Book Review: My Name Is River

From The Back:

It’s 1983, and twelve-year-old River Starling’s life is anything but normal. She was adopted on a whim and came without a birth certificate. Her adoptive parents gave her up to her grandmother when she was only two, but River is certain her parents will come back. River’s hopes fall apart when Gram uproots them from their farmhouse and decides to move to Birdsong, West Virginia, the most miserable town River has ever seen. There she makes an unlikely friendship with an unusual boy and learns about acceptance, hard work, forgiveness, and the love of Jesus. Discover the unforgettable story of one girl’s search for a place to call home. - See more at: https://www.harvesthousepublishers.com/books/my-name-is-river#sthash.YG3IfNz8.dpuf

My Reflections:

The story River written by Wendy Dunham is a sweet, moving drama that will speak to the pre-teens and teens alike. It is the perfect springboard to deep discussions about your child's life and thoughts. 

There are some big issues raised in this book. Some of them include being abandoned, having a disability, Preconceived notions about people and our reactions to those beliefs. Lots of fodder for you to get into some great late night chats, and really connect with your young lady. I read this book first then gave it to my 13 year old to read. We had some great talks and I was able to gain an understanding of where she was at on some of these topics. 

Twelve year old River has not only been abandoned by her birth parents but also by her adoptive parents. Raised by her adoptive parents grandmother River must come to terms that she is loved and cared about, even without traditional parents. River faces being uprooted from her home and moves with her grandmother to Birdsong West Virginia. There she meets William Wippoorwill and the duo learn quite a bit about life and acceptance. Their adventures lead them into some dangerous situations, a friendship is bound and new experiences grow River in ways she never imagined.

A very touching story, I would have no hesitations in recommending this book to pre-teens and teens alike. 

I received this book free of charge in return for my honest review from Harvest House Publishers. Thank you Harvest house!


About the Author:

Wendy Dunham

Wendy Dunham is the author of My Name Is River and a registered therapist who works with children with special needs. Her desire is to honor her Creator with whatever it is she's writing about. Whether it's a poem, an article, a devotional, or a novel, her goal is to share hope, encouragement, and unconditional...

Read More > - See more at: https://www.harvesthousepublishers.com/books/my-name-is-river#sthash.YG3IfNz8.dpuf

DIY Goo ....It's not a solid it's not a liquid

A late fall day, a grumpy messy mass of children, that was my day. What to do when your homeschooling journey is off the track, my answer....make Goo!

It is easy, most people have everything that you would need right in their own cupboard. It is non toxic, gluten free and most importantly fun!!

I'm sure you could even squeeze out some of those PLO's in science, so what are you waiting for?

The recipe is so simple: three little ingredients:

-Corn starch

-Water

-food colouring (Optional)

Mix cornstarch with water and food colouring with your hands, slowly add the water just until it flows nicely not too watery. This is a messy experiment so bear that in mind it does however clean up easily.

Things to try:

-Smack it, if you hit it really hard it can look as though it is breaking.

-Pour it from one hand to the other...slowly, it flows like water.

-Roll it if you keep up the motion it will stay in a ball shape, but once you stop it will turn into a puddle.

-Bounce it, if you get just the right consistency you will be able to bounce a little ball around, once you stop however it melts into a puddle.

Explanation:

So now you need to explain what is happening in order to tick off your science for the day.

The cornstarch is made up of long chains of atoms, a polymer. Pour fast and these atom chains roll over each other. If you apply force and pressure these Atom chains react by holding firmly like a solid. Not an extremely technical explanation but hey I am teaching grade three science!


That's it! Hours of fun and wide eyed wonder, so go ahead wow your kids and get a much needed tea break!

Book Review: Holy Bible (Frost)

Book Description

Beautiful 'Frost' design in a Bible kids can read and understand.

What little girl who has seen the incredibly popular animated wintery movie doesn't want to be transported to a fabulous crystal ice palace? The beauty of shimmering snowflake scenes is captured in our newest Bible design for little girls (and big girls too!). The cover is a sparkling blue hardcover frosted with holographic foil and beautiful frosty design elements. The interior is the full International Children's Bible®, the first translation created especially for kids. Inside are 24 pages of full-color Bible study helps that encourage girls to be loving, strong, caring, forgiving, helpful, adventurous, loyal, faithful, and most of all, beautiful young girls growing in God's shimmering light!

My Reflections:

I originally ordered this book to review because of the "frost" design, all the little girls I know are enamored with the movie "Frozen" and this Bible cover reminded me of that movie theme.
I am certain that this Bible will be a hit with any young girl you know, and getting them invested in the Bible is the first step to developing a life long love for reading God's word.

This Bible is packed with beautiful colours, pretty patterns and font, making it a joy to read, not to mention just plain fun!
The Frost Bible has exceptionally well laid out devotional sections sprinkled throughout the Bible. Some of the topics covered are:

-How can I Let God's Light Shine Through me?
-How Do I study the Bible?
-How do I Forgive?

Important topics like these are crucial to a growing faith and learning who God is. I am thrilled with this Bible and all of the wonderful sections it includes. I particularly enjoyed "Memory Verses for Life" As a homeschooling mama I am always looking for ways to encourage my children to hide the word in their hearts.

In my opinion this Bible is perfect for my daughter who just turned 8. It is just the right size not too small and not to hefty, and I think the International Children's Bible version will be very understandable and appropriate at her developmental stage. The Frost Bible even includes a sweet little carry bag, which displays the beauty of this Bible through the see through front, there is room enough for a small snack or coloured pens for a morning of church.
All in all I would not hesitate to give this Bible to any little girl on my Christmas List. It is a joy to read and a blessing to give!

I received this Bible free of charge in return for my honest review from Book Look Bloggers. Thank you so much Book Look!

Book Review: Love Everlasting

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From the back:

Growing up in a Seattle bridal finishing school never prepared Abrianna Cunningham to become one of the brides, but now Wade Ackerman, who has always been the reliable boy next door, is indicating he wants to be more than friends. And even the people closest to Abrianna believe Wade is the man she should marry. So why is she having such a hard time choosing between Wade Ackerman and Priam Welby?

Watching Welby's relentless pursuit of Abrianna is making Wade's blood boil. Welby can offer her wealth and security, but what about character and integrity? Surely Abrianna can see past Welby's smooth tongue and fine clothes. Can't she?

Caught between the devil and the boy next door, either choice she makes will change Abrianna's life forever.



My Reflections:


Tracy Peterson is known for her superb writing style, accurate historically correct content and her ability to make a novel light even with serious themes. Love Everlasting is no different. I have read all three books in this series and have been eager to find out what the fate of Abrianna Cunningham would be.

Love Everlasting has all the attributes that Peterson fans will have come to expect: suspense, mystery, humour and a cast of well defined characters.

I do have to admit the first chunk of this book moved slowly for me and I found myself slogging through Abrinna's ramblings on who she should marry, the choice was blatantly obvious, to me anyway! I am happy to report that after this slow stretch the book worked out the kinks I was experiencing and I found myself one again engaged and intrigued.

I have to say my least favorite character in this novel was Priam Welby, talk about a creepy man filled with nastiness! This man is behind some heinous deeds and I was eager to see this one dealt with efficiently.

Abrianna is an expert at getting into situations that are just plain exasperating, she has a lack of insight and often makes judgment errors because she acts without thinking things through first.

Her character is lovable and she was easily my favorite in this novel. Wade Ackerman comes in a fast second. He is Abrianna's best friend and possibly fiancee? Abrianna is in deep and has to make some tough decisions that will affect the rest of her life, and those around her. Will she be able to trust her heart or will her impulsive spirit lead her into a life of heartache?

Overall I found the last part of this book to be satisfying, it even had me laughing in a few places. While not my favorite Tracy Peterson novel I was glad to have read it and have my answers quenched.

I was given this book free of charge in return for my honest review from Graf-Martin Communications, thank you ever so much Graf-Martin!

THE AUTHOR

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   ©Lissa Barber Photography

   Tracie Peterson

   Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 100 novels. Tracie also teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. She and her family live in Montana. Learn...

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Book Review: Streams Of Mercy

From The Back:

Anji's Return to the Red River Valley Offers a Fresh Start--and a Surprising Second Chance at Love. 
Anji Baard Moen, recently widowed in Norway, returns to North Dakota with her children. She quickly settles back into life in the familiar surroundings of Blessing, teaching in the high school and writing articles for the Blessing Gazette. In the midst of an unexpected crisis, Anji is thrust into a role she never imagined. And almost without her even being aware, an old friendship begins to show signs of developing into something more.

Meanwhile, Thomas Devlin, a minister without a post, has arrived in town. Devlin supports himself as a journeyman carpenter, and with the town growing rapidly, he has no shortage of opportunities. Establishing himself in a new community has its challenges, but as the newcomer gets to know the young widow whose house he's been working on, he thinks he may have found yet another reason to stay....

My Reflections:

Streams of Mercy is book three in the Song of Blessings series, and although It could be read as a stand alone I would highly recommend reading these books in order. The first book is: To Everything a Season, book two: A Harvest of Hope and then this one: Streams of Mercy.

There are too many small details and characters that are well defined over the other two books to miss out on the intricately woven story. If you like lots of detail and multiple characters this series is for you. Just look inside the front cover you will see just how many characters there are in the family tree of the Bjorklund's, it is quite impressive!

This book resonates with a deep assurance in our Saviour and his ever loving nature. This theme is heavily touted in all of Snellings works, but with the strife and heart-wrenching issues brought up in this novel it seems that much more pronounced.

Anji has a had pain and loss shape her past and hopes to start over again in the cozy small town of Blessing. Familiar and comforting she settles right in teaching at the local high school and also assisting in running the small printing press. Two very different yet appealing people make their way into her heart and she must decide where her future will take her and her small family.

When Blessing is hit with diphtheria the residents must come together to learn acceptance, work in peace and overcome tragedy. Can the residents of this aptly named town work together even when faced with death?

Joy, heartache, suspense and romance balance out this story to make it a multi layered masterpiece. I did have a bit of trouble keeping everyone straight but the depth of this book is well worth the time spent figuring out the many threads of characters and relationships.

I received this book free of charge in return for my honest review from Graf-Marting Communications, thank you so much Graf-Martin.

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THE AUTHOR

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   Photo courtesy of Ginger Murray Photography

   Lauraine Snelling

   Lauraine Snelling is the award-winning author of over 70 books, fiction and nonfiction, for adults and young adults. Her books have sold nearly 5 million copies. Besides writing books and articles, she teaches at writers' conferences across the country. She...

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Book Review: Fire and Ice

From the Back:

Saddle up for mysteries and laughs with the Wilde sisters!
Bailey Wilde is the oldest sister--and the one who takes care of everyone else in her family. But after her sisters marry and move away, her little homestead becomes bleak and lonely, especially during the long winter months. In a moment of weakness, Bailey agrees to a wild plan concocted by her neighbor, Gage Coulter.

Gage is an honest man, but he didn't make his fortune by being weak. He won't break the law, but he'll push as hard as he can within it. Five thousand acres of excellent grazing land is lost to him because Bailey's homestead is located right across the entrance to a canyon full of lush grass. Gage has to regain access to this land--and he's got to go through Bailey to do it. So he makes a proposal...

Can these two independent, life-toughened homesteaders finally loosen up enough to earn each other's respect--and maybe find love in the process?

My Reflections:

I adore Mary Connealy's rough around the edges and wild characters. She always brings a certain sparkle to her writing, making me laugh, sigh and gallop through the pages just to finish and want more.
That is the sign of a good read, one where you feel so connected with the characters that you never want the book to end, but you simply can't resist the impulse to finish.

In this book we catch up with Bailey, the third and last Wilde sister. She is by far the hardest nut to crack, with her short hair, spunky I can do everything myself attitude and sharp shooting ways, Bailey is the sister the others run to when there is trouble brewing.

I have had the privilege to read all the books in this series and Gage Coulter has always rubbed me the wrong way, he is greedy, self absorbed and down right rude, although in this novel we get to see another side of the rough spoken man, dare I say a tender side? I found myself enjoying Gage, rooting for him and, well he stole my heart. Never thought that would happen! Just wait until you read about why Gage asks Bailey to Marry her, too funny!

This book is filled with just the right amount of tender moments, tempered with gun slinging action to keep the pages flipping and your heart engaged. I love a story where there is a marriage of convenience, it makes the plot have a little more depth and interest than the regular fall in love and get married type stories.

One wee personal opinion here, I would love to see the cover of the books (not just this one, but many I have read lately) reflect the characters.

The covers usually draw the reader in, even before they turn the book over, the cover conveys to the reader if they want to read the book.
The picture on the front of this novel shows a woman with piercing blue eyes, although Gage states she has hazel, brown or gold eyes. It would be great to see the story and cover reflect the character accurately. Rant done.

That personal note aside I simply loved the plot, characters and pace of this book, I highly recommend that you start with book one and work your way down it, it has been such a fun series to read! Thank you Mary Connealy I look forward to your next book!

I received this book free of charge in return for my honest review from Graf- Martin Communications. Thank you so much Graf -Martin!

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THE AUTHOR

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   Photo courtesy of Ginger Murray Photography

   Mary Connealy

   Mary Connealy pens "romantic comedy with cowboys" and is known for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has been a finalist for the RITA Award, Christy Award, and Inspirational Reader's Choice Award and is a two-time winner of the Carol Award....

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Book Review: The Memory Weaver

From the Back:

"Jane Kirkpatrick puts flesh and blood on the bones of history. Set against an authentic nineteenth-century background, this is a superb story of a woman's struggle to triumph over time and place. . . . A memorable book."--Sandra Dallas, New York Times bestselling author

Eliza Spalding Warren was just a child when she was taken hostage by the Cayuse Indians during a massacre in 1847. Now a mother of two, Eliza faces a new kind of dislocation; her impulsive husband wants to make a new start in another territory, which will mean leaving her beloved home and her mother's grave--and returning to the land of her captivity.

Haunted by memories and hounded by struggle, Eliza longs to know how her mother dealt with the trauma of their ordeal. As she searches the pages of her mother's diary, Eliza is stunned to find that her own recollections tell only part of the story.

Based on true events, The Memory Weaver is New York Times bestselling author Jane Kirkpatrick's latest literary journey into the past, where threads of western landscapes, family, and faith weave a tapestry of hope inside every pioneering woman's heart. Get swept up in this emotional story of the memories that entangle us and the healing that awaits us when we bravely unravel the threads of the past.

My Reflections:

The Memory Weaver is an emotionally charged drama, historical slash diary type story. It covers a vast time period from start to finish and is quite a reflective type tale. 

Readers are drawn into the western frontier. 

Based on a real life story of the Spalding family, who were dedicated missionaries ministering to the Nez Perce. This family survives a terrible massacre in 1847 leaving many dead and a young girl (Eliza Spalding) traumatized and taken hostage. 
Later Eliza meets and marries Mr. Warren at a very tender age. I found it odd that she continues to call him this, funny pet name. 
Warren is a hard and difficult spouse and Eliza uses her writings to help her document and work through the relationships and hardships she has faced.

 I found myself reflecting upon my life and wondering if my memories of past event are accurate and how distorted my child's mind may have blurred the edges out of focus.

Interesting and thought provoking story-line, real to life cast of characters and winding pace makes this book a good rainy day read. I always enjoy when an author uses fiction to breath life into history and make it wear flesh and bones. Due to the fact that the Memory Weaver is based on a true story I was fascinated and want to learn all I can about the events of the Oregon Territory in the 1800's, I look forward to digging a little deeper and researching in greater detail. Jane Kirkpatrick has the gift of writing, always a pleasure to read one of her books.

I received this book free of charge in return for my honest review from Graf-Martin Communications, Thank you so much Graf-Martin!

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THE AUTHOR

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   Jane Kirkpatrick

   Jane Kirkpatrick is the New York Times and CBA bestselling author of more than twenty-five books, including A Sweetness to the Soul, which won the coveted Wrangler Award from the Western Heritage Center. Her works have been...

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