Review: The Quit List by Katie Bailey

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

He quit believing in love a long time ago. She won't quit until she finds The One... and he's everything she's NOT looking for.

Holly Greene is on a mission to find her happily ever after. And her journey to love does not include a detour to Bad Boy Bartenderville, population Jax Grainger.

Jax may be witty, smart-mouthed, and handsome, but he’s the kind of guy who views love as a four-letter word… and the last thing Holly needs is to waste any more time.

She’s in her seeking Prince Charming era, not her playboy villain era.

But after he saves her from the world’s worst date, Holly sees an opportunity: Jax may not check any of the boxes on her list, but he’s the perfect person to help her find a man who does.

All she has to do is stick to the plan—and stay out of the sexy bartender’s arms.

Easy peasy lemon sque... Oops.

My Review

I love this author's books, especially her dynamic characters and the chemistry between them. Holly and Jax both have some growing to do, and they helped each other in unexpected ways to overcome struggles and discover important things about themselves. They had great banter and I loved their friendship that developed into more with their undeniable attraction and the way their goals for the future shifted and aligned. I don't mind a bit of mild swearing but this one had it more frequently than I care for.

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 Proper Façade by Esther Hatch

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

About the Book

Mercy Rothschild has always been granted an unusually long tether by her parents, who have never pushed her to marry until she’s ready. She assumes that when the right man comes along, she will marry for love. However, even her long-suffering parents have their limits. As she embarks on her third Season, they begin to pressure her to find a match. And the Duke of Harrington is the perfect candidate.

Nicholas Kendrick, Duke of Harrington, follows the rules of the ton meticulously. When he determines that Mercy is the ideal candidate for a wife, he marches dutifully toward her along the courtship path. Desperate to extricate herself from Harrington’s advances, Mercy concludes that there is only one course of action: she must push her intended into the arms of another woman. But when Mercy becomes acquainted with the man behind the proper facade, her plans come crashing down as she realizes that stiff and proper Harrington might be the very man she’s been waiting for. If only she hadn’t been so successful in her plot to thwart her chances with him.

My Review

It was fun to see the strategies of Nicholas and Mercy as they approach the game of making a match. Nicholas thinks he just wants someone to fill the social role of a duchess, but his inadvertent meeting of an eavesdropping Mercy in a hallway awakened his senses and desire for more. Mercy has always wanted a passionate marriage like her sister's, but unexplained pressure from her parents present the conflict of compromising her dreams to please her family and society. The author's use of the game of chess reflects the back and forth between Nicholas and Mercy- presenting their polite side for society but hiding more romantic wishes. I found the struggle of Nicholas to be more genuine as he learned to embrace rather than suppress his emotions. Mercy was definitely more calculated as she and her friend enact plans to trick and mislead Nicholas. With time and experience she realizes that passion can have its downfalls when unsupported by a strong foundation, and is almost too late when she finally sees behind the facade of Nicholas. A sweet romance with complicated dynamics that take our main characters on an emotional journey.

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 previous books in the Proper Scandals series . . .

 

 

 

Review: Learning to Fly by Chalon Linton

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

About the Book

Ten months ago, Kasie Foster broke up with the perfect man. Andrew Stoll was kind and supportive and sported amazing dimples. When Kasie prayed about a future with him, it didn’t feel right, so she walked away to pursue her theater dreams in the UK. Instead, she finds herself putting her plans on hold to help her recently widowered brother care for his young son on a remote air force base in Texas. She has no regrets. London can wait a year. But when an awkward chance encounter with her college sweetheart resurrects memories of what could have been, she struggles to keep buried the complicated feelings that arise whenever Andrew shares his dimpled smile.

Kasie is the last person Andrew expects to see during his intense year of pilot training with the United States Air Force. Once upon a time, he was head over heels for her, and when they parted ways back then, he had no choice in the matter. But after their shocking reunion, he finds himself incessantly brought into her orbit. It’s impossible not to see their reunion as fate—a second chance at love—and he vows to fight for her affection. But navigating the path forward is no easier now than when she broke his heart in college. Because how can they build a life together when they’re still headed in opposite directions?

My Review

Kasie has had some difficult crossroads in her life. I appreciated how she worked through them with prayer and thoughtfulness, and growing through her sacrifices. God directing our paths is a major theme of this book. The introduction to Kasie involved a bit of an info dump which read like a narrative conversation. Once Andrew reappears in her life, the story takes off with the tumultuous feelings he brings out in her. He's pretty adorable, and I loved their vibe together, even when Kasie is unsure of their future. The author does an excellent job of portraying military life and this specific flight training phase, what the pilot and family both go through. As someone who has lived that life herself, I didn't doubt that any of the details she included were authentic. The pace of the book is slow but steady as Kasie assimilates to life on base caring for her toddler nephew, and develops a support system while also supporting others. Her dreams of theater production seem to be on hold, but she finds ways to share her talents and bring joy to those around her, opening up opportunities as well. My favorite part of the story is her relationship with Andrew and how they take it slow, but with purpose and intent, always seeking the Lord's will for them and finding peace with the reassurance of answered prayers.

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.

The Air Force Romance series

 

 

Review: The Fake Out Flex by Ash Kelly

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

About the Book

He's a guarded pro hockey player. My brother's best friend. My high school crush. And now…my fake date to my ex's wedding. What could possibly go wrong?

After my breakup on live TV goes viral—yep, I'm Breakup Sneeze Girl, hi!—I cannot go to my ex's wedding alone.

So my totally non-meddling—cough, yeah right—brother ropes in his best friend as my date.

The only problem is, Fraser and I share a history. He was my high school crush…until he left without even saying goodbye.

But that was seven years ago, and I am completely, one thousand percent, over it.

One fake date with Fraser? No problem. I can handle that.
Until one date turns into me being his fake girlfriend.

The more time we spend together, the more I catch glimpses of the Fraser I knew back in high school. Under his gruff exterior, he's kind. Protective. Encouraging. He's also got the most intense blue eyes and cutest smile I've ever seen.

And yep, okay, my crush is back with a vengeance.

Only this time, it doesn't feel so one-sided. Fraser buys me my favorite flowers. He flies across the country just to check in on me. And when he gazes into my eyes, there's something simmering between us I can't deny.

But will Fraser leave again, or can our fake relationship turn into something real?

The Fake Out Flex is a closed-door pro hockey romance with plenty of banter, fast-talking friends, truth fries, the granddaddy of grand gestures, and a heartwarming happily-ever-after. It's the first book in the Hockeymances series and can be read as a standalone.

My Review

My love for hockey romances began early in the trend, and it still hasn't died out! This is a fun one with a charismatic narration full of banter and mid-level angst. I didn't relate to Evie's desire for vengeance by attending her ex's wedding- who does that? I did enjoy her reconnecting with Fraser and their fake dating turned real. Her meddling brother was funny, and the other side characters really added to the story. It was cool to have Evie be such an expert on hockey and the way Fraser trusted her analysis, even when it was harsh. I appreciated that they both have a goal to save intimacy for marriage, and think that is a wonderful perspective to include in books these days since it's not assumed anymore. I didn't think it needed to be a secret with an awkward reveal though- that made it seem less than normal, rather than destigmatizing the idea. Overall I enjoyed this book and plan to read more from the author!

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.

I'm looking forward to the upcoming books in the Hockeymances series . . .

Review: Dry Climate Gardening by by Noelle Johnson

 

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

In Dry Climate Gardening, author and desert horticulturist Noelle Johnson, also known as AZ Plant Lady, delivers all the know-how you need to grow a breathtaking, colorful, and vibrant garden in low-water conditions.

Gardening in an arid climate doesn’t have to mean a yard full of rocks with a few cacti plunked in. With careful plant selection and thoughtful design , you can create a low-water landscape that’s an oasis for humans and wildlife alike. There are hundreds of plants well-suited to xeric conditions , and with the proper care, they create a living desert landscape that will stop passersby in their tracks. Let Dry Climate Gardening be your guide to crafting a climate-appropriate outdoor living space that’s the envy of the neighborhood, whether you live in the American Southwest, the Mediterranean region, or any other arid climate.

Inside you’ll find:
- The best arid-adapted plants to feature in your landscape
- Information on which plants struggle in dry climates and how to avoid them
- The five “desert seasons” and which are best for planting
- How to handle desert soils
- Plant care techniques specific to dry climates, including pruning, fertilizing, and more
- How to design a planting for maximum impact and minimal water needs
- Plant profiles and charts for every category, from trees and shrubs to groundcovers, vines, succulents, and perennials
- Sample garden designs and plant lists you can adapt to your own space
 

With water restrictions and the number of gardeners dealing with drought conditions on the rise, we all need to get more creative in the way we grow. Water-wise landscaping is a must for millions of gardeners. In Dry Climate Gardening, you’ll learn how to do it with care and style.

My Review

Reading this book was a bit dry (pun intended), but full of so much useful information. It delved into the technical, which doesn't make for engaging reading but will set the reader/gardener up for success. Living in a semi-arid/Mediterranean climate, it was gratifying to learn about plants and landscape ideas that would apply to the unique challenges of our area. I definitely feel more prepared as I plan our yard and meet the purposes of each area. I would have liked a more comprehensive plant guide as well as which are native to my area, but this book gave me a strong foundation and start to the process.

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: Science Art and Drawing Games for Kids: 35+ Fun Art Projects to Build Amazing Science Skills by Karyn Tripp

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

In Science Art and Drawing Games for Kids, you’ll find an amazing collection of more than 35 hands-on art activities that make learning about science fun. 

Written by Karyn Tripp, author of Math Art and Drawing Games for Kids and creator of the popular educational blog TeachBesideMe.com, the book guides children ages 8 and up through hands-on activities that explore an engaging variety of art and craft techniques and science concepts, including:

Energy & Motion. Create art, toys, and sculptures that spin, flap, and climb.

Electricity & Magnetism. Make special light-up greeting cards, and use magnets to create abstract paintings and solve mazes.

Living Science. Craft tiny terrariums, create plantable seed paper, and make your own paints using natural materials.

Chemical Reactions. Create exploding paintballs, grow a garden of crystal flowers, and learn to make plastic out of milk.

Color & Light. Combine shaving cream and food coloring to make marbled paper, use the sun to print on paper and fabric, and make an awesome kaleidoscope from scratch.
Take a creative path to studying science with Science Art and Drawing Games for Kids!

My Review

So much art and science fun! These projects are perfect mini-science lessons with hands-on creativity. I loved the wide variety of concepts, materials, and techniques. It would be easy to add on some science and art history to give a deeper understanding. Most of these projects seem like they would be best for small groups or individual families, especially the ones that require special or unique supplies. I plan on doing the Neuron Blow Paintings with my third grade class of 26 students and can't wait to see the colors and patterns they make!

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: Fresh Paint: Discover Your Unique Creative Style Through 100 Small Mixed-Media Paintings by Flora Bowley, Lynzee Lynx

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Discover and deepen your creative style through the process of creating 100 small mixed-media paintings.

In Fresh Paint, creative influencer, workshop leader, and author of Brave Intuitive Painting and Creative Revolution, Flora Bowley, and her collaborator and fellow artist, Lynzee Lynx, offer transformational, accessible, and lasting ways to infuse more meaning and authenticity into your artwork.

For years, Flora and Lynzee have witnessed their students struggling to find their own voices. The desire is there, but coming up with innovative and unique ways to express yourself can feel daunting. In response to this persistent challenge and fueled by their passion for authenticity, they spent years cultivating and distilling a potent curriculum to support creative seekers looking for more integrity, depth, and originality in their work. Their online course Fresh Paint was the result, and now with this book, you too can explore how finding your creative voice translates into a more courageous, inspired, empowered, nourishing, and world-changing way of living and making art.

Fresh Paint uses mixed-media art projects along with prompts for movement, meditation, and writing to explore personal experience, individual preference, ancestry, intuition, and body wisdom. Through the process of creating 100 small mixed-media paintings based on these inquiries, your style will reveal itself to you, and your artmaking will be more satisfying and fun.

If you’re ready to infuse more meaning, personal story, and satisfaction into your work, while truly setting yourself apart from the rest and avoiding the common pitfall of making work that looks and feels derivative of other artists’, this book is for you.

Welcome to Fresh Paint, an inspiring adventure all about discovering and developing a unique creative style!

My Review

This book was a mixed bag for me- lots of vague mindfulness in the beginning, some brief tutorials with materials and techniques, and lots of examples of student work, showcasing a wide variety of styles. The most beneficial element of the book for me were the few "Writing Inquiries" scattered throughout the chapters. I appreciated how they asked more specific questions to provide the artist/reader with personal revelations. I also benefited from the chapter on incorporating inspiration from other artists. I had hoped that there would be 100 prompts for small paintings as the subtitle infers, but it turns out to be a challenge from the authors to create a collection of 100 based on the ideas generated from the practices in the book. I can see how this can work, especially if an artist creates several pieces from each section since they are more broad in their scope rather than specific prompts. A useful book that I plan to refer back to when I need to tap into a deeper well of creativity.

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: Wonder Art Workshop: Creative Child-Led Experiences for Nurturing Imagination, Curiosity, and a Love of Learning by Sally Haughey

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

In Wonder Art Workshop, educator and educational development expert Sally Haughey shares her approach to hands-on, play-based learning with parents, teachers, and other facilitators, offering 25 activities that let your child take the lead in developing their own sense of intrinsic motivation to imagine, experiment, and discover.

The author's wonder-based approach reflects and synthesizes several child-centered educational movements, including Reggio Emilia, Waldorf, and Montessori.

Become a catalyst for cultivating your child’s curious mind through these steps and activities, which start with art and apply to other subjects, including science and literacy: 

- Take stock for your wonder journey with helpful guidance on collecting materials, preparing a space, and nurturing the process while allowing children to make independent choices.
- Harness curiosity through a collection of sensory-based activities that use a variety of loose parts and other creative materials for open-ended play.
- Encourage experimentation by unleashing your child’s inner alchemist with “potion trays” they can use to mix color, create fizzing concoctions, make play dough, and more.
- Unlock literacy play with activities that inspire children to imagine and create their own characters, structures, and landscapes. 

 

Give your children the precious gifts of wonder and curiosity and help them become the best they can be with Wonder Art Workshop.

My Review

I love the concept of children discovering and exploring without restraint or "rules." The role of the parent as a guide frees up both parent and child from expectations and frustration. The art process described in this book is more experimental and focuses on the journey rather than the product. The element of play is strong, and be prepared to get messy! I like the projects that utilize found objects and nature such as sticks, flowers, and crushed eggshells. This is a good resource for parents and educators whose goal is to foster true creativity in children.

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: 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.