At Home in North Branch

Grandma's Attic #8

by Arleta Richardson

At home in North Branch—what could be better? Happy with Len in their little house by the river, surrounded by friends, Mabel is content with her life as a schoolteacher and minister's wife in the small logging community. But a storm is about to break in North Branch, and no one in town will be left untouched. Meet Rowland Brewer, the new manger of the shingle handsome, friendly . . . and just a shade too smooth. Meet his daughter, the sweetest, prettiest little ten year old ever seen . . . at least at first glance. And get reacquainted with the Lawton clan, still holding a grudge agasint Mabel . . . Augusta Harris, still keeping track of everyone's comings and goings . . . and of course Sarah Jane, who has moved back into Mabel's life to remind her that the Lord will help her weather every trial. The Grandma's Attic Novels bring you the story of Mabel O'Dell's young adult years as she becomes a teacher, wife, and mother. Be sure to read all of them! Gifted storyteller Arleta Richardson grew up an only child in Chicago, living in a hotel on the shores of Lake Michigan. Under the care of her maternal grandmother, she listened for hours as her grandmother told stories from her own childhood. With unusual recall, Arleta began to write these stories for an audience that now numbers over 2 million. "My grandmother would be amazed to know her stories have gone around the world," Arleta says.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Christian Fiction, Christian, Childrens, Young Adult, Middle Grade

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1988

About the author

Arleta Richardson was an author, librarian, and a teacher. The Grandma's Attic series was her most well known series. She was born in Flint, MI, and served in World War II. She belonged to the Free Methodist Church.

Reviews

[Lydia Willcock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, I absolutely loved this one! I love seeing Mabel as a wife...and Sarah Jane, too! This one was different in that it involved a bit of a mystery, and took some startling turns, but was still the gentle Grandma's Attic feel of all the other books. I absolutely love how Jerome and his family turned out, and I wasn't expecting Elizabeth's story to go that way.
And that cow... I just loved that.
This series remains one of my favourite! I'm so glad I was able to find the later, "older" books.

[Kati · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice story about growing up and living in a small town in the late 1880's/early 1900's.
I'm from North Branch, MI and thought this book was set in my home town (the author grew up in MI), but after reading it, I'm not so sure.

Still a good easy read, would be great for kids who enjoy things like the Little House on the Prairie series and the American Girls series.

[Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's rare for me to rate one of the books in this series so highly—they're fun reads, but they are not filled with especially great writing, nor are their lessons unproblematic. This book wasn't totally different, but my very favorite thing about it was that it depicted the triumph of female friendship. Mabel and Sarah Jane's relationship feels as familiar as my own best friendship, and Mabel's relationships with Augusta and Elizabeth Lawton tend to be more fulfilling and personal than even her relationship with her own husband.

It wasn't a perfect book by any means but I did very much like it.

[C.G.Koens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Introducing a childhood favorite to my girls is always fun, especially when it's a series and they begin to remember characters and then ask if there is another book after this one.

In this book, Len and Mabel are married and dealing with everyday life (including stubborn cows and the return of best friends) when they are faced with something much more sinister in town. As always, they rely on the Lord to get the through, and Mabel shows us the power of forgiveness when she reaches out to her long-time enemy and receives a surprising result!

Love this sweet series.

[Rebekah Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
This book is just fun. There’s excitement, trouble, laughter, and new folks in town. Once again Mabel is faced with life challenges from problematic students to the cow who won’t stay away from the house. I enjoyed rereading this story and watching life in the small town of North Branch. Love the lesson on doing what you can to make things right and letting God handle the rest.

[Gracie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good!!!!!

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

See review for book #7.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do enjoy these. They're definitely different, and I can only hope the library can locate the last one in the series for me!

[Jacinta Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love rereading childhood classics

[Ashlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked it. It was a bit more intense than some of the other Grandma's Attic books, but it had a new plotline and it was good.

[Katja Labonté · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars. I was very disappointed by how poorly written this one was. It feels stretched very thin. It would have been better if done in episodes, like Stories from the Growing Years. However, I did appreciate seeing the community again, and there was certainly drama. I feel like some people came out of nowhere, though...? Anyways, it's not my favourite Grandma's Attic book, but it's okay.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the eighth book in the series and just as sweet as the others. I love the enduring friendship between Mabel and Sarah Jane. As a teacher, I also appreciate Mabel's experiences in the classroom. This book spent a bit too much time on the mill goings-on, but it ended up being a major plot.

These are sweet, quick reads and a pleasure to revisit after 20 years!

[Partridge Public]

Richardson, Arleta PB