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Pearl of Great Price
An abandoned Arkansas lake resort holds the key to a young woman’s past . . . and her future.
Raised by her grandfather after her mother died, flea market manager Julie Pearl Stiles promised herself she’d postpone the search for her absentee father until the truth could no longer hurt Grandpa. Then one crazy June day ushers in a series of discoveries that threaten to turn Julie’s peaceful, small-town life upside down. Her encounter with Little Rock socialite Renata Channing seems more than coincidental, but equally disconcerting is her grandfather’s immediate dislike for real estate entrepreneur Micah Hobart.
Haunted by a devastating childhood mistake, Micah turned his back on God a long time ago, but success has proven a poor substitute for the inner peace he craves. Everything changes when he’s blindsided by the outspoken flea market manager who quickly captures his heart.
Renata Channing has devoted her life and ample bank account to helping underprivileged children. But no amount of philanthropy can blot out the emotional abuse she endured at the hands of a mentally ill mother, and all the money in the world won’t restore the precious “pearl” lost twenty-five years ago in the depths of Lake Hamilton.
As Julie is drawn deeper into the tragic past Micah and Renata share, she finds herself questioning everything she’s ever believed about herself, her family, and her future.
Raised by her grandfather after her mother died, flea market manager Julie Pearl Stiles promised herself she’d postpone the search for her absentee father until the truth could no longer hurt Grandpa. Then one crazy June day ushers in a series of discoveries that threaten to turn Julie’s peaceful, small-town life upside down. Her encounter with Little Rock socialite Renata Channing seems more than coincidental, but equally disconcerting is her grandfather’s immediate dislike for real estate entrepreneur Micah Hobart.
Haunted by a devastating childhood mistake, Micah turned his back on God a long time ago, but success has proven a poor substitute for the inner peace he craves. Everything changes when he’s blindsided by the outspoken flea market manager who quickly captures his heart.
Renata Channing has devoted her life and ample bank account to helping underprivileged children. But no amount of philanthropy can blot out the emotional abuse she endured at the hands of a mentally ill mother, and all the money in the world won’t restore the precious “pearl” lost twenty-five years ago in the depths of Lake Hamilton.
As Julie is drawn deeper into the tragic past Micah and Renata share, she finds herself questioning everything she’s ever believed about herself, her family, and her future.
331 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 4, 2014
48 people are currently reading
158 people want to read
About the author
Myra Johnson
62 books560 followersNative Texan Myra Johnson writes emotionally gripping stories about love, life, and faith. Myra is a three-time Maggie Awards finalist, two-time finalist for the prestigious ACFW Carol Awards, winner of Christian Retailing’s Best for historical fiction, and winner in the Inspirational category of the National Excellence in Romance Fiction Awards.
After living five years in Oklahoma, then eight years in the beautiful Carolinas, Myra and her husband are thrilled to be back in the Lone Star State enjoying wildflowers, Tex-Mex, and real Texas barbecue! The Johnsons share their home with a very pampered rescue dog and a cat with attitude.
Follow Myra on BookBub, https://www.bookbub.com/profile/myra-..., for deals and new releases.
Awards of note: When the Clouds Roll By, Till We Meet Again, Book 1 (Abingdon Press 2013), won the historical fiction category of the 2014 Christian Retailing's Best Award. Autumn Rains (Heartsong Presents 2009), won the 2005 RWA Golden Heart for Best Inspirational Romance Manuscript.
Myra’s writing career was launched in 1985 when she sold her first short story while taking a course through the Institute of Children’s Literature. Myra later joined the ICL staff as a magazine writing instructor, teaching hundreds of students the fundamentals of story and article structure, plotting, character development, and market analysis. She now writes full-time and is active in her church as well as local and national writers groups.
Myra and her husband have been married for 50+ years. The Johnsons have two married daughters, seven grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter.
After living five years in Oklahoma, then eight years in the beautiful Carolinas, Myra and her husband are thrilled to be back in the Lone Star State enjoying wildflowers, Tex-Mex, and real Texas barbecue! The Johnsons share their home with a very pampered rescue dog and a cat with attitude.
Follow Myra on BookBub, https://www.bookbub.com/profile/myra-..., for deals and new releases.
Awards of note: When the Clouds Roll By, Till We Meet Again, Book 1 (Abingdon Press 2013), won the historical fiction category of the 2014 Christian Retailing's Best Award. Autumn Rains (Heartsong Presents 2009), won the 2005 RWA Golden Heart for Best Inspirational Romance Manuscript.
Myra’s writing career was launched in 1985 when she sold her first short story while taking a course through the Institute of Children’s Literature. Myra later joined the ICL staff as a magazine writing instructor, teaching hundreds of students the fundamentals of story and article structure, plotting, character development, and market analysis. She now writes full-time and is active in her church as well as local and national writers groups.
Myra and her husband have been married for 50+ years. The Johnsons have two married daughters, seven grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 23, 2023
This was a fun fun story by Myra Johnson. I enjoyed reading about Julia's life, and found the relationship with her grandfather to be very heartwarming. I especially liked that there was a little bit of a mystery here which kept me turning the pages. Highly recommend.
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April 9, 2014
Julie Pearl Stiles was raised by her grandfather since her mother died when she was barely a toddler. She never knew who her father was other than a name on her birth certificate. Her grandfather, Otto Stiles owns and manages the Swap and Shop flea market where he and Julie lease out spaces to other sellers as well as selling anything of their own. It sounds as if it would be a fun job, unless one is a twenty-something young lady who grew up in the flea market.
Julie became interested in a news article in the local paper, about a tragedy that occurred 20+ years before when a little girl drowned in the lake. Why the article held her attention, she didn’t know, but when her grandfather behaved strangely, she knew there was more than meets the eye. And when Renata Pearl Channing, an obviously classy, wealthy woman, niece to a regular customer, showed up in the flea market, Julie’s curiosity was piqued. After all, how many women of their generation would have Pearl as a middle name, one that Renata Channing admitted was a family name for her?
Julie and her best friend, Sandy’s, boyfriend, Clifton, went out to explore the location where the resort had been located from where the little girl was thought drowned 25 years before. The Pearl family had owned and operated Pearls Along the Lake. With a mentally ill mother, a father who made the best of the situation, a restless teenager, and a toddler, it was a family that could no longer cope when the toddler disappeared in the lake. Julie found a stray mother dog and was determined to rescue her and her pups until the new owner of the resort property was determined to run off the trespassers. Micah Hobart was starting to demo the old resort to build a luxury vacation condo development.
Julie, after a restless chain of events, left for several days to try to understand what to do with her life with a stuffed envelope from her grandfather that might help her – or might open many new questions. And when Julie put together the pieces her grandfather gave her, she showed up at the door of Renata Channing, who might be – her big sister? A troubled, wealthy woman with secrets who had mental health challenges of her own, wife of a very wealthy man who was usually “travelling for his job”.
Would Julie’s faith, encouraged strongly by her grandfather, and her upbringing see her through the upcoming challenges? Where was the better place to live – the flea market or the mansion – and who was Julie’s real family?
Favorite Quotes:
“Do you really think God has left it up to you to do what only He can do?”
“Much as I’ve wished the exact same thing, I been praying hard about it, and I got the strongest feeling deep in my soul that the Lord has a higher purpose for what’s happened here.”
This reader very much enjoyed this novel! It was hard to put down, and I read it on my phone when not at home to use my tablet. I would highly recommend this book to young adult and adult readers of any age who enjoy a Christian family drama, mystery, and romance. It would be great to see a follow up to this novel!
Julie became interested in a news article in the local paper, about a tragedy that occurred 20+ years before when a little girl drowned in the lake. Why the article held her attention, she didn’t know, but when her grandfather behaved strangely, she knew there was more than meets the eye. And when Renata Pearl Channing, an obviously classy, wealthy woman, niece to a regular customer, showed up in the flea market, Julie’s curiosity was piqued. After all, how many women of their generation would have Pearl as a middle name, one that Renata Channing admitted was a family name for her?
Julie and her best friend, Sandy’s, boyfriend, Clifton, went out to explore the location where the resort had been located from where the little girl was thought drowned 25 years before. The Pearl family had owned and operated Pearls Along the Lake. With a mentally ill mother, a father who made the best of the situation, a restless teenager, and a toddler, it was a family that could no longer cope when the toddler disappeared in the lake. Julie found a stray mother dog and was determined to rescue her and her pups until the new owner of the resort property was determined to run off the trespassers. Micah Hobart was starting to demo the old resort to build a luxury vacation condo development.
Julie, after a restless chain of events, left for several days to try to understand what to do with her life with a stuffed envelope from her grandfather that might help her – or might open many new questions. And when Julie put together the pieces her grandfather gave her, she showed up at the door of Renata Channing, who might be – her big sister? A troubled, wealthy woman with secrets who had mental health challenges of her own, wife of a very wealthy man who was usually “travelling for his job”.
Would Julie’s faith, encouraged strongly by her grandfather, and her upbringing see her through the upcoming challenges? Where was the better place to live – the flea market or the mansion – and who was Julie’s real family?
Favorite Quotes:
“Do you really think God has left it up to you to do what only He can do?”
“Much as I’ve wished the exact same thing, I been praying hard about it, and I got the strongest feeling deep in my soul that the Lord has a higher purpose for what’s happened here.”
This reader very much enjoyed this novel! It was hard to put down, and I read it on my phone when not at home to use my tablet. I would highly recommend this book to young adult and adult readers of any age who enjoy a Christian family drama, mystery, and romance. It would be great to see a follow up to this novel!
March 22, 2014
Julie was raised by her grandfather and does not know who her father is. Or is her grandfather really her grandfather? Is she the toddler Jenny who was believed drowned but her body was never recovered? Is Rennie her biological sister? The book was a little hard to keep straight at first with some chapters taking place currently and others taking place 25 years ago but the story kept you wondering about the truth The ending is surprising.
September 11, 2015
Some of us know exactly where we came from and can explain our complicated family trees with excruciating detail. But some people have very little to go on, and their family tree looks more like a question mark tree than anything else. This is the story of a girl on a quest to answer those kinds of questions. Along the way, she finds answers to questions she never thought to ask. Great characters, swoony romance, and lots of interesting twists.
June 30, 2019
Definitely maintained one's attention throughout, keeping the mystery ongoing until the end. Difficult to understand Renata's total lack of curiosity as to the DNA results. Nor a simple solution of redoing the DNA test since the two main characters were co-habitating for a bit. Not sure of Julie's ultimate emotional status since her impulsive decision making was questionable at times, nor her Christian beliefs (which she held against Micah for lack of) when the truth would ultimately 'set everyone free'. Somewhat confusing to a logical reader with so much back and forth and indecisiveness. Similar to several other's opinions, the ending was sadly disappointing.
May 19, 2025
Ok…so maybe I’m biased. As a native Arkansan who grew up ‘round these parts, I loved the references to the places I know and love. I could even pert near guess the location of Caddo Pines.
However, I also enjoyed the story. The depiction of mental illness and how it can impact a family hit home for me also. The truths about forgiveness and allowing time and space for others to heal and for God to work in their lives are timeless.
Note possible triggers: drowning, abuse, mental illness, infertility, miscarriage
However, I also enjoyed the story. The depiction of mental illness and how it can impact a family hit home for me also. The truths about forgiveness and allowing time and space for others to heal and for God to work in their lives are timeless.
Note possible triggers: drowning, abuse, mental illness, infertility, miscarriage
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2019
A job in the family business in a small town suits Julie Pearl Stiles just fine, but when she realizes she may be at the center of a long-ago tragedy, she begins to wonder about her real identity. This story of suffering, friendship, mental illness, romance, and figuring out one's place in the world will hook you from the start.
February 27, 2023
JPS initials to be investigated
Struggling to identify herself without hurting the grandfather who raised her Julie needs answers. The setting of a second hand shop and just one or 2 real friends. Raising questions and getting more complicated until all is unraveled and peace reigns.
Struggling to identify herself without hurting the grandfather who raised her Julie needs answers. The setting of a second hand shop and just one or 2 real friends. Raising questions and getting more complicated until all is unraveled and peace reigns.
April 8, 2023
worth the wait
I could hardly wait to get to the end of this book to find out if indeed Julie pearl stiles was a little girl presumed drowned 20 years ago. I really enjoyed this book and the lessons woven through it, about family and who or whose we are. I highly recommend this book.
I could hardly wait to get to the end of this book to find out if indeed Julie pearl stiles was a little girl presumed drowned 20 years ago. I really enjoyed this book and the lessons woven through it, about family and who or whose we are. I highly recommend this book.
April 19, 2024
A heartwarming story of a young lady trying to discover who she is, Julie Pearl or Jennifer Susan. Along the way she meets Micah, Renata & Miss Nelson, who along with her Grandfather & childhood friends Clifton & Sandy, are either trying to help or hinder her in her search for answers. Through it all she relies on her faith to help her find the answers she is seeking.
October 14, 2020
Interesting and suspenseful read
A warm and interesting read throughout. Great portrayal of characters both lovable and undesirable.. The last paragraph left me still without answer to the major question throughout the book
A warm and interesting read throughout. Great portrayal of characters both lovable and undesirable.. The last paragraph left me still without answer to the major question throughout the book
March 1, 2023
Wow!
This is a great story, a very hard to put down story. It is a beautiful story about finding out who she really was. There are many twists and turns to this story and it will keep you trying to figure out the mystery for yourself. I loved it!❤️
This is a great story, a very hard to put down story. It is a beautiful story about finding out who she really was. There are many twists and turns to this story and it will keep you trying to figure out the mystery for yourself. I loved it!❤️
April 8, 2024
wonderful
All She Sought is one of the most interesting books I’ve read in a long time. The author takes you on an adventure with numerous twists and turns. I remained invested in this story from the beginning to the end. I think this is my favorite Myra Johnson book.
All She Sought is one of the most interesting books I’ve read in a long time. The author takes you on an adventure with numerous twists and turns. I remained invested in this story from the beginning to the end. I think this is my favorite Myra Johnson book.
July 14, 2019
Good
This book is one about how a. young woman who was raised by her grandfather in small town and she didn't know her parents.
This book is one about how a. young woman who was raised by her grandfather in small town and she didn't know her parents.
October 29, 2019
Love, love, love this book.
February 27, 2023
All She Sought Book Review
Fantastic book!! Could not put the book down until I finished reading it!! I will be looking for more books by this author!!!
Fantastic book!! Could not put the book down until I finished reading it!! I will be looking for more books by this author!!!
March 1, 2023
Delightful and well written
The characters are nicely developed, it’s a great story line, has a wonderful ending. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
The characters are nicely developed, it’s a great story line, has a wonderful ending. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
April 9, 2023
A VERY GOOD story
I liked the characters in the book. It was well written and held my interest. I WILL look for other books by this author
I liked the characters in the book. It was well written and held my interest. I WILL look for other books by this author
July 19, 2023
wow
A journey that takes you to many places in your mind’s eye as well as your heart. Very well written.
A journey that takes you to many places in your mind’s eye as well as your heart. Very well written.
February 23, 2025
heart wrenching
Definitely worth reading. I think I will continue reading this author works…she definitely keeps my attention and continued desire to read more
Definitely worth reading. I think I will continue reading this author works…she definitely keeps my attention and continued desire to read more
April 5, 2023
A really good historical, family saga that I really enjoyed.
***************
An abandoned Arkansas lake resort holds the key to a young woman’s past . . . and her future.
Raised by her grandfather after her mother died, flea market manager Julie Pearl Stiles promised herself she’d postpone the search for her absentee father until the truth could no longer hurt Grandpa. Then one crazy June day ushers in a series of discoveries that threaten to turn Julie’s peaceful, small-town life upside down. Her encounter with Little Rock socialite Renata Channing seems more than coincidental, but equally disconcerting is her grandfather’s immediate dislike for real estate entrepreneur Micah Hobart.
Haunted by a devastating childhood mistake, Micah turned his back on God a long time ago, but success has proven a poor substitute for the inner peace he craves. Everything changes when he’s blindsided by the outspoken flea market manager who quickly captures his heart.
Renata Channing has devoted her life and ample bank account to helping underprivileged children. But no amount of philanthropy can blot out the emotional abuse she endured at the hands of a mentally ill mother, and all the money in the world won’t restore the precious “pearl” lost twenty-five years ago in the depths of Lake Hamilton.
As Julie is drawn deeper into the tragic past Micah and Renata share, she finds herself questioning everything she’s ever believed about herself, her family, and her future.
***************
An abandoned Arkansas lake resort holds the key to a young woman’s past . . . and her future.
Raised by her grandfather after her mother died, flea market manager Julie Pearl Stiles promised herself she’d postpone the search for her absentee father until the truth could no longer hurt Grandpa. Then one crazy June day ushers in a series of discoveries that threaten to turn Julie’s peaceful, small-town life upside down. Her encounter with Little Rock socialite Renata Channing seems more than coincidental, but equally disconcerting is her grandfather’s immediate dislike for real estate entrepreneur Micah Hobart.
Haunted by a devastating childhood mistake, Micah turned his back on God a long time ago, but success has proven a poor substitute for the inner peace he craves. Everything changes when he’s blindsided by the outspoken flea market manager who quickly captures his heart.
Renata Channing has devoted her life and ample bank account to helping underprivileged children. But no amount of philanthropy can blot out the emotional abuse she endured at the hands of a mentally ill mother, and all the money in the world won’t restore the precious “pearl” lost twenty-five years ago in the depths of Lake Hamilton.
As Julie is drawn deeper into the tragic past Micah and Renata share, she finds herself questioning everything she’s ever believed about herself, her family, and her future.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews