Nonfiction:
The Promised Christ by Sherri Hughes-Gragg
Raising Critical Thinkers by Julie Bogart
Uninvited by Lysa trekkers
Fiction:
Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen
Sanditon by Jane Austen
Daddy-Long-Legs by Jean Webster
Honoring Christmas by Linda Tyler
Read Alouds:
The View from Saturday by E.L. Konigsburg
The Hour That Changes The World by Dick Eastman
A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote
A Kidnapped Santa Claus by L. Frank Baum
What Are You Reading?
Brigitta Lantz is tired of being hemmed in by the Amish life. Carefree, she looks at the world and sees things that are actually appealing... light... fun. The Amish life feels constricting. If only there was a way to appear happily married and yet maintain her freedom...
So she comes up with a plan to arrange a fake marriage with an eligible bachelor, Levi Mueller, all the way across the country. For Levi this solves a problem as well... he can appear married in order to keep the family farm and his standing in the community. Win/ Win for both Brigitta and Levi.
But when their secret leaks out, they find their future teeting in the balance. Will they realize their growing feelings for each other? Or will their fake marriage get in the way of a real romance?
This is the first book that I've read from author Mckenzi Boone. It was a fun, unique take on one of my favorite genres. At times, Brigitta's character felt a little too rebellious. Some of the things she said or did, didn't ring true. But the unique storyline made up for any character flaws and kept the book fun and enjoyable. I'm rating this one 3.5 stars and recommend it for anyone looking for a light hearted Amish read.
*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own.
When Renee Mast inherits her grandmother's farm, she begins to question the family's past. Why did her parents leave Bird-In-Hand? Why did they cut off communication with the whole family? What secrets did her father take to the grave? Torn between honoring her parents and finding answers, Renee returns to the farm to settle her grandmother's estate. But once there, she begins to receive threats about selling the farm. Someone is determined to warn her off ... even at the risk of hurting her and her friends.
Jerome Graber also lives and works on the farm, Living a solitary life, Jerome blames himself for the accident that took his fiancé's life. He becomes determined never to love again, and so the isolated work on the farm suits him. Until Renee arrives and Jerome finds himself set to protect her.
Can these two come together to uncover Renee's past? And protect the future of the farm from whoever is trying to destroy it?
A sweet romance wrapped in mystery... A Heart Set Free has a wonderful way of developing at just the right pace. Renee's positive and gentle demeanor is a breath of fresh air, and although the romance aspect was somewhat predictable, it unfolded in an easy manner. The friendship between her and Jerome played out in a relatable way, with the two truly connecting as friends. And there were several layers of mystery that keep my interest: why Renee's father cut off connection, who was trying to take the farm, why was the mysterious neighbor so reclusive, etc. This book was layered, the characters were well-written, and the storyline had just enough intrigue to make it a cozy read.
Fans of Amish fiction will enjoy this latest edition by Amy Clinton.
*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Fiction:
Emma by Jane Austen
Emma is the classic matchmaker. She's always on the lookout for the next couple she will bring together. And it doesn't help that several of the couples she has introduced end up getting married. But she insists that she will never marry herself. Along the way, she befriends Harriet, a child of unknown parentage, that Emma is determined to introduce into high society. Along the way, Harriet passes in and out of love with not only one, but several gentleman, including Mr. Knightley. This match produces some dire consequences as Emma soon comes to realize that she carries for Mr. Knightley herself. Whitty, clever, touching on the themes of class, propriety, and friendship, this book is classic Jane Austen as she balances a whole cast of interesting characters, bringing each one to life.
Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
This book follows the Dashwood family: Mrs. Dashwood ruled by her fervent desire to see her daughter's married, Marianne who's heart always lead the way, and Elinor who rather chooses to take things slowly and cautiously. When the family finds themselves living in Barton, they meet a handful of eligible suitors: Willoughby with his dashing good looks, Col Brandon with his steadfast nature, and a returning beau, Edward, though quiet, proves himself to be a true gentleman. Over time, they all learn what it means to be ruled by one's emotions and whether or not a little reserve is more advantageous.
This is one of Jane Austen's books that I've read previously and prior to reading Mansfield Park, I would have said this is my favorite. If you're looking to start reading Austen's novels, this is the one I would begin with.
Nonfiction:
Making Peace With What I Can't Control by Lysa Terkeurst
See my full review here.
Read Alouds:
Building 903 by Lois Lowry
See my full review here.
The School of Obedience by Andrew Murray
Does this title look familiar? I read it for myself in June to see if I wanted to share it with my sophomore son. The beginning is a little slow and the text is complex. So I put it into our read aloud list so we could discuss it together. Here's my review from June:
As we see from Scripture, Christ was our example of full obedience to God. He followed God's plan of redemption even to death on the cross. In The School of Obedience, Murray lays out Christ's total surrender and how we as Christians are to follow in His steps. This book is small, but mighty. It's dense, thorough, and thoughtful. Rather than presenting obedience as legalism, Murray shows the true freedom that comes from obedience and how it draws us into the fullness of Christ.
What are you reading?
Bestselling author, Lysa Terkeurst offers an alternative to the frantic control mindset we can sometimes fall into. She offers up a path for releasing what is already out of our control anyways. Control isn't always motivated from a bad place. Often we see the choices our loved ones are making, and we know the outcome can only bring heart ache. So it starts with a little worry... a small comment... a desire to help them find a healthier path. Before we know it, we're sucked into their chaos, trying to get them on the right track, our minds in an absolute mess. If only we could find the right words... the right conversation... the perfect illustration to show them how destructive their choices are... And we find the joy and peace being sucked out of our lives in an attempt to bring health to someone who doesn't want to be healthy.
So what's the answer?
In Making Peace with What I Can't Control, Terkeurst helps her readers find the balance between concern and control. She identifies the fears that drive many of us, contrasts healthy relationships with controlling ones, and wrestles honestly with the Lord and His will. Most helpfully, she not only helps her readers identify the patterns, but also offers real life strategies for how to get out of them.
This book was so helpful for me. It can be difficult when faced with challenging relationships. Where is the line between being a wise voice in someone's life and crossing over to control? And what do you do when you realize you have crossed that boundary? Not only does the author walk through common controlling issues, but also the deep underlying motivation: fear. I think this is one of the most commonly overlooked parts of control... how do we allow others to make their own choices when their choices could have devastating effects on us? So often our culture encourages us to cut them out of our lives, but some relationships are more complicated than that. Terkeurst acknowledges this and equips her readers with real ways to handle these delicate situations.
Honest, real, candid... this book is helping me let go and place these individuals in God's hands. That's not to say that it's easy. Real letting go takes time. That's why I'll be reading this book again. Filled with Scripture and deep wisdom, I know that Making Peace With What I Can't Control will be a lasting tool in so many lives. Highly recommended.
*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Fourteen year old twins Tessa and Theo have lived their whole lives in a utopian society. Individuals enjoy long lives of comfort, and dissenters are promptly punished. Their tyrannical leader has garnered dislike from most of the population, but in a life of relative ease, he's tolerated. Until one day when Theo goes missing, and the family's peace is shattered. Vanished... he simply vanished. Could their 135 year old neighbor Mariam hold the key to his disappearance?
Written in true dystopian style, Lois Lowry takes her readers on a journey... what would life be like in a world without books... without imagination... without storytelling? A world where only "facts" reign and story is another word for "lies?" It's a timely book, reminding us that stories reveal the innermost parts of humanity.... what motivates us and makes us truly human. Following along the same lines as Lowry's The Giver, Building 903 touches on many of the same themes of censorship, overreaching government, collectivism vs identity, and dictatorship, only in gentler tones. This book also reminded me a lot of Orwell's 1984.
Building 903 is labeled for middle grades, ages 8-12 years. In my mind, it would take a very mature 8 -10 year to handle this material. However, for an early teen, there's a lot to be discussed here. When does "safety" trump individual freedoms? How does individual responsibility factor in creating a healthy society? What's the line between political disagreement and government overreach? Lowry provides a lot of themes to be wrestled with, and this would make an interesting read for a history or government class as well.
We read this book in our homeschool with my high school sophomore and we were both hooked from the beginning. The story is well written, easy to follow, and kept us interested from cover to cover. We both give it a resounding recommendation.
*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this title from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Nonfiction:
Holy Sexuality and the Gospel by Christopher Yuan
Teaching from Rest by Sarah Mackenzie
Jumping into homeschooling can be overwhelming. You're suddenly solely responsible for your child's education as well as all the other tasks on your plate. It's sometimes hard to wrap your mind around how you're going to get it all done... let alone do it peacefully. Teaching from Rest is all about finding that peace and sitting in it, even when your homeschool day goes awry. This a a short, quick read that really challenges the homeschool mom to slow down and focus on the souls in front of them.
Better Together by Pam Barnhill
I read this one every summer as part of my Morning Time planning. It always gets me excited for the new year and feasting on all the riches. It really simplifies the idea of Morning Time of a new homeschool mom, but it's also a great encouragement for us seasoned veterans as well. Pack full of ideas and resources, I look forward to reading this one again and again.
Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus by Nabeel Qureshi
Born and raised in a loving Muslim home, Nabeel fully embraced his family's faith. He studied, quoted, and embodied the tenets of Islam. But quietly, behind the scenes, God was working in his heart. Through a series of investigations into Christianity, the Lord slowly revealed Himself to Nebeel. This book is an intimate look into the heart and mind of deconstruction. Qureshi details his former faith with clarity and sincerity in an attempt to bridge the gap between a Muslim and Christian mindset. His writing gives valuable insight to through with Muslim neighbors and friends. All in all, it was a fascinating read.
Fiction:
The Melody of Love by Wanda E. Brunstetter and Lorine Brunstetter Van Corbach
Our Homeschool Read Aloud:
The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer
This book is small, but mighty. Through rich arguments, Tozer challenges his readers. How to fully release one's self to Christ, how to quiet one's spirit, how to recognize counterfeit faith, how to properly view meekness... and why it matters. I read this one with my 10th grade son and while I struggled with it at times, it was a worthy read. It caused both us to sit and reflect on how we are following the Lord and viewing ourselves in light of His Word. HIGHLY recommend this one for parents and teens.
What are you reading?
Single mom Amelia Miller loves her little boy. Although raising her autistic son has its challenges, she is happy and content in the life they've built. But when taking part in a family wedding, she meets Christian Yoder and something begins to blossom between them. Can they navigate the challenges of a long distance relationship, blending families, and their own painful pasts?
I love the interaction between Amelia and her son in this book. Although Amelia is just learning of his autism diagnosis, she takes it all in stride and learns what she can to help him grow. I really admired her calm acceptance and peaceful pursuit for answers. I believe the author's intent was to bring greater awareness and tools for parents in Amelia's situation. The Melody of Love contains a lot of helpful ideas and tips for parents navigating a similar diagnosis.
The books also has layers of likable characters. Although the main action of the book centers around Amelia and Christian, there are several secondary characters that fill in the story. Amelia's son, Micah, in particular, is a wonderful addition to the story, and might be my favorite from this title.
The plot line was pretty predictable. But for a light summer read, it was decent. The bits about autism felt a little elementary, but would certainly bring awareness and insight to any parent in a similiar situation. And it's nice to have characters that are relatable to real life questions and relationships. All in all, it was a light, quick read that will leave fans of Brunstetter happily satisfied.
*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
From the author of Out of a Far Country comes this timely discussion on faith, love and relationships. Christopher Yuan writes from both his knowledge as a Biblical professor, and his personal experience as a former agnostic before his radical conversion. Dr. Yuan explores what he calls "Holy Sexuality": chastity in singleness and faithfulness in marriage. Thoroughly researched and supported, this book is written to help all of us see how grand God's story truly is and how to celebrate in the good news of His design.
I've wanted to get my hands on this book for awhile. After reading Out of a Far Country, I was compelled by Dr. Yuan's story. His thoroughness and personal experience combined made this book a treasure trove of information. Holy Sexuality and the Gospel isn't just about what we believe, but also why we believe. It's about first seeking who God is, discovering His compelling love, and then centering our lives around that reality. Every page is dripping with research and Scripture. But the book also very centered on coming alongside people... real people with real emotions, lives, and stories. Whether you have a loved one who identifies as gay or you're questioning your own identity, this is a very clear and well-written resource.
*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Nonfiction:
Miracles in the Hallways by Irene T. Lopez
What do miracles look like in everyday situations? Walking the halls of a public school in California, for example? As a well respected administrator, Lopez has an incredible eye for seeing these miracles and encouraging those around her. Miracles in the Hallway is a beautifully written account of some of the ways she's seen God move in her schools and students' lives. It's an incredible reminder to invite the Holy Spirit into our every day situations and allow Him to guide us for His glory. This beautifully written account of the way the Lord is working in the every day would make an encouraging gift for anyone serving in the classroom.
The School of Obedience by Andrew Murray
As we see from Scripture, Christ was our example of full obedience to God. He followed God's plan of redemption even to death on the cross. In The School of Obedience, Murray lays out Christ's total surrender and how we as Christians are to follow in His steps. This book is small, but mighty. It's dense, thorough, and thoughtful. Rather than presenting obedience as legalism, Murray shows the true freedom that comes from obedience and how it draws us into the fullness of Christ.
Outdated by Jonathan Pokluda
Pokluda spends each chapter addressing a myth about dating and expounding on the truth of what makes a successful relationship. Some of the myths touch on communication, breakups, staying together, living together, the relevance of marriage, etc. Our current hookup culture tends to send mixed messages to our teens and young adults so I've been looking for a helpful resource in this direction. Pokluda speaks with a lot of honesty and hope about what makes a healthy dating viewpoint, and I tended to agree with him on most everything. This is a title that I'll be adding to our teens personal growth reading list.
Fiction:
Mansfield Park by Jane Austen
Fanny Price comes to Mansfield Park as a young girl. There her Aunt and Uncle raise her as one of their own. Well, not quite one of their own. She must know her place. Still they endeavor to give her advantages that she wouldn't otherwise know. She develops a special bond with her cousin, Edmond, and the two grow to be the most sensible of the cousins. Over time, Fanny is approached by a wealthy suitor. However, his playboy reputation precedes him and common sense Fanny will have nothing to do with him. At the same time, Edmond falls for the suitor's sister, who is just as fanciful and wrapped in the seductions of wealth and image. Fanny and Edmond must navigate their emotions, wealth, and societal expectations to find where their hearts can truly be at rest. This is the first time I've read Mansfield Park, but felt that it's quite possibly Jane Austen's finest. Though one of her longer novels, she writes the characters and their struggles so accurately; I couldn't put it down. It was a page turner from beginning to end.
A Whale of the Wild by Rosanne Parry
Part of the Voice of the Wilderness series, Vega must help her family find salmon in order to survive. But when an earthquake and tsunami separate her and her brother from the rest of the family, they must do everything they can to be reunited. I love the way these books are written. Parry does an incredible job of weaving fact and fiction to create a compelling story. And in the back of the book, the author includes a tremendous amount of non-fiction concerning the animals and environment that she writes about. These books would make wonderful unit studies for any homeschooler and treasured read alouds for any family.
Till We Have Faces by C.S. Lewis
A fresh look at the classic myth of Cupid and Psyche, Till We Have Faces centers on Psyche's older sister, Orual, and her bond with her young sister. When Psyche is sacrificed to appease the gods, Orual goes to the forest to gather her bones and return them home for burial. But there she find Psyche alive and married to a god. However, as far as Orual can see Psyche is being held captive by delusions, and Orual sets out to free her. This sets off a chain of events which will alter the girls' lives forever. This is outside my usual genre, but I couldn't put it down. C.S. Lewis did a masterful job of taking a classic myth and crafting a gripping tale. This book reminds us that things aren't always as they appear and even the best of intentions sometimes aren't enough.
Read Aluds:
Jungle of Bones by Ben Mikaelsen
Dylan Barstow seems to always find himself in trouble. Embittered by his father's untimely death, Dylan is determined to live life on his own terms. But one day when he goes too far, he finds himself on a plan with his militant uncle traveling to a country that he's never even heard of. Uncle Todd takes Dylan to Papua New Guinea in search of Dylan's grandfather's WWII fighter plane shot down by enemy fire. Along the way, Dylan learns what true courage looks like and what it means to fight for a good cause. There's a little bit of language in this one, but it was early edited out by reading aloud. What I really appreciated about this title was the redemption arc of Dylan's story. Through the course of the book, he takes a hard look at how his choices are affecting his family, and determines to make a change for the better.
The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt
Meet Holling Hoodhood, seventh grader just trying to survive middle school. But Wednesday afternoons with Mrs. Baker prove to be a roadblock. While half the class goes to catechism and the other half goes to Hebrew school, Holling is stuck in Mrs. Baker's class reading Shakespeare. Over the course of the school year 1967-68, he and Mrs. Baker form an unlikely friendship against the background of the Vietnam War. Wednesday Wars beautifully combines the everyday adventures of middle school with the impact of war on a torn nation. As the book goes on, Mrs. Baker herself is impacted by the disappearance of her husband. Several of the characters go on a deep, personal journey throughout the year ... touching on themes of human nature through the characters of Shakespeare. Wednesday Wars is a comedic look at middle school life, intergenerational friendships, and the lessons we learn about ourselves.
Fiction:
Emma by Jane Austen
The Melody of Love by Wanda E. Bunstetter & Lorine Bunstetter Van Corbach
Till We Have Faces by C.S. Lewis
Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
Non-Fiction:
Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus by Nabeel Qureshi
Read Alouds:
The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt
The Mona Lisa Vanishes by Nicholas Day
The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer
What are you reading this summer?
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