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First Family
Alice Langholt
2016 Finalist
145 Pages
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Fiction - Inspirational
Reviewed by Trudi LoPreto for Readers' Favorite
First Family by Alice Langholt is a thought provoking look at the events as they might have happened between Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. If you have ever wondered why God banished Adam and Eve, how the snake had such influence as to make Eve eat the fruit, what were Cain and Abel really like, and why did one brother kill another then you MUST read this book.
Adam, Eve, Cain and Abel were given personalities that seemed logical and real. As they learned to live outside of Eden, they had no choice but to figure out how to stay warm, how to find food, how to love each other, and how to survive. Their personalities, quirks, ideas, and feelings made them real and believable under the circumstances they were forced into. Adam truly loved Eve and tried to take care of her as best as he knew how. Eve was a good wife and loved her two boys with all of her heart. Cain was an angry young man who was jealous of his sweet and kind brother Abel. God was always present and watching over them, but sometimes it was hard for Him to leave them alone to deal with their own free will decisions.
I really enjoyed First Family and will think of Adam and Eve as real life people with personalities forevermore. I can only hope that Alice Langholt will write a book for each of the people in the Bible, bringing them to life in a perfect scenario without changing or modernizing the story. First Family should be read by everyone - believers as well as non-believers - because it is that good. First Family and Alice Langholt have quickly and easily jumped to the top of my favorite book list. I believe it will to yours too.
First Family by Alice Langholt is a thought provoking look at the events as they might have happened between Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. If you have ever wondered why God banished Adam and Eve, how the snake had such influence as to make Eve eat the fruit, what were Cain and Abel really like, and why did one brother kill another then you MUST read this book.
Adam, Eve, Cain and Abel were given personalities that seemed logical and real. As they learned to live outside of Eden, they had no choice but to figure out how to stay warm, how to find food, how to love each other, and how to survive. Their personalities, quirks, ideas, and feelings made them real and believable under the circumstances they were forced into. Adam truly loved Eve and tried to take care of her as best as he knew how. Eve was a good wife and loved her two boys with all of her heart. Cain was an angry young man who was jealous of his sweet and kind brother Abel. God was always present and watching over them, but sometimes it was hard for Him to leave them alone to deal with their own free will decisions.
I really enjoyed First Family and will think of Adam and Eve as real life people with personalities forevermore. I can only hope that Alice Langholt will write a book for each of the people in the Bible, bringing them to life in a perfect scenario without changing or modernizing the story. First Family should be read by everyone - believers as well as non-believers - because it is that good. First Family and Alice Langholt have quickly and easily jumped to the top of my favorite book list. I believe it will to yours too.
Recommend this book:
The Heavenly Grille Café
J. T. Livingston
2016 Finalist
276 Pages
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Fiction - Inspirational
Reviewed by Tracy A. Fischer for Readers' Favorite
Wow! That's what I thought when I finished reading the delightful story, The Heavenly Grille Cafe, by author J.T. Livingston. Follow the story of Amanda Turner, a young woman who definitely needs a change of pace. She's lost her parents, home and job, all in a very short period of time, and decides to start anew. Not really sure where she's headed or where she'll end up, she finds herself stopping at a little restaurant that's off the beaten track, the titular "The Heavenly Grille Cafe." When she finds that the place is run by three angels, Max, Bertie and Doug, and she also meets Kris, another young woman who is struggling in her own right, Amanda's life is changed forever.
I so enjoyed The Heavenly Grille Cafe. Author J.T. Livingston has a written a completely unique story with characters that her readers will connect with, relate to, care about and continue to think of long after the book is done. If that isn't a hallmark of a great author, I don't know what is. Once I started reading, I couldn't put this lovely story down. In fact, the main piece of advice that I have for readers, besides being sure to read this book, would be to set aside enough time to read it from start to finish, you'll love it that much. Any reader who enjoys a sweet story with a strong Christian message will love The Heavenly Grille Cafe. I am so pleased to recommend this book, and I am excited to read more from the very entertaining and highly promising author, J.T. Livingston, as soon as possible!
Wow! That's what I thought when I finished reading the delightful story, The Heavenly Grille Cafe, by author J.T. Livingston. Follow the story of Amanda Turner, a young woman who definitely needs a change of pace. She's lost her parents, home and job, all in a very short period of time, and decides to start anew. Not really sure where she's headed or where she'll end up, she finds herself stopping at a little restaurant that's off the beaten track, the titular "The Heavenly Grille Cafe." When she finds that the place is run by three angels, Max, Bertie and Doug, and she also meets Kris, another young woman who is struggling in her own right, Amanda's life is changed forever.
I so enjoyed The Heavenly Grille Cafe. Author J.T. Livingston has a written a completely unique story with characters that her readers will connect with, relate to, care about and continue to think of long after the book is done. If that isn't a hallmark of a great author, I don't know what is. Once I started reading, I couldn't put this lovely story down. In fact, the main piece of advice that I have for readers, besides being sure to read this book, would be to set aside enough time to read it from start to finish, you'll love it that much. Any reader who enjoys a sweet story with a strong Christian message will love The Heavenly Grille Cafe. I am so pleased to recommend this book, and I am excited to read more from the very entertaining and highly promising author, J.T. Livingston, as soon as possible!
Recommend this book:
Time Trials
Terry Lee
2016 Honorable Mention
257 Pages
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Fiction - Inspirational
Reviewed by Faridah Nassozi for Readers' Favorite
Time Trials by Terry Lee follows the lives of eight friends - the Bad-Ass Girls - from when they first met in college through the next forty years of their lives. The story covers their friendship, their personal journeys, and the changes that came along the way from their teenage years through to the fifties. With each of the girls yearning for something more in life, going to college was, in a way, a promise of a new beginning; a chance to live life on their own terms. Terry Lee flawlessly narrates their journeys and experiences as they try to hold onto the friendship, eventually settling into their separate lives until a tragic event brings them back together. Follow the journeys and shenanigans of the Bad-Ass Girls as they move from strangers to best friends and back again, helping each other navigate through life's ups and downs.
Time Trials by Terry Lee is the tale of a vibrant friendship as it is tested by time. The most amazing part of the story is how such a diverse set of characters came together to form a dynamic friendship that would span decades. Each of the girls had a different story to tell and each brought something special to the group. There is real depth to each of these characters and their stories; each as memorable as the other but in a completely different way. The character growth across the decades was phenomenal as portrayed by the way each of them adapted to the changing times and circumstances, yet at the core they all remained the same people they were when they first met. I also enjoyed how the story began with the characters on the road to college, which felt like such a powerful symbolic indication of the new journey they were embarking on. Time Trials by Terry Lee is the tale of a true and fierce friendship. I especially liked that the friendship was not painted too rosily, which would have come off as corny and, by avoiding this, it felt genuine and relatable.
Time Trials by Terry Lee follows the lives of eight friends - the Bad-Ass Girls - from when they first met in college through the next forty years of their lives. The story covers their friendship, their personal journeys, and the changes that came along the way from their teenage years through to the fifties. With each of the girls yearning for something more in life, going to college was, in a way, a promise of a new beginning; a chance to live life on their own terms. Terry Lee flawlessly narrates their journeys and experiences as they try to hold onto the friendship, eventually settling into their separate lives until a tragic event brings them back together. Follow the journeys and shenanigans of the Bad-Ass Girls as they move from strangers to best friends and back again, helping each other navigate through life's ups and downs.
Time Trials by Terry Lee is the tale of a vibrant friendship as it is tested by time. The most amazing part of the story is how such a diverse set of characters came together to form a dynamic friendship that would span decades. Each of the girls had a different story to tell and each brought something special to the group. There is real depth to each of these characters and their stories; each as memorable as the other but in a completely different way. The character growth across the decades was phenomenal as portrayed by the way each of them adapted to the changing times and circumstances, yet at the core they all remained the same people they were when they first met. I also enjoyed how the story began with the characters on the road to college, which felt like such a powerful symbolic indication of the new journey they were embarking on. Time Trials by Terry Lee is the tale of a true and fierce friendship. I especially liked that the friendship was not painted too rosily, which would have come off as corny and, by avoiding this, it felt genuine and relatable.
Recommend this book:
The Runaway Prophet
A Novel
Michele Chynoweth
2016 Honorable Mention
308 Pages
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Fiction - Inspirational
Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite
The Runaway Prophet by Michele Chynoweth is an inspiring story that will entertain and enlighten readers. What happens when a man tries to run away from his calling to embrace the path of justice? Rory Justice is a divorced man who only cares about doing his job and living a normal, upright life. Upon his deathbed, his father, an ex-FBI agent, makes an unusual request, asking Rory to deliver a package to a sheriff in Las Vegas. He finds out the letter is a warning about the horrific plan of terrorists to destroy the entire city. Instead of delivering the letter as expected, Rory decides to take the easy way out and post it. What happens when he tries to run away is what will blow the reader’s mind.
Michele Chynoweth is a master at creating powerful conflicts and the kind of suspense that makes the read even more gripping. The use of a definite deadline to solve the problem and stop the bad guys creates a lot of excitement and anticipation, and readers will want to know if the heroes can succeed before time runs out. The Runaway Prophet is well-written and the plot is more than perfect. You’ll never know what will happen next, no matter how hard you guess. The transformation that takes place in Rory, from being an indifferent man to working with a team of investigators and law officers, and most importantly to being capable of falling in love with Susan McAfree, is interesting. The author knows how to inspire readers by writing about her religious convictions without being pushy and boring. This is a book I’ll recommend to everyone looking for something thrilling and thought-provoking.
The Runaway Prophet by Michele Chynoweth is an inspiring story that will entertain and enlighten readers. What happens when a man tries to run away from his calling to embrace the path of justice? Rory Justice is a divorced man who only cares about doing his job and living a normal, upright life. Upon his deathbed, his father, an ex-FBI agent, makes an unusual request, asking Rory to deliver a package to a sheriff in Las Vegas. He finds out the letter is a warning about the horrific plan of terrorists to destroy the entire city. Instead of delivering the letter as expected, Rory decides to take the easy way out and post it. What happens when he tries to run away is what will blow the reader’s mind.
Michele Chynoweth is a master at creating powerful conflicts and the kind of suspense that makes the read even more gripping. The use of a definite deadline to solve the problem and stop the bad guys creates a lot of excitement and anticipation, and readers will want to know if the heroes can succeed before time runs out. The Runaway Prophet is well-written and the plot is more than perfect. You’ll never know what will happen next, no matter how hard you guess. The transformation that takes place in Rory, from being an indifferent man to working with a team of investigators and law officers, and most importantly to being capable of falling in love with Susan McAfree, is interesting. The author knows how to inspire readers by writing about her religious convictions without being pushy and boring. This is a book I’ll recommend to everyone looking for something thrilling and thought-provoking.
Recommend this book:
Triangulating Bliss
The Mystique of Living Book 1
Janelle Jalbert
2016 Bronze Medal
299 Pages
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Fiction - Inspirational
Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite
Triangulating Bliss by Janelle Jalbert is a fascinating story filled with unusual encounters and heartwarming surprises. Mikel Thomas, a professional basketball player, has been found dead in his home in West Los Angeles and is alleged to have committed suicide. The story is all over the papers, and when Greg Ellison receives an email from the deceased, he learns another secret of his family. Spurred by the desire to uncover the truth, he starts an investigation that will lead him to the Bliss Bar & Grill, a place where people have been mysteriously disappearing, all involving an enigmatic man with blue eyes, a set jaw, and dark hair. Greg knows that soon it will be his time and the question is: Will he be ready to cross the threshold into another dimension?
This is one of those books that I finished reading before even noticing that I ever started, one a reader finishes and feels like holding close to the heart for a very long time. Janelle Jalbert has the gift of enticing and seducing readers with a story that is as strange as it is relatable. Her prose is beautiful, and it comes off the pages like music. To further entice and woo her readers, she has created memorable subplots that are equally interesting to read, compelling characters that readers will immediately fall for, and surprising twists that make the read even faster. Triangulating Bliss will appeal to a wide audience, including fans of romance and mystery. Janelle Jalbert is one of those authors to watch keenly and I can’t wait for the sequel to Triangulating Bliss.
Triangulating Bliss by Janelle Jalbert is a fascinating story filled with unusual encounters and heartwarming surprises. Mikel Thomas, a professional basketball player, has been found dead in his home in West Los Angeles and is alleged to have committed suicide. The story is all over the papers, and when Greg Ellison receives an email from the deceased, he learns another secret of his family. Spurred by the desire to uncover the truth, he starts an investigation that will lead him to the Bliss Bar & Grill, a place where people have been mysteriously disappearing, all involving an enigmatic man with blue eyes, a set jaw, and dark hair. Greg knows that soon it will be his time and the question is: Will he be ready to cross the threshold into another dimension?
This is one of those books that I finished reading before even noticing that I ever started, one a reader finishes and feels like holding close to the heart for a very long time. Janelle Jalbert has the gift of enticing and seducing readers with a story that is as strange as it is relatable. Her prose is beautiful, and it comes off the pages like music. To further entice and woo her readers, she has created memorable subplots that are equally interesting to read, compelling characters that readers will immediately fall for, and surprising twists that make the read even faster. Triangulating Bliss will appeal to a wide audience, including fans of romance and mystery. Janelle Jalbert is one of those authors to watch keenly and I can’t wait for the sequel to Triangulating Bliss.
Recommend this book:
Theory of Expanded Love
Caitlin Hicks
2016 Silver Medal
362 Pages
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Fiction - Inspirational
Reviewed by Tracy A. Fischer for Readers' Favorite
I just finished reading Theory of Expanded Love by author Caitlin Hicks and I have to say, I absolutely loved this book. Follow the story of spunky, 12-year-old Annie Shea, one of thirteen children in a very traditional Catholic family in 1963. Pope John has just died and President Kennedy has been assassinated, and life in the Shea family is about to change as well. When Annie's sister gets pregnant out of wedlock and her parents are willing to do just about anything to protect their reputation as a "good Catholic family," Annie realizes that it might be up to her make things right for her sister and her family, but to do that, she has to challenge everything she's ever known.
As I said earlier, I simply loved this book. Loved it. Caitlin Hicks has done an absolutely masterful job at creating a book that is funny, fun, heartwarming, and just an absolute joy to read. I read Theory of Expanded Love straight through from beginning to end without a single break. I just could not put it down. But I was sad when it was done. The characters, and especially young Annie Shea, are written so realistically that by the end of the reading, I truly felt that I knew them, and I was so very sad to say goodbye. Theory of Expanded Love is a book that would appeal to any reader. Period. Any reader who loves great writing should read this book. This is the first book that I've read by author Caitlin Hicks, but it certainly won't be the last. I am eagerly awaiting the next book by this extremely promising author, and I hope she's hard at work on it already!
I just finished reading Theory of Expanded Love by author Caitlin Hicks and I have to say, I absolutely loved this book. Follow the story of spunky, 12-year-old Annie Shea, one of thirteen children in a very traditional Catholic family in 1963. Pope John has just died and President Kennedy has been assassinated, and life in the Shea family is about to change as well. When Annie's sister gets pregnant out of wedlock and her parents are willing to do just about anything to protect their reputation as a "good Catholic family," Annie realizes that it might be up to her make things right for her sister and her family, but to do that, she has to challenge everything she's ever known.
As I said earlier, I simply loved this book. Loved it. Caitlin Hicks has done an absolutely masterful job at creating a book that is funny, fun, heartwarming, and just an absolute joy to read. I read Theory of Expanded Love straight through from beginning to end without a single break. I just could not put it down. But I was sad when it was done. The characters, and especially young Annie Shea, are written so realistically that by the end of the reading, I truly felt that I knew them, and I was so very sad to say goodbye. Theory of Expanded Love is a book that would appeal to any reader. Period. Any reader who loves great writing should read this book. This is the first book that I've read by author Caitlin Hicks, but it certainly won't be the last. I am eagerly awaiting the next book by this extremely promising author, and I hope she's hard at work on it already!
Recommend this book:
My Perfect Imperfections
Jalpa Williby
2016 Gold Medal
206 Pages
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Fiction - Inspirational
Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite
My Perfect Imperfections by Jalpa Williby is an inspirational story that revolves around Lily who is diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Lily needs assistance for even her basic needs like walking, talking and eating. Her physical disability leaves her frustrated, but Lily doesn't let it deter her from strengthening her mind. Her twin sister Layna is very supportive and includes Lily in all the activities. As the story progresses, readers are given a glimpse into the life of a disabled person. It's a story of love, strength, determination and, most of all, hope and will strike a chord within the hearts of readers.
The story is heart-rending and the three main characters, Lily, Layna and Chance, leave a lasting impression with their strength, determination and 'perfect imperfections.' The story is helpful to all those who have disabilities and also to those who deal with disabled people. Lily's determination to get rid of the fear of living with a disability is very uplifting and inspirational. The bond between Layna and Lily also forms an important part of the plot. Narrated from Lily's point of view, the story highlights the basic needs that a disabled person looks for in their life; that of being accepted and loved, and being treated properly like any other normal person. The author's writing style is fluid, which gives the story a good pace and movement. The story is complicated yet simple, and readers can connect well with Lily, Layna and Chance. The emotions are raw and leave readers feeling compassion, and also gratitude for all that they have.
My Perfect Imperfections by Jalpa Williby is an inspirational story that revolves around Lily who is diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Lily needs assistance for even her basic needs like walking, talking and eating. Her physical disability leaves her frustrated, but Lily doesn't let it deter her from strengthening her mind. Her twin sister Layna is very supportive and includes Lily in all the activities. As the story progresses, readers are given a glimpse into the life of a disabled person. It's a story of love, strength, determination and, most of all, hope and will strike a chord within the hearts of readers.
The story is heart-rending and the three main characters, Lily, Layna and Chance, leave a lasting impression with their strength, determination and 'perfect imperfections.' The story is helpful to all those who have disabilities and also to those who deal with disabled people. Lily's determination to get rid of the fear of living with a disability is very uplifting and inspirational. The bond between Layna and Lily also forms an important part of the plot. Narrated from Lily's point of view, the story highlights the basic needs that a disabled person looks for in their life; that of being accepted and loved, and being treated properly like any other normal person. The author's writing style is fluid, which gives the story a good pace and movement. The story is complicated yet simple, and readers can connect well with Lily, Layna and Chance. The emotions are raw and leave readers feeling compassion, and also gratitude for all that they have.
Recommend this book:
The Healing Field
A Young Psychiatrist's Battle with His Anorexic Patient, Her Hunger Strike against God, and Their Journey through the Dark Night
Howard E Richmond MD
2015 Finalist
257 Pages
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Fiction - Inspirational
Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite
The Healing Field: A Young Psychiatrist's Battle with His Anorexic Patient, Her Hunger Strike against God, and Their Journey through the Dark Night by Howard E. Richmond MD is a bold and honest account of the narratives and experiences of a patient and a psychiatrist. Readers get the unique opportunity to take a peek at the confidential file of one woman. It's a story of healing and love, and how the latter can conquer fear and insecurities and give anyone hope to finally get rid of their complexities by replacing fear, anger and shame with courage, love and hope. It's a story of hope, it's a story of trust, it's a story of healing, and it's a story of recovery that will inspire readers to meet the darkest hours in their lives with a different outlook.
The book is profound and insightful and gives a rare view into the world of psychiatry. The author's strategies to save his patient, Lori, from her eating disorder are inspirational and the book gives hope to all those readers who are undergoing eating disorders and emotional struggles in their lives. The book also captures the turmoil and struggle of Lori intimately. The story shows the universal power of love and its healing ability, and the author's support to all those who search for physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well being. The story will motivate readers to make changes in their lives, teaching them to love and trust again.
The Healing Field: A Young Psychiatrist's Battle with His Anorexic Patient, Her Hunger Strike against God, and Their Journey through the Dark Night by Howard E. Richmond MD is a bold and honest account of the narratives and experiences of a patient and a psychiatrist. Readers get the unique opportunity to take a peek at the confidential file of one woman. It's a story of healing and love, and how the latter can conquer fear and insecurities and give anyone hope to finally get rid of their complexities by replacing fear, anger and shame with courage, love and hope. It's a story of hope, it's a story of trust, it's a story of healing, and it's a story of recovery that will inspire readers to meet the darkest hours in their lives with a different outlook.
The book is profound and insightful and gives a rare view into the world of psychiatry. The author's strategies to save his patient, Lori, from her eating disorder are inspirational and the book gives hope to all those readers who are undergoing eating disorders and emotional struggles in their lives. The book also captures the turmoil and struggle of Lori intimately. The story shows the universal power of love and its healing ability, and the author's support to all those who search for physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well being. The story will motivate readers to make changes in their lives, teaching them to love and trust again.
Recommend this book:
Saving Gracie
Terry Lee
2015 Honorable Mention
297 Pages
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Fiction - Inspirational
Reviewed by Barbara Garcia for Readers' Favorite
Saving Gracie by Terry Lee is an emotional journey through one woman's life as she attempts to cope with running her own life after the death of her domineering mother. Grace, married, and the mother of two, isn't prepared for the day her mother, Kathryn, dies. And it's only at this time does she really realize what an impact her mother had on every area of her life. Kathryn ran Grace's life with an iron fist; after all, she always knew what was best for everyone, and she always knew the right and proper way to do things. Grace had always gone along with her mother because it was just so much easier than fighting to have her own ideas on things heard or implemented. Grace must now learn to run her own life, and the emotional, and sometimes painful, journey brings her into her own at last.
Saving Gracie, though emotionally wrought at times, also gives a quirky look at how Kathryn attempts to run her daughter's life from beyond the grave. Author Terry Lee shows a sense of humor as she goes into great detail in her vision of at least one plane of the afterlife. While Grace gains perspective in her life by helping deaf children - her own daughter is deaf - Kathryn is allowed to return to Earth in her spirit form in an attempt to make her realize that Grace really can be her own person, and make her own decisions. Though Kathryn is not convinced, her trip back to Earth shows her a side of her daughter she never thought was possible. This is a touching story about letting the people in our lives grow and shine as their own person, and ultimately letting go when we should.
Saving Gracie by Terry Lee is an emotional journey through one woman's life as she attempts to cope with running her own life after the death of her domineering mother. Grace, married, and the mother of two, isn't prepared for the day her mother, Kathryn, dies. And it's only at this time does she really realize what an impact her mother had on every area of her life. Kathryn ran Grace's life with an iron fist; after all, she always knew what was best for everyone, and she always knew the right and proper way to do things. Grace had always gone along with her mother because it was just so much easier than fighting to have her own ideas on things heard or implemented. Grace must now learn to run her own life, and the emotional, and sometimes painful, journey brings her into her own at last.
Saving Gracie, though emotionally wrought at times, also gives a quirky look at how Kathryn attempts to run her daughter's life from beyond the grave. Author Terry Lee shows a sense of humor as she goes into great detail in her vision of at least one plane of the afterlife. While Grace gains perspective in her life by helping deaf children - her own daughter is deaf - Kathryn is allowed to return to Earth in her spirit form in an attempt to make her realize that Grace really can be her own person, and make her own decisions. Though Kathryn is not convinced, her trip back to Earth shows her a side of her daughter she never thought was possible. This is a touching story about letting the people in our lives grow and shine as their own person, and ultimately letting go when we should.
Recommend this book:
Tattered Innocence
Ann Lee Miller
2015 Bronze Medal
361 Pages
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Fiction - Inspirational
Reviewed by Katelyn Hensel for Readers' Favorite
Tattered Innocence by Ann Lee Miller is her second jaunt into the lives of the young adults in New Smyrna Beach and, if anything, the second time around is even better! Rachel is dying to escape her life and troubles. When she sees the ad in Craigslist for a first mate, someone who's going to be at sea for weeks at a time, she jumps at the chance. Jake Murray is hesitant when he meets Rachel, but because she's the only candidate it turns out that she's the 'man' for the job! Sparks (and sarcastic words) fly when these two butt heads, but it's all as they try to make sense of their world and where they are headed.
One item of note, though, was that while the first book regarded sin, temptation, and religion in much the same way that Tattered Innocence does, it is only in this, the second book, that we really get a heavy-handed dose of Christian morality. However, the relationships and the real moral and ethical implications behind the choices they make really allow for understanding and soul-searching on the part of the reader as well. So all in all, this could potentially be a truly emotional journey for the right kind of reader. The ocean scenery, from the beach and shack where we first meet Rachel and Jake to the turmoil and danger at sea in the hurricane, was lovely. Visuals were intense and dazzling and made me long for a trip to Florida to try to escape some of my own romantic problems!
Tattered Innocence by Ann Lee Miller is her second jaunt into the lives of the young adults in New Smyrna Beach and, if anything, the second time around is even better! Rachel is dying to escape her life and troubles. When she sees the ad in Craigslist for a first mate, someone who's going to be at sea for weeks at a time, she jumps at the chance. Jake Murray is hesitant when he meets Rachel, but because she's the only candidate it turns out that she's the 'man' for the job! Sparks (and sarcastic words) fly when these two butt heads, but it's all as they try to make sense of their world and where they are headed.
One item of note, though, was that while the first book regarded sin, temptation, and religion in much the same way that Tattered Innocence does, it is only in this, the second book, that we really get a heavy-handed dose of Christian morality. However, the relationships and the real moral and ethical implications behind the choices they make really allow for understanding and soul-searching on the part of the reader as well. So all in all, this could potentially be a truly emotional journey for the right kind of reader. The ocean scenery, from the beach and shack where we first meet Rachel and Jake to the turmoil and danger at sea in the hurricane, was lovely. Visuals were intense and dazzling and made me long for a trip to Florida to try to escape some of my own romantic problems!
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