From the TOS Crew I was able to receive complementary copies of three books from Salem Ridge Press. The purpose of Salem Ridge Press is not to simply reprint books that have been previously published but are now out of copyright. Their main objective is to help you provide wholesome books for your family.
Although this review will give you an overview of the books that I received and read, it will be more of a review of the company's goal; how are they doing in respects to delivering wholesome books for the family?
Let me start with short bits about the books that Salem Ridge Press so kindly sent to me. When you go to the website and check on the books, you will see that they are grouped into the genre/time period/subject that they cover. I found this to be very helpful. Personally, I love history so naturally that is the first place I looked ;) Another bit that I like about Salem Ridge Press is their prices. These books are not necessarily small books (not extremely large, mind you) and yet they are priced reasonably low. With a little more time, and more exposure, perhaps they will be able to bring them even lower. The quality of the printing is very good. I found no typos, no smudges, nothing second-rate in the publishing of the books.
The Sign Above the Door was actually sent to me as an ebook in pdf format. Although when I checked at the time of typing up this review, it was not offered as an ebook or hardcover. The price for the hardcover is from a previous inquiry to the site.
Historical Fiction/World History
The Sign Above the Door by William W. Canfield
Originally published in 1912
Paperback: $14.95Hardback: $24.95
Age range: 12+
Pages: 307
Egypt, the first Passover- 1500 B.C. From the website:
Story Synopsis
Young Prince Martiesen is ruler of the land of Goshen in Egypt, where the Hebrews live. Eight plagues have already come upon Egypt and now Martiesen has been forced by Pharaoh to further increase the burden of the Hebrews. Martiesen, however, is in love with the beautiful Hebrew maiden, Elisheba, whom he is forbidden by Egyptian law to marry. As the nation despairs, the other nobles turn to Martiesen for leadership, but before he can decide what to do, Elisheba is kidnapped by the evil Peshala and terrifying darkness falls over the land. An exciting tale woven around the events of the Exodus from the Egyptian perspective!
This book I found to be just as good of a quality book as the others, but I had a harder time to get 'into' this book.
Books in the Emma Leslie Church History Series
The Captives, or Escape from the Druid Counsel
by Emma Leslie
Originally published in 1873
Paperback: $12.95
Hardback: $22.95
Age range: 12+
Pages: 169
Dearer Than Life by Emma Leslie
Druids and Romans. From the website:
Story SynopsisI must admit this book of the three was my favorite. I could not put this one down. I enjoyed the style, the topic, the outcome, etc. This I also received as an ebook but it is not available on the website currently as one. I would like to have this one in physical form.
The Druid priests are as cold and cruel as the forest spirits they claim to represent, and Guntra, the chief of her tribe of Britons, must make a desperate deal with them to protect those she loves. Unaware of Guntra’s struggles, Jugurtha, her son, longs to drive the hated Roman conquerors from the land. When he encounters the Christian Centurion, Marcinius, Jugurtha mocks the idea of a God of love and kindness, but there comes a day when he is in need of love and kindness for himself and his beloved little sister. Will he allow Marcinius to help him? And will the gospel of Jesus Christ ever penetrate the brutal religion of the proud Britons?
Dearer Than Life by Emma LesliePaperback: $14.95
Hardback: $24.95
Age range: 12+
Pages: 255
England, 1366-1384. From the website:
Story Synopsis
Arriving home from a meeting of Parliament in London, Sir Hugh Middleton is shocked to learn that a neighboring monastery has laid claim to one of his fields. Sir Hugh steadfastly refuses to yield his property, and further offends the monastery by sending his younger son, Stephen, to study under Dr. John Wycliffe. At the same time, Sir Hugh sends his elder son, Harry, to serve as an attendant to the powerful Duke of Lancaster. As Wycliffe seeks to share the Word of God with the common people, Stephen and Harry and their sisters help spread the truth, but what will it cost them in the dangerous day in which they live?
I liked this one second of the three books. This gives a very good idea of what life was like during the time of John Wycliffe- very detailed in some parts, would have liked more descriptives in others. Would definitely agree with the age range unless your child is not sensitive and/or is advanced in reading comprehension.
The purpose of 'providing wholesome books for your family' is taken very seriously at Salem Ridge Press! I especially love the scripture that they use to guide them in their quest for wholesome books: "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things (Philippians 4:8)."
I feel that they are doing well in offering such books. These are definitely different than you will find in the books written today. There is absolutely "No Kissing!" (perhaps the number one rule for Salem Ridge Press!...maybe) in the books they offer. They have also taken the time and effort to scrutinize these books for offensive illustrations or derogatory wording.
I encourage those who are looking for 'wholesome' books for their family library to consider Salem Ridge Press. I think that they do indeed help with this need.
To read more reviews from other TOS Crew members, check out the TOS Homeschool Crew blog post.
**Disclaimer: I was given a copy of these books for review from Salem Ridge Press through the TOS Crew. The opinions presented are mine and I was not compensated in any other way and was not required to give a positive review. See more of my Policies/Disclosures.**
Great review! I really can't wait to purchase some more of these books. :)
ReplyDeleteThis is a great review!
ReplyDeleteNice review!
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