Review: Easy Watercolor by Kristin Van Leuven

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Leave your artistic insecurities behind as you easily re-create the simple but beautiful paintings in Art Made Easy: Easy Watercolor.

Easy Watercolor offers you a definite way to succeed as a beginning artist. Without getting bogged down in a lot of technical detail, just gather a few inexpensive supplies and put paintbrush to paper! Even if you have never painted with watercolors before, the engaging and easy subjects are simple to re-create by following the step-by-step progressive images.

Projects include: 

- Brushstrokes and shapes
- Letters
- Botanicals
- Still lifes of everyday objects
- Animal portraits
- Landscapes and architecture
- And much more
 

Along with the beautiful, on-trend art projects, tips and common pitfalls are explained throughout to ensure your art is the best it can be. No matter your skill level going in, you will be proud to frame your creations and just might feel encouraged to progress to more in-depth art in the future.

And the best part is, as you’re painting, you’ll be familiarizing yourself with art concepts without feeling like you’re taking a serious class. If you want to move on to more difficult subjects, you’ll have a basic understanding of color, value, form, texture, perspective, composition, and more.

My Review

This is a wonderful resource for beginners who are trying out watercolors. It covers the basics, including supplies, painting techniques, exploring color, and brushstrokes. The exercises create a strong foundation, and are easy to follow along with. Various tips and assignments are included in sidebars to enhance each lesson. This book definitely helps remove trepidation and eases the reader into creativity with the medium of watercolor. Starting with realistic goals and introductory lessons gives the reader success at the beginning of their watercolor journey. I appreciated the encouragement and advice from the author as I worked on each lesson.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

With the simple, fun, and low-pressure approach found in Walter Foster’s Art Made Easy series, absolutely anyone can create a work of art! Continue your streak of creative successes with another book in this series, Easy Drawing. 

 

 

 

 

Review: Bloom: The Secrets of Growing Flowering Houseplants Year-round by Lisa Eldred Steinkopf

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

In Bloom, The Houseplant Guru Lisa Eldred Steinkopf unleashes all the secrets on how to grow dozens of indoor plants that produce colorful, intricate, and sometimes fragrant blooms.

If you’ve ever struggled to get an orchid or African violet to rebloom, or if you’ve hesitated to add plants like hoya, anthurium, Madagascar jasmine, or clivia to your windowsill for fear you may never see their gorgeous flowers, Lisa reveals the insider strategies you need to encourage these plants to strut their stuff. In her signature warm and beginner-friendly tone, she introduces simple techniques you can use to encourage bloom alongside all the ins and outs of caring for these beautiful plants. Lush, full-color photography accompanies each in-depth plant profile.

Upping your houseplant game doesn’t have to involve spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars on the next trendy leafy-green foliage plant. If you want to expand both your growing skills and the number of specimens in your houseplant family, dive into the world of flowering houseplants instead. New cultivars of old favorites are taking the houseplant world by storm, and other, more unusual, species are now making their way into the limelight, thanks to the interest of millions of new houseplant parents around the world.

Inside the pages of Bloom, you’ll meet: 

- The best flowering houseplants to cascade from window ledges, hanging pots, and plant shelves
- A collection of small blooming houseplants perfect for tabletops, desks, and windowsills
- Houseplants with colorful blooms for the living room, dining room, and bedroom 

 

Fill your home with foliage and flowers, and enjoy all the color and calm they’ll add to your living space.

My Review

This book was much more than I expected! It offers so much advice, from basic tips to technical and scientific information that explain the why's. It's obvious the author is an expert and passionate about helping plant owners be successful with their indoor flowering plants. The first part of the book, about 50 pages are on caring for the plants, and then over 100 pages on individual flowering houseplants with a description and details on light, watering, flowers, propagation, and toxicity.  There is also a chart of indoor plant pests and their control, resources, and an index that includes both common and scientific names. This is an amazing resource that I highly recommend to plant lovers!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Review: A Match Gone Awry by Arlem Hawks

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

She needs a match. He's here to help.

Desperate to leave Paris, Gabrielle d’Amilly has set her sights on an English diplomat who can whisk her away to a happier life. But when an attempt to catch his eye goes wrong, she enlists the British navy lieutenant Harvey Barlow to help in her scheme. Under the guise of visiting a friend, Lieutenant Barlow arrives in Paris with the task of checking France’s relations with the discontented colonies. Playing at matchmaking won't hurt his mission, especially for a good cause. But when his intentions to be helpful turn to feelings of love, he finds himself distracted from his duties. In his quest to advance in the navy, he cannot give Gabrielle the happy life she's after. With war threatening, Harvey and Gabrielle are forced to decide to hold to their previous goals or strive for an imperfectly perfect match.

♥ A Match Gone Awry is a clean & wholesome Georgian romance. ♥

My Review

This is the first book I've read set in Georgian-era Paris, and the historical details really made it stand out from the more frequent Regency books I devour. The politics of the day come into play with Harvey working for the British military, and society mingles into the dynamic as the French befriend the English diplomats and their company. Gabrielle thinks she has found the perfect escape from her domineering and abusive stepmother, but love is not cooperating, even with the assistance of Harvey. He gets involved with good intentions, and naturally his friendship turns to stronger feelings. The future seems impossible as Gabrielle digs herself in deeper, and it was entertaining to see how everything wove together to resolve with a satisfying happy ending.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Be sure to check out the other books in the Georgians in Paris series . . .

Review: Only in California: Weird and Wonderful Facts About The Golden State by Heather Alexander, illustrated by Jen Taylor

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

The first in a collection of state-by-state books from the best-selling 50 States series, Only in California! explores the most amazing sites, cities, history, and natural landscapes of the Golden State.

From the bright lights of L.A. to the natural majesty of the Redwood forests, this beautiful book is a deep dive into what makes California so great. Full bleed illustrations capture a sense of place, while pull-out spot artworks zoom in on the most fascinating facts.

Locations also include: San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge, Lake Tahoe, Central Valley, San Diego with its famous beach and boardwalk scene, the coastal kelp forests, Napa and Sonoma wine country, Yosemite Valley with El Capitan, the lowest point in North America, Death Valley, Big Sur, Palm Springs, and many more!

Each book in the state-by-state subseries covers the following areas: 

- Weird and wacky stats and facts
- Historical timeline
- Local sports
- Museums, amusement parks, and cultural events
- Food and drink
- Animals and plants
- Inventions
- Fun festivals
- Changemakers and superstars
- Quiz questions 

 

Get ready to take a whirlwind adventure around the Golden State, filled with fascinating facts, beautiful illustrations, and much, much more!

My Review

This is a beautifully illustrated book with a matte cover, glossy accents, and embossed title. The pages are also matte and heavy weight. The information on each page is interesting and relevant. It made me want to explore more of the great state I live in! I loved seeing my hometown San Diego represented, as well as some National Parks. There are pages that focus on the state overall with statistics, and others explored more specific themes and locations. I especially liked the ones featuring places I have visited. Fun Festivals and Weird, Weirder, Weirdest are full of fun and zany activities, facts, and landmarks. The Changemakers pages were heavy on liberal figures, I would have liked to see it more balanced with some conservative people as well. Overall, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Review: Waiting for Morning by Margaret Brownley

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

Synopsis

Molly Hatfield comes to Arizona Territory seeking stability and security. But living in Cactus Patch provides her with more than she ever dreamed of.

There is nothing Molly wouldn’t do for her teenaged brother, Donny. Blaming herself for the accident that left him wheel-chair bound, Molly has dedicated her life to his care. But in 1896, gainful employment for a woman is hard to come by. So when Molly learns that an eccentric rancher in Cactus Patch, Arizona, is looking for an heiress--someone to take over management of the ranch in exchange for future ownership--she jumps at the chance to provide a real home for her brother.

If she proves to have a knack for ranching and agrees to remain single for life, the ranch can be hers. Neither stipulation worries Molly. She’s resourceful and hardworking. And she gave up dreams of marriage long ago when she dedicated her life to her brother’s well-being.

However, Molly didn’t bank on meeting Dr. Caleb Fairbanks, the town’s handsome and charismatic young doctor. Caleb has a way with Molly that makes her nervous. But it’s how he is with her brother that really alarms her. Caleb sees past the wheelchair and genuinely likes Donny, but Molly fears he’s putting unrealistic ideas into her brother’s head. Falling in love with Caleb would threaten everything she’s worked for, even her brother’s future happiness.

But it could be the very reason God brought her to Last Chance Ranch.

My Review

Another series I'm reading completely out of order! Fortunately the author wove in enough of the backstory and plot that I didn't feel lost. Molly and Donny have a rough background, yet their loyalty to each other keeps them going. Molly's grit and determination are admirable, and she throws herself into working on the ranch and learning all she can. Her brother struggles with being an invalid, and the doctor has some methods of inspiring him that Molly disagrees with. The bickering, fighting, and immature behavior and thoughts of all three main characters were a bit off-putting. I didn't connect with the emotions of the characters in this book, but it was an interesting read and showed how the times were changing with medicine and the introduction of automobiles.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Check out the other books in The Brides of Last Chance Ranch series . . .

Review: Little Homesteader: A Winter Treasury of Recipes, Crafts, and Wisdom by Angela Ferraro-Fanning

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

This charmingly illustrated seasonal treasury of nature-based crafts, baking recipes, and gardening projects for the winter celebrates the homesteading lifestyle with self-sufficient and eco-friendly fun.

Locally printed on 100% recycled paper, Little Homesteader: A Winter Treasury of Recipes, Crafts and Wisdom offers:

- Easy yet delicious winter recipes and treats that introduce young readers to local and seasonal eating. - From berry cookies, to hot cocoa recipes to warm up after a winter walk, the easy-to-make recipes will inspire kids to get into the kitchen.
- Suggestions for using up unloved parts of produce, such as carrot tops to make a kitchen windowsill garden, demonstrate a naturally zero-waste way of living.
- Accessible and fun crafts, such as making salt-dough ornaments and foraged foliage wreaths, have instructions broken down into clear steps illustrated in AnneliesDraws’ cute and wholesome style.
- The seasonal gardening and growing projects, such as planting bare root berry bushes in the ground or in containers, can be done in a big back yard or on a balcony, making this eco-friendly activity book a fun resource, whether readers are based in town or country.
 

Woven alongside the cooking, crafting, and planting projects are little snippets of seasonal information and self-sufficient wisdom from homesteading teacher Angela Fanning of Axe and Root Homestead, with a focus on enjoying and celebrating the best of what the winter season has to offer.

My Review

I'm a fan of this adorable series of high quality books for young ones. The illustrations are simple yet fill each page with beauty and the joy of the season. The information is basic, yet includes facts and details that many adults may not know. I enjoyed the learning and the fun ideas that are perfect to do alongside children. From plants and produce to animals and insects, many aspects of the winter season in nature is explored. Like the others I would have liked more content, and I hope that the publisher will release all four books combined together in a collection!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Don't miss the other books in the Little Homesteader series . . .

Review: Little Homesteader: A Fall Treasury of Recipes, Crafts, and Wisdom Angela Ferraro-Fanning

 

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

This charmingly illustrated seasonal treasury of nature-based crafts, baking recipes, and gardening projects for the fall celebrates the homesteading lifestyle with self-sufficient and eco-friendly fun. 

 

Locally printed on 100% recycled paper, Little Homesteader: A Fall Treasury of Recipes, Crafts and Wisdom offers:
- Easy yet delicious autumn recipes and treats that introduce young readers to local and seasonal eating. From pumpkin muffins to homemade apple chips, the easy-to-make recipes will inspire kids to get into the kitchen.
 -Suggestions for using up unloved parts of produce, such as ways to make use of apple cores and peel, demonstrate a naturally zero-waste way of living.

- Accessible and fun crafts, such as making a gratitude tree and a woven basket, have instructions broken down into clear steps illustrated in AnneliesDraws’ cute and wholesome style.
- The seasonal gardening and growing projects, such as planting herbs, can be done in a big back yard or on a windowsill, making this eco-friendly activity book a fun resource, whether readers are based in towns or the country.

Woven alongside the cooking, crafting, and planting projects are little snippets of seasonal information and self-sufficient wisdom from homesteading teacher Angela Fanning of Axe and Root Homestead, with a focus on enjoying and celebrating the best of what the fall season has to offer.

My Review

This series of books is adorable. I love the sweet illustrations and information that is at an introductory level for the younger crowd. We learn about apples and pears, pumpkins and gourds, mushrooms and herbs. There are simple recipes, activities, and crafts that focus on using the produce and nature of the season in a variety of ways. I only wish that the book was longer! It would be wonderful if the publisher combined all four books into one. The book size is large and I enjoy the feel of the matte cover and pages.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Don't miss the other books in the Little Homesteader series . . .

Book Tour, Review & Giveaway: 100 Little Lambs by Sierra Wilson, illustrated by Danika Runyan

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Clover the Lamb is always up to mischief, but when she wanders too far and cries out for help, she learns the love and help of her Good Shepherd are always near.

100 Little Lambs is a playful read-aloud with heart, teaching young readers about the parable of the lost sheep and the constant love of their Savior.

My Review

This is a sweet book of the lost sheep, who is cheerfully illustrated as a mischievous little troublemaker with a tendency to wander off. The other ninety-nine sheep also have anthropomorphic qualities that are focused on grooming, dancing, and safe behavior. The rhyming verses have a singsong quality which would make it fun to read aloud to a child. While the text doesn't delve too deeply into the gospel principles, it does cover the basic premise that Jesus will rescue us when we need His help. It provides adults and children with the opportunity for further discussion, and I can see how young children would enjoy the simple illustrations. A wonderful gift, especially with Easter around the corner!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

About the Author

 

Sierra Wilson is the author of several faith-filled, uplifting books for young readers including The Atonement of Jesus Christ is for Me, My Testimony Tree, and I Can Be Like Jesus. Sierra lives in the rolling prairies of Alberta with her husband and six wonderful, wild little ones. When she's not writing or wrangling kids, she enjoys all things outdoors, especially hiking and cross-country skiing. You can connect more with Sierra at www.sierrawilsonauthor.com

 

Giveaway

 

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