Andrea Carter is the heroine of a number of books set on a ranch in California in the late 1800's. Author Susan K. Marlowe has created books in various stages of Andrea's life. The early series is called Circle C Beginnings, the next series about a slightly older Andrea is called Circle C Adventures and the series that caps it off is called Circle C Milestones when Andrea is 14.
Andrea Carter is part of a large family with a number of older brothers and sisters and I love how close they all are. Some have left to marry and begin their own life but some have stayed on to help work the ranch. These older brothers provide a father figure for Andrea whose dad died when she ws young.
Andrea is spunky, and often impetuous but through each adventure, she learns a valuable lesson. About honesty, loyalty, loving your enemies, or the value of not giving up! Andrea Carter's Tales from Circle C Ranch fills in some stories between existing books in the series. Each chapter has a note about where that adventure fits into Andrea's life (before, during, or after another book in the series).
The concept of this book is such a great idea! I have often finished a series and am disappointed to say good-bye to a cherished character. This book serves as an encore for the audience. Tales from Circle C Ranch also provides a bit of "taste test" for the series. Each chapter stands alone as an adventure in Andrea's life and would be a great way to introduce a new reader to this wonderful series.
I appreciate that Marlowe provides young people with a way to experience Andrea's struggles and benefit from the wisdom and guidance that her mother and older siblings provide. These books can help provide a loving example that someone may not experience in their own life.
What makes Marlowe's works so amazing is how much extra material she has on her website. For the Beginnings series, she has free coloring pages. For the Adventure series, the author provides free downloadable study guides (or a pre-printed option reasonably priced if you'd like something ready to go). Marlowe has some photos of what the characters might look like and also provides book trailers of the titles in the Circle C Adventure series. You can check it all out at Circle C Adventures.
If you want a series that can grow with your child from early elementary through high school and provide an example of a strong and supportive family trying to follow the Bible, then the Circle C books are for you! You can purchase at the author's website and you can even have the book personalized for your child--how awesome is that! Tales from Circle C Ranch and many other titles await you at Circle C Adventures.
Marlowe also has written some adventures with boy protagonists called Goldtown Adventures. In our family, both genders have enjoyed all of Marlowe's books. The books are a delightful and wholesome look at life in the 1880's as well as life on a horse ranch (a life I suspect many children have dreamed about). Don't miss out on these well-written, wholesome books!
Disclaimer: Kregel Publications provided me with a free copy of Andrea Carter's Tales from Circle C Ranch in exchange for an honest review.
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