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Circle C Stepping Stones: A TOS Review Crew Review

March 14, 2017 Grace-Filled Writer

We are big-time readers in this house. I know the book-shelf conundrum is always an issue for homeschoolers, but it was an issue for me before we started homeschooling! My girls can often be found reading in their spare time and literature is never a struggle. We are always on the lookout for quality, age-appropriate fiction titles. Sadly modern fiction is often lacking the values we wish to instill in our daughters and often crosses into content or language we find inappropriate. I was so very excited to introduce my girls to the Circle C Stepping Stones series by Susan K Marlow from Kregel Publications.
Beth and Grace read each one of the two books in the series so far, Andi Saddles Up and Andi Under the Big Top. They loved both stories and are now swapping books so they can read the other. Andi is growing up in 1880’s in California on her family’s ranch, the Circle C. These sweet chapter books show how Andi deals with friendships, trials, and misconceptions all in a way which is age-appropriate to the audience. There are 6 books planned in this series and I have no doubt we will be collecting all of them. Beth said her favorite part was the Andi is the same age as her! She is 9 and I think it is great that she has books written to her and about a girl like her. She also liked that Andi lives on a ranch and is about horses. Beth, like most girls, would love to own a horse so I think she enjoyed putting herself into Andi’s place. She also wants to be a veterinarian so her love of animals is reflected as well!Grace says her favorite part was that it was about the circus. She is 7 and so Andi is slightly older than her, but she is the youngest in the family, which Grace can relate to very well! She also thought it was neat that she had her very own horse. She loves chapter books, but being young still appreciates that there were illustrations within the pages.

Another really great feature is that each book has a study guide, coloring pages, and a lap book! The book itself is great, but if you would like to build a unit around it, you can do so easily.

Grace really liked the vocabulary section as she loves learning new words and exploring the English language in general. Beth really liked creating and naming her own horse. I know they were really engaged in these stories because during their playtime after reading they played ranch with their toys. The best literature always engages creativity and imagination! This new series fits snugly within the other Circle C series which follows Andi from young girlhood through womanhood. The concept for these books is spectacular. There are a lot of books about young girls and growing up, but this is the first series I’ve come across which writes about the same easy-to-love character at appropriate reading levels which reflect her age and take her through all of her growing up years! This is the first of the books I’ve been exposed to. Now I’m very excited to get the next series for my oldest daughter. You can read more reviews from my Crewmates below!

A Stranger At Fellsworth: A Net Galley Review

February 24, 2017 Grace-Filled Writer

Sarah E. Ladd is one of my favorite authors! I was only introduced to her writing in the last year, but since discovering the grace with which she weaves story I eagerly anticipate her newest release. A Stranger at Fellsworth is her newest release in the Treasures of Surrey series.

In this story Annabelle, a young lady who has lost virtually all prospects due to her father and brother’s inability to protect the family fortune, seeks help from an essentially unknown uncle, her mother’s brother. He willingly helps her escape a dangerous situation and create a new life for herself. While settling into her new way of life she frequently runs into the gameskeeper, Owen, a man who was integral in helping Annabelle escape her old life. It does not take long for Annabelle to realize she is not as safe at Fellsworth as she assumed she would be.

As with the first two titles in this series (The Curiosity Keeper and Dawn at Emberwilde) I could not put this book down! The characters are delightful and believable. I love how the ideas of faith and following God are seamlessly woven into the story. The characters grow and develop naturally as the story unfolds. I appreciate how effortlessly Ladd changes from the perspective of the heroine to the hero. She has a gift for conveying emotion without directly stating it. I hated to see this novel end!

I highly recommend this series as well as all other written by Sarah Ladd. You will be delighted by her ability to craft an intriguing story often filled with mystery and danger. She easily weaves her faith throughout her stories without it sounding forced. I’m so happy to have found her books and I think you will be to!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

February 6, 2017 Grace-Filled Writer

Melanie Dickerson has done it again! I was captivated by this newest title from the first page to the last. Her retelling of classic fairy tales crates the backdrop for delightful new stories. I love not knowing which tale her stories are based on and then figuring it out as I read. This newest tale takes a privileged yet essentially imprisoned maiden on a journey to discover who she really is and who she wants to become.

The heroine, Evangeline, is the cousin of the king and an illegitimate relation as well. She is so closely guarded that very few even know she exists and she is never permitted off the castle grounds where she lives. In a desperate attempt to avoid a dangerous marriage arranged by the king she fleas in disguise along with her maid. Together they attempt to hide in a far away town. To do so she must deceive the chivalrous man who provides them sanctuary.

I found myself spellbound as I read. I cheered both the heroine and hero on to find real love. I also enjoy the way faith in God is presented. One or more characters are always on a journey in Dickerson’s novels, and they seek to know God, not just accept what a bishop or priest is telling them. Quiet often the one joy in their day is simply reading from God’s Word. What a blessing to be reminded of how precious the Word of God should be to us!

As soon as I finish each of Dickerson’s novels I’m anxious to find out when the next will be published. There are few authors who delight me novel after novel, but Melanie Dickerson is definitely one of them!

Disclaimer: I received a digital copy of this book through BookLook Bloggers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Know the Word Study Bible: A BookLook Blogger Review

February 5, 2017 Grace-Filled Writer

I consider myself to be a bit of a Bible study nerd. Nerd has such a negative connotation, but I love to read and study the Bible. I don’t think of it as negative, just a good description! I look forward to getting my hands on new resources and love to peruse different Bibles and their study helps. I reviewed the digital version of this Bible and found it to be quite helpful. This would be an excellent Bible for personal devotions.

I personally like the NKJV version. It is not my first preference in Bible versions, but it is one I use regularly. Some of the nice features of this Bible are unique to the digital version. I like that I can click on verse numbers in blue in order to quickly access the note. There are also notes in italics at the end of verses which you can click on to take you to more in depth study notes. There are lots of cross references and notes to further understand what the Scripture is saying. From what I read this Bible takes a literal and historical interpretation of the Bible. The forward indicates their belief that this is the inspired Word of God, not man. These facts are important to me when it comes to a study Bible. I want to know that those writing the notes believe the same things I do about the Scripture I’m reading.

I was expecting this Bible to explain what words or phrases mean and that is exactly what it does. I only wish more were included, but I do know this is rather unrealistic in a Study Bible. I was surprised and pleased to see a topical study guide included so that one can study the Bible verse-by-verse or topically.

If you are looking for a new study Bible and enjoy the NKJV, this would be a great choice for you!

Disclaimer: I received a digital copy of this book through BookLook Bloggers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Girl Talk: A BookLook Blogger Review

January 18, 2017 Grace-Filled Writer

Faith Girlz new devotional, Girl Talk: 52 Weekly Devotions by Lois Walfrid Johnson, is written for preteens and young teens. As the introduction explains, this devotional is intended to help girls who are growing up think through everyday and important decisions in their life. Each week has an introductory story which develops the main idea of a central chosen verse. There are daily journal prompts to engage young ladies in thoughtful responses to how they can apply the story and Scripture to their own lives. The last day brings the story around full circle to the Scripture.

The layout of this devotional and style of writing is excellent. I think the stories are engaging and thought provoking. The third person limited perspective will enable girls to see themselves in the stories while giving enough distance from the story to hear the message. There are a variety of personalities presented and many real-life situations for girls to think about. The stories will often also help girls have empathy towards others facing difficulties they aren’t experiencing themselves.

While I think this is a well-written, thought provoking devotional, be aware that not all pre-teens and even young teens will be ready to discuss some of the topics. It would be a good idea to read through the index and peruse the topics and decide if this is a good fit. Some of the topics are a little heavy and while important to address, you will want to make sure they are reflecting your own family’s values with regards to thing like boy/girl relationships, alcohol, etc.

I personally am also cautious about how much I push the idea of dating and boyfriend/girlfriend on my daughters. While we do talk about their future and dating to a degree, we approach the idea of relationship without a heavy emphasis on dating, more on building friendships. Because of this I am going to wait to have my own pre-teen read this. I still highly recommend this devotion, but do use discernment before giving this to a pre-teen/young teen in your life.

Disclaimer: I received this title as a part of BookLook bloggers in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. These opinions are my own.

The Returning: A Tyndale Blog Network Review

January 18, 2017 Grace-Filled Writer

https://www.tyndale.com/p/the-returning/9781496402288

Every once in a while I break away from my typical novel choices (Christian historical fiction) and try something new. I was intrigued by this title and Rachelle Dekker is a new author for me, so I was very excited to have the opportunity to review The Returning from Tyndale House Publishers.

Set in a futuristic world far removed from our current reality, The Returning explores what the world may look like in our society. Dekker has an easy style which makes her writing flow naturally and reminds me of Madeleine L’Engle. Her characters are engaging and believable in their roles and the story makes you really consider faith and its role in society as a whole.

There is an element of science-fiction and fantasy because of the futuristic setting and miraculous occurrences surrounding the characters although it is not intended to feel magical in anyway. As I read I could genuinely picture this as a potential future for our world, no matter how removed from current reality it actually is.

After receiving the title I realized this is the third and final book in The Seer Collection. I would highly recommend reading the first two novels in this series before getting to this one so you have more understanding about what is going on. I did enjoy this book, but because I have not yet read the first two it took some time to really understand what was going on.

Here are some thoughts from the author about the novel…

You talk about the power of belief in the book. What is the purpose of faith,

and what makes faith so powerful in people’s lives?

Belief and faith are everything. We form our own realities. We make judgments

based on the past and what we think the future will bring;then we shape our idea of what we are capable of around those beliefs. Imagine if we truly believed we were infinite sons and daughters of the creator. How different would the world look then? When we believe and have faith in who the Father calls us, then the world looks pretty different.

How do you hope this book will resonate with your readers?

I hope, as with both of the other books, that the reader sees themselves in the characters and that the story causes them to look inward. To ask hard questions like, Who am I? What am I capable of? Do I see myself the way the Father does? Can I? I hope it challenges their idea of identity and then gives them hope to see themselves and others more clearly. Because that’s how these stories have impacted me, and we are all really just the same

If you are a fan of science fiction, this is an excellent title. This is also a great book to pick up if you are looking for something a little different in style. You will be entertained as well as challenged in your faith, which is a uniquely wonderful aspect of this novel. I am personally looking forward to going back and reading the first two in this series.

Disclaimer: I received this title as a part of the Tyndale Blog Network. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

A Loyal Heart: A BookLook Blogger Review

December 3, 2016 Grace-Filled Writer

Shelley Shepard Gray is an author I discovered first through BookLook. I very much enjoyed her previous historical novel series. She is also known for writing Amish fiction which isn’t my preferred genre. I was excited to have the opportunity to review another book from this author.

The setting is post-Civil War, reconstruction era Texas. This was a very dark time for the nation. Lincoln has been assassinated and the war-torn South struggled to recover economically and emotionally. The tone of the novel solidly conveys these difficult times from the perspective of a young widow and an officer committed to following through with a promise made to her husband.

This novel did have a slower pace at the beginning, but I think this plays into the emotion of the characters. I appreciated that I really got to know the hero and heroine before the story-line developed too much. There is much to be said for character development which is often sorely lacking in modern novels. The story evolves in a believable way and I like many of the secondary characters just as much as the main protagonists.

Overall this novel was a solid story which feels like a deeper read than much of today’s modern literature. I look forward to the author’s next novel with great anticipation.

Disclaimer: I received this novel from BookLook in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.

The Beautiful Pretender: A BookLook Blogger Review

October 4, 2016 Grace-Filled Writer

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading Melanie Dickerson’s novels over the last year or so. I read a lot of books for review and I’m always excited when I see a new one from her available to me!

The Beautiful Pretender is a lovely story that kept me guessing as to how the heroine was going to resolve her conflict. Being a ladies maid is not easy task, but when she is forced into a situation where she is pretending to be her lady rather her lady’s maid, Avelina is thrown into an indulgent life of luxury. Her lady runs away with a knight after she finds out she is with child leaving the entire family in danger. The Earl of Pimmwald insists Avelina take his daughter’s place vying for marriage to the Margrave of Thornbeck castle.

Avelina never intended to fall in love with the man. In fact she tries to promote the qualities of another lovely young woman to him, but the Margrave falls for Avelina. Avelina soon begins to fear for her safety within the castle and must find a way to safely return to her family.

The way Melanie Dickerson takes a classic fairy tale and crafts it into a plausible reality is simply beautiful. Until these novels I had never cared much for a medieval time period for a setting. I love the way she thoughtfully weaves spiritual truths and internal conflicts for the characters. I never feel she is preaching at her audience, but I see the truth of God’s Word shining through her heroes and heroines. Her conversational style is a pleasure to read.

Disclaimer: I was given this title to read in exchange for my honest review as a Book Look Blogger. The opinions here are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.

Through the Shadows: A Net Galley Review

June 3, 2016 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

May 22, 2016 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.