March 2023 MBR The Coloring Book Shelf

The Coloring Book Shelf

Courage, Dear Heart
Ink & Willow
c/o Penguin Random House
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/authors/2215162/ink-and-willow
9780593578315, $15.00, PB, 96pp

https://www.amazon.com/Courage-Dear-Heart-Empowering-Inspirational/dp/0593578317

Synopsis: With 'color it yourself' beautiful illustrations, inspirational quotes, and brief biographies, "Courage, Dear Heart: A Coloring Book of Empowering Words from Inspirational Women" from Ink & Willow is an adult coloring book that invites women to find strength in their community and discover courage by stepping into the calling God has uniquely ordained for them. The empowering coloring pages feature original designs from talented female artists and quotes from inspiring women in both the past and the present.

Too often, women are made to believe they are "less than" when it comes to importance, worth, beauty, or ability. But this was never the message God intended them to receive. Rather, God has appointed us to purpose and strength and whispers words of courage and reassurance over us. We can be community-builders like Eve, warriors like Deborah, rescuers like Rahab, prophecy fulfillers like Ruth, leaders like Esther, believers like Mary, teachers like Priscilla, prophetesses like Anna, and members of the great cloud of witnesses like so many of the women quoted in these pages.

Critique: "Courage, Dear Heart: A Coloring Book of Empowering Words from Inspirational Women" is a large format 9.75" x 9.75" (25x25cm) perforated page paperback with 45 single-sided coloring pages. It features quotes from the Bible, hymns, and a variety of inspirational women and speakers, such as Francine Rivers, Grace Cho, Julian of Norwich, Jennie Allen, Rosa Parks, Ruth Chou Simons, Corrie Ten Boom, and more. Of special note are the 'to be colored' illustrations by Holly Camp, Jennifer Tucker, Ann-Margret Hovsepian, Laura Marshall, and Bridget Hurley (all featured in Whatever Is Lovely and Choose Joy) as well as new artist Shannon Contreras. Unreservedly recommended, through the words in this meditative and inspiring adult coloring book, women will feel called to fulfill their own incredible purpose and mission -- one of lifting their voices to make God's kingdom known on earth, one of loving and encouraging their communities well, and one of empowering those around them to do the same.

Editorial Note: Ink & Willow products infuse contemplation and inspiration into the regular spiritual practice of creative-minded Christians, wherever they are in their faith journey. Each thoughtfully curated gift product is based in biblical truth and sparks a reminder of how God reveals beauty in the midst of our ordinary.

Scriptures and Florals Coloring Book
Allison Loveall
Andrews McMeel Publishing
www.andrewsmcmeel.com
9781524878740, $12.99, PB, 96pp

https://www.amazon.com/Scriptures-Florals-Coloring-Allison-Loveall/dp/152487874X

Synopsis: With the publication of the "Scriptures and Florals Coloring Book", adults can gift themselves time for joyful creativity and contemplation. Filled with rich, inspirational quotations from Scripture and beautiful designs by artist Allison Loveall, this adult coloring book will help to find moments of quiet reflection, peace, and calm. This Christian themed coloring book includes more than 45 hand-lettered quotations and gorgeous illustrations Loveall and features single-sided perforated coloring pages ready for framing.

Critique: Including inspiring quotes from the ESV Bible, "Scriptures and Florals Coloring Book" is a contemplative joy and a fun DIY activity that is highly recommended for relieving the stresses and strains that daily life is heir to.

Editorial Note: Allison Loveall (https://lovealldesign.co) is a 24-year-old self-taught artist and illustrator based out of Phoenix, AZ. Her journey as an artist began in 2015 as she searched for a hobby during her freshman year of college. Her vibrant and inspirational art quickly became loved by friends and family -- motivating her to start selling her work online. She has a sincere love for producing art that captures the beauty of nature and maneuvering words to look just as beautiful as their meaning. She specializes in acrylic paintings and illustrating digitally on her iPad.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

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James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review
278 Orchard Drive
Oregon, WI 53575-1129

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James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review