Education A la Carte

Every parent wants the best possible education for their child--one that fits their child's unique needs, challenges them to grow, and equips them to succeed. But there are so many options--public, private, and charter schools, plus homeschooling and online schooling--that it's easy for parents to feel overwhelmed and, well, undereducated about the choices. What's more, while one schooling option may be right for one child, it may be challenging for another. And sometimes the same child will thrive in one environment in elementary school but falter in that same environment in middle school.

What's a parent to do?

Parenting expert and longtime educator Dr. Kevin Leman can help. In this practical book, he clearly explains the pros and cons of various schooling options so that parents can make an informed choice about the kind of education that will help their child thrive. He shows parents how to stay involved and engaged with their child's education every step of the way, knowing that the choices they make about school now will reverberate long into that child's future.

My thoughts: I always enjoy the books I pick up by Dr. Leman, since they get me to think about other options, even if I don't always agree with what he has to say. With this book, I found it interesting to read how birth order can affect the type of student (though, it isn't limited to birth order) your child can be. I also like how he presented the different types of education for parents to review, just to know that one isn't limited to one specific type. I thought this book was informative and interesting! A great resource for parents wanting to explore different options.
I received this book from Revell in exchange for my honest review.

The Day the Angels Fell

It was the summer of storms and strays and strangers. The summer that lightning struck the big oak tree in the front yard. The summer his mother died in a tragic accident. As he recalls the tumultuous events that launched a surprising journey, Samuel can still hardly believe it all happened.
After his mother's death, twelve-year-old Samuel Chambers would do anything to turn back time. Prompted by three strange carnival fortune-tellers and the surfacing of his mysterious and reclusive neighbor, Samuel begins his search for the Tree of Life--the only thing that could possibly bring his mother back. His quest to defeat death entangles him and his best friend Abra in an ancient conflict and forces Samuel to grapple with an unwelcome question: could it be possible that death is a gift?
Haunting and hypnotic, The Day the Angels Fell is a story that explores the difficult questions of life in a voice that is fresh, friendly, and unafraid. With this powerful debut, Shawn Smucker has carved out a spot for himself in the tradition of authors Madeleine L'Engle and Lois Lowry.

My thoughts: This is the first book I have picked up by Shawn, so I wasn't sure what to expect. And, a fictional book that deals with death? Well, I gave it a go, and it was hard to put down. We all struggle with the question of death at some point in our lives, and this book does a wonderful job of addressing some questions. It's wonderful and hard to put down! I look forward to reading more books by this talented author.
I received this book from Revell in exchange for my honest review.

Becoming Resilient

Everyone suffers disappointment, rejection, injustices, and losses, perhaps even traumatic ones. The spiritual pain born of such suffering can paralyze us, leaving us broken inside and barely getting by with the motions of life. Whether we remain stuck or move forward is determined in large part by our resilience.

Concise and compassionate, Becoming Resilient takes our most common question when tragedy strikes--Why?--and replaces it with the healthier, more productive question, What next? A professional Christian counselor for 20 years, author Donna Gibbs draws on her experience helping clients get unstuck, sharing secrets for building resilience that will change readers' experience of suffering. She offers practical tools and effective coping strategies to deal with whatever life throws their way so they can move through suffering--and come out stronger on the other side.

My thoughts: I feel like this is an excellent book on how to move through your grief and use your suffering to help you become a stronger person. With Donna having been a counselor for so long, I feel like she is really using her experience with helping people through grief to help readers do the same. I found the chapters to be wonderfully insightful, especially the advise on self care and putting off making big decisions until you work through your grief. This is not a book that will cure all, but it is a wonderful book to read through if you or someone you love is grieving.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Holiday Cookies

From Icebox Pinwheel Cookies to Red-and-White Meringue Kisses to Apple Cider Caramels, find new inspiration for the best of seasonal baking with Holiday Cookies.

This instant holiday classic is packed with 50 recipes, each gorgeously photographed and meticulously tested, along with dozens of decorating and packaging ideas. Filled with reimagined favorites like Giant Molasses Spice Cookies and Hazelnut Sandwich Cookies; confections like Peppermint Bark, Smoked Almond and Cacao Nib Brittle, and Dark Chocolate–Hazelnut Fudge; and detailed instructions for gorgeous gingerbread houses, cookie place cards, and edible ornaments, this is a cookie book like no other. Because the recipes are easy to scale up or down, Holiday Cookies is perfect for cookie exchanges, gift-giving, and just enjoying throughout the season. From a veteran baker and recipe developer, each cookie in this collection is guaranteed to be a stand-out, and destined to become your new Christmas classic.

My thoughts: Every year we do a cookies swap at church, so I just had to pick this book up in anticipation for it! I love the variety of old favorites and new recipes that are bound to become favorites. I also like that there is a section for around the world cookies, which is a fun twist. Whether you want to figure out how your grandma's era enjoyed their cookies or you are looking for a modern spin on an old classic, this cookbook is a fun one to pick up!
I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

Mercy Triumphs

Three women. Three impossible circumstances. One merciful God. Mia, an American Christian, has lived in Sudan so long that persecution, harassment, and danger have become commonplace for her. Her tough outer shell threatens to harden her heart while her newly Christian friends, Halimah and Rania, former Muslims, are forced to live in exile outside Sudan. All three quickly discover that escaping danger in one place only means facing even greater challenges elsewhere. As God's mercy becomes evident in their lives, they must choose whether or not to offer mercy to those who don't deserve it. Third in a trilogy, Mercy Triumphs opens the reader's eyes to modern-day persecution and the life of Muslims in Sudan. Based on real-life events, Mercy Triumphs reveals some of the struggles Christians face when living under Islamic law. The reader will be inspired to pray for new believers, those who are persecuted for their faith, and even for the salvation of the persecutors

My thoughts: This book was an excellent conclusion to the series! I enjoyed how the characters continued to grow as they put their trust in the Lord, even when it was hard. I especially appreciated how they had to learn to have faith even when it looked like they were taking the harder option. I also really appreciate the battle that Mia goes through in the end, since there is an excellent message there for every reader. This is a wonderful series that I highly recommend!
I received this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review.

Take Ten: Top ten books I struggled through, or didn't finish

1. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

This is proof that one's taste in books can change. Or, that sometimes one can be too young to enjoy a classic.;) My aunt and uncle started giving me the Chronicles of Narnia over a series of birthdays starting when I was 9 or 10. I didn't appreciate the books for a good 5 years.;)

2. The Lord of the Rings

I'm a tiny bit embarrassed that it took the movies coming out to encourage me to give this series another go. I think I was just too young to appreciate the epic story. (another gift from my aunt and uncle;))

3. Mere Christianity

While this one is incredibly, it is hard to get through! It took me years (and a book club) to finally finish it.

4. The Book Thief

I want to get back to this one, it's just that it didn't grab me right away and I have a huge stack of TBR books by my bed...

5. Code Name Verity

Another one I need to get back to. I picked it up, then returned it to the library, and now have no excuse but to finish it, since my aunt gave me her copy... (and, I really should just read it and give it back)

6. A Court of Thorns and Roses

This is one I will probably never return to, since it just wasn't my type.

7. To All the Boys I've Loved Before

I keep thinking I might pick this one up again, since it looks adorable!

8. The Queen's Thief

I read the first two and enjoyed them, but the writing is a bit dry, so I have to gear up for the books and haven't had the energy to finish the series.;)

9. Geekerella

Another one that looks like it could be cute, if it would just grab my attention from the get go.

10. Another Day, Another Dali

I've read the other books in the series, and just need to go back to this one. It never helps me to read books out of order that should be in order...

What books are on your list?

A Journey to Victorious Praying: Finding Discipline and Delight in Your Prayer Life

Why is it so hard to pray?

It’s something many Christians can relate to: the desire to pray but the failure to execute. A Journey to Victorious Praying will tell readers why this is—and how to move past it.

Addressing common misconceptions about prayer, then offering biblical truths and practices instead, Bill Thrasher teaches readers how to:


Honestly share their desires with God
Turn temptations into victorious prayers
Experience the Spirit’s motivation in prayer
Get help when they don’t know how to pray
Implement fasting into their prayer life
Move from anxiety to peace
And more

Filled with practical insight and pastoral warmth, this book will give readers renewed enthusiasm for embarking on the essential journey of prayer. And its brief chapters, organized around various themes, make it perfect for quick reference, as does the appendix with tips for stimulating prayer.

My thoughts: I picked this book up, since I figured I could use some help in being more consistent with my prayer life. I was delightfully surprised at how helpful this book wound up being! It is a wonderful manual that points back to the all time best manual on praying and life and general, the Bible. I enjoyed the blend of scriptures and testimonies in this book, which made it hard for me to put down. I highly recommend this thought provoking book.
I received this book from Moody in exchange for my honest review.