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.
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"One of the more powerful books I've read in awhile. Sure, it's slow-moving and its strength is not the writing...but the theme is perfectly laid out subtly throughout the story. Coming from someone who isn't very religious, I thought the undertone of Christianity was enough to get the point across without being too heavy. A precious story that can be applied across numerous settings still today. A great read for a book group or advanced students."
— Krystle (5 out of 5 stars)
“You’ll love this book! Expect to be captured in the first few pages. Need a reminder of God’s plan to use little things to make a big difference? Then dig in.”
— Max Lucado, New York Times Bestselling author of More Than a Carpenter“The Penny is an emotionally gripping story that stayed with me for days. Unforgettable! In their own bold and savvy way, Joyce Meyer and Deborah Bedford shake up the Christian fiction world.”
— Debbie Macomber author of Family Affair“Enlightening”
— Barnes & Noble, editorial review" She talks about abuse and how it affects our lives. It is revealing (because she also was aboused) and set in a time period when abuse was covered up. I cried through parts of it and I am not easily moved to tears. If you grew up in the 50's and 60's, you will be taken back to a period of time where things were different. "
— Debbie, 2/11/2014" This was a great book. I didn't read any of the reviews until after I had started the book and realized that the story line dealt with abuse. When I could move past that, the book was about so much more. It was well-written and a great read. I would definitely recommend reading this book. "
— Krissi, 2/7/2014" This is about a little girl who is molested by her father. This is a story about her finding a penny and a lady who saved her life. "
— Tracey, 2/2/2014" This book I found very intriguing. While it involved Christian values, they were woven into the story without being preachy. This is the first of Joyce's books I've read that was fiction, and I was very impressed. "
— Christina, 2/2/2014" This was a book about a little girl who found a penny which changed her life. It was a sad story with a good ending. I would say this book could easily be a hallmark movie. "
— Nikki, 2/1/2014" This is an awesome book! A beautiful story of love, forgiveness, and how God is at work even in the smallest details. I have not seen a penny the same way since. "
— Michele, 1/31/2014" For anyone or everyone who has ever been hurt this is a must read. It's a wonderful story of forgivness and a great reminder how much God loves us. "
— Angela, 1/18/2014" It was pretty good. I hate reading about a child being abused, so it was kind of hard to read, but the ending wasn't cheesy, it was pretty realistic. "
— Jen, 1/15/2014" Would recommend to anyone, I don't usually like the old time setting for a book but this one was phenomenal. Loved it and love Joyce Meyer. "
— Jayne, 1/9/2014" A good novel - based closely on Joyce's own life story. "
— Jenny, 12/29/2013" Caught me by suprise. I didn't think I would enjoy reading it at first but found it to be very profound. "
— Shannon, 12/13/2013" Great read, so enjoyable to see how this child was inspired and encouraged by someone everybody else was afraid of. "
— Paula, 12/8/2013" My choice of books changes with my moods and this is totally a change. I enjoyed it very much because it reminded me that life unfoldes without our permission. "
— Sandy, 11/3/2013" A gem of a book! Joyce, thanks for sharing about the power of a penny. "
— Ginny, 10/29/2013" I like this book because it's takes place in the 50's and 60's. I think the story line is unique. You feel sorry for what the girls had to go through and how. God brought someone in to her life the made all the difference. "
— netra, 6/25/2013" Fantastic. Gave it as a gift "
— Bonnie, 4/2/2013" I REALLY LIKED THIS BOOK. IT WAS SAD AND FUNNY AND HEARTBREAKING. TOOK PLACE IN THE 60'S. IT DEALT WITH RACIAL DISCRIMINATION, SEXUAL ABUSE AND STANDING UP FOR SELF AND OTHERS. "
— Joyce, 2/7/2013" I loved this book!!! teaches the power of forgiveness. "
— Leslie, 1/9/2013" Expected heavy-handed, poorly written Christian fiction. Pleasantly surprised by interesting story, well written, although a little too neatly tied up in the end. "
— Laura, 11/15/2012" Good treatment of childhood abuse--isn't too graphic, that really isn't necessary. Presents the pain, but the hope. "
— Holly, 10/24/2012" Tragically powerful! Joyce's continuing victorious life lays testament to the power of god shown in this book! "
— Vanessa, 9/11/2012" I always pick up pennies..... "
— Andrea, 8/26/2012" I loved this book and would highly recommend reading. "
— Brandy, 8/5/2012" This was a cute fiction book and a quick read. If you're looking for something light, then I reccomend it :) "
— Sandy, 5/20/2012" This is either a biography pertaining to past experiences of Joyces life, written in a fiction setting. It give you the idea of that anyway. Very sad and light hearted. Hard life. "
— Shelly, 2/22/2012" I love Joyce Meyer. This was a truly inspiring book about God's plan for our lives despite the hardships and bad things. "
— Leah, 10/20/2011" It's a story of healing after sexual abuse. "
— Katie, 8/10/2011" This book was great and had a wonderful Christian undertone to it. Not so much that someone would be turned away from it, but just enough of a fantastic story and faith to keep you wanting more. "
— Megan, 3/24/2011" This book started out rather slowly, but it wasn't long and I couldn't put it down. This is another book about heaven, but this one is fiction. But, it really makes you look at your life and helps you prioritize the important things in life. This is a great book and I highly recommend it! "
— Peg, 3/17/2011" I loved this book - I picked it out from Barnes and Noble because it was on sale. It had me on edge and I thoroughly enjoyed it. "
— Chelsea, 3/4/2011" I loved the message of this book! It was inspirational, especially in times like these when one can get so caught up in moving forward that they forget to enjoy the here and now. The book was a bit predictable, but a nice read! <br/> <br/> "
— Dana, 1/8/2011" I didn't know this was a "religious" story. It had valuable message and was a quick read. "
— Rachel, 11/19/2010" A spiritual journey of a hard working woman who had a near death experienced. Well written throughout and a thought provoking novel. <br/> <br/> <br/> "
— Isolabella, 11/17/2010" Interesting concept for a novel, but a little far-fetched. "
— Dawn, 10/17/2010" This was a feel good book. Made me think of the TV show Touched by an angel! "
— Denise, 9/30/2010" Great book, thought I had it figured out but I was wrong. It does have some surprises. "
— Rachel, 9/13/2010" A wonderful novel. I learnt that every Christian should live every day as if its her last on earth. This book reveals the importance of family over work and the importance of living a life that is ready for the after-life with Christ. "
— Tejumade, 8/18/2010" This was a selection for my Church Book Club and I found it to be very predictable but I would recommend for readers that normally would not pick a title from a Christian writer. "
— Sydney, 8/15/2010" This was a good read....with all of the simple life's lessons wrapped into one book. Worth the read, as we sometimes seem to forgot the importance of the little things. "
— Pam, 7/14/2010" This book was a very fast read. I learned that life is way too short and we must not get caught up in the meaningless things in life. What is really important in this life is family and seeking a closer relationship with our loved ones and our Lord. "
— Yomayra, 6/12/2010" This was a good book. I enjoyed seeing the main character change and grow in her faith. The little boy reminded me of my daughter at my mother-in-law's funeral when she saw a white feather float out of the sky she said it was grandma in heaven. "
— Jen, 6/8/2010Joyce Meyer is one of the world’s leading practical Bible teachers. She has written more than eighty bestselling inspirational books, including The Secret to True Happiness, 100 Ways to Simplify Your Life, the entire Battlefield of the Mind family of books, her first venture into fiction with The Penny, and many others. She has also released thousands of audio teachings, as well as a complete video library. Her Enjoying Everyday Life radio and television programs are broadcast around the world, and she travels extensively conducting conferences.
Deborah Bedford is a career fiction writer who began her professional life as a journalist in a Colorado mountain town. She is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Penny, as well as the author of the bestselling novels Touch the Sky and The Story Jar. She and her husband, Jack, have two children and live in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
Ellen Archer has narrated numerous audiobooks and has won several AudioFile Earphones Awards, as well as the prestigious Audie Award for best narration. She is an actress, and singer with a degree in opera performance from the Boston Conservatory. She has performed extensively on the New York stage and in regional theaters.