Plant Lady Embroidery by Applemints

Here is the book summary:

Brimming with over 300 botanical motifs, this wonderful resource will provide inspiration and instructions for embroidery artists and flower ladies everywhere. This collection features designs including flowers, ferns, succulents, leaves, bees and garden scenes. The books includes basic embroidery instruction for stitches and transferring designs onto fabric.

Original designs and clear instructions make this book a must have for any embroidery enthusiast's library. 

And now, my review:

If you are a person who loves to embroider, this is a great book of inspiration.  Included in this book are all sorts of plant embroidery creations.  Among the plants and flowers are a few extras.  The first part of the book is individual creations and as I moved to the back of the book, she had some creations with many components put together.  I found it to be quite inspiring. 

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

https://www.amazon.com/Plant-Lady-Embroidery-Botanical-Designs/dp/1631598457/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2YONOO568LIGB&dchild=1&keywords=plant+lady+embroidery&qid=1596139403&sprefix=plant+lady+em%2Caps%2C185&sr=8-2

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/plant-lady-embroidery-applemints/1132830715?ean=9781631598456

Sacred Endurance by Trillia Newbell

Here is the book summary:

God promises to finish the good work he began in us―but that doesn't come without bumps in the road. Life can be hard, faith can wane, and distractions abound. Too many today are at risk of compromising their integrity or giving up on their faith. How can we persevere to the end? Trillia Newbell, a fellow struggler on the journey, offers encouragement and hope for us to run the race well. While life may be full of challenges, we have a true and real hope in Jesus, who provides us with what we need to endure through pain and doubt. Newbell shares theological insights and practical disciplines to train us for faithful, godly living over the long haul. The race is hard, but you are not running it alone. Find strength and courage here to endure and finish well.

And now, my review:

I found Sacred Endurance by Trillia Newbell to be full of Truth from His Word and encouragement to keep on going for the right reasons.  It’s called endurance for the call of Christ.  A call to keep on pressing forward despite the hard things, despite the things that try to derail us, that try to trip us up.  The point or goal of this book is to encourage us to run the race in such a way to hear the long-awaited words of “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

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

https://www.amazon.com/Sacred-Endurance-Finding-Strength-Lasting/dp/083084578X/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=sacred+endurance&qid=1596138218&sr=8-1

https://www.christianbook.com/sacred-endurance-finding-strength-lasting-faith/trillia-newbell/9780830845781/pd/845781?product_redirect=1&search_term=sacred%20endurance&Ntt=845781&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sacred-endurance-trillia-newbell/1132030024?ean=9780830845781

How to Draw Almost Everything Volume 2

Here is the book summary:

How to Draw Almost Everything Volume 2—a follow-up to the popular book 

·       Learn to draw each illustration in easy-to-follow steps. Just follow the arrows to complete each step. You’ll also find helpful tips and ideas for drawing variations.

·       Start with basic shapes, such as circles, triangles, and squares, then add special details to personalize your illustrations.

·       Draw animals, people, everyday objects, patterns and borders, and holiday and seasonal themes, along with warm-ups and special lessons.

·       An inspiration gallery offers fun ideas for adding illustrations to everyday objects or creating one-of-a-kind notes, cards, and gifts.

Each book in the Almost Everything series offers readers a fun, comprehensive, and charmingly illustrated visual directory of ideas to inspire skill building in their creative endeavors.

And now, my review:

I found this book to have all sorts of ideas to play around with.

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

https://www.amazon.com/How-Draw-Almost-Everything-Illustrated/dp/1631598465/ref=sr_1_1?crid=HIJY9NIHD9YR&dchild=1&keywords=how+to+draw+almost+everything+volume+2&qid=1596137755&sprefix=how+to+draw+almost+everything+vol%2Caps%2C206&sr=8-1

Super Simple Hand Lettering Projects by Kiley Bennett

Here is the book summary:

The exciting follow-up from Kiley in Kentucky!

·       15 step-by-step projects for cutting boards, coasters, signs, holiday accents, clothing, decorative chalkboards, and more

·       Over 300 photos and drawings take you through each hand-lettering project in detail

·       Hands-on project book for practiced hand letterers to personalize gifts, add to your home décor, and let your letters shine

·       Learn how to use different surfaces, such as chalkboard, fabric, and glass, not just paper

·       Endless inspiration from popular author, teacher, and professional brush-lettering artist Kiley Bennett

If you have mastered Kiley's first book, Super Simple Hand Lettering, then Super Simple Hand-Lettering Projects will take your talents to the next level!

So, you already love to letter and have a favorite alphabet? Then this project guide will keep you inspired, lettering on just about everything, and allow your calligraphy skills to shine! Discover ways to hand letter on a variety of surfaces and materials in order to create amazing and appealing works of art, whether you want to give them as gifts, sell them in your Etsy shop, or decorate your home.

Filled with 15 simply gorgeous projects for making, displaying, and gifting, this book will help you discover all the amazing ways you can take your skills to the next level. Featuring helpful tips for lettering on fabric and wood, lettering with chalk on a chalkboard, lettering on a curved surface, and more, these accessible projects will have you creating a stunning collection of charming holiday ornaments, cake toppers, inspirational signs, functional items, and even clothing—all featuring your own personal touches. With step-by-step instructions, beautiful photography, and design templates, this book is the ultimate source of inspiration for lettering lovers!

Created for the experienced hand-letterer, Super Simple Hand-Lettering Projects contains a quick introductory course on lettering basics just to refresh your memory. Then, the easy-to-follow instructions, high-quality photography, material lists, helpful tips, and expert guidance from Kiley will encourage you to pick up your pens and get lettering!

The second book from the author of the wildly popular Super Simple Hand Lettering, Kiley Bennet (@kileyinkentucky on Instagram), Super Simple Hand-Lettering Projects is the ultimate source of inspiration for passionate hand letterers to keep going!

And now, my review:

Super Simple Hand Lettering by Kiley Bennett is inspirational in the way of inspiring 15 projects.  I did not find it so much a book that teaches hand lettering.  It does however have a few pages to refresh what I already know.  Some of my favorite projects were the writing on glass and adding words to a denim jacket.  I also thought the wrap that goes around flowers to be just a simple yet powerful addition to an already longed for gift. 

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

https://www.amazon.com/Super-Simple-Hand-Lettering-Projects-Calligraphy/dp/1497204518/ref=sr_1_3?crid=214N7HNTOLV48&dchild=1&keywords=super+simple+hand+lettering+projects&qid=1596137051&sprefix=super+simple+hand+lettering+pro%2Caps%2C192&sr=8-3

Where is Wisdom by Scott James

Here is the book summary:

Where can we find wisdom? Down in the deep caverns? At the bottom of the ocean floor? This visual tour through the poetry of Job 28 parallels Scripture and leads readers on a treasure hunt through the wonders of God’s creation.
 
Among all the dazzling treasures this world has to offer, we learn of an even greater treasure—wisdom—and of the mighty God who alone can lead us to it. Beautifully illustrated, Where Is Wisdom? is a unique celebration of the words and imagery of Job, one that guides young readers high and low to marvel ultimately at the true end of wisdom, Jesus Christ.

And now, my review:

Where is Wisdom by Scott James is a full-color amazing children’s book that points directly to Truth.  I just loved it!   I was also thinking about all the adults in my life and the ones that cross my path that would be blessed by having it as well.  It’s taken from Job 28 and beautifully done.  My go to verse for wisdom is Proverbs 9:10 which states, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”  I love how Scripture gets our attention as we slow down and take it all in.  It all fits together.  He is where wisdom is found!  I highly recommend this delightful book.

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

https://www.amazon.com/Where-Wisdom-Treasure-Wondrous-Inspired/dp/1535965967/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=where+is+wisdom&qid=1596043473&sr=8-1

https://www.christianbook.com/where-is-wisdom-scott-james/9781535965965/pd/965965?event=ESRCG

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/where-is-wisdom-scott-james/1132106926?ean=9781535965965

The Edge of Everywhen by A.S. Mackey

Here is the book summary:

A unique middle-grade novel, The Edge of Everywhen tells the story of Piper, a 13-year-old self-proclaimed book nerd whose world has been upended after the death of her mother. She and her autistic little brother (and best friend) Phoenix cling to one another as they are forced to move a thousand miles away from everything familiar and live with their rich, estranged aunt.
 
Piper reaches to the books on her shelf for comfort, but it is one unique book, Novus Fabula, who offers true guidance as the omniscient narrator in the story. It watches them arrive at their aunt’s home, with tired hearts and stones in their stomachs, and now its whispered voice must point the children to depend upon the sovereignty of God during the most dire times as they await word of their missing father.

“What’s that you say? Books cannot speak? On the contrary, dear Reader. Quite the contrary. Books are one of the few things on this earth that truly speak, from the moment the first word is penned until the book’s last Reader has drawn their final breath.
Let me show you.”—Novus Fabula
 
Full of mystery and intrigue, The Edge of Everywhen story bridges the chasm between faith-based and fantasy kid-lit genres. It is a book-lover’s book, carrying the reader right into the adventure as Piper and Phoenix embark upon a life-changing journey, in search of their father and of a faith to call their own.

And now, my review:

The following is a review through the eyes of a teenager.  The Edge of Everywhen gets you into the people.  It can be very frightening and sometimes make you shake to your bones.  Other times it’s pleasant with your lemonade or hot cocoa in hand as if someone is talking to you.  Personally, I think that this book should be for ages 15 or higher because there are war scenes in it.  At the beginning of each chapter there is a quote from people, sometimes from the Bible.  

Some downsides, in this book they mention other books including Harry Potter, Narnia, and Lord of the Rings.  I don’t like or want to know anything about Harry Potter because there is nothing Christian about it.  They also talk about magic.  I don’t like that word unless you’re meaning Supernatural.  They talk about superstition which isn’t fun to read about either. 

The author does have prayer, the Bible, and believers in there.  Along with food, intrigue, danger, and adventure.  So, buckle up for the strangest ride of your life.

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

https://www.amazon.com/Edge-Everywhen-S-Mackey/dp/1535992611/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+edge+of+everywhen&qid=1596042374&sr=8-1

https://www.christianbook.com/the-edge-of-everywhen/a-s-mackey/9781535992619/pd/992610?event=ESRCG

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-edge-of-everywhen-a-s-mackey/1132106916?ean=9781535992619

The Prayer of Agur by Jay Payleitner

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Here is the book summary:

“Learn a simple prayer that will help you find your sweet spot in life.”—Josh McDowell, author of More Than a Carpenter

“Give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread.”
Proverbs 30:8

This simple, unexpected request from a little-known biblical author named Agur is the only prayer in all of Proverbs, and it offers life-changing potential.
 
Imagine finding new purpose and contentment in your work, personal ministry, and relationships. Open your heart to Agur’s wit and wisdom, and you can learn to
 
• escape imbalance
• overcome fear of failure and eliminate envy
• joyfully pursue your passions
• reap the eternal rewards of trusting God
• find your personal sweet spot
 
In our modern, busy lives, embracing balance leads us away from bad decision-making and the emotional cost of trying to do too much or survive with too little. 
 
This engaging and practical book faithfully unpacks Agur’s humble prayer. Read it in an evening. Affirm it for a lifetime. Share it with those you love.

And now, my review:

I found The Prayer of Agur by Jay Payleitner to be a wonderful read of digging deeper into Proverbs chapter 30. I love the author’s writing voice in that it’s like he’s sitting with me while I’m reading and sharing with me all that God has shown him.  It truly is quite a prayer that Agur prays and one to stop and think about personally.  It takes TRUST in the One to pray such a prayer.  There is much to be said before and after it as well.  I loved all the author brought out to ponder and he even included some group discussion questions at the end.  Each chapter is quick in reading but the key is slowing down and bringing it inside.  I’m excited about the sweet spot that God has me at and I’m looking forward to what He is doing and is going to do with it.

I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Prayer-Agur-Ancient-Wisdom-Discovering/dp/052565383X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=21FDLHVNQ7UN5&dchild=1&keywords=the+prayer+of+agur&qid=1596038352&sprefix=The+prayer+of+a%2Caps%2C187&sr=8-1

https://www.christianbook.com/prayer-ancient-wisdom-discovering-sweet-life/jay-payleitner/9780525653837/pd/653837?event=ESRCG

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-prayer-of-agur-jay-payleitner/1133552849?ean=9780525653837