Andrea Carter and the San Francisco Smugglers

Andrea Carter and the San Francisco Smugglers is part of the Circle C Adventure Series. I have to admit I haven't read the others in the series, but if I need a good middle grade book, I'd be sure to grab one with no hesitation. As I read this Andrea Carter book, I fell in love with the girl. She reminds me of the girl most girls want to be - adventurous, caring, and willing to do anything to stand up for other people. I first read about the Circle C Adventures in an issue of Brio earlier this year. My daughters thought it was an interesting article and were intrigued enough to want to check out the series. At the beginning of the book, Andrea gets into trouble (which seems easy for her) and earns herself a trip to a "school for young ladies." Although she really doesn't want to go, Andrea is wise enough not to fight her mother's wishes that she attend to school far from Andrea's favorite horses. The school mistress sees the young, rough Carter girl as a challenge. Andrea finds out about the Chinese slaves in the area, including at least one in the school's kitchen. She has a hard time following the school rules and also caring for the little girl. The more she shows her caring, rescuing nature, the more Andrea immerses herself in trouble -- with the head mistress, the kitchen helpers, other girls, the stable tenders -- even the police and human smugglers. This book is an easy, but great read. It lends itself to studying California history and connecting the story to current human smuggling throughout the world. The series itself would be a great way to get the horse-book lovers to read historical fiction. I think the reading level and subject matter would be great for a wide variety of ages and children. From third graders who are ready for longer chapter books to eighth graders who like historical fiction (and perhaps need a little easier read than most historical fiction,) I think many kids (especially girls) would enjoy the Circle C Adventure Series. I did!

Susan Marlow has done it again! I thoroughly enjoyed her latest book in the Circle C Adventure Series, Andrea Carter and the San Francisco Smugglers. Andi, once again true to character, finds herself in yet another exciting and sketchy predicament. I read this book through in one sitting, as I could not put it down; this is Susan's best book so far! As an adult who enjoys children's fiction, I have found the Andrea Carter books to be even better than many adult series I have read in the past. I so appreciate Susan's ability to create fast-paced action books that are morally strong with Biblical values and, yet, are not sticky sweet and condescending, as are so many other "Christian" fiction books!! I am anxiously looking forward to Mrs. Marlow's next book in the Circle C Adventure series.

I bought this series for my granddaughter. She just loved them. They are very wholesome... great series for a young girl to read.

I've always loved juvenile fiction and have several bookshelves crammed with favorite Hardy Boys and Sugar Creek Gang novels. So when I met fellow Kregel author Susan Marlow and learned that book four in her Circle C Adventures series was about to come out, I was eager to get my hands on a copy. I thoroughly enjoyed reading book four. Even though I hadn't read the first three novels in the series, I quickly found myself engrossed in Andi's escapades. What kid wouldn't relate to Andi's excitement to learn that school is closed and then her disappointment to learn that she'll be attending an "Academy for Young Ladies" instead? Spunky Andi, who could benefit from a few rules in etiquette, is more comfortable riding the range on her palomino and doesn't exactly warm up to the idea; but she quickly realizes that she has no choice. Her worst fears come true, particularly manifested in the prickly and severe Miss Whitaker, and Andi wishes she had stayed home. But God clearly has a reason for her being at the academy, and those reasons factor into an exciting plot sure to win over young readers. Andi makes a new friend in her roommate Jenny, and most importantly she meets Chinese servant Lin Mei, whom Andi learns is actually a slave. When Andi learns that Lin Mei is to be sold and will have to leave the academy, she does what she can to thwart the sinister plan, resulting in an action-packed and satisfying tale featuring several escapes and rescues. I had never heard about childhood slavery in that era before and found the plot element fresh and engaging. The Historical Note at the end of the novel was particularly informative. San Francisco Smugglers was a refreshing change of pace for me. The novel is an enjoyable, wholesome story I'm happy to recommend. When Andi and her friends find themselves trapped in a dark warehouse with the prospect of being shanghaied in the morning, Andi reminds them that God is with them and will help them through her predicament. It's a pleasure reading an entertaining novel that also provides a spiritual challenge for young readers through Andi's example.

Andi Carter is a tomboy who loves her family's ranch and her horse, Taffy. When a flood closes the school in Fresco, Andi is secretly delighted. She'll be able to stay home and ride her horse. She won't miss school! Instead, Andi finds she is being sent to San Francisco to study at Miss Whitaker's Academy for Young Ladies. Disappointed, but struggling to make the best of her school term, Andi is drawn to the young servant girl, Lin Mei. When Andi realizes that Lin Mei is a slave, she is determined to help her escape. Andi finds herself drawn into the depths of China Town, where mystery and danger surround her at every turn. Will Andi be able to rescue Lin Mei? This is the fourth book in the Andrea Carter series, but is a great stand alone read. The story has enough action and excitement to keep the pickiest tween reader enthralled without realizing that she is learning American history. Andi Carter is a wonderful role model. She displays courage, compassion, and a willingness to treat all people equally during a time period when many groups were not accepted. She stands firm in her beliefs and in her Christian heritage. My only disappointment was that this book was aimed for tween and teen girls. I am always searching for quality historical fiction for tween boys. However, this book deserves a place in any family library where high quality, Christian fiction is appreciated.