The Complete Photo Guide to Hand Lettering & Calligraphy by Abbey Sy

Here is the book summary:

Written by best-selling author and hand letterer Abbey Sy, The Complete Photo Guide to Hand Lettering and Calligraphy covers the basics and beyond for creative lettering techniques.  

The book begins with an overview of tools and materials, both traditional (pointed pen and fountain pen) and modern (including brush markers and chalk), then presents a visual glossary of letterforms, highlights the unique characteristics of the featured alphabets, and demonstrates how to draw letterforms to foster an understanding of how they’re created. The core chapters explore traditional, modern, and special effects lettering using a variety of mark-making tools, with in-depth how-to on adding flourishes and other special details, plus creative projects. There’s also an introduction to modifying and creating letterforms digitally, as well as practice sheets for the featured alphabets.
 
So whether you’ve never tried lettering before or you’d like to develop your skills and consider all your creative options, The Complete Photo Guide to Hand Lettering and Calligraphy will guide and inspire you on your lettering journey.

And now, my review:

Here are some of my thoughts on this one… I thought the author did a great job with helping to get those creative juices flowing in the marketing/creating/inspiration area of helping to influence the projects I am interested in doing.  IN addition to amazing lettering options, this author added nice drawings that can be added to dress-up whatever I am working on.  She added some card-making ideas to which I could add my lettering, too.   Beyond all those wonderful things, my favorite part of the book was the corkboard ideas and the wood slabs.  Those were very inspirational and I hope to make something soon. 

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

https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Photo-Guide-Lettering-Calligraphy-ebook/dp/B07DQ83998/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1537393811&sr=8-1&keywords=the+complete+photo+guide+to+hand+lettering+and+calligraphy

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-complete-photo-guide-to-hand-lettering-and-calligraphy-abbey-sy/1127174133?ean=9781589239630#/

The Daily Question for You and Your Child by Waterbrook

Here is the book summary:

A fun, thought-provoking 365-question guided journal and keepsake that sparks daily interaction with your child to create a memory book capturing your child's life, personality, and faith journey.

This interactive prompted journal allows a parent to create a keepsake of three years of their child's life. By answering each of the 365 questions together on the same date each year, readers will get a unique and precious picture into their child's feelings, development, and personality. Some of the questions focus on spirituality and the child's heart, while some are meant to capture their creativity, spirit, and sense of humor. All questions spark conversations and memories that span well beyond the pages of this book.

And now, my review:

What a fun way to connect with my child every day and doing it for 3 years in a row, which is how the book is broken down, gives me loads of memorabilia.  The questions are simple for every age and yet pointed to get the best picture of my child at every age I am using the book.  I think I could even do it one year, wait for one to 2 years and journal again their thoughts, and wait and then do it for the final look into their world of answering these simple questions.  One of the questions: Describe a sunset.  The answer for this would grow with their abilities to describe such scenes.  Another question is: What is something you would teach someone else.  This would also change with years and it would be precious to capture in one place the sweet answers of my little one.  While doing this with my littlest one, she asks me after I write her responses, “what do you think Mama?”  In other words, she wants to hear how I would answer the questions, too. J  I love the connection that this book brings to our times together.  This is a great way for me to be intentional with my child every day of the year.

I received a copy of this book from Waterbrook in exchange for my honest review.  #PRHpartner  @WaterBrookMultnomah

https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Question-You-Your-Child/dp/052565092X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1537386241&sr=8-1&keywords=the+daily+question+for+you+and+your+child

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-daily-question-for-you-and-your-child-waterbrook/1128515160?ean=9780525650928#/

https://www.christianbook.com/daily-question-child-three-spiritual-journal/9780525650928/pd/650923?product_redirect=1&Ntt=650923&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

The Covenant Giving God the Reins by Kimberly Hicks Graham

Here is the book summary:

The Covenant: Giving God the Reigns by Kimberly Hicks-Graham

As the elevator door closed, I heard her words: Do you have a living will or directive if you were to code in this elevator?" Words that pierced my heart and would change my life forever. It was obvious she spoke these words often as they seemed to come off her lips effortlessly. How should I react? How would you react? The thoughts stirring in my head were overwhelming. Where are you, God? Speak to me. He had spoken: I just didn't know it yet. It is a miracle.

Whether you are beginning your walk with God or looking for a deeper relationship with him, you will find hope and inspiration as you read these pages. The powerful message of God's promises brought to life through one family's journey and the many lives it touched along the way.

Prepare to feel God's awesome power as you experience this true story. It can change your life.

And now, my review:

I found this book to be a very quick read. I don't completely line up with all her ways of thinking on everything, but it looks like in the end that she is growing in her walk with the Lord and that is what matters most. This is a book about a woman who shares her life story (so far). Everyone has a story to tell and their life matters to God and so then as a believer it should matter to me.  So by taking the time to sit and listen I was blessed with some takeaways that can be monumental in my walk with God. I know she does not mean for this book to be sad but, for me, it was so often as I was reading. I could relate to her story in some places (widowhood, control) and life lessons shared can be just the encouragement another person needs. That might be just what this book might be for you. You might want to have a box of Kleenex nearby for the emotions that are bound to come. 

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

https://www.amazon.com/Covenant-Giving-God-Reins-ebook/dp/B077TTXJ4W/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1535648589&sr=8-1&keywords=the+covenant+giving+God

The Mayflower Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse

Here is the book summary:

Can a religious separatist and an opportunistic spy make it in the New World?
A brand new series for fans of all things related to history, romance, adventure, faith, and family trees.

Mary Elizabeth Chapman boards the Speedwell in 1620 as a Separatist seeking a better life in the New World. William Lytton embarks on the Mayflower as a carpenter looking for opportunities to succeed—and he may have found one when a man from the Virginia Company offers William a hefty sum to keep a stealth eye on company interests in the new colony. The season is far too late for good sailing and storms rage, but reaching land is no better as food is scarce and the people are weak. Will Mary Elizabeth survive to face the spring planting and unknown natives? Will William be branded a traitor and expelled?

And now, my review:

Kimberley Woodhouse did an amazing job of penning this intense, moving, hard-working, and tear bringing book. To set the imagination of what these people faced while crossing the great, deep, dark ocean in search of being able to live in freedom for their faith.  The times of sea storms, sicknesses, and death, she's included it all. As we study American History in school this year, I felt that this book was right on time and a great read gearing us up for our year of study ahead. I really look forward to continuing this series as new books come out!

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

https://www.amazon.com/Mayflower-Bride-Daughters-Book-ebook/dp/B074PJ1K65/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1535645915&sr=8-1&keywords=the+mayflower+bride+by+kimberley+woodhouse

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-mayflower-bride-kimberley-woodhouse/1126627892?ean=9781683224198

https://www.christianbook.com/the-mayflower-bride-1/kimberley-woodhouse/9781683224198/pd/224190?product_redirect=1&Ntt=224190&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

The Accidental Guardian by Mary Connealy

Here is the book summary:

When Trace Riley finds the smoldering ruins of a small wagon train, he recognizes the hand behind the attack as the same group who left him as sole survivor years ago. Living off the wilderness since then, he'd finally carved out a home and started a herd--while serving as a self-appointed guardian of the trail, driving off dangerous men. He'd 
hoped those days were over, but the latest attack shows he was wrong.

Deborah Harkness saved her younger sister and two toddlers during the attack, and now finds herself at the mercy of her rescuer. Trace offers the only shelter for miles around, and agrees to take them in until she can safely continue. His simple bachelor existence never anticipated kids and women in the picture and their arrival is unsettling--yet enticing. 

Working to survive the winter and finally bring justice to the trail, Trace and Deborah find themselves drawn together--yet every day approaches the moment she'll leave forever. 

And now, my review:

The Accidental Guardian was a delightful read of a new series by this author and I found myself ready for a new series by her. She did a great job on this one. She engaged my heart from the start and, as is her way, she kept me reading to find out what happens to each character. I felt that she did well in bringing me into the drama of wagon trains back in the days of Early American History. The amounts of snow that had to be traveled through in one part of the book was crazy and the hospitality to put people up for long visits was inspirational. 

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

https://www.amazon.com/Accidental-Guardian-High-Sierra-Sweethearts-ebook/dp/B07879BFB2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1535645218&sr=8-1&keywords=the+accidental+guardian+mary+connealy

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-accidental-guardian-mary-connealy/1126332844?ean=9780764219290#/

https://www.christianbook.com/the-accidental-guardian-1/mary-connealy/9780764219290/pd/219290?product_redirect=1&Ntt=219290&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

Amish Cooking Class The Celebration by Wanda Brunstetter

Here is the book summary:

Return to Holmes County, Ohio, for Amish style cooking class.

Lyle and Heidi Troyer have taken in a brother and sister, who were orphaned when their parents were killed in a car accident. Hoping to help the children adapt and make friends, Heidi decides to hold a series of cooking classes for kids. But kids are always accompanied by an adult—and that is where the trouble arises.
 
Miranda Cooper is living the life of a single mom to her two kids while separated from her husband, but Trent is trying to worm his way back into her heart.
 
Denise McGuire’s life as a wife, mom, and real estate broker is full and spilling over.
 
Darren Keller, single dad and firefighter, and Ellen Blackburn, single mom and nurse, find a few things in common.
 
Will hearts be healed over plates of Amish food?

And now, my review:

I have read all of the books in this series and they are all based on an Amish Woman who offers to teach a cooking class in her home for anyone that is interested and they don’t have to be Amish to sign up and attend.  My girls and I enjoyed this book together.  It is a simple story. There were many outside stories but they were brought together by one main theme. Many testimonies of faith in Jesus were present. A great example of how they all helped each other through their ups and downs and in their journey to become more like Christ. 

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

https://www.amazon.com/Amish-Cooking-Class-Wanda-Brunstetter-ebook/dp/B074TWDF8D/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1535644344&sr=8-1&keywords=the+celebration

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/amish-cooking-class-the-celebration-wanda-e-brunstetter/1126627894?ean=9781624167461#/

https://www.christianbook.com/the-celebration-amish-cooking-class/wanda-brunstetter/9781624167461/pd/167460?product_redirect=1&Ntt=167460&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

My Heart Belongs in Niagara Falls New York by Amanda Barratt

Here is the book summary:

Journey now to Niagara Falls, New York, of 1870 where...
She avoids danger at all costs. He makes his living by rushing headlong into it.
 
Outwardly, Adele Linley’s trip to visit her American cousins is nothing more than a summer vacation. In reality, she’s the daughter of an English aristocrat with barely a penny to her name seeking a rich American husband. 

Having grown up in an overcrowded orphanage, Drew Dawson is determined to make a name for himself. He’ll take any honest job to provide for his sister—even crossing Niagara Falls by tightrope.
 
On a sightseeing trip to the Falls, Adele meets several eligible suitors. Incredibly wealthy and pompous, Franklin Conway takes an immediate fancy to her. But Adele would truly like to marry for love.  When she encounters the mysterious Drew in the garden, Adele is confused by her feelings for someone who is everything she is NOT looking for. Will they both stay the course they have chosen for themselves?

And now, my review:

All of these “My Heart Belongs in… “ books get you with the cover and blesses you with the read of them.  My Heart Belongs in Niagara Falls New York by Amanda Barrett is a wonderful read of the power of God at work through hearts and lives of people that He draws to Himself. There are cringing moments of tightrope walking and there are moments of defeat and despair but they are so nicely packaged in this story of redemption and hope in God.  Without God comes the meaningless pursuit of life and all the empty problems and with God comes the eternal future purpose-filled life. 

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

https://www.amazon.com/Heart-Belongs-Niagara-Falls-York-ebook/dp/B074V225C2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1535641700&sr=8-1&keywords=my+heart+belongs+in+niagara+falls+new+york

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/my-heart-belongs-in-niagara-falls-new-york-amanda-barratt/1126583355?ean=9781683223412

https://www.christianbook.com/my-heart-belongs-in-niagara-falls/amanda-barratt/9781683223412/pd/223414?product_redirect=1&Ntt=223414&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP