Growing up like many of my fellow die hard readers, I came to have a bit of a ‘Matilda’ reputation with the elementary school librarians because I was one of the few 9 year olds with a penchant for biographies. I devoured these real life stories of men and women who’d composed symphonies, traveled the world, … Continue reading
Holy Crow, there are soo many amazing books coming out this summer that I just had to spread the love/proselytize their greatness! Series Closers! Assassins! Supernatural Creatures! Mystery! Oh my! Cassandra Clare (along with Kristin Cashore) was pretty much my ‘gateway drug’author to YA, thus it’s with baited breath that I reunite with the ole shadowhunter/downworlder … Continue reading
At first glance, white tea appears soft and delicate, and one doesn’t expect any surprises from this subtle blend. However, once brewed the White Peony tea takes on another character entirely, as if its true strength is only emboldened when tested with hot water. It gives off a floral aroma, but a rich taste of … Continue reading
Time to brush up on my French! I was so excited when I stumbled across this still from Christophe Gans’ adaptation of Beauty and the Beast that he is currently transforming for the Big Screen in February, 2014, that I had to share it here. Gans directed Brotherhood of the Wolf, a chilling, yet captivating … Continue reading
Maid of Secrets comes out today, and I’m thrilled to share my thoughts on this engaging, historical tale that captured my imagination and made me long for a sequel. I was lucky enough to receive an ARC a few months ago, and as a dyed-in-the-wool history nerd, always on the alert for original perspectives from … Continue reading
Wowza. We can’t believe it, but it’s been a year since we launched Gathered Nettles! In order to celebrate, we’re feasting on pancakes and have put together a list of the authors we’ve become acquainted with in the past year who have totally rocked our world. This inspirational Top Ten honors the reason we, as … Continue reading
“Is the spring coming?” he said. “What is it like?” “It is the sun shining on the rain and the rain falling on the sunshine.” – The Secret Garden, Frances Hodgson Burnett As the first day of Spring came and went yesterday, it was in the low 30s here in New York and hail was … Continue reading
I started reading The Faerie Ring by Kiki Hamilton, while I was hunkered down during an epic storm. It was the perfect book for the occasion, because it completely transported me from the howling winds and darkening rain clouds of modern day New York, to 19th century London, where a secret truce kept fairies and … Continue reading
