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Maple Leaf Chronicles #1
As Long as I Belong
Young Annalise Marshall has always felt like she straddles two worlds, like Jane Austen’s Fanny Price. Yet, near Thanksgiving, she faces the fact she might soon not belong anywhere at all.
Inspired by Jane Austen's Mansfield Park.
Originally part of the A Very Bookish Thanksgiving novella collection.
Inspired by Jane Austen's Mansfield Park.
Originally part of the A Very Bookish Thanksgiving novella collection.
68 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 9, 2021
About the author
Sarah Holman
44 books456 followersSarah Holman lives in Austin, Texas with her husband, Scott. When not working on her next novel, she can usually be found hanging out with her family, reading, or hiking at state parks with her husband. If there is anything adventuresome about her life, it’s because she serves a God with a destiny bigger than anything she could have imagined. You can find out more about her at her website, www.thedestinyofone.com.
To keep up to date on releases, join her newsletter at http://eepurl.com/bitBIf
To keep up to date on releases, join her newsletter at http://eepurl.com/bitBIf
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
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October 26, 2022I wrote this story for a Thanksgiving collection, but I ended up creating a cast of characters that I couldn't let go of.
Annalise, Isaiah, Lillian, Stella, and all of them are now their own story world that continues to inspire me.
I just want to give every character in this story world their own novella and keep building the Maple Leaf world for my readers.
This novella was inspired by Mansfield Park and is full of Fall/Thanksgiving feels
Originally part of the A Very Bookish Thanksgiving collection
Annalise, Isaiah, Lillian, Stella, and all of them are now their own story world that continues to inspire me.
I just want to give every character in this story world their own novella and keep building the Maple Leaf world for my readers.
This novella was inspired by Mansfield Park and is full of Fall/Thanksgiving feels
Originally part of the A Very Bookish Thanksgiving collection
December 6, 2021
5 stars & 5/10 hearts. Wow, this is a FANTASTIC retelling of Mansfield Park! I love MP and this story made me want to read it again so badly.
This sweet little romance, set in contemporary America, was originally part of the A Very Bookish Thanksgiving collection. I’ve wanted to read it for a long time and was so excited to finally be able to! Annalise (or Annie) was a great rendition of Fanny Price. I really related to her and her desire to fit in, as well as her pain over being disliked and unwanted and doing wrong. Isaiah was a cool reimagining of Edmund, very well done. Lillian & Stella were nothing like Maria & Julia, but Jeremiah was a fun Tom. Mrs. Clark was far and away nicer than Lady Bertram, and Mr. Clark was basically non-existent and not at Sir Thomas at all, but Mary was exactly like Mrs. Norris. The Marshalls were really nothing like the Prices, except in the feeling of tension and the lack of love between the parents. And the Haddens were nice versions of the Crawford, which I enjoyed!
The plot was very well done. It was very similar to MP, yet twisted enough to leave me unsure if the happy ending I wanted would happen! The romance was very sweet and understated. There was definitely a “story for single girl” vibe to this book, which I really appreciated, and the theme/message was excellent, something I needed to hear. Overall, this was just an encouraging, heartwarming, satisfying Thanksgiving story and I throughly enjoyed and related to it… and made me tear up!
Content: there may have been some slight touching (hugs, handholding) by the main couple.
A Favourite Quote: “What if someone speaks and only makes things awkward, not better? Maybe staying silent is better.”
I bit my lip and finally lifted my eyes to meet Isaiah’s gaze. “Silence is rarely better and it only feels safer. I think that if Fanny had had the courage to speak up in the story on certain points, things would have turned out better. Silence feels safe, but often, even if speaking is hard, it is for the best.”
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “Annalise! Come tell us what you think!” Jeremiah shouted from the stage at the front of the room.
[Isaiah] dropped his marker and moved up behind Jeremiah.
“This isn’t that big of a room!” he yelled into his brother’s ear. “No need to shout at anyone!”
A grin split Jeremiah’s face. “Sorry, Dad,” he said in a stage whisper. “I guess I’m a little deaf from all the victory screams my team has done this year over your team.”
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
This sweet little romance, set in contemporary America, was originally part of the A Very Bookish Thanksgiving collection. I’ve wanted to read it for a long time and was so excited to finally be able to! Annalise (or Annie) was a great rendition of Fanny Price. I really related to her and her desire to fit in, as well as her pain over being disliked and unwanted and doing wrong. Isaiah was a cool reimagining of Edmund, very well done. Lillian & Stella were nothing like Maria & Julia, but Jeremiah was a fun Tom. Mrs. Clark was far and away nicer than Lady Bertram, and Mr. Clark was basically non-existent and not at Sir Thomas at all, but Mary was exactly like Mrs. Norris. The Marshalls were really nothing like the Prices, except in the feeling of tension and the lack of love between the parents. And the Haddens were nice versions of the Crawford, which I enjoyed!
The plot was very well done. It was very similar to MP, yet twisted enough to leave me unsure if the happy ending I wanted would happen! The romance was very sweet and understated. There was definitely a “story for single girl” vibe to this book, which I really appreciated, and the theme/message was excellent, something I needed to hear. Overall, this was just an encouraging, heartwarming, satisfying Thanksgiving story and I throughly enjoyed and related to it… and made me tear up!
Content: there may have been some slight touching (hugs, handholding) by the main couple.
A Favourite Quote: “What if someone speaks and only makes things awkward, not better? Maybe staying silent is better.”
I bit my lip and finally lifted my eyes to meet Isaiah’s gaze. “Silence is rarely better and it only feels safer. I think that if Fanny had had the courage to speak up in the story on certain points, things would have turned out better. Silence feels safe, but often, even if speaking is hard, it is for the best.”
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “Annalise! Come tell us what you think!” Jeremiah shouted from the stage at the front of the room.
[Isaiah] dropped his marker and moved up behind Jeremiah.
“This isn’t that big of a room!” he yelled into his brother’s ear. “No need to shout at anyone!”
A grin split Jeremiah’s face. “Sorry, Dad,” he said in a stage whisper. “I guess I’m a little deaf from all the victory screams my team has done this year over your team.”
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
December 4, 2023
Oh wow - this was beautiful! I read Across the Land I Love nearly a year ago, and have been wanting to read this ever since. (Both stand alone perfectly well, but read them in order if at all possible - don't do what I did.) When I realised this was centred around Mansfield Park, I was even more sold. I love Mansfield Park, and after seeing the way these stories are written around classics and loving the way Across the Land I Love was inspired by Around the World in 80 Days, I couldn't wait to see how the author did this one.
I think it even surpassed my expectations. I loved Annalise, and the way she related herself to Fanny and everyone around her to the other characters was perfect. Isaiah... I can't say much without spoilers, but I looooved him and loved how he fitted the person from Mansfield that he represented, while still being his own person. And the same goes for his brother. ;)
Really, all the characters fit Mansfield wonderfully, while still being different people entirely. They are not carbon copies of the original at all, and some of them aren't even like the ones in the book. But there's still aspects that connect them to the people they represent. These are not retellings strictly speaking, but rather "inspired by" books... And I absolutely love them. Despite the close similarity to the original stories, you can completely imagine such a situation happening in modern day real life, and can completely see how the main character connects her own life with the life of the original character, while also still noting the differences. It's a type of retelling which I discovered through these stories, and would love to read more of.
Between As Long as I Belong and Across the Land I Love, I don't think I could possibly choose my favourite. I love them equally. Reading this only made me want to go back and read the other one again.
The story was so sweet and the romance was gentle and completely clean. For a shorter story, each character was extremely well developed and the storyline unfolded so well. There's a lot more I could say about it, about all the scenes and moments that I loved the best... But really everything was so good.
A fairly quick read, easily read in one sitting (it took me about an hour), but just long enough to feel like a satisfying, complete story. Highly recommend to anyone - and an absolute must read for fans of Mansfield Park.
I think it even surpassed my expectations. I loved Annalise, and the way she related herself to Fanny and everyone around her to the other characters was perfect. Isaiah... I can't say much without spoilers, but I looooved him and loved how he fitted the person from Mansfield that he represented, while still being his own person. And the same goes for his brother. ;)
Really, all the characters fit Mansfield wonderfully, while still being different people entirely. They are not carbon copies of the original at all, and some of them aren't even like the ones in the book. But there's still aspects that connect them to the people they represent. These are not retellings strictly speaking, but rather "inspired by" books... And I absolutely love them. Despite the close similarity to the original stories, you can completely imagine such a situation happening in modern day real life, and can completely see how the main character connects her own life with the life of the original character, while also still noting the differences. It's a type of retelling which I discovered through these stories, and would love to read more of.
Between As Long as I Belong and Across the Land I Love, I don't think I could possibly choose my favourite. I love them equally. Reading this only made me want to go back and read the other one again.
The story was so sweet and the romance was gentle and completely clean. For a shorter story, each character was extremely well developed and the storyline unfolded so well. There's a lot more I could say about it, about all the scenes and moments that I loved the best... But really everything was so good.
A fairly quick read, easily read in one sitting (it took me about an hour), but just long enough to feel like a satisfying, complete story. Highly recommend to anyone - and an absolute must read for fans of Mansfield Park.
November 14, 2023
This is a beautiful and encouraging short story! Like other reviews, I have not read Mansfield Park, BUT I really enjoyed this little book and it’s characters—well except Mary…and Pace 😇
I loved how the story began with a prologue giving us a glimpse at Annalise as a child. She is such a sweet, insecure person who wants to honor her Savior. It was a joy to watch her heart heal.
It’s hard in short stories to develop characters well, but I left this book feeling I knew the important people. Sarah Holman is such a gifted writer. I’m glad there’s one more story in this series!
*Read on Kindle Unlimited
I loved how the story began with a prologue giving us a glimpse at Annalise as a child. She is such a sweet, insecure person who wants to honor her Savior. It was a joy to watch her heart heal.
It’s hard in short stories to develop characters well, but I left this book feeling I knew the important people. Sarah Holman is such a gifted writer. I’m glad there’s one more story in this series!
*Read on Kindle Unlimited
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November 22, 2021I didn’t expect to love this novella as much as I did! The whole story flowed beautifully, and I felt so involved with the characters. I really wanted to step into the story and give Annalise a big hug. The characters were charming and the message beautiful, reminding me of how glad I am that as God’s children we always belong. I think this is my favourite story by Sarah Holman.
FTC disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. A positive review was not required. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
FTC disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. A positive review was not required. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
November 16, 2022
I reread this story and enjoyed it every bit as much as I did the first time.
2020 review
I enjoyed this story even though I have never read Mansfield Park. Annalise was such a sweet girl and had a difficult family. I was so glad she had others to help her. I would have liked attending the festival they set up. And the little bit of romance was sweet and well done. I was glad things weren't drawn out with a certain two other people and their interfering. This story had a lovely message.
I will be reading this story again another Thanksgiving.
2020 review
I enjoyed this story even though I have never read Mansfield Park. Annalise was such a sweet girl and had a difficult family. I was so glad she had others to help her. I would have liked attending the festival they set up. And the little bit of romance was sweet and well done. I was glad things weren't drawn out with a certain two other people and their interfering. This story had a lovely message.
I will be reading this story again another Thanksgiving.
January 2, 2024
This was a good short story, though I wasn't drawn in by it like I was by the sequel, Across the Land I Love. I read the latter half much faster than the first half, however, and I did enjoy the romance. I also liked the Thanksgiving aspects and think that this would be an excellent book to read at Thanksgiving.
November 27, 2021
The ending of this novella was really satisfying for me. At first, I was frustrated because I just wanted Analise to use her voice. I didn't understand her anxiety but I know anxiety rarely makes sense and I wanted her to get help. There were so many people being bullies for no reason (okay, I guess just one) and I was dying for Analise to stand up for herself. I was so happy when she found her voice. Also I thought the story would be about a struggle to find a home, but it actually ended up being a sweet, calm, VERY SUBTLE romance and that was a nice surprise.
November 27, 2021
Told through the eyes of young Annalise Marshall, this coming-of-age novella shares her eight-year struggle to fit in at the Maple Leaf Christian Retreat Center. Her worn copy of Mansfield Park by Jane Austen shaped Annalise’s worldview. She related to Fanny Price, a girl from a messy and poor family taken in by rich relatives, so similar to the Marshall family’s dependence on support from the Clarks.
An enthusiastic photographer and artist, Annalise doesn’t realize how much her talents enhance the lives of others. She sees the world through the lens of a young woman who doesn’t belong—an outsider—yet always welcomed, just like Fanny. Quiet but thoughtful, Annalise wrestles with the right words to compensate for her low self-esteem, and her occasional muddled thoughts toward others, like Tate and Pace Hadden, who reminded her of the troublesome brother and sister, Henry and Mary Crawford, in Mansfield Park.
As Fanny had her nemesis, Mrs. Norris, Annalise had Mary Henderson, a Maple Leaf worker who constantly reminded the Marshalls they were lucky to have the Clark’s gracious support at the retreat. Near the Thanksgiving holiday, she overheard another of Mary’s callous remarks and feared the loss of the one place she had called home for nearly a decade.
Read Sarah Holman’s novella and enjoy the melding of a classic with a contemporary tale of thanksgiving with a pinch of budding romance.
An enthusiastic photographer and artist, Annalise doesn’t realize how much her talents enhance the lives of others. She sees the world through the lens of a young woman who doesn’t belong—an outsider—yet always welcomed, just like Fanny. Quiet but thoughtful, Annalise wrestles with the right words to compensate for her low self-esteem, and her occasional muddled thoughts toward others, like Tate and Pace Hadden, who reminded her of the troublesome brother and sister, Henry and Mary Crawford, in Mansfield Park.
As Fanny had her nemesis, Mrs. Norris, Annalise had Mary Henderson, a Maple Leaf worker who constantly reminded the Marshalls they were lucky to have the Clark’s gracious support at the retreat. Near the Thanksgiving holiday, she overheard another of Mary’s callous remarks and feared the loss of the one place she had called home for nearly a decade.
Read Sarah Holman’s novella and enjoy the melding of a classic with a contemporary tale of thanksgiving with a pinch of budding romance.
October 10, 2023
Qualification: I haven't read Mansfield Park.
This was such a beautiful, sweet story! Another picture of a pure, Christ-centered romance.
Annalise was an awesome main character. Sweet and kind, struggling to fit in and feel accepted and not be a burden. I loved the relationship she had with her sister, even though their home life was so rough.
The Clark family was so kind and caring! Mrs. Clark, wise, gentle, and thoughtful. The sisters friendly, encouraging, and cheerful. I loved Jeremiah's big brother relationship with Annie, his loud and over-enthusiastic hugs. But of course, Isaiah is my favorite 😉. His quiet, sincere, thoughtful ways.
The plot kept me on my toes, even though I was quite sure what was going to happen. 😁 I loved how Annalise went to Jesus first and found her belonging in Him, knowing that even if she didn't belong anywhere else, she belonged in His arms.
This was such a beautiful, sweet story! Another picture of a pure, Christ-centered romance.
Annalise was an awesome main character. Sweet and kind, struggling to fit in and feel accepted and not be a burden. I loved the relationship she had with her sister, even though their home life was so rough.
The Clark family was so kind and caring! Mrs. Clark, wise, gentle, and thoughtful. The sisters friendly, encouraging, and cheerful. I loved Jeremiah's big brother relationship with Annie, his loud and over-enthusiastic hugs. But of course, Isaiah is my favorite 😉. His quiet, sincere, thoughtful ways.
The plot kept me on my toes, even though I was quite sure what was going to happen. 😁 I loved how Annalise went to Jesus first and found her belonging in Him, knowing that even if she didn't belong anywhere else, she belonged in His arms.
November 30, 2023
This is a lovely, sweet, Christian story. Annalise is a wonderful main character who is sweet and kind. She has a great relationship with her sister, although their home life is rough with parents who constantly argue. I love how the Clark family helped Annalise and her family despite her parents' not really pitching in. Mary Henderson is a real piece of work, like she just can't be happy for anyone else and makes sure to let Annalise know that she doesn't belong there. Not sure why people like her get so bent out of shape when someone else helps a person or family in need. It's not like it is costing her any thing. A sweet, understated romance between Isaiah and Annalise. A heartwarming Thanksgiving story.
November 29, 2021
This is a lovely story for any time of the year, not just fall. I confess I haven't read Manfield Park so I don't get all the references but the authoress makes it delightful to read even if you don't know the Jane Austin book.
I love Analise and amusingly the guy I have a crush on is named Isaiah. Analise and Isaiah are so sweet together. The story is satisfying and not too long. I appreciated the romance with no kisses and long drawn-out descriptions.
Overall this is a sweet fall book, it's a good reminder of the fact that we do have a place we belong.
I love Analise and amusingly the guy I have a crush on is named Isaiah. Analise and Isaiah are so sweet together. The story is satisfying and not too long. I appreciated the romance with no kisses and long drawn-out descriptions.
Overall this is a sweet fall book, it's a good reminder of the fact that we do have a place we belong.
November 19, 2022
I read this as part of the A Very Bookish Thanksgiving collection and it was my favorite of the bunch! Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews