Top Homeschool Resource blogs

Summer is almost over and I am desperately trying to get excited and motivated to teach my three kids for another school year.

I don't know about you but I am having a hard time finding the sparkle this year. Perhaps it is the hot beautiful summer days that tempt me to ditch the planning and go to the river, it could very well be that I am still trying to find the right system that will work for all three of the kids, or it quite possibly be that I am a seasoned procrastinator and I will need to wait until the very last minute to find my passion.

Here are some blogs I frequent to garner passion and inspiration listed are my top favorites, I also stumbled across some that the schoolhouse review crew's recommendations. Hope this list of talented bloggers helps your year start with vigour and excitement!

Enjoy...

1+1+1=1 - http://www.1plus1plus1equals1.net/

Confessions of a homeschooler - http://www.confessionsofahomeschooler.com/

Itsy Bitsy Learner - http://www.itsybitsylearners.com

Homeschool Creations - http://www.homeschoolcreations.net

Counting Coconuts - http://countingcoconuts.blogspot.com/

Homemaking Organized —  Finding Good Homeschool Resources and Encouragement

Homeschool Coffee Break — Blogs On My Must-Read List

Paper Tape Pins- http://papertapepins.blogspot.ca/

AdenaF — Top Ten Favorite Homeschool Blogs

Raventhreads – My Favorite Blogs for Relaxed and Project Based Learning

where life happens — Favorite Blogs

Every Bed of Roses — My Favourite Homeschool Blogs

Delivering Grace – 16 UK Christian Home Education blogs

Happy Little Homemaker – The Only 4 Sites You Need for Tot-PreK-K ABC Printables

Chestnut Grove Academy — Blogs I Love and Workboxing Fun with FREE Printables (PreK-3rd)

Guiding Light Homeschool — Favorite Homeschool Blogs

Weavings – My 5 Favorite Homeschool Blogs

Book Review: Captured By Love

About

Michigan Territory, 1814A voyageur and a young woman swept up in a time of upheaval and danger
discover firsthand the high price of freedom.

The British Army has taken control of Michilimackinac Island and its fort, forcing the Americans to swear an oath of loyalty to the crown in order to retain their land. Pierre Durant is a fur trader who returns after being away from the island for years, only to find the family farm a shambles and those he cares about starving and at the mercy of British invaders.

Torn between the adventurous life of fur trading and guilt over neglecting his defenseless mother, Pierre is drawn deeper into the fight against the British--and into a relationship with Angelique MacKenzie, a childhood friend who's grown into a beautiful woman. She now finds herself trapped by the circumstances of war and poverty, and the cruelty of her guardian, Ebenezer Whiley.

As tensions mount and the violence rages on, Pierre and Angelique must decide where their loyalties rest and how much they'll risk for love.

My Reflections:

From the first page to the end this book will draw you in with adventure, action, heart rendering drama and so much more. I very much enjoyed the historical elements of this book, it was a unique story line that really brought to light the era of 1814, and the plight of the British held Mackinac Island. The story is brimming with life, and flows seamlessly. It was a real pleasure to read such a wonderfully penned story.

Angelique is caught in a tumultuous situation she is just trying to survive. Longing for the day when she can be freed from the grips of her stepfather's cruelty and the shadow of her mother's scandalous past, Angelique longs for the day when she once again sees Jean, the man she once promised her future to, but that was a long time ago and things have changed so much. When Jean's Brother Pierre a seasoned fur trader comes back into her life she must make decisions that will affect her future.

Pierre a rough and tumble fur trader returns to find his mother half starved, and his beloved country over run with the British invasion. Guilt and budding feelings for Angelique drive Pierre to toss aside his adventurous spirit and stick by their sides. But his very presence could endanger them all; his past may very well catch up with him.

Will Angelique stay loyal to the man she had promised herself to? If not will she be able to live with the outcome? Can Pierre balance his loyalties to the Americans and the people he loves?

This book has all the elements present to achieve another Inspirational reader's choice award, it was every bit as good as Hedlund's other best sellers: Rebellious Heart, A Nobel Groom and the Preacher's Bride.
If you are looking for a good Historical fiction that doesn't sacrifice history for a good story you may want to check this one out! Well done Jody Hedlund.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group"

About the Author:

 

Jody Hedlund

Jody Hedlund is the bestselling author of The Doctor's Lady and The Preacher's Bride. She won the 2011 Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, the 2011 Award of Excellence from the Colorado Romance Writers and was a finalist for Best Debut Novel in...

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Book Review: Love Comes Home

About

When the flush of victory fades, there remains a winding road to an uncertain future.
World War II is finally over and the people of Rosey Corner are joyfully welcoming the boys home. The Merritt sisters in particular are looking toward the future. Kate is eager to start a family and live out her dream of happily ever after with Jay. Evangeline craves a beautiful house and encourages Mike to pastor a big-town church. Victoria wants what can never be. And Lorena is growing up and wondering more and more about her birth family.

Each sister must learn to hold her plans with a loose hand, trusting that God will guide and strengthen them as they share the joys and sorrows of life in their little corner of the world.

Award-winning and bestselling author Ann Gabhart invites you back to Rosey Corner for a heartfelt story that closes the distance between the things that were and things that can yet be.


Ann H. Gabhart is the bestselling author of Angel Sister, Small Town Girl, and Words Spoken True, as well as several Shaker novels--The Outsider, The Believer, The Seeker, The Blessed, and The Gifted--and The Heart of Hollyhill series. She lives with her husband a mile from where she was born in rural Kentucky. Learn more at www.annhgabhart.com.

 My Reflections:

 I thoroughly enjoyed Gabhart's third book, in her Rosey Corner Series. In this poignant novel that delves into loss, hardship, love and new beginnings Gabhart does a fine job of fleshing out the real issues of the era. 

The story begins just as world war 11 is declared over, and the troops are coming home. Celebrations break out all over the country, and Rosey Corner is no exception. As the men who have survived return home, life is just not the same. Women are expected to resume their domestic responsibilities after working hard at "masculine positions". Men are expected to forget the horrors of war and find a new normal. Thing is nothing is the same, and life is forever altered.
Each of the Merritt sisters must come to grips with their new realities and persevere through. Such heart gripping accounts.

I so enjoyed how Gabhart captures the the emotions of her characters and artfully displays them in a seamless and believable array of true to life depictions. She has a way of knitting together all her characters and coming out with a beautifully bound masterpiece.

I have not read Angel Sister but had the pleasure of reading Small Town Girl, and absolutely loved that one. All Gabhart's books can be read as a stand alone but do your self a favour and treat your self to the whole collection!

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".
About the Author:
 

Ann H. Gabhart

Ann H. Gabhart is the bestselling author of Angel Sister, Small Town Girl, and Words Spoken True, as well as several Shaker novels--The Outsider, The Believer, The Seeker, The Blessed, and The Gifted--and...

Continue reading about Ann H. Gabhart

Book Review: A Woman Of Fortune

You never know what you're really made of until you lose everything.
Texas socialite Claire Massey is living the dream--designer clothes, luxury cars, stunning homes. But everything comes crashing down when her charming cattle broker husband is arrested for fraud. Suddenly she finds herself facing attorneys, a media frenzy, and a trail of broken hearts. Betrayed and humiliated, Claire must face incredible odds to save her family--and discover a life worth living.as "

My Reflections: 

This book captured my attention right from the cover, it is beautiful! I was drawn to the story line as it was something different than the books that I have reviewed as of late, and I was pleasantly surprised!

Coates Gilbert is a skilled story teller, with a background in Legal Investigation her knowledge and insight brings depth and life to her second novel. A Woman of Fortune is a stark reminder of what is really important in life, not riches, not fame, not worldly trappings. It made me take a good hard look at my life and the path I am following.

When Clair's husband a wealthy cattle broker is arrested, her life spins out of control. Everything Clair is accustomed to is stripped away. Tuck, Clair's husband is charged with cattle fraud, and in the space of days everything changes, and not only for Clair but for her three children as well.
Clair must stand on her own and face the accusations head on, will she be able to stand by Tuck or will the hurt, resentment and anger prove to be too much?

I loved how Clair's character was so utterly devoted to her family, and her ability to persevere in the midst of turmoil, and upheaval. It really brought home how important church family, and friends are in tough situations. Clair quickly found out who was going to stand by her and who was just along for the ride.

This book was a real treat to read, I often though "why couldn't chicken brokers do so well" Ah I am kidding for sure! Kellie Coates Gilbert did a wonderful job on this novel, I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".


 About the Author: 

 

Kellie Coates Gilbert

Kellie Coates Gilbert is a former legal investigator and trial paralegal who investigated the largest cattle fraud case in US history. Her legal experience gives her an insider's view into how people react under pressure. Gilbert explores the complexity of...

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Book Review: Relaxing With God

 

From the Back:

Jesus didn't come to get you to do more or work harder. He came to give you rest!
Jesus calls us to exchange the heavy yoke around our necks for something he said is "easy" and "light." So why are many Christians feeling weighed down and burned out? The simple answer is that we're constantly being told we should "do more" and "be more" for God.

Bestselling author Andrew Farley calls this what it is--works-based religion--and presents us with a surprising paradox: good works spring from spiritual rest. So if you long to experience true release from the crushing expectations that the world--and the church--often throws your way, you'll find lasting hope in this unexpected message.

My Reflections:

The title of this book along with the inviting cover design is what lead me to want to review this book. I mean who wouldn't want to kick back and relax in gods loving embrace?

The beginning of the book was quite the eye opener, the author tells "his story" and the drive he had as christian trying to win people for the lord. I thought to my self wow I know people like this! I love when the author uses life stories to drive his message home, it lends a personal touch to the writing, especially when it is as important as your christian walk.

Relaxing with God will enlighten you to the gospel of grace, a place to rest in and a loosening of the reigns. A uniquely different take on God's grace and the freeing power that is ours simply by accepting his gift.

The real meaning behind resting in Christ is not a sermon you often hear and it was quite a refreshing concept to ponder. I quite enjoyed Farley's ideas and gospel inspired message, there are a few places that may need some more thought, and studying before I fully commit to recommending this book, but all in all it was a surprisingly easy book to read and quite enjoyable as well.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 
Available at your favourite bookseller from Baker Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group".
About the Author:

Andrew Farley

Andrew Farley is a bestselling author and pastor of Church Without Religion (ChurchWithoutReligion.com). He serves as a faculty adviser for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and frequently speaks at churches and university groups around the United States and...

Continue reading about Andrew Farley

Book Review: Becoming God's True Woman

ISBN:978-0-8024-0360-5

From The Back:

Have you ever wondered why God made both Male and Female? Have you thought about His purpose for you as a female? Have you considered the fact that God has intentionally planned everything about your life? Yes, yes, and yes?!
Then, join Bible teachers Susan Hunt and Mary A. Kassian in this 35-day devotional digging deep into God's Word, hearing what He says about your womanhood, and learning how to  live as a "true woman" day by day. Each day begins with a short devotion and then A Time For You section -- a time for you to read...to think..to pray...to live for God's glory Interspersed throughout are personal stories and thoughts from girls like you.
What you spend your time with and allow your mind to dwell on will be displayed in your life. Girls need to realize that they should only spend their time enjoying the words, sounds and images they want to become. (Allison, age 17)
The media encourages girls to be loud and bossy. In shows, the quiet girl is always picked on and ridiculed. (Connie Jean, age 13)
Modesty to me is beauty. It outwardly symbolizes what Christ has done to our hearts-made them new, clean and worthy of coming into God's presence . . . that's what modesty is about. (RuthAnne, age 17)

My Reflections:

I requested the book Becoming God's True Woman for my pre-teen daughter (12) to work through together, but after reviewing it I realized that this book will be perfect for when she is older and more mature. That being said I am extremely excited to have the opportunity to present this devotional to her when the time is right.

This devotional is teeming with wisdom, which is a perfect tool to help guide our young girls on the right path towards godly decision making and self reflective passages which can help our youth dig deep to find a more intimate spiritual life.

The devotional is laid out well and is visually pleasing. It may seem a little girlish to some youth with its pretty pink pages and butterfly art. My husband commented that he felt our youngest 6 year old would enjoy the way it was presented more than a teen, but I could see where a young woman could appreciate the beauty and read and write in this handy little resource, it is pretty and not overly busy with unnecessary script. The book is divided into well thought out sections. These start with a discussion topic and is then divided into a work book/ journal space, where girls are encouraged to make notations on the topic at hand. Some of the headings in this writing space are listed as: think, pray and live for God's glory.

I feel girls could benefit from the "real life" stories that are interspersed throughout the study as well. Though the study is short and not as in depth as you would hope for, I feel it could be a perfect "supplement" to your regular devotional times.

I would recommend this devotional to any parent looking to engage their child in a thought provoking, and fun teen study, relevant to your youths life stages.

This book was provided free of charge in exchange for my honest review, from Moody Publishing. Thank you Moody!

Book Review: Child of Mine

ISBN # 9780764212543

From the Back:

From Bestselling Authors David & Beverly Lewis 

Flight instructor Jack Livingston has been raising his eight-year-old adopted niece, Natalie, since the accident that took her parents' lives. When he travels, Natalie is tenderly cared for by her Amish nanny, Laura Mast, who loves the little girl as her own.

Eight excruciating years ago, Kelly Maines's baby was kidnapped. Determined to find her child, Kelly has tirelessly pursued every lead to its bitter end. And now, with the clock ticking, one last clue from a private investigator ignites a tiny flame of hope: Just a few miles away lives a young girl who matches the profile. 

Can this be, at long last, Kelly's beloved daughter?

My Reflections: 

Beverly Lewis need I say more? 
This is obviously one of my top ten authors, her work is varied and dynamic, affording the reader a story unparalleled and en-capturing.

This book started out very contemporary, not your typical Amish story line. Of course it had it's Amish elements and drama, instantly netting my full attention.
I so enjoyed savoring the mysteries about the characters lives and the reasons for their drive and life choices.

Nine long years have passed and Kelly Maines has relentlessly kept up the search for her precious child, doing what it takes to continue to raise funds to pay for a private investigator. One lead after another falls through, leaving Kelly emotionally and financially drained. Challenged by her sponsors to change her work ethics Kelly is forced to try "new tactics" to obtain the DNA that will determine if her prospective leads will turn up her beloved daughter. What happens when her heart leads her astray, and a new twist throws everything  out of her control.

Jack Livingston is the sole guardian of his niece, Nattie. Balancing his career in the aviation business and nurturing Nattie's needs. Nattie being a determined list maker and unrelenting matchmaker covets the security of a full family namely a mother. This leaves Jack in the sticky position of looking for love, for the sake of his precious girl.

When Laura learns that Nattie may be her daughter, she strikes up a relationship with Jack, not entirely the ethical approach her sponsors were looking for but in Laura's eyes better than "stealing" DNA.
Her heart may have other plans...

Laura the Amish nanny has cared for Nattie for years, her judgement and attention to detail have been unparallelled. Laura is shunned from her community but yearns to return to her people. Will her secrets be discovered, and her carefully constructed life fall apart around her?

This isn't your typical Amish story, the plot will wrap itself around your heart and keep you completely engrossed until the last flip of the page. I highly recommend this book, great for Amish and non Amish fans alike.

 "Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group"


About the authors:

1. 

   David Lewis

   David Lewis is the bestselling author of Coming Home, his first solo novel, as well as a keyboard artist and pilot. He is the first editor for his wife, Beverly Lewis, as well as research partner and manager. David was born in Minnesota, grew up in the...

   Continue reading about David Lewis

2. 

   Photo courtesy of Gene Photography

   Beverly Lewis

   Beverly Lewis, born in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, is the New York Times bestselling author of more than ninety books. Her stories have been published in eleven languages worldwide. A keen interest in her mother's Plain heritage has...

   Continue reading about Beverly Lewis