Patricia St. John Revised Set of 5 Volumes including Rainbow Garden, The Secret at Pheasant Cottage, Star of Light, The Tanglewoods' Secret, and Treasures in the Snow Paperback – Abridged, January 1, 2002

Ever since we had read the Secret of the Maple Series, we were left searching for other books to read to our children (and hopefully have them read), that weren't filled with petty arguments, self-absorbed immature characters, soul-less "adventure" themes with no heart or character development, or flat out glorification of hedonistic and immoral lifestyles. These books, while a financial investment for us, were well worth it. They are very well written - we are only almost through the first book Star of Light - but even so far I am struck by the very 'real" Christian themes beautifully drawn on the characters themselves. Not to give spoilers but, this particular book features a strong relationship between a loving older brother and his blind younger sister, in an adverse environment where people are self-centered and cruel to children and animals. It features the self-sacrifice the boy makes, even at the extreme of giving his last piece of food to his sister, and spending time on the street so as to not endanger her possible chances of adoption into the home of a missionary - themes one is unlikely to find in most modern books that are for some reason obsessed with dinosaurs, space exploration, and monsters eating copious amounts of ice cream. The book is filled with poignant love, on the backdrop of poverty.The only drawbacks I would say is, our children to some extent, by our intentional efforts, have been shielded from the brutality of what seems to exist for others. In some areas of the book it mentions abusive adult characters who either physically or monetarily exploit children, or are harsh in their manners of speaking with them. Though these themes are presented in a clean manner, I can see the waves of shock go over my sons face when he hears that someone would slap a child or someone would hurt someone in their own family. I know, to some extent, it is beneficial for him to know that these realities exist, so that he is motivated in his own lifetime to do something for God in terms of charity and intervention, still, it is hard for all of us at times to read these books because they do not gloss over human suffering. But, perhaps it is important that they not. Neither does the Bible, I know.Anyway, beautiful compassion is depicted on these pages without any "fluff" or sorcery, dragons, space travel, or other modern distractions. Just pure and simple Christianity, beautifully done.

These are challenging Christian books that stir the young to imagine new environments, crises they never thought of etc. while holding onto faith into God. The vocabulary and reading level are challenging, so they are great for homeschooling or Christian school. If they are a little too hard for your children, try reading them as bedtime stories, then letting them read the books for themselves as they are able.

Love the books! Not just for children. Wonderful, meaningful stories.

Loved these books, and so did my 8 year old daughter. EXCELLENT Christian reading, very interesting and engaging and makes for great conversatino starters

Such amazing stories. Great way to teach children some good lessons. All of our children love these!

nice books

The family we got them for loves the books. Thank you.

Great author continually pointing the storyline to Christ.