Book Review: Toto's Tale and True Chronicle of Oz

Most of us know the story of the Wizard of Oz. This version, Toto's Tale, is from Toto's viewpoint. It begins with puppyhood and how he found his home and then goes from there.

I have always enjoyed the other stories but this version is so refreshing. Being an animal lover, I had to get this book and read it and it was definitely worth it. Even though this is probably written for intermediate to young adult readers, I think that it is the perfect book for many.

I was given this book by NetGalley and IBPA in exchange for my honest review and I say thank you to them.

Book Review: The Dressmaker

Tilly Dunnage is coming back to Australia after spending years working in dressmaking shops in Paris. While on her trip,which was only suppose to be a short one, she plans on visiting her mother, who is ill and then going back to Paris. Not exactly welcomed in her town, her dresses open many doors, including one to friendship with Sergeant Farrat, and one with Teddy, who is also not favored by the town.

I enjoyed reading this book. The author, Rosalie Ham, did a good job creating characters which were intriguing, including the towns people, complete with their own problems. I found this to be a book that I was able to read quickly but wanted it to go on and on. To me this is a sign of a good book.

I was given this book by NetGalley and  Penguin Group Penguin in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: The Curious Nature Guide

This book is a wonderful resource to help the reader open up their senses to the world around them. I feel this would be good as a homeschool resource or for those that need to have their love of nature renew, but in a new way. It could be used in the backyard, a park, or anywhere.

I was given this book by NetGalley and Storey Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: The Bear and the Nightingale

The Bear and the Nightingale, by Katherine Arden, is set in Russia. Like the main character, Vasilisa, I wanted to curl up under a warm blanket while reading this book. 

I am not usually a fan of books set in Russia, but this one drew me in and held me tight. 

The story tells about Vasilisa, whose mother died giving birth to her. She, herself, is different, as was her mother. Vasilisa could talk with household spirits. Her father finds another wife who, like other stepmothers, help to advance the story. When a new priest is assigned to the village conflict arises as new beliefs go against old beliefs. Vasilisa is set in the center of this conflict. 

The entire setting of this story is charming and believable. At the same time it can be eerie yet welcoming. The description of the area was so real I felt like I was a part of the story. The characters are also believable. I enjoyed the originality of the story. I do not believe I have ever read one just like this before. The main character is strong and wants to make decisions on her own, without a love interest interfering. This is made even more difficult when the two choices for her were to marry or to join a convent. 

This book, and all it entails, is a book I highly recommend to everyone. 

I received this book from NetGalley and Random House, Ballantine Publishing in exchange for an honest review. 

Book Review: Fresh made Simple

This beautifully illustrated cookbook is simplicity at its foundation. There are 75 recipes in here which shows how to elevate one ingredient to glorious heights. The ingredients are easy to find, such as eggs, blueberries, avocados. Then the author/cook creates recipes that will become a staple in the readers daily life. Yummy salsas, tortilla soup, or even a kale egg scramble.

I enjoy trying new recipes but it is even more enjoyable when I know that I will create it again and again. A book for the love to cook or the beginning cook.

I was given this book by NetGalley and Storey Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: The Backyard Homestead book of Kitchen Know-How

This resource book is just one of the Backyard Homestead series of books. Each one focuses on one area.

In my dreams, I would love to thrive on my own homestead. However, health issues does not allow this to be any more than a dream. This does not mean that I cannot do what I can to live a sustainable lifestyle.

This book is filled with warm knowledge for anyone. It is organized nicely and I believe it would be a good go-to book for those just starting out or for those who have questions once in a while. I also think that those that live in the city but dream of homesteading would also find this a good book to read.

I feel like this is a book that I can turn to many times as I dream of the life of a homestead.

I was given this book by NetGalley and Storey Publishing in exchange for an honest review. 

Book Review: Knit the Sky

I have been a knitter for over four decades, so when I see a book with a knitting reference in the title, I smile.

The entire title is : Knit the Sky: A Playful Way of Knitting. It gives crafters a new way to look at life around them, through their knitting needles. There are a total of 32 creative crafts in this book which will stay with the knitter for a lifetime. There is a day-by-day scarf, made up of the colors of the sky, Or a unique growth chart for a baby which will be finished when they turn 18. It is such a beautiful and idea inspiring book.

Lea Redmond uses all of her creative skills to help others open their shells and knit away.

I loved this book and I am so glad that NetGalley and Storey Publishing gave it to me in exchange for my honest review.