Becoming us

Becoming Us by Robin Jones Gunn is the first in the Haven Makers Series. It follows a small group of 5 women who join in a friendship, some willingly and some with trepidation. I loved the group, however, I felt the worry of one member, Emily. Her small family's future is uncertain, so she feels uncertainty in joining a group of women, who in other circumstances, would fill a void she feels in her life.
This book takes us through challenges that many can relate with. I felt that the characters were created with thoughtfulness and love. This helps to make each one someone that I was eager to get to know. I look forward to reading other books in this series and I highly recommend it.
I was given this book by the publisher but the review is all my own and my honest opinion.

Transformations in Stories and Arguments

Transformations in Stories and Arguments is an excellent book for teachers of ELA gifted and advanced learners in second through fourth grade learners. Developed by Vanderbuilt University includes content and tasks for these learners so they may develop skills. Included at the beginning, in additions to an introduction, are a pretest and a rubric. The sections are:
Transformations in Our World
Transforming Writing through Character Development
Developing and Transforming Characters and the Problems they Face
Transformations in Point of View and Perspective
Transformations inStructure and Organizations
Transformations Using Word Choice and Imagery
Revealing Messages and Theme Through Transformations
Transformations in Narrative Writing
 Transformations, Emotions, and Data
Transformations in Scientific Arguments
Transformations in Mathematics
Transformations of Space
Transforming My World
and a Culminating Project

I believe that this book should be in each ELA teacher in grades 2-4 and beyond.
I was given this book by the publisher. The opinions in this review are entirely my own.

Biblical Bits for Knit-Wits

I have a craft club and this book works right in with what we try to do. I like the idea of having an easy to manage lesson to lead to God's truths. Along with the lesson in a pattern for a blanket square that reflects the lesson. The first on is garter stitch with a new skill added for each one. The blankets can then be sent to a mission field, whether it is to help children or the homeless, it will be a blessing as it surrounds them with God's love.
I received this book from NetGalley, however the review is my own thought and feelings..

Surrendered

I was given this book to read and review. The following is my honest opinion of the book.
Secrets can be like a weight on your shoulders. However, if someone is to disclose the secret, timing is important, as is who to share it with.
Tess O'Shay's life is turned upside down when her father's will gives guardianship of her teenage sister to a man that they barely know. The family restaurant and Tess's future are also in this man's hands.
According to Sean O' Shay's will, Tess is to go back to college, something she gave up when her mother became ill and then died. If she does not comply, she will lose everything. But to give in is to turn everything over to Jake Holland, a man who is as secretive as Tess is.
Tess goes back to school, but then the secret that she has held comes face to face with her. A former teacher who had raped her is back teaching at the school. Tess is torn between facing the man or turning him over to the police for an attack that happened 10 year ago.
What she does changes the lives of others that are in her life.
The characters who Jennifer Sienes created are true-to-life, as is the story. It flows from one chapter to another with ease. Even though the story flips from one point of view to another, it helps the story to move along while answering questions. I had an easy time staying engaged with this story, there were twists and turns throughout that kept me reading to the very last page. 
This book receives my highest recommendation.