Where Are You Hiding, God? by Elisabeth Zartl

Here is the book summary:

Where are you hiding, God? In the dresser between my pants and socks? In the bathtub under my little rubber duck? In the grass next to the flowers and the dragonflies?

This colorful picture book tells the story of a little girl trying to find God. She searches in the house, in the bathroom, and in the garden, without any luck. But just as she gives up hope, she finds God.

With beautiful illustrations that offer a treasure trove for exploring, recognizing, and naming, this touching story shows children that God is always with them. Ideal for children ages 3 and older.

And now, my review:

This is a delightfully illustrated, enjoyable and pleasantly-written story of a girl looking for God.  She looks in all kinds of places and there are many wonderfully embellished drawings of critters throughout that were amusing.  As I was reading, my girls loved discovering a new one on every page.  I found it wonderful that she does in fact get to discover where God is in the end.  Check it out with your little ones today.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. 

https://www.amazon.com/Where-Are-You-Hiding-God/dp/0664263526/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1514327510&sr=1-1&keywords=where+are+you+hiding+god

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/where-are-you-hiding-god-elisabeth-zartl/1126839715?ean=9780664263522

https://www.christianbook.com/where-are-you-hiding-god/elisabeth-zartl/9780664263522/pd/263520?event=ESRCG

Random Illustrated Facts by Mike Lowery

Here is the book summary:

Trivia meets its match.

Did you know that Napoleon was once attacked by rabbits? Or that the Mars Rover sang itself “Happy Birthday”? How about the odd ingredient Civil War soldiers used to make coffee?

From Jupiter’s diamond showers to why pirates wore eye patches to the delightful link between dancing goats and the discovery of coffee, this collection of obscure and fascinating facts is brought to you by Mike Lowery, an illustrator and connoisseur of the offbeat. Featuring four gatefolds and hundreds of infographic webs that connect the trivia in dozens of surprising ways, it’s a little book that delivers endless delight.  

And now, my review:

I was really drawn to this book and knew my family would be too because we love trivia and learning crazy facts.  As we read the book, we enjoyed the random facts that were shared.  Many of the facts are now added to our fun facts to know.  It was really helpful that the book was set in different areas of interest.  There are many favorites for everyone.  Parental Caution:  Personally we found some of the facts not kid-friendly.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Random-Illustrated-Facts-Collection-Curious/dp/0761189955/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1514324891&sr=1-1&keywords=random+illustrated+facts

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/random-illustrated-facts-mike-lowery/1125579748?ean=9780761189954#/

How to Instant Pot by Daniel Shumski

Here is the book summary:

Master the revolutionary appliance that is changing the way we cook!

The only Instant Pot cookbook that is organized by function, How to Instant Pot is both a guide to understanding the Instant Pot basics and a foodie’s creative collection of over 100 recipes specially crafted to take advantage of the Instant Pot’s many virtues, from cooking perfect risotto in six minutes, no stirring required, to five kinds of yogurt, to creating one-hour killer chili and soups from scratch, using dried beans.

Here’s how to make incredible hands-off meals like Ziti and Italian Sausage, Maple-Mustard Pork Shoulder, and Korean-Style Short Ribs, plus plenty of sides, breakfasts, and desserts. In addition to a set of recipes for each function and master recipes with three variations each, there are surprising shortcuts—basics like quick pickles, perfect hard-boiled eggs, and a 30-minute “baked” potato. It’s the essential purchase for every instant pot owner.

And now, my review:

This is a great tutorial book on the “how to” and “ins and outs” of using your instant pot and getting your cooking started.  The recipes are mouth-watering delicious.  This book sets you up and gets you a great running start to preparing the meals your family is looking for in an instant.  It includes 100 recipes that are sure to get some attention from your loved ones.  At least that is what we found in our family.   Enjoy and bon appetit. 

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/How-Instant-Pot-Mastering-Functions/dp/1523502061/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1514311234&sr=1-1&keywords=how+to+instant+pot

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/how-to-instant-pot-daniel-shumski/1126367769?ean=9781523502097#/

Draw Your Own Fonts by Tony Seddon

Here is the book summary:

Learn how to turn a doodle into a terrific, fully functional font with this easy-to-follow guide to hand lettering and how to do it. With 30 complete alphabets drawn in a variety of styles by a team of designers and illustrators, you too can learn how to create energetic, funky fonts that seem to jump off the screen, the poster, or the page. With tips and demonstrations on how you can copy or adapt the alphabets to make them your own and sections on how to use your fonts online as well as on paper, this is a do-it-yourself book that will appeal to anyone who has ever begun a hand-lettered project – then wondered why it didn’t have the punch of professional work. Let your inner creativity flow and put your personality into a bespoke font designed by you!

And now, my review:

This was a really fun book.  It gets your creative juices flowing to see just what ideas come your way.  I really liked all the options and ideas the author had and it helped direct me to use it or to tweak it just a bit to be what I was looking for.  He covers a great span of fonts and I really liked the diversity in it.  Whether I was looking for slim or chunky, it’s all in there.  Check it out for yourself with the links below.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Draw-Your-Own-Fonts-alphabets/dp/178240497X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1514309954&sr=8-1&keywords=draw+your+own+fonts

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/draw-your-own-fonts-tony-seddon/1125495525?ean=9781782404972#/

Complete Book of Sewing Techniques by Wendy Gardiner

Here is the book summary:

For Great-Great Grandma, sewing clothing for the family was a necessity. In today’s ready-to-wear society, it’s a creative and rewarding personal choice. Packed full of information on basic sewing techniques, this book provides an ideal introduction for beginning sewers as well as a useful reference for those who already have sewing skills. Learning how to sew has never been simpler, with step-by-step photographs and friendly advice from internationally accredited sewing expert Wendy Gardiner. Along with clear instructions on everything from making seams, hems, sleeves, and collars to attaching linings and zippers, Wendy includes comprehensive information on fabrics, threads, needles and other equipment. Her clear directions ensure that even beginners will get great results. With the techniques you learn in The Complete Book of Sewing you’ll soon be stitching amazing clothes with skill and confidence.

Inside The Complete Book of Sewing

Beautifully illustrated, comprehensive guide to all aspects of sewing, from dressmaking to soft furnishings.

Covers sewing techniques from hand stitching and hemming to making collars and sleeves, adding darts for shaping, and inserting zips and buttonholes.

Includes comprehensive information on fabrics, threads, needles and other equipment.

Step-by-step photographs and color illustrations.

Perfect for beginning sewers with no previous experience.

And now, my review:

This book has all you need for starting to sew.  It’s a great tool, or go to when trying to teach a sewing group.  I found the color photos and instructions to be well-written and thorough.  You can really pick up at whatever level you are at and start something today.  It helps you with picking fabrics and what kind is good for what you’re looking at making.  It also talks about thread, needles, patterns, etc.  I’ve been encouraged to see the pattern part.  Maybe I’ll be brave soon and bust out a pattern to make.  Here’s to hoping it turns out. J

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Book-Sewing-Techniques-Essential-ebook/dp/B074G3YXZ8/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1513881014&sr=1-1&keywords=complete+book+of+sewing+techniques

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/complete-book-of-sewing-techniques-wendy-gardiner/1126422530?ean=9781620082362

Queso! by Lisa Fain

Here is the book summary:

A fun, full-color look at everyone's favorite cheese dip, with history, tips, facts, and 50 recipes from beloved food blogger Lisa Fain, "the Homesick Texan." 

Queso (aka chile con queso) is a spicy, cheesy, comforting cult favorite that has long been a delicious addition to any party, barbecue, or family gathering. This appealing and accessible book features a mix of down-home standards and contemporary updates, from historical, regional, and Mexican quesos to vegan and dessert quesos, including Chile Verde Con Queso, Squash Blossom Queso Fundido, Fajita Queso, Cactus and Corn Queso Poblano, Frito Salad with Queso Dressing, Pulled Pork Queso Blanco, and Sausage Queso Biscuits. Whether you're relaxing with friends, having a few people over to watch the football game, or entertaining a hungry crowd, queso is the perfect party food for good times.

And now, my review:

You can’t go wrong with chips and dips and New Year’s Day is just around the corner. So it’s time to whip up some of these yummy recipes and share with some friends.  This book helps out with the different ingredients needed for the taste you’re looking for.  It also helps with the cheese choices.  It also has a great amount of full-colored photos.  There is page after page of mouth-watering queso dish options from authentic to Greek, from traditional avocado to adding crab.  Enjoy!

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. 

https://www.amazon.com/QUESO-Regional-Recipes-Favorite-Chile-Cheese-ebook/dp/B01MT4WC2K/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1513879849&sr=1-1&keywords=Queso

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/queso-lisa-fain/1125424709?ean=9780399579516#/

Kawaii Doodle Class by Pic Candle, Zainab Khan

Here is the book summary:

Create your own kawaii world with Pic Candle and Kawaii Doodle Class!

The Japanese word kawaii translates to "cute," and this how-to book is chock-full of super-adorable images of tacos, sushi, smoothies, clouds, rainbows, cacti, doodle monsters, Christmas trees, lipsticks, teacups, and more for your adoration.

Popular kawaii artist Zainab Khan shows you how to draw 75 super-cute characters with simple step-by-step illustrations and instructions. She has also included fun search-and-find images to play along with, and inspiration boards that show you how to give your characters different facial expressions and zany accessories.

You may know Zainab Kahn better by her YouTube channel, Pic Candle. If you know Pic Candle, than you already love her cute, simple drawings, and no doubt want to doodle right along with her. Now is your chance! Thanks to this adorable crash course in doodling all things kawaii, soon you will be enhancing your notebooks, stationery, artwork, and anything else you can put a marker to, you'll just need a little help from Kawaii Doodle Class!

And now, my review:

Can you ever have too many doodle ideas going around in your mind?  Do you ever want to sit and look at books for inspiration?  Well, this book is full of fun ideas to get you started and you can tweak them however you want.  To think of different food ideas as happy people is super fun and items of nature, such as flowers, trees, the sun, etc., along with everyday items too.  This was cutely done.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Kawaii-Doodle-Class-Sketching-Super-Cute/dp/1631063758/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1513878946&sr=1-1&keywords=kawaii+doodle+class

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/kawaii-doodle-class-pic-candle/1127092690?ean=9781631063756#/

Lettering with Purpose by Brittany Luiz

Here is the book summary:

Develop your own personal artistic alphabet with Lettering with Purpose and give your writing a new shine. Personalize every aspect of your handwriting and make it truly your own!

Lettering with Purpose is a thoughtful book that will show you how to develop your own artistic alphabet. Whether you’re hoping to personalize greeting cards or just enjoy the art, hand lettering is an uplifting and compelling craft to learn. Deepen your understanding of this art form by delving into 100 reflective lettering prompts that spur the imagination. You'll never ask "What should I write?" again.

Your lettering journey will begin with lettering basics. Lettering with Purpose explains the anatomy of letters, how to pair different lettering styles, and thorough tutorials on working with a variety of mediums. You’ll be creating striking layouts and compositions in no time. The pages demonstrate lettering styles and techniques step by step, and include styles like brush calligraphy, bounce lettering, and more, plus complete alphabet ideas that include reproducible practice pages that can be used to perfect your skills.

Once your artistic bones are there, move on to adding embellishments and flourishes! Add pizzazz to your work with frames, laurels and garlands, flowers, swirls, and more. The back of the book contains fully illustrated frames on perforated paper for when you're ready to bring it all together and create your own original masterpieces. 

And now, my review:

I’m always on a search for a way to spice up my writing and this book was really inspirational for that.  The author has a lot of great ideas to get the ideas flowing.  From what type of writing utensil to use to the writing style itself, it’s all in there.  If you have projects coming up that are in need of creative designs, this book is sure to help get you started in the right direction. 

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Lettering-Purpose-techniques-inspirational-hand-lettered/dp/1633223426/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1513877410&sr=8-1&keywords=lettering+with+purpose

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lettering-with-purpose-brittany-luiz/1125495474?ean=9781633223424#/

My Merry Christmas by Sally Lloyd-Jones

Here is the book summary:

What is Christmas?  

Is it twinkling lights? Angels? Stars? This rhyming story by Sally Lloyd-Jones (the best-selling author of The Jesus Storybook Bible) helps children relate favorite holiday symbols to the true story of Christmas—the night Jesus was born.  

And now, my review:

This is SUCH a lovely board book to add to our collection of Christmas books to be read often every year at Christmas time.  It flows with a nice rhyming tempo and the illustrations are delightful.  I love books like that and so this book is no disappointment.  My family and I gathered around and picked a favorite animal/creature and followed it throughout every page.  With the Birth of Jesus as the focal point, it gave great opportunity to share together in our HOPE.  Merry Christmas all!!

I received a copy of this book from B&H/Lifeway in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Merry-Christmas-padded-board-book/dp/1433648954/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1513197502&sr=8-1&keywords=my+merry+christmas+sally+lloyd+jones

https://www.christianbook.com/my-merry-christmas-sally-lloyd-jones/9781433648953/pd/648953?product_redirect=1&Ntt=648953&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

https://www.christianbook.com/my-merry-christmas-sally-lloyd-jones/9781433648953/pd/648953?product_redirect=1&Ntt=648953&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

The Marvelous Mud House by April Graney

Here is the book summary:

Ben and his American family live in a hungry ranch house where they are always wanting more. But then they travel far across the world to Kenya and visit the marvelous mud house where George and Mama George live. There, among the mango trees, they discover a marvelous lesson about what it's like to be full of joy instead.

And now, my review:

Having been to Africa myself on a mission’s trip, this book is just really special.  It is a wonderful children’s book teaching children contentment.  Paul speaks of it in Philippians 4 and this book focuses on a boy from America with much and wanting more.   He travels to Africa and sees how having little, for a family that he meets, can be satisfying.  There are life lessons that are important to learn and embrace and the younger the better.  Thinking and giving beyond ourselves as the body of Christ globally.  To the Praise of the Glory of His Grace!!

I received this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Marvelous-Mud-House-finding-fullness-ebook/dp/B0761HBRKX/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1512515767&sr=8-1&keywords=the+marvelous+mud+house+by+april+graney

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-marvelous-mud-house-april-graney/1125796498?ean=9781462740994#/reviews

https://www.christianbook.com/marvelous-house-story-finding-fullness-joy/april-graney/9781462740994/pd/740991?event=

Bearing Fruit by Robby Gallaty

Here is the book summary:
Why are so many Christians stagnant in their faith? Why do we often live as though the gospel stops at the moment of conversion?

The good news of Jesus doesn’t stop the moment we get saved. In fact, salvation is only the beginning of God’s work in our lives. We often view salvation as the ending point; it’s really the beginning point. The gospel of Jesus doesn’t only justify us; it sanctifies us. When we receive the Holy Spirit at salvation, an incredible work begins to happen in us: we begin to bear fruit. When we are firmly planted in the gospel and committed to growing in Christ, He produces in us the fruits of the Spirit, the marks of a true Christian.

In Bearing Fruit, Robby Gallaty walks us through the life of the Christian. Biblical, intentional, and practical, Bearing Fruit points our hearts to the gracious God who called us, justified us, and is now sanctifying us by the work of his Holy Spirit.

And now, my review:

Bearing Fruit… I found this book to be packed full of wonderful truths that I’m excited to mull-over.  Each chapter is another aspect of fruit in our lives and it’s a great reference to go to which ever one I’m feeling drawn to by the Spirit to read and pray over any things that He might be helping me see in my own life.  I found chapter 7 to be my favorite and loved how he mentioned that the fruit that is in us is for others… it’s a way to show the Gospel to others.  We need to be constantly weeding our spiritual gardens just like weeding my own garden.  If I let it go, I will lessen my harvest if I receive a harvest at all (it might just choke out my plant and kill it).  With hands laid out before the Lord, my prayer is that the Gardener would do the cultivation needed in me to bear the fruit He desires, knowing it’s NOT an overnight process.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Bearing-Fruit-What-Happens-People-ebook/dp/B076K2CGN1/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1512510192&sr=8-1&keywords=bearing+fruit+robby+gallaty

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bearing-fruit-robby-gallaty/1125796485?ean=9781462767205

https://www.christianbook.com/bearing-fruit-happens-gods-people-grow/robby-gallaty/9781462743797/pd/743798?product_redirect=1&Ntt=743798&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP