Spring Tide

Historical fiction author, Mary Ray, brings to life Roman England in Spring Tide. The time is 311, the place is Great Britain. Friends Con and Julius are out in the countryside cutting saplings for beansticks and poles when they are attacked by the Deisi. After fleeing to the protection of a nearby home, a stranger helps them stave off the raid. Who is this stranger? Why is he so different? After entering their lives, will they be the same. A thrilling story that has many ramifications for these modern times.

If All the Swords in England

If All the Swords in England, A Story of Thomas Becket by Barbara Willard, Bethlehem Books, 181 pp. (Clarion Reprint).

The year is 1164. Hot-tempered Henry II is on the throne of England. But all is not well--at least not well in his opinion--because Thomas Becket will not concede to him more power. Thomas refuses to sign the constitutions at Clarendon, extending Henry's authority over Church matters. Thomas will not yield. Henry is furious and relentless.

In this lively historical fiction account we follow twin, orphaned brothers separated into two households: King Henry II and Thomas Becket's, providing insight into the disputed factions. Simon becomes a scribe for Thomas Becket and Edmund is pressed into service as a page for King Henry II.

Not just a follow the facts story, but an interesting read that engages the reader's heart to want to know what will happen to Thomas, what will happen to Simon, will Simon and Edmund ever reunite? We learn how Henry's anger, not only effects Thomas, but innocent people as well. Even though many of us already know Becket's outcome, Willard weaves a fascinating tale of high drama, undaunted courage, and evil intrigue.

Old Sam: Dakota Trotter

Old Sam: Dakota Trotter by Don Alonzo Taylor 153 pp. Bethlehem Books

Old Sam is not any kind of horse. He is a thoroughbred trotter. While crossing an old bridge, Old Sam unexpectedly gets his leg caught in a rotted board, breaking his leg. Dismayed at the idea of killing such a beautiful horse, the nearby children beg the owner not to shoot him. Moved by their compassion and not able to race him any more, he changes his mind and offers the horse to them.

So begins the exciting adventures of Johnny, Lee, and Sam. Set during the Westward Expansion, the narrator is Johnny, a young boy of seven who moves with his family from Illinois to the North Dakota Territory.

More than an exciting story of two boys' adventures. It is also a tale of a young boy striving to be virtuous. In addition, Old Sam presents a slice of life during the 1880s: Blizzards, thieves, plowing and threshing, Winter nights and Fourth of July celebrations.

Old Sam is a first rate story that provides first rate entertainment.

Also availalbe on CD.
Ages: 10-Up.
Old Sam Dakota Trotter

Presenting Miss Jane Austen

Presenting Miss Jane Austen by May Lamberton Becker,179 pp. Bethlehem Books.

If you enjoy Jane Austen, whether reading her books or watching movies based on her books, you will enjoy learning more about her life and family. Offering a fascinating look into her family life, Becker shares many of the connections between Austen's family and characters and plots in her books. At the same time, you learn how her family encouraged her writing talent and the many years it took her before she finally completed and published Pride and Prejudice.

After reading about her life, we have a greater appreciation for her because of her high moral character. Jane Austen is not just another author; she is a wonderful person. Read about her life to find out how.

Ages: 10-Up.
Presenting Miss Jane Austen

Becky Landers: Frontier Warrior

Becky Landers: Frontier Warrior by Constance Lindsay Skinner, 198 pp. Bethlehem Books

The year is 1778. Back East the Revolutionary War has begun. But this is Kentucky. What can happen here? Reminiscent of Madeline of Madeline Takes Command, Becky Landers is a spunky heroine who wants to help take care of her family. Her father was killed and her brother was kidnapped. She does her best to be the "man" of the family. A close friend of Daniel Boone's daughter, she outwits good guys, bad guys, and Indians on her many wilderness adventures. Hoping to find her brother, she sneaks away to join George Rogers Clark dangerous mission to capture Vincennes and Kaskaskia. Will she find him? Will she come home?

Ages: 10-Up.
Becky Landers: Frontier Warrior

The Kitchen Madonna

The Kitchen Madonna by Rumer Godden, Bethlehem Books, 103 pp.

What would you do if the woman you loved wanted to leave? In this case the woman is Marta, the family's housekeeper. Marta grew up in Polish Ukraine. Now, living in London and no longer young, she misses the family's traditions of her youth, a prayer corner with the Madonna and child.

Gregory fears the worst? Will she leave like all the other housekeepers? But Marta is different. She is special. She brings warmth to the kitchen with her wonderful stories and good cooking. Gregory doesn't want her to leave. With resourcefulness and determination, Gregory hatches a plan with his sister Janet to keep Marta. Normally shy, reticent, and aloof, Gregory conquers himself in order to bring joy to others and in so doing transforms himself and those he meets, ultimately bringing joy to Marta in The Kitchen Madonna.

Ages: 8-Up
Bethlehem Books 2010
Kitchen Madonna