Title: The Hallelujah Lass
Author: Wendy Lawton
Series: Daughters of the Faith series
Major Themes: Eliza Shirley, Salvation Army, England, Pennsylvania, Family Read-Alouds, Biographies, Christian Nonfiction, 18th Century History, Christian Missions, US History 1865-1900, Europe, North America, Books for Girls, Faith
Synopsis: Coventry was never the same after the first Salvation Army ladies came—and neither was Eliza Shirley’s life!
Someone whose blog I follow recommended the Daughters of the Faith series several years ago, and I looked at them, thinking they looked very good. I never bought the books, though, and nearly forgot about them until I saw The Hallelujah Lass on a friend’s bookshelf a few months ago. I borrowed it and read it to the children—and now I would like to read the entire series! This was a good book with a good message—and it kept our attention.
Eliza Shirley and her parents lived in Coventry, England. Her father was a preacher and a foreman at one of the silk mills. Her best friend was Beck, and Beck was dissatisfied with her life. Beck was sure there was change in the wind—but what sort of change was she sensing?
Very soon, two young ladies showed up in Coventry, preaching in open-air meetings and in an old factory. All the proper people of Coventry were aghast—this wasn’t the way things should be done! Beck was very curious, and infected Eliza with her curiosity, as well. The two of them found themselves caught in the crossfire when an unruly mob was attacking the two preaching ladies. Then, what a surprise they had when suddenly the ringleader of the mob got converted. What could have happened to change his life so completely?
Before long, Eliza had dedicated her life, as well, to preaching. Her experiences were inspiring and challenging to read about. It is incredible to hear about what a 16-year-old girl can do when she allows God to use her. I still don’t totally agree with women preaching, but there is no doubt that many people found salvation through her work, both in England and in Philadelphia. Read The Hallelujah Lass for an amazing glimpse into the early years of the Salvation Army and the work God can do with someone who is sold out to Him.
WARNING: Some mob violence is described, and as I said, women preach.
Age levels:
Listening Level—Ages 8 – 12, 10 – 12, Family Friendly
Reading Independently—Ages 8 – 12, 10 – 12, 12 – 15
Links to buy this book:
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle | Hardcover
AbeBooks: View Choices on AbeBooks.com
Book Depository: Hardcover
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