A good familyread aloud, the simple life, and uplifting.
359623
This is a good old story.  You get a peek into the past, how they lived and some of there attitudes.  Its very  uplifting, through hardships they keep a good attitude and end up all right in the end.  This is a wonderful book, that I will be reading to my family for family read aloud time.  It makes you yearn for a simpler life. :)  (with modern day pluming .... I am not ready to give that up yet)

I do suggest when you come to new words or phrases, look them up on line.  Some phrases we say today have changed meanings in the last century.  (at one point it says a little girl french kisses a friend of the family's - I am pretty sure that means a peck on one cheek and then a peck on the other cheek)  And they talk about poems and books we might not have heard of.  Stop and learn about them.  Its great fun getting lost in the past.
4603133
Fantastic for the kids to read because it helps them in life , and good for us to look back on.
3462327
It added another dimension to the family story. Enjoyable read.
4601201
An absorbing family history which combined to make an enjoyable read.
3733414
It was a fun read. It's nice to learn that their UPS and down are just like ours. It's great that the put family first.
4448348
liked the family. liked the story. even enjoyed the christian aspects of it as they fit into the family and their living style rather than just another christian writer writing for pages their testimony and plopping it down in the book whether it fits or not.
2239948
I enjoy reading this series - it is a relaxing story of a simpler lifestyle with a positive message.  Too bad we don't have more of that nowadays.
435004
I enjoy reading stories about the Amish and their families.  It is even better when you personally know the children of the author of this book.  It was was a blessing to read.
260923
When I was a teeny tiny toddler we used to live in a multiple story house with my mother's sister living on the floor above us. The ground floor was where my grandparents had their mom and pop convenience shop. Before the building was sold, there was a falling out of which I still don't know (or don't remember) the details.
To this day I haven't really warmed up to my cousins eventhough we were too young to understand things.

In The Two-Family House two brothers live with their respective wives and offspring in one house. The sisters-in-law are best friends, and when both are pregnant at the same time, they cannot believe their luck.

The two family dynamics are quite different. Abe and Helen have a relaxed attitude in the upbringing of their lively and very energetic four boys. Abe is an affectionate and cheerful father and husband, and Helen is always in for a little chat or activity.
Mort, however, is a more rigid and stern father. He isn't as interested in his three daughter's lives and is a cold and calculated man. Rose comes across as distant and stiff.

That night when both women go into labor and their children are born, one decision is made, which changes the lives of everybody involved.

The story is told from multiple points of views and the characters are well developed. Eventhough the plot is predictable, this is an engaging read where you go with the flow of the families, experiencing both the joyful moments, but also the sad and emotional ones together with them.

3.5*
Review copy supplied by publisher through NetGalley in exchange for a rating and/or review.
4746355
Reason for Reading: Son read aloud to me as his reader.

The first book in the Frog and Toad series and a Caldecott honor winner this book introduces us to the now classic characters with the familiar format of five short stories of their friendship.  Of two different natures, they bring out the best in each other and enjoy life and nature to the fullest.  The simple stories will delight young and old alike.  My son, now on the old side for these books, but just at the perfect reading level for him, still enjoys the simple, honest humour found within the pages.  He enjoyed this book and wants to read the last one we still have left in the series to read.  A perennial favourite and a keeper for my shelves!
2762177
It is easy reading but very deep and meaningful reading, a positive outlook and it lifts your spirit as your read it.
4708622
It was refreshing, delightful. I would like to read more about this "family of four ".
135612
You'll want to read it aloud to the family every year. Heck, even to strangers.
3945084
This is a sweet and simple, yet clever, story.  We love books that introduce topics for discussion within our family and this offers up several to talk about - marriage, love, whether it's wise to do something the same way it's always been that way, being a supportive friend, and more.
1552109
Kids loved it and found it funny. Good to read aloud. Good for 1st-5th grades. Fun family book and can be read in small parts
3786580
A good story with a good ending. Great for all the family.
4353327
I enjoyed these stories!  I liked that we had three short books together in one book that was about three generations.  The quilt is passed down through the generations. The three women face very different challenges in their lives, but the quilt and the verse on it is an encouragement to them all.

Because the stories are shorter than a typical Brunstetter book, there is not a lot of depth as you may be used to.  The stories are told, but there is not a lot of "extra."

It makes a nice book to read around the holidays if you are looking for something to read in the coming months.

I received this book for my review from the Clippity Clop Club.