The Gift of Fear by Gavin De Becker

★★★★★ I bought this one, based on other reviews!
“The Gift of Fear: Survival Signals that Protect us from Violence” is a must-read for recognizing and acting on our intuition that something is out of place. DeBecker runs a security firm that advises and protects clients. Here, he offers his insights to the reader.

What is the potential for danger? You probably already know if you haven't suppressed the clues. DeBecker examines what conditions can be tracked before violence and danger happen. He offers both cautions, signals, and reassurance about domestic violence, abuse, assassination, stalking, and other realities.

He ends optimistically - most of your concerns won't materialize; knowing what's real helps the mind to rest and stay alert. He notes that everyday hazards are not solved by worry (the conscious choice to gnaw at possible future harm,) though worry may comfort the worrier while it annoys the heck out of everyone around him or her.

Please read it if you are responsible for an office, religious setting, or team. It will help you understand the signs of potential harm so you can put deterrents in place. Highly recommended.

Joseph Of Egypt by Martin K.M.

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review. 
The once-familiar stories of the Bible are not very well-known today. Martin tackles the story of a young man who persevered through trials and dangers. Imagine if you were your dad's favorite child and your siblings sold you as a slave. Or if you were imprisoned unjustly - and then became ruler of a nation.

It's an impossible story - except that it happened thousands of years ago in Egypt. Read this, complete with historical background and creative non-fiction, and you'll come to admire and respect a young man who stayed true to his convictions. His obedience made him the man of the hour and God's solution in a natural disaster.

Recommended either as an easy read or as a story to read to kids and teens.

Determined Dreamer by Deborah King

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review. 
Sometimes a little romance and family adventure are a nice change from serious books on theology, fun books on art, and other reading. This one's clean, interesting, and tells the story of people you'd like to meet.

Sometimes the heroes are extroverted and outgoing. This one's about someone who prefers people she knows. She's determined to make dreams come true for those around her. I'd be interested in reading more from the series, so that tells you something. A book of reconciliation and growth - you'll enjoy it.

Sometimes a little romance and family adventure are a nice change from serious books on theology, fun books on art, and other reading.

Hide and Seek: The Psychology of Self-Deception by Neel Burton

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review. 
It is one thing to deceive others, but quite another to deceive oneself. In what ways can we do that? Whether we are repressing the truth, adapting ourselves to a new reality, or making up lies that agree with our hopes and inner realities, deceiving ourselves has serious consequences.

An unexamined life is not worth living, said Socrates. Indeed, knowing how we deceive and hide ourselves would be very useful. Combining ancient wisdom with psychological principles, this book explores what it means to know oneself. Each of us knows that that we lie. But knowing how and why we don't tell the truth empowers us to change our future trajectory.

Return to Me: God's Heart Cry by N.A. Newlan

★★★☐☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
Newlan examines the prophets and their message of reconciliation with God. The author examines the desire of God to restore our hearts.

Tis book is both an extended sermon and an exhortation which explains the plan of salvation and means of discipleship. I've read better books, but this is simple and basic and will certainly explain the scriptures in detail to someone unfamiliar with the path to salvation.

The Art of Paint Pouring: Swipe, Swirl & Spin 50 by Amanda VanEver

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
If you like the casual spontaneous outcomes when making art, you'll love paint pouring. In addition to the basic techniques, you'll learn how to customize your artwork.

Though the techniques are simple, they can be refined with practice and become the foundation to create interesting and exciting color mixing and shapes. Recommended for beginners who want to explore this new technique.

The Complete Book of Textures for Artists by Denise J. Howard; Steven Pearce; Mia Tavonatti

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.

Art provides a wonderful means for retelling what we see and imagine. This book lets us explore what types of materials to us, and what kinds of textures can be created with them. 

Whether you prefer graphite, color pencils, or oils and acrylics, there's a quick explanation on using the materials. Then the textures are explained. You'll enjoy the notes and 4 illustrations per technique.   This book is recommended for beginners and intermediate illustrators.