The Sassy Bookworm
Book Review: *Murder on a Frosty Night* by Verity Bright ❄️📚
Rating: 5-Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Oh, what a cozy and captivating Christmas treat this book turned out to be! From the moment I laid eyes on the charming cover, I knew *Murder on a Frosty Night* would be a delightful addition to my seasonal reading. Verity Bright has once again crafted a perfect blend of mystery, historical charm, and festive spirit that warms the heart even on the frostiest of winter nights. 🎄🔥
Set in winter 1925, we join Eleanor and Hugh as they prepare to celebrate their very first Christmas as a married couple. The festive cheer is quickly interrupted when their loyal butler, Clifford, arrives bearing an urgent telegram—a lucrative case awaits their fledgling detective agency in one of England’s most remote counties. Without hesitation, along with their trusty bulldog Gladstone, they journey to the tiny hamlet of Yorelow. 🕵️♀️🐾
But this isn’t your typical Christmas gathering—upon arrival, they discover their client, Osmund Unwin, has been found dead just as midnight mass concludes. Now faced with solving the murder of a man they never even met, Eleanor and Hugh find themselves tangled in a web of village secrets and grudges. Is it the enigmatic Frisham sisters, tangled in rumors and love triangles? Or perhaps the sharp-tongued maid with her own motives? And when another body turns up near the old castle ruins, the mystery only deepens. 🕯️🔎
What truly makes this story shine is how effortlessly it blends the holiday atmosphere with an intriguing whodunit. The village’s icy setting and the tension simmering beneath its quaint surface make for an engaging backdrop. Plus, the return of familiar characters like Kofi adds that comforting continuity I adore in this series. I especially enjoyed the moments when Eleanor’s ladies made their way to meet with Hugh and Clifford—such a charming touch! ❄️🏰
Verity Bright’s attention to historical detail is impeccable. I always appreciate how she enriches her stories with fascinating historical notes at the end, and this book is no exception. It gave me a wonderful glimpse into life in 1925 England, adding an extra layer of depth to the mystery. 📜🕰️
All in all, *Murder on a Frosty Night* is exactly the kind of cozy, clever Christmas read I look forward to each year. Perfect for curling up by the fire with a cup of something warm, this book delivers intrigue, heart, and festive spirit in equal measure. Highly recommended for fans of historical mysteries and holiday tales alike! ☕🎁
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary
Book Review: *Murder on a Frosty Night* by Verity Bright ❄️📚
Rating: 5-Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Oh, what a cozy and captivating Christmas treat this book turned out to be! From the moment I laid eyes on the charming cover, I knew *Murder on a Frosty Night* would be a delightful addition to my seasonal reading. Verity Bright has once again crafted a perfect blend of mystery, historical charm, and festive spirit that warms the heart even on the frostiest of winter nights. 🎄🔥
Set in winter 1925, we join Eleanor and Hugh as they prepare to celebrate their very first Christmas as a married couple. The festive cheer is quickly interrupted when their loyal butler, Clifford, arrives bearing an urgent telegram—a lucrative case awaits their fledgling detective agency in one of England’s most remote counties. Without hesitation, along with their trusty bulldog Gladstone, they journey to the tiny hamlet of Yorelow. 🕵️♀️🐾
But this isn’t your typical Christmas gathering—upon arrival, they discover their client, Osmund Unwin, has been found dead just as midnight mass concludes. Now faced with solving the murder of a man they never even met, Eleanor and Hugh find themselves tangled in a web of village secrets and grudges. Is it the enigmatic Frisham sisters, tangled in rumors and love triangles? Or perhaps the sharp-tongued maid with her own motives? And when another body turns up near the old castle ruins, the mystery only deepens. 🕯️🔎
What truly makes this story shine is how effortlessly it blends the holiday atmosphere with an intriguing whodunit. The village’s icy setting and the tension simmering beneath its quaint surface make for an engaging backdrop. Plus, the return of familiar characters like Kofi adds that comforting continuity I adore in this series. I especially enjoyed the moments when Eleanor’s ladies made their way to meet with Hugh and Clifford—such a charming touch! ❄️🏰
Verity Bright’s attention to historical detail is impeccable. I always appreciate how she enriches her stories with fascinating historical notes at the end, and this book is no exception. It gave me a wonderful glimpse into life in 1925 England, adding an extra layer of depth to the mystery. 📜🕰️
All in all, *Murder on a Frosty Night* is exactly the kind of cozy, clever Christmas read I look forward to each year. Perfect for curling up by the fire with a cup of something warm, this book delivers intrigue, heart, and festive spirit in equal measure. Highly recommended for fans of historical mysteries and holiday tales alike! ☕🎁
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary
Book Review: Becoming an Artist by Scott Christian Sava 🧑🎨📚
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
If you've ever stumbled upon Scott Christian Sava’s TikTok or YouTube channels, you already know him as the internet’s beloved “art dad.” His new book, Becoming an Artist, feels like sitting down for a heart-to-heart with Scott himself—warm, encouraging, and full of genuine dad-energy that instantly puts you at ease. 🎨🧑🎨💬
The book isn’t a traditional how-to on drawing or mastering superheroes; instead, it’s a comforting guide for anyone who’s ever doubted their artistic worth or feared failure. Scott tackles those nagging questions we all have: Is it cheating to find shortcuts in art? Am I too old to start creating? Will I ever like what I make? And the answers are refreshingly honest—no cheating in art, age is just a number, liking your art is a journey (not a constant), and yes, your skills can improve with patience and practice. 🤔✏️⏳
What really shines through is Scott’s emphasis on the messy, imperfect process of making art. He champions the idea of embracing failure and self-doubt as natural parts of growth. His voice has the gentle kindness of Mister Rogers combined with the laid-back warmth of Bob Ross, making you feel like creativity is not just for the prodigies, but for everyone willing to give it a shot. 🌱🖌️❤️
The book is peppered with over 50 charming black-and-white watercolor illustrations and sprinkled with Scott’s personal stories and playful detours that make reading it feel like flipping through a thoughtful sketchbook. It’s part pep talk, part memoir, and part creative manifesto rolled into one. 📖🖤✨
I was instantly drawn in by the striking cover—so inviting and joyful—and as I flipped through the pages, Scott’s familiar voice from his videos resonated strongly. His dad-like encouragement flows through every chapter, guiding readers from gathering inspiration and materials all the way to considering art as a career without pressure or pretense. 🎉🎨👨👧👦
Whether you’re just picking up a pencil for the first time in years or you’re a seasoned artist feeling burned out, Becoming an Artist offers a refreshing reminder: art is about being weird, imperfect, and delightfully human. It’s permission to create without fear—a gift that Scott generously shares with over four million followers worldwide. ✍️😄🌍
If you’re looking for a book that feels like a supportive friend cheering you on, this one deserves a solid four stars. It inspires, it comforts, and most importantly, it reminds us all why we fell in love with art in the first place. 💖
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Originally posted at tinyurl.com.
Book Review: Becoming an Artist by Scott Christian Sava 🧑🎨📚
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
If you've ever stumbled upon Scott Christian Sava’s TikTok or YouTube channels, you already know him as the internet’s beloved “art dad.” His new book, Becoming an Artist, feels like sitting down for a heart-to-heart with Scott himself—warm, encouraging, and full of genuine dad-energy that instantly puts you at ease. 🎨🧑🎨💬
The book isn’t a traditional how-to on drawing or mastering superheroes; instead, it’s a comforting guide for anyone who’s ever doubted their artistic worth or feared failure. Scott tackles those nagging questions we all have: Is it cheating to find shortcuts in art? Am I too old to start creating? Will I ever like what I make? And the answers are refreshingly honest—no cheating in art, age is just a number, liking your art is a journey (not a constant), and yes, your skills can improve with patience and practice. 🤔✏️⏳
What really shines through is Scott’s emphasis on the messy, imperfect process of making art. He champions the idea of embracing failure and self-doubt as natural parts of growth. His voice has the gentle kindness of Mister Rogers combined with the laid-back warmth of Bob Ross, making you feel like creativity is not just for the prodigies, but for everyone willing to give it a shot. 🌱🖌️❤️
The book is peppered with over 50 charming black-and-white watercolor illustrations and sprinkled with Scott’s personal stories and playful detours that make reading it feel like flipping through a thoughtful sketchbook. It’s part pep talk, part memoir, and part creative manifesto rolled into one. 📖🖤✨
I was instantly drawn in by the striking cover—so inviting and joyful—and as I flipped through the pages, Scott’s familiar voice from his videos resonated strongly. His dad-like encouragement flows through every chapter, guiding readers from gathering inspiration and materials all the way to considering art as a career without pressure or pretense. 🎉🎨👨👧👦
Whether you’re just picking up a pencil for the first time in years or you’re a seasoned artist feeling burned out, Becoming an Artist offers a refreshing reminder: art is about being weird, imperfect, and delightfully human. It’s permission to create without fear—a gift that Scott generously shares with over four million followers worldwide. ✍️😄🌍
If you’re looking for a book that feels like a supportive friend cheering you on, this one deserves a solid four stars. It inspires, it comforts, and most importantly, it reminds us all why we fell in love with art in the first place. 💖
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Originally posted at tinyurl.com.
Book Review: Santa and the Sled Dogs by Sarah van Rijsewijk, illustrated by Hetty Easter 🎄🎅📚
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐½
As the holiday season rolls in, I found myself cozying up with *Santa and the Sled Dogs*, a charming story that brings a fresh and heartwarming twist to the classic Christmas tale. Set in a quaint mountain town far up north, this book follows a family of four and their trusty team of sled dogs. One snowy day, a surprising visitor arrives—Santa himself! Faced with a dilemma when his reindeer fall ill, Santa turns to this unique family for help. But can sled dogs really take to the skies? With Dad’s expert training and a little girl’s belief in magic, they embark on an unforgettable adventure to save Christmas. ❄️🎅🐾
The story sparkles with seasonal magic and warmth, making it a perfect addition to any child's holiday collection. The hand-drawn illustrations by Hetty Easter are simply stunning—rich in color and detail, they perfectly capture the cozy northern setting and the excitement of the tale. The cover alone is a festive delight that immediately draws you in. 🎨✨📚
In all, *Santa and the Sled Dogs* is a joyful read that combines tradition with a charming new spin on Santa’s journey. It's an inviting story to share around the fireplace or during holiday storytime, earning a solid 3.5 stars from me. If you're looking to add some festive spirit and furry fun to your child's bookshelf, this one’s definitely worth considering! ⭐️🔥🎄
⚠️ This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary ⚠️
Originally posted at tinyurl.com.
Book Review: Santa and the Sled Dogs by Sarah van Rijsewijk, illustrated by Hetty Easter 🎄🎅📚
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐½
As the holiday season rolls in, I found myself cozying up with *Santa and the Sled Dogs*, a charming story that brings a fresh and heartwarming twist to the classic Christmas tale. Set in a quaint mountain town far up north, this book follows a family of four and their trusty team of sled dogs. One snowy day, a surprising visitor arrives—Santa himself! Faced with a dilemma when his reindeer fall ill, Santa turns to this unique family for help. But can sled dogs really take to the skies? With Dad’s expert training and a little girl’s belief in magic, they embark on an unforgettable adventure to save Christmas. ❄️🎅🐾
The story sparkles with seasonal magic and warmth, making it a perfect addition to any child's holiday collection. The hand-drawn illustrations by Hetty Easter are simply stunning—rich in color and detail, they perfectly capture the cozy northern setting and the excitement of the tale. The cover alone is a festive delight that immediately draws you in. 🎨✨📚
In all, *Santa and the Sled Dogs* is a joyful read that combines tradition with a charming new spin on Santa’s journey. It's an inviting story to share around the fireplace or during holiday storytime, earning a solid 3.5 stars from me. If you're looking to add some festive spirit and furry fun to your child's bookshelf, this one’s definitely worth considering! ⭐️🔥🎄
⚠️ This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary ⚠️
Originally posted at tinyurl.com.
Book Review: For the Love of Kewpie (The Kewpie Mayo Cookbook) 🧑🍳📚
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I have to say, For the Love of Kewpie is such a charming and fun read! As someone who’s long adored Kewpie mayo, this cookbook instantly caught my eye—not just for the recipes but for its beautifully nostalgic cover and those retro illustrations that give it a warm, vintage vibe. It’s clear this book is more than just a collection of recipes; it’s a celebration of Kewpie’s unique place in food culture. 🥰📖🎨
The book dives into the fascinating history behind Kewpie Mayonnaise, which has been winning hearts for over a century. I loved learning about what makes Kewpie so special—the secret lies in the eggs, giving it that silky texture and unmatched flavor. Plus, the story behind the iconic bottle design, and how the brand has earned its own museum and even a holiday, are quirky details that make this book an entertaining read. The writing is witty and engaging, making you wish you could hop on a plane to visit the Kewpie Museum right away! 🥚✈️🏛️
While the recipes themselves aren’t earth-shattering innovations, they offer a delightful mix of East meets West flavors that really showcase how versatile Kewpie mayo is in the kitchen. Whether it’s adding richness to potato salad, binding meatballs, or acting as the perfect glaze for grilled fish, it’s clear Kewpie is a secret weapon in so many dishes. The book features 55 inventive recipes that highlight exactly how this mayo can elevate everyday cooking. 🍲🍣🥗
Overall, this cookbook doubles as a mini history lesson and a tasty guide to one of Japan’s most beloved condiments. It’s the perfect gift for any mayo enthusiast—or anyone curious about how a simple ingredient can have such a big cultural impact. I’ll definitely be flipping through it again whenever I want to add that special something to my meals. 🎁📚❤️
Five stars from me—this little book is a real gem! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐💎
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Originally posted at tinyurl.com.
Book Review: For the Love of Kewpie (The Kewpie Mayo Cookbook) 🧑🍳📚
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I have to say, For the Love of Kewpie is such a charming and fun read! As someone who’s long adored Kewpie mayo, this cookbook instantly caught my eye—not just for the recipes but for its beautifully nostalgic cover and those retro illustrations that give it a warm, vintage vibe. It’s clear this book is more than just a collection of recipes; it’s a celebration of Kewpie’s unique place in food culture. 🥰📖🎨
The book dives into the fascinating history behind Kewpie Mayonnaise, which has been winning hearts for over a century. I loved learning about what makes Kewpie so special—the secret lies in the eggs, giving it that silky texture and unmatched flavor. Plus, the story behind the iconic bottle design, and how the brand has earned its own museum and even a holiday, are quirky details that make this book an entertaining read. The writing is witty and engaging, making you wish you could hop on a plane to visit the Kewpie Museum right away! 🥚✈️🏛️
While the recipes themselves aren’t earth-shattering innovations, they offer a delightful mix of East meets West flavors that really showcase how versatile Kewpie mayo is in the kitchen. Whether it’s adding richness to potato salad, binding meatballs, or acting as the perfect glaze for grilled fish, it’s clear Kewpie is a secret weapon in so many dishes. The book features 55 inventive recipes that highlight exactly how this mayo can elevate everyday cooking. 🍲🍣🥗
Overall, this cookbook doubles as a mini history lesson and a tasty guide to one of Japan’s most beloved condiments. It’s the perfect gift for any mayo enthusiast—or anyone curious about how a simple ingredient can have such a big cultural impact. I’ll definitely be flipping through it again whenever I want to add that special something to my meals. 🎁📚❤️
Five stars from me—this little book is a real gem! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐💎
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Originally posted at tinyurl.com.
Book Review: Secret Sauce: 200 Copycat Recipes to Recreate Your Favorite Restaurant Sauces, Dips, and Dressings by Kelly Jaggers 🧑🍳📚
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
If you've ever wished you could enjoy your favorite restaurant sauces at home without the hassle of waiting in lines or paying restaurant prices, Secret Sauce by Kelly Jaggers is a fantastic companion. This book offers 200 easy-to-follow recipes that bring iconic restaurant flavors right into your kitchen. From Chipotle’s guacamole to McDonald's tartar sauce, Applebee’s oriental vinaigrette, Shake Shack’s cheese sauce, Carrabba’s dipping oil, and Taco Bell’s creamy jalapeño sauce, the variety is impressive and sure to satisfy any craving. 🍽️😋
What I particularly appreciated about this book is how approachable it feels. The recipes are straightforward and quick—many can be whipped up faster than it takes to set the table—making it perfect for everyday cooks. The author thoughtfully includes lists of common ingredients and kitchen tools, so you won’t find yourself scrambling for anything exotic. Plus, each recipe is accompanied by fun facts that add an enjoyable layer of context and insight. 🕒👩🍳📚
The book’s presentation caught my eye immediately—the cover is vibrant and inviting, setting a cheerful tone that carries through the pages. Having tried my hand at recreating some of these sauces before, it was fascinating to compare my homemade versions with these tried-and-true recipes. The bonus chapter with non-sauce recipes designed to pair with the sauces was a nice touch, inspiring new ways to enjoy them. 🎨📖👌
Overall, Secret Sauce strikes a great balance between being practical and engaging. It’s a solid four-star cookbook for anyone looking to elevate their home meals with authentic restaurant flavors without breaking the bank. If you’re a sauce lover or just someone who enjoys cooking with a bit of flair, this book is definitely worth a look! ⭐🍴❤️
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Originally posted at tinyurl.com.
Book Review: Secret Sauce: 200 Copycat Recipes to Recreate Your Favorite Restaurant Sauces, Dips, and Dressings by Kelly Jaggers 🧑🍳📚
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
If you've ever wished you could enjoy your favorite restaurant sauces at home without the hassle of waiting in lines or paying restaurant prices, Secret Sauce by Kelly Jaggers is a fantastic companion. This book offers 200 easy-to-follow recipes that bring iconic restaurant flavors right into your kitchen. From Chipotle’s guacamole to McDonald's tartar sauce, Applebee’s oriental vinaigrette, Shake Shack’s cheese sauce, Carrabba’s dipping oil, and Taco Bell’s creamy jalapeño sauce, the variety is impressive and sure to satisfy any craving. 🍽️😋
What I particularly appreciated about this book is how approachable it feels. The recipes are straightforward and quick—many can be whipped up faster than it takes to set the table—making it perfect for everyday cooks. The author thoughtfully includes lists of common ingredients and kitchen tools, so you won’t find yourself scrambling for anything exotic. Plus, each recipe is accompanied by fun facts that add an enjoyable layer of context and insight. 🕒👩🍳📚
The book’s presentation caught my eye immediately—the cover is vibrant and inviting, setting a cheerful tone that carries through the pages. Having tried my hand at recreating some of these sauces before, it was fascinating to compare my homemade versions with these tried-and-true recipes. The bonus chapter with non-sauce recipes designed to pair with the sauces was a nice touch, inspiring new ways to enjoy them. 🎨📖👌
Overall, Secret Sauce strikes a great balance between being practical and engaging. It’s a solid four-star cookbook for anyone looking to elevate their home meals with authentic restaurant flavors without breaking the bank. If you’re a sauce lover or just someone who enjoys cooking with a bit of flair, this book is definitely worth a look! ⭐🍴❤️
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Originally posted at tinyurl.com.
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