I am Fifteen and I Do Not Want to Die

by Christine Arnothy
Collins Publishing

Christine Arnothy's book is not currently available in the United States, but is available to purchase on UK Amazon. It has been translated to English from French.
The frist half of the book is well written and very good. Christine describes where whe was living during the seige of Budapest. She is living in the cellar of their apartment house with several other tenants. They are starving and scared of the Russians who threaten to invade at any moment. She is desdcrives her plight in great detail with wonderful imaging.
Her family escapes to the country and lives in their country home for 3 years. At this time she is 18. For some unknown reason they must leave in a hurry taking practically nothing with them.
As the book goes on, the story becomes bland. She constantly complains about her employment and her first husband. The story ends with her giving birth to their daughter. In the afterword, she only talks about her second husband and son. Also, in the afterword, it becomes very confusing as she describes more about the things she wrote about in the main part of the book, but they are completely different. I am not sure if something was lost in translation or if it is purposely written this way. This is more of a refugee story than a story of wartime survival. The story starts at the end of the war and 60% of the book is about after the war and how irritated she is with her husband and employment and how she longs to be a writer.
I would have rather had a bit more pre-war background on the family, why they had to leave Budapest, and what her parents ended up doing. She goes into no detail about how she and her first husband part ways or how she meets her 2nd husband. Not even in the dedication in the front of the book does she mention her daughter, only her son. Very odd indeed.

Jungle Jack Hanna's The Wackiest Wildest Weirdest Animals in the World

Jungle Jack Hanna The Wackiest Wildest Weirdest Animals in the World
by Jack Hanna
Thomas Nelson Publishing

This book kept disappearing at my house. Everyone wanted to read it. We were all facinated by it. This book is amazing. There are so many fun facts along with large beautiful pictures. The book is not only fun and entertaining but also educational as well. My children and I learned which animal smells like popcorn. There is even an animal whose fur color rubs off onto your hands when you pet it! The book comes with a DVD of Jack Hanna's bloopers from his TV show. After you have read this book you will be able to answer most any unusual animal question.
What a great gift to give a child of any age. My children, 4, 8, and 13, really liked this one. Grandma even enjoyed this one! Don't forget to give your animal lover this book for any occasion!

Exposure

by Brandilyn Collins
Zondervan Publishing

This book had me up really late last night. Part of me really wanted to find out the ending and the other part of me was a bit scared. So, if you like a good mystery read Exposure. Kaycee is the main character and she thinks someone is watching her. Her mother spent her life always looking behind her. Kaycee thought her mother was crazy and she passed it on to her. But was her mom crazy? Kaycee writes a newspaper column about fears. She herself is afraid of many things. She keeps seeing a picture of a deceased man pop up, with no evidence to show the local Sheriff. Matt is a police officer that answers her many pleas for help. He thinks she is crazy, but when one clue leads to another he is not so sure she is just a crazy lady.
I do not usually read these kinds of books, but I decided to give this one a try. I was fine reading up until it was time to go to bed. I guess I just needed to make sure everything turns out alright. Although this book is from a Christian publishing company, there is not a light of religion in it. In the epilogue Kaycee brings to light God. I thought was out of place. I would have liked to see her relying on God a bit more. I felt like the author slapped that at the end to make it a Christian book. Overall I felt this book was well written and had lots of twists and turns.

Love's Pursuit

by Siri Mitchell
Bethany House Publishing

Love's Pursuit takes place in Massachusetts during the Puritan era. Susannah is a puritan girl who on the outside seems to be the eye of perfections. However, Susannah thinks herself to be a sinner and judges herself harshly. A captain from the "King's army" comes to their village because he has heard reports of savages. I do not want to give too much away, but will Susannah fall in love with a man from her own puritan village or with the Captain and his heathen ways? You will have to read to find out!!
This one was a bit hard to get into at first because I have not read much about the Puritans and was a bit confused at firs by some of the goings on and their language. I wished that the author had given a bit of an introduction, perhaps a bit of actual history, before delving into the story.
However, that does NOT mean I did not like it, I really enjoyed this story. It gave me a bit of what life was like for the Puritans. It also kept me driven to read to the end, because I had no idea how the end would turn out. I must say I was disappointed in the ending, but that is just me. Leave a comment here after you have read it and let me know how you liked the ending!

Sometimes a Light Surprises

by Jamie Langston Turner
Bethany House Publishing



Ben's wife was murdered over 20 years ago and no one knows who did it. Ben and his children are estranged, he was never really there for them after Chloe died. Chloe started going to church about 6 weeks before her death. Chloe and Ben fought over it, he never understood why she found religion.
Well, this is what part of the book is about. There were so many characters introduced and over 4 people that were telling their own story that is was hard to follow. All of the people were connected, but never really meshed. We would get a detailed account of something going on in their life but then it would be months later and something else goes on in their life. I was frustrated by the lack of a story line and bits and pieces of several people's stories but never anything in full. At the end of the book I felt that there really was not any conclusion or really not much of a book. I would have stopped reading it but I had to finish in order to do my review. I am usually able to be give a rounded out review of both sides, but I just did not like this book. This is the first book I have read by Turner, so I may try to read another one of hers to see if this is her writing style.

A Bride in the Bargain

by Deeanne Gist
Bethany House Publishing

I loved this book! I got it in the mail today and finished it just a bit ago. It is about a gal, Anna, that goes to Seattle right after the civil war ends. She thinks she is going to be a cook for a lumberjack and his crew. When she arrives she finds out she is supposed to be his bride. Joe needs a bride to secure his 640 acres. Written in a contract it states he is to be married (a family man) to entitle him to 640 acres, otherwise he loses half of his property. What links he goes to in order to get Anna to marry him. Anna tries her best not to fall for Joe. She blames herself for the loss of her mother, father, and younger brother. I do not want to give away the ending so I will not tell you the outcome. 

I really like the way Deeanne Gist wrote this book. There was no lagging in the plot. It ran smoothly and had no slow parts. I just couldn't wait to read the next chapter. You will not regret reading this book!!

Jesus Calling

Jesus Calling
by Sarah Young
Thomas Nelson Publishing

This small, 5x7, book is a daily devotional for those of us who want to become closer to Jesus Christ. Sarah Young divides this book into months with a date on each selection. There is also a scripture reference at the end of each passage. Each devotional is written from the Savior's perspective.
I really did not like this book very much. I thought I would, but I think there was too many ideas that I did not agree with. I believe that Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father are 2 separate beings and that we pray to Heavenly Father in Jesus' name. Throughout the book there are references to praying to Jesus. Other then the discrepancies of my personal beliefs, there were a few daily devotionals that hit home to me. When trying to gain a closer relationship with the Savior this book may be a good choice. It is also nice that the passages has been broken down into daily readings. I think it is especially good that there are scripture references at the end of each day's reading. This will give those that want to study the scriptures a way to correlate with their reading. Jesus Calling would be a great gift to give a loved one as well.

When Love Blooms

When Love Blooms
by Robin Lee Hatcher
Zondervan Publishing
copyright 2008

I really enjoy reading books set in different periods of history. This novel is set in the late 1880's in Idaho.
Emily Harris becomes a governess for for two little girls in a rural area of Idaho. The girls' mother, Dru, is dying of cancer. The girls' stepfather, Gavin, and Dru are married in name only. Dru wishes to find love for her husband, so he will be happy after her death.
When Love Blooms shows its readers that even through trials God is always there. Emily learns to love and trust her heart and God.
I had a hard time putting this book down. I wanted to find out what happens to Emily and how or if she and Gavin find love. Gavin had such a hard childhood and has a deep distrust of women. I was rooting for him to come to love Emily. There is a bit of history in the book as well, although not as much as I would have liked. Overall a wonderful, fun, light romance.

Zondervan publishing

How Sweet It Is

How Sweet It Is
by Alice J. Wisler
 

I could not put this book down! I read it in two days.  This book is a Christian novel with a hint of romance.  Deena Livingston inherits a cabin located in North Carolina from her grandfather. She decides to move from Georgia to her new cabin, escaping her heartbreak and scars of her past. She does not intend to get to know her neighbors. Deena decides to start a cake decorating business and according to her grandfather's wishes she must also teach cooking to a group of teenagers.
She does not really know much about her grandfather, Ernest, however the more she gets to know the locals the more she learns about him and why he believed that she would come to love the cabin.
Deena comes to embrace her past and starts to trust and pray to God again. She is able to forgive and embrace her emotional and physical scars.

I highly recommend this book to everyone looking for a refreshing light read.

"Money Purpose Joy"

"Money Purpose Joy the Proven Path to Uncommon Financial Success"
By Matt Bell
NavPress Publishing

With the recession in full swing, reading a book on financial success can be very helpful. In part one of the book Bell desires his readers to more fully understand Christ in our financial goals. We need to include Him in our financial plan. If we look to the bible and its teachings we will find many lessons on money. The first section of the book made me ponder about my Heavenly Father's desire for my financial success.
Part two of the book lets us think about where we really are financially and what really matters most. Do we want to spend time with our family or do we want to work all the time to make more money for our family. It is important for us to see what we really want from our money.
The next section of the book seemed really complicated. I knew what Bell was trying to tell us, but it was so complicated I wonder if someone who really needed this book would fully understand what he was trying to say.
In the last section of the book it became a little more clearer, although in my opinion there were too many steps. The budget guides seem to be very helpful for someone who is new to budgeting.
I am a Dave Ramsey fan, it seems Matt Bell is trying to copy Ramsey's financial plan only calling it by different names. Of course maybe this is the true secret to financial success and both men have come to their own conclusions.
I would reccommend this book to those who are needed to make a financial plan or who are in trouble with too much debt.

Click on this link to purchase your own copy!

"His name is Jesus"

"His Name is Jesus"
By Max Lucado

What an amazing book. The life of Jesus Christ is played out in this book, written in segments. This book was put together from 20 of Max Lucado's books. It is a beautifully written book with lovely peaceful pictures that compliment the content of the book. It comes with a hard slipcover for added protection. This is a perfect book for a gift for a loved one or treasured friend. This is also a perfect book to read with your children. I plan on reading it to them during our devotional time.
Mixed with poems the book gives many thought provoking ideas. I had never read a book that portryed Jesus in a light that he was not only a God, but also a mortal man that went through many of the same things we go through in our own lives. He knows how we feel and our sorrows and our joys. As I was reading this book, at first I felt it was protraying our Savior in a ordinary light. I was not sure how I felt about that. The more I read, the more I realized that Max Lucado wanted his readers to know Jesus in a different light then we usually see him. I know I have grown spritually by reading this book.
What a treasured book to have in your home library and a great gift to give to those you love.

"Homework"

"Homework~Juggling Home, Work, and School without Losing Your Balance"
Published by The Old Schoolhouse Magazine
E-Book

Being a homeschooling mom is hard. Throw in working from home, a husband, and household jobs it is REALLY HARD!! This E-Book is written by over 15 homeschooling moms who have home based businesses. They are there and are doing it. They share valuable information for those of us who are thinking about having a homebased business and want to continue educating our children at home.
These ladies' businesses run the full gamet from running a bed and breakfast to publishing books. I was worried before I read the book that the writers would sugar coat working from home and portray it as easy and simple. However, I was surprised they are very down to earth. They know it is not a bed of roses. They know everyday will be full of new challenges. In my opinion, if I am considering a business I want to know that there will be hard times as well as good times.
Some of these moms have their husbands and homeschooled children help in the business and some do not. It is helpful to know what I can expect from either of these situations as I ponder a home business for our family.
There is a lot of meaty information on handling the financial end of your business as well. Hiring an accountant for example is one of the top best investments to help your business grow well.
What a wonderful group of Christian women, to help other homeschooling mothers in our quest to help our families financially and follow the path God wants us to. Thank you for writing this book! Make sure you follow this link to purchase your own copy for only $12.45!

WeEbook " Homeschool the Rebel Part 1"

The Old Schoolhouse
"Homeschooling the Rebel Part 1"
By Deborah Wuehler
WeEbook

Do you have a child who refuses to do his schoolwork? A child that rebels when you ask him to do something? Then this WeEbook is for YOU!
I am sure that many of you have your days when no one wants to do school (not even mom), but this book is about the child who perpetually refuses to behave, causing chaos and frustration in the home. Deborah Wuehler gives us access to her success with the rebel in her own family. She explains the importance of teaching our children about God's authority and how as parents we are his facilitators for it. In this book there are many tidbits of advice and helpful hints in dealing with a rebel in our own home. Deborah Wuehler has been through this in her home and is able to relate to us as homeschooling moms.
I have a "rebel" in my home (sometimes two). I am encouraged and uplifted in reading this book that I will be able to help him to be calm and more positive. Deborah has given me things to ponder. I realize that I need to change as well~ not only the way I react to him but also my expectations. I can not wait to read part 2!!

What is a WeEbook?

WeEbooks are found here. These are mini reads to help homeschooling parents with various topics. They are affordable ($1.95 each) and a quick read when you need help or advice NOW and do not want to wait for a book to be shipped. I encourage everyone to check out all 30 WeEbooks!!

WeEbook "Are Parents Really Necessary? A Guide to Preschool Education"

The Old School House
"Are Parents Really Necessary? A guide to Preschool Education"
by Amelia Harper
WeEbook

In this book, Amelia Harper relates to us the agenda of the National Education Association, NEA, concerning early childhood education. She states 4 myths about what is necessary in educating young children. The NEA believe that only teachers and administrators know what is best for the children of today and that parents are unnecessary. Amelia cites studies and facts to the contrary. Homeschooled children do better then the public schooled child. Children in all day kindergarten and preschools do not do any better then those who go part time. She encourages parents that they can homeschool their preschool children. My favorite quote from this book is

"If a big yellow bird can teach preschoolers on television, you should be able to handle your crew at home!"

How true this is!!

As a homeschooling mom I have often wondered what to do with my preschooler? What should I be teaching her? My daughter is 4 and she loves to "do school" when her brothers are schooling. In this book, Amelia Harper gives 10 educational activities that I can do with my daughter (or yours). These are simple and fun activities to enhance her learning. I am excited to start doing some of these things on Monday with my daughter when my boys are "in school". Not only does Amelia Harper give us great ideas but in the appendix of the book she includes sample worksheets and writing practice sheets for us to use. If you have a preschooler or are considering homeschooling I encourage you to read this book.

What is a WeEbook?

WeEbooks are found here. These are mini reads to help homeschooling parents with various topics. They are affordable ($1.95 each) and a quick read when you need help NOW and do not have time to wait for a book to be shipped. I encourage everyone to check out all 30 WeEbooks!!

WeEbook "Beating the Summertime Blues"

The Old School House
“Beating the Summertime Blues”
By Kim Kautzer
WeEbook


With summer just around the corner, I know that I am thinking of things for my children to do, so I will not hear, “Mom, there’s nothing to do!” Of course I always offer that they could clean, but they never take me up on that offer. I decided to read the WeEbook from The Old School House Magazine, “Beating the Summertime Blues.” What a fresh take on activities to combat summertime boredom. First Kim suggests that moms take a breather and rejuvenate herself. Taking a bubble bath and reading a fun book are just a couple of her ideas. Kim also gives homeschooling parents a great balance between fun and crazy ideas and creative ideas to keep up children’s writing and math skills. Not only are these delightful tidbits great for the summer, but they are excellent to use any season. Whether you homeschool year around or take the summer off this WeEbook is packed full of helpful ideas for beating the summertime blues.

What is a WeEbook?

WeEbooks are found here. These are mini reads to help homeschooling parents with various topics. They are affordable ($1.95 each) and a quick read when you need help NOW and do not have time to wait for a book to be shipped. I encourage everyone to check out all 30 WeEbooks!!

Teaching Textbooks

We are currently using Teaching Textbooks Pre-Algebra for my seventh grade son. Last year we used Teaching Textbooks 6th grade.

We love this program!
This program is specially designed for homeschoolers. There are lessons on CD for your computer. You can listen and watch the lessons and/or read the lessons in the book. If your student has a hard time with a problem he/she can look that problem up on the CD it will give them a step by step instructions to solving it.My son went from a bit behind in math to advanced in less then a year (according to the ISAT test).
Currently Teaching Textbooks starts at 4th grade and goes up from there. Check out their website http://www.teachingtextbooks.com/

We love this program and encourage you to check it out.