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The Journals of Corrie Belle Hollister #1
My Father's World
As the wagon train made its descent from the mountains, the warm colors of autumn tried in vain to cheer the weary young travelers. Their mother had perished in the desert, and they had heard that their father was dead some years before. With the help of the wagon master, fifteen-year-old Corrie Belle Hollister is the only one left to bring her two brothers and two sisters into a raucous mining camp during the California Gold Rush to find their Uncle Nick.
Her mother's dying words to Corrie: "A woman's got to be strong. She's got to be able to make her way alone if she has to." When the little troop arrives in Miracle Springs and discovers that Uncle Nick has skipped town and the sheriff is after him, the "land of promise" turns into one of fear and unknown danger. Shouts of "gold" and "new strike" fade away as Corrie stands in the middle of a strange town with everyone turning them away.
Could they make it on their own? She'd have to try!
Her mother's dying words to Corrie: "A woman's got to be strong. She's got to be able to make her way alone if she has to." When the little troop arrives in Miracle Springs and discovers that Uncle Nick has skipped town and the sheriff is after him, the "land of promise" turns into one of fear and unknown danger. Shouts of "gold" and "new strike" fade away as Corrie stands in the middle of a strange town with everyone turning them away.
Could they make it on their own? She'd have to try!
286 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1990
932 people are currently reading
1196 people want to read
About the author
Michael R. Phillips
250 books610 followersLibrarian Note: there is more than one author with this name in the Goodreads database.
Michael Phillips has been writing in the Christian marketplace for 30 years. All told, he has written, co-written, and edited some 110 books. Phillips and his wife live in the U.S., and make their second home in Scotland.
Michael Phillips has been writing in the Christian marketplace for 30 years. All told, he has written, co-written, and edited some 110 books. Phillips and his wife live in the U.S., and make their second home in Scotland.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
April 20, 2018
My Father’s World was a book that quite frankly charmed and intrigued me. I was not anticipating a story with such a practical depth to it or one with such relatable characters. I love the history and setting of the book, and, having just covered that time in history class, it was just that more meaningful to see it lived through the eyes and heart of a girl, slightly younger than me but one burdened with the responsibility of an adult.
Corrie is just a kid really herself along with 13-year old Zach and their younger siblings. The question of how they are to survive on in the rugged West with their parents died and only family missing is what the book is centered around. But it’s also centered around a greater theme of learning to forgive, healing, and seeing that this world really is “our Father’s world.”
I’m looking forward to reading more in this series and would recommend it easily.
Corrie is just a kid really herself along with 13-year old Zach and their younger siblings. The question of how they are to survive on in the rugged West with their parents died and only family missing is what the book is centered around. But it’s also centered around a greater theme of learning to forgive, healing, and seeing that this world really is “our Father’s world.”
I’m looking forward to reading more in this series and would recommend it easily.
January 21, 2019
After reading two books that I didn't end up liking, this was like a bit of fresh air.
Though it was told in first person, the story flowed smoothly and was well done. I enjoyed the fact that it didn't have a speck of romance in it! The characters were not all the same, and I enjoyed getting to know certain ones. (Others remained more in the background.)
Though there was some Christianity in the book, it was fairly shallow.
While I wouldn't say this book was a favorite, I wouldn't mind reading the next book in the series, or reading this one again.
Though it was told in first person, the story flowed smoothly and was well done. I enjoyed the fact that it didn't have a speck of romance in it! The characters were not all the same, and I enjoyed getting to know certain ones. (Others remained more in the background.)
Though there was some Christianity in the book, it was fairly shallow.
While I wouldn't say this book was a favorite, I wouldn't mind reading the next book in the series, or reading this one again.
April 4, 2017
Loved this book!! The ending was great. Can't wait for #2!!!!
October 28, 2011
This was a fast, easy read. It is not heavy and would be suitable for upper elementary children to read, both in content and reading level (other than some dialogue that spells characters' accents phonetically, which might confuse some kids at first). It is not a bad book, but neither is it one that blows you away reading it. The story is interesting enough, and the characters likeable enough, that I will continue reading the rest of the series (there are 5 in all).
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November 8, 2012This is the first in the Journals of Corrie Belle Hollister series. It is narrated by a teenage girl whose parents die during their journey west, and she must care for her siblings. The style, composed entirely of journal entries, makes this book both vivid and readable, and the authors often appeal to fans of Al & JoAnna Lacy.
January 18, 2013
I love this book it's one of my favorites
February 6, 2015
I loved it! It's fun to read but does not feed your spirit.
March 18, 2015
This book series is really good! I found the first book good, but it is a little bit boring.. Don't give up though because the rest are REALLY REALLY good!!!!!
April 28, 2019
3 Stars.
Paperback.
This was a simple story, but I enjoyed it and was interested in seeing what happened next. The story seemed a bit like something pounded out in a story factory by an o.k. writer who wasn't going for a singularly great novel, but was just churning out books. This impression became more pronounced when the last chapter just summarized all the uncompleted loose ends in the story and said they would be worked with in the next installment of the series. This was definitely not an artful conclusion to the novel, and it moved my overall reading experience down by half a star. By the way, the Christian writers should have drawn up the preacher as the sharpest, coolest, most admirable character in the book instead of the foolish, holier than thou, out of touch cliché that they made him out to be.
Also the title "My Father's World" is a non sequitur title that does not logically flow from the book, even though there were several clumsy attempts at sticking the phrase into the story, so that, by golly, there it is. It seemed like an obvious attempt to sell a book to a target audience that loves the hymn and would find this title appealing. But it was as apropos to the story as a title like, "We'll Leave the Lights on For You," or, "The Sands of Waikiki."
Paperback.
This was a simple story, but I enjoyed it and was interested in seeing what happened next. The story seemed a bit like something pounded out in a story factory by an o.k. writer who wasn't going for a singularly great novel, but was just churning out books. This impression became more pronounced when the last chapter just summarized all the uncompleted loose ends in the story and said they would be worked with in the next installment of the series. This was definitely not an artful conclusion to the novel, and it moved my overall reading experience down by half a star. By the way, the Christian writers should have drawn up the preacher as the sharpest, coolest, most admirable character in the book instead of the foolish, holier than thou, out of touch cliché that they made him out to be.
Also the title "My Father's World" is a non sequitur title that does not logically flow from the book, even though there were several clumsy attempts at sticking the phrase into the story, so that, by golly, there it is. It seemed like an obvious attempt to sell a book to a target audience that loves the hymn and would find this title appealing. But it was as apropos to the story as a title like, "We'll Leave the Lights on For You," or, "The Sands of Waikiki."
January 3, 2019
Good one! I thought the author did a good job of explaining how we're all sinners, not just those whose actions cause others to "know" they're sinners. Explaining it to a young girl, made it so anyone of any age can understand it. That's really important because without that understanding, a person won't know they need a Savior, or can think they can earn their way to heaven; which he also covers very well. This, along with some other basics are covered in this book as Carrie learns more about the God her mother first told her about. It also gives us a small glimpse of how a child raised in church can still be quite confused and have serious misunderstandings about God and the gospel - especially when the parents don't actively teach their children from the Bible.
January 29, 2019
The authors told an intriguing story of what bad decisions can do to not only the person but to the people around them. I did enjoy the plot. I did not feel some of the situations were presented well. I do not feel that right after a tragic event a person would take the time to gather friends around to tell them his life's story. Overall, this was a good story, but one I probably won't reread.
January 16, 2019
Deligjtful Family Love Story
I would recommend this as a Christian family novel. Great characters with heart. A tad bit of mystery with some rooting tootin moments. I cried and laughed. God blessed us all with this book and series.
I would recommend this as a Christian family novel. Great characters with heart. A tad bit of mystery with some rooting tootin moments. I cried and laughed. God blessed us all with this book and series.
February 6, 2019
Snagged by the first page !
I haven't read a book that snagged me on the first page for quite a while but My father's world did just that. A heart warning story that will melt your heart.
I haven't read a book that snagged me on the first page for quite a while but My father's world did just that. A heart warning story that will melt your heart.
November 10, 2024
This is definitely just an okay story. I enjoyed it, but it really wasn't anything spectacular. I do really like Corrie as a character and I will be reading the next book in the series.
February 15, 2022
This book is one of my all time favorites. If you're a historical fiction fan then this is a must read for you.
October 8, 2018
It was a good book told from the perspective of a 15 year old.
June 29, 2016
Sue, North River patron, June 2016, 5 stars:
Series I read Book 1 and 2 this week, The Journals of Corrie Belle Holister. Book 1, My Fathers' World. Corrie is traveling with a wagon train to CA with Mother and 4 siblings to start new life with her uncle Nick. Her Father and Uncle Nick left the family years before, they thought the father dead. Mother dies before arriving in CA, wagon master looks after kids, Corrie the oldest at 15 has a big surprise while looking for Uncle Nick. Just discovered author Michael Phillips recently and love his writing. Book 2, Daughter of Grace, tells about Corrie's surprise, the Gold Rush in Ca., living in a little 2 room cabin. Getting a Preacher, a church building, a school for the first time. Corrie dreams of writing for a news paper. Gets to meet Ulysses Grant, write article with picture of Grant she has drawn. Finds her father is still alive. Book is about history, family and finding out about God's love.
Series I read Book 1 and 2 this week, The Journals of Corrie Belle Holister. Book 1, My Fathers' World. Corrie is traveling with a wagon train to CA with Mother and 4 siblings to start new life with her uncle Nick. Her Father and Uncle Nick left the family years before, they thought the father dead. Mother dies before arriving in CA, wagon master looks after kids, Corrie the oldest at 15 has a big surprise while looking for Uncle Nick. Just discovered author Michael Phillips recently and love his writing. Book 2, Daughter of Grace, tells about Corrie's surprise, the Gold Rush in Ca., living in a little 2 room cabin. Getting a Preacher, a church building, a school for the first time. Corrie dreams of writing for a news paper. Gets to meet Ulysses Grant, write article with picture of Grant she has drawn. Finds her father is still alive. Book is about history, family and finding out about God's love.
March 15, 2015
A reprint of the story of a young girl and siblings who lose their mother on the trail from the East USA to the very new West. Already without a father, the oldest daughter, Corrie, struggles to take the place of a mother when still somewhat of a child herself. Her mother taught her some important things, however, to be strong and use her skills at writing and keep a journal/diary. Fortunately she finds some special people that want to help her find her Uncle that she is looking for and a place for them to live to be safe. What they discover is not easy, but turns out to be the best they could hope for. Corrie's attitude makes the difference in every way as they discover danger, crime and injustice. Her writing will eventually help her find her own personal dream as she discovers herself. Her belief in God keeps her steady and influences the others in her life. A great read and I look foward to the next book in "The Journals of Corrie Belle Hollister". This was Book One.
October 18, 2015
A reprint of the story of a young girl and siblings who lose their mother on the trail from the East USA to the very new West. Already without a father, the oldest daughter, Corrie, struggles to take the place of a mother when still somewhat of a child herself. Her mother taught her some important things, however, to be strong and use her skills at writing and keep a journal/diary. Fortunately she finds some special people that want to help her find her Uncle that she is looking for and a place for them to live to be safe. What they discover is not easy, but turns out to be the best they could hope for. Corrie's attitude makes the difference in every way as they discover danger, crime and injustice. Her writing will eventually help her find her own personal dream as she discovers herself. Her belief in God keeps her steady and influences the others in her life. A great read and I look foward to the next book in "The Journals of Corrie Belle Hollister". This was Book One
July 15, 2016
One of the first real Western novels I can remember reading outside of Janette Oke, this first book in the Corrie Belle Hollister series brings with it a great sense of nostalgia, as well as brilliant characters and a well-written narrative. Corrie's struggle to keep her family together and passion for writing relatable circumstances, this first introduction to well-known and beloved characters is wonderful. The villains appropriately evil, and the thread of romance sweet and mature, My Father's World holds some of the best of my reading memories.
May 17, 2013
I am a fan of Michael Philips so to me this was another great book. I didn't know when I got this book that this was printed first in 1990 and the copy I read was reprinted in 2011. I have the whole series and I am I looking forward to reading them all! As you can tell by the cover this book is set back in the 1800's so if you are a fan of that time era and if you enjoy a good Christian book then this book will be for you :)
May 5, 2011
This is a historical fiction book about a girl (who is the oldest of five kids) that goes west with her mother to find her uncle. Her mother dies on the trail west and the book comes from her perspective. The cover says that it is The Journals of Corrie Belle Hollister but to me the book isn't told from a 14-15 year old girl.
April 8, 2015
Gut wrenching story of a family divided & separated in the early 1800's. An inspirational read w/ several books in the series. Good for entire families to read together or male,or female of age 10 to adult. A must read for lovers of the old west who like positive characters & heroes & heroines alike.
May 13, 2008
Easy to figure out the outcome of this story from the very beginning. Parts of the book dragged along. I decided to not invest time in reading the books that followed in this series. One of the few Phillips books I would not recommend.
June 14, 2008
If anyone has a chance to read this series, please do. Corrie takes you through the struggles of a journey west through the aftermath of the Civil. The authors write from Corrie's perspective giving the book a journalistic feel.
March 28, 2014
This was a nice book about the love and forgiveness between family members and the need to reach out to those in need, even if they are strangers. I really liked it because it was set in Northern California close to where I live.
March 5, 2015
I enjoyed reading this book about a young girl who traveled in a wagon train from New York to California back in the days of the gold rush. Her mother passed away on the journey leaving Corrie to fend for her younger siblings while trying to find her Uncle.
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November 9, 2007Phillips,Michael/Pella, Judith PB
January 14, 2012
I found myself really into it in the beginning, then toward the end kind of tapered off, but a nice story.
December 21, 2012
Probably a great series for girls ages 10-13 as it features a character coming across the US by wagon train in the mid 1800's.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews