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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I loved the warm, timeless stories set against the backdrop of another era. Mary Elisabeth would make a sweet friend for my children in real life, but since that is impossible, we'll enjoy her through the pages of this book.

Jeannie Pederson, writer at Kindred Grace, owner of Heart & Trail

2017-09-28T08:18:35-07:00

Jeannie Pederson, writer at Kindred Grace, owner of Heart & Trail

https://christymartenson.com/testimonials/warm-timeless-stories/

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

2017-09-28T15:51:17-07:00

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/

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

2017-08-16T02:20:11-07:00

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

2017-09-26T16:09:11-07:00

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/

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

2017-08-23T22:22:01-07:00

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/