Story picks up where the last one left off but can be read as a standalone because you are given vague glimpses into the past.
Right off the bat I'm loving the new words I'm learning and how at ease I feel as if I'm right there at the shoreline.
It's a dreary, in the 40's kind of day and I feel the warmth from their sun.
This book encompasses many lives and as an extra bonus the manuscript is being urned into a book. There are so many sides to this book, can't get enough of it.
At times I feel so sad for the scenes unfolding in front of me, I hurt and ache for them, for the people involved, at times laughing so hard at the pranks and the lifelong friends over the years. Still learning about all the secrets.
Twists and turns as people come back into their lifes leaving a mark...
So many misunderstandings that need to be fixed...
The next book is highlighted at the end. About the author is also included.
I was given this review copy by the author via Book Fun (The Book Club Network) and this is my honest opinion
Story starts out with a little girl and she's with her father on the island.
She sometimes wishes for things and they arrive in a black box that her father carries to the cabin they live in.
He has made little cubbyholes for each bottle of scents. He keeps papers on them all. Each one is different.
She learns and the goat helps her to investigate the island. Bad things happen, a bear and then before she knows it she's living with a man and a woman.
She will have to learn things how others learn them, in school. She's now a teen and everything is still foreign to her.
She has a knack of smelling things and they tell her how a person is going to act.
Nightingale was not only her dads invention but it would take a picture and keep the scent also.
Everything she had ever been told was not true and she learns she has other relatives that were looking for her.
She likes Fletcher who helps at the resort in the summer months and they attend school together. They talk the same language/hand signals.
Love the time she spends with her mother and learning more about scents-priceless! Acknowledgements included at the end.
Love to read more from this author-so very descriptive details. I felt as if I was there.
SO much to this book!
A KEEPER!
Received this review copy from St. Martin's Press via Netgalley and this is my honest opinion.
#NetGalley
Olde Robin Hood by Kate Danley
Had recently watched a show on Netflix and it was nothing like I rememered so glad this book is setting the record straight.
Starts out with Robin helping his dad on the farm and he's ailing in poor health but Robin goes to the May games (he won the archery and gold arrow and coins, met Maid Marian) and when he returns his dad is almost dead, he was caught with a deer from king's forest.
Robin escapes after holding his dying father with help from an owl and then a raven the next day where he meets up with Little John and he hears his tale of the sheriff and mistreatment of others he's seen for himself.
They head out together to turn things around, many plans-it's only May but they plan for winter cold months.
Interesting how they feed the ones they will take money from, you never hear about that side of things.
Like how everything is referenced from others works and the author took liberty to change a few things around.
Great read!
1-800 Series by Josie Riviera
This bundle contains: 1800 Cupid, 1800 Christmas, and 1800 Ireland.
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1-800-Cupid by Josie Riviera
First time reading this author and loved all the details. Love learning about different locations in the book, felt as if I was there also!
Story starts out with Candee (works at the local hardware store) and she lives with her sister, Desiree (works at country club) and she's into real estate. She bids on the mansion at the end of the street and noone has lived in it for many years.
She hopes no one else wants to buy it-it's in Roses, NC. Story also follows Teddy and his friend (Rob) in FL and they are into helping his nephew who needs medical surgeries. Teddy meets her and expects a woman over 50 as the real estate business has been operating for over 30 years.
Candee shows other places in the area to Teddy and he shows an interest in her mansion-she thinks it's hers already. She plans to redo the place for disadvantaged children.
He and his friend hope to flip a house for a living. She is heavily into beagle dogs and volunteers also at no kill shelter. Misunderstanding and you wonder if they will ever be together again...
Lots of surprises in this book and like how they change plans and just go with things.
Love ending did NOT see that coming. Recipe at the end-another surprise!
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end. Can't wait to read more from this author.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
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1-800-CHRISTMAS by Josie Riviera
Book starts out with Desiree and she realizes she's overeatten near the holidays...She now owns a house that is need of repairs and is a lawyer.
Her sister, foster kids have not had a real Christmas as their parents were alcoholics. Now that her sister is married her brother in law helps with getting a man staying at the house while bringing it up to date.
Keiran shows up, an Irishman and she remembers him from high school-the rich kid. He's left his last girlfriend and hopes to work enough so he can buy and run his own store. His parents run a bar and serve food.
They spend time together as in a date after the work day has finished. Love how she sprinkles Christmas all over the house-it sounds very festive with his hel of the huge tree.
His father wanted him to pursue his football career and Keiran just wants to open his own pub and cook food. He has many special family recipes and they sound delicious.
She needs a stable guy and Keiran doens't even know if he wants to do carpentry or run the pub so she needs to set him straight...
Love baking contest they have set up in town for others to select a winner. This story can go either way with their continued relationship... His ex shows up and wants a portion of his money that she's not earned and there are other disturbing details.
When he ends up leaving town with the ex Desiree has no idea if he will even return for Christmas. She prays to God to make a miracle occur as he's the only one that can.
Bonus recipe included. Love how determined she is to make this a special Christmas.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end. Excerpt for 1-800Cupid is enclosed. About the author is included.
I received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
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1-800-IRELAND: A Sweet Contemporary Romance Novella (Flipping For You Book 3) by Josie Riviera
Another great story from the author.
Have followed this series and enjoyed them all.
This one starts out with Kathleen who's relocated from Ireland to NC, a small town called Roses. She lives above her new store-a tea house serving real Irish bread to name a few items on her menu.
Candy, the one who set up the apartment and saw to all the new owners needs from the US side also has notified Rob, her friend in FL who bakes cakes and cupcakes in his own shop.
He's older and not quite the catch of the day-love this that he's just a regular guy and kinda out of shape.
kathleeen has it set in her dreams about her shop but Maureen knows she will need help. Rob needs time away from his own shop so travels there to see what it will need, in his opinion to make it a success.
He never expected to find Kathleen so charming! Like the challenge they take part it. So many lovely detailed descriptions, I can just picture it for real.
Loved hearing all about starting up the business-priceless information!
Some characters from the series make an appearance but you are given all details aobut them so you're not left in the dark.
This can be read as a standalone! Irish slang words are explained in the conversations they have.
Misunderstandings and you wonder if they will ever get back together to see if they have what it takes to be a couple.
Recipe included! Note from the author is included at the end.
Acknowledgements and about the author is included. Offer to join first readers group.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end. Excerpt from Maeve is also included.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
Pirates for a Day by Lance Carney, David Moss
Enjoyed this short read about a bunch of guys after work, in spring and weather is still like winter.
They head off to another buddys place where it's warmer and I love the adventure of the things they do along the way and at the destination
which turns out for some to not be the final destination.
Adventures of a Mountain Man: The Narrative of Zenas Leonard by Zenas Leonard
Enjoying this read about how the party takes off in different directions and when they meet up they discuss the things that happened to them.
Most fear Blackfoot Indians and the bears as they try to get to the west coast, through the Rocky Mountains.
Reason I wanted to read this one is because we are heading there and can't wait to see from the top of the range what they must've seen for themselves.
Traditions of all the different Indian groups are fascinating. Love hearing how they would dig a huge hole in a certain location and put the pelts in them and know exactly how to tell another where they were.
Love the bartering.
For safe keeping they'd find them when it was convenient and would give them a higher cost to trade them in.
The way home by Thomas Kinkade's Angel Island by Spencer_ Katherine
Have read other works by the author and enjoyed the book. This one starts out with Eliza Martin who's been helping out at the inn for a year now.
Claire North is the cook and housekeeper and everything she is needed for.
This summer Jamie who Claire had met in Boston where she was ready to foster him shows up at the island and she hopes to save him now.
Avery Bishop is also arrived, starting her new cafe after her breakup and she's determined the business will work. Michael is a fierce competition who she's loves to look at.
Although there are just a handful of characters the locals also make an appearance.
Like hearing more of the island, the happenings and how they all work together and I've learned some new things to try.
Drama and laid back atmosphere, just a great read.
Recipes included.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
Silent night by Danielle Steel
Paige is living her childhood through her daughter. She's a movie star and she is the one that takes her everywhere she wants to go, classes at nights, etc.
A tragic accident kills her but Emma survived. Her aunt Whitney is the only one left in her life but she does not know her and can't speak and probably can't even see or hear.
Loss process and Whitney makes the decision to leave her boyfriend Chad to take care of Emma.
Another major decision was where to put her-it's time she left the hospital. She wants to take her home but know she can't really take care of her as she's doing her own doctor practice.
The child is very dangerous and can slash out and hurt others. They recommend she go to a faciility.
Very tearful emotional moment when Emma finds out about her mother, not in any words...
Whitney is able to confer with other doctors about her care and they do make some breakthroughs.
Quite amazing how it all works out.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
Sweet Possession by Maya Banks
Connor is given the job to look after the rock star singer as a favor to his dads friend.
After meeting her one day he just heads back to the family complex and she arrives the next day apologizing.
Love how the women welcome her and they gather her together for girl time. What a new meaning for girl time for me.
Lots of hot steamy sex scenes but it's a mystery as to who's after her to kill her. She just found out but Connor and others will protect her.
Have read other books in this series and enjoyed every one. There are others that the book follows also and you realize how important family is.
She has secrets and it takes her a while to tell them to Connor. Love how the whole family comes together to help one another.
Excerpt from the next book is included at the end.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
Dark star, the Roy Orbison story by Ellis Amburn
Starts when there is talk of his reckless stunts he'd show off to the fans.
Like haring the back story of his life and the problems he had with his eyes as I also have major eye issues.
Love how he started playing his guitar. Never realized all the travel he put into his career. Covers his whole life from school age, college, married life and onward.
So sad to have lost him at such a young age, he was a great star.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
Sea Prayer by Khaled Wosseini
A father cradles his infant son waiting on the boat and talks to his sleeping child.
Story of a refugee who is forced to leave his home country of Afghanistan who relocated to CA.
Story he tells his son of the happenings of the house his grandparents lived, sights and sounds, pretty things.
Seems like a dream now as protests, the siege, skies spitting bombs, burials, starvation, etc. So sad to learn of all this and how it effects people.
Proceeds go to the UN Refugee fund. Other works by the author are highlighted.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
The Lighthouse by Melanie Wilber
Cute short story about a girl heading off to college, she's nervous and fears what the future will hold.
She has help from a man as she's taking her things up to her room to only find out she's rooming with his sister.
They form a bond and they lead her to finding Jesus and the difference he can make in her life.
She then reaches out to her best friend telling her of the experiences she's had with Jesus and it can work for her also.
Love the locations as we've been to several in the Oregon area and can't wait to go back to explore more.
Real touching story with a great ending.
Would like to read more from this author.
Coconut Flour Recipes: The Ultimate Guide by Johanna Davidson
Free ebook and intro about gluten free, High in fiber and protein along with table of contents where recipes are not in any specific order.
Each recipe starts with a title, prep and cook time, ready in minutes. Servings and list of ingredients is included and for the most part the items can be healthier if using low sodium, low fat, low sugar ones.
Directions are given.
No pictures
No nutritional information
Recipes do NOT start at the top of a new page.
Shortcake would be my favorite to try.
His Second Chance at Forever Santa Barbara Sunsets, Book One by Lynne Marshall
Starts with a note from the author about this book, the new series and summarizing the book.
Starts with Jason and his new nurse practitioner is there, Claire Albright.
He hopes having her in the group that it will ease his over scheduling of patients.
Her daughter is with her. Like that the facility is in a Victorian house in Santa Barbara, CA.
From her past she learns how to use and administer halo-caustic medicine. it helps her maintain her Lupus.
They get under each others skin because of how they want to treat the patients. This book has so many components to it. hope you can enjoy them all!
He likes the colors of clothes she wears and that she lets her hair down. Love that she found the garden and I can picture it in my mind.
Like hearing of her ideas to keep the patients calm before their appointments.
Love how he seeks her out for her knowledge of things he's not seen. Emergencies bring them together and they get to know one another.
She realizes there was a wife and child in his life at one time-he's so good with her child.
They get closer but she knows he'd never stick around especially with her illness. Love the location!
Other tragedies occur and even as doctors you wonder how they can get through them.
Other works in the series are highlighted at the end. About the author is also included.
Excerpt included from the next book.
Love the location, the sailing, all medical things including herbs, realistic everyday life events, warnings of toys from fast food places, Storyline, handful of characters, has something for everyone.
Received this review copy via publicist via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
#HisSecondChanceAtForeve #NetGalley
Sunset Beach by Mary Kay Andrews
Have read a lot of other works by this author and have found the story line is usually a bunch of women get away for a while, at a beach and just hang out.
This one is so different-I like it, A LOT!
Starts with Drue and she's lost her mother, her job and gotten hurt being a kite sailboarder. Her father shows up at the funeral and he invites her to Sunset Beach-she lives on the opposite side of FL in her mother's house.
She gets a job at his law firm answering phones in hopes to get leads to new client-slip and sue lawsuits.
She has to mingle with a lot of the workers to keep good graces with her father-her new step mother was her girlfriend in high school.
There are a handful of characters and soon you learn there is a lot more to the story.
Like hearing of the relationships she starts up and how she helps others. Like the green flash at sunset sightings and how she is helped herself in reclaiming more mobility in her legs, after her injury.
It not only is about Drue but her parents when they were growing up/married. There are also other stories involving their friends during the 70's that all lead to the same outcome.
Amazing how it's all connected. SO many twists and turns and totally unpredictable. Hope the author will continue writing this style of book again.
Ends with the authors words about how the book came about and her real life with beach houses and author retreats which also includes menus and recipes.
What an all around book, it has it all-something for everyone.
Received this review copy from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
#SunsetBeach by #MaryKayAndrews. #NetGalley
USA Word Search Puzzles by Ilene J. Rattiner, Frank J. D'Agostino
Have always loved word search puzzles, especially themed ones.
This one is about the 50 starts of the USA.There is SO much educational information here.
Starts with a note from the author about the book itself.
Each state lists the state song, town, city, university, city, flowers, livestock, highest point, crops, birthplaces of famous people, state stone, colleges, insects, capital, monument, state tree, museums, wildlife refuge, parks, villages, Bridges, heritage center and a lot more history. So fun and educational for all ages.
What a fun TREASURE!
Answers to the puzzles are shown at the back of the book. Other word search educational puzzles by the author are highlighted at the end.
Received this review copy by Dover Publications via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
#UsaWordSearchPuzzles #NetGalley
The Start of Summer by Alison Walsh
Starts with the women sitting in the shade during the summer discussing how they love their young children...
They get along well talking about their weddings, births, etc.
Each of the women get their own chapters and we learn all their secrets about the spouses/boyfriends and the children...
Love how they are there for one another, in small groups to help them overcome not only their fears but get on with their dreams.
So many have been abused and mistreated and some are on their own, others have fathers for their babies that help out and some that don't.
Like getaways the women take with the children. Such real life situations that are dealt with.
Ends with acknowledgements.
Received this review copy from Hachette Books Ireland via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
#TheStartOfSummer #NetGalley
The Assateague ponies by Keiper_ Ronald R
I've heard stories of these that live on the islands off the coast of VA and they are cool stories of pirate days.
Research on all aspects of the ponies lives. 37 mile long island where it's protected now.
Seashore caretakers want others to watch from afar as the ponies can be dangerous.
Lot of different aspects of the ponies: how they were deposited there, how they life, weather concerns, other animals,
birthing and they've lived over 300 years! Learned about other islands around the world and specific characteristics of the ponies there.
Found this book fascinating, so many new things I've learned about them and their habits, how they are identified and what information is included on the bands.
Like how they trim the herds and also get rid of the troublemakers. Wish they had talked about what happens when they die on the island. There was some talk of autopsies but that was it.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
Copycat Recipes: The Ultimate Cookbook for Making Your Favourite Restaurant Dishes at Home, Including Delicious, Quick and Easy to Follow Recipes! by Olivia Howard
Table of contents includes recipes for the meals of the day along with desserts.
Short intro about the book.
Each recipe contains a title, retailer it was from, prep and cook time and list of ingredients-NOT always very healthy.
Directions are given to make at home and there are NO pictures.
There is NO nutritional information. No servings mentioned.
Found a lot of dishes I'm interested in trying-rather than buying at the restaurant: cherry vanilla ice cream but you need an ice cream maker,
Starbucks cakes, and maybe some Cracker Barrel recipes and especially the lava cake.
Be good for a yearly treat because of all the fat content in the recipes.
Wish there was an index of recipes.
A KEEPER for now
The clockmaker's daughter by Morton_ Kate
Enjoy learning new things and think this one will be about clocks.
1962, house party for a week but things don't go as planned.
Book moves forward to 2017 when Elody going through all the paperwork and she has to gather all the items for sale soon.
Sachel had been has been found, it had been delivered in 1969 and she finds photo inside along with a journal of sketches.
She tells her dad about the story they told her as a child-about the house , the clearing n the river...
Scary moments as she learns about her mothers life just weeks before her death and the circumstances surrounding. Her best friends mother took the picture.
Like hearing of the present day as she recalls where Lucy had been and how she had hid, dropped blue stone in her dress. So many details, from Martin and Edward.
There's something for everyone in this book, mystery, hidden passages and lots of details and travel, pretend characters, wild imagination.
About the author is included at the end.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
Kids Meal Ideas: 50 Kid Friendly Recipes (Family Menu Planning Series Book 3) by Debbie Madson
Free thank you link is available as a gift. Other works by the author.
Table of contents where recipes are broken up into food categories.
Each recipe includes a title, brief summary of the dish, servings and list of ingredients.
Love that the ingredients listed are using low fat products along with low sodium.
Directions are given but there is NO pictures or nutritional information.
There are some color photos.
Green eggs and ham would be my choice cuz it'd be such a fun meal with kids.
Lots of choices, lots of variety.
To a God Unknown by John Steinbeck
To me this book is about the path of Joseph and Mary but placed in CA valleys rather than in Bethlehem.
Lots of reference to things going on in the valley, workers, etc which is typical Steinbeck descriptions and details.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
Delicious Healthy and Vegan Recipes: Natural Cookbook for Good Health by Alicia Dennis
Table of contents where recipes are lumped into meal categories, regular meals then vegan meals.
Each recipe starts with a title, summary of the dish and calorie count.
List of ingredients in American measurements along with directions. There is a Medium size color photograph.
There is NO nutritional information but you should be able to substitute for your healthier dietary needs: low sodium, low fat and low sugar, fresh vs. canned products.
Interesting tips are also included.
Some recipes use British measurements and some use both American and British in the same recipes.
Lots of math to do to understand just how much you will need of an item.
Lots of variety to select your favorite dish.
The mapmaker's daughter by Helldorfer_ Mary-Claire
She was raised hearing of the tales of the witches in a far away land. She wants to go there and chart out the paths.
When the king comes to demand they be locked up the king grants her permission to go find his son...
She tries to get across the waters but they say she's too heavy. She drops some items but she's still too heavy.
She tries many different means of travel to no avail. She even tears the charted sheet of paper...
Even the lock of hair from her father is tossed aside...
The witch gives her a golden rope and she and the prince run for their lives. Reminds me of fantasy fables.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
Duck and Cover: Eleven Short Stories by Rich Elliott
Interesting childhood stories, bring back memories of all the neighborhood kids, mostly cousins and we all played outside.
Some sad times and happy times and such learning hands on experiences.
Mexican: Easy Recipes (Mrs. Goodfood's Around The World in 20 Recipe Books): Beginner´s Guide by Neyda Goodfood
Great book to have on hand especially for Cinco de Mayo-=May 5 in the US.
Table of contents and meals are broken up into tops and then different flavorings for other dishes in that category.
Short intro about legends of Mexico and Texas and how the dishes combined their favorite things.
Recipes start with a title, color photo a bit about the dish and list of ingredients.
Some just give you the list, not the exact amounts to use. Directions are given but there is NO nutritional information.
Some recipes use British measurements, some use American, some use both in the same recipe-hard to figure out how much of an item you need.
NOT all recipes have a color photo.
Glossary is also included at the end.
The Last Christmas: A Short Story by Brandon Meyers
Story of a man in the jail cell and strange things and creatures come into the cell.
They are described but I wonder just how much is the untreated wound playing a part in all this.
Intermittent Fasting for Beginners,Aggressive Fat Loss, Heal Your Body And Enjoy...by Jackson Gabriel
Book starts with introduction about this idea. Lots of technical terms that are put into regular people language to help you understand the concept of it all.
Love scientific research and data about this concept. There are warnings about asking your doctor if you can try this.
Lots of benefits are listed if you are able to implement this concept. There are warnings about which groups should NOT under any circumstances to try this.
There are four ways you can make this work for you, check them all out.
Like the first option (16:8 method) as you are just giving up one meal. Also you are given things to do while you are fasting-very helpful suggestions.
There are day plans to help you not only save money but time to take to prepare them.
There is no calorie counting-what a plus! There are cons and pros with this method that are discussed.
Warrior diet is another-the author talks about what you can and can't do and why. Very disciplined.
hours are up to you, phase to overeat, what to eat, and a sample schedule is included to help you stay organized.
What I love about this book is that the sources listed are linked online so you can read the articles yourself.
Love the increased lifespan and the prevention of Alzheimer's disease.
Other two methods are also discussed in detail like the previous two with sections on: how it works, who is it best for, steps to do it, sample schedule, the pros and cons.
Also includes a preview of "anti-inflammatory diet healthy eating for healing the immune system, boosting energy and enjoying life' from the author's other works.
I received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
Knitted Animal Friends Over 40 Knitting Patterns for Adorable Animal Dolls, Their Clothes and Accessories by Louise Crowther
Thought this was a cool idea for a book especially because it'd make a perfect Easter gift.
Highly photographed and exquisite color combinations Table of contents and tools, materials and short intro
Essential notes is a must read for this book!
What I loved are the very fine detailed fronts of the sweaters/shirts on the characters: lacy and cabling like you'd make for a human being.
Has one section on standard body parts and how to make them step by step instructions, row by row and some illustrations.
Each animal has it's own chapter where the animal is actually named. There is a brief description about the animal and then the pattern.
Dimensions are discussed, yarn types and how to make them.
Photos are shown along the way with important information to make it easier for you to assemble the animals.
I like that you are encouraged to change the colors of the outfits and mix and match from the given instructions.
Use your imagination! Detail is paid attention with accessories such as small buttons, purses, belts, etc.
There are so many I want to make as gifts and for charity.
I personally think anybody who can knit and purl could make these if you have the patience.
Like that they prefer cotton as it's easier to wash and dry. Small size 2 needles are suggested, pack your patience if you don't this size often.
Some charted designs are included.
Techniques and other useful information and about the author listed at the end.
Such a cool book!
I received this review copy from F+W Media via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
#KnittedAnimalFriends #NetGalley
Bookies Bookmarks to Crochet by Jonas Matthies
Love that this book combines both crochet and reading, my two favorite things to do.
Book starts out with the author, about his life and passions and how he was determined to make his dreams come true.
Photos of the different bookmarks appear next and the page that contains their directions.
Basic instructions follow next with color photographs showing you how to make the items.
Every section along the way is detailed as described above.
Each pattern contains an outline to the left with notes on the colors used and where along with the size. Directions follow starting at the head and then continuing onto other body parts, showing the progress and details as you come to them.
Projects are very colorful and great details as to the animal they resemble. Think I'd not be getting too much reading done because I'll be studying the construction of the book markers.
Love how each section of the animal is highlighted with a colorful bar and white lettering. There are so many cute one I want to make them all.
Don't skip over the basic techniques section as it has a ton of useful hints and instructions on how to make the book markers using many different variations.
Materials are also discussed in detail here for ALL of the book markers. Stitches used are also shown and described how they are done.
Guide to yarns used in the book are highlighted at the end
I feel this book could be used by any level of expertise.
A KEEPER!
I received this review copy from Dover Publications via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
#Bookies #NetGalley
