Knitting Modular Shawls, Wraps, and Stoles by Melissa Leapman

Here is the book summary:

Shawls are practical, versatile, and an ever-popular project among knitters. Noted designer Melissa Leapman has developed an innovative technique that promises hundreds of beautiful shawl design options in Knitting Modular Shawls, Wraps, and Stoles!

Beginning with a simple triangular wedge, Leapman shows how multiple knit triangles can be joined together to create square, rectangular, trapezoidal, and semicircular shapes. Her easy and customizable technique offers knitters of all levels endless flexibility in design and yarn choices. Charted patterns for 185 different stitches allow readers to select their favorite embellishment for the main fabric of their shawl. Colorful photographs of 20 of Leapman’s original designs illustrate the creative potential of this technique.

And now, my review:

Knitting Modular Shawls, Wraps, and Stoles by Melissa Leapman is an inspirational knitting craft book that I enjoyed.  The author has put many options in the hands of us individuals to pick and choose what we like best.  I really like that versatility.  Her patterns seem very extensive but well spelled out.  My favorites are Design #14 and Design #20.  There are 20 designs to choose from overall, but the sky is the limit on the mixing and matching that can go on with all the stitches that she offers. 

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

https://www.amazon.com/Knitting-Modular-Shawls-Wraps-Stoles/dp/161212996X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3H2X4R3G2V5MT&keywords=knitting+modular+shawls%2C+wraps%2C+and+stoles&qid=1551368916&s=gateway&sprefix=knitting+mod%2Caps%2C181&sr=8-1

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/knitting-modular-shawls-wraps-and-stoles-melissa-leapman/1129201566?ean=9781612129969#/

Delicate Crochet by Sharon Hernes Silverman

Here is the book summary:

Light, airy pieces crocheted in fine yarns show off the beauty of your crochet stitches and are a dream to wear! The shawls, cardigans, tops, and other designs in this collection are light as a feather, super soft, and made to drape beautifully across your body. These lacy pieces are fun to crochet and very versatile. Change up the yarns to create looks for day or night, work or play, city or suburbs. 

Pattern contributors include Kristin Omdahl, Robyn Chachula, Marty Miller, Amy Solovay, Vashti Braha, and others known for their innovative, gorgeous crochet designs. Each of the 23 patterns includes full written instructions and charts as needed. All special stitches are fully explained and skill levels range from easy to advanced.

And now, my review:

There’s wraps, shawls, scarves, gloves, and sweater/cardigans in this one. Along with a necklace design. There are 23 designs to choose from.  I enjoyed the names of each item.  In just their titles, it drew me in.  Each pattern told me what level it was rated and all the supplies I needed to have to accomplish that design.  I would say these are in the lace family of looks.  I think my favorite designs from this book are the Palmy Cardigan and the Lacy Sleeveless Cardigan.

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

https://www.amazon.com/Delicate-Crochet-Pretty-Designs-Shawls/dp/081171988X/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=delicate+crochet&qid=1551366253&s=gateway&sr=8-1

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/delicate-crochet-sharon-hernes-silverman/1128520537?ean=9780811719889#/

Camp Club Girls Bailey by Linda Carlblom

Here is the book summary:

GET A CLUE WITH THE CAMP CLUB GIRLS!
Join Bailey and the Camp Club Girls as they embark on a series of clue-filled adventures and crack the case in this entertaining and action-packed 4-in-1 mystery collection.
 

What's the meaning of the mysterious messages beneath shaggy sheep coats at the Curly Q ranch? The Camp Club Girls are determined to uncover the clues as they investigate a strange string of events. Will the girls discover the whereabouts of eccentric millionaire Marshall Gonzalez?

Why are wild elk running amok in Estes Park? During a stay at the historic Stanley Hotel, Bailey and Kate encounter out-of-control stampedes that put the townsfolk and tourists in danger. Will the Camp Club Girls uncover the reason behind the unusual elk behavior before someone gets hurt?

Are the rumors surrounding a valuable turquoise mine true? When Bailey and Elizabeth travel to a Native American village in New Mexico to help out a distant cousin and her children in their pottery shop during the busy tourist season, mysterious rumors begin to stir. The Camp Club Girls have their suspicions about rightful ownership of the mine, but will they be able to prove it?

Who's responsible for the peril at Mermaid Park? When Bailey and Sydney are invited to spend part of the summer with Bailey’s grandmother in Florida, both girls are fascinated by the local attraction—Mermaid Park. When curious and frightening events begin to take place, will the Camp Club Girls solve the mystery and save the park before time runs out?

And now, my review:

I found Camp Club Girls Bailey by Linda Carlblom to be an intriguing book.  I could not tell when the next cliffhanger was going to start or what was going to happen and this kept me right on reading.  I laughed at all the pranks that were brought about.  I saw while reading the importance of responsibility and the consequences of irresponsibility. Parental note:  My daughter (14) is just eating these books up.  FYI:  Ghosts are part of the first story but the author does bring around, using the Bible, the truth about ghosts. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing/Netgalley and was under no obligation to post a review.

https://www.amazon.com/Camp-Club-Girls-Linda-Carlblom-ebook/dp/B07HYLYVQ4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1550097279&sr=8-2&keywords=camp+club+girls+bailey

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/camp-club-girls-linda-carlblom/1129071636?ean=9781683228288#/

https://www.christianbook.com/camp-club-girls-bailey/linda-carlblom/9781683228288/pd/228283?product_redirect=1&Ntt=228283&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

Suffering is Never for Nothing by Elisabeth Elliot

Here is the book summary:

Hard times come for all in life, with no real explanation. When we walk through suffering, it has the potential to devastate and destroy, or to be the gateway to gratitude and joy.

Elisabeth Elliot was no stranger to suffering. Her first husband, Jim, was murdered by the Waoroni people in Ecuador moments after he arrived in hopes of sharing the gospel. Her second husband was lost to cancer. Yet, it was in her deepest suffering that she learned the deepest lessons about God.

Why doesn’t God do something about suffering? He has, He did, He is, and He will.

Suffering and love are inexplicably linked, as God’s love for His people is evidenced in His sending Jesus to carry our sins, griefs, and sufferings on the cross, sacrificially taking what was not His on Himself so that we would not be required to carry it. He has walked the ultimate path of suffering, and He has won victory on our behalf.

This truth led Elisabeth to say, “Whatever is in the cup that God is offering to me, whether it be pain and sorrow and suffering and grief along with the many more joys, I’m willing to take it because I trust Him.”

Because suffering is never for nothing.

And now, my review.

Relating much with this author in different ways, this book has been beyond words to me, an off the chart work.  Like Corrie Ten Boom and Ruth Myers, Elisabeth Elliot shows the power of our God displayed in His creation for His glory.  She has taught me, blessed me, and stretched me.  The Truth she shared was right on target.  She has given some amazing challenges that I kept pausing while reading with a “HUMPH!”  I will treasure this book and already have it on my calendar to read it again.  I HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

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

https://www.amazon.com/Suffering-Never-Nothing-Elisabeth-Elliot-ebook/dp/B07MXW3SSZ/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1549594775&sr=8-3&keywords=suffering+is+never+for+nothing+elliot

https://www.christianbook.com/suffering-is-never-for-nothing/elisabeth-elliot/9781535914154/pd/914152?product_redirect=1&Ntt=914152&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/suffering-is-never-for-nothing-elisabeth-elliot/1128911972?ean=9781535914154

Mornings with Bonhoeffer by Donald K McKim

Here is the book summary:

“No priest, no theologian stood at the cradle of Bethlehem. And yet, all Christian theology finds its beginnings in the miracle of miracles, that God became human.”

These stirring words are just a sample of the wisdom found in this collection of 100 devotions that guide and inspire us. Mornings with Bonhoeffer provides an acute understanding of Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s theological perspectives, helping us to reflect on what his thoughts can mean for faith and the Christian experience. Short excerpts from Bonhoeffer’s letters and passages from his sermons, paired with the daily devotions, offer timeless and moving reminders of God’s love for humanity speaking to the “head” and “heart” of theological understanding and personal faith.

Dr. Donald K. McKim brings Bonhoeffer to life in this beautiful devotional that provides understanding of often misunderstood, multifaceted writings as well as an inside look at the imperfect man behind the saintly image. The result is a heartrending portrait that provides Bonhoeffer’s true insights, as well as insight into the faith that sustained and redeemed him.

And now, my review:

Dietrich Bonhoeffer is a favorite of mine.  There’s so much to be learned through the writings/teachings of others.  This author takes some quotes that Dietrich has expressed, ties it to a Scripture, and adds his thoughts.  It is a 100-devotional book that is separated into 2 categories with more splits underneath those.  The first part is about believing as a Christian and the second part is about living it out. 

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

https://www.amazon.com/Mornings-Bonhoeffer-Reflections-Christian-Life-ebook/dp/B079VNFX93/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1548960454&sr=8-1&keywords=mornings+with+bonhoeffer+100+reflections+on+the+christian+life

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mornings-with-bonhoeffer-donald-k-mckim/1127941856?ean=9781501864810#/

https://www.christianbook.com/mornings-with-bonhoeffer-reflections-christian-life/donald-mckim/9781501864810/pd/864811?product_redirect=1&Ntt=864811&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

The Gluten-Free Instant Pot Cookbook by Jane Bonacci and Sara De Leeuw

Here is the book summary:

The Instant Pot and other electric pressure cookers provide a perfect way to cook gluten-free meals with a maximum of speed, convenience, nutrition, and flavor.

For the millions of people who, by doctor's orders or by choice, must exclude or limit gluten in their diets, finding Instant Pot recipes has been a huge challenge. This timely book solves the problem. Its recipes focus on dishes that are the most problematic for gluten-sensitive cooks, such as main-course dinners that typically have a grain component, as well as breakfasts and desserts, which also usually have wheat or gluten. In their place, The Gluten-Free Instant Pot Cookbook offers up tasty and creative gluten-free alternatives that cook up fast and delectably in the pressure cooker. Everyone in the household will love these dishes, even those who are not eating gluten-free.

From hearty breakfast dishes like Creamy Poblano Frittata or Caribbean Breakfast Burritos, through substantial and warming soups like a Creamy and Spicy Butternut Squash Soup or a Pumpkin Black Bean Chili, and crowd-pleasing dinner dishes like Mom's Old-Fashioned Pot Roast, Gluten-Free Lasagna with Meat Sauce, and Pork Tenderloin Marsala with Wheat-Free Pasta, these are spectacular recipes that cook up lightning-fast in the electric pressure cooker.

The Instant Pot and its cousins are also surprisingly powerful tools for making desserts, and the offerings here—all completely gluten-free—including Apple Cinnamon Bread Pudding, New York Style Cheesecake, Double Chocolate Fudge Cheesecake, and a scrumptious Mexican Chocolate Pound Cake.

And now, my review:

This 144-page cookbook includes breakfast, appetizers, soup, main dishes, desserts, and more.  It’s all delicious sounding and gives you all the information you need to be successful.  This book starts out with some helpful pressure cooker information, gives a base recipe for GF flour that will be helpful to have on hand, and then moves into the meals.  At the beginning of each recipe, she teaches you about gluten and I found that to be really helpful.  The pages have food drawings of different ingredients and not full-color pictures of the final product.  Next, on my list of having to make from this cookbook is her rendition of Beef Barley Soup where she swaps out the barley, because that’s not GF, and puts in whole Sorghum instead.  I love that she makes things that are all-time favorites in gluten-free ways. 

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

https://www.amazon.com/Gluten-Free-Instant-Pot-Cookbook-Nourishing-ebook/dp/B07H511DRP/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1548958789&sr=8-3&keywords=the+gluten+free+instant+pot+cookbook

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-gluten-free-instant-pot-cookbook-jane-bonacci/1128869509?ean=9781558329546#/

A Tale of Two Hearts by Michelle Griep

Here is the book summary:

Book 2 in Reader Favorite Michelle Griep’s Charming Once Upon a Dickens Christmas Series

London, 1853: Innkeeper’s daughter Mina Scott will do anything to escape the drudgery of her life, for there’s nothing more mundane than serving customers day after day. Every minute she can, she reads and dreams of someday becoming a real lady—and catch the eye of William Barlow, a frequent guest at the inn.

William is a gentleman’s son, a charming but penniless rogue. However, his bachelor uncle will soon name an heir—either him or his scheming cousin. In an effort to secure the inheritance, William gives his uncle the impression he’s married, which works until he’s invited to bring his wife for a visit.

William asks Mina to be his pretend bride, only until his uncle names an heir on Christmas Day. Mina is flattered and frustrated by the offer, for she wants a true relationship with William. Yet, she agrees. . .then wishes she hadn’t. So does William. Deceiving the old man breaks both their hearts. When the truth is finally discovered, more than just money is lost.

Can two hearts survive such deception?

And now, my review:

A Tale of Two Hearts is set in historical London in the 1800s and is the second book in the Dicken’s Christmas series by Michelle Griep.  I love how the author speaks of God’s love and constant forgiveness that He extends.  She also encourages contentment, thankfulness, and second chances.  This is a story about a lowly innkeeper’s daughter, a young law clerk, and a rich uncle.  These characters have dreams and desires and they are trying to navigate their lives the best they can.  This being said, they don’t always make the wisest of choices.  As a reader, we all get to see how this all unfolds.  Happy reading. 

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

https://www.amazon.com/Tale-Two-Hearts-Dickens-Christmas-ebook/dp/B07D46MW97/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

https://www.christianbook.com/hearts-once-upon-dickens-christmas-ebook/michelle-griep/9781683229124/pd/97304EB?event=ESRCG

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-tale-of-two-hearts-michelle-griep/1127905846?ean=9781683222590#/