Book Review: Indelible

Indelible: A Novel by Kristen Heitzmann

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I enjoyed reading this book; it was suspenseful with some romance thrown in.  It follows Natalie as she moves to a new town to open an art gallery. She meets Trevor when he saves her nephew from a mountain lion attack, and the story follows their relationship as well as the suspense of someone snatching children from negligent parents and putting them in precarious and dangerous spots.  I thought the book was well-written and enjoyable and only had 2 negative issues with the book: First, Natalie seems almost too good to be true.  Her sister-in-law shuts her out of their life completely because she thinks the attack is natalie's fault since they were there to help her settle in and move. Natalie's response seems completely unrealistic: she understands, and agrees that her brother should go along with it because he's trying to save his family.... what???? First of all, I think anyone would have been angry and second of all, putting your family first does not mean letting your spouse trample all over your sister and make her feel like trash!  The sister-in-law drove me crazy, especially in her end response to the situation, and her brother should have stood up to his wife for her. The second negative point I felt was the strange relationship between Trevor, Sara and Whit.  It was never really explained fully, but from what I understand was just a weird triangle; It seemed unnecessary-if more drama was needed, Sara could have been overprotective as a friend without the strange dynamics and jealousy. But overall, a good read.

I recieved a copy of this book from the publisher for review.



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Binder cover

Scrounging around for another birthday present for my niece, I remembered these awesome notebook covers from Etsy. Being the cheap aunt that I am, I did not want to buy the pattern, but came up with my own...

I added some pretty decorations to the front, ruffles and ribbon. Pink ribbons on the right are the velcro closure.

Loved the idea of having the pockets inside for school doodads riather than a separate pencil case- at least for a few basics...

I upcycled some stretchy denim for that front pocket and sewed in 4 pencil slots.  The bigger denim pocket would be perfect to tuck your pencil sharpener in, or any other little things you need. The pink flowered is also a pocket for longer/larger items.

 I tried to make this fun for my 3rd grade neice, but you could easily do a more grown up version - which might happen someday around here!  It's a great way to cover up old binders (leftovers from college, trainings, etc that have ugly fronts or company logos on!).  I'm so tempted to attempt a home management binder again just to try this... ok not just to try it, but if I do, you can bet I'll be pretty-ing up my binder! A recipe binder is also on my to do list... its a really looooooooong list though.....

I will say, I almost wish I'd just bought the pattern... her's look beautiful and professional and I'm sure her PDF is worth every single penny!  Mine is very simple and basic; no padding etc; so if you want to make your own and don't feel comfortable "winging it" I'd check out her Etsy shop and go with the PDF!

Book Review: The Realms Thereunder

The Realms Thereunder: An Ancient Earth by Ross Lawhead

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I enjoyed the reading of this book but was left very dissatisfied at the end.  It tells the adventures of the two main characters, both in the present and in the past when they were taken into a secret underground world and asked to search for, and kill, an evil man whose aim is (of course) to take over the underground.  The adventure and process is a good read, but the ending seemed to be the middle of the book- I was shocked when i realized I'd just read the last page! There is a sequel, which I haven't read, but it really seemed like they took a book and split it into two.  There was really nothing accomplished to make you satisfied with the first book.  If you have access to the sequel as well, I'd recommend them (though as stated, I haven't read the sequel) but if you don't, then I would not recommend reading this one as you'll be left hanging.

I recieved a copy of this book from Booksneeze for review.



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Book Review: Sierra Jenson Vol 1

Sierra Jensen Collection, Vol 1 by Robin Jones Gunn

My rating: 1 of 5 stars


I chose this book from Waterbrook Multnomah Press thinking that my daughter might like to read it as she gets older.  I enjoy many youth and young adult books but had a very hard time with these 3 books. While I do appreciate the strong faith they demonstrate for young readers, as most of the characters are strong Christians despite their young ages, it really seemed much too unrealistic and almost silly. The dialogue seems very contrived to get across the author's "message" and so much of the stories seems so fake. The main character meets an older boy while returning from a missions trip to a new home her family moved to while she was away, and pines over him while adjusting to life in her new city.  The entire situation is strange, especially the part where she feels God telling her (at 16) to "fight for this boy" and when she tells her dad this, he encourages it!  Whose parent would encourage a 16 year old to go after a boy several years older that she met in an airport? All the interactions between the family members and most of the friends as well seems very fake and "too good to be true". I would think that perhaps an early pre-teen might enjoy these books, but I can't picture any girls much older than that enjoying them. 

I recieved an e-copy of this book from Waterbrook Multnomah for review.



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Bicycle Bucket take 2...

Got L's Bicycle bucket done before camping a few weeks ago!  and since I actually followed the directions this time regarding seam allowance i didn't have to piece anything in! 

 I would recommend using the heavier interfacing Anna from Noodlehead suggests in the tutorial, or perhaps a heavy stiff duck cloth or something as an inner layer; i used regular midweight interfacing and its a bit saggy but still works!

 

Little velcro loop holds it to the bar of your bike; perfect for a toy or toy, cup or bottle of water, etc.  And not at all a difficult thing to sew!