This month went…tolerably well. I’m still super behind with my 5 Week, 5 Tomes challenge, but I did read technically 8 books this months. I use the word ‘technically’ because three of them were crocheting books, which take only a fraction of the time to read. But they are still books, so I’m counting them. I’ve been really into crocheting this past month, probably because it’s getting cold and that’s when I usually feel like doing winter crafts (like crocheting or knitting). I even crocheted a sweater! It was my first big crocheting project and while not perfect, I’m happy with it. Anyway, back to books!
2 Stars

- I Was Anastasia by Ariel Lawhon (published March, 2018)
- Bel Canto by Ann Pratchett (published May, 2001)
3 Stars

- Vintage Modern Crochet: Classic Crochet Lace Techniques for Contemporary Style by Robyn Chachula (published April, 2016)
- This is such a pretty book, but definitely not for beginners. It’s more for intermediate and advanced crocheters (is that even a word?). However, if you are this, it’s a really well-written book with some beautiful patterns.
- Crochet Ever After: 18 Crochet Projects Inspired by Classic Fairy Tales by Brenda K.B. Anderson (published Dec. 2014)
- I was drawn to this book because I love crochet and fairytales. However, there weren’t a lot of patterns that I really liked. I loved the dragon scarf on the cover, and a few others (like the frog hat and Unicorn hoodie for kids), but mostly they were just pretty basic projects with little extras added to seem more fairytale-themed. It’s not a bad book, in any way, it just wasn’t as good as I hoped it would be.
4 stars

- Crochet for Christmas: 29 Patterns for Handmade Holiday Decorations and Gifts by Salena Baca (published July, 2015)
- This book is filled with fun and unique crochet patterns. I’m a beginner in crocheting, so I appreciated how there were both easy projects and more difficult ones. My favorites were the Fair Isle Hedgehog (yes, you can crochet an adorable hedgehog) and the Berries and Branches Tree Skirt.
- An Act of Villainy (Amory Ames #5) by Ashley Weaver (published September, 2018)
- I was so excited to read this book! I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the previous books in this series, and this one is no exception. It’s very much the Gaslight series by Victoria Thompson meets Her Royal Spyness by Rhys Bowen. Not only is it fun, but it keeps you wondering who the culprit is until the end. It’s difficult to confuse me, probably because I read way too many mysteries, and yet it did. A fun, light read. I can’t wait for the next book of the series!
- City of Ghosts (Cassidy Blake #1) by Victoria Schwab (published August, 2018)
5 stars

- Sky in the Deep by Adrienne Young (published April, 2018)
And there you have it! How many books did you read this month? Have you read any of these books or authors? Let me know your thoughts down in the comments, follow my blog for more madness and, as always,
Best wishes in your life full of adventure,
Madame Writer
I love that you’re learning how to crochet. Do you know how to knit? I find yarn crafts to be the most cozy during the Autumn/Winter months 🙂
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Yes, I’ve been knitting since I was ten or so; I just never got into crocheting. Personally, I find crocheting to be easier, though knitting is more diverse because you can do a lot more with it. But both are cozy for autumn/winter, I totally agree!
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Wow, these crocheting books look so beautiful and their covers make me feel warm. I recall that I crocheted two scarfs when I was a freshman but later I became lazier and lazier……
My hat’s off to you! May your December be warm and fantastic!😃🌸
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The crocheting books were beautiful, though a lot of the projects were too difficult for my level. I’m pretty lazy too, so I prefer slightly simpler projects!
As for my December being warm, probably not. It’s about 20°F (about -6°C). So cold, but at least I’m in a warm house! I hope your December is warm and happy too!
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But you’ve crocheted a sweater! It’s so wonderful!
It’s really cold where you live. Here in Nanjing is 9℃ and it’s drizziling these days. Winter is the best time to stay inside, cozy up with pillows and read books or watch movies, I think:) Thank you for your blessings!
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I agree! I love cozying up with books and quilts and staying warm!
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I love that you’re into crochet! I’ve always loved it, but not enough to sit and make time to actually crochet something.
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It’s so much fun, but I’m a beginner still!
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