Five Fall Favorites || Day Two { Family + Boats }

Welcome back to day two! Did you get to visit all the blogs yesterday? I think I made it to nearly all of them—lots of good books floating around out there this week already. Speaking of floating... 

Ahh, it's a lovely day for some reading on the lake, don't you think? You can head out as soon as you grab something to read! Just make sure you don't lose your book (or bookmarks) in the water ;) 

F A M I L Y

The Swamp Robber by Paul Hutchens || Sugar Creek Gang #1

The Sugar Creek Gang series chronicles the faith-building adventures of a group of fun-loving, courageous Christian boys. Your kids will be thrilled, chilled, and inspired to grow as they follow the legendary escapades of Bill Collins, Dragonfly, and the rest of the gang as they struggle with the application of their Christian faith to the adventure of life.

In this book, the Sugar Creek Gang discovers a "disguise" hidden in a old tree. Does it belong to the bank robber hiding in the swamp? A mysterious map hidden near the tree proves to be even more exciting than the disguise. Before the adventure ends, the gang encounters the robber, helps Bill Collins welcome a new baby sister, and saves the victim of a black widow spider bite. Join the gang as they learn the lesson of sowing and reaping. 

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I have so many memories of this series being family read-alouds growing up, or the audiobooks of choice during long car rides. They're filled with fun adventures, while presenting kids with Biblical truths as well. 

Kate’s Dilemma by Sarah Holman || Kate's Case Files #3

Kate can’t stay with the team any longer. She has worked for too long to keep the walls around her heart and around her past to allow the team to tear them down now. She doesn’t think they can handle what is behind them; she’s not sure she can. Heading to Charleston with the team on one last case, she and Brian go undercover as brother and sister to find out if a young musician is profiting from illegal activity.

Patrick is going undercover as a summer student at the University of Charleston. He tries to befriend the sister of a suspected drug runner, but nothing is coming easily. The sister won’t trust him, leads keep drying up, and tension in the team is building. When things begin to fall apart, Patrick is convinced that he can fix things, but can he?

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I've loved this series ever since I read the first book several years ago! Kate and Patrick and the gang are lots of fun, the mystery is always intriguing without being confusing, and the Christian viewpoints remain at the forefront. 

With Lee in Virginia by G.A. Henty

The Civil War, as seen through the eyes of young Vincent Wingfield, a spirited teenager from the South and heir to a southern slave plantation, who staunchly supports the rights of slaves but, because of fidelity to the state of Virginia, joins Lee's cavalry and fights for the Confederacy. 

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My family listened to the audio version of this book so many times when we were younger we could literally quote certain passages. Young Vincent felt more like a friend than a character ;P  An absolute classic! 

My Father’s Words by Patricia MacLachlan

Declan O’Brien always had a gentle word to share, odd phrases he liked to repeat, and songs to sing while he played basketball. His favorite song was “Dona Nobis Pacem,” “Grant Us Peace.” His family loved him deeply, and always knew they were loved in return.

But a terrible accident one day changes their lives forever, and Fiona and Finn O’Brien are left without a father. Their mother is at a loss. What words are there to guide them through such overwhelming grief? At the suggestion of their friend Luke, Fiona and Finn volunteer at an animal rescue shelter where they meet two sweet dogs who are in need of comfort, too. Perhaps with time, patience, and their father’s gentle words in their hearts, hope will spark once more. 

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A wonderful story about family. And loss. I'll be honest—this one made me cry. But the hope and strength and growth shown within the grief makes it a wonderful story that shows the journey back from the most difficult of circumstances. 

Just Saying by Dandi Daley Mackall

Just Sayin' tells the story of an almost-blended family that almost falls apart before it even begins. 11 year-old Cassie Callahan is staying with her grandmother while her mom, Jennifer, recovers from a difficult breakup from her fianc', Trent. Cassie, along with Trent's kids, Nick and Julie, are trying to figure out why their parents' relationship ended so abruptly and searching for a way to bring them back together. Meanwhile, the kids get caught up in a game show that encourages the "art" of insults, and learn along the way that our words have much more power than they think.

In a way that only Dandi can accomplish, this story weaves together, in a contemporary way, an old-time game show, letter writing, outstanding vocabulary, and reminders from God's word that taming our tongue is both difficult and important!

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This is such a cute book, of kids from broken homes banding together to help create the family that they want to have. The epistolary style makes it a special treat! 

Don't forget to visit Rebekah's blog for the other links + updates on the giveaway! 

best family-oriented book you've read this year? are you racking up giveaway entries? :)