Book Review: First Date

Author: Krista McGee
Genre: Fiction, Young Adult, Christian
Release: January, 2012
Source: Netgalley
Rating: 4/5

Description: The last thing Addy Davidson wants is to be on a reality TV show where the prize is a prom date with the President's son.


She's focused on her schoolwork so she can get a scholarship to an Ivy League college, uncomfortable in the spotlight, never been on a date, and didn't even audition for it.


But she got selected anyway.


So she does her best to get eliminated on the very first show. Right before she realizes that the President's son is possibly the most attractive guy she has ever seen in person, surprisingly nice, and seemingly unimpressed by the 99 other girls who are throwing themselves at him.


Addy's totally out of her comfort zone but that may be right where God can show her all that she was meant to be.

Review:

Book Review: Addison Blakely: Confessions of a PK

Author: Betsy St. Amant
Genre: Young Adult, Christian, Fiction
Release: January, 2012
Source: Netgalley
Rating: 4/5

Description: Sixteen-year-old Addison Blakely has tireless played the role of PK—preacher’s kid—her entire life. But after Wes Keegan revs his motorcycle into town and into her heart, Addison begins to wonder how much of her faith is her own and how much has been handed to her. She isn’t so sure she wants to be the good girl anymore. Join Addison Blakely as she attempts to separate love from lust, facts from faith, and keep her head above water in her murky, fishbowl existence.

Review: As a PK (preacher's kid) myself, I so had to read this book. I'm glad I did as I enjoyed it.

WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE

• The good girl/bad boy theme has been done quite a bit. It works for this novel, but it would've been nice if Ms. St. Amant added her own twist to it.

WHAT I LIKED

• The book had a Christian theme to it, but it wasn't preachy at all. All teens, whether Christian or not, could read it without feeling like the author is trying to force religion on them.
• Teens, especially PKs, can relate to Addison. She's a preacher's kid, but she's not perfect. She struggles with her faith and how she should act and why she should act that way. Life is not all perfect for her.
• Addison's voice adds humor to the novel.
• I love her new best friend, Marta!

S is for...Southern Fried Sushi (Book Review)

Author: Jennifer Rogers Spinola
Genre: Fiction, Christian, Romance
Release: October, 2011
Source: Netgalley
Rating: 5/5

Description: Ride the rollercoaster of Shiloh Jacobs’s life as her dreams derail, sending her on a downward spiral from the heights of an AP job in Tokyo to penniless in rural Virginia. Trapped in a world so foreign to her sensibilities and surrounded by a quirky group of friends, will she break through her hardened prejudices before she loses those who want to help her? Can she find the key to what changed her estranged mother’s life so powerfully before her death that she became a different woman—and can it help Shiloh too?

Review: Shiloh Jacobs lives in Japan where she has the perfect life, perfect job, and perfect fiance. Sure she overspends to keep up an image, causing her to have stacks of credit card bills, but other than that, life is good. Until her mother back in the States dies and leaves her house to Shiloh. Shiloh was not close to her mother. At all. Yet, she goes to Staunton, Virginia to the funeral and to sell the house. While there, Shiloh loses both her job and fiance. Life couldn't get any worse. Only it does. Her hopes for a quick sale are dashed. God has funny ways of getting your attention and this is His way of getting Shiloh's. So now, Shiloh's stuck in Staunton, surrounded by her mom's friends, people Shiloh thinks are rednecks. What Shiloh doesn't realize is, these "rednecks" are teach her about true friendship, happiness, and most importantly, God's love.

WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE

• The beginning was a little slow. It picked up more after she receives the call about her mother's death.
• It was slightly stereotypical of the South, but not enough not to like the book.

WHAT I DID LIKE

• The cover and title immediately grabbed my attention! I mean, come on. "Southern Fried Sushi"...what a cool title. The cover is colorful and the mix of cultures is evident (Japanese dress & fan with cowboy boots).
• I loved Shiloh's character. Throughout the book, you see her growth and will be rooting for her by the end.
• The secondary characters are pretty awesome, too. They're well-rounded, three dimensional characters, just like Shiloh. Her mom's friends all have their little quirks that makes them endearing.
• The message of God and His love is written in the story without being too preachy. It's subtle, but...obvious. I know that's an oxymoron, but that's how I can describe it. It's not the "beat you with the Bible" type of message, but a "Let me tell you what God has done for me" type of message.
• I love that Shiloh did not automatically accept Christ. Had she immediately accepted Him, it wouldn't have been real. She struggled. Thought about it. Then struggled some more. It makes the book more authentic.
• There's a little romance in it, but that's not the focus. The focus is more on Shiloh and her growth as a person. But Ms. Spinola does add a splash of romance.

If you're into light-hearted books with a tiny splash of romance, Southern Fried Sushi is perfect. I am now reading the second book, Like Sweet Potato Pie (again with the cool titles), and I'm loving it so far. I'll definitely be on the lookout for book #3, Til Grits Do Us Part.

Inspirational Sunday

One of my favorite songs. It gives me goosebumps every time I hear it!

Inspirational Sunday

God is calling for His children to put EVERYTHING in His hands. I can tell you through experience, it's easier said than done. You want to hold on to certain things. Maybe it's because you have a hard time relinquishing control over to someone else, let alone a Being you can't even see. Or maybe it's because of fear that He'll let you down. Oh, but when you've given everything over to Him who knows & sees all...what a relief! What peace you get! What freedom you experience!

Once it's in His hands and you've decided to fully trust God to be God, you'll totally understand Philippians 4:6-8, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." The peace that surpasses all understanding: when all hell breaks loose in your life, and you're still calm, smiling, and keeping a positive attitude...it's that kind of peace; when bills are due and money is low, but you're not worried...it's that kind of peace; when you have NO idea where God is gonna lead you or what "crazy" thing He may have you doing, but you trust Him enough to know He's got your back...it's that kind of peace.
I've given Him my all...will YOU?

ARC Review: God's Answers 4 UR Life

Author: Steve Russo

Genre: Christian, Nonfiction, Young Adult

Release: April, 2011

Source: Netgalley

Rating: 5/5

Description: Searching for real answers about life—helpful answers that you can really trust? God’s Answers 4 UR Life responds to 125 everyday life issues from popular Bible versions. With relevant topics that include body mod, consequences, depression, eating disorders, music, purpose, and more, you’ll find just the answers you’re seeking as well as relevant life application sections written by popular youth speaker and ministry leader Steve Russo.

Review: I enjoyed reading God's Answers 4 UR Life. Each topic is alphabetized, which makes it easier to find. Each topic is short and sweet with simple language...language that won't go over the head of the youth reading it. Mr. Russo adds what he thinks on the topic (without being too preachy or judgmental) then adds what God has to say through scriptures. Although it's geared more towards youth, anyone can benefit from reading it, no matter where you are in your spiritual walk.