Doodletopia Fairies- Review

What a pleasant surprise Doodletopia Fairies turned out to be! The simple (yet helpful) tips and illustrations in this book are exactly what I was hoping for. The author, Christopher Hart, is "renowned for up-to-the-minute content and easy-to-follow steps." This book starts with sketching basic fairy heads, then bodies, followed by clothing, accessories and wings. It also demonstrates extra things such as personality, magical powers, musical instruments, and fairy dwellings. I love that Hart designed this book to be interactive. Space is allotted for practicing fairy sketches within the same pages as the technique instructions. Printed on quality paper, this book should hold up well over time.

Doodletopia Fairies exceeded my expectations. This will be the perfect gift for my very creative and artistic 8 year old daughter. The instructions and pictures are simple enough for her to follow, but fun enough that I too would enjoy an afternoon sketching fairies and their habitats.

I received this book free from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

Fraying at the Edge- Book Review

I just finished reading Fraying at the Edge, by Cindy Woodsmall. This book kept my attention from front to back and was hard to put down! As with the first book in the Amish of Summer Grove series, Woodsmall leaves the reader in suspense at the conclusion. Unfortunately, book 3 hasn't been released yet but I will definitely be looking forward to reading it!

This series is about 2 girls who were accidentally switched at birth 20 years previously. Ariana Brenneman was raised Old Order Amish while the true daughter, Skylar Nash, grew up in the "Englischer World." When the discovery of the mistake became known, Ariana's biological father forces the girls to switch places for a year. As an atheist, he is appalled to learn his daughter has been raised in such a rigid, closed minded, religious society. The man creates a bucket list for his daughter in hopes of broadening her perspective of life. Skylar faces culture shock as well. Every modern convenience is stripped from Skylar and she must deal with her drug addiction and deep loneliness.

Fraying at the Edge deals with difficult subjects such as adultery, drug addiction, family expectations, blended families, and legalism verses love. Woodsmall is to be commended for her skillful handling of these topics while weaving a thought provoking story worth reading.

I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.

Saffire- Book Review

Saffire is a historic novel written by Sigmund Brouwer. The plot is set during the building of the Panama Canal. James Holt, the main character of the book, is requested to unravel a mystery and uncovers much more than he bargained for. Politics, intrigue, and even romance are themes woven throughout the story of Saffire.

 I previously did not have much knowledge about this time period so I enjoyed reading something with a fresh and unique feel. The story is a bit challenging to follow, but I am sure a second reading would bring more clarity. Overall, this was a pleasant read and I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

Room For Hope

Room for Hope is a great new book written by Kim Vogel Sawyer. Set during the Great Depression, the main character must choose her outlook and response to difficult life circumstances. Forgiveness, compassion, and love are themes found throughout the book. I was immediately drawn into the story and read through this book quickly.

From the back cover:

In a desperate time, can Neva find forgiveness for a grievous wrong—and make room for hope?
 
Neva Shilling has a heavy load of responsibility while her husband travels to neighboring communities and sells items from his wagon. In his absence, she faithfully runs the Shilling Mercantile, working to keep their business strong as the Depression takes its toll, and caring for their twins.
 
When a wagon pulls up after supper, Neva and her children rush out—and into the presence of the deputy driving a wagon carrying three young children. The deputy shocks her with the news that Warren and his wife have died, insisting it was their last request that the three children go live with “Aunt Neva.”
 
Neva’s heart is shattered as she realizes that Warren’s month-long travels were excuses for visits with his secret family. She wants nothing more than to forget Warren, but can she abandon these innocent children to an orphanage? Yet if she takes them in, will she ever be able to see them as more than evidence of her husband’s betrayal and love them the way God does?


Get your own copy of Room for Hope- you won't regret it!
I was given this book in exchange for my honest opinion. Thanks Blogging for Books!