Embroidered Lettering by Debra Valencia

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions are 100% my own. 

About the book-

Nothing is funnier than the unexpected combination of a lovingly handmade embroidery piece with an irreverent (though not necessarily less heartfelt) statement. This book shows how to use a traditional craft to add a very modern message to coasters, bags, patches, pillows, tea towels, eyeglass cases and more. Innovative designer and author Debra Valencia presents 25 fun embroidery lettering projects that let you say what you REALLY mean—in stitches! Embroidered Lettering also includes an alphabet for you to use in stitching your own phrases, along with basic instructions for stitches and advice on materials and tools. Bold, snarky, amusing, or clever—these needlework ideas are anything but old-fashioned samplers.

My thoughts-

There are so many cute projects in this book that I literally want to make them all. The days of the week tea towels, the drink recipe coasters, and the bookmarks are my favorites. I like that the beginning of the book includes a lot of different stitches for beginners like me who need to practice different stitches before starting these amazing projects. It is nice to have the visual aides for that at the beginning and the advice about what kind of needles to use. I think this is a great book for a beginner as well as someone more experienced who is looking for interesting projects to do. 

Be Kind by Naomi Shulman

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own

About the book-

In a world where people spend more time engaging through screens than in real-life interaction, showing basic human kindness can feel like a lost art. Be Kind offers children aged 5 and up simple, actionable things they can do in their daily lives that help them cultivate kindness toward others and grow into people with the capacity to make the world a kinder place.

In Be Kind, kids learn that kindness is a quality that can be expressed in ways other than merely being “nice,” including standing up for someone or something, engaging in a community, showing compassion toward other beings, and expressing gratitude. With joyful illustrations and kid-friendly writing, this idea book serves as a delightful, easy-to-read collection of 100 concrete activities kids and their families can pick and choose from and act out in their daily lives, whether it’s being the first person to say good morning, offering compliments, shoveling an elderly neighbor’s driveway, learning to say hello in different languages, or sending a card to someone — no special occasion required. On every page, Be Kind empowers kids to make the world a better, kinder place, one action at a time.

My thoughts-

There is nothing in the world more important to me as a mother than that my children are kind. Be Kind is exactly the type of book I like to have around my house for my kids. They enjoy non fiction and I try to model to them to always be kind to others, and this book will take care of both of those things. There are some great ideas in here to create acts of kindness from the very simple like saying good morning or smiling at strangers, to acts of service like doing yard work for a neighbor. There are ideas in here that I wouldn't have thought of so I think it is a good book for children and adults alike. Everyone should have a copy of this awesome book in their home. You can pick up a copy this summer in June. 

The Perfect Couple by Elin Hilderbrand

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own. 

About the book-

It's Nantucket wedding season, also known as summer-the sight of a bride racing down Main Street is as common as the sun setting at Madaket Beach. The Otis-Winbury wedding promises to be an event to remember: the groom's wealthy parents have spared no expense to host a lavish ceremony at their oceanfront estate.
But it's going to be memorable for all the wrong reasons after tragedy strikes: a body is discovered in Nantucket Harbor just hours before the ceremony-and everyone in the wedding party is suddenly a suspect. As Chief of Police Ed Kapenash interviews the bride, the groom, the groom's famous mystery-novelist mother, and even a member of his own family, he discovers that every wedding is a minefield-and no couple is perfect. Featuring beloved characters from The Castaways, Beautiful Day, and A Summer Affair, The Perfect Couple proves once again that Elin Hilderbrand is the queen of the summer beach read.

My thoughts-

I will pretty much ready anything set in Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard, or on Cape Cod so I am a big Elin Hilderbrand fan. This book was a little different because it had the added air of suspense and mystery. I thought it was great to marry those genres to women's fiction. The book was a page turner. I definitely was interested in what happened on the Island and there were plenty of suspects that could have done it, so that kept things interesting! Mostly though, I was interested in the bride's mom's story. I know that it wasn't the main theme of the book, but I felt very drawn to her and hope to see more of her in a future book. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys contemporary women's fiction. 

Harry Potter And The Stone By J.K. Rowling

Since I let his brother review a book for me yesterday, my other nine year old wanted to review one of his own. He picked his current favorite Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Here is Miles's review-

Miles' Thoughts-

I Like This Story Because It Is A Nice Story To Read. My Favorite Chapter Is Chapter 1 (The Boy Who Lived).This Is The First Out Of Seven Of Harry Potter Books There Is. To Me This My Favorite Harry Potter Book. My Last Note Is That Thank You J.K. Rowling For Creating this Book.

Maria Montessori by Isabel Sanchez Vegara; Raquel Martín

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own. 

About the book-

Maria grew up in Italy at a time when girls didn't receive an equal education to boys. But Maria's mother was supportive of her dreams, and Maria went on to study medicine. She later became an early childhood expert—founding schools with her revolutionary educational theories and changing the lives of many children. This moving book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the educator's life.

My thoughts-

Little People, Big Dreams is a fantastic children's book series that features some pretty awesome people from history for our kids to look up to. I like that this book in the series highlighted Maria Montessori, one of the biggest innovators in early childhood education. The book introduces kids to Maria Montessori's life and how she came to work in the field of education. I think many kids who have a tough time in a traditional school setting sitting still and writing all day would be inspired by Montessori's story and how she thought learning should be hands on. I recommend this book to any kid. These are stories that need to be heard

Big Nate Payback Time by Lincoln Pierce

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own.

About the book-

In this brand-new collection of the NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING series Big Nate, everyone's favorite prankster takes on everything from epic snowball fights to sixth-grade crushes, with plenty of hilarious misadventures along the way.

Look out, Big Nate fans—it’s payback time!

In this brand-new collection of Big Nate comics, Nate develops a mysterious allergy to Mrs. Godfrey, wages epic snowball fights with Teddy and Francis, and even takes a nervous newbie under his wing during detention. But after a disastrous run-in with Randy in the cafetorium, our hero faces a dreaded after-school showdown on the soccer field.  Will Nate survive or get kicked around?

From wedgies and food fights to Halloween pranks and sixth-grade crushes, Big Nate: Payback Time! has got it all.

*My kids LOVE Big Nate, so I thought I would let one of them review it for us. Here are the thoughts of one of my 9 year old boys Noah-

Noah's thoughts-

I was always a fan of the Big Nate book series, so I enjoyed the book a lot. I really liked when the people said "Behold the power of Chad" at different times of the book. I also loved the good illustrations. This will be the 38th(?) book in the series. (I just googled 'Big Nate books in order', counted them all, and then I counted this book on the list [because it was not on the list yet.]. That would be the 38th book.). The last thing I want to say is "Thank you for letting us look at this book".

Springtime at Hope Springs by Annie Rains

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own. 

About the book-

When opposites attract...

As an editor at a major New York City magazine, Josie Kellum is always on the go...until an injury sidelines her in the small town of Sweetwater Springs. Luckily, her new physical therapist is easy going and easy on the eyes. When their sessions start to heat up, in more ways than one, Josie is intrigued. But she has a city and career she loves waiting for her. So why does the thought of leaving him suddenly feel a lot like leaving home? 

Tucker Locklear is just starting to move on after his wife's death. While he can't deny his attraction to the gorgeous, vivacious Josie, he won't risk the pain of losing someone again. The sooner he gets Josie back on her feet and back to her real life, the safer he'll be. But in Sweetwater Springs, love has a way of mending even the most damaged heart.

Includes the bonus short story Last Chance Bride from Hope Ramsay.

My thoughts-

Springtime at Hope Cottage is the second book in the Sweetwater Springs series. I can't put these books down. Annie Rains has perfected the art of the sweet romance novel, one of my favorite genres. I got through this book in less than 48 hours. I couldn't put it down. These romance novels set in small towns always suck me in and I wish I was living there hanging out with it's residents. I loved getting to know Josie and Tuck and getting to revisit Mitch and Kaitlyn from the first book in the series. I enjoyed watching Tuck and Josie get to know one another and learning more about Sweetwater Springs. I also enjoyed the bonus story at the end  about Tuck's sister. It definitely left me wanting more. If you love sweet contemporary romance novels, you will definitely want to read Springtime at Hope Springs (as well as Christmas on Mistletoe Lane). I will be anxiously awaiting the release of the third book!

Brilliant Ideas by Wonderful Women

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own. 

About the book-

Discover the stories behind 15 of the twentieth century's key inventions in this fun and informative treasury of trailblazing women, who each made a unique contribution to the history of science and technology.

Car heaters…Monopoly…Disposable diapers…The dishwasher…Kevlar…Maritime flares… Anti-reflective glass…Wifi…Syringes…Submarine periscopes…Diagnostic tests…Lifeboats…Windshield wipers…Ebooks…What do each of these revolutionary inventions have in common? They were all pioneered by women!

Each brilliant idea is presented with biographical information about the brilliant woman who came up with it, including what inspired them. Learn how Martha Coston disguised herself as a man to contact pyrotechnicians and convince them to manufacture her idea for maritime flares, how a New York tram ride on a wet winter’s day led Mary Anderson to invent the windshield wiper, and why Letitia Mumford Geer’s one-hand operated syringe was a medical breakthrough, among other fascinating facts. Full-page illustrations show the inspiration for and use of these incredible inventions in humorous detail.

From lifeboat-inventor, Maria Beasley, to the grandmother of the ebook, Ángela Ruiz Robles, each of the inspiring women in this book achieved their goal of leaving the world a better place than they found it.

My thoughts-

I love books like this that highlight important moments in history created by women in all different time periods. Even before there was a women's rights movement, there have always been bold women paving the way. The women highlighted in Brilliant Ideas by Wonderful Women have all contributed by coming up with innovative ideas. These women's invention have made our lives easier to live, and a few have even made our lives safer. I love that this book introduces children to the women behind the thoughts that became ideas that have changed lives. I recommend this book to all kids, and adults as well. This is a great book to read together with your kids. You will definitely learn a new thing or two about some of history's greatest inventions and the women behind them. 

Rayne & Delilah's Midnite Matinee by Jeff Zentner

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own. 

About the book-

Every Friday night, best friends Delia and Josie become Rayne Ravenscroft and Delilah Darkwood, hosts of the campy creature feature show Midnite Matinee on the local cable station TV Six.

But with the end of senior year quickly approaching, the girls face tough decisions about their futures. Josie has been dreading graduation, as she tries to decide whether to leave for a big university and chase her dream career in mainstream TV. And Lawson, one of the show's guest performers, a talented MMA fighter with weaknesses for pancakes, fantasy novels, and Josie, is making her tough decision even harder. 

Scary movies are the last connection Delia has to her dad, who abandoned the family years ago. If Midnite Matinee becomes a hit, maybe he'll see it and want to be a part of her life again. And maybe Josie will stay with the show instead of leaving her behind, too.

As the tug-of-war between growing up and growing apart tests the bonds of their friendship, Josie and Delia start to realize that an uncertain future can be both monstrous...and momentous.

My thoughts-

Before I even get started about the content of the book, I have to say that this is my favorite book cover in a while. It just screamed out to me. I am not sure if it's the beautiful colors or the two besties sitting on the stairs together or all of the above, but I super seriously love this cover! The book started out a little slow for me and I wasn't sure if I was going to like it but about 1/4th of the way through things picked up and I was hooked. I don't say this often, but Rayne and Delilah read like a movie to movie. Like I want someone to buy the rights and make this into a movie because it was so vivid in my mind. Zentner did a great job at giving a perfect picture of each of these characters. I enjoyed Josey and Delia's friendship because I have two best friends that I feel the exact same way about. I can relate to Delia on a deep level because I had the same feelings about my absentee father around the same age but didn't have the personality to seek out answers at that time and I don't think I could have handled it if I did, so even though sometimes she is portrayed as kind of a weak character I see her as stoic and strong. Many of the feelings of abandonment that abide in her mind are feelings I am super familiar with. Beyond the seriousness of Delia's home life, the two friends are very funny and play off of each other well. Sometimes their interactions with other people can be completely over the top but for the most part I enjoyed their banter. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good YA book or rom-com because there is a nice little love story nestled in here as well.  Rayne & Delilah's Midnite Matinee will be available on February 26. 

The Restoration Series: Jonathan's Walk

*Disclosure of material connection: I received early access to view the first episode of The Restoration Series: Jonathan's Walk via Flyby Promotions. I will receive a $15 gift card for sharing this review, but as always my opinions are 100% my own. 

I am sure most people have not given much thought to what might happen when someone is released from prison after fulfilling their sentence. It is not something that I probably would have thought of either without having heard of The Restoration Series: Jonathan's Walk. This is a very short docu-series that follows Jonathan as he prepares to leave prison leading all the way up to his adjusting to being back in the outside world. There are 5 episodes, each fairly short, to take us through these steps Jonathan takes to reunite with his family. This was an interesting watch. You can watch the first episode below and you can check out the entire series here

Keto in an Instant 100 Ketogenic Recipes for Your Instant Pot by Stacey Crawford

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own. 

About the book-

Go keto with 100 ketogenic recipes that can all be made in your Instant Pot multi-cooker.

The Instant Pot has been the runaway sensation of multicooker kitchen appliances. And the ketogenic diet, with its emphasis on high fat and protein intake along with very low carb consumption, has been embraced as a radical new way to eat to lose weight and get healthy. The Instant Pot's versatility as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, steamer, yogurt maker, and rice cooker makes it an incredibly useful multi-cooker appliance that can be used to cook virtually anything, and it's also the ideal appliance for cooking anything keto. 

Keto in an Instant features over 100 ketogenic recipes all designed to be made in the Instant Pot. Each recipe includes key nutritional data for keto followers, as well as clear, detailed instructions for using the Instant Pot to create the recipes. In addition to the recipes, readers will gain insight on how the ketogenic diet works, and benefit from practical guidance for following a ketogenic eating plan. Also included is useful information on using and maintaining the Instant Pot, tips and tricks for using the Instant Pot in the kitchen, and much more.

My thoughts-

I have an extensive collection of Keto cookbooks so it is a rarity to come across one that has fresh new recipes that make me excited enough to think I need yet another one. Keto in an Instant is a rare exception. I was giddy to see a recipe for pot roast that I actually want to eat (mushrooms and celery in place of potatoes and carrots sounds just fine to me!), as I have really been missing a good roast. The entire breakfast section sounded fantastically delicious, as did the desserts. I pretty much want to cook every recipe in this book. I love that it is all Instant Pot recipes because electric pressure cooking makes life way easier. I would recommend this book to anyone who follows a ketogenic or low carb lifestyle or who just want a book full of healthy, easy, tasty recipes to make. 

Hand Sewing Magic: Essential Know-How for Hand Stitching- by Lynn Krawczyk

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own. 

About the book-

Hand Sewing Magic is an essential reference to all things stitching, featuring how-tos for dozens of stitches, from the basics for sewing and mending to stunning embroidered embellishment.

Hand Sewing Magic is a modern, all-in-one guide for hand stitchers of all levels of skill and experience, and for all applications. In this unique guide book you will: Get an in-depth overview of essential tools and materials, including thread, needles, fabric, and other key supplies.Explore a comprehensive visual dictionary of 35 stitches plus dozens of variations, from basic mending to stylish decorative embellishment to unique art stitching.Discover key techniques, from starting and ending threads to the right way to use an embroidery hoop, from stitching curved shapes to color shading, and more.Learn essential tips and tricks from influential and innovative stitchers, including Joanne Sharpe, Allison Aller, and Catherine Redford.10 simple and stunning projects show unique ways to use stitches and techniques. With Hand Sewing Magic, you’ll make the most of your hand stitching and give all your projects a beautiful handmade look.


My thoughts-

I have mentioned in a previous post that I want to start doing more crafts this year as a form of stress relief and I am really drawn to needle crafts for some reason. I haven't done any just yet, but I did get an embroidery kit from my best friend for my birthday that i can't wait to use and that inspired me to read Hand Sewn Magic, to learn a little bit more about stitching. This is a detailed look at several different types of stitching and really explains how to do each one. I like that there are pictures of the steps of each type of stitch included since I am a visual learner. It is very helpful to me to see it in front of me and be able to use as a guide. There are a few projects in the book to try as well. I think this is a great book for beginners like me who want to learn the art of needle crafting. 

AYA and PAPAYA Find Happiness by MQ

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required  to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own. 

About the book-

In this heart-warming new book for young readers, MQ shares a beautiful message about the true meaning of happiness. In the book, the sun rises and Aya knows it is time for her to wake up. But this morning something feels different – Aya has lost her happiness.

Aya and her best friend, Papaya search high and low. They look inside the wardrobe, under her bed, in the bathtub and even in the garden. But Aya’s happiness is nowhere to be found. Even though they have checked all her favourite places, Aya and Papaya simply cannot find her happiness. It is lost.

Lost, that is, until she looks inside and realises it was within her all along.

My thoughts-

One of my boys has some trouble focusing on the positive things in his life and once one thing goes awry the whole day in his eyes has been terrible. Aya and Papaya Find Happiness is a great book for kids like him to help explain that happiness lies within you. Along with the great lesson this book offers, there are gorgeous illustrations to help kids feel engaged with this story. I recommend this book to anyone with little ones at all, but especially to kids who have struggles with anxiety or negativity. 

I Love My Dog Embroidery 380 Stitch Motifs for Dog Moms and Dads by MakikoArt

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own.

About the book-

I Love My Dog Embroidery is a collection of 380 adorable dog-themed stitch motifs for pooch parents and their beloved fur babies, with project ideas, how-tos, and templates.

Created by embroidery artist MakikoArt and six other amazing embroidery artists, this “dog fanciful” collection of stitch motifs celebrates all things canine. With this lovely embroidery guide, you can create all manner of pups, including:

The sweet Labrador retriever, fluffy poodle, noble German shepherd, and many others

Dogs doing what they do best—classic poses, postures, and tricks—like “roll over,” “give me your paw,” and the ever-popular “rub my tummy”

Pooches disguised as people—the farmer, the artist, the businessman—and who can resist the sneaky but lovable mailman?

Mutts in different styles and shapes, including borders, frames, and alphabets

You’ll also find guidance on how to customize a motif to fit your favorite Fido, plus a gallery of project ideas for showcasing your stitches. So grab a needle and floss and take everything in your home and wardrobe from drab to double-dog fabulous!

My thoughts-

I have decided that for 2019 I am going to find more hobbies and crafts to try and embroidery is at the top of that list. I have a sweet dog who is my best buddy so I thought this would be a fun book to check out. There are so many cute different patterns in here to give a try. As a novice, I am not sure that it is all explained to me well enough, but I am still going to give it a try for the sheer number of patterns available. Pretty much every dog breed imaginable is included and there are several different sub-categories of different types of dogs (Dog yoga poses anyone? Or dogs with occupations! They are all so cute!). I would recommend this book to absolutely any dog lover that has an interest in embroidery.