#for the first five pages i was drawing john on paper and sherlock on the computer exclusively

[abstractfrog]

Happy 1 year anniversary to Mr Sherlock Holmes! Here's a litttleee celebratory comic from me

[englandsgray]

Sherlolly Self-Interviews 2020

Well hi 👋

Ignoring the internal image of Gilderoy Lockheart smiling smugly while flashbulbs pop and saying ‘In my autobiography, Magical Me...’ 🙈😆 I shall take the opportunity of this lovely event to introduce myself as a writer of Sherlolly fanfiction on AO3...

I am English and somewhere over 30.  I watched the show as it aired, and lost my heart as quickly to Molly Hooper as to Sherlock Holmes.  The kiss is British television history.  Series 4 is my favourite.  Moriarty on the beach is life.  The Holmes brothers break my heart every time.

I am extremely lucky to have been provided some questions to answer here by @ohaine and @mybrainrots - huge, huge love and thanks to these two lovelies, and not just for this.  I admire you both so much as writers, and your support means the world to me ❤️ Thanks too, to @sherlollyappreciationweek!

Where did you begin to write, and have you written for other fandoms?  I wrote my first fanfic when I was eleven years old - a 100 page ramble about The Monkees.  Oh yes.  Then in 2018, I fell for the characters of the Disney Pixar film Cars and began writing and publishing.  So far so random!  Writing in this fandom sprang from binge-watching all four series of Sherlock during lockdown.  I remembered reading Louise Brealey talking about being disappointed Molly didn’t get chance to ‘roundly kick Sherlock’s arse’ and agreeing with her wholeheartedly.  That, over a few weeks, turned into my first fic - Who You Really Are.  

You’re a recent (and welcome!) arrival to the Sherlolly ship, and I was wondering if writing in an established, less active than it used to be fandom has been a challenge?   Thank you, firstly.  My experience of this fandom has been incredibly positive - the sense of welcome has been wonderful.  I will admit I was terrified posting the first fic - there are hundreds of times more stories posted daily in the Sherlock fandom as in the one I had some experience of.  But I needn’t have worried, it’s been a blast.  I will also admit, that it’s no small thing to be surrounded by such brilliant writing and the long-standing passion which goes with it.  But I find that inspiring in itself, and I’m very glad to be here - how supportive the fandom are makes me feel like I always have been!       

What’s your favourite place and way to write?  My aesthetic is Lin-Manuel Miranda in his in-law’s laundry room 🤣 I wrote my first ten-thousand words on the notes app on my phone before my other half told me to stop being ridiculous!  I switch between the laptop, my phone and longhand (I’m a sucker for a nice notepad and a Uni-Ball Eye) and, more often than not, not sat up properly at a table.   

Since you’ve (done something I’ve never managed successfully and) written a novella length fic... how did you organise/keep track of all the details and where you wanted the story to go?  Did you outline/plot in advance?  First of all - I would love to see a novella length fic from you @mybrainrots!  The final scene of Who You Really Are came to me very early on and I knew I wanted the fic to fit within TFP - a lot of it takes place in the timeframe of the final montage.  At first, it was going to be much more about Sherlock’s relationship with the ideas of sentiment and love (the phrase ‘I’m not sentimental about you, I love you,’ haunted me for a while) and I spent some time researching the psychology and playing with scenes from throughout the series - one of my favourites I didn’t go on to use was inspired by the final scene of THoB.  Using scenes from the canon gave an automatic structure, and I was always aiming for the final one I wrote early on - the two of them on the beach (everything is about the beach, with me!)  As I went along and started, inevitably, to slow down, I mapped out the chapters with a short note of what I wanted to be in each, then would add notes or phrases as they came to me - often emailed from my phone!  I had to force myself through a tricky section set in Baker Street at one point, but it came together in the end.  I did plot The Pathologist’s Skeletons on paper first, as I found with a casefic which remains a WIP, that I can get confused and lose focus when it comes to details and how to reveal them in a way which stays paced and interesting.  I’ll certainly do that from now on with longer stories and cases.  How did you keep up enthusiasm for the work?  I want to write an original novel, so I am forcing myself to work through the knotty bits and blocks as a learning experience.  Not everything is destined to be finished or finessed, of course, but I’m finding this process is building my confidence that I can overcome problems and slow periods.  I also find I know when I need some external inspiration - some of my favourite scenes have come to me while out walking the dog or sitting on the beach.  I’ve also been inspired by books or other series or things going on in the world, as we all are, and sometimes that’s pushed me on.  Plus, of course, I’m a newbie - I’m very much in the honeymoon period of my writing, even though I’ve loved Sherlock for ten years! (Ten years! Bonkers.) 

You’ve got a knack for writing Sherlock’s thoughts and capturing his voice.  That said, which character do you find easiest to write?  Which is the hardest?  Thank you so much.  I absolutely love writing Sherlock and Mycroft, and I’m sure that’s because they suit my somewhat over-the-top writing style!  I find Molly and her POV really difficult.  I want the scenes I write from her perspective to sound completely different to Sherlock, but that means writing in a style which doesn’t come as naturally to me.  I’m a long way off happy with that at the moment, but I’m enjoying the challenge.

Is there a scene or character that specifically inspired you to start writing Sherlolly?  The whole of TFP, but especially from the moment Sherlock arrives at Musgrave onwards.  I am desperate to see what a Sherlock Holmes who has been reacquainted with his own heart would look like.  I find his emotionality in those final scenes hugely compelling (Mycroft’s office is one of my favourite moments from across all four series) and, as I have always believed in him and Molly, I practically jumped up back in May after watching it and said ‘right, where’s my notebook?!’.

There’s a lovely peaceful, quiet feeling to your fic ‘We’re All Right At The Moment’.  Can you tell us what inspired it and if you’ve thought of doing the backstory that goes with it?  Thank you!  Like everyone, I would go back to January of this year and start again in a heartbeat, but I am hugely fortunate to be able to say that I have a lot to be grateful to the UK lockdowns for.  I might never have begun writing in this fandom otherwise, for one, and I have had a brilliant time so far and met some lovely people. Honestly, I don’t feel able to do any sort of justice in my writing to what has happened in the world in any broader sense than drawing on my own experiences of staying at home and enjoying my family.  This particular super-short fic sees Molly cutting Sherlock’s hair at home in Baker Street.  I wrote it in the evening after I had cut my other half’s hair and had been reminding myself that despite how horribly worried I was - and still am - about everything, we were all right in that moment, and to focus on that as much as possible.  I wanted to try to capture that, if for no reason other than to look back on this entire experience and remember something lovely, so I am so pleased to hear you felt the fic did that.  It was only after I finished it and reread it, that I realised it is ambiguous as to whether Molly is worried about Sherlock contracting the virus, or whether she is remembering him being treated for it... As I say, I don’t think I could write more about these extraordinary circumstances - perhaps it’s just too close at the moment - so I don’t plan on extending it.  But you know how it is, the plot bunnies hop where they will... 

Do you have a Sherlolly music playlist?  What are your top five favs from the list? Here’s a run down of (6 🙊) songs I have been getting emotional over in the last little while, leading my brain to assign their significance to my favourite couple...

Kissing You - Des’Ree - It’s so 90′s, it’s a bit cheesy, it’s oddly disturbing.  It helped me write A Request, Made Properly, and that gave me an excuse to have Sherlock kiss Molly in the snow.

How Long Will I Love You? - Ellie Goulding - part of the playlist, but also in remembrance of a friend who passed away recently.  Life is very short, love is forever.

High and Dry - Jamie Cullum - It’s made me emotional for a very long time.  The original is my partner’s version of choice, this is mine.  

Think About You - Delta Goodrem - Okay, this one isn’t emotional, and it’s not my usual vibe!  Blame the zoom exercise class I do!  But oh my goodness, it’s Molly.  Bless her.

Blinded By Your Grace (P.T.2. F.T. MNEK) - Stormzy - One of the best ever, I reckon.  Spent an awful lot of time thinking about angels and demons, grace and what it takes to save someone, while writing my latest - The Pathologist’s Skeletons.  This has been in my head most of the (blimmin’) time!

Love Me Like You Do - Ellie Goulding - I didn’t know I was a fan of Ellie until I wrote this list... I don’t subscribe to the theory that the love Molly wants or that which Sherlock has to offer is any lesser because it isn’t ‘normal’ or expected. I don’t think romantic entanglement would come easy to either of them. But it’s still love and it would be beautiful.

Thank you so much for reading.  Thanks and love to @ohaine and @mybrainrots. And thank you @sherlollyappreciationweek for the event and for everything you do ❤️

Feel like I should sign off with a quote from the show...

“You’re not a puzzle-solver, you never have been. You’re a drama queen!” Dr John Watson (Moffat & Gatiss) 2014 😜

X

A fav fic of mine by @mybrainrots

https://archiveofourown.org/works/7563193

A fav fic of mine by @ohaine

https://archiveofourown.org/works/10562904

My stuff:

https://archiveofourown.org/users/EnglandsGray/works

[superwholock-marvel-images]

Through Time and Space 12

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

“Oh dear god.” You say looking at your phone.

“What?” Dean asks walking over to you.

“Sherlock found a mouse… he wants to put it in the microwave.” You answer shoving your phone back into your pocket. “Doctor mind if we stop at Baker Street?”

“Sure.” The Doctor replies.

The TARDIS lands outside Baker street, you and your siblings head inside. Katie stops to talk to Mrs. Hudson. It appears that your brothers are staying downstairs with Katie. “Sherlock, what are you doing?” You ask.

“Bored.” He sulkily mutters.

“Again?” Sherlock nods. “Mouse, please.” Sherlock sighs and walks over to where he stashed the mouse and hands it to you. Thankfully it’s still alive. You sigh and open a window and put the mouse in a nearby flower pot. “I can understand why you said Mycroft threatened you with knighthood.” You say breaking the awkward silence between you and your flatmate.

“What do you mean?” Sherlock asks.

“Do you really want to know?”

“A little bit.” You rub the back of your neck. You then explain to Sherlock that the most recent adventure with the Doctor was in Queen Victoria’s time, you also explain that the queen gave everyone nobility… then promptly banished you. Sherlock snickers. “Dame Y/N of the Impala… I’m not letting that slide anytime soon.”

“Why do I tell you anything?” You ask in a teasing manner. Sherlock presses his lips together for a moment.

“I haven’t the foggiest.” Your flatmate replies, causing you to erupt in laughter. It feels good to be back at Baker Street.

🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝

“That was tedious.” Sherlock says holding a harpoon and he’s also covered in blood, you arch an eyebrow wondering why you didn’t notice him leaving the flat with a harpoon.

“You went on the tube like that?” John asks arching an eyebrow.

“None of the cabs would take me.”

“I found us a case, just do you mind cleaning up first?” You ask in response. Sherlock nods and leaves the room. Once changed Sherlock starts rummaging through his things looking for his emergency stash of cigarettes instead of looking at the case. You sigh and move your computer to the side and stand up and walk to your room. It takes about five minutes to find what you’re looking for. “Here Sherlock, these will settle the craving.” You say handing your flatmate the box of nicotine patches.

“Y/N, you’re a miracle worker.” Sherlock says leaning down slightly and giving you a quick peck on the cheek.

“Thought we agreed with cold turkey.” John says.

“John, I gave him nicotine patches, not cigarettes.” You point out.

Sherlock finds this case about a glowing escaped rabbit, he gets all excited about it. “This is brilliant! Phone Lestrade.”

“And tell him what?” John asks.

“That there’s an escaped rabbit.”

“You got to be joking.”

“It’s either the rabbit or Cluedo.”

“We are never playing that again!”

“Do I even want to know what happened when you two played Cluedo? Because that was a rather quick hell no John.” You point out when Sherlock mentions the board game.

“Sherlock said the victim did it. Which isn’t in the rules…” John counters.

“How long did that argument go on?” Your flatmates don’t answer because the doorbell rings.

“Single ring.” John points out.

“Maximum pressure just under the half second.” Sherlock adds in.

“Can’t be Lestrade he usually walks right in.” You pipe up. You and your flatmates look at each other.

“Client.” The three of you say in unison.

Not long afterward a man is sitting in John’s chair, causing John to sit in your seat, so you have to sit on one from the dining room. You’re literally bored out of your mind at the moment. There’s a documentary on at the moment.

“I was just a kid. It-it was on the moor.” The client says breaking the silence between everyone “It was dark, but I know what I saw. I know what killed my father.” Sherlock asks what happened and the client describes something that reminds you of a hellhound.

You walk over to your bag and grab your dad’s journal and thumb through it looking for his notes on hellhounds.

You and your flatmates create a bet of ten quid… John says wolf, Sherlock says genetic experiment, and you say hellhound.

Sherlock deduces the fact that the client is a smoker and he is in dire need of a cigarette. That last part you weren’t sure if Sherlock was implying he needed a cigarette or if he was just deducing things. When the client says it was a giant hound- Sherlock instantly takes the case.

“I’ll go grab my siblings.” You say as you head down the stairs. “Hey guys, we have a hunt!”

“Already?” Sam asks in response.

“Oh yeah, I’m pretty sure its a hellhound.” You continue down the stairs and walk over to your siblings.

“Pretty sure?” Dean asks mockingly.

“I admit John, Sherlock and I have a bet going on at the moment about this case. I’m either going to lose five quid or gain ten quid.” You say with a shrug. “Anyways John says it’s a wolf; Sherlock says genital experiment, and I say hellhound.”

“How does that involve us?” Sam asks.

“By all means stay behind, if you want to help Sherlock find a missing rabbit.”

“You’re joking about the rabbit right?”

“Nope.” You state. “Sherlock found a message on his website, from a little girl, asking him to help find her pet rabbit.” 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 You, John, and Sherlock share a cab while your siblings share a cab behind you guys. Riding in the back of a jeep with Sherlock driving is an adventure in of itself. What was even more surprising is the fact this jeep can comfortably seat six people.

Sherlock cracks a dumb joke. “Would you stop doing that?” You ask with a chuckle.

“Doing what?” Your flatmate replies looking at you with a lopsided smirk.

“Saying things that make me want to kiss you…”

“Why is that stopping you now? I mean you kissed both of us before.” John comments.

“Yeah well-”

“Not going to happen.” Dean interrupts. “Nobody is kissing anyone, especially Y/N.”

“Overprotective older siblings in the backseat.” You say throwing Dean a bitch face.

Sherlock stops just outside of Baskerville, John marks all the locations on the map. Sherlock points to an area just in front of you. “What’s that?” He asks.

“Minefield?” John asks in response as he puts down his binoculars. “Technically Baskerville is an army base, so I guess they’ve always been keen to keep people out.”

“This is going to be fun.” You sarcastically comment. Once inside the town, you notice all the tourist traps for the hound of Baskerville. “What in the world?” You mutter.

🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 “You know I was drinking that right?” You say with a laugh when Sherlock snags your drink. Sherlock cracks a smile. The two of you start talking to this man who claimed to see the hound.

“I called Henry…” John says walking over to the two of you.

“Bet’s off, John. Sorry.” Sherlock says.

“What?” You, John and the person that you and Sherlock was talking to are confused.

“Oh, I bet John and Y/N here fifty quid that you couldn’t prove you’d seen the hound.” John then picks up where Sherlock was going with this. You do as well.

“Yeah, the guys in the pub said you could.” John pipes up. The guy in front of you cracks a smile and points to Sherlock.

“Well, you’re gonna lose your money, mate.” He says.

“Yeah?” Sherlock questions.

“Yeah. I’ve seen it. Only about a month ago, up at the Hollow. It was foggy, mind – couldn’t make much out.” The man then pulls out a picture.

The four of you talk for about ten minutes, then he takes his leave when your siblings walk over to you and your flatmates.

“What’s with that look (nickname)?” Dean asks. You hand him the picture.

“I still say hellhound.” You say fishing out your dad’s journal from your bag. You flip it open to the page you bookmarked, you then set the journal down.

“Oh so that’s where dad’s journal got to, Y/N had it.” Katie comments.

“No one has asked for it back.” You reply. “Anyways, you got to admit this is really similar to a hellhound.”

“Aren’t hellhounds normally invisible though?” You shrug not knowing the answer to that.

“I’m just saying we can’t rule hellhound out just yet.” 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 Sherlock and John have gone off somewhere, you chose to stay behind to figure things out. The only issue, you can’t find your psychic paper anywhere.

“Goddammit Sherlock!” You mutter you pull out your laptop to do the research instead. Your phone goes off, it’s from John. They’re coming to get you for some help on this case. John also admits that you were right about it being a hellhound.

You: let me grab some gear and I’ll meet you and Sherlock outside. John: that works… what do you mean by gear? You: weapons and shit. John: oh.

You shove your phone back into your pocket and grab your weapons bag. “Where are you going?” Katie asks walking into the room.

“John and Sherlock need some help. I’ll be back, hopefully.” You answer. Katie grabs your arm as you start to leave causing you to stop in your tracks.

“(Nickname), you can’t take this thing on alone.”

“I won’t be alone though.”

“Not what I meant. Let me come with you… you’re going to need help if it is a hellhound, and your friends are good people, but they’re not hunters.”

“Katie…”

“No, I’m not letting my kid go hunting for a hellhound by herself.” You eventually fold and say Katie could come with.

Sherlock uses someone as bait, which is very unlike him.

“Sherlock… what the hell is wrong with you?” You ask when you run out of ammo. You tuck your gun into the waistband of your jeans as you’re talking.

“What do you mean?”

“Christo.” You say glaring at the consulting detective. Your ‘friend’ flinches. “I thought so. The real Sherlock Holmes wouldn’t deliberately put someone’s life in danger.” Sherlock’s eyes go black and he sneers.

“What are you going to do?” Without any hesitation, you tackle the detective to the ground. Since you don’t know how to draw a trap, you have to somehow pin Sherlock against something. Maybe it was a good idea for Katie to tag along after all…

“Katie, I need you!” You yell over your shoulder. Your sister comes running. “Sherlock is possessed!” You don’t have anything else on that subject because Katie takes the bull by the horns and starts exorcising Sherlock. You manage to pin the consulting detective against a tree as Katie finishes the exorcism, sending the demon back to hell.

“What happened just now?” Sherlock asks when he is back to his normal self. You’re honestly surprised that he wasn’t rendered unconscious.

“We got into a fight.” You answer helping your friend to his feet. “You also got possessed by a demon.”

“How long was I possessed?” You shrug.

“I know it was after you snagged my drink when we were talking to the witness… I laced my drink with holy water, and you didn’t react to it.” Sherlock simply nods in response. “Going to ask John to make sure that I didn’t give you a concussion.”

You, your sister and Sherlock head over to John.

“What happened to you two?” John asks when he sees the dirt and leaves on yours and Sherlock’s clothes. He also notices the slight bruising on both of your faces.

“A demon possessed Sherlock which resulted in me tackling him to the ground, it quickly turned into a full-on brawl. This is the end result.” You explain.

“I’ll patch you two up at the inn.”

“When you’re patching Sherlock up, can you make sure that he doesn’t have a concussion, he hit his head on a tree.” 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 “What were you two doing?!” Dean asks when you and Katie enter the inn. “One minute you’re here the next minute your gone.”

“Dean relax. We’re fine.” You reply. Dean notices how banged up you are and walks over to you.

“This says otherwise.” Your brother comments, gently rubbing the bruise that is forming on your cheekbone with his thumb. “What happened?”

“Okay I admit, Sherlock and I got a bit banged up… but that was kind of called for.”

“You wouldn’t have gotten so banged up if you drew a trap.” Katie points out.

“Someone was going to get killed, so I didn’t have time to draw a trap. Also, you’re forgetting I had to tackle Sherlock to stop him- do you think a demon is going to willingly walk into a demon’s trap?”

“You have a point.” Your sister mutters.

“Wait… rewind what happened?” Sam asks. You and Katie then have to tell Sam and Dean all that happened within the last hour.

The next day before you, John, and Sherlock leave, Sam tells you to be careful and come back alive.

“I will.” You promise. You then head outside where Sherlock is waiting, John isn’t outside yet.  A reckless thought pops into your head while waiting for the retired army doctor.

“Y/N, what is going on in that head of yours?” Sherlock asks when he notices you’re kind of grinning like an idiot. 

“A stupidly reckless idea.” You reply.

“Which is?” You grab the consulting detective by the collar of his coat and press your lips against his for about two seconds before releasing him.

“Mainly that.” You say in a singsong voice. Ten seconds later John walks outside.

“You two ready?” He asks.

“Yeah, sure.” Sherlock comments, he sounds like he is in a daze. You tell John that you think you broke Sherlock Holmes by kissing him on the lips.

“That would do it.”John comments with a laugh. 

🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝

The three of you split up. John one way, Sherlock the other, and you go a different way. After a few hours, you find John in the cemetery looking at a war memorial. “John?” You ask as you enter the graveyard.

“Hey Y/N.” John says.

“Is something wrong?”

“What makes you ask?”

“You’re standing in the middle of a cemetery looking at a war memorial.” John stays quiet. You gently place a hand on the retired army doctor’s shoulder. John sadly smiles at you as Sherlock walks into the cemetery. He also subtly passes you the five quid he owes you for winning the bet the three of you made before leaving for Baskerville.

“No-no-no, it was more than that, John. It was doubt. I felt doubt. I’ve always been able to trust my senses, the evidence of my own eyes, until last night.” Sherlock explains to John when John tries to explain to Sherlock that he felt fear. “I also felt trapped in my own head.”

“It’s hard to believe some of the things you see Sherlock.” You explain. “I’ve been hunting the supernatural since I was a kid, but I still get surprised and I don’t want to believe what I see.” Sherlock reluctantly nods. The three of you head back to town where Lestrade is waiting for you, Sherlock isn’t amused to see Scotland Yard. John on the other hand is.

“Greg!” John says as Lestrade removes his sunglasses.

“Hullo John and Y/N.” Lestrade replies. “I heard you were in the area. What are you three up to? Does it involve this hound of hell thing that’s on the telly?”

“Hound of hell that’s one way how to put it. Normally it’s hellhound or a demon dog.” You say sitting down next to him. “I know my siblings and I are after it- I’m not sure about Sherlock and John though.”

“Wait, you have siblings?” Out of the corner of eye, you see your bothers basically having a catfight over something. You turn on your bar stool to face them. You’re about to get out of your seat to break them apart but Katie gets there first.

“Sometimes I wish I didn’t.” You comment.

“I’m waiting for an explanation, Inspector.” Sherlock says, interrupting your conversation with the DI. “Why are you here?”

“I’ve told you: I’m on holiday.” Lestrade replies.

“You’re brown as a nut. You’re clearly just back from your ‘holidays’.”

“Yeah, well I fancied another one.”

“Oh, this is Mycroft, isn’t it?” Sherlock spits out his brother’s name like it tastes disgusting.

“No, look…” Lestrade tries to explain but Sherlock cuts him off.

“Of course it is! One mention of Baskerville and he sends down my handler to… to spy on me incognito. Is that why you’re calling yourself Greg?”

“That’s his name.” John calmly states.

“It is?” The consulting detective asks sounding confused and mildly surprised.

“Yes- if you’d ever bothered to find out. Look, I’m not your handler…” The chief inspector retorts as he turns away from Sherlock to pick up his drink. “And I don’t just do what your brother tells me.” You don’t hear the rest of the conversation because get out of your seat and walk over to your siblings

“Who was the person you were talking with?” Katie asks. You forget, no one in your family has done a case with you, John, and Sherlock before now- so they don’t know who Lestrade is.

“That’s Lestrade.” You reply. “He’s pretty much the only person from Scotland Yard that Sherlock will work with.”

“What do you mean?”

“A lot of people at Scotland Yard calls Sherlock a freak.”

🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝

It turns out that most of the legends about the hound of Baskerville was just a prank. However, there is that small detail of people getting ripped to shreds by a large black dog with red eyes. You, your siblings, and John find yourselves in a warehouse with a hellhound, and Sherlock is nowhere to be found. You create a salt ring around John.

“Stay in the salt ring. It will keep you safe.” You tell your friend.

“What about you?” He asks, looking worried.

“This isn’t my first rodeo.” With that, you run off looking for your siblings or the hound. You run into Katie first.

“Hound.” Your sister says. You spin on your heel, then you and Katie both empty your clips shooting the hellhound. Ten more gunshots ring out this time from behind the hound. The hound drops dead. At least one of the bullets was lethal.

“You leave my kid sisters alone… bitch.” Dean says as he puts his gun in the waistband of his jeans. “You girls alright?”

“For the moment.” Katie replies. “Where’s John and Sam?”

“John is currently out of harm’s way in a salt ring.” You reply. “No idea where Sam went.”

“I’m right here.” Sam says walking up behind you scaring the living daylights out of you. You punch your brother in the bicep before you go get John.

“Is it dead?” John ask when you walk over to him.

“Yup.” You reply. “Let’s get out of here.”

“No arguments there.” John pauses as you break the salt circle and make it look like a spill. He just shrugs and follows you out of the warehouse. The next day or so John is just as shaken as Sherlock was when he first encountered the hound.

“You’re going to be a little bit on edge for awhile John.” You tell him.

“How do you know?” Your friend asks in response.

“Because it happened to me as well as my siblings.”

Now when John gets a call about the original client that gave Sherlock the case, you, John, Sherlock and Lestrade get up and go to find him.

When this other hellhound comes out of the fog you realize you’re weaponless and by the looks of things, your throat is about to get ripped out. You back up against a tree cursing yourself for being so stupid. “Y/N, whatever you’re seeing isn’t real.” Someone yells over the commotion. The beast in front of you comes closer and somehow manages to remove a noticeable sized chunk out of your arm.

“Excuse my language, but if this thing isn’t fucking real, how the fuck did it manage to take a fucking chunk out of my god damned arm?!” You snap, holding your uninjured hand against the wound trying to slow the blood escaping from your injury.

“You’re imagining it!” The voice yells, distracting you from the blood. It’s more than likely Sherlock going off the tone of voice. “None of this is real!”

“Bull-fucking-shit!” Sherlock and John runs over to you when the fog clears.

“Can I see your arm?” John asks. You nod and move your hand away from the wound. He winces when he sees that unfortunately, your injury wasn’t a hallucination.

“Okay… maybe you weren’t imagining it.” Sherlock says. You throw him a Winchester bitch face.

“No fucking shit, Sherlock.” You retort.

“Wow, you swearing like a drunken sailor.” Lestrade says. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard you say more than bitch.”

“Yeah well I normally don’t swear in front my friends… John and Sherlock are the exceptions.” You wince when John wraps a handkerchief around your arm to slow the blood flow.

“I’ll stitch you up when we get back to the inn.” John states.

“What happened to you?” Sam asks when John temporarily leaves the room to grab his first aid kit.

“I have no idea but something took a decent sized chunk out of my arm.” You answer. “Which fucking hurt.”

“Looks like it.” John gets back before he starts treating your injury he gives you some painkillers.

“Hey, at least I got hit on my arm instead of the side.” You joke, trying to ignore the needle and thread going into your arm.

“That’s true.” John chuckles. “I still can’t believe Sherlock wore nothing except a sheet to Buckingham Palace.”

“Didn’t Mycroft tell us to act like adults?” John nods in response. “How did you word it- I doubt it, he forgets his pants, I blog about it and I’m the queen of sass or something.”

“Close enough.”

“And the painkillers just kicked in… what did you give me John, morphine?” You ask when the painkillers kick in, you asked mainly because whatever John gave you made you feel like you were either drunk or stoned.

“Morphine would take to long to get into your system Y/N. I gave you a painkiller that is related to morphine just faster acting.” John answers with a shrug. He finishes patching you up. Since you’re currently a little bit high, one of your siblings helps you get to bed and you’re out like a light. 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 “Why the hell did you give me such a potent painkiller John?” You ask, the next day on the way back to Baker Street.

“First fast acting one I had.” John replies. You groan. The painkillers were wearing off and you felt terrible.

“Sometimes I really hate you, John.” You lean your head back against the headrest. John chuckles.

“You got to admit, you were pretty funny with that painkiller in your system sis.” Sam points out.

“Please tell me you didn’t take a video.” You mutter.

“I didn't… Dean did though.”

“I’m going to kick both of your asses so hard it won’t be funny.”

“Whatever you say kiddo.”

→ ← → ← → ← → ← → ← → ← → ← → @the-third-winchester-warrior @flannels-and-rocksalt @always-keep-writing-spn @winchesters-favorite-girl @caroldanverseinatardis @spnkisum @thewinsisterchronicles @simply-wins-little-sis @moose-and-sqruille-lover @thewinsister @mrspadackles @spnsisimagines @percussiongirl2017

[prettyxlittlexwriter]

Meet My Wife: Ch 20

A/N: Getting close to the end, there is a little bit more to go!

Read it all on AO3: Meet My Wife

The flat is still and Sherlock wonders how long he’s been sitting, lost in thought. He knows he has to address what John has said to you, but for the first time in a long time, he feels at a loss for words.

John was right, of course. He knew it and he also know that you knew it. But what to do?

Deny it and lose whatever chance he still had at saving his marriage. Confess to it and scare you away. He was running out of options and Sherlock Holmes was not used to being a man without several courses of action at his disposal.

He had grown accustomed to the solitude he’d surrounded himself with over the past few years. Sure, he’d acquiesced a bit by letting John Watson into his life, then, of course, Mary and even Molly, Mrs. Hudson and Lestrade, to an extent. But even then, even after he’d allowed himself to indulge in all those funny little relationships, he was still alone. He had almost forgotten what it was like to share himself with someone they way he had when he was with you.

The way he does when he is with you.

The way he would, if he could stay with you.

Going back to that life, the same life that until a few weeks ago he had found more than satisfactory, seems almost like a death sentence now.

Glancing at his watch, he sighs and reaches for his phone. It’s late but he has a feeling you aren’t yet asleep.

--Had an interesting chat with John.

You know he is trying to be cryptic, in case Ethan was home, but since you are alone you tap the screen and dial his number.

“John told me what he said to you,” Sherlock starts, and you can picture him, sitting in his chair, rubbing his temple as he speaks.

“I know that he and Mary both know what’s going on,” you sigh, “But knowing that they know makes it more real. And the fact that it’s real means that I am really an awful person…”

“You are not an awful person,” Sherlock says and the tone of his voice makes you wish that you were with him. He’d draw you close to him and make you believe these words.

“I can’t keep doing this,” you tell him, your throat beginning to ache with emotion.

“Come back,” Sherlock murmurs, his deep voice smooth as silk. “Please.” You squeeze the phone so tightly, your knuckles start to ache.

“I can’t,” you sniff. “I can’t.”

“I will come there,” he offers.

“No, it’s too risky,” you say, shaking your head even though he can’t see you.

“Can I see you tomorrow?” he asks. You close your eyes and think hard about how to answer that.

“Yes,” you say, finally.

“Alright then, I will see you tomorrow,” he says, telling you good night before he hangs up. Setting your phone down, you grind the heels of your hands into your eyeballs. You reach for the paper sitting on the couch beside you and even though you’ve read it four or five times, you scan it again. Amidsts the formal wording and legal jargon is a date. On that day, you will cease being married to Sherlock and you will be free to marry Ethan. And even though you haven't really been Mrs. Y/N Holmes for a long, long time, knowing that part of your life will be truly over makes you feel a sense of loss that you never expected.

**********************************************

Back at home, Sherlock is attentive and doting, the two of you working together to navigate the grief surrounding your loss. True partners in all things, you each take turns being the strong one when the other breaks down.

You’ve been given a doctor’s note to take the rest of the semester off. You need to contact your professors to reschedule your final exams, but the past few days have been hard and you’ve barely gotten out of bed.

You are seated at your kitchen table with your planner closed in front of you, your hand on beside the telephone, tears running down your face. Your hormones are out of wack and the sad, empty feeling hits you at random times and at times you have difficulty keeping it together. Sherlock hears your tell-tale sniffling from the other room and comes running.

You know he understands and you know this is all normal, but every break down feels like you are disappointing him further. He pulls you from the chair and wraps you in his arms, stroking your hair and whispering gently to you. You continue to shake quietly in his embrace and as the tears subside he leads you to the bathroom and draws you a bath. You smile as you watch him, thinking for the one millionth time since you left the hospital how truly lucky you are.

“Have a soak,” he says, tugging at your clothes. “I will make the calls for you.”

“Thank you,” you murmur, feeling as if you might cry again. “All the names, dates and numbers are in my planner.”

“Just relax,” he says, as he ducks out the door. You shed your clothes and slip into the steamy water, the heat soothing your tired muscles and you close your eyes.

The soak in the bath seems to be just what you needed and as you dry and tug on your robe, you marvel at how well Sherlock knows you and always knows exactly what you need.

You pad down the hall into the bedroom and find Sherlock sitting on your bed. He doesn’t look up at you as you enter, his eyes focused on your leather planner that he is clutching in his hand. Something was very wrong, but you had no idea what.

“I…” he began, his voice faltering. He cleared his throat and started again. “I called all your professors and rescheduled your exams.” He opened the planner and winced, as if something on the page was causing him pain. “I saw you had a line through this appointment, but I wanted to double check that whatever it was had been cancelled… I didn’t want to assume…” You took a few steps forward and saw the appointment he was referring to. It was the appointment with the clinic that you’d made to end your pregnancy. Your heart fell to your toes.

“Sherlock…” you breathed.

“It’s your body, I respect that, but this is our life,” he says, finally meeting your eyes. The pain you see there is so staggering, you have to take a step back.

“It was only a second of doubt,” you stammer.

“Your second of doubt just confirmed my biggest doubt,” he said, closing the planner and tossing on the bed beside him.

“Sherlock, please,” you beg, but he strides past you. You follow after him and watch as he tugs on his jacket. “Where are you going?”

“I need some air to clear my head,” he said. “We will talk when I get back.”

“Sherlock, I love you,” you sniffed. He blinked at you for a second and then, he was gone, the door shutting loudly behind him.

Your legs give out and you collapse on the floor, the relaxed feeling from your bath long gone. You’d failed so many times over the past few weeks. You’d fallen short as a friend, a wife and a mother. You doubted the only person who loved you and as a result, you’d made him doubt himself. You almost aborted the pregnancy, which you then hid from him and then you denied him the opportunity to try again.

Your vision swam as tears filled your eyes. This wasn’t the type of wife you wanted to be and you weren’t the wife Sherlock deserved. You gazed around the small, dumpy apartment that you’d both turned into a home. It felt so empty without Sherlock here and suddenly the silence was deafening.

You were up off the floor and moving before you even realized what you were doing. You shed your robe, hastily dressing in jeans and a sweater and shove your feet into your boots. You pull your wet hair up into a low ponytail and grab your coat and purse off the hook. You hand pauses, hovering above the dish where the motorbike keys reside and you realize your trembling. With a deep breath, you grab them and jot down a note to Sherlock.

“Just a quick ride,” you mutter, repeating the same words you’d scribbled on the notepad inside as you kick start the bike, the loud engine almost drowning out all the terrible thoughts in your head. Almost, but not quite.

TAGS:  @thebookisbtr @cutie1365 @undiscoveries @shimmerybutt @fangirl-who-dreams @cele715 @theofficialbritish @tongueofareadywriter @hanzas01 @lazilysaltysweets @nerd-gal-4-ever @thefaultinourstudying @hpfan0324

[the-garden-of-readen]

Hello rosebuds!💐

Today’s discussion is the eighth post in my new “Beautiful Editions” series. In case you’ve missed the previous article in which I mentioned various versions of Little Women, I will link it here.

Just a recap of what to expect in my Beautiful Editions series:

I know many people who collect beautiful editions of their favorite books, myself being one of them. I think this “Beautiful Editions” series will be good for those of you searching for the next beauty to add to your ever growing collection. Each post I will discuss a different book.

Back in September, I discussed part one of my Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland recommendations. Today we will explore more beautiful editions of that same classic tale.

Let’s get started, shall we?

THE BOOKS

1. Roads Children’s Classics Buy: Book Depository Publisher: Roads Publishing Format: Paperback ISBN13: 9781909399853

Roads Publishing started with just a line of adult classics. Due to popular demand however, they eventually came out with a collection geared more towards children. Each book is printed in paperback format and features french flaps. The spines look beautiful lined up as they all come in pastel hues. Even though there is no artwork in some of the other books such as The Secret Garden, this edition of Alice’s Adventure’s in Wonderland does include 10 black and white illustrations throughout.

2. Knickerbocker Classics Buy: Book Depository Publisher: Racepoint Publishing Format: Paperback (Flexibound) ISBN13: 9781631061707

Race Point Publishing has two options for their Knickerbocker series. You can choose between a hardcover that comes in a slipcase, or a flexibound like the above edition of Alice’s Adventure’s In Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass. The flexibound versions have elastic to keep them closed, much like a moleskine journal. This is perfect if you just want to pull out your book real quick while on the go. Not to mention, the patterned covers are absolutely stunning.

3. Paper Mill Classics Buy: Book Outlet Publisher: Paper Mill Press Format: Imitation Leather ISBN13: 9781926444260

Paper Mill Press recently published a collection of classics specifically for Book Outlet. Each book is bound in a suede-like custom cover with beautiful metallic foiling. Also included is a ribbon marker. Other titles in this series range from Little Women and Frankenstein, all the way to The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and Wuthering Heights.

4. The Heirloom Collection Buy: Amazon Publisher: Two Lions Format: Hardcover ISBN13: 9781612184159

This hardcover edition of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland actually comes as a part of a box set called The Enchanted Collection. There are five children’s classics in total, all of which come in a gorgeous slipcase with a magnetic closure. Each book has sprayed edges, a ribbon bookmark, and various full-color illustrations throughout. The other four titles include, Little Women, The Wind in the Willows, The Secret Garden, and Black Beauty.

5. Little Golden Book Buy: Book Depository Publisher: Random House, Inc. Format: Hardcover ISBN13: 9780736426701

Little Golden Books have been popular ever since their first year of production way back in 1942. Due to the fact that this is an adaptation of the 1951 Disney film, this edition is extremely abridged. Nonetheless, this would still make a great addition to any true Alice fan’s collection. I think we all know what these books look and feel like by now, so I won’t trouble you guys with a description.

6. The Penguin Collection Buy: Book Depository Publisher: Penguin Classics Format: Paperback ISBN13: 9780141391434

This paperback edition is a part of The Penguin Collection which was originally published in 1935 by Allen Lane. Although I am unsure if there are any illustrations inside, the pink cover is enough to catch anyone’s eye.

7. Classics Reimagined Buy: Book Depository Publisher: Rockport Publishers Inc. Format: Hardcover ISBN13: 9781631590757

The Classics Reimagined series features beautiful collector’s editions of unabridged classic novels. Each book in this collection is illustrated by a different contemporary artist from around the world. The illustrator for the hardcover edition of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is Andrea D’Aquino. Other books in this series include Sherlock Holmes and Pride and Prejudice. This edition also includes 100 full color illustrations.

8. Folio Society Edition Buy: Folio Society Publisher: Folio Society Format: Hardcover ISBN13: N/A

Folio Society publishes some pretty amazing versions of classics. The above hardback editions of Alice’s Adventure’s in Wonderland and Through the Looking-glass were quarter-bound in blocked cloth with printed paper sides. Both books come together in a plain slipcase and include 93 red drawings. You simply can’t go wrong when purchasing this set.

9. Barnes and Noble Collectible Edition Buy: Book Depository Publisher: Barnes & Noble Format: Bonded Leather ISBN13: 9781435160736

This is a gorgeous collectible edition from Barnes & Noble. It includes Alice’s Adventure’s in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass. Both stories feature the colored classic illustrations of John Tenniel as well as bonded leather binding, a satin-ribbon bookmark, and beautiful gilt edging.

10. Disney Cinestory Comic Buy: Amazon Publisher: Joe Books Inc. Format:  Hardcover ISBN13: 9781987955224

This edition is basically the Disney film is graphic novel form. Not only does it feature over a thousand movie stills, but it’s also printed in a limited edition hardcover format, as well.

11. Camille Rose Garcia Edition Buy: Barnes & Noble Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Format: Hardcover ISBN13: 9780061886577

The Camille Rose Garcia edition will always intrigue me due to the gorgeous colors and artwork.

This deluxe hardcover was printed on thick paper and features four-color art throughout. These include but are certainly not limited to, full-page illustrations, numerous double-page spreads, and a whole lot of whimsical art in between.

12. 150th Anniversary Edition Buy: Book Depository Publisher: Cider Mills Press Format: Hardcover ISBN13: 9781604335729

In honor of the 150th anniversary of Alice, Cider Mills Press published this collector’s edition of Alice’s Adventures Underground which features never-before-seen drawings from artist Charles Santore, as well as an introduction by Michael Patrick Hearn. This hardcover was actually named after Lewis Carroll’s original title for the story we all know and love today. Alice’s Adventures Under Ground was indeed the provisional name in which Carroll gave his work. He also accompanied the text with sketches to bring his story to life. Cider Mill’s anniversary edition is basically an unabridged adaptation of that original tale.

This is honestly one of the best additions to any collector’s library, and certainly a must-have for any Alice lover.

13. Barnes and Noble Collectible Edition Buy: Book Depository Publisher: Barnes & Noble Inc Format: Bonded leather ISBN13: 9781435122949

This is a beautiful collectible edition from Barnes & Noble. It includes pretty much everything that Lewis Carroll ever published in book form. Stories range from the most popular, Alice’s Adventure’s in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass, and go all the way to Sylvie and Bruno and The Hunting of the Snark. All of Lewis Carroll’s poetry, essays, and miscellaneous writings are included as well. The design itself features breathtaking endpapers in a stunning pattern, black and white illustrations, gilded edges, a ribbon bookmark, and foiling on the cover.

14. Miniedition Minibooks Buy: Book Depository Publisher:  Michael Neugebauer (Publishing) Ltd Format: Hardcover ISBN13: 9789888341016

This hardcover edition was illustrated by artist Lisbeth Zwerger. Unfortunately, I was unable to find any more information on this volume other than that. I do however, know that this is a miniature hardback at just 7 inches in height.

15. Five Mile Edition Buy: Book Depository Publisher: Five Mile Format: Hardcover ISBN13: 9781743003787

This beautiful volume of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland was published as part of a collection of classics that were written specifically for younger readers. The book’s interior design also features various illustrations by artist Eric Kincaid. Although this is an abridged version, the story itself still includes all the same delightful characters as before.

16. Collins Classics Edition Buy: Book Depository Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Format: Paperback ISBN13: 9780008182311

Unfortunately, not much information could be found about the interior design of this edition. I will say however, that I am loving the fact that the cover designer chose to focus on the flamingos and croquet scene over everything else. A very unique choice indeed!

17. Lit for Little Hands Buy: Amazon Publisher: Familius Format: Board book ISBN13: 9781945547683

Not only does this board book include full color illustrations all throughout , but it is filled to the brim with interactive details such as wheels and pull-tabs. Unlike most other board book adaptations, Lit for Little Hands features a good amount of the original text from Carroll’s initial tale.

18. Babylit Buy: Amazon Publisher: Gibbs Smith Format: Hardcover ISBN13: 9781423649830

Gibbs Smith publishes amazing BabyLit books which are fully illustrated abridged versions of children’s classics. The illustrations are always adorable, and I honestly can’t recommend them enough.

19. Old Barn Books Edition Buy: Book Depository Publisher: Old Barn Books Format: Board book ISBN13: 9781910646069

Illustrated by artist Alison Jay this board book version is the perfect addition to any collector’s library–both old and young.

20. Arcturus Edition Buy: Book Depository Publisher: Arcturus Publishing Ltd Format: Paperback ISBN13: 9781784284268

There is again, no information on if there are illustrations inside this edition. Nonetheless, this paperback has a stunning cover with a beautiful color palette.

21. Pulp! The Classics Buy: Book Depository Publisher: Oldcastle Books Ltd Format: Paperback ISBN13: 9781843443971

These pulp classics editions include the full unabridged text. There are many other classic titles in this collection, and the cover art normally has a modern yet badass take on the original story.

22. Sterling Edition Buy: Book Depository Publisher: Sterling Publishing Co Inc Format: Hardcover ISBN13: 9781435153011

This hardback  collects the two Alice novels, and both feature the classic illustrations of John Tenniel. This volume also includes Carroll’s other works, Sylvie and Bruno, Sylvie and Bruno Concluded, The Hunting of the Snark, and the full contents of the poetry collection Phantasmagoria.

23. Modern Library Classics Buy: Book Depository Publisher: Modern Library Inc Format: Paperback ISBN13: 9780375761386

This paperback volume includes an introduction by A. S. Byatt, 93 black and white illustrations by John Tenniel, commissioned end notes, and a Modern Library Reading Group Guide.

24. Oxford Children’s Classics Buy: Book Depository Publisher: Oxford University Press Format: Paperback ISBN13: 9780192738295

This Oxford Children’s Classics edition includes the complete, unabridged stories of both Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass. In addition, it also features recommendations and activities, so that readers can fully immerse themselves in the world of wonderland. These bonus materials include reviews and recommendations, fun author profiles, quizzes, and much more.

25. The Complete Alice Edition Buy: Book Depository Publisher: MacMillan Children’s Books Format: Hardcover ISBN13: 9781447275992

The Complete Alice, is probably one of my most favorite editions on this list. This stunning hardcover includes both Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass and What Alice Found There, and was printed by the original publisher, Macmillan. It is jam packed with amazing exclusive extra features from the Macmillan archive as well as a foreword by Philip Pullman.

The design itself boasts an amazing die-cut cover with intricate embossed two foil detail, head and tail bands, red foiled edges and a ribbon marker. In addition, the number of illustrations in this volume are endless. These include color versions of Sir John Tenniel’s original artwork. Also included is some non-fiction content telling the true story of how Alice was not only written, but published as well. I truly could not recommend this gift edition enough.

26. Knickerbocker Classics Buy: Book Depository Publisher: Race Point Publishing Format: Hardcover ISBN13: 9781631060687

Knickerbocker Classics are always a great option when collecting a favorite book, and their version of Alice is certainly no exception. This volume features Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Through the Looking Glass, The Hunting of the Snark, Jabberwocky, Sylvie and Bruno, and much more. Inside, readers can also find 300 color photos as well.

In terms of design, this Knickerbocker Classics edition includes cloth binding, a slipcase, ribbon bookmark, and an introduction by Lori Campbell.

27. Leather-bound Classics Buy: Book Depository Publisher: Advantage Publishers Group Format: Leather ISBN13: 9781607109334

This leather bound edition is complete with the original drawings by John Tenniel. It also features both Alice stories as well.

28. Maggie Taylor Edition Buy: Book Depository Publisher: Jerry N. Uelsmann, Inc. Format: Hardcover ISBN13: 9780985878405

This hardcover was inspired by both the 1865 edition that was illustrated by Sir John Tenniel, as well as the 1907 edition which was illustrated by Arthur Rackham. Artist Maggie Taylor mixes various historical art methods such as European iconography and Victorian portraiture with other movements like Surrealism and digital technology, in order to create a beautiful work of pure genius. The book’s interior is complemented by Carroll’s full text of the original story as well.

29. Panorama Pops Edition Buy: Book Depository Publisher: Walker Books Ltd Format: Hardcover ISBN13: 9781406361728

This stunning hardcover features three-dimensional cut-paper, a gorgeous slipcase, and fold-outs to reveal ten of the most iconic moments in this classic story. The artwork was executed by Grahame Baker-Smith, and the book as a whole was art directed by Godfrey Design.

30. Slip-cased Edition Buy: Amazon Publisher: Arcturus Publishing Limited Format: Hardcover ISBN13: 9781788883870

Arcturus published some beautiful editions of classic children’s literature. The Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland volume is illustrated throughout with Sir John Tenniel’s colored artwork, and includes a stunningly designed slipcase as well.

31. Penguin English Library Edition Buy: Book Depository Publisher: Penguin Classics Format: Paperback ISBN13: 9780141199689

This paperback edition of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is part of the Penguin English Library collection. Penguin English Library is an imprint of Penguin Books, and was originally created as a sister series to the similarly designed Penguin Classics hardcover versions. Every title in this collection is a classic work of literature whether it be modern or on the more historical side. The cover art always includes a repeating design with motifs that symbolize a certain theme or scene in the said book. Not only is each individual book beautiful on it’s own, but they look great lined up together as well. Unfortunately, there are no illustrations inside.

32. Macmillan Classics Edition Buy: Book Depository Publisher: Macmillan Children’s Books Format: Hardcover ISBN13: 9781447273080

Macmillan’s Classic Edition of Alice is wonderfully illustrated with the original line drawings by John Tenniel and plates colored by John Macfarlane. This hardcover also features a ribbon marker as well as a foreword by Hilary McKay.

33. Everyman’s Library Edition Buy: Book Depository Publisher: Everyman’s Library Children’s Classics Format: Hardcover ISBN13: 9781857159042

Everyman’s Library publishes various titles as a part of their children’s classics collection. This interior of this edition includes both Alice stories, a bookplate, two colored end papers, and  John Tenniel’s original black and white illustrations. The cover is cloth bound, and has stunning gold foiled details as well. Other titles in the Everyman’s Library series range from The Wind in the Willows and The Jungle Book all the way to Peter Pan and The BFG.

34. Salvador Dali 150th Anniversary Edition Buy: Book Depository Publisher: Princeton University Press Format: Hardcover ISBN13: 9780691170022

This edition of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland features 19 color and 5 halftone illustrations by Salvador Dali. In addition, it includes an introduction by Mark Burstein as well.

35. Illustrated Originals Edition Buy: Book Depository Publisher: Usborne Publishing Limited Format: Hardcover ISBN13: 9781409598664

This Usborne edition is complete and unabridged. It also features full colored illustrations throughout, is bound in a traditional style with a cloth-covered jacket and has a ribbon marker. The Illustrated Originals edition is a definite must for any Alice collector.

36. Vivienne Westwood 150th Anniversary Edition Buy: Book Depository Publisher: Vintage Classics Format: Hardcover ISBN13: 9781784870171

Fashion Designer, Vivienne Westwood has illustrated her favorite children’s book by creating a front cover and end papers for Alice’s 150th anniversary. Included inside are both Alice tales, as well as the original Tenniel illustrations.

37. Helen Oxenbury Edition Buy: Book Depository Publisher: Walked Books Limited Format: Paperback ISBN13: 9781406360431

This is one of my favorite editions of Alice due to the beautiful artwork. Helen Oxenbury illustrated this version of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland with such a unique approach. Oxenbury portrays Alice as a child of the present–casually dressed and lively.

38. Puffin in Bloom Edition Buy: Book Depository Publisher: Puffin Classics Format: Hardcover ISBN13: 9780147515872

The above hardcover was illustrated by Anna Bond of Rifle Paper Company. Bond did the covers for other coming of age stories as well. Titles include Anne of Green Gables, A Little Princess, Heidi and Little Women. The big difference between this title and the ones previously mentioned is that this is much larger, includes a dust jacket and is completely illustrated with full-color.

39. Macmillan Alice Edition Buy: Book Depository Publisher: Macmillan Children’s Books Format: Paperback ISBN13: 9781447279990

This edition of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland has a gorgeous cover with red foiling. It is also jam packed with fun bonus material. These include a quiz, word search and a glossary.

That’s all for today folks! I hope you enjoyed reading this post.

Until next time,

Beautiful Editions: Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (Part 2) Hello rosebuds!💐 Today’s discussion is the eighth post in my new “Beautiful Editions” series. In case you’ve missed the previous article in which I mentioned various versions of 

[touchmyspinebookreviews]

I would like to thank NetGalley and the authors for providing me an eARC in exchange for an honest review. I appreciate this opportunity and all views are my own.

You can buy any of these novels through Amazon! *I have to disclose that I am an Amazon Affiliate so any purchase bought through the following Amazon link will give me a small percentage of you chose to purchase via Amazon!😀*

Click here for the Amazon website!

Click here for Amazon UK website!💖

To check out via Barnes & Noble

 A continuation of USA TODAY bestselling author Leonard Goldberg’s The Daughter of Sherlock Holmes, A Study in Treason is a new intriguing locked room mystery for Joanna and the Watsons to solve.

The following case has not previously been disclosed to the public due to the sensitive information on foreign affairs. All those involved were previously bound by the Official Secrets Act. With the passage of time and the onset of the Great War, these impediments have been removed and the story can now be safely told.

When an executed original of a secret treaty between England and France, known as the French Treaty, is stolen from the country estate of Lord Halifax, Scotland Yard asks Joanna, Dr. John Watson, Jr., and Dr. John Watson, Sr. to use their keen detective skills to participate in the hunt for the missing treaty. As the government becomes more restless to find the missing document and traditional investigative means fail to turn up the culprit, Joanna is forced to devise a clever plan to trap the thief and recover the missing treaty.

Told from the point of view of Dr. John Watson, Jr. in a style similar to the original Sherlock Holmes stories, A Study in Treason is based partly on facts in our world and partly on the facts left to us by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Full of excitement and intrigue, this mystery is sure to be enjoyed by fans of Sherlock Holmes as well as the works of Laurie R. King and Charles Finch.

Wow, I absolutely just love this series now!😍 Well I just read this book which is the second one but I fell in love and it has all the awesome Sherlock Holmes Feels! I was so excited when I received an email alerting me that I was granted a wish from the publishers! St. Martin’s Press, you guys rock!😉💜📚 This story captivated my heart because Joanna is just like her father, Sherlock. I also loved the aspect of having Dr. Watson and his son part of the team as well. They make a great team and had me guessing from the very beginning how things would conclude. The characters were fantastic in my opinion and I can’t wait to read the first in the series now! The mystery was solid and I thought I could use my skills for this book after figuring out Ruth Ware’s latest novel from the beginning chapters but I have to admit that the ending surprised me and there was quite the twists that I won’t soon forget. I read this novel within a day and was scrolling through pages as fast as I possibly could. I definitely recommend this book to Sherlock fans and mystery lovers alike!

They call her Crazy Anna.

Anna Flint won’t shake your hand. She collects tin cans. She cleans her cubicle at work with Lysol several times a day. But Anna doesn’t care that they call her crazy. She’s absolutely satisfied with her life of perfect organization, cleanliness, and most of all, solitude.

Matt Harper likes Anna Flint. He likes that she’s the smartest person he knows and he likes her big blue eyes. He doesn’t even mind her can collection. In fact, he pretty much likes everything about Anna. As his body and his world are falling apart, she still manages to make him happy.

Matt is the only person Anna has ever wanted to be close to. But how can she go on a date with him if the thought of dinner at a restaurant fills her with terror? How can she ever kiss the man she loves if she can’t even touch him?

Maybe it’s time to stop being Crazy Anna. If only she could.

I was CRAZY about this book! At first I was unsure how I felt about the characterization, especially with Matt. I’m going to be honest, I thought he was a PIG! I mean he rated girls by numbers but this was just at first sight and there was so much more depth to this story and his character than I could ever expect. The author delivers a twist with the characters that was completely unexpected but made this love story more unique and beautiful that warmed my heart and wrenched it at the same time. Anna’s character was so easy to relate to;. Everyone just disregarded her as “Crazy Anna”, but there was so much more to her story that will captivate you and keep the readers’ glued to the screen or pages or whatever have you, I have battled a severe mental illness my whole life and I could completely relate to Anna’s emotions and her characterization. The author describes the symptoms and effects of her mental illness perfectly. I actually have been disappointed by a lot of romances that I have read lately but this one went above and beyond. The story gave me a whirlwind of emotions plus delivered a twist that made the story hold more depth than the average love story. I wish that the author went a little bit more into Anna’s past to explain what set her off but I know there is a sequel and I just can’t wait I had happy tears at the end of this story and was completely attached to both of the main characters. Matt and Anna are fantastic characters and their story shows how hard life can be but how we can find beauty in the dark places.

Old West ghost towns are as American as apple pie. So what better place to sponsor a pie-eating contest than the Bar X, a fake ghost town available for exclusive private events on the edge of Silicon Valley. Valentine Harris is providing the pies, hoping to boost business for her struggling Pie Town shop and become a regular supplier for the Bar X. 

But no sooner does she arrive in town than a stray bullet explodes the cherry pie in her hands. And the delicious dessert is not the only victim. Val finds the Bar X bartender shot dead in an alley. Egged on by her flaky friend and pie crust specialist, Charlene, Val aims to draw out the shooter. But solving a real murder in a fake ghost town won’t be easy as pie. And if Val doesn’t watch her back, her pies won’t be the only thing filled full of lead . . .

I absolutely loved this book just like the first in the series!!!😍 I totally #fangirl over this series! Not only do I just love Charlene’s never-ending humorous behavior! I am totally jealous that a woman in her 70-80s can have that much fun sleuthing around and I can’t! Man, responsibilities!😤 This was a great mystery, had a good plot and I wasn’t expecting the ending! I love this series because there is no insta-love or anything like that just fun and sleuthing. I highly recommend this series!

Newly single mother Stevie Lewis divides her time between raising Charlie, running a store with her best friend, and avoiding the meetings of her mother’s Beaufort Historic Society. Although her life has its challenges, it’s altogether average. Just the way she likes it.

When Vanessa, a ruthless dark witch, launches an attack against young Charlie, Stevie’s simple life derails, and her long-dormant powers awaken. A 300-year-old secret is exposed, revealing her destiny to one day rule the clandestine community of witches who hide in plain sight.  

Now she must master her own magical powers before it’s too late. Because Vanessa’s on the warpath, and only Stevie can stop her.

Wow, what a fun start to a series! I thought this book was great and loved the characters it was definitely something different to enjoy on a relaxing day! I recommend checking this one out.😀🧚‍♀️❤📚

Food and cocktails columnist Hayley Powell will be cooking alongside top chefs at a cookbook author’s party. But a killer plans to ruin her appetite . . . 

When Hayley’s idol, cookbook author and TV personality Penelope Janice, invites her to participate in a Fourth of July celebrity cook-off at her seaside estate in Seal Harbor, Maine, Hayley couldn’t be more flattered. She just hopes she can measure up. With a who’s who of famous chefs whipping up their signature dishes, this holiday weekend has all the ingredients for a once-in-a-lifetime culinary experience.

Instead, Hayley gets food poisoning her first night and thinks she overhears two people cooking up a murder plot. The next morning, a body is found at the bottom of a cliff. Tragic accident or foul play? To solve a real cliffhanger, Hayley will need to uncover some simmering secrets–before a killer boils over again . . .

This was a fun cozy novel and was a sure Sunday afternoon delight! I love reading books that involve books in some way or fashion. I loved the characters and the plot. I love pretty much all the Cozies Kensington Books publishes and they picked another fantastic one with this one! Highly recommended novel. I can’t wait to see what the author comes out with next!

Rissa

Five years ago, I did something impulsive. I turned myself into a cliche when I decided to be spontaneous and hopped in my car and took off to Vegas. I had no idea that decision would come back to haunt me. Now, I am a super star, engaged to a rock star, and have everything I could ever want. Until my world implodes around me and I find myself running back to where it all began. 

Cole 

Five years ago, the woman of my dreams walked into my club. And as quickly as she entered, she fled. All I was left with were memories and a piece of paper. I searched everywhere for the girl who starred in all of my wildest fantasies, but it wasn’t until her life got turned upside down that she came barreling back into mine with more complications then I could have dreamed. I fell for her, hard. What she doesn’t know is I have a secret that could very well tear us apart.

This novel was fun, sexy, filled with laughs and made my day! I really loved this book, the characters were fun and it was just the read I was looking for! Highly recommend!😁

  Hey lovelies! I am working on catching up on my reviews and am waiting to hear back from tech support about how slow my site has been and my image issues I have been having! I hope everyone is doing fantastic! Tomorrow is my 30th birthday…  Oh no! I am trying to hide from it and the impending doom that is doomed to happen on it such as the first of month bills and the fact that I have gray hair! Ughhhh!!! Fudge the gray hair and hope you guys have a great day because you guys rock!

Buy me a coffee & help Dani

An Array Of Book Reviews For Your Pleasure!💖 I would like to thank NetGalley and the authors for providing me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.