Sarah Mackenzie

If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would. It's a fantastic reminder of how we Christian homeschoolers should approach every day - with the assurance that all we're doing is for Jesus. We're building cathedrals! Our youngest child passed away several years ago, and it's been horrendously difficult to operate the way I used to. This book spoke life into my sorrowing soul, and I feel energized to once again approach homeschooling the way I did before our boy passed away. While the show more pain of his loss will never disappear, I have confidence that, with Jesus' help, our homeschool can once again be full of joy and wonder. show less

I will be reading this book every single year we choose to homeschool, as well as “Homeschool Bravely.” I may trade off and read HB one semester and this book the next. Either way, they are so incredibly encouraging and convicting. This book was so perfectly short and yet densely packed with biblical truths, like a warm cup of tea on a chill, dreary day. I needed Sarah’s wisdom and insights, and I appreciated her honesty. I joined her Read Aloud Revival program because of this book. If show more you’re considering homeschooling, or even if you’re struggling through the middle of a homeschool career, this book will soothe your souls and bolster your strength. There are scripture verses throughout as well. I picked this up because Tsh Oxenreider says she reads it annually. Now I see why, and I will too. I definitely recommend this book! Keep a highlighter or commonplace book handy. show less

4.5 stars.

Forever Friends by Sarah Mackenzie is a charming novel about friendship, love and new beginnings.

Sadie Landry is a stay at home mom to two year old Lincoln. Her husband, Ethan, commutes from Maine to Boston where he works long hours. Sadie is struggling to keep up with Lincoln and running their household when she learns she is pregnant again. As she comes to terms with this unexpected development, Sadie and her neighbor, Renee Rhodes, unexpectedly form a close friendship. How will show more Ethan react when Sadie mentions going back to work when an unanticipated job opportunity comes her way?

Renee is feeling a bit unsettled now her daughter Tansy is at college in California. She is beginning to feel somewhat dissatisfied with her life, but she is also unsure if she is ready for more changes. Renee works in the town's pediatric practice and she is surprised by her unexpected attraction to Dr. Dan Hanlon. When she is offered the chance to turn her love of baking into a new career, Renee is uncertain if she is ready to take a leap into the unknown. With her friendship with Sadie deepening, the two consider going into business together. With some many changes happening at once, will she decide to take the plunge and open a baked goods shop? Will Renee's fears of getting hurt again prevent her from taking a chance on a romance with Dan?

Sadie and Renee are absolutely delightful women. Although they are at drastically different places in their lives, they quickly form a tight bond when their casual acquaintance deepens into friendship. Sadie is very worried about her marriage when she admits to Ethan she would like to resume a career. Renee is unsure about giving up job security in exchange for pursuing a career as a baker. She is quite concerned about Tansy as their once close relationship becomes distant. Renee is also uncertain about whether she is ready to risk her heart again.

Forever Friends is a truly captivating novel with a cast of extraordinary characters and a heartwarming storyline. Renee's and Sadie's issues are quite relatable and resolved in a realistic manner. The romance between Renee and Dan is incredibly sweet and just a touch steamy. Sadie's plight is certain to resonate with anyone who has struggled with their decision to return to work after having children. Although Sadie and Renee's storylines are completely wrapped up by the novel's touching conclusion, readers will have to wait for the next installment in Sarah Mackenzie's delightful Cranberry Cove series to learn the outcome of the dangling story arc. I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend this marvelous novel to fans of the genre. show less

I regularly listen to Sarah's podcast, "The Read-Aloud Revival". As an avid reader, I love introducing my kids to books in the hopes that they will love reading as well. This offering is a wonderful resource to encourage parents in building a bookish culture in their own homes. The final part of the book includes her carefully curated collection of read-alouds for various age ranges. If you need some inspiration or fresh vision to keep reading to your kids, this book (and podcast) can help!