Ramblings

First of all, I would like to wish everyone a Happy Halloween or a Blessed Samhain (or both as the case may be).

• When did it occur that I no longer have any evening wear?  Or more specifically, ones that fit.  I have some that are a few sizes too large but none that I can wear now.  And why didn't I think of it until the night before I need it?

• I went out to a Haunted Evening Tea Party that was held in the local pagan shop that just happens to be haunted.  None of the ghosts made an appearance but it was a lot of fun.  I told myself to get pictures but the only one I took was off the sunset while I was waiting for the shop to open.
• I can't believe that Samhain is almost here.  Where has this year gone?

• In this household even my foster dogs have opinions.  My husband is laying on the couch and according to Pooka that isn't allowed.  He is standing there barking at him.

Related articles

• The Samhain Song Everybody Knows
• Samhain - Halloween - Summer's End
• The Pagan Roots Of Halloween

Midnight Magic Blog Hop

When Andrew Thornton announced a challenge based around Halloween, what is any self respecting witch to do but join in.  I had images of all the fun that the ghosts, ghouls and vampires have on Halloween.  And jewelry celebrating black and orange which is a color combo that I quite like.

And just look at the wonderful goodies that Andrew sent along.  I am in love with those two orange and one black bead caps up in the upper left hand corner.  Yeah you head me right.  They are glass bead caps.  Oh and those aren't all the goodies that I got.  There was also a couple focals, one of them made by Andrew, some seed beads and waxed linen.

I went with earrings mainly this time around because I still need to get some pairs made to send to Ears To You.  I set a goal to send along 30 pairs this year and I can't find the first couple batches I made so I really need to get busy on that.

This pair is the only one that I made that fits the eerie ambiance of the holiday.   I used some of the black crystal in the kit and wire wrapped them up with art tiles from Asbury Ave.  They are currently up for sale here.

These next two pairs were made from the ingredients that Andrew sent along with the exception of the ear wires.  They definitely celebrate the season and the spirit of fun that it is known for.  These two will go to Ears To You.

When I received my goodies for this challenge what immediately caught my eye was this carved focal piece.  I am not exactly sure what it is made of but it is interesting and begged to be wire up with a copper tube that was also part of kit.  I had also just gotten a shipment of tassels which seemed to be serendipity.  Since I really wanted the focal to catch the eye, I hung it off of a piece of black rayon cord that was also part of my goodies.

Now since this is a challenge that celebrates the season and tomorrow holiday, Andrew limited it to thirteen of us.  Be sure to check out what everyone else has made with their beady magic.  Just click here for the links and to see what Andrew has been kind enough to post for the folks that don't maintain a blog.

November Upcoming Blog Hops

I have some fun blog hops that will be happening in November.  And I am not sure just how I managed to do it but four are all during the same week.  Good thing that I tend to make up my designs early so that I don't feel rushed. 

This first hop is one that has been rescheduled a couple times due to the fact that the roof fell in on the hostess.  Literally.  So it was pushed back until November 11th.  This was actually a good thing because it gave me a chance to work up another necklace for this hop.  I can't wait to see what everyone has made with these incredible lampwork beads.

Next up is challenge that is hosted by Andrew Thornton.  It was inspired by the colors you find in moonstones and thoughts of alien gardens.  It will be on November 13th.

The next one is actually both a blog hop, a charm swap and a charity auction to benefit Beads of Courage.  Several artist get together and make up Art Charms to exchange with each other. The fun part is that we make an extra charm to be auctioned off for this great charity.  On November 14th, we reveal the charms we have made and the auction commences.

This next hop is based around components from one of my favorite artists, Sheryl of Metapolies, and is being hosted by Lisa of Pine Ridge Treasures.  I always try to get into Lisa's hops because they are so much fun. It  will be on November 15th.

This last one for the month (so far) the Be Thankful blog hop being hosted by Marybeth of A Few Words From Within The Pines.  This one is centered around Czech glass beads and a handmade copper clasp.  It's being held a few days before Thanksgiving on November 22nd.

Now you have an idea of what I will be sharing this month, or at least some of it, I hope that you will be stopping back by to see what I and all the other jewelry artist have put together in November.

Third Annual Octoberfest

One hop that is quickly becoming one of my favorites is Tolec Jewel's Octoberfest.  One reason for that is it is to celebrate all things autumn.  It can be delicious fall recipes, decor or jewelry.  You just never know what will be shared with the reader.

Now you know me.  My contributions are all about jewelry.  And this year I went fun with this pair of earrings which is going to be donated to Ears To You.  They are just the thing to remind someone to have fun this season.

This next pair is also all about fun. The wonderful jack-o-lanterns were made by Sheryl of Metapolies  I don't recall however where I picked up the orange lampwork beads though.  This pair is also being donated.

This next design is simple but is all about autumn with the falling leaves.  The lampwork bead is from Beatle Baby Glassworks.  It is currently for sale here. 

This last necklace will be a Yule gift for a friend of mine who is both a Green Witch, hence the green that makes an appearance, and a cat lady.  The focal is from Blu Mudd Ceramics.

I had to chuckle because one of the things that we could do to join in was open up a shop for our works.  I actually opened mine up on Labor Day but you are welcome to check out everything that I have there also.  Just click on the link for Shaiha Designs or click here.  I have set up a discount on my jewelry for this hop.  Just enter OCTFEST for 10% off.

Now to sure to check out what other fall gifts these artists have to share with you.

Toltec Jewels                            Jewel School Friends (hostess)

Dini Bruinsma                           http://www.angazabychanges.blogspot.nl/

Marybeth Rich                          http:/forestofjewels.blogspot.com/

Mary Govaars                           http://www.mlhjewelrydesigns.com/

Mischelle Andrade-Fanucchi     http://micheladasmusings.blogspot.com

Karin Grosset Grange               http://ginkgoetcoquelicot.blogspot.fr

Andrea Zenith Glick                  http://zenithjade.blogspot.com/

Nan Smith                                http://wirednan.blogspot.com

Linda Anderson                        http://CherryOnTopDesign.Co

Becky Pancake                        http://beckypancakebeaddesigns.blogspot.com

Melissa Trudinger                     http://beadrecipes.wordpress.com/

Lennis Carrier                          http://windbent.wordpress.com/

Sue Kennedy                           http://suebeads.blogspot.com/

Kim Dworak                            http://www.cianciblue.blogspot.com/

Jo-Ann Woolverton                  http://itsabeadifulcreation.blogspot.ca

Jennifer Reno                           http://jenrenjewelry.blogspot.com/

Veralynne Malone                    http://veradesigns.blogspot.com 

Lori Schneider                          http://beadaddicted.blogspot.com/

Alisa Siceloff                            http://armoredmermaid.blogspot.com

Pam Traub                               http://www.klassyjoolz.blogspot.com/

Cryss Thain                              http://beaddragons.blogspot.com/

Maria Lourdes Rios                 http://mlourdes24.blogspot.com

Kathy Lindemer                       http://bay-moon-design.blogspot.com/

Carolyn Lawson                      http://Carolynscreationswa.blogspot.com

Blanca Medina                        http://www.peru-medesigns.com/

Debbie Rasmussen                  www.Kepirasmussen.blogspot.ca

Heather Richter                       http://desertjewelrydesigns.blogspot.com/

Kathleen Breeding                   http://99bobotw.blogspot.com/

Carol Dillman                          http://dillmansdallies.blogspot.com/

Chris Eisenberg                       www.wanderware.blogspot.com

Rebecca Sirevaag                    www.godsartistinresidence.blogspot.com

Sam Waghorn                          http://palemooncreation.blogspot.co.uk

Sherri Stokey                           www.KnotJustMacrame.com

Gina Hockett                           www.freestyleelements.blogspot.com

Michelle McCarthy                  http://fireflydesignstudio.blogspot.com

Michelle Buettner                     http://www.MiShelDesigns.blogspot.com

Dana Hickey                            http://magpieapproved.blogspot.com

Claire Fabian                            http://saraccino.blogspot.com 

Cynthia Abner                          http://createdtreasures.blogspot.com

Renetha Stanziano                    http://lamplightcrafts.blogspot.com

Jami Shipp                               http://CelebratingLifewithDaMamaShipp.blogspot.com

Charlie                                     http://505indiechic.blogspot.com

Gloria Allen                              http://gloriaallendesigns.blogspot.com

Lisa Johnson                             http://spudandmrsbutters.blogspot.com

Marde Lowe                            http://fancimardesigns.blogspot.com

Monique Urquhart                    http://ahalfbakednotion.blogspot.com

Jill Bradley                                http://chat2jill.blogspot.com

Toni Gifford                              https://plus.google.com/+ToniG28

Shawnda D'Arcy                      https://www.facebook.com/JewelryByShawnda

RaMona Woolson                    http://jerseygirlsbeadwork.blogspot.com

Esterina Jagiella                        http://ekleijar.blogspot.com

Sandra McGriff                        http://skyescreativechaos.blogspot.com

Mary McGraw                         http://mkaymac.blogspot.com

Alenka Obid                            http://pepita-handmade.blogspot.com

Marianne Baxter                      http://simplyseablimejewelry.blogspot.com

Ann Schroeder                        www.beadlove.wordpress.com

Inge von Roos                          http://ingetraud.wordpress.com

Robin Reed                              http://willowdragon.blogspot.com

Suzanne Berk                           https://www.facebook.com/IRescueJewelryDesign

Mowse Doyle                          http://mowsemadethis.blogspot.com

Diana Miglionico Shiraishi         http://jasmineteadesigns.blogspot.com

RanaLea                                  http://ranaleadesigns.blogspot.com

Andrea Rivers                          http://turtlesoupcreative.blogspot.com

Janine Lucas                            http://esfera.me/travel/blog/travel-stories

Tanya McGuire                        http://tanyamcguire.blogspot.com

Anindita Basu                          http://alankarshilpa.blogspot.com

Mitzie Crider                           http://needfulluxuries.blogspot.com

Deb Fortin                               http://studiok24.blogspot.ca

Cynthia Kent Machata             http://antiquitytravelers.blogspot.com

Cheri Reed                              http://creativedesignsbycheri.blogspot.com

Laurel Hanson                         http://stonewingdesigns.com/blogs/stonewingdesignsblog

Ingrid Anderson                      http://lilisgems.wordpress.com/

Karla Morgan                          http://Texaspepperjams.blogspot.com

Lori Anderson                         http://www.PrettyThings.com

Louise Mccormick-Glazier       http://lilyandjasmine.blogspot.com/

Jasvanti Patel                          http://jewelrybyjasvanti.blogspot.com

Susan Kelly                            http://http://midlifegreaterexpectations.blogspot.com/

Lee Koopman                        http://stregajewellry.wordpress.com/

Carol Briody                          http://cbriody.blogspot.com/

Kathy Lindemer                    http://bay-moon-design.blogspot.com/

Renetha Stanziano                http://lamplightcrafts.blogspot.com/

Ramblings

For Sale Here

• I downloaded a new calender app for my iPhone called Timeful.  It is supposed to help keep me organized and build new habits such as taking some time to journal or exercise.  I just started using it on Saturday but I can say that it did help me get a good deal of my to-dos finished on Sunday until I was sidelined by a migraine.  It's not the prettiest calender or to-do app out there but I like how it combines both into one and it is a free app.  I will have to see how it works out. 

 For Sale Here

• Speaking of cell phones.  I upgraded my iPhone to the latest version of IOS 8.  I am really hoping that it will help resolve the wi-fi issues that this operating system seems to have.   For the most part, I am happy that I did the upgrade but I don't care for the fact that I am constantly loosing my signal when I am laying down when I never did on IOS7.
• I have been considering joining the Red Hat Society but their website won't even let you find out if there are chapters in your area without paying your money.  What's up with that.  It's not a lot of money but I don't want to waste it to find out that the only groups meet at a time when I am at work.  Is anyone a member of the Red Hat Society and if so, what do you think about them?

• I was contacted by Amused Paws and asked if I would be interested in doing a review of their dog toys for them.  With my menagerie of course I was interested! They are sending me the Froggle stuffie which will be perfect for Bella Boo.  She just loves to cuddle witj stuffed animals.
• I guess that you can say that I am addicted to words.  At one time, I would have narrowed that down the written word but I find that I enjoy listening to books and podcasts as much as I do sitting down with a book.  In fact, I find that I end up listening more then I end up reading because then I can multi-task.  

• I originally started this blog years ago to share contests that I found online.  Boy has it grown and change but I still occasionally enjoy sharing a good contest such as the one that Niky is hosting over at her blog, silverniknats. There's a lot of ways to toss your name in the hat so be sure to check it out.

Review: Dark Triumph

When Sybella arrived at the doorstep of St Mortain half mad with grief and despair the convent were only too happy to offer her refuge - but at a price. The sisters of this convent serve Death, and with Sybella naturally skilled in both the arts of death and seduction, she could become one of their most dangerous weapons.

But her assassin's skills are little comfort when the convent returns her to the life that nearly drove her mad. Her father's rage and brutality are terrifying, and her brother's love is equally monstrous. But when Sybella discovers an unexpected ally she discovers that a daughter of Death may find something other than vengeance to live for...

* * * * *

This series is based on historical characters and events but has a definite fantasy twist to the tale.   So be forewarned if you are a history buff that not all dates or characterizations are exact and don't read this book if this will cause you to tear your hair out.  On the other hand if you are looking for an excellent dark fantasy,then look no further.

I fell in love with this 'world' and version of history in the first book of this series, Grave Mercy. and book two, DARK TRIUMPH has done nothing to change my mind.  This book is character driven and what wonderful characters.  Sybella is such an interesting, and oh so dark, character.  Raised in a corrupt environment, she is the perfect assassin.

DARK TRIUMPH is a story of love and triumph under the worst circumstances.  It is a story of learning and redemption.  And it is a book that I would gladly recommend to any of my readers who prefer a touch of darkness in their reading habits.  

*** I received this book at no charge from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.  All opinions expressed within are my own.

Related articles

• Book Review: Dark Triumph (His Fair Assassin # 2) by Robin Lafevers
• Robin LaFevers - Dark Triumph

Winners!!

Today is one of those totally fun posts where I get to give stuff away.  I wish that I could do this all the time but alas, it just isn't to be. 

For the Fall Fashionista 2014, the winner is Rhonda S.  I have been able to contact Rhonda and she has her gift code in hand.

The second contest was one ran on my Facebook account, Shaiha Designs, for a $50 gift code.  The winner is Laura Norman.  I am still trying to contact Laura.

Creative Spark Fall 2014

Just a quick post to share the Fall 2014 Creative Spark e-zine.  There are some nice tutorials and gorgeous jewelry contained within so be sure to take a look.  Also since I have one of the designers for ZNetShows, there is also a couple blurbs from me and my thoughts on fall.

Do Over Blog Challenge

A couple times a year, Jeannie K. Dukic of Whee! The People and the creative genius behind JKD Studio hosts a challenge where she sends out  several designers a piece of jewelry that she made sometime in the far past and we get to remake it.  I have taken part a few times and I do have to say that it really is a blast because I have NO idea just what I will receive.  

Now historically, I always have issues getting a 'before' pic so I am quite proud of myself for remembering and not loosing it when my hard drive crashed.  As you can see, I was lucky enough to receive a memory wire bracelet with some bold resin and wooden beads.  Some of the beads were quite a bit larger then what I am used too.  And they looked so good in their current incarnation.

They looked so good in fact that I wanted to keep them together in some fashion and I have really been on a bracelet kick lately.  So a bracelet it would be but with my own twist.  I dug out some Greek leather that I had in a drawer and some more wooden beads.

For Sale Here

And I made up a wrap bracelet that is longer, actually long enough to convert to a fun necklace.  And I do have to say that I am pretty happy with it.  Thank you Jeannie giving me that push (yet again) to work with beads that I wouldn't have normally chosen.  I end up having a blast every time.

Now be sure to check out what everyone else has made.  

Jeannie K Dukic

Penny Houghton

Donetta Farrington

Louise Glazier

Molly Alexander

Veralynne Malone

Becky Pancake

Shai Williams

Renetha Stanziano

Rebecca Ednie

Beti Horvath

Ramblings

Available here.

• Why is it that on the weekends I have the most to do, I end up feeling like I want to die?  Even when most of things that I have to do are fun things such as working on my jewelry and taking some new pics.
• Somehow I made everything in my blogger tiny and I can't figure out how to get it back to normal size.  Nothing makes you feel older than feeling like you need a magnifying glass to work on blog posts.
• Why is it that when I go to Dairy Queen to get one of their lunch combos that they will give me the sunday and then have me wait ten minutes for the hot food?

For Sale here.

• I swear that someone doesn't want me to get my grass mowed.  On the days,I am physically able to do so, it rains.  The beautiful days, I seem to end up getting a migraine.  I can't win though the grass is sure happy. 
• I am in shock with my Pinterest.  When I first started, it was just to keep track of things that caught my interest.  Then I decided that I wanted to create a resource where folks can find various jewelry tutorials.  Apparently this was a needed service because I have over 10,000 followers.  Shocked and humbled that so many people would follow me.  Thank you.
•  

Hurry! Almost Over!

The 2014 Fall Fashionista ends tomorrow night at midnight.  Be sure to get your entry in for chances on jewelry, purses, shows & clothes. You can't beat some of these prizes.  For the complete list and to enter my giveaway for a $150 gift code to Shaiha Designs, just click here.

Related articles

• 2014 Fall Fashionista Giveaway
• Win a Dress, Shoes, and Handbag in the Fall Fashionista Giveaway Hop
• $287 Janska Georgia Jacket Margo Cape Giveaway - 2 Winners

Review: Jaspar's War

Looking for the Fall Fashionista?  Just click here.

Greenwich, Connecticut socialite Jaspar Moran has it all-a magnificent estate, two beautiful children and a loving husband, Trevor, serving as the Secretary of the Treasury. Protected, admired and living in the lap of luxury, Jaspar is reeling from the news that his government jet has crashed just as her children vanish without a trace. An ominous message warns her to keep silent about her husband's role in the President's economic plan. Or else. Determined to save her children, she'll go to hell and back, form alliances with assassins, traitors and Mafioso, and commit unspeakable acts-if that's what it takes. With alarms sounding around the world, hunted from all sides, and unsure of who to trust, she finds herself depending on a mysterious figure without an identity. Jaspar journeys from the Australian outback to the palazzos of Rome, the Monte Carlo Grand Prix, and to the magnificence of the Vatican, in her quest. Can she rescue her children before the plot to crash the global economy is unleashed?

* * * * *

Lately I have been reading a lot of fantasy so for a change, I reached for a suspense novel whose blurb looked really good.  And with a woman as a main character whose motivations is protecting her children.  Can't really go wrong, can you?

Unfortunately, I have to say that you can.  I wasn't impressed by either the characters or the plot.  If I am reading this genre, I want the book to grab me, to make me care about the characters and what is happening.  Instead, I found JASPAR'S WAR to start out in a disjointed manner where facts and backstories are flung at the reader in the beginning and then begin to plod along.  I am still trying to figure how just how all the prayer furthered the storyline along.

I can appreciate the lengths that Jaspar is willing to go for her children but I just couldn't really bring myself to care about her or any of the other characters.  I found them to be flat and unrealistic.  

I really can't bring myself to recommend JASPAR'S WAR as I don't feel that it lived up to its potential.  This is only the first book by this author however so I will keep my eye out for more.

*** I received this book at no charge from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.  All opinions expressed within are my own.

Ramblings

Looking for the Fall Fashionista?  Just click here.

• Bet you will never guess what those are.  Yep.  They are solar collectors that are installed at Seattle Center.  Could you image a garden of those in the Sahara Desert?
• Went to the Northwest Tea Festival on Saturday and had a blast.  I always forget to take a lot of pics though :(
• I remember the days when going out and having fun didn't require a day of recovery.
• Wow!  This is a short post this time around.  I normally add things as I think of them throughout the week but I just haven't spent that much time near my computer this week. 
• I finished up a couple of necklaces on Wednesday but they are for blog hops so I can't show them off yet.

• Always be sure to look at quantities.  I ordered some clasps that I thought I would like on clearance but I didn't notice that for each one I ordered, I actually ordered a dozen.   They are nice sturdy clasps but I didn't need 6 dozen of them.
• Don't forget to check out the Fall Fashionista!  I would love to pick up some of those gift cards or purses.  And of course, it's a chance to win a $150 gift certificate to my store.

Fall Fashionista Event!

For the past few years, one of the fashion events that I look forward to is the Fall Fashionista. And this year especially as I finally have my shop open so I am able to offer the winner choices.  Now a bit about this glamorous online fashion hops.

The Fall Fashionista Giveaway Event is hosted by The Chief Blonde at Still Blonde After All These Years and Katy from  Modly Chic.   All Fashion! Only FASHION event! Largest Fashion Giveaway event on the internet with $26,000+ in prizes, 100+ participating blogs and 3/4 million entries. Each individual blog has a minimum of $125 prize!  And a fantastic grand prize!

The  FALL Fashionista Events Grand Prize is $500 PayPal (worldwide where allowed by law).  For every giveaway in the Fall Fashionista Event that you enter, you gain one entry toward the Fall Fashionista Grand Prize. 1 Grand Prize winner will receive $500 PayPal cash. 1 first prize winner will receive $300 gift certificate to Midnight Velvet Clothing. Isn’t that stunning?

This year is extra special for me as I am now able to offer a gift certificate to my own shop.  Yes, you heard me correctly.  I finally got around to opening up Shaiha Designs and I will be offering a $150.00 gift certificate that is good on any pieces of jewelry that catches your eye.  

Still Blonde after all these YEARS , Modly Chic, Fall Fashionista Events Giveaway or the Fall Fashionista Events Giveaway bloggers are not responsible for sponsors/bloggers that do not fulfill their prizes or for any product failure or harm caused thereby.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Now be sure to enter all the other contests.  There are some really nice prizes up for grabs.

Review: Trial By Fire

This world is trying to kill Lily Proctor. Her life-threatening allergies keep her from enjoying experiences that others in her hometown of Salem take for granted, which is why she is determined to enjoy her first high school party with her best friend and longtime crush, Tristan. But after a humiliating incident in front of half her graduating class, Lily wishes she could just disappear.

Suddenly, Lily is in a different Salem—one overrun with horrifying creatures and ruled by powerful women called Crucibles. Strongest and cruelest of them all is Lillian . . . Lily's other self in this alternate universe.

What makes Lily weak at home is what makes her extraordinary in New Salem. In this confusing world, Lily is torn between responsibilities she can't hope to shoulder alone and a love she never expected.

* * * * *

Ms Angelini has done a wonderful job of world building.  Definitely the strong point for this book. The landscape is the same but everything else has changed.  That by itself was enough to keep me interested.

The characters are also fully fleshed out with all their strengths and weakness making them real and interesting.  Lily is a very strong character which she would have had to be to survive her handicaps in her own world.  Rowan is delectable and someone I wouldn't mind meeting in my world.  Tristan and Caleb also add to the storyline.

I did enjoy TRIAL BY FIRE but I didn't find anything in it to 'wow' me.  I am not champing at the bit waiting impatiently for the the next book.  Still I would recommend it to my readers who enjoy alternate world stories.  It is suitable for readers of all ages since there isn't any sex though it is mentioned.  

*** I received this book at no charge from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.  All opinions expressed within are my own.

Review: Hawley Book Of The Dead

Revelation “Reve” Dyer grew up with her grandmother’s family stories, stretching back centuries to Reve’s ancestors, who founded the town of Hawley Five Corners, Massachusetts. Their history is steeped in secrets, for few outsiders know that an ancient magic runs in the Dyer women’s blood, and that Reve is a magician whose powers are all too real.

Reve and her husband are world-famous Las Vegas illusionists. They have three lovely young daughters, a beautiful home, and what seems like a charmed life. But Reve’s world is shattered when an intruder alters her trick pistol and she accidentally shoots and kills her beloved husband onstage.

Fearing for her daughters’ lives, Reve flees with them to the place she has always felt safest—an antiquated farmhouse in the forest of Hawley Five Corners, where the magic of her ancestors reigns, and her oldest friend—and first love—is the town’s chief of police. Here, in the forest, with its undeniable air of enchantment, Reve hopes she and her girls will be protected.

Delving into the past for answers, Reve is drawn deeper into her family’s legends. What she discovers is The Hawley Book of the Dead, an ancient leather-bound journal holding mysterious mythic power. As she pieces together the truth behind the book, Reve will have to shield herself and her daughters against an uncertain, increasingly dangerous fate. For soon it becomes clear that the stranger who upended Reve’s life in Las Vegas has followed her to Hawley—and that she has something he desperately wants.

Brimming with rich history, suspense, and magic, The Hawley Book of the Dead is a brilliantly imagined debut novel from a riveting new voice.

* * * * *

I don't really know what I expected when I picked up this book.  The blurb was almost guaranteed to catch my attention as I feel that suspense and magic go hand in hand but I have been disappointed before by blurbs especially the longer ones.  So I decided to suspend all judgement and see just where the book took me.

And boy did the book take me!  It took less then a chapter for me to be utterly engrossed with Reve, her issues and her world.  She is a really strong woman but to deal with the fact that she pulled the trigger that killed her husband and has a stalker.  It's enough to give me shivers.  Also because she is such a vibrant character, Reve really does overshadow the other parties in the book.

The secondary characters are important to the book however.  I just loved Nan, Reve's grandmother, and her secrets that she will only reveal in her own time.  Jolan, Reve's old friend, is an interesting character in his position as sheriff.  He is torn between what he knows as real and is desire to trust what Reve is telling him.  And of course, there are the kids...

HAWLEY BOOK OF THE DEAD is a debut novel which blew me away because this author has such an unique voice and wonderful sense of timing.  The villein was revealed fairly early in the book yet I felt that I needed to keep looking over my shoulder because I wasn't quite sure what he was up to next.  It has a wonderfully satisfying ending but I am really hoping that the author finds someway to continue the series.

*** I received this book at no charge from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.  All opinions expressed within are my own.

 

Ramblings

Dark Magic Bracelet (sold)

• Happy October!  This is one of my favorite months even though it does tend to get cold and wet here in Washington.

• I follow the Blue Moon Beads blog and a couple weeks ago, they had a post asking folks to post on on their Facebook page what they were working on.  They were going to draw six winners to send some beads to.  I posted a design that I had laid out and hadn't let put together.  A couple days later, I noticed that I had won.  Only three of us actually entered which is really a shame.  I like the fact that I won but for this giveaways to continue, people have to support the pages and take the time to enter the contests.  Anyways, I recieved a rather large box today that I wasn't expecting so I opened it to discover a dragon's hoard of beads, chain and findings!  I am going to have a lot of fun with them and the best part is that since I didn't have to pay for them, I can pass those savings on to my customers.

 

Jasper Gears

• Thank goodness I have an IT Goddess.  I tried to bring up Outlook and Firefox so I could write up a book review and check my email.  And my computer locked.  I could limp it into opening but anytime I tried to do anything, it would lock.  It ended up that I got the black screen of death.  Of course, my computer didn't get any warning but instead commits suicide spectacularly.   Yep you guess it.  My hard drive died and I had everything backed up in an external hard drive.  Not the most recent but I wouldn't lose ten years of emails and documents.  No stress.  Let's just get another hard drive.  I am now up and typing
• Except.  Yeah there had to be one.  We can 't find the back up drive.  At all.  My imp has struck again.  We are hoping to recover some of the data off of it but for right now, I have over 400 emails that I didn't get a chance to read and nothing that I have saved over the years.  There is kinda a saving grace though.  I had just gotten a new phone with more memory so I did have all my contracts backed up as well as my bookmarks.

• Some beads that are being turned into charms for the Beads of Courage Charm hop.  I don't make my own beads so I take some artisan beads made by others and make charms with them,