review – Page 8

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.

SchoolhouseTeachers.com Review: A Schoolhouse Review Crew Review

January 10, 2017 Grace-Filled Writer

If you are like me, you are always on the lookout for excellent resources for your family as you homeschool. The yearly membership to SchoolhouseTeachers.com one of the first resources I recommend to my friends who are considering homeschooling. The site has grown incredibly over the last few years since it launched in 2012. This can be a complete curriculum for your entire crew all the way from preschool through high school graduation! I have been impressed over and over as I search through the site and see what is available. The core subjects are solid, so if you are searching for a curriculum this is a great landing spot. Expert teachers and veteran homeschool parents have crafted excellent courses that are worth far and above the subscription cost. The value here is just off the charts! My background is in English and History and I’ve been very pleased with not only the quality of these subjects but the wide variety of study material. I had my husband peruse the math portion as this is not my strongest field. He was especially impressed with the high school leveled courses which are available. You can easily plan a course of study you wish your children to complete or even allow them to choose an area of interest and know it is completely safe. The science courses have a biblical worldview which fits well with our families beliefs. I am also excited to implement many of the Bible teaching options. Many of these courses include video teaching which is always a bonus! Sometimes because I feel more confident allowing someone else to convey the teaching, but also because my girls love it when we use any kind of video learning. The core subjects are only the beginning! The electives offered range from foreign languages to homesteading to photography to architecture to film making… I was actually overwhelmed with all that is offered. There were a number of courses I was interested in working through, and because a subscription is for the entire household, I can! This week my girls will be allowed to look at what is offered and choose an elective which interests them to complete. I know they are going to be very excited about this because most of our courses are planned by me alone.

The final aspect of this site are the amazing resources available for planning, grading, and record keeping. Not only is there a wonderful planner available and multiple printables for planning, there are step-by-step instructions to walk you through the process. High school transcripts and help in knowing how to plan is also available. This is amazing! There are innumerable courses of study for homeschooled high school students, but I have yet to see as complete a resource anywhere else. Everything you will need to complete a full course of study for high school is available at your fingertips. I’m not quite to this place yet, but I am so pleased to know this is available when the time comes whether I will be looking at a full course of study or a few courses to fill in the gaps. Currently I’m excited to once again use SchoolhouseTeachers.com as a supplement to our regular curriculum. In addition to allowing the girls to each choose an elective to study this year I’m also already using many of the wonderful games to add to our learning. A few we have already enjoyed are some language arts and math games which gave the girls a chance to think about both subjects a little differently. Application of prior knowledge for practice is much more fun when placed in the format of a game!

Daily Puzzlers was a fun language arts game that incorporates spelling, vocabulary, and logic. A jumble of letters is given and then clues to produce several words from the mix. On the website there are printable letter tiles or older students may be happy to simply write the letters down. We own several letter tile games already so we just picked the letters from those. Rose (11) and Beth (9) were quick to know the answers. Grace (7) struggled a little more. She is great with spelling, but was not as quick to catch onto the vocabulary clues. By the time we got to the end she was getting the hang of it, so as we play this more I believe she will greatly benefit.

Under the Everyday Games section we played both the multiplication and addition versions of Happy New Year 2017 Odds and Evens. We are very much a game family and this was a fun one for the girls. I modified the game slightly by using some 9-sided dice we already had. They rolled and either added or multiplied the numbers. Once the correct fact was deciphered they would place their piece (zoo animals in our case) on the next even or odd dated square. This is a great way to practice math facts because it is fun. Rather than the drudgery of copying down facts on paper, randomly having facts to calculate feels less structured. Because the girls love playing games anyway they jumped at the chance to do this! I snatched a little video of them while they thought I was just taking pictures. So you can hear them correcting their sister some and there is of course some friendly competition.


Music: Monkeys Spinning Monkeys Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Feel free to ask any questions you may have in the comments below and don’t forget to head over to the main review from The Homeschoool Review Crew to read more reviews about this wonderful site!

High-quality, Self-paced, Online Homeschool Resources {SchoolhouseTeachers.com}

The Beginner’s Bible from Zonderkidz: A TOS Review Crew Review!

January 5, 2017 Grace-Filled Writer

I’m so excited to start this new year off with a review of The (BRAND NEW!) Beginner’s Bible from Zonderkidz! This will be our third version of this wonderful children’s Bible and the updates are just spectacular.When my girls were little we found this to be our favorite for Bible story time and we used it for history as well when they first started to read. I was very excited to get my hands on the updated Bible, as was Grace! Grace is 7 and is in 1st grade. She is reading at about a 3rd grade level so this was an easy, but not too childish version for her to read from. Growing up in a pastor’s home you can imagine we receive A LOT of children’s Bibles. We have the tradition of reading a Bible story or devotional together before bed on nights we do not have church. The girls take turns choosing the book and Grace most often chooses The Beginner’s Bible. I love that the pages of this Bible are sturdy. So many of our children’s Bibles are rather flimsy and just can’t hold up to the wear and tear of young readers. We have always encouraged the girls to pick up the Bible or Bible stories on their own to read anytime they want, but this means I’ve had to use a lot of book tape to make repairs. The pages in The Beginner’s Bible are thicker and glossy. The binding is also much sturdier than most children’s books are made. This will absolutely hold up to use be little hands, which is exactly how a children’s Bible should be made. We want them to explore God’s Word on their own so they can begin to deepen their faith even at such a young age. I assure you they will beg for just one more story between the beautiful storytelling and whimsical illustrations!

Since were in the Christmas season the very first stories we read were about the birth of Christ. Familiar as this is to our kids, they still loved to hear as I read aloud. The illustrations are darling, but also very accurate. One of my favorite parts about this particular story is that they showed the Magi visiting Jesus Christ as a child, not a baby in the manger. While we absolutely include the gift-bearing men in our nativity scenes (almost as numerous as Bibles in our home!) this isn’t exactly what is described in Scripture. It was wonderful to see a more accurate presentation in The Beginner’s Bible. One more aspect that I appreciate about this particular Bible is that it includes such a wide range and large amount of stories. There is a feeling that it is a complete account of the Word of God, just written in a way that very young children can absolutely understand and even read for themselves. It includes some of the standard stories we are used to, such as Daniel and the Lion’s Den, Jonah and the Big Fish, and Lazarus Lives Again, but in addition there are also others not always found in children’s Bibles such as Earthquake in Prison (Paul and Silas’ escape), Deborah Leads the Way, and Jesus is Coming (Revelation). This full presentation of the Word of God is a uniquely important feature of The Beginner’s Bible. Watch below to see a sample story… Also included is a dictionary of potentially unfamiliar terms and even a map of Paul’s missionary journeys. The terms are clearly defined in “kid-speak” and even gives multiple definitions for words such as “heaven” which in Scripture refer not only to where God lives, but also the sky itself. I highly recommend The Beginner’s Bible if you are looking for a solid children’s Bible told in story form for your own children or as a gift. I encourage you to start your own tradition of reading the Bible together to help your little ones’ learn the habit of the importance of consistently learning from God’s Word. I can think of no better way to introduce a little one in your life to the Word of God as this new year begins!

My First Knitting Book: A NetGalley Review

December 3, 2016 Grace-Filled Writer

Rose is 11 and loves to try new things! She was very excited to try out this new title, My First Knitting Book. I would highly encourage obtaining a hard copy of this book rather than the e-book version. Sometimes the formatting was a little off and in the case of a crafting type book I have found a hard-copy to be much preferred.

My daughter enjoyed searching through the projects, but unfortunately I am not a knitter. She struggled to really be able to complete anything because I am not skilled in this area. I think this book would be ideal for someone who is learning to knit alongside an experienced knitter.

The pictures are beautiful and colorful, engaging the reader quickly, especially young readers! There are lots of step-by-step instructions which I think are probably very good, but because I do not have the experience to help they were not all clear to my daughter.

If you are looking for a good first-knitting book and you have someone to walk alongside you during the process I think this is still an excellent choice.

Disclaimer: I received this e-book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. I as not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

The Captain Takes a Wife: A BookLook Blogger Review

December 3, 2016 Grace-Filled Writer

The Captain Takes a Wife is an interesting novel about a soldier-turned preacher and a young woman in trouble.The story opens with the hero being thrown into a situation where he must rescue the heroine. He is encouraged by trusted friends to jump right in with faith into an odd relationship with a complete stranger. (I’m being cryptic a bit because I don’t want to spoil the story for you!) Through a chain of unexpected events which happen to be captured by a reporter, his life is changed forever in a matter of just a few hours.

I was honestly not very captured by the story-line. The premise felt awkward and unbelievable. Yes, I know fiction often has aspects which are far from reality which is part of its charm, but in this case it did not seem to fit well and comfortably. In this case I believe part of the problem was the readers did not have the opportunity to really learn about the character of the hero or heroine before a very dramatic change in their circumstance occurred. This led to my feeling it was an unrealistic storyline.

I also felt the character development was sorely lacking. While the characters did change and grow in some regard, it felt forced. This is a wholesome novel and also a light read so it would potentially make for a good change from your ordinary fictional fare, but overall I was disappointed in the story-line and it did not keep my attention very well.

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.

Gratitude: A Prayer and Praise Coloring Journal – a Tyndale Blog Network Review

October 16, 2016 Grace-Filled Writer

Beth, my middle daughter, has always loved to color. When we go visit new places she will often choose a coloring book as a souvenir. She is 9 now and has begun to really enjoy the new, more complex adult coloring pages. When I received Gratitude: A Prayer and Praise Coloring Journal, by Tyndale House Publishers, in the mail I knew this would be a great fit for a devotional book for her. Her eyes lit up when I told her what I had for her to try out and she immediately jumped on board.

I explained the layout of the journal and how I thought best to use it. I asked her to read the verses listed, write a little bit down, and as she prayed or thought about what she had read she could color the sides. She really enjoyed this style. It’s simple layout provides opportunity for creativity along with a focus on Scripture.

I also would enjoy using a devotional such as this. The reason I wanted my daughter to try it out is because she had been asking me for a devotional to use on her own. Her older sister has a few that she enjoys and would have been happy to share with her, but there is something about having it all to herself that was really special.

We used colored pencils for this book and they worked beautifully. The pages are very thick and sturdy which would also allow fine-tipped markers to be used without any problem. The sturdiness is another reason this seems to be a great devotional for a pre-teen girl. Beth is not worried at all about tearing the pages as she works.

The only comment she had was that she did not like that some of the pages already had items colored. Not everything, but a few. She would have preferred it was all for her to color.

I have been pleased that after the time I had her use this for review she still keeps taking it out to use all on her own. I’m really excited to have the opportunity to try out this devotional with her and see just how excited it made her to spend time with the Lord.

I received this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

Dawn at Emberwilde: A Booklook Blogger Review

August 1, 2016 Grace-Filled Writer

Sarah E. Ladd is my new favorite author! She captured my heart with The Curiosity Keeper and I was incredibly excited to read the next installment of the Treasures of Surrey Novels. Although they are connected, you could absolutely read this as a standalone novel. (But really, go back and read The Curiosity Keeper! It’s great!)

The novel opens with a young woman and her half-sister being swept away from the simply life they know at an all girls boarding school into a life of ease and luxury…or so they think. The preparatory school where they live was created for young girls without means to learn how to provide for themselves through jobs such as being a governess. The heroine, Isabel, had been trained as such and was a teacher in training before her world was turned upside down. Her younger half-sister went from being in a school that would prepare her to be a governess to being given one herself! The change for both girls is not easy, but they are left with no choice as their current situation at the boarding school is not intended for young women of privilege.

As the story progresses Isabel discovers all is not as it seems with her aunt and uncle. She must also learn to discern the character of two young men who have indicated an interest in her well-being. One young man is encouraged by her uncle, the other by her aunt. Both are charming and handsome, but one is not as noble as he seems. (You’ll have to read to find out which!)

Isabel also discovers there is some mystery surround the death of her mother and what she had been told all her life may not be exactly the truth.

You will find yourself captivated as I was as you read. It was very hard to put this down and actually go to sleep at night! The intrigue and suspense in this regency era novel will keep you turning pages.

Disclaimer: I received this novel in exchange for my honest review. All opinions 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.

Fairy Houses All Year: A NetGalley Review

May 22, 2016 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.