Tanglewood's Secret

I read the original edition of this book aloud to my girls, ages 6 and 8, and they fell in love with it! The realistic characters live and breathe from the opening sentence. My girls immediately related to the struggles and emotions of the true-to-life main character - firy, naughty, stubborn, sometimes wayward, but also sweet and lovable - Ruth. The beauty and reality of Christ the Good Shepherd seeking and saving is skillfully woven in without any "preachy", "goody-goody" feel. The beauty of God's creation is an effortless background that makes the story inviting and refreshing. Highly recommend!!!!

There’s so much to talk about together as the story unfolds. Its content provoked important and moving conversation with my daughter of nine. Loved it! Can’t recommend it enough!

This is our first year of homeschooling our two youngest children, ages 10 (boy) & 8 ( girl). Both children loved the book and did not want me to quit reading until it was finished. We laughed and cried and fell in love with the characters. It is very hard to find books that both children enjoy listening to me reading. The characters are believable, the story heartfelt. We have since read several other of St James books and enjoyed them as well. I highly recommend this author for wholesome, enjoyable stories.

This charming story lets you ride alongside Ruth and her friends, as the Good Shepherd is discovered in their hearts. Be there with her and Philip (her brother), on their treasured romps in the woods while trying to evade Aunt Margaret's never-ending slew of chores. Help them to earn money to get their dream camera, so that they can finish their prized, homemade bird book. But most of all, they find out the best secret of all--the Tanglewoods' Secret. The book had very good morals. Plenty of amusement to keep you entertained by all the colorful characters. I'm excited to read more by this author!

This book shows how when we are bad then come to him He will forgive us for He is merciful

I was given a copy of The Tanglewoods' Secret when I was probably 10 or 12. I read it and loved it then. I'm now nearly 29. I just picked it up again tonight, and read it cover to cover. The struggles of the main character, a nine-year-old girl, to learn to overcome her fiery temper and selfish spirit, and her discovery of the Shepherd who can and does teach her (and others) how to be good, can speak to anyone who ever wanted their own way over another's. If you are looking for a good, pastoral story with a truly uplifting message (so hard to find today!), then order this book.

I have never read a more meaningful and thought provoking allegory of the Saviors parable of the lost sheep. In addition the story contains very beautiful and uplifing examples of what can happen when we let ourselves be found by Him. I am very grateful that I found this book.