Chester the Raccoon and the Almost Perfect Sleepover by Audrey Penn

Here is the book summary:

“Are we almost there?” Chester Raccoon asked his mother.
Chester is excited about going to his very first sleepover. After his mother drops him off at Pepper Opossum’s house with a Kissing Hand in his palm, Chester and his animal friends have a long day of playing games and eating snacks. But when the animals decide to bed down, Chester can’t go to sleep.
While his Kissing Hand has kept him from getting scared, he isn’t in his own bedroom, and he misses his family. When Chester returns home, Mrs. Raccoon welcomes her little cub and reassures him that his home is always there when he needs it. 
Young readers will enjoy reading about the party fun and take comfort when Chester finds himself in a situation they can relate to.

And now, my review:

Chester Raccoon and the Almost Perfect Sleepover by Audrey Penn is a great reminder of what fun you can have with friends.  It also helps you know that you’ll be with your family again very soon and your separation is not permanent.  After reading this one, we never think of being nervous, giggling, and being sleepy the same again.  You’ll understand what we mean if you read it yourself.  The illustrations were VERY inviting, adorable, and detailed.  This is a great read-aloud that your children will want you to read over and over!

I received a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Chester-Raccoon-Perfect-Sleepover-Kissing-ebook/dp/B07145S7RZ/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1519487311&sr=1-5&keywords=Chester+the+raccoon

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/chester-raccoon-and-the-almost-perfect-sleepover-audrey-penn/1124580870?ean=9781939100115

Plum Dandi Knits by Alicia Plummer and Melissa Schaschwary

Here is the book summary:

Polished knits. Plush yarns. Perfect match.

Sometimes nature's most beautiful details are the perfect inspiration for creating simple yet luxurious knits. In Plum Dandi Knits, Alicia Plummer and Melissa Schaschwary--designers, friends, and leaders of the much-love Plum Dandi group on Ravelry--bring you 23 projects that reflect and react to the natural world with a sumptuous twist of plush fibers, feminine accents, and stylish comfort.

Lace that mimics soft forest foliage or the numerous tassels of a pine tree. Textured patterns that call to mind a babbling brook or waterfall. Thick wool shawls and sweaters knit in anticipation of blustery cold days ahead. The uncomplicated pieces in this collection, knit in soft, luxe yarns, are soothing complements to slowing down and settling into peaceful moments. Wherever you seek stillness and calm, Plum Dandi Knits will help take you there.

And now, my review:

Plum Dandi Knits is a great knitting book that puts 23 projects in one book.  You can knit big projects or maybe your time space is limited and a small project is interesting to you.  All I had to do was pick a project, gather my necessary supplies and go for it.  The patterns are straightforward and easy to follow.  My favorites are named Lyndon and Bethel.  Lyndon is a sock, and I love making socks so I was really excited to find this inside the book.  And Bethel is a headband which my daughters love to make different kinds of those and so now we have another pattern for those. 

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Plum-Dandi-Knits-Simple-Designs-ebook/dp/B07682Y6NR/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1519486249&sr=1-1&keywords=plum+dandi+knits

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/plum-dandi-knits-alicia-plummer/1127355494?ean=9781632505941#/

Bicycling Rules of the Road by Kelly Pulley

Here is the book summary:

This humorous and action-packed adventure story is a fun way for kids to learn basic bicycling safety rules. Ride along with Devin Van Dyke and find out what happens as he tries to follow his mother’s list of safety rules while meeting up with friends along the way. Chaos reigns when Devin forgets to follow rules such as one person per bike, wear a helmet, obey traffic signs, and use his eyes and ears to stay alert. Featuring lyrical text and brightly colored, full-page illustrations, this is a book parents and kids will not grow tired of reading out loud, night after night.

And now, my review:

Bicycling Rules of the Road by Kelly Pulley is a very informational and FUNNY book.  It teaches riders to be safe while riding their bikes.  When the rules are not followed the bike rider finds himself in quite a mushy mess.  The full-color pages were full of playful and most times goofy illustrations.  It had us laughing out loud from the first page of rules to the end.  What a great way to make rules fun and show the importance of following them for your safety.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  

https://www.amazon.com/Bicycling-Rules-Road-Adventures-Devin/dp/0764353284/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1519484832&sr=8-1&keywords=bicycling+rules+of+the+road

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bicycling-rules-of-the-road-kelly-pulley/1126026173?ean=9780764353284

Out of the Ordinary by Jen Turano

Here is the book summary:

Rollicking New Release from Humorous Historical Romance Author Jen Turano 

Miss Gertrude Cadwalader hoped her position as the paid companion to Mrs. Davenport would be easy. But as she becomes acquainted with her employer, she realizes the wealthy Mrs. Davenport has a strange tendency to be a bit light-fingered with other people's trinkets. Gertrude is relieved when Mrs. Davenport decides to have a quiet summer away from the social scene--until the woman changes her mind in order to help a young socialite launch into society. 

When Gertrude is caught in the act of trying to return one of the trinkets by Mrs. Sinclair, the mother of shipping magnate Harrison Sinclair, the woman jumps to an unfortunate conclusion. Harrison is determined to mend fences with Miss Cadwalader, but he's unprepared for the escapades a friendship with her will entail.

And now, my review:

Out of the Ordinary by Jen Turano was a great romantic read!  Besides having an amazing cover, the book is full of adventure and suspense that is exciting to read about.  The extreme devotion this girl has for her employer was astonishing.  Her employer would have “sticky” fingers and she found herself having to return all the things she had taken.  This put her in some major predicaments for sure.  And the man she falls in love with has the reader sailing along with her. 

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Out-Ordinary-Apart-Crowd-Book-ebook/dp/B0727RWF82/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1519481985&sr=8-2&keywords=out+of+the+ordinary

https://www.christianbook.com/out-of-the-ordinary-2/jen-turano/9780764217951/pd/217952?product_redirect=1&Ntt=217952&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/out-of-the-ordinary-jen-turano/1125516140?ean=9780764217951#/

The Dawning of Indestructible Joy by John Piper

Here is the book summary:

Advent is for adoring Jesus.

The Christmas season is one of the busiest times of year. But it’s also a season of reflection and preparation for that special day when we mark Immanuel’s coming—the arrival of our eternal God in our own frail humanity.

This is the greatest of history’s many wonders, something too stupendous to celebrate just on one day. Advent is a way of lengthening and intensifying the joy of Christmas.

These 25 brief devotional readings from John Piper begin on December 1 and carry us to Christmas Day. Our hope is that God would use these meditations to deepen and sweeten your adoration of Jesus and help you keep him at the center of your Christmas season.

And now, my review:

The Dawning of Indestructible Joy by John Piper is such quiet, powerful truth delivered in a way that humbles the reader.  It is an amazing advent devotional that you will want to reflect on over and over.  This book was intended for the Advent Season but I find that the truths here are truths for all through the year.  You cannot reflect too often on what Christ has accomplished by coming to earth and dying for the sins of the world. 

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Dawning-Indestructible-Joy-Readings-Advent-ebook/dp/B00IFG0902/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1519479826&sr=8-1&keywords=the+dawning+of+indestructible+joy+daily+readings+for+advent

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-dawning-of-indestructible-joy-john-piper/1117738131?ean=9781433542367#/

https://www.christianbook.com/dawning-indestructible-daily-readings-advent-ebook/john-piper/9781433542398/pd/62279EB?product_redirect=1&Ntt=62279EB&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

12 Days at Bleakly Manor by Michelle Griep

Here is the book summary:

A mysterious invitation to spend Christmas at an English manor home may bring danger...and love?

England, 1851: When Clara Chapman receives an intriguing invitation to spend Christmas at an English manor home, she is hesitant yet feels compelled to attend—for if she remains the duration of the twelve-day celebration, she is promised a sum of five hundred pounds.

But is she walking into danger? It appears so, especially when she comes face to face with one of the other guests—her former fiancé, Benjamin Lane.

Imprisoned unjustly, Ben wants revenge on whoever stole his honor. When he’s given the chance to gain his freedom, he jumps at it—and is faced with the anger of the woman he stood up at the altar. Brought together under mysterious circumstances, Clara and Ben discover that what they’ve been striving for isn’t what ultimately matters.

What matters most is what Christmas is all about . . . love.

Pour a cup of tea and settle in for Book 1 of the Once Upon a Dickens Christmas series--a page-turning Victorian-era holiday tale--by Michelle Griep, a reader and critic favorite.

And now, my review:

What my family had to say about the book 12 Days at Bleakly Manor by Michelle Griep as we enjoyed this as a family read aloud.  It was intriguing, mysterious, and scary in parts.  It was superfluously majestic and makes you want to read on.  It was also surprising, captivating, and very well written.  I really liked that it brought out an element of forgiveness in a freeing way.  This book has all these things and more to it!!  If you’re looking for a great Christmas read, you’ll want to remember to check this one out.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/12-Days-Bleakly-Manor-Christmas-ebook/dp/B071HB1FQ5/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1519478412&sr=1-1&keywords=12+days+at+bleakly+manor

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/12-days-at-bleakly-manor-michelle-griep/1125461109?ean=9781683222583#/

https://www.christianbook.com/12-days-at-bleakly-manor-1/michelle-griep/9781683222583/pd/22258X?product_redirect=1&Ntt=22258X&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

The Beloved Christmas Quilt By Wanda Brunstetter

Here is the book summary:

One Quilt Binds Three Generations of Amish Women
Enjoy the gift of a brand new romance from New York Times bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter, along with stories by her daughter-in-law, Jean and granddaughter, Richelle.

For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me. Psalm 31:3
The scripture embroidered on the back of a beloved quilt brings hope to three generations of Pennsylvania Amish women at Christmastime.
 
Luella’s Promise
By Wanda E. Brunstetter
Luella Ebersol has been caregiver for a dying woman and her young son. When Dena Lapp gives Luella her favorite quilt, she makes Luella promise to pass it down to her daughter. But Luella isn’t sure she will ever marry if she can’t find someone with maturity and faith like Dena’s husband Atlee Zook.
 
Karen’s Gift
By Jean Brunstetter
Karen Allgyer and her husband moved to a slow-paced village to raise their children, but Karen longs for the closeness of family to help her through the challenges of managing three girls with one on the way. When life’s pressures rise, will Karen cave to her fears?
 
Roseanna’s Groom
By Richelle Lynn Brunstetter
When the unexpected happens on the day of her wedding, Roseanna Allgyer can’t help blaming herself, despite not understanding why. Then an old friend returns to town, and she battles feeling for him—afraid of being hurt again.
  

And now, my review:

The Beloved Christmas Quilt by Wanda Brunstetter is a wonderful Christmas book that includes 3 stories.  It is a series of stories that follow a special quilt that is being handed down from generation to generation.  In keeping with a traditional Brunstetter book, all of them have a sweet element of Amish romance.  In them, I saw a picture of new love, giving not selfishly but with others in mind, and sometimes what you think is the answer is not the answer at all. 

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Beloved-Christmas-Quilt-Stories-Romance-ebook/dp/B071RNRYC4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1519476553&sr=8-1&keywords=the+beloved+christmas+quilt+by+wanda+brunstetter

https://www.christianbook.com/the-beloved-christmas-quilt/wanda-brunstetter/9781683222255/pd/3222255?product_redirect=1&Ntt=3222255&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-beloved-christmas-quilt-wanda-e-brunstetter/1125461100?ean=9781683222255#/

Know Who You Are Live Like It Matters by Tim Tebow

Here is the book summary:

The World Does Not Define You!
Nobody said your life would be easy. And the older you get, the more difficult it seems to become. Deep down you may know your value as a person isn’t defined by wearing cool name-brand clothes, scoring points for a sports team, or even by having a huge number of social media followers. And you’re right! Your identity resides in something—in fact, Someone—much greater than anything this world can offer:
 
The only identity worth having…is found in Jesus Christ!

American sports icon, Tim Tebow knows firsthand what it's like to face pressure head-on. In Know Who You Are. Live Like It Matters, he shares the wisdom he’s learned—not from what the world says, but from what God says in His Word.
 
Tim will guide you through thirty-six weeks of lessons, each based on a key Scripture, to discover who you are—by learning more about whose you are! You will also have the opportunity to write down your thoughts, feelings, and ideas on topics such as:
* Building godly character 
* Maintaining great relationships 
* Standing out from the crowd 
* Doing things that matter in the big picture

Get ready to live bigger than ever before…with your faith and identity secured in a God who loves you beyond measure!

And now, my review:

Know Who You Are Live Like It Matters by Tim Tebow is a 36-week devotional with one devotional weekly.   It is inspirational in that it helps you to build a strong relationship with Jesus.  I liked the verses at the beginning of each devotional.  It has great challenging actions after each devotional that helps you think beyond and be challenged to put it into practice right away for each week.  It is great for homeschooler’s but anyone can benefit from reading it.  We did it individually, but you could choose to do it in a group setting if you wanted and share your insights with each other as you go.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Know-Are-Live-Like-Matters-ebook/dp/B01LY2B9KP/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1519343503&sr=8-1&keywords=know+who+you+are+tim+tebow

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/know-who-you-are-live-like-it-matters-tim-tebow/1125969416?ean=9780735289949#/

https://www.christianbook.com/matters-homeschoolers-interactive-guide-discovering-identity/tim-tebow/9780735289949/pd/289949?product_redirect=1&Ntt=289949&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

Stay Fit For Life by Joshua Kozak

My review:

This book is a motivation to MOVE.  To keep getting stronger because the alternative is to lose what you have and just get weaker and weaker.  I really love how user-friendly it is with the setup.  You have targetted areas to go to and it details every exercise for you and the correct position to hold.  You then have programs and routines that are already lined up for you in the back of the book and this takes the thinking out and puts the motivation in for me. 

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Stay-Fit-Life-STAY-LIFE/dp/0241295750/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1518993684&sr=1-2&keywords=stay+fit+for+life

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/stay-fit-for-life-joshua-kozak/1126477749?ean=9781465462756#/

Hand Made by Melissa K Norris

Here is the book summary:

Homemade Shouldn't Be Hectic

Do you wish you could slow down and create a home you and your family love and enjoy spending time in? Melissa K. Norris, author of The Made-from-Scratch Life and voice of the Pioneering Today podcast, offers down-to-earth tips and guidance to help you learn how to...

·        bake old-fashioned recipes (everything from biscuits to shepherd's pie) with quick, stress-free steps

·        grow, harvest, and preserve culinary and medicinal herbs (with DIY tutorials for soaps, salves, and balms)

·        make your own cultured and fermented foods at home following simple instructions for buttermilk, sour cream, sourdough, and more

·        simplify your routine and declutter your home with room-by-room guides and Depression-era wisdom

Open your heart to God-given rest and discover practical and tangible ways you can craft your home into a refuge for yourself and the ones you love.

And now, my review:

From the Great Depression to good old-fashioned hospitality to homemade delicious recipes from scratch of family hand me downs, this book is amazing.  I thought that Melissa’s sharing of what she has learned and is holding onto herself is inspiring.  I found her sharing very open and I was blessed to hear her experiences.  She really helps with what a home looks like if in the right balance.  Encouraging that last minute guests for dinner is a welcomed experience if balance is in place in the house…  YIKES!  A healthy alternative, with a frugal agenda, to all the processed foods in the store is SO needed in our culture today.  Way to go Melissa, A+ for this one!

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Hand-Made-Modern-Made-Scratch-ebook/dp/B075572JJ7/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1518992005&sr=1-3&keywords=Hand+Made

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hand-made-melissa-k-norris/1125130393?ean=9780736969673#/

https://www.christianbook.com/modern-womans-guide-from-scratch-living/melissa-norris/9780736969673/pd/969673?event=ESRCG

Crochet Stories: J.M. Barrie's Peter Pan by Sarah Sloyer

Here is the book summary:

Travel to Never-Never Land with this "crafty" retelling of the adventures of the boy who wouldn't grow up. The book features a brief version of J. M. Barrie's classic tale, Peter Pan, punctuated with more than a dozen well-illustrated patterns for the beloved characters, plus a variety of accessories.
The ever-popular story opens in the London nursery of the Darling household, presenting patterns for Peter, Wendy and her brothers, and Nana the dog. Storybook chapters of the young Darlings' adventures in Never-Never Land follow, alternating with patterns for Captain Hook, Smee, the crocodile, Tinkerbell, the Lost Boys, the pirate ship, and other whimsical projects that range from easy to intermediate to advanced.

And now, my review:

I thought that Sarah had a clever way of putting together the characters of Peter Pan.  This book is well laid out and user-friendly to know all the steps to take to make a bunch of play toys to brighten a little ones day in the wonderful world of make-believe.  I love that she included chapters of the adventure in the book.  If you can follow a pattern, like Peter Pan, and are up for the challenge you’ll want to check out this one.  Happy crocheting.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  

https://www.amazon.com/Crochet-Stories-Barries-Peter-Pan/dp/0486817288/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1518990642&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=crochet+stories+jim+barrie%27s+peter+pan