Henry Hodges Needs A Friend

Henry needs a friend. So his parents determine to find him one. And not in the form he expected. Not only is it not a human friend, it's also not a rock star porcupine or a cat that barks. What he finds is a furry friend with spots. And "Hap" is just what this lonely boy needed! I thought this book was cute, the illustrations are adorable and my kids really like them. I enjoyed how he made the story rhyme, which is also something my kids love when I read them stories. I thought the story was creative and cute. I received this book from the publishers in exchange for an honest review.

How To Get Dressed

"Good clothes open all doors". So learn how to dress yourself here! Learn how to shop, have fittings and know the value of clothing before purchasing. Also debunk dumb fashion rules like, are leggings pants? Should you mix prints? Can redheads wear red? Find out how to remove stains, learn basic tailoring terms, get familiar with your hangers and bring your shoes back from the dead. And that's barely the tip of the iceberg in this book! So much to be gleaned, and in a smart and classy way. I was excited to receive this book as I love all things fashion. This book was not a let down. Sure a lot of this information could b found easily and quickly through google searches, but why not have it all in one book? The layout is very reader friendly, information is nicely categorized and useful. I even like the simple color scheme she used, feels elegant. Overall I think this book is incredibly helpful. Even if you already know a lot of the secrets shared in here, there's bound to be something you didn't know. Highly recommend. I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

John Shaw's guide to Digital Nature Photography

If you are a photographer, or are aspiring to be one, dig I to this treasure trove of information! Here you will learn, how to get started, autoexposure and exposure to compensation, filters, focussing your lens, teleconverters, working a subject and so much more! All compiled neatly and deftly and accompanied by full color nature photographs. I'm always excited to get a book in the mail, this book especially . I am an avid outdoors lover as well as an artist who enjoys another's form of art. So I looked forward to seeing what Shaw had to offer. Unfortunately I was disappointed. I am not a professional photographer by any means, but I know a good photo when I see or take one. These photos seemed very lack luster to me. Like they were all missing something. Th subject was undeniably gorgeous, but in my personal opinion, not captured very well. And the amount of information in here was much to overwhelming to be useful for me. I'd even say a lot of the information was subjective. And I am personally not a fan of Nikon photography, which didn't help with my overall disappointment. I'm not sure who I'd recommend this book to. Maybe a professional or learning photographer who really loves to know read every bit of information they can concerning their camera and technique.... I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Capture The Moment

"Visual storytelling comes in many forms...." So with this details guide, you can finally say what you been meaning to say when clicking that shutter button! You'll learn to consider the placement of your subject, incorporate texture or design, remove obscure elements, study the zone system study body language, find great locations and so very much more! All simply told by real life and a lot of times, unassuming photographers. Very tip is accompanied by a beautiful photo. And just like the title suggests, always captures a moment. This is a fantastic book! It's brimming with greAt tips for the professional photographer looking for new inspiration and the amateur mom photographer who just wants to create great photos of her beautiful life. Everything is kept really simple, and told more like a friend offering a tip instead of an instructional guide. And the photography, is to be expected, congruent with the wonderful tips, seeing a photo example of what's bing described helps the visual learner like me, commit everything to memory. My professional Photographer sister also loved this book! So I can honestly recommend it without hesitation, to all manner of photo snappers, and quite honestly, would like to get a copy for all my mom friends who seem to have a knack for taking only fuzzy pictures of their kids :) I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Ruby

When I started this book, I had no idea I was about to read a book so dark and haunting. At first I had a hard time getting into step with the authors writing style, next I had a hard time digesting the content of the book. I considered shelving the book and moving on to something else, but I found myself unable to do so. My curiosity was piqued to find out how Ruby came to be the tortured soul she grew into and if the story ended with any redeeming quality. I loved Ephraims calm, unselfish devotion in doing what his heart told him to do and what he knew to be right. I also loved seeing Ruby finally being able to see herself as something of worth. All of the rest of the book was very hard to read. Although It did make me think. this book was set in the early 1970's and some of the struggles stayed in that time...but some of the stories struggles are still very real and relevant in todays time. I commend the author for opening eyes on subjects that most would rather keep unknown and for having writing something compelling enough that it kept me reading even though it was not my favorite style or subject matter. I gave the low rating not because of the actual writing, but because, I don't know if I could actually recommend this to with its disturbing plot.

Love Letters- Hannah Brencher

Haven't written a real letter in a long time? Well there's no easier way, simply write, lick and stamp! Voila! Physical correspondence dressed up in pretty prints! Really cute idea. I've always adored stationary, and this is no exception. I love the idea of writing and sending all at once, and for it to be so simple. (No digging for an envelope). And it's cute to boot. I don't typically use modern bold prints, but many of my receivers do, so they'd be thrilled to see this in their mailbox! Great find.

A Fifty-Year Silence

Miranda is determined to find out why her grandparents haven't spoken in over fifty years. What secrets are they hiding? What pain lies in the past? As she begins to see with more mature eyes, her world begins to look unchangeably different. And after spending a summer in France her fifteenth year, feeling a connection to a family home in the South of France, she now feels uncertain what her future holds as well. Trying to navigate the dynamic quirks of family communication, Miranda finds herself in an unfamiliar sea, tend very unsure how to chart it. I really enjoyed this book. While it was slow in a few areas, I really liked her writing style. I always love a good memoir, and I adore anything about France. I really delighted in the descriptions of the old house, and was always wondering what would happen in the grandparents relationship. I think it is a great lighthearted memoir with and intriguing subject. Bravo.