Elementary Apologetics - MasterBooks Curriculum

If you are looking for a great introduction to Apologetics for your child you've found it. Ken Ham's Answers books are the core for this great curriculum!I absolutely love the course objectives set out in this curriculum: (1) investigate biblical truths concerning the creation account, Adam and Eve, and sin, (2) Become familiar with God's Word, what He desires of them, and how much He loves them, (3) Identify insights regarding the accountof Noah, how he and his family cared for the animals , and how fossils formed, (4) Learn how to defend their faith against a secular worldview in a fallen world, (5) Study truths about the Tower of babel, the Ice Age and what is the purpose of stars, and (6) Write out text they can share with friends or family about what they have learned. These objectives are easily met in the lessons. What impressed me most about this curriculum is how excited my children were as they worked through it. Scriptures states that we must each work out our salvation; this means that God's Word must become real and relevant to each of us - applicable to our lives. It is not enough for our children to attend church and learn church culture; they must understand the Word, understand what they believe and defend it when necessary. This course is an excellent way for your young student to begin to dive into, explore, and internalize the Word. It is a way for them to own it as their own and to understand who the Truth of this Word affects every aspect of our lives. I strongly recommend this course.

When We Last Met, Marci Henna

Marci Henna has written a novel that will resonate in the hearts of many even after they put the novel down. The Cranbourne Family has faced their share of heartache and loss but the deep ties of family, love and faith become the buoy that keeps this family afloat. Walt and Ruby become the soul family for their granddaughters of the loss of both of their parents. Henna does an excellent job of bringing to life each character and navigating the waters of loss, love, faith and trials and the emotions entangled in these things. Through her transparent writing the reader is invited into the lives of two sisters who at the present are separated, a chasm of hurt and pain and misunderstanding laying between them. However, all this changes when the girls meet to discuss markers for Ruby’s grave. A visit back home sometimes has a way of breaking down walls with warm memories of happier and simpler times. Before long the girls begin to remember what really matters in life and what is really worth fighting for. This story draws the reader in and invites them to work through the tumult of emotions Henna lays out. This book is worth a read – excellent for those cool spring nights with a cup of hot tea. This book was provided by the publisher for review in exchange for an honest review of the story.

Promises for God's Princesses

This books is a great devotional for young girls. When I received it in the mail my 7 year old daughter grabbed it up immediately. It quickly became one of her favorite books. Even after completing it I find her going back to read it again. Filled with 100 numbered devotions this tiny book is a prize for any reader. Because it is hard cover it is durable and the size makes it easy to fit in a back pack or purse. Our daughter enjoys taking it in her bible backpack for church to share with her friends. I think that the princess style relates well with young girls and the fact that it is written in a diary style makes it readable and fun.

At Home in Last Chance, Cathleen Armstrong

At Home in Last Chance is the third in a series but can be enjoyed as a stand alone book. This book, like the others, draws readers into the stories and lives of the characters. By the end of the book the reader feels like they are a part of the story themselves. Kaitlyn is back home in Last Chance. For her this is the chance to start over. She is working hard to re-establish a life and relationship with the daughter that she left behind 6 months earlier. To do this she will have to make decisions to change. Kaitlyn may have to adopt a new view of life and how to deal with rough times. The question remains, will her daughter be able to trust her again. Steven Braden is the irresponsible flirt that has left a line of heartbreak and hurt behind him. He returns to Last Chance trying to prove that he has finally changed. But his family does not know if they can trust that the change is true and there to stay. As their journeys begin to unfold Steven and Kaitlyn find themselves pushed together. But, how can they ever start a relationship when they are so unsure of themselves. A story of grace, love and change. This book will have the reader understanding that even those who seem will never change have a chance to start over. This book was given to me for review by Revell.

Nourished, Becky Johnson and Rachel Randolph

A mother daughter duo that needs to keep on writing! This book is one that is worth keeping around. This mother daughter duo writes with ease and humor that make reading a pleasure. Filled with practical advice and tips this book is a great read. The authors address 10 things that cause stress in a wife and mother's life. Then they advise how to eliminate these stressors with practical advice and wisdom. This book is a reminder of the importance of taking time to take care of yourself so that you can take care of everyone else you love. Being a mom is stressful, being a wife is hard. These two restore the joy in the two tasks that can absolutely wear a woman out. Be revived and uplifted - encouraged and empowered. Become the best mother and wife you can and learn to enjoy every moment. Thanks to the author and publisher for this review copy.

Escape Through The Wilderness, Gary Rodriquez

This book is a great book for upper elementary age students or middle school aged. The characters are all teenage children which makes it more appealing for the younger group to read. A story of survival and fear begins when four teenage students go on an overnight rafting expedition that ends in tragedy. The children and their guide are in an accident that ends with the guide being swept down river and the children alone. 25 miles from camp, lost in the dark woods and haunted by campfire stories of a terrible creature known as Vexel the kids must come together to survive. As seems to happen when tragedy strikes, an unlikely hero arises in the form of Savi, a 16 year old girl. This story is a tale of harrowing proportions. The children face unspeakable odds and faith pulls them through. If they were not friends before they became friends during the ordeal. Rodriquez has written a fast moving very interactive book that will draw the reader into the story.

TOP FIVE OF 2014: MasterBooks

Time for a list of my top five.....and this is so hard to do. I don't think that I have ever had a publisher that has month after month sent me something that every member of my family absolutely loved. My children rush to meet the postman when they know it is time for a package from MasterBooks Publishers. I get excited when I see our yearly line up for review. So here it is.... 5. It's Not Greek To Me, Todd Friel - a fun interactive and quirky professor makes learning an ancient language interesting. http://abbiereviews.blogspot.com/2014/07/its-not-greek-to-me-todd-friel.html 4. Studies in World History - Yep, this made my list. A long time fan of Bob Jones home school curriculum I was skeptical that any other History curriculum could compare. Well, I will now be trading in the old for this outstanding curriculum! http://abbiereviews.blogspot.com/2014/08/studies-and-world-history.htm 3. Galapagos Islands - Beautifully stunning photography set this apart for me. I love excellent photography but these leap off the page. Words just can not express the beauty! http://abbiereviews.blogspot.com/2014/02/galapagos-islands-different-view.html 2. 44 Animals of the Bible - My kids still tote this book around the house. They pass it from child to child. Great for making the animals of the bible come alive! http://abbiereviews.blogspot.com/2014/12/44-animals-of-bible.html and finally....number ONE for this family for 2014..... 1. BUGS - This full color book is packed with information for ALL ages. http://abbiereviews.blogspot.com/2014/10/bugs-big-small-god-made-them-all-will.html We are looking forward to another wonderful year of books and fun with this publisher!!