Monday, March 22, 2010

Never Say Never

This is the first book I have read by Lisa Wingate, but it certainly won’t be the last. This book was very entertaining with characters that are deep, well-developed, inspiring and funny.



The story is told by two different individuals; two women generations apart tossed together by a hurricane. While it took a few chapters to get used to switching between to two ladies, I found that reading the story from two perspectives interesting and refreshing.


Donetta Bradford is an older married woman who has lived a quiet life in the town of Daily, Texas. She sets out to go on a cruise with two of her friends, leaving behind a husband who she is convinced doesn’t love her anymore.


Kai Miller is a young single woman who comes from a broken home lives a rather rootless existence as a cruise ship employee. She prefers to be aloof and is quite content to be alone. The two characters meet while trying to escape a hurricane and Kai ends up in Daily with Donetta.


This story has it all – a hurricane, a rescue, romance between Kai and Donetta’s nephew, humorous encounters with the people of Daily, and inspiring stories of survival and faith.


I will definitely be reading more from Lisa Wingate.


I must mention that I did receive a complimentary review copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers, however that in no way influenced my opinion of it.


Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Not a Sparrow Falls



By Linda Nichols


This is a story of God’s love, of Providence, redemption, forgiveness, and God’s preserving power.

The first eleven chapters move very slowly. They mostly contain background details and I found it very hard to connect with the characters during this time. I had nearly given up on the book when things really turned around. Chapter twelve begins a most wonderful story that will touch your heart. The characters that seem so dry at the beginning come alive later and draw you in. It ends up being a very richly written book.

The book focuses on two people hiding from their past - Alasdair, a Presbyterian minister and prominent radio pastor who was recently widowed and left with three children, and Bridie – a fugitive from both the law and her past. A chance encounter with Alasdair’s teenage daughter leads Bridie to accept a position as nanny in Alasdair’s house.

This haunting story stayed with me several days after I read it.

Monday, March 8, 2010

Homeschooling for the Rest of Us


Are you considering homeschooling but don't feel like you have the perfect homeschool family? Not sure if it will work for your family? Then this book is for you.
 This is not a book of how to's, Sonya Haskins does not present the "right" or "wrong" way to homesschool your children but rather dispells the many myths of homeschooling and gives great advice on how to homeschool in a number of different manners and how to make it work for your family.
Haskins clearly understands that not each child is alike and not each family can homeschool in the same way. Being a blended family with only one child, I found this to be very refreshing. So many homeschool books assume that mom is a stay-at-home mom and that there are several children being homeschooled.
The author also clearly demonstrates how real life is homeschooling and how character development is one of the most important aspects of training our children.
Haskins also deals with issues surrounding budget problems, handling friends and relatives who don't understand homeschooling, dealing with special needs children, and socialization.
This is great book for anyone considering homeschooling or who feels that they just don't fit the homeschool stereotype.