My Ebookshelf (Small Though It Be)

Wow, what a nerdy title! Only the 21^st century could present us with such an awkward, amazing thing. Paper books are definitely my preference, but giveaways and sales have given me a few of my own ebooks to talk about. Sorry--I had so much fun with my paper-bookshelf tour, that I couldn't stop there. ; )

Brothers and Betrayal by Sarah Holman

Sequel to Adventures and Adversities (Love the alphabetical!), I got this book through a giveaway. I really enjoyed reading it since I’m a medieval and Robin Hood junkie. The best thing about it, though, is that it’s those things redeemed. ; ) Robin Hood without the thievery. It does bring up some interesting moral dilemma discussions, but you’ll hear more about that when I post the full review sometime.

Daddy-Long-Legs by Jean Webster

I picked this book up because it was cute-looking, famous, and free. I really enjoyed the letter format and the endearing, down-to-earth character of Judy. ; ) It is a product of its times, however, so there are some things I don’t agree with. (And I found the romance disappointing but I’m picky, so...) ; )

The Graham Quartet and the Mysterious Strangers by Rebekah Morris

I picked this up because it was free online, and I knew it would be good since I’ve read a lot by the author. ; ) My siblings and I all really enjoyed it since it’s an adventuresome mystery where the kids have their parents in on it and they actually call the police when they need to. We are so excited for the next book to come out! ; )

The Green Ember by S.D. Smith

My mom picked this up for free through a Famomook friend’s recommendation and asked me to preview it. Cute cover, probably Beatrix Potter-like, right? I decided to try it out to see if maybe the younger kids could read it. And I love it so much!!! It’s definitely a very favorite ever, as you can probably tell from the extended review I have on here. And I just read the prequel The Blackstar of Kingston. And I just found out there’s another book in the series coming next spring. Eeek!!

It Took a War by Emily Ann Putzke

This book looked really interesting, and since it was discounted for a summer reading program on Homeschooled Authors I thought I would give it a try. Very neat story concept, but I found the story to be a bit like a textbook sometimes and somewhat abbreviated with not much character development in some cases. Still an interesting read, but not exactly my taste.

Never by J. Grace Pennington

I won this book in a giveaway and was interested to see what it had to offer since I’d only read the author’s sci-fi works. It was a very well written complicated story, but I had trouble enjoying it because of the grunginess and the violence. I also wished the Christian theme had been stronger. Once again, a good book but not my taste. ; )

Waltz into the Waves by Sarah Holman

You know how when you have an Amazon giftcard and you squeeze as many real books onto it as possible there’s still those delightful little bits of money left over? Yeah, I found myself in that troubling situation. Coming across this short story, I decided to give it a try since it sounded really cute. ; ) It was a really cute. And a really clever Cinderella retelling. One problem though—too cute. The romance was more of the kind that gets into the characters' thought lives (i.e. Oh, wow, I want to kiss him.), and I try not to read much of that because it can affect my brain. ; ) So, I did enjoy it for its good writing, but it’s not something I’ll read again for a while. ; )

So, that’s my ebookshelf. As you can see it’s been collected mostly through giveaways, discounts, and the like which is exactly what Kindle is for, right? I want to publicly thank my brother for figuring out how to link my account with the family’s so we can have our books on the same Kindle. Pretty awesome, bro.

What does your ebookshelf contain? Do you like the adventure of trying out books or do you find it discouraging and maddening? Which do you prefer—paper books or digital ones? ; )

My Bookshelf of Oddities and Amazingities (Part Two)

Hello again, it's me. I'm crazy. Book crazy. (That's the good kind.) ; ) Anyone else excited to see the rest of my book collection? ; )

The Little House Series by Laura Ingalls Wilder

I’m collecting these, because I think every bookshelf should have ‘em. They are timeless. ; ) I don’t quite have the full series yet, but they’re everywhere so it’s coming. There are also a few “extra books” written by other authors in the spirit of the originals that I’d like to add to my collection too.

Dance at Grandpa’s

This is a picture book version of one of my favorite parts in Little House in the Big Woods. The paintings are so cute! ; )

Summer Days with the Moodys by Sarah Maxwell

Another book I picked up because I was out of things to read and this one would be safe. ; ) Dad and Mom got it primarily for me at the one of the Maxwells’ conferences, but it was for me to share with my siblings. ; ) We all enjoy them, but there not our very favorites.

The Heavens Declare by Perry Willis

Yeah, I know. She’s Perry Kirkpatrick now. I have one of the old versions. Sister privileges. ; ) (It’s signed too.) It’s a really fun book!! You learn science without knowing you are which is always a good thing. ; )

Light of the World by Perry Willis

Sorry, old version too. ; P This one is similar to the first one in writing style, but this time there’s something of a mystery and an amazing Gospel presentation. ; ) I love it.

Pearl’s Practice by Perry Kirkpatrick

There we have it—now she’s married. Phew. This book is so cute!! It’s the only pro-life, pro-baby, pro-Christ one I’ve seen of its kind. I love it.

The Treasure Hunt by Kate Willis

Oh, my, that’s me! I’m so happy to have my own little book on the shelf (can you see it in the picture?), and I couldn’t be more grateful for the awesome people who’ve made this dream come true. ; )

Hank the Cowdog by John Erickson

I have two of these fabulously weirdly funnily interesting books. I have the first one, because it’s the first one. And I have Lost in the Blinded Blizzard because it is the best ever. (Except maybe the fishhook one and the tornado one.) You’ll never look at a dog the same after reading these. ; )

Along Came a Dog by Meindert Dejong

This book is really slow, as is usual of the author’s style, but I like it a lot for that reason. Charming story, especially since I remember Mom reading it aloud when I was really little. ; )

Man O’ War by Walter Farley

My favorite horse book is King of the Wind by Marguerite Henry. That one and any other about an awesome horse always refers to their relative—Man O’ War. I was beginning to be frustrated that I had no idea what they were all talking about when I found this book at the thrift store. (Thrift stores are a bookaholic’s BFF.) It was really neat to finally know something about this famous horse, but I still think I prefer books about the Godolphin Arabian and Seabiscuit. ; )

The Middle Moffat by Eleanor Estes

Our ancient church library was not always complete in their series I bought this book myself to see what happened next. We like this series a lot, but there can often be ghost “sightings” and slight attitude throughout. ; )

Adventures and Adversities by Sarah Holman

Oh, the wonders of the Homeschooled Authors booth! I found this there too. ; ) I’ve already reviewed it on here before, but it’s worth saying again—it’s awesome!! ; )

Before You Meet Prince Charming by Sarah Mally

This book—wow. Very helpful for the topic of boy/girl interactions and keeping a solid brain in Christ. My older sister gave me her copy when she got married. ; )

It’s (Not That) Complicated by Anna Sophia and Elizabeth Botkin

I got this book last year with book money (from the year before’s birthday). My relatives are so nice to me. *sighs happily* This book most definitely goes on the list of “very favorites ever”. If the book I mentioned before goes far in being helpful, this one goes even farther! You might see me quote it on her sometimes as it deals with everything from sibling relationships to interactions with young men, from social media guidelines to contentment in Christ. It covers all the bases. Wowzers. (I would recommend this book for older teenagers, and the other one for the thirteen to sixteen age group.) ; )

Babywise by Gary Ezzo and Robert Bucknam, M.D.

Ha, ha! You can tell that this is definitely one of the books I’m not using right now, but I’m sure it will be good for the future. It’s what Mom used with me! ; )

To Train Up a Child by Michael and Debi Pearl

And this one too...no children to “train up” currently. ; )

Little Pilgrim’s Progress by Helen L. Taylor (not pictured because it’s on loan)

I love the story of Christian! Unfortunately, I’m not fluent in Middle English, so I really appreciate that this version is in regular English. ; ) It’s also awesome how in this version Christian is a child. Makes things a bit more relatable. ; ) I bought this book at a homeschool convention after enjoying my sister’s copy.

Evangelists in Chains by Elizabeth Wagler (also on loan)

Remember that Christmas I mentioned when I got the knock-knock joke book? This was my gift in the mail around New Years’. I love it so much!!! The whole theme of the story is “Our God, whom we serve, is able”. It will truly wow you and strengthen your faith! (And start some good discussions on non-conformity and non-resistance.) ; )

The Family Treasures Coloring Book by Breezy Brookshire

I love this!!! We all love it! Just enough detail and charm to be one of the good coloring books (that can keep even old people like me interested) without making it tedious to work on a picture. We especially love the family-centeredness of the scenes! ; )

Audrey Bunny by Angie Smith

I’ve screamed about this on here before, and I’m not hoarse yet so I’ll scream about it again. Take a tear-jerking story with Gospel overtones and hidden references to a true life tear-jerking story then have Breezy Brookshire illustrate it in full color. Yep.

Our Flag Was Still There by Tracy Michele Leininger (now Craven)

I love this story. And I love the pictures. One of the best patriotically-_geared books I’ve read.

Rosemary for Remembrance by Tasha Tudor

Mommy got me this gorgeous calendar treasury book for my birthday. I haven’t used it yet, but I love just looking and looking at the pictures. ; )

Large Family Logistics by Kim Brenneman

This book is awesome for now and awesome for later. I loved reading it for ideas, and I look forward to implementing it in my own household someday. One really excellent thing it did for me was to help me see motherhood as the exciting art, science, and ministry it really is. ; )

I’ve mentioned a few of the more notable books in my stack of sideways ones, but as you can see there are many more. If you were to browse through that part you’d find a knitting book, a Bible Bee workbook, picture books from my past and waiting for the future (though my little friends pull them out to enjoy once in a while), an old Highlights magazine (1975), full journals and empty ones, a book one of my little sisters made me, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar”, and cds full of old family photos. I have my two ultimate favorite audio dramas on there too—“Sir Knight of the Splendid Way” and “The Last Battle”. It’s time to listen to those again. ; )

Over on my desk are a couple more books. They’re mostly there because they are the pretty ones, but also you can probably see that I’m running out of space. *grins sheepishly* *adds another book to that Amazon wishlist* I like my desk to be pretty (and cluttered with projects, but that’s beside the point), so these ones got to go on top.

Prayer Devotional Bible by God (and whoever wrote the devotions)

My Dad bought me this NIV Bible a while back because I’ve always had an interest in prayer warriors and intercession (and because it is really pretty). Unfortunately, I don’t use it much because our church uses NKJV for services. Maybe it’s time to switch back to it though, because my regular Bible is super beat up. ; )

Sir Knight of the Splendid Way by W.E. Cule

Eeeeeek!!!!! I LOVE this one!!! It’s like a medieval (and you know I love medieval) version of Pilgrim’s Progress. Soooooo awesome!!! Life-changing. My Dad references “The Vision of the Face” when he’s encouraging us to keep our eyes on Christ. I can’t decide if it’s better in book or audio drama format—it’s probably better in both. ; ) A very favorite ever? Definitely. Very good birthday present.

The Lost Clue by O.F. Walton

Really great story! I don’t usually like the “our-main-character-is-the-long-lost-noble-something-of-wherever-and-that’s-the-reason-they-have-good-character” books. This book is half that and half not. (One of the only reasons it passed muster. The other reasons include a great mystery and a sweet Godly romance.) That “half not” part really made me love it. Marjorie is such an amazing character! She is really inspiring and encouraging. I love it. ; ) Another birthday present. Now I know why I was born—birthdays.

Comfortable Troubles by Elizabeth Prentiss

When you’ve enjoyed Stepping Heavenward and Aunt Jane’s Hero you naturally want more. I was so excited to see that Lamplighter Publishers had reclaimed another one of her books and even more excited to see it on the scratch and dent table at a homeschool convention. It came home with me, and I loved it as I did the others. In a way, it’s actually very different from them; but good all the same. I don’t tend to recommend it for younger readers, just in case they pick up on the wrong worldview the main character moves from.

So, that’s my bookshelf! Thanks for stopping by and bearing with my wanderings! ; ) If I know you in person, I’d love to loan you something; and, if I don’t, I’d love to meet you! ; )

What are your favorites? I’m not sure what mine are but you can judge that for yourselves from my descriptions. ; )

Book Review: Adventures and Adversities

A couple weeks ago, I had the privilege of helping market a total of 23 titles written by 18 homeschooled authors. It was an awesome experience spending time with my older sister and learning to be friendlier with people I don't know. : ) And, of course, I had to bring one of those amazing books home. (Two of them actually.) I read the first one Adventures and Adversities in a day and a half. : ) The cover isn't the most appealing or highest quality I have ever seen, but don't let this turn you off from reading the delightful story author Sarah Holman has crafted just for you. IT WAS AWESOME!

The Setting:

This story was setting in the fictional medieval kingdom of Taelis. After a time of upheaval in their government, serfs are being sent to serve the new king by building his castle. I found it really interesting how the author managed to give her fictional kingdom a feel of authenticity. Reading it one almost felt as if this were really history. (Characters did come in contact with actual historical things such as the Vikings and Gaul.) Mentions of clothing and customs seemed historically accurate enough to me. : )

The Storyline:

The storyline was so amazing! There were some loose ends, but I'm convinced that those are set up for the next book. (Hooray!) All the way through the characters had to learn to be grateful, to trust God, and to have faith. (There were also some really good thoughts about grieving.) It was such a cool story--a real page-turner at some points!

The Characters:
The characters were delightfully real. The reader either extremely hates the characters or loves them to pieces! I, of course, like Alditha. She was such a sweet character, but not too perfect either! The lessons she had to learn really spoke to me as I read about them. The Captain was such a complicated, conflicted, and loyal character! I found him very real and very intriguing. Alditha's friends (to name a few--Marian, Eleanor, Maggie, Gregory, and so on) made a great "supporting cast". Two other characters that I really enjoyed were the honorable stable boy William and the insightful hermit/priest.

The Concerns:

Parents should have caution in considering this book for younger readers because of some mild romance (all friendship based with marriage in view and the utmost purity) and medieval torture. SPOILER ALERT--the penalty for stealing is the loss of a right hand which almost happens to one of the characters. Ick! (Everything turns out fine, but it is really tense for a while there.) Also, political usurpers talk about murdering the royal children in their beds which also doesn't end up happening. Ick again!

I found this book so fabulous! The romance was sweet, the characters and setting were very real feeling, the lesson were wonderful, and the story was compelling! Not to be missed!