Enchanted Excurse

Disclosure: I received Wonderland: A Coloring Book Inspired by Alice's Adventures by Amily Shen from Blogging For Books. Provided that I give an honest review. 

I am going to be honest and admit I am late for posting this adult coloring book. I apologize for the late posting to BFB and my readers, because this adult coloring book is an amazing one that is Alice In Wonderland. I do have about three or four of them now. But of course Alice In Wonderland is my favorite, of course. This adult coloring book also has the story written in it. It seems like a shorter version, because it would be so much thicker if it was the full book. I do recommend if you are going to get an adult coloring book that is Alice In Wonderland themed, this is a very good one to choose! I can't wait to focus on my coloring in more to try and distract from my depression and anxiety. I need to get on the ball and try and focus more this new year. I am definitely going to be putting more of my time in this coloring book. If you want to purchase this book for yourself, click this LINK. Have a Blessed Day!

I had the blessing to receive Sacred Holidays He Is: The Attributes of God study Advent. I am so excited I believe it starts on the 28th of November, but it is okay if you start a little late. They have an advent study for women, girls, men, families, etc, and the bundles are 10% off at the moment! What is wonderful about his study is that whenever you purchase one, 10% of the profits go to provide studies to women in Prisons. Which it is amazing just to get the word out to people who need to hear and study the gospel.

I will try my best to post throughout the advent my experience as I go through the study myself. If y'all have been paying attention to my Instagram/Facebook/Twitter,  I have been posting where you can get a peek at what the study will look like on the inside. I am ready to dig into this study so I can get myself back into the Bible better than I have ever been. It is really hard for me to stick to certain things, for certain reasons. Here is a LINK so you can too go look and purchase which study you want to grab. It's never too late to purchase one, even if you start a little late in the study. Have a Blessed Day!

Disclosure: I received She Reads Truth: Holding Tight To A Permanent In A World That's Passing Away by Raechel Meyers and Amanda Bible Williams, complimentary from B&H Publishing. Provided I give an honest response. 

 I wanted to share the video that is shown on B&H Publishing for this book. It gives a good look at what you are going to be getting out of this book. It also introduces the authors of the book.

My Review: I always enjoy getting to read new books or Bible studies from She Reads Truth. I am also excited to see whatever new happens with this ministry. This book basically is Meyers and Williams telling about some of the rough times of their lives growing up and what they still go through now. Even though they share these parts of their lives with us, they also point out how through it all God is always the same. Even though we have the ups and the downs, we have our Bible and Prayer to show us that God is Truth. He is always there with/for us, and he will always be. One thing I like is that they share scripture they have read over and over to help them get through these struggles. Scripture that proves he is Truth. I do recommend this book if you are all about the Bible and the Truth of God. Also if you have/had struggles in your life, it is always interesting to read about other's stories and how they got through it. It shows no one is perfect and we all have downfalls etc. But the one thing that will help us get through it is our faith in God. Here is a LINK to purchase your own copy! Have a blessed Day!

ABOUT THE BOOK:

The Telling

by Alexandra Sirowy

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Release Date: August 2nd 2016

Genre: Young Adult, Mystery, Contemporary, Thriller

Synopsis:

Lana used to know what was real.

That was before when her life was small and quiet.

Her golden step-brother, Ben, was alive, she could only dream about bonfiring with the populars, their wooded island home was idyllic, she could tell the truth from lies, and Ben’s childhood stories were firmly in her imagination.

Then came after.

After has Lana boldly kissing her crush, jumping into the water from too high up, and living with nerve and mischief. But after also has horrors, deaths that only make sense in fairy tales, and terrors from a past Lana thought long forgotten: Love, blood, and murder.

My Review: When I first started reading The Telling it was a little bit slow in the beginning. I say that because I feel the author does include a lot of details in the story so you understand what the main character is going through. I don't find it annoying that she wrote a lot of details, I love details plus it does help explain a lot of things. A lot of times I find you need those details. I found this to be a great suspenseful murder mystery book. Sirowy will have you guessing and guessing, thinking its this person or no it has to be this person. It is a book that will be hard to put down, because you just have to keep reading to know how it ends! If you are into the books have immense mystery and suspense I feel this book will be perfect for you. I do need to share that there are some cuss words in this book and some talk that suggest about sex. Luckily it wasn't too much about it, because I myself am not into the cuss words in books. A lot of times you just cannot get away from it though, that is how some of the children talk nowadays and a lot of adults. Anyways, enough of that talk, other than that again I say this was an intriguing book. I am going to have to grab the other book of the authors and read it.

Disclosure: I received Hope Prevails: Insights From a Doctor's Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson complimentary from Revell. Provided I give an honest Review.

   Synopsis from Goodreads:

 Neuropsychologist Offers Hope to Those Struggling with Depression As a board-certified neuropsychologist, Dr. Michelle Bengtson sees the devastation of depression. Early on, she practiced the most effective treatments and prescribed them for her clients. But when she experienced depression herself, she found that the treatments she had recommended were lacking. Her experience showed her the missing component in treating depression. In "Hope Prevails," Dr. Bengtson writes with deep compassion, blending her training and faith, to offer readers a hope grounded in God's love and grace. She helps readers understand what depression is, how it affects them spiritually, and what, by God's grace, it cannot do. The result is an approach that offers the hope of release, not just the management of symptoms. For those who struggle with depression and those who want to help them, "Hope Prevails" offers hope for the future. 

 My Review: While reading this book I found it awesome to finally read a book from an author who understands what depression and anxiety is about. I hate that she has gone through it, or that anyone has gone through it. It is best to have books on these subjects from folks who have gone through the same things. Because you know they know how to relate more to you. 

I did find she was repetitive in a few chapters, to where I felt I thought I was rereading a chapter. Other than that I do love that she incorporates scriptures and talking about how God has helped her through her depression. This book would be great to do a weekly bible study with others, because at the end there are questions in the way you can discuss with your bible study group about what your answers were to the questions. Also my favorite thing at the end of each chapter she posts christian songs that have helped her throughout her depression and writing this book. Which I am going to of course go on Spotify and add all of these songs and make a happy playlist to see if it helps me out. I also love learning of new music and new christian music especially. They are always great to listen play to try and get your depressed self back up to cheery. I think this would be a great book to try if you go through any anxiety or depression, because it doesn't hurt to read a book and see if the author says something that just might click for you. Here is a LINK to click to see where to purchase this book for yourself. Have a Blessed Day!

Source

Synopsis from B&H Publishing: 

“I want you to take every step of your life with excitement for where you are headed. And I want you to feel beautiful and confident as you do.” But how? When the enemy whispers lies that we are not smart enough, pretty enough, or rich enough? Or are you too dumb, too loud, too quiet, too thin, too fat, too much or not enough? What if you don’t have what it takes to be who you really want to be?” In Looking for Lovely, Annie Downs shares personal stories, biblical truth, and examples of how others have courageously walked the path God paved for their lives by remembering all God had done, loving what was right in front of them, and seeing God in the everyday–whether that be nature, friends, or the face they see in the mirror. Intensely personal, yet incredibly powerful, Looking for Lovely will spark transformative conversations and life changing patterns. No matter who you are and what path God has you on, we all need to remember the lovely, fight to finish, and find beautiful in our every day! 

My Review: I felt like I understood a lot of the insecurities and situations that this author has gone through. She shares experiences of her life where there were ups and downs and basically points out where she found her lovely. She describes where and how to look for those lovely areas and times in your life. Even in the worst experiences you have had in your life. 

I found it interesting how she could do this, but I know it's still really hard for me to find the lovely in my darkest moments. Sometimes I can't understand why God has allowed certain things I have went through to happen. I may never figure it out until I get to heaven. But we just have to try to stick with God and learn to trust and have faith in him. I am sure there is always a reason why someone has gone through this event or that event. Be it for them to grow from or to share with others so they are not alone. But yes there are a lot of areas that are difficult to understand.

I found reading this book, okay. It was interesting learning about situations of life Downs experienced. I am sure this book has spoken to other people whom have read it, but it just didn't really speak to me. I didn't get that "aha" moment that I expected I was going to get. Other than that it is a very pretty cover and I do believe that there is a study guide you can buy to go along with it. Maybe I will do that later on and reread it with the study guide. Click this LINK if you want to purchase this book. Have a Blessed Day!

Goodreads Synopsis:

Everyone knows Alice slept with two guys at one party.

Rumor has it that Alice Franklin is a slut. It's written all over the bathroom stall at Healy High for everyone to see. And after star quarterback Brandon Fitzsimmons dies in a car accident, the rumors start to spiral out of control.

In this remarkable debut novel, four Healy High students—the girl who has the infamous party, the car accident survivor, the former best friend, and the boy next door—tell all they know.

But exactly what is the truth about Alice? In the end there's only one person to ask: Alice herself.

Source

 Synopsis from B&H Publishing:

 Have you ever gotten to the place where you just couldn’t take it anymore? Dreams. Programs. Jobs. Relationships. There are so many different areas where we feel like calling it quits. It’s time for an honest conversation on how not to give in to the temptation to give up. Nicki Koziarz is a woman who has thrown in the towel a time or two. In fact, she’s quit just about everything in her life. But with God’s help, she’s discovered a few habits that have helped her and others conquer the choice to quit. 5 Habits of a Woman Who Doesn’t Quit will enable you to: Evaluate the internal personal struggles that make you want to quit. Cultivate consistent habits to help you progress toward your goals. Receive a fresh dose of perspective from the Bible that will help you develop perseverance. You are not made to quit! Join Nicki as she identifies five habits to help you keep going no matter what struggles may come your way. 

Here is where you can purchase this book

Goodreads Synopsis: 

 Sadie Kingston, is a girl living in the aftermath. A year after surviving a car accident that killed her friend Trent and left her body and face scarred, she can’t move forward. The only person who seems to understand her is Trent’s brother, Max. As Sadie begins to fall for Max, she's unsure if she is truly healed enough to be with him — even if Max is able to look at her scars and not shy away. But when the truth about the accident and subsequent events comes to light, Sadie has to decide if she can embrace the future or if she'll always be trapped in the past. 

 My Review:  (Spoiler) I believe Courtney C. Stevens has done it again! She has written yet another great story, called The Lies About Truth. It is yet another story about real life struggles. The main character Sadie has to deal with her physical scars that came about from a car accident. She also has to deal with a friend she lost, and friends she was slowly pushing away. Slowly letting them slip away. I do enjoy reading a story like this because it shows me how people can be strong and actually get through those struggles. I enjoyed reading about her having a new relationship blossom because of the accident. Especially reading about how she got through her list of what she wanted to conquer to get back to herself. So she wouldn't be hiding and secluding herself anymore. There are a lot of folks who go through plenty of different terrible things. This is a good story that shows everyone we can be strong and conquer what we need to, to get back to where we want to be. 

I understand in my own way with my mental issues. I try to make my own lists also that I am working on. Some are attempting to drive again, attempting to fight the anxiety/depression I deal with. I want to make it to where I can work again. Just this morning I was feeling down and like I was getting nowhere. I believe finally reading the rest of this book this morning reminded me I need to keep trying. I pray With God's help I will eventually get there. I enjoy reading anything Stevens writes about, even if it has sad and struggling in the story. She reminds me with her stories that I or anyone can get through these storms and overcome them. I seriously cannot wait to see what else she comes out with. I wish there was a new book already coming out right now so I could read it. Her writing is very easy at catching and keeping your attention. You always want to see how things end up. So make sure to grab this book and give it a read. It won't be any time wasted at all. Have a Blessed Day!

Disclosure: I received The Girl I Used To Be by April Henry from The Fantastic Flying Book Club complimentary. Provided that I give an honest review.

                        




The Girl I Used to Be

My Review: First thing I will tell y'all is the cover of this book is very inviting. The Cover and the title catches the eye very easily. Reason I had to try and sign up for this Blog Tour from The Fantastic Flying Book Club. I believe this is the first time I am doing a Blog Tour for them. I was so excited to be accepted into giving this book a read.  

In the beginning of this book it is talking about Olivia running from her kidnapper. Therefore, of course it already had me hooked to trying to figure out what was going on. In the next chapter it moves on to about maybe a few months before this scene. It explains this young woman's situation and will keep you hanging on your seat wanting to learn more. It sure did keep me guessing who the person was  chasing her in the beginning. 

During the whole story she is trying to figure out who killed her parents when she was just three years old. But when she moves back into the house that was owned by her grandmother, she decides to ask the folks in town about these murders. So of course when you are new and keep asking about details about a past murder, sooner or later the killer will find out and feel the need to get rid of the new girl who is curious in town. I will admit when the killer explains how her parents died, I was not expecting what he told her. I was still going by the guesses the townsfolk were guessing. I love this about any book or movie. The not being able to tell who the killer is and how it happened. It gets boring when you figure out the result easy and fast. Always give me something that keeps me guessing and makes me use my brain muscles. If you enjoy suspenseful type of books, this is one definitely to read. I also enjoyed how the author writes, because she knows how to keep you engulfed in the book. I know I will keep my eye out for Henry's other books to read. 

About The Author: I write mysteries and thrillers. I live in Portland, Oregon with my family.

May 3rd

A Reading Nurse & The Unofficial Addiction Book Fan Club - Welcome Post

May 4th

Disclosure: I received Pop Painting: Inspiration and Techniques from the Pop Surrealism Art Phenomenon by Camilla d'Errico complimentary from Blogging For Books. Provided I give an honest review.

 Goodreads Synopsis: 

 Get ready for a behind-the-scenes look at the painting tools, methods, and inspirations of one of the top artists working in the growing field of Pop Surrealism. For the first time, beloved best-selling author and artist Camilla d’Errico pulls back the curtain to give you exclusive insights on topics from the paints and brushes she uses and her ideal studio setup, to the dreams, notions, and pop culture icons that fuel the creation of her hauntingly beautiful Pop Surrealist paintings. With step-by-step examples covering major subject areas such as humans, animals, melting effects, and twisting reality (essential for Pop Surrealism!), Pop Painting gives you the sensation of sitting by Camilla’s side as she takes her paintings from idea to finished work. This front row seat reveals how a leading artist dreams, paints, and creates a successful body of work. For fans of Camilla and the underground art scene, aspiring artists looking to express their ideals in paint, and experienced artists wanting to incorporate the Pop Surrealist style into their work, Pop Painting is a one-of-a-kind, must-have guide.  

Front Cover

Back Cover

My Review: This art book is pretty explanatory if you look into it. (I will post a few pictures of the inside so you can understand what i mean) This artist is one of my favorites! I just love the adorable little girls and animals she paints. I wish I had enough money just to spend on one of her products. I believe I would buy one of the animal prints, because they are kind of kawaii looking to me and of course they are adorably cute! I was so excited to receive this book to review. One reason I needed/wanted her book is she gives you tips and shows steps on how she draws and paints the certain images she chose for this book. The second reason is so I can stare at her artwork in my own hands. If you are into learning this style of drawing and painting, it is one of the best books to grab. I love the colors she uses in her paintings also. I believe most of them are watercolor, and I just enjoy watercolor. If you are an artist looking for new ideas and inspiration on doing your own artwork, hurry up and grab this book! I believe it will be worth it. If you would like to know where to purchase your own company click this LINK.  Have a Blessed Day!