Rust and Cream Scarf Redo

A Batch of Book Reviews

I've been so strapped for time that I haven't had much opportunity to write up my usual book reviews...nor have I really had much time to READ books to review.  Since September 4th (the last date of my last book review), I've only completed 4 books, 3 of them in the last week alone.  I've started one book that I haven't yet finished but plan to...it's just a little dense for me right now.  So, to the books that I have finished (and enjoyed thoroughly each and every one!)

The Forgotten Garden follows the lives of three women:  Elizan, Nell, and Cassandra.  Nell is abandoned on a boat heading to Australia as a four year old child.  She is adopted by the dockmaster and not told of her coming into their household until she is 21.  It isn't until Nell's death that Cassandra begins to search for Nell's past.  It is truly an enchanting story and one that I enjoyed thoroughoughly.  In fact, I wanted to read it slowly to prolong my enjoyment of it.  I've asked my entire family to read it so that we can discuss.  Highly recommended.

The Sunday Philosophy Club by Alexander McCall Smith is a different series focusing on the character Isabel Dalhausie.  Isabel witnesses a man falling from the upper balconies after an orchestral performance and sets about to discover how something such as that could happen.  It is slightly reminiscent of the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency books, but without Mma Romatswe's charm.  I thought the prose was dense and troublesome at times, but I'm willing to read a second book in the series to see if they'll grab me.  I usually enjoy Smith's books so much.  Recommended.

This book was recommended to me by a co-worker who also likes to read.  She thought that since I enjoyed the Forgotten Garden so much that I would also enjoy this book.  She was right.  The Physic Book of Deliverance Dane is loosely about the Salem Witch trials of 1692 but also about the struggles that a graduate student undergoes to complete her dissertation work.  Throw in some family dynamics, a love story, an interesting mystery, magic, historical flashbacks, and a friendship and you have a really enjoyable book.  I devoured this one.  Highly recommended! (especially to my Aunt Janice who I think will LOVE this one!)

Yummy!  Duchess by Night by Eloisa James is my favorite of her Desperate Duchesses series so far (3 more to go...so happy).  It was a wonderful romp through the awakening of a woman to power and freedom.  Harriet dresses as a man so that she can attend a risque house party at Lord Strange's house.  Little did she think that she would enjoy being a man so much and that she would find love and happiness while there.  Another wonderful romance by James.  Highly recommended for romance readers.

6 green, white and brown towels

Even shorter hair

Maybe I should have named her RheaLynn

Pearl Grew Ears this weekend!

The newest addition to my family

And her name is Pearl.  She's adorable and full of kitten energy.  Can't wait to go home and spend some time with that little ragamuffin!

Gold Bonsai Scarf

This is a really beautiful metallic gold scarf in a basket weave pattern.  It is very soft, has a great drape and would be the perfect accessory to a dressy evening, or even with jeans.

It measures 6.5" x 66" and sells for $70.   The fringe is twisted.