Monday, February 15, 2016

Review of "Change of Heart" by Courtney Walsh

Evelyn and Christopher Brandt met in high school and eventually married. 10 years later, Christopher is arrested for embezzlement and Evelyn has no idea what is going on. As his crimes begin to be investigated it is soon discovered that he has been cheating on her for years, perhaps for their entire relationship. She starts to question if anything she believes is really true.

Trevor Whitney was also one of their high school classmates who has been in love with Evelyn for years. He is carrying tremendous guilt for even feeling this way, but it's compounded by the fact he knew Christopher was cheating and he remained silent.

I have such mixed emotions about this book. It's a standalone novel (but companion to her book Paper Hearts). Unfortunately some of the characterization simply did not ring true for me - but to be fair, I have never been married to a total narcissist or gotten a divorce. Her Senator husband was just an oddly developed character to me; I can usually find a shred of decency in a character, but he is completely awful - and so, it was difficult to process that she NEVER NOTICED ANYTHING.

Although I can't give this book rave reviews, I will have to suggest that you read it and decide for yourself. I was given a copy of this book by Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

Review of "Love, Lexi" by Sherry Kyle

Such a great idea, this book! It's a seamless combination of story/journal/bible verses/idea articulation assistance - this one truly has it all for the tween and teen!

From the story, Lexi is a seventh grader who is actively trying to find her way, both in her relationships with friends and family as well as God. She writes in her journal to tell God what happened that day. At the end of each chapter, there is a little love note from God with some relevant-to-what-happened-today verses. The author also includes a directed devotional section with room for the reader to write their own letter to God. They also help the reader to come full circle, ending each journal entry by asking them to write how God can resolve the challenge. There is also a "God, thank you for...." and "God, help me to..." that are relevant to that day's journal entry (both by Lexi and the reader.)

The story is great; the idea is interesting; it is well written and fun and poignant and touching all at once. On a personal note, the author had me at "....the grand prize (for a school fundraiser) is a limousine ride and a pizza lunch with up to three friends at Pizza My Heart." - which just happens to be my all time favorite pizza place! When I read that, I knew it was going to be good.....and I was right.

I was provided a free copy of this book by Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for my honest review which I have given here.