art, Book Reviews, Christian living, Non-fiction

Created to Thrive – review

Created to Thrive: An Artist’s Guide To Living In Divine Abundance by Matt Tommey My rating: 5 of 5 starsA few weeks ago I took part in a three-session masterclass hosted by artist and mentor to artists Matt Tommey. The class was called “Artist Mindset Makeover.” In it, Tommey stated that one’s mindset is the… Continue reading Created to Thrive – review

Book Reviews, Memoir, Non-fiction

The Minister’s Wife – review

The Minister's Wife: A Memoir of Faith, Doubt, Friendship, Loneliness, Forgiveness, and More by Karen StillerMy rating: 5 of 5 stars I first discovered this book when I attended a webinar on writing spiritual memoir hosted by an Ottawa writing group, where the author, Karen Stiller, was the presenter. I was intrigued. Watching a later… Continue reading The Minister’s Wife – review

Book Reviews, Memoir

Amee’s Story – review

After reading  the first few pages of Amee’s Story, I wasn’t sure I would ever finish the book. That’s not because it was poorly written. Rather, it was so well written I was pulled back into  a difficult time in my own life. However, I persisted with the reading and I’m so glad I did.… Continue reading Amee’s Story – review

art, Book Reviews, Non-fiction

Everyday Watercolor Flowers – review

Everyday Watercolor Flowers – A modern guide to painting blooms, leaves and stems by Jenna Rainey © 2019. One of my favourite art teachers, particularly of watercolor, is Jenna Rainey. A couple of years ago, her book Everyday Watercolor introduced me to the wonderful medium of watercolor (reviewed here). Her newest book Everyday Watercolor Flowers… Continue reading Everyday Watercolor Flowers – review

Book Reviews, Christian fiction, Religious

The Third Grace – review

It’s always a joy to celebrate the coming out of a new book by a fellow Canadian writer. Today is the day we fete Deb Elkink and the re-release of her prize-winning debut novel The Third Grace (originally published in 2011). It comes out with a new cover, but the same rich interior. Here is… Continue reading The Third Grace – review

art, Book Reviews, Non-fiction

15-Minute Watercolor Masterpieces – review

If there was ever a great time to learn about art, this is it. Not only is the internet full of videos and online class possibilities, but books are easier than ever to purchase and use. For art instruction I love Kindle books. On my iPad they have a built-in stand (I don’t have to… Continue reading 15-Minute Watercolor Masterpieces – review

Book Reviews, history, Memoir

Shikataganai–It Can’t Be Helped (review)

In years past we have attended the PNE (Pacific National Exhibition) and visited the barns on the fair grounds. However, I will never view them with the same casual attitude I have till now, after reading Sumi Kinoshita’s book Shikataganai—It Can’t Be Helped. That’s because those barns at Hastings Park became the home of Canadians… Continue reading Shikataganai–It Can’t Be Helped (review)

Book Reviews, Christian living, Memoir, Non-fiction

The Freedom of Dependency (review)

Patricia Mussolum’s little book the Freedom of Dependency packs a big punch as it riffs on an apparent contradiction—how dependency on Jesus leads to a life of freedom. Part testimony, part teaching, part a dare to greater faith and obedience, Mussolum covers a lot of territory. In fourteen brief chapters with intriguing names like “The… Continue reading The Freedom of Dependency (review)

Biography, Book Reviews, Christian living, Religious

Fresh Joy – review

Fresh Joy: Finding Joy in the Midst of Loss, Hardship and Suffering by Heidi McLaughlin My rating: 5 of 5 starsWhen the sudden and unexpected death of a partner hit Heidi McLaughlin for the second time, it would not have been surprising if she’d have become bitter and joyless. But she was determined not to… Continue reading Fresh Joy – review

Book Reviews, Christian fiction

Behind Her Name – review

Behind Her Name by Eunice Cooper-MatchettMy rating: 5 of 5 stars You would never know from the confident look of the woman sitting at the bookstore table signing books for her fans, that Sage Bush was still trapped in her traumatic childhood. But she was. In Behind Her Name, author Eunice Cooper-Matchett explores, with wonderful… Continue reading Behind Her Name – review