Lessons at Blackberry Inn: Adventures with the Gentle Art of Learning

by Karen Andreola

Experience life in a Charlotte Mason-style homeschool and join in the adventures of Carol and her family as they discover what the author calls "The Gentle Art of Learning" (TM) in this heartwarming story. Readers say that Mrs. Andreola s writing style has both a calming and a nurturing effect. Lessons at Blackberry Inn offers practical encouragement to new and veteran homeschool moms alike. Fresh homeschooling ideas and the love of family are cleverly woven into the fabric of this endearing narrative. Karen s original cross-stitch on the cover also expresses her love of home.
The lessons moms will glean will strengthen their faith, and help them rise above hardships to more fully enjoy the many blessings of being a wife and mother. Reading the story is like joining Karen in her sunny parlor over a cup of tea, as she intimately shares from her lifetime of experience in what she calls "The Mother Culture" (TM). Nigel Andreola s beautiful illustrations help bring the setting of the 1930s back to life. Although thousands have eagerly awaited this sequel to Pocketful of Pinecones, enough introductions have been included so new readers can jump right into the action.
If you are one of the nearly 100,000 moms who enjoyed Karen's bestselling A Charlotte Mason Companion, or are looking for an easy way to spark new life in your homeschool, you won't want to miss reading Lessons at Blackberry Inn!

Genres: Fiction, Parenting, Education, Christian Fiction

232 pages, Paperback

First published April 15, 2009

About the author

Karen Andreola is the author of Mother Culture®: For a Happy Homeschool; A Charlotte Mason Companion; Pocketful of Pinecones; Lessons at Blackberry Inn; and Story Starters. She home educated her 3 children K-12.

Reviews

[Kris Irvin · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't hate this book. It was not the worst thing I've ever read. It had some redeeming qualities. But overall, it was not worth my time.

Here's the thing: this book drove me nuts. The first few chapters were just plain poorly written. The tenses were confused all over the place. The characters are all exactly the same - especially the kids - so they were extremely difficult to keep straight. I'd read a chapter and have to go back and skim it because I kept feeling like I was missing things. Emma's personality went back and forth. Mr. Fortesque was far too predictable. Why is everybody Irish or Scotch, and why do they keep saying "bairns" and using other random colloquialisms whenever Andreola remembers to add them in?

I wanted to like this book. I did like the pacing. It was sweet, slow, and peaceful. That was excellent. But I never felt any sense of adventure or learning with this book, and came away with a huge sense of disappointment at the end.

Bottom line: I bought this book, but it's not worthy of my shelf, so I'll be getting rid of it. Don't waste your time - if you want something that evokes a peaceful, life-in-the-country feeling, read a classic or something. This is just lame.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Felt the same toward this book as toward Pocket Full of Pine Cones:

Charlotte Mason believed in living books. I believe that is what Karen A. wanted to convey in this book. The story was extremely peaceful, which I needed when reading it; an escape from the commotion around me. Also after reading the Charlotte Mason companion, I found it helpful in seeing how to take vantage of our everyday activities to make learning 'gentle' and interesting. Yes, the story was idealistic and the composition isn't perfect but I personally loved it!

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kind of cheesy!! But, it was a much needed refreshing (easy) read for this homeschooling mama, rich with goodness and fun learning. Thus, the five stars!

[Willow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this peaceful story, a continuation of the story begun in "A Pocketful of Pinecones" by the same author. With chapters short enough to finish in short amounts of time, this was perfect for me. The writing style has taken me a long time to grow accustomed to, but I think it's helped that I've been working through "A Charlotte Mason Companion" for months prior to and during the time I read both of Mrs. Andreola's fictional works. I like the slower pacing and have come to appreciate the stylistic differences that make this story refreshing, calming, and which have renewed my interest in bygone days. A good story for moms who desire to slow down a bit, both emotionally and physically. I think I'll purchase this pair of books so I can revisit them later.

[Jessica Booth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was very enjoyable and inspiring as a stay at home mother. It is set in the 1930s, and the author does a good job of describing life on a small country town in that era. Her writing style was a little difficult to start with, but then developed into a compelling story with memorable characters. I was sad when it ended. The book also has a wonderful collection of resources at the end that help you put into practice many of the things read about in the story. A great way to learn how to incorporate the teaching style of Charlotte Mason into your daily rhythm of the home.

[Dana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good, in my opinion, as Pocketful of Pinecones. I think I expected it to add in more homeschool scenarios but it seems it was more of storyline instead. There were a few splashes of school here and there but not as much as the first book. I still enjoyed it but I expected something different. The main character's personality seemed to be different in this one, too. A bit more pessimistic. Just my observation.

[Jennifer Beck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lessons at Blackberry Inn is such a beautiful, wholesome story of a family growing up together during the depression. Michael and Carol run an Inn in rural New England with their children and neighbors. It's such a charming book. I just loved it. Christian based. Faith, hope and charity are this book's premises.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another jewel from Karen Andreola. Her books are balm to a mother’s soul. I love to return to them for encouragement, inspiration, comfort, and a touch of all that is beautiful and good. I am a Charlotte Mason style homeschool mama, and Karen’s books are treasure troves of wisdom and inspiration. Plus, the illustrations by her son are heart-warming.

[Esther N · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this one even better than the first book! Because of the story format, the tale flowed gently along, making it easy to get absorbed into it. I will definitely re-read both books! Thank you for such lovely books, Mrs. Andreola!

[Shaina Perkkio · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I enjoyed the structure of “Pocketful of Pinecones” more, I feel as if Carol is a close friend at this point and wish there were more works in this world in which I could indulge myself with. 4.5⭐️

[Jenny · Rating 2 out of 5]

I absolutely loved the first book, Pocketful of Pinecones, but this one was too religious and heavy handed with the patriarchy. I had to put it down.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a peaceful book with a sweet story to inspire homeschool and homemaking moms. Perfect bed-time read!

[Kristiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Carol's story was delightful!

[Brooke Kinabrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Heartwarming and inspiring story.

[Vanessa Olive · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet story that brings you back in time. An encouraging book for homeschool moms.

[Carrie Kolb · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Caitlin Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some may say this book is cheesy but I think it portrays an ideal to work towards. A husband and wife who love each other, stay married, have children, and invest in their local community.

[Samantha Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love Karen Andreola’s books. The story and the writing is simple, uplifting, full of wisdom with helpful tidbits of inspiration on things you can implement in your own homemaking and homeschooling. The chapter about taking care of the wayfaring stranger? Convicting. I think many of the reviewers who give her books poor ratings simply miss the point. These books, to me, are a companion. I love that I can take a quick break to read one of the short chapters and be inspired toward excellence in my homemaking and home educating and biblical womanhood.

[Amanda Lane-spears · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book came highly recommended in my Australian homeschooling circle, where all the Charlotte mason followers are enamoured and romanticised by this "Amish-like" way of life. I happen to be from Pennsylvania and I found the historical sense of the story and the colloquial dialogue to be weak and wanting. Not to mention that The character development was slightly dry and dull. For instance everyone is so naturally patient, kind etc seemingly without ever having to work at it or without being truly tested. I wasn't motivated to finish ( I forced myself) because I couldn't identify with the lack of life struggles and triumph over temptation. The climax was so gentle I had to go back and make sure it was there. I did appreciate the drawings, the inspirational nature journaling and the cover art. Those were absolutely beautiful aspects of the book! This would be a good vacation read, as it is very gently minded.

[Clarissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this second taste of fiction from Karen Andreola. The scenes were comforting and refreshing. I felt reminded of what this homeschool journey can be like, if I let it. I know we can't go back in time, but this little book sort of makes me wish I could. (or at the very least, it makes me wish we were a little more rural and that times were simpler)

I'm buying this book so that I can re-read it at my leisure.

[Juli · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm in love with this book and I'm barely even halfway through. It is full of all the beautiful things of life that I love. Country living, living off the land, good hard work, and of course home education. It's a fiction book, but gives so many ideas for real education without being preachy. I know I will be writing many things down in my notebook of ideas.

[Trace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have two of her books, and I love them. She writes about the Charlotte Mason methodology of homeschooling, which I am leaning towards....

UPDATE:
DONE! I loved this one as much as I loved the other two books that I own by her... she has such an idyllic way of describing things.. just a lovely, lovely read...

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet, simple sequel to Pocketful of Pinecones. An encouragement for new homeschooling moms of how to implement the Charlotte Mason method. An easy, pleasant read reminding me of the joys of the method of schooling we prefer.

[Anna Christsensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the clear goal of inspiring readers to imitate the protagonist, Karen Andreola paints a beautiful image of a homeschooling mother. At times it was a tad too sentimental, but laid a compelling case for gentle learning.

Plus, I love books that honor happy marriages!

[Joann10 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoying the peacefulness of this book---the perfect read for a busy homeschooling mother wishing for peace and beauty into her own home.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got this for Mother's Day. Sweet, gentle story.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet little story about a homeschooling mommma, her kids, and her loving husband. Good for homeschooling (and aspiring) moms. ;-)

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my second reading. I find it such a gentle, sweet book - makes me yearn for a simpler life and my dream farmette in the country. It inspires me as I plan the next school year.

[Melissa Jamieson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An elixir of peaceful homeschool country life...with homemade treats.