Just a Little Crochet Project...

It's been over 30 years since I picked up a crochet hook. I've never worked with bulky yarn either but it is so soft and lovely that I couldn't resist it. I've taken so many rows out and re-done them, it's ridiculous. I'm determined to make this scarf with even rows though. I'm getting close to the length I want it to be, then it's on to making tassels. I know, it's a hot project for summer. I actually started back in late winter, but life became busy and I didn't finish it. My plan is to get it done before September so I can start on a couple of other crochet projects that I want to make for Christmas gifts. I got a spectacular deal on yarn at newly opened thrift store in our little town!! 

How's your summer going? Are you working on any special projects? Leave me a comment and let's chat!

Review ~ The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club (The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club, #1) by Wanda E. Brunstetter / AND A Personal Note

The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club by Wanda E. Brunstetter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I very much enjoyed listening to the audio of this book! Brunstetter presents a fabulous cast of characters, some that you'll be quite fond of and others...not so much. LOL
I'd say this is one of my favorite inspirational fiction stories I've listened to in a while.

View all my reviews

Note: I'm not reviewing much at all anymore in a professional reader capacity because in Nov 2024 I was diagnosed with Macular Degeneration, and reading an actual paperback book is a bit difficult for me. But I fully intend to share the good books I listen to. I'll be posting a few of those in the next few days. :-)

Review ~ The Burning of Rosemont Abbey by Naomi Stephens

1956: In the quiet village of Wilbeth Green, the smoldering ruins of Rosemont Abbey set the residents' tongues wagging, and everyone is quick to accuse troublemaker Paul Everly of being the arsonist. Paul has vanished without a trace, leaving only his twin sister, Louisa, certain of his innocence. Fueling her conviction is an inexplicable connection--she felt her twin's death an hour before the abbey went up in flames. Knowing no one will believe her, Louisa embarks on her own investigation, challenging the skepticism of her neighbors and the disdain of her aunt and uncle. Even Inspector Malcolm Sinclair, once Paul's closest friend, is torn between his duty and a lingering loyalty to Paul and warns Louisa to abandon her pursuit. But Louisa is determined to solve a murder no one else believes was committed, even if it means unraveling secrets that could shake Wilbeth Green to its core. Award-winning author Naomi Stephens presents a gripping whodunnit--reminiscent of the beloved Agatha Christie tales--of love and redemption set in a quaint British village.

Purchase:

Baker Book House

I don't make any money if you use the above link to purchase a book.

 BHB has terrific deals on their titles though!

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My Review 3 STARS

 ‘Louisa felt him die.’

 That first line is a doozy. In fact, the whole scene when Louisa feels her brothers death is emotionally captivating. I really wanted the entire book to be the same. It just wasn’t. Some of the scenes pulled me in, but too many did not. I like a lot of dialogue, which this book does not have. If you like somewhat softer mysteries, you will probably enjoy this one. Stephens is a new author for me and I hope to give her work another try at a later date. I do hear many good things about her stories.

I received a copy of the book from the publisher. A positive review was not required. No compensation has been received.

Review ~ Of Gold and Shadows (Time's Lost Treasures 1) by Michelle Griep

 

368 pages, Paperback; September 24, 2024 by Bethany House Publishers

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About the Book

In 1888 Victorian England, Ami Dalton navigates a clandestine dual life. By day, she strives to establish herself as a respected Egyptologist, overcoming the gender biases that permeate academia. But with a heart for rescuing black-market artifacts, she is most often disguised as her alter ego, the Shadow Broker. After eight years in India, Oxford's most eligible bachelor, Edmund Price, has come out of the shadows to run for Parliament and is in search of an Egyptologist to value a newly acquired collection. Expecting a renowned Oxford professor, Edmund instead finds himself entangled with Ami, the professor's determined daughter. As they delve into the treasures, their connection deepens, but trouble emerges when a golden griffin--rumored to bear the curse of Amentuk--surfaces and they're left to wonder if the curse really is at play, or if something more nefarious is hiding among the shadows.

Purchase:

Baker Book House

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My Review 4 STARS

Griep is well known for her mysterious gothic style stories. I enjoyed Ami and Edmund in Of Gold and Shadows. Their exploits and mutual attraction are enough to keep avid readers involved in the story. History lovers will appreciate the abundance of Egyptian history and the artifacts. As always, mystery and intrigue and romance are woven together to create a delightfully entertaining tale.

Side note: Sarah Zimmerman narrates the audio book. She does an excellent job!!

I received a paperback copy of the book from the publisher, and also purchased an audio copy. I was not required to write a positive review. No compensation has been received.

Review ~ Hope Like Wildflowers by Pepper Basham

 

Barbour Books ~ Oct 1, 2024 ~ 320 Pages ~ Paperback

Book 2 of 2: My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge

About the Book

Kizzie McAdams spent her childhood longing to see beyond the mountains of home, but when her job as a servant in a landowner’s house results in an unplanned pregnancy, her world tips into uncertainty and heartbreak. Disowned by her father, she seeks comfort in the arms of the man who promises to take care of her, but his support is conditional and inconsistent. She finds acceptance in the home of a nearby family who not only offer Kizzie friendship but point her to a deeper understanding of God’s love.

Despite her change of heart, her status as a social outcast brings with it continued threats and alienation so she flees her past in hopes of starting over in a nearby town. But her new world carries many of the same prejudices as the old. It also brings the unexpected friendship of businessman Noah Lewis, a man who lives with the same desire as Kizzie for helping the marginalized.

Unfortunately, Kizzie and Noah’s attempts to help those in need pit them against Noah’s elder brother, a powerful mill owner who holds control of the family finances. Is Kizzie and Noah’s growing romance strong enough to battle family power, social expectations, and Kizzie’s past to capture their happy ending? And when Kizzie’s first love returns to claim her, which future will she choose?  

Purchase: Barbour Books

     Amazon

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My Review 4.5 STARS

Basham once again shows the strength, determination, and resilience that mountain folk are made of. Kizzie is a young woman dreaming of love and romance, and her journey to discovering just who the greatest Love of her life will be is one fraught with poor choices. Anyone who has been redeemed from such a life will surely feel a deep kinship with Kizzie, and her heartaches and triumphs will resonate deeply. Based on her own family history going back generations, Basham captures the sheer will Kizzie needed to continue on, and how when we surrender to God, he brings beauty from the ashes. 

Hope Like Wildflowers is such a rewarding read, filled with characters who draw out every emotion. I highly recommend it to anyone who is a fan of historical fiction, or just good writing! 

I appreciate Barbour Publishing providing me a copy for review purposes. This opinion is my own. No compensation received. 

~Happy Reading~