Tuesday, December 27, 2016

Top Ten Tuesday - Top Ten Books of 2016



Here are the top ten books for the year! I love doing this post every year so I can look back and see what all I read. This wasn't the best book year for me. I read quite a few that I didn't really enjoy, but these books are definitely worth reading! 
Here is to a new year with new books and fresh perspective!
Happy New Year!



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The best book of the year hands down. I adore this story and the characters.



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This is general fiction so there is some language etc. I have become a huge fan of Kristin Hannah though and I look forward to reading more by her.





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This is an older book but it is fantastic for historical fiction lovers!!




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It's Dani Pettrey-need I say more?!




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This book was published by a different company than her other books so if you haven't heard of it or read it you need to!












Saturday, December 24, 2016

I'm Going to Give You A Bear Hug Kids Review



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 About the Book

I’m Going to Give You a Bear Hug!, written by bestselling author Caroline B. Cooney, is a playful and comforting bedtime book that imagines all the wonderful ways a child might give and receive a hug.


Whether it’s a big bear, gasp for air, knock over a chair hug or a wet and drippy, slimy, slippy fish hug, children will giggle their way through all the imaginative examples. Cooney’s sweet and simple rhymes encourage playful interaction between parent and child and ultimately help them wind down before they snuggle into bed and drift off to sleep. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

This is a fun book about hugs. It starts with a bear hug and then goes through many different animal hugs. Like" I am doing to give you a duck hug" and then a cute little saying that goes with that animal. Very cute and fun pictures. 
Five stars.

"I received this book from BookLook Bloggers for free. All opinions are my own."













Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Under the Tuscan Sun Book Review




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About the Book
Frances Mayes—widely published poet, gourmet cook, and travel writer—opens the door to a wondrous new world when she buys and restores an abandoned villa in the spectacular Tuscan countryside. In evocative language, she brings the reader along as she discovers the beauty and simplicity of life in Italy. Mayes also creates dozens of delicious seasonal recipes from her traditional kitchen and simple garden, all of which she includes in the book. Doing for Tuscany what M.F.K. Fisher and Peter Mayle did for Provence, Mayes writes about the tastes and pleasures of a foreign country with gusto and passion. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

This book has been popular for the last twenty years! I am just now getting around to reading the entire book. I saw the movie and I have read snippets but this is the entire book just the 20th anniversary edition. So that being said, typically I don't love best sellers.In this case, that continues to be true. I liked this book but I didn't love it. Perhaps because there have been so many like it that they all are very similar. I love the food and the setting and there are some funny parts but overall this isn't a book I love or would read again. 
Three stars. 

"I received this book from Blogging for Books for free. All opinions are my own."











Lots of Love Kids Review


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 About the Book

Lots of Love celebrates all the ways we show love—from hugs and kisses to sharing and helping others. The sweet rhymes and whimsical artwork in this board book illustrate the special bonds of love between families and friends. Perfect for young children, this book will make you want to snuggle with your little one as you two explore the greatest blessing of all—love! (Goodreads)



My Thoughts



What a cute book. While meant for Valentine's Day this book is a good reminder all year long. This story is all about how a little girl wakes up one morning and chooses to show love to everyone she meets, even the dogs. It's important for kids to read about being kind and showing love because this world is so full of everything else. I also like how the little girl starts her day out with a purpose to love, we should all do that more often. 
Five stars.

"I received this book from BookLook Bloggers for free. All opinions are my own.  

















Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Top Ten Books I Am Excited About for the First Half of 2017


http://www.brokeandbookish.com/

Top Ten Books I Am Excited About for the first half of 2017...these are just a few there are so many!



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Saturday, December 10, 2016

Scripture Doodles: Two Book Review

 
 

 
 
About the books:

ScriptureDoodle: A Six-Week Devotional Experience (David C. Cook, October 2016)
With inspiring exercises and prompts, this unique interactive guide introduces readers to a creative connection between Bible study, artistic expression, and worship.
Often, in the busyness of life, Christians forget that God created them to enjoy creativity. With guided instruction and completed examples, this beautiful book invites readers to draw closer to God through their own art.
More than a coloring book, ScriptureDoodle is a combination of Bible study, creative expression, and artistic community with artwork shared online at #scripturedoodle.  

Exploring topics such as being generous, finding rest, and facing grief, ScriptureDoodle gives the heart the creative space it needs. This book stimulates the reader's imagination and helps integrate God's Word into everyday life.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2gUdlHF

ScriptureDoodle God's Promises: A Six-Week Devotional Experience (David C. Cook, December 2016)

Some of the most incredible stories in the Bible are of God's promises and faithfulness to His children.
ScriptureDoodle God's Promises refreshes believers who are feeling burned out or stuck in a rut in their relationship with God. Each of the creative worship prompts in this interactive guide includes biblical encouragement and ideas for worship through art. Artist April Knight includes creative lettering tips, color ideas, and completed examples to inspire readers to respond to promises in Scripture related to trust, faith, and the power of God's Word in all circumstances.
This unique blend of Bible study and creative expression provides the opportunity to connect with God as Creator in a new, life-changing way.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2gUhyLR
 
About the author:

April Knight is a worship artist based in Asheville, North Carolina. Knight's work includes live worship painting and leading ScriptureDoodle workshops online and at conferences and retreats around the country and internationally. Her family of four is her greatest joy, along with serving alongside her husband at their local church.

 
 
 
 
 My Thoughts


So we have all seen the new coloring books that are more detailed for adults. These books take it step further. Combine Bible journaling and a coloring book of sorts and come up with a great idea! Both of these are a six week devotional. The front shows you how to use the book and gives you a million ideas on how to move forward. What I love about these books is it gives you a start on being creative. I can stare at a blank sheet of paper all day and still come up with nothing. These books give you ideas, simple enough for those of use who aren't as creative. These would make a great gift or something fun to do with people from church or just a fun thing to do. 
Five stars. 

"I received this book from Litfuse for free. All opinions are my own."
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Precious Moments Little Book of God's Love Review


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 About the Book
From twinkling stars and bright sunshine to giggles and hugs and special friends, God’s love is all around us! Through these sweet poems and prayers, and the classic Precious Moments artwork, celebrate with your little one how we can receive and share God’s amazing love. (Goodreads)



My Thoughts

I love Precious Moments and this book is just adorable. I love that it is a board book and the illustrations are so fun. If you like sweet poems and verses this is a good little book to add to your collection. 
"Thanks to BookLook Bloggers for giving me a copy for free. All opinions are my own."











Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Top Ten Tuesday~ Top Ten New To Me Authors I Read in 2016

Top Ten New To Me Authors I Read in 2016



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Sarah Monzon who I met at the Christian Fiction Readers Retreat. Really enjoyed this book. 





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Kristi Ann Hunter who I also met at the CFRR. A gem in fiction!



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Gabrielle Meyer who was at CFRR and who I wish was my neighbor. She is the sweetest and I can't wait to read more from her. 

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Lorilee Craker. I really enjoyed this book. 


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While not my usual genre, Kristin Hannah has some great novels. Glad I picked up one of her books. 




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Yes, this is the first Agatha Christie book I had read. I loved it.



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After meeting this lady I will tell you there is so much heart behind her stories.



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Pepper is super fun and her books are too!




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This book was hilarious. I loved reading it and I have her other books in my to be read list.


Well, that is all I could come up with for new to me authors. I realize I read a lot of repeat authors because I know I will like them. Perhaps I need to broaden my reading but it seems when I do that I am often disappointed.

Any new to you authors this year? Any recommendations?