THE ENCOURAGEMENT LETTERS
by
SHANNA SPENCE
Sub-genre: Middle Grade / Historical Fiction
Publisher: Book Liftoff
Date of Publication: November 22, 2017
Number of Pages: 180
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WILLIAM CROMWELL, at age eleven, knew what it was like living with new changes. In 1865, Manchester, England a new textile factory moved into town and after a tragedy that befell him and his mum, they struggled to live. With so many things going on in his young life he wanted to be the encouragement that his father was to him.
As everything changes along with terrible hardships, just maybe the hope he gives to the growing town will find its way to Will…
PRAISE FOR THE ENCOURAGEMENT LETTERS:
This was such an uplifting wholesome book! It was so nice to read something positive about a time when people were so willing to step in and help someone in need without expecting anything in return! I couldn’t put it down! — 5 Stars, Kindle verified purchase reviewer
Excellent read!! This story speaks to people in all walks of life. It is encouraging, sweet, and funny at the same time. I would recommend this book to anyone needing to see what it means to “treat others as you want to be treated.” — 5 Stars, Kindle verified purchase reviewer
A very inspiring book from a great new author! — 5 Stars, Kindle verified purchase reviewer
A charming tale of a simpler time. Yet, the message is ageless. I congratulate Ms. Spence on this her first effort and look forward to more entertaining reads from her in the future.– 5 Stars, Kindle reviewer
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The Encouragement Letters is an incredibly charming middle grade historical fiction that warmed my heart from beginning to end. In 1865 in Manchester, England, Will Cromwell is a sweet pre-teen boy who doesn’t take his duties to his mother and his uncle lightly. A story about a young boy who thinks of others before himself, even during the hardest of times, is a nice and timely change of pace.
The overall story is simple yet full of interesting characters and the basic plot of a young boy stepping up as the man of the house after his father passes away. But that simplicity is what gives this story its timeless charm and leaves the reader with a bit of hope for humankind. Will represents who we all should strive to be in both good times and in hard times. Even though Will carries the heavy burden of caring for his ill mother, working outside the home to bring in a meager wage and what food he can collect along the way, and keeping up with his studies, he meets the challenge of it all head on and without complaint. He is quick to help anyone in need and say Thank You to everyone who lends him a helping hand. Will is too good to be true, and that’s a shame because Will’s altruistic nature should be the norm in any society instead of an anomaly.
The historical aspect of the industrial revolution in England in the 1800s reminds the reader that change brings in new ways of doing things, with some people unwilling or unable to adapt. In fact, Will often remembers the phrase his mother taught him: “times are a-changing and we must too.” And that’s exactly what Will does.
The best part of this story is of course the Encouragement Letters. Will reads his own encouragement letters that his father left him before his death, and they encourage him to write his own for people about town who mean a great deal to him. Will labors over the letters with love and kindness and leaves them anonymously, lifting up the spirits of the surprised recipients. We can all learn from Will’s selfless actions, can’t we?
The phrase ‘what goes around comes around’ takes on a positive aspect in this story, and that’s all I’ll say about that (no spoilers). We all know that when we give we often receive back ten-fold, even if it’s only the satisfaction of knowing we have made someone smile. Will is an engaging chap through and through, and his little crush on his Uncle Henry’s assistant, Mary Beth, is completely darling. Mary Beth is one of my favorite characters, even though we don’t know much about her. We never find out why a 20-year-old young woman is alone and struggling to make ends meet, but she is interesting and likable, especially when she makes poor choices and ends up in quite the unfortunate predicament (oh mercy!).
A few quick rounds of editing will have this middle grade fiction where it needs to be for readers of all ages, but the lovely story and characters are what you will remember long after you have finished reading. I must admit that I’m a little bit encouraged to write my own anonymous encouragement letters because a kind word inevitably creates a positive ripple effect, touching many lives along the way. Just ask Will!
Enter the giveaway below for a chance to win a signed copy of The Encouragement Letters and some other great prizes.
Shanna Spence is a wife, mother, and registered nurse of over twenty years. She has written poetry since the age of thirteen and always dreamed of writing books. Raised in a small East Texas town, she pursued a career of nursing in Dallas, Texas but eventually went back to East Texas to settle down and raise a family.
Now she finally has found the time to fulfill her dream of writing stories that will hopefully bring out the imagination in others — as well as inspiration. She is currently living in Longview, Texas.
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1st Prize: Signed Copy + Bookmark + $10 Amazon Gift Card
2 Runners-Up: eBook Copy
October 10-19, 2018
(US ONLY)
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Wonderful review — and isn’t the book inspirational? I felt the same way about wanting to send anonymous letters thanking people for being awesome.
I really am inspired to write some encouragement letters. I know a few who could use that bit of kindness right now!
Thank you for your 5 star review!! I am thrilled you liked the story!! I really appreciate you hosting my book on your blog!
It was my pleasure!