Geronimo Stilton Reporter #3: A Net Galley Review

Grace-Filled Writer
Our daughters are pretty big Geronimo Stilton and Thea Stilton fans! We often pick these up at the library for a fun read. I’m all for challenging my children with quality literature. At the same time, a little fun fluff and twaddle reading is okay as well! While I do not consider comic books challenging literature, I do think they have a valuable purpose. Honestly, I’d rather my kid ask to read a comic book than watch a show! 


This summer has been full of lazy days reading anything they wanted. This title was fun for my 12-year old! She breezed through it, but definitely enjoyed it. She read this while waiting for her turn for clogging class. She said the characters were just like those in the original series. She liked that it was a short read and she could finish it in a shorter amount of time. She also said she would like to read more like these!

I’ve read some reviews of the series online recently that made me reread some of the titles to make sure they did not include objectionable materials. I did the same with this short comic and I did not find anything at all that concerned me. We are extremely conservative with what we allow our children to read and view on television. I would recommend this series, and definitely this comic, to those who are curious. As always you should preview literature for yourself, but I did not personally find anything objectionable. 

Disclaimer: I was given this title through Net Galley in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Discovering Jesus in the Old Testament

Grace-Filled Writer

I’m becoming an advocate for combining art and faith. I am learning how the Lord has given us artistic creativity to express our praise and worship of Him. Everyone naturally accepts that of music and even of creative writing, but artistic rendering through brush and pen are sometimes neglected. I’ve been a fan of Karla Dornacher for a while and was super excited to check out this collaboration she is a part of! 

Studying how Christ has been a part of history from the beginning fascinates me. This wonderful way of looking at Scripture brings new life and insight into the Old Testament as well as helps us to understand the redemptive nature of our Lord and Savior. I have heard sermons which traced Christ through the Old Testament, but have never completed a Bible study which solely focused on this. I really liked the simple format as well as the artistic application as well. 

Each of the 12 chapters is divided into 5 daily readings. There are also artistic activities to go along with each chapter. These would be so very fun to do as a group! The projects should not be overwhelming to beginners (just like me!) and will open up lots of opportunity for discussion during creating. I love the coloring pages at the end which are great no matter your age. There are also beautiful bookmarks to correspond with the chapters as well. 

The reader is encouraged to find their own creative outlet as well. There is a spring-board list of fantastic ideas in the appendix to get you started. I found this to be helpful to think outside of my personal creative box. 

I plan to have my daughters work through this study this year. It is deep enough to challenge them, but not so academic that it will become drudgery. This would make for an interesting group study as well. I’ve been excited to read this title and look forward to working through some of the art activities as well. I think it would be fun for a high school girls study or young women too. I really see many applications for use! 

Disclaimer: I was given this title through Net Galley in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Finding Lady Enderly: A Net Galley Review

Grace-Filled Writer

I love a good mystery with a bit of humor and romance. This wonderful story had all three and was one of the most creatively written novels I’ve had the privilege to read. The author was new to me and I enjoyed this so much I am already exploring some of her other works. 

The basic premise is a bit of a Cinderella story. A poor young lady is given the opportunity to live a life of opulence for a time as she pretends to be someone she is not. The enticing presentation of a solicitor, who guarantees there is no harm nor illegal act, is too much for her adventurous curiosity. Since she learned of the death at sea of the young man she loved, she has been looking for a way to escape her life and this seems to be the opportunity. Soon, however, she realizes there must be something awry in spite of all the fine promises of the solicitor. 

Two things struck me as I read this novel. The first was the way in which the author presented the story. Current trends lead novelists to write in 3rd person limited fashion with usually two lead characters (one male and one female) giving us insight into their perspectives, but not from the personal perspective of I. In this novel there was a shift in perspective, but one used 1st person (the heroine) and one used 3rd person limited (the hero). I was initially surprised by this style but ended up absolutely loving it! It kept the writing fresh and alive and my attention was completely held from page one. 

The second was the setting. I loved that the mansion our heroine arrives at is actually a abbey which was once used by monks. Its history and beauty shone through the author’s pen and made me want to live there myself! Not because of the opulence, but rather because of the meaningful spiritual context. 

Finally, I loved the complex plot and unexpected twists throughout the narrative. I was continually surprised and ready to learn what would happen next. 

I highly, highly recommend this novel! I can’t wait to read more by the author.
Disclaimer: I was given this title through Net Galley in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

The Family Guide to Aromatherapy: A Net Galley Review

Grace-Filled Writer
In 2013 my sweet neighbor introduced me to essential oils. I had never heard of this prior to her mentioning it and she was kind enough to help guide me through some of the basics. I was about as skeptical as you could get, although my husband was even more skeptical. We have both changed our minds, however, as we have seen the benefits of many essential oils for our family. First, know that I am still a skeptic by nature. Second, I do not assume everything I read online is worthy to be called truthful. Third, we do still use over the counter medicines when needed. I have found a happy balance in “natural” and “created” medicines. I see both as beneficial, when used appropriately, and both given by the Lord. 

This is the first handbook type material I have read about essential oils that was not directly from a company which sells them. I appreciated the down-to-earth advice and sensible warnings/guidelines given within these pages. Whether you are novice or experienced essential oil user, I think you will find a wealth of wisdom here. I greatly appreciated the pages with warnings. There is some really bad essential oil advice going around the internet. Much of what is encouraged to be ingested is just anecdotal at best and at worst I’m concerned may be at times a selling strategy. The one and only oil I put directly into my mouth (peppermint) is specifically formulated (diluted) to be ingested by the company which sells it and even that should be regulated doses such as any medication.

I also greatly appreciate the various recipes included. There are sooooo many for every stage of life! Pregnancy, nursing, babies, children, teens, adults, elderly…there is something for everyone! The recipes are very specific for how many drops and how much dilution. I’ve already found a few to use such as Bug Off Spray (for bug repellent) and Settled and Sleepy Diffusion Blend. Each recipe specifically lists what ages it is safe to use with.

I highly, HIGHLY recommend this wonderful guide! You will find it an invaluable resource. 
Disclaimer: I was given this title through Net Galley in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Week in Review: August 19-23

Grace-Filled Writer
 We had a really eventful week! Beth ran in her first cross country meet. She came in 7th! I’ve been surprised at just how much she loves running. I’m not a runner. My husband is and has loved coaching her and her teammates this season. 



All three of the girls had the chance to dance at Shindig on the Green as well! This is a wonderful mountain folk festival our clogging team has participated in for many years. This is our second year participating (3rd year clogging) and we already can’t wait until next year! One of the best parts was that my husband’s sisters and her family as well as other good friends of ours were able to attend. 



In between these two events we have been working on literature, writing, grammar, spelling, and mathematics. I’m in the midst of starting back up piano lessons and getting ready for my English class beginning in early September as well as finishing up some writing projects due at the end of the month. I have found one of my favorite things to do in the midst of the busyness is to sit outside on our porch. We live in the suburbs and I long for sounds of nature, a reminder of God’s presence in the midst of the hubub. Little reminders like the beauty of a humming bird in flight just as she prepares for a sip of nectar. This day I perched myself in the yard and a bit closer to the feeder. I snapped several pictures, but this one is my favorite. 

Dictionary of Tommies’ Songs and Slang, 1914–1918: A Net Galley Review

Grace-Filled Writer

I am completely fascinated by how language changes over time. I also love studying history. This wonderfulbook provides a combination of the two. It is in ever sense a dictionary, alphabetized with slang and definitions of each word as well as a collection of songs from the British during World War I. 

This period of war-time history was particularly brutal. In studying the war you will find the first use of chemical weapons, flame throwers, and many more horrible affects of war. As with any major period of history the culture is greatly impacted. One of the ways during this war was the rise of a slang particular to those in the war, known as Tommies. Some of this slang inevitably carried over to our own country. 

This is a republication of a text from 1930 and revisits an era long forgotten. The political agenda of the war is long forgotten by many and when discussed the individuals are lost. This beautiful compilation is an effort to bring back the individual soldier, specifically of the lower class, who was at the mercy of the reigning powers. While others may debate the war’s causes and consequences, these authors do a wonderful job of preserving the culture of the every-day soldier who lived, fought, and died at the whims of world leaders.

You will thoroughly enjoy reading through this title and getting a glimpse of the language of the day. You may recognize some slang, while much will undoubtedly be new to you. For instance, kahaki, is a term we use readily to describe the light brown colored pants and originates with the British Army. It was first used in the 1880s and is from a Hindi word which described a drab colored linin cloth. Beginning in the early 1900s the word began to be used for the material we know as kahki today. 


Discover this and more as you enjoy this fabulous time machine of language!
Disclaimer: I was given this title through Net Galley in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Amazing Loom Knits: A Net Galley Review

Grace-Filled Writer

When I was young my great-grandmother taught me to knit the traditional way. I have a faint memory of how to knit, but I was never very good at it. I loved the idea of loom knitting and bought a set for myself from a local store. I have made a simple hat and scarves using the looms, but that was all I thought they were for. Little did I know just how many amazing creations could be made with either round or square looms! 

This book is full of simple instructions to follow for each of the 30 patterns. Everything from hats to scarves to mittens to socks is represented here in beautiful detail. I was thrilled to discover a wide variety of simple stitches can be used! 

The fiber arts can be daunting and feel overwhelming when you first begin. The author, Nicole F. Cox, does an excellent job of giving precise yarn types as well as the specific supplies needed. Special stitches are clearly explained, even if they may take some time to master.

I am personally excited to try my hand and making the Highland Ear Warmers. I am definitely a beginner, and this simple pattern seems to be one I could manage. I also get very cold ears in the winter! I like that there are several color patterns shown as well as the optional flower adornment.

There are many fun patterns to choose from. If you are like me and have had some looms stashed away without much understanding of how to use them, this would be a great book to pick up and give a try. 

Disclaimer: I was given this title through Net Galley in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

We Too: A Net Galley Review

Grace-Filled Writer

This was a really difficult book to read because of the subject. I have not experienced sexual assault or abuse personally, by the grace of God. I do know I was sheltered from a lot by parents who took their role as protector very seriously. But even so, it could have been me. 

I have many friends who have been on the receiving end of the types of horrific incidents described in this book. Many have been understandably hesitant to share their pain and continued grief. Most have been ignored or not believed at some point, dismissed without compassion. It is sadly true that much of this has occurred within the American church. Mary DeMuth has been a voice at the front of those working to protect women and children within the church from predators. Her own horrifying childhood experience has given her a relevant voice in our culture. One of firm determination to expose the truth and find justice for victims. 

One important area which she deals with heavily is the problem of pornography in our society. It has never been okay, but the ease with which it is available and the increased violent and pervasive acts portrayed are far beyond what it was 30 years ago. This deplorable industry is fast growing and the money made from it fuels even more. Women and children are preyed upon to a degree many of us cannot fathom. It reminds me of ancient Rome and the culture of sexual depravity woven in and out of that society. This is nothing new. Satan merely finds new ways to entice and addict. Sadly the cycles continue when children find sexual perversion normalized. Of course, ever individual is responsible for their own actions no matter what has been done to them, but those who have faced trauma unchecked struggle more to say no to the temptations.

We as the church must rise and stand against these sins and lawless acts. The call to action is clear and must be heeded. When a victim is finally able to face what happened to them and tell someone, they must not be ignored. Truth should prevail, and they need to know they are believed.

I encourage you to pick up a copy of this title. You will gain perspective from personal experience and learn compassion for those who are grieving. But for the grace of God, it could have been me. I am blessed to not have the nightmarish past to confront, but that does not give me cause to ignore the problem. 


Disclaimer: I was given this title through Net Galley in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Crochet Cute Critters: A Net Galley Review

Grace-Filled Writer


These adorable little critters are just the thing to get your creative fingers flowing! There is one “critter” for each letter of the alphabet! It’s really hard to pic a favorite as they are all simply precious! This book focuses on amigurumi, or the Japanese word for crocheting soft toys. It’s super fun to say and even a handy pronunciation guide right at the beginning!



I love the simplicity of these creatures and how they are based on very simple crochet stitches. You can begin with any of the critters you choose as they are based on the same principle pattern with just minor feature variations. I learned first to crochet snowflakes and doilies, but haven’t done any in a really long time. I was pleased how easy it was to pick this back up again after quite a few years to help my daughter learn some of the basic stitches. We used some practice yarn initially because she had never crocheted anything more than a chain of stitches before this. The basic ideas of these patterns have you building up to sculpt rather than out to make a large circle.


The hardest part seems to be attaching the various pieces (head, body, arms, and legs) together. Still, there are plenty of excellent photos illustrating the various techniques. All throughout the book there are several illustrations teaching how to stitch, stuff, and sew these adorable creatures.

Not matter which you choose to start with you can see these are some of the sweetest little stuffies you have ever laid eyes on! My daughter is really looking forward to working on several of these cute critters! Especially to give as gifts to our friends who have little ones!

Disclaimer: I was given this title through Net Galley in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Peek at Our Week: August 12-16

Grace-Filled Writer
Back to school more regularly this week! We focused heavily on mathematics, literature, grammar, and spelling. It’s hard to just jump into everything, especially when we still have summer-time things happening. We will jump back into Heart of Dakota at the start of September. 


The end of the week was so much fun! We spent time at Kinetic Heights with our family. What an AMAZING experience! I highly recommend them if you are in the Charlotte, NC area. 



The ropes course was super fun and challenging! I’m a little afraid of heights, but persevered. I did not attempt the higher course, but Rose and her dad did. She loved it! 



After everyone had gone through the ropes course and moved on to other things Grace decided to give it a go again! She’s my super brave kid and she had fun trying different paths and pushed herself to do some new things! 



Beth is the one climbing up the wall here. She’s grown so very much over the last couple of years. She used to be terrified of a lot of things, one of them being heights and another falling and getting hurt. She flew through the ropes course like it was no big deal and she tried time after time to get up this wall. I don’t have an exact count, but I would guess it took her over 25 tries. This gal has developed grit and determination that is beautiful to behold. She did not give up and pushed herself to the limit! I don’t have a picture of the moment she made it up the wall…but you can see the video here!!! 


Since we were in the area we stayed overnight and had some fun at Carowinds. It was crazy hot, so we saw several of the shows we typically miss. Grace, my husband, and I thoroughly enjoyed Franklin’s Dance Party! My other two opted to watch and giggle at us! 



Franklin is one of my all-time favorite characters in the Peanuts series! I love his sensibility in the midst of everyone else’s overreactions. If you don’t know the history behind Franklin’s first appearance, check out this link. 



Of course Schroeder is right at the top too!
We’ve had a really busy few days. We’re all nursing some sore muscles and are quite tired so Sunday was a welcome reprieve. After church and then lunch we watched an episode Green Acres together. I spent a little time outside enjoying our hummingbird friends as well. I am constantly in awe at the beauty around us and the intricacies of creation the Lord has given us to enjoy. Even in a suburban little neighborhood I still see evidence of His handiwork all around me.

This feeder sits just outside our schoolroom window so the girls can enjoy the view during lessons in the mornings. 


There was our busy week! We have another one coming up with school, our 1st cross country meet, and another clogging trip in the mountains!