The Lady of Arlington by John Perry

By Mike

Many know about her husband, Robert E. Lee, and her great-grandmother, Martha Washington many have visited the cemetery that now occupies her family estate.  But few today know much about Mary Custis Lee herself.  Chronically ill and often in excruciating pain, Mary raised seven children, faithfully witnessing to her husband for years before his conversion.  She retained her dignity and faith throughout a fruitless, heartbreaking attempt to win compensation for the confiscation of her home and possessions.  History is never more powerful than when it provides a role model for enduring hardship with sturdy and radiant faith.  Mary Custis Lee is such an example.  (taken from Amazon description)

Being from the south, I have studied Robert E. Lee.  I have family buried in Arlington.   So, going into this book, I already knew a lot of the history of the place.  It was great getting Mary's perspective.  We always hear about the men going to war, but this book gave us a look into the family side.  We all seem to forget that when the men go to war, there is always someone waiting at home for them to come back.

This book is one for my keeper shelf.

Mike's personal note:  The Lee family took the government to court over the handling of Arlington and was awarded $150,000.00

Bloodmark by Aurora Whittet

By Mike

Sixteen-year-old werewolf princess Ashling Boru is different from other wolves- she was able to shift to a wolf at birth.  Rather than bringing pride to her family, it brings fear, and she is sent to live in Ireland's secluded countryside.  Ashling's reputation is further blackened when she refuses her betrothed, defying the ancient laws.  When her pack's oldest rivals being to hunt her, she finds herself in the small town of York Harbor, Maine, far from everything she's known.

When she crosses paths with dark and rebellious Grey Donavan, something ignites within her sould.  There's just one problem; Grey is human.  Their instant connection turns into a passionate romance, and Ashling begins to believe she can create her own life outside of wolf laws.  When she uncovers long-buried pack secrets that threaten to destroy all she holds dear, Ashling's courage and tenacity are tested.  Will she choose her deep and enduring love for Grey or will she follow Old Mother's path to her destiny?  (taken from Amazon description)

What a great book!  I couldn't put it down!  The only problem I have is that I don't have any of the other books in the series.

This book is like a roller coaster ride.  It's up-beat when Ashling and Grey are together, but when they're apart you can feel the pain.  But as you read how they fell in love, you though about the loves in your own life.

This is a great book and I'll be looking for the follow ups.


Shawn's Note:  This is the second review of Bloodmark.  If you'd like to read our other review, it's posted here.

The Living by Matt de la Pena

By Mike

Shy took the summer job to make some money.  In a few months on a luxury cruise liner, he'll rake in the tips and be able to help his mom and sister out with the bills.  And how bad can it be?  Bikinis, free food, maybe even a girl or two- every cruise has different passengers, after all.

But everything changes when the Big One hits.  Shy's only weeks out at sea when an earthquake more massive than ever before recorded hits California, and his life is forever changed.

 The earthquake is only the first disaster.  Suddenly, it's a fight to survive for those left living.  (taken from Amazon description)

What a great book!  It's one of the best I've read in a long time.  First, it's the combover guy as he jumps overboard and the fight Sky has to keep a hold of him...and loses!  What a rush! Then we have days in the lifeboat with Addison, a woman he hates!  Their battle to survive the seas and sharks was outstanding.  Then we meet Shoeshine (who also worked in special ops), who saves Shy.  Then to find out, the earthquake isn't the only issue, but there's a sickness sweeping America.  And then when I found out why everything was happening!  I'm amazed!

I'm looking forward to the next book called The Hunted, which is currently scheduled to be released May of 2015.

The Long Love by John Sedges

By Mike

This book was first published in 1975 and is set in the late 1800s.  It follows the love story of a couple through each stage.  We begin with courtship and then marriage and children, and all that goes along with that.  John is a bit of a workaholic, and Margaret has some issues of her own.  Can they make their marriage work?  Not only that, but can they live happy lives with each other?

This is a great American love story.  It isn't all love and happiness, but the love and pain of family as well.  It was a different time but it's still the same now.  Edward and Margaret could be any one of us.  This book shows the love and laughter of life, love and death.  It's a great story about life.

Shawn's Note:  This book is no longer being printed and is only available used.  We, however, believe if you can find a copy, you should snag it!  I personally loved this book as well.  Also, this book was originally written under the name of John Sedges, and later has been revealed to be a pseudonym.  The author's name is Pearl S. Buck.

Stuck in the Doldrums by Carole P Roman

By Tina

Stuck in the Doldrums is another Captain No Beard story.  In this story the crew is at it again, but when the wind stops blowing, The Flying Dragon gets strandedon a desert island!  With his First Mate, Hallie; Linus the Lion; Fribbet the Frog; Mongo the Monkey; and Polly the Parrot, Captain No Beard has to find a way to use teamwork and understanding to get through the p roblem at hand.  However, when Captain No Beard gets bossy and makes playtime miserable for the crew, he soon finds himself alone and helpless when a giant squid attacks.  Just when it seems like the captain is in over his head, his faithful crew reunites and teaches him an important lesson.  (taken from the back of the book)

As with all the other stories in the Captain No Beard collection, it is a thoughtful way to help teach young children how to share.  It has great illustrations and my own children like to put the story into words with just the pictures.

The Crew Goes Coconuts by Carole P Roman

By Tina

In The Crew Goes Coconuts!, Carole P Roman has turned out yet another great book.  As the imagination of cousins Hallie and Alexander bring their stuffed animals to life, the crew of critters is stranded alongside a desert island.  The friends wish to refresh their thirst; however, the newcomer to the ship makes a critical error that draws the negative attention of the other shipmates.  Miffed by Matty the Goat's mistake, the parched crew turns on the hapless greenhorn with cruel taunts and personal attacks.  Captain No Beard steps in and expertly navigates the rough waters of bullying with sensible leadership that leave everyone with a good taste in their mouths.  (taken from the back of the book)

The children that I have read this story to have been enthralled in its pictures as well as the story.  I also like the fact that once I read the book, I can interact with them about what happened in the story.  In doing so, I think it helps them understand the  meaning of the story a little better.

Pepper Parrot's Problem with Patience by Carole P Roman

By Tina

Carole P Roman has done it again in the story of Pepper Parrot's Problem with Patience.  Captain No Beard, his First Mate Hallie, and the crew of the Flying Dragon pirate ship are excited to welcome a new crew member, Pepper Parrot, today!  But the drills are a major problem for Pepper Parrot to complete correctly, since she does not know her left from her right.  Her new friends show her some understanding, patience, and a special trick that encourage her to have confidence and to become a real crew member.  Her new discovery makes her look at herself in a more positive, confident way.  (taken from the back of the book)

I love the Captain No Beard stories and this one is no exception.  In this story, Captain No Beard and his crew try to help children learn how to deal with issues as dyslexia.  It is also very easy to get young children engaged in the story, which is the best part of all.