expecting more of the cheesy and goofy fun story that the novella brought and was met with that with more serious tones mixed in. The change in tone makes sense since the characters are in the thick of things during WWI. This makes the story darker than before, which also means it comes with more war information to make the story and its setting seem more realistic.

While the setting is darker than before, Sam and Lucas are the same two characters fumbling around and making obvious mistakes. This time around, a new character is added to their group. Otto brings a little extra dimension to the story while also bringing a little romance to the table for one of the characters. I loved the way all three characters balanced with each other and brought the story alive. Otto seems like a sweet guy and I hope to see him again as the series continues. The way his story was tied up, I think it could go either way.

As for Sam and Lucas, I loved them as always. They changed very little during their two years apart and it was great to see them reunite and enter a new investigation. I was hoping that what appeared to be a budding romance between them in the novella would take shape, but that appears to be off the table at the present. If that ever changes, I will be here for it.

Speaking of Lucas, I was hoping that we would get a lot more information on his vampirism. There was some development on that front, but I am a little disappointed that his personal situation was mostly about him not answering the call of his vampire side. It’s been two years since the novella took place. I was hoping for more development on that front than what we got. Hopefully there’s more development on this front in the next book even if it’s him struggling with it after tapping into some of those abilities.

As far as the mystery goes, Sam and Lucas are chasing after a werewolf this time around. I thought the werewolf lore Shane Carrow went with was interesting and a little different than what I usually see. While I figured out who the werewolf was early on, I still enjoyed seeing how the characters put two and two together on their own. I thought it was an interesting take on werewolves down to the showdown once all was revealed to the characters.

All in all, I enjoyed the book and look forward to the next installment. I’m also interested in seeing what supernatural entity Carrow will bring to life next.

Teeny-Tiny Mochimochi: More Than 40 Itty-Bitty Minis to Knit, Wear, and Give by Anna Hrachovec

Teeny-Tiny Mochimochi: More Than 40 Itty-Bitty Minis to Knit, Wear, and Give by Anna Hrachovec

My Rating: ★★★★★

I’ve been dying to pick this book up for some time and finally got it. I love to knit toys and cute items to sit on display, so it’s been on my list for a while. I finally picked it up not long ago because my cats like to pick up and throw small knitted items in the air. I thought I’d make them some cute toys with this book.

I’m happy to say that this is an adorable book with clear instructions for those who are newer to knitting. I like that there are clear instructions on the techniques you’ll be using with various patterns in addition to pictures before the pattern chapters begin. While the knitting abbreviations are at the back of the book instead of the front, I think that anyone new to knitting or unfamiliar with the terms will find it easy to flip to the back of the book as needed. Plus, there’s a great section at the back called knitting essentials that includes instructions on how to do various stitches and other techniques not listed at the front of the book. I think it’s odd that the knitting essentials section isn’t at the front of the book with the other tips and techniques, but it doesn’t bother me.

The patterns are cute, easy to understand, and have pictures showing how to approach the different steps. I think that it’s perfect for anyone knew to knitting in addition to anyone new to dealing with embroidery and stuffed items. Plus, the pictures showing each finished item are absolutely adorable. I’m very happy with this book and plan on making some cute tiny additions to my key-chain next.

Let's Bake!: A Pusheen Cookbook by Susanne Ng, Claire Belton

Let's Bake!: A Pusheen Cookbook by Susanne Ng, Claire Belton

My Rating: ★★★★★

I received a copy from Gallery Books through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

If you you’re a Pusheen fan and you love to bake, than there’s a good chance you will be interested in this book because it is all Pusheen baked goods. Split up by the type of baked good, you’ll find everything from adorable cookies to cakes and breakfast items. As a long time fan of Pusheen, I was super excited about this book and it did not disappoint me in any way.

Each recipe has a picture of the adorable finished item, clear baking instructions, and photos that accompany the steps based on its difficulty level and ease of decoration. I like that there’s extra pictures to show the steps as needed because sometimes you need a visual. I think the instructions are clear enough that even unexperienced bakers can easily follow along. It’s a great book to experiment with as beginner bakers become more experienced because even the difficult recipes have easy and detailed instructions.

Because each finished item is absolutely adorable, I think that many of them are great treats for kids. It reminds me of when my mom would make food in fun shapes and cute, decorative baked goods as treats when I was growing up. Anyone who likes to bake that also has kids who are Pusheen fans are bound to enjoy making these as treats for their kids. Some of the recipes would actually be fun to make as a family, like the Pusheen marshmallows.

All in all, I really enjoyed this book and look forward to making several of the recipes. They look great, sound tasty, and I’m bound to have fun making them since I love baking. I highly recommend this cookbook for anyone who is a Pusheen fan.

In Focus Numerology: Your Personal Guide by Sasha Fenton

In Focus Numerology: Your Personal Guide by Sasha Fenton

My Rating: ★★★★

I received a copy from Quarto Publishing Group through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I’ve been interested in numerology for some time and thought it was a good time to check it out. This is the first book on a short list of books I plan on reading about numerology. I think that this is a great book to start with. Sasha Fenton begins with a short history of numerology before diving into important numbers, what they mean, and how to calculate them.

I had a lot of fun reading this book. Each chapter gives a brief explanation about the topic at hand, explains how to calculate your personal number, and then moves onto the list of numbers and their meanings for that area. It’s also a very beautiful book with great designs throughout the pages. I think that it’s a great book for beginners like me because it doesn’t leave you swimming in too much information at once.

My only complaint is that that some of the explanations on how to calculate each number is lacking. It’s very straight forward if your number is simple, but if some of your numbers are more complex and require further breaking down, it starts to get vague. I had to do my own research outside of the book to find out how to finish calculating my number in these cases because it was not clear. Otherwise, I do think it’s a great book and I plan on buying a physical copy.

To Coach a Killer (The Life Coach Mysteries #2) by Victoria Laurie

To Coach a Killer by Victoria Laurie

My Rating: ★★

I received a copy from Kensington Books through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

After finally launching her new business and surviving the Angel of Death, Cat has hit a bump in the road. The problem? Her life coaching business is not taking off like she thought it would. However, things are looking up because she just got a new client who is convinced he’s cursed. Not sure how this applies to her skill set, she’s determined to help while she dives into a new murder mystery that has her two love interests staring daggers at each other.

I was pretty excited to start this book only for my excitement to die in its tracks early on. Unfortunately, Cat’s new client is convinced he was cursed by a Roma woman while he was still a fetus. The “g” slur was used as well, so it was rather disheartening to read such a prejudicial and stereotypical characterization in a book coming from an author I’ve been following for years. To top things off, this character also believes that he was born a little person because of this curse, which did not sit well with me at all. This all occurs right at the beginning of the book and it really made me not want to continue reading. However, I did agree to read this book in exchange for an honest review when I got it from netgalley, so I forged ahead and here we are.

I had a really hard time getting into the story for the above reasons on top of just being bored. After two books, I am now sure that I liked Cat much better as a supporting character because she’s just not interesting enough to keep my attention from wandering. I keep finding myself wishing that there was a different protagonist leading this story, so I don’t think this is something that will change for me however long this series runs.

I do think that the murder mystery was truly wild. It reminded me why I’ve almost always loved Victoria Laurie’s books. She’s got a way with her mystery plots that always keeps me coming back. They’re entertaining and sometimes quite complex. I truly enjoyed the mystery aspect of this cozy once it got rolling, which is also when I got into the story. At that point, I really wanted to see what was going to be revealed next. I can honestly say that I was not disappointed with how the mystery plot concluded. It was unexpected, wild, and entertaining while gut wrenching at the most crucial moments.

All in all, this is the final book in the series for me. Cat as a protagonist just does not hold my attention, so I will not continue to follow her adventures. Plus, I’m disappointed with Laurie’s usage of a prejudicial characterization for her cursed storyline.

The Great Witches Baking Show (Great Witches Baking Show #1) by Nancy Warren

The Great Witches Baking Show by Nancy Warren

My Rating: ★★★★★

Poppy Wilkinson has landed herself a spot on The Great British Baking Contest. While it would be lovely to win, and the exposure from being on the show is bound to be great for her, she has her own reasons for becoming a contestant. You see, Poppy was abandoned when she was a baby. The show gives her a chance to sneak her way into Broomewode Hall and check out something she recognized: the pattern on her baby blanket in one of their old paintings. Unfortunately for Poppy, her past isn’t the only mystery on the baking show. One of the contestants is being sabotaged and when they turn up dead on set, their unfortunate demise becomes the most important mystery to solve.

When I saw this series, I knew I had to read it. It sounded right up my alley and the perfect kind of fluffy book until you get to the murder mystery. I’m happy to say that I was not disappointed. This book has a great cast of characters, majority of which seem like sweet and wonderful people. Poppy is such a fun and sweet character. I related to her worries about being on camera and the nervousness about baking on camera. I would be going through the same thing if I was in her shoes. I can also see why the characters began to develop friendships with one another so fast because they seem like cool people I’d love to meet.

The book has two mysteries. The main one is Poppy’s background and how that connects to the supernatural world that she’s a member of, which is the mystery that will continue throughout the series. I think that there was a great introduction to the supernatural world, but I do with there was more than what we got. The second mystery is the murder, which takes a bit of time before it starts but is well thought out and I didn’t catch on to the killer until a bit before they were revealed.

All in all, I think this is a great book that’s fun and entertaining. I’m looking forward to seeing how Poppy and company develop as the series continues and the baking competition starts to get hot. I’m also looking forward to seeing how big the supernatural community is and what else Poppy can do as the series continues. It’s also neat that there’s a recipe at the end, so I’m excited to see what other recipes will pop up since I love baking.

Sublime Stitching: Hundreds of Hip Embroidery Patterns and How-To by Jenny Hart, Alexandra Grablewski

Sublime Stitching: Hundreds of Hip Embroidery Patterns and How-To by Jenny Hart, Alexandra Grablewski

My Rating: ★★★★★

I recently decided to learn how to embroider, so when I saw this book at my local library, I knew I had to pick it up. Jenny Hart offers a great beginners guide that covers everything from the type of fabric one might want to use to tips on how to finish up your projects. If you’re a cross stitcher like me, some of the information may overlap, but it’s all laid out in simple and easy to understand terms for those new to embroidery.

The only thing about starting a new craft with a book is that diagrams can be difficult to understand. I found that was not the case with this book as Jenny Hart supplies a variety of comprehensive stitch diagrams that are paired with written instructions. Of course, diagrams are not for everyone, but it’s easy to find how-to videos to pair with this book.

I found much of the information covered valuable and look forward to starting my first embroidery project when my fabric arrives. Unfortunately, because I picked up an ebook copy of this book, the patterns are not actually included since the physical copy comes with iron-on patterns. That’s fine with me since I picked this up learn what I need to know to start my first project, but if you want the iron-on patterns, make sure to buy the physical copy of this book.

The Banana Cookbook: 50 Simple and Delicious Recipes by Sam Brooks

The Banana Cookbook: 50 Simple and Delicious Recipes by Sam Brooks

My Rating: ★★★

I received a copy from Andrews McMeel Publishing through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Sam Brooks has put together a book full of easy recipes, including a variety of vegan and gluten free options, that center around delicious bananas. Ranging anywhere from a classic loaf of banana bread to ice-cream and delicious iced banana coffee, there are a variety of recipes that covers everyone’s interests.

If you are someone with a nut allergy like me, you’ll be happy to find that there are several nut free options throughout the book. However, quite a few of those options will require you to simply omit the nuts that are used to garnish the final product. There are some recipes that will be difficult to get around, such as peanut butter based recipes, as substituting peanut butter with cashew, almond, or sunflower seed butter will create a much drier final product than the author intended.

One of the things that I liked about this book is the mouthwatering pictures that accompany the recipes. It’s one thing to read a recipe and think about making it, but there’s something about seeing a picture that really entices you to check out the recipe and get you pumped about making it. This is why I was disappointed to discover that the book is full of stock images rather than photos taken of the products of these recipes. Some of the pictures can pass, but there are some that are clearly not what you’ll get when you make the recipe.

I also wish that there were savory recipes included in the book. For a book that views bananas as a “new” staple, it’s odd that savory options are so overlooked. Otherwise, I did enjoy the book and look forward to trying some of the recipes. I’m looking forward to giving the iced banana coffee a go since it combines two of my favorite things: coffee and bananas. I’ve also been looking for a new tried and true banana bread recipe, so I’m excited to bake the one included in the book and seeing how it turns out.