Book Review: Another Day Another Dali by Sandra Orchard

A few months ago I read A Fool and His Monet by Sandra Orchard. I have to admit that I had a hard time finishing the book. It was one of those books for me that when I read the back it sounded great, but when I was reading it the book just didn't enthuse me.  When I read the back of this book it sounded great, so I thought I'd give her another try :) I have to admit that I enjoyed this book way more than A Fool and His Monet. I really don't have a reason to explain it because most of the same characters are in this book, it has a similar plot, etc. I really do enjoy the characters that are in these novels and I feel like there is an underlying mystery with one of the characters.  The mystery that we are reading about is about painting forgery and there are many twists and turns through the book.  Serena has a love of art because of her grandfather and she investigates art because of his death.  There is a love triangle between Serena, Nate and Tanner.  There is enough mystery to interest us, but not enough for us to figure out who is really the love of Serena's life.  I'm looking forward to the next book to learn more about the romance and hopefully figure out more about Serena's grandfather.


** I was given this book at no charge for my honest opinion.

Therapy Update for Issac

Issac recently started back to Occupational Therapy. He didn't want to go back because he felt since they released him a few years ago that he shouldn't have to go back. In just a few weeks he's made amazing strides!! He's done well with writing his letters with the correct spacing (LOL) We've worked on that for YEARS at this point and it seemed like nothing made it clear for him. His new therapist has lots of little sayings, neat visual cards and great ideas.  It's been amazing for him and he's enjoying it. Today he copied two sentences I had written and they were totally legible.  His letters get smaller the more he writes, so that needs to be addressed, but he's progressed amazingly in just a few weeks.  He's working on typing, so that he can do more since his hands get so tired.  He's been typing a paragraph a day that he copies from a book.
He also recently did quite a bit of testing for Speech. It looks like he WILL NOT qualify anymore.  For the first time since he was one, it looks like he won't be in Speech Therapy anymore! He's made HUGE strides in the last year. In kindergarten he started reading great, but when we took a break at Christmas it was like he forgot everything. We've been working ever since and reading just hasn't picked up for him. About a year ago the owner of where he attends therapy gave us some things to work on. We've all been working hard for the last year and it's just amazing the strides he's made.  I actually had to put a lock on my phone because he goes in now to read my text messages (LOL) Some of his testing is still in the low-average range, but it's not enough to qualify for him. We are going to continue working on the areas he was low in and hopefully start a new, online program in a few months that will work on those areas. I am just so proud at how much he's achieved in the last year. I know he understands he's done well, but I don't think he has any idea how far he's come.

Review: Spelling Workout

I am so glad that I decided to go with Spelling Workout for Issac.  I used it years ago with Zachary and I've always regretted not staying with it.  I really like the way there is a pre-test, days of activities and then the final test.  I feel like it gives the kids different ways to study and learn the words.  Zachary struggled with spelling and I felt it was the program, so I moved on. After teaching for all these years I've realized now that we would have been better staying with the program and just working forward.  Issac really enjoys puzzles, mazes, fill-in-the-blanks, etc.  Spelling Workout has several options that he enjoys.  I like that they include an area for punctuation as well as short writing. It's just enough for Issac to learn, but not too much to overwhelm him.  I'm really glad I followed my gut this time :)

Book Review: Mommy Needs a Raise by Sarah Parshall Perry

I enjoy reading parenting books because I like getting different points of view. One thing I liked about this book was that it started out with her life before children.  I enjoyed reading what her hopes, thoughts and dreams were before children. After that the book seemed to go down hill for me.  It seemed like it was very jumbled and I never really understood the point of the author's thoughts. I really had high hopes for this book because of the title. We all realize how many hats we wear as moms and I thought this book was going to celebrate that. I just really was lost throughout the book and had to really force myself to push through it. I wanted to like it, but in the end I just didn't.


** I was given this book free for my honest opinion.

Book Review: Kit Kat & Lucy

I really enjoyed reading this book.  Lonnie Hull DuPont and her husband trade in their life in a busy city to move out into a farmhouse in Michigan.  Even though Lonnie grew up in that area it's a bit of an adjustment after many years of city life.  One day Kit Kat showed up and changed their lives forever.  They brought her into their home reluctantly and even tried to move her to a "safer" home once. When Kit Kat showed back up at their house they realized she was meant to be theirs.  She became such a comfort to their lives.  They didn't think life could get much better until Lucy showed up.  They weren't sure how they would manage two cats, but with the help of a friend, they were able to help both cats adjust.  The cats were such a huge part of their life and they weren't sure how they ever survived before. This is an easy, fun story to read and I really loved it.  

** I was given this book free for my honest review. 

Book Review: When Love Arrives by Johnnie Alexander

I have to say this wasn't my favorite book.  When the book first starts we see Dani Prescott syping on Brett Somers.  They meet and he is instantly friendly with her. He doesn't realize that she is following him because of an interview she saw.  His parents were killed when he was younger and he blamed the pilot who turns out to be Dani's mother.  As they spend time together her feelings of anger towards him change.  Brett had recently found out he had a child. His son had been injured and Brett wasn't allowed to see him. He would go and stand outside the hospital watching his window at night.  As the story moves forward Dani and Brett grow closer, but he doesn't know about her true feelings for him. I felt this story moved slowly and I really just didn't feel engaged with the characters.



** I was given this book free for my honest opinion.

Book Review: Mattie's Pledge by Jan Drexler

I always enjoy reading books that are about Amish people. This book wasn't as easy a read as I normally like.  The characters, the setting and plot were all nicely written. I easily felt like I could be right there in the story.  For me it just didn't catch my attention like some others do.  The main characters, Mattie and Jacob, just didn't seem to engage me like I wanted them to. The plot was well thought out, but just didn't seem to jump out at me. I haven't read this author before, so it may just be her style didn't grab me this time. I think it's an easy read for anyone that enjoys these types of books.

** I was given this book free for my honest opinion.