Happy April! Time for some reading!
I’m planning to take some time away from the blog to finish up my WIP and spring clean my house. Yeesh. I need a band of house spirits to help with that second task. One of the challenges with a log house, is wiping down each and every dusty log.
Wish me luck.
March book reviews include my 4 and 5 star reads of fantasy, a medical thriller, two poetry collections, a short story, and a Vietnam War memoir.
Click on the covers for Amazon global links.
*****
Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson
I loved The Enchantment of Ravens and looked forward to reading another of Rogerson’s books. Just imagine a fantasy set in a Great Library where books ruffle their pages or grumble or sniff or snap at your clothing as you pass. Some of them are talkative, others love to sing opera, and a few are so wicked they have to be chained and locked in a vault. Imagine a world where demons can be bound as servants and where love tests the limits of evil. Where a haunted sorcerer and librarian’s apprentice join forces to save the world. Oooooh. This book is so magical.
The story is told from the POV of the apprentice. Elizabeth is quite daring, full of energy, genuinely emotional, and mostly fearless. Secondary characters are equally rich with distinct personalities. There’s a lot of humor in the relationships as well as tenderness and a touch of clever banter. The book isn’t a skinny little thing, but the plot moves well, and the story kept me turning pages.
And if that isn’t enough, the writing is beautiful, visual, and evocative. I love the imagery: “As the afternoon shadows deepened, the coach clattered into the Blackwald, the great forest that slashed through the kingdom like the stroke of a knife. Everything grew dark and damp. Here and there among the undergrowth stood shocking white stands of birch trees, like specters floating among the black gowns of a funeral party.”
Highly recommended to fans of fantasy, beautiful writing, and giant libraries full of magical books.
*****
Acts of Convenience by Alex Craigie
The opening of this book got me all riled up! It starts with some political maneuvering that might strike a little close to home depending on where you live. The lives of people are reduced to statistics, and their value is measured based on a cost-benefit analysis. In the case of healthcare, old people are deemed a burden on the system, and the government devises ways to help them into an early grave.
Cassie is a nurse in said healthcare system and doesn’t at first acknowledge that a broader conspiracy is at play. She notices poor care and unfair decisions, but there always seems to be a justification and excuse. Time moves forward, and the situation only gets worse. After 40 years in nursing, she has no choice but to acknowledge that something nefarious is occurring at her hospital. And she can’t let it go.
The story starts in 2017 and extends decades into the future. It becomes completely Cassie’s tale at about the 20% mark, and what a thriller. I had a hard time putting the book down and, over several nights, reading wrestled with my need for sleep. The plot is riveting as Cassie engages with an underground group who is dedicated to the truth and willing to risk their lives. Her secret life puts her at odds with her husband and family, and the danger ratchets up until the final showdown.
The characters are well-rounded and distinct with a full range of emotions. Cassie’s evolving relationships are varied and believable, the dialog natural. I especially liked Cassie and her granddaughter, Seren, and the closeness of their relationship. I also was delighted to read a thriller with an “older” main character. The pace speeds up as the stakes rise. Highly recommended.
*****
The Prince’s Son by Deborah Jay
Deborah Jay can write fantasy. This is the second book in The Five Kingdom series. The story focuses on several main characters: One, Rustam Chalice, who has been ordered by the Prince to escort two young women over the treacherous Tylocian mountains. Two, Nessa Haddo, one of the women who is kidnapped by the barbarian clans and must use her wits and burgeoning magic to escape. And three, Resada, the prince’s wife who is pregnant and conflicted about her life.
This is a long read, almost 500 pages. The worldbuilding is fascinating and politically complex, and it’s easy to see the depth of work that went into crafting it. For most of the book there are three related but independent plots, one for each main character. Despite some page-turning action, the navigation between the multiple storylines does make for a modest pace. The three narratives converge and wrap up well with a few dangling problems for the next book.
The characters are three dimensional and emotionally rich, and all three grow during the book with Nessa making the largest leap. To me, she stole the show in this read, though my heart also ached for Rustam and Resada. Highly recommended for fantasy readers who love an epic story with a lot of depth to the worldbuilding and characters. Start with Book One, The Prince’s Man.
*****
Midnight Haiku by Sue Vincent
I read this lovely collection of 365 haiku over a few days, but honestly it should take a year to fully savor them. For that reason, I plan to read the book again, one poem a day, which is how the author crafted them. The poems loosely follow the seasons. They’re reflections on the beauty and wonder of nature and the passage of time. They explore the mysteries of an ancient landscape and the human connections to sacred places. Some return home to the heart, to the magic and poignancy of love and the mysteries of life. In every sense, I found this a deeply spiritual read. Highly recommended to readers who enjoy haiku, daily inspiration and reflection, and beautiful, thought-provoking imagery. A few favorites:
walk forward in grace
stars have strewn a path of gold
bounded by beauty
from a darkling shore
dreamers can walk on water
a land of light calls.
closer to earth
a child’s eyes sees miracles
we have forgotten
we pass as shadows
ephemeral fallen leaves
on the path of time
*****
Minus One by Elizabeth Merry
Merry describes her collection of poetry as “The Story of a Life” and as I read her poems, I was aware of an underlying and poignant theme of loss—sometimes as a result of death, but also those losses brought about by change, time, growth, and aging. The poems are touching. The imagery digs deep, offering glimpses with carefully chosen details more than telling stories.
The book took about an hour to read, and I used the time to reflect and savor the words. It includes a combination of free-form poetry, haiku, and a selection of photographs to complement the poems. A stand out collection from start to finish, I had a difficult time picking favorites. A few that I highlighted are Minus One, The Red Petticoat, Seascapes, Landscapes, In a Yellow Dress, and Frances. Recommended to readers who enjoy reflective poetry from the heart.
As an example, here is the first stanza of Frances:
Here I will rest
My ashes falling
Into swirls of bog-brown water
In Spring perhaps
The river quiet
And the birds gone mad
My ghost will hover –
A shape in powdered white
Casting chills on my attendants…
*****
Brother’s Keeper by Jan Sikes
This short story touches on the relationship of two brothers, Quentin and Rowdy. For his whole life, Quentin has been his brother’s keeper, but when Rowdy kills a man, what will Quentin do? The story is a quick read, almost a character study, and moves at a speedy clip. The ending left me thinking about the family dysfunction and how it impacted every character and relationship, as well as the choices the two men made and were willing to live with. No one walks away unscathed. A grim tale. Well written and recommended for fans of short stories.
*****
Waiting for Westmoreland by John Maberry
John Maberry’s memoir tracks his life from his childhood in a struggling family through his disillusionment with the Vietnam War, and how that experience compelled him to make a positive difference in the world. That difference came first as an anti-war activist, second through getting a law degree, and finally, through embracing Buddhism and the recognition that change comes from within.
I most appreciated the account of his childhood and his years in the service. I was a child during the Vietnam War and “protected” from much of the grim news by my parents. John provides a personal glimpse into the war, and his account of his experiences, particularly the devaluation of human life, is heart-wrenching. The callousness and corruption of US political and military leadership, is infuriating.
I found the account of the subsequent years of activism and academic pursuits detailed and not quite as engaging, though they are part of his search for belonging and a way to facilitate change. How that search led to an understanding of Buddhism and the role of karma in his choices brings the memoir to a conclusion. I recommend this story to readers who enjoy memoirs and anyone interested in a soldier’s experience of the Vietnam War, the anti-war movement, and the search for wholeness that followed.
You’re right about Acts of Convenience hitting too close to home. The elderly in long term care have truly been victims in this pandemic. It sounds like a riveting read though!
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Completely riveting, Suzanne. My parents live in elderly housing and they’ve had exceptional care, but you never know. (I watch over them like a hawk). The book is great if you’re in for a thriller. 🙂 Have a great week and Happy Reading!
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Ken’s dad is also in a very good care home, but there are some here where over 70% of the residents passed away from covid during the first few months. There have been investigations–very much like a thriller novel!
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I’m glad to hear he’s in a good spot. The place where my parents are didn’t lose one person. Phew.
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Happy Easter to all friends.
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Thank you. I hope you had a lovely holiday. Enjoy your week!
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Wonderful selection and reviews Diana and they will filter in to the cafe updates in coming weeks..hugs Sally
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Thanks for the visit, Sally. I’m happy to provide you with material. Lol. I’m on a bit of a break to get some necessary tasks done, but will make a point of stopping by. Have a lovely week. ❤
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Enjoy your spring cleaning..I know you have a lot of wood to take care of…and writing… see you when you have time…hugs ♥
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Nice a Book
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Thanks for stopping by to browse. Happy April!
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Wonderful reviews, Diana, and all the books sound good, but Acts of Convenience has piqued my interest. Enjoy your break and good luck with that cleaning. 🙂 💗
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Thanks for browsing, Lauren. Acts of Convenience was certainly a page turner. My break is going well. Making steady progress on all fronts. So much dust! Lol. I hope you had a lovely Easter and wish you a beautiful week.
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I think your image of blog attracts the most
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Thank you for the visit and the kind comment. 🙂 Have a wonderful weekend.
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Thanks and keep it up👍 All the best for the future
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I wish you luck on your cleaning journey.. Hopefully it won’t be as tedious as it sounds! (Being an adult is hard.) 😳🤭
Great review and thank you for sharing it with us!
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Ha ha. My grandson says that being a kid is hard (he doesn’t like being told what to do). Lol. Just wait kiddo. Thanks for the luck. I’ll be getting out the ladders any day now. Have a wonderful weekend, Sheri. 🙂
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Ohmygosh, lol, that’s too good. My sister’s kids think they’ve got it all figured out. I feel so bad for them. 😂
I don’t think i’ve ever told someone to ‘be safe’ for cleaning. Try to take is easy and have a happy Easter!
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Ha ha. So far so good!
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I guess that’s all you can really ask for!
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Wonderful selection of books, Diana. Your reviews are excellent and insightful highlighting the strengths of each book. It’s great to see Sue’s Midnight Haiku and Jan’s Brother’s Keeper here.
It’s the joy of living in your log house. I don’t know how you clean the logs on the top of the walls though, use a swing, maybe! I wonder if there are some teenagers who look for a spring break job! 🙂
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Teenagers would be wonderful. But I enlist the aid of the husband and big ladders! Thanks for browsing, Miriam. Lots of fun reads here including Sue’s beautiful book. And Jan’s is an interesting and quick read. 🙂 Have a wonderful weekend.
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You’re very lucky to have the best help, Diana! I had a good time walking with a friend for two miles in the afternoon. She usually walks about three miles, but two miles is the most I could walk.
A wonderful weekend to you! 🙂
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Creadors is a lovely community
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Awesome collection of books, Diana! I was curious about a few of these. Thanks for sharing these fabulous reviews. Congrats to all the authors! 😀
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Thanks for stopping by, Vashti. So many good books this month. I’m behind on my Goodreads challenge, but I’m having great fun reading. Have a lovely April and Happy Reading!
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Thank you, my friend! You too! ❤
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Your reviews always inspire me…I am a big fan of fantasy and they are calling me I mean that library…It must have been difficult reviewing Sue’s book knowing she won’t be reading it but it will serve to keep her memory alive in our hearts…Good Luck with the cleaning the sunshine always shows the dust fairies as they dance across the glass shelves…Happy Easter, Diana x
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Some great fantasy here, Carol. Sorcery of Thorns with its Great Library of living books is awesome. Sue got to read the review, but it was still a poignant experience adding it to my month-end wrap up. Our little community lost a lovely person. Yes, I’ve started cleaning… little by little! Happy April.
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Oh, and I forgot to comment on Sue’s “Midnight Haiku” book. It is a true treasure and I’m finding inspiration on every page!
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Thanks, Jan. It is beautiful. She gave us a beautiful legacy of work to remember her by. I’m so glad you’re enjoying it. ❤
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I am beyond honored to have “Brother’s Keeper” thrown into this mix with such amazing authors! Thank you, Diana!
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I squeezed it in, Jan. Ha ha. Great writing and such an interesting story. There’s more there than meets the eye. Thanks for browsing! Happy Easter. 🙂
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Interesting books. The haikus are beautiful 🧡 and have been hearing great things about a sorcery of thorns. Have to read that one soon
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The haikus are all beautiful, Bikshya. And Sorcery of Thorns is marvelous. If you enjoy fantasy, I recommend it. Have a wonderful April and Happy Reading. 😀
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Diana, kudos to you for reading and reviewing all these books and congratulations to all the authors! (Words tinged with sadness at the passing of Sue this week.) I’ve ordered Sue’s book and look forward to soaking up her haikus – I have a feeling this will become a favourite on my bedside table. The examples you give here are wonderful and I’m particularly taken with :
‘we pass as shadows
ephemeral fallen leaves
on the path of time.’ Wow!
As for the rest, you spoil us. You’ve got me seriously into fantasy and with one set in a magical library – how can I resist!
Have fun with sprucing up the house and good luck with your WIP! Happy Easter, Diana! xx
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Thanks for the visit, Annika. Sue’s book of 365 haikus would make a wonderful daily read to start or close the day. Very sad over here, but she leaves us a beautiful legacy on so many levels. And Sorcery of Thorns is magical. I think you’ll fall in love with the Great Library. Happy Reading, my friend. And Happy Easter.
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Wonderful reviews, Diana! I’ve seen nothing but positive reviews for the Rogerson book, but I haven’t gotten to it yet. If you can spare any house spirits, send them my way. I’m tackling spring cleaning today and not looking forward to it. I usually listen to a book or music to make it more bearable. Have a great weekend!
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Rogerson is amazing and the books are full of wonderful magic, Teri. I really enjoyed Enchantment of Ravens too. And you’re spring cleaning in one day?? I’m so jealous. I need a month! Ha ha. Put out snacks at night to entice those house spirits into helping out. 😀
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Have a good break. It is rather poignant to see Sue Vincent’s work included.
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Thanks so much for the visit and comment, Derrick. It was poignant pulling this together too, knowing that Sue wouldn’t be reading it. It’s been a tough few days. I appreciate the visit and wish you a wonderful April in your garden. 🙂
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Good reviews
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Thanks for taking a browse, Elizabeth. I’m glad you enjoyed these. Some great hours of reading here. Have a wonderful day.
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Hello Diana. Love your reviews.
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Hi Arlene! It’s lovely to see you here. Thanks for stopping by to browse. I’m glad you enjoy the reads. I love getting enthusiastic about books. Happy April, my friend. ❤
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You’re welcome. Stay safe.
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I’m just finishing one of Alex’s books right now. (Someone Close to Home) It’s been an engaging read.
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Her other one is too, Pete. Similar in style and intensity. I definitely enjoy her writing and stories. Thanks for swinging by to browse. Happy Reading and have a lovely start to April! 😀
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Good luck with the logs D!
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Lol. Yes, I haven’t started that one yet. It involves ladders. The bathrooms are done though. 😀 Thanks for the visit, Hector, and the the luck. Happy April!
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Nice reviews, Diana! Grabbed a copy of ‘Brother’s Keeper.’ Thanks! 🙂
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Thanks for stopping by, Nesie. That’s an interesting short story and won’t take you long at all. Have a wonderful April and Happy Reading!
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More wonderful reviews, Diana – your reading is an example to us all. Toni x
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I’m behind on my Goodreads challenge, Toni. But having lots of fun reading between other chores (and during other chores!). Thanks for browsing. Happy April and Happy Reading!
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Wonderful reviews, Diana. I’ve read the Prince’s Son and thoroughly enjoyed it, and I will read Sue Vincent’s poetry. She has left us a glorious body of work to remember her by. Huge hugs and commiserations on the cleaning. And as it’s Easter Friday here already, Happy Easter.
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Sue’s book would make a wonderful daily haiku. Yes, she’s left us with a beautiful legacy of wisdom and writing. I’m looking forward to cleaning to be honest. It’s been a year and the clutter has mounted with the dust. 😀 It will feel good to get it all under control. Plus some intense editing. Yay!
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Sue won’t be forgotten.
I did a bit of a cleanup not long ago, but once you start, you suddenly see all the other bits you’ve conveniently not noticed. I hate cleaning. Housekeeper bots can’t come soon enough.
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I agree on both points. ❤
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😀
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I think I’m in the mood for the poetry. The books sound contemplative and calming
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Both poetry books are wonderful, Liz. Elizabeth and Sue are both talented writers. Thanks so much for stopping by to browse. Happy Writing and Reading, my friend. ❤
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You’re welcome, Diana. I enjoyed my browse. I’ve had a happy reading week with Mary Smith’s Drunk Chickens and Burnt Macaroni. I’ve almost finished it, and I’ll be sorry to see it end.
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Have to say, Diane, I love the grumbling books snapping at your clothes when you walk by. I think I hear mine whisper on occasion, “Pick me up and read me again.” Sometimes I do.
Good luck with spring cleaning! –Curt
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Thanks for the visit, Curt. Wouldn’t it be interesting if books came alive? (I think they already have personalities). And if a book is calling to you, you must pick it up. Lol. Happy Reading and enjoy your spring.
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I feel like mine are alive, Diane. They speak to me of my different passions in life with shelves of history, science, art, spiritual, nature, travel, etc.. –Curt
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Wonderful reviews Diana and especially Sue’s which I will take to heart and is in my cart. Thank you again for the introduction to her. It was such a gift to experience her heart and beautiful writing in the short time I got to know her.
Good luck with the cleaning and glad you’ll take a much needed break. Oh yes, I had a log cabin for 15 years and it is no easy feat. happy spring! 💖💖💖
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Thanks for taking a browse through the reviews, Cindy. I felt sad pulling this together and thinking about Sue and her beautiful thoughts and poetry. But a wonderful read, which I’m happy to share. I started my cleaning challenge today! One bathroom down from top to bottom. Lol. Happy April.
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The least I could do was read your review after you read so many and you did do a great job. Oh I bet it was sad but you did it great justice and she would be appreciative! Oh Yay … 🤣🤣 good for you! Thanks for the wishes. 💖
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Thanks Cindy. ❤
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💖
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Thanks for including Prince’s Son in this post chock-full of wonderful books – I am in awe at your reading capacity alongside your writing!
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Thanks, Deborah, and my pleasure to include your book! Your writing is wonderfully polished. I figured out how to make my phone read to me, which doubles my reading time (I can “read” while folding laundry). Lol. Thanks for taking a peek at the reviews. Happy April.
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That’s brilliant, I’ll see if I can do the same! What a time saver, although I do tend to use driving time for plotting, so I’ll have to make sure not to cut into that.
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I listen while cooking, gardening, driving, and cleaning the toilets! Lol. It’s added about 10 hours of reading per week! The only challenge is the monotone “Siri” voice. But you do get used to it. 😀
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Good reviews! I have been trying to read more poetry lately, so I’m interested to see two poetry collections in your list. Off to check them out…
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Both were great, Priscilla. I didn’t plan to read two of them this month, and didn’t realize it until I pulled the post together. Thanks for the visit and Happy Reading.
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A lovely collection of reads, Diana. Interestingly enough, I have also read Minus One and Sue’s lovely book this month. I will share my review of Sue’s book soon. I am still getting over her passing this week. It always takes me time to digest pain and loss. Alex’s book sounds fascinating and I’ve added it to my TBR.
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It was strange pulling together this post with her book, knowing Sue wouldn’t see it. It’s been a very difficult few days for me too, Robbie. That’s okay. She leaves a big hole in the world. And I think you’ll enjoy Alex’s book. She writes a great thriller. Thanks for the visit and Happy Reading.
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You’ve given me an appreciation for fantasy, so Sorcery of Thrones is tempting me 🙂
Wonderful reviews, Diana.
My theory is to keep the inside of the house dark and cozy, that way you won’t see the dust! lol
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LOL. I like the method to your house-keeping madness, Jacquie. We are way beyond hiding in the dark here, though. I have to clean. Ha ha. Rogerson is wonderful. Her book the Enchantment of Ravens is spectacular (I don’t know which I enjoyed more). Happy Reading!
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That’s a beautiful poem of Sue’s. Feels like she’s still reaching out to us.
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It was sad pulling this post together last night, Anneli, and realizing that she won’t read it. It’s a beautiful book. Thanks for stopping by and have a lovely spring day. Happy Reading!
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Yes, I know that feeling, I went through that with another blogging friend. Heartbreaking, really.
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Acts of convenience seems to be a quite interesting one. I think I would really love to read it.
Have fun with Spring house cleaning 🙊 and see you soon.
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It was really good, Joyce. Alex is a marvelous writer and sucks me right into her stories. Thanks so much for the visit and the wish for house-cleaning fun. I’m going to need it. 😀 Happy April.
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It’s always my pleasure to read your blogs.Happy April to you too.😊
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As usual, your review are inspiring Diana. Wishing you all the best for completing your WIP and spring cleaning. A good combination. 🙂
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Thanks for browsing, Balroop. I’m feeling a little worn out these days and need a little time to regroup and refresh and see to some tasks that have been tapping on my shoulder for a year! Thanks for stopping by and Happy Reading! ❤
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Reblogged this on John Maberry's Writing and commented:
Some wonderful, solid reviews from a great writer.
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Thanks so much for sharing the post, John. Happy April. 🙂
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Enjoy your break, Diana! A log house, how cool, but I understand your work is cut out for you. Getting situated in our new home with dirt for a yard means lots of floor sweeping as we move boxes and furniture. Take care!
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You’re in your house!! Congrats, Terri. We heat with wood and the mess is – ugh – endless. Keep sweeping and soon you’ll be done and able to relax. Happy Spring, my friend.
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Thanks, Diana, we are! Almost 2 weeks. No internet other than phone data, so I may take a longer blog break. Happy Easter!
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Thanks for all the great reviews of intriguing readings–and for including your review of Waiting for Westmoreland!
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Your welcome, John. I just discovered that I hadn’t shared my review of your book in January, and made myself a note to include it. It was well worth the read and I hope you find a few fans here. Thanks for browsing and Happy Reading!
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Now that I’ve stopped bouncing off the walls with delight, I’ve read all of these reviews and I’m afraid my Kindle’s in for another stretching. I already have one of Deborah’s to read, and I finished reading Sue’s beautiful book two days ago but will write a review when I feel less sad about her no longer being with us.
Good luck with the spring cleaning – at least you’ll be able to see where you’ve been. Our house looks like Miss Havisham’s at the moment…
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Lol. Since we’ve had no visitors for a year, my house hasn’t been cleaned in a year! I’m glad I added to your kindle, Trish. And yes, so sad about Sue. 😦 It’s been a hard few days. ❤ Hugs.
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To say I’m thrilled by your review of Acts of Convenience would be understating things! Thank you so much for taking the time to read the book and then even more time to write such a perfect review of it. xx
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You’re very welcome, Trish. I thoroughly enjoyed it and was delighted to review. I like how your stories take on real social issues in a fictional suspenseful way. Happy Writing, my friend. 🙂
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Great reviews and list of books, Diana 🙂 I’ve read a couple and agree they were good reads. I found one to add to my TBR list, but they all sound good. Happy reading xo
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It was a good month of reading, Denise. Some polished writers and great stories. Thanks of the visit and I’m glad I was able to add one to your list. Happy Reading and enjoy the warming weather! ❤
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What a list, Diana! I’ve read some, read most of the authors, should get every one of these in my TBR pile.
BTW, if you need early readers for your next book, let me know.
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Thanks so much for browsing, Jacqui. I had a great month of reading. And thanks for the offer of an early read. Of course I’ll take you up on it! Sometime in early May probably, and no pressure if you’re busy when the time comes. Happy April, my friend.
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I am going away the last part of May but I will still be reading. Can’t wait, Diana!
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Thanks. 🙂
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Sorcery of Thorns sounds wonderful! Hope your time away is productive. Logs must be dusted every now and again (that sounds like it should be a metaphor for something. lol)
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LOL. Dusting logs is a cautionary tale about romantic ideas of any sort, Tessa. There’s a bit of work to every undertaking. 🙂 And Sorcery of Thorns was wonderful. So very creative and beautifully written. Thanks for checking out the reviews and Happy April!
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Absolutely wonderful to see friends of mine featured here today, Diana! I agree 100% on Deborah Jay’s fantastic series, and though I haven’t read Alex Craigie’s Acts of Convenience yet, I know her to be a very good writer, as well as a dear friend. I’m looking forward to reading Jan’s short story, too, and always happy to add new authors to my list. SUPER selection. THANKS! 🙂
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Thanks, Marcia! A comment to hold to the heart!
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Yes, and you need to write some more books for us, Trish! 😀
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Don’t think the day could get any better than this! 😀
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Awesome!
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Thanks so much for visiting, Alex. Some great reads this month. Have a wonderful weekend and Happy Reading!
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Lots of good ones this month, Marcia. Some really polished writers and great stories. I’m always happy to add to everyone’s kindle. Lol. Thanks for stopping by to browse, my friend. Happy April!
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And to you, as well, Diana! Love your monthly reviews! 🙂 ❤
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I enjoyed your reviews, Diana. Thanks for sharing them.
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Thanks for browsing, John. I hope to add your book to the list for April’s reads. Happy Gotcha Day and Happy Easter. 🙂
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Thank you, Diana. 😊
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A couple of these caught my attention. Thanks Diana. Enjoy your time away. Maybe the muses will cooperate or give them cleaning duties!
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My muses don’t strike me as the kind who do chores. Lol. I haven’t really cleaned my house since the pandemic started. The stacks of papers and the cobwebs are getting to me. Lol. Thanks for browsing, my friend, and Happy Reading!
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If we don’t hear from you, we’ll send in the cleaning clowns!
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LOL. Okay. 😀
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Great reviews, Diana. Sue’s midnight haikus were always a joy to greet me in the morning! Sorcery of Thorns sounds intriguing but who wouldn’t like talking books!
April has arrived with high winds (March apparently didn’t provide enough) and cold temps. But we have flowers and leaves are beginning to emerge.
We thought about having a log home – but this one, with all the construction, requires twice-weekly dusting and vacuuming – good exercise but boring. Find some fun with yours!
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Thanks for dropping by to browse, Noelle. I did enjoy the library full of books with such personality. Ha ha. And Sue’s book is lovely. Her passing has made for a sad week. Enjoy your blustery spring. It will warm up soon. Happy Reading!
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All the best with the spring cleaning will miss you Diana, on our WP and your beautiful and profound reviews of lovely book collections. Good reviews sounds very interesting.
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Thank you, Kamal. I’m feeling like I need to address some things I’ve been ignoring! Like housework. Spring feels like the perfect time to do it. Thanks for browsing too. Have a lovely day. 🙂
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Yes we all need to be addressing ourselves too, Diana it is very important. You are always welcome dear. You too have a wonderful day 💖💖💖💖
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Boy, March sure passed quickly. Thanks for the great reviews, Diana. Looks like some good ones!
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March did fly by, Jill. April is going to be a busy month for me, so it will probably zoom by too. Sigh. A little sunshine and time in the garden is on the menu. Happy Reading, my friend. Hugs
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More interesting suggestions to add to the TBR pile. Good luck with the WIP and the spring cleaning. Two huge tasks!
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Thanks for the visit, Laurie. I’m glad the reviews intrigued you. I’m looking forward to the book push. The cleaning… not so much. Lol. Happy Reading!
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You are a brave soul to work on both!
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It may take the whole month!
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Excellent selections and thoughtful reviews. Thanks for sharing.
And if you find any of those house spirits, please send them my way when you’re done with them. 😉
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Ha ha ha. Thanks for browsing, Staci. Regarding those house spirits, I have to start leaving them snacks at night to win their favor. 🙂 The lofty cobwebs and lowly dust bunnies are out of control! Happy Reading!
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