The Rails to Love Romance Collection

9 Historical Love Stories Set Along the Transcontinental Railroad
by Diana Lesire Brandmeyer, Amanda Cabot, Lisa Carter, Ramona K. Cecil, Lynn A. Coleman, Susanne Dietze, Kim Vogel Sawyer, Connie Stevens, Liz Tolsma

A series of short stories with a railroad theme. A good long read with a strong Historical Christian Romance theme throughout.

I like to read about women who can take care of themselves. They have the brains and pluck to keep going and get done what needs to be done - often putting others first. But then you add that encounter with a man who can come to her aid. And she learns that even though she is strong, it's nice to have someone around to help - and they become a team. Especially when he appreciates her qualities. I've met some consistent 'damsels in distress' who rely on a man for every whim. And the men who love to be needed and provide that constant assistance and care. But it's never been who I am or what I want. I prefer the other, strong independent type. In this book, you get all of the above. Plus those who don't think they're good enough for the one they love. And some Irish characters, a soft spot in my heart - they did play a strong part in constructing the railways. This is not a quick read, which I love. The theme is the same, but the stories are not shared.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Barbour Publishing - Netgalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

From the Publisher:
Journey the Transcontinental Railroad along with nine unlikely couples who encounter all the dangers and disappointments of traveling the rails in the late 1800s. From sight-seeing excursions to transports toward new lives, from orphan trains to circus trains, can romances develop into blazing love in a world of cold, hard steel?

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Botanical Beauty - 80 Essential Recipes for Natural Spa Products by Aubre Andrus

I have an autoimmune disease, am very sensitive and I have to watch my diet and be careful of artificial additives. I was looking for some natural solutions for hair and body, so I thought I'd take a look at this. Honestly, I wasn't expecting much. Over the years I've seen recipes for home made beauty products and I've never been impressed. But this book is full of great ideas and recipes that I can't wait to try.

Simple, natural healthy ingredients you mix together in the right proportions. Since there are no preservatives or chemicals, they have a shorter shelf life. But the idea of freshly made products appeals to me too. There are some ingredients that I truly would never think of using.

I was also pleased to see great packaging ideas and cool tricks. Neat things to do with nail polish, a plastic sandwich bag, ribbons and cardstock.  Make neat foam pedicure slippers, hair holders and towel wraps.

A good investment!

I received this book from the Publisher in return for an honest review. My remarks are my own opinion about the book.

From the Publisher:
Botanical Beauty from Capstone
Soak, scrub, and soothe your way to relaxation with simple homemade spa recipes from award-winning author Aubre Andrus. Using some of nature’s best ingredients, such as beeswax, sugar, coconut oil, shea butter, avocado, sea salt, essential oils, and more, craft everything from a Cooling Peppermint Hand Cream to a Vanilla Honey Body Scrub. Make practical products, like your own all-natural Bugs-Be-Gone Insect Repellent, Minty Homemade Toothpaste, and Natural Shaving Cream. Or pamper yourself after a long day with a Re-energizing Tub Tea, Lovely Lavender Bath Salts, and a Deep Conditioning Treatment. Nourish your body from head to toe with these organic, handmade recipes and crafts, or package them as a gift to share a fresh, fun spa experience.


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Plant Craft, 30 Projects that Add Natural Style to Your Home by Caitlin Atkinson

Very well done. Great ideas for decorating with and enjoying plants. Information about the plants themselves, and projects to display them. There's detailed information on different types of plants. Just enough, not so much it will put you to sleep. Great photos, well organized. Even a chart with basic information on how to use and care for different plants. 

There are several projects. Information on gleaning items to enhance your plant craft, and plans to display and make your own containers with clay, concrete and even a wood bench with a built-in planter. I really like the wall container and the wreath. 

From the Publisher:

Discover the simple beauty of adding natural style to a space!

Not everyone has a garden—but with only a handful of materials and a little bit of time, everyone can bring the beauty of nature into their home. Plant Craft features projects inspired by the natural world and made out of live plants, cut flowers, foraged branches, and more. You'll learn how to create a colorful floral mural, an elegant table centerpiece, a serene underwater sculpture, a whimsical mobile, and more. The step-by-step instructions are clear, easy to follow, and fully illustrated with color photographs, and the projects vary in difficulty. Given the right care, they all have the potential to grace a home for a long time.

I received this book in return for writing a review. The opinion is my own. I was not required to write a positive review, however I do recommend this book if you're thinking of bringing plants indoors in a stylish way and you want them to be healthy. 

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Gratitude - A Prayer and Praise Coloring Journal, Tyndale

Oh how beautiful!

I've always loved to color. I find it hard to resist buying coloring books for the young children in our lives, and having them on hand. This book is so much a treasure because it's for me!

Beautiful illustrations are there, ready to bring to life with the colors of your choosing, and you can add shading for depth. There are lots of "adult" coloring books available these days, but this is extra special, because of the prayer and praise spiritual inspiration - plus it's a journal.

Your enjoyment won't end after the pages are all colored in. It's well constructed and will remain an inspiration and keepsake.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Tyndale Publishers - Netgalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”. http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html.

·        Tyndale’s Inspire Creativity board on Pinterest has downloadable samplers and sharable coloring pages from our coloring and Bible journaling line, the Living Expressions Collection!

·         Check out www.livingexpressionscollection.com for the latest news and information on our coloring and journaling products.

From the publisher:
Gratitude: A Prayer and Praise Coloring Journal invites you to bring creative journaling and the calming act of coloring into your quiet time with God. This beautifully designed interactive prayer book from Tyndale’s Living Expressions collection helps guide your thoughts as you pray about concerns such as health, overcoming stress, personal relationships, and more. Gratitude gives you a way to celebrate and give thanks to God for the many blessings he provides. Filled with over 100 designs to color, plenty of space for journaling and sketching, and 40 needs-based prayers, Gratitude helps you express your devotion to God with your whole heart!

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Lazy Crafternoon by Stella Fields

Capstone   Crafts & Hobbies, Teens & YA

Get your craft on! Learn some basic craft secrets and be inspired.

Excellent starter book for crafters. Very simple instructions for even the most basic materials and how to use them. Includes projects for sewing, jewelry making, decoupage, home art - even party recipes and decorations.   Among other great project ideas, you'll find accessories, a headband, dressing up a phone case, your headphones, cheap sunglasses and even your shoes! My favorites are the faux stained glass, ribbon wreath and glass charms.

I think the book would benefit by showing step-by-step illustrations for a few of the projects. I'm not sure how long some of the items will last, but if you're using inexpensive items, you won't mind throwing them away after they wear.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Capstone Publishing and Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html.

 

From the publisher:

Spend a lazy crafternoon with your friends. From pretty school supplies to colorful tech accessoriest to perfect party decor, Lazy Crafternoon guides tween crafters through simple stesp to create amazing projects.
For ages 9-13.
*Step-by-step instructions and images of complex steps makes crafting easy *Over 50 fast, fun crafts to create & share 

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Origami Jewelry by Mayumi Jezewski

Dover Publications   Crafts & Hobbies

A really cute craft book. There are great easy to follow instructions for basic jewelry making included that you can apply to many projects. Add the special craft of origami, and you can make some endearing jewelry pieces. There are so many origami papers, in so many colors and styles that you can make several pairs of each. 

It's hard to choose favorites, but I do especially like the iris and butterfly and the little stars are so dear! The finished examples shown make you want to make each and every piece - and extra to share with friends and relatives.

A very economical way to increase your jewelry and match all your outfits. Just don't lose the book, as I can see wanting to make more as time and outfits change. And I'm sure I will be watching the origami papers and find many I can't resist! 

I think these pieces would be attractive to many ages. And I bet you could sell some finished sets on Etsy or Facebook.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Dover Publications and Netgalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” 

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