Summer Challenge!

Grace-Filled Writer

This summer, you can join Adventures in Odyssey’s Clubhouse Magazine and help children in the Middle East go to school and learn English. It’s Adventures in Odyssey’s Clubhouse Magazine Exercise to Educate summer challenge!

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The Problem

Nearly 7,000 miles away from the United States, there’s a war going on in the country of Syria. Many families have been forced from their homes. Parents have had to leave their jobs, and children have had to leave behind toys and friends.

Many of these families now live in refugee camps in nearby countries. They have tents instead of houses. Clean water is hard to come by. This war has put 2.6 million children out of school – some for more than four years already.

The Solution

Our friends at Focus on the Family Middle East know many families who don’t have the money to buy a school uniform and pay for their children to go to school. They also know people who would love to teach children English in local churches.

You may not have a lot of money to help, but you probably have time, energy and excitement. Here’s what you can do:

1. Go to to Whitsend.org/summer.
2. Print a sponsor sheet and exercise to earn points. You can do it for a week or the whole summer – just remember, the more you exercise, the more points you’ll earn!
3. Ask your family and friends to sponsor your efforts.
4. Beginning in July, tell us how you did and receive a digital bundle from your friends at Adventures in Odyssey and Focus on the Family. The deadline to submit your information is August 31, 2016. 

For participating and submitting your information, you will get a free Adventures in Odyssey episode from Album 51. You will also get 101 Surefire Ways to Strengthen Your Child’s Faith – eBook and the audio book of Imagination Station #1, “Voyage with the Vikings.” Make the most of your summer—exercise for your health and help other kids in need while you do!

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Don’t Be Bored This Summer!

Now is the time to make sure your kids have the greatest adventure this summer with over 800 Adventures in Odyssey episodes and non-stop listening fun! Sign up for the Odyssey Adventure Club today for just $9.99 per month at OACLUB.org.

Through the Shadows: A Net Galley Review

Grace-Filled Writer
 
Through the Shadows is a tale which takes place at the beginning of the 20th century. The King family is highlighted once again in this third book of The Golden Gate Chronicles. Karen Barnett is a new author for me and I have not yet read the two previous books in this series. This book focuses on the corruption and intrigue which followed in the aftermath of the great San Francisco earthquake of 1906. 
Elizabeth King, the heroine of the novel, is seeking redemption for a sinful past. She is moved by the accounts of Donaldina Cameron who runs the Presbyterian Mission and saves young girls from the orient who are brought here to live a deplorable life. Elizabeth participates in several rescues and teaches at the mission in the hopes of erasing her guilt ridden heart. The longer she is at the mission, the more she realizes she must confront her guilty heart and allow the grace of Jesus Christ to make her clean once again. 
Circumstances surrounding the King family investments bring a young man into Elizabeth’s path. As she is trying to navigate her own remorse as well as question the truth behind claims of her father’s investments, she is drawn into a friendship with Charles McKinley. Charles must decide whether to follow his dream of litigating those who need help the most or making a name for himself in his uncle’s law firm and as a politician.
I personally find this time period intriguing as my own great-grandmother was born in 1903. I was very close to her and loved hearing stories of her childhood and early years which were rather difficult. Because of my own personal interest I very much enjoyed the historical references within the book although I think many of them would have made more sense if I had read the first two titles in this series. 
This novel is well written and interesting, but did not grab my attention quite as others have. I didn’t feel the same connection to the characters as I often do. I did enjoy it enough that I intend to read the first two books in the series when I am able.  
Disclaimer: I received this title from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review. I was not compensated in any other way. I was not required to write a positive review.

From This Moment: A Net Galley Review

Grace-Filled Writer
Elizabeth Camden is one of my new favorite authors! I recently finished her novel Against The Tide and instantly fell in love with her writing. I was very excited to have the chance to read another novel. 
From This Moment is set at the same time as the construction of the America’s first Subway in Boston. The heroine, Stella Westergaard,  is seeking answers about her sister’s death. She is convinced that her death was more than what is being reported. In order to investigate she leaves her world of artists in London in order to investigate in the same building as her sister worked when she died. 
Our hero, Romulus White, is the head of a scientific magazine along with his sister. He is fascinated by all things scientific and has built what was once a fledgling publication into a well respected serial. For years he had been contacting Stella West, her artist name, in order to commission her to create illustrations using the latest artistic technology. 
This novel had a number of unexpected twists and turns. I rather enjoyed the unpredictable twists and turns in the plot. There were unexpected relationships and turns in the story line that left me up waaay past my bedtime so I could see what happened next. This lengthy novel kept my interest. It was quite light hearted in many regards, but not in a flippant way as many modern authors tend to be. The banter between the characters was fun and enjoyable. 
I look forward to reading more novels from Elizabeth Camden soon!
Disclaimer: I received this title from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review. I was not compensated in any other way. I was not required to write a positive review.

The Gallaudet Children’s Dictionary: A Net Galley Review

Grace-Filled Writer
 
The Gallaudet Children’s Dictionary would be a fabulous addition to any family’s library. This beautiful full-color dictionary  shows very clearly how to create over 1,000 signs. A DVD is included, but as I reviewed the e-book version I did not receive that, so this is just a review of the book. 
Each page is beautiful. Most pages have three words, some at the beginning and end of a letter section have two. Included with each word entry is a sentence, picture, and clear demonstration of how to create the sign. Some words include synonyms as well.
What is great about this particular dictionary is that even if you have a child that is not reading yet, they should be able to mimic the pictures for signing while associating it with the illustration. I think this makes it one of the best resources for young children who are interested in signing whether out of curiosity or necessity. 
In addition to the fact that children can use this easily, I think this would be highly beneficial for adults just beginning to learn as well. The directions for how to sign are very clear with each color illustration having a second black and white overlay with it to show motion and direction. Besides in-person instruction, I’ve yet to see another book as clear. 
I would highly recommend this particular book to any family looking to learn the basic words in sign language. 
Disclaimer: I received this title from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review. I was not compensated in any other way. I was not required to write a positive review.

Fairy Houses All Year: A NetGalley Review

Grace-Filled Writer
We have recently redone our the landscaping area directly in front of our house. It used to be all bushes, which I have never liked. Something about how meticulous they have to look in order to be attractive has never appealed to me. I’ve always been partial to more of an English cottage garden, less structure, more natural growth. I’ve been planning this new area for a couple of years and fell in love with the idea of miniature gardens and houses.
This sweet little book gives ideas for anyone, young or old, who want to build miniature gardens or houses throughout every seasons. One of the neat ideas is to keep a journal throughout the year where you can write down ideas for materials that you find. They also suggest noting if you think fairies have visited. While our family does not have a problem playing make believe this is not something I would encourage my daughters to do because we try to make a clear distinction between reality and make-believe. 
The photographs of children creating houses and pictures in nature are delightful. They are beautiful and fun. The children are clearly just having fun and creating, definitely not posed, which makes it more fun to read.
I really love the step-by-step guide right in the beginning for building simple enough for children to follow. I also like the suggestions for what to collect for each season. There are also some fun activities to make like dandelion chains and candied violets. 
The only downside to the book in my opinion is the encouragement to fully believe in fairies. I know not everyone will agree with me on this, but we have always tried to distinguish truth from fiction. Is there any harm in children hearing fairy tales? I don’t think so. We love telling fictional stories to our kids, especially ones that reflect truth from Scripture like The Chronicles of Narnia. At the same time we make a clear distinction between make-believe and reality because we never, ever want our children to think we have told them a make-believe story about Jesus and the miracles He performed, most importantly His death and resurrection which provides our salvation. 
So, I did enjoy this book, but read with caution if you are concerned about how your children will perceive this book. 
Disclaimer: I received this title from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review. I was not compensated in any other way. I was not required to write a positive review.

Behold the Man: A BookLook Blogger Review

Grace-Filled Writer
The most recent book I have been reading to review is from Bodie and Brock Thoene. Although they are a well-known writing team among Christian fiction circles this is the first book I’ve read by them. Behold the Man is the third in the Jerusalem Chronicles series which recounts the tumultuous time in Israel’s history during Jesus’ ministry. I have not read the previous two books, but this one covers the end of Jesus’ ministry here on earth.
The Roman occupation is central to understanding much of what Scripture tells us about Jesus’ ministry and this is an excellent book to help get a grasp of what was happening and what it meant for both the Jews and the Romans. There is a great amount of historical detail included. It is evident that the Thoenes spent extensive amounts of time researching in order to make sure this story aligned with biblical accounts and non-biblical historical sources.
I had a very hard time getting into the story. It felt a bit slow at the beginning and was filled with so much historical reference I felt I needed to spend some time looking up the names and references in order to really understand it. I love historical fiction, but it is hard for me to enjoy it if limited knowledge of a certain period prevents me from fully understanding it. This one thing frustrated me. I enjoyed the portrayal of actual historical characters. 
If you like historical fiction that delves very deeply into the historical period in which it is set both culturally, politically, and socially, you will most surely enjoy this book. It is well written and accurately presented even though it is fictional. Personally I was not a huge fan of the weightier material.

Disclaimer: I received this title from BookLook Bloggers in return for an honest review. I was not compensated in any other way. I was not required to write a positive review.

A Daring Sacrifice: A BookLook Blogger Review

Grace-Filled Writer
Sometimes I like to read what is coming out for young adult literature in the Christian genre. This particular premis intrigued me and seemed like a promising storyline. After I began reading and felt slightly confused I found out that this is a book in a series by Jody Hedlund. I believe I would have felt more comfortable with the story if I had read the previous novel, but since I hadn’t I did my best to grasp the ideas. 
Julianna, the heroine of the story, finds unlikely romance with the one she would at first see as her enemy. Julianna, the rightful heir to the kingdom, has been in hiding for her safety, with all of the people in the kingdom assuming her dead. She has been able to hide her true identity even from the small band of thieves she unites with in order to help save the kingdom from starvation while the evil Lord Wessex does all he can to keep everything for his own purposes. 
While the relationship between Julianna and Collin was intriguing, I was concerned about the amount of physical intimacy and how it was described. Being a young adult book, it will probably be read by teen girls. As a married woman some of the intimate moments made me uncomfortable and I would not want my own daughters reading this as teenagers. If this was a secular novel I don’t know that I would have mentioned this, but being in the Christian genre it concerns me. There are many worse novels out there in this regard, but when my daughters read Christian fiction there is a level of purity and prudence which I expect. Whether or not the word sees this as realistic does not matter. I desire my girls to be led in a direction of purity of heart and I will not be giving this particular novel to them to read even when they are of the correct age. 
That being said, the story was well written, but I think parents should use caution with this particular series based on how the physical side of the romantic relationships is portrayed. 
Disclaimer: I received this title from BookLook Bloggers in return for an honest review. I was not compensated in any other way. I was not required to write a positive review.

An Elegant Facade: A Net Galley Review

Grace-Filled Writer
I have found a new author and fallen in love with her tales! Kristi Ann Hunter has captured my imagination and helped me enjoy more about the Regency Era. After reading the forward I realized this is the third in the Hawthorne House series, which discouraged me a little bit as I tend to like to read series in order. I was pleasantly surprised that this novel, although a continuation of the Hawthorne family story, is a stand-alone book in its own right.
This story set at the turn of the 19th century opens with a very spoiled and somewhat bratty Lady Goergina, or so she hopes everyone perceives her that way. The irony of her genuine personality comes through clearly and the reader soon learns all is not as it seems. I anxiously anticipated the answer as to why Georgina so desired to wear the mask she chose and found the answer poignent and compelling. I do not want to give anything way, but the research and understanding the author went to is clear and I have a great appreciation for the deeper aspects of this novel. 
I love that my Kindle App can tell me just how long a book will be. I usually check this after I read the first chapter. I was delighted to discover that I would have over 5 hours of reading this gem. The first words captured my attention and kept me engrossed. My husband found me sneaking in reading time as I cooked, exercised, and even during our school breaks each day! He commented that I must have found a really good one! 
I also am excited that there are two more books in the series, another novel and a novella, about this family. What started out as disappointment and concern I’d be confused has turned into elation that I can spend some more time with the Hawthorne family. I look forward to reading more from Krisi Ann Hunter this summer. 
Disclaimer: I received this title from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review. I was not compensated in any other way. I was not required to write a positive review.

The Glass Castle: A Net Galley Review

Grace-Filled Writer
I usually like a rather straight forward novels that give me all the information I need to know where and what is happening. Because of that I tend to stay away from fantasy and science fiction. Every once in a while I like to dip my toes into something different and when I read the excerpt about The Glass Castle I was intrigued. 
This young adult novel feels a bit like a twisted fairy tale, full of mystery, intrigue, and many unknowns. The premis surrounds the mysterious capture of a young girl. All that she has known to be true suddenly evaporates into confusion and fear. Piece by piece Avery, the 13-year-old heroine puts together a mysterious puzzle of clues about her history, which is far different from all she has ever believed. As she is thrown into the world of servitude inside the castle of a deluded king, she must discover who she really is and figure out just what to do about it.  
The Glass Castle was an interesting read. I had a difficult time at the beginning because I was very confused about the setting. As I continued to read I believe the feeling of confusion actually helped understand just how Avery was feeling. The intensity of her misconceptions are clearly felt and while I much prefer a more omniscient point of view when I read, I did like the sense of despair and unrest which the author was able to evoke. 
This unique fairy tale feels like a blending of Snow White and Alice in Wonderland. This deliberately masterful blending left me wanting more at the end and I am eagerly anticipating the sequel! 
Disclaimer: I received this title from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review. I was not compensated in any other way. I was not required to write a positive review.