Cozy Coastal Knits by Rosann Fleischauer

Cozy Costal Knits is a fairly standard knitting book. Pictures are plentiful and detailed and there are discussions of knitting tools and tricks.

Emphasis is placed on hats, mitts, cowls and ponchos, with multiple patterns for each. Nothing too tricksy here and an intermediate beginner should be able to complete most patterns. There is one pattern for a men's sweater, a women's shell and a skirt. Plus-size knitters: be aware that none of the garments are plus-sized, although if you're an experienced enough knitter you may be able to size the pattern up for yourself.

A decent addition to a knitting library, especially if you live (or have people you knit for who do) in places where knitted outerwear is needed.

NetGalley provided me with a free ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

#CozyCoastalKnits #NetGalley

The Prince and the Apocalypse by Kara McDowell

What if the apocalypse was…fun?

“The Prince and the Apocalypse” asks and mostly answers that question. Kara McDowell has written a YA romance centered around an apocalypse and a Prince of England who just wants…not to be one. (Hmm, too soon?)

I was able to handwave away the apparent conviction of people showing up to work during an apocalyptic event with “well, it makes the plot go”, because really, I don’t think anyone would be going to work. McDowell’s world is much better behaved, which is certainly refreshing. And cliffhanger ending? I’ll be looking for the sequel!

Charming and well paced, with engaging characters, “Prince” is worth a read. I would say older tweens (mention of past sexual encounters/alcohol use and one non-explicit sex scene) all the way to adults. I was given a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Terraformers by Annalee Newitz

The underlying idea of “The Terraformers” was amazing. I was really interested in how Newitz was going to pull it off. Who gets to decide who or what is a person? How far should we go in ‘making’ people? What could be the consequences of personhood? Unfortunately, I didn’t love this book. It took me a while to read through it as I would pick it up and put it down; it just didn’t pull me into the story. I couldn’t really connect with the characters in the time that Newitz allotted them as there are two major time shifts in the storyline.

This is one of the few books that I genuinely think should be a series, I think that each ‘chunk’ of story could absolutely be expanded into its own novel. More time spent with the characters may have allowed me to connect with them. It’s hard sci-fi, but with sociological/ecological underpinnings, so if that’s your jam, you should love this. It was okay and I’ll be thinking about some of the themes for some time to come.

Netgalley provided me with an advance copy in exchange for my honest opinion

Backpacking through Bedlam by Seanan McGuire

"Backpacking through Bedlam" is another strong chapter in the InCryptid universe. McGuire is realistic about the circumstances she puts her characters into, and no matter what, she holds true to what makes sense for both the characters and the story.

"Backpacking" doesn't exactly tie up the story, but it does have a feel of bringing things full circle. McGuire shows real skill in her plotting and characterization. Character decisions make sense and the ending is satisfying but leaves you wanting more.

Again, don't start with this one, start with "Discount Armageddon" and enjoy your adventures with the Price clan!

NetGalley provided me with a free copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

A House With Good Bones by T. Kingfisher

"A House With Good Bones" is a southern gothic filtered through gen X and I loved it. Deliciously creepy (rather than outright horror), funny, and the most sympathetic portrayal of a vulture that I've ever read.

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.

Maureen by Rachel Joyce

“Maureen” is a lovely conclusion to the Harold Fry series. Lyrically written, Joyce explores grief, how we grieve and how grief changes us. I could empathize with how Maureen feels and how she navigates her grief.

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

The 30 Minute Gardener by Greg Loades

Packed full of gorgeous pictures, both of plants and garden in progress, “The 30-Minute Gardener” is more of a philosophy than a how to manual.

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