Recommended Reading- June

I actually got some "for fun" reading done this month because of our vacation! I read two whole books in 4 days! It was heaven to have hours of interrupted reading time- and even better to be doing it by a pool in Florida!! (;

The first book I read was a fiction book called The Missing by Beverly Lewis. It is the second in the Seasons of Grace series. It had been a long time since I read the first installment but the second book brought me up to speed quickly. Once again, the series takes place in Amish country but this one incorporates the life of a "English" (modern) woman too, and how her life is interwoven with the Amish. Here is the synopsis from Amazon:

Twenty-one-year-old Grace Byler longs to find her missing mother and to uncover the secret that drove her to leave them three weeks before. Grace suspects the reason has to do with her father and his reserved, uncommunicative ways. This conviction led Grace to break off her betrothal to her quiet, staid beau, and she is now resigned to remain single. But when the young Amishman she thought was courting her best friend takes a sudden interest in her, Grace is befuddled and wonders if he can be trusted. "Englisher" Heather Lang has come to Amish country to relive fond memories of her mother and to contemplate a grave medical prognosis of her own. While in Bird-in-Hand, Heather meets Grace Byler and the two young women strike up a fast friendship, amazed by how well they click. Following the only clue they have, Grace and Heather travel together in hopes of finding Grace's mother and bringing her home. Will they find what they're looking for...or something much more?

I really enjoyed this book as I do all of Beverly Lewis' books. Her stories are always inspiring and entertaining. I couldn't put it down and read it in four hours straight! After we returned home from our trip, the first thing I did was reserve the third book from the library. I just got the call that it is in so I am picking it up tomorrow! Guess what will be on my list for July's RR? (:

The other book I read was a non-fiction called Help for the Harried Homeschooler by Christine Field. I saw this book quite a while ago at the library but thought it looked more like a "beginning homeschooler" book. And you know, since I have three whole years under my belt, I am certainly not a beginner. Ha! Well, I saw it again when we were at the homeschooling conference in May and looked at it for a while and I decided it might be worth reading- since I can be quite harried at times. (; Anyway, I borrowed it from the library and actually started reading it before our trip. I had borrowed and purchased some other homeschooling books that I saw at the conference but after starting this one, it went to the top of my "to read" list, and of course had to come with me on vacation. This book is great for ALL homeschoolers, not just beginners! It had alot of information of how to get started and all that, but what I found most useful was the wonderful encouragement the author gave. She quoted verse after verse and told stories that were very relatable to me and things I am going through right now. Also helpful were many practical tips for running your homeschool as well as life in general. I like this book so much that it is now on my "to buy" list! Every homeschooler should have this on their bookshelf!

Here's Amazon's summary:

Homeschooling moms and dads can be overwhelmed by the demands on their time. Between their children’s educational needs; their roles as spouse, parent, and more; and their own individual desires and goals, these mothers and fathers struggle to accomplish all that must be done. In Help for the Harried Homeschooler, experienced homeschooler, author, and mother of four Christine Field offers sound advice for parents who want not only to achieve homeschooling success but also to reach a balance in their lives.

To read next month:

Good and Angry- Exchanging Frustration for Character...In You and Your Kids! by Scott Turansky

I saw this at the homeschooling conference too, and well, who can't learn a few anger management tips when you are raising and homeschooling a family!! (; I've heard alot of good things about it and can't wait to check it out!

The Telling by Beverly Lewis

Number three and conclusion to the Seasons of Grace series! I know I will be on the edge of my seat for this one!