It's also about family and how sometimes we can recognize that family members were awful people and you don't actually have to forgive them for that and that's okay.
T. Kingfisher is one of my must-buy authors and I've never been disappointed (scared out of my ever-loving mind, I"m looking at you "The Twisted Ones"!) by a book of hers. I really cannot recommend this highly enough.
Through the novella, we come to understand more of Maureen's choices and to sympathize with her. This series is such a sweet read, I was very happy to return to it and now that it's complete, it's on my list to reread in its entirety.
NetGalley provided me with an e-edition of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
#Maureen #NetGalley
Loades speaks movingly and lovingly of the process of gardening, taking you through a year in the life. Tips and lists for each stage of the garden are laid out and explained well, and Loades never assumes your level of expertise. I found this inspiring for my upcoming move and have taken note of rose varieties he particularly recommends. (Princess Anne, Felicia, Lady of Shalott, Roald Dahl, The Lady Gardener)
I appreciated his way of writing as he lives in Britain and I live in Southern Alberta (as I write this, there is a good 18 inches of snow and it's been well below freezing for the last month) and I find it not discouraging exactly, but a little disheartening when I get into a gardening book and realize part way through that the author lives in such a different climate than I do that there's no way I can grow what they do.
“The 30 Minute Gardener” is well worth a read, it's a lovely soothing book that makes you think that yes, you can do this!
NetGalley provided me with an e-edition of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
#The30MinuteGardener #NetGalley
Baldree delivers a lovely "so what happens *after* the big campaign is over" novel. His characters are fully rounded and the plot absolutely works. (Also...COFFEE!!) I was amazed to find out that this is his first novel, the writing is that good. I could see this appealing to low teens and up, although a precocious tween reader might enjoy it as well.
Definitely pick this one up if you like fantasy, D&D, good writing or all of the above!
Most Wiccans (and indeed, most people) don't usually wish harm to others, nor seek to do harm. There are some people though...and if you've ever encounted them, Hex Twisting will be an invaluable resource. Rajchel talks about the different kinds of hexes and where you might want to use the different kinds and why.
Rajchel also discusses how you might be able to find out if you've been hexed and counter-hexes to perform. She also discusses general ways to keep you and your space clear of influences.
A good choice for any Wiccan or Pagan library!
#HexTwisting #NetGalley
I recieved a copy from NetGalley for my honest opinion.
#LuckyGirl #NetGalley
"Float Plan" is a sweet read, even if I found it a little unrealistic. I also don't know enough about sailing to speak to that part of the plot, although everything seemed realistic there. Worthwhile reading.
A well-written book about how to be more content with what you have, budgeting and making a good life. Soukup distills her blog into her book and it works well. This is on my personal bookshelf as a reread when I need it.
A simple, easy to follow and well-designed how to build your own outdoor furniture. I'll be going back to this for inspiration and hopefully building my own stuff!
"What Moves the Dead" is a reimagining of "The Fall of the House of Usher" -- something that I have never read -- but you don't need to have read "Usher" to follow the story. (I would imagine that having read "Usher" gives "Moves" different layers, though.)
T. Kingfisher is one of my absolute must read authors, and usually one of my comfort reads as well (Except for the horror. No rereading those, they're amazing and well-written, just...no.) "Moves" is more unsettling than horrific, it's creepy and atmospheric and very very good. Short, tightly written and a horse that is a horse and not a 'magic horse'.
Another definite recommendation!
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
#WhatMovestheDead #NetGalley
"The Very Secret Society" is a lovely romp of a book. Sweet without being cloying, just the right amount of tension and the perfect amount of romance. I loved this and couldn't put it down once I'd started. Highly recommended!
I received a promotional copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
#TheVerySecretSocietyofIrregularWitches #NetGalley
Okay, so T. Kingfisher is one of my absolute must buy authors. She excels at protagonists that you can identify with -- I'd call it "welp, there is a thing that must be done, so let's do the thing'. No 'chosen ones', usually no prophecies, just adult (usually women) people doing what has to be done with a minimum of fuss. Fantasy settings, or fantastical elements, but everything makes sense within her worlds.
Well plotted, well written and all around good books. Definitely recommended!
Netgalley provided me with a review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
#Nettle&Bone #NetGalley
Claws for Suspicion is the third in the Catskill Pet Rescue mystery series by Deborah Blake. It’s a solid cozy and well written. Blake does a good job of subtly giving you enough backstory so that you don’t have to have read the previous two books without weighing down the story.
Kari is a sympathetic heroine, and the situation she’s in is perfectly plausible. I have a soft spot for animals and rescues, so this is right up my alley. I did figure out the twist pretty much off the bat, which is pretty rare for me, but that didn’t detract from my enjoyment.
This is a good, fast read and the solution works without having to make any wild leaps or twist previous events to fit the conclusion. Everything is there if you pay attention.
Supporting characters are well drawn and we’re getting to know the inhabitants of Kari’s world as more books come out. And, speaking as someone who lives in a small town, Blake absolutely nails it!
Recommended for anyone who likes cozies, animals and good reads.
NetGalley provided me with a promotion copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
#ClawsForSuspicion #NetGalley
Corinth runs through most of the "pampering" self-care suggestions -- hot baths, meditation, etc. -- and frames suggestions as 'communicating'. This is a neat way to frame her suggestions and I will be trying some of them. I did appreciate the nod to 'not everyone has a bathtub', as I haven't been able to have a comfortable bath in years. (We're moving, so I have hopes for bathing in the new house)
Other suggestions are built around finding a community (or coven), making a comfortable space for yourself and finding which occult tools work for you.
There's nothing terribly earth-shattering or brand new here, but Corinth writes well and I'll be going back over this and trying some things out. The illustrations are lovely and really compliment the book.
I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley, my views are my own.
The Witch's Complete Guide to Self-Care by Theodosia Corinth, Chartwell Books, c2021
