Summertime Crochet by Helgrid Van Impelen and Verena Woehlk Appel

Here is the book summary:

Today's cotton and linen yarns are perfect for summer apparel! Breezy tanks, motif tops, and cute hats can all be crocheted and are just right for the warm-weather style. Fill your summer wardrobe with one-of-a-kind items that have you looking your best for every occasion.

And now, my review:

Who doesn’t love a little breezy summer accessory?  When I saw this book I just knew that I wanted to check out what it had to offer because of the summer options that I love to work on in the summer.  My daughters get out our crochet hooks, look through and pick a pattern, and go for it.  Great fun!  From bags to hair pretties to clothes…  it’s all included. 

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

https://www.amazon.com/Summertime-Crochet-Wraps-Sunny-Nights/dp/0811717747/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1527642946&sr=1-1&keywords=summertime+crochet

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/summertime-crochet-helgrid-van-impelen/1126829860?ean=9780811717748

Diet For The Mind by Martha Clare Morris

Here is the book summary:

From the creator of the MIND diet, the authoritative guide to eating for a healthy brain and optimal cognitive function.

Several factors play into whether you will suffer from cognitive decline and develop Alzheimer's disease -- lifestyle, health conditions, environment, and genetics, for example. But now there is scientific evidence indicating that diet plays a bigger role in brain health than we ever thought before. In Diet for the MIND, one of the leaders in this research provides an easy, non-invasive, and effective way to prevent cognitive decline and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease through diet and lifestyle.

There are specific foods and nutrients that are important for keeping the brain functioning optimally, and also foods to limit because they can cause brain injury. With 80 delicious recipes for every occasion, Diet for the MIND is your roadmap to a healthy brain -- for life.

And now, my review:

Diet For The Mind by Martha Clare Morris is a book I desired to read to learn more about food and how it affects the brain.  I know people who are affected by dementia and other things like that so I have a desire to learn more about this.  This book is broken down into 2 parts with 15 separate chapters that seem to meet all the needs to learn more about how food affects our brains.  To go along with her research she included 80 recipes. 

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

https://www.amazon.com/Diet-MIND-Science-Alzheimers-Cognitive-ebook/dp/B06Y14KQZD/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/diet-for-the-mind-martha-clare-morris/1126605190?ean=9780316441155#/

A Voice Becoming by Beth Bruno

Here is the book summary:

In A VOICE BECOMING, Beth Bruno helps mothers cast a Godly vision for their daughters and chart a course that will prepare their daughters for womanhood.

What if you as a mother concentrated on your daughter for one year? Who might she become? A VOICE BECOMING is for moms who want to usher their daughters into womanhood but know they need more than tips, techniques, and programs. This is for moms who to desire to chart a course for their daughters that helps them know the story of God they are entering and the global sisterhood of women they are joining.

A VOICE BECOMING is written by a fellow sojourner, still in the middle of the journey, processing her own story as she casts a vision for her daughter to discover hers. Sometimes roadmaps are too restrictive and a friend is needed who has made the journey already. Beth Bruno seeks to activate moms by infusing them with hope and vision. Readers will join Beth in a yearlong journey of teaching their daughters that women lead, women love, women fight, women sacrifice, and women create. Moms learn how to use film and books, tangible experiences, volunteering, interviewing other women, traveling, and more in a creative and life-altering way to help solidify these important concepts in the mind and life of their young teen.

And now, my review:

A Voice Becoming by Beth Bruno is a Mother-Daughter book that helps Moms navigate through the parenting years of a maturing daughter in her tween and teen years.  I was very interested in reading this because I have a couple of daughters and we are starting the journey through these years as I read.  I love that this author is sharing what she is learning and in a sense is on the journey with us as I read.  This author gives great help in a direction to go with your daughter(s) and I really appreciated her sharing.  Here’s to a right of passage to the Glory of God.

I received this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Voice-Becoming-Yearlong-Mother-Daughter-Passionate-ebook/dp/B071986LXD/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1527639253&sr=8-1&keywords=a+voice+becoming

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-voice-becoming-beth-bruno/1126358693?ean=9781478974680#/

https://www.christianbook.com/becoming-yearlong-daughter-journey-passionate-purposed/beth-bruno/9781478974659/pd/974659?event=ESRCG

Encountering God by Steve Pettit

Here is the book summary:

Encountering God: A Study in Psalms brings the familiar hymnal of the Bible to life as it explores the purpose of Psalms: to worship God. In Psalms, believers meet with God, constantly learning about Him and deepening their understanding of His love. In order to worship Him, they meditate on His character, pour out His blessings in prayer, and rejoice in song. A journey through Psalms will bring any child of God closer to Him.

And now, my review:

Encountering God is a book to help you meditate on God in the Psalms.  This book takes you through 10 different Psalms and the author asks you questions and you have an opportunity to reflect on what the Lord might be saying to you.  Psalms is a well-known book of the Bible and it’s great to dig a little deeper into a few of its tasty morsels.  I found that I mostly agreed with the author and his takes.  For example, he mentions the meaning of Selah throughout Psalms and gives many things it could mean but it’s widely known that it means to pause and reflect on what has just been said.  With this in mind as I read the Psalms, I see that the author of the chapter has a heart change most times as he eventually continues on after a pause.  When we stop and reflect on what God wants to say to us we have heart changes too. 

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

https://www.amazon.com/Encountering-God-Study-Psalms-Lifetouch-ebook/dp/B078X98PK5/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1527637684&sr=1-2&keywords=Encountering+God

https://www.christianbook.com/encountering-god-a-study-in-psalms/steve-pettit/9781628564884/pd/564885?product_redirect=1&Ntt=564885&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

42 Days to a More Powerful Prayer Life by Glenn Hascall

Here is the book summary:

Transform Your Prayer Life in 6 Short Weeks

Do you yearn for a deeper, more meaningful, more powerful prayer life, but don’t know where to begin? Or maybe you struggle with praying repetitive prayers that seem little more than a ritual.

This simple how-to guide will lead you on a six-week experience that can result in real prayer-life-transformation. Each week opens with a devotional chapter that introduces that week’s theme, and then every day of the week includes an inspirational thought as well as three short prayer points that can be accomplished in a few minutes, perfect for morning, noon, and night.

Weekly Themes Include

·        Praying for Others

·        Praying for Myself

·        Praying God’s Will

·        Praying through Tough Times

·        Hearing God

·        The Model Prayer

·        Praise as Prayer.

And now, my review:

This devotional book is set up with 6 weeks of prayer times that have a focus a week that builds each day.  First, you start with praying for others, then yourself, for God’s will, during hard times, hearing from God, and more and more on prayer.  Each day is set up with praying 3 different times with thoughts that go along with it to guide you.  I felt that the challenges that the author puts out are basic but thought-provoking, based on Scripture, and in need of the Holy Spirit’s power to follow through on.  All I needed was a journal and time before the throne and I was on my way to see what God wanted to say and is still saying. 

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

https://www.amazon.com/Days-More-Powerful-Prayer-Life/dp/1683223128/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1527637019&sr=1-1&keywords=42+days+to+a+more+powerful+prayer+life

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/42-days-to-a-more-powerful-prayer-life-glenn-hascall/1126073476?ean=9781683223122#/

https://www.christianbook.com/powerful-prayer-life-simple-week-guide/glenn-hascall/9781683223122/pd/223122?product_redirect=1&Ntt=223122&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

The Calico & Cowboy Romance Collection by Mary Connealy

Here is the book summary:

Love sneaks up on eight couples in the Old West.

The Old West comes to life under the talented pen of bestselling author Mary Connealy. Enjoy a lighthearted ride alongside seven historical and one contemporary cowboys and the women who tame their hearts.
 
The Advent Bride
Melanie Douglas is alone on the Nebraska plains, teaching school to get by. She finds a unique box with hidden drawers to use over the advent season to engage a young boy in his schooling. When Henry O’Keeffe sees a positive change in his son, he has to see for himself what this new teacher is doing.
 
A Bride Rides Herd
Matt Reeves arrives at his brother’s ranch to find Betsy Harden alone with the little girls during a cattle drive. Will the ladies be too much to handle when Matt steps in for the missing ranch hand?
 
His Surprise Family
A lonely young rancher orders a mail-order bride and after the vows are spoken, she “surprises” him with her three little brothers. No amount of apologies Meghan McCray gives are going to make Silas Harden, Jr. believe a word she says. Should Silas just build himself another house and let his mail-order family take over the one he’s got?
 
Homestead on the Range
Widow Elle Winter meets new homesteader Colin Samuelson on the Nebraska prairie, but the attraction between them is soon dampened by the discovery that they have seven children between them. Soon their children are working against them to bring the two families together.
 
Sophie’s Other Daughter
Dr. Ike Reeves comes home to visit his family only to bring trouble in the form of outlaws who believe he witnessed their latest crime. When the gang traps Ike and his old nemesis, Lauren McClellen, in a cave, they must work together to outsmart the thugs. But will their time together put them in a compromising situation that will threaten both of their good reputations?
 
The Sweetwater Bride
Debba McClain takes offense at being offered a wedding in exchange for valuable water rights. But she doesn’t like to see a good man’s cattle die of thirst—and the rancher Tanner Harden is rather handsome.
 
Texas Tea
Luke Reeves has gotten wealthy in the oil business and goes to visit his uncle to convince him to sign over the oil rights to his land. But when he meets his grown up adopted cousin Libby Cooper, he may be forced to give up one dream to win another.
 
Hope for Christmas
It might be 2016, but Montana is still a mighty rough place to survive the winter. When Silas Harden finds the very pregnant Kelsey Black in a wrecked car surrounded by a pack of wolves in the heart of a blizzard he takes her to his remote home. What will Silas do when the baby decides to come and Kelsey confesses why she was out in such a terrible storm?

And now, my review:

This is a book of 8 short stories all set to the Frontier historical period in America.  Mary has a way of writing that moves you right along in these stories.  I liked all the stories, but my favorite was His Surprise Family.  I thought it blissfully romantic.  My least favorite was The Advent Bride because the ending seemed so abrupt.  Although I loved the advent box and would love to come across one of those if there even is such a thing!  How clever. 

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

https://www.amazon.com/Calico-Cowboys-Romance-Collection-Lighthearted-ebook/dp/B071HB3QYQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1527636381&sr=1-1&keywords=the+calico+and+cowboys+romance+collection

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-calico-and-cowboys-romance-collection-mary-connealy/1127171844?ean=9781683224020#/

https://www.christianbook.com/the-calico-cowboys-romance-collection/mary-connealy/9781683224020/pd/224021?product_redirect=1&Ntt=224021&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

Keturah by Lisa T. Bergren

Here is the book summary:

In 1773 England, Lady Keturah Banning Tomlinson and her sisters find themselves the heiresses of their father's estates and know they have one option: Go to the West Indies to save what is left of their heritage.

Although it flies against all the conventions for women of the time, they're determined to make their own way in the world. But once they arrive in the Caribbean, proper gender roles are the least of their concerns. On the infamous island of Nevis, the sisters discover the legacy of the legendary sugar barons has vastly declined--and that's just the start of what their eyes are opened to in this unfamiliar world. 

Keturah never intends to put herself at the mercy of a man again, but every man on the island seems to be trying to win her hand and, with it, the ownership of her plantation. She could desperately use an ally, but even an unexpected reunion with a childhood friend leaves her questioning his motives. 

Set on keeping her family together and saving her father's plantation, can Keturah ever surrender her stubbornness and guarded heart to God and find the healing and love awaiting her?

And now, my review:

I thought that Keturah by Lisa T. Bergren was a great historical read!  I enjoyed that it started in England and journeys across the sea to the islands in the Caribbean.  It opens the eyes to slaves and society back in the day and some of that is hard to read but I appreciate that she keeps it realistic and true to history.  The way women were treated back in the day is crazy in so many ways, but the women in this book are adventurous and willing to put themselves out there, not that they really had much choice.  Check it out for yourself and enjoy this great read!

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

https://www.amazon.com/Keturah-Sugar-Barons-Daughters-Book-ebook/dp/B07879Z24T/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1527635153&sr=8-1&keywords=keturah+lisa+t.+bergren

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/keturah-lisa-t-bergren/1126332856?ean=9780764230240#/

https://www.christianbook.com/keturah-lisa-bergren/9780764230240/pd/230246?product_redirect=1&Ntt=230246&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

Winning Miss Winthrop by Carolyn Miller

Here is the book summary:

Years ago, the man who stole Catherine Winthrop's heart rejected her--and she's never recovered from the grief. Now tragedy has brought him back into her life. This time it isn't her heart he's taking, it’s her home and her family's good name.

Jonathan Carlew's serious demeanor and connection to trade, not to mention the rumors surrounding his birth, have kept him from being a favorite of the ladies, or their parents. Now, suddenly landed and titled, he finds himself with plenty of prospects. But his demanding society responsibilities keep pressing him into service to the one woman who captured his heart long ago--and then ran off with it.

These two broken hearts must decide whether their painful past and bitter present will be all they can share, or if forgiveness can provide a path to freedom for the future.

Set in the sumptuous salons of Bath, Regency England's royal breeding ground for gossip, Winning Miss Winthrop is the first volume in the Regency Brides: A Promise of Hope series. Fans of the wholesome and richly drawn first series won't want to miss this new set of characters--or appearances by their old favorites.

And now, my review:

Ahh, Winning Miss Winthrop is a historical story penned with love and loss and second chances. The feel that the writer puts into describing the scenes is spot on. From the amazing estates to the gardens to the dresses... She engages the reader in all the 5 senses. The love story that intertwines its way through it is breath-taking. Having just finished, I think I'll go have a spot of tea and dream about Bath. Way to go on this one and I can't wait to read book 2 when it comes out. 

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

https://www.amazon.com/Winning-Miss-Winthrop-Regency-Brides-ebook/dp/B078NH3S1N/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1527633590&sr=8-1&keywords=winning+miss+winthrop

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/winning-miss-winthrop-carolyn-miller/1127208506?ean=9780825445330#/

https://www.christianbook.com/winning-miss-winthrop-1/carolyn-miller/9780825445330/pd/445330?product_redirect=1&Ntt=445330&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

I Can Only Imagine by Bart Millard

Here is the book summary:

Encourage your children’s sense of wonder and faith with I Can Only Imagine, inspired by the hit song by MercyMe. This beautiful picture book will capture your family’s childlike faith and imagination. 

I Can Only Imagine asks questions a child might ask and invites families to wonder together: What is heaven like? What does God do? What would it be like to spend a day with Jesus? Children will see that although experiencing the glory of heaven may be far off, we can enjoy a friendship with Jesus every day - right here on earth. Whimsical, playful illustrations and thought-provoking questions make this a book that families will cherish.

Fun and vibrant illustrations offer a vivid visual and will help your children see that God can be found everywhere, every day. 

I think about heaven as I look up at the sky

And watch the fluffy clouds roll by.

The more I imagine, the more I wish I knew.

I wonder, would God like pancakes with extra syrup too?

And if God and I spent the day together, what exactly would we do?

The Christian worship song “I Can Only Imagine” touched countless lives with its glorious representation of being in the presence of God, and this beautifully illustrated picture book invites you and your children to imagine those same wonders. Share the joy of a personal relationship with the Lord with your family today through the creative, faith-filled book I Can Only Imagine.

And now, my review:

My girls and I found this book to be a delight to read together.  Every page had us looking for the puppy and seeing the funny thing that would come next.  The full-colored pages are illustrated well and we enjoyed the storyline.  Of course, the song is one of our favorites and that drew us into wanting to be sure to read this one.

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

https://www.amazon.com/Can-Only-Imagine-Friendship-Forever-ebook/dp/B077CWCBBS/ref=sr_1_12?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1526430760&sr=1-12&keywords=i+can+only+imagine+book#customerReviews

An Extra Mile by Sharon Garlough Brown

Here is the book summary:

The women of Sensible Shoes are navigating both deep joy and devastating loss. Can they find equilibrium in the midst of all that has changed? Mara: While faced with the turmoil of divorce and chaos at home, she is also listening for a call to serve others with courage and creativity. Hannah: As she grieves the twin losses of her dear friend and her Chicago ministry position, she also begins to embrace the joys and challenges of a new marriage. Charissa: Overwhelmed by her pregnancy and the demands of her teaching schedule, she is in need of even more grace for herself and others. Becca: Bereft and filled with regrets, can she find hope for the future and a way home? In this final installment of the Sensible Shoes series, you're invited to travel with these beloved friends as they endure trials that test their trust and their willingness to walk an extra mile.

And now, my review:

An Extra Mile by Sharon Garlough Brown was a fictional book that continues from another book about a silent retreat and the 4 women and beyond who participate in it.  This book can stand alone if you have not read Sensible Shoes yet.  She says in the book, “the first mile is demanded.  The extra mile is freely given…”  The characters in this book go the extra mile and we as the readers get to see what that looks like.  All 4 women have a journey that they go on and we get to watch.  Personally, I have participated, helped co-lead, and now lead silent retreats.  I could relate to that part of this book and enjoyed those moments come to life.  Cons: Unfortunately, there are parts of this book that don’t line up with the doctrine of the Bible. 

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

https://www.amazon.com/Extra-Mile-Story-Embracing-Sensible-ebook/dp/B078HWTV9D/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1526429969&sr=1-1&keywords=an+extra+mile

The View From Rainshadow Bay by Colleen Coble

Here is the book summary:

Enter in to a brand new series from bestselling author Colleen Coble!

“…The View From Rainshadow Bay, opens with a heart-pounding, run-for-your-life chase. This book will stay with you for a long time, long after you flip to the last page.” - 4 STARS, RT Book Reviews

"Prepare to stay up all night with Colleen Coble. Coble's beautiful, emotional prose coupled with her keen sense of pacing, escalating danger, and very real characters place her firmly at the top of the suspense genre. I could not put this book down." --Allison Brennan, New York Times bestselling author of Shattered

After her husband, Jack, dies in a climbing incident, Shauna has only her five-year-old son and her helicopter charter business to live for. Every day is a struggle to make ends meet and she lives in constant fear of losing even more than she already has.

When her business partner is murdered, his final words convince Shauna that she’s in danger too. But where can she turn? Zach Bannister was her husband’s best friend and is the person she blames for his death. She’s barely spoken to him since. But right now he seems her only hope for protecting her son.

Zach is only too happy to assuage his guilt over Jack’s death by helping Shauna any way he can. But there are secrets involved dating back to Shauna’s childhood that more than one person would prefer to stay hidden.

In The View from Rainshadow Bay, suspense, danger, and a longing to love again ignite amid the gorgeous lavender fields of Washington State.

And now, my review:
This story is about a woman who is married with a 5-year-old son and her husband dies in a recreational activity.  His best friend, who was with her husband at the time, plays such a great role in this book.  This book is nailbiting at times and quite intense, which is just the way Colleen writes.  I really enjoyed the preciousness of her son and her relationship with him.  The grandmother and others surround him well and take great care of him.  If you like mysterious, extreme reads, you’ll like this one.

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

Power Plates by Gena Hamshaw

Here is the book summary:

Focused on the art of crafting complete, balanced meals that deliver sustained energy and nourishment, this book features 100 compelling and delicious recipes that just happen to be vegan.

These 100 recipes for wholesome and nourishing vegan food from blogger, nutritionist, and Food52 author Gena Hamshaw help you make delicious vegan meals that deliver balanced and sustained energy. Every recipe contains the key macronutrients of healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, and proteins, which together make for a complete meal--things like Smoky Red Lentil Stew with Chard, and Falafel Bowls with Freekah and Cauliflower. Photographs accompany each recipe, showing how Gena's simple techniques and fresh ingredients yield delicious meals. Additional tips and tricks for taking food on the go, and for cooking ahead on the weekend for quick weekday lunches and dinners, round out the collection.

And now, my review:

From Breakfast to Salad to Soup to Main Dishes it’s all there in 100 recipes in this one.  This is the type of cookbook that puts ideas into motion.  Even if you are not a full Vegan like me you’ll enjoy this one full of whole food and plant-based recipes.  It gave me such great ideas to get the staying power in my food and enjoy the flavors all at once. 

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

The Electric Pressure Cooker Cookbook by Barbara Schieving

Here is the book summary:

The Electric Pressure Cooker Cookbook is your resource to learning all the shortcuts on how to make a delicious dinner in a fraction of the time.

In The Electric Pressure Cooker Cookbook, the world’s leading blogger on pressure cooking, Barbara Schieving (of PressureCookingToday.com), has created over 200 new family-friendly recipes that are big on flavor, imaginative in their variety, and easy to make, featuring fresh, natural, and nutritious ingredients.

The Electric Pressure Cooker Cookbook features loads of tips and tricks that help you get the most from your pressure cooker, no matter what brand you own. If you're a busy parent or can't find time to make dinners after work, then you will love the “Shortcut Dinners” and “30-Minute Meals,” section. You'll adore the terrific weeknight meals on the fly, and “Sunday Suppers,” is perfect for special weekend gatherings. 

You'll find recipes for every taste and diet, from robust meat and chicken dishes, to vegetarian mains and sides, plus healthy breakfasts, tasty sandwiches and tacos, soothing soups and stews, and a big chapter full of quick and easy desserts.

And now, my review:

Great, user-friendly recipes that will make your mouth water as you search for your weekly menu ideas.  You could plan to use them at the next potluck that you are attending and impress the many or for coffee/tea time with a friend.  The options are endless and the recipes are plenty.  Take a look at your own copy today. 

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

https://www.amazon.com/Electric-Pressure-Cooker-Cookbook-ebook/dp/B077417QCV/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1526427022&sr=1-1&keywords=the+electric+pressure+cooker+cookbook+by+barbara+schieving#customerReviews

Turning Everyday Conversations into Gospel Conversations by Jimmy Scroggins & Steve Wright & Leslee Bennett

Here is the book summary:

We live in a broken world.

And the gospel is how God puts broken people back together again. Once we repent and believe in Jesus, God’s Spirit helps us recover and pursue His design. God is the one who created the world and every human being in it.

Authors Jimmy Scroggins and Steve Wright outline a reproducible method of sharing the gospel that has been tested in the real world. Turning Everyday Conversations Into Gospel Conversations is a simple strategy to train new and seasoned believers to join God in His reconciliation work.

Turning Everyday Conversations Into Gospel Conversations equips believers to use the innovative "3 Circles," a user-friendly evangelistic tool for a new generation. Scroggins and Wright train readers to incorporate the biblical metanarrative, as well as our own personal stories, to tell the good news that Jesus has made a way out of the broken places we find ourselves.

Churches around the world are training people to share the gospel using this method. It has proven appeal across generations and cultures. They've heard stories about an 8-year-old boy leading his 26-year-old cousin to repent and believe in Jesus and a 70-plus-year-old church member, who had never before shared his faith, leading his Spanish-speaking neighbor to Christ. It’s been used to train the Mixtec in Mexico, Maasai Warriors in Kenya, and prisoners in America. It’s been presented on napkins, in concrete, in the sand, and using tortillas. The 3 Circles work, and this book will train you and your church members to use it.

It doesn’t matter if you have been a Christian for decades or days, you can learn to do what God asks us to do—to make His appeal to others through us (2 Cor. 5:20). This short training manual will empower and inspire millions of Christians to turn hundreds of millions of everyday conversations into gospel conversations.

And now, my review:

Turning Everyday Conversations into Gospel Conversations is an insightful read that equips believers to share the gospel as the Holy Spirit leads throughout the day as you go about your day.  It puts the intimidation of not knowing how to share your faith to rest and gives you a 3 circle drawing that takes you through truth with others.  I’m praying for the Lord to lead with it and I’m excited to have a basis to start with.  I'm very blessed by having read this book and I know that you will be too. 

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

https://www.amazon.com/Turning-Everyday-Conversations-into-Gospel-ebook/dp/B076XV85NQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1526425840&sr=8-1&keywords=turning+everyday+conversations+into+gospel+conversations

Stick Sketch School: An Animal Adventure by Billy Attinger

Here is the book summary:

Learn to draw stylized stick figure animals in this art-venture! In Stick Sketch School: An Animal Artventure you'll draw animals from the jungle, Arctic, and even extinct & fantasy creatures!

Since Billy Attinger founded his company, Stick World, pop culture has exploded with stick figure art! Social media feeds and other online resources are the perfect home for this brand of simple, pithy, and often wickedly funny art. The best part about stick figures is that anyone can draw them!

Billy Attinger showed how to draw stylized stick figures in his popular Stick Sketch School, and now he's back to show the world stick-figure animals. Take an "adventure" around the world: learn to draw stick animals in the jungle, the Arctic, the rainforest, the Outback, underwater, and more! You'll even learn how to draw extinct animals and fantasy animals in stick form.

This guide to drawing is perfect for the visual learner. Each spread features a grid on how to draw the lines, how to add movement, as well as expression. You will also get tips and tricks from stick artist Billy Attinger himself on how to make your stick animals personal, recognizable, and unique!

And now, my review:

This book is great for all ages.  If you're like me you’ll feel like joining with your family and sitting down with your drawing pencils with this book.  I thought the author was helpful in the way he set up the instructions and it was great that he gave so many animal ideas.  You would think, what’s the big deal about stick drawing but this book takes it to a fun new level! 

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

https://www.amazon.com/Stick-Sketch-School-Artventure-Mastering/dp/1631063057/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1526420483&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=stick+sketch+school+an+animal+adventure

Faith Journaling for the Inspired Artist by Stephanie Ackerman

Here is the book summary:

Faith Journaling for the Inspired Artist shows you how to combine your love of art with your faith! Engaging prompts, exercises, and lettering techniques will ignite the imagination.

When faith and art intersect, pure magic happens. Faith Journaling for the Inspired Artist is a dynamic and inspiring resource for learning art journaling in Bibles, prayer journals, daily devotionals, and creative life planners. This beautifully designed guide features dozens of easy-to-follow drawing, doodling, and lettering techniques which demonstrate to you how to develop beautiful uplifting artwork.

A wide range of creative exercises deliver the encouragement needed to explore faith through the creative process. Whether working with colored pencils, markers, watercolor, or stamps, when it comes to faith journaling, there are no rules! In Faith Journaling for the Inspired Artist, you'll not only learn how to expand your artistic horizons, but also discover how to give yourself permission to create personal artistic expressions of your faith.

And now, my review:

Faith Journaling for the Inspired Artist is a stirring book that prompts inspiration in creating journaling art.  If you’re a journal girl like me, this will be a valued addition to your art shelf.  Also, if you study inductively then this may be inspiring with that as well.  Enjoy!

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

https://www.amazon.com/Faith-Journaling-Inspired-Artist-journaling/dp/1633223655/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1526418471&sr=8-1&keywords=faith+journaling+for+the+inspired+artist#customerReviews

Finding Love on Bainbridge Island by Annette M. Irby

Here is the book summary:

Neither of them is ready for a relationship, but love may not give them an out. 

Jenna-Shea Brown considers herself a broken therapist. Years ago, she witnessed something that caused PTSD. She can’t let her boss or her patients know about her battle. Who would want to trust her to help them, when she can’t help herself? She’s finally able to find a fresh start in her family’s beach cabin, but the renovations aren’t complete. Her parents have hired her ex-boyfriend to finalize them, but his negligence led to her being in the wrong place at the wrong time all those years ago. 

Liam Barrett is trying to prove he’s nothing like his deadbeat dad. He’s working hard, yet still failing. Adrenaline and adventure offer him a diversion, but maybe he can’t escape his genes. He’d like to make things right with Shea, but he’s unsure if she’ll forgive him. Meanwhile, he’s challenged to forgive his father. He’s also worried about Shea and all these episodes she won’t explain. Now that they’re back in close proximity, he’s falling for her again. But can anything heal the past? 

And now, my review:

This book had me hooked from the dedication to the authors closing thoughts. I found this book to be a beautifully painted romance with the settling of the gorgeous Pacific Northwest.  I loved the "zany" aunt and I think we all should go with whatever accent befits our situation/day. There are several real situations and need for God's restoration in the relationships of family and friends. Forgiveness is quite a theme. You'll definitely want to check out this great summer read and take a trip to the beautiful waters of Washington State with an amazing author. 

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

https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Bainbridge-Island-Washington-Romance-ebook/dp/B07B9HZHZ7/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1525311450&sr=8-1&keywords=finding+love+on+bainbridge+island+irby#customerReviews

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/finding-love-on-bainbridge-island-washington-annette-m-irby/1128564818?ean=9781943959440#reviews