Belle of the Glades transports readers to the last wilderness frontier in the United States—1918 Lake Okeechobee, Florida. Eleven-year-old Isabelle Lacey feels repeated loss and abandonment by the adults in her life. She leaves all that is familiar and safe in Indiana to travel clear across the country by train and boat and begin a new life at her uncle Arden's fish camp. Isabelle faces injury and threats by snakes, outlaws, and the environment as she learns to adapt to her new home in the Everglades. You will want to read how finding a map-inscribed shell rock brings Isabelle friendship, adventure and discovery. Will Isabelle find happiness in the rugged, uncivilized Glades area? Will Isabelle solve the shell rock mystery to find treasure? ■Reviewed By: Cheryl Malandrinos on June 7, 2013 Rating: 5 Stars Eleven-year-old Isabelle Lacey feels abandoned and alone. After the death of her parents, she is cared for by her aunt while they travel to her Uncle Arden’s place in Okeechobee, Florida. The dangers of living in such a place are new to the former city girl, and she must learn to adapt to a perilous environment. A map-inscribed shell rock drops Belle and her friends into the middle of a dangerous adventure filled with Everglades creatures and outlaws. Through it all, Belle must depend on her faith to help her adjust to her new life and keep her safe. Belle of the Glades is a lovely faith-filled middle grade novel girls will enjoy. Readers will be drawn in by its plucky main character. Abney has created a girl whose sense of loss and abandonment makes her sympathetic, while her tenacity in coping with challenges inspires and empowers. Abney paints a beautiful picture of the Florida Everglades in 1918 with rich details and descriptions of the world which Belle now calls home. The mystery of the shell rock propels the action forward to a superb conclusion. Lovers of historical novels and adventure stories will want to read Belle of the Glades by Cheryl Abney. I received this book from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, for which I have not been compensated in any way. http://christianchildrensauthors.com/ 2013/06/07/book-review-belle-of-the-glades-by-cheryl-abney/ |
In this sequel to Belle of the Glades, the holiday season brings mystery and adventure for Belle and her Indian friend, Summer. At the Bone Field, they find clues of a Bigfoot, but Belle's uncle dismisses the signs. Belle and Summer set out to befriend the mysterious stranger with food gifts, but he has reason to stay hidden. Is he a real Bigfoot? How does Belle solve the mystery? 
Author Bio: Cheryl Abney lived in the Florida Glades area of her story’s setting for 34 years. She has taught high school and counseled both middle and elementary students during her 31 years in the field of education. Endorsements: This is a wonderful, fictitious perspective of Lake Okeechobee during the early 19th century. The author’s historical research of the lake and surrounding Everglades makes this story come alive through the adventures of an adolescent girl. It’s a great book that provides a fun way for young readers to learn about Lake Okeechobee’s history. Butch Wilson Clewiston Museum Director Cheryl Abney weaves a new adventure in the old frontier as a young city girl meets rustic fish camp. When recently orphaned Isabelle Lacy, is sent to live with her uncle on the shores of Lake Okeechobee, a whole new world is opened to her--a world shared with snakes, alligators, outlaws, and a new Indian friend. Karen Hildebrand, Director Barron Library LaBelle, FL 
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Once again, Isabelle Lacey finds adventure in the wilderness of Lake Okeechobee, Florida. Belle’s morning is calm and pleasant as she and her Indian friend, Summer, catch minnows and tend to her little farm of ducks, chickens, and Annie the calf. When Belle walks Summer partway home, the approaching storm causes her to take a different route to her tent home at Hayes’s Fish Camp. Belle becomes lost in the woods, and she hears the sputtering and coughing of a plane in trouble. She watches a smoke-trailing biplane disappear behind the trees and hears the crashing thuds of brush and wood splintering. With her usual pluck, Belle pushes through the vine-hung trees, swatting at pesky flies, swiping spider webs away, and stepping over fallen limbs on her mission of help. What will Belle find at the crash site? Why is Belle alone in the woods without her dog, Hog? What does Belle discover hidden in the woods? Enjoy further historical facts, turn-of-the-century recipes, and Belle's happenings in my monthly news letter. Read articles about how she celebrates the holidays--and brief updates on my writing.
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