We are sisters in Christ who became friends over a shared love of Truth, Goodness, and Beauty, found especially in good and great books. Our primary vocation is that of marriage and motherhood, but we feel a secondary call, as educators and homeschool moms, to walk with families who are seeking to help form souls who are capable of responding to the vocation God has called them to. Our objective is to form our children and grandchildren to the best of our ability, and in so doing share what ...
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Book Review: Marmee and Louisa by Eve LaPlante
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Marmee and Louisa: The Untold Story of Louisa May Alcott and Her Mother by Eve LaPlante is a fascinating and insightful biography of both Louisa May Alcott and her mother Abigail. Because both Abigail and Louisa were private women who wanted their letters and journals to be destroyed upon their deaths, much of what we know about their lives has bee…
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The Master calls Servant Three worthless. He hasn’t matured, he’s of no use to anyone else, he has borne no fruit. Bearing fruit is a recurring theme throughout God’s Word. Jesus himself warns us that “every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire” (Matthew 7:19 ESV). He isn’t in a hurry, though, to cast unfruitful t…
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Welcome to our third year of Our Reading Life! Our Reading Life - January 2025 Diane’s References The Daughter of Time by Josephine Tey Sarah Kim’s References The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne Icon: A Novel by Georgia Briggs The Long Walk by Sławomir Rawicz Chitty Chitty Bang Bang by Ian Flemming Tanya’s References The Hiding Place by Corri…
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Book Review: Lily's Victory Garden - A Tales of Young Americans Book
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Lily’s Victory Garden by Helen L. Wilbur is a beautiful tribute to the healing power of gardening and neighborliness during WWII in America. Every night Lily’s family listens to the news from their second floor apartment. When it is all done, Lily and her dad snuggle together in his Morris chair to read the paper aloud to each other. When Lily read…
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"We are blessed to live in a country where freedom to be obedient to Christ has been guaranteed for over two centuries. We’ve taken that for granted. If I have ever lost anything because of my faith, it wasn’t significant enough to come to mind at the moment. What if that should change?"Av Plumfield Moms
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Book Review: Small Acts of Amazing Courage by Gloria Whelan
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Gloria Whelan should be a household name. Her middle-grade fiction is excellent and, sadly, often overlooked today. Whelan’s historical fiction consistently features young protagonists navigating cultural crises, and their coming-of-age journeys are defined by moments of moral courage. Her stories, which are realistic and beautifully written, often…
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Reflection: Don’t Turn Out to Be a Coward
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I remember when, several years ago, I read one of the many instances of Jesus saying, “Fear not,” and realized it wasn’t just a suggestion. It was a command. Until then, I think I had taken those “fear nots” as Jesus kindly giving me a choice. There, there, my dear, you don’t have to be afraid if you don’t want to. Jesus spent the time of his minis…
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Book Review: Come Rack, Come Rope by Robert Hugh Benson
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Come Rack, Come Rope by Robert Hugh Benson is a powerful historical novel that plunges the reader into the intense religious persecution of Catholics in Elizabethan England. I recently revisited this book with my Tuesday Night Classics Club, and on this second read, I was again struck by the beauty of Benson’s writing and the emotional depth of the…
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Our suffering is part of a bigger picture we can’t see from the ground. As the writer of Psalm 105 recounts God’s dealing with Israel, the emphasis is on the fact of God working out his word over hundreds and thousands of years. When he comes to the story of Joseph, the writer says, “When he summoned a famine on the land and broke all supply of bre…
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Book Review: Homeless Bird by Gloria Whelan
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Homeless Bird is a beautifully crafted middle-grade novel that transports readers into the heart of modern-day India, exploring the complex world of arranged marriages, cultural traditions, and the need for courageous virtue. Gloria Whelan’s compelling storytelling invites middle readers into the vibrant colors, sounds, and textures of Indian life,…
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"What is it that Paul says he is afraid of here? He isn’t writing because he fears some of the Corinthians are on the verge of committing perjury or embezzling thousands of dollars or killing someone. He is afraid their “thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.” This is where all of the Big Ten horrible, obvious sins …
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Book Review: A Lot Like Christmas by Connie Willis
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With this recipe in mind, she has been writing Christmas stories for years and has pulled them together for this collection of short stories. All of them are deeply human while also being about everyday people. All of them deal with some aspect of humanity that needs the kind of transformation that only the Christ of Christmas can bring. And all of…
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There will come a day when “night will be no more” and we “need no light of lamp or sun,” because the Lord God will be our light. Until then, the eyes of our hearts can be enlightened, and we can walk as children of light. In the first chapter of Paul's letter to the Ephesians, he tells them he is praying that God will give them a spirit of wisdom …
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Our Librarian Life: 21st Century Packhorse Librarian
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Facebook Group - 21st Century Packhorse Librarians Jack vs. the Tornado by Amanda Cleary Eastep Down Cut Shin Creek by Kathi Appelt That Book Woman by Heather Henson The Tree Street Kids by Amanda Cleary Estep S. D. Smith - Favorite Author The Green Ember by S. D. Smith The Bark of the Bog Owl by Jonathan Rogers Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pi…
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Book Review: The Scarlet Stockings Spy - A Tales of Young Americans Book
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Trinka Hakes Noble’s The Scarlet Stockings Spy is a compelling historical picture book that captivates readers with the story of a young patriot, set against the backdrop of the American Revolution. Part of the celebrated Tales of Young Americansseries, this book brings history to life by exploring a lesser-known, civilian side of the war in 1777 P…
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“Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the t…
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Our Reading Life: December - 2024
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Welcome to our December 2024 episode of Our Reading Life where we chat with our dear friends, Tanya Arnold and Sarah Kim from Biblioguides about our reading lives. We are so glad you are here! Sara Masarik’s References Tree Street Kids Series by Amanda Cleary Eastep Jack Versus the Tornado by Amanda Cleary Eastep The Viking Quest Books by Lois Walf…
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Book Review: Impossible Journey by Gloria Whelan
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The Impossible Journey by Gloria Whelan is a fascinating sequel to Angel on the Square, delving deeper into the complexities of post-Czarist Soviet Russia with a storyline that grabs readers at the start. Now grown up, the heroes from the first book are married, have two children, and are living in Leningrad (formerly St. Petersburg). Living in the…
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“See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no ‘root of bitterness’ springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled” (Heb. 12:15). It’s disturbing the way God startles you into looking at something you’ve been busy not seeing. I’ve read through Hebrews many times and noted the phrase “root of bitterness.” I’ve even lo…
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Book Review: The Voyagers by Padraic Callum - Smidgen Press Reprint
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“The world is always at the beginnings of things,” writes Padraic Colum in The Voyagers, a testament to the boundless human spirit and its quest to explore as far as human ingenuity and tenacity would permit. In this exciting middle-grade adventure, Colum masterfully weaves together the stories of voyagers across time—sailors, explorers, and seeker…
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by Sara Masarik A few years ago, I became aware of the practice of prayerfully discerning a word of the year (or phrase) that could be used as a touchstone for the upcoming year. This word is not a charm nor an omen, but rather it is a reminder of some spiritual concept or truth that I wish to contemplate this year. It is a word to be used as an an…
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Book Review: The Secret Princess by J. C. Prins
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The Secret Princess: A Tale of Hope by J.C. Prins is a delightful middle-grade illustrated chapter book that weaves Catholic themes and fairy tale elements into a touching story of faith, family, hope, and perseverance. The book is beautifully written. Prins incorporates devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus in a way that adds spiritual depth witho…
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Reflection: The Last Enemy to Be Defeated
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“O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.Av Plumfield Moms
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Mail Bag The Card Catalog Book Care and Book Repair Packhorse Librarians Book List 21st Century Pack Horse Librarians on Facebook The Green Writer Program Clementine by Sara Pennypacker The Town That Fooled the British by Lisa Papp The Scarlet Stockings Spy by Trinka Hakes Noble Books published or republished in 2024 - suggestion form Biblioguides …
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Book Review: The Misadventures Summer of Tumbleweed Thompson by Glenn McCarty
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The Misadventured Summer of Tumbleweed Thompson by Glenn McCarty is a delightful, fast-paced western adventure that will capture the imaginations of middle-grade readers and families alike. Set during the settling of the American West, this story is a perfect blend of humor, action, and heart, making it an ideal family read-aloud. The tale follows …
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Reflection: We Ought to Walk as He Walked
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“Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked” (1 John 2:6). The apostle John began his first letter by reminding us that he was an eyewitness to Jesus’s life on earth. He adamantly proclaimed that Jesus came in the flesh so we can have fellowship, along with John, in the Father and in Jesus the Christ. But saying …
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Our Reading Life - November, 2024
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Sara Masarik’s References In Defense of Beverly Cleary Blog Post Clementine by Sara Pennypacker Lily's Victory Garden by Helen L. Wilbur Friend of Freedom River by Gloria Whela Mackinac Bridge by Gloria Whelan The Scarlet Stocking Spy by Trinka Hakes Noble The Town that Fooled the British by Lisa Papp Rudy Rides the Rails Dandi Daley Mackall The Im…
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Book Review (Cautionary): Brooklyn Rose by Ann Rinaldi
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The more Ann Rinaldi I read, the more her writing disappoints me. Brooklyn Rose had the potential to be a charming and interesting historical novel, but several recurring flaws render it unsuitable for a thoughtful young adult audience or a library that aims to provide living books and quality historical fiction. The book centers around Rose Frampt…
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Book Review: Lad: A Dog by Albert Payson Terhune
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Lad: A Dog by Albert Payson Terhune is a classic that captures the heart of any dog lover with its vivid language and realistic storytelling. Set in the peaceful countryside of Sunnybank, the book follows the adventures of Lad, a noble collie, whose loyalty, intelligence, and bravery are celebrated in a series of charming and heartfelt anecdotes. T…
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"One of the most disturbing instances of idol worship in the Old Testament is when the Israelites were waiting at the foot of Mt. Sinai for Moses to come back down. They decided Moses wasn’t coming back, so they demanded that Aaron make them a god. And he did! 'And they made a calf in those days, and offered a sacrifice to the idol and were rejoici…
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In this conversation, the Plumfield Moms and Bethlehem Books discuss the origins and mission of the publishing company, which focuses on providing quality children's literature rooted in a culture that values faith and education. They explore the community aspect of their work, the influence of Charlotte Mason's educational philosophy, and the jour…
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“So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him” (2. Cor. 5:9 ESV). What really got me thinking about how we use these words were the two translations that said, “We try our best.” Because what Paul says he is “trying his best” to do is to please Jesus. And the reason is that we are all going to appear before his judgment seat …
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Our Librarian Life: October 2024
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Mama Bear Apologetics: Empowering Your Kids to Challenge Cultural Lies by Hillary Morgan Ferrer Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott Green Writer Share your library story Link for Mail Bag Biblioguides Semicolon Book Review Roundup Mighty Networks Shelf Notes Picture Book Preschool LibraryThing TinyCat Find us at The Card Catalog Website: https://thecardcat…
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Angel on the Square by Gloria Whelan transports readers to pre-revolutionary Russia through the eyes of a young aristocrat. We explore how this captivating historical novel brings the Russian Revolution to life, showing the fall of the Romanovs and the rise of the Soviet regime. With rich storytelling and thought-provoking themes, this book is a mu…
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"Knowledge makes for stability. Peter’s intention is to remind us of important points though we know and are established in the truth. That is, we are set fast, firmly fixed in the truth. Ignorant and unstable people will twist Scripture “to their own destruction.” We have been warned so we won’t be carried away with their errors and lose our own .…
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In this conversation, we discuss the value of picture books in both education and personal enjoyment. Sara Masarik delves into the works of Gloria Whelan, highlighting her contributions to historical fiction, specifically mentioning, The Hedge School, The Miracle of St. Nicholas, Small Acts of Amazing Courage, The Angel on the Square, and Homeless …
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Earlier this month I reviewed Hidden Yellow Stars by Rebecca Connolly and celebrated it as being perfect for the “hopeful stories from WWII” category. When I finished, I went looking to see what else she had written and was delighted to see that she had a historical fiction novel that was released last year about Edith Cavell and WWI. I instantly g…
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"I believe that Jesus was teaching us that true thanksgiving is concurring with God’s right judgments. Whether circumstances look good to me or not, I want to be transformed by the renewal of my mind. "For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?’ But we have the mind of Christ' (I Cor. 2:16)."…
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Author Interview: Kevin T Ford Talks About His Book Lepunia
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In this engaging conversation, Sara, Diane, and Kevin T. Ford discuss the journey of becoming an author and the creative process behind his book 'Lepunia'. They explore themes of family, writing inspiration, and the importance of understanding the target audience for children's literature. Kevin shares insights into his writing style, future projec…
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Book Review: Keeper of Hidden Books by Madeline Martin
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Inspired by true events in World War II of the Warsaw librarians’ resistance, Madeline Martin’s 2023 historical fiction novel, The Keeper of Hidden Books is her strongest novel so far. As Poland tries to avoid succumbing to the invasion of Germany, young Poles are organizing themselves into various forms of resistance work. Zofia and her Jewish fri…
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Reflection: How Will You Compete with Horses?
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If Paul considered his affliction light and momentary, what are we called to think about ours? He didn’t have anything we can’t have. When he told the Ephesians to “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might,” it wasn’t a suggestion. It was a command followed by instructions on how to do that. “Put on the whole armor of God,” and when y…
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The story: The Blair family has recently moved to the country from Detroit. Dad and Mom had to go back to the city for a few days so they left the four kids to take care of things at the new house. The oldest sister is college-age, so that’s okay. Their very first night alone in the house, the two boys hear a noise in the attic that needs to be inv…
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“Nothing that exists by nature can form a habit contrary to its nature . . . Neither by nature, then, nor contrary to nature do the virtues arise in us; rather we are adapted by nature to receive them, and are made perfect by habit.”Av Plumfield Moms
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Our Reading Life: September 2024
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Tanya’s References The Librarian Spy by Madeline Martin The Last Bookshop in London by Madeline Martin Once Upon a Wardrobe by Patti Callahan Henry Becoming Mrs. Lewis by Patti Callahan Henry Stone Fox by John Reynolds Gardiner Sarah Kim’s References The Betrothed by Alessandro Manzoni Beneath the Magnificent Dome by Anna Iakovou Sara Masarik’s Ref…
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I have been on a Connie Willis kick lately. You may have read my review of To Say Nothing of the Dog – the hilarious comedy that reminds me of Jeeves and Wooster or The Importance of Being Earnest. Or, you may have heard me raving about Blackout and All Clear. At Christmas, I read and reviewed her collection of Christmas-themed short stories, A Lot…
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The life of Joseph, in the Old Testament, is a vivid example of the shade of God’s hand. Joseph was a favored son of his father. He also had the gift of interpreting dreams. While it would have been prudent for him not to advertise his dreams in front of his brothers, he wasn’t responsible for the hatred that drove them to be willing to kill him. A…
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“The aftermath of World War II brought great suffering to people in Europe. Thousands of Americans responded, healing the wounds of war with kindness. My grandparents, Fran and Frederick Hamerstrom, headed one relief effort initiated by American ornithologists. This is their story. They enlisted the help of fellow scientists, and together they sent…
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"When I doubt my own abilities, God has me right where he wants me. My faith is not to be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. To those who are called, that power is the word of the cross. Thank God, if my faith is in his power, I don’t need to worry about my own lack of eloquence or qualifications. I am assured that it is Jesus Christ who…
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Book Review: A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller Jr.
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I usually steer clear of apocalyptic novels because they tend to be depressing, strange, and godless. So when my Tuesday Night Classics Club chose the science fiction novel, A Canticle for Leibowitz, I was hesitant. However, since it is highlighted in Joseph Pearce’s Literature: What Every Catholic Should Know, I decided to give it a chance. To my …
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Book Review: Dead-Eye Dan and the Cimarron Kid by Glenn McCarty
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Set in the exciting backdrop of the Old West, Dead-Eye Dan and the Cimarron Kid by Glenn McCarty opens with a man in pain who can’t remember who or where he is. At first, he wonders if he’s a lawman—but quickly concludes he must be a poor one, given his state. Then, fearing he might be an outlaw, he feels shame and wonders if outlaws feel shame, an…
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