Natural Color ~ Review

Natural Color
By Sasha Duerr

Vibrant plant dye projects 

for your home and wardrobe

Natural Color is a delightful and educational look at the world of natural plant-based dyes. There is a wide range of projects for both your home and your attire. The projects are detailed with the needed ingredients and equipment and step-by-step directions. The accompanying photographs are gorgeous. 

Natural Color addresses the healthy attributes of dyes that are based from natural sources. But the safety concerns are addressed as well as what steps to take both in the making and disposal of the dyes.

The sections discussing fibers, water types and mordants are completely fascinating. I also enjoyed learning about the different dying processes and that some dyes can take up to a year to complete (using persimmons). 

For those looking for an added benefit of creating your own unique look, depending on what plants one uses can, one can have a health boost from this process and not just from absence of harmful chemicals from commercial dyes. 

This book would be a great gift to give to the family making for some fun memories as you work towards various projects.  With the options for changing the colors subtly or drastically you could end up with a rainbow of projects that you love.

I'm looking forward to working with the citrus based dyes along with some of the fragrant herbs. I can just imagine how much fun it will be to explore all the colors that can be created at home. There is a time commitment involved but I believe it will be worth it. 

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher through Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

About the Book:

A beautiful book of seasonal projects for using the 

brilliant spectrum of colors derived from plants to 

naturally dye your clothing and home textiles.

Organized by season, Natural Color is a beautifully photographed guide to the full range of plant dyes available, drawn from commonly found fruits, flowers, trees, and herbs, with accompanying projects. Using sustainable methods and artisanal techniques, designer, artist, and professor Sasha Duerr details achievable ways to apply these limitless color possibilties to your home and wardrobe. Whether you are new to dyeing or more practiced, Duerr's clear and simple ingredients lists, step-by-step instructions, and detailed breakouts on techniques such as shibori, dip-dye, and block printing will ensure beautiful results. With recipes to dye everything from dresses and sweaters to rugs and napkins, Natural Color will inspire fashion enthusiasts, home decorators, textile lovers, and everyone else who wants to bring more color into their life.   

Out of Time series

Here are a few of my favorite quotes from the last book

in the series A Time To Rise.

A Time to Rise ~ Review

A Time to Rise
Out of Time series #3
By Nadine Brades

BREAKING NEWS:  

Parvin Blackwater is dead....

In an attempt to prove that Parvin was wrong and that the new clocks were not faulty the Council tested her. But to the Council's dismay Parvin's new clock was overridden and she died while they watched. This is the story that follows Parvin's untimely and unexpected death...

Parvin's friends, family, and the Radicals are shocked at this unexpected turn of events.  The Wall to the USE had been breached and they were going to rescue Tawny and free Willow from the Council. But their capture changed everything.

A secret burial hidden away from anyone except a few Enforcers, Parvin is to be forgotten. There is just one problem God has other plans for this young woman who has finally determined to live life. And she has an important role yet to play.

But the Council was wrong - Parvin did die and yet she managed to survive. And she is gong to bring down the Wall. And this time a small breach that can be blocked isn't enough - she's going to bring down the Projected Wall.  There is just one problem - the information they need is in Russia and travel is under the control of the Council. But where God wills there is always a way.

A Time to Rise has some unexpected twists that one didn't see coming but looking back on the previous books there were little hints that this could have happened. There are moments when it appears that all has been lost and Parvin's struggle for Shalom may have been in vain. But that is the beauty of life until the last breath has been breathed there is always hope.

The Out of Time series unlike many dystopian works offers hope and this hope is an eternal kind not one that can easily be lost when a governmental change. This hope is not found in the promise of war and rebellion but rather in a change of heart.

I was provided an advanced copy of this book by the author in exchange for my honest review. I so enjoyed this book that I have purchased a paperback copy to complete the series.

About the Book:
What more can you sacrifice than your life?

Parvin Blackwater is dead.

At least that's what the Council and the world thinks. But her sacrifice tore down part of the Wall long enough to stir up hope and rebellion in the people. Now she will rise again. Strong, free, and fearless.

Parvin and Solomon must uncover the mysterious clues that Jude left behind in order to destroy the projected Wall once and for all. Meanwhile, the Council schemes to new levels of technology in its attempts to keep the people contained. Can a one-handed Radical and a scarred ex-Enforcer really bring shalom to the world?

Murder at Alastair Castle ~ Review with Trailer and Giveaway

The Murders at Astaire Castle
A Mac Faraday Mystery #5
By Lauren Carr
Narrated by Dan Lawson

Astaire Castle is to be feared - it is haunted and it is the site of several murders, suicides, and unexplained disappearances.  And Mac Faraday owns it. And unfortunately Mac Faraday is determined to explore this mysterious and forbidden castle. He's been warned and that's the worst way to keep Mac from doing something dangerous.

But when Mac explores this foreboding construction on Spencer's Mountain he is not ready for the newest string of murders that are about to become part of the lore of Astaire Castle.

Does the past have any bearing on the present murders? Or is Astaire Castle truly haunted? A ghost, a wolf man, a shape-shifter, a black widow, a full moon, and Gnarly - this will be one Halloween that no one in Spencer will soon forget.

The opening of The Murders at Astaire Castle is creepily scary, perfect to listen to in the dark, which I did not realizing just how perfect this was for setting the mood for a scary night up. Then the story shifts to the present day and the seemingly normal day-to-day life of Mac Faraday in Spencer. The search for a missing elderly woman leads to Mac learning of his unknown castle and Gnarly being his thieving, helpful self.

With a wide range of characters there are plenty of suspects unless one believes the rumors that the murderer is not of human variety... And I might suggest another location for vacations other than Spencer - it can be dangerous to your health.

My favorite scene is when Mac is dreaming about bologna and Gnarly is helping himself to it out of the refrigerator. It is quite memorable and I think Mac needs to have real hard look at his late night snacks if he gets these kinds of dreams.

The narrator does a fine job moving the story along with his reading. The various characters have discernible voices that differ from the story narration.  


I was provided a review copy of this audiobook by the author in exchange for my honest review.

About the Book

Never tell Mac Faraday not to do something.

Spencer's police chief, David O'Callaghan, learns this lesson the hard way when he orders Mac Faraday to stay away from the south end of Spencer's mountaintop - even though he owns the property. It doesn't take long for Mac to find out what lies on the other side of the stone wall and locked gate, on which hangs a sign warning visitors to Keep Out!

Topping the list of the 10 top haunted places in America, Astaire Castle is associated with two suicides, three mysterious disappearances, and four murders since it was built almost a century ago - and Mac Faraday owns it!

​

In spite of David's warning, Mac can't resist unlocking the gate to see the castle that supposedly hasn't seen a living soul since his late mother had ordered it closed up after the double homicide and disappearance of Damian Wagner, a world-famous master of horror novels.

​

What starts out as a quick tour of a dusty old castle turns into another Mac Faraday adventure when Astaire Castle becomes the scene of even more murders. Mac is going to need to put all of his investigative talents to work to sort out this case that involves the strangest characters he has run into yet - including a wolf man. No, we're not talking about Gnarly.

Buy the Book:   Amazon  ~  Audible

Author's Bio:

Lauren Carr is the international best-selling author of the Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, and Thorny Rose Mysteries. The twelfth installment in the Mac Faraday Mystery series, Candidate for Murder will be released June 2016.

Lauren is a popular speaker who has made appearances at schools, youth groups, and on author panels at conventions. She lives with her husband, son, and four dogs (including the real Gnarly) on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV.

Connect with Lauren: Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook

Giveaway:​

Prizes: ​

Win an audiobook copy of The Murders at Astaire Castle by Lauren Carr 

(2 winners - open int’l)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Michelangelo’s Ghost ~ Review and Giveaway

Michelangelo’s Ghost

A Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt Mystery #4

By Gigi Pandian

Jaya Jones is fascinated by history - she's made it her life's work as professor and an occasional discoverer of lost pieces of history. And her former mentor is about to give her the chance of a lifetime or the chance to destroy her career. And if the clues that Lilith Vine has discovered lead to the discovery that they are hoping for they will rewrite the known history of Renaissance art.

But all too soon Jaya's newest treasure hunt takes a dangerous turn. With a murderer seemingly on her trail can Jaya stay one step ahead and find the lost art of Lazzaro Allegri? Or will she too be lost to the ravages of time?

Jaya leaves San Francisco behind for the mysteries of the Park of Monsters of Bomarzo, Italy. Once in Italy she learns of a local story about a ghost that haunts the area and wails in its grief. Is this an important link that could provide a clue or is this something more sinister?  Jaya, along with her brother, is going to find the missing link between Lazzaro Allegri, Michelangelo, and Renaissance era Italy and India.

Michelangelo's Ghost is a fun who-dun-it with a wide cast of potential suspects spread across the globe. This is the first book by Gigi Pandian I have read and I can safely say it won't be the last. This story was complete unto itself and reading the previous titles wasn't necessary to fully enjoy it. There were references to other trips that Jaya had previously taken but this didn't detract from the story and just interested me in reading the previous three books. This is a fun read and perfect for unwinding with, except that it kept me up reading because I just had to read one more chapter.

I was provided an Advanced Uncorrected Review Copy by the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

As a fun side excursion I found an interesting site that has pictures of the different sculptures from the book http://www.bomarzo.net/index_en.html

About the Book:

A lost work of art linking India to the Italian Renaissance. A killer hiding behind a centuries-old ghost story. And a hidden treasure in Italy’s macabre sculpture garden known as the Park of Monsters… Can treasure-hunting historian Jaya Jones unmask a killer ghost?

Filled with the unexpected twists, vivid historical details, and cross-cultural connections Pandian is known for, Michelangelo’s Ghost is the most fast-paced and spellbinding Jaya Jones novel to date.

When Jaya’s old professor dies under eerie circumstances shortly after discovering manuscripts that point to a treasure in Italy’s Park of Monsters, Jaya and her brother pick up the trail. From San Francisco to the heart of Italy, Jaya is haunted by a ghost story inexorably linked to the masterpieces of a long-dead artist and the deeds of a modern-day murderer. Untrustworthy colleagues, disappearing boyfriends, and old enemies—who can Jaya trust when the ghost wails?

Praise for Gigi Pandian's Jaya Jones Mysteries:

“Charming characters, a hint of romantic conflict, and just the right amount of danger will garner more fans for this cozy series.” – Publishers Weekly on Quicksand

“Pandian’s sprightly prose celebrates the pleasures of Italian painting, food, and landscape. The light touch, swift pace, and verve maintained throughout the novel disguise the deeper thought and scholarship underpinning the story, which like the stage props of a conjurer, make the magic happen.”– Linda Lappin, Author of Signatures in Stone: A Bomarzo Mystery

Buy the Book:

Amazon  ~  Barnes and Noble

Author's Bio:

USA Today bestselling author Gigi Pandian is the child of cultural anthropologists from New Mexico and the southern tip of India. She spent her childhood being dragged around the world, and now lives in the San Francisco Bay Area. Gigi writes the Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt mysteries, the Accidental Alchemist mysteries, and locked-room mystery short stories. Gigi’s debut novel, Artifact, was awarded a Malice Domestic Grant and named a “Best of 2012” debut by Suspense Magazine. Her fiction has been awarded the Lefty Award and short-listed for Macavity and Agatha Awards. Sign up for her email newsletter at www.gigipandian.com/newsletter.

Connect with the author: Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook

Giveaway:​

One grand prize winner will receive:

 ​

- Signed copies of the first 3 books in the series

- 6 book-themed recipe cards from the locations where each book is set

(Italy, Scotland, India, France, and the US)

- $20 gift certificate to the winner’s favorite bookstore

Open to USA and Canada

Giveaway ends on Oct 29

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Candidate ~ Review

The Candidate
A Newsmakers Novel #2
By Lis Wiehl

    with Sebastian Stuart

Erica Sparks rose to the rating crown when she brought GNN founder Nylan Hastings down with her investigative journalism. The pressure is on her to stay on the top and with the Presidential Campaign getting ready to enter the last months she has plenty of potential stories to keep her viewers tuning in.

When tragedy strikes just feet away from where Erica is reporting the Democratic race for the Presidential nominee is drastically altered.  Something is wrong, Erica just can't figure out what it is. And she is determined to uncover the truth.

Erica's life is finally becoming what she wants it to be. She has custody of Jenny, she lives in a nice apartment, she's engaged, and she's the nation's top-rated cable-news host. But everything isn't the way she expected it to be. Her job keeps her away from Jenny more than she wants. Her fiance, Greg Underwood, is in another country. And her ratings aren't assured.

The upcoming Presidential election is a chance for Erica to prove that she is more than just a pretty face who got a lucky break. This election will be historic no matter the outcome - the Democratics have Mike Ortiz who could be the first Latino President and the Republicans have Lucy Winters who could be the first woman President. Erica is dedicated to revealing the truth about the candidates to the American people and her integrity is not for sale. But someone is determined to keep the truth under wraps and they are willing to do anything to keep it hidden.

Erica is about to find out just how far someone is willing to go to protect their secrets and she may not make it to election day!

Overall the book was pretty good.  The switch from first person to third person in the presentation is at times a bit jarring to the story flow. I'm not a fan of this type switch in perspective, I have no problem with the change between character voice though as it adds depth to the characters. There are a couple of characters whom one just cannot like from the first moment they are mentioned. The drive of certain people to obtain their individual goal is almost unbelievable. I can't say that this behind the scenes look at campaigning makes one want to throw in their own hat - it can prove dangerous to your health.

Thomas Nelson is known as being a Christian publisher but this book like several of their other recent releases does not have a Christian element that is discernible.

I was provided an advanced copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for my honest review with no expectations of a positive review.


About the Book:

How far will a candidate go to become president? 

Erica Sparks—America’s top-rated cable-news host—is about to find out.

Mike Ortiz is a dynamic war hero favored to win the White House. Standing by his side is his glamorous and adoring wife, Celeste. But something about this seemingly perfect couple troubles Erica. Is Celeste really who she seems? And most importantly, what really happened in that squalid Al-Qaeda prison where Mike Ortiz spent nine months?

But more than the nation’s future is at stake. Erica’s relentless search for the truth puts the life of her preteen daughter Jenny in danger, even as Erica’s own dark past threatens to overtake her.

In her latest Newsmakers thriller, New York Times bestselling author and Fox News legal analyst Lis Wiehl weaves a taut and chilling story. The Candidate is packed with political intrigue and media manipulation as the lust for power turns deadly indeed.

A Time to Speak ~ Review

A Time to Speak
Out of Time #2
By Nadine Brandes

Her brother was murdered before her very eyes. Willow was kept from returning to the West. Elm was trapped within the wall at Opening 3. And Parvin Blackwater's association with Solomon Hawke is now known.

With the information stolen from Jude clocks are coming. Radicals illegal or registered will no longer be clockless, the Council will make sure everyone is matched. Parvin is determined to stop this danger that she alone seems capable of seeing. Can she rescue Willow and stop the Council before it is too late?

But the Council has plans and Parvin is about to find out just what they have planned for her. And she's not going to be pleased.

The Council is targeting Radicals and Low City citizens and Parvin is determined to be their voice and warn them of the coming danger. If all else fails she will lead them through the Wall to the safety of Ivanhoe.

When the Enforcers begin rounding up people Parvin makes sure she is included so as to provide guidance to her people.  But when they find themselves on a cargo ship heading to an unknown location, Parvin must overcome her doubts and rely on the faith that she has claimed as her own. After all she has felt the call to speak and she will go wherever she is lead.

Parvin is a Radical turned Rebel and she is about to show the Council just how far she will go to be a voice against their lies. Parvin is determined to be the voice of truth to any and all who will listen.

Her family and friends have been separated. Some are in hiding, others are in the custody of the government, and some are with her. A year ago Parvin was convinced that she would soon die, but now she is determined to live. And her life is going to make a difference to the world.

This is the second book in the Out of Time series and it is as intense as the first book A Time to Die. Skelley Chase is as despicable as he was when he pulled the trigger that ended Reid's life, if not more so. This is an emotional journey, a journey of discovery, and a journey in search of the truth. Teens and adults who love dystopian and science fiction will enjoy this continuation Parvin's journey.

I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

About the Book:

What happens when you live longer than you wanted to?

Parvin Blackwater wanted to die, but now she's being called to be a leader. The only problem is, no one wants to follow.

The Council uses Jude's Clock-matching invention to force "new-and-improved" Clocks on the public. Those who can't afford one are packed into boxcars like cattle and used for the Council's purposes.

Parvin and Hawke find themselves on a cargo ship of Radicals headed out to sea. What will the Council do to them? And why are people suddenly dying before their Clocks have zeroed-out?