The Witch of Willow Hall- By Hester Fox

Available in Trade Paperback on October 3rd 2018


The Witch of Willow Hall is a Victorian Gothic Romance that hits all of the right notes; a society scandal, family drama and just a touch of the spiritual to give it a twist.

The Montrose family though well off is forced to flee Boston for New Oldbery, due to a scandal and a family secret long kept hidden. The family has three daughters, Catherine, who is concerned only with herself, Bookish and quiet Lydia and Emeline, who at eight is full adventure and excitement for new discoveries and a older son Charles who is discussed but never seen.. Upon arriving at Willow Hall the dark overtones are set out quickly, the girls mother is forlorn, Catherine, the cause of the upheaval is dismissive and nasty, Lydia ever the peace keeper tries to lighten the mood, and Emeline dashes off to find adventure. .Soon after their arrival in  Old Newbery  Lydia happens quite by accident to meet John Barrett in the woods near an old mill, he starts out very charming and soon turns subdued. He turns out to be  Mr. Montrose's new business partner and has secrets of his own.  Lydia hears wailing in the night and sees a figure walking through her garden, she also has a way with herbs, these revelations all lead back to a mysterious family member from the past who was hung in Salem for being a witch. There is more than one secret that is endangering the family, and as they come to light it is up to Lydia to make the correct choices and the sacrifices to save her family.  But just like a heroine in one of Lydia's books she perseveres and  is rewarded with her knight and a happily ever after.

I was entranced by the storyline and actually read it in one sitting, late into the night I might add,. I just couldn't put it down. For this to be Ms. Fox's debut novel, I am sincerely impressed. I'll be looking to see more of her work in the future. The characters are well written you feel their joy, their pain and how society's rules could make or break a family are very well displayed. The storylines work so well together and I would love to read more about the Montrose and Barrett families in the future. The otherworldliness is subtle and only adds to the depth of the characters and their struggles.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Sandstorm- By James Rollins

Sandstorm by James Rollins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

First book in the Sigma Force series, I haven't read them in order and have enjoyed them but I', finally filling in the gaps. It helps to read them in order since it gives you a greater understanding of how the characters got to where they are now.
James Rollins loves science, legends and the unknown and it really shows in his books.

The story starts with a storm and a freak explosion in the Museum of Natural History in London which then sets off a series of events. A race to discover what caused the massive explosion which leads to an unexpected scientific discovery with serious consequences for world. This is the first investigation for a CIA operative, Painter Crowe with the newly created "Sigma Force." This starts in London and then into the vast Saudi desert in search of a lost city. Secrets are uncovered and theories are made and then discarded for even more obscure facts, religious and scientific. The story line is fast paced, has a small cast of main characters whose personalities cause them to be larger than life. It's your normal Action Adventure but with a bit more. Fun and educational read.
Then when you reach the end and expect it to be all an adventure from the author's imagination he goes on to educate you about the real science behind the story complete with references. There's Always a bit more to Rollins books, than a good story line.
Some romance, some history, a lot of action, something for everyone.


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Samhain Secrets by Jennifer David Hesse

It's Friday the 13th!!! What a better time than this to post this review!

It's Halloween season and Keli has a lot going on, she's finally made Junior partner in the law firm, it's also Samhain for Keli's Wiccan side, a former client is haunted in her new home and the aunt Keli has always hoped to meet has gone missing. When Keli is notified that her aunt has been killed, she steps up again to solve the mystery, with a some help from her friends.

This is the fourth book in the Wiccan Wheel Mystery series and Hesse can truly paint a scene for the reader. Just like the cover you'll feel the crisp night air and shiver in the graveyard with Keli while she's closing in on the ghostly sounds coming from a tomb. The characters are well rounded and the story rolls along a fast pace, it takes a couple of different storylines and ties them together well with an uplifting ending. Strong. smart female characters and a good community storyline..

The story line cover all kinds of topics, friendship, balancing work and personal relationships, and a mystery to boot. It's a fun quick read and I think it will appeal to a wide variety of readers. I had not read the first three books, but didn't have any problems diving in and enjoying the story. The ending leaves you  ready for the next book and hints at some new directions for Keli, I can't wait to see where she goes.

This book is due to be released late in August just time to coincide with the fall/Holiday season in the story.  Put it on your list, you'll want to pick this one up and be on the look out for the first three books in the series, I know I am.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) from NetGalley in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

Famous Chickens!

Amazon       Barnes and Nobles      Author's Website

If you love chickens, have a backyard flock or wish you did this is a coffee table book for you!
This book is full of enchanting pictures of Kathy Shea Mormino's flock, beautiful backyard and coops.Ms. Mormino is the self described Chicken Chick, who gives tips on having a healthy backyard flock. She has also been an advocate for backyard chickens in communities for many years.

This book however is not a how to book, it's really a "look how beautiful my Girls (and Roos) are" and I totally agree.  Kathy's Chicken's have been facebook and Instagram stars for a while and now she's sharing them with the rest of the world in book format! The adoring public has followed along with their ups and downs and now they are immortalized on paper.

Beautiful scenes are captured in the pages and the ever iconic Rachel is even given her own chapter!
You'll fall instantly in love the Araucanas and Frizzles, Marans and Cochins (think fuzzy feet).
The seasonal photography is breathtaking and it will make you want to pull up a chair and visit with them for a while.

She starts with the littles and seriously what's cuter than a baby chick? I personally have chickens and I can tell you that they have personalities from day one. It's an amazing thing to watch them grow from fuzzy little poofs to mini dinosaurs with their own distinct personalities.

Later chapters are for the girls and another for the boys. As I the perused the pages I saw many expressions that I have seen in my own flock. Scarlet steals my heart, she looks like our Martha and even has the same attitude, I wonder if it has something to do with being a redhead?

And of course there is a whole chapter on the Fluffy Butts, who doesn't love to see those bloomers?

Even better, if you are considering a flock of your own, there is an index listing every bird and their breed along with their name in the back. That way if you find The One, you'll know exactly what to ask for when at that next Chicken swap!

Chickens have so much personality and Kathy Shea Mormino has captured some of it in a most enjoyable way. This book would be great for kids, and adults alike. It is a picture book with some small amount of commentary. If you have someone on your gift list missing the farm life or dreaming of their own flock this book is a must.

I received a copy from Netgalley for an honest review.
This review is my own work and my own opinion.

Week 2 Year 8

Computer is still refusing to cooperate, so this post was delayed.

I managed to get a few things done this week. Worked on one project off of the list and another that was an order for a friends store. 

I'll start with the order, these don't take that long to do but my crochet time was cut a bit short this week due to some travel and pumpkin seed planting.

These Diva Dishcloths will be sent out this week to Up Beet Market in Wilmington. It's a vegan speciality store but she is also buying from local crafters, mainly kids items and other household things that support the lifestyle. She's been open just over a month and sales have been great. I'm always excited when someone can follow their dreams! So 12 dishcloths can be added to my list for July.

I had made a set of play veggies for her and they've flown out the door. I knew they had been popular but I didn't realize she was almost out. I had worked on Mushroom this week.

Three of the four that I sent. I guess I should have done a few more.

This is the display after the four mushrooms were added! I'll be working on veggies the next few days I guess..

 I did manage to work on one of the items on my list. The Unicorn Ripple. These colors are so much brighter than the actual colors. It's really pastel in person. And why in the world did I think single crochet ripples would be fun? I'll be happy to see the last row on this project.

While I didn't make much progress on the list I did make some progress on the cold sheep this week

Intake 0

12 Dishcloths -1440 yards

Mushrooms- 10 yards total (guestimate)

=1450 yards out for week 1

I'm not counting the progress on the ripple, I guess I could if I weighed the skeins but since I had the yarn in my stash I'll just count the total once it's finished. Easier that way and it keeps me moving items out!

Thanks for stopping by! I'm hoping for more progress next week!

Beginner's Garden- Book Review

Find  it here Amazon BN




Beautiful and informative book for anyone who has or wants a garden.,
I've been gardening on a small scale for a long time but there are always things I have questions about and need an easy answer.. Not only will this book encourage you to pick you a seed catalogue or two but it helps you get a good understanding of what to grow, when to try to grow it and where to grow it too. Then there are the recipes, great ideas on what to do with all of the wonderful things that come out of your garden.

The book is split into seasons, so no matter when you pick it up there is relevant information . This book shows you how to garden with the basics, no need to run out and spend lots of money or to even have a large amount of space. Great ideas on companion plantings and container gardens.
No matter how much time or space you have, with this book you'll be ready to start growing your own food

I'm always asked what is a good book for someone with little or no experience in gardening or any kind of growing for that matter. While there are lots of good books out there, I would recommend this one. It's practical, step by step information. No pushy you need this expensive tool or gadget and if you want a garden from a couple of containers on your patio to a large plot this book gives you lots of great directions.

I received a free arc of this book for an honest review.

Week 1 Year 8 of a Year of Projects

So it looks like a new laptop will be in my future, it's conked out on my again this weekend. No warning, just poof, it turns off. I bought a battery the last time and it seemed to be fixed but no luck. So I'm a bit late again this week but I had to get the list up for year 8 week 1 of the Year of Projects.

I've had some finishes but I've had a lot of startitis too. So I've decided the best way to clear some of those bags that are hanging on my craft room door and to bust some of the stash too, I'm going to concentrate on working on some of the old outstanding projects I have literally hanging around.

I think this is a fairly good representation of the items. I did manage to finish up two last year and I'm hoping to see all of these this year. If I run across some others I'll add them to the list.

While I need to see the end of these, I know I have a hard time NOT starting something else. So I'm going to limit the new starts to one at a time and only if a project gets marked off of the list first. Hopefully I'll have some special orders or requests too.

Also I know me and I'll never be able to work on one project until it's done so I'll try to do a bit on each each week, or at least a few.. Thankfully it will help the cold sheep process too, since I have a majority of the yarn bought already for these projects!

Ya'll have to keep me on track, I am already thinking about what the new projects should be!

Sigh that quilt down there, yes the "jar quilt" the top is done and it was supposed to be a going to college gift, well she graduated in 2008.. The top is almost complete, she even brings it up every now and then, her birthday has passed for the year but maybe I should shoot for 2020, she'll be 30..lol

Year of Projects Year 8 July 2018-2019

This is the year of finally finishing projects...and I'm still working the cold sheep plan.

Current WIP- Crochet
Peach Blossom Blanket from this spring 2018
Bee Hive Blanket- Spring 2018
Unicorn Ripple- May 2018
Pom Pom Rug- April 2018
Wood Land Animal hats- November 2017
Whale Shark- Gift for E- from only a year ago
Carrot Snuggle sack- 75% done- Spring 2017
Flower Garden Blanket- Started 2016
Cardigan for Me -Started 2016
Sidewalk Blanket- started 2015

Current WIP in Cross Stitch
Moose Welcome Cross Stitch
Lizzy Kate- Be who you are
Log cabin Quilts
Lizzy Kate- Dog Lessons
Lizzy Kate- Cat Lessons

Sewing Projects WIP
Soot Pillows for E
Project bags
Animal applique pillows

Quilt Projects WIP
Jar Quilt for E-2005
Wolf Panel- quilt 2008
Log cabin panel- quilt 2006

Old Wool Projects -
Bags of Fleece- Wash/Process/Dye
Spin roving bought from Heelside Farms
Get the wheel out and do some spinning

Thanks for stopping by! We're just starting a new year so it's a great time to join the Year of Projects! You can find us here on Ravelry!