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Chasing Dreams
Chasing dreams . . . that’s what 12-year-old Rebecca thinks she’s doing when she competes for a scholarship at the prestigious Columbia Girls’ Academy. But when Cinderella’s wicked stepsister turns out to be her roommate, her dreams evaporate into nightmares.
chasing dreams book cover “They only invited you here to give the appearance of being a charitable institution,” Jill said in that fakey-sweet voice. “There’s nothing wrong with charity, but Columbia prefers to keep its charity cases on the other side of the world, not right here under their roof.”
That did it. Rebecca pushed herself to a sitting position and launched off the top bunk. Her feet slammed on the floor. She pointed her finger in Jill’s face in a swift, sure motion she was quite sure she could never duplicate. “Look here, Miss Prissy-Bow, you’ve got a lot of nerve saying—”
The door popped open and Rebecca’s words came to a halt. Hannah stood in the doorway, and her expression held a mixture of shock and disappointment and . . . and something else Rebecca couldn’t quite identify. The smug look on Jill’s face only magnified Rebecca’s humiliation when she realized Hannah had just witnessed the height of Rebecca’s temper, and none of Jill’s snide remarks.
As of this moment, it looked as if Jill might be right, at least where Rebecca was concerned. Rebecca didn’t have a snowball’s chance in Texas to win this scholarship.
Middle Grade
Historical
'Tween Girls
American Girl
Camp Club Girl author
Homeschool Girl
Christian Children's Fiction
Christian Chapter Book
Children's historical
Early 20th Century
1900's Girls' School
Middle Grade Girls' Humor
Middle Grade Relationships
Middle Grade Mischief
Education, History
Education, Middle Grade
chasing dreams book cover “They only invited you here to give the appearance of being a charitable institution,” Jill said in that fakey-sweet voice. “There’s nothing wrong with charity, but Columbia prefers to keep its charity cases on the other side of the world, not right here under their roof.”
That did it. Rebecca pushed herself to a sitting position and launched off the top bunk. Her feet slammed on the floor. She pointed her finger in Jill’s face in a swift, sure motion she was quite sure she could never duplicate. “Look here, Miss Prissy-Bow, you’ve got a lot of nerve saying—”
The door popped open and Rebecca’s words came to a halt. Hannah stood in the doorway, and her expression held a mixture of shock and disappointment and . . . and something else Rebecca couldn’t quite identify. The smug look on Jill’s face only magnified Rebecca’s humiliation when she realized Hannah had just witnessed the height of Rebecca’s temper, and none of Jill’s snide remarks.
As of this moment, it looked as if Jill might be right, at least where Rebecca was concerned. Rebecca didn’t have a snowball’s chance in Texas to win this scholarship.
Middle Grade
Historical
'Tween Girls
American Girl
Camp Club Girl author
Homeschool Girl
Christian Children's Fiction
Christian Chapter Book
Children's historical
Early 20th Century
1900's Girls' School
Middle Grade Girls' Humor
Middle Grade Relationships
Middle Grade Mischief
Education, History
Education, Middle Grade
234 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 18, 2015
10 people want to read
About the author
Renae Brumbaugh
27 books23 followersRenae Brumbaugh is an author, freelance writer, and newspaper columnist. Her books include four books in the Camp Club Girls series, and Morning Coffee with James.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
July 13, 2015
Great Christian Historical Fiction Entertainment!!
Chasing Dreams by Renae Brumbaugh is an exciting and fun beginning to a new YA historical fiction series, The Columbia Girls' Academy. Young Rebecca Taylor is nominated to compete for a scholarship at the prestigious Columbia Girls' Academy near Boston. Not yet a teen, Rebecca travels cross-country via train, mostly with a stranger she's just met.
Fear, fun, friends,pranks,and a whole different world open up to Rebecca at Columbia. Will Rebecca remember to trust the Lord to help her control not only her fear, but also her rising anger as she encounters prejudice and unfairness? This is a captivating story that I plan to personally recommend to young tweens and teens, although adults will get several hours of enjoyment from the novel as well.
I gratefully received this ebook from bookfun.org in exchange for an honest review.
Chasing Dreams by Renae Brumbaugh is an exciting and fun beginning to a new YA historical fiction series, The Columbia Girls' Academy. Young Rebecca Taylor is nominated to compete for a scholarship at the prestigious Columbia Girls' Academy near Boston. Not yet a teen, Rebecca travels cross-country via train, mostly with a stranger she's just met.
Fear, fun, friends,pranks,and a whole different world open up to Rebecca at Columbia. Will Rebecca remember to trust the Lord to help her control not only her fear, but also her rising anger as she encounters prejudice and unfairness? This is a captivating story that I plan to personally recommend to young tweens and teens, although adults will get several hours of enjoyment from the novel as well.
I gratefully received this ebook from bookfun.org in exchange for an honest review.
June 25, 2015
This is the first book in the new YA series: The Columbia Girls' Academy series by Renae Brumbaugh
Rebecca Taylor, 12 almost 13, is invited to attend Columbia Girls Academy in Medford, Mass. to interview for a scholarship which will be based on an interview and an oral presentation.
As she faces new experiences, Rebecca is often reminded of a verse her father had taught her, "Do not be afraid, for I will help you."
Her older brother James, travels part way with her, and then she continues on in the company of a kind woman they met on the train, not knowing this is in fact the Dean of the school, Carolyn Edwards. Rebecca stresses when issues will cause her to be late for the 12 noon time to present herself. Mrs. Edwards helps to calm her down.
At the school, Rebecca is left in the care of Hannah, a graduate whom will begin teaching next year, whom has a heart of gold. Room mate #1 is Caitlyn Smith, 15, eldest of 8 children with an ill mom at home. Room mate #2 Jill St. James, 13, uppity daughter of one of the richest men in Boston whom donates generously to the school. Jill is so sure she will be the chosen one and does nothing to hide her 'richness' and at times, most times is downright mean.
You will enjoy the interactions, the reflections of young Rebecca, and the comedy this book holds...and be left waiting for the next in the series.
Excellent book Renae and I thank you and bookfun.org for the opportunity to read this delightful YA in exchange for an honest review. I would highly recommend this book for the 12+ young lady in your life.
Rebecca Taylor, 12 almost 13, is invited to attend Columbia Girls Academy in Medford, Mass. to interview for a scholarship which will be based on an interview and an oral presentation.
As she faces new experiences, Rebecca is often reminded of a verse her father had taught her, "Do not be afraid, for I will help you."
Her older brother James, travels part way with her, and then she continues on in the company of a kind woman they met on the train, not knowing this is in fact the Dean of the school, Carolyn Edwards. Rebecca stresses when issues will cause her to be late for the 12 noon time to present herself. Mrs. Edwards helps to calm her down.
At the school, Rebecca is left in the care of Hannah, a graduate whom will begin teaching next year, whom has a heart of gold. Room mate #1 is Caitlyn Smith, 15, eldest of 8 children with an ill mom at home. Room mate #2 Jill St. James, 13, uppity daughter of one of the richest men in Boston whom donates generously to the school. Jill is so sure she will be the chosen one and does nothing to hide her 'richness' and at times, most times is downright mean.
You will enjoy the interactions, the reflections of young Rebecca, and the comedy this book holds...and be left waiting for the next in the series.
Excellent book Renae and I thank you and bookfun.org for the opportunity to read this delightful YA in exchange for an honest review. I would highly recommend this book for the 12+ young lady in your life.
July 5, 2015
Refreshing read
This story is about 12 year old Rebecca Taylor. She wants to gain admission in prestigious Columbia Girls Academy.
She is one of the three finalists for the scholarship. She is very ambitious and wants to win the scholarship in order to gain the admission in the Academy. There is one final round in the selection process which has to take place at the Academy.
Soon after her train journey followed by a pleasant surprise she finally reaches the Academy. She marvels at that place. There she meets a sweet young lady by name Hannah and girls who are studying there. She also meets two other girls from different back grounds(who will be her room mates during the selection process and with whom she has to compete). Then follows the series of interesting events.
Loved reading this book. Enjoyed reading about the activity and humorous incidents which takes place during her stay at the boarding school. Good read for both adults and kids.
I received this ebook from bookfun.org in return for my honest opinion.
This story is about 12 year old Rebecca Taylor. She wants to gain admission in prestigious Columbia Girls Academy.
She is one of the three finalists for the scholarship. She is very ambitious and wants to win the scholarship in order to gain the admission in the Academy. There is one final round in the selection process which has to take place at the Academy.
Soon after her train journey followed by a pleasant surprise she finally reaches the Academy. She marvels at that place. There she meets a sweet young lady by name Hannah and girls who are studying there. She also meets two other girls from different back grounds(who will be her room mates during the selection process and with whom she has to compete). Then follows the series of interesting events.
Loved reading this book. Enjoyed reading about the activity and humorous incidents which takes place during her stay at the boarding school. Good read for both adults and kids.
I received this ebook from bookfun.org in return for my honest opinion.
June 9, 2015
Book 1 of The Columbia Girls’ Academy Series
Knowing that the main character is a 12-year-old girl, I wasn’t sure what I might find with this book. What I found is a delightful story that kept me entertained and that I can highly recommend to girls in their tweens and teens as well. Fans of historical fiction like Sarah, Plain and Tall and Anne of Green Gables will love this story. The setting is 1908 and Rebecca Taylor is applying to a girls’ school near Boston, Massachusetts. As part of the application process, Rebecca travels by train to make a presentation at the school. She must rely on God to calm her fears throughout her journey. I enjoyed the descriptions of Rebecca’s family and family life. I am looking forward to reading more in this series as well as recommending it to parents and grandparents for their girls. I received a copy of this book from the author by way of The Book Club Network (www.bookfun.org) in exchange for an honest review.
Knowing that the main character is a 12-year-old girl, I wasn’t sure what I might find with this book. What I found is a delightful story that kept me entertained and that I can highly recommend to girls in their tweens and teens as well. Fans of historical fiction like Sarah, Plain and Tall and Anne of Green Gables will love this story. The setting is 1908 and Rebecca Taylor is applying to a girls’ school near Boston, Massachusetts. As part of the application process, Rebecca travels by train to make a presentation at the school. She must rely on God to calm her fears throughout her journey. I enjoyed the descriptions of Rebecca’s family and family life. I am looking forward to reading more in this series as well as recommending it to parents and grandparents for their girls. I received a copy of this book from the author by way of The Book Club Network (www.bookfun.org) in exchange for an honest review.
September 12, 2016
Wonderful story
Rebecca has been chosen as one of three finalists for a scholarship to attend a prestige boarding school in Boston. She goes up to see the school and compete against the other two girls, Caitlyn and Jill. Many obstacles happen that Rebecca deals with, but becomes friends with Caitlyn, while Jill causes many problems and tries to get Rebecca and Caitlyn in trouble. The day arrives when the finalist will be chosen, which will it be, will the one girl chosen accept the scholarship or will it be given to someone else? This was a great story, that was put together to keep the reader's interest through many things that happen throughout the story. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to any young girls up to and including adults. I received a free ebook from a book club through the Bookfun magazine.
Rebecca has been chosen as one of three finalists for a scholarship to attend a prestige boarding school in Boston. She goes up to see the school and compete against the other two girls, Caitlyn and Jill. Many obstacles happen that Rebecca deals with, but becomes friends with Caitlyn, while Jill causes many problems and tries to get Rebecca and Caitlyn in trouble. The day arrives when the finalist will be chosen, which will it be, will the one girl chosen accept the scholarship or will it be given to someone else? This was a great story, that was put together to keep the reader's interest through many things that happen throughout the story. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to any young girls up to and including adults. I received a free ebook from a book club through the Bookfun magazine.
June 23, 2015
I had the privilege of reading Chasing Dreams by Renae Brumbaugh. I loved it starting from the beginning, all the way to the end. She starts it off with adventure and keeps the laughter, adventure, and subtle spiritual truths throughout. I loved the humor of the girls at the boarding school and would have loved to have had the head mistress as my mentor. Great book - I can’t wait to read more YA books by Renae Brumbaugh. She has a great sense of humor and yet weaves the spiritual truths throughout.
I received this book for free from The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review. I posted on Barnes and Noble, Amazon, Goodreads, and Deeper Shopping.
I received this book for free from The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review. I posted on Barnes and Noble, Amazon, Goodreads, and Deeper Shopping.
August 22, 2015
I’ve long left YA books behind. However, being as I work with this age group, I wanted to read something that I could recommend to this age group, and Chasing Dreams did not disappoint.
What I found is a delightful story of perseverance, faith, adventure, and overcoming fears. It also had some humor which put a smile on my face more than once. Rebecca’s story will not only keep you entertained, but it will also inspire you as you follow her on her journey. Chasing Dreams is not only a story I would recommend to YAs but to any age group. You won’t be disappointed.
*****I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and viewpoints are my own.
What I found is a delightful story of perseverance, faith, adventure, and overcoming fears. It also had some humor which put a smile on my face more than once. Rebecca’s story will not only keep you entertained, but it will also inspire you as you follow her on her journey. Chasing Dreams is not only a story I would recommend to YAs but to any age group. You won’t be disappointed.
*****I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and viewpoints are my own.
March 4, 2016
Wonderful story of a teenage girl trying to get into a prestigious girls school. She is applying for a scholarship and must make a presentation, she relies on God to calm her fears.
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher through TBCN/BookFun in exchange for my honest review.
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher through TBCN/BookFun in exchange for my honest review.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews