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In this article:
The Brainy Bunch by Harding
Sophie by Andrews
Heart of the Crown by Currie
Kingdom’s Edge by Black
DNF: The Reluctant Bride
DNF: Friendshipped
The Brainy Bunch by Kip and Mona Lisa Harding
4 STARS, Christian Homeschooling, My format: gift for a friend!
Goodreads Synopsis | Buy on BookShop
The Hardings share how they start their children on college classes by age 12 and guide them to getting a bachelor’s degree by age 17.
Personal Review:
This family has a very interesting take on how to handle homeschooling. I was not overly impressed with some of the "opportunities" they took advantage of or some of their personal convictions that they passed off as absolute truth.
HOWEVER, the way they thought outside the box and how they did what seemed best for their family was truly fantastic. This book gave me whole new ways to think about how I'm educating my children at home and gave me the courage to do what WE think is best instead of what everyone else thinks is best.
I commend the Hardings for putting this out there as I'm sure they get a lot of criticism.
Sophie (Orphan Train #0.5) by Wendy May Andrews
4 STARS, Historical Romance Novella, My format: YouTube Audiobook
Goodreads Synopsis | Buy on BookShop | YouTube Audio
Sophie’s relationship with Renton, the son of a benefactor of the orphanage she loves, is threatening the welfare of the children.
Personal Review:
There is not much to say about this book as it was only 60 pages (1 hour and 20 minutes to listen to). But it was very sweet and a pleasant audio listen. I am assuming that Sophie has a major role to play in the main books of the series, so I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
Content Warnings:
some quick kisses
Heart of the Crown (Daughters of Peverell #3) by Hannah Currie
5 STARS, Young Adult Christian Royal, My format: second time reading
Wenderley is asked to stay at the palace to be the temporary governess for Ryan, whose mother recently died.
Goodreads Synopsis | Buy on BookShop
Personal Review:
I have to be honest and say that I didn't really remember much of this story from the first time I read it. I didn't even remember who Wenderley fell in love with. This time I don't think I'll ever forget this story.
I think I am a different person now than the first time I read this book and seeing how Wenderley's heart drives her life in the best way possible really touched me this time around. I was completely wrapped up in her whimsical nature and her brightly decorated shoes and her artistic tendencies and her love for children and teens. My heart also broke along with hers, especially towards the end.
The message of grace and forgiveness was so well shown through the story. I also loved that different parts of Wenderley's life were redeemed, like how letters started out as a bad thing and the last one of the book ended up being so beautiful I cried.
I will read everything Hannah Currie writes, no doubt.
Content Warnings:
memories of past sexual relationships (not detailed)
Kingdom’s Edge (The Kingdom Series #3) by Chuck Black
3.5 STARS, Middle Grade Christian Allegory, My format: paperback
Goodreads Synopsis | Buy on BookShop
Cedric of Chessington is drawn to the new stranger in town, and he’s about to find out why.
Personal Review:
I enjoyed that this installment of the Kingdom series was New Testament allegory. These are interesting books, but I am not the audience for them. I have been reading them to get a feel for if my daughters would enjoy them, but I don't think they will. The knights and sword fighting and injuries are definitely more geared toward a young male audience.
This book in particular doesn't even mention a single female character (unless she is being abused), which is sad since women are a big part of the NT stories. I can understand that women don't fit into this book's setting/selected time period, but my girls probably just won't like it for that.
Content Warnings:
several injuries, a few descriptions of physical abuse, several fight scenes
Did Not Finish
I stopped reading A Reluctant Bride by Jody Hedland at about 40% on my Kindle. I really enjoyed a Young Adult book of hers so was hoping I had found a new bedtime author for myself. However, the mood of the book was just SO dark. There was little to no relief from all of the horrible things happening to and around the poor main girl. I need lighter, cozier reads before bed.
I gave up on Friendshipped by Savannah Scott at about 25%. There was too much first person writing for me, especially when the changing point-of-views sounded so similar. The characters also had habits of recounting past events in very dramatic detail and it was a little strange. This was light and cozy but just not for me.
What have you been reading lately?