Category:  Historical Fiction Publisher: PublishAmerica ISBN-10:  1424180325 Pages: 177 Copyright: Aug 27, 2007 Carri was born into a well-to-do family but was disowned and abandoned for marrying the man she loved. Ollie Grace was born on the day her father was killed in a mining accident. At the age of fifteen she was sold into marriage. By sixteen she had a daughter of her own. When she was twenty her husband abandoned her and her daughter in the mining town of Thurber, Texas. Ollie wanted to keep her daughter with her and make a home for them both. But, all she had was 37 cents and a prayer. Would that be enough? Although this book is a novel, it is based on the real lives of the authors mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. It is the story of three women's, especially the author's grandmother, struggles to just survive in a world which must have seemed to have abandoned them in the cold, uncaring world of the late 19th and early 20th century. It is a story of fear of what lies ahead down a lonely dirt road. It is a story of a young mothers fight just to survive during the difficult days of World War I and the great depression. But, it is also a story of hope and faith in the only ONE who could who could show her the way. Excerpt Ollie had two days but knew that was far more time than she would need. All she had to do was pack hers and Mary's things in the blue carpet bag she had brought with her from Garner over four years earlier. She would say goodbye to a few people in the town, including her boarders, her Christian brothers and sisters from the church, the merchants from town, and of course, Maria and her family. These goodbyes, she knew, would be the most difficult part of all. Friday came, Ollie had said her goodbyes. She had packed the carpet bag. She and Mary walked out the door where each of her boarders hugged them. They walked downtown for the last time. The Italian community had already started their Friday night dance, even though it was only mid-afternoon. Many were just watching and listening to the band, but most couples were danceing. Ollie just stood and watched for a few minutes. Mary, standing beside her mother, was clutching the doll she had received last Christmas. All of a sudden a strange thought entered Ollie's mind (I have no one to dance with). Then she took Mary by the hand and together they walked out of Thurber, toward the setting sun.

Thirty-Seven Cents and a Prayer
I feel so honered and blessed by reading Richard B. Garren's book Thirty-Seven Cents and a Prayer.

From the late 1800's to the time after the depression this story tells of a family with courageous women in the forefront and their battles just to exist and find true meaning in life. This book is especially about one such woman whose faith kept her going when other women would have surely given up. It is full of love and pain, hardship and endurance. The struggle within a young woman's life to make a living so she and the one she loved the most could have a little home of their own someday seemed an almost impossible dream. She never allowed it to die and she always looked to God for peace in time of trouble and He never failed her.

This book can do nothing but warm your heart and bring tears to your eyes. It was beautifully written and most definitely should be a movie. It will leave you with the highest regard for the writer and the love he had for his family to honor his grandmother and mother in this way. A true heirloom for Richard's family and a special keepsake for anyone who chooses to read it.

Mary E Preece author of latest book titled Leavin' Sandlick and Speakin' Appalachian

Thirty-Seven Cents and a Prayer
An inspirational journey into the past, an exhilarating novel based on true events. This heartfelt voyage is a life changing read. It will tie you up and hold on to you till the very end, linger forever afterwards in your heart, soul and mind. It brings illumination to life and keeps the fire of the spirit burning through it all. Brilliant in every way, magnificent and soul changing, captivating and a song for the soul; a reason to breathe and live. The characters are so real that you will become one of them yourself. I found myself lost in this facinating book, to laugh and cry, to find faith. What an intellighent penetrating experience. If you have a doubt you must read this book. It will show you a way when there seems to be no way, it is definitely a five star read. This is one book that I will never forget and they should make a movie out of this one. Come read this dazzling novel of faith, hope, love, grace and mercy. see the Word come alive. More than words can say, this is perfect in every way.

Revied by Author, Tabitha Robin, of "The Burning Bush"

Review of Thirty-Seven Cents and a Prayer
"Thirty-Seven Cents and a Prayer by Richard B. Garren is an incredible book that will make you count your blessings and give thanks for what you have. Dr. Garren shares the story of his family members and the trials and tribulations that they suffered. While this book is sad in many places, it will definitely warm your heart as this family turns their scars into stars. "Thirty-Seven Cents and a Prayer" is well written and the events are indeed factual. While the names of some of the individuals in the book have been changed, other family members names remain, regardless you learn to appreciate what they went through and how self determination along with a strong faith in God can get you, your family through times that otherwise would have been unbearable. "Thirty-Seven Cents and a Prayer" is one of those books that you will want to add to your personal library and read time and time again. Thank you Dr. Garren for sharing the story of your family with us and for helping us realize just how blessed we are.

Tom Ward, author "The Enemy Within" and "Outposts of Hell or Portals to Heaven"