"Homeschooling for the Rest of Us" by Sonya Haskins

Book description from Bethany House's website:


It's time to break a myth: Homeschooling families aren't perfect. In fact, real-life families like yours can be--and are--successful homeschoolers! That's the life message of Sonya Haskins, who is dedicated to helping everyday families meet the challenges of home education and enjoy its countless benefits.


In this practical, encouraging guide, Haskins shares tried and true ideas for how to:

• Discover a realistic vision of homeschooling for your family
  
  
• Help your child get excited about learning
  
  
• Find a routine that fits your goals and lifestyle
  
  
• Nurture a biblical worldview in your child's heart and mind
  
  
• And much more
  
  

Whether you are already homeschooling or just considering it, this book offers the support, answers, and flexible strategies to help you succeed.




My Opinion:


Oh, if I could have only read this when I first began homeschooling! This is an excellent resource for begining to homeschool or a veteran, but then again it is written by Sonya Haskins - one of the leading homeschooling consultants. Full of practical ideas on getting started and how to keep going this is a must have for any homeschool family bookshelf. If you're not sure you want to homeschool, yet, this book is for you as well! Sonya doesn't preach or bash the decisions other parents make which makes the book enjoyable.


I read through this book in one day, which means that while some chapters are quite lengthy others are short and so a busy mom will be able to read and reread this book with little trouble. The amount I gleaned from this book will be used in years to come and will definitely be a treasured part of my homeschooling library. Sonya made me realize that my priority is to educate my children not to have a spotless home, if you're homeschooling you're not going to have a spotless house.


Tips for dealing with the dreaded socialization question and others, routines and schedules from several different types of homeschooling families, living in a messy house, homeschooling a special needs child, dealing with relatives and more. In 13 chapters Sonya has a way of encouraging and inspiring the homeschool mom (and dad) with an easy to read and understand format. Feeling like you're sitting right there gleaning from Sonya herself and she shares her homeschooling secrets. "Homeschooling for the Rest of Us" will be a must used resource in this homeschooling family's library for years to come.


**I was provided a copy of this book through Bethany House's blogger review program in exchange for my honest review.

"Through the Fire" by Shawn Grady

**I'd like to thank Jim Hart at Bethany House Publishers for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.**


From Bethany House's website:


Firefighting burns in Aidan O'Neill's blood, but his innate gift for reading flames has made him overconfident and sometimes puts lives in danger. When one call goes horribly wrong and a rookie is hurt, Aidan ends up suspended and finds himself questioning everything.


It couldn't have happened at a worse time.


An arsonist is targeting Reno, leaving a scorched path of destruction. The department needs Aidan back, but his return is troubled. The gift he relied on for so long has gone silent•and it's as though the fires are coming for him, hunting him down. Teaming with a beguiling fire investigator who may know more than she's saying, Aidan must discover where his trust rests as the flames burn ever closer.


My Opinion:


Blown away! This is Shawn Grady's debut novel and it's a winner, "Through the Fire", is a superbly written book. From the first page I was pulled in to this fast moving and action packed book about fire fighter Aidan O'Neill. Even though I wasn't taken with the drinking (there are mentions of bar scenes and beer) the overall book was excellent and something I wouldn't have expected from an authors debut novel. With twists and turns that you won't expect this book will draw you in to the well developed characters and you'll feel yourself swept up into the life of a fire fighter and his friends.


There is a fire fighter in my family and I never understood much of what they do, except run into burning buildings and put out fires and rescue anyone trapped inside - but reading "Through the Fire" has made it more real. Despite it being a fictional work Shawn Grady makes the reader feel as if they are right beside the fire fighter's and seeing what is going on. This isn't hard for him to do since he, himself is a fire fighter/paramedic for Reno for ten years. He has written what he knows and it comes through clearly in "Through the Fire" because I could feel the tension and adrenaline each time the trucks pulled up on a scene.

God Has Not Forgotten About You...And He Care More than You Can Imagine by Leslie Haskin

From the Bethany House Publisher website:


When everyday concerns and problems linger--when desires of our heart go unmet--it's easy to wonder if we've done something wrong or if God cares.

Leslie Haskin is no stranger to these feelings, but through adversity she has emerged victorious.

"This book is honest and straightforward. It is about real life for real people," Leslie says. "Whether the struggle is emotional, spiritual, or physical, I write for those who, like me, would like some answers but even more need a revival of spirit.

"Nothing in our lives is too small for God, so be encouraged in your walk with Him today. You indeed can make it to the other side of whatever you are facing and be better for the experience. I assure you, God loves you more than you can imagine."

My Opinion:


There are times when we all think that God has forgotten us and we wonder does He hear our prayers and needs? Of course this also makes our faith stronger in the end when we realize, yes, He does care and He answers us in His way. It is hard to keep that in mind though when trials come our way, it may be a sick child or it could be something major - like a bank foreclosing on the house.


Leslie Haskin's has written a book for all of us who need reassurance that God is present and He is listening and wants to comfort us. Leslie Haskin escaped one of the towers at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001 and she knows what the lowest of lows can be like, today she is active in mission work. She has founded Safe HUGS which is a ministry that helps women and children.


"God Has Not Forgotten About You" is a book that can speak to the emotional, spiritual and physical parts of our beings that need God so much. There are words to savor in this book and it is a book that takes some time to read as the words are digested and weighed against God's Word. Thankfully this book is Scripturally based, or at least I found it to be and that is what counts for me - there are not enough platitudes that anyone can write to comfort me unless it's based on God's Word.


**This book was provided to me by Bethany House Publishers for my honest review.

***This book can be purchased at Bethany House Publishers website.

The Enclave by Karen Hancock

Welcome to a world of an underground enclave full of people who don't realize that the world they know isn't one built on truth. The Enclave by Karen Hancock delves into scientists who build themselves as gods and one man stands in their way. Full of twists and turns, The Enclave, provides a suspense packed read that is fast moving and keeps your attention from the first page.

Lacey McHenry accepts a dream job at a world known Kendall-Jakes Longevity Institute, escaping her past or so she believes. Cover-ups, a strange intruder and late night encounters Lacey realizes that all is not as bright and legitimate as she once thought. A co-worker who also works at K-J as one of the top researchers and also is trying to escape his past becomes entangled with a plot larger than he. Struggling to find who they can trust, not knowing if they can trust each other, they must rely on God.

This is the first time I've read Karen Hancock and am glad that I had the opportunity to do so through Bethany House's blogger review program. She has written a wonderful book that focuses on God's will for His people even while showing the side that Satan wants us to believe - cloning and murder are okay. Full of plot twists even the reader will find themselves trying to figure out who Lacey should trust, her boss or fellow Believer, Cameron. This is a read that will keep you up at night and you will be pleased that you did. There is no explicit romance scenes - two kisses are exchanged - so this makes for an enjoyable read and one that can be safely called Christian.

King James Only Controversy: Can You Trust Modern Translations? by James R. White

The King James Only Controversy: Can You Trust Modern Translations? by James R. White goes into detail about the different translations of the Bible and the historical facts behind the King James Only and the modern translations such as NASB, NIV and ESV. This book is answering those who believe that using the KJV is the only Bible to use and any other person who uses another translation is heretical.

James R. White is the author of several other books including The God Who Justifies and The Forgotten Trinity. He is the director of Alpha and Omega Ministries, a Christian apologetics organization, he is an accomplished debater and elder of the Phoenix Reformed Baptist Church.

As a person who enjoys her KJV Bible, I know that my way isn't the only way - Christ is, so that is why I choose to receive this book from Bethany House Publishers through their blogger review program. This was a very heavy read, one that took some time to digest as one reads it's pages. Full of historical documents and history of the Bible from the beginning of it's being found one must read through the book keeping in mind the different texts that eventually made up the Bible that we know today, whether it's the NIV, KJV or any other translation. It was hard for me to keep track of which texts were which as I continued to read, which slowed my reading down considerably.

I thought this book has a lot of merit though and the reader can tell hours of research went into writing this book, which adds credibility to the work. Mr. White goes through a lot of trouble to explain how the different translations were written along with the history behind each. He also gives side by side examples of the Scripture of both the KJV and another version. That made it easy to see what the differences were that Mr. White was explaining in each chapter. I do recommend this book for those who are KJV only proponents, pastors of churches or just the regular lay person who wants to know more about the historical and Scriptural background of our Holy Bible.

Words Unspoken by Elizabeth Musser

Words Unspoken by Elizabeth Musser didn't appear to be much of a book when I first started it but I was pleasantly surprised. Bethany House has again published another great book by another accomplished author. Having never read Mrs. Musser's books before I know I will be returning for more of her books when I get a chance.

We begin being introduced to Lissa Randall who has had a lot of tragedy in her life, while she excelled in academics a tragic accident that took her mother's life sets her back. She needs to drive again but even after eighteen months she finds she can't do it until she gets referred to Ev Mcallister's driving school. The story is set in Tennessee amongst Lookout Mountain with a full cast of characters.

At first the full range of characters scared me, I am not one who likes a lot of characters in the books I read. So I was worried I would forget who was who when I really got involved in the story and have to begin flipping back and forth to remember who they were. Fortunately, Elizabeth Musser made it easy to remember what each character's role was in the book - no forgetting or flipping back and forth. All the characters well well rounded and well developed, something I appreciate, I don't care for flat, undeveloped characters. Mrs. Musser did a wonderful job in really making the characters have life and making the reader feel like they know them.

The book moves well and there are a few surprises along the way, which are weaved into the story at appropriate times. A story of forgiveness and love even while the character may not feel loved or forgiven. There is talk of suicide so if that is a sensitive subject for a reader I would want to warn you about that, but even if it is a subject that is near to your heart (I know it is too mine) it is a wonderful book. It almost felt as if Elizabeth Musser knows me, knows my heart, especially towards the end of the book. This is simply a great book with a lot of potential and I recommend you curl up with it and savor it until the end.

How Sweet It Is by Alice J. Wisler

I have never read any of Alice J. Wisler and while I was worried this
book wouldn't stand up to other Christian fiction books, I was pleasantly surprised. I will admit I am sometimes leery of branching out into new authors so I am glad that reviewing for Bethany House allows me the luxury of enjoying new authors.

Deena Livingston is a Southern girl who moves into her grandpa's cabin in the mountains of North Carolina. Her plans are to be reclusive and start her own cake decorating business while recovering from a broken heart after her fiance leaves her in the dust. Her new family is one she wouldn't expect to eventually love but she must per her Grandpa's request - and she is happy she did. A classroom of middle school students, a social worker who works with the children and a plumber are all things that may or may not get Deena to enjoy life once again.

This book really spoke to me. Deena wants to trust in God but her human side makes her want to rely on herself. Healing from a relationship that God didn't intend for her. Realistically it summed up what most women go through before growing up and maturing in their walk with God. We struggle just as Deena struggles and eventually though we can't see the light at the end of the tunnel, we have to rely on God to get us through and He will - in His time. It's hard to realize that in times of hardship though.

The other thing I like about this book is it has some recipes. I have already tried one and it's yummy and has been requested at two of my children's upcoming birthday parties! There is a recipe for peanut soup hidden in the pages of story, and while my family isn't excited to try it, I would like to one day actually put it to the test. How great is it that you can feed your Faith with a story that includes Christ and at the end feed your stomach with a great tasting cake? I'd say that's pretty awesome!

So I say get yourself a copy of How Sweet It Is sit back with some Southern Sweet Tea (in my life it's sweetened with Stevia LOL) and enjoy a book that weaves together Faith, imperfect human love, food and God!

Miserly Moms by Jonni McCoy

I was kind of leery when I first began reading Miserly Moms Living Well on Less in a Tough Economy by Jonni McCoy and published by Bethany House because I wasn't sure if a family who has two children and who has a lot of other differences compared to our family would be able to help me with ideas on living frugally. I was proven wrong and again taught not to assume or judge a book or an author by it's cover. This book is indeed a great help no matter the size of your family.

As gas prices go back up, food prices continue to climb and trying to make sure we have enough money for a house payment, one van payment, electricity, water, food, etc I try to find ways to cut corners. For my family, food is one way we look to cut corners and I have been already been doing a lot of scratch baking and freezing. It's amazing how one can stretch a $1.55 (on 'sale' at Aldi's) bag of flour! So that was one thing I concentrated on this book, the food. Also by cutting out cable and satellite *GASP* and not having a cell phone *GASP AGAIN** we don't live like most Americans.

Jonni McCoy offers Eleven Miserly Guidelines that are easy to implement and keep with it. Some of these I had already been doing such as not shopping at the same store, making and freezing food, making meals from scratch, etc but she offers other ideas for taking it further. She gives idea for baby care including whether to use disposable or cloth diapers, making your own baby food (we save on this by my nursing for however long the baby wants and not starting solids until 7 or 8 months when the baby can generally some of the foods I make for everyone else). There is also a section for working moms, although she does advocate for mom's who stay home she knows this isn't always a possibility for all moms.

The section on clothing was the one section I disagreed with as she said she she figures out how many outfits her family needs each month or two and tries to find the best deals for the items needed. I couldn't imagine being able to buy new clothing or even buying clothing at thrift stores every couple months - it's not in our budget. So that to me was a bit much, but I don't have an issue with my clothes not being the latest fashion either.

Overall, I was very impressed with the ideas in the book and she has included several recipes. I made the taco seasoning, I hate buying the store bought seasoning with all the MSG and other junk, so I made the recipe in her book and it was GREAT! My husband said he liked it better than the store bought as well. It had more taste and definitely more healthy and cost effective (it makes 12 servings). There are many more recipes and ideas for "pre-packaged" convenience foods to make at home - like baking mixes you can use for biscuits and pancakes. If you'd like to learn how to save money I would definitely suggest you get this book!

Love's Pursuit by Siri Mitchell

I had the pleasure to read Love's Pursuit by Siri Mitchell and I am glad I did
because it was very well written and very enjoyable. I have never read Siri
Mitchell before and am glad this is the first book I read by her.
I will tell you a little about the book first and then go on to give my opinion on it.

Taken from Bethany House's website:

In the small Puritan community of Stoneybrooke, Massachusetts, Susannah Phillips stands out both for her character and beauty. She wants only a simple life but soon finds herself pursued by the town's wealthiest bachelor and by a roguish military captain sent to protect them. One is not what he seems and one is more than he seems.
In trying to discover true love's path, Susannah is helped by the most unlikely of allies, a wounded woman who lives invisible and ignored in their town. As the depth, passion, and sacrifice of love is revealed to Susannah, she begins to question the rules and regulations of her childhood faith. In a community where grace is unknown, what price will she pay for embracing love?

My opinion:

Like I said at the beginning I was very glad to have had the opportunity to read this book as part of the Bethany House blogger review program and since it was my first time hearing of or reading Siri Mitchell I was also excited. While she isn't a new author in the truest sense of new, she is new to me and I am glad to have had the chance to read one of her books - a fictional historical romance. Siri Mitchell had me hooked from the time of the first page and kept me wanting to turn them!

What I especially liked about this book is the historical accuracies that were detailed in the book. I could feel myself walking down the street in Stoneybrooke living among the Puritans and looking into their every day lives. From the grueling woman's work in a hot house over a hot fireplace all day to knowing that one slip up could forever label me a woman unfit to have her own husband, home and children. The pressure was high to succeed and jealousy and 'spies' were watching. From my research of the way Puritans lived this summed up very well how their lives were lived. While they thought their works would save them - not the grace of God and having to be on the look out for a busy body one could easily become overwhelmed with the enormity of it all.

There were two scenes that bothered me and they were between Susannah Phillips and Simeon Wright and given the character's personality and knowing that there was something evil about him one could say that this helped to establish his character. I see far worse things on the nightly news, so I can't come down too hard on Siri Mitchell, since it did help to establish his character without being so blatant that would make it seem like a dime store romance. I appreciate that.

Overall, this book had me on the edge of my seat and rooting for Susannah in a time of arranged marriages regardless of the man or how that man carried on his business and secretly happily when the truth is found out. I could write so much more but that would spoil it and I don't want to provide a spoiler! So I will say if you like historical accuracies in a book then this definitely has it, if you like romance without all the raunchy stuff this is a great book, if you want a book that seeks to lift up God then this it! I suggest you look into getting your hands on this book and sit back for an enjoying read.

This being said I would not recommend this to an unmarried, young woman but if the woman is married and has a good marriage then I would recommend this.

For more information or to order visit Bethany House.

Love is A Verb by Gary Chapman

"Love is A Verb" is a book of stories "of what happens when love comes alive". Love has to be alive to bring forth fruit and this book definitely proves that.

Several authors comprise this book of stories about love and living love. It may be the lady who choose to love her husband when she just wanted to run away. The husband who learns to love his wife more when she develops Alzhiemer's Disease. The neighbor lady who 'adopts' a lonely next door girl. A woman adopting children no one else wanted even after raising her own three children.

"Love is A Verb" was a fast read but one that will not leave your memory so fast. Mr. Chapman offers tidbits at the end of each story that may show you just how to live that love that Jesus embodied so well. The short stories may well open your eyes and have you love that unlovable neighbor, the spouse that is chronically ill, the child that never listens and goes the way of the prodigal son. Whatever is going on this book may just show you the value of loving those who we deem unlovable. If we shed our preconcieved notions of who deserves our love then we can fully embrace everyong in love and treat them even if they may not really be deserving of love - like the abusive ex husband.

Gary Chapman has put together a book that is a gem and can make one really think about how they are treating others around them. Even if you aren't a Christian, loving others can make this world a better place to be and maybe the person you showed love to will show love to someone else! You can visit Bethany House to purchase "Love is A Verb".

Brides of Gallatin County Books 1 and 2

I had the chance to read books 1 and 2 in the Brides of Gallatin county series by Tracie Peterson. The first one is "A Promise to Last Forever" and the second one is "A Love to Last Forever". These book are an great read and keep you in it's grips until you read the last page of the book.


A "Promise to Believe In" introduces the readers to the Gallatin sisters who also happen to live in Gallatin County in the wilds of Montana in the late 1800's. They have lived most of their lives without a mom, who died in childbirth while trying to birth her fourth child. Their father takes them and moves constantly without ever finding stability until moving to Gallatin County where he owns and operates (with his three daughters) the Gallatin House, where people traveling the stage can stop for a meal and rest.

"A Promise to Believe In" focuses on the character, Gwen, who was widowed right after her wedding. Her husband's brother comes calling to find his brother and see where a secret is hidden. Of course there is romance but there is nothing risque or un Christian about there behavior. There is discussion about the brothel in town and how the sisters can help the prostitutes but again besides mention of one of the sister's penchant for dime novels and her mind wandering once, nothing is said that would make this book unreadable to the Christian.

Book 2: "A Love to Last Forever", focuses on sister, Beth. She is the one who read the dime novels. I was shocked to learn what dime novels really were and I won't go into that here. Beth lives her life trying to measure up to her dime novel stories and when she realizes her life and real life is nothing like what is in the books makes her cherish the Bible all the more. She too evenutally finds love in a imperfect but godly man.

The two main issues I have about the books are the fact of the dime novels, it seems as if it does bother the older sister but no one makes any move to Beth she can't read them and why she shouldn't read them. From what I understand dime novels were often times trashy reads and would sully the mind and make it impure. The second issue is that of dresses, the other sister, Lacy (whose story is to come) is more tom boy and sees nothing wrong in wearing pants or split skirts. She feels being feminine and wearing dresses as being weak and terrible. Women through out time have been able to work, tend house, children, gardens, mine, ride horses, ride bicycles all in dresses.

I will say overall the books are very well written and you really feel like you are in the Gallatin House and seeing what goes on in the three sister's lives. I would recommend these books to those who are strong in their faith and convictions. They were fast, enjoyable reads and I would read them over again - if I had the time :)

You can find the information to purchase the books here: A Promise to Believe In
and here: A Love to Last Forever

Timber Ridge Reflections 1 & 2 by Tamera Alexander

I had the privilege of reading the first two books in the Timber Ridge Reflections series by Tamera Alexander and published by Bethany House.

I was able to fully immerse myself in the historical aspects of the story lines as well as the characters, and seeming to walk in their boots. I felt like I really got to know the characters, their personalities and their families. It was a story that I fully enjoyed reading.

In the first book, "From A Distance", we meet Elizabeth Westbrook who comes to the Colorado Territory to photograph the wilderness and the mountains for a paper back East. She comes up against some competition but then realizes that maybe life isn't all about competing or all about working. She also helps break down some societal barriers that are put up from those of other ethnicities.

In the second book, "Beyond This Moment", we are introducted to Dr. Molly Whitcomb. She learns the hard way that even though she has a Dr. in front of her name, she still lives in a man's world, and travels out to Timber Ridge to escape after being given an ultimatum. As she lives her Faith begins to grow and she begins to rely on God to give her strength - strength to face the town, her friends and the man she loves - after her secrets come out.

These books seek to give God the glory, which I think the author accomplished - and isn't easy to do in this day and age with all the feel good junk that is passed around - Tamera Alexander succeeded. The weaving of the story with historical facts, Faith in God, love for our fellow humans - makes for an enjoyable and fast read. I read both books in a matter of days - no mere feat when you add in homeschooling, housekeeping, and three children!

I look forward to reading more books by Tamera Alexander and am eagerly awaiting the next book due out soon!

A Claim of Her Own by Stephanie Grace Whitson

I am so happy that I had the chance to review the book A Claim of Her Own by Stephanie Grace Whitson. I am a history buff and love anything that can bring history to life for me and it's so much the better when the story involves God, the Creator of all!

Mattie O'Keefe travels to North Dakota to find her brother who is mining in the Black Hills territory. She arrives, running from bad memories and bad choices, to find a shock that she wasn't prepared for. I must admit neither was I. The twists and turns in the book keeps you guessing and turning the pages right up to the very end, and then you want more.

I had a hard time putting down this book from the time I started two days ago until I finished it today - I struggled to put it down. Stephanie Grace Whitson really did a surperb job in the writing of A Claim of Her Own, a work well worth reading. From the moment Mattie walks into the city of Deadwood on a frieght wagon train your attention is pulled in and you can feel for Mattie.

There is something to be said for a book that can make you feel the character, her or his emotions - wether it be fear, sadness, grief - if the author can make the reader feel that it's a job well done. An even better job is done when you can feel the hem of your dress caked in mud, the dirt in your hair, the stench in the streets and the sounds coming from the saloons. If the author can pull the reader so that the reader feels they are there in the story then that book is a success.

I look forward to reading more of Stephanie Grace Whitson's books and am pleased that I had the chance to review this book.