Carolyn Snelling's Blog - Posts Tagged "reviews"
Children's Book Review - I'm Humbled
The Mystery of the Golden Christmas Trees is a sharply written and compelling tale that places religious themes in an inviting, contemporary setting. Christine Loving, a well off
“nearly fifteen” year old girl, is the main character.
The charming story centers on a curious inscription that Christine finds in her Teen Bible:
“Congratulations Christine! You’ve now solved the mystery of the golden Christmas
Trees.” Christine enlists the help of friends, loved ones, and neighbors as she searches
For the meaning of the inscription.
The reader is drawn in as the mystery unfolds. The author, Carolyn Snelling, is particularly
Adept at moving her story forward at a fast,page--‐turning pace, and she shows great skill and talent in describing the settings of the town. The detailed descriptions render each scene both realistic and engaging, as does the dialogue she employs with shopkeepers, parents, police officers, and a whole host of fully formed characters.
The writing makes the mystery itself more compelling, and the reader is drawn along with
Christine as she follows the mystery through her hometown.
In an interesting and creative twist, the book—and Christine’s search—is organized around The Ten Commandments. Each chapter takes up a specific commandment, and it is to the author’s credit that this organizing device never feels forced but, in fact, becomes a part of the natural unfolding of the story.
The book teaches without lecturing, and it educates without ever giving way to simple platitudes. Instead, the teachings of the Ten Commandments are illustrated by believable characters and settings, and in this way the reader participates in their telling. As the mystery draws to its conclusion, the reader—especially the young adult reader—will be
Poised on the edge of his or her seat, having absorbed profound teachings as an integral part of a compelling mystery.
The Mystery of the Golden Christmas Trees is a rare achievement in religiously themed books. It offers profound teachings that are made all the more impactful by an excellent tale and writing that is thoughtful and artistic. A singular work that will delight readers at any time of the year – The Children’s Book Review
“nearly fifteen” year old girl, is the main character.
The charming story centers on a curious inscription that Christine finds in her Teen Bible:
“Congratulations Christine! You’ve now solved the mystery of the golden Christmas
Trees.” Christine enlists the help of friends, loved ones, and neighbors as she searches
For the meaning of the inscription.
The reader is drawn in as the mystery unfolds. The author, Carolyn Snelling, is particularly
Adept at moving her story forward at a fast,page--‐turning pace, and she shows great skill and talent in describing the settings of the town. The detailed descriptions render each scene both realistic and engaging, as does the dialogue she employs with shopkeepers, parents, police officers, and a whole host of fully formed characters.
The writing makes the mystery itself more compelling, and the reader is drawn along with
Christine as she follows the mystery through her hometown.
In an interesting and creative twist, the book—and Christine’s search—is organized around The Ten Commandments. Each chapter takes up a specific commandment, and it is to the author’s credit that this organizing device never feels forced but, in fact, becomes a part of the natural unfolding of the story.
The book teaches without lecturing, and it educates without ever giving way to simple platitudes. Instead, the teachings of the Ten Commandments are illustrated by believable characters and settings, and in this way the reader participates in their telling. As the mystery draws to its conclusion, the reader—especially the young adult reader—will be
Poised on the edge of his or her seat, having absorbed profound teachings as an integral part of a compelling mystery.
The Mystery of the Golden Christmas Trees is a rare achievement in religiously themed books. It offers profound teachings that are made all the more impactful by an excellent tale and writing that is thoughtful and artistic. A singular work that will delight readers at any time of the year – The Children’s Book Review
