Romancing the Grump: A Book Review

This romance is so sweet! Jenny Proctor is quickly making herself a queen in the sweet hockey romcom genre with her Appies character series. This book has all the romcom tropes readers love:

- a soft-hearted grump male main character

- a workplace romance

- fake dating

- one bed

- caretaking during sickness

But most of all, I love the communication with the two main characters. There's tons of banter both in person and over text, and they also have some sweet, heartfelt conversations. They are honest with each other, which always makes me love a romance book more. 

My only critiques are that I wanted a bit more tension, maybe in the female main character development or in the side plots. But I think if you're expecting and excited for a fluffy, feel-good romance, Romancing the Grump would be perfect to pick up! It's very binge-able and has an adorable, sweet romance. Don't hesitate on this next Jenny Proctor book!

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 4
Character Development: 4
Overall: 4

Thank you, Jenny Proctor, for the arc!
Releases April 23, 2024

Trigger/Content Warnings: workplace harassment, death of a parent (recounted), alcoholism, kisses

Savor It: A Book Review

This book is such a sincere and heartfelt romance. I love the opposite worlds the characters come from: small town farm girl and a Michelin-star New York chef. Opposites really attract in this romance, and I love the constant use of open communication throughout their story.

There are so many motifs that make this romance unique (Sage's robes, for example—iykyk). I also like the themes of overcoming work burnout, figuring out how to parent teenagers, small town versus big city, savoring things while they last, and choosing to live a happy life no matter what that looks like to you. I really identified with that last one, and it made me love and appreciate the journeys the characters went on both together and separately. 

My only critique is that the tension did drag a bit for me at some parts, making me want to skim. But overall, I think this romance is special and worth reading. 

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 4
Character Development: 5
Overall: 4

Thank you, St. Martin's Griffin, for the arc!
Releases May 21, 2024

Trigger/Content Warnings: death of loved ones (off page), injury, four-ish open door scenes

Fast and Fabulous Knits: A Book Review

Ummm can I make every single pattern in this book?!

Fast and Fabulous Knits by Jaime Doefman was my most anticipated knitting book EVER, and it does not disappoint! Each pattern is so unique, so beautiful, and so versatile. I love how Jaime shows the versatile range of bulky knits, complete with cables, textures, colorwork, and lace! This really is the perfect all-around pattern book for gorgeous, fast knits.

The patterns are all size inclusive, and the instructions are all laid out clearly and beautifully. The photos are bright and fun too. I love flipping through this book, planning future knits! This book is a must have. 

Overall: 5

Congrats to @jaime_creates for such a fabulous book!!
And thank you to Page Street Publishing for the review copy!

A Letter to the Luminous Deep: A Book Review

This incredible book took me completely by surprise. I was not expecting to love it as much as I did! From the beginning, this book pulled me in with its letter format, a tense mystery to solve, and its beautiful (almost academic) writing. The story, the world, the writing, and the characters were all utterly unique to me, and I was intrigued all the way through.

Sometimes there's a risk in writing all letters—risk of losing important information not included in letters, risk of readers' boredom, etc. However, Sylvie Cathrall is an absolute expert in how she manages the format. There's extensive world building to understand, and she utilizes letters to do it in a practical way. I also found the tension to be strong throughout with gathering evidence towards solving a mystery. And the characters! I love that we got all their points of view through letters.

This first book in the series sets itself up for massive potential. It has all the science-academia vibes with a breathtaking underwater world and a hint of fantasy/sci-fi/dystopian all rolled into one. There truly is no other book like this one! I can see how some people wouldn't like it with its more formal, academic writing and slow set-up. But if you give it a chance, it has the chance to captivate you and take you for an unforgettable ride.

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 5
Plot/Movement: 5
Character Development: 5
Overall: 5

Thank you, Orbit, for the arc!
Releases April 23, 2024

Trigger/Content Warnings: near drowning, tense underwater scenes, death of family members

The Outlaw Noble Salt: A Book Review

I think this book was written just for me. 

Growing up, I never forgot that I lived in what used to be the Wild West, thanks to my cowboy grandpa and his love for Mormon history, wild west stories, Butch Cassidy, and Native Americans. He told endless stories and wrote scores of fiction books about the wild frontier, so I like to think these stories are somehow imprinted in me too. 

The Outlaw Noble Salt combines my ancestral history, my ceaseless love and fascination with the wild west, and my current love for romances and books that make me cry. I was enthralled with every chapter, and I have a deep love for each character in this book. I feel so grateful to have spent time with these characters and to never forget them. 

The plot, though not full of train and bank robberies, holds its own heart-stopping tension. I was so stressed through this book, wondering how everything would work out. Amy Harmon isn't afraid of addressing difficult subjects and creating a torrent of emotions for the reader. But true to her style, I trust her endings. And this book had the perfect ending I think it could have had. But that didn't stop me from sobbing.

This is without a doubt my favorite Amy Harmon book so far. It touched me in a deeply personal way, and reminded me of hiding in my grandpa's barn with the horses, reading his wild west stories and wondering what it would be like to have nothing but a horse, a saddlebag, a dream, and wide open space. I love this book with my whole heart.

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 5
Plot/Movement: 5
Character Development: 5
Overall: 5

Thank you, Amy Harmon, for the arc!

Releases April 9, 2024

Trigger/Content Warnings: fighting violence and death, swearing, miscarriage, sexual abuse recounted, two vague open door scenes

Knitting Light: A Book Review

With spring and summer approaching, I've been wanting to knit lighter tops, but it can be hard to find ones I like on Ravelry and Instagram. This book came at a perfect time!

There is such great variety of tops, tees, and tanks in this book. There's something for every knitter's style here. I also love the attention Marie Greene gives to types of yarn that are best to use for warmer weather, and how to achieve a great fit.

The book is organized well into three different pattern sections: Lace Details, Texture & Color, and Minimalist Designs. The patterns themselves are clearly written, are size inclusive, and have lots of tips and stitch count check-ins.

I can definitely see myself making several of these tops for spring and summer, and I think it's a great staple book for knitters in warmer climates!

Thank you, Page Street Publishing, for the review copy!

Cable Knit Style: A Book Review

If you’re a cable knitter, this book would be PERFECT for you. Every single design in this book is stunning. There’s cable pullovers, tees, cardigans—any kind of top you’re looking for!

The organization of this book is more theme-based rather than garment type. It has the following sections: fashion forward, oversized & chunky, simple & clean, and light & breathable. The simple & clean section is my favorite, but I can see myself making something from all of the sections.

The patterns are size inclusive, include schematics and construction notes, and have clear charts. I like how it clearly identifies yarn weight too, instead of listing a yarn I’ve never heard of. It also has a technique section with detailed, full-color photos.

All in all, this is a beautiful and useful book. I think it’s great for the advanced beginner and beyond who loves cable knitting!

Thank you, Page Street Publishing, for the review copy!