Now if you have NOT read A Charming Crime, the first in Tonya Kappes Magical Cures Mysteries series… STOP and go straight to my review HERE. To date there are three stories in this series with A Charming Cure being the 2nd and A Charming Potion the 3rd (a Mini Mystery). I have purchased all 3 off Amazon for my Kindle and am really looking forward to delving into the 3rd in the series next.

Now I did notice a few more spelling and punctuation errors in this second book but NOT enough to really disturb my escape into the world of June Heal and Whispering Falls. I was happy to see that while Oscar, the bestfriend/police officer was more in the background for the most part in this book, Mr. Prince Charming the fairy god cat was right there with June throughout her adventures.

Many of the characters from the previous novel are included in this book but for the most part the mystery was focused at a special Intuition school. Run by June’s Aunt Helena (who was unknown or at least forgotten by June at this point) her “only 4 days” quickly becomes an exercise in confusion, frustration and surprisingly attempted murder!

As in the previous book June combines intuition with charms, sleuthing and an incessant wish to know more about her past and her family.

A Charming Cure

Now that our gifts have been received I can FINALLY share some images of the items I made and gifted! So sit back and enjoy the creations… of varying complexity!

For Trinity!

These were a lovely and relatively quick creation. I got the pattern from the Crochet Spot. You can either purchase patterns from them, or do what I did and do the monthly membership so I can come and go and take what I please. I made all of these using Red Heart yarn. You can find the actual pattern right HERE.

Also for Trinity

I have to admit to some over stuffing on this tea set but Trinity LOVED it! The pattern is available for purchase right HERE. Again Red Heart yarn.

Jimmie’s Penguin

When I asked Holly what I should get her family (my brother’s wife) she suggested this little gem. He is tiny and quick but oh so adorable. I used Red Heart yarn and a Lion Brand pattern. (I think you need to sign up with them to see it, but it is free). I am not a huge fan of button eyes… as you will notice with Echo’s pieces later, but he is adorable don’t you think?

James’ “hot chick”

This was made to go with the sock owl I made my brother the year previous (an Emo Owl)… Another Crochet Spot pattern, this little duckie is tiny and quick but oh so cute! (again Red Heart yarn)

Holly’s Cupcake

I could not resist the cupcake for my sister in law. Sadly I think I over stuffed this cutie but still, I think it looks rather yummy! Another Crochet Spot pattern, of course! I hope to make some of these to go with Trinity’s Christmas stuff… maybe in varying colours and play around with beads as sprinkles?

Echo’s bunny

Another Crochet Spot pattern, I skipped the features (I simply COULD NOT find the right buttons) and made this sweetie up in the usual yarn choice. The hat is removable and it has the cutest tail!! Mine is a little stiffer than the example but Echo is quickly squishing it into submission.

Echo’s snowman

Now I had to alter this pattern a bit, well more leaving things out, as it was for a 2 year old to snuggle. So no features and NO arms. I also made my own pattern for the scarf and played around with the hat. BUT you can find the original pattern HERE. Thanks again to my Facebook friend Keith for pointing this pattern out!

One of the soap savers

I think this one went to my brother and his family. But I tried various ones out to give away. You put the bits and pieces of soap bars you have left over in these and use them like a soap bar. Very cute! And, another Crochet Spot pattern!

Same colours as the old style large bulb outdoor lights

Ok so I favoured Crochet Spot with my gifts this year! There were two long strings of these Christmas lights for Ken’s parents. Ken researched the original colour pattern and everything. You can purchase the pattern for these HERE.

Pato inspired

My first original creation – that tiny hat on Pato’s head!!! Of course I used the same pattern for the bird as the one for my brother, I just made the beak longer.

This is a portion of Karyn’s Christmas present

This is a FREE pattern off of Crochet Spot. It is a Half Round Mini Bag. Listed as an intermediate pattern, I actually found that as long as I TRUSTED the pattern it all went rather smoothly!

Two felties!

The rest of Karyn’s gift from an Etsy purchase. There are 4 in the pattern set, so two more to make for another holiday!

And that is the bulk of my creations!

I don’t usually read historical romances… at least not ones NOT based in the Regency Era but Amazon had this one up for free on Prime. I am glad that I did in this case. Homespun Bride by Jillian Hart is a sweet romantic story about a young woman who has had no luck in love following a wagon accident that took her eyesight and her parents’ lives.

Noelle is living with her aunt, uncle and 2 cousins after the death of her parents and broken engagement. She is dependent on her family as she continues to find her independence without the help of her sight. Strengthened by her belief in God and her teaching piano to the local children, Noelle is content with her life… that is until the snow falls and once again she is the passenger in a wagon gone wild.

When Noelle and her Aunt are saved by a stranger old memories and loves are brought to the surface and Noelle questions her life, choices and future. When the identity of the stranger is discovered we begin the journey of his return to faith and the healing of his broken heart. We learn more about their shared history and the parts each of their parents played in it.

This gentle romance pairs up two journeys of faith with a long ago time period of horse and buggy (or sled) and the beginning of steam powered train. I have to say, I really enjoyed this book. While definitely at a disadvantage due to her lack of sight Noelle does not constantly slip into a pity party. Instead we get a glimpse into the conundrums that come with being disabled in a society without a lot of the resources we now have at hand. If you are on the look out for an inspirational historical romance this could be the book for you!

Homespun Bride