Outfit of the day 12/09/17

Posted on 12/09/2017 by The Librain

I have managed to grit my teeth and do something useful today. Over the weekend, we had quite a few things to sort out: the washing machine gave up the ghost after ten years, my car wouldn’t start and Elder Son developed a terrible retching cough which meant that he couldn’t go to work. So, yesterday, Lovely Husband and I had a lot to do and I overdid things and ended up in bed with exhaustion.

Today has been better, even though I again tried to do as much as possible to take tasks away from LH as he has been so overwhelmed lately. The washing machine could not be repaired so it is being replaced today, my car was mended and serviced, ES was taken to the GP and then the local hospital for an X-ray and I did my part.

I am feeling very autumnal now and have been ordering a few items, clothing and accessories, both to fill gaps in my wardrobe and also for my birthday. Well, my birthday is quite a few weeks away, but I purchase things that catch my eye and then give them to my chaps to give back to me – if you see what I mean! I know it is cheating, in a way, but that way I get what I want and they don’t have to go shopping, so everyone is happy with the result! I will show readers my presents after my birthday – yes, you will have to wait. And I promise that I won’t wear them until then either, although restraint is not one of my strong points.

I noticed a need for some casual dark brown trousers for the colder months and ordered these stretchy jersey cords from Lands’ End. They do feel a bit like “old lady” trousers, of which my Mum seemed to own hundreds. But they are comfortable and look OK with the right clothes and accessories. I will continue to look out for some slightly smarter ones, although my current weight and size makes fitting somewhat awkward these days.

Dark mahogany sport knit cords - Lands' End

Dark mahogany sport knit cords – Lands’ End

Today’s outfit:

  • Silk scarf in green, blue, pink, brown and gold – TeresaMare via Etsy. This is a pretty Autumn scarf in a light silk with a hand painted pattern of falling leaves.
  • Marine teal cotton mix top – Lands’ End.
  • Marine teal cotton mix cardigan – Lands’ End.
  • Dark mahogany cotton mix sport knit cords – Lands’ End.
  • Brown faux lizard and gold tone bangle – Wallis.
  • Bronze art nouveau style earrings.
Outfit of the day 12/09/17

Outfit of the day 12/09/17

I also swapped my Massaccesi handbag in navy for this caramel hobo bag from the now defunct Peony and Moore. The outfit seemed to pull together as a whole and I felt both comfortable and nice in it.

Georgia in caramel and brown leather by Peony and Moore

Georgia in caramel and brown leather by Peony and Moore

I will now go back to reading so that I am ready for the regular Reading Roundup post tomorrow.

Best wishes,

❤️💙💚💛💜

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Update 11/09/17

Posted on 11/09/2017 by The Librain

No post today, I’m sorry to say, because I have had to do too much and, as a consequence, had a bad relapse. I hope to resume a normal service tomorrow.

I have uploaded this image for your amusement – are these Donald Trump’s spare wigs?

Best wishes,

💜💛💚💙❤️

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Scarf of the moment: Mythiques Phoenix Coloriage

Posted on 08/09/2017 by The Librain

I have come to the end of these Scarf of the Moment posts for the time being, until I buy another Hermès scarf! This last one is about the utterly gorgeous Mythiques Phoenix Coloriage 90cm silk twill, designed by Laurence Bourthoumieux for Hermès’ Spring/Summer 2016 season.

This post was updated on 14/03/19.

Mythiques Phoenix Coloriage by Laurence Bourthoumieux for Hermès

Mythiques Phoenix Coloriage by Laurence Bourthoumieux for Hermès

Description

This scarf was originally issued as Mythiques Phoenix in 2011. I am not sure of the original issue season and the sizes so will add this information when I come across more details. As far as I am aware, the original design has been offered as a 90cm silk twill, a gavroche, a twilly, a cotton pareo, and a mousseline stole. I first saw the 90cm in 2014, when I first became interested in Hermès scarves.

The design shows a wonderful depiction of the Phoenix bird with all of its feathery plumage. It appears to be taking flight diagonally across the scarf. One corner of the scarf contains the bird’s tail and the other three show the fronds and fruit of date palms. There are also latticework walls to each side of the centre. In the Coloriage version, a centre square has been recoloured in the very palest pink with the Phoenix shown in red. My colourway #03 is rose pale, corail, bleu jean, and there are other colours such as black and a deep red. The main background is the lovely pale rose, with a wonderful contrast hem in denim blue.

Colourways

These are the colourways of 2016 Mythiques Phoenix Coloriage 90cm silk twill:

The original colourways of the 2011 gavroche:

The two iconic colourways of the 90cm silk twill from 2014:

These are the mousseline stole colourways:

And here we have the twilly colourways:

 

Mythiques Phoenix Coloriage was reissued as a 140cm cashmere/silk shawl for Hermès Autumn/Winter 2018 season. Here are the colourways:

The Spring/Summer 2019 season saw the addition of Mythiques Phoenix Tattoo 70cm scarves to the collection (there are further colourways, which I will add as soon as I find images of them):

Design story

The legendary phoenix, mount of the gods, is a gigantic, fabulous bird, thought to live for hundreds of years before consuming itself in flames, to be reborn in a nest of myrrh and incense. The ancient Greeks associated its name (phoinix) with the date palm, a symbol of fertility and longevity. The creature seems to emerge from the centre of the carré, surrounded by the date palm’s foliage and fruit. Transformed by its new colour treatment, the composition resembles a sophisticated colouring book. Like an allegory of re-birth, colour takes its place around the central bird of paradise. Already, the head is flooded with colour and new life. Gradually, black and white give way to an inrush of colour. The phoenix rises from the ashes.

Details

Here are some close-ups of my scarf in a slideshow format:

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

How I wear the scarf

I love wearing this scarf with my coral cotton mix twin-set from Lands’ End. It would also look great with clothes in white, denim, navy and maybe a deep red (although I don’t wear that colour these days). I also have plenty of jewellery that goes with this scarf: bracelets in coral, blue or white enamel and leather, earrings in pink or white pearl.

Outfit of the day 05/06/18 with Hermès’ Mythiques Phoenix Coloriage scarf

Outfit of the day 05/06/18 with Hermès’ Mythiques Phoenix Coloriage scarf

Outfit of the day 31/08/17 with Hermès' Mythiques Phoenix Coloriage

Outfit of the day 31/08/17 with Hermès’ Mythiques Phoenix Coloriage

I will add more collages here as I continue to wear the scarf. There are a few older images that I took with the previous iPad.

Scarf ties

I think with this scarf I would always want to show the lovely contrast hem, so the best scarf ties would be the asymmetric wrap, a simple bias fold, a criss-cross knot or something more complicated like the waterfall. Instructions for a huge range of scarf knots can be found on MaiTai’s blog – link in the sidebar.

Mythiques Phoenix Coloriage - scarf ties

Mythiques Phoenix Coloriage – scarf ties

Background information

The Phoenix is well known in mythology from around the world. Here are a few links that you may find interesting:

Wikipedia
Phoenix (mythology)
A comprehensive article with media.

Slavorum
Phoenix – The Legendary Firebird and myths about it in Slavic Culture

Theoi Project
Phoinix
With quotations from classical literature.

The colourway #11 (a dark neutral combination of anthracite green/vanilla/aubergine) from 2014 was so popular that it has become a grail scarf for many collectors. I did not purchase it when it was available from the Hermès website because I did not think that it would suit me. Was that a mistake? The price for this scarf is now very high! Anyway, here are the thoughts of bloggers about this colourway and also the similar cotton pareo in dark navy:

Aesthetic Alterations
The Mythiques Phoenix Rises from the Barenia Fall-Out

MaiTai’s Picture Book
Mythiques Phoenix
A whole post about this colourway with a scarf profile video.

Nesting With Style
Mythiques Phoenix Hermès Scarf

Olfactoria’s Travels
Paris in a Day – Olfactoria Travels Again

(Edited on 22/06/18 to add CSGM colourways for Autumn/Winter 2018 season. Also added in another collage.)
(Edited on 14/03/19 to add in 70cm tattoo colourways for the Spring/Summer 2019 season).

I am going to use the time before I next write one of these Scarf of the Moment posts by going back through them all and updating them into this more organised format. Some will have new information and images added too. I am trying to make them as useful and interesting as possible for readers of the blog. Please don’t hesitate to send me corrections or additions.

Best wishes,

💜💛💚💙❤

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Outfit of the day 07/09/17

Posted on 07/09/2017 by The Librain

I actually went out of the house today! Amazing! Well, perhaps not so amazing as it was only for a dentist appointment, but it was a start. She told me that my teeth and gums are in good condition, so at least some things are not crumbling. I have also booked in to see the hygienist to get rid of the stains on my teeth. I am sure these have been caused by the amount of tea I drink 😄😄.

So, today’s outfit was:

  • Silk scarf in shades of blue, white and grey – Le Jardin de la Maharani – Hermès. In a bias fold and then held in a MaiTai horn scarf ring. This way the lovely border and contrast hem can be shown off.
  • Bright navy cotton mix short-sleeved top – Lands’ End.
  • Bright navy cotton mix cardigan – Lands’ End.
  • Indigo jeans – Klass.
  • Silver Celtic-style earrings.
  • Blue and white enamel, with crystals and gold, Owl bangle – Halcyon Days.
Outfit of the day 07/09/17 with Hermès' La Jardin de la Maharani

Outfit of the day 07/09/17 with Hermès’ La Jardin de la Maharani

I have been thinking to day about my first public library, The Beaney, in Canterbury, where I lived as a child. My Mum used to take me and my sister there from a very young age and I would read all of my books, then my sister’s and then my Mum’s in a fortnight. The library and its staff were an inspiration to me. I wanted to grow up to be just like the glamorous library assistant who worked with children. We weren’t allowed to buy comics at home, but I used to sit at a table in the library window (the large one on the ground floor, left-hand side) whilst my Mum went shopping, and read all of the comics and magazines I could find.

The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge, Canterbury

The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge, Canterbury

When Younger Son went to Uni in Canterbury, it was forty years since my family had moved away from the city. I loved visiting him there and retracing my steps as a child and young teenager. It is such a beautiful place and I would love to live there again.

Happy times 😀😀.

I am hoping to publish a Scarf of the Moment post on Mythiques Phoenix Coloriage tomorrow. As I have been having some difficulties this week, I may not finish it. If not, I will try to complete it next week.

Best wishes,

💜💛💙💚❤️

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Reading roundup 06/09/17

Posted on 06/09/2017 by The Librain

Until this afternoon, I had only managed to read one book this week. That is almost unheard of for me! This is probably because I have been so poorly and, when I am struggling like this, my concentration goes and a book becomes too much. I then resort to reading trivia online. Not good.

As I am not up to writing much today, I will copy across the reviews I wrote for Goodreads.

Spartacus the Gladiator by Ben Kane

Spartacus the Gladiator by Ben Kane

The first book of the week was Ben Kane’s Spartacus: The Gladiator:

The problems, for me, with reading a book about Spartacus are 1) that I know how things will turn out and 2) that I can’t get the Kirk Douglas film version out of my head. Well, I just can’t!

This was a well written book in the main, with plenty of action, fighting, gore and violence. Some of the violence, particularly the main rape scene, was a bit too much to take. The female characters were few as well and not very well drawn. I usually read books quickly, but I kept putting this one aside as I got a bit bogged down and began to lose interest at times. But I think I might try something else by this author, perhaps a book where I am not so familiar with the outcome!

Mind you, after reading more about this author’s work on Goodreads, I may leave his books alone for a while and try some other writers’ versions of the Ancient World.

Release by Patrick Ness

Release by Patrick Ness

This afternoon I  read Release by Patrick Ness – isn’t this a great cover? This is what I wrote on Goodreads just a few minutes ago:

I have not read a YA novel for several years because YA reminded me too much of all that I have lost – my beloved career as a school librarian. It was almost a phobia. I simply couldn’t allow myself to pick up a book and, instead, I lost myself in reading crime, detective, thrillers and other adult genres.

When I last visited the public library, I picked this book up and broke my fast. I read the book in one sitting today. Ness has been one of my favourite authors, since I read The Knife of Never Letting Go. This book, Release, is exceptional and I wish I were still working so that I could encourage my students to read it too. I am stunned by it and I am sure that it will linger on in my mind for a long, long time.

The book’s influences, according to the author, are Judy Blume’s Forever and Virginia Woolf’s Mrs Dalloway. As a school librarian who worked from the 1980s onwards, I think it must be inevitable that I have read Forever. Mind you, it was difficult to get hold of a copy because it was the most stolen or misshelved book in the library! Unfortunately, I haven’t read Mrs Dalloway, so cannot write about the influence of that book. Let me just say that you can easily see Forever in Release, but without “Ralph” and the lurid green condom (I think it was green, wasn’t it?). Please read the other reviews and the synopsis of the book on Goodreads before giving this book to a young person. It is highly recommended, but be aware that Ness writes very frank descriptions of gay sex in the book. None of the scenes are unnecessary and they are written in a gentle and tender way, much better than depictions available to teens from other sources, such as porn.

Now that I have broken out of my phobia, I hope to start reading more YA again. Can anyone recommend the best books for older teens from the last two or three years? You know what I mean – the really stunning and important ones? I can’t wait to get reading…

Best wishes,

❤️💙💛💚💜

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Outfit of the day 05/09/17

Posted on 05/09/2017 by The Librain

I try to make this blog as interesting as possible for readers, but some days it is difficult to come up with anything new. The blog was started as a way for me to rehabilitate my writing and my mental processes, dulled as they were from illness and enforced retirement. I also wished to write about my day-to-day life as a kind of diary, so that I could read it later and see any change or progression. Unfortunately, I seem to be having a long period of rather relentless deterioration in my health. The days of being stuck indoors or bedridden are getting more frequent and the opportunities to go out are getting fewer. I have to hold on to the hope that better times are coming in the future, or I would totally collapse.

Anyway, today has been one of the more difficult ones so far, after a very bad night. I woke up at about 3.00 feeling terribly nauseous, which luckily went away in the end, after hours of being wide awake. Also, I had a really bad nightmare. I am terribly afraid of even the smallest spider and I dreamed that a gigantic tarantula was moving around on our paper lampshade, which is just above my side of the bed! I could hear the shade crackling and shifting under the spider’s feet – eeeeeek!

I won’t illustrate this post with a picture of a tarantula – I promise! When I come across one suddenly on a website or my Facebook wall, even that makes me shudder. So I will not subject readers to horror of that nature.

Instead, I will subject you to today’s outfit:

  • Silk scarf in shades of blue, lilac and white – Hera – Liberty of London.
  • Bright navy cotton short-sleeved top – Lands’ End.
  • Bright navy cotton cardigan – Lands’ End.
  • Indigo jeans – Klass.
  • Cobalt enamel and gold Agama bangle – Halcyon Days.
  • Blue, silver and bronze resin stud earrings.
Outfit of the day 06/09/17 with Liberty's blue Hera scarf

Outfit of the day 06/09/17 with Liberty’s blue Hera scarf

The scarf is of thinner silk than the usual Liberty quality and I did buy it from eBay. So I have a few tiny niggles about it, but I love the pattern and colours so am happy to wear it with the right outfit. This time I folded on the bias and simply tied it casually, rather than using a scarf ring.

Elder Son comes back from London this evening after a very exciting trip. I enjoy the peace and quiet when he is away, but worry about him and miss him terribly. He can be so lovely and helps and supports me every day, especially with lots of cuddles. We are so proud of how he has progressed so far with his ASD and learning difficulties. He can be very trying at times, but is also a wonderful young man. It will be lovely to hear about all his adventures!

I am planning to write the usual Reading Roundup post tomorrow, all being well.

Best wishes,

❤️💙💚💛💜

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Wardrobe planning #26: Assessing clothes at the end of the season

Posted on 04/09/2017 by The Librain

I find it hard to believe that the weather can change from Summer to Autumn overnight, but that is what seems to have happened, at least here in the Midlands. Lovely Husband was up early and told me how cold it felt. So it looks as if my sandal days are over until next year.

I will soon have to check through all of my warmer weather clothing, wash it, see what needs mending, take some to the charity shop, and store the rest away in another wardrobe. My “second” wardrobe is in Younger Son’s bedroom and I will make sure that I clean it out and put in fresh anti-moth stuff when I swap my clothes over. Most items will also go into protective covers.

I have been thinking about the items I have not worn this Spring/Summer:

  • Most of my dresses. In fact, I have only worn one t-shirt dress, the navy one. I have a small collection of “smart” dresses, which I have not worn now for at least two years, and a few more casual dresses. I am not intending to get rid of any at the moment as there are good reasons why they have not been worn a) because I don’t go out to dinner or to other special occasions, b) because we haven’t been on holiday for five years, and c) because I have put on a lot of weight as I spend so much time in bed! So I will look through them and make sure that they fit and are fashionable enough to wear in the future. Not that I care that much about fashion!
  • Most of my skirts. Again, I have only worn one, I think. The reasons are similar to the above, plus I used to wear skirts in the Summer for work. So I will check through them and remove any that I don’t think I will wear again – too short, for example, or the wrong colour for my wardrobe.
  • A couple of long wraps – these go with my dresses.
  • Some lovely silk tops – I may be able to get some wear out of these as transitional pieces with a nice jacket or cardigan.
  • My vintage handbags – these don’t really go with casual outfits, but would look great for a special occasion. They don’t take up much room so will be kept, but I won’t buy any more and may even re-home a couple of them.

I have certainly worn most of my t-shirts and trousers. A few tops now look too small or too short and they will go to the charity shop. My jeans, chinos and linen trousers are fine for another Spring/Summer season. I have four pairs of sandals and some other very summery shoes – I have worn most of these. Those that have remained in their boxes are for more special occasions, such as weddings, so they can go to the back of the wardrobe until something like that comes along again. You never know!

Some of my unworn Spring/Summer pieces

Some of my unworn Spring/Summer pieces

This blog has made me wear just about all of my scarves and suitable jewellery! Since I started in January, writing about each day’s outfit has encouraged me to try to liven up what I wear with accessories and stop the “slob gear”. There are some pieces that I have not shown yet, but they tend to be the kind of items that can be worn all year round.

I am interested to know if readers do this kind of thing at the end of a season? How do you assess your clothing?

Next week, I shall think about my Autumn/Winter clothes and start to plan where I might have gaps that need new purchases.

Best wishes,

💜💛💚💙❤️

Posted in Clothes, Footwear, Handbags, Jewellery, Wardrobe, Wardrobe planning | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Outfit of the day 01/09/17 and purchases

Posted on 01/09/2017 by The Librain

The first day of Autumn has been pretty nice with sunny weather and a distinct nip in the air. As I have been in a kind of pinkish mood, I wore my coral twin-set again today but changed the scarf to Hermés’ Parures de Samouraïs and put on different jewellery. Unfortunately, yet again we were both too unwell to go out but we did enjoy watching two episodes of Strike. This new TV series is based on Robert Galbraith’s (J K Rowling) book: The Cuckoo’s Calling.

Today’s outfit:

  • Silk scarf in coral, aqua, blue and fuschia – Parures de Samouraïs – Hermés. Tied in an asymmetric wrap.
  • Coral cotton short sleeved top – Lands’ End.
  • Coral cotton cardigan – Lands’ End.
  • Indigo jeans – Klass.
  • Ivory leather and gold bracelet – Tory Burch.
  • Pink pearl and gold tone earrings.
Outfit of the day 01/09/17 with Hermès' Parures de Samouraïs

Outfit of the day 01/09/17 with Hermès’ Parures de Samouraïs

Oh, I had better update about my recent purchases. As readers will know, I ordered a lovely pair of loafers in leopard print from the Ted and Muffy sale the other day. Well, they arrived on Wednesday and I love them! The background colour is a bit more of a creamy camel than appears in the photo. I don’t think that Lovely Husband likes them and he did dare to mention our unfortunate Prime Minister! But I don’t care…

Leopard print loafers by Ted and Muffy

Leopard print loafers by Ted and Muffy

I didn’t write it here, but I also found another Halcyon Days bangle on eBay this week. As I already have quite a collection, there are very few that I want to add to it but I have had my eye on some special ones made by Halcyon Days for Fortnum and Mason. These are in their signature eau de nil colour and have never yet been in the sales. So I was thrilled to get this one from eBay at a tiny fraction of the full price!

Eau de nil and cream enamel and gold bangle - Halcyon Days

Eau de nil and cream enamel and gold bangle – Halcyon Days

Now, for the moment, I only have one bangle left that I would like to get. It is nice to have more than one in the same colour, but different styles, for stacking purposes. So, the question is: do I ask LH for this for my next birthday?

Eau de nil enamel and gold chain bangle - Halcyon Days

Eau de nil enamel and gold chain bangle – Halcyon Days

…or these? The earrings would look great when I am wearing a stack of the bangles!

Cream enamel, crystal and gold Agama earrings - Halcyon Days

Cream enamel, crystal and gold Agama earrings – Halcyon Days

Decisions, decisions. Do let me know what you think 😉.

Best wishes and a happy weekend,

💜💛💚💙❤️

Posted in Clothes, Jewellery, Lifestyle, Outfit of the day, Scarves, Shopping, Wardrobe | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Outfit of the day 31/08/17

Posted on 31/08/2017 by The Librain

It is about time for me to introduce the last of my Hermès scarves: Mythiques Phoenix Coloriage. It is a mouthful of a name, but it is a wonderful scarf! I will write a full Scarf of the Moment post about it next week.

With this one, I fell for the scarf first then realised that I didn’t have many suitable clothes to wear it with. That is not recommended! It is much better to work the other way round. Anyway, I bought this coral cotton twin-set from Lands’ End for it and the scarf also looks great with denim blue, navy and white. The scarf shows a Phoenix rising diagonally across the design with palm trees and other foliage.

Today’s outfit:

  • Silk scarf in pink, coral, denim blue, dark red – Mythiques Phoenix Coloriage – Hermès.
  • Coral cotton short sleeved top – Lands’ End.
  • Coral cotton cardigan – Lands’ End.
  • Navy and white linen trousers – Isle.
  • Cream enamel and gold patterned bangle – Halcyon Days.
  • Coral enamel and gold patterned bangle – Halcyon Days.
  • Pearl stud earrings.
Outfit of the day 31/08/17 with Hermès' Mythiques Phoenix Coloriage

Outfit of the day 31/08/17 with Hermès’ Mythiques Phoenix Coloriage

In the end, we didn’t go out today, although we needed to really. Our small larder fridge in the kitchen needs to be replaced urgently, so decisions should be made. Instead, I have been reading again and preparing things for Elder Son who is going on a trip to London over the weekend to visit a friend. I must admit that I am looking forward to a peaceful weekend!

Best wishes,

💜💛💚💙❤️

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Reading roundup 30/08/17

Posted on 30/08/2017 by The Librain

I have read three books this week and all of them have been very different, which is good. My book pile next to the bed is almost finished, so a visit to the library is needed very soon. What would I do without our public library when I am reading two to three books each week? There is no way that I could afford to buy this many, even from charity shops. Also, the requests/reservation service is invaluable.

Dead Cold by Louise Penny

Dead Cold by Louise Penny

The first read was a totally new author for me, Louise Penny. This is my Goodreads review of her book Dead Cold:

Such an interesting read! Another crime novel, but written in a really different way to the usual run of books. I loved the cold, snowy setting and the village of Three Pines. I loved the characters of the villagers, particularly the women. The murder-mystery was gripping but I also loved the touches of slightly weird humour. I have already put in public library requests for the first and third books in the series.

The village kind of reminded me of the very rather cheesy pictures I have seen by Thomas Kincade, although I must admit that I would rather like to live there, if I could cope with the cold winters. I gave the book four stars.

The Gray Man by Mark Greaney

The Gray Man by Mark Greaney

The second book was given two stars, although I did enjoy reading it in a way:

How do I describe this? On the positive side: exciting, cliff hanging, gripping, quick and easy to read. On the negative side: very badly written, full of clichés, poor character development, verging on racist, completely unbelievable. But it was fun to read in many ways – undemanding, predictable, as it was. Oh, and how much does this writer want us to know his knowledge of weapons! How many injuries and almost fatal wounds can a man bear and still manage to fight?

The book read a bit like the script for one of those macho action-hero films, all gleaming weapons and glistening muscles. I don’t think I will read any more books in the series, but never say never!

Silent Creed by Alex Kava

Silent Creed by Alex Kava

My third read of the week was an improvement and I gave it three stars on Goodreads. I think I will almost certainly keep and eye out for the author, Alex Kava. This book, Silent Creed, is the second in her Ryder Creed series (why do I keep finding second books rather than firsts?). Creed is a rescue dog trainer and the series appears to be based around this.

An enjoyable thriller. Although I am not a dog lover, I found that aspect of the book to be interesting. The main characters were good and the plot kept me reading. In fact, I read it all in one sitting. Good enough to make me want to read more by this author.

Kava also has a series about an FBI agent, Maggie O’Dell, which looks interesting and has been quite highly rated on Goodreads. I will look out for these books when I next visit the library.

Spartacus the Gladiator by Ben Kane

Spartacus the Gladiator by Ben Kane

I am about to begin Ben Kane’s Spartacus the Gladiator – more gleaming or glistening muscles I expect! I will let you know next week 😄😄😄.

Best wishes,

💜💛💙❤️💚

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