A Net in Time

Curriculum and book reviews, faith, homeschooling and more!

Reviews

Honor Bound

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Disclosure: I received this complimentary product (Honor Bound) through Nuts About Books. Affiliate Links will be used, thank you for your support of my blog, costs you nothing to do so, and is so much appreciated. 🙂

Fighting the divide between pacifism and the need to protect, can two people form a relationship despite this divide? Come along with Hallee Bridgeman as she explores how God is important to people on both sides of this spectrum. 

Honor Bound

Honor Bound, what you get

I received a trade paperback from Nuts About Books in exchange for my review.  An easy to read fictional romance taking place in Africa and the United States. 

Throughout the 384 pages, faith is evident, even though in many ways Cynthia and Rick live very different lives.  At the same time, they both have jobs where helping others is a pivotal part of what they do. 

Throughout the 30 chapters, we are given more details about the lives of both main characters. Learning about the vastly different social spheres they come from and seeing where God met them in their lives.  It was actually rather interesting to see how God worked in their lives. 

Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, published Hallee Bridgeman’s work.  An easy-to-read novel that includes moments of terror both in Africa and the United States.  Protection details, military men in action against unscrupulous men, and yet… God is in control, acting.   Romance blossoms, discussions about differences in opinions, and hard lessons are learned. 

Simple page dividers were used to signify time shifts as well as bold text to delineate location changes.  These easy additions made it easy to note changes and keep pace. 

Add to your reading list?

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Honor Bound.  I found the characters interesting, and they felt real.  It was not perfect by any means, and with things they needed to work through, but overall, it was a good read.  

I can’t say I liked the ending as it was too ‘tidy”, and the aftermath of all the events was left unresolved so the story never felt quite finished.   All that said though, if you are looking for a light romance, with a strong faith element, that explores pacifism and military life. 

The Orchard by Beverly Lewis

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Disclosure: I received this complimentary product (The Orchard) through Nuts About Books. Affiliate Links will be used, thank you for your support of my blog, costs you nothing to do so, and is so much appreciated. 🙂

Beverly Lewis is a popular author in the Christian fiction set.  She uses the Amish community of her childhood to inspire her work.  Romance, faith, and working through salvation issues feature as predominant themes in her work (at least in her works that I have read).  The Orchard does not deviate from that path.  If you like the work of Ms. Lewis, you will enjoy this work featuring twins Ellie and Evan. 

The Orchard by Beverly Lewis

The Basic Facts

The Orchard is a 352 softcover work of fiction by Beverly Lewis.  She is a prolific author and you can learn more about her and her books on her website.  Bethany House Publishers put together a lovely cover for this latest Lewis novel. 

Written during the Vietnam war, we are witness to the tensions in the Amish community and the Englishers about being conscientious objectors.  The Vietnam War was a time of protests and high tension in the United States. Ms. Lewis touches on some of the difficulties of this time period.  People fleeing over the border, the conscription, the protests, the anger against the Amish community and more. Not written with the intent to sensationalize, but woven into the story as a natural part of the struggles of the day.   These struggles are an integral part of how this story of the twins plays out. 

Learning more about The Orchard by Beverly Lewis

A standard adult fiction presentation in a softcover format.  You’ll find it available in four formats: Audio, Kindle, hardcover and paperback.   The text is a reasonable size for reading, but I could easily see seniors using a magnifying glass to expand the lettering. 

The chapters are ornamented with numbers and what I think are apple blossoms.  A single blossom marks changes within a chapter.  These changes might be a letter received, a time change, or perhaps a change in character focus. 

The story is written in a user-friendly manner, an easy-going story that, is fairly easy to predict where it will go next. A relaxing read on a Sunday afternoon. Faith is evident throughout. Likeable characters fill the pages. 

Would I recommend it? 

I’m not a huge fan of Christian fiction written around the Amish community.  I find them fairly predictable and nothing that happened in this book really surprised me.  Well okay, one thing surprised me and that was an incident that happened with Sol. But as soon as it happened it was like “OH, yeah, that was necessary for the rest of the story to fit”. 

That said, I know a number of women who would love reading this.  It’s light Christian fiction that encourages us to think about pacifism and what it means to us.  Not always as easy a decision as you might think. The Orchard by Beverly Lewis is a feel-good story, with a strong faith element.  It contained just enough controversy to make it an interesting read.   The characters felt real, and I could well imagine how hard it was for Evan’s parents and seeing how their boy reacted to faith issues.  Observing them working through their pain (and anger) felt familiar to me.  It was a good reminder to not count out God’s work in the lives of the wayward. 

Homeschool Connection?

If I were doing a unit on the Vietnam War with its protests,  or just on pacifism/conscientious objectors I would be inclined to have my students read through this novel.  My goal would be to have them write a critical response to how the characters responded. Seeing real-life struggles is pivotal in helping youth think through issues. 

The Rowdy Randy Wild West Show

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Disclosure: I received this complimentary product (The Rowdy Randy Wild West Show) through Smith Publicity. Affiliate Links will be used, thank you for your support of my blog, costs you nothing to do so, and is so much appreciated. 🙂

The Rowdy Randy Wild West Show invites us into Rowdy Randy’s world and the fun of a wild west show.  Take a light look at the animals of events of this historical period. Watch a strong female character organize her own Wild West Show.

The Rowdy Randy Wild West Show

The Basic Details of The Rowdy Randy Wild West Show

From the author: “The wildlife of the West inspired the Rowdy Randy series,” says Rislov. “Many people travel to Yellowstone and other National Parks to see these magnificent creatures. Rowdy Randy, the cowgirl horsefly, came about as the main character … We continued this second story with creating her own Wild West Show that is based off U.S. Western History. She is still the strong character that she was in the first book. In this book she is also a leader of many- and that all girls can be leaders too. I hope this series sparks a love of nature for children and brings more families outdoors to create their own brave adventures.”

You’ll find The Rowdy Randy Wild West Show to be a fast-moving story told over 32 pages in a hardcover book with dustcover.   Filled with full-colour images and a story suitable for children 5-7 years of age.  Animals are featured from all over the wild west with glimpses into US history.  

Seeing the Specifics

Striking full-colour images fill the pages.  The bright greens of a mallard,  bright blues of berries, and muted grey of mice are just some of the colours that will grab your attention.   Some of the animals are attired in human garments such as hard hats and postal bags. 

Not all the animals featured are real such as the jackalope, but in a book for children, I kinda expect some pretend to occur.  

You’ll find Rowdy Randy hard at work throughout, delegating people when she needs to, and encouraging people to be involved.   Before you know it, you see animals travelling by stagecoach, covered wagon, and on animal back.   You’ll find some references to US history in how people travelled, the pony express, and at the close of the book, to another, more well-known wild west show. 

Most of the time the language used suits the vocabulary of younger children, but more advanced language was used as well.   This occasionally made it harder to read out loud as these words didn’t flow as easily off the tongue.  I also wonder if the intended audience would understand them. 

Acrobatics, marksmanship, climbing events and more were the attractions of the Wild West Show hosted by Rowdy Randy.  I actually found this part of the story to be the weakest.  The writing occasionally left me confused as to which characters were involved. 

Add it to your repertoire?

I don’t know.  I loved the full-colour images.  But the lack of ease of reading aloud, some of the more difficult words, and the minimal referencing of US history.  It just didn’t feel like enough… do you know what I mean?   

It’s not like The Rowdy Randy Wild West Show is an unacceptable book, but I wanted more. I wanted a touch more depth to the story as well as more definition of animals seen in the wild west.   This could have been mitigated by adding a glossary of animals. Additionally having a teacher’s section where one connects the US history to events in the book.   As is, it could be used at the close of a schooling unit to see if children could pick out the wild west elements. 

Mothering by the Book

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Disclosure: I received this complimentary product (Mothering by the Book) through Nuts about Books. Affiliate Links will be used, thank you for your support of my blog, costs you nothing to do so, and is so much appreciated. 🙂

Mothering by the Book is a book of encouragement.  Encouragement for moms in their parenting journey and encouragement to dig into the classics.  Use the classic stories to help you create a new framework for thinking.   Perhaps it’s time for another approach, you think? Look into the classics, see them in the light of God’s love, and see ways to parent better.  🙂

Mothering by the book

The Basic Details of Mothering by the Book

Mothering by the Book: The Power of Reading Aloud to Overcome Fear and Recapture Joy By Jennifer Pepito introduces us to using classical literature in raising our families.  240 pages, published by Bethany House Publishers, 14 chapters, book suggestions, verses to memorize, and study guide questions. 

I am reviewing a softcover edition for Nuts About Books.  This book falls into the Christian Parenting, Women’s issues, Motherhood, and Family and relationships sections of your library. 

Chapter titles which other than the first one (Let Literature free us from fear) all start with “overcoming fear” , so they are as follows:

  • of being alone through journaling
  • the baby years by staying present
  • of failure by speaking life
  • of children leaving the faith through family identity
  • of failing our children by living for a greater purpose
  • of the future by not complaining
  • of not having enough by thankfulness
  • of not being able to managed by building good habits
  • by running after purpose
  • leading through forgiveness
  • by knowing scripture

And then closing with Sing to shut up Fear.

Digging Deeper

You know how you read some non-fiction books and every chapter is laid out exactly the same?   Has it benefits right?  This is exactly what you’ll find Mothering by the Book.  You’ll find yourself doing study questions, memorizing scripture, as well as exploring new books on the topic at hand.  So much reading and spending time in God’s word… it’s a good thing that! 

The author tried to pick verses that went along with the chapter topic. 

The font is easy to read and printed on a crisp white page. Frequently shoutouts in grey scale would occur, drawing our attention to important details. 

The author makes it very easy to follow along with point form, headings, etc.  She breaks each chapter down into digestible portions and speaks with a neighbourly tone. 

You are meant to take your time with this mothering book.  Taking your time to examine yourself AND do some reading out loud… to yourself and/or to your family.   Each chapter starts with a quote from a classic book you are encouraged to read. 

So go ahead, set about reading Little Britches, or Baby, or Cheaper by the Dozen.  Read them, get involved with them, but just read.  Connect again to interesting characters and talk about them with your family and learn important life lessons from the books your read.  Be seeking for good books to read, whether it’s the one Ms. Pepito recommends or others.  Reading opens up new ideas and paths for us, shouldn’t we be reaching for them? 

Should you read it?

The author’s goal is simple.  She wants us to stop being afraid by giving us an alternate behaviour to practice.  Don’t want to be a grumble?  Find things to be thankful for!   Don’t want your family to have no purpose in life?  Show them you have a greater purpose….. serving the Lord.  

Fear does not need to stop us in our tracks.  We need to look for away around it.  The author found this as she dug through the classics she read aloud to her family.  So perhaps… you might too.  Look to the classics to find answers to some of your fears.  Memorize scriptures so you have words to put to what you see God doing and what he wants you to become.  Fear less… read more! 

Find some encouragement to do so in Mothering by the Book. 

Did I find it helpful on my parenting journey?   Not really, my lad is almost an adult now.  And we have always read tons of books and talked about them.  But it all makes sense right?   Dealing with fear or insecurity… Learn from those who have gone on before and go to the scriptures.    

Other parenting books you might enjoy

Over the years I’ve reviewed other parenting books.  

By Way of the Moonlight

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Disclosure: I received this complimentary product (By Way of the Moonlight) through Nuts about Books. Affiliate Links will be used, thank you for your support of my blog, costs you nothing to do so, and is so much appreciated. 🙂

I wasn’t sure what to expect from By Way of the Moonlight, then I met Nana Dale and Allie, two compelling characters.  Horses, interesting characters, goals in mind, and foibles you need to work through, what else could one ask for?  Oh yes, a bad guy!  There is indeed a bad guy!  So, looking for a personal story with a touch of faith… look no further!

The Basic Details

391 pages round out the pages of this Bethany House book by Elizabeth Musser.   By Way of the Moonlight draws us into the equestrian world from 1931-1943.   Learn about the beach patrol as the first line of defence against German U-Boats, Victory Boats and the importance of women in the workforce, the threat of malaria, and more.  Sit back and enjoy the love of horses and see their potential as therapy animals.  Watch two ladies learn to deal with their interests in healthy ways. 

Chapters alternate in generations as we see the life of Nana Dale lived out, and Allie as she works through her emotions at the passing of her Nana and discovers the truth of her Nana’s life. Elements of faith weave their way through the lives of both women. 

Elizabeth Musser, from France, writes ‘entertainment for the soul’ in a number of books. Her works have won her a number of awards.  Along with her husband, she is engaged in mission work. 

Looking Deeper into By the Way of the Moonlight

Two main protagonists and their families.  Allie and Nana Dale.  They have the loves of their lives, their horses, their families, and those they contended with. 

The alterations in chapters moved smoothly and readers will be able to follow the timeline smoothly. 

Nothing objectionable, and the love interests, while in some ways central to the story, did not take centre stage.  Centre-stage was solely devoted to the two ladies and how they processed the events of their lives and worked through their foibles. 

At the close of the story you’ll discover discussion questions as well the author’s note.  The discussion questions cover the book as a whole as opposed to going by chapter.   The end note pointed out truth as well as the author’s need to adapt to fit the story well. 

Read it yourself?

I would call this less of a Christian Fiction and more of a fiction read with some faith-based elements.  The faith elements are more in the form of prayers said but not actually in faith shown and lived out. 

But I didn’t read By Way of the Moonlight as a faith-based book.  I read it as just a heartwarming story about the lives of two women.  I loved the history aspect concerning the different aspects for WW2 including the horse beach patrol, the coast guard and the building of the Victory ships.  Women volunteers were highly sought after to help the war effort. 

I love the story that not only warms my heart but teaches me important facts about history as well, don’t you?   Just rather gives me the whole package, you know?  

We weren’t given a whole lot of information about the bad guy element, beyond the sorta family relationship and their sneakiness to achieve their own ends. 

Unexpected twists came up which I kinda thought in some ways were just rather convenient as opposed to needful.  Didn’t really make a whole lot of sense other than to make a sad part of a story somewhat sadder. But made it nicer for Allie in the end I guess.  

I did thoroughly enjoy this read and would happily read another of this calibre by the author.  She writes a story that is indeed an experience for the soul, making me feel warm within.  I encourage you to give By Way of the Moonlight a read, plan to spend a evening or two reading!   Don’t stay up too late!

Your Best Life Later

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Disclosure: I received this complimentary product (Your Best Life Later) through Ascot Media Group. Affiliate Links will be used, thank you for your support of my blog, costs you nothing to do so, and is so much appreciated. 🙂

Andy McQuitty shares his personal life as he writes to his children to encourage their spiritual growth.  He wrote each a journal over their years of maturing. The end result is his book Your Best Life Later, a compilation of scripture, images, and scripture. A journal that speaks to how to live out our Christian faith.

Your Best Life Later, is a compilation of five journals author Andy McQuity kept for each of his five children. McQuitty talks about child-rearing issues that cross generations. His goal: provide wisdom for parents and Godly messages.  These are intended for readers to learn from and share with their own children.

Published by Leadership Books, you’ll find it’s a hardcover with a textbook feel to it. Five parts for each of the author’s children along with an afterword.  This tome runs at 392 pages. 

Looking Deeper into Your Best Life Later

Six parts make up Your Best Life Later, each part is a separate journal written with each specific child in mind.   Journal entries include such topics as self-esteem, motives, handling big changes, character, the sabbath, and independence.    Each entry to centred around God and is very much directed toward each of his children. 

His goal in sharing these journals is to enable parents help their children mature into their faith and learn to live it out.  He’s very open about using real-life examples to show Christian living.

His long-term view is preparing our sons and daughters, for a future life in heaven (thus the, your best life later title).  We need to build spiritual maturity in those we love most. This is what these devotional journal entries are all about. 

You’ll find scattered pictures throughout. These pictures included images of the American Flag, items from his children’s lives, and personal notes. 

We are urged to see these journal entries as a quiet devotional time to encourage our faith and to help us with our spiritual maturity.  This will help us share our faith in tangible ways with our children, helping them see God’s impact on their lives.  This will help out most loved ones gain spiritual maturity themselves.

Scripture verses that fit each journal entry were added in 2021 as he was putting these journals together for publication. 

Should you get it?

Well, I don’t know.

I have to admit that I struggled with Your Best Life Ever.   I felt to me like I was reading a personal journal and I really didn’t know what to do with it.  Kinda like you are bumping into a private conversation you shouldn’t be butting into.  But that was my struggle AND it might not be yours.

The journal entries I read were packed full of wisdom and godly advice.   I love his heart and how he so willingly showed it to each of his children (and now to us, a greater audience).   He pointed out their strengths (like a gentle heart, or leadership) and how they can be both strengths or weaknesses.   I think he met his goal of providing godly advice to his young adults. 

I think it’s well worth adding to the shelves of my church library.  Depending on the person reading, this will be a helpful parenting tool.   Certainly makes me wish I had done this for my lad through his formative years… perhaps it’s not too late?  

Summertime Reading

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You’ve already seen the books I read in July, and I thought today I’d continue telling you about my summertime reading!  Not quite as many books this month since I’ve been spending some time building a shed!   Anyways, I will be linking to reviews or to amazon links to make it easy in case you want to get them yourself!  🙂  Hurts you none, is MUCH appreciated if you do buy, and it helps me out! 

summertime reading

Books read for Reviews

The Science of Babies.  Gives you the language needed to talk with your children, and you can add your own social context/faith to the conversation. 

Listen to the language of the trees.  I love informative picture books, and this one does a good job. 

Future Worlds.  A hugely fun book that you can use to develop critical thinking skills in your children, or a love of “can I be a part of that future possibility”.  

Don’t Worry, Be Ha-Pea.  Food + puns = a fun book.  

The Button Pusher.  I thought this a well-done book about ADHD and how hard it is to cope with it at times, but good helps and parental support make it easier. 

Books read for fun

The Scrivener’s Bones.  Hubsters LOVED Alcatraz vs the Evil Librarians so promptly ordered the next in the series.   So as he finished it (and then ordered the next one) I get to read the one he finished!  I may get through more of this series by the end of the month.  FUN books.  Get them for your middle-schoolers!  🙂   I find it immensely humourous how much he likes them and insists on getting the next as soon as he’s done the last!  🙂 

Lola is Missing.  A mystery, where they are trying to find a missing child.  Started it last month!  Reading it on Kindle.   I’m finding the characters interesting and I’m hoping they find the child.  I’ll be updating when I’ve finished! 

Gentle and Lowly.  What a fantastic journey into the heart of Christ.  I so STRONGLY recommend that you get this book and delve deeply in his heart.  See Christ more clearly, love God more dearly. 

Time of the Twins.  I admittedly didn’t care for this book and will most likely return it (on audible). Hubsters was surprised that I didn’t care for it as he knows the series and expected that I would. 

How about you?

What books have kept you engaged with your summertime reading?   Anything that you would recommend?   If so, why?