I do hope that you had a good weekend. Ours was quite peaceful, for once, which was very welcome. So, now we have a new week ahead…
For today, I have been trying to get a Scarf of the Moment post about my newest scarf, Le Premier Chant, ready to upload. I have managed to get most of it written, but still need to take some modelling photos of possible scarf ties. Unfortunately, I have not been feeling strong enough on the days when the light has been good, so have not got the photos taken yet. Because of this, I am giving myself another week and hope to have it ready to post next Monday.
I leave you with this photo instead…
Bronze statuette of a veiled and masked dancer, 3rd–2nd century B.C. New York, Metropolitan Museum
I just love this! Here is the link to the statuette if you want further information.
Well, this is more like “Outfits of the last week or so…”! I have a few photos of nice combinations of clothes, accessories and scarves for you. These were taken over the last couple of weeks. I have already shown you my Christmas Day outfit with my lovely new scarf, jumper and necklace, so these are the rest.
Outfit of the day 04/01/22 with Hermès’ Plumes en Fête shawl
On Tuesday, I had an appointment at the optician’s. As I haven’t had my eyes tested since the stroke in September 2019, it was important to get this done. I took the opportunity to wear a lovely outfit (well, I hardly ever leave the house, so I have to make the most of any trip!). My love of purple is rather obvious from this photo 😂🤣😂🤣😅.
Outfit details:
Purple cashmere crew neck jumper – Pure Collection
Navy cord trousers – Lands End
Multi-colour enamel and rose gold Hera bangle – Liberty of London
Purple suede ankle boots – Duo Boots
Purple Africa leather handbag – Massaccesi
Cashmere and silk 140cm shawl in grey, purple, pink, blue and orange – Plumes en Fête by Hermès.
I haven’t made collages for the other outfits but will give you some details. The jumpers are: cobalt cashmere v-neck from John Lewis and dark grey merino/cashmere from WoolOvers.
Outfits of the week 07/01/22
Here are larger images of the scarves (not to scale)…
Liberty of London Hera scarfFetolia Olympian Gods scarfHermès Tea Time scarfHermès’ Plumes en Fête shawl (H243433S 04)
What a difference scarves and shawls can make to a simple jumper and trousers outfit!
One final comment: I had a funny moment when choosing my new glasses. As I only wear them for reading, I tend to look on the cheaper end of the display. I tried a few on and nearly bought some in purple! Anyway, I suddenly saw some that I really liked. In fact, I waved them at Lovely Husband to show him. Then I tried them on, and realised…
… that they were exactly the same as my old ones!!! Ha, ha!
So, we have arrived at the first Reading Roundup post of 2022! After I have written about my latest books, I will try to say something about my reading during 2021.
Welcome to a new year of reading!
I have read three books since the last Reading Roundup on 22/12/21. Here is the first one…
War Lord by Bernard Cornwell
I was putting off reading Bernard Cornwell’s final book in The Last Kingdom series: War Lord. I simply didn’t want to arrive at the end! But I was in need of a really absorbing read, so I succumbed (and I am glad that I did).
Here is the blurb:
”The time has come! The final book in the globally bestselling historical series.
After years fighting to reclaim his rightful home, Uhtred of Bebbanburg has returned to Northumbria. With his loyal band of warriors and a new woman by his side, his household is secure – yet Uhtred is far from safe. Beyond the walls of his impregnable fortress, a battle for power rages.
To the south, King Æthelstan has unified the three kingdoms of Wessex, Mercia and East Anglia – and now eyes a bigger prize. To the north, King Constantine and other Scottish and Irish leaders seek to extend their borders and expand their dominion.
Caught in the eye of the storm is Uhtred. Threatened and bribed by all sides, he faces an impossible choice: stay out of the struggle, risking his freedom, or throw himself into the cauldron of war and the most terrible battle Britain has ever experienced. Only fate can decide the outcome.”
Well, I just had to give this final book the full five stars! Because it was the last book in one of my favourite series. Also, because the author dedicated it to Alexander Dreymon – what a great touch!
In many ways, it wasn’t the best book of the series, but I cannot really fault the way that the story was crafted to bring the series to its conclusion. Our hero, as an old man, still had some of his youthful faults, but also showed his wily and hard-learned experience. We had passages showing events from Uhtred’s younger days as he reminisced about his exploits in the company of old friends, enemies and the women he loved. We also had a great and momentous battle, leading to a suitable ending.
It was also interesting to read the notes at the end about the period and the importance of the battle. Many thanks to Bernard Cornwell for this brilliant story – it’s a shame that the TV series is not carrying on until the final book!
So, we bid a sad “farewell” to Uhtred of Bebbanburg! By the way, I have seen Bamburgh Castle in Northumberland and the rock upon which the much later castle was built is huge and imposing. We didn’t have the time to take a look around, but it is a wonderful and very atmospheric part of the UK.
Now for the final book of 2021…
While Justice Sleeps by Stacey Abrams
This was one of my serendipitous choosing from the ebook collection: While Justice Sleeps by Stacey Abrams. This is the blurb:
”An explosive secret When legendary Washington judge Justice Wynn falls into a coma and puts his law clerk, Avery, in control, Avery’s world is turned upside down. Because Justice Wynn had a secret. One that nobody wants to come out…
A life in the balance As Wynn lies in hospital, Avery begins to unravel a sequence of clues, and realizes the puzzle will lead her directly into danger.
A showdown that will change everything But how high a price can you put on the truth? And is Avery brave enough to expose the White House itself?”
I am so pleased that the book caught my eye! Here is my short review:
Having read some of the responses on Goodreads, I have realised that I came to this book from an entirely different angle to most of the other readers. As I am British, I had no idea of the author’s background at all and took the book at face value. I found it an interesting read with some exciting and gripping moments. The plot was enjoyable, the characters developed nicely and the whole was satisfying.
As a British reader and a non chess player, I found some parts of the book completely baffling, so I tended to skim over these sections. Of course, the backgrounds of readers have nothing to do with the author, so I have awarded the book four stars for its overall impact.
If you are even vaguely interested in this book, please read other more enlightening reviews!
Right, so this next book was the first choice for the new reading year…
The Coffin Maker’s Garden by Stuart MacBride
Well, I had to choose something special for the first book and my eyes lit up when I saw a MacBride book which I hadn’t read before. You may know that he is one of my favourite authors, mainly for his very dark humour.
And this book is very dark indeed! Here is the blurb:
“A village on the edge… As a massive storm batters the Scottish coast, Gordon Smith’s home is falling into the North Sea. But the crumbling headland has revealed what he’s got buried in his garden: human remains.
A house full of secrets… With the storm still raging, it’s too dangerous to retrieve the bodies and waves are devouring the evidence. Which means no one knows how many people Smith’s already killed and how many more he’ll kill if he can’t be found and stopped.
An investigator with nothing to lose… The media are baying for blood, the top brass are after a scapegoat, and ex-Detective Inspector Ash Henderson is done playing nice. He’s got a killer to catch, and God help anyone who gets in his way.”
Well, that blurb really drew me in. This is my response to the book:
Phew! Another cracking read by one of my most favourite authors. Do not even attempt if you can’t cope with stomach churning violence and the blackest of black humour. MacBride’s writing is sharp with incisive and amusing descriptions, page turning plots, and creatively depicted and often grotesque characters.
I loved the nice touch of the Reading Group’s reaction to the book they were discussing: one from MacBride’s other great series! Very funny.
What a great beginning to a new year of reading! Now, how do I keep up the momentum?
I feel that 2021 was a very satisfying reading year. I managed to read quite a variety of books, with only two or three “duds”. Of course, this is thanks to our local library service’s ebook collection as I still cannot cope with print books.
I tried to put a montage of my books from 2021 here, made using a widget from the Goodreads website where I list all of my reading, but it doesnt’ work properly. Never mind! I may attempt this again on another day.
Anyway, I must return to my latest book. What is it? Well, you can find out in next week’s Reading Roundup post!
I do hope that you all had a great Christmas and that 2022 will be a wonderful year! We were so happy that Younger Son was able to visit for a few days and that the four of us were together again. New Year was very quiet, but relatively peaceful.
So, for my first post of 2022 (starting the sixth year of the blog), I will show you my Christmas presents…
Christmas presents 2022
Yes, I am a very lucky person! Lovely Husband gave me a gorgeous purple cashmere crew neck jumper from Pure Collection. My “boys”’ present was the superb purple resin and gold plated necklace from Grand Tour Collection. And you will have already seen the beautiful Hermès scarf, Le Premier Chant, that I bought for myself before Christmas. Doesn’t it tie everything together nicely?
Here is a better photo of the necklace…
Necklace by Grand Tour Collection
I managed to wear all of these gifts on Christmas Day…
Outfit of the day 25/12/21 with Hermès’ Le Premier Chant scarf
A quick reminder of the full scarf – Hermès’ Le Premier Chant…
Hermès – Le Premier Chant, by Sophia Andreotti and Edouard Baribeaud, 90cm, violet/bleu glacier/jaune, H003799S 06
The scarf has been designed for the Spring/Summer 2022 season, but I think it looks great with a Winter outfit. Very versatile! And, NO, those aren’t depictions of COVID-19 around the hem!!! Eek!
OK, I think that is enough for now. With this new year, I will try to continue the pattern of posts from the last couple of years: something general or pertinent on Mondays, the Reading Roundup on Wednesdays and Outfits of the Week on Fridays (hoping that there are some outfits to write about!). Sometimes my health issues are overwhelming and I have to take a break, but I will try my best to be consistent.
Hi everyone! Today’s post is the last one for a while as I am taking an extended break between Christmas and New Year. I hope to return in early January when the festive season is all over.
So, let’s get on with the final Reading Roundup of 2021…
My Sister’s Child by Karen Clarke
My Sister’s Child by Karen Clarke was another of those serendipitous selections from the ebook service. This is the blurb!
”I promised her I’d protect him… and I’ll do anything to keep him safe.
Five years ago, my sister Rachel left her baby boy on my doorstep. A little bundle wrapped in blankets.
I loved him. I cared for him. I called him Noah and raised him as my own.
Rachel was full of secrets, and the truth about Noah was one we shared. A secret just between sisters.
Now, my sister is dead. The police say it was an accident… But I’m convinced that’s a lie.
I owe it to Rachel to uncover the truth… Even if I risk losing the family I’ve fought so hard for.”
I awarded the book three stars on Goodreads and wrote the following review:
I am struggling to write this response to the book. In many ways, it was quite well-written with plenty of suspenseful moments and mystery. But, all in all, I found the plot a bit much. So many reveals, in fact too many. It all began to irritate me by the time I reached the end.
I thought that this book would be worth four stars, but when I eventually finished it felt more like a three star: OK, with good parts, but overall not really satisfying to read.
So, after this book I decided to go for something more tried and tested…
Dark Sky by C J Box
C J Box’s Dark Sky is the 21st instalment in his Joe Pickett series and I have read all of the books up to this, except one! I must like the books and the genre. Anyway, here is the blurb:
“Wyoming game warden Joe Pickett must accompany a Silicon Valley CEO on a hunting trip – but soon learns that he himself may be the hunted…
THE TIME HAS COME
It’s a crisp October morning in Wyoming’s Twelve Sleep County, and game warden Joe Pickett should be keeping watch over his patch. Instead, the state governor has roped him into leading Silicon Valley billionaire Steven Price on a hunting trip. The department is facing major budget cuts and Price’s social media empire could bring serious business into the state – if someone can persuade him of Wyoming’s charms.
It looks like a straightforward job, but unbeknownst to Joe, there is a hunter hot on their heels, one with a different manner of prey in mind.
When Joe’s daughter Sheridan and his closest friend Nate Romanowksi learn of the threat, they head out to rescue Joe and his charge. To get out of the woods alive, they will all have to draw on their wits and knowledge of the outdoors as they confront the worst man – and nature – can throw at them.”
I am pleased to be able to say that this was a much more successful choice than the previous book! Here is my short response on Goodreads where I also awarded the book four stars:
Yet again, I really enjoyed the latest installment of this very long series. There was such an exciting plot that held me on edge until the final chapters. Also the continued development of favourite characters. With two stories running alongside each other, one was concluded but the other’s finale has been held over until the next book.
My negatives are the political background. The attempt to bring in COVID, antifa and social media didn’t really work for me. But then, I am an English reader, so the US situation is very different for me.
I do tend to be rather impulsive and jump in to the new season’s scarves very quickly. So, please bear that in mind as you look at this reveal of my latest scarf! 😅😂🤣😂😅
First, we have the superb packaging…
Then we have the special Christmas box cover, front and back (they are the same size – just my poor photography!)…
Now, the iconic Hermès orange box…
Here is the first reveal of the folded scarf…
And opened out a little…
The full scarf: Le Premier Chant by Sophia Andreotti and Edouard Baribeaud, 90cm, violet/bleu glacier/jaune, H003799S 06.
Le Premier Chant by Hermès
A slideshow to show you a range of closeups of the scarf…
Of course, it was the central purple “swoosh” that absolutely sold this scarf to me. I adore purples and have a few scarves in shades such as lilac, lavender, violet and mauve, but nothing in this lovely rich colour.
After the holidays, when things have calmed down and there is more information about this scarf design, I will write a full Scarf of the Moment post. But for now, I am eagerly awaiting an item of clothing which will enhance this scarf perfectly!
Whoopee!!!! After a really difficult week, I am feeling quite cheerful this afternoon! Over the last few days the new Spring/Summer 2022 scarves, shawls and twillies are beginning to appear on the Hermès website. As usual, I have no self-restraint and have already bought my first one, which I will show you all next week.
Anyway, here are some hints…
Hermès’ Spring/Summer 2022
These are a mixture of sizes and formats: 90cm, 70cm, shawls, double-faced, etc. For more information and to see the new season as it rolls out, it is really worth following the Spring/Summer 2022 scarves thread on The Purse Forum.
It’s Wednesday again and that means Reading Roundup time! I have three books to write about this week, both chosen at random from our library’s ebook collection.
Before I Say I Do by Vicki Bradley
The first of the three was Before I Say I Do by Vicki Bradley. Here is the blurb:
”It’s Julia’s wedding day. Her nerves are to be expected – every bride feels the same – but there’s another layer to her fear, one that she cannot explain to her soon-to-be husband, Mark. She’s never told him the details – and she is determined he never finds out.
As she begins down the aisle, spotting Mark in his tailored suit, she knows she is taking her first steps to happiness – her past is behind her, it can’t catch her now. Mark turns to face her . . .
But it isn’t Mark in the beautiful suit – it’s his best man.
Because Mark is missing.
And Julia’s past is closer than she thinks . . .”
Well, I thought that blurb sounded intriguing, so I took the plunge and this is my three star response…
This book was a really mixed bag. I thought that the first half was a good and interesting mystery, with plenty of twists and turns. Then the second part became rushed and badly written, with a string of implausible revelations that careered towards the finish line. There was so much stuffed into the plot that it burst at the seams! So, all in all, OK but not note-worthy.
So, that book was a bit “meh” and I hoped for an improvement after that. This was my next choice:
Sixteen Horses by Greg Buchanan
This was another serendipitous choice: Sixteen Horses by Greg Buchanan. Here is the blurb:
”Near the dying English seaside town of Ilmarsh, local police detective Alec Nichols discovers sixteen horses’ heads on a farm, each buried with a single eye facing the low winter sun. After forensic veterinarian Cooper Allen travels to the scene, the investigators soon uncover evidence of a chain of crimes in the community – disappearances, arson and mutilations – all culminating in the reveal of something deadly lurking in the ground itself. In the dark days that follow, the town slips into panic and paranoia. Everything is not as it seems. Anyone could be a suspect. And as Cooper finds herself unable to leave town, Alec is stalked by an unseen threat. The two investigators race to uncover the truth behind these frightening and insidious mysteries – no matter the cost.”
This next review comes with a content warning, although I felt that the book deserved at least four stars…
First of all, a warning! Do not read this book if you don’t have a strong stomach and/or if you are particularly partial to horses.
This is a bleak, grim and gruesome murder/mystery and was very hard for me to read. I cannot say that I enjoyed it, because there was nothing to leaven the sheer horror of the book. Several times I nearly put it down, but something kept me reading.
This is a pretty amazing first book and is very well written with a unique style, in my opinion. But only try it if you can stand a very black tale.
My third book of the week was another powerful and well-written tale…
The Bone Cay by Eliza Nellums
The Bone Cay by Eliza Nellums was such an unusual choice, or so it seemed at first! This is the blurb:
“Magda Trudell is the present-day caretaker of Whimbrel Estate, the Key West home of the famous poet Isobel Reyes. Isobel’s suicide at the residence in 1918 has nearly overshadowed her creative legacy–but Magda, a botanist and avid historian, is determined to protect it. Over the past decade, Magda has lovingly restored the house to the exact condition Isobel would have known. And even though a fierce October hurricane is headed straight for the Keys, she isn’t about to abandon her life’s work to evacuate.
As the mighty storm makes landfall, the dangers mount. First, a fire and flood threaten to destroy the house. Then the storm claims most of Magda’s supplies. When part of the house collapses, she unearths an old steamer trunk in the rubble that contains a woman’s remains. Is there more to Isobel’s story than Magda knows?
The unexpected appearance of a teenage girl and her father seeking shelter from the storm poses unnerving new questions. Are they really who they seem? And could they have a connection to the house’s shadowy past? As the storm rages, Magda desperately tries to solve the real mystery of Isobel’s death–and keep the living in one piece.”
This was such an unexpected find. Chosen at random, I began the book wondering whether it was for me. The setting, an old house on the Florida Keys, with echoes from the past life of a young female poet, was so atmospheric that it held my interest as the story began. The main character was also very engaging. Then the plot developed as a hurricane approached.
Eventually I became totally gripped by this immensely well-written thriller as I continued to read. Revelations came, and new characters arrived and the pace of the tale picked up as the winds picked up speed.
I am so glad that I chose this book and will look for others by the same author. She has such wide-ranging skills. Why not try this for yourself?
Well, that was a fabulous week of reading! And most unexpected. I have a load of great books in my queue that I don’t want to read quite yet as they are the final parts of series or books I have been waiting for for a while. So, instead of reading those, I have been choosing books from the library. Very successfully!
I do hope that all of my visitors/readers/friends had a very pleasant weekend and that, if you celebrate Christmas, your preparations are going well. Most of the gifts that I have ordered for the family have now arrived and I am only waiting for a couple now.
There has been a small issue niggling at me with reference to one retailer, who I am not going to name. We usually give our “boys” money at this time of year, but in addition I always buy them some t-shirts and sweatshirts so that they have something to open. Anyway, I was amazed when the very large retailer emailed to say that all six items would not be arriving as one parcel, but as – not two, or three – SIX separate parcels! Can you believe this? What a waste of fuel, time and packaging!
I know that the whole online purchasing business is not very “green”, but I have to do my shopping this way as I cannot travel any more.
At the same time as all of the planning, shopping and card writing, we have been struggling with Elder Son’s autism issues again. I won’t go into any details, but it has been such an emotional struggle again. He always finds the run up to Christmas hard, but now he is trying (and not really succeeding) to cope with worries about COVID-19 variants, my health, his Dad’s health, his future, his job and now OCD. This is becoming almost unbearable for LH and I to cope with and we are very concerned about the future.
Right, I now need to try to focus on something else for a while. Perhaps a good book, a pot of tea and a nibble will help? I will leave you with this image (well, I think it’s a funny visual pun!).
I had a lovely post planned for today. Yesterday, I was supposed to get my hair done and I had a gorgeous outfit laid out on my bed with all the accessories. But it was not to be. Instead, I felt terrified by the prospect of leaving the house, had a nasty coughing fit, then cancelled the appointment.
This is the outfit and I will try to wear it next week and take a quick photo…
Outfit of the day 09/12/21 with Fetolia’s Olympian Gods scarf
I am not sure about the pearl earrings, so I might choose something different from my collection. Oh, and I must say that in real life these greys blend really well. I had also intended to carry my Massaccesi croco leather Victoria handbag in “grape” as a contrast – I think it would have worked…
Victoria handbag in grape croco leather by Massaccesi
Or, perhaps this silver and pewter leather Diane handbag also by Massaccesi would have been better?
Diane handbag by Marco Massaccesi
OK, I will now try to nurse myself into a better state with plenty of tea and a good book! I do hope that you all have a great weekend.
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 
[…] If you would like to read more about this scarf, here is my Scarf of the Moment post with…