It’s amazing how limited women’s options were even as late as 1879. How times have changed!  When I was reviewing Love in the Balance, I felt such a frustration for the main character Molly. Although she’s bright, number-savvy, and career-driven, the men in her life treat her as a pretty plaything to toss aside.  Even her own parents take her for granted.  According to everyone in her life, she should have one ambition — making a suitable match, the kind that will enhance her family’s lifestyle.  Molly tries to stack her deck but the odds don’t play out in her favor.  She was so born in the wrong century.  Her business skills would have put her at the top of the CEO food chain in no time!  This story has a bit of a scarlet letter theme to it, which I wasn’t expecting.  [Read more…]

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book. Opinions shared are mine. 

Once again, the cover got me.
I mean, how can you look at the cover of Firefly Island and not want to read it?!

It looks like a really great romance, right?

Well, guess what.  It’s not.  But wait!  It is a really great book.  It’s just that Firefly Island was so different from what I expected it to be.  I imagined pages full of sunshine, picnics on the creek bank, and gingham hearts all over the place.  Instead, I got this riveting mystery that made my heart race.  I just couldn’t figure out where the solution to the mystery would end up.  There’s a little boy in the story and the whole time I was concerned for his safety.  The whirlwind romance that starts out the book is just one small facet of this complex plot.  Also, this is a Christian novel but it’s not overly spiritual.  I probably wouldn’t have even known it was a Christian author writing it if I didn’t know it was published by Bethany House.  So it’s really a book for anyone who enjoys a good read!  The characters are vivid and realistic.  I could imagine myself in Moses Lake, enjoying the days with my family and being suspicious of the neighbors.  Especially after reading this book! [Read more…]

Which book has kick butt characters?  I just couldn’t choose one. I don’t know if it’s a sixth grade teacher thing or what, but I totally love young adult books.  They’re so easy to read, plus they’re highly engaging.   I started out reading this genre to find books that my students would enjoy.  I continue to read them because they are just so good.  In this giveaway, you have a chance to win one of my three favorite reads.  The characters in each of these books are totally KICK BUTT.   In this easy-entry giveaway, select from Divergent (Book 1), The Hunger Games (Book 1), and The Host: A Novel. Which one will you choose? [Read more…]

Max Lucado did it again. I remember the first devotional I read by Max Lucado, and he’s still working the same magic in this book years later. Lucado has this amazing way of being completely real. Does he have some window into my life? No. He just gets it. He understands the frustrations of parenthood, the exasperation of being a spouse, and the difficulty of walking the Christian walk. He also has excellent advice to overcome those obstacles.  Gleaning from Scriptural references, personal anecdotes, words from authors like C.S. Lewis, and even medical journals, Lucado constructs this guide to having a heart like Jesus.   Is honesty always the best policy?  Do I have to forgive, even when it’s an act of infidelity?  Is it okay to hold on to a just little bit of worry?  Lucado addresses such issues by using the best guide of all — Jesus.   This book is so easy to read, it’s like having a conversation.  I’m going to pass along my copy to my mom, for whom English is a second language.   I know she’ll love the personal nature of the stories and it’s written in such a way that she’ll be able to read it with no trouble.

If you’re having difficulty in any area of your life and need to know what Jesus would do, you should of course read the Bible.  It’s the first reference that I would recommend.  But this is a good start.  Just Like Jesus is like taking a road trip with Jesus in the car.   You’ll find yourself answering Lucado’s questions out loud, nodding your head, and wanting to stop and pray right then. Do it!  [Read more…]

I’ve read a few books by Thomas Hollyday and they have convinced me that I need to go visit the Eastern shore.  I’m not really well-traveled and have never been near the Chesapeake Bay area.  In his recent book Slave Graves, the story is set in this area and it’s completely mesmerizing to read the history of this amazing land!   Slave Graves also encouraged me to do a little research.   I just love when a book inspires curiosity!!  Slave Graves made me wonder about several of the legends and tidbits of info it mentioned, so I spent a great deal of time on Google after reading this.  However, the idea of actual slave graves kind of creeps me out, since I grew up in the Poltergeist era.  [Read more…]

Once upon a time, there was a giveaway.   It was the Fairy Tale Giveaway Hop.  The giveaway was such a success that it became an annual event.  The 2013 giveaway hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer,The Book Rat & A Backwards Story will begin on March 26th and is thus to end on April 2nd, whence the entrants and bloggers will live happily ever after.

At the Savings in Seconds house, we love Disney World.  Personally, I love everything about it.  Waking up and having so many beautiful moments with my family, spending time laughing and playing with my kids, and the joy in their faces when they see something new.  Sharing those moments with  my husband is so special.  Disney really is magical.  Isn’t that the way a fairy tale should be?   Unfortunately our first trip to Disney wasn’t so magical.  It’s not a typical vacation; at least, not in the relaxing sense.  There is definitely a learning curve, and if you are planning a trip you should absolutely consult with someone who has Disney experience!  Author Jeffrey Merola shares his Disney expertise in the The Busy Family’s Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2013.   How much is an hour of your time worth?  With the Kindle price at $2.99 and the paperback just $6.95, think of amount of time you’re sure to save because of reading this book.  It’s a steal, right?!  Merola is a husband, father, NY State teacher, football coach, author, and a huge Walt Disney World fan!  He has been on Disney property for about 165 days so he definitely knows his way around the parks.

[Read more…]

Let the labeling begin!  You thought the school’s lost and found was bad?   I’ve been on many an overnight field trip with sixth graders and could probably retire on the yard sale that we might have had after packing up to leave.  Everything from electronics to bedding, from expensive hoodies to pillows…….kids just leave that stuff behind.  No one wants to claim the mermaid towel that was left in the shower, or the grimey shoes left on the floor.  That’s why you need Mabel’s Labels.   Until April 30, you can snag the Limited Edition Camp Combo Packs to make sure that your kid comes home with all of your stuff. Save a bit of sanity with this pack that includes UV resistant, waterproof labels and tags designed especially for the stuff that kids drag to summer camp, overnight trips, and even sleepovers.   Your child’s teacher will be thankful when they don’t have to parade the nightgowns , swim trunks, and dirty wet socks around the dorm room; instead, they can just peek at the label and discreetly lay the wayward gear on your child’s bunk.  [Read more…]

When I had this opportunity to share Treat gifts with you, I knew I needed to take it.  Gifting comes as second nature to me, which I learned from my mom.  She is probably the most generous person I know.   She always finds ways to give of her time, skills, and even her savings to help others who have a greater need.  I’d like to think that I learned a bit of that from her.  When I know that someone needs a little pick-me-up, I try to find a way to give them a little bit of sunshine on a dark day.  Something simple like a card can really brighten someone’s spirits, and it’s so easy to do with Treat.   It’s easy for me to order a personalized mug or a gift card and have it sent right away.  Since we have a lot of family who live far away, this is a way for me to keep in touch and let that special person know that they’re on my mind.  For me, giving gifts as a way of showing love is an important part of showing my affection. [Read more…]

It’s hard to believe that we’re already headed into spring in just a few days!  My kids always hit a growth spurt right about now, so we’re barely making it in the clothes that they have.  My son’s pants have holes and my daughter’s jeans are a little too snug.   Spring shopping, here I come!  It’s also time to think about Easter outfits.  I try to stay away from the frou-frou dresses and little boy suits.  Although they are adorable, they just don’t get worn by my kids.  We can’t justify spending that much money on a two-hour outfit.  I also want my kids to be comfortable while they’re sitting in church, Easter Sunday or not.  I usually opt for a cotton sundress that looks beautiful on my daughter and can be worn with a little cardigan.  For example, I totally love the Sethunya Floral Dress. This Two Oceans Sweater Vest and a long-sleeve shirt with khakis would be a great outfit for my son.   It’s always nice when the colors coordinate but aren’t blatantly matchy-matchy.  These are also pieces that will wash well, look great for the whole season, and can still be passed down or consigned when my kids have outgrown them. Thank goodness for TEA collection! [Read more…]