Redeeming Love, by Francine Rivers

Warning: this book is a can't put it down. Based on the book of Hosea in the Bible, our story is about a man who falls in love (per God's leading) with a prostitute. Here is a true picture of what it means to be loved unconditionally with a Christ-like love. Our hero is persistent in giving his love regardless of the hurtful responses he's receiving. But our heroine just cannot comprehend love, it has been skewed and perverted in her life. She rejects affection just as we so often reject our Savior's love. She cannot comprehend the freedom of surrender. There is so much that could be said, but I don't want to ruin it for you!

I was so drawn by this work. I dreamed about it. It was a teaching tool for me, as well as excellent entertainment. This book is life changing, and a worthy read for anyone of any faith. Now, of course, I'm working my way through the book of Hosea.

Adventures with the Vikings by Linda Bailey

from the Good Times Travel Agency series.

Starting in a Travel Agency and winding up in a Viking Village, the three siblings in our story are in for an adventure. They first learn about life in a village where women spend most of their time spinning, and sewing if they aren't cooking or caring for the little ones. The men farm, hunt, sail, and raid. Vikings are a violent and reckless seeming bunch, and our young adventurers get dragged along to a "Thing", a raid, and they even learn what it is like to be a thrall. For those who love adventure, and learning without even realizing it, this is the book for you.

What To Do About Alice by Barbara Kerley

What an adorable picture book! Alice is the daughter of Teddy Roosevelt and she is spunky and full of life. She wants to "eat up the world" and there is nothing her father can do about it. "I can be president of the United States, or I can control Alice. I cannot possibly do both." President Roosevelt said. Alice broke all the rules. She did not behave like girls and women were expected to in her time. Alice took charge of her own education, homeschooling herself in her fathers library. She devoured a multitude of books, and would give a report to her father of all she had learned. (Sounds like a combination of unschooling and Charlotte Mason dictation) Alice is an inspiration! Her love of life and determination are a lesson to us all.