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Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated A Quilter's Diary: Written in Stitches in Books
Apr 27, 2018
Description (from Amazon): Ever wanted to write the story of your life? With fabric as your paper and a needle as your pen, you can chronicle your most memorable moments. Bestselling author Mimi Dietrich explains how to tell your personal story or the story of someone special to you in extraordinary quilts.
* Construct the pieces of your life in fabric with your choice of 100 pieced and appliquéd block patterns
* Let Mimi guide your designs with inspiring questions and themes 24 categories include family, friends, holidays, hobbies, and more
* A gallery of quilts, plus Mimi s unique setting tips, will help you launch your own ideas
A Quilter’s Diary is a simple guide book to telling your life story in quilt blocks. Mimi tells you how to pick the blocks, arrange the quilt in order, and make each square special and unique to you.
There are tons of blocks to pick from, and she encourages you to branch out from her suggestions and take a creative license, showing examples and giving ideas.
(Here is one page from the book with some ideas for a “hobby” quilt block. See the books on the left? Guess what’s going on my quilt!)
(photo url: http://lh3.ggpht.com/_-sER6e5xCaQ/S0K4VzGxaBI/AAAAAAAABgc/i_AHcoFr-hU/DSCN0052_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800)
Some of the quilt squares that are suggested are: Heritage, Childhood, Parents, Grandparents, First Love, True Love, Wedding, Children, Pets, Seasons, Travel, Dreams and wishes… and tons more. Each theme has seven or eight ideas for you to use, or you can create your own using the theme.
Every quilt block has questions that you can answer to inspire you. They make you think about important things and decide what kind of square you’d like to make.
There was also some basic quilt making instructions and appliqué and embroidery instructions that are clear and concise with very good illustrations.
Then there were photographs of quilts. Oh the quilts were just beautiful! So artistic in every way.
This book had my mouth watering and my fingers itching for fabric and embroidery floss. The idea of a quilt as a diary and a permanent keepsake is an old one, but it looks so much less intimidating through this book because of the way it’s presented.
This book is incredibly inspiring, and I intend to start my own quilt diary. It will take years to finish because I don’t have much to share right now, but I’m sure as life goes on, with the help of this book, I’ll have a very special and unique keepsake when it’s finally done.
About the Author:
Mimi Dietrich is a nationally known teacher and the author of many best-selling books, including Martingale & Company's all-time best-seller, Happy Endings. Her books have sold over a half million copies to date. This is her 15th book for Martingale and Company
~Haleyknitz
* Construct the pieces of your life in fabric with your choice of 100 pieced and appliquéd block patterns
* Let Mimi guide your designs with inspiring questions and themes 24 categories include family, friends, holidays, hobbies, and more
* A gallery of quilts, plus Mimi s unique setting tips, will help you launch your own ideas
A Quilter’s Diary is a simple guide book to telling your life story in quilt blocks. Mimi tells you how to pick the blocks, arrange the quilt in order, and make each square special and unique to you.
There are tons of blocks to pick from, and she encourages you to branch out from her suggestions and take a creative license, showing examples and giving ideas.
(Here is one page from the book with some ideas for a “hobby” quilt block. See the books on the left? Guess what’s going on my quilt!)
(photo url: http://lh3.ggpht.com/_-sER6e5xCaQ/S0K4VzGxaBI/AAAAAAAABgc/i_AHcoFr-hU/DSCN0052_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800)
Some of the quilt squares that are suggested are: Heritage, Childhood, Parents, Grandparents, First Love, True Love, Wedding, Children, Pets, Seasons, Travel, Dreams and wishes… and tons more. Each theme has seven or eight ideas for you to use, or you can create your own using the theme.
Every quilt block has questions that you can answer to inspire you. They make you think about important things and decide what kind of square you’d like to make.
There was also some basic quilt making instructions and appliqué and embroidery instructions that are clear and concise with very good illustrations.
Then there were photographs of quilts. Oh the quilts were just beautiful! So artistic in every way.
This book had my mouth watering and my fingers itching for fabric and embroidery floss. The idea of a quilt as a diary and a permanent keepsake is an old one, but it looks so much less intimidating through this book because of the way it’s presented.
This book is incredibly inspiring, and I intend to start my own quilt diary. It will take years to finish because I don’t have much to share right now, but I’m sure as life goes on, with the help of this book, I’ll have a very special and unique keepsake when it’s finally done.
About the Author:
Mimi Dietrich is a nationally known teacher and the author of many best-selling books, including Martingale & Company's all-time best-seller, Happy Endings. Her books have sold over a half million copies to date. This is her 15th book for Martingale and Company
~Haleyknitz
Tempests and Slaughter: the Numair Chronicles Book 1
8.5
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The highly anticipated NEW Tortall Legend from TAMORA PIERCE, the #1 New York Times bestselling...
young adult fantasy
Hazel (2934 KP) rated Shadow Sands (Kate Marshall #2) in Books
Oct 24, 2020
I stupidly thought that you wouldn't be able to better or even come close to be as good as the first in this series "Nine Elms", which was one of my all time top reads, but I was so wrong ... Mr Bryndza has written another doozy of a book that I absolutely gobbled up. You don't have to have read the first story as this works as a stand alone BUT you really should!
Once again, I was totally engrossed from the first to the last word and became totally invested in the strong characters and their stories. The pace felt spot on for me and the tension, particularly when the story is being told from the victim's side, was spine-tinglingly good. Similarly, when the story is told from the killer's point of view, there were times when I got shivers up my neck he was so cold and matter-of-fact about the terror he was inflicting on a fellow human being - it was perfect.
As I've said, the characters are strong. The relationship between Kate and Tristan feels natural and genuine and I really feel for them as they go through their own struggles as if they were real people such is the strength of how they have been developed by the author. I thought it was genius to have Peter Conway (from Nine Elms) make an appearance and I hope we get to "see" more of him in subsequent books.
Mr Bryndza says "there are lots more books to come, and I hope you stay with me for the ride!" ... well, I certainly will and can't wait for the next instalment.
Highly recommended for readers who love dark, exciting, suspense-filled stories that despite making you feel ill at ease at times, you read on into the night.
I am so grateful to Little, Brown Book Group and NetGalley for providing my advance copy in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Once again, I was totally engrossed from the first to the last word and became totally invested in the strong characters and their stories. The pace felt spot on for me and the tension, particularly when the story is being told from the victim's side, was spine-tinglingly good. Similarly, when the story is told from the killer's point of view, there were times when I got shivers up my neck he was so cold and matter-of-fact about the terror he was inflicting on a fellow human being - it was perfect.
As I've said, the characters are strong. The relationship between Kate and Tristan feels natural and genuine and I really feel for them as they go through their own struggles as if they were real people such is the strength of how they have been developed by the author. I thought it was genius to have Peter Conway (from Nine Elms) make an appearance and I hope we get to "see" more of him in subsequent books.
Mr Bryndza says "there are lots more books to come, and I hope you stay with me for the ride!" ... well, I certainly will and can't wait for the next instalment.
Highly recommended for readers who love dark, exciting, suspense-filled stories that despite making you feel ill at ease at times, you read on into the night.
I am so grateful to Little, Brown Book Group and NetGalley for providing my advance copy in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Lesley (60 KP) rated Rust & Stardust in Books
Aug 9, 2018
Stellar book!
Thank you so much to Goodreads and T. Greenwood, I was a lucky giveaway winner. I have never read any of Greenwood's books, and I read this voluntarily.
Firstly, this book was absolutely beautiful in the face of a terribly ugly subject matter. For once, the blurbs on the book cover were extremely accurate. I do wish I hadn't Googled the real Sally Horner case when I was 90% done with the book, thinking that everything that was gonna happen had already happened. Don't do that. But even having done that, I sat through the last 10% blubbering in public. I was crying on and off during reading the book, as my heart just ached for this poor girl and the cast of characters that saw her light as they came into her life. I fell in love with Sally, and with all the kind souls that surrounded her as she was being abused. Emotionally engulfing, sad but beautiful, this was one of the most unique reading experiences I have ever had. It felt like a massively upgraded In Cold Blood, with an absolutely gripping writing style that will leave you heartbroken and encouraged at the same time. If you read one book this year, consider making it this one.
Firstly, this book was absolutely beautiful in the face of a terribly ugly subject matter. For once, the blurbs on the book cover were extremely accurate. I do wish I hadn't Googled the real Sally Horner case when I was 90% done with the book, thinking that everything that was gonna happen had already happened. Don't do that. But even having done that, I sat through the last 10% blubbering in public. I was crying on and off during reading the book, as my heart just ached for this poor girl and the cast of characters that saw her light as they came into her life. I fell in love with Sally, and with all the kind souls that surrounded her as she was being abused. Emotionally engulfing, sad but beautiful, this was one of the most unique reading experiences I have ever had. It felt like a massively upgraded In Cold Blood, with an absolutely gripping writing style that will leave you heartbroken and encouraged at the same time. If you read one book this year, consider making it this one.
Sophia (Bookwyrming Thoughts) (530 KP) rated Teleport in Books
Jan 23, 2020
<b><i>I received this book for free from Kindle Scout in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.</i></b>
I've never actually read a book based solely on making a teleportation device as the main plot, so this was a ride inside a new experience. But there are huge loads of information that I personally felt were information dumps, and it went all over my head every time a character explained what was going on to another character. Nearly half the book is focused on creating the teleportation device or testing (and more testing) - those looking for a fast-paced book will find Teleport to be slow at first, but things do pick up later on as the book progresses.
Sometimes I come across books that have unnecessary romance (a lot of them have it as a nice touch), but Teleport felt really unnecessary and forced. I felt like Berry was trying to get a romance angle into the story when the story was doing fine without that angle.
Teleport was interesting and all, but there were some things that just didn't work out.
<a href="https://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/the-flooding-by-sean-hancock-and-teleport-kevin-berry/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>
I've never actually read a book based solely on making a teleportation device as the main plot, so this was a ride inside a new experience. But there are huge loads of information that I personally felt were information dumps, and it went all over my head every time a character explained what was going on to another character. Nearly half the book is focused on creating the teleportation device or testing (and more testing) - those looking for a fast-paced book will find Teleport to be slow at first, but things do pick up later on as the book progresses.
Sometimes I come across books that have unnecessary romance (a lot of them have it as a nice touch), but Teleport felt really unnecessary and forced. I felt like Berry was trying to get a romance angle into the story when the story was doing fine without that angle.
Teleport was interesting and all, but there were some things that just didn't work out.
<a href="https://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/the-flooding-by-sean-hancock-and-teleport-kevin-berry/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>
We Have a Deal: How to Negotiate with Intelligence, Flexibility and Power
Book
SHORTLISTED FOR 'BEST COMMUTER READ', CMI MANAGEMENT BOOK OF THE YEAR 2017 How do you ask for a...
TravelersWife4Life (31 KP) rated From Sky to Sky (No Less Days, #2) in Books
Feb 23, 2021
From Sky to Sky was such a different story, from the literal first page you are immersed in this world where a few people have been blessed, or cursed, with long life. Amanda G. Stevens took me on a journey of questioning why we live each day as if we have an infinite amount when we truly do not know how many days we get to live. She presented the gospel through her characters in a very meaningful and honest way, not shying away from the struggles people face. I thought that Zac was an interesting character and that he showed a lot of caring given his situation. The other secondary characters were also well developed, and I hope to learn more about them in the books that follow, as this book left me with a sense of just beginning to know their characters.
I would highly recommend reading this series in order as From Sky to Sky does drop you into an already moving plot, that is easier to understand after having read the first book. I give this book 4 out of 5 stars for the creative storyline, the consistent characters, and for making me think about how fragile life really is.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
I would highly recommend reading this series in order as From Sky to Sky does drop you into an already moving plot, that is easier to understand after having read the first book. I give this book 4 out of 5 stars for the creative storyline, the consistent characters, and for making me think about how fragile life really is.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
Merissa (12911 KP) rated Secret Burdens (Stories of Lorst #3) in Books
Jul 30, 2018
Secret Burdens (Stories of Lorst #3) by Suzanna J. Linton
Secret Burdens is the third book in the Stories of Lorst series, and I was happy to dive back into this world. However, Clara wasn't at her best, and I was left wondering what was going and why - pretty much like everyone else in the book! It didn't take long before I was sucked into the story, with all of its glorious twists and turns that kept my attention, and definitely left me needing to read 'just one more page'.
This is an intricate story, and my admiration for Suzanna J. Linton knew no bounds, as the story effortlessly flowed. How she managed to keep up with the writing, making it easy to read, which still maintaining the mystery, I will never know!
The characters are a delight to return to, and in fact, has left me wanting to return to Clara, just so I can start the series again. With no editing or grammatical errors that I noticed, I have no hesitation in recommending this story. Absolutely brilliant, and I can't wait to read more.
If you're wondering why I didn't give it 5-stars when I've been raving so much, it is down to something that happens right at the end. I won't say what, as it would spoil the story. That being said, I can't wait to see where the story is taken next. Read it for yourself, and you'll become hooked on these books too!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This is an intricate story, and my admiration for Suzanna J. Linton knew no bounds, as the story effortlessly flowed. How she managed to keep up with the writing, making it easy to read, which still maintaining the mystery, I will never know!
The characters are a delight to return to, and in fact, has left me wanting to return to Clara, just so I can start the series again. With no editing or grammatical errors that I noticed, I have no hesitation in recommending this story. Absolutely brilliant, and I can't wait to read more.
If you're wondering why I didn't give it 5-stars when I've been raving so much, it is down to something that happens right at the end. I won't say what, as it would spoil the story. That being said, I can't wait to see where the story is taken next. Read it for yourself, and you'll become hooked on these books too!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Eleanor (1463 KP) rated A Faint Cold Fear (Grant County, #3) in Books
Jul 13, 2019
Hope this was just a blip in a promising series......
Contains spoilers, click to show
I really enjoyed the first two books in this series so was looking forward to reading this, and I may be guilty of over anticipation as it fell far short of expectations.
It got off to a powerful start but soon turned into a bit of a slog. The previous books felt more story driven, while this more focused on the characters which isn't my ideal. Despite the focus the characters didn't seem to develop. Lena I could do without at this point, yes she's been through a lot and she's not coping well but god make the odd good decision at least, just so frustrating.
Jeffery and Sara's constant bickering followed by making up is tedious, why she wants to get back with the guy is lost on me. When Jeffery looses is because Sara is speaking to an old colleague in a hospital while a loved one is in critical condition made me just want to yell run from him he's a controlling, cheating bastard stop going back to him your a strong woman you don't need that. Updates on the critically injured sister just got stupid how many times was it just "she's doing better" without really addressing what was going on with her just seemed odd, we got more detail on how long and much traffic there was on the way to the hospital.
The main plot just never caught on for me and the investigation just lacked any sense of urgency or intrigue.
I'll be continuing with the series hoping this one was a blip and we return to stronger stories.
It got off to a powerful start but soon turned into a bit of a slog. The previous books felt more story driven, while this more focused on the characters which isn't my ideal. Despite the focus the characters didn't seem to develop. Lena I could do without at this point, yes she's been through a lot and she's not coping well but god make the odd good decision at least, just so frustrating.
Jeffery and Sara's constant bickering followed by making up is tedious, why she wants to get back with the guy is lost on me. When Jeffery looses is because Sara is speaking to an old colleague in a hospital while a loved one is in critical condition made me just want to yell run from him he's a controlling, cheating bastard stop going back to him your a strong woman you don't need that. Updates on the critically injured sister just got stupid how many times was it just "she's doing better" without really addressing what was going on with her just seemed odd, we got more detail on how long and much traffic there was on the way to the hospital.
The main plot just never caught on for me and the investigation just lacked any sense of urgency or intrigue.
I'll be continuing with the series hoping this one was a blip and we return to stronger stories.
TravelersWife4Life (31 KP) rated Line by Line (Love along the Wires, #1) in Books
Feb 23, 2021
https://travelingwife4life.wordpress.com/2020/08/14/line-by-line-bethany-house
Line by Line was a sweet story with a compelling plotline. Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres to read from and Jennifer Delamere certainly emphasized why! This is the first book in her new series Love along the Wires which if I am right, she does introduce some of the characters who will have their books coming out next.
I loved how Alice McNeil knew what she wanted in life. She is independent, competent, and a hard worker who is great at her job, that of a telegrapher; a job that sounds like so much fun. I thought Douglas Shaw was a great balance for her, and I loved the tensions between them. It was a very interesting story to watch unfold.
The setting of this story was around the turn of the century 1880s and it was right when women started trying to have more of a voice in things, and branch out into industries that they previously had not been able to be in. I thought Jennifer Delamere did a great job bringing to light different aspects of the time and telling them in a no-nonsense way, just making them flow seamlessly with the story. I enjoyed this story and I am excited to pass it to someone else who will enjoy it as much as I did.
I give this story 5 out of 5 stars for the great characters, the fun & informative plot, and the theme of being open to what God wants you to do.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own. </i>
Line by Line was a sweet story with a compelling plotline. Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres to read from and Jennifer Delamere certainly emphasized why! This is the first book in her new series Love along the Wires which if I am right, she does introduce some of the characters who will have their books coming out next.
I loved how Alice McNeil knew what she wanted in life. She is independent, competent, and a hard worker who is great at her job, that of a telegrapher; a job that sounds like so much fun. I thought Douglas Shaw was a great balance for her, and I loved the tensions between them. It was a very interesting story to watch unfold.
The setting of this story was around the turn of the century 1880s and it was right when women started trying to have more of a voice in things, and branch out into industries that they previously had not been able to be in. I thought Jennifer Delamere did a great job bringing to light different aspects of the time and telling them in a no-nonsense way, just making them flow seamlessly with the story. I enjoyed this story and I am excited to pass it to someone else who will enjoy it as much as I did.
I give this story 5 out of 5 stars for the great characters, the fun & informative plot, and the theme of being open to what God wants you to do.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own. </i>