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Andrea Carter's Tales from the Circle C Ranch

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Join Andrea Carter for more adventures in nineteenth-century California!

The independent tomboy Andrea Carter and her beloved horse, Taffy, were first introduced in Andrea Carter and the Long Ride Home in 2005. Since then, popular author Susan Marlow has penned five more books in the Circle C Adventures series, filled in Andi’s early years with the Circle C Beginnings series, and started a chronicle of Andrea’s teen years in Circle C Milestones.

Published to celebrate the tenth anniversary of this positive role model for girls, Andrea Carter’s Tales from the Circle C Ranch is a collection of short stories inspired by fan questions that fills in many of the gaps between Circle C Beginnings and Circle C Adventures. Taking place between 1873 and 1880, each story is prefaced by an explanatory note that pinpoints the action of the story in relation to events in the existing Andrea Carter books.

Wholesome fun, and with a clear Christian message throughout, Andrea Carter’s Tales from the Circle C Ranch is a must-read for fans of the series and a fun introduction for those who haven’t yet discovered these historical gems.

160 pages, Paperback

First published March 3, 2015

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About the author

Susan K. Marlow

86 books88 followers
HOMESCHOOL MOM BY DAY . . . NOVEL WRITER BY NIGHT. Susan began writing stories when she was ten years old. As an adult, she homeschooled teenagers and cared for toddlers during the day, and then escaped into the Old West at night by writing her “Andi” stories. She never intended to become a published author.

However, with the publication in 2005 of her first novel, Andrea Carter and the Long Ride Home, Susan discovered that it really is more fun to share her stories with others than to keep them to herself.

Susan is the author of six historical adventure series for kids: Circle C Beginnings (ages 6-9), Circle C Stepping Stones (ages 7-10), Circle C Adventures (ages 9-13), Circle C Milestones (ages 11 and up), and the Goldtown series: Goldtown Beginnings (ages 6-9), and Goldtown Adventures (ages 9-13), with over 225,000 books in print with Kregel Publications. A brand-new historical series releases May of 2027. She enjoys helping young writers learn to improve their writing with her Writing Workshop. Susan is also a freelance editor. She and her husband, Roger, live on fourteen acres of ponderosa pine at 3,500 feet in north-central Washington state.

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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Profile Image for Lydia Therese.
356 reviews6 followers
March 13, 2018
Andrea Carter's Tales from the Circle C Ranch is by Susan K. Marlow.

I greatly enjoyed this book of short stories that kind of "fill in the gaps" between the Circle C Beginnings series and the Circle C Adventures series.

This book includes 11 stories. My personal favorites were:
White Christmas - I loved the interactions between Andi and her brothers in this one. How close they are as a family is very sweet. I also liked seeing Justin being pushed outside his comfort zone a little bit.
A Matter of Honor - This story was very funny. I liked reading more about Katherine. Little Mitch was cute, too.
Adios, Jeffrey Sullivan - This was my absolute favorite story. It made me laugh and I liked reading about Melinda and Andi's relationship.

Overall, this was a fun book that I enjoyed re-reading. It satisfied my curiosity about a lot of things I always wondered about while reading the Circle C Adventures books. 5 stars out of 5.
Profile Image for Melissa.
778 reviews18 followers
April 29, 2015
~Disclaimer: I received this book for free in a giveaway~

This book is for the younger crowd. Growing up I read Little House on the Prairie books and I feel this book would have fit in just fine with the books I liked to read.

It lacks a little focus (being as these are stories from between the series) and would most assuredly be better if I had read the other books in the series.

The lead is a girl with a lot of opinions who has no problem going against the societal norms in order to do what she thinks is right. The book builds her family as generally supportive and slightly unorthodox themselves. The family dynamic is a bit tricky to pick up based on this book alone. I do not feel that this book is a strong stand alone book. However, if you are a fan of the main series I think this book is attempting to answer some of the questions the series might not have answered.
313 reviews6 followers
February 14, 2024
Tales from the Circle C Ranch by Susan K. Marlow is a delightful collection that transports readers to the rugged landscapes and heartfelt adventures of the Wild West. Andrea Carter's escapades on the Circle C Ranch are brought to life with vivid imagery and compelling storytelling, making this book a true gem for readers of all ages.

Each tale in this collection is brimming with charm, warmth, and valuable life lessons. From facing challenges with courage to forging unbreakable bonds of friendship, Andrea's journey is one that captivates the heart and sparks the imagination. Marlow's writing effortlessly immerses readers into the world of the ranch, where every page is filled with excitement and discovery.

What truly sets Tales from the Circle C Ranch apart is its endearing characters. Andrea Carter is a protagonist who embodies resilience and kindness, serving as an inspiring role model for young readers. Alongside her are a colorful cast of characters who add depth and richness to the story, creating a sense of camaraderie that readers will cherish.

Moreover, Marlow's attention to historical detail adds authenticity to the narrative, allowing readers to experience the Wild West in all its glory. Whether it's exploring the vast expanse of the ranch or encountering the challenges of frontier life, each story is steeped in the rich tapestry of American history.

In conclusion, Tales from the Circle C Ranch is a captivating collection that will appeal to anyone with a love for adventure, friendship, and the untamed beauty of the Wild West. Susan K. Marlow's masterful storytelling and unforgettable characters ensure that this book will hold a special place on readers' shelves for years to come. Highly recommended!
189 reviews3 followers
April 27, 2015
Andrea Carter is the heroine of a number of books set on a ranch in California in the late 1800's. Author Susan K. Marlowe has created books in various stages of Andrea's life. The early series is called Circle C Beginnings, the next series about a slightly older Andrea is called Circle C Adventures and the series that caps it off is called Circle C Milestones when Andrea is 14.

Andrea Carter is part of a large family with a number of older brothers and sisters and I love how close they all are. Some have left to marry and begin their own life but some have stayed on to help work the ranch. These older brothers provide a father figure for Andrea whose dad died when she ws young.

Andrea is spunky, and often impetuous but through each adventure, she learns a valuable lesson. About honesty, loyalty, loving your enemies, or the value of not giving up! Andrea Carter's Tales from Circle C Ranch fills in some stories between existing books in the series. Each chapter has a note about where that adventure fits into Andrea's life (before, during, or after another book in the series).

The concept of this book is such a great idea! I have often finished a series and am disappointed to say good-bye to a cherished character. This book serves as an encore for the audience. Tales from Circle C Ranch also provides a bit of "taste test" for the series. Each chapter stands alone as an adventure in Andrea's life and would be a great way to introduce a new reader to this wonderful series.

I appreciate that Marlowe provides young people with a way to experience Andrea's struggles and benefit from the wisdom and guidance that her mother and older siblings provide. These books can help provide a loving example that someone may not experience in their own life.

What makes Marlowe's works so amazing is how much extra material she has on her website. For the Beginnings series, she has free coloring pages. For the Adventure series, the author provides free downloadable study guides (or a pre-printed option reasonably priced if you'd like something ready to go). Marlowe has some photos of what the characters might look like and also provides book trailers of the titles in the Circle C Adventure series. If you want a series that can grow with your child from early elementary through high school and provide an example of a strong and supportive family trying to follow the Bible, then the Circle C books are for you!

Marlowe also has written some adventures with boy protagonists called Goldtown Adventures. In our family, both genders have enjoyed all of Marlowe's books. The books are a delightful and wholesome look at life in the 1880's as well as life on a horse ranch (a life I suspect many children have dreamed about). Don't miss out on these well-written, wholesome books!

Disclaimer: Kregel Publications provided me with a free copy of Andrea Carter's Tales from Circle C Ranch in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Laura.
Author 39 books654 followers
February 25, 2015
Title: ANDREA CARTER’S TALES FROM THE CIRCLE C RANCH
Author: Susan K. Marlow
Publisher: Kregel
March 2015
ISBN: 978-0825443794
Genre: Tweener

Join Andrea Carter for more adventures in nineteenth-century California!

The independent tomboy Andrea Carter and her beloved horse, Taffy, were first introduced in Andrea Carter and the Long Ride Home in 2005. Since then, popular author Susan Marlow has penned five more books in the Circle C Adventures series, filled in Andi s early years with the Circle C Beginnings series, and started a chronicle of Andrea s teen years in Circle C Milestones.

Published to celebrate the tenth anniversary of this positive role model for girls, Andrea Carter s Tales from the Circle C Ranch is a collection of short stories inspired by fan questions that fills in many of the gaps between Circle C Beginnings and Circle C Adventures. Taking place between 1873 and 1880, each story is prefaced by an explanatory note that pinpoints the action of the story in relation to events in the existing Andrea Carter books.

Wholesome fun, and with a clear Christian message throughout, Andrea Carter s Tales from the Circle C Ranch is a must-read for fans of the series and a fun introduction for those who haven t yet discovered these historical gems.

ANDREA CARTER’S TALES FROM THE CIRCLE C RANCH is a whole bunch of short stories based on questions that readers asked about other books they’ve read. Basically it’s a collection of stories behind the stories.

Some of them are funny, some of them are serious. I feel I missed a lot because I didn’t read all of the books. It makes me want to go back and find the books I missed and read them.

I enjoyed ANDREA CARTER’S TALES FOR THE CIRCLE C RANCH a lot and I recommend it to other fans of Ms. Marlow’s books who want to know more about the books and the characters.

Available in paperback. 160 pages.
Profile Image for Sarah .
549 reviews
May 1, 2015
Even though we own all the Circle C Beginnings books I haven’t read them all, sadly, however this book was a fantastic read even if one hasn’t read the Beginnings or the Adventures series. Reading this book now has me wanting to go and read the other series because it was just that good, and even if you haven’t this book still flows and makes sense. Susan tells which book the story precedes, such as in Chapter 1 “Britches Are Not for Little Girls” she tells the reader that it is set in September 1873 which means this story takes place the autumn before Andi’s Pony Trouble. The book is divided into two parts – the early years and the in-between years, part one has four chapters and part two has seven chapters. Some of the stories are somewhat sad (like the one that gives us more of a glimpse of Andi’s dad before he passed away) and others are filled with adventure or just a great character lesson.

Short and a fast read, I read it in one afternoon this book kept my attention the whole time, which I rarely do when reading a child’s book as I have books of my own to read. I love Susan’s down to earth way of writing, simple enough for the youngest reader but yet intensive enough for the older girl who needs a bit more to her stories. Full of well developed characters from the other books, big on using God and how we should act in our lives as Christians, this book has many character lessons for the young and the young at heart. Whether you’re new to the Andrea Carter books or are an old fan this book will fit right in with your books on the shelf and curl up and enjoy a great story or two.

**I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion, no other compensation was given.
Profile Image for Meagan Myhren-Bennett.
Author 34 books168 followers
May 7, 2015
Andrea Carter's
Tales from the Circle C Ranch
By Susan K. Marlow

This is fun compilation of story's from Andi's life - the first from 1873 while the last is from 1881. This is the perfect introduction to Andrea Carter and her world.

Andi is not so different from many little girls who love horses. But she lives at a time when this is not considered proper for little girls fortunately for Andi her family especially her father and big brothers encourage this love.

Join Andi as she tries to get permission to wear britches (or in her case overalls), races in the July Fourth horse race, teaches a friend to ride, and exposes a two-time rat for who he really is. Tales from the Circle C Ranch are a fun glimpse into the past.

Anyone who has read the Grandma's Attic series can find a familiarity with Andi Carter. No these are not just like those books, but rather the feel of the books is similar. Family is important, the kids aren't perfect but they don't go out of their way to be naughty. And above all else these are clean reading that you don't have to worry about what your child will get out of the book - though their is an incident with a pet snake...

Fans of horse stories, historical fiction, or just plain fun reading will enjoy these books. This is perfect for homeschoolers who are looking for newer fiction that fits the standards that they have come to expect from some of the older titles that they turn to.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher Kregel through their blogger program in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Mazzou B.
609 reviews22 followers
May 21, 2015
From Christian author Susan Marlow comes a companion book to the Andrea Carter series! This new chapter book is meant to be read along with the other books starring Andrea Carter. In response to queries from enthusiastic readers, the author decided to pen this book which answers any questions which may arise from reading the previous books in the series. Whether you have read the other books about this character or not yet, you will be able to enjoy these tales. Of course once you read Mrs. Marlow's works you will want to get her other titles as well!

I have always been an avid reader. Growing up, I loved historical fiction. Now that I am an adult, I still enjoy speed-reading books for a younger audience in the hopes of finding new favorites for my siblings as well as my future children. Although there are many wonderful books for children and young adults which are not particularly Christian (think Little House and such), it is always great to be able to provide books for your children which reinforce Biblical truths and grace. I have found that Susan's books stay true to the Christian faith without becoming fake or unrealistic.
Unusually for Christian works of fiction, her books are also quite exciting. These books make splendid read-aloud as well as personal reading books.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. Thank you!
Profile Image for Lisa Cobb Sabatini.
889 reviews27 followers
May 29, 2015
I won Andrea Carter's Tales from the Circle C Ranch by Susan K. Marlow from Goodreads.

A collection of short stories that are, in part, related to the adventures of protagonist Andrea Carter in full length books, Susan K. Marlo's book, Andrea Carter's Tales from the Circle C Ranch is a wonderful book for young readers. The first four stories of the collection take place during the time that the main character is very young, and the remaining seven stories take place during Andrea's young teen years.
While each story has a tagline noting the chapter book with which it is associated, readers can enjoy these stories without having read the longer books. However, these short adventures will have young readers begging to read the chapter books. Also, these stories may be intended for young female readers, but young male readers will enjoy Andrea's adventures, too.
Tales from the Circle C Ranch is a collection of short stories for young readers who are interested in reading fiction about life in the American West during the 1880s and readers who like adventures involving horses and other animals.
99 reviews
May 6, 2015
I have not read many of the Andrea Carter books, but I was very impressed with this short-story collection. Reading these short stories made me want to read more of these books.

One of my favorite stories in the book was called, "The Best Gift of All." I liked it, because of the special gift Andi gave her mom. I won't spoil it, but it was a true gift from the heart. This story can show children that it isn't how much you pay for a gift, it is giving a gift from the heart.

This book is great for people who have read the book series, because they will learn more about Andrea. Tales from the Circle C Ranch is also great for those who have never read the books, because these stories will make them want to read more books.

I highly recommend this book. I plan on sharing it with my daughter and nieces.

I received this book for free from Susan K. Marlow and Kregel in return for my opinions.
Profile Image for Maureen Timerman.
3,325 reviews498 followers
April 6, 2015
A wonderful addition to your Andi Carter collection, this book answers questions that have been asked by fans.
We meet Andi’s beloved father, and see how he impacted her life. There are answers here of before and after questions of these wonderful stories. Delightful, and heartwarming picture of life back in the 1800’s in the Fresno area of California, and Andi got to grow up in this area and lived on a ranch. See how she grew up, and if you are a fan and have read these great books, this one is going to answer a lot of your questions.
I especially love the story of how she got rid of her sister’s beau, and pitiful excuse of a man. Also the trouble she gets in racing in the Fourth of July race. Oh dear, you won’t be able to put this quick read down. Enjoy!
I received this book through the Kregel’s Book Blogger’s Program, and was not required to give a positive review.
Profile Image for Victoria Brinius.
796 reviews38 followers
May 16, 2015
I just finished reading "Andrea Carter's From Circle C Ranch" and I had some questions that I had about the series answered. This is a book with 11 short stories broken into 2 parts. Part One : The Early Years" and "Part Two: The In- Between Years". We are able to read about how much Andrea wanted to wear britches like the boys. We learn how much she loved her father and her horse. This is a great book for young people. I give this book a 4/5. I was given this book by Kregel Publications and all opinions are my own.
- See more at: http://dealsharingaunt.blogspot.com/2...
Profile Image for V Luttrell.
159 reviews7 followers
April 6, 2015
I tried very hard to enjoy this book and just could not. I thought I was to old for it being over 20 so I had my 12 year old and 8 year old sister read it but they too found it a difficult read. 1) the story did not connect 2) it was poorly written 3) and the theme was not a very good one - too much boy and girl relation.

I think the front caught my eye more than anything. So spry I read it over several times to try and write something god but just can not.
Profile Image for Cin.
211 reviews7 followers
May 8, 2015
I enjoyed reading this book. I read the stories to my little ones and they enjoyed them too. Very nice addition to the Circle C series. I would recommend this page-turner to everyone. For those who haven’t read the series before, this would be a nice introduction.

I received a free copy of this book from the Goodreads First Reads program. Thanks for sending me this wonderful book.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews