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Daughters of the Faith #3
The Hallelujah Lass: A Story Based on the Life of the Young Salvation Army Pioneer Eliza Shirley
Daughters of the Ordinary Girls Who Lived Extraordinary Lives. As a teenager growing up in nineteenth-century England, Eliza Shirley was the picture of a proper young lady. She loved crinolines, kid-leather gloves, and her best friend, Beck. But Eliza longed for more than an ordinary, middle-class life. The Hallelujah Lass tells the story of how 16-year-old Eliza traveled from England to pioneer the work of the Salvation Army in the United States.
160 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2004
About the author
Wendy Lawton
25 books28 followersWendy Lawton, award-winning writer, sculptor, and doll designer, founded the Lawton Doll Company in 1979.
Lawton is a long-time lover of classic Christian literature. She has written eight books in her young adult Daughters of the Faith series. These books were followed by a series of four teen books and a nonfiction adult book. She won the 1999 Writer of the Year Award at the Mount Hermon Christian Writer’s Conference. She also won the famous Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest for the intentional worst first line of a novel in the Children’s Literature category.
Lawton received an honorary Doctor of Arts and Letters degree on January 18, 2004, from Wilmington College, located in New Castle, Delaware.
She and Keith, her husband of 30 years, are the parents of three. They reside in Hilmar, California, where they farm 30 acres of almonds and care for two dogs, an aged goose, and five elderly cats.
Lawton is the Vice President of Books and Such Literary Management. See their website here.
Lawton is a long-time lover of classic Christian literature. She has written eight books in her young adult Daughters of the Faith series. These books were followed by a series of four teen books and a nonfiction adult book. She won the 1999 Writer of the Year Award at the Mount Hermon Christian Writer’s Conference. She also won the famous Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest for the intentional worst first line of a novel in the Children’s Literature category.
Lawton received an honorary Doctor of Arts and Letters degree on January 18, 2004, from Wilmington College, located in New Castle, Delaware.
She and Keith, her husband of 30 years, are the parents of three. They reside in Hilmar, California, where they farm 30 acres of almonds and care for two dogs, an aged goose, and five elderly cats.
Lawton is the Vice President of Books and Such Literary Management. See their website here.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 9, 2018
Knocking off a star for women preachers—totally disagree with that. xD Otherwise, amazing book.
May 26, 2017
This was a very well written book about Eliza Shirley and the Salvation Army. I had no idea that the start of the Salvation Army in the US was begun by a girl not yet seventeen! Written like a fiction story, this is no dry biography and I didn't want it to be over. I would recommend it to anyone.
March 11, 2019
This was the first book I read in this series, it became my favorite. Will read it over and over again and never grow tired of it.
August 11, 2026
My dad works with the Salvation Army, so this book has a special place in my heart ♥️
March 30, 2020
read this for school and was not a fan... so yeah not gonna rate it.
March 26, 2022
This is such a darling story!! I absolutely loved this!!
April 30, 2026
I apparently didn’t know much about the history of the Salvation Army, so I found The Hallelujah Lass intriguing as an introduction to some of that background. It was interesting to learn more about the movement and the courage of those involved.
However, I can’t say I felt fully comfortable with the fact that the “Hallelujah Lasses” were depicted as preaching. As I read, I kept wondering whether they were truly preaching in the formal sense or more broadly sharing the gospel and doing mission work. While there is much that is brave and admirable about their zeal, courage, and willingness to reach the lost, I do think it is important to make a distinction between evangelistic service and stepping into a role of authoritative preaching, which I understand to be addressed differently in Scripture.
Because this book is written for children, I would be cautious in recommending it without discussion. I think it would be important for parents to clarify the difference between women faithfully sharing the gospel and serving in missions versus taking on the role of preaching authority.
Overall, I appreciated the historical insight, but I personally had a difficult time finishing the book because of my discomfort with how this aspect was presented in a children’s story.
I have loved many of the books in this series, but this one might be one I would approach with more caution.
* I received a copy of this book from the publisher for my honest thoughts.
However, I can’t say I felt fully comfortable with the fact that the “Hallelujah Lasses” were depicted as preaching. As I read, I kept wondering whether they were truly preaching in the formal sense or more broadly sharing the gospel and doing mission work. While there is much that is brave and admirable about their zeal, courage, and willingness to reach the lost, I do think it is important to make a distinction between evangelistic service and stepping into a role of authoritative preaching, which I understand to be addressed differently in Scripture.
Because this book is written for children, I would be cautious in recommending it without discussion. I think it would be important for parents to clarify the difference between women faithfully sharing the gospel and serving in missions versus taking on the role of preaching authority.
Overall, I appreciated the historical insight, but I personally had a difficult time finishing the book because of my discomfort with how this aspect was presented in a children’s story.
I have loved many of the books in this series, but this one might be one I would approach with more caution.
* I received a copy of this book from the publisher for my honest thoughts.
October 9, 2016
Eliza Shirley is a prim, proper lady who, despite her femininity, despairs of only ever being "just a girl" in life and accomplish nothing but the customary, delicate girly stuff. Her friend Beck provides the backbone that they need for the escapades the girls find themselves in. But in the midst of her comfortable upper-class Victorian life, Eliza can't shake the longing to do something that matters. The Hallelujah Lassies are what push her out of the first and into the second. At first they just present an exciting but taboo spectacle of women preachers. First Beck, then Eliza are captured by the truth of the Word they speak, and now they want to join in spreading the same. Reluctant parents, hostile crowds, and lack of funds are no match for the girls' faith in God.
For all the good they do, the Salvation Army's acceptance and use of women preachers is an aspect that goes against the Bible.
But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.
- 1 Timothy 2:12-14
It was surprising then but Catharine Booth was an outspoken proponent of it, and it's touted by feminists now; all that still makes it wrong according to God's Word that Christians must abide by. So that was a disappointing part of the book, even though the author tiptoed rather delicately around it.
A more positive part of the story comes toward the end as Eliza strikes out on her own to help establish new missions in England and then America. The descriptions of fervent prayers and clinging faith that are necessary for them to even survive are inspiring. Writing down prayers provides a real visible victory when they are answered. And another triumph is achieved when Eliza's parents are moved by God to fully join and support the Army's new American mission. Together they dedicate themselves to saving souls, and that's what God does. Thanks to people like these, the Salvation Army is now an integral part of humanitarian and Gospel work in America.
For all the good they do, the Salvation Army's acceptance and use of women preachers is an aspect that goes against the Bible.
But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.
- 1 Timothy 2:12-14
It was surprising then but Catharine Booth was an outspoken proponent of it, and it's touted by feminists now; all that still makes it wrong according to God's Word that Christians must abide by. So that was a disappointing part of the book, even though the author tiptoed rather delicately around it.
A more positive part of the story comes toward the end as Eliza strikes out on her own to help establish new missions in England and then America. The descriptions of fervent prayers and clinging faith that are necessary for them to even survive are inspiring. Writing down prayers provides a real visible victory when they are answered. And another triumph is achieved when Eliza's parents are moved by God to fully join and support the Army's new American mission. Together they dedicate themselves to saving souls, and that's what God does. Thanks to people like these, the Salvation Army is now an integral part of humanitarian and Gospel work in America.
September 14, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. It is amazing to see how an ordinary girl brought so many to Christ. This story begins with the main character, Eliza Shirley and takes place in the early nineteenth century. Eliza was a proper young lady that loved all things a girl her age would love. One day Eliza and her best friend Beck, find a group of Hallelujah Lassies marching into Conventry. She realizes the plans God has for her. To become a Hallelujah Lassie. She is ready know matter what the cost. Finally she crosses the wild Atlantic Ocean to preach in America. It is amazing how God can use you and me for his plans.
September 13, 2025
I was interested in reading about The Salvation Army, and only found this book at my local library. What a great read it is! I had no idea that the US branch was begun by a young woman. While some have criticized this book because it is about women preachers, there is no denying that God was at work using them as His mouthpiece to bring many to a saving knowledge of Christ. This read is intended for 8-12 year olds, but I often find books written for this age group work very well for everyone!
July 25, 2020
Short but good historical fiction book in the Daughters of the Faith Series.
January 23, 2023
Amazing, inspirational story.
May 20, 2025
This was a great book. Caution for younger readers.
June 21, 2025
This book is for a younger reader, however I did enjoy it and it was inspiring to see the faith of young women!
October 30, 2025
Did not know anything about The Salvation Army so learned a lot, plus appreciated this inspirational character and her life!
March 7, 2014
My Rating: 3.9 stars
I used to be addicted to this series when I was a little girl. Really, for a book aimed toward a younger audience, The Hallelujah Lass reads well and serves as a fine example of Christian historical fiction for children. The dialogue is somewhat stinted in parts, and Lawton's attempts to use terms from Eliza Shirley's day (such as bengaline and petticoat tapes) can be bit stuffy, but overall the prose is fresh and enjoyable. The book has a glossary in the back to help with some of the late-1800s words.
I recommend reading some of the later books in the series, too. The Shadow of His Hand is my personal favorite.
I used to be addicted to this series when I was a little girl. Really, for a book aimed toward a younger audience, The Hallelujah Lass reads well and serves as a fine example of Christian historical fiction for children. The dialogue is somewhat stinted in parts, and Lawton's attempts to use terms from Eliza Shirley's day (such as bengaline and petticoat tapes) can be bit stuffy, but overall the prose is fresh and enjoyable. The book has a glossary in the back to help with some of the late-1800s words.
I recommend reading some of the later books in the series, too. The Shadow of His Hand is my personal favorite.
February 6, 2009
I thought that this was a book that shows just how srong faith can be, even if some think it's just coinsadance like praying for some soap and then having some one give you rose sented soap a few weeks or days (its been forever since I read the book) b4 the soap was given. the book was cool and i quite enjoyed it ^_^
August 31, 2014
This is a good motivational story for young people, served as a dramatized slice of American history. The main character began life as an upper middle-class English girl who saw a need and wanted to give more than what was expected of girls of her social class during that period.
December 1, 2008
It is a great book about a young girl in England and is a lil' girly girl! but becomes saved!
September 25, 2011
I believe this is a children's book. Interesting story about Eliza Shirley. But wished it had more actual history. I needed to do an internet search to find the real details.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews