Book Review: Kregel Publications

Susan Marlow's Circle C Adventures stars Andrea Carter, a tom boy who lives on a cattle ranch in Fresno, California in the 1880's. I had the opportunity to review book five in the series: Andrea Carter and the Trouble with Treasure.

From the website:
"A map of old gold diggings lures Andi and her friends into the Sierras. Big brother Mitch goes along to keep them safe, but instead of gold they find heaps of trouble—trouble that leaves Mitch gravely injured. Andi needs help fast. But whom can she trust? And what good is a bag of gold when her beloved brother lies near death in the middle of nowhere?"
Price:$7.99

My Thoughts:

While Andrea Carter and The Trouble With Treasure is classified as a Juvenile Fiction/Religious/Christian, it is not overtly religious. The Christian tones are underlying and become apparent when the characters say a quick prayer or mention God's hand in their situation. Andi, the main character, seems selfish and thoughtless of others throughout the book, but proves herself in the end. I was kind of hoping that she would have more of a realization, like a strong conviction, as the story progresses, but it is only slightly apparent. The storlyline itself is a little slow getting into, but the story acclimates nicely and then you are pulled into the story more and the book moves quickly.

The Enrichment Guide is a nice supplement to this book. This 144 page book along with the guide would tie in nicely with a study on:
  • the California gold rush of 1849–1859, with a focus on maps
  • Annie Oakley
  • the Sierra Nevada's
  • a nature study on mountain lions
  • or rattlesnakes (I don't agree that rattlesnake is fit to eat, but the jerky broth recipe looks like a good one to try)
Take a peak inside and read Chapter 1 to see more. And be sure to check out my Crew mates reviews to see what they think of it.


I received this product for free for the purpose of this review and no further compensation was received. In exchange, I offer my honest opinion and review. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.

1 comment

  1. Hi Michelle,
    Thanks so much for taking the time to review TWT. I especially thank you for taking the EXTRA time to mention the enrichment guide, etc. I know it takes awhile to download those pdf files and I appreciate your thoughts on those. HAVE you ever had rattlesnake? I confess that I have not. However, I did make the jerky thing and that broth was DELICIOUS! :-)

    As far as Andi's growth, it sometimes gets a little redundant emphasizing it in every book. For a more obvious realization and strong conviction of "YIKES, I really messed up and better go ask forgiveness, etc," the first book in the serious pretty much takes care of that aspect. Offering to take another's place in a life-threatening situation shows Andi following the Golden Rule in the second book. And Encouraging others to trust God and rely on Him even when you feel trapped and scared is emphasized in Book 4. This new book was a little light on those subjects, true.
    I guess that's one of the disadvantages of plunging into an ongoing series. Although the book can stand alone, getting the subtle peeks at Andi's character growth is best seen when traveling throughout the series.
    Again, thanks so much for your review!
    In Christ,
    Susan

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