Monday, April 5, 2010

The Story Behind Love Lessons


The Story Behind Love Lessons
By Margaret Daley

Steeple Hill asked me to write a three book series about homeschooling because I was a teacher for twenty-seven years. I said yes, then delved into the world of homeschooling. I have friends who homeschool their children and one worked with her grandchildren. I talked and interviewed tons of people who are doing it. I visited a school where homeschoolers come to take classes, especially elective ones like music, art and drama. I saw a friend’s room where she taught her children. Even as a teacher, I dealt with students who were learning at home because of medical or behavioral reasons.

I discovered there were many reasons why a parent decided to homeschool. In my series I show only three of those reasons. For this first book, I wanted to show a father involved in his child’s homeschooling. So many of the people I talked with were women, but sometimes both parents worked with their children in homeschooling. I personally never talked with a father who did, but I wanted to show it could work and does.

Although the books don’t go into depth about homeschooling because the stories are a romance first and foremost, I wanted to show some of the problems that arise when homeschooling as well as the rewards. Parents wrestle with different issues—some how to do it, others about their capability to teach effectively, even others motivating their children or managing their time to get everything in. It is time consuming—a job—an important one. Trying to give your child all the opportunities he needs to learn and socialize with others isn’t always easy with the resources in some communities. Online support has helped some parents as well as co-ops in their towns. A lot more curriculum has been developed in the past years to assist parents. It is becoming more recognized in some states, but parents do have to check the requirements in their state.

Have any of you homeschooled? Do you know someone who has? What are your feelings concerning homeschooling children? Pros? Cons?

Blurb for Love Lessons:

Homeschooling his daughter is new to devoted single father Ian Ferguson. To ensure his child gets a good education, the busy CPA hires a temporary tutor to help out during tax season. Twenty-three-year-old college student Alexa Michaels is too young--and too pretty--to be right for the job. Yet his daughter is coming out of her shell and learning. Still, Ian is traditional, and sweet Alexa--who graduated from the school of hard knocks--is challenging some of his old-school ways. Can this dad learn some valuable lessons about love, family and faith from the least likely teacher?

Love Lessons, out in April, is the first book in the Love Inspired series. Then comes The Heart of a Cowboy in July, and then finally A Daughter for Christmas in November is the last in the Happy Homeschooling Series.

7 comments:

Rita Garcia said...

I look forward to reading this book, The Story Behind Loves Lessons. Rita

Margaret Daley said...

Thanks, Rita. I hope you enjoy.

Carrie Turansky said...

Hi Margaret,
we homeschooled our 5 kids for a number of years. We always took it a year at a time, praying and considering what was best for each child. We started because my oldest son had learning disabilities and could not learn to read as quickly or as easily as other children. He felt very stressed being compared to others and continually coming up short. So, we tried homeschooling and found it was the right choice for our family. That son is now 27, a pastor, and the leader of a small Bible college in Hawaii. I'd say he learned to overcome his disabilities and turned them into opportunities! The other four are all doing well. One is a missionary nurse, one is a Marine, and the youngest two are animal lovers and pet groomers. It was a full-time job, but I am so glad I made that investment in their lives and had the opportunity to influence them and teach them.
I am looking forward to reading this new series!
Blessings,
Carrie

Margaret Daley said...

Carrie, that is some of what I wanted to show in my series. Thanks.

Project Journal said...

Hey Margaret,
I've never homeschooled : ) Lol....but I am planning on becoming a classroom teacher. A little different....

This summer, however, I might be tutoring a kindergartner so they can go to first grade next year. That'd be fun!

Your book sounds great. Can't wait!
Hannah

CatMom said...

Hello Margaret! Although I was a public school teacher for 21 years, I always longed to homeschool my 3 kiddos (but husband said no). However, the Lord has allowed me to encourage many homeschooling families, so that has been a blessing to me. ~ I'm looking forward to reading your new series. Hugs, Patti Jo :)

Anonymous said...

Margaret - I have just finished reading your book. Thank you for a positive view of homeschooling. I amt he mother of 5 and have been homeschooling for 1988. This is our last year as our youngest is a senior. As I have told many people, this is the hardest and most rewarding job I have ever had. It stretched me (always), frustrated me (at times) and and gave me immense pleasure. Is it for everyone? No. Is it worthwhile? Yes. Would I do it again? In a hearbeat. I was blessed with a supportive husband and a support group that helped fill the gaps. God bless all those of you who are members of our unique fraternity. Shirley