Children's Book Review: Brambleheart: A Story About Finding Treasure and the Unexpected Magic of Friendship by Henry Cole

Publisher Description:

From the beloved illustrator and author of A Nest for Celeste comes Brambleheart, a beautiful tale about nature, imagination, and how love is the greatest thing we build. With stunning black-and-white artwork and a gorgeous package, Henry Cole’s animal fantasy adventure harkens back to Brian Jacques’s Redwall and Avi’s Poppy series.

In the Hill, animals work as Weavers, Smelters, and Carvers—but Twig doesn’t know who he wants to be. He tries very hard in all his classes, but his imagination wanders to his favorite books or the delicious mayapples growing beyond the scavenge yard . . .  and then he loses his focus. After Twig makes a big mistake in front of everyone, he sets out on a secret journey to discover himself. But as he wanders deeper into the Yard than he’s ever wandered before, Twig finds a curious colored globe. A dragon’s egg—which hatches in front of his eyes.

Now protecting the baby dragon is all Twig wants to do. But when he learns that his secret might hurt others, he’s forced to make a choice between his place in the world and the feelings in his heart.

The first in a duology, Brambleheart is  beloved illustrator and author Henry Cole’s beautiful story about  nature, imagination,  and how love is the greatest thing we build.

My Review:

It's so hard to find your place in the world. Can you imagine being a chipmunk who lacks the skills required to succeed? Brambleheart is a book for children that encourages acceptance and love. Twig, the main character, is adorable. I fell in love with this little guy as soon as I started reading his delightful story. He's much like any child who has gone through school and faced bullies, found fantastic friends, and lived through challenges. I cheered for him as he faced his troubles head on and worried for him as he tried to figure out what to do when he was caught in a quandary. Henry Cole's attractive illustrations add whimsy and beauty to an already delightful story. Brambleheart is a duology, the first of two books. I can't wait to read the next one. This would be a great read aloud. Much like Winnie-the-Pooh, the animals have big hearts and personalities to match.

I received this book in exchange for a fair review.

Fiction Book Review: Change of Heart by Courtney Walsh

Publisher's Description:

A Colorado senator’s wife, Evelyn Brandt seems to have it all. But her carefully constructed life comes toppling down when the FBI crashes her society brunch with news that her husband has been arrested for embezzlement, and he’s far from repentant. It turns out this was only the start of his indiscretions—for which he has little regret.

As the weeks following the scandal turn into months, Evelyn withdraws, even shirking her duties with the philanthropic Valentine Volunteers. The inquisitive women of the group are determined not to let Evelyn’s divorce destroy her. They have big plans for her to use her long-forgotten artistic talent to reimagine the city’s iconic lamppost hearts. But doing so will force Evelyn to work closely with Trevor Whitney, her ex-husband’s former best friend. Though she and Trevor used to be close—and he’s been letting her hide in his guesthouse—his gruffness conveys his unease with the situation.

Amid the beauty of Trevor’s farm and the comfort of a paintbrush, Evelyn starts to reclaim the dreams she sacrificed to become the perfect politician’s wife. And as creativity inspires them both, Whit begins to see the girl he fell in love with before his friend—and his own mistakes—stole his chance. Possibilities for a new beginning emerge, but long-kept secrets threaten to ruin everything. After so much time, is a change of heart too much to hope for?

My Review:

When I finish a novel and my first thought is I want more, I know I've just finished a great book. Courtney Walsh has written an excellent story of not just second chances but of new beginnings. Evelyn embodies a wounded soul with little to hang on to. Through Evelyn's story, the author weaves in the beautiful hope one finds in the Lord, without being preachy, and the promise that dreams can come true.

If you've read Paper Hearts, her first book set in Loves Park, you'll recognize the Valentine Volunteers, a fun group of ladies determined to be the town matchmakers. They add a note of whimsy to Change of Heart as they trip over each other while trying to "make things happen." As for Trevor, I enjoyed watching him squirm as he attempted to find his way in a maze of confusion and at times chaos. And his farm is a wonderful place to spend a few hours.

If you enjoy women's fiction with a touch of romance , a dab of spice, and a dose of truth, you'll like Change of Heart. If you haven't read Paper Hearts, I recommend that one as well. They don't have to be read in order.

I received this book in exchange for a fair review.

Visit Courtney Walsh's website

Snowy evening

Nonfiction Book Review: Roots & Sky: A Journey Home in Four Seasons by Christie Purifoy

Book Description:
When Christie Purifoy arrived at Maplehurst that September, she was longing for a fixed point in her busily spinning world. The sprawling Victorian farmhouse sitting atop a Pennsylvania hill held within its walls endless possibilities. It was a place where she could finally grasp and hold the thing we all long for--home.

In lyrical, contemplative prose, Christie slowly unveils the trials and triumphs of that first year at Maplehurst--from summer's intense heat and autumn's glorious canopy to winter's quiet grief and spring's unexpected mercies. Through stories of planting and preserving, of opening the gates wide to neighbors, and of learning to speak the language of a place, Christie invites you into the heartache and joy of small beginnings and the wonder of a God who would make his home with us. 

My Review:
Roots & Sky is a beautiful, spiritual journey. I relish Christie Purifoy's lovely descriptions of the changing seasons and her desire to find the true heart of her new home. Her words pulled me in to her days. I could almost taste the produce from her garden and wanted to play in the snow with her children. I found her honesty in her struggles refreshing and her triumphs joy filled. Christie's lyrical writing called me to pray for the very things she desired; a closer walk with God, harmony and peace in the day, and the joy that comes from being surrounded by beauty. I especially like the hope she shares through her story; hope through God's creation.

I received this book in exchange for a fair review.

All or Nothing

1 Corinthians 13: 4-8
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

I've heard these verses so many times; at weddings, around Valentine's Day, and in sermons. And at times I separated out the parts of the whole as if they could stand alone. But, for love to never fail, I must cultivate all parts of God's love in my heart, then plant the seeds in others. To truly love my husband, children, parents, siblings, and friends, I want to help them become the person God created them to be. In other words, I want to put them above myself, encourage their talents, and give them opportunity. That's the opposite of what often happens in the world.

So if I love someone, it's all or nothing. Patience and kindness don't work without hope and trust. Rejoicing in truth is way better than being envious and boastful. No one knows this better than Jesus. He loved me so much He gave his all. He came to live on earth knowing He'd die with the burdens of many. Through no fault of His, he carried my sin to the cross. Just as God promised, His love never fails.

Nonfiction Book Review: Art and Faith: Mixed Media Art with a Faith-Filled Message by Cherie Burbach

Book Description:

In Art and Faith, Cherie Burbach shares original mixed-media paintings that contain a positive, faith-filled message. There are times when a Bible verse you’ve read many times suddenly becomes clearer to you with a meaning and message you haven’t realized before. Many of the paintings in Art and Faith are inspired by a particular verse that stood out for a variety of reasons. Celebrate your faith with this collection of verses and art that represent hope and encourage belief.

My Review:
In reading through Art and Faith, I felt like I was having a conversation over a cup of coffee with Cherie. In her latest book, she writes about how her faith and the art she creates intersect and why this is such a joy. I've been an artist for many years but of late have been discouraged due to health issues. Yet, Cherie's gentle nudges to "use your creative gifts" encourages me. She says, "Creative gifts are all about God. He gives them to us, He likes to see what we do with them, and He gets satisfaction when we use them." I love that.

As much as I love Cherie's words about her faith, I am in awe of the artwork in this book. Page after page is filled with beautiful and inspiring mixed media. The colors pop from the pages. From her lovely bird paintings to the beautiful flowers, Cherie blends textures and words together to make a gorgeous array of artwork. My favorite print is on page 78. I guess you'll have to buy the book to find out which one that is. I received this book in exchange for a fair review.

You'll find more about Cherie at her website.

Beauty in today 2/10/16