Well, this week’s post is very short: I haven’t actually finished my current book in time to write about it! I will probably reach the end either tomorrow or on Friday. So all I can say is…
Hello and welcome to my blog! This week I have really enjoyed my daily walks around my local area. The houses here are a mix of bungalows and large detached homes, built over the decades from around the 1950s onwards. Each house is different but most have lovely front gardens with a riot of Spring flowers. The daffodils are now over and tulips and gorgeous blossom have come to the fore. It is so lovely and uplifting to walk past.
Although I can only manage to walk for about 20 minutes each day, I do walk quite quickly and am beginning to really feel the benefits of taking this exercise in the fresh air. There is very little traffic here so I can keep well away from exhaust fumes.
Each day I try to wear something colourful for my walk, often with a scarf, and also put on earrings and other jewellery. This also helps to lift my mood. OK, I still need to arrange an appointment with my hairdresser, but I will try to do that soon!
Here are the two beautiful scarves that I have worn this week…
Les Secrets de Minos by HermèsCloud Forest Silk Scarf by Clarissa Hulse
The two scarves are Le Secrets de Minos by Hermès and Cloud Forest Silk Scarf by Clarissa Hulse. Here are larger images of the scarves…
Les Secrets de Minos by Hermès Cloud Forest Silk Scarf by Clarissa Hulse
The link to my Scarf of the Moment post about Les Secrets de Minos can be found here and there is more information about the pretty Clarissa Hulse scarf here.
I have an extensive earring collection and just worked out that it is 50 years since I had my ears pierced! Anyway, these are the earrings in the two images above. The left hand pair are by Skagen and the ones on the right are by Blue Nile…
Sofie Sea Glass Blue Organic-Shaped Stud Earrings by SkagenBlue topaz earrings by Blue Nile
This week’s post covers the two book series that I have read since my last Reading Roundup…
Saga of the Light Isles by Juliet Marillier
The first book in the series is Wolfskin. This is the blurb…
“All young Eyvind ever wanted was to become a great Viking warrior–a Wolfskin–and perform honorable deeds out in the name of his War fathergod, Thor. He can think of no future more glorious. And the chance to make it happen is his when his older brother Ulf is brought the tale of a magical land across the sea, a place where men with courage could go to conquer a land and bring glory to themselves. They set out to find this fabled land and discover a windswept and barren place, but one filled with unexpected beauty and hidden treasures… and a people who are willing to share their bounty.
Ulf’s new settlement begins in harmony with the natives of the isles led by the gentle king Engus. And Eyvind finds a treasure of his own in the young Nessa, niece of the king, seer, and princess. His life will change forever as she claims his heart for her own.
But someone has come along to this new land who is not what he seems. Eyvind’s heartfriend, Somerled, the strange and lonely boy Eyvind befriended so long ago has a secret–and his own plans for the future. The blood oath that they swore in childhood binds them in lifelong loyalty, and Somerled is calling in the debt of honor. What he asks might just doom Evyind to kill the only thing that he has ever truly loved.
Will the price of honor create the destruction of all that Eyvind holds dear?”
This is such a beautifully written tale of a young man’s journey to adulthood and the development of his character. Set in a fantasy version of Viking Norway and Orkney with magical elements, the clashing of cultures is deftly handled.
I found the book absorbing and interesting, having visited Orkney many years ago during my time as a student of archaeology (we worked on a Viking settlement).
On finishing Wolfskin, I went straight on to the sequel, Foxmask. This is the blurb…
“At his coming of age, Thorvald learns a shocking secret about his parentage, and sets out on a perilous voyage in search of a father he has never known. His loyal friend, Creidhe, was never meant to be part of this desperate journey. But love works in strange ways. In the Lost Isles they find a population gripped by terror. The Unspoken sing away the souls of the newborn and the chieftain of the isles answers to nobody. Creidhe and Thorvald become enmeshed in a battle for survival, in which they find themselves on opposing sides. For the future of the islands depends on a visionary child: the powerful seer Foxmask.
Snatched away in infancy by a young kinsman, the boy is held in a place protected by ancient forces of nature. Before the summer is over, Thorvald and Creidhe will learn truths about themselves and about the world that will change them both forever.”
Once again, I enjoyed entering Marillier’s version of Viking/Orkney/Faroe Islands historical fantasy. She writes beautiful settings and, in this book, created a very flawed “hero” and a lovely “heroine”. The plot was complex with moments of extreme savagery but also love. Some of the darker elements were difficult to read, but were important parts of the story.
I was left wishing that there could be a third book as I wasn’t ready to leave this magical and beautiful world!
I only finished Foxmask last night, so now have to decide what I will read next. A complete change, I think! I remember reading Marillier’s Sevenwaters series many years ago and will certainly read more by her in the future.
This week’s Friday Post is quite short. To be honest, after a good week with daily walks or Chair Gym sessions (depending on the weather) I had a bad night and feel rather tired today.
So, I will show you the scarves that I wore over the last few days…
Here we have the gorgeous Hermès’ Dans un Jardin Anglais and the Tulipomanie gavroche again and a more inexpensive silk scarf with a lovely pattern of lilacs. The latter was from seller on Etsy.
Here are some clearer images of the scarves…
Now I am going to trim Lovely Husband’s hair. I hope that I don’t make a mess of it!!!
Welcome to my blog and this week’s post about my reading journey! I have now finished the final book in an amazing trilogy…
Empire of the Dawn by Jay Kristoff
The book is Empire of the Dawn by Jay Kristoff, #03 Empire of the Vampire. Here is the blurb…
“From holy cup comes holy light; The faithful hands sets world aright. And in the Seven Martyrs’ sight, Mere man shall end this endless night.
Gabriel de León has lost his family, his faith, and his last hope of ending the endless night – the Holy Grail, Dior. With no desire left but vengeance, he and a band of loyal brothers journey into the war-torn heart of the Augustin Empire to claim the life of the Forever King.
Unbeknownst to the Last Silversaint, the Grail still lives – speeding towards Augustin’s besieged capital in the frail hope of ending Daysdeath forever. But deadly treachery awaits within the halls of power, and the Forever King’s legions march ever closer. Gabriel and Dior will be drawn into a final battle that will shape the very fate of the Empire, but as the sun sets for what may be the last time, there will be no-one left for them to trust.”
I am left almost speechless on finishing this book and the series. Kristoff has written one of the most dark, dangerous and absolutely brilliant series that I have ever read in all of my decades of reading.
Now, was this trilogy a good choice for someone who suffers with dark and deep depression? Yes! I can’t really say any more without giving away too much! I am now totally stumped. What on earth can follow this? How do I choose the next book to read? Anything will pale after reading all three of this trilogy one flyer the other!!!
After that incredible reading experience, I really wonder how Kristoff is going to follow this series! I wonder what he will write next. All I know is that I will be watching closely to see what he publishes.
I am now well into my next read, but my brain is still processing the amazing books that I have read so far this year. I am so happy that my reading mojo has returned.
Welcome to my blog, friends and visitors. This week I am feeling very pleased with myself. Yesterday marked a whole month since I started trying to improve my health and fitness! Every day I have managed to either walk around my local area or use the Chair Gym on windy or wet days. OK, my walks are only 20 minutes and the Chair Gym sessions are only the basic 15 minutes, but this is from a base level of virtually nothing! Lovely Husband is a retired Physical Education teacher and I have been closely following his advice, which is to take things very slowly.
I just hope that I can keep this going. The exercise has certainly helped to lift my mood, for the most part.
Over the last couple of weeks I have also tried to wear something nice when I have left the house. On most days I have worn a colourful outfit with a lovely scarf. Some have been from my Hermès collection, others have been inexpensive favourites. I have put all of the photos into a collage below. Can you spot the expensive ones?
As you can see, I still haven’t managed to go for a haircut! I don’t think I have let my hair get so long since the dreadful days of COVID. Let’s hope I can get this sorted soon.
Welcome to my first Reading Roundup post for April! The days are brighter and golden daffodils are shining in the sun. So, what am I reading?
Relentlessly grim, dark, bloody fantasy with the most horrific vampires that I have ever encountered in all my years of reading!!!
Empire of the Damned by Jay Kristoff
Last week’s book was the second part of Jay Kristoff’s epic series Empire of the Vampire: Empire of the Damned. Here is the blurb…
“Gabriel de León has saved the Holy Grail from death, but his chance to end the endless night is lost.
After turning his back on his silversaint brothers once and for all, Gabriel and the Grail set out to learn the truth of how Daysdeath might finally be undone.
But the last silversaint faces peril, within and without. Pursued by children of the Forever King, drawn into wars and webs centuries in the weaving, and ravaged by his own rising bloodlust, Gabriel may not survive to see the truth of the Grail revealed.
A truth that may be too awful for any to imagine.”
It took me a while to read this huge book, but it was worth it! This is my response on Goodreads…
Is it good for me to read a book like this in a series like this when I am suffering from a dark and deep depression? I think that many people would advise me against this. However, immersing myself in this relentlessly grim, gloomy, vicious and violent tale seems to have an unexpected effect. My own worries pale into insignificance as I read such a bloodthirsty book!
I think this second part of the trilogy was even better than the first. Another point of view character comes to the fore and this lends the reader a different perspective. Our hero continues to struggle with his nature but occasionally shows some dark humour. We are also given moments of hope amongst the relentless darkness and some great surprises.
The writing of this series is brilliant and the world building is excellent. I can’t wait to see how this all turns out!
I am now reading the third part of the trilogy and, so far, it is just as good as the first two books. The big question is: what on earth do I read next? How can anything follow this amazing series?
Welcome to today’s post my dear friends and visitors. So, my plans have been spoiled and I am feeling sad. To avoid sinking into the gloom I have decided to write a scarf reveal post about my latest purchase. Do let me know what you think!
Here it is…
… ooh! This is a different box to the usual orange ones!
Let’s have a peek inside…
… nicely packed and with some interesting bits and pieces.
This booklet looks intriguing and interesting…
Here is the scarf wrapped in tissue paper with a pretty sticker…
Now to unfold the protective tissue paper…
… wow! Gorgeous colours! These are all images of the folded scrf…
So, this is from Elizabetta. It is a limited edition scarf and there is lots of information about it on the website, some of which I have used for this blog post.
First we have the image of the whole scarf, then a photo of it folded. There is also the scarf story, written in a similar way to those on the Hermès sites. Anyway, I would be interested to know what you think.
Celebrating Trentino Art Scarf by ElizabettaCelebrating Trentino Art Scarf by Elizabetta
Design story
This has been taken from the Elizabetta website:
“Trentino: A Story You Can Wear
The third scarf in our art series, this limited-edition piece is made from sumptuous heavy silk twill with a rich, substantial drape.
Its beautifully drawn design takes you straight to Trentino—where dramatic Dolomite peaks meet lakes, vineyards, castles, and old frescoed towns—captured here in vivid color and painterly detail. It is a small work of art you can wear: striking, collectible, and unmistakably special.
Handmade in Como by master artisans, this hand-numbered piece tells a thousand-year-old story-through watercolor alpine flowers and lush drawings of landmarks and local culture.
Tied at the neck, draped over the shoulders, or framed and hung on a wall, it brings depth, story, and Italian character to everything around it.”
These are further details from the site…
Classic foulard size: Approx. 35″ x 35″ (90 x 90cm). Once made famous by the likes of Audrey Hepburn, Sophia Loren and Grace Kelly, a foulard will always add a touch of elegance to your look.
Collector’s edition: Only 60 pieces were produced, making this an exclusive and rare item.
100% silk twill: Crafted from the finest 18mm silk twill, a fabric renowned for its unmatched luxury and rarity. Only a select few Italian mills possess the skill to print such an intricate design with such precision. Traditionally used in custom tailoring for its rich texture and elegant drape, silk twill’s distinct diagonal weave ensures both durability and a refined softness that feels exquisite to the touch.
Personal touch: Each scarf is hand-numbered by Elizabetta and comes with a booklet highlighting intriguing facts about the Trentino region depicted in the design.
Pure luxury, naturally dyed: We use non-toxic vegetable dyes that preserve the silk’s softness, free from harmful chemicals that can irritate your skin (and is better for the planet!)
Hand-rolled hems: For the ultimate in luxury and sophistication, the hems are hand-rolled and sewn.
100% Handmade in Italy: Printed, cut and sewn along the shores of Lake Como.
“Each scarf comes with an exclusive booklet that delves into the iconic landmarks and hidden treasures of Trentino, all beautifully captured in the scarf’s design. Explore the history and charm of this beloved Italian alpine region through carefully curated insights, enhancing the meaning behind your collector’s piece.”
This is the fully illustrated booklet that comes with the scarf. An interactive version is available on the website at the time of writing this post. Don’t the modelling photos look gorgeous in the following image? Also, I think the scarf looks amazing hanging on a wall, although I don’t think we have a suitable space to hang it if I decided to have it framed!
Celebrating Trentino Art Scarf booklet
ScreenshotScreenshot
To finish, these are further details of the previous collectors’ scarves by Elizabetta. I would love to own the Florence version as I actually visited that beautiful city a very long time ago.
Today’s post was going to be something quite different. I had a haircut booked for today which is really needed as my hair looks pretty dreadful at the moment. Unfortunately, just before I was about to leave the house, I had a huge coughing attack! This left me so shaken that I had to contact my hairdresser and cancel. If all had gone to plan, today’s blog post would have been about the new hairdo, my most favourite scarf and a lovely outfit. Also, next Friday’s post would have been the reveal of this Elizabetta scarf with some modelling photos and my nice neat hair!
So, I have written the reveal today instead and will wait to show you modelling photos until I look a little better. Mind you, that might take a while. I expect that my hairdresser is rather fed up with me for the many cancellations due to illness.
Every Wednesday I post about the book I have read during the previous week. Most of the time, I am able to finish one book per week, but sometimes my poor health gets in the way and I don’t manage that. Years ago I was such a voracious reader that I was able to read two or even three books in seven days! Mind you, many books are extremely long these days, aren’t they?
Last week’s ebook was in fact a reread. A few years ago I thoroughly enjoyed this book and only recently came across parts two and three of the rest of the trilogy. So here we are…
The book is Empire of the Vampire by Jay Kristoff, #01 Empire of the Vampire. Here is the blurb…
“From holy cup comes holy light; The faithful hands sets world aright. And in the Seven Martyrs’ sight, Mere man shall end this endless night.
It has been twenty-seven long years since the last sunrise. For nearly three decades, vampires have waged war against humanity; building their eternal empire even as they tear down our own. Now, only a few tiny sparks of light endure in a sea of darkness.
Gabriel de León is a silversaint: a member of a holy brotherhood dedicated to defending realm and church from the creatures of the night. But even the Silver Order couldn’t stem the tide once daylight failed us, and now, only Gabriel remains.
Imprisoned by the very monsters he vowed to destroy, the last silversaint is forced to tell his story. A story of legendary battles and forbidden love, of faith lost and friendships won, of the Wars of the Blood and the Forever King and the quest for humanity’s last remaining hope:
The Holy Grail.”
This is my original review on Goodreads. After reading the book again, I don’t think I would change anything…
Well, I have just finished this huge rock of a book and I am left speechless!
Vampires, heroes, anti-heroes, comrades, lovers, enemies. Blood, rivers of blood, fountains of blood, oceans of blood…….. and yet more blood! Battles, duels, fights, wounds and death… a lot of death. Hate, love, disdain, passion and yet more dark hate. Journeys by several different modes of transport over many types of terrain!
I won’t carry that on any further. It is interesting to read the reviews on here, especially the really negative ones. The readers who hate the book often give excellent reasons why and, in some ways, I can see their points of view. Especially the ones about the attitude to women in the book.
But, I am reading, these days, for pure escapism from my difficult life and the frightening situation. And this book, and others of its kind, help me to take my mind away from the real fears that threaten to overwhelm me. That’s why I gave it five stars.
Friday is here again and I have had a good week, in the main. Last Sunday was Mother’s (Mothers’ ?) Day with a lovely afternoon tea, cards and presents. Over the rest of the time I have continued my walking schedule and have enjoyed wearing my scarves!
Anyway, here is the scrumptious tea that Elder Son assembled for us…
Mother’s Day afternoon tea 2026
You can see that he fully understands my adoration of cakes!
This year my two sons gave me lovely earrings to add to my collection…
I’m wearing the bluebell pair today! And these are two of the Hermès scarves that I tied during the week…
The scarf on the left is Le Caroussel du Tigre Royal and the one on the right is Persepolis. I have just noticed that I used the same cowboy knot on both days! If you are interested in these designs, do have a look at my Scarf of the Moment posts which are linked in the sidebar.
Here are larger images of them…
Le Caroussel du Tigre Royal – HermèsPersepolis scarf by Hermès
Former professional school librarian, now retired through chronic illness. Trying to keep cheerful by reading, drinking lots of tea, blogging my new life, and my love of bling!
The Librain
The Librain......retired 
Thank you very much for your supportive comment. Best wishes, Anne X