Family Reunion (Six Cousins, Book 1)
Every word, every moment matters …
Welcome to the Austin Family Reunion! Fourteen-year-old Marielle Austin’s parents and grandparents are hosting family for a week in the Texas hill country, and Marielle’s five girl cousins are staying at her house. Emma and Caroline are her best friends—like her, they’re homeschooled and passionate about the Lord, the past, and books. Abby, Kailey, and Reanna are from Wisconsin and just as far away in background and interests—what’s hot in the world now is what matters to them.
Grandpa Will Austin has devised a series of projects for the six of them to complete. There’s a shed to fix up, a missionary to interview, and a trail of clues to solve, leading to a treasure. If they finish by the end of the week and work together with love and understanding, they’ll earn a prize beyond anything they could imagine! But difficulties surface right away. Bad attitudes and work ethics seem all Abby, Kailey, and Reanna can offer. Marielle, Emma, and Caroline are at a loss—what can they do to push the projects through? And more importantly, what can they do about their cousins, who won’t welcome their friendship? How can they show love when it’s hard even to feel it? Will the mysterious prize slip away, and with it any chance of relationship?
This book, recommended for ages 12 and up, helps instill the importance of loving others, understanding differences between people, and focusing on what we have in common. Small things matter and every day counts when it comes to building good relationships.
Welcome to the Austin Family Reunion! Fourteen-year-old Marielle Austin’s parents and grandparents are hosting family for a week in the Texas hill country, and Marielle’s five girl cousins are staying at her house. Emma and Caroline are her best friends—like her, they’re homeschooled and passionate about the Lord, the past, and books. Abby, Kailey, and Reanna are from Wisconsin and just as far away in background and interests—what’s hot in the world now is what matters to them.
Grandpa Will Austin has devised a series of projects for the six of them to complete. There’s a shed to fix up, a missionary to interview, and a trail of clues to solve, leading to a treasure. If they finish by the end of the week and work together with love and understanding, they’ll earn a prize beyond anything they could imagine! But difficulties surface right away. Bad attitudes and work ethics seem all Abby, Kailey, and Reanna can offer. Marielle, Emma, and Caroline are at a loss—what can they do to push the projects through? And more importantly, what can they do about their cousins, who won’t welcome their friendship? How can they show love when it’s hard even to feel it? Will the mysterious prize slip away, and with it any chance of relationship?
This book, recommended for ages 12 and up, helps instill the importance of loving others, understanding differences between people, and focusing on what we have in common. Small things matter and every day counts when it comes to building good relationships.
|
“Family Reunion is a refreshing breath of air in today’s young teen’s fictional world. … [It] has an intriguing storyline and plot that the reader will find enjoyable as they work on solving the many riddles and enigmas with the girls. It is definitely a wonderful read for young readers.” Sonja, avid reader
“From the very beginning, I could identify with Marielle and I think most homeschool girls can. … I highly recommend Family Reunion to everyone who enjoys stories that are true to life, faith-building, and stories about homeschoolers.” Sarah Holman, author and blogger “Ms. Bryant has a real sensitivity to the day-to-day experiences of young girls. The richly described Central Texas scenery and the author’s constant reminder to appreciate the littlest things in life give the book a quiet realism. Young readers will be enchanted by the creative clues and home schooled girls will enjoy this peek into their little-explored point of view.” Sarah Scheele, author and blogger |
“This book was a delightful read, with an engaging plot and well-developed characters. Although it was my teen daughter that purchased the book, I wanted to read it also and found myself as interested in the story as she was! We are looking forward to the next book in the series!” “SewManyTreasures,” homeschooling mom “[The] whole book is awesome! I can’t wait till the next one is out! The story was fun, the characters real, and the treasure hunt intriguing.” Kayla, homeschool student |
