We Were Strangers Once

I was given this book by NetGalley however the review is my own honest opinion
I found this book lyrical and tender in a way. The book is set in Germany, during Hitler's time, and in Washington Heights. It talks about the people who have to leave one country to live somewhere else. I felt like I could relate to the characters and the journey they made felt real. I enjoyed this book and I recommend it to all.

Book Review: Fish Sandwiches: The Delight of Receiving God's Promises

I was given this book by the publisher. The following review is my honest opinion.
One of the first stories I learned in Sunday School was the Feeding of the Five Thousand. I loved how it showed how God cares about all of his people. This miracle can be found in all for Gospels.
I don't know how many times I have turned to this miracle when I was feeling unsure if God was loving me at that moment. It has always had a place in my heart.
This book, Fish Sandwiches: The Delight of Receiving god's Promises by Troy Schmidt, examines this miracle about feeding his followers from a boy's five loaves and two fish from different angles. It draws the reader's attention to how this miracle shows God's heart and how he will provide, not just physical needs but spiritual needs also. I was able to read this book quickly while taking in the different aspects. I also liked how at the end he includes a version of the Feeding of the Five Thousand, The Feeding of the Four Thousand and a list of God's promises for us.
I highly recommend this book.

Thinking like a scientist - grade 5

I was given this book by the publisher. The review is solely my own honest opinion.
I was a former teacher of fifth and six grade, plus I had two gifted students. This book would have been a valuable resource in my classroom and in my own home to help children think at a higher level. There are many examples of uses of various materials, including literature.

One Summer in Paris

I received this book from NetGalley and its publisher. This review is my own opinion and is not influenced by others.
One Summer in Paris by Sarah Morgan is the story of two women. Each woman goes about their lives not knowing anything about the other until their worlds come together in Paris.
Grace is from Connecticut. She has a husband and a teenage daughter, Sophie. She enjoys seeing her grandmother Mimi in the assisted living facility. She is a happy woman who is looking forward to celebrating 25 years of married life. For their anniversary Grace wants to surprise her husband with a trip to Paris for a month. Before she able to share her news, however, her husband tells her that he is in love with someone else and he wants a divorce. Grace decides to take the trip anyway.
Audrey Hackett lives in London but wants to move to France. Her mother, an alcoholic was always difficult to live with, so Audrey wants to leave. Her mother has found herself in a new relationship. This helps Audrey make her move.
The two meet and soon a new friendship is formed.
I liked the two main characters and the book was very fun to read. Sarah Morgan was able to create two different characters who seem to mesh very well. Each one helped the other to grow and to face their fears.
I rate this book very high.

Murder in a Country Garden

I was given this book by NetGalley. This book review is my opinion and is not influenced by the publisher, author or NetGalley.
Even though this is part of the series, I had not read any of the others in The Melissa Craig books. I didn't feel like it mattered that there were 11 books before this, I was able to connect with the characters and the story quite easily. The author, Betty Rowlands, has a gift with words. She is able to build well-rounded characters. She also was able to develop details with descriptions so I was able to see the story in my mind as I went along.
Moving into their new home, Melissa Craig and her husband have begun to settle, until Melissa discovers that her neighbor, who raises bees, was stung to death. When a second member of the household died in the same manner, Melissa feels she needs to investigate as to why the bees seem to swarm to specific persons. Is there foul play or is it nature doing what it does.
The story will pull you in until you have answers.
I recommend this book to those who like mysteries.

Calm, Cool and Connected

Calm, Cool, and Connected: 5 Digital Habits for a More Balanced Life by Arlene Pellicane
I was given this book by Moody Publishing in exchange for my honest review
This book helps the reader realize how much they rely on screens to fill our lives. Using the word HABIT as the guide it led me to realize how much I use electronic screens and what I can do to change this habit.
H~Hold Down the Off Button
A~Always Put People First
B~Brush Daily: Live with a Clean Conscience
I~I Will Go Online with Purpose
T~Take a Hike

Will I take the advice given? I will try as best as I can. One downfall is I usually read books on my Kindle. With arthritis hard copies are generally to difficult to hold. As this is using my electronic screen with a purpose, I believe that this is all right.
I found this book to be informative and filled with many feasible suggestions.
I recommend this book to anyone who feels they may be spending too much time in front of an electronic screen.