Review of Patron Saints of Nothing by Randy Ribay

Patron Saints of Nothing by Randy Ribay

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


 This book is extremely well written, has a powerful story, and is extremely emotional. With that said, due to how heavy the story is I was not able to finish it. I do plan on finishing it at sometime in the future but currently I am not in a place where I can finish it.

Jay Reguero, the main character, changes his summer plan once his cousin Jun is murdered and no one will tell him what really happened. As a result, Jay goes to the Philippines to find out the truth and he finds out so much more than he expected.

The events that are covered in this book will make you want to do so much of your own research to know more.

Disclaimer: I was given an ARC of this book by Penguin Teen in exchange for an honest review.




View all my reviews

Review of We Are All Greta: Be Inpsired to Save the World by Valentina Giannella

We Are All Greta: Be Inspired to Save the World by Valentina Giannella

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Disclaimer: I was given an advance reader copy of this ebook from Laurence King Publishing Ltd via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

We Are All Greta may be a short book but it holds so much important information that everyone needs to read and fully understand! It lays out the issue of climate change out in a way that is easy to read and understand. Everything about this book makes climate change more personal and the changes that each person can make to help with combating climate change.



View all my reviews

Review of Vegan Mac and Cheese by Robin Robertson

Vegan Mac and Cheese - More than 50 Delicious Plant-Based Recipes for the Ultimate Comfort Food by Robin Robertson

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Disclaimer: I was given an advance reader copy of this ebook from Quarto Publishing Group – Harvard Common Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

As a vegetarian that eats mostly vegan and loves pasta, this cookbook is a winner! I love that there are so many different ways that the sauce is made and doesn't rely on just one sauce that changes some of the other ingredients. There are so many different recipes that I want to try and I will definitely be buying this book for my shelf! I think this would be good for just about anyone because there are so many different types of mac that will be good for just about any tastes!

I would highly recommend this cookbook!



View all my reviews

Review of Incredible Plant-Based Desserts: Colorful Vegan Cakes, Cookies, Tarts, and other Epic Delights by Anthea Cheng

Incredible Plant-Based Desserts: Colorful Vegan Cakes, Cookies, Tarts, and other Epic Delights by Anthea Cheng

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Disclaimer: I was given an advance reader copy of this ebook from Quarto Publishing Group – Quarry via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This cookbook is beautiful and has a good variety of recipes. It has a good variety of recipes that aren't ones that are found in most cookbooks. There are many recipes that I want to try because they have unusual flavor combinations that combine sweet and savory . I would recommend this cookbook for anyone that loves to try new flavor combinations. I think this book would be great for vegans and non vegans alike.



View all my reviews

Review of A River of Royal Blood by Amanda Joy

A River of Royal Blood by Amanda  Joy

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


 Disclaimer: I was given an advance reader copy of this book via BookishFirst in exchange for an honest opinion.

I was sucked into this book right from the beginning and loved every page of it! It was different from my normal genres but I loved it. The world of magick that this story encompasses is enthralling and made me want to know more of this history of this land.

The rivalry that is created for the crown between Eva and Isa is part of a tradition that was started a few centuries ago that is meant to have the strongest queen and eliminate a future rivalry. However, it doesn't foster a loving environment for the royal family. With that said, I still loved every part of the story and want more of this story.

I highly recommend this book!




View all my reviews

Review of War Girls by Tochi Onyebuchi

War Girls by Tochi Onyebuchi

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


 I was excited to receive this book because it is a mash-up of two genres that I really like, dystopian and historical fiction, although it felt as though I missed part of the backstory to this book.

I really enjoyed the part one of the book because it showed the family that is created within a war torn country and the little sanctuary that is created in the hopes of keeping them safe. However, once that sanctuary is attacked and Ify is taken to live in the Nigerian part of the country Onyii basically becomes a living weapon for the Republic of Biafra.

In part 2 of the book there is a 4 year time jump and the fluidity of the narration breaks down. At this point it became a slog for me to finish the book. I really wanted to love this book but I just couldn't. I also felt that there should have been a glossary for some of the words and perhaps pronunciations for the names, it would have made it easier to read.

Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from Razorbill Books via BookishFirst in exchange for an honest review.




View all my reviews

Review of The Vanishing Fleece by Clara Parkes

Vanishing Fleece: Adventures in American Wool by Clara Parkes

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Disclaimer: I was given an ARC of this book by Abrams Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I have to admit that I am a huge fan on Clara Parkes work and since I am an Indie yarn dyer, I found this behind the scenes look at the processing of wool fascinating!

This book follows the entire process from the raw wool bale to the finished skein. She sends a quarter of the bale to 4 different mill to be processed in different way and then has the yarn dyed by different methods. By doing this Clara Parkes is able to explore a variety of different methods that are used in the wool industry.

As someone who makes their living in one aspect of the fiber industry, it is wonderful to get a glimpse into the processes that lead up to where my portion of this amazing industry comes in.

I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the fiber industry, as well as how things are made in general!



View all my reviews

Review of The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys

The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Disclaimer: I was given an advance reader copy from Penguin Teen via Bookish First in exchange for an honest review.

I found The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys to be completely enthralling and I couldn't put it down. I did find it a bit hard to follow at first due to the constant changing point of view and short chapters but I quickly found the rhythm of the story.

I did not know very much about Spain under Franco's rule and the aftermath of the Spanish civil war, so it gave me a very minimal glimpse into that history and has made me want to learn more. I did find the culture shock that Daniel, an American teen visiting Spain, experienced to be eye-opening because there are freedoms that are often taken for granted.

I would highly recommend this book.



View all my reviews

Review of Art in a Box by Marlis Maehrle

Art in a Box: 30 Creative Projects in Mixed-Media Assemblage by Marlis Maehrle

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Disclaimer: I was given an advance reader copy from Schiffer Publishing Ltd. via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I had high hopes for this book based on the description but I was disappointed. It does have step by step instructions but I didn't find the projects very inspiring since many of them just looked like some random things were gathered and attached in a box.

I might suggest that someone checks this book out from a library but I wouldn't recommend buying it.



View all my reviews

Review of Vegan in an Instant by Marina Delio

Vegan in an Instant: 103 Plant-Based Recipes for Your Instant Pot by Alpha Books

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Disclaimer: I was given an advance reader copy by DK via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This has a good variety of recipes that should satisfy just about any tastes. I however did not like how many of the recipes included some processed vegan alternatives such as cheezes. This is a good first vegan Instant Pot cookbook because it does have good coverage of the staple foods that can be made in the Instant Pot.

I would recommend this book as a first vegan Instant Pot cookbook.



View all my reviews

Review of Plant-Based Meal Prep by Stephanie Tornatore & Adam Bannon

Plant-Based Meal Prep: Simple, Make-Ahead Recipes for Vegan, Gluten-Free, Comfort Food by Stephanie Tornatore

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Disclaimer: I was given an advance reader copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I found this book to have a good variety of recipes including a couple that I regularly get at restaurants and would like to make myself. I like how they explain how to do meal planning, which is something that I want to start doing. I like how at the top of the recipe it tells you what the recipe is free from, such as grain-free or soy-free.

I would definitely recommend this book!



View all my reviews

Review of The Yoga Plate by Tamal & Victoria Dodge

The Yoga Plate: Bring Your Practice into the Kitchen with 108 Simple  Nourishing Vegan Recipes by Tamal Dodge

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Disclaimer: I was given an advance reader copy of this book by Sounds True via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

As a vegetarian who eats mostly a vegan diet, but not strictly, I can see this cookbook becoming a staple in my kitchen. There are so many recipes in here that I want to try and none of them have hard to find ingredients like some vegan cookbooks rely upon.

I know of a few people that I may be giving this book to for Christmas this year.

I highly recommend this book!



View all my reviews

Review of Rebel Girls by Elizabeth Keenan

Rebel Girls by Elizabeth Keenan

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Disclaimer: I was given an advance reader copy of this book by Harlequin Teen via NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion.

I really wanted to like this book but I had a hard time, not because it wasn't well written but because I found myself in the position that I am both too old and too young for this book. I felt too old for this book because it is written for teens, which I am not a teen. I felt too young for this book because I am just a bit too young for the late 80s to early 90s references that were being made.

With that said, I did find this to be well written and brought up tough subject matter (abortion and bullying) that was presented in a real way and how the issues were dealt with.

I would say to give this book a look if you are interested in these topics, but it is definitely written for teens.



View all my reviews

Review of With These Hands by Don MacLean

With These Hands: Traditional Arts, Crafts, and Trades of Atlantic Canada by Don MacLean

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Disclaimer: I was given an advance reader copy of this book by Nimbus Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

With These Hands is a wonderful look into traditional crafts and those who do them. It gives a glimpse into the passion that goes into these crafts by the people that are preserving them for the next generations.

As someone who makes my living making things with my hands, I love seeing the passion of other makers. It always brings me joy reading about those who make and are passionate about what they make.

I highly recommend this book to anyone that is a maker or just appreciates makers.



View all my reviews

Review of Molded 4 Murder by J.C. Eaton

Molded 4 Murder by J.C. Eaton

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Disclaimer: I received an advance reader copy of this book from Kensington Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book even without reading the previous four in the series. I found the characters engaging and entertaining without being over the top. The dynamic between Phee, Marshall, Nate, Augusta, and Phee's mom are relatable and keep the story moving.

I liked how the story was much more than you initially think and it moves in a logical progression that doesn't leave you lost.

I would highly recommend this series to anyone that likes cozy mysteries!



View all my reviews

Review of The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson is a wonderfully written piece of realistic historical fiction that tells how the Library Project came about. Cussy Mary Carter is a traveling librarian and a Blue, which makes her unpopular among the hill folks of the Appalachias. Cussy loves her job as a traveling librarian, she is passionate about bringing books to the people of Troublesome Creek.

This book also covers some difficult topics of domestic abuse, prejudice, the environmental impacts of mining, and labor rights issues. It also had me wanting to know more about the blue people of Kentucky because I had never heard of them before. I would recommend this book for anyone that is interested in historical fiction that makes you think.



View all my reviews

Review of Threads of Life: A History of the World Through the Eye of a Needle by Clare Hunter

Threads of Life: A History of the World Through the Eye of a Needle by Clare Hunter

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Threads of Life by Clare Hunter chronicles the importance of women and needlework throughout history. It tells the ways in which women used needlework to express their views on political, social, and historical events. Needlework has played such an important role in coping with traumatic events, propaganda, and story telling. This book tells the importance of what has been considered to be traditionally women's work that has often been overlooked through history.

I would highly recommend this for anyone interested in needlework and women's history.



View all my reviews

Review of Juliet Takes a Breath by Gabby Rivera

Disclaimer: I received an advance reader copy of Juliet Takes a Breath by Gabby Rivera through BookishFirst.

Juliet Takes a Breath covers some very tough topics that are very important to be talked about. It covers LGBTQ and POC issues that are prevalent in society that many white people do not fully understand, which includes me.

Juliet, who is from the Bronx, takes an internship with feminist author Harlowe Brisbane in Portland, OR and is confronted with issues that she doesn't really know how to deal with at first. During her summer in Portland, she learns and grows in her understanding of who she is and how she identifies as a queer Latina within her own world and family.

This is a must read and highly recommend it!

Review of Mulberry Mischief by Sharon Farrow

Mulberry Mischief by Sharon Farrow

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Disclaimer: I was given an advance reader copy of this book from Kensington via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Mulberry Mischief by Sharon Farrow is a wonderful cozy mystery set in my home state of Michigan. I have not read the first three books in the series but I did not find it hard to jump right in on the third book. The characters were easy like and dislike as the story needed and you couldn't easily guess who the killer was, which is always nice. I really liked all the characters names that had literary links.

I will definitely be putting the first three books from this series on my to be read list!



View all my reviews

Review for Can't Judge a Book By Its Murder by Amy Lillard

Can't Judge a Book By Its Murder by Amy Lillard

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Disclaimer: I was given an advance reader copy of this book from Poison Pen Press through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Can't Judge a Book By Its Murder by Amy Lillard is the first in the new Main Street Book Club series.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I didn't lose interest in the story once, it was wonderfully written and the characters were well developed. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters for this new series and and very much looking forward to more in the series.

There were twists in the plot that kept you thinking about who the killer is and guessing up to the end. It is definitely a wonderful new cozy mystery!



View all my reviews

Review of A Bias For Murder by Sally Goldenbaum

A Bias for Murder by Sally Goldenbaum

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Disclaimer: I was given an ARC of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I had high hopes for this book since I loved the Seaside Knitters Mysteries series, however this did not live up to the expectations for me. I did come into this having not read the first two in the series, so I may have missed something important about the dynamics of the characters. I found that it started off with a hostile tone with made it hard to get into the story. Once I got past that the characters seemed to be all over the place emotionally, which also made it hard for me to enjoy the story.

My feelings could really be influenced by the fact that I have not read the first two books in the series because I do know that there usually is a lot of character development in Ms. Goldenbaum's books, so I may have missed something important. With that said, I wouldn't recommend this book without reading the first two in the series.



View all my reviews

Review of Like A Dream by Amber Crawley

Like A Dream by Amber Crawley

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I really enjoyed Like A Dream though at first I had a hard time following the timeline of the story since it kept going between the past and present. There were a few parts that I had to reread because I missed something. Once I got into the flow of the book, I really enjoyed it. It has love, heartbreak, and misunderstandings.

This is a great quick read.



View all my reviews

Review of 100 Days of Sunlight by Abbie Emmons

100 Days of Sunlight by Abbie Emmons

Disclaimer:  I was given an advance reader copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I couldn't put this book down, I completely sucked into the story.  The journey of healing, friendship, and love that Tessa and Weston are on feels so real and relatable that you don't want the story to end.  It makes you laugh, cry, and also will break your heart but that is why this is such as wonderful book.

Tessa loses her sight temporarily due to a head injury from a car accident and Weston is a double amputee.  The entire time that Weston is helping Tessa, she has no idea that he has no legs and can actually relate to her situation much more than she believes that he can.  Weston doesn't want Tessa knowing about his legs because he likes being treated like a whole person, rather than someone with a disability.

This book is a wonderful reminder that people who have a disability are not their disability.

I highly recommend this book!

Review of The Wild Dyer by Abigail Booth

The Wild Dyer by Abigail Booth

The Wild Dyer is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to start natural dyeing.  It is a very easy book to follow for those who have not done any dyeing before.  It goes over which tools you need to get started and how to prepare your dye area. 

It also goes over where to find dye plants, whether they are items from your kitchen, grown in your garden, or foraged.  There are also lots of dye swatches for each plant listed and what colors you can get depending on when they are harvested and which type of mordant is used.

Not only do you learn to dye fabrics with natural dyes but also some projects to make with the fabrics that you have dyed.

To top off all of the wonderful information that is in this book, the photography is also beautiful.

This is a wonderful addition to any dyers library!

Review of A Year of Creativity: A Craft Date Planner to Meet, Share and Create by Petra Hoeksema, Lidy Nooij, Miriam Catshoek, Bregje Konings

A Year of Creativity: A Craft Planner to Meet, Share and Create by Petra Hoeksema, Lidy Nooij, Miriam Catshoek, Bregje Konings

I was given an advanced reader copy of this by Quarry Books through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I love the whole idea behind this book and I loved how it was executed.  There is a great variety of projects in different craft types including: crochet, sewing, inspiration boards, recipes, knitting, painting, inspiration books, embroidery, and yarn dyeing. 

It goes through how to organize different types of craft dates as well as how to create tool stations for the day's project.  It also goes through how to package the completed project.

I want to make several of the projects from this book including Bregje's Apron, Miriam's Crochet Scarf, and Petra's Oilskin Project Bag.

This is a great book for anyone that like to craft in groups and like to have themed projects.

Review of Wilder Girls by Rory Power

Wilder Girls By Rory Power


This book had me sucked in right from the beginning. It is the kind of story that at first you feel like you came in in the middle but not in a confusing way. You don't get all of the backstory about what is exactly going on right away, it is little bits throughout the story.

The Tox has caused the girls of Raxter Island to be isolated from the mainland for 18 month. They have had no contact with the outside world apart from supply drops in that time. The girls are confined to the school grounds under quarantine due to the Tox. For the most part, the girls must fight for the limited resources that they are given. Given that the girls are all malnourished and their bodies are being destroyed by the Tox, the only hope they have is that the doctors with the CDC are working on a cure. Throughout all of this, the girls of Raxter really have become wilder in order to survive.

Definitely a good read if you like story with a bit of a creepier twist to it.