Over Maya Dead Body

FBI Special Agent Serena Jones arrives on Martha's Vineyard with her family, ready for a little bit of R&R and a whole lot of reminiscing as they celebrate the engagement of an old family friend. But crime doesn't take a vacation, and she's soon entangled in an investigation of a suspicious death tied to an antiquities smuggling ring.

When her investigation propels her into danger, Serena must stay the course and solve this case before anyone else dies. But just how is she supposed to do that when the two men in her life arrive on the scene, bringing with them plenty of romantic complications--and even a secret or two?

My thoughts: This book was the perfect conclusion to the series! I enjoyed the fun combination of mystery and art that this series brings to readers. It is such a fun trip into the cultured world surrounding art! I also loved Serena and her chance at love. This one is an excellent series to pick up if you love art, mystery, or are just looking for a engrossing read. Two thumbs up!
I received this book from Revell in exchange for my honest review.

A Portrait of Emily Price

Art restorer Emily Price has never encountered anything she can’t fix—until she meets Ben, an Italian chef, who seems just right. But when Emily follows Ben home to Italy, she learns that his family is another matter . . .


Emily Price—fix-it girl extraordinaire and would-be artist—dreams of having a gallery show of her own. There is no time for distractions, especially not the ultimate distraction of falling in love.


But Chef Benito Vassallo’s relentless pursuit proves hard to resist. Visiting from Italy, Ben works to breathe new life into his aunt and uncle’s faded restaurant, Piccollo. Soon after their first meeting, he works to win Emily as well—inviting her into his world and into his heart.


Emily astonishes everyone when she accepts Ben’s proposal and follows him home. But instead of allowing the land, culture, and people of Monterello to transform her, Emily interferes with everyone and everything around her, alienating Ben’s tightly knit family. Only Ben’s father, Lucio, gives Emily the understanding she needs to lay down her guard. Soon, Emily’s life and art begin to blossom, and Italy’s beauty and rhythm take hold of her spirit.


Yet when she unearths long-buried family secrets, Emily wonders if she really fits into Ben’s world. Will the joys of Italy become just a memory, or will Emily share in the freedom and grace that her life with Ben has shown her are possible?

My thoughts: It's no secret that Katherine Reay is one of my favorite modern authors, so I was thrilled to get my hands on a copy of this book to review! Where to start on what I think of this one? I loved the characters and the layers to their story that the reader is invited to unwrap and enjoy. Katherine's books always make me look at life a little different, since they have a depth to them that a lot of modern fiction lacks.
While this isn't my favorite story by Reay (I would have to say that still goes to Dear Mr. Knightley) it is still excellent! I highly recommend it!
I received a copy of this book from Thomas Nelson in exchange for my honest review.

Take Ten: Favorite book covers

I wouldn't say that these are my favorite book covers of all time, but I can say that they are some of my favorites, some of which I would totally love to frame. Is it sad that lovely new additions of my favorite stories make me want to purchase another copy of that book?;) I know, it is a marketing ploy. And, it works...;)

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This is my favorite coloring book to date! The nice thing about the pages of this is that you could actually frame them an not feel bad for ripping up a book.;)

Collage this Journal by Eleanor Shakespeare

This irrisistibly iteractive journal is filled with dozens of clever ideas for recording your life, such as "Make balloons out of photos from special and happy occasions" or  "Fill the genie's lamp with wishes." The author/illustrator's wonderfully layered photo-illustration montages invite readers to mix media, too, and make this keepsake truly their own.

My thoughts: It's no secret that I love all things paper and crafty, so this journal is the epitome of fun in my book! I love that it sparks creativity and dares the journalist to have fun and get creative. It's the perfect gift or just a fun splurge!
I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

The Time Garden

My thoughts: I've been hearing a lot about asult coloring books, which intrigued me, since I loved coloring when I was a kid. Okay, I'll admit, I still like coloring with my daughter in her Curious George and Hello Kitty books.;) But, when the chance to review this whimsical coloring book, I just couldn't resist! The book is a story of a young girl who gets swept into a cuckoo clock style world when her father brings hime an antique clock. The pages are so much fun! I know I will enjoy using this book for some time to come.;)
I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

Q & A a day for Creatives

Q&A a Day for Creatives is your go-to source for inspiration, whimsy, and idea generation. Each page of this four-year journal features a compelling question designed to get you thinking drawing, and dreaming. Open the journal to today's date and fill in the appropriate space as you see fit. (Pencil doodles? Watercolor? Musical scales?) As the journal fills year after year, you'll own a showcase of your ever-growing creative output.

My thoughts: What a charming journal! I love the idea of drawing things every day, from the most random items that are every day, to things like what you think you will be wearing so many days from the time of you journal entry. I love that each page has four different spots, so each year you can see what you did the year before and answer the same question. It is a fun journal that will help one think outside the box and get creative, even if you wouldn't consider yourself and artist.;)
I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

Laugh Out Loud Pocket Doodles for Boys

Rob Elliott's Laugh-Out-Loud joke books have brought laughter to more than half a million households. His last book invited kids into the action as he teamed up with cartoonist Jonny Hawkins to create "Laugh-Out-Loud Doodles for Kids." Now the dynamic duo is back with two brand-new books for boys and girls who love to draw and love to laugh! Packed with jokes that will keep boys and girls giggling for hours, and unfinished doodles for them to complete any way they want, these books keep little hands and minds busy. Perfect for road trips, lazy summer days, or anytime the kids say, "I'm bored!"

My thoughts: I think these fun doodle books are perfect for summer vacation, whether you are going somewhere or not! The pages are filled with fun drawings and jokes, which should keep kids entertained for hours.;) My daughter and I have had fun looking through the different pages, though we won't be drawing in it until she is a bit older (or, till one of her cousins is a bit older). It is a perfect little book to tuck in the car for boring drives.;)
I received this book from Revell in exchange for my honest review.

Laugh Out Loud Pocket Doodles for Girls

Q: What's the worst thing to leave home without?

A: This book!

Stuck in the car on a long trip? Bored out of your mind in a waiting room? Have a few minutes before bedtime? Then you have enough time to let your imagination run wild!

Laugh-Out-Loud Pocket Doodles for Girls lets you

· tell jokes that will have people laughing out loud
· complete hilarious doodles
· entertain everyone around you!

More than one million copies of the Laugh-Out-Loud joke books have been sold. Grab your pens, pencils, crayons, or markers and see what all the fuss is about!

My thoughts: This is such a fun little book! With it being the time for summer vacations and road trips, this book would be the perfect addition to those trips, since it provides hours of entertainment for the little artist (and, the whole family!) to come up with finishing the pictures on each page. I like that each picture has a joke with it.;)
Even though my daughter is young (and I won't let her color in this just yet), she loves to look through the book. It's a cute little size that she thinks is perfect for her.;)
I received this book from Revell in exchange for my honest review.