Monday, April 30, 2018

Book Reviews: In honor of the Royal Marriage 3 reviews

Yarn Whirled: The Royal Family: Easy-to-Craft Yarn Characters
Harry and Meghan Paper DollsHarry and Meghan: A Love Story Coloring Book

In honor of the Royal Marriage between Prince Harry and Meghan, Dover sent me these three book to look and give my honest review.

Yarn Whirled
The book Yarn Whirled the Royal Family is filled with easy yarn crafts which require the used to wind yarn to make most of the members of the royal family. Inside the book there are pictures and patterns of each of the following:
Queen Elizabeth II on her Coronation Day
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinurgh
Queen Elizabeth on her 90th birthday
Diana, Princess of Wales
Prince Charles, Prince of Wales
Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall
Princess Anne, Princess Royal
Prince Andrew, Duke of York
Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York
Princess Beatrice
Princess Eugenie
Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex
Sophie, Countess of Wessex
Lady Louise Windsor
James, Viscount Severn
Prince William Duke of Cambridge
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge
Prince George
Princess Charlotte
Prince Henry of wales
Peter Phillips
Isla Phillips
Zara Phillips Tindall
Mia Tindall Yeoman Warder

Included are detailed instructions on how to make the figures and the materials that are needed. I can see the person who uses this book could have hours of fun and then have some beautiful creations to display or give as gifts.
I think that this would be a book that most crafters would enjoy

Harry and Meghan Paper Dolls
The Harry and Meghan Paper Dolls book is filled with fun and colorful outfits for Prince Harry and Meghan. It comes with a basic figure of the two, then for Meghan the outfits she wore to the Invictus Games, what she wore for the official announcement of their engagement, the interview outfit with the BBC, the World AIDS Day Charity Fair outfits, the official engagement photo outfit, her pre-Christmas luncheon with the Queen, Christmas

Harry's outfits include those that correspond with those which Meghan wore.

Each item is printed on sturdy paper and the figures include a stand-up base to help make dressing and displaying easier. Some of the items may not be easy for children to cut out, but with help from a grown-up they could enjoy them also.

This is a fun way to commemorate this special time

Harry and Meghan A Love Story Coloring Book 
This book has pictures from the Royal romance. From the time they began dating through current times, the pictures express the love these two have for each other.

The pages are printed on perforated paper with the pictures printed on just one side. This way the artist can enjoy mounting their work, when finished without hiding the other side. The paper it is printed on would work with crayons, or makers. Plus the fact that they are printed only on one side, if the colors bleed through it will not harm another picture.

This would be appropriate for any followers of the Royal family or for those that enjoy coloring.

All in all, I feel these three book could give many hours of fun and creativity to anybody.


Tuesday, April 24, 2018

Book Review: The Lost Tudor Princess

Alison Weir is my favorite historical writer. She researches the topics so thoroughly that I feel like I have access to the facts on the topic.
In this book, the author is exploring Lady Margaret Douglas' life. Lady Margaret Douglas was of Tudor blood, yet few seem to know who she was. In her life she saw her parents divorce, was a lady-in-waiting for four of Henry VIII's wives and had a hand in arranging the marriage of her son, Lord Darnley to Mary, Queen of Scots. Through her intervention she was able to make sure a Stuart came to the throne through James VI, her grandson.
This fascinating retelling of the events of her life makes me wonder why she is not more well known. Alison Weir does a fantastic job in retelling the events in this woman's life. For those who enjoy reading history from the Tudor times, or those who enjoy history, I most  highly recommend this book.
I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: Mornings with Tozer

This book of devotions is an inspirational way to begin your day. Each entry begins with a topic heading to allow the reader to focus on what is to be presented. Next is the verse, the reading and a short prayer.
Each of the entries are excerpts from sermons given by A.W. Tozer. They also allow for a closeness to God that will stay with the reader throughout the day. I love beginning my day with these readings. So often they speak to my heart or they will provide guidance as I face things throughout the day.
I highly recommend this book
I was given this book by Moody Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

Tuesday, April 10, 2018

Book Review: The Colour of Magic

The Color of Magic is the first book in the marvelous series of Discworld.  In this book we are introduced to Rincewind, the tourist Twoflower and the suitcase. They are a great place to begin the adventures that await in Discworld. Rincewind is a wizard who had a bad accident while at school, the tourists asks many questions, which are also informative, and the suitcase does not need to be carried as it walks on hundreds of little legs. Plus it is handy to have in a fight.
I love these books. Sir Terry Pratchett had such an imagination and humor. I am always thrilled when I think how my daughter started me on this series 12 years ago. Now I always have them with me.



Monday, April 9, 2018

Book Review: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

This is the second book in the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling. In this book, Harry Potter, along with his friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, find more adventure at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. This is the second year for these three at the school and they discover there is a new ghost to be found. Plus there is something mysterious which is turning students, and a cat to stone. To have to face all of this and keep their minds on their studies can prove a challenge.
I love this series of book and have read each one multiple time.



Friday, April 6, 2018

Book Review: Once Was a Time

Once Was a Time by [Sales, Leila]In 1940 Charlotte Bromley and Kitty McLaughlin are best friends. When Charlotte's father, a scientist, discovers something that the Germans will want, Charlotte has to make a hard decision. Should she stay with Kitty or travel somewhere in time and place. Her decision leaves her alone in the world. She does not know what happens with Kitty. She knows she has to find a way to return to her friend.
This book is written for children in grades 4-6. I believe, although it is intense, children in these grades will love this book. It is a wonderful story of friendship, and the idea of time travel.
This beautifully written book is exciting and the ending is perfect. I highly recommend this book.
I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.




Book Review: A Light on the Hill

A Light on the HillMorivah had no chance to be married, she was branded with the mark of the Canaanite gods in the Battle of Jericho. However, no she has found the right man but instead she is made to run. She goes to a city of refuge but along the way there are even more

After being branded during the battle of Jericho, Moriyah has had no prospects for marriage--until now. She hopes to please the man, but things go horribly wrong and she is forced to flee for her life. Seeking safety at one of the Levitical cities of refuge, she is unprepared for the dangers she faces, and the enemies--and allies--she encounters on her way and within the city.

This is the first book I have read by this author, though I see she has written others. If her others are anything like this, I know I will love them. She has such a way of telling a story. I felt like I could feel the shame, fear and hope that Morivah felt throughout the book, plus I kept hoping that she would find peace and love.

From my past reviews, it is obvious that I enjoy reading books set in Biblical times. I would recommend this book very highly to others that enjoy this kind of book. It will become a favorite that will be read again and again. 

I was given this book by Bethany House Publishing in exchange for my honest review. 

Thursday, April 5, 2018

Book Review: A Worthy Heart by Susan Anne Mason

A Worthy Heart (Courage to Dream Book #2) by [Mason, Susan Anne]This is the second book in the Courage to Dream series. I had not read the first one, so it did take me a few pages to catch up. Once I did, I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Maggie Montgomery wished to see Rylan, her brother, and his wife when she traveled to America. In her heart she wants to make this more than just a visit, she would like to stay in America where she can find her fortune and love.
Adam O'Leary, Colleen's brother, has spent time in jail. He is looking to change and to find his way back into his family. He has no desires to fall in love at this time.
This is the story of these two, very different, people and if they are able to bridge the difference and find a life together.
I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Tuesday, April 3, 2018

Book Review: Domestic Secrets

Domestic Secrets by [Noonan, Rosalind]Rachel owns the local hair salon. she serves many of the women in Timbergrove, Oregon. Her friend, Ariel Alexander, used to be a television star. Together they have helped each other through the adventures of single motherhood.
Lately, however, it seems to Rachel that Ariel's parenting skills have been slipping and she has a secret love. In addition to worrying about Ariel, Rachel also has a son who has become distant. The two families are torn apart by an event that Rachel has a hard time understanding. This leads her to discover other things about those she has trusted in the town.
I was taken in by the way the book explores things that tie people together and the things that can separate them. I had a little discomfort with how honest the writing was, but this is a personal feeling. Overall, I feel like Rosalind Noonan wrote a book which will leave the reader satisfied in choosing this book.
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.