Zondervan; 112 pages; $15.99; Amazon

Now available from Zondervan is the adult coloring book called The Beautiful World: Creative Coloring & Hand Lettering, featuring illustrations & lettering by Megan Wells and interior designs by Mallory Collins.

The idea that there were coloring books for adults seemed a bit silly to me at first. However, after I looked through several titles at local Walmart a year or so ago, I can easily see the appeal. Actually, coloring is no different than any other craft hobby.

Zondervan has jumped into the adult coloring book world by releasing a series of titles under the "Coloring Faith" line, which typical contains Bible Verses along with beautiful illustrations for you to color.

At a whopping 112 pages, The Beautiful Word: Creative Coloring & Hand Lettering features a variety of different illustrations, from abstracts to landscapes, which are all paired with a Bible Verse page. Some of the lettering can be colored in, and normally these pages have an illustrated border.

That Patchwork Place; 80 pages; $24.99; Amazon

If you have been in a quilting store or visited an online one, then you have probably seen many different reproduction fabrics.

What are reproduction fabrics?

These fabrics have either been recreated or inspired by a historical quilt or pattern (anywhere from 1775 to 1950).

Now available from That Patchwork Place (an imprint of Martingale) is Preserving History: Patchwork Patterns Inspired by Antique Quilts by Julie Hendricksen, author of Remembering the Past.

The author has put together 15 quilt patterns, all of which have been inspired by older quilts that she has found over the years. She shares photos & patterns of the original quilts (featured as an "Antique Inspiration") as well as the recreated quilts throughout the book.


The quilt patterns are:

Bethany House; 48 pages; $12.99; Amazon

If you've been reading my blog for the last few days, then you might have noticed a recurring theme about coloring books.

No, I'm not talking Batman coloring books or whatever else is popular with children these days. Instead I'm talking about adult coloring books. You know, the ones you can find at your local Walmart in the books section and around the checkout lines. These type of books have become extremely popular with adults of all ages.

Early this week, I received the Live Fearless: An Adult Coloring Book by Margaret Feinberg. It's a religious coloring book that is meant to help strengthen your relationship with the Lord.

The book kicks off with a one page biography of the author and followed by a two page introduction. Then there are twenty different illustrations with an included bible verse in each one. On the opposite side of every pictures is a journal page where you can write down your prayers or whatever is on your mind.

Tyndale Momentum; 112 pages; $15.99; Amazon

"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up." - Pablo Picasso

It seems that coloring books are now the "in" thing for adults. You can't go into a department store without seeing dozens of different "adult coloring books" everywhere. Just like any other craft/art hobby, coloring can hep reduce stress and relax your soul.

I've been interested in trying one of these coloring books out, and luckily for me, I've recently received three different coloring books to review.

The first coloring I received is called Restore My Soul: A Coloring Book Devotional Journey by Ann-Margret Hovsepian, featuring 40 devotions with coloring pages.

Each devotional page starts out with a Bible verse followed by a short essay, where she talks about stress and other life's problems. On the other pages next to the devotionals are detailed illustrations with a religious theme.

$9.99 each; Blog Tour, Amazon

There are many little bitty holidays and events that occur in the springtime, including Mother's Day, Father's Day, Memorial Day, graduations etc.. Arriving in bookstores just in time for these events are six Pocket Prayers books by bestselling author Max Lucado.

The Pocket Prayers titles are:

Pocket Prayers for Dads (co-written with Mark Mynheir) - 40 simple prayers that bring strength and faith.


Pocket Prayers for Moms (co-written with daughter, Andrea Lucado) - 40 simple prayers that bring peace and rest.

Pocket Prayers for Friends (co-written with Betsy St. Amant) - 40 simple prayers that bring joy and serenity.


Pocket Prayers for Graduates (co-written with daughter, Andrea Lucado) - 40 simple prayers that bring hope and direction.

Pocket Prayers for Teachers (co-written with blogger Jennifer K. Hale) - 40 simple prayers that bring peace and renewal.


Pocket Prayers for Military Life (co-written by Mark Mynheir) - 40 simple prayers that bring faith and courage.