I am always on the lookout for great Christian literature for my children, so when I was offered a chance to review Trial at the Ridge by Whatsoever Stories I was ecstatic.
When you first go to Whatsoever Stories website, you see this verse:
Philippians 4:8
“… Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
This is exactly what I want my children to think on! The things we read, watch, and listen to have such a big impact on who we are and who we become. I want my children to be surrounded with literature and media that pleases God and keeps their minds and hearts pure and focused on Him. The author, Kinsey Rockett, is a homeschool graduate herself. I am very interested in reading her other books.
Trial at the Ridge is a chapter book with 188 pages geared toward 10-14-year-olds. This story takes place in 1924 on a sheep ranch owned by the Whitlocks. Their two sons, Nathaniel and William, take on the responsibility of saving the family farm after their father is hurt in an accident and can't work. The bank is threatening to foreclose in thirty days if the payment is not made. With their faither hurt, it seems inevitable that they will have to move, especially since their sheep are being killed by a large mountain lion. The town puts a large bounty on the mountain lion - enough to pay off the farm. Mr. Whitlock forbids Nathaniel and Will to hunt the dangerous predator but says they can kill it if they happen upon it. They are also being harassed by a boy named Zach, who happens to be the son of the bank owner threatening them with foreclosure. Nathaniel and Zach kill the large mountain lion and skin it out, but Zach sneaks in to their barn and steals the hide. They don't know what happened to it, but if they don't present it by midnight then they won't be able to pay the farm off in time to avoid foreclosure. They come across Zach and he admits to stealing their hide and sabotaging their efforts to save the farm. They forgive Zach and together find the hide and bring it just in time to save the farm.
This book is a really interesting read! It kept my attention the entire time with its fast-moving plot, complex characters, and story line. I also really love this book for my children to read. It shows really strong and positive character traits like perseverance, hard work, loyalty, forgiveness, and kindness. God is woven throughout the story in a natural way, as the Whitlock family is Christian and portrays godliness and goodness. Books that present positive character traits are always welcome on our bookshelves because I want my children to see that behavior modeled and described. It's encouraging to read stories about children who are obedient, respectful, loving, and faithful. Too often books geared toward this age group have children who are disobedient, disrespectful, selfish, and self-centered. It was so refreshing to read Trial at the Ridge.
See what other reviewers thought about this book and her two others, Farmyard Faith and Prisoner of War by clicking the banner below!
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