How to Draw Cool Stuff by Catherine V. Holmes

Here is the book summary:

How to Draw Cool Stuff: Holidays, Seasons and Events is a step-by-step drawing guide that illustrates popular celebrations, holidays and events for your drawing pleasure. From the Chinese New Year to April Fools' Day, Father's Day to Halloween, Christmas and New Year’s Eve - this book covers over 100 fun days, holidays, seasons and events, and offers simple lessons that will teach you how to draw like a pro and get you in the spirit of whichever season it may be!

The third book in the How To Draw Cool Stuff series, this exciting new title will teach you how to create simple illustrations using basic shapes and a drawing technique that simplifies the process of drawing, all while helping you construct height, width and depth in your work. It will guide you through the creative thought process and provide plenty of ideas to get you started. The lessons in this book will also teach you how to think like an artist and remind you that you are only limited by your imagination!

And now, my review:

We really have had fun with this one.  Here’s a book that has step-by-step instructions that take you through the process of drawing something.  The set-up is that each month they have some ideas that you might want to try so it can carry you throughout the year.  You’ll take some and lose some but in the end there is a lot to choose from so we enjoyed it.  It’s time to get out some drawing paper, our nice set of pencils and try another one.  Maybe you’ll want to learn to draw a rose or a summer beach scene.  If so, this might just be the book for you.  You call pick it up at the links below.

I received this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/How-Draw-Cool-Stuff-Holidays-ebook/dp/B01F9S7RCG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1490318930&sr=8-1&keywords=How+to+draw+cool+stuff+holidays%2C+season%2C+events

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/how-to-draw-cool-stuff-catherine-v-holmes/1123820092?ean=9780692661987

The Matchmaker Brides Collection by Kim Vogel Sawyer, Amanda Cobot, Diana Lesire Brandmeyer, Lisa Carter, Ramona K. Cecil, Lynn A Coleman, Susanne Dietze, Connie Stevens, Liz Tolsma

Here is the book summary:

Nine Meddling Matchmakers Find Love When They Least Expect It

Meet nine women of the late 1800s who have found themselves in the role of matchmaker. They think they have mastered the art of recognizing romantic potential in others, but when it comes to their own lives they have been unlucky in love. In small communities from Tennessee to Colorado, Wyoming to Indiana, love unexpectedly enters the women’s lives with men they never imagined marrying. But what will it take to get these ladies to say “I do”?

Home Grown Bride by Diana Lesire Brandmeyer
1876–Lebanon, Illinois
Emmie Mueller thinks the only way to leave Illinois and join her family in Kansas is to play matchmaker to the boarders who stand in the way of her grandmother selling her house. But tables are turned when the boarders attempt to match her with the newest man in town, Landon Knipp.

The Unmatched Bride by Amanda Cabot
1886–Cheyenne, Wyoming Territory
When a confirmed spinster matchmaker accepts an unusual assignment and helps a wealthy widower choose the right mate for his daughter, more than one couple finds true love.

Playing Possum by Lisa Carter
1895–Possum Trot, WY
Hoping to outplay, outwit, and outlast the Possum Trot matchmakers during the harvest festival, Cage Cooper proposes a pretend engagement to suffragette Theodosia Holland. Trouble is—in playing possum, they both may have gotten far more than they bargained for.

Hog Trough Bride by Ramona K. Cecil
1882–Honeytown, Indiana
Hoping to save her older sister from the humiliation of having to dance in the hog trough—a local custom when a younger sister beats her older sister to the altar—an aspiring bride engages in multiple matchmaking attempts with chaotic and surprising results.

The Tinman’s Match by Lynn A. Coleman
1880–On the road from Virginia to Tennessee
Josephine Woodley is surprised to find Xander Russell, a matchmaker, is an honorable man. Can she soften his tin heart enough for him to consider a match of his own?

Miss Matched by Susanne Dietze
1879–Emerald, Colorado
Brainy Grace Perkins applies scientific principles to play matchmaker for the singles in her small town. However, her hypothesis leaves out God’s role and matters of the heart, creating tangled results.

The Backfired Bride by Kim Vogel Sawyer
1889–Friendly, Kansas
Can a pair of single, inexperienced but well-meaning young people convince an older man and woman that marriage is better than remaining alone?

Sing of the Mercy by Connie Stevens
1876–Black Hills of Dakota Territory
A newly-elected mayor teams up with a hash house cook to turn a mining camp into a brand new town. Will they be able to transform the rough-edged miners into gentlemen, persuading prospective brides to consider matrimony?

A Match Made in Heaven by Liz Tolsma
1885–Detwiler, Iowa
Pastor Len Montgomery receives an unusual letter that turns him into the matchmaker he never wanted to be. But the match he most wants to make, the one with the town’s sweet and charming postmistress, may be out of his reach.

And now, my review:

I had the song “Matchmaker, Matchmaker” from Fiddler on the Roof singing in my head while enjoying this one!  What a great book full of 9 short stories!  Don’t let “short” stop you because each of these wonderful stories are well-developed and full of a great reads in-and-of themselves.  I love that about these great Barbour books.  For this book, the theme is Matchmaker and it’s a great idea to base some great reads on by some fantastic authors.  I really enjoyed finding out who in each story was the matchmaker and how it was played out, based on the time period of the 1800s.  Even the best intentions were sometimes realized surprises. 

I received this book in exchange for my review.

https://www.amazon.com/Matchmaker-Brides-Collection-Matchmakers-Romance-ebook/dp/B01N9O2VRW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1490306646&sr=8-2&keywords=the+matchmakers+brides+collection

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-matchmaker-brides-collection-amanda-cabot/1123887424?ean=9781634099547

https://www.christianbook.com/matchmaker-collection-matchmakers-tables-romance-turned/amanda-cabot/9781634099547/pd/099547?event=ESRCG

Door to Freedom by Jana Kelley

Here is the book summary:
"It's rough and it's smooth. It's dark and it's light. It's a masterpiece. It's us. Here in Sudan. We are scared of it and drawn to it. There is an open door, and there is much opposition."

In the dusty, Islamic country of Sudan, Mia, who is raising her family in a Muslim country, has learned to boldly share her faith. Rania, the daughter of a wealthy Sudanese Arab, seeks to find the reason for her sister’s sudden disappearance. Mia holds some of the answers, but both women quickly discover they must each walk through their own doors to freedom—the freedom that only comes when you trust God’s sovereignty more than man-made security.

Part of New Hope® Publishers’ line of contemporary missional fiction, Door to Freedom, the sequel to Side by Side, opens the reader’s eyes to modern-day persecution and the life of Muslims in Sudan. Based on real-life events, Door to Freedom also reveals some of the struggles that Christians face when living under Islamic law. The reader will be inspired to pray for those who are persecuted for their faith as well as for the salvation of the persecutors.

And now, my review:

What an amazing book.  Feet on the ground in a country apposed to the gospel of Jesus Christ.  What a great read to put you prayerfully in touch with life lived for the sole purpose to share the gospel in the situation you have been placed in.  I love the open door for the gospel parts!  This read kept me reading and reflecting on what was to come next.  It made me want to keep reading to know how it continues to work out for this family in this place.  I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.  I also look forward to reading more like this in the future.

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

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51yprx5MaXL.jpg

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/door-to-freedom-jana-kelley/1124423440?ean=9781625915160

https://www.christianbook.com/door-to-freedom-jana-kelley/9781625915160/pd/915165?product_redirect=1&Ntt=915165&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

Where do I find Jesus by Sheila Walsh

Here is the book summary:

Twins Emma and Liam are eager to introduce their new friend Abby to a special place and a special someone. As Abby uncovers the surprise, she gets help from a delightful dog duo to discover someone special who loves her very much—Jesus! With a letter from the author that includes the gospel message, this fun story offers a unique way to introduce young readers to Jesus and show them why and how to find Him.

And now, my review:

We found this to be a nice read about coming into a relationship with Jesus.  Simple.  There were parts that were funny and there was also mystery.  My girls liked the adventure and the slides.  You might want to check it out for your family too.

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

https://www.amazon.com/Where-Do-I-Find-Jesus/dp/1433688069/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1489016028&sr=8-1&keywords=where+do+I+find+Jesus

Long Time Gone by Mary Connealy

Here is the book summary:

Connealy Combines Western Action and Charming Historical Romance

The Boden clan thought their problems had ended with the death of a dangerous enemy, but have they truly uncovered the real plot to take their New Mexico ranch? Rancher Justin Boden is now in charge. He is normally an unshakable and rugged man, but with his brother, Cole, shot and in mortal danger, even a tough man faces doubts. And it doesn't help that Angie DuPree, the assistant to the doctor trying to save Cole, is as distracting a woman as Justin ever laid eyes on.

With her and the doc's timely skills, Cole looks to be on the mend, and Justin and the rest of the Bodens can turn their attention back to the dangers facing them. It's clear now that everything that's occurred is part of a much bigger plot that could date back to a decades-old secret. Can they uncover all the pieces before danger closes in on them, or is the threat to the ranch even bigger than any of the Bodens could imagine?

And now, my review:

I really enjoy the writing style of this author and this book is another great one.  This book had me on the edge of my seat and hanging on for more.  The characters were well-developed and I liked the good ones and despised the bad.  Learning the history of a time in history where people did not like the border lines between Mexico and New Mexico were fascinating and intriguing.  So, the events to follow were overwhelming and well-written about by this author.  Sometimes downright intense!  I recommend this book!

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

https://www.amazon.com/Long-Time-Gone-Cimarron-Legacy/dp/076421182X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1489014502&sr=8-1&keywords=long+time+gone+mary+connealy

Count It All Joy by David Jeremiah

Here is the book summary:

The apostle Paul wrote his most personal letter while abused and abandoned in a Roman prison. He wrote to believers who lived in the shadow of the Roman tyrant, Nero. And yet this letter, Philippians, is the most joy-filled epistle in the Bible.

Weaving together modern stories and historical detail, Dr. David Jeremiah explores Philippians verse by verse, showing us what it means to be joyful in spite of circumstances. Whatever you are facing today, Count It All Joy will inspire you to find the joy that Jesus promises.

And now, my review:

As one of my favorite authors, this book hit the mark!  It is a great book going through the Book of Philippians.  As I’ve been studying Philippians through a Precept Upon Precept study, this book has been a huge blessing with commentaries when appropriate!  I enjoyed how he puts in examples of what he is talking about throughout it.  I love to be reminded or learn for the first time of those of the faith living out the precepts in Philippians. I was happy with all that it covered and it moved along at a great pace for working through a passage.  I highly recommend this book.

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

https://www.amazon.com/Count-All-Joy-Happiness-Circumstances-ebook/dp/B015IBF5SC/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1489012812&sr=1-1&keywords=count+it+all+joy+david+jeremiah

Barbecue Sauces, Rubs and Marinades by Steven Raichlen

Here is the book summary:

Barbecue sauces, rubs, and marinades are every griller’s secret weapon—the flavor boosters that give grilled food its character, personality, depth, and soul.

Steven Raichlen, America’s “master griller” (Esquire), has completely updated and revised his bestselling encyclopedia of chili-fired rubs, lemony marinades, buttery bastes, pack-a-wallop sauces, plus mops, slathers, sambals, and chutneys. It’s a cornucopia of all the latest flavor trends, drawing from irresistible Thai, Mexican, Indian, Cajun, Jamaican, Italian, and French cuisines, as well as those building blocks from America’s own barbecue belt.

There are over 200 recipes in all, including a full sampler of dinner recipes using the sauces. And the book now has full-color photographs throughout. It’s the essential companion cookbook for every at-home pitmaster looking to up his or her game.

And now, my review:

If you are looking for a cookbook that has recipes pretty much on every page and convenience in looking things up based on categories, you’ll want to check this one out.  We love the basic ingredients that knock out the additives, glutens, etc. Having some of his other books, this one was less wordy, had more recipes, and great helps to make delicious food.  So, this is by far a better book.  Our family is very thankful for all the yummy barbeque food coming our way. 

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

https://www.amazon.com/Barbecue-Sauces-Marinades-Bastes-Butters-Glazes/dp/1523500816/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1489011446&sr=8-1&keywords=barbecue+sauces%2C+marinades%2C+rubs