Elisabeth Allen: Just Like You

You can order the book on Amazon here or at Elisheva Publishing 

Age group: 12 - Young Adult

When you buy a self-published/small press book, you never know what to expect.  To be honest, I really didn’t have very high expectations for this book, but my mind was quickly changed.
The first thing that struck me about the books was how well the words flowed.  This was not like many self-published/small press books that are poorly written.  Elisabeth Allan has a real gift for writing, and her talent is evident.

Plot; When Charity Wentworth leaves university, she's going to go to India and spend a year living and working there as a missionary. Right? She thinks so, but God has other plans. He wants her to do - and be - something else. His plans for Charity are beyond her wildest dreams, but can she embrace them when they're so different from her own plans - has she got the courage to change?

My thoughts; This has to be one of the best books I have read in a long time. The spiritual lessons are deep and very real.  Although I was very convicted by this book to become more like Christ and other things (which I won’t go into, because it would give part of the book away), I never felt like I was being preached at.

I identified with Charity and some of her struggles.  I liked it that, though she was a likable person and godly, she was human and made mistakes.I also loved the sketches in the book.  I really felt like I was reading Charity’s Dairy.  I also loved the fact that it was a British book and felt very English, different from the American books I am used to reading.

Good things about this book; Godly morals, strong faith, family that likes each other, and much more.
Things you might want to know before reading; Some of my readers might like to know that there is some romance in this book, although I thought that it was one of the struggles that made this book good.  Charity’s cousin dates and talks about it some, but I didn’t have an issue with it.  Even some of my readers who don’t like romance books will most likely love this book.

Was this review helpful? Vote it up on Amazon!

Other reviews of books by Elisabeth Allen on Homeschool Authors

No Matter What

For Life and for Eternity

The Abolitionist

Announcement Saturday: Featured Book and Fun Freebies Return; Enter deal of the Week

Authors Added

Ashton Sweeney
Morgan Elizabeth Huneke

Books Added

Little Red Robin Hood by Amanda K. Bradburn,
Amber's Quest  by Ashton Sweeney
Where Do I Start? An Overview of Indie Publishing By Molly Evangeline
Across the Stars by Morgan Elizabeth Huneke

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Featured book

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

By Elisabeth Allen

It's December and almost everyone I know is getting ready for Christmas. The shops are full of people buying cards and gifts. The roads are busy as people drive in and out of the city with bags of presents and boxes of decorations for their homes. Everyone is playing or singing carols.

Some versions of carols are bright and tinkly and some versions are dignified and choral. The tunes are the same: O Little Town of Bethlehem, Hark the Herald Angels Sing and God Rest You Merry Gentlemen among others. And then there are songs. A friend sings one of them with glee: Merry Christmas, Everyone!

One of my favorite carols is God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen. I love the tune! I recently discovered that it was predated by an older song with a similar tune, from the fourteen hundreds, which entreated Christians in Latin and English to "in sweet shouting, now sing with hearts aglow!"

Later in the song, this earlier carol continues, "O that we were there!"

Those words made me stop and think. "O that I was there!" I've wondered for years what it was like to be Mary. If I close my eyes, I can imagine her story, her feelings as the light of an oil lamp flickered around the walls of the stable and across the feature of the baby in her arms.

And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

(Luke 2:3-7)

For a moment the bustle of the season fades. The endless list of things to do - cards to write and presents to wrap - doesn't seem so important. What was it like when Jesus was born? How did Mary feel? What did the shepherds see when they entered the stable in Bethlehem?

Take moment to celebrate your Savior's birth in your heart.

O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy;

O tidings of comfort and joy.

(God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen)

 My name is Elisabeth Allen. I live in England with my parents and siblings. When not writing on my laptop, Clarissa, I love spending time with family and friends or reading, cooking, sewing, playing the guitar and working for a local interdemoninational ministry. A preacher’s kid and home-school graduate of Jewish and British heritage, I enjoy a faith relationship with Jesus Christ. I have a heart for ministry generally and discipleship specifically and a heart for young woman.



Elisabeth wanted to giveaway a copy of her wonderful book The Abolitionist! Enter below. Open to USA and England residents only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review: The Abolitionist

From the Back Cover: It is 1807. The British Slave Trade has just been abolished. Anna Ashwell comes from a family line of abolitionists, but her introduction into society brings with it more questions than answers. The call to step beyond the confines of fashionable behavior costs more than she has bargained for and Anna's choices lead her to discover the reality of slavery and the truth about family secrets, hidden motives ... and true love.

When Elisabeth Allen offered me to read her latest book, I jumped at the chance. I loved her Charity’s Diary series and was eager to read her newest work. I was not disappointed. If I was asked with weather the Charity’s Diary series or The Abolitionist was better, I would be hard pressed to pick between them.

The Abolitionist is written in the spirit of Jane Austen, including mush letter writing, endearing characters, and the romance that warms our hearts without making us blush. It’s historical aspects are also delightful. Being an American, sometimes British history learned through a distinctly American point of view. This book offers a refreshing look at this time in history.

I loved Anna Ashwell. Like Charity, she is very easy to relate to. A girl with the best of intentions, but has flaws and makes mistakes just like the rest of us. Anna struggles with standing up for what she know is right, because she is afraid of what people will say and think. However, she does the tight thing in the end.

The other characters in the story were wonderful as well. Anna’s brother Percy was my second favorite character for being such a wonderful older brother. This story is populated with wonderful memorable characters whom I know you will love an enjoy.

I highly recommend this to girls who love Jane Austen, liked the Charity’s Diary series, and/or are just looking for a great historical fiction book, The Abolitionist is for you.

You can by it on Amazon or from Elisheva Publishing

Book Review; For Life and for Eternity

The Promises of a new life that have come with spring are touching everyone around Charity Wentworth, but she seems to be left behind. As she looks from a stormy today into an Unknown tomorrow, can Charity release the pain of disappointed hopes and embrace a new life ~ committed to God, heart and soul, for life and eternity? ~ From the back cover of For Life and for Eternity by Elisabeth Allen

I have to say I was sad at when I read The End.  I was sad because it was like I was saying good-by to an old friend.  Charity Wentworth has become like a friend to me and I was sad that I had reached the end of her story.

This last book in the Charity’s Dairy series was wonderful and exceeded all my expectations. Unlike so many series, the last book was just as thought provoking and faith building as the first two.

I don’t think I have ever read a series that I enjoyed so much.  I have read many faith-based books but none of them were as good as this series.  Faith building, without being preachy, real, without putting ungodly thoughts into your head, and captivating to the last word.

Thank you Elisabeth Allen for giving the world such an amazing story.  You can be sure that I will be telling all my friends about this series.

Please support this amazing series and this wonderful author by buying the books new from her website, or on Amazon.

Book Review; No Matter What

By Sarah Holman 

As her chance for true love grows distant and one of her little sister is diagnosed with a rare medical condition, Charity Wentworth feels like everything most precious to her is being jeopardized.  She knows that God wants her to let go and just trust Him. This winter is the longest Charity can remember having lived through.  As she waits for spring can Charity trust God, no matter what? ~ From back cover of No Matter What by Elisabeth Allen

We all go through hard times.  Times when we ask some of the hardest questions we ever will ask about life, faith, and our calling.  This second book  in the Charity’s Diary series takes Charity through a hard time and addresses many of the questions we all will face at one point or another.  Where is God when bad things happen?  Why doesn't he stop them? And many more.

One of my favorite things about this book is it showed how to deal with heartbreak and hard times in a godly way.  Charity makes mistakes, but she is striving to do what is right. As girls, we often catch ourselves forming emotional attachments with guys that may or may not be the one God wants for us.  How do we deal with that?   This book is a great place to start.

I cannot say enough about this book:  It was so life-like and real that I felt that I was sitting in Charity’s living room.

For my friends who don’t read romance books, I think you will love this book.

You can buy the book on Amazon or here at Elisabeth Allen’s website.

Book Review; Just Like You

By Sarah Holman

Age group; 12 - Young Adult
Rating; (1-10) 10


When you buy a self-published/small press book, you never know what to expect.  To be honest, I really didn’t have very high expectations for this book, but my mind was quickly changed.
The first thing that struck me about the books was how well the words flowed.  This was not like many self-published/small press books that are poorly written.  Elisabeth Allan has a real gift for writing, and her talent is evident.

Plot; When Charity Wentworth leaves university, she's going to go to India and spend a year living and working there as a missionary. Right? She thinks so, but God has other plans. He wants her to do - and be - something else. His plans for Charity are beyond her wildest dreams, but can she embrace them when they're so different from her own plans - has she got the courage to change?

My thoughts; This has to be one of the best books I have read in a long time. The spiritual lessons are deep and very real.  Although I was very convicted by this book to become more like Christ and other things (which I won’t go into, because it would give part of the book away), I never felt like I was being preached at.

I identified with Charity and some of her struggles.  I liked it that, though she was a likable person and godly, she was human and made mistakes.

I also loved the sketches in the book.  I really felt like I was reading Charity’s Dairy.  I also loved the fact that it was a British book and felt very English, different from the American books I am used to reading.

Good things about this book; Godly morals, strong faith, family that likes each other, and much more.
Things you might want to know before reading; Some of my readers might like to know that there is some romance in this book, although I thought that it was one of the struggles that made this book good.  Charity’s cousin dates and talks about it some, but I didn’t have an issue with it.  Even some of my readers who don’t like romance books will most likely love this book.

You can order the book on Amazon here or at Elisheva Publishing 

Come back all of November for more book reviews. 

Announcement Saturday; Free Books and a Contest

Blog Updates

On the book list, under each others name, you can now see the genres the write.

Would you like a free book by a homeschool author?  No this is not a trick question.  This is from Perry: 

FREE BOOK!!! Follow the link and enter code: NC32W and get this book free! (Expires March 31, 2012) Read more about this book and others by yours truly at Parry Elizabeth

Click on the picture to get The Heavens Declare for free!

You can also get Charissa Lees Dream Mountain for free

 

Authors Added

Charissa Taylor Lees

Books Added

Dream Mountain by Charissa Lees (Fantasy)

(Coming Soon) Peter's Angel by Aubrey Hansen (Historical Fantasy)

(Coming soon) The Destiny of a Galaxy by Sarah Holman (Science Fiction)

(Coming soon) The Abolitionist by Elisabeth Allen (Historical Fiction)

(Coming Soon) Plague of Darkness by Hannah Mills (Historical Fiction)

The Guardian Star's True Mark by Charissa Lees (Fantasy)

Lil' Sherwood by Charissa Lees (Fantasy)

Taldek's Heroic Tales byCharissa Lees (Fantasy)

Do you like to review books?  Share you reviews with others by posting them to 

your blog and linking up at the end of March of Books on YLCF

Link them every month of In the Bookcase

Featured Book

Just Like You by Elizabeth Allen

 

Contest

Homeschool Author Anne Elisabeth Stengl is having an art contest.

 

Book Review; For Life and for Eternity

The Promises of a new life that have come with spring are touching everyone around Charity Wentworth, but she seems to be left behind. As she looks from a stormy today into an Unknown tomorrow, can Charity release the pain of disappointed hopes and embrace a new life ~ committed to God, heart and soul, for life and eternity? ~ From the back cover of For Life and for Eternity by Elisabeth Allen

I have to say I was sad at when I read The End.  I was sad because it was like I was saying good-by to an old friend.  Charity Wentworth has become like a friend to me and I was sad that I had reached the end of her story.

This last book in the Charity’s Dairy series was wonderful and exceeded all my expectations. Unlike so many series, the last book was just as thought provoking and faith building as the first two.

I don’t think I have ever read a series that I enjoyed so much.  I have read many faith-based books but none of them were as good as this series.  Faith building, without being preachy, real, without putting ungodly thoughts into your head, and captivating to the last word.

Thank you Elisabeth Allen for giving the world such an amazing story.  You can be sure that I will be telling all my friends about this series.

Please support this amazing series and this wonderful author by buying the books new from her website, or on Amazon.

Book Review; No Matter What

By Sarah Holman

As her chance for true love grows distant and one of her little sister is diagnosed with a rare medical condition, Charity Wentworth feels like everything most precious to her is being jeopardized.  She knows that God wants her to let go and just trust Him. This winter is the longest Charity can remember having lived through.  As she waits for spring can Charity trust God, no matter what? ~ From back cover of No Matter What by Elisabeth Allen

We all go through hard times.  Times when we ask some of the hardest questions we ever will ask about life, faith, and our calling.  This second book  in the Charity’s Diary series takes Charity through a hard time and addresses many of the questions we all will face at one point or another.  Where is God when bad things happen?  Why doesn’t he stop them? And many more.

One of my favorite things about this book is it showed how to deal with heartbreak and hard times in a godly way.  Charity makes mistakes, but she is striving to do what is right. As girls, we often catch ourselves forming emotional attachments with guys that may or may not be the one God wants for us.  How do we deal with that?   This book is a great place to start.

I cannot say enough about this book:  It was so life-like and real that I felt that I was sitting in Charity’s living room.

For my friends who don’t read romance books, I think you will love this book.

You can buy the book on Amazon or here at Elisabeth Allen’s website.

Book Review; Just Like You

By Sarah Holman

Age group; 12 - Young Adult

Rating; (1-10) 10

When you buy a self-published/small press book, you never know what to expect.  To be honest, I really didn’t have very high expectations for this book, but my mind was quickly changed.

The first thing that struck me about the books was how well the words flowed.  This was not like many self-published/small press books that are poorly written.  Elisabeth Allan has a real gift for writing, and her talent is evident.

Plot; When Charity Wentworth leaves university, she's going to go to India and spend a year living and working there as a missionary. Right? She thinks so, but God has other plans. He wants her to do - and be - something else. His plans for Charity are beyond her wildest dreams, but can she embrace them when they're so different from her own plans - has she got the courage to change?

My thoughts; This has to be one of the best books I have read in a long time. The spiritual lessons are deep and very real.  Although I was very convicted by this book to become more like Christ and other things (which I won’t go into, because it would give part of the book away), I never felt like I was being preached at.

I identified with Charity and some of her struggles.  I liked it that, though she was a likable person and godly, she was human and made mistakes.

I also loved the sketches in the book.  I really felt like I was reading Charity’s Dairy.  I also loved the fact that it was a British book and felt very English, different from the American books I am used to reading.

Good things about this book; Godly morals, strong faith, family that likes each other, and much more.

Things you might want to know before reading; Some of my readers might like to know that there is some romance in this book, although I thought that it was one of the struggles that made this book good.  Charity’s cousin dates and talks about it some, but I didn’t have an issue with it.  Even some of my readers who don’t like romance books will most likely love this book.

You can order the book on Amazon here or at Elisheva Publishing 

Elisabeth Allen's Books

 Just Like You

"What does God want me to do with my life - what does He want me to BE? That makes all the difference in the world." 

When Charity Wentworth leaves university, she's going to go to India and spend a year living and working there as a missionary. Right? She thinks so, but God has other plans. He wants her to do - and be - something else. His plans for Charity are beyond her wildest dreams, but can she embrace them when they're so different from her own plans - has she got the courage to change? 

'For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'Plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.' ~ Jeremiah 29:11 ~ 

No Matter What

"I keep telling myself - and everyone else - it'll be okay. There are so many things that could go wrong, but ... it'll be okay. It has to be. And if it isn't okay we have to believe it'll be okay at the moment." 

As her chance for true love grows distant and one of her sisters is diagnosed with a rare medical condition, Charity Wentworth feels like everything most precious to her is being jeopardized. She knows that God wants her to let go and just trust Him. This winter is the longest Charity can remember having lived through - as she waits for spring, can Charity trust God, no matter what? 

'For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,' declares the Lord. ~ Isaiah 55:8 ~ 

For Life and for Eternity

"This is a journey I never would have chosen to take, but ... it's taking me to a closer, deeper relationship with God than I ever thought possible." 

The promises of new life that have come with spring are touching everyone around Charity Wentworth, but she seems to have been left behind. As she looks from a stormy today into an unknown tomorrow, can Charity release the pain of disappointed hopes and embrace a new life - committed to God, heart and soul, for life and for eternity? 

To give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He might be glorified. ~ Isaiah 61:3b ~ 

Interview with Elisabeth Allen

You are so Welcome! First of all, would you tell the readers a little bit about yourself?
 My name is Elisabeth Allen. I can't remember a time when I didn't believe in Christ. Today I'm twenty-seven years old and a writer.

I would love to visit England someday. Can you describe the area you live in?
I think you'd love England. I may, however, be somewhat baised! :) I love the hills and woods. The hills are described as "rolling" and that's because, well, they roll for as far as the eye can see. The woods are cool and green and beautiful as well as ancient and mysterious. There are narrow, twisty lanes and tiny villages. There are lots of beautiful birds and fascinating creatures like hedgehogs - think of Mrs Tiggywinkle!


What is your favorite thing about living in England?
I don't have ONE favorite thing about England! Some of my favorite things about my country are ... the countryside, the history, the potential. I also love the fact that we have a Royal Family! :)

What started you writing?
I'm not really sure what got me started. I wrote my first story when I was four years old and just kept writing! I was always imagining and telling stories to myself - the sort that began, "What if there was a girl like THIS and THIS happened and ... ?" I wrote all through my childhood and teenage years and finally decided to write for publication. I felt that it was a good way to the use the gift for writing that God had given me and I wanted to reach girls and touch their hearts - to encourage them in life.

What was your favorite part of your homeschool experience?
Oh ... there are SO many things that I love about my homeschool experience! I loved being at home with my sisters; my parents poured their lives into our education and my sisters and I were encouraged by our parents to explore and discover and wonder. I read hundreds of books and studied at the kitchen table but I also learned a lot about life through living.

Is Charity anything like you?
There's a little bit of me in ALL my heroines and, like me, Charity is English, a girl, a homeschooler, the oldest daughter in her family ... and she has brown hair. I almost made her a red head at the last moment before publication! :)

What have people been saying about the Charity books?
I've been so blessed by the kind things that people have said about Charity and her story. I love it when girls say that Charity is a kindred spirit; that's exactly how I wanted them to feel. The other thing that thrills me is people saying that Charity's journey of faith has encouraged them to walk more closely with God.

Tell us about your upcoming book "The Abolitionist"!
I'm so excited about "The Abolitionist"! :) This is Anna Ashwell's story - inspired by "Pride and Prejudice" and the movie "Amazing Grace". Anna, the orphaned sister of a Member of Parliament and an enthusiast of the abolition movement and Mr William Wilberforce, is seventeen years old in 1807 when the British Slave Trade is abolished. Her grandmother Lady Hawkridge, who she hasn't seen for years due to a mysterious breach in the Ashwell family, invites Anna to Bath where she attends parties, makes friends and realises that, although the slave trade has been abolished, slavery is alive and well in her world ... and her family. Anna's enthusiasm for the abolition movement is tested when her cousins tease her and she begins to feel that she cannot make a difference. What will she do when she's given the opportunity to make a difference in the life of just one slave ... but the personal price that Anna must pay in polite society is high?

Where can people go to buy your books?
You can ask for my books in your local bookstore and if they don't have them in stock then they should be able to order them easily. My "Charity" books are also available from Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com; just search for "Elisabeth Allen" and there I am - or, rather, there are my "Charity" books. :) "The Abolitionist" will be available for pre-order soon ... watch my blog, Hope Scribbles, for details about pre-ordering "The Abolitionist"!

Do you have any final words?

God has a plan for your life (Jeremiah 29:11) and I believe that He puts godly desires and hopes in your hearts for a purpose. Don't be afraid to embrace His plan for your life and explore His purposes in your desires and hopes. You may have to work a lot harder than you think you can and sacrifice a lot more than you want, but knowing Him and being part of His work in this beautiful, broken world is worth all the work and sacrifice you can imagine. It's not about you, it's about Him. He loves you! Remember that He makes all things new (Revelation 21:5) and makes everything beautiful in it's time (Eccelisiastes 3:11).