tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59290868397676377992024-02-08T02:08:57.212-08:00My LifeSandra B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00248316648787560117noreply@blogger.comBlogger102125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5929086839767637799.post-56014048988895583332019-08-19T14:41:00.000-07:002019-08-19T14:56:59.844-07:00Witch is When series books 1-3 (Witch is When it all Began, Witch is When Life Got Complicated, and Witch is When Everything Went Crazy) review by Adele Abbott<table border="0" cellspacing="15"><tr> <td width="160"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1515155064/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1515155064&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=0a3d6c34666079b5fa89f6d6fe3198d5"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=1515155064&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=ladymystra0b-20" ></a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=1515155064" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></td> <td width="280"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1515155064/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1515155064&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=069d5575df9e3cfce09479a4c181caaf">Witch Is When It All Began (A Witch P.I. Mystery Book 1) by Adele Abbott</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=1515155064" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
Paperback: 212 pages<br />
Publisher: Implode Publishing Ltd (August 24, 2015)<br />
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars<br />
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So, this series starts off okay. Not super thrilling, but not so horrible that I didn't finish the book. The main character is Jill Gooder who discovers that she is a witch.<br />
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I do think the secondary witch plot-line took too much of the story space up, I think it could have been used to develop the characters more. Jill's sister Kathy comes across as a bit of a bully, but apparently Jill is a serial liar to Kathy. Jill needs to grown a spine and stand up to Kathy every once in a while.<br />
</td> </tr>
</table>Spoiler...<br />
Jill in an ineffective P.I., the crime solved itself. She was also very lucky to have not been killed confronting the killer alone and not letting anyone know, especially since Jill knew he killed his sister.<br />
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<table border="0" cellspacing="15"><tr> <td width="160"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0127HPLCA/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0127HPLCA&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=d85fd1d406cac081e9cc5334c9b537c6"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B0127HPLCA&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=ladymystra0b-20" ></a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B0127HPLCA" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></td> <td width="280"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0127HPLCA/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0127HPLCA&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=39551552248ea5a6200dfc85cd73c5a5">Witch Is When Life Got Complicated (A Witch P.I. Mystery Book 2) by Adele Abbott</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B0127HPLCA" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
Paperback: 237 pages<br />
Publisher: Implode Publishing Ltd (August 24, 2015)<br />
Rating: 2 out of 5 stars<br />
<br />
This book is more of the first book, but the characters are even flatter. Jill becomes a doormat for her sister and cousins to walk all over. I completely disliked Kathy in this book, she bullies Jill into giving her daughter, Lizzie, some childhood toys that Jill had lied about getting rid of previously. </td> </tr>
</table>And if I remember correctly Jill goes again to confront the murderer with no backup and not letting anyone know what she is doing. The book felt dragged out, and that the author forgot her own character (i.e. Jill criticizes someone else's 70s style clothes, forgetting that her apartment is done in 60s and 70s style furniture.)<br />
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<table border="0" cellspacing="15"><tr> <td width="160"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0127HOZ68/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0127HOZ68&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=2a7a20c7ac2f9bc7c90cbec01bfeb6f5"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B0127HOZ68&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=ladymystra0b-20" ></a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B0127HOZ68" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></td> <td width="280"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0127HOZ68/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0127HOZ68&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=857d8d34f5684eef2aae7b0f4176e0a7">Witch Is When Everything Went Crazy (A Witch P.I. Mystery Book 3) by Adele Abbott</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B0127HOZ68" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
Paperback: 227 pages<br />
Publisher: Implode Publishing Ltd (September 7, 2015)<br />
Rating: 2 out of 5 stars<br />
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It feels like the author still hadn't figured out her own world. In this book Jill has to attend two events on the same day. One of the events is in Candlefield (where her witch relatives live) previously time was supposed to not pass while Jill is in Candlefield, but in this book Jill gets very worked up about how to attend the two events on the same day. Doesn't make sense. Jill hates everything except her beanies, that she let her sister, Kathy, bully her into giving to her niece Lizzie.<br />
</td> </tr>
</table>It feels like the mystery plot-lines in these books gets overshadowed by the craziness of Jill's life.<br />
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<br />
<br />
In conclusion... this series I believe is up to 33 books at the time of writing this post. It may get better, but I won't be continuing on with the series. It seems to average at 4 1/2 stars on amazon.com, I don't know how. In three books I became very frustrated with the characters, I wish the mystery plot-line and the witch plot-line tied in together, which it may do further in the series, but at the start is where it was really needed.<br />
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Currently watching:<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00005BJED/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00005BJED&linkCode=as2&tag=myli05c-20&linkId=3203cae93645d381b60b23b3aa885615">Robotech - First Contact (Vol. 1)</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=myli05c-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B00005BJED" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
Watching this with Jasmine.<br />
<br />
Currently reading: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0061963046/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0061963046&linkCode=as2&tag=myli05c-20&linkId=7b5d358655df689a076724893a49ce3e">The Countess (The Madison Sisters #1) by Lynsay Sands</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=myli05c-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0061963046" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
Cheesy romance.<br />
<br />
<br />
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Sandra B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00248316648787560117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5929086839767637799.post-38897623460547007072017-06-30T21:44:00.000-07:002019-06-08T20:31:06.675-07:00High Kicks, Hot Chocolate, and Homicides by Mary McHugh (with spoilers)<table border="0" cellspacing="15"><tr> <td width="160"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01A4ANW4G/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01A4ANW4G&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=49fbcabde787af475d6f68404e239588"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B01A4ANW4G&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=ladymystra0b-20" ></a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B01A4ANW4G" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></td> <td width="280"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01A4ANW4G/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01A4ANW4G&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=4cd05b029557ea23bc6a7860d741165b">High Kicks, Hot Chocolate, and Homicides (A Happy Hoofers Mystery Book 5) by Mary McHugh</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B01A4ANW4G" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
Paperback: 352 pages<br />
Publisher: Kensington (September 27, 2016)<br />
Rating: 0 out of 5 stars<br />
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Uh. I don't even know where to start. Well, first off if I had realized this was the 5th book in the series I wouldn't have requested it from NetGalley. I think I'll try and finish the rest of the cozy mysteries I've been approved for on NetGalley, but I won't request any more, because the ones I've gotten, including this one, have been horrible.</td> </tr>
</table>I know most authors will claim that a book in their series can be read as a stand alone, but I have found that claim to not be true, you always miss a lot of development between characters and events that have happened in previous books can still effect the characters, that being said this book is no exception.<br />
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To start off, I hate the main character, Mary Louise "Weezie", of this story. For a woman who is supposed to be in her 50s she's a whiny baby of a character who doesn't know her own mind. She spends 90% of the book flipping back and forth if she should leave her husband, George, of 30 years (and you can't forget that it's been 30 years because you are told every time she thinks of divorce), for Mike. Now, why does she want to leave George? Because he would like her to be at home so they can spend more time together and he can decompress at night by talking to her after a long day of being a lawyer, he doesn't listen to her, but that's another story. She doesn't take into consideration that with her dance troupe traveling to so many countries that George has spent weeks, possibly months alone. Mary never talks to George about the problems they are having, neither does she suggest that they consider marriage counseling, or just spending time together.<br />
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Now, Mike is "perfect." Mike does everything right, always pays attention, always leaves work to help Mary, even though he is supposed to be the head of the OB/GYN department at the hospital he works at. Mike and Mary met on one of the previous trips the Happy Hoofers took for a dancing job. I don't know if in that previous book they had a physical relationship, they don't in this book. Mike likes Mary because of how much she resembles his dead wife, Jenny. That is mentioned a couple of times.<br />
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This lady also has image problems, she's constantly commenting how she herself, and her friends, are slim and in good shape for being 50 year-olds, when the main part of the story begins she comments on each of the Rockettes they meet. "Because of the hours we spend dancing, we're slim and in good shape. If it weren't for that, I'd probably sit home and eat chocolate peanut butter Häagen-Dazs ice cream until I weighed a hundred and fifty pounds." I wish I weighed 150lbs.<br />
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Then there's the rest of the dance troupe that make up the Happy Hoofers. Honestly they blend together. They are four other white ladies in their 50s who like dancing, and they've all previously had trouble in the romance/love/relationship department. But apparently they either have good alimonies, or part-time jobs, or maybe trust funds, because they have no problem going from New Jersey to New York City for months to train with the Rockettes.<br />
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I'm not sure how much research the author did, but at times the book reads as a tourist advert for New York City, but then the Happy Hoofers exercise for an hour and take three hour lunches. Mary raves about a croque madame (which is just a grilled cheese with a fried egg on top) and every place she has lunch with Mike they have to ask for a recipe from the restaurant and they get the recipe! In the book Rockettes aren't allowed to be pregnant and dance, but simple Google search of "can you be pregnant and be a Rockette" brings up this news article from Working Mother about <a HREF="http://www.workingmother.com/2006/1/home/rockettes-cassady-chiarelli">Cassady Chiarelli</A>, given it's from 2006, so rules could have changed, but below that on the search brings up <a HREF="http://abcnews.go.com/Lifestyle/rockette-mom-kids/story?id=35951639">Nicole Baker</A> who was also pregnant and dancing as a Rockette, that article is from Dec. 2015. I think the author could have picked up the phone and at least tried to reach a PR manager, a retired Rockette, somebody? At least a dancer. I mean, even on the Rockettes' own page, Feb. 2016, they have an article about New York City Ballet's Prima ballerina, <a HREF="http://www.rockettes.com/blog/rockettes-pick-for-dancer-of-the-week-new-york-city-ballets-pregnant-principal-ballerina/">Ashley Bouder</A>, still dancing at six and a half months pregnant, and I don't mean practice, she was in Swan Lake, The Nutcracker‘s Sugar Plum Fairy, and Waltz of the Flowers.<br />
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I hate that all the POC in the book are described by their skin color, there's the tall, black detective, one dancer is described as brown-skinned and doesn't even get a name until the next chapter, and then there's "An Asian man". Yet, not one of the Happy Hoofers, husbands, partners, or boyfriends are ever described by their skin color. Why? Because it's supposed to be understood that they are white. You should know that the characters are white until they are described to not be white.<br />
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And, at least in this book, the Happy Hoofers don't solve the murder, Mary is told who did the killing, and then she's held at gun point a ridiculous amount of times. By chapter 16 the murder is solved, the culprit arrested, but there's three more chapters to go, I could understand one chapter to tie up the loose ends, but three? Well, yeah, because there's nine pages (I'm on kindle for this book,) describing the dinner setup and no dialogue.<br />
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And then if you didn't have enough of this book being an advert for New York City there's 12 more pages! <br />
<br />
I'm just glad I managed to get through the book without throwing my phone against a wall.<br />
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<br />
Currently watching:<br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00005MEUV/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00005MEUV&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=3e4db99b40925f2e45932c04b84c6a5b"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B00005MEUV&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=ladymystra0b-20" ></a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B00005MEUV" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00005MEUV/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00005MEUV&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=19287ff61e4f14929c2d0d734be9ba66">Robotech - Battlefront (Vol. 4)</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B00005MEUV" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
Watching this with Jasmine.<br />
<br />
Currently reading:<br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0044UHEO2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0044UHEO2&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=7ea01919158da113005c2d39804a8828"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B0044UHEO2&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=ladymystra0b-20" ></a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B0044UHEO2" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0044UHEO2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0044UHEO2&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=7890ac1179161cfd631d67e667f049a2">The Countess (The Madison Sisters Book 1) by Lynsay Sands</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B0044UHEO2" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
Cheesy romance.<br />
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<br />
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Sandra B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00248316648787560117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5929086839767637799.post-66017790499419555942017-06-28T01:05:00.000-07:002019-05-26T19:17:57.923-07:00The Seafront Tearoom by Vanessa Greene<table border="0" cellspacing="15"><tr> <td width="160"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0425281264/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0425281264&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=eeff436d52068752ff58902afdd473b9"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=0425281264&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=ladymystra0b-20" ></a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0425281264" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></td> <td width="280"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0425281264/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0425281264&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=557e1940b25da43ce74a08937d7c59ec">The Seafront Tearoom by Vanessa Greene</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0425281264" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
Paperback: 354 pages<br />
Publisher: Berkley; Reissue edition (December 1, 2015)<br />
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars<br />
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I really enjoyed this book. It isn't super exciting, there's no super climax and resolve. It's just a book about four women forging friendships over tea and food, and it was really enjoyable.<br />
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I've already put other books by the author on my wishlist.<br />
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</td></tr>
</table><br />
Currently watching:<br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003RHZ6I4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003RHZ6I4&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=3d8e310ab3efc4471d2aec31204e206e"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B003RHZ6I4&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=ladymystra0b-20" ></a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B003RHZ6I4" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003RHZ6I4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003RHZ6I4&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=9920b4cd908b58c097e0aa6bb37f189a">The Secret of Moonacre [Blu-ray]</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B003RHZ6I4" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
So, I had to have watched this before, I remember all of the costumes, but I didn't remember the story at all.<br />
<br />
Currently reading: <br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0385392311/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0385392311&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=b64bee1f238baf87f8b1be6da47a4f0e"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=0385392311&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=ladymystra0b-20" ></a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0385392311" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0385392311/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0385392311&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=fd2c67e67e9478bb16e99c71b191721d">A Dragon's Guide to the Care and Feeding of Humans (A Dragon's Guide Book 1) by Laurence Yep and Joanne Ryder</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0385392311" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
This has been a really cute Middle School age story of what happens when a dragon gets a new human as a pet, but the human thinks the dragon is the pet.<br />
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<br />
If you'd like to request that I review a book please leave a comment. Include a brief description of the book, including which genre it is. Please also note if the book is an ARC and whether you are self-published. <br />
<br />
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Sandra B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00248316648787560117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5929086839767637799.post-83256555337710728992017-06-26T20:43:00.000-07:002019-05-26T19:10:20.247-07:00Bone Witch by Rin Chupeco (with spoilers)<table border="0" cellspacing="15"><tr> <td width="160"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01HN3X3NM/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01HN3X3NM&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=31330e5ed0208aa955504c9a7841ff12"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B01HN3X3NM&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=ladymystra0b-20" ></a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B01HN3X3NM" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></td> <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01HN3X3NM/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01HN3X3NM&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=cdfdc9aaa8b3a401b6d20a96b8ac4501">The Bone Witch (The Bone Witch Book 1) by Rin Chupeco</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B01HN3X3NM" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />
Paperback: 432 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire (March 7, 2017)
Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
I got a free eARC from Netgalley. This book was such a chore for me to get through. I didn't give this book a star rating, because if I hadn't have gotten it from Netgalley in return for a review I wouldn't have finished it.</td></tr>
</table><br />
The author made words to fit details of her world, but they are never explained. For example, hua, it's a type of dress the asha (which I'm guessing is a female (that part is touched upon)magic using entertainer, but also a warrior) wear. My best guess is that a hua has the empire waist of a Korean hanbok, the sleeves of a Japanese kimono, but also the side splits of a Vietnamese ao dai. The descriptions of the hua are never very clear, at least they weren't for me.<br />
<br />
Another is darashi oyun, some times it's talked about as if it is a regular play or event, but then some times it is talked about as if it is the name of a place, but either way it is never capitalized, and never fully explained. Will they die if this isn't done? <br />
<br />
Daeva, are they demons? Resurrected dinosaurs? Evil Spirits? I don't know. <br />
<br />
Heartsglass, it is never explained WHY people HAVE to have their hearts on a necklace for the rest of the world to see what emotions they are feeling. <br />
<br />
There are many other terms, but I won't list them all. <br />
<br />
Tea is drooling over Kance, as much as a 15 year-old can, throughout the whole book, but she reanimates Kalen. It's never explained how or when he died, and when Tea's affections changed. Besides of the teenage angst flirtations Tea has briefly with Kance Tea doesn't seem to connect with any of the other characters, she almost emotionally exists in a bubble. <br />
<br />
There are also some logistical problems. Chapter 2 mentions Murkwick, the closet town being "fifteen leagues" away, <a HREF="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/League_(unit)#English-speaking_world">a league is three miles</a>, that makes Murkwick 45 miles away. In chapter 3 Tea and Mykaela arrive in Murkwick four hours latter, meaning they would have had to walk, or more likely run at 11 miles an hour. <br />
<br />
The book is unfortunately full of tiny things that detract from the whole story and for me made reading it a chore.<br />
<br />
<br />
Currently watching:<br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01IS31XTC/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01IS31XTC&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=a0935965a04f07b7fb2c8d5f8319a7c2"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B01IS31XTC&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=ladymystra0b-20" ></a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B01IS31XTC" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01IS31XTC/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01IS31XTC&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=264767ed1d856dfa59530242f2441d91">Star Trek Beyond</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B01IS31XTC" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
Just realized this is the second time Beastie Boys was used for this reboot series.<br />
<br />
Currently reading: <br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1400077095/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1400077095&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=91423fa00ae611687c732a74b4cd590b"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=1400077095&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=ladymystra0b-20" ></a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=1400077095" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1400077095/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1400077095&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=04ca100a00d8260d1a26a44aa0463f29">The Sunday Philosophy Club (Isabel Dalhousie Book 1) by Alexander McCall Smith</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=1400077095" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
I haven't gotten very far with this book, yet.<br />
<br />
<br />
If you'd like to request that I review a book please leave a comment. Include a brief description of the book, including which genre it is. Please also note if the book is an ARC and whether you are self-published. <br />
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<a href="http://swagbucks.com/refer/funnailpolish">Swagbucks</a> it is how I make money for amazon gift cards!Sandra B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00248316648787560117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5929086839767637799.post-22085440956784417902017-06-26T07:02:00.000-07:002019-05-26T19:03:17.466-07:00Adventures of the Steampunk Pirates: The Leaky Battery Sets Sail by Gareth P. Jones<table border="0" cellspacing="15"><tr> <td width="160"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1847155936/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1847155936&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=9cbaf6e633846ec9947a383183306dcf"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=1847155936&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=ladymystra0b-20" ></a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=1847155936" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></td> <td width="280" align"left"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1847155936/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1847155936&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=dd230ee725fb7d442ae468f6721694f3">The Leaky Battery Sets Sail (Adventures of the Steampunk Pirates Book 1) by Gareth P. Jones</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=1847155936" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
Paperback: 160 pages<br />
Publisher: Stripes Publishing (February 1, 2015)<br />
Rating 5 out of 5 stars<br />
<br />
This was a great Middle School level book. I think it would be a great introduction for children to learn about steampunk, or at least the steampunk aesthetic. It really is too much of a good book to give away spoilers for.<br />
<br />
</td> </tr>
</table><br />
<br />
Currently watching: <br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002HWRYJE/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B002HWRYJE&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=50e91083b8b74ce48b5b58effb2777a4"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B002HWRYJE&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=ladymystra0b-20" ></a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B002HWRYJE" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002HWRYJE/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B002HWRYJE&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=777b666895b2b2e477854d331e356087">Star Trek </a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B002HWRYJE" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
Beastie Boys!<br />
<br />
Currently reading:<br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/014751228X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=014751228X&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=aaf0f574ae3bcf6bc5ae21dba424aa8e"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=014751228X&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=ladymystra0b-20" ></a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=014751228X" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/014751228X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=014751228X&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=b8a778483c8b13df055a161e06b5f56c">Champion (Legend Book 3) by Marie Lu</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=014751228X" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
<br />
<br />
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Sandra B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00248316648787560117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5929086839767637799.post-24474878673854253232017-02-16T13:07:00.000-08:002019-05-26T18:56:15.674-07:00 Red Hot Steele (Daggers & Steele #1) by Alex P. Berg<table border="0" cellspacing="15"><tr> <td width="160"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OL72SXU/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00OL72SXU&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=0e27f6c160986b22f9cac9a292c19c1a"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B00OL72SXU&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=ladymystra0b-20" ></a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B00OL72SXU" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></td> <td width="280"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OL72SXU/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00OL72SXU&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=51517e922d26fce1c4415f647e4f5285">Red Hot Steele (Daggers & Steele Book 1) by Alex P. Berg</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B00OL72SXU" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
Paperback: 296 pages<br />
Publisher: Batdog Press; 1 edition (October 16, 2014)<br />
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars<br />
<br />
Jake Daggers is supposed to be a brilliant detective, but you can't really see it. He blunders from one clue to another accueses the wrong people and doesn't seem to make any deductions. He's completely sexist to his new partner, meaning every time he opened his mouth some type of misogyny and to spew out. Once or twice would have been enough to get the point across, so often was just grating. I will try the next book in the series, but it needs to spectacular for me to carry on.<br />
</td></tr>
</table><br />
<br />
Currently watching:<br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077H4YJHM/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B077H4YJHM&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=58c194ff6c3ebdda64d8548f3417c574"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B077H4YJHM&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=ladymystra0b-20" ></a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B077H4YJHM" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077H4YJHM/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B077H4YJHM&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=43db722d6d006ca7b13a948ee84e267c">Jumanji</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B077H4YJHM" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
Great for laughs.<br />
<br />
Currently reading: <br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M7WD2AC/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01M7WD2AC&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=47f20ada062a8b28f5757256b6b8fb16"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B01M7WD2AC&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=ladymystra0b-20" ></a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B01M7WD2AC" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M7WD2AC/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01M7WD2AC&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=bc98dd3be800c382012ae35c04e3ff0f">Ghost of a Chance (100 Dresses Book 2) by Susan Maupin Schmid</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B01M7WD2AC" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
Loved the first book, nothing but quick little chapters, it was great for reading to Jasmine.<br />
<br />
If you'd like to request that I review a book please leave a comment. Include a brief description of the book, including which genre it is. Please also note if the book is an ARC and whether you are self-published. <br />
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<a href="http://swagbucks.com/refer/funnailpolish">Swagbucks</a> it is how I make money for Amazon gift cards!Sandra B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00248316648787560117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5929086839767637799.post-58423127945062331392017-02-14T17:10:00.000-08:002019-05-26T18:50:39.548-07:00Sworn to Rise (Courtlight #1) by Terah Edun<table border="0" cellspacing="15"><tr> <td width="160"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C9VC7AY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00C9VC7AY&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=ae02ca3e0c94f24c2945d8d0bf96d5df"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B00C9VC7AY&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=ladymystra0b-20" ></a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B00C9VC7AY" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></td> <td width="280"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C9VC7AY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00C9VC7AY&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=ef0110ad7df2125a71da49b9d86e39bd">Sworn To Raise (Courtlight Book 1) by Teran Edun</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B00C9VC7AY" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
Paperback: 244 pages<br />
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (April 10, 2013)<br />
Rating: 2 out of 5 stars<br />
<br />
I recieved this free though Amazon Kindle, along with my friends. It took me a while to get into this book, even with the promise from my friends that the series does get better. I think I had trouble in the beginning because the story starts with very little world building.<br />
</td></tr>
</table>Obviously it wasn't so bad that I didn't finish the book, but I don't know if the promise of the series getting better is what made me finish the book.<br />
<br />
The very casual tossing out references of rape grated on my nerves, "I don't want to sleep here, but I don't want to be raped." I hate that kind of casual acceptance of rape, and the type of casual mention of rape.<br />
<br />
Hopefully the other books are better.<br />
<br />
<br />
Currently watching: <br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07217XLZG/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B07217XLZG&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=c880d94c9ef55ef3ac8dcc0ac4e01781"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B07217XLZG&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=ladymystra0b-20" ></a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B07217XLZG" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07217XLZG/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B07217XLZG&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=c473ceda0447da9b47b5aaa14fd86833">Lady Jane</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B07217XLZG" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
Great movie, if not completely historically accurate.<br />
<br />
Currently reading: <br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008B8A7C4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B008B8A7C4&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=6fe93a8bd472d8fd4a5fd9d945e8d16e"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B008B8A7C4&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=ladymystra0b-20" ></a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B008B8A7C4" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008B8A7C4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B008B8A7C4&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=811a496f34c1442c42b0cb060f4e2898">A Lady Can Never Be Too Curious (Steam Guardian Book 1) by Mary Wine</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B008B8A7C4" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
Just finished the first two chapters, so I haven't quite formed an opinion on the book, yet.<br />
<br />
If you'd like to request that I review a book please leave a comment. Include a brief description of the book, including which genre it is. Please also note if the book is an ARC and whether you are self-published. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://swagbucks.com/refer/funnailpolish">Swagbucks</a> it is how I make money for Amazon gift cards!Sandra B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00248316648787560117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5929086839767637799.post-53389800096046717352017-02-12T17:01:00.000-08:002019-05-26T18:40:30.133-07:00The Good, the Bad, and the Undead (The Hallows #2) by Kim Harrison<table border="0" cellspacing="15"><tr> <td width="160"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0060572973/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0060572973&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=a6af276ea185a0b9e779029b46497442"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=0060572973&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=ladymystra0b-20" ></a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0060572973" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></td> <td width="280"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0060572973/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0060572973&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=5c66a40afe41398690501146523c7e15">The Good, the Bad, and the Undead (The Hollows Book 2) by Kim Harrison</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0060572973" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
Paperback: 453 pages<br />
Publisher: HarperTorch (January 25, 2005)<br />
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars<br />
<br />
The first half of the book is a bit slow, the second half is confusing at times, because there's too much action going on.<br />
<br />
The book wasn't bad enough that I didn't finish it, so I'll probably give the next one a go, but the series needs to pick up for me to give it much more beyond that.<br />
</td></tr>
</table><br />
Currently watching: <br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000640T0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0000640T0&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=4561c5e67b6a6d83b18a8f10a6587735"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B0000640T0&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=ladymystra0b-20" ></a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B0000640T0" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000640T0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0000640T0&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=3227bef2e65cd446af5f7ea796e1c048">Snow White - The Fairest of Them All</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B0000640T0" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
Has anyone else seen this version of the fairytale? I don't know why it isn't more popular.<br />
<br />
Currently reading: <br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00Z2N31P6/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00Z2N31P6&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=3840fc6f26d7cd2104a77844ed44ff89"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B00Z2N31P6&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=ladymystra0b-20" ></a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B00Z2N31P6" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00Z2N31P6/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00Z2N31P6&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=7a02bced3f7767d9ce36cd89cc9d280c">Ella, the Slayer (Serenity House Book 1) by A. W. Exley</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B00Z2N31P6" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
This wasn't what I expected, and I'm not sure that I like it.<br />
<br />
If you'd like to request that I review a book please leave a comment. Include a brief description of the book, including which genre it is. Please also note if the book is an ARC and whether you are self-published. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://swagbucks.com/refer/funnailpolish">Swagbucks</a> it is how I make money for Amazon gift cards!Sandra B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00248316648787560117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5929086839767637799.post-73026108924100573772017-02-10T19:49:00.000-08:002019-05-26T18:28:46.191-07:00Athena the Brain (Goddess Girls #1) by Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams<table border="0" cellspacing="15"><tr> <td width="160"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/141698271X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=141698271X&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=d116839a583d207add310f10251a1c46"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=141698271X&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=ladymystra0b-20" ></a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=141698271X" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></td> <td width="280"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/141698271X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=141698271X&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=27f12b106ea67d8b063efa195136b86f">Athena the Brain (Goddess Girls Book 1) by Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=141698271X" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
Paperback: 176 pages<br />
Publisher: Aladdin; 1 edition (April 6, 2010)<br />
Rating: 2 out of 5 stars<br />
<br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/141698271X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=141698271X&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=27f12b106ea67d8b063efa195136b86f">Athena the Brain</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=141698271X" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />, ugh! I mean the book is a quick read, but really not at all a way for someone to learn about Greek goddesses and gods at all.<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</table><br />
Currently watching: <br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004QSQMKE/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B004QSQMKE&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=6c8363c7fc1b0445f092cb6d3da5575d"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B004QSQMKE&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=ladymystra0b-20" ></a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B004QSQMKE" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004QSQMKE/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B004QSQMKE&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=ad760caad22ea4d85fc62e9493c2508e">Legend (1986)</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B004QSQMKE" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
Such a cheesy, but good movie. I wouldn't be surprised if it created a glitter shortage in the world.<br />
<br />
Currently reading: <br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007ZI01ZY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B007ZI01ZY&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=1418720408dc52ddf2b9440e3b2d5a44"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B007ZI01ZY&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=ladymystra0b-20" ></a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B007ZI01ZY" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007ZI01ZY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B007ZI01ZY&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=211fde0421425d9c107da173d5ae476d">The Mislaid Magician Or, Ten Years After: Being the Private Correspondence Between Two Prominent Families Regarding a Scandal Touching the Highest Levels of Government and the Security of the Realm (The Cecelia and Kate Novels Book 3) by by Patricia C. Wrede and, Caroline Stevermer</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B007ZI01ZY" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
This one has a really long title, but the letter writing stories continue!<br />
<br />
If you'd like to request that I review a book please leave a comment. Include a brief description of the book, including which genre it is. Please also note if the book is an ARC and whether you are self-published. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://swagbucks.com/refer/funnailpolish">Swagbucks</a> it is how I make money for Amazon gift cards!Sandra B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00248316648787560117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5929086839767637799.post-4553887448478331732017-01-28T19:27:00.000-08:002019-05-26T18:20:07.964-07:00Tarnished Knight (London Steampunk #1.5) by Bec McMaster<table border="0" cellspacing="15"><tr> <td width="160"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CH3NV4U/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00CH3NV4U&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=5a457f3fee58f019d6dfbadfaceb5840"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B00CH3NV4U&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=ladymystra0b-20" ></a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B00CH3NV4U" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></td> <td width="280"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CH3NV4U/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00CH3NV4U&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=2ff6425057a759332814ce6c5f9c3ca3">Tarnished Knight (London Steampunk Book 1.5) by Bec McMaster</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B00CH3NV4U" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
Paperback: 120 pages<br />
Publisher: Bec McMaster; 1 edition (April 21, 2013)<br />
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars<br />
<br />
This novella is only available as an eBook.<br />
<br />
Like my review of <a HREF="http://journaloftravelandadventures.blogspot.com/2017/01/kiss-of-steel-london-steampunk-1-by-bec.html">Kiss of Steel</A> I would say that there's no real steampunk in this story besides a brief mentions of the main character, Rip, having mechanical limb, but it doesn't run on steam as far as I know right now in the series. <br />
</td></tr>
</table><br />
I might try one more book in the series, to see if it does evolve into steampunk, but as it is right now it is just a romance series with the typical paranormal vampires and werewolves.<br />
<br />
<br />
Currently watching:<br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01EFSORXS/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01EFSORXS&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=b5db4b9e50934627d5d9aa39eb1d7463"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B01EFSORXS&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=ladymystra0b-20" ></a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B01EFSORXS" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01EFSORXS/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01EFSORXS&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=a65afd7a46d3f5d74c58eb7d95caebdf">Labyrinth (30th Anniversary Edition)</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B01EFSORXS" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
I love this movie so much.<br />
<br />
Currently reading: <br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007ZI06WW/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B007ZI06WW&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=e71fc9b0337c8204a3f80bd171dbca4f"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B007ZI06WW&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=ladymystra0b-20" ></a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B007ZI06WW" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007ZI06WW/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B007ZI06WW&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=ab3be98ecc06526c86686df9ea62ebbf">The Grand Tour Or, The Purloined Coronation Regalia (The Cecelia and Kate Novels Book 2) by Patricia Wrede and Caroline Stevermer</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B007ZI06WW" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
The letters continue! The ladies are writing in diaries.<br />
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If you'd like to request that I review a book please leave a comment. Include a brief description of the book, including which genre it is. Please also note if the book is an ARC and whether you are self-published. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://swagbucks.com/refer/funnailpolish">Swagbucks</a> it is how I make money for Amazon gift cards!Sandra B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00248316648787560117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5929086839767637799.post-42690459901242563112017-01-21T19:03:00.000-08:002019-05-26T18:04:11.576-07:00Kiss of Steel (London Steampunk #1) by Bec McMaster<table border="0" cellspacing="15"><tr> <td width="160"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1402270275/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1402270275&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=e2ae7b2f712f9d592c1f29048d2a43f6"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=1402270275&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=ladymystra0b-20" ></a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=1402270275" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></td> <td width="280"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1402270275/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1402270275&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=e7d8fb17601b1ba8a247f5d28f628c5c">Kiss of Steel (London Steampunk Book 1) by Bec McMaster</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=1402270275" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
Paperback: 448 pages<br />
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (September 1, 2012)<br />
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars<br />
<br />
This isn't a bad book, but there's very little steampunk in it. I think the most steampunk you get in this book is a brief introduction to a man with a replaced limb, which seems more like a prosthetic as I believe the limb doesn't run on steam. I do wish the differences between vampires and "blue bloods" was explained better.</td></tr>
</table><br />
I would have described this book as paranormal romance, maybe even historical romance, I would not have used the term steampunk to describe it. I might try some more of the series, but from the view point that I am reading a romance story, and not a steampunk story. Not that they need to be exclusive, it's just that at the end of book 1 I haven't seen anything that I would have deemed steampunk.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Currently watching: <br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1785865471/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1785865471&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=dea869b0f1ad516aa1926acf1bf65aa0"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=1785865471&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=ladymystra0b-20" ></a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=1785865471" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1785865471/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1785865471&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=6949a2993de68dd8e326c5b4f7a27840">Robotech Volume 3 - Blind Game</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=1785865471" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
Jasmine and I are having fun watching this.<br />
<br />
Currently reading:<br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/015205300X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=015205300X&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=d2a92a6916ce199fa4f47e05f257cc2a"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=015205300X&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=ladymystra0b-20" ></a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=015205300X" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/015205300X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=015205300X&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=19798a8d3f2e42792d5bb4c4af5a3fb8">Sorcery and Cecelia or The Enchanted Chocolate Pot (The Cecelia and Kate Novels Book 1) by by Patricia C. Wrede and, Caroline Stevermer</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=015205300X" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
The first of a series of letter books. The characters write back forth to each other about what is happening to them.<br />
<br />
<br />
If you'd like to request that I review a book please leave a comment. Include a brief description of the book, including which genre it is. Please also note if the book is an ARC and whether you are self-published. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://swagbucks.com/refer/funnailpolish">Swagbucks</a> it is how I make money for Amazon gift cards!Sandra B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00248316648787560117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5929086839767637799.post-31201209479123603212017-01-20T23:39:00.000-08:002019-05-26T17:48:06.919-07:00Splintered by A.G. Howard<table border="0" cellspacing="15"><tr> <td width="160"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008JHQ56Y/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B008JHQ56Y&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=d605bddf3854e0cbdc4cb9a4d4d68916"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B008JHQ56Y&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=ladymystra0b-20" ></a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B008JHQ56Y" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></td> <td width="280"><<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008JHQ56Y/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B008JHQ56Y&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=58662f9ffe0a78916b7888782781dd74">Splintered Book One by A.G. Howard</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B008JHQ56Y" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
Paperback: 400 pages<br />
Publisher: Amulet Paperbacks (February 18, 2014)<br />
Rating: 2 out of 5 stars<br />
<br />
I don't even know where to start with this book. It was a hot mess. I really like the stories of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1503222683/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1503222683&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=52a237923fc2bfff94b30d7b3a996fca">Alice's Adventures in Wonderland</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=1503222683" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /> and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1983724807/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1983724807&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=c25e79c47b78cf00a7cde69e83c5450e">Through the Looking Glass (and What Alice Found There)</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=1983724807" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /> and it is very irritating when they get mixed together, glaring at you Tim Burton.<br />
</td></tr>
</table><br />
Alyssa Gardener's matriarchal family line goes back to Alice Liddell, the original traveler to Wonderland. Alyssa is trying to break the family curse that goes back to that Alice Liddell, and save her mother, who she calls Allison.<br />
<br />
Then there's Jeb. What does she see in him? Sure he might have an attractive outward appearance, but he's horrible to Alyssa. And then there's Morpheus, the supposedly less creepy option.<br />
<br />
Really this book just needs a lot of help with how mental illness is treated, I figure that the author wanted to throw back to how people were treated in the Victorian ages, but we've moved on from then and there are laws now. You don't have to like a guy who treats you like crap, nor do you have to like a guy who's a creepy stalker.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Currently watching:<br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079VVRSS8/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B079VVRSS8&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=2630a5876fce6cc474ab86c17059fc26"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B079VVRSS8&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=ladymystra0b-20" ></a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B079VVRSS8" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079VVRSS8/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B079VVRSS8&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=14dda6a1c73928821f456c6404783e1a">Robotech Archives: The Macross Saga Vol. 2</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B079VVRSS8" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
Jasmine and I are having fun watching this.<br />
<br />
Currently reading: <br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/055353369X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=055353369X&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=34f9f17b3ce229f3ff767985b5c5c4cc"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=055353369X&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=ladymystra0b-20" ></a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=055353369X" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/055353369X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=055353369X&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=0e1b2ac6f014bb790c1f6b807e3c75b6">If the Magic Fits (100 Dresses Book 1) by Susan Maupin Schmid</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=055353369X" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
I'm really enjoying this book, I should have read it sooner!<br />
<br />
<br />
If you'd like to request that I review a book please leave a comment. Include a brief description of the book, including which genre it is. Please also note if the book is an ARC and whether you are self-published. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://swagbucks.com/refer/funnailpolish">Swagbucks</a> it is how I make money for Amazon gift cards!Sandra B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00248316648787560117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5929086839767637799.post-54427855062214320152017-01-17T16:38:00.000-08:002019-05-24T23:57:27.532-07:00Flunked by Jen Calonita<table border="0" cellspacing="15"><tr> <td width="160"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1492620815/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1492620815&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=418b16ed4d8fd3933b4e614fed2ffe70"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=1492620815&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=ladymystra0b-20" ></a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=1492620815" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></td> <td width="280"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1492620815/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1492620815&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=de4c941f630b1d118b12fa24f2d12555">Flunked (Fairy Tale Reform School Book 1) by Jen Calonita</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=1492620815" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
Paperback: 272 pages<br />
Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky; Reprint edition (February 2, 2016)<br />
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars<br />
<br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1492620815/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1492620815&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=de4c941f630b1d118b12fa24f2d12555">Flunked</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=1492620815" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /> is the story of Gillian (Gilly) Cobbler, daughter of Hal and Eva Cobbler. Gillian is just trying to help her family survive after the family shoe business begins to fail when Cinderella takes over the production of glass slippers. But when she gets caught stealing again she's thrown into Fairy Tale Reform School, run by no other than Cinderella's Wicked Stepmother, Flora. Gilly's goal, escape as soon as possible. She still has younger siblings to steal for, in order to feed them.</td> </tr>
</table><br />
As the story progresses Gilly makes a few friends while she still attempts to leave the school, and discovers a more sinister plot.<br />
<br />
<br />
Currently watching:<br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01GSR95W2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01GSR95W2&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=868c81edcceaf40895074dc112b444b1"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B01GSR95W2&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=ladymystra0b-20" ></a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B01GSR95W2" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01GSR95W2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01GSR95W2&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=eecd9a42d7fb0643ffe321833cf767b8">Monster Hunt</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B01GSR95W2" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
This is a hilarious Chinese movie. I watched it with my 10 year-old daughter and she really enjoyed it too, she asked if there were more "episodes," and was disappointed that there was only the one movie.<br />
EDIT: May 25, 2019 there is a second movie now, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DYKW7XG/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B07DYKW7XG&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=e9a967cfd75be3d2681d11a2f7730082">Monster Hunt 2 </a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B07DYKW7XG" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
<br />
Currently reading:<br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/055353369X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=055353369X&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=34f9f17b3ce229f3ff767985b5c5c4cc"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=055353369X&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=ladymystra0b-20" ></a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=055353369X" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/055353369X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=055353369X&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=0e1b2ac6f014bb790c1f6b807e3c75b6">If the Magic Fits (100 Dresses Book 1) by Susan Maupin Schmid</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=055353369X" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
I'm really enjoying this book, I should have read it sooner!<br />
<br />
<br />
If you'd like to request that I review a book please leave a comment. Include a brief description of the book, including which genre it is. Please also note if the book is an ARC and whether you are self-published. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://swagbucks.com/refer/funnailpolish">Swagbucks</a> it is how I make money for Amazon gift cards!<br />
<br />
Sandra B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00248316648787560117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5929086839767637799.post-31242819341311926412017-01-15T12:23:00.000-08:002019-05-24T23:47:47.631-07:00Matched by Ally Condie<table border="0" cellspacing="15"><tr> <td width="160"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/014241977X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=014241977X&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=3a5afb37a841e2976fd5959b27a1008f"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=014241977X&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=ladymystra0b-20" ></a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=014241977X" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></td> <td width="280"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/014241977X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=014241977X&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=91e1d63d64ea693e8ca54dec9c5a178b">Matched by Ally Condie</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=014241977X" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
Paperback: 416 pages<br />
Publisher: Speak (2011)<br />
Rating: 2 out of 5 stars<br />
<br />
I have to admit I really didn't care for this book. I'm really starting to hate the trend of Dystopian books where people are separated for bizarre (i.e. dumb) reasons with no real explanations for the separations. (E.g. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0439023521/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0439023521&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=5c543fa75fabbb6d3881c86f5e8e2fbb">The Hunger Games</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0439023521" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062387243/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0062387243&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=19d52ab5a3b82c8459596059bf07c3fa">Divergent</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0062387243" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1442419814/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1442419814&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=b420ede0f8cb7ef2f2af0efa3a0d1120">Uglies</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=1442419814" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />, or <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0061726834/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0061726834&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=df371a53fc7abeb35b6d0539766cd4f7">Delirium</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0061726834" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />.) Seriously, who in the future is going to think that love is a disease you need a vaccine against, or that you have live with only being self-less in your faction, but you can't be honest and self-less, because that'd mean your "Divergent."</td></tr>
</table><br />
So, I've read a few reviews where people compare (actually most say stolen) the book to Lowis Lowry's <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0544336267/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0544336267&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=c25e3bec2534a047936e3e5da6ccf641">The Giver</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0544336267" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />, but I have to honestly admit that I've never read that book, yet. To me the story was very much like George Orwell's <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0451524934/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0451524934&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=e302ece81f57ef4006263e075a5394bb">1984</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0451524934" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />. The whole, wearing uniforms, having to like/love someone in secret, the taking the pills every day, and the curfews just screamed <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0451524934/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0451524934&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=e302ece81f57ef4006263e075a5394bb">1984</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0451524934" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /> to me.<br />
<br />
I think part of why it was hard for me to read this book was I had just finished <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062310674/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0062310674&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=fb1c1b64a1341f341f98977fbec1706e">Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0062310674" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />, which has all the Young Adult Dystopian tropes, and so does <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/014241977X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=014241977X&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=91e1d63d64ea693e8ca54dec9c5a178b">Matched</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=014241977X" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />. Either way, I won't be reading the next book in the series, which is <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0142421715/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0142421715&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=a6ce52fe5a7869d6e7d65b13ff1b01a9">Crossed</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0142421715" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /> if you do want to read it.<br />
<br />
Currently watching:<br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00YSBFG2E/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00YSBFG2E&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=f27c0ee0934fd23fc035b469ee094fe6"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B00YSBFG2E&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=ladymystra0b-20" ></a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B00YSBFG2E" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00YSBFG2E/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00YSBFG2E&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=b47c07f6034641c92b1bd0b257b2a812">Elementary: Season 3</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B00YSBFG2E" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
I really like that Lucy Liu's Joan Watson isn't seen as a love interest for Jonny Lee Miller's Sherlock Holmes. I think that it is great that Watson, after spending time with Holmes and learning from him, is shown as a competent detective in her own right.<br />
<br />
Currently reading: <br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0425281264/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0425281264&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=e0f34c1d7e5c0ce09f938aad51ad7d91"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=0425281264&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=ladymystra0b-20" ></a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0425281264" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0425281264/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0425281264&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=f00f8ef12acfd0ba4ce7cb17ca91902e">The Seafront Tearoom by Vanessa Greene</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0425281264" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
Not something that I would normally read, since it isn't genre fiction! But we'll see how it goes. It does involve tea, lots of tea, and I do love tea.<br />
<br />
<br />
If you'd like to request that I review a book please leave a comment. Include a brief description of the book, including which genre it is. Please also note if the book is an ARC and whether you are self-published. <br />
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Sandra B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00248316648787560117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5929086839767637799.post-54950861350687148522017-01-13T22:30:00.000-08:002019-05-24T23:30:11.450-07:00Glass Sword (Red Queen #2) by Victoria Aveyard<table border="0" cellspacing="15"><tr> <td width="160"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062310674/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0062310674&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=2722253f31cd43ca25fed7c3a47000aa"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=0062310674&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=ladymystra0b-20" ></a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0062310674" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></td> <td width="280"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062310674/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0062310674&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=f059f24b1ca41c6a2c9a4f91e4a6fbe4">Glass Sword (Red Queen #2) by Victoria Aveyard</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0062310674" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
<br />
Paperback: 464 pages<br />
Publisher: HarperTeen (February 9, 2016)<br />
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars<br />
<br />
I read the first book to this series, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/006231064X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=006231064X&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=2bda01fb67d6cdf8c2fa67d26c378e99">Red Queen</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=006231064X" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />, at the end of last year. I enjoyed the book, but as a whole is doesn't stand out very much. My best description would be a cross between <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0439023521/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0439023521&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=9a296e266fefe9bac0a8c81716202e04">The Hunger Games</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0439023521" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /> and the special child trope, which doesn't improve with this book. It seriously felt that I was rereading parts of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003XF1XOQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003XF1XOQ&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=85f5790d60295a209711224815adc044">Mockingjay</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B003XF1XOQ" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />, which I found unfortunate.</td></tr>
</table>I might read <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062310690/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0062310690&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=90977b37bd2044bb760fc45221dbcdc2">King's Cage</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0062310690" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /> to finish the series, but right now I'm not interested in it, and I think it'll take some time to work myself up to reading it. Right now I am definitely not interested in <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062435345/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0062435345&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=f72023d0dd70ecc66b361e1d1bf38320">Cruel Crown</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0062435345" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />, the book with two novellas that go with the series, maybe after I make it through <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062310690/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0062310690&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=90977b37bd2044bb760fc45221dbcdc2">King's Cage</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0062310690" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />.<br />
<br />
<br />
Currently watching:<br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01EPYQOG0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01EPYQOG0&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=d2663e1c0d942a3701850871ece46381"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B01EPYQOG0&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=ladymystra0b-20" ></a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B01EPYQOG0" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01EPYQOG0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01EPYQOG0&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=2d2c253095cb33dca25b74bffc06df46">iZombie: The Complete Second Season</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B01EPYQOG0" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
This really is a really great show. It isn't completely gorey, and there are some cute scenes while solving murder mysteries.<br />
<br />
Currently reading: <br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0142427551/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0142427551&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=64720f301d12d10cfd7ea9d48ab8ba77"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=0142427551&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=ladymystra0b-20" ></a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0142427551" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0142427551/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0142427551&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=c1b413b1a1e572939ba9d9bb647cdbbe">Prodigy (Legend #2) by Marie Lu</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0142427551" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
My review for the first book should be coming up!<br />
<br />
<br />
If you'd like to request that I review a book please leave a comment. Include a brief description of the book, including which genre it is. Please also note if the book is an ARC and whether you are self-published. <br />
<br />
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Sandra B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00248316648787560117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5929086839767637799.post-24648657481664228352017-01-03T18:31:00.000-08:002019-05-24T23:28:24.828-07:00Kale to the Queen (A Kensington Palace Chef Mystery #1) by Nell Hampton<table border="0" cellspacing="15"><tr> <td width="160"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N0Z4HW3/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01N0Z4HW3&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=05ef42b663554a478d49316b980b8ece"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B01N0Z4HW3&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=ladymystra0b-20" ></a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B01N0Z4HW3" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></td> <td width="280"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N0Z4HW3/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01N0Z4HW3&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=77f1a9759c898160c3b89a91188c051b">Kale to the Queen: A Kensington Palace Chef Mystery by Nell Hampton</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B01N0Z4HW3" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
Paperback: 288 pages<br />
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books (April 11, 2017)<br />
Rating: 0 out of 5 stars<br />
<br />
This was the first book of the year for me. I have decided for 2017 that I am going to try and read 100 New to Me Books, meaning I haven't read the books before. Which is honestly very hard for me. I have certain books that are comfort books in a way that I reread all the time, some even once a year.</td></tr>
</table><br />
To get started, I really do enjoy cozy mysteries, with their punny titles and niche subjects. One of my favorite cozy mystery series is <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0425179451/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0425179451&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=1d0dbe8673a6abcd923706b3545c60b5">Death by Darjeeling (A Tea Shop Mystery #1) by Laura Childs</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0425179451" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />. I mean, who doesn't enjoy tea, murder and Southern hospitality? <br />
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I say this because I have no idea how this book got published. The kindest thing I could say was this must be the author's first novel. It feels like very little effort or research was actually put into the book. I know I was reading an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy), but there were not just mistakes on who had said what at times, but things that wouldn't be said, or accepted from a British viewpoint at times. This review will contain spoilers, because I am compelled to point out what really irritates me about this book.<br />
<br />
For example, the author has a lot of characters "correcting" the main character, Carrie Ann Cole, about how it isn't called the subway, it's the tube. London is a large international city, a lot of American television is imported to the U.K., trust me, they know what subway means to an American. Would the character be corrected? Sure, there might be a person or two to correct the chef, but not every single person she says subway to, not even in the palace. I think even more so, since the lines she is most likely to have been on would have been <a HREF="https://www.flickr.com/groups/75793947@N00/discuss/72157611717939241/">sub-surface</A> lines, and not actually a tube line. Especially since the character of household manager, Mrs. Worth would know the distinction. My question would be why wasn't a car arranged to pick up Carrie Ann Cole from the airport? Obviously they were expecting her, since Mrs. Worth claims she's late. And how can you not be able to get a cab from any of London's airports? The book doesn't specify which one the main character lands at; Gatwick, Heathrow, or Stansted, being most likely, they are always busy, but they always have cabs, and in this day there's Uber which works in London.<br />
<br />
And the author really should either take a class on tea, or do better research. While Carrie Ann is talking with Penelope "Penny" Nethercott, the personal secretary to the Duchess of Cambridge in this story, she makes tea. She uses tea leaves, she uses a tea ball, she uses a tea cozy, she never takes the tea ball out again, which would eventually make the tea bitter. She also uses cream. No one puts cream in their tea. After all the irritating correctness of subway vs. tube this really got my hackles up. There is a tea, called <a HREF="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cream_tea">cream tea</A>, but it has nothing to do with putting cream in one's tea. No one does this. I'm pretty sure if you asked any British person if they wanted cream in their tea they'd be disgusted, it'd be a politely disgusted, but still disgusted. One puts milk into tea, not cream. This mistake is repeated throughout the story. The author also has the stereotype of everyone boiling a kettle on the stove/hob, no one does that. It takes longer and wastes gas, an electric kettle is much more efficient.<br />
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I think I find this book especially offense because I am British-American, and the author throws all the typical American tropes into the story, without getting any of the British ones right. I would tell the author, Ms. <a HREF="http://www.crookedlanebooks.com/authors/nell-hampton/">Hampton</A>, that if she was to write another book in the series, she needs to actually visit the places she is writing about first. Go to London, go to Kensinton Palace, she doesn't need to take a behind-the-scenes tour of the palace's kitchen, but look at the actual expanse of the palace grounds and realize there is no way a chef could get through the palace and across the grounds and find a corner shop, or grocery store, or supermarket, and be back in ten minutes. It isn't happening. Even doing some research on <a HREF-"https://www.google.com/maps/place/Kensington+Palace+Gardens/@51.5063778,-0.1883106,17.32z/data=!4m12!1m6!3m5!1s0x48760dcae7950fef:0x89e65c2abc2c3f87!2sKensington+Palace!8m2!3d51.5058372!4d-0.1877239!3m4!1s0x0:0x87b5777dc25d818f!8m2!3d51.5051001!4d-0.1878606">Google Maps</A> could have helped with that. The idea that Carrie Ann could have a separate washer and dryer, in her bathroom is ridiculous. Most machines in the UK are washer dryer combos, meaning one machine does both the washing and the drying. The dryer part a condenser dryer, done with heated water going around the outside of the tumbler. It takes a long time for anything to dry, and is very frustrating in my opinion if you are used to a tumble dryer that uses heated air, like they do in the States. Which is probably why so many people just hang their clothes out to dry, even if it's raining, because it'll probably be quicker, especially if you have other clothes you want to wash.<br />
<br />
Besides terminology abuse the author misplaces characters, e.g. Michael Haregrove's Mother is mentioned in Chapter 3 as living alone in a nursing home, which is actually called a care home with nursing in the U.K., but later in Chapter 7 his Mother and Father are retired and living in the countryside with his grandparents, it also mentions that he has a brother and three sisters. Now, they could be living in a nursing home in the countryside but I doubt they are living in a nursing home in the countryside with his grandparents. Then in Chapter 10 Carrie Ann Cole is surprised to meet Rosemary, Michael Haregrove's sister, because, "I didn't know he had family other than his mother." Perhaps the author originally intended to have Mr. Haregrove only have a mother, but found that she needed the sister character for her story, but then she left drips and drabs of family for Mr. Haregrove all over the story, and never tidied up her lose ends. They are things I would have expected her editor to catch. Rosemary has arrived in London to "look after Mum." Why? She's either in a nursing home, according to Chapter 3, or living in the countryside, according to Chapter 7. Just to make it even more confusing later in Chapter 11 Carrie Ann asks Michael if he has lived here long, "My parents bought it in the fifties," he said. Mum loved the wall paper in the hall. Ever since she went into the nursing home three years ago, I can't bring myself to take it down." So Carrie Ann asks if his father sill lives in the house, but she should know he's in the countryside from Chapter 7, and Michael says, "No, he lives out in the country now with his new wife." Now, the new wife could be the one that Michael references in Chapter 7 as his Mum, but Carrie Ann wouldn't know that, and as a reader the audience couldn't know that either. It confuses the issue of exactly where is Michael's Mother.<br />
<br />
There are other times when Michael Haregrove and Frank Deems are called by each others names.<br />
<br />
Honestly, if I hadn't gotten the book from NetGalley I would have quit reading this story in the first few chapters. Even for an ARC there were far too many mistakes that it made the story unenjoyable.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Currently watching: <br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B010MZ4D00/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B010MZ4D00&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=3e1e98d7289358f766d98bae6d877596"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B010MZ4D00&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=ladymystra0b-20" ></a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B010MZ4D00" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B010MZ4D00/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B010MZ4D00&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=dfa0ba1e741920cc1fbc778ae65823c7">iZombie: The Complete First Season</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B010MZ4D00" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
This really is a clever show.<br />
<br />
Currently reading: <br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0142427551/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0142427551&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=64720f301d12d10cfd7ea9d48ab8ba77"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=0142427551&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=ladymystra0b-20" ></a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0142427551" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0142427551/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0142427551&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=dc874fd6cf4e1fdec5cc95a10d997f11">Prodigy (Legend #) by Marie Lu</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0142427551" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
My review for the first book should be coming up!<br />
<br />
<br />
If you'd like to request that I review a book please leave a comment. Include a brief description of the book, including which genre it is. Please also note if the book is an ARC and whether you are self-published. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://swagbucks.com/refer/funnailpolish">Swagbucks</a> it is how I make money for amazon gift cards!<br />
<br />
Sandra B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00248316648787560117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5929086839767637799.post-21205762972713628362016-06-09T06:40:00.000-07:002019-05-24T23:24:20.991-07:00Book Reivew - Muder Most Unladylike<table border="0" cellspacing="15"><tr> <td width="160"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0552570729/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0552570729&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=2845fdd1983aea2e0b9f82b39023b632"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=0552570729&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=ladymystra0b-20" ></a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0552570729" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></td> <td width="280"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0552570729/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0552570729&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=5a88d38ee42cd5f7ee2dbc5645ee4453">Murder Most Unladylike: A Wells & Wong Mystery Book 1 by Robin Stevens</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0552570729" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
Paperback: 288 pages<br />
Publisher: Corgi (July 22, 2014)<br />
<br />
Also known by its US title <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1481422138/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1481422138&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=38b5ab281e4f699809a7cf3f0bde0aa7">Murder Is Bad Manners </a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=1481422138" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />. The US edition also has a different cover design.<br />
<br />
A murder-mystery story set in 1934 in England. At first I was excited to read this to my daughter, since one of the main </td> </tr>
</table>characters is Asian, but that did not last long. While Hazel Wong may be Chinese she is reduced to her "other" appearance and racism. She could be interchangeable with any other white girl in the story, as Hazel's only personality is self-deprecation. <br />
<br />
The story will not let you forget that Hazel and her family are not a typical British family as exampled on page 62, "I would have too, if two things had not happened: first, my father's concubine had another daughter." "Father's concubine," a clear sign of othering. While yes concubines did exist in Hong Kong at the time it wasn't necessary to the story, she isn't a proper character and isn't even given a name or description, the concubine is never mentioned again in the story. The line could have easily changed to Hazel's mother having another daughter instead of twisting a Chinese family. What does it show beyond Hazel's family being different from a typical white British family?<br />
<br />
Just when you might forget that Hazel isn't the typical white British girl going to Deepdean School for Girls Part Four Chapter Nine happens. It is full of <a href="http://hazing.urbanup.com/1752113#.V1YE6nF_I8M.blogger">hazing</a> and racism from Daisy, Hazel's supposed best friend. Now, this probably really did happen to foreign students in the 1930s, but was in necessary to include it in this book meant for preteens? I definitely wouldn't want to encourage my daughter to hero worship anyone who bullies her, and I don't think anyone else would want that for their child. It seems to give a bad impression, endure the person who torments you enough and they will become your BFF.<br />
<br />
I think one of the bad things about the story is that Hazel knows she is surrounded by racism and has to let it flow over her. From page 42:<br />
<blockquote>Usually, once they know me, English people simply pretend that I am not Oriental, and I simply do not remind them about it. But sometimes they slip, and little buts if nastiness that are usually hidden come sliding out of their mouths, which can be quite difficult to politely ignore.</blockquote><br />
I will say that the use of "oriental" here is from the British sense of the word, as the author is British, and not the American sense where oriental is seen more as a slur.<br />
<br />
Hazel's father is a complete Anglophile, and it has perhaps led to Hazel's own self-hate. Hazel describes herself as "lumpy legs," "I, on the other hand bulge all over like Bibendum the Michelin Man; my cheeks are moony-round and my hair and eyes are stubbornly dark brown." Even on the first page of the story is, "After all, I am much too short to be the heroine of this story, and who ever heard of a Chinese Sherlock Holmes?"<br />
<br />
In contrast Daisy is described as "... one of those dainty, absolutely English girls with blue eyes and golden hair;..."<br />
<br />
Least you think I am being too harsh of the character of Daisy Wells, on page 170:<br />
<blockquote>'But - someone else might have put on her shoes?' I suggested. I had felt so sure it must have been The One.<br />
<br />
'Oh, don't be an ass, Hazel. That sort of thing is too silly to happen in real life. Unless you think they crept into her boarding house and stole her shoes just to wear them in a passageway that no one ever uses?'<br />
<br />
I blushed. I felt like an idiot, and I was glad it was so dark.</blockquote><br />
This is just one of many times that Daisy puts Hazel down, hardly what I would call best friend material.<br />
<br />
I think I might read <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0141369795/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0141369795&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=13123ac1080df5824fa0b253e075e1f6">Arsenic For Tea</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0141369795" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /> on my own and review it here, but I doubt I will be reading it to Jasmine.<br />
<br />
I would give this book:<br />
2 Stars<br />
Why would I give it so many stars when the characters personalities are so horrible? Well, the book is set in a 1930s all-girls school in England. I think the time period and location allows you to learn things that are not often in a children's book (i.e. I can't think of another book set in a 1930s all-girls school.) So you do learn how things work at the school, and some terminology of the time.<br />
<br />
If for some reason you are intrigued enough to read other books from the series here are links to them, and they are in order (since there is no where on the cover, or inside of the books, at least not the two that I had, that show which book is first, second, etc., and I really hate that publishers are doing that.)<br />
<br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0552570729/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0552570729&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=5a88d38ee42cd5f7ee2dbc5645ee4453">Murder Most Unladylike</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0552570729" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0141369795/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0141369795&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=13123ac1080df5824fa0b253e075e1f6">Arsenic For Tea</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0141369795" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0141369825/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0141369825&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=609ee3630326072b66ecd7b7b227f056">First Class Murder</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0141369825" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0141369698/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0141369698&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=554c0a65c7e73b1e49a409551a3b105b">Jolly Foul Play</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0141369698" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
EDIT: May 24, 2019 added links to newer books in the series.<br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0141369728/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0141369728&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=31960398a8357fe950ecfcfedc435903">Mistletoe and Murder</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0141369728" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0141376562/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0141376562&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=b3d4b31c561ef64a5d200a0440eb98a6">Cream Buns and Crime</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0141376562" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0141373784/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0141373784&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=c7357c172d4540ad16baaf2b8554ab00">A Spoonful of Murder</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0141373784" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0141373822/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0141373822&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=26032f467e21cba615f77090208ce435">Death in the Spotlight</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0141373822" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0241348382/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0241348382&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=d23cc856f6c26ba2d0e7b517d3b258e5">Top Marks for Murder</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0241348382" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
And the short story:<br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0241395542/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0241395542&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=9e9f5eaf205962144140c18b7a30dc8b">The Case of the Missing Treasure</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0241395542" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
<br />
Currently watching: <br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0053O8AKU/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0053O8AKU&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=b7cd51f2b1375c6da7f649339d5a6d62"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B0053O8AKU&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=ladymystra0b-20" ></a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B0053O8AKU" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0053O8AKU/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0053O8AKU&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=e1fdbd2f98f70b864396119ca7632d1f">Person of Interest: Season 1</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B0053O8AKU" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
<br />
Currently reading: ???<br />
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<br />
If you'd like to request that I review a book please leave a comment. Include a brief description of the book, including which genre it is. Please also note if the book is an ARC and whether you are self-published. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://swagbucks.com/refer/funnailpolish">Swagbucks</a> it is how I make money for amazon gift cards!<br />
<br />
<br />
Sandra B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00248316648787560117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5929086839767637799.post-38761732947384213382016-05-18T16:30:00.000-07:002019-05-24T23:02:28.844-07:00WIP WednesdayI am working on Jody Rice's Emerald City of OZ cityscape, that you can see <a HREF="http://snapwidget.com/v/1208075583923864828">here</A>. The pattern was available from Cross Stitch Crazy magazine, April #215 issue. If you don't want to get the whole magazine the pattern will be available in her Etsy shop, <a HREF="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SatsumaStreet?ref=em">Satsuma Street</A> in September.<br />
<br />
I missed actually posting last Wednesday, but I did take a picture:<br />
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/LdyMystra/crafts/IMG_20160514_183929_zpsckkd6v7c.jpg"><br />
<br />
I'm actually a little late this week too, but I'm going to just back date the post, (shhh, it'll be our secret.)<br />
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/LdyMystra/crafts/IMG_20160518_235731_zps2vzztvfk.jpg"><br />
<br />
I'll take another picture once I have the hoop painted and it is all finished. I really enjoyed this one, it took a tiny bit less than a month to make (and probably would have taken less time if I worked on it every day.) I plan on making it again, but definitely with a different coloured Aida, perhaps a marbled blue, might look a bit more like sky and clouds, also it is very hard to tell the clouds apart from the white Aida (I've just noticed I didn't finish a section of the coulds!)<br />
<br />
P.S. Forgot to mention I'll be doing Seashell Treasures by Dimensions next.<br />
<br />
Currently watching: Person of Interest.<br />
<br />
Currently reading:<br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0552570729/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0552570729&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=0545849bca9a3b835aa77acec5954ceb"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=0552570729&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=ladymystra0b-20" ></a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0552570729" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0552570729/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0552570729&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=3a694b5915b8eec524acf43357311486">Murder Most Unladylike: A Wells & Wong Mystery Book 1 by Robin Stevens</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0552570729" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
The first in a series, I'm reading them to Jasmine. We've already bought the second book, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0141369795/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0141369795&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=13123ac1080df5824fa0b253e075e1f6">Arsenic For Tea</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0141369795" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />. We have about 60 pages to go. I'm not sure if Jasmine is actually enjoying this book or not, because sometimes she doesn't pay attention. We'll give the second book a go, but if she doesn't like it we won't continue, since there are just so many books to read.<br />
<br />
If you'd like to request that I review a book please leave a comment. Include a brief description of the book, including which genre it is. Please also note if the book is an ARC and whether you are self-published. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://swagbucks.com/refer/funnailpolish">Swagbucks</a> it is how I make money for amazon gift cards!Sandra B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00248316648787560117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5929086839767637799.post-10604851371229844232016-05-04T15:13:00.001-07:002019-05-24T23:01:01.224-07:00WIP WednesdayI am working on Jody Rice's Emerald City of OZ cityscape, that you can see <a HREF="http://snapwidget.com/v/1208075583923864828">here</A>. The pattern was available from Cross Stitch Crazy magazine, April #215 issue. If you don't want to get the whole magazine the pattern will be available in her Etsy shop, <a HREF="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SatsumaStreet?ref=em">Satsuma Street</A> in September.<br />
<br />
This is where I was last week, <br />
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/LdyMystra/crafts/IMG_20160427_235948_zpss25gxiay.jpg"><br />
<br />
And here is where I am today:<br />
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/LdyMystra/crafts/IMG_20160504_225139_zpswekiunl1.jpg"><br />
<br />
Currently watching: Korean tv shows.<br />
<br />
Currently reading:<br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0552570729/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0552570729&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=0545849bca9a3b835aa77acec5954ceb"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=0552570729&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=ladymystra0b-20" ></a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0552570729" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0552570729/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0552570729&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=3a694b5915b8eec524acf43357311486">Murder Most Unladylike: A Wells & Wong Mystery Book 1 by Robin Stevens</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0552570729" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
The first in a series, I'm reading them to Jasmine. We've already bought the second book, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0141369795/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0141369795&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=13123ac1080df5824fa0b253e075e1f6">Arsenic For Tea</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0141369795" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />.<br />
<br />
If you'd like to request that I review a book please leave a comment. Include a brief description of the book, including which genre it is. Please also note if the book is an ARC and whether you are self-published. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://swagbucks.com/refer/funnailpolish">Swagbucks</a> it is how I make money for amazon gift cards!Sandra B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00248316648787560117noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5929086839767637799.post-63671300245640937292016-04-27T16:15:00.000-07:002019-05-24T22:54:40.253-07:00WIP WednesdayI am working on Jody Rice's Emerald City of OZ cityscape, that you can see <a HREF="http://snapwidget.com/v/1208075583923864828">here</A>. The pattern was available from Cross Stitch Crazy magazine, April #215 issue. If you don't want to get the whole magazine the pattern will be available in her Etsy shop, <a HREF="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SatsumaStreet?ref=em">Satsuma Street</A> in September.<br />
<br />
This is where I was last week, <br />
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/LdyMystra/crafts/IMG_20160420_040622_zpsybz59ynh.jpg"><br />
<br />
And here is where I am today,<br />
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/LdyMystra/crafts/IMG_20160427_235948_zpss25gxiay.jpg"><br />
<br />
This is for a friend, but I might make this again, but I would use a light blue fabric with a cloud like pattern, if I can find some that I like.<br />
<br />
The question for this month's WIPocalypse:<br />
What do you listen to while stitching?<br />
<br />
I normally listen to movies or tv shows. Recently the tv shows have been <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00YSBFG2E/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00YSBFG2E&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=751c48bb424abf3471003227e57dcdbc">Elementary: Season 3</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B00YSBFG2E" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MMPB66I/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00MMPB66I&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=05406f475d7932534fdd2cd91d313ea8">Almost Human: The Complete Series</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B00MMPB66I" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /> (it is too bad it was cancelled,) Shadowhunters (I really don't like it,) and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01BV7PGGI/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01BV7PGGI&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=27be1b408ef58042a347156cc42839f2">Killjoys: Season 1</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B01BV7PGGI" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />.<br />
<br />
Currently watching: Korean tv shows.<br />
<br />
Currently reading:<br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0142300853/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0142300853&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=7d1c4498b057faac7fca767665b13cbd"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=0142300853&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=ladymystra0b-20" ></a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0142300853" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0142300853/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0142300853&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=8203d8292a08208fec702dc20f79c90a">The Ordinary Princess by M.M. Kaye</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0142300853" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
I book from my childhood. Read it to my daughter recently, I would highly recommend it to everyone.<br />
<br />
If you'd like to request that I review a book please leave a comment. Include a brief description of the book, including which genre it is. Please also note if the book is an ARC and whether you are self-published. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://swagbucks.com/refer/funnailpolish">Swagbucks</a> it is how I make money for amazon gift cards!Sandra B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00248316648787560117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5929086839767637799.post-30280174272577235582016-04-20T13:23:00.000-07:002019-05-24T22:32:34.949-07:00WIP WednesdayI finished 노리개 (Norigae).<br />
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/LdyMystra/crafts/IMG_20160419_185721202_zpsjc7wqpmt.jpg" width="480" height="200"><br />
<br />
I just need to wash it, iron it, and find some cheap (hopefully) framing.<br />
<br />
I started Jody Rice's Emerald City that you can see <a HREF="http://snapwidget.com/v/1208075583923864828">here</A>. The pattern was available from Cross Stitch Crazy magazine, April #215 issue. If you don't want to get the whole magazine the pattern will be available in her Etsy shop, <a HREF="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SatsumaStreet?ref=em">Satsuma Street</A> in September.<br />
<br />
I only started yesterday, but it seems to be going pretty fast. Here is how far I've gotten, <br />
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/LdyMystra/crafts/IMG_20160420_040622_zpsybz59ynh.jpg"><br />
<br />
Currently watching: Korean tv shows.<br />
<br />
Currently reading:<br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0053CYXS0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0053CYXS0&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=9acfe0fbe69c074805320c25ca66f379"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B0053CYXS0&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=ladymystra0b-20" ></a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B0053CYXS0" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0053CYXS0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0053CYXS0&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=47a1a761533100516e35de7e0d83d122">Lady of Devices: A steampunk adventure novel (Magnificent Devices Book 1) by Shelley Adina</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B0053CYXS0" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
This is a reread for me. I really have enjoyed the whole series, which isn't yet completed as far as I know.<br />
<br />
If you'd like to request that I review a book please leave a comment. Include a brief description of the book, including which genre it is. Please also note if the book is an ARC and whether you are self-published. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://swagbucks.com/refer/funnailpolish">Swagbucks</a> it is how I make money for amazon gift cards!Sandra B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00248316648787560117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5929086839767637799.post-24067754172967741542016-04-13T11:11:00.000-07:002019-05-24T22:50:34.000-07:00WIP WednesdayI finished the eighth part of 노리개 (Norigae).<br />
<img SRC="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/LdyMystra/crafts/IMG_20160412_203357_zpsudxov11x.jpg"><br />
<br />
And here is where I am today:<br />
<img SRC="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/LdyMystra/crafts/IMG_20160413_140749_zpsz4bu5kbd.jpg"><br />
<br />
If you have any ideas for posts you'd like to see in the future let me know!<br />
<br />
Currently watching:<br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CYQXBSQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00CYQXBSQ&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=454431fd4363c9cbbb02f6946d3297d8"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B00CYQXBSQ&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=ladymystra0b-20" ></a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B00CYQXBSQ" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CYQXBSQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00CYQXBSQ&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=f41caa8bd139adce80c1a5022a15bef3">Elementary: Season 2</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B00CYQXBSQ" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
I do enjoy this version of Sherlock Holmes.<br />
<br />
Currently reading:<br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0553418025/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0553418025&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=51ba8d28c671111887f3097ffb147717"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=0553418025&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=ladymystra0b-20" ></a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0553418025" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0553418025/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0553418025&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=95fcd0a7ce6c0cfcb1f42727d829a648">The Martian by Andy Weir</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0553418025" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
I am reading this again! Mostly because it was already downloaded to my phone while we were travelling.<br />
<br />
If you'd like to request that I review a book please leave a comment. Include a brief description of the book, including which genre it is. Please also note if the book is an ARC and whether you are self-published. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://swagbucks.com/refer/funnailpolish">Swagbucks</a> it is how I make money for amazon gift cards!Sandra B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00248316648787560117noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5929086839767637799.post-67410450448039075732016-04-07T05:24:00.000-07:002019-05-24T22:48:27.784-07:00WIP WednesdayA day late, we were travelling home yesterday from Salisbury. I tried to edit my photo with my phone, but it just wasn't working, so here it is, I finished the 7th one:<br />
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/LdyMystra/crafts/IMG_20160402_232311_zpsjn8fhiyz.jpg"><br />
<br />
<br />
If you have any ideas for posts you'd like to see in the future let me know!<br />
<br />
Currently watching: <br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CL151G4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00CL151G4&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=9f9a93801a5da798e3a067b11a65ab83"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B00CL151G4&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=ladymystra0b-20" ></a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B00CL151G4" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CL151G4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00CL151G4&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=f676fd242bb807f893dd1f055fa57baa">Elementary: Season 1</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B00CL151G4" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
I do enjoy this version of Sherlock Holmes.<br />
<br />
Currently reading:<br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0553418025/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0553418025&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=51ba8d28c671111887f3097ffb147717"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=0553418025&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=ladymystra0b-20" ></a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0553418025" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0553418025/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0553418025&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=95fcd0a7ce6c0cfcb1f42727d829a648">The Martian by Andy Weir</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0553418025" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
I am reading this again! Mostly because it was already downloaded to my phone while we were travelling.<br />
<br />
If you'd like to request that I review a book please leave a comment. Include a brief description of the book, including which genre it is. Please also note if the book is an ARC and whether you are self-published. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://swagbucks.com/refer/funnailpolish">Swagbucks</a> it is how I make money for amazon gift cards!Sandra B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00248316648787560117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5929086839767637799.post-22089826762970133432016-03-29T17:36:00.003-07:002019-05-24T22:27:42.655-07:00WIP WednesdayI'm about half done with the 7th 노리개 (Norigae), plus I have to do all the back-stitching.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/LdyMystra/media/crafts/IMG_20160330_012551_zpsbjhf5ueu.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/LdyMystra/crafts/IMG_20160330_012551_zpsbjhf5ueu.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_20160330_012551_zpsbjhf5ueu.jpg"/></a><br />
<br />
<br />
If you have any ideas for posts you'd like to see in the future let me know!<br />
<br />
Currently watching: Shadowhunters. It is really bad, the movie was so much better.<br />
<br />
Currently reading:<br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0553418025/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0553418025&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=51ba8d28c671111887f3097ffb147717"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=0553418025&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=ladymystra0b-20" ></a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0553418025" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0553418025/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0553418025&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=95fcd0a7ce6c0cfcb1f42727d829a648">The Martian by Andy Weir</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0553418025" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
I just finished this book, it was great and I'd highly recommend anyone who's ever wanted to be an astronaut, or dreamed of travelling in space to read it.<br />
<br />
If you'd like to request that I review a book please leave a comment. Include a brief description of the book, including which genre it is. Please also note if the book is an ARC and whether you are self-published. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://swagbucks.com/refer/funnailpolish">Swagbucks</a> it is how I make money for amazon gift cards!Sandra B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00248316648787560117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5929086839767637799.post-90556156803593223342016-03-25T19:25:00.000-07:002019-05-24T22:43:27.177-07:00WIPocalypse MarchIt's been so long! I took time off to crochet some hats as Christmas gifts. I made, I believe it was ten hats in a little bit over a month, I also got sick again in that time.<br />
<br />
I made these hats for twin girls that live across the street, from a free pattern on Raverly.com called <a HREF="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/rainbow-granny-stripes-hat">Rainbow Granny Stripes Hat</A>. As you can see I did not do the striping and I added a pompom.<br />
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/LdyMystra/crafts/IMG_20151129_025620_zpsjjmhcad6.jpg"><br />
<br />
The next one I did for Jasmine's ballet friend, also a free pattern on Raverly.com called <a HREF="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/front-post-beret">Front Post Beret</A>.<br />
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/LdyMystra/crafts/IMG_20151203_090059_zps9uv094dm.jpg"><br />
<br />
It isn't supposed to swirl like this, but I like it. The pompom is missing in the pictures.<br />
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/LdyMystra/crafts/mobile20pictures203020_zpsfgkzszps.jpg"><br />
<br />
Jasmine's friend has very sensitive skin, so I had to make the hat band wider in order to fit some fine knit cloth, so the scratchy yarn wouldn't touch her skin.<br />
<br />
I also make two of <a HREF="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/snow-on-the-eaves">Snow on the Eaves</A> a free pattern on Raverly.com, one was for our upstairs neighbor's daughter and one for Jasmine's ballet friend's little sister.<br />
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/LdyMystra/crafts/mobile20pictures203045_zpskww0pcrw.jpg"><br />
<br />
I made 3 of these <a HREF="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/the-ben--mikkel-hats">Ben&Mikkel Hats</A>, free pattern on Raverly.com. I figured out how to chain all three colors onto the foundation row, because otherwise whatever color you use for the first color leaves a large stripe down the side.<br />
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/LdyMystra/crafts/mobile20pictures203053_zps4ovyczux.jpg"><br />
<br />
I made a purple <a HREF="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/front-post-beret">Front Post Beret</A> for a different upstairs neighbor.<br />
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/LdyMystra/crafts/mobile20pictures203049_zpsk90rphcm.jpg"><br />
<br />
As you can see, it still has the swirl.<br />
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/LdyMystra/crafts/mobile20pictures203051_zps1enbqy6q.jpg"><br />
<br />
<br />
I also did these two Christmas fairies as cards (mentioned back in September, 2015), but I forgot to take pictures of them attached to the cards.<br />
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/LdyMystra/crafts/mobile20pictures202998_zpsqn2ncwyh.jpg"><br />
<br />
They were quick to make up, but I can't really see doing them again.<br />
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/LdyMystra/crafts/mobile20pictures203033_zpsilws4ufu.jpg"><br />
<br />
<center>* * * * *</CENTER>Do you use hoops, stretcher bars, lap stands or Q snap frames and why? (viaCathieJ) <br />
<br />
I have one embroidery hoop, I believe it is 18 inches, it is a bit large and unwieldy. I think I should have gotten a smaller one. I also bough a scroll frame, but it too is unwieldy as it doesn't have a floor or lap stand. I don't want to buy anything more until we move back to the U.S., I think I'll take either the embroidery hoop or the scroll frame, but not both. I don't really like the scroll frame because of how it holds the fabric in by tension, and the embroidery hoop is lighter.<br />
<br />
When we get back to the states I'd like to get a split scroll frame, kind of like this:<br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000XYN4WO/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000XYN4WO&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=941f564bae1f4fafaa09d8fdda45a40d"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B000XYN4WO&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=ladymystra0b-20" ></a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B000XYN4WO" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
<br />
I would also like to get a floor stand, either like this:<br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000YZ7M0W/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000YZ7M0W&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=e8b5054138bdbaf380ddfd853f67f5d4"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B000YZ7M0W&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=ladymystra0b-20" ></a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B000YZ7M0W" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
<br />
or like this:<br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002WE1IUS/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B002WE1IUS&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=491f4caf25174d5d723c8b6c473b15a6"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B002WE1IUS&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=ladymystra0b-20" ></a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B002WE1IUS" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
<br />
I've had a lap stand before, but I always needed to use pillows or something to boost it up to the right height for me, eventually over time it would slip down, it was very uncomfortable.<br />
<br />
<center>* * * * *</CENTER>Anyway, I left off on the Hogwarts Crest here:<br />
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/LdyMystra/crafts/mobile20pictures203142_zpsh7eoontq.jpg"><br />
<br />
I haven't worked on it since finishing crocheting all the hats. Instead I've been working on 노리개 (Norigae). I had intended to have it done for my Mother's birthday in March, but I got sick, again! So, now I'm hoping to have it done by US Mother's Day. I still need to find a framing shop.<br />
<br />
Here are the first five done:<br />
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/LdyMystra/media/crafts/mobile20pictures203387_zpsqglltylf.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/LdyMystra/crafts/mobile20pictures203387_zpsqglltylf.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo mobile20pictures203387_zpsqglltylf.jpg"/></a><br />
<br />
There was one part of the instructions that I didn't understand, the key showed to lines of yellow and two of green for back-stitching. I couldn't understand the Korean, so I asked a friend to read it, but she doesn't cross stitch and she didn't understand the meaning. I asked <a HREF="https://www.facebook.com/sodastitch/">Soda Stitch's</A> Facebook page, but I got impatient and just used one thread of each that was used for the yellow back-stitch. The example picture was no help since neither the yellow or green was done in the picture. I did get a reply from the Facebook page, it is an either or, you can do the metallic thread or the cotton thread they have listed. Ah, well, so I'll keep the yellow back-stitching with one thread of each option, and the green back-stitching is just metallic silver thread. But if you ever have any problems with their patterns they replied really quickly.<br />
<br />
Here are the fifth and sixth finished, I have three more to complete and a little less than a month, since I'll need to hand it over to a framer and mail it:<br />
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/LdyMystra/crafts/IMG_20160322_224407_zps9tfhzrxg.jpg"><br />
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If you are looking to buy this design, or other Soda Stitch designs you can look <a HREF="http://www.sodastitch.com/dealerhome-new.htm">here</A>.<br />
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Phew! That got really long.<br />
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If you have any ideas for posts you'd like to see in the future let me know!<br />
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Currently watching:<br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XH2J5R9/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B06XH2J5R9&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=b25b41a2bd9ac072e32e31473e0cfbc8"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B06XH2J5R9&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=ladymystra0b-20" ></a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B06XH2J5R9" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XH2J5R9/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B06XH2J5R9&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=eb29e02be4065ab73704b29b042ef104">Dr. Ken: Season One</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B06XH2J5R9" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
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Currently reading:<br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0553418025/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0553418025&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=51ba8d28c671111887f3097ffb147717"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=0553418025&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=ladymystra0b-20" ></a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0553418025" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0553418025/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0553418025&linkCode=as2&tag=ladymystra0b-20&linkId=95fcd0a7ce6c0cfcb1f42727d829a648">The Martian by Andy Weir</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ladymystra0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0553418025" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br />
I just finished this book, it was great and I'd highly recommend anyone who's ever wanted to be an astronaut, or dreamed of travelling in space to read it.<br />
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If you'd like to request that I review a book please leave a comment. Include a brief description of the book, including which genre it is. Please also note if the book is an ARC and whether you are self-published. <br />
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<a href="http://swagbucks.com/refer/funnailpolish">Swagbucks</a> it is how I make money for amazon gift cards!<br />
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Sandra B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00248316648787560117noreply@blogger.com2