Charming Colorwork Socks: A Book Review

"Charming" is the exact word to describe this beautiful book! There are so many charming sock patterns, separated by theme: animals, flowers, food, the outdoors, and holidays. I love the October Halloween socks, the Vitamin C socks, and the Blooming Lavender Socks. I can't wait to make them!

The book itself is beautiful and well laid out. The charts are large and easy to read, and the instructions seem to be clear and to the point. I also love how there's colorwork tips and tricks as well. 

I've seen so many knitters use this book, so I'm very excited to have a copy. I've especially heard good things about Charlotte Stone's German short row heel, so I will update my thoughts when I try it. 

Overall: 5 stars

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

We Redeemed the Rain: A Book Review

Ashely Dill is a MASTER at writing emotional, deep romances, which are my absolute favorite kind of romances to read. I love when characters come together to heal their trauma and become better people both individually and together. And I love when their love helps them view the world differently. It's so inspiring and heartwarming to read. This book has all of that, and it deeply touched my heart.

Love is patient and kind, and that's exactly the kind of romance that develops in this book. The characters are incredibly mature through very difficult times. But this romance also has a lightheartedness to it that had me snort-laughing at some parts. The beautiful love story will take you on a journey through all the emotions.

The cowboy vibes are PERFECT in this book too, and the writing is, of course, phenomenal. I was swept away and couldn't put it down! Highly recommend this beautiful romance. 

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

Thank you, Ashely Dill, for the arc!

Trigger/Content Warnings: child sexual assault, child abuse, PTSD, side character with chronic health issues, suicide attempt

A Sea of Unspoken Things: A Book Review

Okay, I read that in almost one sitting! I was so drawn in with the murder mystery, the mysterious and claustrophobic forest town, and all the secrets the characters kept. Adrienne Young’s writing never fails to captivate me, even when the plot is a bit slower. She really focuses on the atmosphere and the tension of secrets in this book, so don’t expect a lot of action or dialogue or focus on the romance. But nevertheless, it took me on a JOURNEY, and I couldn’t look away. Another win from Adrienne Young!

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

Thank you, Ballantine, for the arc!

Trigger/Content Warnings: fade to black, swearing, murder

The Fury of the Gods: A Book Review

The Viking vibes are perfection in this book. I felt very immersed in the world with the language and accuracy. And it felt good to spend time with the characters again! They have gone through so much in this series, so it was satisfying to see their endings and how they all work together.

However, the plot felt too slow. There wasn't enough tension overall in the first half, and I think it's because we have to wait for all the POVs to get in position for the final battle. I wanted more action leading up to that point. And I did get overwhelmed by the big paragraphs of fighting descriptions. I couldn't easily follow along with the action.

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 3
Plot/Movement: 3
Character Development: 3
Overall: 3

Thank you, Orbit, for the arc!

Trigger/Content Warnings: fighting violence and death, gore, torture, fade to black

Fledgling: A Book Review

The futuristic dystopian world was so interesting. I felt immersed in the world once I understood all the politics and futuristic technology.

I also loved all the POVs. There wasn't a single POV that I had to trudge through. Each character had so much going on for them, and I LOVE when there's a villain POV.

The plot was engaging and tense! Once I picked it up, I had a hard time putting it down. The story sets up for an interesting sequel.

However, I did have some dislikes. The writing had some distracting quirks in its style as well as grammar, and one sentence near the end ruined my whole mood with the story. I'm still angry about what happened in that sentence, and don't understand why it had to happen. What was the point?

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

Thank you, Penguin Teen, for the arc!

Trigger/Content Warnings: one fade to black, violence and murder, torture

Knitovation Stitch Dictionary: A Book Review

I’ve been seeing this book used by fellow knitters and designers, so I thought I’d feature it as well! What a versatile and inspiring book to add to your knitting book collection. There are so many motifs in here, and the pages are beautiful and well laid out. I can’t wait to use some of these for some colorwork socks!

There’s also a section for patterns as well as colorwork knitting tips and which yarns/colors work best. This really is such a useful knitting book, one that I’ll be reaching for over and over for years.

Overall: 5 stars

Thank you, Interweave, for the review copy!