Second Time Around - Review

 

Book:  Second Time Around

Author:  Melody Carlson

Publisher:  Revell

   304 pages, paperback.

This delightful story is about Mallory, an older woman with two grown children. She is a busy interior decorator with a lovely Victorian house. After her daughter gets married she feels a stronger sense of emptiness in her large home. 

She soon finds out that her grandmother left her some property. It is an old touristy gift shop with an apartment above the store. It is enjoyable to read about her days and getting to know the people in the community. 

The description of how she turns the store into a lovely decorating store is inspiring.  Even though she struggles with trying to get the apartment into livable condition, it is fascinating to learn about all the trouble it takes to get qualified workers to do necessary repairs.  It is nice to read about how she settles into the neighborhood, helping to make it a better place while she develops friendships with her neighbors.

Overall it is a modern story with a wholesome bit of romance.

Bonus: There is a surprise bonus chapter at the end of the story. It is chapter one of  Melody's book, "The Happy Camper." I enjoyed this sample. It made me want a copy of that book too! 

  * Disclosure - This book was provided for review purposes. *

 

 

 

 

Life of Andrew Jackson - Review

Book:  Life of Andrew Jackson

Author:  Edited by John S. Jenkins, A.M.

Publisher:  Attic Books - A division of New Leaf Publishing Group.

   395 pages, hardcover

 

The book itself is beautifully bound with a nice cover.  It is a reprint from the 1850 edition. The original title is as follows: "Life and Public Services of Gen. Andrew Jackson, seventh president of the United States; Including The most important of his state papers, with the Eulogy, delivered at Washington City, June 21, 1845 by Hon. George Bancroft."

It begins in 1767 with a narrative of his early life and the influence of his mother. It goes on to cover his political history, all the way up to his death in 1845.  The end of the book includes a copy of his last will and testament. 

It is worth noting that Andrew was eight years old when the Revolutionary war first broke out. You can learn a great deal of history while reading the details of his life. 

Overall it is well written and an interesting history book.

  * Disclosure - This book was provided for review purposes. *

Say What You Mean - Review

 

Book:  Say What You Mean: Overcoming Social Anxiety So You Can Become a Great Conversationalist

Author:  JoJo Tabares

 
Publisher:  Art of Eloquence

   68 pages, e-book

 JoJo has written a course for those who would like to learn communication skills.  She focuses on people who consider themselves to be shy.  She shares her personal testimony of overcoming shyness and explains that it is simply a lack of communication skills.

The book includes five sections:

 "Introduction to Social Anxiety"

 "Achieving Comfort"

"Achieving Mastery"

"Achieving Excellence"

"For Further Study"

She goes into great detail in each category and gives many helpful suggestions.  Overall this is a good course for those who would like to improve in their ability to communicate well.

 

  * Disclosure - This book was provided for review purposes. *

Zone Cleaning for Kids

Books:  Zone Cleaning for Kids

Authors: Jennie von Eggers, M.J. Flanagan, and Dena Wood. Illustrated by Maggie Brown.

Publisher:  Times Tales

This is a set of 3 spiral bound booklets, with a dry erase marker. The "Clean 'N' Flip" books include:

 

1. Laundry for Kids

 There are cute illustrations to show children how to do their own laundry. There are boxes for each step of the process. The child is to do the task and then use the dry erase marker to check the box as completed.  It quickly describes the process of wash, dry, fold, sort, and put away.

2. Bedroom Cleaning for Kids

 The illustrations are cheerful and adorable.  There are 8 tasks to complete from getting organized to making the bed.  It looks informative and helpful for children.

3. Zone Cleaning for Kids

 This is intended to help children clean the kitchen, bathroom, and living room. The pages are nicely illustrated with cheerful colors. The instructions are simple and easy to follow.

Overall, I believe children would enjoy using these flip books to accomplish their chores. 

 

* Disclosure - This book was provided for review purposes. *

 

 

The Homeschool Student Planner

 

Book:  The Homeschool Student Planner

Author:  Joanne Calderwood

Website:  https://urthemom.com/planners

Description from the publisher:

"The Self-Propelled STUDENT Planner sets YOU and YOUR CHILD free to enjoy each school day. Providing a student with one of our planners gives him a sense of ownership of his work, which in turn fosters motivation and a positive attitude yielding an educational advantage over time."

 

 

My thoughts:

 

 I love the idea that students will do well when they are motivated and are able to work independently. These planners are a great tool for students to keep track of their work and record their educational progress.  

The planner begins with detailed instructions for both the parent and the child.  One of the things the author says that really stands out in this section is:  "Children are greatly motivated to excel on their own when parents set clear expectations and guidelines and then get out of the way."  

There are places to write out goals, notes, and document books that have been read. The student can fill out the work schedule for each week, in each quarter, of the school year. 

It looks motivational and easy to use.

 

   * Disclosure - This book was provided for review purposes. *

 

 

 

A Quilt for Christmas

 

Book:  A Quilt for Christmas

Author:  Melody Carlson

Publisher:  Revell

   171 pages, paperback

 

Vera is a sweet, elderly lady who finds herself living in a strange town.  She had downsized her large home to move near her daughter's family.  When her son-in-law's job required them to relocate, Vera was left not knowing anyone in her new community.  Christmas was soon approaching and she was feeling  lonely.  Through a crisis with the neighbor's health, Vera is brought into contact with a variety of people who all join together for the purpose of making a beautiful Christmas quilt to bring cheer and happiness to their neighbor. We read how these complete strangers form friendships despite their differences.  It is enjoyable to read about their days and their activities during the Christmas season. 

  * Disclosure - This book was provided for review purposes. *

 

 

Child Child by the Kindsmen Quartet

 This is a precious gospel song, called "Child, Child" -

By The Kingsmen Quartet.