Dave Ramsey's new book "Smart Money Smart Kids"

Wow, I have stumbled across the new Dave Ramsey book, and this time he teamed up with his daughter, Rachel Cruze, to write about money smart kids.  One of my biggest concerns with being a parent is that my kids won't be ready for life in the real world.  I want them to be prepared to feed themselves, clean up after themselves, and succeed with money in a way that I did not for the better part of my twenties.  I am still in the process of reading the book, but as with any other Dave Ramsey book, it has captivated my interest from the very beginning.  I will be writing some more posts about the book as I get further along, but so far I am inspired yet again to be the best money smart me I can be and this time in order to help my kids be prepared for their own successful future.  Check it out....

Book Review: Familiar Origins

I just finished reading a good fantasy book titled "Familiar Origins" by B. Pine about a group of children that posses special powers. The book is filled with magic and dragons, and is the first in a series. I certainly enjoy reading fantasy books, and this book didn't disappoint. Most fantasy stories are told over the course of many books, and this story is no different. In this book we are introduced to our potential heroes, a group of 5 kids who are destined to grow up and change the world. We are also introduced to 2 sets of dragons, apparently those who are for people and those who are against. This book sets up the story nicely, with the children going to school, a school controlled by one of the evil dragons, to learn to control their "powers".

I found this book to be very entertaining. It was a quick read. It would also be a young adult suitable, but I found it enjoyable as an adult as well. There was a lot of things going on, and it did take a little while to get to see the connection, but if someone gives the book a chance and doesn't give up, it is a rewarding experience! I will also look for the following books in the series. Good read!

Grade: A

Finley the Great

So we have a new addition to the family... Finley joined us on December 19th, 2011. He is such a clown, so very different from both of his brothers! He just turned one year old, and he walks so well. He started walking when he was about 10 months old, but he would only walk from mom to dad or to his brothers. Somewhere around 1 he discovered how much faster life is when he can walk! He cruises all over the place now, playing with his brothers or just checking out the toilet.... He certainly is the boy we never knew we couldn't live without!

Long time gone...

So it has been a very long time since posting. So long in fact that I have had another boy, and moved to a new home! Lots to talk about and even more books to review! Stay tuned....

The Snowman's Revenge, a review

I recently had the chance to review the children's book "The Snowman's Revenge" by Mark Smythe. It tells the story of a snowy day where the children are kept home from school and they take the opportunity to build a snowman. At the end of the day they go into the warm house, and the snowman decideds he wants revenge because they left him out in the cold.

This was a really cute story that I enjoyed reading with my children. The illistrations were very colorful and captivating, and the story taught a lesson about revenge. My 6 year old has read the book numerous times, and he said he thinks it is funny!

Grade: A

Book was given to me to review from the Cadence Group

Nick of Time, a book

I just finished reading "Nick of Time (A Bug Man Novel)" by Tim Downs. This book is about Nick Polchak, the bug man. He is all set to marry his fiance in a week, and he decides to go to a meeting of the Vidocq society in a faraway city where he is drawn into a murder mystery that could keep him away from his wedding....

This is the first Bug Man novel that I have ever read, so I felt like I was pulled into the middle of a story. That being said, I really enjoyed the story and the characters. I am encouraged to check out the first books at the library. I am a fan of murder mystery type books, and this book was on the lighter end of the spectrum as far as murder goes. A very enjoyable read.

B

This book was given to me by the publisher, Thomas Nelson, to review.

The Soldier's Wife, a book

Wow, what a powerful book. When I received this book to review, I put it to the side as I had a few other books to read first. When I finally made my way to this book, I could not put it down. What a compelling story! The book follows the story of a woman who lives on the Isle of Guersney during WWII. She has 2 daughters and her mother in law to look after while her husband is away fighting in the war. I don't want to give too much away in explination, but just trust me when I say that this is a great love story, and also a tearful tale.

The woman in this book is such a strong character. She is a person that I would like to think I would be like in such a hard time. She does everything possible to protect her children from the horrors of war, and at the same time finds compassion for all people. I would say this is a must read!

A+

The Soldier's Wife by Margaret Leroy was given to me to review from the publisher, Hyperion.