Tuesday, April 30, 2019

Doubleweave by Jennifer Moore

 Doubleweave Revised & Expanded (The Weaver's Studio) by [Moore, Jennifer]











Here is the book summary:

Conventional shaft loom weaving constricts the weaver into making only a single layer of fabric that is no wider than the loom. Increase your loom's capabilities with Doubleweave Revised & Expanded!
 
In this comprehensive guide to doubleweave, master-weaver Jennifer Moore revisits the tips and techniques to weaving in multiple layers.  Doubleweave Revised & Expanded is filled with new information about doubleweaving and more including:


·        More doubleweave technique samples for both 4 and 8-shaft looms, including more overshot patterns.

·        Expanded information on how to weave fabric twice, thrice or even four-times the width of your loom, with no seam.

·        Beautiful doubleweave project patterns for the home and more!

 Expand the abilities of your loom with Doubleweave Revised & Expanded!


And now, my review:

Doubleweave was a great book to work through.  I received an ARC and it was digital which didn’t come through all that well but that’s definitely not the author’s fault and what I found inside of this book was some great ideas for some future projects.  I enjoyed the ideas that the author shared.  What I saw of her machines looked very nice and the peace and relaxing rhythm of this hobby really makes me want to get moving on creating a masterpiece of my own.  My favorite part was the layers that she showed me how to work.  I also really enjoyed her many patterns and the color schemes that she chose.  If I were to buy this book I would purchase a physical book for the ease of flipping through the pages for inspiration. 

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

https://www.amazon.com/Doubleweave-Revised-Expanded-Weavers-Studio-ebook/dp/B07MMTRQ9Y/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_1?crid=1P0MOZWSLQMCG&keywords=doubleweave+revised+and+expanded&qid=1556675029&s=gateway&sprefix=doubleweav%2Caps%2C490&sr=8-1-fkmrnull


Secrets at Cedar Cabin by Colleen Coble

Secrets at Cedar Cabin (A Lavender Tides Novel Book 3) by [Coble, Colleen]














Here is the book summary:

From USA TODAY bestselling author Colleen Coble comes the third book in her beloved Lavender Tides series. 

Her mother lied about her identity and her husband wasn’t who she thought he was—can Bailey even trust herself anymore?

Running for her life in the wake of her mother’s murder, Bailey Fleming escapes to the only place she can think of—a remote, dilapidated cabin in Lavender Tides. Intending to finally get to the truth behind the lies of her past, Bailey only finds more questions when bodies are discovered near her cabin hideout along with traces of a dangerous human trafficking ring. In an unlikely partnership with FBI agent Lance Phoenix, Bailey races to understand the mystery surrounding her life and circumstances before the murderer tracks her down. 

Meanwhile, Lance is determined to rescue his sister, Ava, who was abducted after running away from home as a teenager. An unexpected lead brings him to the remote cabin, and he wonders if Bailey—with her suspicious past and strange connections to his sister’s case—is really who she claims to be and if she can somehow lead him to Ava. 

Filled with Colleen Coble's custom blend of suspense and romance, Secrets at Cedar Cabin takes us back to the evocative landscape of Washington's coast where nothing is quite as it seems. 



And now, my review:

Secrets of Cedar Cabin by Colleen Coble is a very breathtaking, suspenseful book three in a series.  It ties in the first two books in this series and carries on with a new mysterious plot.  This story involves human trafficking and the horrors of all that.  There are surprises, murder, guns, bones, kidnapping, and detective work included.  Who can a person trust and who should they keep from.  Her painting of the scenery that it’s placed in is beautiful, the Pacific NW.  On the light side, she makes me want to make another pot of coffee.  This author is not for the faint at heart and you have to love mystery, suspense, and some romance.  If that’s what you like, pick up the book, take a seat, and hang on.

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

https://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Cedar-Cabin-Lavender-Tides-ebook/dp/B07BB5C4M7/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1YEONOYLOSBR&keywords=secrets+of+cedar+cabin&qid=1556674142&s=gateway&sprefix=Secrets+of+cedar%2Caps%2C233&sr=8-1

https://www.christianbook.com/secrets-at-cedar-cabin/colleen-coble/9780718085841/pd/085841?event=ESRCG

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/secrets-at-cedar-cabin-colleen-coble/1128128096?ean=9780718085841#/



Flights of Fancy by Jen Turano

Flights of Fancy (American Heiresses Book #1) by [Turano, Jen]















Here is the book summary:

Miss Isadora Delafield may be an heiress, but her life is far from carefree. When her mother begins pressuring her to marry an elderly and uncouth duke, she escapes from the high society world she's always known and finds herself to be an unlikely candidate for a housekeeper position in rural Pennsylvania.

Mr. Ian MacKenzie is known for his savvy business sense and has built his reputation and fortune completely on his own merits. But when his adopted parents are in need of a new housekeeper and Isadora is thrown into his path, he's unexpectedly charmed by her unconventional manner.

Neither Isadora nor Ian expected to find the other so intriguing, but when mysterious incidents on the farm and the truth of Isadora's secret threaten those they love, they'll have to set aside everything they thought they wanted for a chance at happy-ever-after.



And now, my review:

Flights of Fancy by Jen Turano was an adventurous, romantic read.  Jen set a great plot in this one and I found that the Duke was really creepy, as he should be.  The main female character falls in love with the handsome main man and their journey to each other was fun to watch unfold.  Loving each other for love and not for title or fame was really important to the lead woman and what a great choice.  This story has the scary and the roguishly handsome all wrapped into one.  I loved it. 

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

https://www.amazon.com/Flights-Fancy-American-Heiresses-Book-ebook/dp/B07F3J5ZM8/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2LAT2AQKFVHW9&keywords=flights+of+fancy+by+jen+turano&qid=1556670671&s=gateway&sprefix=flights+of+%2Caps%2C300&sr=8-1

https://www.christianbook.com/flights-of-fancy-1/jen-turano/9780764231674/pd/231672?event=ESRCG

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/flights-of-fancy-jen-turano/1128873081?ean=9780764231674#/


Pocket Art Portrait Drawing

Pocket Art: Portrait Drawing by [Henly, Joanna]














Here is the book summary:

The instructions are quick visual exercises in Pocket Art: Portraits, the first book in the new Pocket Art series.

This lively, graphic approach to explaining concepts will have you looking and learning with step by step illustrations and expert tips straight from London-based artist "Miss Led" (aka Joanna Henly). This compact 112-page book is just right for carrying in a backpack or pocket for when you’re learning on the go.

Henly begins by guiding you through your initial set up, then moves on to "Understanding the Face". She takes you through every detail of capturing facial features and expressions, and mastering the rendering of hair and skin. Her exercises demonstrate and reinforce everything you learn as you go along.



And now, my review:

Pocket Art: Portrait Drawing is a nice book to reference when working on Faces.  I also found that this was quick moving and the change from one to the next was VERY quick and not all that basic.  So it depends on your talent and where you are in your drawing skills as to if this will be a good fit for you.  I know for me, if I’m working on a certain part, say an ear, then this resource can be helpful for me to look at.   

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

https://www.amazon.com/Pocket-Art-Portrait-Joanna-Henly-ebook/dp/B07CNMCGFN/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2G4UAMBCICH94&keywords=pocket+art+portrait+drawing&qid=1556669635&s=gateway&sprefix=pocket+art%2Caps%2C227&sr=8-1


The Cow Said Neigh by Rory Feek

The Cow Said Neigh!: A Farm Story by [Feek, Rory]











Here is the book summary:

From New York Times bestseller Rory Feek, one half of the singing duo Joey+Rory, comes The Cow Said Neigh!, a fun and humorous tale of farm animals who wish they were like the other animals . . . which leads to a farm-full of confusion! This delightful book will be a family favorite for years to come.

The Cow Said Neigh! is the story of some peculiar farm animals who wish they were like other animals on the farm. The cow wants to run free like a horse, the sheep wants a snout like a pig, the dog wants to be inside like the cat. Soon the entire farm is in chaos!

With silly farm animal sounds, clever rhymes, and adorable art, The Cow Said Neigh! will have kids of all ages laughing out loud as they celebrate the unique strengths in each of us.

This delightful picture book is sure to be read time and time again.

And now, my review:

The Cow Said Neigh is a cute little story for the young ones.  It goes through a series of animals that make a different sound than they are supposed to make.  This idea has been done before in children’s books and on videos but this book has a fun way about it that makes it its own.  I really enjoyed it and chuckled with delight at the end.  The full-color pictures on each page were well done and fit the story really well.  It’s a book to be enjoyed over and over by the little people in our lives.   

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

https://www.amazon.com/Cow-Said-Neigh-Farm-Story-ebook/dp/B07B7FPYXH/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_1?crid=337KJEFGOS23H&keywords=the+cow+said+neigh+by+rory+feek&qid=1556629158&s=gateway&sprefix=the+cow+said+neigh%2Caps%2C146&sr=8-1-fkmrnull

https://www.christianbook.com/the-cow-said-neigh-picture-book/rory-feek/9781400311712/pd/311712?event=ESRCG

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-cow-said-neigh-rory-feek/1128110105?ean=9781400311712#/

The Gift That I Can Give by Kathie Lee Gifford














Here is the book summary:

Kids don't have to wait until they are grownups to make the world a better place! The newest Kathie Lee Gifford book empowers children to find unique ways to make a difference in the lives of those around them.

The Gift That I Can Give for Little Ones is a heartwarming story that shows how all children can do something today to make a positive impact on others. From simply being kind to giving a loved one an extra-big hug to cheering for a friend, this story will inspire children with countless ways to show God's love, leading them to want to read it again and again.

Kathie Lee is a trusted voice who feels like a friend for countless people. With her strong faith, enthusiasm, and playful writings, she appeals to young hearts and encourages them with the message that no one is too young or too small to share their gift with others.

And now, my review:

The Gift That I Can Give is a sweet, rhythmic book for very young children of the ‘gifts’ that God gives us.  We in turn are blessed by them.  Then we turn around and give them to others.  Things like cheering on a friend, visiting the sick, and feeding the hungry.  The pictures that go along with this book are so sweet and fun to look at with little ones.  I enjoyed reading this one by Kathie Lee Gifford.

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

https://www.amazon.com/Gift-That-Give-Little-Ones/dp/1400209250/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3MGGV47JH8U5D&keywords=the+gift+that+i+can+give+kathie+lee+gifford&qid=1556621396&s=gateway&sprefix=the+gift+that+i+can+give+kathie+lee+gifford%2Caps%2C147&sr=8-1

https://www.christianbook.com/the-gift-that-i-can-give/kathie-gifford/9781400209248/pd/209242?product_redirect=1&Ntt=209242&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-gift-that-i-can-give-kathie-lee-gifford/1128128162?ean=9781400212682#/

Friday, April 26, 2019

Disciple Her by Kandy Gallaty

Disciple Her: Using the Word, Work, & Wonder of God to Invest in Women by [Gallaty, Kandi]
















Here is book summary:

We all know Jesus commands us to disciple others.
But how are we supposed to do this in everyday life? How can women, no matter what stage of life they are in, be a disciple who makes disciples? How can we find time to invest ourselves into others when it feels like our schedules are already full? What is our place in carrying out the Great Commission?

In this practical book, Kandi Gallaty helps you develop an effective disciple-making strategy in your life and the lives of others. Disciple Her is filled with Kandi’s personal stories, more than a decade’s worth of discipleship experiences, and most importantly, her commitment to the Word of God.

Kandi doesn’t stop at helping women understand what discipleship is—she gives them a practical game plan for weaving it into their weekly lifestyle, and teaching those they disciple to do the same. Disciple Her will be a point of reference for women to use time and time again in the years to come as women intentionally obey Jesus’ command to invest their lives into others.  

And now, my review:

What I found about Disciple Her by Kandi Gallay is likened to a B12 shot.  It sure was a boost to me.  The equipping she includes can really help us to start and keep starting again and again with more and more women and everyone involved doing this.  This is a twelve month to 18 month charge to meet as a group of women and grow with the Word as the central focus.  She offers for us to bring in other books but keeping the Word the main core and not letting your group turn into a book club is very important which I totally agree with.  She has helps for bumps in the road that we might face as we go along and I was thankful for her willingness to share with us readers.  May this book encouraging Matthew 28:18-20 find its way into many hands for His Word, Kingdom, Name, and Glory alone!

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

https://www.amazon.com/Disciple-Her-Using-Wonder-Invest-ebook/dp/B07NHF64LM/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=disciple+her&qid=1556311967&s=gateway&sr=8-2

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/disciple-her-kandi-gallaty/1128911961?ean=9781535902472

https://www.christianbook.com/disciple-using-work-wonder-invest-women/kandi-gallaty/9781535902472/pd/902472?event=ESRCG


God is in the Small Stuff and it all matters by Bruce Bickel and Stan Jantz

God Is in the Small Stuff 20th Anniversary Edition by [Bickel, Bruce, Jantz, Stan]
















Here is the book summary:

Stop worrying, and invite God into the details of your life!

Bruce & Stan's bestselling God Is in the Small Stuff is back and better than ever in this special 20th-anniversary edition! And their message--God is in all of life's little details--is as timely today as it was two decades ago. While encouraging you not to disregard the minor, insignificant things in life, God Is in the Small Stuff invites a better understanding of God's infinite character, reminding you that He is a personal and intimate God, involved in every detail of your life. God Is In the Small Stuff. . .and it all matters features 40 chapters covering topics like "Remember that God Loves You," "Discipline Yourself (No One Else Will)," and "Contentment Won't Kill You." Each chapter includes commentary in the classic, tongue-in-cheek Bruce & Stan style, followed by pithy, often humorous, wisdom. 



And now, my review:

This book is full of little snippets based on different topics and at first I was thinking it was really TOO basic but the book grew on me as I went.  I really enjoyed the love description in one of them.  Sometimes I’m just going along and then bam I hit on something that really speaks to me.  So as you pick up this one, my advice is to not give up on the first one you read but try another one and it just might hit you up for some reflection time.  Enjoy J

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
https://www.amazon.com/God-Small-Stuff-20th-Anniversary-ebook/dp/B07HYKPSS1/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_2?crid=1V3LKODS7MUBY&keywords=god+is+in+the+small+stuff+20th&qid=1556310425&s=gateway&sprefix=god+is+in+the+small+%2Caps%2C149&sr=8-2-fkmrnull

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/god-is-in-the-small-stuff-20th-anniversary-edition-bruce-bickel/1129071640?ean=9781683228905#/

https://www.christianbook.com/the-small-stuff-20th-anniversary-edition/bruce-bickel/9781683228905/pd/228907?event=ESRCG


Saturday, April 20, 2019

Friendship Promises













Here is the book summary:

Friendship Promises is a meaningful gift book, for both the giver and the recipient. Sharing these encouraging words will help friends walk confidently toward a sweet, strong relationship grounded in honesty, kindness, and a devotion to God and one another. Featuring reflections about friendship from Never Unfriended by Lisa-Jo Baker, and Craving Connection from the (in)courage community, Friendship Promises combines beautiful graphics with devotional reflections, prayers, Scripture, and journaling prompts. By giving this lovely book, you are sharing your heart to be a friend that is authentic, present, encouraging, and rooted in Christ.

And now, my review:

This book has a light pink amazing linen cover.  That’s what I personally love most about it.  It’s a great coffee table book for display.  I enjoyed the encouragement written within about friendships and the importance of opening your home to invite friendships to advance to deeper levels.   On the flip side, I felt that it was very basic in design on the inside.  It has full pages of just a centered thought or verse with beautiful pictures/images.  Some of the images are repeated and that was disappointing to me.  I was able to move through this book quite quickly but I think that is typical for most coffee table picture books.  I do think this could be a great encouragement to share with a friend that is special in your life.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
https://www.amazon.com/Friendship-Promises-courage/dp/1535934425/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3KZODQNCA4PR1&keywords=friendship+promises+gift+book&qid=1555771646&s=gateway&sprefix=friendship+promises%2Caps%2C165&sr=8-1

https://www.christianbook.com/friendship-promises-in-courage/9781535934428/pd/934428?event=ESRCG

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/friendship-promises-in-courage/1128912001?ean=9781535934428


Thursday, April 18, 2019

Shadow Among Sheaves by Naomi Stephens

Shadow among Sheaves by [Stephens, Naomi]















Here is the book summary:

A Timeless, Beautiful Allegory of the Biblical Love Story of Ruth and Boaz
 
The Great Rebellion of 1857 was a remarkably bloody business. At a time when Britain’s imperial influence in India was sparking brutal clashes on both sides, no one could have expected Rena, an Indian woman, to marry a British officer—nor do they understand her decision to follow her mother-in-law to England after her husband’s tragic death. 

Once the two widows are in Abbotsville, the stern yet compassionate Lord Barric attempts to help them despite his better judgment. Soon he is torn between the demands of reputation and his increasing desire to capture Rena’s heart for his own.

And now, my review:

Shadow Among Sheaves by Naomi Stephens is a book I’m really thankful to have read. I thought the devotion of the daughter-in-law to her mother-in-law in this historical late 1800s retelling of the book of Ruth was a very compelling plot.  The strife between countries and the intermarriage is unfolded in a great weave pattern. There's loss, frustration, romance, hope, suspense, people you enjoy the character of and people you frankly don't enjoy at all, and a future all rolled together in one.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
https://www.amazon.com/Shadow-among-Sheaves-Naomi-Stephens-ebook/dp/B07HYMH82X/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_1?crid=ISJT5PVIEQRU&keywords=shadow+among+sheaves+naomi+stephens&qid=1555593375&s=gateway&sprefix=shadow+among+%2Caps%2C858&sr=8-1-fkmrnull



Tuesday, April 2, 2019

Low Carb On The Go by Sandra and Mirco Stupning

Low Carb On The Go: More Than 80 Fast, Healthy Recipes - Anytime, Anywhere by [Stupning, Sandra, Stupning, Mirco]
Here is the book summary:
More than 80 fast, healthy low-carbohydrate recipes for meals and snacks you can eat anywhere, anytime.
Low-carb eating is a sustainable lifestyle choice for people who want to lose weight, stabilize blood sugar, or simply avoid the afternoon carb coma. Fitting a low-carbohydrate diet into your busy day is easy with more than 80 meal and snack recipes bursting with modern, vegetable- and protein-packed ideas such as Chia Seed and Turmeric Pudding, Coconut and Vanilla Energy Balls, and Chicken Teriyaki with Cauliflower Rice. Discover tips and tricks for healthy meal prep, and the best way to store and transport your low-carb lunch to keep it looking and tasting fresh. Each recipe contains nutritional information, including the all-important carb count, as well as a handy guide to prep time and equipment you'll need. With Low Carb on the Go, you can plan your low-carb diet and stick to it with more than 80 delicious, healthy meals and snacks for anytime, anywhere.

And now, my review:
Low Carb On The Go is not a book about not eating carbs but about eating healthy carbs and finding exchanges for the not so healthy carbs.  Their drinks look delicious in the full-color pictures the book provides.  My favorite recipe is what the authors call “Oopsies” which is a protein bun made out of eggs and cream cheese and it is a heavenly yum for your avocado and tomato sandwich.  They’ve included different types of bread, breakfast ideas, salads, soups, and desserts.  My favorite part is the full-color pictures which I think makes a cookbook a great cookbook.  And I’m looking forward to planning my menu for the week with these great ideas.    

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




Open-Door Living by Jen Schmidt



Here is the book summary:
Would you like to replace the expectations and anxiety of hosting people in your home with creative encouragement and easy ways to host others, all while pointing them to Christ? In Open-Door Living, Jen Schmidt helps you see that this is much easier than you think. She starts with an invitation to the heart of hospitality, then shares her best practical ideas to remove stress from four aspects of hosting: food, cleaning, atmosphere, and connection. Featuring beautiful graphics and devotional reflections, Open-Door Living will give you the confidence you need to share the gift of your home.

And now, my review:
Open-Door Living by Jen Schmidt is a great “coffee table” book just under 100 pages that has a beautiful cover to display and great insights inside to help in the area of hospitality, in the Biblical sense.  It’s about welcoming people in and pointing them to Christ.  She writes, “As Christ has welcomed me, so I welcome you.”  She helps you think through the prep and my favorite is the conversation starter hints that she includes.  Beyond the affordable decorative ideas that are amazing, she includes helpful hints of what to serve along with recipes.  Once we are set up with a few staples we can be on our way to success in this area.  The display of a personalized chalkboard was a favorite of mine as well as the encouragement to KISS meaning to keep it simple and sweet.   Having a Charcuterie Board on hand with all the fix-ins is the first goal for me.  This will be a shelf item that I can have at the ready for the drop by visits prayerfully starting soon. 

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




A Silken Thread by Kim Vogel Sawyer

A Silken Thread: A Novel by [Vogel Sawyer, Kim]

Here is the book summary:
For readers who love a heartwarming romance and a rich historical setting comes a tale of a young woman with a heavy burden, the International Cotton Exposition, and the pursuit of true love.

Eighteen-year-old Laurel Millard, youngest of seven children, is expected to stay home and "take care of Mama" by her older siblings, but Laurel has dreams of starting her own family. Operating a silk loom at the Atlanta Exposition will give her the chance to capture the heart of a man wealthy enough to take care of Laurel and any children she might bear, as well as her mother.

Langdon Rochester's parents have given him an ultimatum: settle down with a wife or lose his family inheritance. At the Exposition, Langdon meets Laurel. Marrying her would satisfy his parents' command, she would look lovely on his arm for social events, and in her besotted state, he believes she would overlook him continuing pursuing rowdy adventures with his unmarried buddies. Langdon decides to woo Laurel. Willie Sharp is not well-off and must take on an extra job at the Atlanta Exposition as a security guard. When mischief-makers cause trouble in the Women's Building, Willie is put in charge of keeping the building secure. He enjoys visiting with Laurel, who seems like the little sister he never had, but his feelings for Laurel change to something much deeper. Can Willie convince Laurel that he can give her better life--even with so little to offer?

And now, my review:
A Silken Thread by Kim Vogel Sawyer is a gripping novel based on the historical time-setting of life after the War Between the States.  I’m a homeschool Mama and my students and I have been studying this time period and so that element of the book was such a delight.  It’s so disturbing the hurdles that needed to be jumped by the minorities and the apparent disrespect.  I think that the author did a great job of bringing in characters and painting a picture of each one.  Some I liked, some I loved, and some I really couldn’t stand and found myself wanting to pray for so many of them.  I loved the loom and weaving segment.  She made me want to sit at the loom and peacefully create a masterpiece for others to enjoy.  To take a trip across the pond or walk across the bridge.  The precious faith of the parents and especially Quincy’s Mama and her challenges for her son to consider about his insides versus his outside.  Another great one by this author!

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