Susan K. MarlowRezensionen

Twelve-year-old Jeremiah "Jem" Coulter knows that Goldtown, California, has seen the last of the gold rush. But the flecks of gold he and an old prospector, "Strike," find in their played-out claim on Cripple Creek spur Jem's hope of striking it rich. In the meantime, he and his sister, Ellie, sell frog legs and firewood to bring in extra cash. When Jem's father accepts a job as sheriff of lawless Goldtown, Jem is suddenly saddled with an additional responsibility--to run their broken-down ranch. He faces a hard path as he tries to be a man and make his father proud, but then Cripple Creek mysteriously dries up and Strike suddenly disappears. Jem is determined to find out why. Can anything be worse than being a sheriff's kid? Will outlaws use his father's badge for target practice? Is that silver star just a target . . . or truly a badge of honor?

Readers ages 8 to 14 fell in love with Susan Marlow's Circle C Adventures. Now the same adventurous spirit and historical lure are back in a brand new series featuring a new cast of characters and exciting escapades. As educational as it is entertaining, the Goldtown Adventures series is one the whole family will enjoy.

Another really good young girl read, recommended for ages 7-10, but can be enjoyed to younger or older.
This story shows that what you see isn’t always what you get, and when Andi and her mother are kidnapped by outlaws, you will be surprised how much you will like the main robber.
We also see how Andi over comes her fears, and find out why all of this happen.
I loved that there is tidbit of information at the end of each of these books and is filled with historical facts.

I received this book through Kregel Book Blogger Program, and was not required to give a positive review.

Andi Lassos Trouble is a sweet story geared at ages 7-10, but can be enjoyed by younger and older.
The author presents a compelling read story, and as we experience and excited Andi and her friends learning to rope calves, or sheep, with the hope of competing in the rodeo that is going to happen at the Circle C. Unfortunately, in her enthusiasm Andi forgets to take care of her horse. Come and enjoy what happens and the lessons to be learned.

I received this book through Kregel Blogger Program, and was not required to give a positive review.

We are back at the Circle C in Fresno California, and with nine-year-old Andi Carter and her family.
Excitement is in the air and the family is going to go to the Circus that is rolling through town. Now this is 1877, and something like a circus was a big deal, the only way most people saw these wild animals was in a book.
Andi and sister are taken to the parade, before the big tops goes up, and although she seems to have a slight clown phobia she has a good time, especially seeing a palomino that looks just like her beloved Taffy.
We also meet Henry, and I wanted to take him home, poor little orphan boy, but he is now enjoying the circus life, doesn’t everyone want to runaway and join the circus? There is more here than meets the eye, and God seems to place this young one in the presence of the Carter family.
Again there are good life lessons here, and a perfect read for ages 7 to 10, they will soon be clamoring for more.
I received this book through Kregel Publishing and was not required to give a positive review.

Andi “Saddles Up” is a visit back with Andi Carter at the Circle “C” Ranch located near Fresno California, and the year is 1877. As the book opens delightful Andi is about to celebrate her ninth birthday, and being the youngest in the family, and rather special to all, she is delighted in her gifts.
A book geared to ages 7 to 10, grade level 2 to 5, but as an adult kept me in mind of my favorite childhood books, sure to make your child smile, and think back to a different time in this country.
There are some really good lessons in this one; maybe the heart of children is the way to go. Andi does learn a very hard and painful lesson here also, and a good example that we need to listen to our elders.
I received this book through Kregel Publishing and was not required to give a positive review.

As the third book in this series open we find Andi anticipating the end of school, when she will graduate and also she will soon be turning sixteen. An old childhood friend has also returned to the Ranch, and he is all grown up, but this so called friend is about to take her promised job, training the colts.
From the title I cringed, and was so afraid of what was going to happen, and you will need the tissues in this one.
A cousin from the past arrives for an extended visit and Andi mother Elizabeth is hoping all will welcome him and help him with his problems. Good old Daniel is given to Andi as her job in place of the colts.
I enjoyed this book and loved the faith shown by this family and you are going to love how they pull together to help one of their own. Once this one is picked up you won’t want to put it down.
I received this book through Kregel Blogger, and was not required to give a positive review.

This is the first book in the Circle C Milestones series. I found it very entertaining. The story begins with the birth of twin colts and proceeds to introduce the reader to a new girl in school who is a holy terror. With God's help her seatmate, Andi Carter, determines to be her friend. That relationship is full of hazards. Read the book to find out more.

This book is for anyone 8 and up. It is a quick and enjoyable read.

This is an excellent series for young children. It’s a good length for their short attention spans and I believe the story will catch their interest and not let go.

Reading about a young boy, intent on striking it rich will appeal to children of any age – especially boys.

And it’s so nice to find a good series that’s aimed at young boys. There are plenty of series written with young girls in mind but a clean, decent series that will attract the interest of young boys is hard to come by.

And… even though Jem gets himself into trouble a lot, there is a strong message of what is right weaved into the story line so the book presents both perspectives well.

Canyon of Danger is the third book in Susan K. Marlow’s Goldtown Adventures series.

In Canyon of Danger we get to watch Jem be “the man of the family” while his father is away. The story seems to follow a pretty standard track you see with this kind of tale – where everything that can, does – go wrong.

I won’t give it all away but the back of the book mentions an injured stranger, the loss of Jem’s horse and a wolf that is stalking their cattle. I will tell you that these things are just the tip of the iceberg.

I absolutely LOVE how well Susan weaves God and faith through the entire book.

These days most twelve year old boys are too busy with video games or skateboards to think much about God, so it’s very refreshing to read about a young man who regularly calls on God and actually listens for answers.

My eleven year old son has not yet been caught up in these stories but I hope to change that very soon. If I can just get him to sit down with one of them for five minutes, I’m confident he won’t be able to put it down.

I recommend these books for all young boys – those who know God and those who need him!

And they would make an excellent addition to a school reading list because Susan K. Marlow also has an exceptional talent for combining real events with the fictional ones. That makes them educational as well as fun!

Disclaimer: I received this book free in exchange for an honest review!

Heartbreak Trail continues the story of Andrea Carter and life on the ranch. She loves to rope and ride, and is actually better at it than many of the others on the ranch, thing is she is a young girl turning fifteen and her mother wants her to be more ladylike. When Andi tells everyone her birthday wish is to join a cattle drive, and surprisingly her mother agrees to let her go if she will agree to help the cook. What sorts of adventures take place on the drive? One thing you can bank on is that Andi will be right in the midst of the excitement!

As the second book in the Circle C Milestone series I would recommend reading the series in order to fully understand the characters of the story. This is such an easily readable story that once you start reading it you become absorbed in the story and the characters. I could understand why Andi wanted to go on the cattle drive, but she soon realized the hard work involved, realizing it wasn't going to be all fun. I watched Andi's frustrations, but also watched her grow and become more mature while on the trail. Speaking of which, Ms. Marlow really makes you feel like your right along for the ride, experiencing the various aspects that went on during the cattle drive. Filled with plenty of action as well as suspense blended together with Andi become more mature and "growing up" makes for a page turning read. Truly a wonderful christian story that will appeal to the age range it's intended for but honestly would appeal to young and old alike. Anyone looking for a wild west adventure that will transport you back to simpler days and allow you to feel like they have stepped back in time is in for a real treat with Heartbreak Trail.

A complimentary copy of this book was provided for review.

Andrea Carter is growing up in the second book in the Circle C Milestone series, she is about to turn 15, and her mother wants her to have her quinceañera, a Spanish right of age, and a big party for her. Her mother lets her decide what kind of a party she wants, and being a tomboy she decides she wants to go on the trail to deliver the cattle to Los Angeles.
You can imagine how her mother feels; she had helped drive cattle in her youth and knows how much hard work is involved. Andi has a romantic idea of how it will be on the trail, and when her wish is granted, we soon see reality set in.
Come along on the trail with Andi and Levi, her twelve-year-old nephew, and experience with them the ups and downs. There are a few chuckles, some deep sadness, and a lot of hard work ahead.
A wonderful read for a young teen, full of action and adventure, they won’t be able to put the book down.
I received this book through Kregel Publications Blogger Tour, and was not required to give a positive review.

A wonderful addition to your Andi Carter collection, this book answers questions that have been asked by fans.
We meet Andi’s beloved father, and see how he impacted her life. There are answers here of before and after questions of these wonderful stories. Delightful, and heartwarming picture of life back in the 1800’s in the Fresno area of California, and Andi got to grow up in this area and lived on a ranch. See how she grew up, and if you are a fan and have read these great books, this one is going to answer a lot of your questions.
I especially love the story of how she got rid of her sister’s beau, and pitiful excuse of a man. Also the trouble she gets in racing in the Fourth of July race. Oh dear, you won’t be able to put this quick read down. Enjoy!
I received this book through the Kregel’s Book Blogger’s Program, and was not required to give a positive review.

A sweet read for a young teen girl, full of action, and happenings that they can understand. Although, the story takes place back in 1882, making decisions based on looks is something that happens everyday.
Andi Carter has grown up on a well to do ranch and has her own horse, Taffy, and awaiting the birth of a new foal. We watch her sleeping in the barn, and alerting the family with every breath that Taffy takes that she feels is different. The whole family is joyful when the young horse is born!
We go to school with Andi and see her reaction to Marcy, a girl with really no upbringing and a family of ne’re-do-wells. She smells, and could just picture these kids reaction to her. Of course this story does end up revolving around Andi and Mercy, and a personal relationship with God.
Enjoy this action packed quick read, you will not regret it, it become a real page-turner.

Title: Thick as Thieves (Circle C Milestones)
Author: Susan K. Marlow
Website: http://www.susankmarlow.com/
Pages: 176
Year: 2015
Publisher: Kregel
My Rating: 5
Thick as Thieves is my introduction to the writings of Susan K. Marlow and I am impressed to say the least! While the target audience is to reach those 8-12 years old, please don’t feel limited by that age group. The novel will be well received by adults and even readers younger than 8 if it was read aloud. There is prior series of six books by the same author that includes the characters in Thick as Thieves and the setting referred to as Circle C Adventures. Though I haven’t read them as of yet, I sure plan to as I enjoyed Susan’s newest book. It is quite enjoyable to sit, relax and enjoy an adventure!
In Thick as Thieves, young readers will learn that sometimes those with a tough and mean exterior hide a person crying inside to be loved. As the main character, Andrea Carter, learns when asked to allow Macy to remain sitting with her at their desk in school, loving Macy takes reliance upon God. Macy bullies anyone and everyone, but it isn’t until Andrea learns to look beyond her behavior and words to find the “real” Macy hiding underneath. When Andrea does, her heart is moved with compassion and purposely seeks out to befriend Macy. Susan’s novel shows how hard that choice is along with the difficulty in living that out with Macy is trying to discourage Andrea every step of the way. There are bullies everywhere and we must discern wisely who the Lord would have us reach out to. The one desire we all have is to be loved and accepted, seen with all our cracks and failures and chosen by another.
Please consider getting the novel and the prior series, both for your own personal library along with donating a set to the local library or school library. Together, with authors, we can influence and touch others with the love of Christ.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Other reviews can be read at http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspot.com/ . Also follow me on Twitter @lcjohnson1988, FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/lisa.johnson.75457

Do you remember how you felt when the first day of school arrived? Like most of us, Andi is nervous about attending school for the very first time because things are unfamiliar. From hiding in a barn to climbing up a tree, our main character finds herself not easily fitting in with the routine of classroom rules and students, learning to trust others. On top of that, her teacher Miss Hall has her writing on the blackboard during the children's recess as a way to teach Andi Carter obedience. After all, one of the many rules to learn is, I Will Not Talk During Class. Misunderstandings continue to unfold throughout a series of adventures but things turn around for Andi with the help of a new friend, Cory and his lizard named Pickles. Most importantly, Andi realizes she doesn't need to feel alone at school whenever she is away from home because God is always with her and Miss Hall is very nice, too. An enjoyable read.

I liked the main character, Andi Carter with her out-going personality and curious, tomboyish ways. Belonging to a warm, loving cattle ranch family provides this eager-to-grow-up little girl with good self esteem and a wonderful sense of belonging. The action in this sweet story moves along at a good pace, while the children and their mom take a long journey aboard the train to the state fair. Children will love reading the descriptions of the sights and smells there, plus the many adventures experienced, from blue ribbons to ring toss games at this celebration; along with some nice illustrations. Find out what happens when Andi learns about some attitude adjustment changes in winning her very own lamb at the fair. The lesson in sacrificial giving and the blessing in being obedient is a precious one. I am new to the series. I look forward to reading more from the author.

NCLA Review: The Andi series of chapter books takes place somewhere out west in the 1800s. Andi just loves Snowflake's new foal, Taffy. When Andi’s big brother tells her that the foal needs to be separated from his mother and that it is Andi’s job to see that this is carried out, there is great distress for Andi. When Andi is told by the neighborhood bully, Johnny Wilson, that bad things can happen to a colt when it is weaned from its mother, Andi is further distressed. She decides to disobey her brother and allows Snowflake and Taffy to be reunited. She must face dire consequences and is punished. As she attends Sunday School, Andi asks for God to help Taffy. Bully Johnny makes fun of her prayer, but her teacher tells her that no prayer is too small and God will listen. Ages 4-9. Rating: 3 —MMW

Our family loves the Circle C Beginnings series. My oldest (newly eight) counts these little Andi books amongst her favorite early chapter books that she can read independently. The pages are printed on creamy paper, there are ten chapters, each is around six pages long in an easy to read type for young readers, and includes one illustration. She also really enjoys doing the free activity pages available at the books’ website and the lapbooks that can be purchased as go-alongs. My younger girls (5 and 2) love listening to Andi’s adventures when I use these short chapter books as read alouds for them.

In the third installment in the Circle C Beginnings series – Andi’s Fair Surprise – Andi and her family make the long trip by train to the California State Fair – a weeklong agricultural celebration! Not only does Andi have a new dress and hat to wear to the fair, but she also gets twenty cents to spend each day! She eats treats, plays games, and eventually wins a lamb with her fair ticket!

Andi is particularly adorable in this installment – she is such a sweet, but authentic six-year-old. She learns about social graces that she was previously unaware of, learns to sacrifice for the good of others, and gets into some mischief as well! Because our family lives on a farm with cattle, the western 1800s theme is such a good fit for us.

A funny episode that I simply have to share occurred the first day I read this book to my children. I was hanging laundry on the line outside when I spotted my five-year-old trying to lasso our little bottle fed calf in the front yard (the opening scene in Andi’s Fair Surprise is Andi practicing her lasso skills on her dog, on the chickens – anything she can find). I told my girls that they should wait until Dad could give them a lasso lesson and then I went into the house with some laundry.

When I came back out (two minutes later) I found my 2.5 year old with the lasso attempting to rope the calf. He took off running, and somehow she ended up on her belly holding onto his rope being dragged along behind! She was so surprised! I told her to let go and all was well – just a few grass stains and a bit of a scare, but you can see how inspirational Andi’s stories can be for children! Not only do my little ones continually ask for more, but they also have such fun ‘playing Andi’.

These are just lovely, simply told, but authentic stories of character development and growing up on a ranch in the 1800s. There is even a vocabulary list of “New Words” for those unfamiliar with farm terminology, and “A Peek into the Past” which provides more historic detail. We adore Andi (and Lesslie Gammelgaard’s illustrations this time around are particularly cherubic!) and we can never wait for the newest books in the series to be released!

Reviewed at quiverfullfamily.com

When six-year-old Andi’s friend Riley reads his dime store novel to her, she develops a powerful fear of Indians. So when they encounter some on one of their rides across the ranch, they aren’t sure what to expect! Thankfully, this is a peaceful tribe, and the children learn about how the Yokut live before returning to the ranch house.

Andi’s Indian Summer is the second entry in the exciting Circle C Beginnings series for emerging chapter book readers by Susan Marlow. I can’t say enough about this series for children who are just getting ready to move into reading short chapter books on their own. Andi’s Indian Summer will always hold a fond place in my heart as the first chapter book my seven-year-old daughter read in its entirety! She had read parts of other chapter books, but this is the first one she managed to read independently in its entirety! This book has really kick-started my daughter’s interest in reading on her own, and I’m so thankful for it!

I have to note that this is a bit of a one-sided presentation of the conflict between Native Americans and American settlers of the West. Riley’s dime store novel and its portrayal of Indians as dangerous is cast in a light that makes it appear untrue. While the tribe the children encounter is peaceful, many tribes were not. The book’s “A Peek Into the Past” section doesn’t indicate this, so you might want to provide a bit more information as you or your children read this book. Of course, I do understand the author’s wanting to keep things gentle for the target age range.

A keen interest in Native American cultures and history has been sparked in my little ones as a result of our reading this book together. While my eldest read this on her own, I used it as a read aloud with my two and four-year-olds. We had days filled with “You play Andi, and I’ll play the Indian girl,” after our family enjoyed this book together.

I also highly recommend you visit the Andi and Taffy website online! It has become one of my children’s favorite websites! Free coloring pages from the series and free activity book collections are available to download there, and are well worth the effort.

Reviewed at quiverfullfamily.com

Our family has adored Susan Marlow’s original ‘Andi books’ as we call them around here. We were so excited to learn about the new Circle C Beginnings series for young readers. Where the original Andi books followed the twelve-thirteen-year-old Andrea Carter through her many adventures and life lessons, the beginnings series follows the five-six-year-old Andi through her earlier escapades, adventures, and story background.

Our family has read through most of the Andi books together as read-alouds, and we’ve found the Beginnings books to be just as charming and full of life – if not more so! Fans of the original Andi books will be excited to see a major piece of back-story filled in as Andi longs for her own real horse in Andi’s Pony Trouble.

Written for 6 to 8-year-olds, this series has met my oldest daughter right where she is in terms of reading ability. After I read the first few chapters of this first title in the series out loud, she took off on her own. It is so exciting to see her digging into this book – she even reads the “New Words” and “A Peek into the Past” sections! It wasn’t long before she’d found the series’ website and was checking release dates for the rest of the books! I continued to read it aloud to my four-year-old and toddler, and they also loved the simple text and cute artwork.

It has been all Andi and Riley all the time around our house when it is time for creative free play at our house! My girls absolutely love the characters and I’m happy to have another entertaining, wholesome series from Susan Marlow for them to read and listen to. One of my favorite aspects of Marlow’s writing is that her characters are realistic; they have flaws but learn character-building faith lessons along the way and little Andi is no exception.

Reviewed at quiverfullfamily.com

Andrea (Andi) Carter is a headstrong, active young girl (a bit of a tomboy in truth) living in the 1880s in California on her family’s ranch – the Circle C. Filling her days with chores, fun in the outdoors, and time spent with her beloved palomino Taffy isn’t enough to keep her out of trouble, however. When this twelve-year-old’s disobedience heralds a possible removal from the farm and her horse, she takes matters into her own hands and runs away from home.

After a horrifying encounter with a horse thief she resolves to find Taffy before heading home. Finding refuge with a Mexican family who serves as traveling agricultural laborers, Andi works as one of them while she spends any spare time tracking her horse. Soon there is much more at risk than recovering her steed when she falls into the hands of a malicious young girl who is bent on having what Andi holds dear.

Our family began reading the Circle C Adventures series (or the Andi books as we soon began to call them) aloud at bedtime when my oldest daughter was five. Though intended for the 9 – 12 year-old age range as an independent reading chapter book, we found Susan K. Marlow’s prose a wonderful choice for our family. Featuring excellent, high-quality prose, and an invigorating storyline, Andrea Carter and the Long Ride Home quickly became a story we couldn’t get enough of.

Filled with suspense, and truly dangerous situations, there were moments when I was uncertain if my little girl could weather the exciting and intense situations Andi found herself in. She sailed through, though clearly concerned for our heroine, and Andi became a new favorite character in our home.

Written from a Christian worldview, Andi’s troubles are underscored by her growing reliance on the Lord to see her through the difficulties that are a result of her poor choices. Andi’s decisions have clear negative repercussions that she learns to be responsible for, despite her initial tendency to shirk disciplinary consequences. Clean language, a romance-free storyline, a likeable character who learns and grows, and truly wonderful writing set The Long Ride Home heads and shoulders above typical chapter book series aimed at this age range.

As a homeschooling mother herself, Marlow has found that the Andi books have proven popular with homeschoolers. Her rich use of language adds depth and intelligence to her work while gently expanding vocabulary skills. A downloadable 22-page study guide written by he author further explores the historical setting of the book, geography, cowboy life, and more. Lapbooks have also been developed to correspond with the series for added educational benefit.

With the timeless combination of a girl and her horse, and the exciting adventure elements, this title – and the series in general – are an excellent choice for families with both boys and girls.

Reviewed at quiverfullfamily.com

Jem Coulter thinks his family is just on a sightseeing trip to the big city of Sacramento. Then armed bandits hold up the stagecoach for the secret stash they’re carrying: gold for the Union Army fighting the distant Civil War! Suddenly war isn’t so far away; it’s right there on the road to Sacramento, with Jem’s father, the sheriff of Goldtown, fighting against the rebel army’s Knights of the Golden Circle. When the family finally reaches the city, they think they’re safe at last. Setting out to see the sights, Jem, his sister Ellie, and their cousin Nathan make a new friend. But is Henry the pal they think he is? With a father who is a die-hard Confederate, could Henry be in cahoots with the thieves? River of Peril gives readers ages 8 to 12 the fast-moving, exciting adventure they’ve come to expect in this series, as well as a glimpse into the history of post–Gold Rush and Civil War life in 1860s California, with stagecoaches, steamboats, stowaways—and lots of gold!

Jem Coulter’s pa, the sheriff of Goldtown, is away on a trip to deliver a prisoner to Sacramento, and he has left Jem in charge of the ranch—along with Aunt Rose, that is.

No sooner is the sheriff gone then trouble starts—a dead calf, a mysterious stranger, and then Pa’s horse, Copper, and his prize rifle are stolen. And Pa’s deputies seem unconcerned.

Jem and his cousin Nathan find Copper’s tracks end at a dark canyon up in the hills. Jem remembers an old Indian legend Strike-it-rich Sam is fond of retelling about people disappearing and no one ever seeing them again. What is the real story of the canyon of danger? Have thieves found the perfect hideout?

When Jem Coulter is caught in a miners' riot, he learns the worst: the Midas mine is no longer producing the gold the town relies on to stay alive. Will, the son of the mine's owner, tells Jem the only way to get the Midas working again is to blast deep into the ground. This means a nearby abandoned mine must be reclaimed for an air shaft.

But Jem discovers that Chinese miners, including his friend Wu Shen, are working those old scavenger diggings. Even the arrival of James Carter, co-owner of the Midas, and the his son Chad can't convince the Chinese to give up their claim.

When Jem's father, farmer-turned-sheriff of Goldtown, is ordered to evict the Chinese from their mine or lose his job, Jem is caught in the middle. Then Will comes up with a solution. If Jem goes along with it, Pa can keep his job and the Midas will get its air shaft. What Jem doesn't realize is that Will's risky plan may lead to disaster deep in the heart of the old mine.

An exciting follow-up to Badge of Honor (book 1), Tunnel of Gold will entertain readers ages 8 to 14 with its fast-moving plot and colorful characters, and teach them historical details about life in the post-Gold Rush days of 1860s California.