Another day, another heat advisory. Today we reached 102 again. All I want to do is eat popsicles and stay indoors! So I don’t have much planned for this weekend except for staying cool.

I have received some new ARCs so maybe I should spend some time with these instead, what do you think? Here are the books I got:

Two Across by Jeff Bartsch. Highly awkward teenager Stanley Owens meets his match in beautiful, brainy Vera Baxter when they tie for first place in the annual National Spelling Bee-and the two form a bond that will change both of their lives. This sounds like a sweet love story.

The Mountain Story by Lori Lansens. Nola has decided to hike up a mountain to commemorate her wedding anniversary, the first since her beloved husband passed. I read her book, The Girls, and loved it so I hope this will be a winner.

Still Mine by Amy Stuart. What happens if you vanish from your life and leave no story behind? Someone will make one up for you. Doesn’t this sound interesting? Is it me or have there been so many thrillers this summer that just sound so good?

Monsoon Summer by Julia Gregson. An epic love story moving from England to India, about the forbidden love between a young Indian doctor and an English midwife. Lovely cover and historical drama.

White Bone by Ridley Pearson.When ex–military contractor John Knox receives a text from partner Grace Chu warning that she fears her cover may have been blown while on assignment, he jumps into action. This sounds very different from most mysteries I read so I’m interested.

Have a wonderful weekend friends and stay cool!

Today I visited Paper & Craft Pantry to check out the Tiny Book Show! The creators of The Creativity Caravan have taken their bookmobile on the road filled with tiny treasures. They are making stops along the way to showcase the tiny books and also host tiny bookmaking classes.

When we arrived a group was already sitting down amid colorful papers, glue sticks and all sorts of items to get started on their creations. I didn’t realize they were going to be making books otherwise I might have gotten there earlier to jump in on the fun.

They had vintage suitcases filled with tiny books. In case you are wondering, a mini book according to the rules of the Miniature Book Society, can be no bigger than three inches. What I loved at this book show is that you could look through all the books. I loved being able to open them, see the different bindings and just to see what was in them.

There were a lot of creative editions. Poetry, how-to manuals, collage books, books in pen, books typewritten and I think I saw some blank books. Being a bookbinder myself, I liked seeing the different bindings, I know I enjoy working with smaller books myself but tiny books like these are sometimes much harder to make. I saw some leather bound books and I did see some long stitching, pamphlet books, and simple stapled books which were still adorable.

I also saw some tunnel books. These special books have cutouts in the center and so you feel like you are seeing various images through a tunnel. You can take a look at this page that explains tunnel books better. I’ve never tried to make a tunnel book but hopefully one day I’ll work on that.

You can see some of the creations by visiting their online shop.

The Tiny Book show moves on tomorrow to make their way to Georgia and beyond. You can take a look at their travel schedule and see if they’ll be in your part of town. If they are, please go see it. You will love it.

Of course I had to get souvenir and bought a Tiny Book kit. It came with three mini books and a magnifying glass. How cute is this?

Oh and last but not least, I did love The Paper & Craft Pantry too. What a cute shop with all sorts of stationery, gifts, and a bright and nice space for workshops. I saw that in the past they’ve hosted workshops on hand lettering, embroidery and screen printing. Let’s just say I’ve added my email address to the mail list.

Now, I guess it’s time to read. I think I’m going to look for a new book to add to my current reads because the mystery I picked up the other day is a bit intense and I think I need something less vivid before I go to sleep. So, off to check out my bookshelves!