Smart Money, Smart Kids: Raising the Next Generation to Win with Money

By: Dave Ramsey and Rachel Cruze

Dave Ramsey teamed up with his daughter to write this practical guide on how to raise financially responsible children.  They provide many guidelines for teaching children beginning at age three.  Rachel also provides insight into her personal experiences growing up in the Ramsey household.  While this dynamic duo provides guidelines and processes they also emphasize balance.  Rules are good but there are certainly times where exceptions should be made.  During these times parents have the opportunity to model grace to their children.  You will find an example of this when Rachel gets married and needs additional money. 

I have been a Dave Ramsey fan for years.  I find this book to be full of a lot of great ideas that will certainly come in handy while raising children.  While everyone has a different parenting style, I believe this book offers a good foundation for teaching children about money.  The ideas provided can be used as discussed or modified to fit your household.  I enjoyed the addition of Dave’s daughter to this book as she was the main voice.   It was interesting to hear her perspective.  From what I read in this book, I respect the Ramsey’s for how they raised their children.  Although Dave and his wife have money, they did not pave an easy road for their children to travel upon.  I would definitely recommend this book to others who are interested in ideas on how to raise smart-money children.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Here to Stay

By: Melissa Tagg

Blake Hunziker is the world traveler in his family.  After years of running from tragic events in his past, he decides to return home to Whisper Shore, Michigan.  Whisper Shore is a quaint lakeside town filled with small town charm and news that spreads long before it is printed in a newspaper.  Blake (a.k.a. Blaze) is not sure what type of welcome he will receive as his latest adventure landed him in the spotlight where he achieved “celebrity” status that did not make his family proud. 

Autumn Kinsley wants to follow her dream of living in Paris.  However, her current circumstances are blocking her dreams from coming true.  In the midst of dealing with her reality, Blake Hunziker comes back to town after years of being gone.  The Hunzikers and Kingsleys have been feuding for years due to past events.  Blake’s arrival is the last thing that Autumn wants to deal with but she soon realizes that they need each other.  He needs her to help him gain the respect of the town while she needs him to help her fix up her failing Inn.  

As Blake and Autumn spend more time together they begin to let their guards down.  Autumn is finally able to understand Blake and realize that she was wrong about him.  Blake learns that sometimes loving someone means letting them go.

This is the second book in the Where Love Begins series.  I read the first book Made to Last but enjoyed this one even more.  I found the characters to be well developed.  The books main focus is on Blake who appeared in the first book.  I thought the author did an excellent job of developing his character.  He was real.  He had many great qualities but his struggles were equally as great.  I also like Autumn.  I found her to be relatable as many people have dreams but so often let life get in the way of following them.  One of my favorite lines in the book is “Because I couldn’t make myself go up to the third landing of the Eiffel Tower.”  Once you read the book this may become one of your favorites as well.  I know the author will be releasing more books this year and I hope these two characters make an appearance. 

*Thank you to Bethany House for providing me this book in exchange for my honest review.