The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom

The Hiding Place, written by Corrie ten Boom, is a true story about the author's experiences during the holocaust. Corrie ten Boom was a leader in the Underground. With the help of her family, she kept many Jews safe from the Nazis. However, she was eventually caught, and along with her family, thrown into prison and a concentration camp.

This inspirational story is about how Corrie found faith and held onto it for dear life. She witnessed many miracles, but the greatest miracle to me, is that Corrie and her sister, Betsie, were able to maintain such a positive outlook because of their unwavering faith in God. I mean, Betsie prays IN GRATITUDE for the fleas in the bunker, which do, amazingly enough, turn out to have a good purpose.

Here is a brief excerpt:

"Corrie Ten Boom stood naked with her older sister Betsie, watching a concentration camp matron beating a prisoner. "Oh, the poor woman," Corrie cried. "Yes. May God forgive her," Betsie replied. And, once again, Corrie realized that it was for the souls of the brutal Nazi guards that her sister prayed."

The Hiding Place is a life-changing classic. It is a quick read. Although it is about the holocaust, it is not deeply depressing but enlightening. I hope you enjoy it! It is one of the best books I have ever read.

The above review was published on this blog in 2008.

Grace's Note, 2019: What an incredible book. I'm 13 and I loved it. Have your kids read it! It's informational about WWII and uplifting.

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor Book Review

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry
Incredible book! According to Amazon, it's book 4 of 6 in a series, but I didn't read the other 5, and it was fine.
Cassie Logan and her family live during the troubled time of racism and racial violence in Mississippi in 1933. Cassie is young and does not fully understand the events that start happening in her small town -burnings of colored men, the humiliation, prejudice, and hatred that her family and her friends have to face daily. As Cassie struggles to understand and to be strong, she learns of freedom, pride, and dignity. But in her family's fight for peace, they may lose their beloved land.
I learned a lot from it! For kids 11+.
-Grace

A Little House Picture Book Treasury, Adapted from the Little House Books by Laura Ingalls Wilder

A Little House Picture Book Treasury: Six Stories of Life on the Prairie, Adapted from the Little House Books by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Many of the picture books I've been receiving for possible reviews have been...not my favorite. So many of them are based on characters, usually from TV, that I just don't care for. I don't do negative reviews, so many of them just go unreviewed.

When I opened the last box and found this gem, I was thrilled. Now, here are some characters I can really get behind!

I may have actually gasped with delight.

Reading this little treasury to my kids did not disappoint, either. It is living up to my expectations upon seeing the cover, and is quickly becoming a favorite.

The Treasury is a compilation of six little stories from the Little House books. The stories include A Little Prairie House, Going to Town, County Fair, Sugar Snow, Winter Days in the Big Woods, and Christmas in the Big Woods.

The artwork is beautiful and endearing.

You could use it as an early chapter book. As for us, we haven't read it without going all the way through in one sitting...and a couple times I've closed the back cover and been begged to read it all over again...and yes, I obliged.

Our giveaway of this treasure and two others ends tomorrow, so be sure to enter if you haven't yet!!!

The Lifegiving Home by Sally Clarkson and Sarah Clarkson

Friends! The Lifegiving Home by Sally Clarkson and Sarah Clarkson is a beautifully inspiring book for mothers.

Do you want to know how much I love this book? I purchased it on audible, on kindle, and in paperback...and I'm giving it to my sisters for their birthdays. Shhhh!

And...I want to give one to you, too! The publisher didn't send this one to me; I just really want to share it! GO ENTER OUR 3 BOOK GIVEAWAY!

Ok. So, why do I love this book so much? Let me count the ways.

The Lifegiving Home: Creating a Place of Belonging and Becoming is about making home a place of beauty, a place of discipleship to God, a place of learning, a place of celebration, a place of love.

I highlighted many sections as I read. Sarah Clarkson says, "Home is not merely a dwelling. It's not merely a state of existence. It's a story, a narrative spun out day by day, a story molded by the walls and hours and tasks and feasts with which we fill our time, reflecting the reality of the God whose love animates every aspect of our being."

I love all of the little and bigger ideas they share. As we slowly weave these ideas into our own homes, they become vibrant places where life and love are celebrated. For example, I loved their idea about having a chalkboard on the front porch to welcome guests. I have incorporated this simple idea. In the book, I found this wonderful quote by J. Brillat-Savarin: "To invite someone into your home is to take charge of their happiness for as long as they are under your roof."

In a world in turmoil, both natural and manmade, we may feel that there isn't much hope. This book is full of hope. Mother Teresa said, "If you want to change the world, go home and love your family."

Word to the Wise: I enjoyed the whole book. I have, however, heard from a couple people that they didn't love the beginning. It waxes a bit poetic and maybe idealistic at first. BUT, everyone I know that has gotten into the monthly themed chapters has found the book profoundly helpful and even life-changing...or I suppose we could say, lifegiving. :)

A sequel to this book, The Lifegiving Table, is being released tomorrow. As you can imagine, I'm pretty excited about that. It speaks specifically of using our tables for discipleship and discusses how the Savior used food to minister to others.

Oh, and as if I haven't fan-girled enough here, I'm also in love with Sally's podcast. You can find it here.

One more thing. Marlene Peterson, founder of Libraries of Hope, has created a new resource for mothers who want to gather and learn together. Mothers of Influence groups will study A Mother's Influence, the Delphian courses, and The Lifegiving Home. As I learn more about Mothers of Influence, I will share here. It sounds dreamy.

An Unexpected Role by Leslea Wahl Review + Giveaway

An Unexpected Role by Leslea Wahl



Josie, a clumsy teen and theater nerd, has an abundance of mortifying moments. These moments are unfortunately incorporated into her mother's novels, which are then published for all of her school to see.

Embarrassed and needing to escape, she leaves home to visit her aunt on Coral Island and resolves to spend a perfect summer on the beach where no one she knows can find her. She spends day after day on the beach, becomes best friends with her elderly neighbor, and gets a boyfriend. Everything is going perfectly- until Ryan shows up.

Josie is convinced he is going to ruin her summer. Ryan is a boy from school who seems to follow her everywhere and is annoyingly certain that her boyfriend has something to do with the robberies that are plaguing Coral Island.

As the mystery continues to unfold, tragedy strikes, and Josie must decide if she believes in God, who she stands behind, and who she is.

I loved this book! It was fantastic. Josie was a great character and it was fun to see where the story took her.

Also, we are doing a GIVEAWAY of this book! On the 27th of September, we will put up a post titled "An Unexpected Role Giveaway". If you comment any book you would like us to review on that post, you are automatically entered into the giveaway. The comment section will be closed on the 4th of October and the winner will be announced on the 5th.

One more thing! We are going to be posting a lot more now. If you could email us requests to review a book you like, or if you are an author hoping to get more publicity for your book, that'd be great. Thanks!

-Grace

The Lions of Little Rock by Kristin Levine

The Lions of Little Rock by Kristin Levine



Marlee has always been scared of talking.

Her mother pressures her to say five words a day. This, and the fact that her best friend makes fun of her for not talking, has not made middle school easy. But when Liz, a brilliant, fun-loving, witty girl shows up, Marlee thinks she can do it. Liz, her new friend, has changed her world. 

Until Liz is caught trying to pass for a white girl.

It is 1958, and the struggle of segregation is real in Little Rock, Arkansas. To continue to be friends with Liz could give Marlee trouble. Sad for her friend and wishing things could go back to the way they were, Marlee seeks out Liz, not knowing the danger she is putting herself, Liz, and everyone they love in.

Soooo good! I love love love it. It is a strong testament to friendship and would make a great gift for a friend. I'd recommend 10+. 

-Grace

The Wrinkled Crown by Anne Nesbet

The Wrinkled Crown by Anne Nesbet

    In the wrinkled hills, Linny will do anything to pluck the beautiful strings of the ukulele-like instrument called a lourka, even ignore the threat of being taken to Away. In her village, girls under the age of twelve cannot touch the instrument without putting themselves at risk.

    But then her best friend Sayra, who's never touched a lourka in her life, is taken to Away for Linny's crime. Linny knows the only hope for Sayra is the Plain, where an ancient battle is just beginning. It also seems someone is trying to destroy the wrinkled hills. Can Linny help both Sayra in Away and save her beloved hills and stop the battle?

   I loved this book! It's very unique and interesting. I'd recommend it for 10+.

   -Grace

By the Stars by Lindsay B. Ferguson

By the Stars by Lindsay B. Ferguson

Over the years, I have been asked to review many, many, many books. Because I haven't blogged often in the last couple years, I have mostly ignored email requests for reviews. When Lindsay B. Ferguson emailed me, I had to chuckle. She is my neighbor, and I was aware of her upcoming debut novel, but she didn't realize who I was. :) I told her that I'm a blogging slacker, and we decided not to have my blog be part of her big blog tour. You see...It gets sticky reviewing books for people you know. What if you hate it?

But...I bought the book on my Kindle the day it was released, and I wasn't just pleasantly surprised, I LOVED IT. I love that it is based on a true story, and I can't wait to talk to Lindsay about what exactly is history and what she created. I love the characters. I love the romance. I love it all. And you know what it really made me want to do? Like big time? Go dancing! Can we resurrect dance halls, please?

I know that among my friends, Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson, was extremely well-liked. Edenbrooke was the first in a collection of "Proper Romances". For friends who love Edenbrooke and other clean romance novels, By the Stars should be your next read!

From Amazon: "When Cal finally gets a chance with Kate, the girl he's loved since grade school, their easy friendship quickly blossoms into a meaningful romance. Spirited and independent, Kate keeps a guarded heart due to a painful past, and Cal wants nothing more than to gain her trust. But World War II soon cuts their time far too short, and Cal prepares to part from her - possibly for good. After he's gone, what Kate does next changes everything. 

In the suffocating jungles of the Philippines Cal encounters the chilling life of a soldier and deadly battles of war. With Kate's memory willing him on, Cal must put his trust in God to survive if he hopes to ever return to her. Inspired by a true story, By the Stars is a love story that stands the test of time and the most intense obstacles."

A Night Divided by Jennifer Nielson

A Night Divided by Jennifer A. Nielsen

      On the morning of Barbed Wire Sunday, the people of East Berlin woke up to the sound of sirens. Investigating, they found that the government had found a way to stop them from leaving: the Berlin Wall. It was a great fence separating East Berlin from West Berlin. The two parts of Germany had been on tight terms for a while, and rumors of a third world war were plentiful.

      The one hundred yards of smooth dirt leading up to the wall was called the "Death Strip." And the fence slowly evolved over the years into a 11.8 foot cement wall. Guardtowers were set on top, where soldiers would point their guns at anyone trying to escape East Berlin.

      For twelve year-old Gerta, the rise of the Berlin Wall takes something more than freedom from her. A couple of days before Barbed Wire Sunday, her father and brother had traveled into West Berlin. The fence had split her family into two parts just like Germany.

     Gerta knows she must take her remaining family members in the East to meet her family members in the West. But escaping isn't easy, and getting caught means death.

  The German police threaten Gerta's family often, but the violence is minimal up until the end. I recommend it for 11+.

-Grace

The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann

The Unwanteds By Lisa McMann


      In the world of Quill, creativity is bad. It counts as an infraction, and on the day of the Purge, every thirteen year-old is put into three categories: Wanted, Necessary, or Unwanted. Wanteds are honored, Necessaries become slaves, and Unwanteds are sent to their deaths.When Alex Stowe is sent to the Death Farm after the Purge, he discovers that being Unwanted doesn't bring death... it brings the discovery of a whole new world called Artime.

       In Artime, creativity is allowed. Even encouraged. The wild-haired leader, Mr. Today, helps each artistic Unwanted learn that they can hold their title like a badge. Because in Artime, creativity is a magical gift... and a weapon.

       It's the first book in the Unwanted Series, and I am so excited for the last one to come out in April! If you like dystopian novels and magic, then you should totally try this book out!

-Grace

Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine

Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine is a creative retelling of Cinderella. As a baby, Ella was cursed by a fairy to obey any orders that were given to her, no matter what they were. So when her mother dies and her father remarries, Ella must live with her stepsisters, Hattie and Olive. Quickly, Hattie discovers that Ella will obey her and uses that knowledge to her advantage. Instead of being treated as an equal, Ella is forced to be her stepfamily's servant.

Ella meets Prince Char. Together, they have exciting adventures. Slowly, they fall in love, but she knows that if she marries him, an enemy of the throne could command her to do something awful to him. She struggles to protect him and break the curse, but it seems impossible with such a burden as hers. Will she ever gain the freedom required to be with her true love?

-Grace

Picture Books with Morals

I made a list today of some of our favorite picture books that teach morals, so I figured I might as well share it here, too.

Acceptance:

The Sneetches by Dr. Seuss
Chicken Big by Graves

Being Happy with what You Have:

Old Hat New Hat by the Berenstains

Bravery:

Scaredy Squirrel by Melanie Watt
The Woods by Paul Hoppe
The Pout Pout Fish in the Big Big Dark by Diesen

Creativity:

Fanny by Holly Hobbie
Not a Box by Portis
A House for Hermit Crab by Eric Carle
Go to Bed, Monster by Wing

Friendship:

Scaredy Squirrel Makes a Friend by Melanie Watt
Otis and Sydney and the Best Birthday Ever by Numeroff
A Visitor for Bear (and the rest of the series) by Bonnie Becker
You Will Be My Friend by Peter Brown
Fox Makes Friends by Adam Relf
Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson
Enemy Pie by Munson

Obedience:

Strega Nona by dePaola

Positive Attitude:

Grumpy Bird by Jeremy Tankard
Miss Rumphius by Cooney
The Pout Pout Fish by Diesen

Persistence:

Muncha! Muncha! Muncha! by Fleming

Reading and Writing:

Henry and the Crazed Chicken Pirates by Crimi
Library Lion by Knudsen
More Bears by Nesbitt
Calvin Can't Fly by Berne
Max's Words by Banks
Interrupting Chicken by Stein

Service:

Little Blue Truck by Schertle
Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch by Spinelli

Sibling Relationships:

Max and Ruby series
Flora and the Very Windy Day by Birdsall
A Birthday for Frances by Hoban

The Tales of the Frog Princess by E.D. Baker

The Tales of the Frog Princess by E.D. Baker

   

     Princess Emma of Greater Greensward could never be the princess her mother wanted her to be. The way she walks, the way she laughs, and the places she goes - none of them were right for a princess.

     So when her mother tells her she has to marry Prince Jorge, she hides in the swamp, where she thinks she can hide. But when a frog hops up to her asking for a kiss, she realizes she was wrong. 

     The frog is an enchanted prince named Eadric. He convinces her to kiss him, and says that if she does, he will be released from the spell and transformed into a human again. But when the kiss backfires, Eadric is still a frog- and so is Emma! 

     8+. T I have loved this book for a long time, but just recently got it for my birthday. 

     -Grace

The Cat of Bubastes by G. A. Henty

We read The Cat of Bubastes by G. A. Henty as part of Family School.

I've heard many homeschoolers recommend G. A. Henty's books, because they are well-researched historical novels. This was our first experience reading one.

The Cat of Bubastes takes place in Ancient Egypt in about 1200 BC.

Amuba is the prince of the Rebu, when Egypt comes and conquers his people. His father dies in battle, and his mother poisons herself in her despair. Amuba is taken to Egypt as a slave, where he serves a kind master, Ameres, the High Priest of Osiris.

In Egypt, he becomes friends with Chebron, the boy he is assigned to serve. When Chebron accidentally kills the sacred cat of Bubastes, the boys are forced to flee.

This story is full of adventure, morals, a tiny bit of romance, and intrigue.

This book made an entertaining read-aloud, but I think kids would have a hard time getting through it on their own. Bubs (9) and Welly (7) really enjoyed it, but one chapter per day was enough. Wy (4) sometimes felt like a chapter was more than he could handle.

We learned a lot from this book...a lot about Ancient Egyptian culture. It's also a fabulous coming-of-age type story.

Our Current Reading

I'm usually a One-Book-at-a-Time kinda girl, but at the moment I'm all over the place.

As much of a reader as I've been over the last decade, I feel like my eyes are just beginning to open, and I feel this thirst for more knowledge...and it feels good.

Right now, I'm making my way through...

Non-LDS Books


The Cat of Bubastes by G. A. Henty-There's so much to learn from his historical fiction. Wow! Makes a great read-aloud. Long at times, I admit, but it's quite the adventure. We're all enjoying it.


Les Miserables by Victor Hugo-So great when I read it, but I find myself drawn to other books first.


LDS Books


10 Critical Keys for Highly Effective Mormon Families by William Dyer and Philip Kunz-Interesting look at what successful families do.


The Infinite Atonement by Tad R. Callister-Beautiful. Great insights.


The Temple Experience by Wendy Ulrich-Haven't read much yet, but I'm hoping that it will help me get more out of my temple experiences.



That's it at the moment. What are you reading?

Icefall by Matthew J. Kirby

Here's another quick recommendation. As you know, I've been a bit of a slacker on the blogging front lately.  During my recess, I have read many books. Some turned out to be unworthy of Deliciously Clean Read status. Others were forgettable.

Icefall by Matthew J. Kirby
was one that stuck with me, and I wanted to make sure to mention here at Homespun Light.

Amazon has the following plot description:

Critically acclaimed author Matthew J. Kirby deftly weaves a stunning coming-of-age tale with chilling cleverness and subtle suspense that will leave readers racing breathlessly to the end.

Trapped in a hidden fortress tucked between towering mountains and a frozen sea, Solveig--along with her brother the crown prince, their older sister, and an army of restless warriors--anxiously awaits news of her father's victory at battle. But as winter stretches on, and the unending ice refuses to break, terrible acts of treachery soon make it clear that a traitor lurks in their midst. Solveig must also embark on a journey to find her own path. Yet, a malevolent air begins to seep through the fortress walls, as a smothering claustrophobia slowly turns these prisoners of winter against one another.

Those charged with protecting the king's children are all suspect, and the siblings must choose their allies wisely. But who can be trusted so far from their father's watchful eye? Can Solveig survive the long winter months and expose the traitor before he manages to destroy a kingdom?

Besides being a great page-turner, this book has some great themes. It talks about the importance of stories, what it is like to be a middle child, bravery, and selflessness.

This book kind of has a fantasy feel, but you certainly won't find any fairies or goblins in it.

I highly recommend it. If you enjoy books like The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen (review here), check this one out!

Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson

It has been quite some time since I read (AND LOVED) Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson. I've recommended it to many friends, but I see that I never got around to recommending it to you!

From the publisher, Shadow Mountain:

"Marianne Daventry will do anything to escape the boredom of Bath and the amorous attentions of an unwanted suitor. So when an invitation arrives from her twin sister, Cecily, to join her at a sprawling country estate, she jumps at the chance.

Thinking she'll be able to relax and enjoy her beloved English countryside while her sister snags the handsome heir of Edenbrooke, Marianne finds that even the best laid plans can go awry.  From a terrifying run-in with a highwayman to a seemingly harmless flirtation, Marianne finds herself embroiled in an unexpected adventure filled with enough romance and intrigue to keep her mind racing. Will Marianne be able to rein in her traitorous heart, or will a mysterious stranger sweep her off her feet? Fate had something other than a relaxing summer in mind when it sent Marianne to Edenbrooke."

Shadow Mountain got me really excited when they announced that this book is the first in their "G-rated Proper Romance Line". I've been watching for news of more titles that fit this description. No news yet, I'm afraid. Where are the follow-ups, Shadow Mountain? We want more!

I found this book to be a tremendously enjoyable read. It was hard to put down, and I highly recommend this CLEAN, wonderful romance, especially to those readers who enjoy Jane Austen-era reads. You'll find the setting, playful banter, and romance you love....although this is certainly a quicker read than Austen's novels.

Enjoy! Everyone in my book club loved this one.

The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale

The Goose Girl (Books of Bayern) by (the amazing, hilarious, and wonderful) Shannon Hale

Review by Welly-Bell, Age 7

Crown Princess Anidori-Kiladra Talianna Isilee is princess of Kildenree. She can talk to birds. She is traveling with fifty guards and the key-mistress' daughter, Selia. On the way to Bayern, Selia and most of the guards betray Ani.

They try to kill Ani, but she escapes. After a few days of wandering in the forest, Ani finds a little cottage.

Gilsa and Finn live in the cottage. Ani helps them with the chickens and goats in exchange for a bed and food. Ani goes to the city with Finn.

On market day, Ani goes to see the King. She realizes she is going to have to come back. The King gives her work in the geese pen with Conrad.

Conrad is grumpy most of the time. Enna and Razo and Beier and some others also work there.

Princess Selia tells the King that Kildenree is planning to attack Bayern.

Read the book and find out what happens to Ani. Some of the characters I really like are Enna, Gilsa, and Finn.

***Check out my interview with Shannon Hale here!

Beyond Foo, Book 1: Geth and the Return of the Lithens by Obert Skye

Beyond Foo, Book 1: Geth and the Return of the Lithens by Obert Skye

Review by Bubs, Age 9 (who is apparently picking up on Daddy's sales skills.)

Join Geth and Clover on an exciting adventure in the hidden border of Foo. 

Geth and Clover, in search of adventure discover a secret passageway to another realm. They soon learn that the realm is controlled by an evil man named Payt. Geth also discovers that his thought-to-be-dead brother is in Payt's dungeons. 

As the two set out on a rescue mission for both Geth's brother and the realm, their very lives are in fate's hands.

I liked this book because of the good humor and awesome action. Obert Skye has a great sense of creativity too, creating a wonderful story.

This book is a middle-grade fantasy.

A Bedtime for Bear by Bonny Becker

A Bedtime for Bear (Bear and Mouse) by Bonny Becker is definitely a favorite around here, as are A Visitor for Bear (Bear and Mouse) and The Sniffles for Bear (Bear and Mouse). Somehow, we have missed A Birthday for Bear (Bear and Mouse), which will quickly be remedied. It's already in my Amazon cart.

My Welly-Girl, who is now 7, is a voracious reader. I'm running out of middle grade and young adult fairy tale romances to pass on to her! If I can't keep up with what my kids are reading, I don't know who can.

This review, which is more of a summary, is about a wonderful picture book...which she likes despite the lack of romance.

Anyway, it was written by her. I'm bribing my kids to write up reviews for the blog, so expect more.

A Bedtime for Bear (Bear and Mouse), written by Bonny Becker and illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton.
Review by Welly-Bell, Age 7.

One evening Bear heard someone knock on his front door...it was Mouse. "I am here to spend the night," he said, so they played chess until it was bedtime.

When it was bedtime, Bear reminded Mouse he had to be absolutely quiet.

Mouse got ready for bed. Bear got ready for bed.

Mouse hummed. "My ears are highly sensitive!" cried Bear.

"Can you hear this?" said Mouse.

"WILL THIS TORMENT NEVER CEASE?" wailed Bear.

When Mouse finally went to sleep, Bear thought he still heard noises. He was scared. He woke up Mouse, who checked the room. Then Bear told Mouse a bedtime story about a scared, little mouse and a big, brave bear.

I like this book because Bear is funny.