tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76731581618312735232024-03-12T19:22:55.596-04:00Quilts and BooksMy quilting journal along with occasional romance novel reviews.Phylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14665665401551658932noreply@blogger.comBlogger388125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7673158161831273523.post-91345430234784447532018-11-20T20:36:00.000-05:002018-11-20T20:37:11.986-05:00Long time no see!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hello Friends! So apparently it's been nearly a year since I posted anything here. To the 2 or 3 of you who check in here once in a while, I'm sorry. I decided to quit participating in the TBR Challenge, at least as a contributor. I do still like to see what everyone else is reading and I've found some excellent reads as a result. But lately my energies have been focused on my quilts. 2018 has been a productive quilting year, and here are some things I have finished to date.</div>
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1. This is a mini quilt made up of a couple hundred tiny 60-degree triangles. I don't know what possessed me to choose this pattern. It drove me nuts. But I do like it. I made it for an Instagram swap. You can see more of these quilts on IG if you search #bwqs2018.</div>
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2. I wanted a new throw pillow for my bed. Something for me!</div>
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3. I was commissioned to make a baby quilt for a friend's sister-in-law. I quilted it with glow-in-the dark thread. It is so cool, if I do say so myself. I free-motion quilted stars, moons, and galaxies (the spirals).<br />
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4. Dear friends celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary this summer. He's a Phillies fan (yay!); she's a Pirates fan (boo!).</div>
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5. A nephew on my husband's side got married. This is one of my late mother-in-law's unfinished projects that I finished for them.</div>
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6. Baby quilt for my godson's first child. His wife wanted something "very pink."<br />
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7. Anyone remember when stenciling everything in sight was all the rage? I've had this stenciled pineapple for nearly 30 years. I finally sewed on some borders, hand quilted around the pineapple, and it's done.<br />
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8. Another IG swap. This one was "plus quilts." #plusquiltswap2018.</div>
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9. These are little paper-pieced fall leaves that I put together into a small hanging. I gave it to a co-worker as a wedding gift.<br />
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There are a few more in the works. Hopefully I'll post pictures of those before another year goes by. Thanks for reading!Phylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14665665401551658932noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7673158161831273523.post-73439254964582817732017-12-30T23:26:00.000-05:002017-12-30T23:26:45.364-05:00Catching up on quiltsI can't believe it's been over 4 months since I last posted here. I've totally dropped the ball on the TBR challenge, and I've decided not to join for 2018. There's been a lot to occupy me this last year, and with luck I'll be starting a new job in February. Time will tell about that. Meanwhile, the quilting has continued. In fact I had several I needed to make on short deadlines. So here's what I finished from August-December this year.<br />
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First up is this baby quilt I made for some friends' baby girl. The dad is a huge Star Wars fan, so I was able to include a special fabric just for him. There are several patterns or tutorials for this out there. I used the <a href="http://www.jenibakerpatterns.com/product/simple-addition-quilt-pdf-pattern" target="_blank">Arithmetic Quilt</a> pattern. Some people also call it a "Plus Quilt." This was made totally from my stash.<br />
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Next was another mini for an Instagram swap. I wasn't going to sign up for any more in 2017, but I couldn't help myself. This particular swap was based on a specific group of patterns. You can see examples of the other quilts by searching #makeitmodernswap on Instagram.<br />
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I liked that easy pattern so much that when I needed a very quick retirement gift in November, I whipped out another one. The recipient works for a university and the school colors are purple and white.<br />
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The final finishes of the year were gifts for family members. I needed them finished for Christmas. This first one used a fabric collection by one of my favorite designers, <a href="http://valoriwells.com/" target="_blank">Valori Wells</a>. I love how bright and colorful it turned out.<br />
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And the last one for the year is for a new great-nephew. Something for him to grow into. I'm really pleased with how it turned out. Pattern by <a href="https://ivoryspring.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Wendy Sheppard</a>.<br />
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So 2017 ends with a total of 15 quilts. I haven't always kept track year by year, but I think this may have been my most productive year yet. I hope 2018 is just as good.<br />
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Happy New Year friends!Phylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14665665401551658932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7673158161831273523.post-36150233857180537242017-08-16T11:50:00.000-04:002017-08-16T11:50:27.930-04:00TBR Day. The Villa / Nora Roberts. 2001<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've been working my way through <a href="http://www.noraroberts.com/" target="_blank">Nora Roberts'</a> single-title back list. There are some real classics there that I have thoroughly enjoyed (especially <b>Public Secrets</b>). So for this month's theme of "Kickin' it Old School," <b>The Villa</b> seemed a good choice.<br />
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<b>The Villa</b> tells the story of the Giambelli family and their wine-making empire. Presiding over the family is Tereza, grandmother of the heroine, Sophia. Tereza's second husband is Eli MacMillan, a neighboring wine-maker. Together, the two of them decide to merge their empires, throwing Eli's grandson Tyler into closer contact with Sophia. Tyler is the farmer, nurturing the vines. Sophia is the business-woman and public face of the company. The merger brings all sorts of drama into their lives as an outsider is brought in to become the COO and Sophia's cousin Don resents being pushed aside. Naturally, because it's La Nora after all, this leads to murder and acts of sabotage. Sophia and Tyler have to work side-by-side to preserve the company's reputation and stop the person behind the attempts to bring the Giambelli family to its knees.<br />
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For a contemporary that's 16 years old, it holds up pretty well. There is a lot of faxing of documents, and not everyone carries a cell phone yet, but it the book doesn't feel antiquated in our current smartphone era.<br />
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I did enjoy this book quite a lot. I like how it takes place over the course of 10 months. There's time for relationships to grow and develop. While there is incidental stuff about wine-making, it doesn't take over the story. The focus really is on the Giambelli and MacMillan families, their friends, and their intertwined relationships. There's a big reveal at the end involving one of the murders that I thought came totally out of left field and was not quite believable. So I won't rank in my top 5 of Roberts' single-titles, it was still a solid, enjoyable read.<br />
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<br />Phylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14665665401551658932noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7673158161831273523.post-2412001947706353052017-07-23T23:23:00.000-04:002017-07-23T23:23:09.562-04:00Three More Quilts2017 is shaping up to be a banner year for sewing! I am enjoying the luxury of a great deal of spare time right now. Most of my evenings after work are spent quietly at home as are many of my weekends, giving me plenty of opportunities to sew. So here are three more quilts I've finished recently. I think that brings my total up to 11 for the year (granted many of them have been quite small).<br />
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First up is another mini, paper-pieced quilt. I bought the pattern several years ago and have wanted to make it sooner rather than later. The pattern is by Eileen Sullivan of <a href="http://thedesignersworkshop.com/" target="_blank">Designers Workshop</a>. Her patterns are easy to make if you're an experienced paper piecer, but there sure are a lot of little pieces in this!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj94qBHmPhSldtTGiXkp_iQUnWWIarcZQkPb0fucvCPnac_KaxaDELYd7DhfvkeVHiH95RKijIJEnC3AbOa6QdZi0NOs9Yz5JlzVaHh4fkguNpgLDNEK6PaoA0nxZFarA-VmPoujlebdPTD/s1600/fullsizeoutput_ea9.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1228" data-original-width="1045" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj94qBHmPhSldtTGiXkp_iQUnWWIarcZQkPb0fucvCPnac_KaxaDELYd7DhfvkeVHiH95RKijIJEnC3AbOa6QdZi0NOs9Yz5JlzVaHh4fkguNpgLDNEK6PaoA0nxZFarA-VmPoujlebdPTD/s320/fullsizeoutput_ea9.jpeg" width="272" /></a></div>
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Next up is a quilt called Bonfire Sampler from <a href="http://www.genxquilters.com/" target="_blank">AnneMarie Chany's</a> book <b>Sister Sampler Quilts</b>. AnneMarie spoke at my guild last year and a friend and I were inspired to participate in her blog's 2016 quilt along. My friend and I made 2 of each block and swapped half our blocks. I really love this quilt so much because it was something I did with someone who is very important to me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbioKBcQFhxLvUXdfOmaW6GF-k0XNLsBmxr7rZ59MlYI2v-6I4NTfqewQZUyjplUgyOl1I9VMmRM_-VreDYPvH3OeI6svrfhK2d383bn1nuHP08XMw-NmjBAh3gSr_FWVjOhYmaRszXaA8/s1600/fullsizeoutput_eab.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1059" data-original-width="1533" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbioKBcQFhxLvUXdfOmaW6GF-k0XNLsBmxr7rZ59MlYI2v-6I4NTfqewQZUyjplUgyOl1I9VMmRM_-VreDYPvH3OeI6svrfhK2d383bn1nuHP08XMw-NmjBAh3gSr_FWVjOhYmaRszXaA8/s320/fullsizeoutput_eab.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This last one was a very quick project I made in just over a week. I was able to do this because my family was away for a week and I didn't have to cook or clean. It's a baby quilt for another friend's sister-in-law. The pattern is from <a href="https://mapleislandquilts.com/" target="_blank">Maple Island Quilts</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6k46NXbez0qcVqJcXeUMX1yNsuGJPFhZif0PiCBSJKbSNyDTh7bQDluzk3uZPd8q7nuBPe3Ymoex7WJrhv9w0D8flJ3GgFvVCrhyC4Ka4YSDaXOmwD0zZQvBGkiPzsue8PW_XAYyrydo2/s1600/fullsizeoutput_ea7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1492" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6k46NXbez0qcVqJcXeUMX1yNsuGJPFhZif0PiCBSJKbSNyDTh7bQDluzk3uZPd8q7nuBPe3Ymoex7WJrhv9w0D8flJ3GgFvVCrhyC4Ka4YSDaXOmwD0zZQvBGkiPzsue8PW_XAYyrydo2/s320/fullsizeoutput_ea7.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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No more mini quilts for a while. I just spent three hours basting a full-sized quilt and I'll start piecing another one that's just shy of full-sized later this week. And I need to squeeze another baby quilt in before Labor Day.<br />
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Goals. I have them.<br />
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Thanks for stopping by!Phylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14665665401551658932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7673158161831273523.post-62385162456681260582017-07-19T06:30:00.000-04:002017-07-19T06:30:16.569-04:00TBR Day. Magnolia Moon / JoAnn Ross. 2003I know this is series catch-up month, but I decided to dig back into the <a href="http://phylsquiltsbooks.blogspot.com/2017/06/tbr-day-baby-contract-lynn-erickson-1996.html" target="_blank">big ol' basket of books</a> for this month's read. Interestingly, this is the third in a trilogy, but I've read neither of the earlier books. In fact, I've read only a few books by <a href="http://www.joannross.com/" target="_blank">JoAnn Ross</a>, and none recently.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkV2axi2E618R0GOlbIALOXlUHxbGl3QZYolzS_GQPzfuQ9A4AjqB_Gbsc7hIeMsJj86oVx5fNKARsQBIHPyHfgm7B5QcmrIlKn-r1oI0mX8a7ZMoTKM5sjYOyzWrfDtk8gEKwNnDf3K3U/s1600/cover-magnolia-moon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="390" data-original-width="251" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkV2axi2E618R0GOlbIALOXlUHxbGl3QZYolzS_GQPzfuQ9A4AjqB_Gbsc7hIeMsJj86oVx5fNKARsQBIHPyHfgm7B5QcmrIlKn-r1oI0mX8a7ZMoTKM5sjYOyzWrfDtk8gEKwNnDf3K3U/s320/cover-magnolia-moon.jpg" width="205" /></a></div>
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Here's the blurb:</div>
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<b>L.A. homicide detective Regan Hart’s life is turned upside down with the discovery that she was adopted. Following a trail left in her birth mother’s journal, she lands in Louisiana’s Blue Bayou, where she’s determined not to let Nate Callahan, the town’s handsome, sweet-talking mayor, distract her from her search.</b></div>
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<b>Nate Callahan loves women – and they’ve always loved him right back. No-nonsense Regan couldn’t be more different from his usual type, but as they spend time together, unlocking the puzzles of Regan’s past, neither can deny the attraction sizzling between them – and both come to realize that family bonds are forged not through blood ties, but through choices of the heart.</b></div>
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One of the things that often happens when you pick up the last book of a trilogy first, is the sense that you're missing enough back story to dull your enjoyment of the book in your hand. I'm happy to say that I didn't find that to be the case here. Nate's two brothers, heroes in the first two books, are either present or talked about, but aren't really key to this story. Their back stories are told, but briefly. The book focuses on Nate and Regan, a fact that I appreciated.</div>
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The setting in the small Louisiana town of Blue Bayou was charming and fun. Everyone knows that Regan is looking for information about her birth mother, but they also think she's going to leave L.A. to fill their vacant sheriff's position. The romance is a slow build as Nate takes Regan around town to help her discover the truth about her background. There's a mystery to solve, but this isn't in any way a suspense novel. There's also a secondary story about a runaway teenager who Nate takes under his wing.</div>
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All in all, another pleasant read out of the basket. I enjoyed this one a lot, but I won't go back and read the previous books in the series (I'm pretty sure they aren't in the basket). I may, however, go read some newer books by this author.</div>
<br />Phylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14665665401551658932noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7673158161831273523.post-55079099402905211132017-06-30T16:48:00.001-04:002017-06-30T16:48:59.318-04:00Two Mini Quilts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My spring was busy with more two more <a href="https://www.instagram.com/quilterphyl/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> mini quilt swaps. I've decided to lay off the swaps for a while. I have several larger projects to finish. If I make progress on those, maybe I'll join one again in the new year.</div>
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Hopefully you recognize the Millennium Falcon. This was for a Star Wars fandom swap, with a due date of late April, so it would be done in time for May the Force Be With You Day (May 4th). Check out <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/maythe4thmqs2/" target="_blank">#maythe4thmqs2</a> if you want to see some really amazing Death Stars, character quilts and more! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ZF3agkP9p3vf-JLQt7TK-uFwoFgRKKdAjTQeoHMG-4qxIgWvmbGXHu9HMmRsSO7C7cmReDr-rUQQRoUdZtQcH8VcXQ0ijXPVw5iYTtBbf2H4YmmkcTIfWM6HWdC0NBKgbDdLdwhq6S2o/s1600/mini+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1152" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ZF3agkP9p3vf-JLQt7TK-uFwoFgRKKdAjTQeoHMG-4qxIgWvmbGXHu9HMmRsSO7C7cmReDr-rUQQRoUdZtQcH8VcXQ0ijXPVw5iYTtBbf2H4YmmkcTIfWM6HWdC0NBKgbDdLdwhq6S2o/s320/mini+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This was due in early June for an animal quilt swap. My partner expressed a love of red pandas, so I made this for her. I love this little quilt, but it was a bear to put together. It had 20 different sections, while the Millennium Falcon only had 6 sections. You can see some of the remarkable animal quilts at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/animalquiltswap2017/" target="_blank">#animalquiltswap2017</a>. There's quite a variety.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR_rY3UJ2otjtg5Khyphenhyphent6XtjlBTejHWmwHr8eFkYMxatpJOT5WskQJNBv9Z4qaAUZ3WZAEigLDi098DhOMw0e7IyrvpsjuRGl7a6oEO2kVkHJN5PRTRosGzChcK5NSvEXE5jZzD5OuNxl1j/s1600/mini3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR_rY3UJ2otjtg5Khyphenhyphent6XtjlBTejHWmwHr8eFkYMxatpJOT5WskQJNBv9Z4qaAUZ3WZAEigLDi098DhOMw0e7IyrvpsjuRGl7a6oEO2kVkHJN5PRTRosGzChcK5NSvEXE5jZzD5OuNxl1j/s320/mini3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Phylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14665665401551658932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7673158161831273523.post-72357914739286662142017-06-21T12:24:00.000-04:002017-06-21T12:24:11.936-04:00TBR Day. The Baby Contract / Lynn Erickson. 1996<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlHo-rLrT946A24oeTf-1AsbgTXBblE4-ZpP6EaIbDb9NMddPHO4KOSg0APucpOgjIxa-8MdIO7CHUGQnd1wQ-VrmNHQt3PJ76-jTL2BxP0nQUnyqdIXs0_6d94IVMLxME_P2xkHFRYnEm/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlHo-rLrT946A24oeTf-1AsbgTXBblE4-ZpP6EaIbDb9NMddPHO4KOSg0APucpOgjIxa-8MdIO7CHUGQnd1wQ-VrmNHQt3PJ76-jTL2BxP0nQUnyqdIXs0_6d94IVMLxME_P2xkHFRYnEm/s320/6.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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Please indulge me while I give you a little back story to this month's TBR choice. If you follow me on <a href="https://twitter.com/QuilterPhyl" target="_blank">Twitter</a> you may have seen me post a picture of this basket of books on Sunday.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHblrsLGOx3hcIUn_RFoBFq3qyVKFAynbluIqOW-P6o_c3VauUSG3bWXU_ZffUl3LSGAvupfAMuvEEOVs94cVpH82Ar7AhiOXBLmX3t6qpnen9_hc8sRfllhdRyb0tR6ThhsmMI3-6oq4k/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHblrsLGOx3hcIUn_RFoBFq3qyVKFAynbluIqOW-P6o_c3VauUSG3bWXU_ZffUl3LSGAvupfAMuvEEOVs94cVpH82Ar7AhiOXBLmX3t6qpnen9_hc8sRfllhdRyb0tR6ThhsmMI3-6oq4k/s320/7.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
This collection of books as a history. Several years ago Friend T. gifted Friend L. with 50 romance books to celebrate Friend L.'s 50th birthday. A few years later Friend L. added 5 more books to the pile and re-gifted it to Friend T. for Friend T.'s 55th birthday. We were reminiscing about that back in February and I laughingly reminded them that I would be turning 60 later in the spring. And so I was delighted (although not really surprised) to find this basket of books on my front porch this past Sunday, the day after my birthday. My physical TBR doubled in size! (We won't talk about the size of my electronic TBR.) Interestingly most of the books are from the 1990s and early 2000s; I've previously read very few of them.<br />
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With TBR Day around the corner, I figured I needed to choose something from the basket to read and I picked one that would be quick to read. So hence this 1996 Harlequin Superromance was my pick. Baby tropes are not my favorite, but I'll give props to this book for being an unusual entry in the category.<br />
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Author Lynn Erickson is a pseudonym for the writing team of Carla Peltonen and Molly Swanton. It appears they wrote as a team from about 1980 until 2004. I found no website. Here's the blurb:<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Late one night, Bettie Gay Bryson finds herself sitting in a police station in Tucson, Arizona. Her cowardly ex-boyfriend held up a store and took off, leaving her there to face the law. Leaving her with only the clothes on her back - and the baby growing inside her.</span></div>
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Greg Tyrrell, hard-driving investigator for the county attorney, offers her a deal. No prosecution, plus her living expenses paid - if she'll act as bait in his plan to snare the ruthless head of a baby-selling ring. What choice does she have? B.G. agrees.</div>
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<span id="freeText311477925783362078">This decision marks the beginning of her new life, especially when she starts to fall in love with Greg Tyrrell - the man who leads B.G. and her baby into danger...and out of it.</span> </div>
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There's something strange about reading a 20-year old contemporary. It's really not that old, but enough has changed in that time span that parts of it just felt off. For example, Greg has a "cellular" phone, not a "cell" phone. Absolutely correct usage in 1996, but not so much today.<br />
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Anyhow, in a nutshell, this was an interesting story of a young woman left absolutely destitute by her no-good boyfriend. B.G. agrees to help the local prosecutors engage in a sting operation to bring down an attorney who is illegally selling infants to desperate, wealthy adoptive parents. Despite some poor choices, B.G. is determined to learn to make better ones, and exert some control over her life. Greg is focused on passing the bar and becoming a wealthy attorney so he can leave his blue collar roots behind. As B.G. works with Greg she struggles with her attraction to him against the remnants of affection she feels for her previous boyfriend. Greg also struggles against his own feelings of attraction which he feels are inappropriate. He behaves like a condescending jerk at times, so I wasn't so fond of him. I did like B.G. quite a lot though.<br />
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All in all this was a mildly entertaining book. Not exceptional, but no regrets about reading it. Just what I needed to be able to have something ready for today.<br />
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Happy birthday to meeeeeeeee :)Phylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14665665401551658932noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7673158161831273523.post-6583243713409984792017-04-19T11:01:00.000-04:002017-04-19T11:01:28.770-04:00TBR Day. Act Like It / Lucy Parker. 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A couple of weeks ago I noticed a tweet go by from <a href="http://www.sandraschwab.com/" target="_blank">Sandra Schwab</a> to <a href="http://www.lucyparkerfiction.com/" target="_blank">Lucy Parker</a> saying how much she was enjoying this book. The tweet rang a bell, and sure enough-- it was buried on my Kindle. Perfect. I had my April TBR read.<br />
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<b>Act Like It</b> is Parker's debut book and the first in her "London Celebrities" series. Actor Richard Troy's bad-boy act is at the point of costing him his career. Lainie Graham, an actress with a secondary role in the same West End London play as Richard, agrees to fake a relationship with him in order to smooth over his public image. Despite sharing the same profession, Richard and Lainie are quite different. Richard comes from a wealthy background, was an only child of neglectful parents, and his father died while he was young. Lainie, though, comes from a close-knit middle class family. When she's not working, she's at work raising funds to combat cancer--a disease that recently took Lainie's teen-aged sister.<br />
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Neither Richard or Lainie are happy about their forced "relationship," but of course that changes as they get to know one another. Lainie is a great character who has no trouble standing up to Richard and challenging him. All of this takes place against the backdrop of the London theater scene and the very public lives Richard and Lainie live. Each chapter begins with a tweet emphasizing the spotlight they live under.<br />
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This book is full of smart dialogue and laced with humor. I loved the theater setting and the public nature of their lives. It was quick-paced and engrossing. I almost hated to finish it. A very well-done debut by Parker and I recommend it. Book 2 in the series, <b>Pretty Face</b>, has been out since February and now added to the TBR. Which, of course means that the TBR is still the exact same size. Sigh. Hopefully I'll get to it sooner than later.Phylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14665665401551658932noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7673158161831273523.post-28201354348222906102017-04-13T23:40:00.000-04:002017-04-13T23:40:06.318-04:00Three Recent Quilts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Lots of sewing continues to happen in my world. I've finished a couple of small projects recently, and one big one. If you follow me on Twitter, you may have seen this first one back in early March. I made it for an Instagram swap. The swap involved using one of several stylized alphabets by Kristy of <a href="http://quietplay.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">QuietPlay</a>. My partner for the swap requested the word feminist and I was delighted to make this for her. I love it so much, I may make another for myself, although another idea is also brewing. We'll see.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0DWP-7IqshjJ8l80kT7WRMoyYZRQkO3RsToZL301a-pwWAqGZfR-WhRNz_7EGxwMvhnRJ60caoAKD3r3lWSjIqwcrYRqaYdy1kvWKykqvvCDurjJvQ5FnOGFWbgNHcA040ZP-EL94BoKe/s1600/fullsizeoutput_e9e.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0DWP-7IqshjJ8l80kT7WRMoyYZRQkO3RsToZL301a-pwWAqGZfR-WhRNz_7EGxwMvhnRJ60caoAKD3r3lWSjIqwcrYRqaYdy1kvWKykqvvCDurjJvQ5FnOGFWbgNHcA040ZP-EL94BoKe/s400/fullsizeoutput_e9e.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I used the slant of the cursive letters to determine the angle of my matchstick quilting lines.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNmczojekIi8PpLHuEO3r3H4wt-cmWQ2NX7Lpe7xv3l5O0HsGGIt1k3WxjXJlTW83ALiHl-BnLzQ5Si18TyPZzNgqm6TiaaQglJCoKZZesSMgXDi0kV6wmAwy17Ny8B8sKA9BXgkG3oUXX/s1600/DSC03324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNmczojekIi8PpLHuEO3r3H4wt-cmWQ2NX7Lpe7xv3l5O0HsGGIt1k3WxjXJlTW83ALiHl-BnLzQ5Si18TyPZzNgqm6TiaaQglJCoKZZesSMgXDi0kV6wmAwy17Ny8B8sKA9BXgkG3oUXX/s400/DSC03324.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Next up is a little wall hanging I pieced back in 2015 and finally got around to quilting in March. It was a detailed little pattern. It looks nice and cheerful hanging near our back door. I just did simple, minimal quilting on this one.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ8gTtZl4OByAORDMfHllq5Q-lhj6LLDgN_6jZlb32_3W6rvHfVYeeLCoFndUcpna64oUEsebx08zQvzmOzdQc47g9KUhzBIgq-uX7tn9T30xpN3bpwX3B12FovvPkfOMElkD-mQqCQWC-/s1600/fullsizeoutput_e9d.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ8gTtZl4OByAORDMfHllq5Q-lhj6LLDgN_6jZlb32_3W6rvHfVYeeLCoFndUcpna64oUEsebx08zQvzmOzdQc47g9KUhzBIgq-uX7tn9T30xpN3bpwX3B12FovvPkfOMElkD-mQqCQWC-/s320/fullsizeoutput_e9d.jpeg" width="244" /></a></div>
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This last one was made for some friends who just had a baby. While traveling last summer, I found the elephant fabric and bought it with no particular plan in mind. The pattern is a composite of several modern designs I've seen online and I drew it up myself on the computer. I love the way this looks and I may use the pattern again. It's 66" x 48".<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhluT8lnPlGrMDwHDRD6Rs1t0p7PjgW3nDAAORscDFbhIE6ji6VV-m9KadtdH_ga6z6Wf6MtycoIgXwg34Dss_1Ds-aHQvOITtWaIXLcq5RFwLAk9PWPayyyiuJ03hSG7SAuGP5HHJg_dzr/s1600/fullsizeoutput_e99.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhluT8lnPlGrMDwHDRD6Rs1t0p7PjgW3nDAAORscDFbhIE6ji6VV-m9KadtdH_ga6z6Wf6MtycoIgXwg34Dss_1Ds-aHQvOITtWaIXLcq5RFwLAk9PWPayyyiuJ03hSG7SAuGP5HHJg_dzr/s320/fullsizeoutput_e99.jpeg" width="277" /></a></div>
<br />Phylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14665665401551658932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7673158161831273523.post-10264661549509227222017-02-22T00:04:00.000-05:002017-02-22T00:04:53.693-05:00Stepping Stones<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz4acGwPA_jMsKLDfYbI9AaOUwxbMKDSi4Z1IpWuXMgmdo_5gEiBsZUmtspJ4L09uGe3Y_fovp6J8dOwYV6784ENBsYV2qi8BvXPAHWh2FghE8Z2TnIiRVbP1ZCYmHrR_8RgzoVh50VOf0/s1600/WeLoveColor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz4acGwPA_jMsKLDfYbI9AaOUwxbMKDSi4Z1IpWuXMgmdo_5gEiBsZUmtspJ4L09uGe3Y_fovp6J8dOwYV6784ENBsYV2qi8BvXPAHWh2FghE8Z2TnIiRVbP1ZCYmHrR_8RgzoVh50VOf0/s320/WeLoveColor.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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Four and a half years ago when I was in Sisters, Oregon for the <a href="http://phylsquiltsbooks.blogspot.com/2012/07/i-made-it-back-to-sisters.html" target="_blank">annual outdoor show</a>, I picked up several yards of a colorful print fabric that I just fell in love with. The fabric was designed by <a href="http://www.valoriwells.com/index.htm" target="_blank">Valori Wells</a>, a native of Sisters and co-owner of the shop that sponsors the annual show. I wasn't quite sure what I was going to do with it, but I was pretty obsessed by it. Some months later I was browsing through my copy of the book <b>We Love Color</b>, a compilation of quilts by designers using all solid-colored fabrics. Ironically, Valori Wells has a quilt in the book, but it wasn't her design that spoke to me, it was the one by Lisa Call. <a href="http://blog.lisacall.com/2012/06/we-love-color/" target="_blank">This link</a> will take you to her blog and a picture of the quilt she made for the book. Her inspiration for the design is pretty cool. Anyhow, I was able to take her muted color palette and translate it into my bright, colorful version of "Stepping Stones."</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG81DJFG-FGWJfC51l0qHbZ9FPr7ddFNaH0YtL-hbH0HcmtsLegRv28SRjRaJXCzQe1XVXzolIcnBv2LvniZU2el2KXAvp2cMQf07Q8dfeObtNmc0bsJkNpleYGcFcqcSwwzVUt4LBIE2H/s1600/fullsizeoutput_e97.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG81DJFG-FGWJfC51l0qHbZ9FPr7ddFNaH0YtL-hbH0HcmtsLegRv28SRjRaJXCzQe1XVXzolIcnBv2LvniZU2el2KXAvp2cMQf07Q8dfeObtNmc0bsJkNpleYGcFcqcSwwzVUt4LBIE2H/s320/fullsizeoutput_e97.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I love this quilt. All of the colors in the focus fabric are used for the "stones" in the various blocks. I used the lines created by the blocks, big and small, to quilt uneven parallel lines vertically and horizontally along the quilt. I found the perfect shade of Aurifil 50 wt. thread that matched the eggplant background. These pictures were taken after I washed the quilt and it shrunk just enough to give it that puffy, soft feel.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtEKkNkWVJCmDDonofCE5g3tDjFNiQAuq1Zav1dMg2QquW_11TrzsZl54N2ziXxbaXgDwMs76vHUCm8OEYFLxE6CfUe4qpXdqIrLhgY6VCEq_pEoI-dC-SjsIz8Yww6VEzy2kr0HaLBOK_/s1600/DSC03249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtEKkNkWVJCmDDonofCE5g3tDjFNiQAuq1Zav1dMg2QquW_11TrzsZl54N2ziXxbaXgDwMs76vHUCm8OEYFLxE6CfUe4qpXdqIrLhgY6VCEq_pEoI-dC-SjsIz8Yww6VEzy2kr0HaLBOK_/s320/DSC03249.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Some of the blocks went a bit wonky in the quilting--it's not technically perfect. But I don't care. I made it as a souvenir of a fabulous vacation and to celebrate a gorgeous piece of fabric. Also, this quilt serves as a lovely reminder of my sister--I cut all the fabrics during her final visit out here when she was still healthy enough to travel.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdgocUiKQesrj44H3tET4IqFj7BbaV8R9UDLi0NJgrR4uQX-_hHfaFDY9draZvh6rCPhjlUQoRGhOH_XUNPNpDMHc4suPip3f491S_vXm2SjyPID5EqNO9OXIqYnwLhtbl8DfXaAaDDb7c/s1600/DSC03252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdgocUiKQesrj44H3tET4IqFj7BbaV8R9UDLi0NJgrR4uQX-_hHfaFDY9draZvh6rCPhjlUQoRGhOH_XUNPNpDMHc4suPip3f491S_vXm2SjyPID5EqNO9OXIqYnwLhtbl8DfXaAaDDb7c/s320/DSC03252.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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See? I loved that fabric so much, I put it on the back.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8C_GkipIuSiavvjFdxEByYU9e7l8k4os6GyqtfHy0pKMmmT0NNwogel48JFRqXNwavntWVnEPFLxWQGkT3OS6n6WqskP5nW0xvFZf-WmChqhyO51fVIlt5zlmuDy_j1P0RIfEBI96n0Pm/s1600/fullsizeoutput_e98.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8C_GkipIuSiavvjFdxEByYU9e7l8k4os6GyqtfHy0pKMmmT0NNwogel48JFRqXNwavntWVnEPFLxWQGkT3OS6n6WqskP5nW0xvFZf-WmChqhyO51fVIlt5zlmuDy_j1P0RIfEBI96n0Pm/s320/fullsizeoutput_e98.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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It took me about 4 days to make the quilt top. I let it sit for over two years until I began quilting it last fall while I watched football. I finished it up in January. My second finish of the year!Phylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14665665401551658932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7673158161831273523.post-27149499878166571232017-01-18T10:24:00.002-05:002017-01-18T10:24:57.125-05:00TBR Day. Finding Comfort on the Keeper Shelf<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I know that TBR Day is all about tackling those unread books cluttering up our shelves and/or devices. Usually, it's not that hard for me to find something to read. But since the outside world has become an unstable and scary place, I find myself drawn to the tried and true, drawn to what I know I will like. And of course, I also find myself spending more time sewing and getting lost in creative spaces. These are good places for me to escape to when there is time to do so-- and I have become incredibly grateful that I have both the time and the means. I try not to take it for granted.</div>
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Concurrently, when Jo Beverley passed away last year, I promised myself I would re-read all of her books. I decided to start with the Rogues series and I picked up <b>The Arranged Marriage</b> back in November. It wasn't until a couple of weeks ago that I moved on to book 2, <b>An Unwilling Bride</b> and then as soon as I finished that one I devoured <b>Christmas Angel</b> over the weekend. I first read these books over 10 years ago and it is delightful to be reminded of little details that have long since been forgotten. My understanding of the history of the years surrounding Waterloo has increased during the last decade, so my appreciating of the setting of these books is, I believe, greater.</div>
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So today, I simply say thank you to Jo Beverley and all the writers like her who wound up on my keeper shelf. There is as much joy, if not more joy in re-reading a book as there was the first time around. We call them comfort reads for a reason and this week I think I need as much comfort as I can find. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-xBW9wgE-Q8D-7v0LG_ruuej6PYGL0F-cjIdNB5QsrwOYCibTetlC0e1sEKKG9w7X79CmJZNAWtm-XIobtfv5p_NTYeY7VMjQhJ9coHGsAzosnBsav-R_6DG9Y1C5gBHudaz6J42kYYyx/s1600/jobevresized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-xBW9wgE-Q8D-7v0LG_ruuej6PYGL0F-cjIdNB5QsrwOYCibTetlC0e1sEKKG9w7X79CmJZNAWtm-XIobtfv5p_NTYeY7VMjQhJ9coHGsAzosnBsav-R_6DG9Y1C5gBHudaz6J42kYYyx/s1600/jobevresized.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Phylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14665665401551658932noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7673158161831273523.post-58334884444837980882017-01-14T18:16:00.001-05:002017-01-14T18:16:21.279-05:00First Finish of the YearIn 2016 I did a lot of sewing, but didn't finish that many things. My goal this year is to catch up on all of those UFOs (Un-Finished Objects) that surround me. I'm going to have to start a few things from scratch, too. I've signed up for 2 more mini-quilt swaps on Instagram and our extended family is expecting two new babies later in the year. I'll be busy making quilts for them.<br />
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Meanwhile I can celebrate this little 18" quilt that I finished earlier this week. It's from the Black & White mini-quilt swap that I signed up for in November. This one will be going to Sweden next week. I can't wait to see what I'll get in return!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmBAJEX3j6dveNYQzjCFVM9XlxHhVDzCQubDFGkS_Tn7eim5mF-QxxF9fdV03-z9YaJNbHCJnQheJ0cMWhyphenhyphenxhITj7fz7PRVgaOpoTFR30UkeCH1Ed3zIawV31_R4lZXEokspHyzGhThMdw/s1600/fullsizeoutput_e96.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmBAJEX3j6dveNYQzjCFVM9XlxHhVDzCQubDFGkS_Tn7eim5mF-QxxF9fdV03-z9YaJNbHCJnQheJ0cMWhyphenhyphenxhITj7fz7PRVgaOpoTFR30UkeCH1Ed3zIawV31_R4lZXEokspHyzGhThMdw/s400/fullsizeoutput_e96.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The original pattern is called "Christmas Lanterns" from the book <b>101 Fabulous Small Quilts</b>. I reduced the size by 50% and left off the borders. There are 288 rectangles that measure .75" x 1.5" finished. The quilting is cross-hatched, following the seam lines with white Aurifil 50 wt. thread.</div>
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My Audible playlist while I worked included <b>Morning Glory</b> and <b>Ain't She Sweet</b>.</div>
<br />Phylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14665665401551658932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7673158161831273523.post-14349924800692449192016-12-15T20:31:00.000-05:002016-12-15T22:32:10.312-05:00More Mini QuiltsIn <a href="http://phylsquiltsbooks.blogspot.com/2016/10/a-few-finished-projects.html" target="_blank">my last quilting post</a> I talked about some Instagram swaps I joined this fall. The second swap was a Christmas Tree mini quilt using the Geometric Christmas Tree pattern by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/quietplay/" target="_blank">Kristy Lea</a>. My partner in this tree swap wanted a modern minimalist look and a glance at her Instagram feed gave me the idea to use a black constellation fabric I found last summer. I made a test quilt, didn't quite like the very light green that looked white, and made a second one for my partner. I finished them both, and kept the first for my own Christmas decorating.<br />
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So here's the first one:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuVW6l7_a9qP9D4Qh_B8CizUs0FDABLza6ZnJnonhohUP8KWHRWtBqQkvlv2kAuvp0RyUPm_1DJFlslImEg1XqkNWYZpTQtg1ND4L5MkMF0XDYhJ_jUCn5fIs-XSYx7HuqcO7WHezMLgKa/s1600/fullsizeoutput_e90.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuVW6l7_a9qP9D4Qh_B8CizUs0FDABLza6ZnJnonhohUP8KWHRWtBqQkvlv2kAuvp0RyUPm_1DJFlslImEg1XqkNWYZpTQtg1ND4L5MkMF0XDYhJ_jUCn5fIs-XSYx7HuqcO7WHezMLgKa/s320/fullsizeoutput_e90.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I think the gray thread that I used for the quilting overshadows the constellation print just a little. Still, I really do like how this turned out.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmtwA8LXRtwighSjx7D7SH2tJ4cjrsTcq3J6QJ_UGK2mR73iF765w9uJC1ukk0R6ZrhTuQBSF3KwfEAaNhl2ccdr8Rl6RGYvr6Wt8OdSC4OemiA-KjwGpqWrC8L6STW77yKxPP-HnEOP-v/s1600/fullsizeoutput_e91.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmtwA8LXRtwighSjx7D7SH2tJ4cjrsTcq3J6QJ_UGK2mR73iF765w9uJC1ukk0R6ZrhTuQBSF3KwfEAaNhl2ccdr8Rl6RGYvr6Wt8OdSC4OemiA-KjwGpqWrC8L6STW77yKxPP-HnEOP-v/s320/fullsizeoutput_e91.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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But my second attempt was MUCH better:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfPumI38CKUCPLBuqvh0kqH-tCqrQG5NmUroMXVncpS0lzN0FZn2EJd2UxWnmhr2v55xI65KpC1cp9uzXwO-FzJb31Vmo3WHD0T-DsiKP-bc8b06oHgAFhQgIHHBVUTiaqh-YCjxIq-LwU/s1600/fullsizeoutput_e8d.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfPumI38CKUCPLBuqvh0kqH-tCqrQG5NmUroMXVncpS0lzN0FZn2EJd2UxWnmhr2v55xI65KpC1cp9uzXwO-FzJb31Vmo3WHD0T-DsiKP-bc8b06oHgAFhQgIHHBVUTiaqh-YCjxIq-LwU/s320/fullsizeoutput_e8d.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
I used black thread for the background and a wider cross-hatch for just the tree. The constellations are easier to see. I also got rid of the pale green fabric as I mentioned above.<br />
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Here's the lovely tree I received in return from a quilter in North Dakota. I love that she chose red and used some gold beads for a little bling.<br />
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After finishing the swap, I made identical mini sewing machine quilts for my QBFFs. Once again using a Kristy Lea pattern, this time the Geometric Sewing Machine.<br />
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These were made with the rainbow of fabric in the <a href="http://www.robertkaufman.com/fabrics/blueberry_park/" target="_blank">Blueberry Park collection by Karen Lewis</a>. Some close-ups:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHp6042mOEy-GkD7gz2uoH8VHDnSFXnk60qS3HCIs8OExvQsA-Wn8TKrQ4ys29f8U8yAQZNKmSm9pi4yEBVwduyPL7gvMcfoJuKws-oqU34_oog05Yt47VoZivzDA0kwakArHSVTCXW13q/s1600/DSC03236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHp6042mOEy-GkD7gz2uoH8VHDnSFXnk60qS3HCIs8OExvQsA-Wn8TKrQ4ys29f8U8yAQZNKmSm9pi4yEBVwduyPL7gvMcfoJuKws-oqU34_oog05Yt47VoZivzDA0kwakArHSVTCXW13q/s400/DSC03236.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
All of these mini quilts are less than 16" x 16". It feels good to have finished a few things, even if they are small. I'm working on one more swap that's due in mid-January. Still having lots of fun!Phylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14665665401551658932noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7673158161831273523.post-8300527993359107542016-11-16T11:01:00.001-05:002016-11-16T11:01:18.975-05:00TBR Day. A Kind of Honor / Joan Wolf. 1980<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Wow. This book is nearly 40 years old. And no, it hasn't been in my TBR pile 36 years. I bought it used a number of years ago, so I have had it a while. The romance I read these days is written much differently than it was back in the 80's. It was kind of refreshing to read a book so noticeably different in style and tone from those published today.<br />
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<b>A Kind of Honor</b> is <a href="http://www.joanwolf.com/" target="_blank">Joan Wolf's</a> second published book. (And it's a vast improvement over her first book, which <a href="http://phylsquiltsbooks.blogspot.com/2010/03/tbr-day-counterfeit-marriage-joan-wolf.html" target="_blank">I reviewed</a> for TBR Day 6-1/2 years ago.) This one takes place during the winter/spring of 1812-13. England is preparing for what it hopes will be a final and decisive blow against Napoleon's army in Spain. But there's a traitor leaking vital information to the French. Our hero, Adam, who is home after being wounded in Spain, is tasked with finding and stopping the leak.<br />
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It's made obvious right away that the traitor is a French émigré, the Duc de Gacé. Gacé is married to an Englishwoman, who is described as the most beautiful and gracious woman in Society. Amanda, or "Nanda" to her family, is unhappy in her marriage to Gacé. Her focus is on her step-daughter and her son. As Adam works to expose Gacé, he falls in love with Nanda and she with him. So now he must also find a way to free her from her husband.<br />
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The book is told primarily from Adam's point of view. Occasionally we are let into Nanda's head. A couple of the transitions were a bit abrupt and confusing-- I chalk that up to it being some of Wolf's earliest writing. But there's also a feeling of distance from the characters. There's an awful lot of telling and not much showing. In many ways, it reminded me of some Presents I've read that were also written in the 80's. Anyhow, there's so much focus on Adam and his work that the romance is very much in the background. So that part didn't work so well.<br />
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What did work well was the historical aspect. This book is firmly rooted in time and place. Not only are the efforts to defeat Napoleon front and center, but there's a genuine feel that the social mores of the time are important. When they are broken (because yes, there is adultery) they are not broken lightly.<br />
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For those of us who like our historicals to have that strong sense of time and place, this book works very well. It's also interesting to look at an author's earliest writing. Only two years after this would come <b>His Lordship's Mistress</b>, which is one of my all-time favorites. But unfortunately, <b>A Kind of Honor</b> lacks that emotional connection that I'm always hoping for. Still, I have to say that even though I wished for more romance, I really did enjoy reading it.Phylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14665665401551658932noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7673158161831273523.post-43085311104454233642016-10-28T15:05:00.000-04:002016-10-28T15:05:32.078-04:00A Few Finished Projects<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I haven't shown off any of my finished projects since last spring when I finished the <a href="http://phylsquiltsbooks.blogspot.com/2016/05/pretty-purple-quilt.html" target="_blank">purple and green quilt I'd first begun for my sister</a>. As I look around, it doesn't seem as if I've finished all that much stuff, yet I've been spending a lot more time sewing over the last 6 months than I used to. As is typical for me, I am working on half a dozen thing simultaneously. It's kind of like how I read--a library book here, a book on my phone everywhere, another book on my Kindle over there, and an audio book in the car. Sometimes I feel like a poster child for middle-aged ADD. But I'm managing to be productive.</div>
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One thing I'm also doing? Hanging out on Instagram. It's where a lot of the other quilters are. I've discovered swaps! Too. Much. Fun. There's more about that below.</div>
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Anyway, there's proof I've made stuff!!</div>
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First up is this little backpack. <a href="https://www.craftsy.com/quilting/patterns/daytripper-backpack/156582" target="_blank">I found the pattern on Craftsy</a>. It's not very big, about 8" x 11" and not designed to hold anything really heavy. It was perfect to use on my <a href="http://phylsquiltsbooks.blogspot.com/2016/08/tbr-day-vacation-pictures.html" target="_blank">vacation</a> instead of a purse. It wasn't the easiest thing to make, to be honest, but I was very happy with how it turned out.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5huHGsI58f1hQUrKDIau3pcpHK4v73SXflwbI9JkTs7AFu4cEtOYrrgXwuPjPUGqnXmEy5OgtDKAaguZyK7UKiiqHIoH06RPH8MM_X4y03H7BFb8i-r17ZSQBxf7MMJQaJv22GVlM01cE/s1600/IMG_20160724_183153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5huHGsI58f1hQUrKDIau3pcpHK4v73SXflwbI9JkTs7AFu4cEtOYrrgXwuPjPUGqnXmEy5OgtDKAaguZyK7UKiiqHIoH06RPH8MM_X4y03H7BFb8i-r17ZSQBxf7MMJQaJv22GVlM01cE/s640/IMG_20160724_183153.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Here's a paper-pieced mini quilt. The patterns are from <a href="http://thedesignersworkshop.com/" target="_blank">Designer's Workshop</a>. Artist and designer, Eileen Sullivan, sells the best patterns. I own quite a few of them. You'll see that the little hanging below is similar to a <a href="http://phylsquiltsbooks.blogspot.com/2016/01/quilting-update.html" target="_blank">set of fall leaves I made last year</a>. Anyhow I love these little projects and have plans to work on those other patterns I have. They are great ways to use up scraps of fabric in my stash.</div>
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Lots of quilters on Instagram take part in mini quilt swaps. Someone organizes a swap based on a theme. Quilters sign up and agree to make a small quilt, usually no more than 16" square, and send it to someone in exchange for receiving one in turn. After following a couple of these swaps, I decided to enter my first one. This swap used the paper piecing patterns by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/quietplay/" target="_blank">Kristy Lea</a>, aka QuietPlay. My partner requested a block out of Kristy's Retro Kitchen collection. So here's what I made:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibSkjjUu8ROAYqZMlf07VAMk-2sL-nHShseoiUbz07fUM76QnHblGoz_xacvT4FcEhhgkch2wWP6ic9FIRutsBKFI4ZZ5NVNyoqcftiQKOtMDitlJX4KzP5-MXg3TflAS3cd2dP-b5M7ft/s1600/DSC03203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibSkjjUu8ROAYqZMlf07VAMk-2sL-nHShseoiUbz07fUM76QnHblGoz_xacvT4FcEhhgkch2wWP6ic9FIRutsBKFI4ZZ5NVNyoqcftiQKOtMDitlJX4KzP5-MXg3TflAS3cd2dP-b5M7ft/s400/DSC03203.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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And here's what I received in return:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWVil524YbQYGfoGuKzAebd6oQePpxo9aTSVY9uf-Pf9zt6TsRPQ8g4lp4KDwGXzF_g69LHcNdNzIgpCxOrRgjg39oR9-9q09jwvpQUNSlO5WX7lvkKRXaqdp9TP13A3qwjTRW4t5N-Cxz/s1600/fullsizeoutput_e8b.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWVil524YbQYGfoGuKzAebd6oQePpxo9aTSVY9uf-Pf9zt6TsRPQ8g4lp4KDwGXzF_g69LHcNdNzIgpCxOrRgjg39oR9-9q09jwvpQUNSlO5WX7lvkKRXaqdp9TP13A3qwjTRW4t5N-Cxz/s400/fullsizeoutput_e8b.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
It's even prettier in person. Check out the detail in the binding. I need to try that technique sometime.<br />
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There are some stunning pieces in this swap that involved over 300 people from around the world. Search #quietplayswap on Instagram for a peek. Needless to say, I'm hooked. And currently entered in two more swaps! Wait til you see the little Christmas tree I'm working on. Or, if you want an advanced sneak peak, you'll find me over there as @QuilterPhyl. I've already posted one picture.Phylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14665665401551658932noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7673158161831273523.post-36050091132756445092016-10-19T15:43:00.000-04:002016-10-19T15:43:47.385-04:00TBR Day. Cold Pursuit / Toni Anderson. 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've had a few book in <a href="http://www.toniandersonauthor.com/" target="_blank">Toni Anderson's</a> Cold Justice series on my Kindle for a while now, and finally <a href="http://phylsquiltsbooks.blogspot.com/2016/10/phyls-4-recent-phaves.html" target="_blank">read the first one</a> last month. Since the theme this month includes suspense, I had a great excuse to move on to Book 2. And I'm glad I did. I found this book just as engrossing as <b>A Cold Dark Place</b>, with a nice blend of suspense and romance.<br />
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<b>Cold Pursuit</b> opens with a bang-- literally. Single mom Vivi is Christmas shopping with her young son, Michael, in a Minneapolis mall when terrorists strike. Also shopping in the mall is an FBI agent who is part of the same Behavioral Analysis Unit as the heroine from ACDP and on leave. Jed is a veteran and immediately goes into combat mode. Vivi hides her son in a small cabinet and quietly goes looking for an escape route. Jed helps Vivi and some others get out and then goes back for Michael. Along the way, SWAT arrives and most of the terrorists are taken out. But one one avoids capture. During the ensuing investigation, it is discovered that Michael may have heard and/or seen something significant. Only there is a problem. Michael is mute. There is no easy way to discover if he knows anything.<br />
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Vivi and Michael are taken to a safe house, but -- as you might expect -- it doesn't remain safe for long. So Jed takes them off to his home in Wisconsin, a secluded cabin near his family. As all this is happening, Jed & Vivi find themselves more and more attracted to one another. Jed especially tries to resist, because hey-- this really isn't the time, is it? I won't go into the rest, but there are plenty of twists and turns. I really didn't want to put it down.<br />
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It was interesting to read this book now. The people behind the terrorists are trying to provoke a war between the U.S. and Syria. As we know, in real life, the war in Syria continues, with world-wide implications. We are all aware of how horrifying the images have been. And then there are people trying to make political fodder out of the refugees. I think there were parts of this book that hit home in a way they might not have had I read it when it was first published.<br />
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There are several interesting secondary characters, especially Jed's family. Young Michael is key to the story, but he doesn't come across as an overly cute plot moppet. Quite the opposite actually. The book is tied in the loosest of ways to <b>ACDP</b>, so there's no need to read that one first. After reading two books in the series I appreciate the deft blending of romance and suspense. I'm really quite eager to read more of them.Phylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14665665401551658932noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7673158161831273523.post-27464326133896825352016-10-05T23:48:00.000-04:002016-10-05T23:48:57.682-04:00Phyl's 4 Recent PhavesIn no particular order, here are some VERY brief remarks about four recently-read books that I really enjoyed.<br />
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<b>A Cold Dark Place</b> by <a href="http://www.toniandersonauthor.com/" target="_blank">Toni Anderson</a>. If you are squeamish or easily triggered by violence or sexual assault, this is NOT the book for you. But if you like well-written, suspenseful romantic suspense, I do recommend this one. The hero is a hired gun who steps in when the criminal justice system fails. The heroine chose a career in law enforcement specifically to try and find her twin sister who was kidnapped, and never found, when the girls were young. The conflicts were not forced, and very interesting moral questions were raised. To top it off, there was just enough romance.<br />
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<b>The King's Man</b> by <a href="http://www.elizabethkingstonbooks.com/" target="_blank">Elizabeth Kingston</a>. Twitter friend <a href="https://twitter.com/JessicaTripler" target="_blank">Jessica</a> raved about the audio version of this book, narrated by the incomparable Nicholas Boulton. It's a medieval that features a hero whose life is not really his own (see the title) and a heroine who can fight and lead as well as any man. Unfortunately, to do so she needs to dress and act the part of a man. There's an arranged marriage, the treacherous waters of medieval politics, and adventure on the road. Both the hero and heroine have to come to grips with who they are as individuals and who they can be together. I had to drive with the windows up so I didn't miss a word (I hate to use the A/C)! But totally worth it. Thank you, Jessica.<br />
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<b>What We Find</b> by <a href="http://www.robyncarr.com/" target="_blank">Robyn Carr</a>. Carr begins a new series with this book, once again centered around a small community. Maggie and Cal wind up at Sullivan's Crossing for very different reasons, although essentially they both need emotional healing from recent events. This is a much richer book than many of Carr's recent Thunder Point or Virgin River books, some of which I DNF'd to be honest. I thought there was better character development here and I also thought that Maggie was one of the stronger heroines Carr has written. Maggie doesn't need to be rescued or taken care of; she needs time and space to deal with recent upheavals in her personal and professional life and to re-orient herself. In the end what develops in her relationship with Cal is a partnership, with plenty of give and take. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this.<br />
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<b>Acute Reactions</b> by <a href="http://rubylangwrites.com/" target="_blank">Ruby Lang</a>. This book was both funny and tender with an interesting set-up. Petra is fighting to establish a solo medical practice as an allergist when Ian comes in as a new patient. He wants allergy shots to he can be near his girlfriend's cat. They are immediately attracted to one another, but Petra could lose her medical license if she got involved with Ian. And Ian-- well, there's that aforementioned girlfriend. The story seemed to flow at just the right place. Petra and Ian have significant issues to overcome and I appreciate a story where we see the characters grow and change. I really cared for these two. <b>Hard Knocks</b>, the next book in the series, is already on my Kindle.<br />
<br />Phylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14665665401551658932noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7673158161831273523.post-50832187002615806502016-09-21T01:30:00.000-04:002016-09-21T01:30:07.575-04:00TBR Day. The Secret Heart / Erin Satie. 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>The Secret Heart</b> is <a href="http://www.erinsatie.com/" target="_blank">Erin Satie's</a> debut novel, which is almost hard to believe because it was one of the more polished books I've read in a while. With one book, Satie landed on my auto-buy list. I'm kicking myself that I didn't read it much sooner than this.<br />
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Caroline Small, the daughter of an impoverished Marquess, knows that if she doesn't marry, and marry well, she and her younger brother face very precarious futures. She happens to be staying at a Duke's estate where an old friend of hers lives as the Duke's ward. There she meets Adam, heir to the dukedom, the man who becomes the focus of Caro's attentions. For marriage to Adam would solve Caro's problems.<br />
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Caro and Adam each have a secret. Caro dances, having learned ballet from her governess. Adam boxes anonymously, as it would be a huge scandal for the heir to a dukedom to be caught brawling with the lower classes.<br />
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Rather than spend a lot of time describing the plot I simply want to say how much I appreciated Satie's writing. There's a wonderful sense of time and place. The characters are facing real problems, especially Caro who <b>needs</b> to marry. Her manipulation of Adam is deliberate. Which doesn't make Caro particularly likable, but it does make her understandable and vulnerable. I like that Satie took a risk to make one of her main characters less than likable. And Caro does have to face the consequences of her actions, not the least of which is finding herself in love with Adam, and, when her schemes appear to fail, no expectation of being able to marry him.<br />
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Adam, who is fighting demons of his own, not to mention an extremely controlling father, finds himself first enchanted by Caro and then disillusioned by her schemes. Adam is not at all your typical Regency hero, and that makes him unique and fascinating.<br />
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This is one of those books I couldn't put down. I highly recommend it and -- no surprise here -- I have already started reading the next book in the series, <b>The Lover's Knot</b>. I'm hooked.<br />
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<br />Phylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14665665401551658932noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7673158161831273523.post-16380594634475223752016-08-17T11:29:00.000-04:002016-08-17T11:29:22.706-04:00TBR Day. Vacation picturesWell, another month, another TBR failure. So how about some vacation pictures? I just got back from two weeks of driving out to the Rocky Mountains and back. I'm too swamped to write about anything I read, but I can post pictures!<br />
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We had a picnic lunch next to a prairie dog colony at a state park in Kansas:<br />
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In Estes Park, CO, two elk wandered into the town square:</div>
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Mama moose and her baby in Rocky Mountain National Park:</div>
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Sunset over our campground in Utah:</div>
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We drove through Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area and stopped to see the views:</div>
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On the west side of the Grand Tetons are Idaho's wheat fields:</div>
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Wildflowers spotted along the way. Don't ask--I have no idea of their names:<br />
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Late afternoon over Lake Yellowstone, a few hundred yards from our campsite:<br />
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Waiting for Old Faithful to erupt:<br />
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Beehive Geyser, near Old Faithful:</div>
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Hello Mr. Bison!! (shot with a zoom lens--I'm not stupid)</div>
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Sunset over Yellowstone's Hayden Valley:<br />
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Driving through Nebraska on the way home:<br />
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We stopped at LOTS of quilt shops. My family is so patient.</div>
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<br />Phylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14665665401551658932noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7673158161831273523.post-52810183648356901452016-06-29T00:16:00.002-04:002016-06-29T00:16:28.120-04:00TBR Day. Unsuitable / Ainslie Paton. 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm two weeks late with this and almost considered skipping again, but I liked this book so well that I decided to suck it up and finally write my TBR post.<br />
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The home page of <a href="http://ainsliepaton.com.au/" target="_blank">Ainslie Paton's website</a>, has a little box that says "Favourite Tropes - New Takes" and in that box are pictures of a bunch of her books, including this one, <b>Unsuitable</b>. <b>Unsuitable</b> is a new take on the "busy executive needs a nanny for his kid" trope by making the executive a woman and the nanny a man. I thought this made <b>Unsuitable</b> a fun choice for "Favorite Trope" month.<br />
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Here's the blurb:<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;">Can they make trailblazing and homemaking fit, or is love just another gender stereotype? </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;">Audrey broke the glass ceiling. Reece swapped a blue collar for a pink collar job. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;">She’s a single mum by design. He’s a nanny by choice. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;">She gets passed over for promotion. He struggles to find a job. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;">She takes a chance on him. He’s worth more than he knows. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;">There’s an imbalance of power. There’s an age difference. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;">There’s a child whose favourite word is no. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;">Everything about them being together is unsuitable. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;">Except for love. </span><br />
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Paton does a great job of turning a favorite trope on its head-- all the way to the end when Audrey is the one who has to go to Reece and grovel to get him back. Audrey chose to have a child on her own using a sperm donor. As the book opens Audrey has to find a new nanny. When Reece shows up at her door, Audrey is nonplussed, because she assumed, as she thought of <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000702/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Reese Witherspoon,</a> that this Reece was also a woman. Audrey, however, recognizes her own biases for 2 reasons: 1) Reece is able to establish an instant rapport with 3-year old Mia, and 2) Audrey doesn't want to be guilty of the same discrimination she faces in her male-dominated profession. After some trials, she agrees to give Reece the job as carer to her daughter.<br />
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Reece turns out to have an amazing gift working with children. But he continually has to deal with all of the assumptions that people make about him and how painful it is to be denied opportunities with children simply because he's a man. I think Paton explores this issue very well and I liked the way this book got me thinking about my own biases.<br />
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Audrey chose to be a single parent because she didn't really trust relationships and she desperately wanted to have a family. She's estranged from her parents and pretty much on her own with the exception of a few close friends. She's good at her job, but she works in the construction industry, and is often passed over in favor of her male colleagues.<br />
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It's not long before Audrey and Reece realize how attracted they are to one another. Audrey feels guilty as she is Reece's employer. She also feels awkward over the fact that she's several years older than Reece. She doesn't want a permanent relationship-- she just wants her little family of herself and Mia. It's clear that Reece is the emotionally mature one (again going against trope). So it's Audrey who has to decide that she does indeed want Reece permanently in her life.<br />
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Like <a href="http://phylsquiltsbooks.blogspot.com/2013/02/phyls-5-phaves-for-december-and-january.html" target="_blank">the other Paton book I read, Grease Monkey Jive</a>, <b>Unsuitable</b>, is on the longish side (about 350 pages). The length gives us a chance to see Audrey & Reece weather some storms as their relationship deepens and develops. In the end, though, it's Audrey who has to relinquish absolute control over her life and let someone else in. This was a thought-provoking, satisfying, and entertaining read.<br />
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I'm just sorry I've been so preoccupied by other things that I didn't take the time to write about it sooner.<br />
<br />Phylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14665665401551658932noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7673158161831273523.post-48090603422953635662016-05-09T23:40:00.000-04:002016-05-10T09:55:20.322-04:00Pretty Purple Quilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In my February posts about my sister, I mentioned that she gave me a ton of her stuff--fabric, tools, a machine, and lots of partially completed projects. I brought it all home, stacked in the guest room and tried to figure out where to store it all. Gradually, I organized it, re-arranged some of my own stuff, and figured out how to put it away. It was an emotional process and it took months. I didn't always get a lot of sewing done; it was hard to find the energy as I continued to get used to her being gone.</div>
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A few months before she passed away, Char handed me this particular quilt and insisted that I finish it soon. It's actually a quilt top that I made for her back in 2006. She sent me the pattern and fabric and asked me to make just the top. She was going to use it in the book she was writing. When I was finished I sent her the completed top, the pattern, and the leftover fabric. In the book, it's used to demonstrate a basting technique. So she basted the layers together, took pictures for the book, but in the years following never got around to quilting it.</div>
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When she gave it to me last fall, she said she couldn't find the pattern or leftover fabric. I wasn't able to find it either as I went through her sewing room. So I can't tell you the name of this, but it reminds me of a floor tile pattern or a garden trellis. I just think of it as the pretty purple quilt. I spent the winter quilting it and finished it in March.</div>
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I didn't do anything fancy with the quilting, just a simple meander across the whole thing.<br />
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I keep it on my bed now. A warm, comforting reminder of Char.Phylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14665665401551658932noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7673158161831273523.post-60538729790463481672016-04-20T07:00:00.000-04:002016-04-20T07:00:19.911-04:00TBR Day. Special Interests / Emma Barry. 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I remember reading a number of positive reviews of this book when it came out almost exactly two years ago. I'm sure I purchased it on the strength of those reviews, but like too many of the books I buy, it got pushed to the back burner. I was scrolling through my Kindle titles recently and realized that this would be an excellent choice for this month's <a href="http://wendythesuperlibrarian.blogspot.com/p/tbr-challenge-2016.html" target="_blank">TBR Challenge</a>.</div>
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The blurb:</div>
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<em><span style="color: #351c75;">Compared to love, politics is easy</span></em></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75;">Union organizer Millie Frank's world isn't filled with cocktails and nightclubs…until she's turned into an unwitting minor celebrity. As if being part of a hostage situation wasn't traumatizing enough, now her face is splashed across the news. But Millie's got fresher wounds to nurse—like being shot down by the arrogant bad boy she stupidly hit on.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75;">Parker Beckett will do whatever it takes to close a deal for the senate majority leader, including selling out union labor. Charming and smart on the surface, he's also cynical and uncommitted—an asset on the Hill. But something about Millie has stuck with him and when negotiations bring her to his office, Parker breaks his own rules and asks her out.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75;">Parker can't understand how Millie has retained her idealism in a place like D.C. Millie can't believe what Parker's willing to sacrifice in order to pass a budget. But as they navigate their political differences, what grows between them looks a lot like a relationship…and maybe even a little like love.</span></div>
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<b>Special Interests</b> by <a href="https://authoremmabarry.com/" target="_blank">Emma Barry</a>, is a smart, fun look at two people at political odds who cannot fight their attraction to one another. It seemed extremely appropriate to read this book during a time when we in the U.S. have an abundance of "Super Tuesdays." The primaries dominate the news cycle and cynicism about our government abounds. I liked reading a book about two people who are behind the politicians whose faces are in the news, yet are the ones doing the real work of government.</div>
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To me, the book's strengths lie in the ways we get to know both Millie and Parker. Parker is a workaholic--any personal time he gives himself is devoted to his mother and his grandparents. Millie cares deeply for the unions she represents, but is also dealing with the trauma of having been caught up in a hostage situation. The dialogue between the two is great and pretty funny in spots. There's real poignancy to Parker's interactions with his grandfather who has Alzheimer's, and also to the way Parker helps Millie with her nightmares. When their personal and professional lives overlap, there is a genuine conflict that needs to be resolved. Passing a budget is a very real issue, as we Americans have experienced in the not-too-distant past. And given a government where compromise isn't on the table, there's a cost to getting results. All of this is so well portrayed in the book.</div>
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One aspect I didn't care for so much was that Millie's insecurities got in the way so easily and then what I perceived to be Parker's over-reaction to them. Their relationship is still very new and playing out against a very stressful political issue and suddenly there's an all-or-nothing moment. I had a hard time buying into that. But it only briefly dimmed my enjoyment of the book, and Parker and Millie's reconciliation was sweet and believable.</div>
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Altogether, this is an easy book to recommend. I've already purchased <b>Private Politics</b>, the next book in the series, and look forward to reading it.</div>
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Phylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14665665401551658932noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7673158161831273523.post-2916851624214142962016-04-11T21:35:00.000-04:002016-04-11T21:35:23.480-04:00While You Were Mine / Ann Howard Creel. 2016<div style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
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I sort of stumbled across this book when it was a March Kindle First* offering. As near as I can tell, Ann Howard Creel (no website found) is primarily a YA author. This is her second "adult" novel. I can't tell if it's being marketed as a romance or not, but it definitely meets the definition, HEA and all.</div>
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<b>While You Were Mine</b> uses the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/V-J_Day_in_Times_Square" target="_blank">iconic photo of a sailor kissing a nurse on V-J Day</a> as it's jumping off point. </div>
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The blurb:</div>
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<span style="color: #351c75;">Everything she loved could so easily be lost.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75;">The end of WWII should have brought joy to Gwen Mullen. But on V-J Day, her worst fear is realized. As celebrating crowds gather in Times Square, a soldier appears on her doorstep to claim Mary, the baby abandoned to Gwen one year earlier. Suddenly Gwen is on the verge of losing the child she has nurtured and loves dearly.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75;">With no legal claim to Mary, Gwen begins to teach Lieutenant John McKee how to care for his child, knowing that he will ultimately take Mary away. What starts as a contentious relationship, however, turns into something more, and Gwen must open her heart to learn that love means taking chances.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><i>While You Were Mine</i> paints a vivid portrait of 1940s New York and tells an enchanting tale of the nature of love and trust.</span></div>
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Told primarily in first person from Gwen's POV, the book opens with the celebration in Times Square. But soon Gwen is racing home, only to find John on her doorstep looking for his wife and baby daughter. The book goes back over a year to when Gwen takes a young bride into her apartment as a roommate. Alice is pregnant and because she's had no letters from her husband, she's convinced he's dead. Eventually Alice gives birth to little Mary. But Alice cannot bond with her daughter and becomes increasingly detached. So she tells Gwen that she has to leave and she's going to California. Despite all of Gwen's efforts, Alice walks out leaving Mary behind. At first Gwen is resentful. As a young, single woman who loves the energy of New York City, she is forced to stay home to care for Mary. Gwen knows she could turn the child over to the authorities, but she cannot bear the thought of what might happen to Mary. Over the course of the next year Gwen becomes more and more attached to Mary.</div>
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But when John comes home just as the war ends, Gwen knows that she's going to have to give Mary back to John. John is bewildered by that fact that Alice is gone. John had been captured by the Germans and held in a POW camp for nearly a year. His memories of Alice were the incentive he needed to stay alive despite the conditions of his captivity. Everything he had imagined crumbles to dust when he learns Alice is gone. Leaving Mary with Gwen a while longer, he goes to California hoping to find Alice. When his search proves fruitless, he comes back to New York, bringing his sister with him. His plan is to take Mary to Ohio where his sister lives and let his sister help him raise Mary. But when he is back in New York and sees the bond Mary has with Gwen, he cannot separate them and sends his sister alone back to Ohio.</div>
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So John stays in New York, finds a place to live and a job, and begins to get to know his daughter. He also gets to know Gwen and slowly a relationship develops between them. John gets a divorce because of abandonment and hopes for a life with Gwen and Mary and maybe more children. But then Alice reappears and John needs to make a choice.</div>
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This novel paints a vivid picture of life in America immediately after the war. Men returned home by the thousands and jobs and housing were scarce at first. While John is haunted by his memories, there's a secondary character, Dennis, who is clearly suffering and cannot function normally after his discharge. Gwen herself is very cautious and has a hard time standing up for what she wants. She's guarding her heart from more hurt. John is a pleaser and has a hard time saying no when he ought to. These are flawed characters trying to make a way out of an impossible situation during a time of upheaval and change. Things take place slowly, over the course of four and a half months, which I thought made things more authentic.</div>
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I really enjoyed this book. I wasn't always happy with the choices Gwen and John made, and the resolution was rather too easy, although not unexpected. Still, the portrait of life in New York from V-J day to New Year's Eve in 1945 was fascinating. Creel provides just enough detail to give the reader a very strong sense of time and place. This was one of those books I had a hard time putting down. I recommend this book to anyone looking for an unusual historical romance.</div>
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*Kindle First is a program for Amazon Prime members. I don't know if it's available outside of the US or not. Anyhow, once a month I get an opportunity to "buy" one book for free from a list of 4-6 books of various genres. There's usually a romance offering, although not always. Usually I've never heard of the authors.</div>
Phylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14665665401551658932noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7673158161831273523.post-11010098348642994012016-02-21T16:27:00.000-05:002016-02-21T16:27:18.620-05:00Re-reading the Psy-Changling SeriesLast spring I decided to re-read <a href="http://nalinisingh.com/" target="_blank">Nalini Singh's</a> entire <i>Psy-Changeling Series</i> when I discovered my public library owned it in downloadable audio format. Yesterday I finished <b>Shards of Hope</b>, the latest book in the series. All together it took me about 9 months to listen to 14 books (I did not attempt to re-read any of the novellas). It was an interesting experience. Last July, when I was part-way the series through I <a href="http://phylsquiltsbooks.blogspot.com/2015/07/recent-reads.html" target="_blank">blogged</a> this:<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #4d4d4d; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">First, I'm extremely glad I decided to do this re-read. It's been almost nine years since the 1st book, </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #4d4d4d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">Slave to Sensation</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #4d4d4d; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">, was published and over the years I've forgotten as much as I've remembered. Some books have been more compelling, and thus more memorable than others. Some, like </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #4d4d4d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">Blaze of Memory</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #4d4d4d; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;"> have not been so memorable. Case in point, with </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #4d4d4d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">BoM</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #4d4d4d; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">-- as I listened I knew I'd read it before, but honestly couldn't remember any of it until near the end. And this is kind of important because Singh has carefully built the Psy-Changeling world and each book is full of clues as to what will be coming. When I finally get to listen to the latest book, </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #4d4d4d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">Shards of Hope</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #4d4d4d; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">, I suspect that some parts of it will make much more sense than they did when I read the book in June. Anyhow, I am enjoying the re-read and the narration by </span><a href="http://angeladawe.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #6c91ce; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Angela Dawe</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #4d4d4d; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">. Her voice goes a little lower in volume when it goes low for the male lines, which makes it hard to drive with the windows down on the freeway (I hate to use the A/C). But I figure that's on me, not her.</span></blockquote>
And it's true, even though I'd read <b>Shards of Hope</b> in print last June, it was for more enjoyable now that I was re-acquainted with the major players and various groups. For example, in June I couldn't remember who the "Forgotten" were and I did not remember that Zaira made an appearance in <b>Shield of Winter</b>. I liked <b>Shards of Hope</b> first time around, but I definitely enjoyed it way more this time now that the details were fresher in my mind. The truth is, this is a series that you need to read from the beginning and each book builds on the one that came before.<br />
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You might be thinking, "Wow, Phyl, you must have an awful memory." Yep. It sucks. It's one of the main reasons I quit reading Kresley Cole's <i>Immortals After Dark</i> series. I was totally lost when trying to read the 5th book. When there's too much time between releases (and hey! I do get that the poor author needs time to write her book) it can be a deal breaker for me. This is especially true for a paranormal or SF/F series where the author is doing a lot of world-building. Sometimes I'll be reading an <i>In Death</i> book and it'll refer to one of Eve's previous cases. I don't even try to remember. Fortunately, it rarely has an impact on the current book. Anyhow, I steer clear of lengthy series these days and prefer the ones where there may be many appearances by happy couples (I'm looking at you, Mary Balogh), but I still get a central, satisfying romance. I don't need to worry about world-building and the accompanying details.<br />
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Anyhow, this was a great experience. I'm so glad my library owned them all. I am sad, though, that for the time being I have no more psy-changeling books to listen to. And I hope I can remember enough to enjoy future books in the series. Truthfully, I'm a little worried.Phylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14665665401551658932noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7673158161831273523.post-11124831957540024952016-02-17T08:00:00.000-05:002016-02-17T08:00:15.191-05:00TBR Day. Badlands / Jill Sorenson. 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's series catch-up month for the <a href="http://wendythesuperlibrarian.blogspot.com/p/tbr-challenge-2016.html" target="_blank">TBR Challenge</a> and this month it was a pretty easy choice. I have several books from this series that I've been wanting to read, so it was time to get back to them.<br />
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<b>Badlands</b> by <a href="http://jillsorenson.com/" target="_blank">Jill Sorenson</a> is the 3rd book in her romantic suspense series named after the first book, <b>Aftershock</b>. <a href="http://phylsquiltsbooks.blogspot.com/2013/07/phyls-5-phaves-from-may.html" target="_blank">I loved <b>Aftershock</b></a> and I also enjoyed the first book in her MC series, <b>Riding Dirty</b>. This book picks up with two of the characters from <b>Aftershock</b> and uses some of the same settings in <b>Riding Dirty</b>, around the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salton_Sea" target="_blank">Salton Sea</a> of southern California.<br />
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Penny and Owen were trapped with several others in the earthquake described in <b>Aftershock</b>. In <b>Badlands</b> it's now five years later. Thanks to his heroics in the aftermath of the earthquake, Owen, an ex-con, is now working as a bodyguard for Penny's father, a presidential candidate. For years the two of them have kept their feelings for one another to themselves. Penny is a single mother devoted to raising her son, Cruz, and Owen knows his job means he can't get emotionally involved.<br />
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But then Penny, Cruz, and Owen are all kidnapped and taken out to the California Badlands in a plot to get Penny's father to withdraw from the presidential race. The kidnapping is compounded by the fact that one of the kidnappers (and the ringleader) is none other than Owen's older brother, Shane. Shane takes them all to badlands near the Salton Sea, not far from where the brothers grew up, so its an area they both know fairly well. On the first night, Penny manages to take Cruz and escape into the desert. When the gang attempts to retrieve them, Owen also gets away, finds Penny and Cruz, and begins to lead them to safety. Of course, things don't exactly go smoothly....<br />
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I really enjoyed this book. The suspense was very well done, and Sorenson does a great job of describing the terrain, the heat, and all of the obstacles Penny, Cruz, and Owen face. We get a good look at Owen's family, the forces that shaped both he and Shane, and the very real differences between Owen and Penny. Besides the suspense angle, I think the romance angle was also well done. Both characters have to reach for what they want. Owen feels held back by his upbringing and his time in prison; Penny has conformed herself to her parents' wishes to overcome the stigma of being a single mother. I liked both of these characters very much.<br />
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I'm happy to recommend this book. I don't think you need to read the earlier entries to enjoy this one, although if you haven't read <b>Aftershock</b>, you're missing another great book.Phylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14665665401551658932noreply@blogger.com8