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In 1950's St. Louis 14-year-old Jenny Blake has known little but fear her entire short life. Her abusive father rules Jenny, older sister Jean and their mother with a literal fist of iron. Jenny fears her father's rage and even more she fears the visits he makes to her room at night but she also feels despair as her mother turns away from what is happening and says nothing. While headed to the movies with Jean one afternoon Jenny spots a penny on the sidewalk and when she stops to pick it up she inadvertantly stops a robbery at Shaw's Jewelry Store. The grateful Miss Opal Shaw offers Jenny a job in her store but in time she offers Jenny so much more. Jenny and Miss Shaw share dark secrets and painful memories which helps them both to begin to heal.

Jenny also befriends Aurelia, a black girl who attends their 'integrated' middle school (although the black children are relegated to portable buildings outside of the brick schoolhouse, and Aurelia's loving family who readily accept Jenny into their lives and their church. Unfortunately for Jenny this is just one more reason for her father to beat her as he feels that she has shamed him in the eyes of the town. Jenny begins to see every penny as a promise from God that he will always protect her and love her and she spreads her message of faith by giving pennies to those she feels need God's help.

Jenny is a great character as are Miss Shaw and Aurelia but Jenny's father and mother are just horrible, horrible people. I suppose it happens outside of books that some mothers stand by while sickening abuse of her children happens right under her nose but I can't even begin to imagine how that could be. Yes, I understand that she is a victim as well, but I honestly don't get it. Other than that the story was a fairly good one but the penny metaphor started to wear thin after awhile.
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A very heartwarming novel. I just loved this book. Once again Joyce Meyer did not disappoint. ( )

This is the first Christian fiction book that I've read. The story was captivating and I couldn't put it down. It was inspiring and a great reminder that God has a plan for each one of us. ( )

I loved this book even in the darker parts. The characters seemed so real, perhaps it was the way it was read. It was good that a Christian author didn't try to sugarcoat the problems of the 1950's South. I think I'd like to read more by these authors, at least the fiction. ( )