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Todd
Todd is a southern novel about family love, faith and endurance. In 1943, ten year old Todd Jansan lives with his family on a North Carolina tobacco farm. The Jansan's neighbor, Horace Hammond is a cruel man who punishes his children by holding them over a well. The Jansans have to deal with his cruelty and with the mystery surrounding Todd's uncle who is off at war.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 2, 2009
1 person is currently reading
184 people want to read
About the author
Cynthia Ulmer
13 books147 followersAward medal recipient and acclaimed writer Cynthia Ulmer was born in Newport News, Virginia, and raised in Leland, North Carolina. Her wholesome 'Southern Family Fictional' book series, The Cedar Cove Chronicles, is an award-winning series of books.
It is a Christian-themed realistic drama series that follows the Jansan family and their friends and neighbors in the fictional community of Cedar Cove, North Carolina, during the 1940s and 1950s. Books one and four of "The Cedar Cove Chronicles" have won medals from the 'Wishing Shelf Indie Book Awards' and several have received several 5-star book reviews from Readers Favorite.
Now ready to bring readers to the present, she has released a new book series called Beyond Cedar Cove. Book one, Underneath The Honeysuckle Vine, was released in 2021, and book two, Broken Circle, is set to release soon. Her titles are available on Amazon, Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble, and many other online bookstores and literary publications.
Cynthia shares, "Some people grapple with their life's purpose, while others are born knowing it. At an early age, I knew I would be a writer--as the narratives were always alive in my mind." The author's characters are so rich and relatable that readers will feel an intimate connection with them and eagerly anticipate the next chapter in their lives. The author hopes her books resonate with readers, stirring their hearts and inspiring them to foster deeper faith-filled connections with the Lord.
When Cynthia isn't writing, she finds joy in cooking, crocheting, immersing herself in music, and delving into the works of her favorite authors, Catherine Hyde Ryan, Lucinda Berry, and Wiley Cash. Above all, she treasures the time spent with her extensive family, particularly her grandchildren. Cynthia and her husband continue to call North Carolina home.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
October 5, 2011
Very well written piece of Southern Lit. The author's prose reminds me very much of Clyde Edgerton, espcailly some of the humorous moments between such a close knit family and community that helped make the book lighthearted when it was needed. That being said, it is not a full fledged comedy, this is not Edgerton's Raney where the jokes are plentiful, there are a good amount to be had but they are needed for the comic relief amongst a serious family drama that unfolds. The topics of child abuse and past transgrations of various characters, such as the war vet who has returned home the black sheep of the family to everyone except his nephew Todd.
The story is told through Todd's eyes, a young earnest boy reminiscent of characters from Lucy Maud Montgomery's Avonlea narratives. These topics are handled tastefully and carefully enough that it is a book that a younger reader could enjoy without a parent worrying about what they will encounter in between the pages. But it is not to be considered a children's book simply because of that fact, the topics and events that Todd's family deal with are heavy at times. The author has simply written a novel that could be enjoyed by someone who is 15 and likewise someone who is 65.
If you are looking for an interesting narrative with a bit of southern charm, the heart warming closeness of Montgomery's community on Prince Edward Island and just a sprinkle of Law & Order this is not a book to miss out on.
The story is told through Todd's eyes, a young earnest boy reminiscent of characters from Lucy Maud Montgomery's Avonlea narratives. These topics are handled tastefully and carefully enough that it is a book that a younger reader could enjoy without a parent worrying about what they will encounter in between the pages. But it is not to be considered a children's book simply because of that fact, the topics and events that Todd's family deal with are heavy at times. The author has simply written a novel that could be enjoyed by someone who is 15 and likewise someone who is 65.
If you are looking for an interesting narrative with a bit of southern charm, the heart warming closeness of Montgomery's community on Prince Edward Island and just a sprinkle of Law & Order this is not a book to miss out on.
January 3, 2020
Todd is my first introduction to Ulmer's work and now understand why it became a fantastic award-winner. I look forward to reading the whole series of 'The Ceder Cove Chronicles' after reading Todd because it holds your interest in what is to come next as it is unique and an enjoyable book!
The story of a fictional family set in the 1940s - 1050s when times were much more straightforward. The Jansan family goes through many trials and storms but holds steadfast to their Christian faith and beliefs as they learn they can endure any storm together as a loving family. I am not a big fan of heavy religious reads, but this story has just the right amount as not to be overbearing. Todd is well written, well-developed characters. Watch out for Grandma Cal, a vibrant ole coot!
The story overall pulls you in with family drama and surprises, just as you learn about their neighbor, who is very mean drunk and is a constant that made me feel lucky I don't live next door to Horace! (I'm not too fond of spoilers) ...
I was, however, privy to know that the author had woven in some of her cherished childhood and family memories, which I feel made this book even more special to read. It has a historical feel to a fictional novel that has you engaged with only an area or two where the flow could have picked up a bit.
While reading Todd, be ready to experience love, some laughs, a tear or two, and feelings of loss of old fashioned family values and discipline that many of us grew up within and 'Old Carolina Southern Americana.'
I highly recommend it and such an enjoyable read.
Cat Lyon's Reading Den and Lyon Media Services
The story of a fictional family set in the 1940s - 1050s when times were much more straightforward. The Jansan family goes through many trials and storms but holds steadfast to their Christian faith and beliefs as they learn they can endure any storm together as a loving family. I am not a big fan of heavy religious reads, but this story has just the right amount as not to be overbearing. Todd is well written, well-developed characters. Watch out for Grandma Cal, a vibrant ole coot!
The story overall pulls you in with family drama and surprises, just as you learn about their neighbor, who is very mean drunk and is a constant that made me feel lucky I don't live next door to Horace! (I'm not too fond of spoilers) ...
I was, however, privy to know that the author had woven in some of her cherished childhood and family memories, which I feel made this book even more special to read. It has a historical feel to a fictional novel that has you engaged with only an area or two where the flow could have picked up a bit.
While reading Todd, be ready to experience love, some laughs, a tear or two, and feelings of loss of old fashioned family values and discipline that many of us grew up within and 'Old Carolina Southern Americana.'
I highly recommend it and such an enjoyable read.
Cat Lyon's Reading Den and Lyon Media Services
June 25, 2020
Beautiful, Evocative
The writing is simple, as if actually narrated by 10 year-old boy. It movingly tells the story of a southern farm family during World War II following the humorous and disastrous events of a bad year. In the present crises, this is a good book to read to remind you that people have survived far worse and gone on to write books about it! However, this is not an autobiographical tale, but still very true to life. It reminded me of my childhood, off and on, especially the powerful and inchoate feelings that children are subject to. It is also a story of faith and hope couched in the cultural experience of rural southern people. This reminded me that you don't have to be an Episcopalian and have stained glass windows or a New Ager and sit around your legs crossed to have a spiritual experience.
The writing is simple, as if actually narrated by 10 year-old boy. It movingly tells the story of a southern farm family during World War II following the humorous and disastrous events of a bad year. In the present crises, this is a good book to read to remind you that people have survived far worse and gone on to write books about it! However, this is not an autobiographical tale, but still very true to life. It reminded me of my childhood, off and on, especially the powerful and inchoate feelings that children are subject to. It is also a story of faith and hope couched in the cultural experience of rural southern people. This reminded me that you don't have to be an Episcopalian and have stained glass windows or a New Ager and sit around your legs crossed to have a spiritual experience.
September 21, 2021
Very Talented writer, Great Read! Ulmer’s ability to write from the perspective of the child while also telling us the rest of the story and giving us a sense of the other characters shows just how talented she is as a writer! I truly enjoyed this book as it gave a different take on a WWII novel by showing us life on a typical farm during that time! It was a different style of historical fiction and I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!!
March 27, 2020
This is a GOOD book!!!!"I really enjoyed it! I sure hope the rest of the books in the series is as good as Todd. It kept me interested from the beginning to the end and that's how I judge a book. !Ms. Ulmer is a good writer and I really liked "Todd" I can't wait to read her other books!"
November 3, 2021
Awesome read!
This was fantastic! Love the family drama and the courage to touch on religion in written work. It’s something a lot of people don’t have the courage to do, and this author should be commended. Great characters, and I look forward to reading the rest!
This was fantastic! Love the family drama and the courage to touch on religion in written work. It’s something a lot of people don’t have the courage to do, and this author should be commended. Great characters, and I look forward to reading the rest!
December 25, 2016
Cynthia Ulmer is now on my list of "must read" authors. I had the opportunity to review the first book in her, Cedar Cove Chronicles, Todd. The setting for the book is in rural North Carolina and set during World War II. The narration is done in first person by the lead character of this book Todd Jansan who is a fifth-grade boy.
The book has a strong Christian message of hope, trust, forgiveness and redemption. Since this is the first book in a series Cynthia did a fantastic job of developing each character. Even her secondary characters such as Grandma Cal (who is my favorite) are expertly development. You will love the characters you should, and loathe the ones you should.
Some of the subject matter is a bit rough and there is some violence but there is nothing obscene or overly graphic but it is not a read for younger kids. The story line is true to both the time period and the setting it is set in. The Jansan family own a tobacco farmer and they are hard working, God fearing family. The neighbor, Horace Hammond is not. He is a loud mouth drunkard bully that terrorizes his wife, children and the entire community of Cedar Cove.
In this story, you will see what happens when a good man and an evil man path's collided in a way that neither can nor will back down from. The history between the two is long and the way the each of them handles the conflict could not be more different. You will see this conflict from Todd's perspective and you will see grace, forgiveness, true friendship and how God will work things out even when during your trials it may not look or feel like He's even listening.
This book was given to me by the Author, Cynthia Ulmer, for my honest opinion. To read all of my reviews go to Blessings N Bloggings
The book has a strong Christian message of hope, trust, forgiveness and redemption. Since this is the first book in a series Cynthia did a fantastic job of developing each character. Even her secondary characters such as Grandma Cal (who is my favorite) are expertly development. You will love the characters you should, and loathe the ones you should.
Some of the subject matter is a bit rough and there is some violence but there is nothing obscene or overly graphic but it is not a read for younger kids. The story line is true to both the time period and the setting it is set in. The Jansan family own a tobacco farmer and they are hard working, God fearing family. The neighbor, Horace Hammond is not. He is a loud mouth drunkard bully that terrorizes his wife, children and the entire community of Cedar Cove.
In this story, you will see what happens when a good man and an evil man path's collided in a way that neither can nor will back down from. The history between the two is long and the way the each of them handles the conflict could not be more different. You will see this conflict from Todd's perspective and you will see grace, forgiveness, true friendship and how God will work things out even when during your trials it may not look or feel like He's even listening.
This book was given to me by the Author, Cynthia Ulmer, for my honest opinion. To read all of my reviews go to Blessings N Bloggings
March 23, 2024
Watch the characters come alive in the Cedar Cove Chronicles set in the 1940's. This book, "Todd," is told from the voice of a ten-year-old and his view of the world and the people around him. If the reader enjoys a good old fashioned down home story, Ms. Ulmer writes them in this series. I chuckle when I read about Grandma Cal, what a character! And the horrid neighbors add that touch of mystery that makes one wonder why people do what they do. I feel like I am sitting in the midst of a scene when reading the descriptive narratives in this book. Enjoyable bed time story reading for me. Easy 5 stars.
July 17, 2015
The Cedar Cove Chronicles were recently entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title The Cedar Cove Chronicles Book 1 through 5
Author: Cynthia Ulmer
Star Rating: 4 stars
Number of Readers: 41
Readers’ Comments
‘What a lovely set of books. I enjoyed them very much. Book One was the best for me. It set up the story well and introduced many interesting characters. In a world dominated with vampire books, it was lovely to enjoy the story based on family life.’ Female reader, aged 43
‘The author is excellent at balancing setting and plot development. Set in the 1940s, Book One is very well written. There is an element of mystery but mostly the story is focusing on the life of a family and what it must face. Pacing needs a little work here and there but, apart from that, totally enjoyable.’ Male reader, aged 54
‘I enjoyed Book Two the most. Life in Cedar Cove is never dull particularly with the Jansen family. There’s a lot of up and downs, twists and turns. It sort of reminded me of Little House on the Prairie just with a different setting and time. The author is particularly good at working with character; they are very well developed by the end of Book One and, in each novel, they develop a little more. New characters are introduced, old characters vanish. I guess it reflects the way life is. A very enjoyable set of book.’ Female reader, age 56
‘I loved all of them but Book Four was the best. I think, if I was to suggest anything to the author, it would be to work on pace.’ Male reader, aged 49
Stats
Editing 8/10
Plot 8/10
Writing Style 9/10
Covers 7/10
Of the 41 readers:
27 thought the covers were good or excellent.
38 would read another book by this author.
3 felt the pacing was a little slow in parts.
25 thought Book 1, 2 and 4 were the strongest.
‘A well-crafted story of a family growing up. Very enjoyable and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Awards
Title The Cedar Cove Chronicles Book 1 through 5
Author: Cynthia Ulmer
Star Rating: 4 stars
Number of Readers: 41
Readers’ Comments
‘What a lovely set of books. I enjoyed them very much. Book One was the best for me. It set up the story well and introduced many interesting characters. In a world dominated with vampire books, it was lovely to enjoy the story based on family life.’ Female reader, aged 43
‘The author is excellent at balancing setting and plot development. Set in the 1940s, Book One is very well written. There is an element of mystery but mostly the story is focusing on the life of a family and what it must face. Pacing needs a little work here and there but, apart from that, totally enjoyable.’ Male reader, aged 54
‘I enjoyed Book Two the most. Life in Cedar Cove is never dull particularly with the Jansen family. There’s a lot of up and downs, twists and turns. It sort of reminded me of Little House on the Prairie just with a different setting and time. The author is particularly good at working with character; they are very well developed by the end of Book One and, in each novel, they develop a little more. New characters are introduced, old characters vanish. I guess it reflects the way life is. A very enjoyable set of book.’ Female reader, age 56
‘I loved all of them but Book Four was the best. I think, if I was to suggest anything to the author, it would be to work on pace.’ Male reader, aged 49
Stats
Editing 8/10
Plot 8/10
Writing Style 9/10
Covers 7/10
Of the 41 readers:
27 thought the covers were good or excellent.
38 would read another book by this author.
3 felt the pacing was a little slow in parts.
25 thought Book 1, 2 and 4 were the strongest.
‘A well-crafted story of a family growing up. Very enjoyable and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Awards
May 5, 2016
Reviewed by Gisela Dixon for Readers' Favorite
Todd: The Cedar Cove Chronicles, Book One by Cynthia Ulmer is a fictional novel that is the first part in the Cedar Cove Chronicles series. Todd is set in a typical Southern setting of the '40s and '50s. Life then was more simple and uncomplicated, although harder with fewer material comforts. Todd is one such story of a boy named Todd and his years and experiences as he grew up in the rural South several decades ago. The story starts with an introduction by Todd himself and his family, and is written in the first person from Todd’s perspective. The farming community ties are explored along with his teenage years, crushes, and of course, family. Yet, not everything is rosy as they all struggle with their neighbor, Horace Hammond, an alcoholic as well as an abuser. How this family stays strong through love and faith forms the basis of this novel.
Todd by Cynthia Ulmer is a nicely written book that keeps the reader engaged. It provides a glimpse into life in the '50s in North Carolina. I liked how Todd’s character is presented in the first person, which allows readers to understand his thoughts and feelings as he comes into his own. I also liked the bonds of love and caring portrayed between members of the family, parents, and grandparents, as these are the ones that shape him and form a lasting legacy. All in all, I enjoyed reading Todd: The Cedar Cove Chronicles, Book One by Cynthia Ulmer and would recommend it to anyone.
Todd: The Cedar Cove Chronicles, Book One by Cynthia Ulmer is a fictional novel that is the first part in the Cedar Cove Chronicles series. Todd is set in a typical Southern setting of the '40s and '50s. Life then was more simple and uncomplicated, although harder with fewer material comforts. Todd is one such story of a boy named Todd and his years and experiences as he grew up in the rural South several decades ago. The story starts with an introduction by Todd himself and his family, and is written in the first person from Todd’s perspective. The farming community ties are explored along with his teenage years, crushes, and of course, family. Yet, not everything is rosy as they all struggle with their neighbor, Horace Hammond, an alcoholic as well as an abuser. How this family stays strong through love and faith forms the basis of this novel.
Todd by Cynthia Ulmer is a nicely written book that keeps the reader engaged. It provides a glimpse into life in the '50s in North Carolina. I liked how Todd’s character is presented in the first person, which allows readers to understand his thoughts and feelings as he comes into his own. I also liked the bonds of love and caring portrayed between members of the family, parents, and grandparents, as these are the ones that shape him and form a lasting legacy. All in all, I enjoyed reading Todd: The Cedar Cove Chronicles, Book One by Cynthia Ulmer and would recommend it to anyone.
April 3, 2016
I feel like Ms. Ulmer is a very prolific writer who people wanna know, who's talents unfolded, and evolved as the story progressed. I don't think there are many occasions when you read a book and say, "I wanna know this author", that is rare in my eyes.
I have to say that I actually believed 'Cedar Cove' was a REAL town in North Carolina, things seemed very believable. The attention to, and masterful representation to details impressed the hell out of me. Ms. Ulmer possesses the rare ability to be detail oriented and not be boring. The character development was excellent and the story showed a perfect amount of conflict and tension. It's like cooking a new recipe for the first time and having all the ingredients come together properly to make a masterpiece. The story had good energy and passionate people, which I loved.
I'd like to thank Ms. Ulmer and her brilliantly creative mind for allowing myself and the rest of the world to enjoy her work. NEVER STOP WRITING!!!
I have to say that I actually believed 'Cedar Cove' was a REAL town in North Carolina, things seemed very believable. The attention to, and masterful representation to details impressed the hell out of me. Ms. Ulmer possesses the rare ability to be detail oriented and not be boring. The character development was excellent and the story showed a perfect amount of conflict and tension. It's like cooking a new recipe for the first time and having all the ingredients come together properly to make a masterpiece. The story had good energy and passionate people, which I loved.
I'd like to thank Ms. Ulmer and her brilliantly creative mind for allowing myself and the rest of the world to enjoy her work. NEVER STOP WRITING!!!
May 25, 2016
I am an avid reader of all manner of books both fiction and non-fiction. I tend to like fiction thrillers and dramas the best. You know, spy stories and police dramas and the like. I have found that a well written story can be about anything, however, and still capture and hold the readers’ attention. Such is the case with 'Todd'. I found it to be a refreshing change from the high tech glitz and hero worshiping that is so prevalent in many books today. ‘Todd’ has the feeling of what I think of as real interactions among real down to earth people. It was sort of like home cooking if you will. I especially like the setting and the time era that was displayed. No cell phones and video games in that neighborhood. The book has the right mix of good versus evil. What a mean man Horace was!
It was the type of read that left me with a smile on my face and the contentment that is associated with a well written story.
It was the type of read that left me with a smile on my face and the contentment that is associated with a well written story.
December 7, 2015
Good character development, environment, settings. Very real story lines. She makes very good transitions of character plots (very easy and enjoyable reading). All of her books are the kind of books that I could curl up on the couch with.
May 23, 2016
It is a rare pleasure to find a book and author so attuned
to the time and sense of an era and geographical location.
Todd is not only an exceptional story but a glimpse at our
own past--and the past of our ancestors in the south.
A MUST read!
to the time and sense of an era and geographical location.
Todd is not only an exceptional story but a glimpse at our
own past--and the past of our ancestors in the south.
A MUST read!
November 23, 2016
Todd was a pleasure to read. It encompassed issues faced today, with solutions dating back 100 + years. I couldn't put it down once I began, it flowed seamlessly through the progressions of the various characters. I look forward to the next one in the series.
December 11, 2016
An entertaining story about real people during hard times.
Surviving hardship not only from the deprivation of war time
rationing but from an abusive and criminal neighbor as seen
through the eyes of a child.
Surviving hardship not only from the deprivation of war time
rationing but from an abusive and criminal neighbor as seen
through the eyes of a child.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews