Praise for Halstad House

I can't remember the last time a book caught and captured my soul! Through a delightful cast of characters who quickly became friends and a sweet, gentle grace that speaks of the love of the Father, Christy Martenson has woven an intricate journey of the heart into a story you won't soon forget. Pull up a chair and a cozy mug, and be prepared to laugh and cry your way from beginning to end.

Halstad House is a sweet postwar story about a woman, her young daughter, and their life as they run their home as a boarding house. The relationships are fun to read about and the whole book has this sweet feel that's reminiscent of books from another era.

If you enjoy Janette Oke--central female protagonist, inspirational fiction, gentle love stories--you will really connect with Christy Martenson's second novel, Halstad House!

Christy Martenson has written a lovely historical fiction story located in northeastern Washington State. Set in the era right after World War I, Christy has captured the aura of the time. Like a memory, we are given snapshots from the language of the time to canning produce and showing the normal daily living.

Halstad House is both relaxing and challenging; it's easy-to-read and still a "what's-gonna-happen" kind of book. I chuckled with the characters and yet had my faith challenged. All in all, Halstad House is worth a "visit!"

In a style reminiscent of Janette Oke’s books, Halstad House relates one family’s struggles and God’s faithfulness. The careful character development and vivid word pictures quickly drew me in and had me laughing, crying and cheering. I really hope there’s a sequel.

Christy Martenson’s second book is a good choice for anyone who enjoys an easy-read journey through character growth and development. The story line unfolds at a gentle pace, with rich substance. Grace and Allie’s humor, courage, and walk of faith will endear them to you as they discover hope and joy on the other side of tragedy.

An enjoyable, easy-to-read book, yet it deals with thought-provoking challenges. I loved seeing the characters grow in their faith and the encouragement it gave to my own. I enjoyed this sweet, uplifting story.

Christy Martenson has woven a tale rife with laughter and loveable characters. But Halstad House also brings tears to my eyes every time I read it.

Poignant. Sweet. Positively delightful. Halstad House is one of those books that invites you into the story and makes you feel like you're friends with the characters. Whether you're laughing at Allie's latest capers or empathizing with Grace's journey toward restoration, Halstad House is sure to touch your heart.

Halstad House is a comfortable read that you don’t really want to end. The characters draw you into their own stories and make you root for the desired outcome. Some important take-aways: finding love doesn’t guarantee a sorrow-free life, true love is best achieved with a solid foundation of friendship, and love is most meaningful when expressed in both word and deed.

Halstad House is the story of the interweaving of lives touched by the tragedy of war and individual circumstance. Set in rural Eastern Washington, Martenson's characters have a depth the reader will enjoy and an innocence all their own. Tinged with humor and grace, each page shows how unrealized dreams, hopes, and disappointments are re-spun into a vibrant fabric of life. A delight to read!

Christy has a unique voice and a true storyteller's gift. She brings the characters to life so well you really feel like they are real people that you have gotten to know.

I was left with a sweet melancholy satisfaction after reading Halstad House and think of Grace's story often during the day. Definitely worth the read!

Reading Halstad House was like developing a friendship; each chapter unveiled the personalities and entertaining quirks of Grace, Allie, Esther, and Ethan a little more. Watching Grace wrestle with challenges brought this book alive in a realistic way. Here’s hoping that there’s a sequel out there, because I’d love to deepen my friendships with these characters.

While I knew I loved the story from the first pages, I didn't realize how much until I still found myself thinking of it days after I'd finished. Martenson has created timeless characters who steal into your heart and make it their home. Definitely made my top books of 2019 list.

I can’t recommend this book enough for children and adults, a heartwarming family story. Christy's writing is like a bird thrilling high in a Ponderosa Pine on a warm summer morning.

Thoroughly enjoyed Halstad House! It had me laughing out loud and brought tears to my eyes. It also reinforces the Lord’s promises for our lives. Even though it takes place in a completely different time (which is quite delightful), the story speaks to universal circumstances and emotions.