Interesting Fiction - My Review of The Two of Us

Published by: Bethany House

By: Victoria Bylin

As soon as I read about The Two of Us, I wanted to read it. I was happy to have the chance to read and review it.

This book tells the story of a young couple that is expecting and planning to marry. It also tells about a man and woman who care about that couple and their interactions with one another. It is a story of family and love.

What I liked:

I felt like I really got to know the characters in the book and came to like them.

This book gives a peek into what it is like to care for someone with Alzheimer's.

This book was interesting and different.

What I didn’t like:

There are parts of this book that I disagree with and that made me dislike one of the main characters.

My conclusion:

Overall, I thought that this book was interesting and different.

I give The Two of Us 4 out of 5 stars.

I received this book free to review from Bethany House. The opinions expressed in this review are my true thoughts and feeling regarding this book. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Pretty but Not Very Useful - My Review of Start Where You Are Note Cards

Created by: Meera Lee Patel, Author of Start Where You Are
Published by: Potter

As much as I love to read books and then review them, I was excited to have the chance to check out and review something a little different. I was happy to receive the Start Where You Are Note Cards and look them over.



Who are These for:

These cards are packaged in a beautiful box that would help them make for a great gift. They would be good for a graduation or a birthday, and they would be a fun housewarming gift. The cards feature inspirational and motivational messages.

What I liked:

The cards feature messages that are positive and inspiring.

The colors that are used are fun and cheery.

The box and its overall design is fun.

What I didn’t like:

I don't really see a purpose for many of the cards themselves. I don't know what kind of situations they would be used in.

My conclusion:

Overall, I thought that these were interesting and pretty.

I give the Start Where You Are Note Cards 4 out of 5 stars.

I received this book free to review from Blogging for Books. The opinions expressed in this review are my true thoughts and feeling regarding this book. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Not Sure What to Think - My Review of Draw 50 Sea Creatures

Written by: Lee J. Ames with Erin Harvey
Published by: Watson Guptill

I have little girl nieces who enjoy drawing and I have a teenager step-niece who enjoys drawing, as well. I chose to review Draw 50 Sea Creatures with the hope that it would be something that I could pass on to one of the kiddos.

This book gives somewhat of step-by-step directions to lead a person to draw a variety of sea creatures - from walruses to clams.

Who the book is for:

This is the confusing part for me. I'm not a great artist, but I am an adult. I struggled when trying to follow the directions and draw a penguin out of the book. The book has a somewhat childish feel to it, yet it is a little hard to imagine my little nieces putting it to use.

What I liked:

This book definitely includes a variety when it comes to the sea creatures that it features. Pretty much any sea creature that a person could ever think of and consider drawing.

The end results of the drawings in the book are very detailed and awesome. If a person can figure out how to mimic those results, it would be great.

The book is simple in the way that it is set up.

What I didn’t like:

I wish that there were a few more steps added in to each drawing instruction.

My conclusion:

I'm not really sure who would benefit from this book the most, and that messes with my view of it.

I give Draw 50 Sea Creatures 3 out of 5 stars.

I received this book free to review from Blogging for Books. The opinions expressed in this review are my true thoughts and feeling regarding this book. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Beautiful Bible with Everything One Needs Inside - My Review of The King James Study Bible Full Color Edition

Published by: Thomas Nelson

I do the majority of my Bible reading on my phone, but there is still something about a real, hard copy of the Bible that is special. I was happy to read and review The King James Study Bible Full Color Edition because I thought that it would be something that would be great for my brother. He appreciates the King James Version, so I was happy to get this for him.

This is the kind of Bible that includes everything that a person needs when studying the Bible. This includes study notes, indexes, a concordance and more.

Who This Book is For:

This is perfect for anyone who likes the King James version of the Bible and who is looking to truly study the Bible.

What I liked:

I like the leather binding on this book and the overall size and feel.

I like that the font is larger than what is found in most Bibles.

I like all of the extras - the maps, concordance, indexes.

I like the beauty of this book.

What I didn’t like:

There is nothing in particular that I dislike about this book.

My conclusion:

Overall, I appreciate everything that was put into this book.

I give The King James Study Bible Full Color Edition 5 out of 5 stars.

I received this book free to review from BookLook. The opinions expressed in this review are my true thoughts and feeling regarding this book. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Kept Me Guessing - My Review of Portrait of Vengeance

Published by: Thomas Nelson

Written by: Carrie Stuart Parks

I love all kinds of fiction and I was happy to read a suspense book for a change of pace from what I have been reading lately.

Portrait of Vengeance tells the story of a woman who is battling demons from her past while working on a kidnapping case.

Who This Book is For:

This is a great book for anyone who is looking for a story that will keep them guessing, and a story that has heart and not just mystery.

What I liked:

I really like the characters in this book and I felt like I got to know them as I read it.

I felt like the author did a good job of describing the settings so that I felt like I was really there.

There were things in this book that I did not figure out until the very end.

This story has heart and it kept me connected.

What I didn’t like:

Parts of this book are a little odd, like lighthearted thoughts right after a death, for instance.

My conclusion:

Overall, I enjoyed this book.

I give Portrait of Vengeance 5 out of 5 stars.

I received this book free to review from BookLook. The opinions expressed in this review are my true thoughts and feeling regarding this book. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Stories Could Have Been Written Better - My Review of Precious Moments Little Book of Bible Stories

Published by: Tommy Nelson

Written by: Jean Fischer

I'm not a huge fan of Precious Moments, but they can be cute additions to some children's books. I was happy to read and review Precious Moments Little Book of Bible Stories because I am always interested in checking out new children's book options.

The illustrations:

The pictures in this book are cute. Sweet and gentle. Just what a person would expect from Precious Moments.

Who This Book is For:

This is something that seems like a good gift for a baby. Toddlers and older children may enjoy listening to the stories, too, though.

What I liked:

The Bible stories seem pretty true to the Bible.

The pictures are pretty cute.

Each story has a Bible verse and reference that goes along with it.

The size and make of this book is fun.

What I didn’t like:

I feel like the stories in this book are thrown together. It is as if any one of us was trying to quickly summarize the stories.

My conclusion:

Overall, I'm not a big fan of this book.

I give Precious Moments Little Book of Bible Stories 3 out of 5 stars.

I received this book free to review from BookLook. The opinions expressed in this review are my true thoughts and feeling regarding this book. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

A Fun Look at the World of Manga - My Review of Manga Art

Written by: Mark Crilley
Published by: Watson-Guptill Publications

My step-niece is into manga and drawing, and I chose to read and review Manga Art because I thought it might be something that she would be interested in. I can appreciate the art that is manga, myself, and I thought that this would be a fun book to check out before I gift it to her.

Who the book is for:

This book is great for fans of manga. Those who love to draw. This book is especially good for teenagers and young adults.

What I liked:

This book has a beautiful cover that draws me in.

This book is filled with all kinds of fun artwork.

The author of this book shares his personal experiences with manga and art.

This book is interesting and educational.

What I didn’t like:

There is nothing in particular that I didn't like about this book.

My conclusion:

Overall, I think that this is a fun book and something that my step-niece will enjoy.

I give Manga Art 5 out of 5 stars.

I received this book free to review from Blogging for Books. The opinions expressed in this review are my true thoughts and feeling regarding this book. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Fun for Certain Kids - My Review of Just Sayin'

Published by: Tyndale House Publishers

Written by: Dandi Daley Mackall

I am interested in fiction that sounds good, whether that fiction is written for adults or kids. I chose to read and review Just Sayin' partially because the book was so fun looking and partially because I thought it sounded like an interesting read.

This book tells the story - through a series of letters - of a young girl and a young boy who were almost step-siblings until things got messed up. These kids are really into insults, and they learn the power of words.

Who the book is for:

I assume that this book is supposed to be for 8 to 12 year old kids or something like that, but I don't know... I think that a parent would have to read this book and decide whether or not it is something that they would want their child reading, as there are a lot of insults and teasing in it. Some kids might not get the whole message but might just pick up some of the insults from the book.

What I liked:

This was a fun book to read.

I felt like I really got to know the kids in the book.

This is something that is different from other books out there.

This book has a good message.

The cover of this book is colorful and fun.

What I didn’t like:

I know that the book would not be the same without the insults that are included in it, but I wonder if some of them could have been left out...

My conclusion:

Overall, I really enjoyed this book.

I give Just Sayin' 4 out of 5 stars.

I received this book free to review from Tyndale Blog Network. The opinions expressed in this review are my true thoughts and feeling regarding this book. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Perfect Thanksgiving Children's Book - My Review of A Very Thankful Prayer

Published by: Tommy Nelson

Written by: Bonnie Rickner Jensen

Illustrated by: Natalia Moore

I enjoy checking out all kinds of children's books, and it is fun to have a seasonal book to read. A Very Thankful Prayer is something that would be a great gift for children around Thanksgiving time.

The illustrations:

The pictures in this book are cute, colorful, and fun to look at.

Who This Book is For:

This is good for babies and toddlers, but older children may like it, too.

What I liked:

I like the size and shape of this book.

I like the small "extra' details like the foiled letters and leaves on the front.

I like that this book is colorful and has cute illustrations.

The "story" of this book is simple and thankful and cute.

What I didn’t like:

There is nothing in particular that I did not like about this book.

My conclusion:

Overall, I think this is a perfect book for Thanksgiving time.

I give A Very Thankful Prayer 5 out of 5 stars.

I received this book free to review from BookLook. The opinions expressed in this review are my true thoughts and feeling regarding this book. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.