Christian Author & Story
The Tanglewoods' Secret
VERDICT: HIGHLY Recommended
(with caution)
Concern Level: Medium-Low
Christian Parent Review
Concern LevelMedium-Low
Concerning & Potentially Concerning Content
There is a bit of content to consider here (but we will say here the good FAR outweighs the bad). The biggest item occurs after a terrible accident. A child's life is so altered that they eventually become depressed and even say they wish they had died. This is a heavy point in the book, but it is relatively brief and resolved happily. He does pass away in the end, but it is a beautiful moment after his salvation and Heaven is heavily focused on. The main two characters also sneak out of the house at night to see the sky at night. Guilt builds afterwards and the action is shown as wrong. The main character starts out naughty and not very likable at all, but this makes her salvation and resulting transformation that much more beautiful. At one point the grocer is described in passing as 'fat'.
VerdictHIGHLY Recommended
Our Thoughts
Probably the best thing about this book is that a child (and adult) who reads it will walk away with the awesome picture of God as the Good Shepherd who seeks and saves His lost sheep. This central theme is woven beautifully into a very entertaining story. The main character feels that her disobedience and naughtiness is a part of her identify… who she truly is. She meets a pastor of a small village church and a local shepherd who help her see Truth. Her transformation spreads outward to others. One idea to consider. If you choose to read this one to your child or have them read it, consider picking up an image or poster of the Good Shepard scene from the scriptures for their room to further reinforce this image long-term.
Plot SummaryNote: This information is typically from the publisher.
In a struggle to learn to overcome her fiery temper and selfish spirit, Ruth is led to the discovery of a very important Shepherd who can and does teach her how to be good. The story contains beautiful and uplifting examples of what can happen when we let ourselves be found by Him.
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Other Reviews for this Book
ChristianBook.com (parent reviews)
A note here. If you ever see a negative comment from a Christian source on one of this author's books it is nearly always displeasure over the fact that, at some point, they reworked the original missionary author's works to try and make the language more accessible. The review above is based on the most recent, post-rework edition and there are no issues in our mind.
While often helpful, always be a bit cautious of using parent reviews that can be posted by anyone.
Read ReviewScripture Reflection
Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.
— Matthew 7:13-14
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