Sunday, September 30, 2018

Imagine The Ten Plagues by Matt Koceich


Imagine... The Ten Plagues (Imagine...Series Book 2) by [Koceich, Matt]

Here is the book summary:
The Second Release in an Epic Bible Adventure Series for Kids
The last thing fourth-grader Kai Wells remembers (before the world as she knew it disappeared) is being surrounded by bullies on her walk home from school. What happens next can't be explained as Kai finds herself on the run for her life in ancient Egypt! Imagine. . .The Ten Plagues is the second release in an exciting, brand-new epic adventure series for kids ages 8 to 12 written by schoolteacher Matt Koceich. The Imagine series brings the Bible to life for today's kids as they ponder what it would be like to live through a monumental biblical event. 

And now, my review:
This book about the 10 plagues mentioned in Exodus all those years ago, was a great adventure that we got to go on together.  We really enjoy the imagination that this author uses in his books.  This is the second book that we have read by him.  When asked, my kids thought it was totally awesome!!  It was a bit scary at one point, but that is what makes an adventure exciting, and really it wasn’t too bad.  It has a way of drawing you into the plagues.  We liked the names he used for his characters.  It also has a great message on dealing with bullies in our lives.  It is an encouraging read to stand up against them and not be subject to their taunting. 
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing, Netgalley and was under no obligation to post a review.






Amish Cooking Class Cookbook by Wanda Brunstetter




Here is the book summary:
Amish Cooking Basic Enough for Beginners
 
Fans of New York Times bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter’s Amish romance novels are invited to go back to cooking basics with characters from the bestselling Amish Cooking Class series. Heidi Troyer, her students, and other contributors share over 200 practical recipes for use in any kitchen, along with tips to keep things running smoothly. From learning how to boil eggs and knead biscuits to building a German Pizza and an Amish Haystack feast, The Amish Cooking Class Cookbook includes something beneficial for every age and skill set. Divided into traditional cookbook categories, there is a recipe everyone will find to love.

And now, my review:
Aside from just being the extended preview, I enjoyed paging through this one.  The helpful hints at the front were very helpful.  For example, when peeling potatoes, cover them in cold water so they don’t turn dark…  Thumbs up!  And you can have them sit like this overnight in the fridge and use them the next day.  There’s also a helpful hint on the fastest way to peel potatoes.     This is so nice to know while we are coming into Thanksgiving and Christmas Season.  I’m also looking forward to trying the book's recipe on Eggnog for our tree trimming day coming up soon.  Check this one out for delicious Amish cooking.

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





Friday, September 28, 2018

Healthy Air Fryer Cookbook by Dana Angelo White

Healthy Air Fryer Cookbook: 100 Great Recipes with Fewer Calories and Less Fat by [White, Dana Angelo]

Here is the book summary:
Air frying is fast, convenient, and healthier than oil frying, but it's not easy to find air frying recipes that are healthy and tasty. The Healthy Air Fryer Cookbook contains 100 recipes that are absolutely delicious and also better for your health because they use less oil and contain healthier ingredients than traditional fried foods. Included in this book are better-for-you versions of traditional main dishes, breakfasts, sides (like French fries), desserts (like cookies), and more. You'll also learn how to use this versatile appliance to bake, roast, and grill many of your favorite fried foods-with fewer calories.

And now, my review:
This book had me from the word Healthy…  I love that about the air fryer.  From salmon to bacon, to veggies, and desserts… this book holds an amazing amount of yummy recipes.  It even has a gluten-free donut hole recipe that I’ll be needing to try out very soon.  There is a pear crisp recipe that also looks like a great addition to a wonderful meal.  This book includes full colored pictures to a lot of the recipes that will make your mouth water.  The instructions are thorough and it’s really amazing all the things that you can do with your air fryer.  Time to get cooking and creating wonderful meals for my family.

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



Thursday, September 27, 2018

10-Step Drawing Flowers by Mary Woodin




Here is the book summary:
Featuring illustrated tutorials for drawing 75 different flowers, Ten-Step Drawing: Flowers breaks down each subject into 10 simple steps. All you need to get started is a pen or pencil and a piece of paper!

Handy prompts encourage artistic individuality and include helpful tips for drawing other subjects not featured in the book.

Ten-Step Drawing: Flowers will encourage even the most reluctant amateur artist to draw their heart out.

And now, my review:
This is the second book that I have looked at lately with the whole idea of 10 steps to a completed, beautiful drawing.  This book holds the promise of creating floral bouquets of flowers.  This author/artist has included so many options to choose from, from flowers to herbs.  Again I just love these books that make simple instructions that are doable to a finished work that is something I can be proud of.  I can sit back with the feeling of satisfaction after just 10 easy steps.  I think I’ll try another one very soon. 

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




10-Step Drawing Animals by Heather Kilgour



Here is the book summary:
Featuring illustrated tutorials for drawing 75 different animals, Ten-Step Drawing: Animals breaks down each subject into 10 simple steps. All you need to get started is a pen or pencil and a piece of paper!

With Ten-Step Drawing: Animals, you will learn to create an awe-inspiring array of different animals. Step by step, you will create creatures both wild (bald eagle, armadillo, meerkat, dung beetle) and domesticated (donkey, camel, duck, goat). The animals include those from the sea (whale, sea turtle, jellyfish, walrus) and the woodland (snail, fox, raccoon, river otter). Even learn to draw your favorite pets (cat, dog, rabbit, guinea pig).

Handy prompts encourage artistic individuality and include helpful tips for drawing other subjects not featured in the book.

Ten-Step Drawing: Animals is sure to encourage even the most reluctant amateur artist to draw their heart out.

And now, my review:
This is a great book for simple drawings that can be made complex with the details.  I just loved how she walked me through step by step from simple to complex and there emerged an amazing animal out of it.  She doesn’t add a bunch more details than just what I need, which I liked.  There are also so many animal options to choose from.  Land animals and sea creatures.  I loved that she added so many options to choose from.  There’s bound to be something for everyone. Grab your drawing pencils and paper and plan to sit down with this book soon.
I received a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Ten-Step-Drawing-Animals-Learn-Steps/dp/1633224880/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1538062848&sr=8-1&keywords=ten-step+drawing+animals+by+heather+kilgour

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ten-step-drawing-heather-kilgour/1129208944?ean=9781633224889


The Orphan's Wish by Melanie Dickerson

The Orphan's Wish by [Dickerson, Melanie]

Here is the book summary:
From New York Times bestselling author Melanie Dickerson comes an inspired retelling of the beloved folk tale Aladdin.
Orphaned and alone, Aladdin travels from the streets of his Arab homeland to a strange, faraway place. Growing up in an orphanage, he meets young Lady Kirstyn, whose father is the powerful Duke of Hagenheim. Despite the difference in their stations, Aladdin quickly becomes Kirstyn’s favorite companion, and their childhood friendship grows into a bond that time and opposition cannot break.
Even as a child, Aladdin works hard, learning all he can from his teachers. Through his integrity, intelligence, and sheer tenacity, he earns a position serving as the duke’s steward. But that isn’t enough to erase the shame of being forced to steal as a small child—or the fact that he’s an orphan with no status. If he ever wants to feel equal to his beautiful and generous friend Kirstyn, he must leave Hagenheim and seek his fortune.
Yet once Aladdin departs, Lady Kirstyn becomes a pawn in a terrible plot. Now, Aladdin and Kirstyn must rely on their bond to save her from unexpected danger. But will saving Kirstyn cost Aladdin his newfound status and everything he’s worked so hard to obtain?
An enchanting new version of the well-known tale, The Orphan’s Wish tells a story of courage and loyalty, friendship and love, and reminds us what “family” really means.

And now, my review:

This book is a historical fiction based on the 1400s and I thought it would be great as it was a retelling of Aladdin. I found this book to be intriguing, suspenseful, including love and loss and love with the hope of rescue. I enjoyed the details she went into in this story and it really caught my attention. It made me happy, scared and sad sometimes, with an eagerness to find out what happens next and to keep on reading. The main female character's courage was inspiring in the way of how she faced her fears. 

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





The House at Saltwater Point by Colleen Coble

The House at Saltwater Point (A Lavender Tides Novel) by [Coble, Colleen]

Here is the book summary:
The dangerous beauty of Lavender Tides is harboring secrets that reach around the world.
Ellie Blackmore is making a name for herself as a house flipper. But when her sister Mackenzie disappears, Ellie can’t focus on anything but uncovering what happened. Her only clue is the bloodstain on the deck of Mackenzie’s boat. Ellie knows her sister isn’t on the best of terms with her ex-husband, Jason, but he wouldn’t kill her—would he? 
Coast Guard intelligence officer Grayson Bradshaw believes Mackenzie faked her own death after stealing a seized cocaine shipment. The problem is convincing Ellie, who seems to view him as the true enemy.
Both Ellie and Grayson want the truth, but truth—and family—is often more complex than it first appears. From international terrorism to the peaceful lavender fields of Puget Sound, The House at Saltwater Point is a thrilling race to uncover the truth before it’s too late.

And now, my review:

The House at Saltwater Point by Colleen Coble is an adventurous and crazy read. Colleen has a way about her writing that is intense and gripping. She thinks through scenarios well and brings realistic plots to life. She adds details that are bought out in a “Murder She Wrote” kind of way. If you love mystery and murder books and not so much the lighthearted Hallmark type, you'll want to check this one out and move on to all her others.

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