Review: Fortune Favors the Wicked

Fortune Favors the Wicked by Theresa Romain
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

*** Free ARC provided by Netgalley***

I'm not sure how I feel about this book. There were times when I couldn't put this down, and other times I had to force myself not to skim through it. I enjoyed about 70% of it, but I found the characters forced and unbelievable. I'm was more interested in Maggie and Georgette (which happen to be other stories) than Charlotte ad Frost. I will say this, I really enjoyed reading about how Frost's character was based off of a real person.

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A not so hot skirt (HELP NEEDED)

I tried people, I really did. No matter how many times I made this pattern, I failed every single time. I found this pattern for a 15 minute skirt and I thought it looked easy enough for a beginner like me. I followed the instructions to a T and still, nothing. At least nothing that a 2 year old should wear out in public.

I can't understand what I'm doing wrong here. I read through the pattern completely, TWICE, before attempting even the first cut. I laid all of my supplies withing arms reach, in the order in which they were needed. I even consulted YouTube on some of the more complicated parts.

I'd love to show you a picture, but there is NO WAY I am putting those things back on and taking a picture. The first one I made was so big, it fit my neighbor who is in a ladies 1x. My second attempt was so tight, my 10 year old niece could wear it as a beach cover up. Ladies and gentlemen, I need your help, badly.

Vanessa's Baby Dress

For those of you just arriving, I've made this pattern before.... I just couldn't help myself! Knowing that my first daughter is due to arrive at the end of May, I purchased a skein of Bernat baby yarn and used a size 4 mm hook to make this adorable dress. Hopefully, there will be a set of baby booties in the near future, not only for your viewing pleasure, but for my sweet baby to wear with her new dress.

Please, please, please don't be afraid to make this dress. it is so simple, and if you follow my corrections (again, listed in my previous post) there is no reason why you can't make one of these adorable dresses for yourself. Literally everyone I know who's crocheted a baby dress before has made one of these darling things!

Let's start with the picture above me. I wanted to do a close up, not only to show you the stitches (which are the easiest thing in the world if you know how to (US) double crochet), but for you to get a good look at the colors this particular yarn provided. I love the fusion of the pinks, purples, white, green, and peach. The perfect combination for a Spring baby!

As you can see, the finished product is simply adorable, As with all my other dresses, I forgo the decorative stitches around the neck and sleeves, as well as the button enclosure... making this a simple pull over dress. The one thing I did differently with this dress that I didn't with all the others I have made, is that I left off the ruffle edging at the bottom. This yard is so light and the pattern so airy... to me it just made the dress look too heavy.

Well, there you have it folks! My sweet Spring dress for my upcoming sweet Spring baby! I can't wait to see your projects and I look forward to reading your comments. As always, happy crafting everyone!

Review: The Duke's Accidental Wife

The Duke's Accidental Wife by Erica Ridley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

(Free ARC provided by Netgalley.com)

3.75 stars..... A fast and enjoyable read, although I like my stories to have more dialogue than what was given in this book. I felt like I was inside the authors head more than I was the characters. It just felt like overkill for the author to have to explain that much of what the characters were feeling. I wanted to feel them experience these emotions and different trials. Instead, I felt like a kid being read a bedtime story. One major thing that really got under my skin though is that, although the Duke refers to his actual name in his musings, we never hear him called by such. Not even by his wife and sister.

Now that I've gotten my complaining out of the way... when Aunt Havens went missing and when Kate decided she was going to give up her dreams to be a proper duchess, I have to tell you, I teared up... and not just a little. Blame it on the pregnancy hormones if you will, but I could picture my 80 year old grandmother sitting out in that pouring rain just like Aunt Havens.

I definitely saw major character growth with Katherine, but not so much with the Duke. I loved reading his journey, but I just felt like Kate was the one who really stepped up in her role, and therefore brought Ravenwood out of his shell. At the same time, I can understand the Duke's perspective. Having a large family of my own, and a man who has so many demands on his time and energy, I supported Kate in her decisions about handling the Duke.

I have 2 of the previous books in this series, and I can't wait to dive into them. I love reading books where the author isn't afraid for her heroine to just be a woman.

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Review: Picture Perfect

Picture Perfect by Janice Thompson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Let me start by saying that when I received this book, I was told it was a "clean romance", but just so we're clear this is a "clean Christian romance". Anyone not interested in reading Christian fiction should bypass this book.

At first I thought that Hannah was very whiny and one of those people who blamed everything wrong in her life on someone else. After reading a few chapters, I tried putting myself in her shoes. Just like any other book, a new chapter might be later in the day of the previous chapter, or whole years might pass by, so seeing Hannah complain during each chapter didn't really bother me so much once I stopped and thought about how many times in a week I complain about something.....

That issue aside, this was such an amazing book with clear and powerful Christian messages within.... and that food! I could smell the garlic, the cheese, and the sauce through the pages! I'm such a sucker for Italian food though.

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Review: Highland Awakening

Highland Awakening by Jennifer Haymore
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

***I received a free ARC from Netgalley.com in exchange for my honest review.***

After my disappointment from the previous Highland Knight book, I'll admit, I was a bit apprehensive about reading this book. Not to mention the fact that the synopsis of this book was luke warm at best.... oh my goodness, I have never been so happy to be wrong! I loved watching Cal struggle with his inner demons towards Esme. He tries so hard throughout the entire book to overcome his fathers abuse. I will make a side note here: I'd like to have seen more done about Cal's father, but I'm keeping the faith that there will be a book with Anna (if not, then PLEASE make one!!!!!) and their father will be dealt with then.

I usually don't like overly detailed sex scenes, but they worked with Cal and Esme. The power struggle, the passion, the danger.... all of it combined made this one of my favorite historical romances of the year thus far. I see that Ms. Haymore has another Highland Knights book in the making, and thanks to this book, I'm looking forward to reading it!

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Review: Touch of Life

Touch of Life by Eric E. McClure
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

Another one bites the dust..... DNF at 22%.

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Review: Taste for Trouble

Taste for Trouble by Susan Sey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I loved the story line, but if you are looking for something something other than a cliché sappy romance story, keep looking.

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Review: How to Please a Lady

How to Please a Lady by Jane Goodger
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Unfortunately this lady was not pleased.... not even close. Rose was unbelievably boring, snobbish, and ridiculous. Charlie was like every cliché head-over-heels in love fool from any romance novel. The story ended on a bit of a cliffhanger and after this fiasco, I will not be reading it.

Free ARC via Netgalley.com

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Vanessa's Cutie Blankie WIP

As promised, I have been hard at work on making my daughter-to-be's baby blanket. Thanks to MyPicot.com, I am in love with this blanket like no other! Although I didn't continue with the hearts up the blanket as the pattern suggests, I wanted something simple for her very first crocheted blanket.

The pattern is an advanced/intermediate and I can't begin to tell you all just how happy it makes me to be able to work this up. I know you're just as excited for me to finish this as I am to get this blanket done.

Quick little side note about this website before I go.... the patterns, (at least the ones I've read so far) are written in UK/US format so please pay attention when working these patterns.

Happy crafting everyone!

Review: The Fairy Tale Bride

The Fairy Tale Bride by Kelly McClymer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I'm going to assume that the ending to Miranda's story will live on in the remaining books of this series, otherwise I'm changing my review to a 3 star just for that ending! I loved the book, and questioned how things would work out for them, but the author left the ending with a vague idea of what was really to happen.

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Review: Her One True Love

Her One True Love by Rachel Brimble
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Big. Fat. DNF! I made it to 52% and finally threw in towel. I received a free copy via Netgalley.com in exchange for my honest review.

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Where to find the time?

There is so much that I want to do this year: finish my baby girl's blankets, hit my reading challenge goal, get my little man walking on his own and off the bottle, have my 6 year old reading.... I could go on and on.

Where am I to find the time to do all of this though? Its not like there are 3 of me. Sigh, I guess there is nothing I can do except push forward and hope this year is a success. I'll keep you all posted on my progress, but feel free to shout out a few things that you all hope to accomplish this year.