Doodletopia cartoons

I got this book hoping it would help me teach the basics of drawing to my children (with my assistance).  I was a little underwhelmed by the content. It was a lot more basic than I thought, and not really detailed as far as step by step. I think it could be helpful for an artist who already knows most of the basics. It does live up to its names as doodles.  It's not much more than that. Overall I think it could be a fun book for all its intents and purposes. But not one I fell in love with as a super useful too, in my collection.

The wAterrcolor course you've always wAnted

At first it was hard to read the info in this book because I wanted to look at every painting and all the detail! So many great watercolor works in here. But once I actually got to reading, I really gleaned a lot of useful information. All of the tips and hints are broken down into easy instruction. The implements used and color choices are explained. There are lots of great color mixing guides, and progressional paintings are used to show you the effects of layering color and how to achieve it. She explains even how different grips on your brush can create different effects. I also loved seeing how to convey a mood for your painting, how to capture weather and light and how interpret rhythm.  This will really be a useful tool for me as I navigate this new medium. I'm really excited now to set up my canvas and get started!
I received this book from the publisher is exchange for an honest review.

Amish Christmas at Northstar

I admit, my wife and I's accounts got jumbled up when we ordered our last books, so since the one I ordered showed up, she read this one for me.   This is what she said...

What a perfectly cozy way to start the holidays.  Not only will you find fun heartwarming stories, you'll find them by great authors. Cindy Woodsmall is by far my favorite Amish author and here yet again she doesn't disappoint. It was really fun having 4 different stories all in one book.  Perfect curl up by the fireplace on a chilly night book!!

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Owls- our most charming bird

Really great book.  The illustrations are wonderful, Whimsical enough for a child to adore them, but grown up enough for adults.  The descriptions are fun to read and he gives just the right amount of information. Enough to tell the differences easily between owls, but not in depth as an encyclopedia.
I cross referenced every drawing with the actual pictures of the particular owl. I can say, some weren't a great likeness, but all the same, after seeing the real owl you'd know to which he was referring in his illustrations.
I am curious to purchase his other bird books as this was a fun read. Indeed recommend.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Freehand Figure Drawing For Illustrators

If you are looking for an in depth instruction manual on drawing human body movement and function, you needn't look much further. This book covers almsot every part of the anatomy. It gives examples of various movements and angles. The illustrations cover muscles and bones. And are drawn in basic silloutettes as well as very detailed drawings. Every drawing is accompanied with very informative  and researched instructions and pointers. This book seems to be geared towards those drawing a lot of action illustrations, like a comic book artist. Although I'm sure any one looking to perfect form would glean from this book. I will say this book is informative, and will take a while to digest all of the information, however, I can't say it inspired me. It lacked a certain creative flair I was hoping for, as I learn better when art isn't taught in black and white. Overall, i think it's a very useful tool.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Apartment therapy-complete and happy home

What house style fits you best? Tudor? craftsman? Brownstone? Weigh your options with a list of handy pros and cons for any style of home that suits your fancy. And then start getting your home set up! Learn the best ways to live in your home and maintain it. Figure out color schemes, decor preferences, furniture arrangemens and lighting. Choose art, floors, rugs and wall coverings. View full do,or photos of put together rooms, including kids rooms, Outdoor bathrooms, sunroom offices and more. Get excited about awesome outdoor spaces. Learn want plants to grow inside. Peruse all sorts of useful information about stain removal and handy man tips. The list goes on for this comprehensive guide to making your home the perfect fit for you and your lifestyle! Really great book! I love home decor and am Often disappointed with books about it. But this book not only inspired me with the photos and ideas, it gave me more knowledge, and will now be an awesome too, for anytime I redecorate a space or help a friend. all the tips and tricks are wonderful, and the expa,nation of style is helpful. Seeing the way they put rooms together was great, so many styles represented in here. Definetly a book I'll be reading often! Great job. I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Waiting for Morning

It all happened in a matter of seconds. One minute Hannah Ryan had everything she wanted. The next minute she was that victim she always felt sorry for but never thought she'd identify with.
When she's given a choice how to respond to the accident, she chooses rage and bitterness, even at the expense of her living daughters feelings.
Can she get past this heartache and begin to trust God again?

Another great book by Kingsbury. Always a great story, always a great mix of tears and redemption. She writes about real things that happen to real people, and really knows how to suck a reader in!

The Realism Challenge

Whether you are a pro or a novice, there's something for everyone in here. From simulating shadows, to advanced surfaces, adding color, manufactured objects and much more. This book is written in a way that is easy to understand. It gives lots of tips and tricks without being overwhelming. Some of the paintings I wasn't super impressed with. But some really did look life-like. I think it's a good book to add to any artists collection. 

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Second Street Station

I have to say, I was anticipating a really good mystery. I was eagerly awaiting this book.  UnfortuNately this  one drew up  a little short for me. I wanted to see more suspense and intensity. There were  definitely some twists toward the end, but most of the book was spent in character development or details I didn't feel pertinent. I would have rather seen the story developed in a more detailed manner.
I think some of what made this story less than amazing for me was getting used to the authors style. Toward the middle of the book, I started to settle in and not focus so much on his writing (which seemed a little like reading for a part for a tv show at times.... kind of choppy and awkward descriptions that didn't seem relevant to the story).
I did however love the main character Mary, she is what made me finish the book.mso despite the stories slow start and some dry areas, I do think I'd read another installment.