Shadows of the Forest by Emma Michaels

Posted on by lynndellwatson

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Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
Thanks to YA Bound Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review Shadows of the Forest by Emma Michaels! A mystery is surrounding a set of twins. The story begins with their injuries and the brother sacrificing his life to save his twin sister so she can heal and live. This fantastically written story uses beautiful prose to bring “a pocket realm” alive in a forest full of mysterious creatures and their unknown tales. The twins have lived a tragic life and they just want happiness and what’s best for each other and they will sacrifice everything to help the other twin. This heartbreaking, enchanting tale of what it truly means to be family and share unconditional love brought tears to my eyes and warmth to my heart. I give this book 5 stars for dynamic characters and a beautiful setting!

Every Which Way Crochet Borders by Edie Eckman

Posted on by lynndellwatson

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Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
Thanks to NetGalley and Storey Publishing for the opportunity to read and review Every Which Way Crochet Borders: 139 Patterns for Customized Edgings by Edie Eckman! Detailed instructions and close up photos describe the different borders well. Definitely for intermediate and above crocheters! This helpful book even includes the different ways to crochet around fleece or other materials and the tools available – a skip blade rotary cutter to cut holes in the fabric or a sharp ended crochet hook specially designed to poke the holes before crocheting. Easy to follow instructions and a photo accompany each direction and make this book a must for creative crocheters. A huge variety of border patterns with accompanying photos and illustrations of each pattern and complete, thorough directions. The appendix has a stitch key, reading crochet symbols key and a photo index of the crochet patterns contained in this book – 5 stars for a comprehensive instructional text!

The Masked City by Genevieve Cogman

Posted on by lynndellwatson

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Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the opportunity to read and review The Masked City by Genevieve Cogman, book two in The Invisible Library series. Irene and Kai are still working together as senior and junior librarian. This book gives more background information on the characters, which is helpful in understanding them and the story. Kai is kidnapped and Irene spends her time trying to find and rescue him. Detective Vale helps Irene in this endeavor. One of my favorite lines in the book describes a prisoner so ominous that Irene knew she could not free it because even the fae were afraid of the creature; “…so letting them out might be the sort of really bad idea that finished with a scream and a crunch.” This statement made me laugh and cringe at the same time. The “language” librarians use helps with the rescue of Kai. In fact, Irene and Vale couldn’t have saved Kai without it. I enjoyed the sections “Irene’s Top Five Book Heists” and “Legends of the Library” at the end of the book. These sections were both charming, entertaining and enlightening. The author interview, after these two sections, was insightful into the author’s mind and creativity, as well as the library background for this series. I rate this book 4 stars for an enjoyable, clean read!