The Avid Reading Mom

I received this book free on my Kindle and decided to read it.  Michal, the first book in The Wives of Kind David series by Jill Eileen Smith was hard for me to read.  I had a hard time getting into the book.  Toward the middle it picked up a little but I struggled to finish it.  Sadly, this was not a book I would reread or highly recommend.  I decided to go ahead and review it in hopes someone else might find this review helpful…but please, give the book a try.  Several of my friends loved the book and gave it 5 stars, so you never know.

This book takes us behind the scenes into the palace of King Saul.  We get a glimpse, through the eyes of Michal, what it was like for her to grow up as a child of King Saul.  Her life was difficult.  She and her older sister were constantly vying for the attention and affection of those around them.  Michal also saw herself as the protector of her mother against an angry king.  Once David enters the picture, we see Michal begin to be drawn to him and trying to become his wife.  We also see the relationship between David and Jonathan develop.  In the end, Michal is left struggling with questions as to the purpose of her life.  Will she find her answers through David or in the God of David?

I don’t know why, but every time I read a novel about King David, I find myself not liking him very much.  I am sure every author does not intend for that to happen.  He comes across as very arrogant and the way he just flippantly discards one wife for another throughout his life, really makes me dislike him.  I know this is how it happened in the time of the Bible, but his disregard for the feelings of his wives and the reasons behind why he continually takes new wives is dishonorable.  What I found sad throughout this book was how David tended to blame Michal for the fierceness of his love for her.  After discarding her during tough times and taking more wives, she remains true to him yet he blames her for the bad in his life. 

Michal, on the other hand, is a woman who is so in love with a man that she can’t see how bad he is treating her.  She loves David with everything in her and stays true to him until the end, even when given to another man.  The author did a great job in portraying King Saul and his madness and how it affected the life of Michal throughout his life on earth and after he died.

I found myself loving Jonathan.  The man was a true man of God who would stop at nothing to be true to his friend, brother and the chosen man for Israel and the throne, no matter the cost.  Jonathan also loved his sister and wanted the best for her.  He had a fierce devotion to his family and the rightful King of Israel.  I was saddened, even though I knew it was coming, when Jonathan died.  I wish his life would have been extended. 

I tried really hard to stay engaged in this story.  I do not think it was the fault of the author, I just think it was the story in and of itself.  Michal was such a deep person who loved with everything she had and never quite received back what she gave.  I found myself feeling sorry for her and wishing more for her in the end.  While I did not fully enjoy the book, I would recommend it to anyone who likes to read accounts from the Bible in a novel format.

In book two of the Amish Vines and Orchards series by Cindy Woodsmall, The Winnowing Season, we see a continuation of the story of Rhoda, Samuel, Jacob, Leah and Landon.

In this book, we pick up right where book one (A Season for Tending) left off…with the characters preparing to move to Maine after a disaster leaves their current farm in need of too much repair.  Right from the beginning, the story gets the reader hooked.  Rhoda again struggles with choices that she made due to her gift, Samuel is trying to sort out his feelings and Jacob is still trying to recover from the demons that have followed him back from his time away from the Amish.  Leah is also trying to make some hard life decisions and Landon is beginning to have feelings for her.

Several questions can be asked as readers continue through this story.  Samuel has finally recognized what he wants but is it too late?  Jacob and Rhoda continue their relationship, but will his personal demons destroy what they have?  Leah loves her family, but will she give it all up for a life among the English?  Will Rhoda begin to understand the voices that keep haunting her?  Will there be a happy ending for everyone?

Like book one (A Season for Tending), this book leaves you hanging and asking more questions then getting answers.  I was hooked right from the beginning and couldn’t put this book down.  Cindy Woodsmall has such an amazing way of bringing the characters to life and drawing the reader into their story.  She leaves you wanting more.  Unfortunately, the next book won’t be available until Fall, 2013.

I highly recommend this book, especially if you love to read Amish Fiction.  You don’t necessarily have to read book one to understand the characters and story line.  Cindy Woodsmall does a fantastic job of “catching” the reader up on the story, but, to not read book one, would be a sad thing.  The story of these characters is so sweet that you don’t want to deny yourself being a part of their lives.  Get book one (A Season for Tending), read it, read book two (The Winnowing Season), and hold on for book three…coming Fall 2013!

Thank you to Waterbrook Multnomah’s Blogging for Books program for my free copy of The Winnowing Season, which I received in exchange for an honest review.

 

Old Order Amish Rhoda owns her own canning business and she has a “special” gift yet she is criticized within her community for using her gift to help others.  Eventually, by using the special gift, she is forced to move away from the family she loves and the community she knows, to start a new life and help a family in need.

Miles away, Samuel, who is the head of the families Orchard business, is forced to look for a new way to make money as the orchard begins to fail.  He is also forced to examine his relationship with his girlfriend as they are tested during this trying time.

Leah is the teenage sister of Samuel who is testing the boundaries of her rumschpringe.  Can Rhoda help her realize she has worth and value within her family and within the life God has placed her in? As the lines between business, love, and family begin to blur, can Rhoda finally open up to a new life? And what effect will this odd, amazing woman have on the entire King family?

This is the first book in Ms. Woodsmall’s “Amish Vines and Orchards”. It is a MUST read!!  I have loved reading Cindy Woodsmall’s Amish stories since I discovered her several years ago.  She has a way of bringing the characters to life as you read through each book page by page.  Her attention to detail and her ability to portray the Amish is fascinating…and this book did not disappoint.  I was hooked from the very second I picked it up and had a hard time putting it down when I had to.  The story is such a sweet story of love, forgiveness, redemption and finding value in who you are as a person.

Cindy Woodsmall gives a clear message that forgiveness is available and change can be made for the better in each of us!  The book is full of secrets, mystery, and fun. I loved this book and could not put it down. It should come with a disclaimer that states this book is hard to put down so start when you have time.   All said and done, I found A Season for Tending very fascinating. I’ve never read a book where the Amish were presented in such an interesting way with so much fun, humor and drama. It was a wonderful discovery. The end got my heart pumping!

I highly recommend A Season For Tending to anyone who enjoys Amish fiction. And to all those don't usually read this genre, I am here to tell you this is not your average Amish fiction, this book is something special, which I definitely encourage you to try!!!

The Winnowing Season (Book 2), should be available in April 2013.

Thank you to Waterbrook Multnomah’s Blogging for Books program for my free copy of A Season for Tending, which I received in exchange for an honest review.

 

How many bad things can happen in your life within a short period of time before you start questioning if they are on purpose?  That is exactly how Jim and Jess feel in this story, Fire Storm, which is written by Mackenzie Dare.

Jim is a fireman who faces dangers every day of his life.  Jess is a stay-at-home mom to a sweet baby girl who has a love for nature and the outdoors.  She also loves her horses and spends time in her barn.  Jim and Jess also have best friends named Wade and Melissa who they spend a lot of time with.

As days go by, more and more bad things keep happening and Jim and Jess begin to piece together that Jess is the target of someone who wants her dead.  The story has a happy ending but not before the killer catches up to Jess.

All in all, this was a good story.  At times, it seemed like the story was dragging on.  There was a couple of places where it could have ended and still been a wonderful story.  In the end, salvation comes to those who need it and love and forgiveness are shown.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a contemporary love story.  The characters are wonderful and you really begin to fall in love with each one.  The story lines are fantastic and well written.  I would say, just persevere when it starts to drag on, it picks up toward the end and then you can’t stop reading it.  I enjoyed it very much. 

I would rate this book 3.5 stars!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Every person harbors secrets.  Those secrets can, often times, be the cause of pain, heartache, spiritual and emotional damage.  In Not A Sparrow Falls by Linda Nichols, she explores the dangers that can occur when secrets are kept from those we love.

Mary Bridget Washburn (Bridie) is a girl who is on the run from her ex-boyfriend and from the law.  Her ex-boyfriend is a meth dealer and his life is plummeting out of control.  As Mary’s life spirals out of control she decides to leave the situation she is living in, takes all the money from the house, and goes as far away as she can.  Her journey ends in Alexandria.

Enter Reverend Alasdair MacPherson.  Alasdair is a man of God who, after loosing his wife, has forsaken his family and his church in pursuits he believes God wants him to do.  Bridie is hired by Alasdair’s sister to become the nanny for his 3 children; Samantha who is 13, and the twins Cameron and Bonnie.  Bridie helps Alasdair open up and see how his pursuits are hurting his family and himself.

Samantha, Alasdair’s oldest daughter is hurting.  She lost her mom and her dad is now a workaholic who doesn’t even know she exists.  She is spiraling out of control; she hangs out with the wrong crowd, skips school, and begins stealing, which is where she meets Bridie.  After a desperate plea for help posted on the church bulletin board, Bridie begins to reach out to her and Samantha begins to heal and love again.

In the end, secrets are revealed which bring love and healing to the whole family.  Linda Nichols weaves together an incredible tale of lies, love, and redemption. 

I read this book as part of a book club read for the Christian Fiction Devours group at Goodreads. I really enjoyed reading this story.  At times, the story line seemed to drag on but I kept reading because I was engrossed in the lives of the characters.  As you experience life through the eyes of Bridie and Alasdair, you see that God is the God of redemption and forgiveness.  This story shows that nothing can separate you from the love and forgiveness of God.  This story also shows that prayer is the key to happiness in our lives.

I would recommend this book for someone who is going through trials in their life.  It will help them see that God is always there, just a prayer away.

Overall, I give this book 4 out of 5 stars!

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane is written by Kate DiCamillo and illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline.  This book is the incredible story of Edward, a very selfish china rabbit who is deeply loved by a girl named Abilene.  One day, while traveling on a boat with Abilene and her family, Edward is lost at sea.  Edward then is taken an a remarkable journey of discovery and he learns how important love is and the need for love in our lives.  One statement in the book really sums up the whole theme of this book": "If you have no intention of loving or being loved, then the whole journey is pointless." (p. 199)

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane could be classified as historical fiction.  The settings throughout the book take place over several years during the early to mid 1900’s.  According to the textbook, Literature and the Child, on page 17, it explains that historical fiction tells a story set in the past; it portrays events that did or could definitely occur.  The illustrations in this book, though there are very few of them, are very detailed paintings.  The illustrator really took time to get the details correct in every illustration within this book. 

This book is recommended for students ages 7-10 years old.  I would agree with this recommendation, although I do believe students older than 10 would really enjoy reading this remarkable story and would learn a lot through the journey of Edward.  The story line is very easy to follow and the chapters are very short so struggling readers would feel great accomplishment after finishing each chapter.

I think this book would be great to include in a unit study on love, maybe during Valentines Day.  Some activities to include when using this book within your classroom could be:

1.  Have each student choose a different character, major or minor, and draw his or her portrait. The cast of characters should include everyone from Edward to the crows in the garden. Label each drawing with a paragraph describing the character and his or her relationship to Edward.

2.  Throughout Edward’s journey, there are folks who are kind to Edward, some who love him, some who are indifferent, and others who are downright cruel. Make a chart of these characters and discuss their differences.

3.  Throughout his journey, Edward Tulane yearns to go home, which he considers to be Egypt Street. And yet he spends many happy years with people who take him in and give him new homes. Make a list of things that mean home to you.

READER RESPONSE QUESTIONS:
1.  Why does Pellegrina tell the story about a princess who loves no one and is turned into a warthog by a witch to Abilene and Edward?

2.  What are some of the life lessons Edward learns on his journey, through good times and bad?

3.  How and why do all adults (except Abilene’s sharp-eyed grandmother, Pellegrina) condescend, or talk down, to Edward?

4.  Is there a difference between the love Edward receives from Abilene at the beginning of the book and the love he receives from Sarah Ruth?

REFERENCES:
Candlewick Press Teachers Guide on The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane.  Retrieved from http://www.edwardtulane.com/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=Yny-zUwaGF0%3d&tabid=76

DiCamillo, K. (2006). The miraculous journey of edward tulane. (1st ed.). Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press.

Galda, L., Cullinan, B. E., & Sipe, L. R. (2011). Literature and the child. (7th ed. ed.). Belmont: Wadsworth Pub Co.

The Golly Sisters Go West is written by Betsy Byars and illustrated by Sue Truesdell.  The wagon is ready.  The songs and dances are ready.  The horse will not go.  As soon as the horse goes, then the adventures begin.  The Golly sisters, May-May and Rose, encounter some pretty hilarious adventures as they make their way west.  Their story is told in six short stories that will leave you laughing as you turn each page.

The Golly Sisters Go West is one of three books written by Betsy Byars about the hilarious tails of May-May and Rose, two sisters who travel west and have some very hilarious adventures.  According to the textbook, Literature and the Child, on page 17, it explains that historical fiction tells a story set in the past; it portrays events that did or could definitely occur.  It is made up of stories that take place in a certain time or place in the past.  Real historical figures and events can be included in the story.  The illustrations throughout this book are line drawings.  They were drawn to look very cartoonish which goes along with the funny stories. 

The book is recommended for ages 4-8.  It is an I Can Read level 3 book so it is written with larger text and fewer, simple words on each page.  I would agree with this age.  The stories are very easy to read and understand.  They are written in a way that children will realize that the sisters are having some very fun adventures.  The book would be a good book to include on a unit study about settlers in the old west.

When including this book in a classroom unit, I would recommend the following activities:

1.  Have children brainstorm a list of resources they could consult to learn what life was like during this time period. Examples include old newspapers, the Internet, etc. Record responses on chart paper. Use these resources to find
images from this period.  Have students pick out on of the pictures and write a fictional story based on the example they find.  Make sure the students understand to keep the historical setting accurate.

2.  Have students write a seventh adventure to go along with this book.  What new adventure would May-May and Rose encounter had their been a seventh chapter to the book.

READER RESPONSE QUESTIONS:
1.  When and where does the story take place?

2.  How do you know it takes place then?

3.  How do you think the writer knew what life was like during that time period?

4.  How do you think the illustrator knew what life was like during that time period?  Make this answer differ from question #3.

REFERENCES:
Byars, B. (1985). The golly sisters go west. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers.

Galda, L., Cullinan, B. E., & Sipe, L. R. (2011). Literature and the child. (7th ed. ed.). Belmont: Wadsworth Pub Co.

I Can Read books classroom activity guide.  Retrieved from http://www.icanread.com/educators/downloadables/icanreadclassroomguide.pdf