Book Review: The Nearness of You

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Set in 1952, The Nearness of You is a post-war novel.Lily Denton longs to go to New York City, however, her father is protective of his girl and would like her nearby. She works in the library day-by-day. It seems her routine will never change. then The Fall Festival comes along with the tourists it brings and adventure.
Boone Tatum is a photographer who seems to attract trouble. He meets Lily and his life changes. He wants to stay here and not go wandering anymore.
Lily now has to make some decisions about a new life.
Dorothy Garlock writes romance novels that can place the reader right in the middle of the story. I like how she can make a love story grow naturally without a lot of silliness.
I truly enjoyed this book.

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Book Review: A Personal Scrapbook: My Little Prince

I was given this book by Dover Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
This is a charming keepsake book for parents to keep track of some of the milestones their "Little Prince" achieves. This is a hardcover book with precious illustrations throughout. There is even envelopes and places to keep those little treasures that come along the way. 
In the beginning of the book they also tell you how to download special content such as birth announcements, packing list, recipes and fairy tales.
The memories begin before the baby is born with thoughts by the parents about different events. They have a place to place newspaper clippings, a family tree, what and how baby eats, some of the things h e loves and doesn't like, physical traits and so, so much more. This will become a book that mom, dad and baby will look at throughout the "Little Prince's" life.
I highly recommend it. 

Craft Book Review: Dumpling Cats

I was given this book by Dover Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
This book is perfect for those who crochet, whether they are beginners or have become an expert. Dumpling Cats is filled with 25 different crochet cats. Looking at the cover tells you why they are called "dumpling," they are shaped just like them. They each have their own names and personality. There is Cheeks who loves lunchtime, or anytime that he can get food, Roly who like to be outside, on his back.
Each pattern includes clearly written instructions and pictures that help to illustrate any sections that may need clarification.
This book is just wonderful. In fact, it will be a giveaway on my Naturally, Kim's Knitting podcast group on Ravelry. If interested, just join the group and follow the thread.

Review: Educator's Quick Reference Guide to Grit in the Classroom

I became very excited when I received this booklet, Educator's Quick Reference Guide to Grit in the Classroom. As a former classroom teacher, but a lifelong educator, I feel this is material that teachers should refer to at the beginning of every term plus periodically in between.
"Grit=passion+sustained perseverance"
This booklet talks about how to cultivate passion and build perseverance. It gives strategies on how to introduce grit to students and how to set goals using SMART as a guide. Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound.It also talks about developing grit and using effort to pursue excellence.
I do with that I had this booklet when I was in the classroom as a reminder of the kind of educator I wanted to be. I feel this is a needed reference to have in every classroom.
I was given this booklet by Library Thing in exchange for my honest review.

Craft Book Review: Dumpling Pups

This is such cute craft book. For those who enjoy crocheting animals and dogs, this book is a winner. Each of the 20 pattern is designed for all crocheters. There are very clear pictures to go along with each of the patterns. Some of the breeds in this book include a dachshund, bulldog, Labrador retriever, Bernese Mountain dog and so many more. Each of the dogs has a short paragraph where the dog's profile is revealed. There are even patterns for accessories, like a bed, bowls, a dog bone and more.

Each of these puppies would be cute to make as a collection or for small ones that love puppies. Each of their facial features are sewn on so there is no need to worry about loose eyes. I highly recommend this book.

Book Review: Girl on the Leeside

Such a moving book. This is the story of Siobhan Doyle, who was raised by her Uncle Kee. Her mother was killed in an IRA bombing which has led Kee to be protective of Siobhan. These two share a love for the lough, the Leeside, their pub, and Irish poetry.
Kee come home filled with the exciting news that a literary scholar from America is coming to stay. This fills Siobhan with mixed feelings. She has no love for Americans and does not want someone to come and destroy her idyllic life.When he appears Siobhan realizes that there is so much more life away from Leeside and her uncle. Then she discovers that her father is still alive. Now she is filled with questions when it comes to her future.
This book grabbed me from the prologue and the introduction of Kee and his sister's mother and their early life. This gave me a feeling of truly knowing this family and to feel the ties that Kee and Siobhan would have.
The author was able to create a world that was so well-written that I could visually the world surrounding Kee and Siobhan without any effort. Plus the poetry that is inserted effortlessly throughout helps further draw the reader into the magical world that is Ireland.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I give it a high recommendation.
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

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Book Review: Dressed for Death

Dressed for Death is the fourth book in the Drew Farthering Mystery Books. The Fartherings went to a Regency era costume party to celebrate being married for 6 months. While there they come upon Talbot Cummins and Alice, his fiancee, who seem less that happy. During the ball, Alice dies from overdosing on cocaine. The question is did she take it herself or was it murder.
I found the characters to be fun to read and share the adventure with plus I loved the Christian message behind the entire story. There were sections that were slow but by sticking with it, I found the twists and turns to make this a good mystery.

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Book Review: A Layman's Look at the Lord's Prayer

A Layman Looks at the Lord's Prayer is a line-by-line look at the Lord's Prayer. I liked the way the author broke the prayer done into small sections and then discussed that line. I found his insights to be spot on with what I think.
None of the sections were long, so I was able to read a section a night without getting lost or tired. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it to everyone.
I was given this book by Moody Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: The Push

This is a children's book about friendship. I say that it is written for children but I believe that there is a message in there for everyone. It is based on the story of real-life friends Patrick Gray and Justin Skeesuck, who wrote I'll Push You.
In this story, Marcus moves next to John and the two of them became friends almost immediately. The two become inseparable. Where ever and what ever they do, Marcus helps John but having a great sense of  humor and providing the fuel to push John's wheelchair.
I was given this book by Tyndale in exchange for my honest review. However, even if that were not the case, I would have purchased this book for my grandchildren, after I read I'll Push You. Excellent book and I highly recommend it for every family and classroom.

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Book Review: God Made The World

This is a great way to help youngsters to learn about the Creation of the World. The pictures are bright and clearly bring forward the verse that goes with it. I believe that children that are visual learners will have the story of the Creation come easily to them.
I know personally, I would have had an easier time learning these verses with these pictures.
I was given this book by Tyndale in exchange for my honest review.