We used Winter Promise last year. I would say that it is definitely more CM than MFW or Sonlight (and I have used both). But we did find their Language Arts a bit difficult to follow, and very ‘workbookish’, especially compared to SCM. They have LOTS more reading and (I think) more interesting book selection than MFW or Sonlight. It is about the same time commitment as Sonlight, but you can do History together as a family (as opposed to Sonlight’s system).
I think what you recommend would greatly depend on how old her kids are and how new she is to homeschooling. MFW is very low key, very Biblically sound, but a bit weak in their LA and literature. You really have to beef up the reading and add in your own CM methods to call MFW a ‘CM’ curriculum. If you are willing to do that, though, it is a great base. And it is probably the most affordable option.
Sonlight is extremely structured and a bit difficult to do together as a family (in my opinion). But if she only has one or two children, it can be a good way to get rolling in homeschooling. I wasn’t crazy about introducing my kids to Bhuddism, Hinduism, etc…in first grade, as Sonlight does. It was also cost prohibitive for us when we got past three children. I think you are looking at an average of $800-$900 per child to use Sonlight.
