Book Review: A Love Transformed

"I can't love her," he told himself sternly. He lowered his gaze to the floor and sighed as the truth washed over him. "I can't not love her."

When Clara's husband dies suddenly, she is released from a loveless marriage. She and her children travel to a Montana ranch, the last place where she felt truly happy. However, she does not know that her late husband's secrets will catch up to them at the ranch.

From the moment I saw the lovely picture on the front, I knew I wanted to read this story! I was thrilled that the picture on the front is the same as a photograph described in the story. I kept coming back to look at it. The back of the book drew me in further by giving me JUST enough information to make me want to know more, and then the first chapter starts off with the action immediately. Even though this is part 3 of the Sapphire Brides series, the book stands on its own (and now I need to find and read the other two!) 

There are only a few quibbles I have with the book. The "bad" characters seem to be ALL bad. I wish the "bad" characters had some redeeming qualities. That would have made them more believable. Also, in the story there are 4 year old twins. It is said that they were born because their father was an identical twin. However, identical twins don't run in families and when fraternal twins run in families, they run on the mother's family. Also, I think the 4 year olds speak more like 8 year olds. 

But I'm a bit nit-picky sometimes. I just pretended the characters were more fleshed out, ignored the part about twins passing through the father's side, and re-imagined the twins as 8 year olds. 

Overall I was very impressed and (between meals) read the book in one sitting! There are some surprising twists, quite a bit of danger, characters to loathe and love, and a somewhat predictable yet happy ending.

To learn more about the author, click HERE.

I received this book from Bethany House for this review.

Book Review: God Gave Us Thankful Hearts

"We all have so much to be thankful for."

Little Pup has a problem. He's unhappy. As he and his mama go about their chores, join Papa for fishing and fix dinner, they talk about the antidote for his unhappiness. 

Thankfulness. 

For everything Little Pup is sad about, his parents remind him how to be thankful about it. 

My husband and son both agree that their favorite part of this book is the illustrations. Just look at my son's favorite picture! So yummy!

There's only one thing I didn't care for in this book. A few lines of the dialog seemed stilted, as if the author were trying too hard to sound genuine. The result just doesn't sound right. For instance, when the Papa Wolf says something to Little Pup, Little Pup's response is, "That's crazy talk!" Perhaps other families use that type of jargon, but this and a few other sentences seem out of spirit with the remainder of the book. 

However, the flaws in this book are minor, Interesting characters, bright beautiful artwork, and a compelling story line make the reader want to continue turning the pages. Since so many children's books only include one parent, my husband and I were glad to see a complete family unit portrayed with both parents active in the child's life. And, most importantly, the story teaches children about the importance of being thankful. 

"Don't worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God." (Philippians 4:6, emphasis added)

To learn more about the author, click HERE.

To learn more about the artist, click HERE. 

I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.

New Beginnings

I have just begun this blog for multiple reasons:

1. To share book reviews

2. To write about various topics; such as homeschooling and homemaking and whatever else suits my fancy.

3. To eventually provide readers with printables to help with homeschooling and homemaking

What's with the title?

Here's your answer:

gal·li·mau·fry

ˌɡaləˈmôfrē/

noun

1. a confused jumble or medley of things.