A Silken Thread by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Here is the book summary:

For readers who love a heartwarming romance and a rich historical setting comes a tale of a young woman with a heavy burden, the International Cotton Exposition, and the pursuit of true love.

Eighteen-year-old Laurel Millard, youngest of seven children, is expected to stay home and "take care of Mama" by her older siblings, but Laurel has dreams of starting her own family. Operating a silk loom at the Atlanta Exposition will give her the chance to capture the heart of a man wealthy enough to take care of Laurel and any children she might bear, as well as her mother.

Langdon Rochester's parents have given him an ultimatum: settle down with a wife or lose his family inheritance. At the Exposition, Langdon meets Laurel. Marrying her would satisfy his parents' command, she would look lovely on his arm for social events, and in her besotted state, he believes she would overlook him continuing pursuing rowdy adventures with his unmarried buddies. Langdon decides to woo Laurel. Willie Sharp is not well-off and must take on an extra job at the Atlanta Exposition as a security guard. When mischief-makers cause trouble in the Women's Building, Willie is put in charge of keeping the building secure. He enjoys visiting with Laurel, who seems like the little sister he never had, but his feelings for Laurel change to something much deeper. Can Willie convince Laurel that he can give her better life--even with so little to offer?

And now, my review:

A Silken Thread by Kim Vogel Sawyer is a gripping novel based on the historical time-setting of life after the War Between the States.  I’m a homeschool Mama and my students and I have been studying this time period and so that element of the book was such a delight.  It’s so disturbing the hurdles that needed to be jumped by the minorities and the apparent disrespect.  I think that the author did a great job of bringing in characters and painting a picture of each one.  Some I liked, some I loved, and some I really couldn’t stand and found myself wanting to pray for so many of them.  I loved the loom and weaving segment.  She made me want to sit at the loom and peacefully create a masterpiece for others to enjoy.  To take a trip across the pond or walk across the bridge.  The precious faith of the parents and especially Quincy’s Mama and her challenges for her son to consider about his insides versus his outside.  Another great one by this author!

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

https://www.amazon.com/Silken-Thread-Kim-Vogel-Sawyer-ebook/dp/B07FC2B9CZ/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_1?crid=GBVT892KXFEQ&keywords=a+silken+thread+by+kim+vogel+sawyer&qid=1554251031&s=gateway&sprefix=a+silken+th%2Caps%2C163&sr=8-1-fkmrnull

https://www.christianbook.com/a-silken-thread-kim-sawyer/9780735290129/pd/290122?event=ESRCG

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-silken-thread-kim-vogel-sawyer/1129054079?ean=9780735290129#/

The Mayflower Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse

Here is the book summary:

Can a religious separatist and an opportunistic spy make it in the New World?
A brand new series for fans of all things related to history, romance, adventure, faith, and family trees.

Mary Elizabeth Chapman boards the Speedwell in 1620 as a Separatist seeking a better life in the New World. William Lytton embarks on the Mayflower as a carpenter looking for opportunities to succeed—and he may have found one when a man from the Virginia Company offers William a hefty sum to keep a stealth eye on company interests in the new colony. The season is far too late for good sailing and storms rage, but reaching land is no better as food is scarce and the people are weak. Will Mary Elizabeth survive to face the spring planting and unknown natives? Will William be branded a traitor and expelled?

And now, my review:

Kimberley Woodhouse did an amazing job of penning this intense, moving, hard-working, and tear bringing book. To set the imagination of what these people faced while crossing the great, deep, dark ocean in search of being able to live in freedom for their faith.  The times of sea storms, sicknesses, and death, she's included it all. As we study American History in school this year, I felt that this book was right on time and a great read gearing us up for our year of study ahead. I really look forward to continuing this series as new books come out!

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

https://www.amazon.com/Mayflower-Bride-Daughters-Book-ebook/dp/B074PJ1K65/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1535645915&sr=8-1&keywords=the+mayflower+bride+by+kimberley+woodhouse

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-mayflower-bride-kimberley-woodhouse/1126627892?ean=9781683224198

https://www.christianbook.com/the-mayflower-bride-1/kimberley-woodhouse/9781683224198/pd/224190?product_redirect=1&Ntt=224190&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

Time for Kids: Presidents of the United States

Here is the book summary:
TIME For Kids presents a complete overview of our nation's chief executives from George Washington to the newly elected 45th president!

Did you know that James Monroe was the first president to appear without a wig in public? Or that George W. Bush appointed the first African-American secretary of state? Presidents of the United States invites the reader inside the White House to discover fascinating facts about the U.S. commanders-in-chief-their origins, accomplishments, and place in history-as told through famous quotes, important historical dates, and a timeline of events. Special sections cover the election process, the branches of government, and the role of presidents in the expansion of our nation from before the 13 colonies through westward expansion. With more than 200 photographs, illustrations, portrait reproductions, and maps.

And now, my review:

This is a nice, full-color, engaging book of the Presidents of the United States of America.  The things I like about it are that it’s current.  It includes a nice sidebar that gives pertinent information and then has some paragraphs, about 2-3 pages, about each one and often times it will include information about their families or “big” events that happened while they were in office.  I find for my family, that it’s a great addition to our American history class and it’s great for my youngest all the way to my oldest student. 
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/TIME-Kids-Presidents-United-States-ebook/dp/B01J6J1XQA/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1493831842&sr=1-1&keywords=time+for+kids+american+presidents

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/time-for-kids-presidents-of-the-united-states-the-editors-of-time-for-kids/1124655748?ean=9781618934277