Welcome to the month that dragged on for so long that I was often convinced we’d skipped the end of April and moved into May. I think I subconsciously willed April to be over because even with a couple of triumphs, it hasn’t been the greatest month for me personally and a lot of that is evident in my online bookish life. I haven’t read a lot, I’ve hardly written anything, and my mind has been all over the place creatively speaking.
I can accept that these things happen sometimes but it isn’t easy to deal with when all I want to be at the time is creative and lose myself in it.
It’s a very long-winded way of saying this will be a rather shorter wrap up than usual as I only managed to finish two books.
Jane Austen Investigates: The Abbey Mystery by Julia Golding (Netgalley e-arc, review)
I have linked to the review but all in all this was a fun romp through the eyes of a young Jane Austen, solving mysteries and getting into a lot of mischief. I did find myself a tad bored at times but looking back at the book, I think that was more my state of mind and lack of motivation to read rather than the book itself. I did end up enjoying it though and I’m intrigued to see where this series will go, as well as what other details from Austen’s books may be subtly included in the plots.
Malice by Heather Walter
Out of all the fairytale retellings, I don’t feel as if I’ve read many based on Sleeping Beauty and this one has certainly paved the way for me to find more. I like this twist of looking at the story from the villain’s perspective and Alyce was no different. I very much felt for her, wanting to be light rather than dark, dealing with all the constant teasing and isolation, and wishing to be liked by someone. It was also interesting to see how the motivations for all the other characters played out too, exposing the cracks and truth involved in the Grace hierarchy, the royal curse, Briar as a nation, and where Alyce’s magic fits in to all of that.
I think we’re certainly going to see all of that develop in its sequel and it will be one to look out for next year.
Other Things:
I’m also going to blame the lack of reading on the desire to re-watch Bones for about the third time in this pandemic, (honestly I’m feeling more joy at the moment wanting to watch another episode rather than pick up a book) and start working on yet another knitting/crochet project.
The blanket is the Granny Goes Large pattern by Cherry Heart, simply a huge granny square with a different colour every row. I love the ease and mindlessness of it so far and I’m hoping it will be rather quick make so I can get back to working on my other blankets.
I don’t have much else to say about April so I’ll leave it there.
What was April like for you?
Thanks for reading and have a brazzle dazzle day!
xx
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