We are using HoSci right now for DD13 and DS10. I am very happy I did not try this earlier. It is good, great living books! Do I do everything in the guide? no.
Character Through Lit, LOVED it. Will do it again with the littles in a couple years. I found I used the guide for a source of copywork material, the Questions as a catalyst for discussion and ruminating thoughts. We can’t narrate every single thing, we need a bit of variety. The guides also mention other good books to watch for.
I think we as homeschool mamas tweak as we go by nature. Having a guide that suggests reading is in itself helpful. Gleaning ideas for various kinds of narrations is great too. I don’t feel the guides are a waste of money because they do lend themselves CM friendly. If you are not inclined to work strictly to the letter, cover to cover, you would do fine.