Christy Martenson

Mischievous kids. Nosy cows. Pig-headed horses. I was convinced my father grew up on a funny farm. Stories of his childhood peppered my youth – transporting me back to life in the boonies in the early part of the 20th century.

The tales became legend and I determined to save them. I began to write. And came up with a rambling list of events. Boring. All of a sudden an eleven-year-old girl popped into my mind, waving at me frantically. She could move to the farm. She could live out those stories first-hand. She could have her very own book.

I grabbed the idea and ran with it. Love, Mary Elisabeth was born.

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Love, Mary Elizabeth is a riveting account of a young girl coming of age and learning love really does hold a family together. From its tender beginning to the heartfelt climax, the author engages her readers with wit, charm, and endurance.

Carmen Peone, award-winning author

2017-08-16T02:18:15+00:00

Carmen Peone, award-winning author

Love, Mary Elizabeth is a riveting account of a young girl coming of age and learning love really does hold a family together. From its tender beginning to the heartfelt climax, the author engages her readers with wit, charm, and endurance.

https://christymartenson.com/testimonials/riveting-coming-age-account/

Love, Mary Elisabeth reminded me of the joy of letter writing (and receiving!), encouraged me to remember the beauty of family, and described (better than I ever could) the unparalleled delight in coming home.

Jenni Marie, photographer and storyteller

2017-08-23T22:22:01+00:00

Jenni Marie, photographer and storyteller

Love, Mary Elisabeth reminded me of the joy of letter writing (and receiving!), encouraged me to remember the beauty of family, and described (better than I ever could) the unparalleled delight in coming home.

https://christymartenson.com/testimonials/beauty-family-unparalleled-delight-coming-home/

Readers of all ages will love this piece of middle grade historical fiction. I was surprised to find myself wiping tears from my eyes almost as often as I was chuckling through the pages. And my 9-year-old is anxious for a sequel!

If your daughters like the Dear America series or A Gathering of Days, they’ll be sure to enjoy Love, Mary Elisabeth.

Gretchen Louise, editor-in-chief at Kindred Grace and review editor for Club31Women

2017-08-16T02:20:11+00:00

Gretchen Louise, editor-in-chief at Kindred Grace and review editor for Club31Women

Readers of all ages will love this piece of middle grade historical fiction. I was surprised to find myself wiping tears from my eyes almost as often as I was chuckling through the pages. And my 9-year-old is anxious for a sequel! If your daughters like the Dear America series or A Gathering of Days, they’ll be sure to enjoy Love, Mary Elisabeth.

https://christymartenson.com/testimonials/for-readers-of-all-ages/

A story that will capture your attention and imagination and won't let them go. Love, Mary Elisabeth tells of a young girl's separation from her parents through her letters to and from them and all with such vivid prose you feel as though you're living it with her. It's a perfect blend of the best of Daddy-Long-Legs and Understood Betsy all wrapped up in one. Five stars all the way.

Chautona Havig, Christian fiction author

2017-09-26T16:09:11+00:00

Chautona Havig, Christian fiction author

A story that will capture your attention and imagination and won't let them go. Love, Mary Elisabeth tells of a young girl's separation from her parents through her letters to and from them and all with such vivid prose you feel as though you're living it with her. It's a perfect blend of the best of Daddy-Long-Legs and Understood Betsy all wrapped up in one. Five stars all the way.

https://christymartenson.com/testimonials/five-stars-way/

With a keen attention to historical fact, an unparalleled ability to depict the innocence of a young girl’s displaced heart, and a seemingly innate talent for storytelling, Christy Martenson portrays the 1920’s hard times tenacity, make-do resolve, and oftentimes humorous grit of rural Americana in a timeless saga, Love, Mary Elisabeth. The illustrations add depth of detail to Christy's debut novel — making it a book to be treasured by all ages.

Darlene — teacher, photographer, reader, and word weaver

2017-09-28T15:51:17+00:00

Darlene — teacher, photographer, reader, and word weaver

With a keen attention to historical fact, an unparalleled ability to depict the innocence of a young girl’s displaced heart, and a seemingly innate talent for storytelling, Christy Martenson portrays the 1920’s hard times tenacity, make-do resolve, and oftentimes humorous grit of rural Americana in a timeless saga, Love, Mary Elisabeth. The illustrations add depth of detail to Christy's debut novel — making it a book to be treasured by all ages.

https://christymartenson.com/testimonials/book-treasured-ages/