Book Review - "A Wrinkle in Time: the Graphic Novel" (#7- 2017)

Madeleine L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time: the Graphic Novel - adapted and illustrated by Hope Larson

A Wrinkle in Time was my favorite book growing up so when I saw this at the library I checked it out.  Since it's for the kiddos it was a super fast read and I loved the illustrations.  It certainly doesn't replace reading the original book (or seeing the really awful movie - sorry, not sorry it was no good).  However it is a well done, simplified version of the book, one that I would recommend reading after reading the actual novel.  However, please do read the original book, it's magical and just so, so good.

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Book Review - "Against All Odds" by Danielle Steel (#6 - 2017)

Against All Odds by Danielle Steel

Kate Madison runs a successful upscale, resale shop in SoHo. She's been the sole supporter of her four kids since her husband's death.  Now her kids are grown and ready to forge their own paths in life.  Kate is a little upset at some of the choices they make, she wants them to play it safe but they choose to play against the odds.  The book follows each of the kids as their relationships play out (good and bad) and Kate's struggle to accept that she can't protect her kids from their own decisions.  This is an easy, enjoyable read, would be great for a vacation.  I recommend it!

Book Review - "Bloom: Navigating Life and Style" by Estee Lalonde (#4- 2017)

Bloom: Navigating Life and Style by Estee Lalonde

Picked this up on a whim, I've never heard of Estee even though I'm a YouTube-a-holic (I know, I know...).  A quick read about her background and how she started her blog and YouTube channel with some decorating, beauty, style, fashion, etc tips along the way.  Nothing groundbreaking here, but it was a good, interesting read.  Would recommend it for a quick, fun read.

Book Review - "Diana: Her True Story - In Her Own Words" by Andrew Morton (#3 - 2017)

Diana:  Her True Story - In Her Own Words by Andrew Morton

It has been 20 years since Princess Diana passed away, so it seemed like a good idea to finally read this book.  I picked up the 25th anniversary edition, which includes edited transcripts of her interviews for the original book, her biography and then the aftermath of her death.  It was a very interesting read especially so long after she passed away.  I remember exactly where I was when she died and I remember feeling so bad for her boys.  It was a hugely sad time.  And it really hits home now that I'm in my 40s that she was only 36 when she died.  Just too young.  If you are at all interested in Diana or the Royal family then be sure to pick this up.  I won't say it was my favorite read ever, but I'm glad I did read it.

Book Review - "Time Is a River" by Mary Alice Monroe (#2 - 2017)

Time Is a River by Mary Alice Monroe

The story of Mia Landan, breast cancer survivor who just attended a fly-fishing retreat for cancer survivors.  She left the retreat to return home early and found her husband with another woman.  Devastated she returned to the retreat in the NC mountains and her fly-fishing instructor, Belle Carson, said she could stay in the cabin she just inherited that once belonged to her grandmother who she never knew.  The cabin is tucked away in an lovely mountain setting near a perfect fly-fishing spot.  However the cabin is old and neglected and needs some TLC.  Belle's grandmother was a legendary fly-fisherwoman and journalist, until she was accused of murdering her lover and her life was in ruins.  She retreated to the cabin and after her death the cabin was locked up for decades.  Until Mia started cleaning and finding clues to who Kate was and what really happened.  I loved this book, it was really a little vacation in your mind, I can't recommend it enough!

Book Review - Vera Bradley Coloring Books (Round 2)

Disclosure: I received copies of these books for review. I only accept copies of books for review that look like something I would normally buy or check out at library.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Remember a couple of months ago I received two Vera Bradley coloring books to review?  Well since I'm a huge Vera Bradley fan and I loved the books, I was sent two more for review.  What I love about Vera Bradley doing coloring books is that they have tons of patterns to choose from and are able to group together into different books.  And they used not just the external patterns you see when the bags are being carried but the patterns used on the inside of the bags!  Here are the two books I received this time, "Seize the Day" and "Enjoy the Journey".

The inside of "Seize the Day" - this is my favorite of all the coloring books I've seen not only because it's got one of my favorite patterns on the cover (I have a tote in this pattern), but the patterns inside are more graphic than the other books.  Love!

Inside "Enjoy the Journey".

Again, I am super impressed by these books, the details and layouts are really nice. In addition to the four I've reviewed there are more books, see here.  I would totally recommend them if you are a Vera Bradley fan or if you know someone who is, they would be a great gift idea!

Book Review - Vera Bradley Coloring Books

Disclosure: I received copies of these books for review. I only accept copies of books for review that look like something I would normally buy or check out at library.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I was super excited to be approached to review these books!  Not only am I a huge Vera Bradley fan, but honestly this is a logical fit for the brand.  They have a goldmine of patterns to choose from which are like familiar friends and you can either color them like they made them or color them your own way.  I received two books, "Paisley Patterns" and "Floral Patterns".  Aren't they pretty?

Now these aren't just coloring books, each has a great full color section in the beginning about color, supplies you might need, techniques you might want to use and a very handy gallery of patterns in their original colorways (for reference).  It's really well done and helpful.  It makes the book a little more special in my opinion.

 As you can see the pages are detailed and some include inspiring quotes.  In the very back are pretty gift cards and tags you can color then pop out to use.  A nice extra!

Overall, I was super impressed by these books, the details and layouts are really nice. These aren't the only ones they have, see more here.  I would totally recommend them if you are a Vera Bradley fan or if you know someone who is, they would be a great gift idea!  

Book Review - "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan" by Lisa See (#1 - 2017)

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See

This takes place in nineteenth century China in a remote county.  The main character is a woman named Lily.  It's the story of her life.  When she is seven she is paired with another girl (Snow Flower) in another village, this will be a emotional match to last a lifetime.  It covers their friendship and their lives through Lily's eyes.  It's a great story, but let's be honest, it's depressing.  Life for women during that time in China was not good.  Food binding is described (awful), arranged marriages are negotiated (cringe) and the reiteration that girls/women aren't worth much is non-stop.  Hey, that was how it was.  But it was still depressing for me (especially Snow Flower's life).  Anyway, I love how Lisa See tells a story and this one is worth your time.

My other reviews of Lisa See books:

Shanghai Girls by Lisa See - First of all I want to let you know that this book has a sequel.  I say this so that if you read it, you won't get to the end and be all like "Hey, wait.  Lisa don't leave me hanging like this!"  Because the end certainly sets things up nicely for a sequel.  That being said this is a sweeping novel about two sisters and their lives beginning in 1937 Shanghai and following them through some harrowing, gut wrenching, challenging times as they eventually make their way and establish themselves in Los Angeles finishing in 1957.  Not easy, breezy reading that's for sure, there's some deep stuff in here.  That being said I finished the book in less than a week.  I really enjoyed the historical perspective and I'm getting ready to dig into the sequel.

Dreams of Joy by Lisa See - The sequel to Shanghai Girls.  A sobering Mad Men.  When you read this, compare the it to the show Mad Men and you actually will shake your head at how completely insane that feels that they take place in the same period of time in history.