Courageous Love by Susan K. Marlow

This is the fourth and final book in the Circle C Milestones series. I have enjoyed these historical novels for young teens. While many of the characters return from previous novels, their prior impact on Andi is clearly explained. This novel could be read on its own but would be enjoyed more if read after the previous ones.

It is 1885 in the San Joaquin Valley, California. Andi's father had been killed in a riding accident and the farm was now managed by her brother. In between learning riding tricks, Andi helps in the farm operation. Riley, a young man being groomed for a foreman job, is Andi's riding instructor and, well, perhaps more than her friend. It soon becomes evident someone wants to harm the Carter family. An escaped prisoner is out for revenge and Andi's life is in danger.

It has been fun watching Andi grow up. While she is more mature in this novel, she still has an adventurous spirit that gets her into serious situations. There is a budding romance in this story, a fitting end to the series.

There is a good deal of adventure and suspense in this novel. The material is suitable for older pre-teens and young teens. Being interested in horses (and dogs) would be a plus. The Carters are Christians and faith is an important aspect of their lives. Family loyalty and other Christian values are clearly portrayed. The author provides a study guide for discussion or classroom use at http://www.circlecmilestones.com/ where you can also find out more about the series.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

Susan K. Marlow is the author of several Circle C novels for young readers, following Andi from age 14 to 18. She has a degree in elementary education, teaching in Christian schools before homeschooling. She still loves to teach, shown by the supplementary materials available with her novels. She lives on a fourteen-acre homestead in Washington State.

Kregel Publications, 190 pages. You can purchase a copy here.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.