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    The Children's Book Review

    The Mystery of the Golden Christmas Trees, by Carolyn Snelling | Dedicated Review

    Trevor Laurence JockimsBy Trevor Laurence Jockims3 Mins Read Ages 9-12 Author Showcase Books with Girl Characters Chapter Books Seasonal: Holiday Books Teens: Young Adults
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    Review sponsored* by Carolyn Snelling
    The Children’s Book Review | September 3, 2015

    the-mystery-of-the-golden-christmas-treesThe Mystery of the Golden Christmas Trees

    Written by Carolyn Snelling

    Age Range: 11+

    Paperback: 96 pages

    Publisher: Heart of the Cross Publishing

    ISBN: 978-1628549034

    E-Book: 978-0981622736

    What to expect: Religious themes and teachings, Vivid storytelling, Adventure

    The Mystery of the Golden Christmas Trees is a sharply written and compelling tale that places religious themes in an inviting, contemporary setting. Christine Loving, a well off “nearly fifteen” year old girl, is the main character. The charming story centers on a curious inscription that Christine finds in her Teen Bible: “Congratulations Christine! You’ve now solved the mystery of the golden Christmas Trees.” Christine enlists the help of friends, loved ones, and neighbors as she searches for the meaning of the inscription. The reader is drawn in as the mystery unfolds.

    The author, Carolyn Snelling, is particularly adept at moving her story forward at a fast, page-turning pace, and she shows great skill and talent in describing the settings of the town. The detailed descriptions render each scene both realistic and engaging, as does the dialogue she employs with shopkeepers, parents, police officers, and a whole host of fully formed characters. The writing makes the mystery itself more compelling, and the reader is drawn along with Christine as she follows the mystery through her hometown.

    In an interesting and creative twist, the book—and Christine’s search—is organized around The Ten Commandments. Each chapter takes up a specific commandment, and it is to the author’s credit that this organizing device never feels forced but, in fact, becomes a part of the natural unfolding of the story. The book teaches without lecturing, and it educates without ever giving way to simple platitudes. Instead, the teachings of the Ten Commandments are illustrated by believable characters and settings, and in this way the reader participates in their telling. As the mystery draws to its conclusion, the reader—especially the young adult reader—will be poised on the edge of his or her seat, having absorbed profound teachings as an integral part of a compelling mystery.

    The Mystery of the Golden Christmas Trees is a rare achievement in religiously themed books. It offers profound teachings that are made all the more impactful by an excellent tale and writing that is thoughtful and artistic. A singular work that will delight readers at any time of the year!

    Add this book to your collection: The Mystery of the Golden Christmas Trees

    About the Author

    Carolyn and her husband Bob, own Heart of the Cross Publishing. God has sent her the following stories; Christ’s Cake, The Mystery of The Christmas Stars, The Mystery of the Golden Christmas Trees and a new series to be released in Jan. 2016 – “Lolli and Pop Find the Fruits of the Spirit“.

    Previous books from Carolyn speak to her testimony – the God Our Loving Father (GOLF Book series).

    She enjoys volunteering at her home church – www.radiantchurch.com.

    Follow Carolyn at FB at Heart of the Cross.

    Dedicated Reviews allow authors and illustrators to gain prompt visibility for their work. The author of “The Mystery of the Golden Christmas Trees” sponsored* this non-biased review. Learn more about getting a book review …

    What to Read Next:

    1. The Stone Lions by Gwen Dandridge | Dedicated Review
    2. Cole’s Perfect Puppy: Perfect Puppies: Book One, by Frances Crossno | Dedicated Review
    3. Liberty Frye and the Emperor’s Tomb, by J.L. McCreedy | Dedicated Review
    4. Christmas Fairy Tale, by Mary Padron | Dedicated Review

    *Disclosure: Please note that this post may contain affiliate links that share some commission. Rest assured that these will not affect the cost of any products and services promoted here. Our team always provides their authentic opinion in all content published on this site.

    Adventure Carolyn Snelling Christmas Christmas Tree Books Dedicated Review Religion
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    Trevor Laurence Jockims

    Trevor Laurence Jockims lives in New York City with his wife, daughter, and son. He has reviewed books for The Times Literary Supplement, Book Forum, The Believer, and elsewhere. He completed a PhD in Comparative Literature, and teaches writing at New York University.

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