Meg Randallman has been suffering from guilt and misunderstanding for over seventeen years in Halfa Moon, by Joan Bannan. Meg was four years old when her six-year-old sister died protecting her. Her mother then takes Meg and her little brother away from the rest of their family.
Norma, Meg’s mother, takes them to California, where she marries and the children have many advantages. Meg is tutored at home where she excels at her studies and music. She becomes friends with her stepfather’s mother, where she is accepted and loved.
Now it is time for her first job, in cyber security. She is filling a position that was held by a woman who was murdered. Is she now in danger? Will she always suffer from the death of her sister?
About the Author
:Joan Bannan currently lives in Northern California. She has written four nonfiction books.
My thoughts:
Halfa Moon, by Joan Bannan, was well written. I usually do not like books when they are written from the first person point-of-view, but Bannan wrote this book like it was a memoir. I really became intrigued, because of the way it was written.
Meg Randallman went through so much as a four-year-old, when her older sister died protecting her. She even had to go through the trauma of her mom taking them away (Meg and her younger brother, Ray) away from their dad. Of course, as a young child she blamed herself for everything and then kept it hidden for many years. I think she should have spoken up and said what was going on. She grew up to be a successful young woman thanks to her opportunities and her stepfather’s mother. It was reassuring that she was able to succeed despite her trials.
I recommend this book to all adults. I think women will appreciate it more than men.
Informational and Purchasing Links:
Connect with Joan:
Disclosure of Material Connection- I received a free copy of Halfa Moon, by Joan Bannan, to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew. All links were current when posted.
Esther Queen of Persia, by Jim Baumgardner, is filled with Esther’s story. Esther was first called Hadassah when she was a Jewish orphan living with her cousin, Mordecai.
She was taken from her home to Ahasuerus’s Palace. He is looking for the next queen of Persia. Eunuch, Hegai, is captivated by her beauty and manners. He knows she could be the next queen, so he makes sure she gets the best treatments.
So begins Esther’s (Hadassah’s new name) next year in the palace. What will happen to her? And why has God allowed her to be subjected to a heathen lifestyle.
About the Author
:Jim Baumgardner currently lives in Wichita, Kansas, with his wife. He has written his books for the benefit of his grandchildren.
My thoughts:
I really enjoyed reading Jim Baumgardner’s Esther Queen of Persia. He has brought the book of Esther to life with great dialogue and captivating descriptions. I read the book of Esther from the Bible after I read this book and I really appreciated how much Baumgardner followed the Bible. God truly blessed him with the knowledge he needed to write the dialogue that made this story more powerful and personal.
There are many other parts that I like in this book as well. I liked the detail in the introduction as to why Baumgardner wrote this book and where he got his information. I also liked the list of scripture references, works consulted, and a list of books he has written.
I really hope everyone reads this book. I enjoyed it immensely and I hope to find and read many more books by Baumgardner.
Informational and Purchasing Links:
http://www.biblenovels.net/
http://kansasjimbo.bravejournal.com/
http://www.sarahbooks.net/
You can also find him on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Google +, and Goodreads.
Disclosure of Material Connection- I received a free copy of Esther Queen of Persia, by Jim Baumgardner, to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew. All links were current when posted.
We received this for review purposes!
Product Links: UberSmart Math Facts
Vendor Information Link: UberSmart Software
Age Appeal: Primarily for grades K-6, but great for any age that needs to practice
Format: Downloadable Software that works on Windows 7, 8, XP, and Vista (It can be used by eight or more students)
Price: $24.95
Do your children need to learn their math facts or increase their speed? UberSmart Math Facts might be what your family needs. No longer will you need to find the flashcards, especially the ones that are missing, they are all right here on the computer.
This math program includes:
Students will learn, practice and then test. They will learn the facts one group at a time, like all the ones then all the twos. If there are problems they are unable to do, there is a special function called focus so they can practice them until they learn them. During tests they will be able to see the previous problem and the one coming up. They can also skip the problem and come back to it. When the students master the skills a certificate will be available to print.
Our Experience:
I am always looking for fun ways for B and C to practice their math facts. I was excited for us to try UberSmart Math Facts. We kept our practice to 10 minutes three times a week. Since it is still summer time I thought that it was important for them to practice regularly, but not make it a chore. Both of them were usually excited and willing to do their ten minutes. It was only a problem when they became frustrated with trying to answer the problems. Keeping it to the ten minutes helped to alleviate any negativity.
I have done some practicing on this program too. I do it, because it is fun and I need to be able to answer math problems when B and C ask me.
This is a program that I plan on having B and C continue during the school year.
Mama’s Thoughts:
B’s Thoughts (boy, age 10, officially in fifth grade):
I liked UberSmart Math Facts. I liked that it had where you could learn, practice, and test. I also liked that it had the report section. I wish it had the option to login, because then you would definitely know you were doing it under your own name. In the compete section it would be nice to do have addition separate from subtraction and multiplication separate from division. It would be nice to have addition higher than nine.
It would be good for children my age.
C’s Thoughts (girl, age 8, officially in third grade):
It was fun doing UberSmart Math Facts. I liked practicing my addition facts. I mastered from the 0s to the 9’s. Keyboard Entry was fun. The Dot Cards were tricky.
It is good for people of all ages.
Dad’s Thoughts:
Dad was not available.
Mama recommends!
A Christian Survival Guide, by Ed Cyzewski, is filled with useful information about what to do when you struggle with your faith or you are new to your faith.
This book is divided into two parts, “Christian Beliefs” and “Christian Practices.” Some of the subjects discussed are:
About the Author-
Ed Cyzewski currently lives in Ohio with his wife and son. He is a blogger, freelance writer, and speaker. He blogs at www.inamirrordimly.com. He has written Coffeehouse Theology, Unfollowers: Unlikely Lessons on Faith from the Doubters of Jesus.
My thoughts-
I thought A Christian Survival Guide, by Ed Cyzewski, was interesting and informational. It had a lot of good information for people who are either struggling with their faith or a new to their faith.
One of my favorite parts of this book was the list of books for further research in the back of the book. He listed four to six books for each of the fourteen chapters. The titles sounded very interesting, so I am planning on looking for them at my local library.
I liked how the book was divided into two sections, “Christian Beliefs” and “Christian Practices.” My favorite section was “Christian Practices,” because it got right to the heart of some of the issues Christians face, like money, sin, and problems in the church community.
The only chapter in that section I was not sure about was the last one about the Holy Spirit. I have never given much thought to how it might be hard for someone to realize the Holy Spirit is there with them. I just know that the Holy Spirit is there. I am not a Baptist, so when he talked about things that apply to the Baptists, as he did on pages 184 and 185 about the Holy Spirit, I was not interested.
I think this book would have been even better with either a conclusion or selection of questions at the end of each chapter. Either of these would have tied everything together for me and I would have remembered more about the great information in the book.
I would recommend that everyone read this A Christian Survival Guide, learn from it, then challenge themselves to grow as Christians.
Disclosure of Material Connection- I received A Christian Survival Guide by Ed Cyzewski, for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour. All links were current when posted. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
We received this for review purposes!
Product Links:
Happy Kids Songs Workbook: Hands-on Activities to Build Character, Social & Emotional Skills (Physical Book)
Friends & Sharing (Volume 1)
Happiness & Attitude (Volume 5)
Manners & Character (Volume 6)
Vendor Information Link: Happy Kids Songs
Age Appeal: geared towards 3-8 year-olds
Format: Download from either iTunes or Amazon, the book is a physical copy
Price: $4.95 for each volume, $13.95 for the workbook
Do you worry about the music that your young children are listening to? I know I do.
Happy Kids Songs by Dr. Mac and Friends contains kid friendly songs that discuss matters such as friends, bullying, happiness, manners, attitude, respect, and responsibility. Each volume contains five downloadable songs in different genres. There is also a corresponding workbook with activities for the kids to do by themselves and activities for the parents to do with the kids.
Friends & Sharing (Volume 1)
Happiness & Attitude (Volume 5)
Our Experience:
Our family occasionally needs help with all of the topics included in the Happy Kids Songs, which is why I was happy we were selected.
C really enjoyed listening to the different songs. I kept them on the computer, so I would have them play while we were working on chores or she would just want to listen to the music. We also worked on the workbook together. We had a good time working on it.
I had a hard time getting B interested in the songs and the workbook. I think he was beyond these songs. I think he would have enjoyed them last year or the year before.
I thought all of these songs were very good. And I am very interested in purchasing the other volumes for C to listen to and learn from.
Mama’s Thoughts:
B’s Thoughts (boy, age 10, officially in fifth grade):
I liked Happy Kids Songs. One thing I did not like was that there was a separate workbook for each volume. I think that would have been easier.
I think it would be good for children younger than me.
C’s Thoughts (girl, age 8, officially in third grade):
It was fun listening to the songs. They were really good. I did not have a favorite. I listened to them at the library, while helping Mama, and whenever I wanted to.
The workbook was nice. I liked working on it.
The songs are good for people of all ages.
Dad’s Thoughts:
Dad was not available.
Mama recommends!
Social Media Links!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/happykidssongs
Twitter: @howsyourfam
YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/4DrMacMusic
We received this for review purposes!
Product Links: Audio Drama One: Who Created Everything?
Vendor Information Link: Wizzy Gizmo
Age Appeal: ages 4-12
Format: audio CD, around sixty minutes
Price: $14.99
Have you been looking for a fun way to explore the Bible with your children? Audio Drama One: Who Created Everything? from Wizzy Gizmo could be exactly what you are looking for.
This thirty-six minute audio CD discusses creation from Genesis chapter one. Professor Wizzy Gizmo has just invented Gizmovision. Gizmovision is a machine that will transport you where you wish to go, anywhere in space or time. The children are really excited for Gizmovision and want to go to different places, Wizzy decides to take them to the creation of the earth. The children learn and ask questions about creation. Pepe and Qwacky add some fun and humor to the story.
There is also twenty-four minutes of songs during and after the story.
Our Experience:
I was excited when I learned about Wizzy Gizmo and how the CD was a Bible adventure, not just a story with a biblical theme.
B, C, and I have had so much fun listening to the CD when we go somewhere in the pickup. C was so excited when it came that we had to go out to the camper, put it in the CD player and listen to it while we played a game of cards.
We have also had different discussions each time we listened. This CD was perfect for having further discussions about what we believe and what was discussed between Wizzy and the children.
I am planning on getting the next CD about Genesis two. I cannot wait to see what we can discuss as a family.
Mama’s Thoughts:
B’s Thoughts (boy, age 10, officially in fifth grade):
I liked Wizzy Gizmo’s Audio Drama One: Who Created Everything?. My favorite character was Qwacky. I thought Qwacky added a lot of excitement and fun.
I liked the Giz Quiz. I liked the answers Qwacky and Pepe gave, because they were funny.
I liked the Wizzy Gizmo theme song. I liked the bonus.
I this would be good for ages four to twelve. I would recommend this for people of all ages.
C’s Thoughts (girl, age 8, officially in third grade):
It was fun to listen to. It had a lot of excitement. It was exciting that they got to see creation. My favorite character was Qwacky, because he was funny.
I really liked the songs. They were really good.
It is good for people of all ages. I liked it all.
Dad’s Thoughts:
Dad was not available.
Mama highly recommends! Your family will want to listen and learn many times.
Social Media Links for Wizzy Gizmo!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wizzygizmo
Twitter: https://twitter.com/wizzygizmo
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/wizzygizmo/
Google+: http://www.plus.google.com/+wizzygizmo
Vimeo: http://vimeo.com/wizzygizmo
The Reluctant Detective, by Martha Ockley, is the first book in the Faith Morgan Mystery series. Faith Morgan used to work as a policewoman, but she thought she could do more as a vicar.
She was sent to the village of Little Worthy to see if it would be a church where she would like to be the vicar. While she is visiting, the current vicar suddenly dies and Morgan becomes the vicar until they find a replacement. Her former boyfriend, Ben Shorter, is the Detective Inspector on the case. She is also his former colleague.
Morgan has a difficult time give up her desire to ask questions and solve mysteries. She also does not know what to do with the appearance of Shorter. Will they be able to solve the mystery together?
About the Author-
Martha Ockley currently lives in the North East of England and writes fiction and nonfiction.
My thoughts-
The Reluctant Detective, by Martha Ockley, was an excellent introduction to the Faith Morgan Mystery series. I have now read this book twice and I enjoyed it just as much the second time as well the first.
Ockley was very creative when she developed Faith Morgan’s character. I never would have thought to have her be a former policewoman turned vicar. It brought a professional point-of-view to the book that would not have been there if she had been just a vicar who solved mysteries. It also brought a level of professionalism to the way Morgan talked with her new parishioners.
I thought some of the conversation between Faith and Detective Inspector Ben Shorter, her former boyfriend and colleague, was stiff sometimes. Perhaps it was because they had a past together.
I would recommend The Reluctant Detective as well as the second book in the series, The Advent of Murder.
Disclosure of Material Connection- I received The Reluctant Detective by Martha Ockley, for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour. All links were current when posted. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
I am not sure how our garden is going to grow this year, but here is a little pumpkin from a couple of years ago.
I hope I will be able to show you some good pictures from this year’s garden in the next couple of months.
A couple of years ago I took part in a Bible study where we studied the book of Ephesians. Once a week I would like to mention the Bible verses which were studied, then give you my prayer involving those verses.
Today will be Ephesians 2:4-5.
Dear Lord,
Thank you so much for Your great love and mercy. I am so glad that no matter how we are we can still be made whole by Jesus. Please help me to remember to extend to others the love and mercy you show us.
In Jesus’s name. Amen
We have not had a very warm summer here in our part of the world. I thought I would share this picture of hail and slush from February for those of you who have had a warm summer.
Enjoy the picture and remember that fall and cooler temperatures will soon arrive.
In The Traitor’s Heir, by Anna Thayer, Cadet Eamon Goodman does not know who to serve, the Master or the King. He first served the Master, because the Master has been in charge of the River Realm for over 500 years. Goodman did not know any different. The Master is in his head as a voice and offers him great things as the son of Eben.
Lieutenant Goodman, no longer Cadet, gets a new assignment. He is attacked and captured along with some of his troop. His captors are with the King. Goodman find that he enjoys talking with the King. They make plans that as the son of Eben, he can do great things either for the King or the Master. He chooses the King, but he has to go back to the Master for their plans to work.
Will he be a strong son of Eben for the King or will he go back to the Master and serve him.
About the Author-
Anna Thayer writes and lectures about C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. She is an English teacher.
My thoughts-
It is a typical situation, evil vs. good and the Master vs. the King. Anna Thayer has put a new twist to it in book one of The Knight of Eldaran series, The Traitor’s Heir. The twist is that Lieutenant Eamon Goodman, who was working for the Master (evil), was able to heal Cadet Mathaiah Grahaven’s wound with power from the true King (good). After Lieutenant Goodman healed Cadet Grahaven he became closer to the King. He went to work against the Master. Unfortunately it was in the Master’s stronghold and he went back to the Master.
Lieutenant Goodman has a lot in common with many of us. We used to serve the Master (Satan), went to the King (God), but we still turn back to the Master. I am glad that the Lord (King) takes us back, like He did with Lieutenant Goodman. We just need to ask him for forgiveness.
This book teaches us that everyone makes mistakes and sins, but we are forgiven and we need to become stronger.
I highly recommend this book and I am looking forward to the next one in the series.
Disclosure of Material Connection- I received The Traitor’s Heir by Anna Thayer, for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour. All links were current when posted. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
