The Penny: A Novel [Hardcover]

Joyce Meyer (Author), Deborah Bedford (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 12, 2007

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 she's 14,
when she makes the decision to pick up a penny embedded
in asphalt and consequently ends up stopping a robbery,
getting a job, and meeting someone who changes her
life forever--Miss Shaw. Together they 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 them both in ways neither
could have anticipated, and the ripple effect that begins
that summer goes on to bring new life to the people
around them, revealing how God works in the smallest
details--even in something as small as THE PENNY.

Editorial Reviews

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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Review

"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 it's a favorite." (AudioFile ) --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: FaithWords (June 12, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446578118
• ISBN-13: 978-0446578110
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.3 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (56 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #362,526 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Joyce Meyer is one of the world's leading practical Bible teachers. A New York Times bestselling author, her books have helped millions of people find hope and restoration through Jesus Christ.
Through Joyce Meyer Ministries, she teaches on hundreds of subjects, has authored over seventy books and conducts close to fifteen conferences per year. To date, more than 12 million of her books have been distributed worldwide, and in 2007 over 3.2 million copies were sold. Joyce also has a television and radio program, Enjoying Everyday Life®, that is broadcast worldwide to a potential audience of 3 billion people. In addition, her programs can be accessed around the clock at www.joycemeyer.org.
Having suffered sexual abuse as a child and the pain of an emotionally abusive first marriage, Joyce discovered the freedom to live victoriously by applying God's Word to her life and in turn desires to help others do the same. From her battle with breast cancer to the struggles of everyday life, she speaks openly and practically about her experiences so others can apply what she has learned to their lives.
Over the years, God has provided Joyce with many opportunities to share her testimony and the life-changing message of the Gospel. In fact, Time magazine selected her as one of the most influential evangelical leaders in America. She is an incredible testimony of the dynamic, redeeming work of Jesus Christ. She believes and teaches that regardless of a person's background or past mistakes, God has a place for them and can help them on their path to enjoying everyday life.
Joyce holds an earned PhD in theology from Life Christian University in Tampa, Florida; an honorary doctorate in divinity from Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma; and an honorary doctorate in sacred theology from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona. Joyce and her husband, Dave, have been married for over forty years, and they are the parents of four grown children. Dave and Joyce Meyer make their home in St. Louis, Missouri.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Story that speaks to the heart, July 28, 2007

By 

Christina Lockstein "Christy's Book Blog" (Oconto Falls, WI USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: The Penny: A Novel (Hardcover)

The Penny by Joyce Meyer and Deborah Bedford is the bittersweet tale of Jenny Blake, growing up in 1950s St Louis. This young teen espies a penny in the pavement and her picking it up sets off a chain of events that changes the course of not only her own life, but her entire family's and those around them as well. The authors tackle the tough issue of sexual abuse and handle it with delicacy while facing up to the damage it does to families. Jenny's father rules his family with an iron fist, and her older sister Jean can't wait to escape from his abuse and his attentions. When Miss Shaw, the local jeweler, hires Jenny to work in her store, Jenny is given the opportunity to see Christianity in action. Her friend Aurelia also shows Jenny what friendship means. Jenny clings to the penny as she gives her heart to the Lord, but then is disappointed to go home and find that her father still comes into her bedroom at night. Jenny speaks for all those who give themselves to God expecting every circumstance of their life to change immediately and become disheartened when they don't. Jenny and Aurelia's friendship is tried by both Mr. Blake and the racial tension in their schools. The authors do a wonderful job of creating the racial tension in the 1950s South, even if they do sound a little preachy on occasion. Jenny starts giving out pennies in hopes of bringing change and light to others' hearts, and when her world starts to crumble, pennies start coming back to her from the lives she helped. Ultimately the penny gives Jenny the courage to stand up for what is right for Aurelia, her family and Miss Shaw. This is a book to make you start looking for the pennies that God puts in your path and encourages you to look for ways to put pennies in others' paths as well.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Too much of a reminder of the past., August 14, 2007

By 

Blessed (SC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Penny: A Novel (Hardcover)

I found this book to be very depressing. It was hard for me to keep reading when things ALWAYS looked so bleak and hopeless. Anyone who has "been there" in one manner or another, is reminded over and over again of how Satan can keep us blind and bound and hopeless.

I know how close God always was and how He finally brings her to the realization that God was, is and always will "be there". I just thought the answer was too long in coming. It took a long, long time to get past the bad and rejoice with her in the answer.

I am glad I read it, but not sure if I would recommend it to others.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is for everyone that can read., August 26, 2007

By 

BleuHoney (R S, WY) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Penny: A Novel (Hardcover)

This book addresses so many issues, I could see myself in Jenny and my father was awesome, it touched so many areas. I was told once that many people can write a book, but someone like Joyce puts God's spirit into the book, I couldn't put it down and now that I have finished I want to read more. We are a hurting world, and books like this help us deal with our pain and make us realize we must reach out to others as well. God Bless Joyce and Deborah.