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b00kw0rms0fthew0rldunite's reviews
586 reviews
Making Fairy Garden Accessories: 22 Enchanting Projects for Your Backyard (Fox Chapel Publishing) Craft Fairy Houses, a Gnome Garden, a Swing, a Wishing Well, and More, Plus Learn How to Add Lighting by Andrew Fahmy, Anna-Marie Fahmy, Anna-Marie Fahmy
informative
inspiring
relaxing
medium-paced
5.0
An absolutely gorgeous book jam packed with projects and beautiful photographs to complement them.
Being a miniaturist myself from a very young age, I found this book really easy to follow. The projects range from accessories to doors to whole houses and each decorated really sweetly. As the authors said early on in the introduction, fairy houses don't have to be very strict with scale as the wee folk might find bits for their houses out of many things found in nature or repurposed into mini things. That is one thing reassuring to know. The other being that fairy houses can take on many forms and however it turns out is exactly what it was meant to be!
There is a really comprehensive list of materials, tools and techniques in the front of the book and each section is a wealth of knowledge. More than just a list of materials and tools, it has explanations for what object is best used with what and where they can be found. The technique section is golden because you'll find these not only needed for the projects in the book but for others as commonly necessary.
The projects are very well explained in a step by step way with photos to accompany each step. They also allow for variation in designs and putting your own spin on things. My personal favourites being the door with steps and the hobbit door, secret staircase house, and the fairy desk, bookcase, swing and firepit! Oh my goodness how cute was the firepit!! The Gnome frame is a definite make for me as I haven't ever seen anything quite like it before.
All in all, I loved it and think this would be a wonderful addition to my library.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Fox Chapel Publishing and Anna-Marie and Andrew Fahmy for allowing me to read a copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
Being a miniaturist myself from a very young age, I found this book really easy to follow. The projects range from accessories to doors to whole houses and each decorated really sweetly. As the authors said early on in the introduction, fairy houses don't have to be very strict with scale as the wee folk might find bits for their houses out of many things found in nature or repurposed into mini things. That is one thing reassuring to know. The other being that fairy houses can take on many forms and however it turns out is exactly what it was meant to be!
There is a really comprehensive list of materials, tools and techniques in the front of the book and each section is a wealth of knowledge. More than just a list of materials and tools, it has explanations for what object is best used with what and where they can be found. The technique section is golden because you'll find these not only needed for the projects in the book but for others as commonly necessary.
The projects are very well explained in a step by step way with photos to accompany each step. They also allow for variation in designs and putting your own spin on things. My personal favourites being the door with steps and the hobbit door, secret staircase house, and the fairy desk, bookcase, swing and firepit! Oh my goodness how cute was the firepit!! The Gnome frame is a definite make for me as I haven't ever seen anything quite like it before.
All in all, I loved it and think this would be a wonderful addition to my library.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Fox Chapel Publishing and Anna-Marie and Andrew Fahmy for allowing me to read a copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
Mirrors of the Past by Kirsty Ferry
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
What a beautiful book! The fifth of the series unless you count one of them as a 2.5, which some websites do. This was my first read from this series and this author and I have to say, I really loved it!
I'll be chasing down the books that came before in this series before too long.
One thing that I will note, If you had read the others in this series then the book would just be a delightful sequel. However, if you are reading this as a standalone which some people insist it can be, I would advise you to start at the first book. It took me a while to get into the book, not because the writing was bad but because there were so many characters that I had to start again and make a list of who was who before I could read any further. By the time I had read 11% of the book, I counted 34 characters mentioned with more mentioned after that point too. For someone who didn't know that the same characters and more were built up from the first book, it's a lot to take in! I am glad I persevered though!
The book has a dual timeline, written in the very best way. It splits between modern day and 1911 frequently and as the title suggests, the modern timeline mirrors the 1911 one. Not just between the events that happen but even such detail that there is a character in both that wears mostly black, is suspected to be a witch, that look like their counterparts in the past and even down to sharing the same thoughts and my personal favourite, loosening a wedding dress sash!
It was a lovely book to lose yourself into. The enemies to lovers trope in both timelines worked well and it had a beautiful cast of characters.
I'd like to thank Joffe's ARC, Choc Lit and Kirsty Ferry for the ARC. All opinions in this review are my own.
I'll be chasing down the books that came before in this series before too long.
One thing that I will note, If you had read the others in this series then the book would just be a delightful sequel. However, if you are reading this as a standalone which some people insist it can be, I would advise you to start at the first book. It took me a while to get into the book, not because the writing was bad but because there were so many characters that I had to start again and make a list of who was who before I could read any further. By the time I had read 11% of the book, I counted 34 characters mentioned with more mentioned after that point too. For someone who didn't know that the same characters and more were built up from the first book, it's a lot to take in! I am glad I persevered though!
The book has a dual timeline, written in the very best way. It splits between modern day and 1911 frequently and as the title suggests, the modern timeline mirrors the 1911 one. Not just between the events that happen but even such detail that there is a character in both that wears mostly black, is suspected to be a witch, that look like their counterparts in the past and even down to sharing the same thoughts and my personal favourite, loosening a wedding dress sash!
It was a lovely book to lose yourself into. The enemies to lovers trope in both timelines worked well and it had a beautiful cast of characters.
I'd like to thank Joffe's ARC, Choc Lit and Kirsty Ferry for the ARC. All opinions in this review are my own.
The Christmas Stocking Murders by Denzil Meyrick
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Denzil Meyrick is at it again with another delightful romp starring Inspector Frank Grasby.
Grasby is such a good character, funny, endearing and unfortunate in the way that he sometimes bumbles his way through. Certainly not a hero who does no wrong but a definitely human character who finds himself coming through the most extraordinary of circumstances and adventures.
I like the way Frank narrates his own story. Under the guise of reading back his own journal/memoirs he tells his story with wit and an insight (Believe me Dear Gentle Reader) that if this were a film or TV show would be breaking the fourth wall!
The other characters are fun, Juggers is a mystery to me and most certainly tortures poor Grasby with his willingly negative ideas about what he is up to. As for Grasby's father and his companion... I'm glad this wasn't a visual medium!
A great book to read if you are fond of a Christmas tale, misunderstandings leading to hilarity, and some challenging puzzles for your Grey matter. It even features a mention of Ms Christie's own beloved character, Mr Parrot! ;)
Thanks to Netgalley, Random House UK and Denzil Meyrick for an opportunity to read this book. The opinions expressed are my own.
Grasby is such a good character, funny, endearing and unfortunate in the way that he sometimes bumbles his way through. Certainly not a hero who does no wrong but a definitely human character who finds himself coming through the most extraordinary of circumstances and adventures.
I like the way Frank narrates his own story. Under the guise of reading back his own journal/memoirs he tells his story with wit and an insight (Believe me Dear Gentle Reader) that if this were a film or TV show would be breaking the fourth wall!
The other characters are fun, Juggers is a mystery to me and most certainly tortures poor Grasby with his willingly negative ideas about what he is up to. As for Grasby's father and his companion... I'm glad this wasn't a visual medium!
A great book to read if you are fond of a Christmas tale, misunderstandings leading to hilarity, and some challenging puzzles for your Grey matter. It even features a mention of Ms Christie's own beloved character, Mr Parrot! ;)
Thanks to Netgalley, Random House UK and Denzil Meyrick for an opportunity to read this book. The opinions expressed are my own.
Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Complete Starter Guide to Needle Felting: Enchanted Forest: Fairies, Gnomes, Unicorns, and Other Woodland Friends by Claudia Marie Lenart
inspiring
medium-paced
5.0
What a BEAUTIFUL book! I saw it and immediately had to give it a read and look at the gorgeous photos.
Needle felting is something that I have tried before and thought that this book targeting beginners was perfect to continue my learning. It taught me right from the very first page, the origins of the craft and the wool industry. It has sections that outline the wool and fibres element and even discusses which parts of the wool are what and how they look. The felting surfaces, needles and holders and other supplies, sections were very informative and easy to read.
The projects. Oh my word, the projects! They ranged from a very easy to do cookie cutter garlands to customisable babies, unicorns, flowers and trees and birds, rabbits and fairies. Some even in finger puppet form! I'm going to be spending quite a lot of time with this book and the gorgeous projects.
Each project includes an introduction, list of supplies, and step by step instructions which all have photographs and are explained well and easy to follow. Tips for best use are also there too. The book is generously inclusive of templates for you to get to work straight away as well.
All in all a 5-star read from me and a definite addition to a couple of friends Christmas present lists!
Thank you to Netgalley, Claudia Lenart and Fox Chapel Publishing/Landauer Publishing for a copy to review. My opinions are all my own.
Needle felting is something that I have tried before and thought that this book targeting beginners was perfect to continue my learning. It taught me right from the very first page, the origins of the craft and the wool industry. It has sections that outline the wool and fibres element and even discusses which parts of the wool are what and how they look. The felting surfaces, needles and holders and other supplies, sections were very informative and easy to read.
The projects. Oh my word, the projects! They ranged from a very easy to do cookie cutter garlands to customisable babies, unicorns, flowers and trees and birds, rabbits and fairies. Some even in finger puppet form! I'm going to be spending quite a lot of time with this book and the gorgeous projects.
Each project includes an introduction, list of supplies, and step by step instructions which all have photographs and are explained well and easy to follow. Tips for best use are also there too. The book is generously inclusive of templates for you to get to work straight away as well.
All in all a 5-star read from me and a definite addition to a couple of friends Christmas present lists!
Thank you to Netgalley, Claudia Lenart and Fox Chapel Publishing/Landauer Publishing for a copy to review. My opinions are all my own.
Second Chances at the Little Village Sanctuary by Ella Cook
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was my first read by Ella Cook and I was delighted with it! I hadn't read the first 2 in this series but judging by this book which also contain characters from the first and second, I'll like them a lot!
The first thing that struck me is how much I liked the main character Angela and how different she is from a lot of other rom-com females. She wasn't hiding behind self doubt, self depreciation wasn't stopping her from accepting opportunities she was given and she didn't make someone pay for ages for disappointing her. Refreshing and modern, without the drama.
I really liked Rick/Ryan. His 'second chance' came at a court ordered cost but his change actually came about in a very fast and lovely way. I love the banter between himself and his beloved 'Chicken Butt' (you'll have to read to understand!) and the way he was with the animals.
I really hope that the story of theirs will continue if there's another book in the series.
Thank you to Joffe's ARC, Joffe Books and Ella Cook for a review copy to read. My opinions are my own.
The first thing that struck me is how much I liked the main character Angela and how different she is from a lot of other rom-com females. She wasn't hiding behind self doubt, self depreciation wasn't stopping her from accepting opportunities she was given and she didn't make someone pay for ages for disappointing her. Refreshing and modern, without the drama.
I really liked Rick/Ryan. His 'second chance' came at a court ordered cost but his change actually came about in a very fast and lovely way. I love the banter between himself and his beloved 'Chicken Butt' (you'll have to read to understand!) and the way he was with the animals.
I really hope that the story of theirs will continue if there's another book in the series.
Thank you to Joffe's ARC, Joffe Books and Ella Cook for a review copy to read. My opinions are my own.
Murder in the Scottish Highlands by Dee MacDonald
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
4.0
I quite like the books by Dee MacDonald that I have read previously. She doesn't go in for the cliche young supermodel protagonist but makes her characters more mature, homely and with a decent appetite too.
The community that she has created is quirky and very much like a Highland village in their ways. The gossips and the rumourmongers, the dotty clergymen and the somewhat old fashioned and sexist roles in and around the community.
She has started the series well, introducing her characters with room to grow and each with little foibles of their own. I'd like to see where this series goes next!
The writing was smooth and descriptive. The plot lost steam in the middle unfortunately and it got a tad samey for a while. The climax came and I found the killer easy to guess.
A good little cosy to curl up with! My thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and Dee MacDonald for allowing me to read this ARC. The opinions are my own.
Statistically Speaking: A Novel by Debbie Johnson
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Whether Debbie Johnson sets out to write a witty book or a serious one, she nails it. Every. Time.
I love the characters in her books and the relationships they have and the banter between them and I don't know how she can whip out so many in a short time to such a high standard.
Firstly the characters in the book were very human. The way the protagonist was so normal in her unique way spoke to me. Even though we have a completely different upbringing, Gemma's way of coping and owning who she was was amazing. The PE teacher guy sounds like a dream bf. Handsome and funny and caring. Above all, someone who didn't try to change her at all.
Margie, Katie and Erin are the best friends that I've always wanted and I do find myself saying that about quite a few of Debbie's characters! Bill of course was the adorable boy next door.
The book started in a witty way which was funny to think of being a key and traumatic event that was being experienced. We were introduced to Gemma and her coping mechanisms of counting and thinking of fact after fact. Throughout the the book, we learn how Gemma reacts to different scenarios that life throws at her. Some traumatic, some romantic and some even lunatic.
I enjoyed that the story included a romance but didn't start as one. I enjoyed the hard topics written about and how they were tackled with poise, affection and genuine feelings. The ending of course had me crying buckets and there's nothing quite like happy crying to give you a sense of calm and to make your own dog look at you with questioning side eye!
All in all, I loved it. All hail 'Queen Can Write No Wrong'. 5 stars from me!
Thanks so much to Netgalley, Harper Muse and Debbie Johnson for allowing me the chance to read this and write a review. All views expressed are my own
I love the characters in her books and the relationships they have and the banter between them and I don't know how she can whip out so many in a short time to such a high standard.
Firstly the characters in the book were very human. The way the protagonist was so normal in her unique way spoke to me. Even though we have a completely different upbringing, Gemma's way of coping and owning who she was was amazing. The PE teacher guy sounds like a dream bf. Handsome and funny and caring. Above all, someone who didn't try to change her at all.
Margie, Katie and Erin are the best friends that I've always wanted and I do find myself saying that about quite a few of Debbie's characters! Bill of course was the adorable boy next door.
The book started in a witty way which was funny to think of being a key and traumatic event that was being experienced. We were introduced to Gemma and her coping mechanisms of counting and thinking of fact after fact. Throughout the the book, we learn how Gemma reacts to different scenarios that life throws at her. Some traumatic, some romantic and some even lunatic.
I enjoyed that the story included a romance but didn't start as one. I enjoyed the hard topics written about and how they were tackled with poise, affection and genuine feelings. The ending of course had me crying buckets and there's nothing quite like happy crying to give you a sense of calm and to make your own dog look at you with questioning side eye!
All in all, I loved it. All hail 'Queen Can Write No Wrong'. 5 stars from me!
Thanks so much to Netgalley, Harper Muse and Debbie Johnson for allowing me the chance to read this and write a review. All views expressed are my own
Cage of Bones by Jenny O'Brien
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Detective Alana Mack and her team are back in another book that really had me scratching the ole noggin.
In this book, along with the previous 2, Mack is in charge of a team that gel really well together and look out for each other. In most police procedural books there is always a boss or corrupt officer, throwing spanners but I really liked the absence of that in back in the this series. Mack will find herself with a new team member with legendary spanner skills however.
From the initial first body to the long list of murders and attempted murders, this case was a puzzling one that threw light on an aspect of Irish life not exceedingly well known about back in the day. On top of that, Mack finds herself the victim of some brutal attacks which sobers her up immensely due to her inability to completely physically fend off the culprit.
In the end, I was a little confused at the 'why' element to all of the murders and it wasn't really explained by the perpetrator either as they went down. Also how the pregnancy came about without her knowledge wasn't explained either. The rest of the book was written superbly well and I can't wait for the next in the series.
Thanks to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for allowing me the chance to read this book, and to Jenny O'Brien for another smasher!
In this book, along with the previous 2, Mack is in charge of a team that gel really well together and look out for each other. In most police procedural books there is always a boss or corrupt officer, throwing spanners but I really liked the absence of that in back in the this series. Mack will find herself with a new team member with legendary spanner skills however.
From the initial first body to the long list of murders and attempted murders, this case was a puzzling one that threw light on an aspect of Irish life not exceedingly well known about back in the day. On top of that, Mack finds herself the victim of some brutal attacks which sobers her up immensely due to her inability to completely physically fend off the culprit.
In the end, I was a little confused at the 'why' element to all of the murders and it wasn't really explained by the perpetrator either as they went down. Also how the pregnancy came about without her knowledge wasn't explained either. The rest of the book was written superbly well and I can't wait for the next in the series.
Thanks to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for allowing me the chance to read this book, and to Jenny O'Brien for another smasher!
Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0