FAMILY READ-ALOUD...
We read a few library books and books we have around the house, but two books really stood out for the children. We all enjoyed A Time to Keep by Tasha Tudor. The illustrations were beautiful and my children and I loved seeing how simple, magical, and family-centered the holidays used to be. We also read Roanoke: The Lost Colony---An Unsolved Mystery From History. We are planning another field trip to Roanoke Island, North Carolina where Fort Raleigh and the legendary Lost Colony is supposed to be. It is a wonderful day trip that our family enjoys but we thought we'd go a little more prepared this time.
WHAT I READ...
I was able to read 12 books in June, so I'll share some of my favorites.
The Lady of the Rivers by Philippa Gregory
I was supposed to have read this book in May, but time got away from me and I didn't start it until May 31st. Because I was only 25 pages in, I think it's fair to include this book with my June reading. It is the first of fifteen books in the Plantagenet and Tudor series by Philippa Gregory. It took all month to read it since I wanted to take my time and understand the historical figures and events that took place. The author is a phenomenal researcher and I was absolutely blown away by the book. The story revolves around the life of Jacquetta, mother of Elizabeth Woodville, who married King Edward Plantagenet. I easily gave it 5 stars.
The Lady of Bolton Hill by Elizabeth Camden
I admit that this book initially caught my attention by its pretty book cover, but the story is incredible. This is the first book I've read by Elizabeth Camden and I'm now hooked. There was one character in the book that I wanted to know more about, and was not satisfied with his story when the book ended, but soon learned that while this book is not in a series, the author's second book, Against the Tide, centers around the character I was most intrigued by. I had to put it on hold at the library and wait all month, as I was 2nd in the queue for borrowing it. Now in my possession, I look forward to reading it in July.
Ladies of Distinction series by Jen Turano
Another new author for me, I had intended on only reading the novella, Gentleman of Her Dreams (#0.5), which was free on Kindle, and A Change of Fortune (#1). It was so hilarious that half way through book #1, I went ahead and reserved the remaining books in the series and read those too. They are A Most Peculiar Circumstance (#2), A Talent for Trouble (#3), and A Match of Wits (#4). I will probably finish the last book tonight. All of the women in the books (and the men) are all close friends or related to one another. Somehow, these independent women seem to always end up in jail, and the men in their lives are often times with them. (These are Christian books, so it is nothing inappropriate that puts them in jail---it is always a misunderstanding). A very good series for those who like clean romantic comedies, and set in New York City in the 1880's.
WHAT BRIDGET (AGE 7) IS READING...
Bridget has been reading a lot of "readers" in an effort to improve her eyesight and her reading capabilities. She was diagnosed with a severe astigmatism at the end of 2016 and it has taken her some time to get used to her glasses and seeing words on a age the way they're supposed to be seen. I borrowed a lot of Pinkalicious and Fancy Nancy books for her to read aloud to me, but Bridget has been reading a Barbie Mystery book. She said she really liked it and now wants to read more mystery books so long as they're not too scary. I hope to get her back on to more quality literature soon.
WHAT GEORGE (AGE 5) AND LIAM (AGE 2) ARE READING...
George picked out Clifford the Big Red Dog readers at the library. He's not yet reading on his own, but he listens to me as I read them to him, and is able to "read" them to Liam. They also do this with the Berenstain Bear books we have.
