Earth Psalms

Rivers, Francine. With Buursma, Karin Stock. Earth Psalms: Reflections On How God Speaks Through Nature. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers. 2016.

earthpsalms

SUMMARY:
Paired with beautiful photographs of nature, Earth Psalms is filled with 52 devotions celebrating God and His world. Each three page devotion offers a thought linked to a Bible verse. With reflections, applications and reconnections with God included in each section, several of the accompanying pictures also share a brief tidbit on the topic. Wonderfully encased in hardcover with a golden ribbon bookmarker, this stunning devotional by New York Times bestselling author, Francine Rivers, speaks directly to the heart.

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:
Gold trimmed, glossy paper and colorful borders throughout the book lend to the overall beautiful feel of this new devotional. Based on nature (pets, wildlife, landscapes, plants), it was perfect. Pleasing for personal use, it would also work well for a Bible study, youth ministry, church library or an attractive gift. Expecting nothing less from this author, she delivered yet again in her newest book, albeit a different genre than her usual. Gorgeous! (See below for author information)

RATING:
5 (out of 5) pennies

*I received a complimentary copy of Earth Psalms from Tyndale House Publishers for my honest review*

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Biography

“New York Times” best-selling author Francine Rivers began her literary career at the University of Nevada, Reno, where she graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in English and journalism. From 1976 to 1985, she had a successful writing career in the general market, and her books were highly acclaimed by readers and reviewers. Although raised in a religious home, Francine did not truly encounter Christ until later in life, when she was already a wife, a mother of three, and an established romance novelist. Shortly after becoming a born-again Christian in 1986, Francine wrote “Redeeming Love” as her statement of faith. First published by Bantam Books and then rereleased by Multnomah Publishers in the mid-1990s, this retelling of the biblical story of Gomer and Hosea, set during the time of the California Gold Rush, is now considered by many to be a classic work of Christian fiction. Redeeming Love continues to be one of the CBA’s top-selling titles, and it has held a spot on the Christian best-seller list for nearly a decade. Since “Redeeming Love,” Francine has published numerous novels with Christian themes—all best sellers—and she has continued to win both industry acclaim and reader loyalty around the globe. Her Christian novels have been awarded or nominated for numerous honors, including the RITA Award, the Christy Award, the ECPA Gold Medallion, and the Holt Medallion in Honor of Outstanding Literary Talent. In 1997, after winning her third RITA Award for inspirational fiction, Francine was inducted into the Romance Writers of America’s Hall of Fame. Francine’s novels have been translated into over 20 different languages, and she enjoys best-seller status in many foreign countries, including Germany, the Netherlands, and South Africa. Francine and her husband, Rick, live in northern California and enjoy time spent with their three grown children and taking every opportunity to spoil their grandchildren. Francine uses her writing to draw closer to the Lord, and she desires that through her work she might worship and praise Jesus for all He has done and is doing in her life.

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Photographs From The Edge

Wolfe, Art. With Sheppard, Rob. Photographs From The Edge: A Master Photographer’s Insights On Capturing An Extraordinary World. New York, NY: Amphoto Books. 2016.

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SUMMARY:
Author, speaker, educator and award winner photographer, Art Wolfe, teams up with author, editor and photographer, Rob Sheppard, to share a book full of stunning photographs, educational and interesting information about each picture, and photo tips on best capturing the image. With gorgeous pictures covering half page, full page and two page spreads, the topics range from wildlife, to landscapes, to people- all full of brilliant color, strength and emotion. Animals, cities, cultures, celebrations and many more grace the pages with an account of each, information about the pictured topic and photo suggestions. An elaborate feast for the eyes with so much more…

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:
Not only did I enjoy paging through this book and reading about the surrounding moment of each photograph, I learned quite a bit about each subject. The accompanying photo tips were so user-friendly; rather than lecturing on the camera, lens, film, etc to use, Art Wolfe mentions the angle, level, distance and thought-process to capture a genuine picture. (He suggests watching and anticipating the animal’s actions and behavior; thus, achieving a more intimate photo.) Overall, an excellent book with so many facets that I will keep yet share with others.

RATING:
5 (out of 5) pennies

* I received a complimentary copy of Photographs From The Edge from Blogging For Books for my honest review*

John Shaw’s Guide to Digital Nature Photography

Shaw, John. John Shaw’s Guide to Digital Photography. USA: Amphoto Books: Random House. 2015.

SUMMARY:
natureFull of stunning photographs of animals, nature, landscapes and skylines, John Shaw combines technique, skills, equipment, style and effects for beautiful results. From novice to more advanced, the author/ photographer shares his knowledge and experience in a positive, supportive manner. With camera basics, in-depth advice, unique pictures and tons of inspiration, this guide to digital nature photography encourages a vision, lots of practice and noble results.

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:
Though by no means an experienced photographer, I admired and appreciated the included nature pictures. While able to understand some of the information as a beginner, some was a bit more advanced, perhaps to be used in the future. What I truly realized from this book, was the many creative ideas, insights and perceptions that I hope to use in my own nature photography and share proudly with family and friends. The quality was beautiful, the advice extensive, the results impressive and the inspiration priceless!

RATING:
4.5 (out of 5) pennies

*I received a complimentary copy of John Shaw’s Guide to Digital Nature Photography from Blogging for Books for my honest review*