Product Description

Jenny Blake has a theory about life: big decisions often don't amount to much, but little decisions sometimes transform everything. Her theory proves true the summer of 1955, when 14-year-old Jenny makes the decision to pick up a penny imbedded in asphalt, and consequently ends up stopping a robbery, getting a job, and meeting a friend who changes her life forever.
Jenny and Miss Shaw form a friendship that dares both of them to confront secrets in their pasts--secrets that threaten to destroy them. Jenny helps Miss Shaw open up to the community around her, while Miss Shaw teaches Jenny to meet even life's most painful challenges with confidence and faith. This unexpected relationship transforms both characters in ways neither could have anticipated, and the ripple effect that begins in the summer of the penny goes on to bring new life to the people around them, showing how God works in the smallest details. Even in something as small as a penny.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #135012 in Books
• Published on: 2008-04-10
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 256 pages

From Publishers Weekly
Meyer (Battlefield of the Mind), a Christian motivational speaker and bestselling nonfiction author, and inspirational fiction's Bedford (Remember Me) are the newest inspirational one-two punch with this novel that pairs Bedford's solid writing with Meyer's popular ministry messages. Set in St. Louis in the racial hotbed of the mid-1950s, the story's protagonist is the sexually abused adolescent, Jenny Blake. All my life has been shaped by other people's hands. Daddy slapping me, Mama never hugging me, Jean pointing a finger of criticism at me.... When Jenny picks up a penny in the street, she sets off a chain of events that results in her working for the mysterious Miss Opal Shaw, who teaches her the importance of unconditional love, grace, patience and forgiveness. Bedford has a penchant for similes, but crafts some memorable phrases, such as when Jenny's best friend teaches her how to dance: Move like you're writing cursive on the wall with your backside. The penny motif is used throughout in believable and sometimes less believable ways, as is a Grace Kelly metaphor. Meyer fans will easily recognize her themes of overcoming difficulties and shame through God's love and positive thinking. A film version's late 2007 release should help ensure that this book receives plenty of attention.
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From AudioFile
The year is 1955. Jenny picks up a penny from the street, resulting in a series of events that change her life forever. Abused and filled with fear, Jenny learns the meaning of love through a new friend, Aurelia, and the beautiful, mysterious Miss Shaw. And she learns about God. This heartrending story is made even more captivating by the narration of Ellen Archer. She performs with a wide range of emotions and voices that create pathos and warmth in just the right places. The characters become so real that one is sad when the story comes to an end. Those who treat themselves to this audiobook will surely decide its a favorite. N.L. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine

About the Author
Joyce Meyer has been teaching the Word of God since 1976 and has been in full-time ministry since 1980. She is the bestselling author of more than seventy inspirational books, including Approval Addiction, In Pursuit of Peace, How to Hear from God, and Battlefield of the Mind. She has also released thousands of audio teachings as well as a complete video library. Joyce's Enjoying Everyday Life^® radio and television programs are broadcast around the world, and she travels extensively conducting conferences. Joyce and her husband, Dave, are the parents of four grown children and make their home in St. Louis, Missouri.
Deborah Bedford is a career fiction writer who began her professional life as a journalist in a Colorado mountain town. Deborah and her husband, Jack, have two children and live in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

Customer Reviews

Unrealistic Happy Ending
The more I read the more people I wanted to have read it. Then I got to the end. There are good endings to horrific stories like the ones told in this book. However, to think a vicious man would just stop sinning because his family suddenly said please seemed completely ridiculous. I half expected the authors to go on and describe a crime free civil rights movement in St. Louis. They did a fabulous job with the first 3/4 of the book. They could have kept in up.

A Pleasant Surprise - The Penny: A Novel
I wasn't sure what this book would be about, but was pleasantly surprised. It caught my attention immediately and I read it in just two afternoons. I'm thinking about collecting pennies and sharing them, just as the main character in the book felt compelled to do.

I'm not into fiction but I got into this one....
I'm shocked.

I actually enjoyed a fiction book. It takes a lot for me to admit that.

Joyce Meyer and Deborah Bedford have outdone themselves with The Penny. I was actually drawn in from page one and my interest just progressed from there. I felt like I was in St. Louis with Jenny and Mrs. Shaw. I wanted to reach out and hug them. I wanted to be the one being ministered to by Mrs. Shaw and in a way it felt like I was.

This is a truly captivating tale of how God intricately weaves every thread of our lives together for a purpose. I sensed hope and joy as I read through each and every page. I could relate to each and every character and though the book is fiction the lessons are as real as my father in heaven.

I really enjoyed this book and I am sure you will too!