Book Review- The Scent of Cherry Blossoms by Cindy Woodsmall

The Scent of Cherry Blossoms

By: Cindy Woodsmall

From the Back of the Book:

Annie Martin loves the Plain ways of her Old Order Mennonite people, like those revered by her beloved grandfather. Retreating from a contentious relationship with her mother, Annie goes to live with her Daadi Moses in Apple Ridge.

But as spring moves into Pennsylvania and Annie spends time amongst the cherry trees with the handsome Aden Zook, she wishes she could forget how deeply the lines between the Old Order Amish and Old Order Mennonite are drawn.

Can Annie and Aden find a place for their love to bloom in the midst of the brewing storm?

My Thoughts: 

I have read and review several Cindy Woodsmall Books.  This was a another home run for me.  I feel in love with Annie and Aden and their simple innocent way of looking at life.  Cindy did a very good job of bringing the characters in this book alive.  These two both have such sweet personalities it's hard not to love them and root for their happiness.  From the start of the book I was really taken back by the predicament these two are in with one being Old Order Amish and the other Old Order Mennonite.  Each of these facing rejection from their people if they choose to stick together.  I really was in suspense to see how their story would end.  There is a bit of a crossover of characters from the book The Christmas Singing, I love when that happens in a book!!

I really thought this book was an easy read.  It was not hard to keep up and did not require a lot of brain work to keep all the characters straight. 

I give this book a 5 out 5 I really enjoyed it!

Disclaimer:  I was provided a free copy of this book from Water Brook Press for review purposes. The opinions in this review are mine alone and are not influenced by the company.

Knot Genie- Review and Giveaway

About the Knot Genie from their website:

"The Knot Genie™ Detangling Brush was created for every mom that has endured the foot stomping and screaming matches that come with brushing their child's hair. With the Knot Genie, even the curliest, most knotted up hair practically slips through the unique bristle configuration – gently and painlessly. Try the Knot Genie on your kids (or on yourself) – you'll be amazed by the ease of brushing, as well as how it virtually stops breakage and split ends. You've wished for hair brushing standoffs to end. Wish granted.  "

 

My thoughts:

Baby Bug has curly hair.  All those who have children with curly hair know that comes with tangles!  She sports some major bed head with lots of tangles.  Hair time was not fun time.  We received the knot genie to try out.   This works so much better then the comb I normally use.  The tangles fall right out and baby bug is left with soft silky baby sweet hair.  I was truly amazed at how well this little brush works, and how soft it left baby bug's hair.  Okay, so hair time is still not fun time since it is still a sit still time.  Baby bug is an on the go toddler, but it is much improved!!  I did try the brush on my own thick unruly hair, it did get the tangles out but also made it very big and puffy.  I guess that same soft silky baby hair it gave baby bug just does not work for my own hair wants.  Over all I really do enjoy this product, I am sure we will be using it with baby bug for many years to come! 

Giveaway:

Want to hear some good news?  Knot Genie is offering one Learning to be Thrifty reader a chance to try the Knot Genie for themselves.  To enter use the raflecopter Widget below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: I received a knot genie for review purposes.  All opinions in this post are my own and are not influenced by the company. 

CD review and giveaway - I am Happy

CD Review 

I am Happy by Sukey Mo0lloy

About the CD:

 With a focus on age-appropriate material that encourages participation, Sukey Molly's music is just right for the youngest listeners.  Many of the songs on I am Happy! stimulate play activities with props, and all the songs feature imagery and lively, meaningful lyrics that capture the attention of young listeners. 

My Thoughts: 

We loved this CD!  Loved, loved, loved this CD.  I put it on in the car as we were running errands, our favorite way to review CD's.  Baby bug immediately started singing along.   We have several CD's and baby bug loves music but I have never seen her get so involved so fast with songs.  The songs have an easy going easy to sing along feel to them.  The words are simple and sung in such a way to make them easy for children to join in.  The songs are very educational covering many areas, numbers, body parts, feelings, and animals just to name a few things covered on the CD.  My favorite song is the counting song in this song Sukey counts 1-10 in several languages, what great exposure for baby bug!!

Check out all the great products Sukey carries.  I am excited to see she has some DVD I think she would create one great circle time.

Want to hear some good news?  One Learning to be Thrifty Reader will win a copy of the I am Happy CD.  Use the Rafflecopter Widget below to enter.  Must be a resident of US or Canada to Enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this CD for review purposes.  All opinions in this post are mine and are not influenced by the company. 

Book Review: Sweeter Than Birdsong

Book Review: Sweeter than Birdsong 

By Rosslyn Elliott

From the Back of the Book:

In Westerville, Ohio 1855, Kate Winter's dreams are almost within reach.  As the first woman to graduate from Otterbein College, she'll be guaranteed her deepest wish: escape from the dark secret haunting her family.  But with her mother determined to marry her off to a wealthy man, Kate must face reality.  She has to run.  Now.  And she has the perfect plan.  Join  the upcoming musical performance- and use it to mask her flight.

Ben Hanby, Otterbein College's musical genius sees Kate Winter as an enigmatic creature notable for her beauty, yet painfully shy.  Then he hears her sing- and the glory of her voice moves him as never before.  He determines to cast her in his musical and uncover the mystery that is Kate.  Still, he must keep his own secret to himself.  Not even this intriguing woman can know that his passionate faith is driving him to aid fugitives on the Underground Railroad.  

Aterrifying accident brings Kate and Ben together, but threatens to shatter both their secrets and their dreams.  Kate can no longer deny the need to find her courage- and her voice- if she is to sing a new song for their future.

My Thoughts:

Have you ever read one of those books that you just cannot put down?  This is one of those it is a pretty lengthy book of 375 pages and I read it in less then a day.  I loved this story.  Their was a lot of depth to the story.  Their is alot going on it has adventure, love, personal victories.  Kate is such a sweet quite character very different then most leading ladies.  Ben is also not like many leading men in stories.  He is a more gentle aware fellow with a very kind caring heart.  

It was interesting how the story revolved around the underground railroad.  I have not read many books from this time period or region and really enjoyed that about this book.  I enjoyed this writers style the book flowed well and even though it had lots of adventure and lots of turns and twists I was able to easily keep up with what was going on.  This book is a second in The Saddler's Legacy Series.  Even thought it is a second book it read on it's own just fine, for the most part I did not get lost due to not reading the first book.  Their was one part where Ben's father is talking about when he and Ben's mom are courting I think that part would have made more sense had I already read the first book.  I really want to read that first book Fairer than Morning.  I also really hope their is a third book that will come out in this series as well.  I think their was plenty of room left for another book in this series.  I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars it truly is a must read!!  I am sure you won't be able to out it down either. 

Disclaimer:  I was given a free copy of this book for review purposes only.  The opinions in this review are all mine and are not influenced by the company. 

Book Review- This Little Prayer of Mine

This Little Prayer of mine

By: Anthony Destefano

Illustrated by: Mark Elliott

(A Children's Book) 

From the Back of the book:

I know you're up in heaven, God, and can hear my voice from there.  I'm just a little child.  Will you answer my short prayer?  So begins this delightful book that affirms God's readiness to answer our prayers, no matter what our age. 

My thoughts:

This is a great addition to our bookshelf.  The book is goes through a prayer of a young child through all the different emotions and events that they may pray about.  I believe it is a good book to show a child how easy it is to pray.  I am also in love with the pictures in this book, they are so simple yet so pretty the colors are very vibrant.  My young daughter is able to sit through the book as it is a simple short read, and the pictures hold her attention very well.  Overall I give this book at 5 out of 5 stars I found it to be a good read for young children.
Disclaimer:  I received a  free copy of this book for review purposes.  The opinions in this book are all mine and are not influenced by the company. 

Happy's Christmas Gift - Review and giveaway

Book Review: Happy's Christmas Gift 

By: Geoff Parker SR.

From the Back of the book:

Oh no!  Happy is in trouble again!  Having gone out to post his letter to Santa, he suddenly finds himself on an unexpected journey.

Although Happy is cold and scared at first, his adventure takes a turn and delivers him to magical lands where he discovers that dreams really can come true.  Can Happy save the day?  And more importantly, will he get home in time for Christmas? 

An adorable character and a wonderful, traditional story brought to life by beautiful illustrations.  A treasure that will stand the test of time and will surely be a favorite for all generations. 

My thoughts:

My package came with three happy products - a happy stuffed dog, a hardback book and a softback book with English and Spanish words.  Babybug loved having the stuffed dog to hold while we read the book together, she barked throughout the whole story.  I loved this sweet little story about a happy little doggie appropriately named Happy.  I like the choice of Yorkie for this dog it seems to fit his personality very well in this story.  Baby bug enjoyed this story it is a bit long so we had to read it in two sessions since she has the attention span of a toddler.  I like the idea of a multi-language book, this gives older children exposure to Spanish as well as Spanish readers exposure to English.  This book would be a great addition to your Christmas collection. 

Other Happy Tales information:

Right now Happy Tales Publishing is having a coloring contest.  They have three pictures your children can do then turn in to enter the contest.  Entries are due by December 10th at Midnight.

Check them out on facebook

The Giveaway:

Want to hear the good news?  Two Learning to be Thrifty Readers will have a chance to win Happy Products. 

The first winner will win a Hardcover/English copy of Happy's Christmas Gift and a Happy Santa Toy.

A second reader will win a soft cover/Spanish-English copy of Happy's Christmas Gift and a Happy Santa Toy.

Book Review- Backyard Horses, Horse Dreams

Book Review: Backyard Horses

Horse Dreams

By: Dandi Daley Mackall 

(a children's chapter book)

From the back of the book:

Meet Ellie James, a forth grader with a great imagination.  Ellie Spends a lot of time daydreaming about owning a black stallion show horse and winning trophies in the horse show.  But when the answer to all her dreams and prayers gallops into her life, will Ellie be able to recognize it? 

My Thoughts:

I thought this was a good quality book for young girls.  I liked the way that Ellie had such an open easy relationship with God.  She prayed to him as if she was talking to a friend at the park.  I think this sets a good example and shows children how they can let God into their lives on a daily basis.  Ellie's younger brother is deaf and uses sign language to communicate.  I liked how the book had each chapter title pictures of finger spelling for the title words.  The book also included a page in the back that had the alphabet in sign language.  The book also exposes children to common horse terms and defines them in the back of the book.  I know I have a niece that will be head over heels for this book with all the horse involved!!

The only thing that I thought may be confusing for young readers is the popping back and forth from Ellie's reality to her day dreams.  I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.  

I was given a copy of this book for review purposes from Tyndale.  The opinions in this review are my own and were not influenced by the company.

Book Review- The Christmas Singing

Book Review - The Christmas Singing 

By: Cindy Woodsmall

From the back of the Book:

After Gideon Coldly broke her heart, can the warmth of the season revive Mattie's hopes?  Mattie thought her childhood sweetheart adored her until he abruptly ended their engagement on Christmas Eve.  Three years later, will learning the truth behind his rejection restore her Christmas joy- or open the door to even deeper heartbreak?  Spend Christmas with the Amish in this story of love, romance, heartache, and restoration.

My Thoughts:

This book is by the same author as The Harvest of Grace, and I must say I am falling in love with this author.  She has a way of bring her characters to life.  Even though her Characters from the Amish Country are from a very different walk of life then me I relate to them.  With her writing style I feel the characters joys as well as they struggle.  This book is that way I fell in love with Mattie and longed to see her make the choices that would make her happy.  Do you ever try to tell a character what to do as you read a book, knowing you see the big picture and they don't?  I did this in this book I wanted to tell Mattie exactly what to do to live the happily ever after life.  I will not tell you if she listened to me or not by the end of the story!! 

This book was a quick easy read.  I read it in one night.  I think part of this is due to the size of the book, but also it is a book you don't want to put down.  I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars a good winter read!

I was provided a free copy of this book from Water Brook Press for review purposes the opinions in this review are mine alone and are not influenced by the company. 

Book Review- The Harvest of Grace

The Harvest of Grace- Written by Cindy Woodsmall

The Story:

Taken from the back of the book: "Reeling from an unexpected betrayal Sylvia makes a painful mistake that forces her to seek work far from her family.  Can she find relief from the echoes of her past or will they shape her future forever"

"After months of rehab, Aaron Blank returns home to sell his dad's failing farm and move his parents into an easier lifestyle.  Two things stand in his way: the father who stubbornly refuses to recognize that Aaron has changed and the determined new farmhand his parents love like a daughter."

My Thoughts:  

I really enjoyed this book the characters where very dynamic they keep the store interesting.  Set in an Amish community who would have expected to find a girl farmhand on a dairy farm, or a Son struggling with addiction.  I was glad to see this is a book out of a series of stories and really want to read the other books in the Ada's House series. 

I really felt a connection with Sylvia, I felt the author did a good job of sharing her feelings and helping the reader to understand the struggle that Sylvia faced.  This book was a good read I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and give it 5 out of 5 stars.

I was provided a copy of this book for review purposes from WaterBrook Press.  All opinions in this review however are my own and are not influenced by the company.

Book Review: Larkspur Cove

Book Review:

Larkspur Cove By Lisa Wingate

This book tells the tale of Andrea Henderson a woman who moves home to Mose Lake, Texas to build a new life for herself and her son. It tells the story of Game Warden Mart McClendon at Mose Lake to forget a tragedy for which he can not forgive himself.  It also tells the story of a mysterious little girl and a town recluse.  

I admittedly took some time to warm up to this story.   I did not immediately feel a connection with Andrea, I struggled to see things from her view point at first and understand where she was coming from.  It was much easier for me to relate to Mart.  His outlook on life was easier for me to understand to connect with in the beginning.  But somewhere in between the beginning and the end   I began to really enjoy the storyline and connect with both main characters in their struggles.  It became one of those books you don't want to put down because you want so bad to know how it will all end.  By the end this had became one of my favorite books.  I do not read a lot of present day setting books so this was a nice change from my usual historical fiction. 

Overall I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars.

Disclaimer:  I was provided a copy of this book from the company for review purposes the opinions in this post are mine and were not influenced by the company.