The Penny

The Penny is the first fictional novel published by internationally known and celebrated author, speaker and television personality, Joyce Meyer. The Penny is a touching story that closely resembles the life and struggles of author Joyce Meyer. Set in the segregated south of the 1950's, The Penny is a story about overlooked greatness that is found in the most insignificant places.

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.

Joyce Meyer lives in
St. Louis, Missouri.

Deborah Bedford lives in
Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

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. (June) Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.

Average Rating:

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Reviewed by Elaine (Hooksett, NH), November 19, 2008

This is by far the best book I’ve read in a long time. It had me crying or close to crying throughout most of it. The love that was shown to the deeply hurting main character by a woman is enough to bring even the hardest heart to tears. I think everyone that borrowed this book from me loved it. It’s a book to read in one sitting because you can’t put it down.

Reviewed by Poliana (Liberty,SC), June 13, 2008

I have to say I was a little disapointed with this book. Joyce is a wonderful writer and teacher and I love her Enjoying everyday life tv show, but this book was out of focus and didn't keep my interest at all.

Reviewed by Ann Blanshan (Grandview, WA), May 01, 2008

This book was awesome, and I can't wait to read it again. I am going to buy another one and give it to my mother for mothers day. Anyone who wants a great read. This is the book for you. It's one that you won't be able to put down. Ann

Reviewed by Nora (Mall of GA), April 23, 2008

Jenny had her doubts about the penny and about God. Things were starting to look different but how could she trust herself or anyone else for that matter? There was too much pain in her life; she couldn’t get close to anyone right now. When a thought came to Jenny. She was desperate to talk to someone or bust; maybe she could be friends with Aurelia Crockett; a Negro girl at Harris School. Crazy thought she knew but somehow it seemed right. This girl would never ask to have a sleep over. A Negro girl would never expect to be invited to a white girls house. This seemed like the perfect set up. Jenny wouldn’t be expected to let Aurelia get too close because of the racial situation they lived in. Her dad wouldn’t allow a friendship or anything else with Aurelia for that matter. Jenny would be able to keep her secrets safe and still have a friend. This could work . She just couldn’t let her dad find out. At age 14; Jenny finds the courage to stand up for things she really believes in . She steps out to do the right thing, counting the cost, no matter how scary things got. Jenny knew deep inside herself she was not alone. I remember doing that in my life as well and things were never the same. This book is definitely a story of hope, courage, and God’s redeeming love for us. It’s about the process and courage of giving God control over our lives. Giving control to no one else but Him. That’s when our world changes forever. It did for me. You will discover in this book as Jenny did it’s all about the little things in life that really matter. You’ll learn like she did how to smell the flowers and see with new eyes the beauty around you every day.

Reviewed by Rhonda (Cookeville, TN), April 13, 2008

This is a great book! Very heart gripping but uplifting at the same time! It hurts me to know there are children and families that live like this every day--hurting & abused. We must show the love of God even to those kids who "act up"--we never know what they're going through.

Reviewed by Carley Pearson (Hawthorne, FL), January 03, 2008

Very, very good. So good,I read it in less than 24 hours. Recommend it to everyone.

Reviewed by Kari Bailey (Longview, TX), November 21, 2007

I was actually a little disappointed in this book. The story dragged in some places. It was however, very interesting to read about the struggles that Joyce endured.

Reviewed by Anna Betten (Grand Terrace, CA), October 08, 2007

This book was an easy read but very enlightening to better understand the thinking and self-concept that victims of abuse have about themselves. Makes it a bit easier to talk with them and build them up with encouragement from God's Word.

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