Plant Lady Embroidery by Applemints

300 Botanical Embroidery Motifs & Designs to Stitch 

Lovely book! I love flowers but haven't done embroidery in years. As it says, there are 300 motifs and designs in this book. I can't pick a favorite. First I saw the violets (!), then the lily of the valley, then little wreaths and as I kept going I realized that all of these designs suit me. What I found unique were the succulents and cacti. The flowers are in many different categories. There are color pictures of the finished work, then patterns to trace and detailed instructions on how to do the stitches. Now I have to think of where I'll put them. Oh yeah, there are inspirations for that in the book too. This is a good book for beginners or experienced embroidery artists.

I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

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A Pursuit Of Home by Kristi Ann Hunter

1800s Do you like mysteries? This will keep you on your toes. Jess is a girl to be liked, admired and in awe of. An interesting world of intrigue with just the right mix of servants, high society, intelligence and sweet personalities. A royal family runs from Napoleon's henchmen in this French country. Even though they are exiled, their family stories are repeated to them, and Jess is given some key information to keep safe and later rebuild their kingdom. In the meantime as she is in hiding she becomes a spy and master of disguises in England. Derek has been brought in to the Manor to access and catalog artwork. He has special knowledge that Jess needs to unravel an encrypted diary of her Grandmother's. And save a monarchy. A story that is richly told right to the end, and is a wonderful continuation of the Haven Manor series. It's great to revisit these characters and see Jess's long awaited story unfold. A fabulous way to spend time. Fabulous author. This one's a keeper.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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The Thief of Lanwyn Manor

Cornwall, 1818
Julia left home to go to her cousin who is lying in and very ill. This was a new manor, one that her Uncle had just acquired. Of the top society, it would be to her benefit to go. However underlying secrets on her side as well as her Uncle's side made things not quite what they seemed. The brothers next door are twins who wish to expand their wealth by convincing Julia's Uncle to let them partner in running his mine as well as their own. The welfare of the entire town is involved, and they have strong feelings on it, especially since her Uncle had closed his mine down. As soon as she enters the town Julia is threatened, and the danger and mysteries increase steadily. Intriguing story that makes it hard to put down. Nothing is obvious. Excellent read, quite real and a pleasure for those who enjoy this time and place.
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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A Defense of Honor by Kristi Ann Hunter

Set in 1816 England. Christian Historical Romance

Characters who are people you would like to know. This held my interest right from the beginning. Graham (Lord Wharton) is at a party for London's society when he spies a girl behind some of the potted shrubbery. Her hand darts out to grab some of the pastry off the tray of a passing servant. Hooked!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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The House At The End Of The Moor

England 1861
Oliver was wrongly imprisoned, with a vicious guard. Badly beaten, he managed to escape and was found by a house at the end of the Moor by Maggie's maid. Thus starts an interwoven tale of wrongfulness, healing and forgiveness. Plus a love story and Christian lessons. Keeps you holding your breath to the end.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
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Westering Women

Historical Fiction. Starts in February 1852 Chicago, Illinois, the journey ends in September 1852 in California. A wagon train was formed to bring brides to men in California. God fearing, moral men, asking for women who were the same. Many women joined the train, for many different reasons. It brought out the best in them, amazed others with their strength and when they made it - they were famous. The journey wasn't easy, and all had their secrets. Many were lost along the way, some turned back. This tells the story of a few of the core of the group. It's very well told, you feel as though you're travelling with them. I've always been fascinated by wagon train stories, have wondered if I would have made it. I'm pretty resourceful, but these ladies paved the way. They were almost all strangers when they started out, but were sisters by the time they survived the trail. There were many hardships that women faced in those days, and unfair treatment by men was accepted at that time. These women proved they didn't need men, and surprised many. Very good read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
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The Socialite by J'nell Ciesielski

This author has a special talent for weaving history and romance together in special characters. That special ability to bring people to life, and show what it was like to live back in time. This time WW2 in Paris, after the German occupation. Kat's sister got herself into Paris and was being kept by a German officer. She was an official organizer of parties for the social elite, a Brit bringing her social talents to the party and living it up to the hilt. Their father sent Kat to bring her home, his wealth and connections getting her into the area. He also hired Barrett to keep them safe, without her knowledge. The story is a balance of the horrors of Hitler and his elite officers and every day life in high social circles, until the shine started coming off, revealing the evil beneath. I don't think I breathed much for the entire last half of the book. I was on edge the whole time. Fabulous story, completely engaging!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
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