Escape Across the Wide Sea by Katherine Kirkpatrick

 In 1686 Daniel and his parents flee France. As French Huguenots, they are in danger of death if they do not convert to Catholicism. Not able to secure a boat to England, they find themselves on a slave ship, sailing from France to Africa to the Caribbean, and then finally to New York. Along the way, Daniel develops his views about slavery, endures many difficult situations, and discovers how to impact others' lives.

I like how the readers will begin to comprehend the depth of people's faith by reading this book. Daniel's parents would not compromise their faith. Explicit details how to come to Christ are not included. In the author's note she explains a bit about Calvinism.

Ms. Kirkpatrick immerses the reader into this time period. Readers will understand the Triangular Trade very well after reading this book. Not many historical fiction books have been written about the French Huguenots. I would recommend including this one when studying the 1600-1800s. The chapters are short and exciting-perfect for reluctant readers.

A couple of glossaries are included.

Consider/discuss: the cruelty of slavery is shown in detail

Project Hail Mary-movie*

 My oldest son watched this film in the theater while at college. He mentioned that he would like us to watch it. So we had a rare movie night (we typically only watch one show at a time when we watch together) and all enjoyed this movie.

Ryland Grace, a middle school science teacher, becomes involved with the top scientists in the world to save planet Earth. With his degree in microbiology & a paper he wrote years ago, they consider him an asset and the one who can find the "cure" to stop the sun from being eaten. One major problem-the people who are launched into space to find the "cure", will not return to earth. They will die. Dr. Grace does not go willingly. Waking up from an induced coma, he discovers he is the only one on the team alive. Will he be able to survive & save Earth's inhabitants?

Ryan Gosling, who plays Dr. Grace, is incredible. The viewer likes his character immediately. I loved the humor & the likable/admirable characters. My youngest son loved this movie because it was slower paced, and it valued story/plot development & did not depend on non-stop action.

*Highly recommend.

Based on the book by Andy Weir.

We watched via Prime.

Seeking Persephone-miniseries**

 My friend told me about this 4-episode miniseries. My husband, oldest son, & I watched it on Roku (the commericals for the 1st three episodes were so annoying!! We aren't used to commericals!). This mini series is probably one of my favorites of all time! 

Persephone, the eldest child of the Lancaster family, has been holding the family together since she was twelve-years-old and her mother died. The brothers join the military to support the floundering family finances. When the Duke of Kielder writes a letter asking to marry her and also stating that he will support the family, her father consents. At her wedding, Persephone discovers her husband is a recluse and a bitter man. Will he ever come to love her?

I love the characters-so admirable & well-developed, the story line was engaging & well-paced, the romance was sweet & showed nothing inappropriate.  

Based on the book by Sarah Eden (she has written a series about all the Lancaster siblings-- Persephone is the 1st book.) The story incorporates elements from Beauty & the Beast and the Greek myth about Hades & Persephone.

**Highly, highly recommend. I cannot wait to read the book! I requested it via ILL.

Consideration: Sarah Eden, the author of this series, is Mormon. No religion is preached or woven into this film. The only connection it has to the Mormon community is that it is a clean romance. 

1776 Year of Independence by Genevieve Foster*

 Ms. Foster, in a narrative and an engaging style, offers the readers an overview of the events in 1776, not just in the United States, but also around the world. Three parts: The American Colonies, Artists & Scientists, and Around the World.

Ms. Foster's books are known as "horizontal history".

*Highly recommend.

-I own this book.

Bread of Angels by Tessa Afshar*

I do not choose to read Christian fiction often (I have reasons.). My friend handed this book plus another one by this author to me one Sunday without me asking for them. I decided to give this author a chance. I ended up enjoying the novel!😊

Ms. Afshar reimagines how Lydia, the seller of purple, becomes a successful business owner and a believer in Christ. She begins in Thyatira when Lydia is a teenager and living with her father, a merchant and purple dyer. After a series of betrayals, Lydia travels to Philippi to start over. Readers experience what life was like during this era & interact with Paul, Silas, Timothy and others mention in Philippians. 

Consider: One gathering the believers are speaking in tongues. Readers can infer that one evil man would use young girls for his pleasure.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from my friend (But it is available in my public library system.)

Candle Island by Lauren Wolk*

A great summer read! 

Lucretia & her mom move to Candle Island, Maine to escape---her father's death, journalists who want to interview her artist mother. Candle Island contains its own secrets-vandals, children with special gifts, a hidden room. 

I was captivated by the author's poetic sentences, her development of the setting (I wanted to move to Candle Island & explore it!), and her plot pace-how she revealed the secrets to the reader. Ms. Wolk also created likable, distinct characters. I appreciated Lucretia's relationship with her mom-so sweet.

The description of yummy meals Mrs. Sanderson made & served gave me the desire to knock on their door & ask to partake!

*Highly recommend but--Lucretia seemed too wise beyond her years . . .yet when I learned her full story, I could understand why she seemed a lot wiser than a typical 12-year-old.. . . Despite this slightly downside to the book, I still consider this novel as one of my favorite middle grade novels I have read in awhile.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Inspired Homeschool by Jennifer Pepito*

 Mrs. Pepito focuses on outstanding men & women from history who were homeschooled for at least part of their lives to offer encouragement and principles to current homeschooling moms. 

The individuals featured in this book are: Jesus, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Benjamin Franklin, Elizabeth Goudge, C.S. Lewis, Leonardo da Vinci, Charles Dickens, Blaise Pascal, Berthe Morisot, Booker T. Washington, & Joan of Arc. Mrs. Pepito highlights aspects of their education that we can emulate. At the end of each chapter she offers suggestions to reinforce the concept introduced plus additional books about the person or other ideas mentioned. 

She promotes her business, The Peaceful Press, throughout the book. She also is a proponent of Charlotte Mason, whom she quotes & references often.

I thought this book would focus more on each person's life & their homeschool experience, not be a "how-to" book. It was NOT falsely advertised. I just arrived at that conclusion independently (or by not reading the summary carefully!). This book would be most useful for mothers with younger kids (junior high & younger).

*Highly recommend for mothers who are beginning to homeschool or who have years left to homeschool. Becoming more aware of historical figures who were homeschooled is my favorite feature of this book.

-I own this book.