Friday, September 9, 2016
ALWAYS WITH YOU by ELAINE STOCK
Everyday in the news we hear of gangs and secret sects being formed. Why is it easy to get young people to join these groups? Perhaps it is as simple as their desire to be loved and wanted. We all want to be accepted and live in a family that is nurturing and loving. Not all of us are lucky to have that environment and the consequences can be devastating .
Isabelle seemed to have it all. Her father was very strict and demanding at times, but wanted the best for his daughter. He wants to dictate Isabelle's every move and that causes her to be a bit rebellious. Her grandmother is not any better with her harsh tones and opinions that are hurtful and unfounded. What she lacks in her home is security and love. Isabelle wants to belong , to feel appreciated and above all loved. Tyler comes to her rescue and she sees him as her knight in shining armour. He has rescued her from a group of boys who were out to harm her. Tyler seems to be a decent guy and Isabelle is thankful he was there to help her.
Tyler and Isabelle's relationship is quick to develop and it suddenly turns into a marriage. I thought it seemed rushed at first but the author does an exceptional job of showing the emotions Isabelle had to want someone to love her and keep her safe. She had this fairy tale dream of a perfect husband with beautiful children where they live happily ever after. Isabelle is in for a shock as time goes on. She knows that Tyler belongs to a group called The Faithful. This group seems to be exactly what Isabelle is looking for. I really liked how the group didn't quite welcome her with open arms like she envisioned. After all, she needed to prove she could be trusted . But when dark secrets arise, Isabelle know she has made a grave mistake.
The story deals with a very emotional subject about racism . The author really did an amazing job of describing what a religious cult is and the power the leader, Thomas had over his followers. I was on the edge of my seat as things started to crumble around Isabelle's world. When death and hatred arises all around her she starts to wonder why she so willingly married Tyler. She loves her husband, but fears that he has been lying to her about The Faithful. I could feel the fear in Isabelle as she discovers the truth behind The Faithful. Will she try to escape from the cult? Can she trust anyone to save her? Is it possible to ever escape from a cult that is filled with hate and revenge?
The book is very explosive and deals with racism, hatred, manipulation, lies and fear. Throughout the book the author does a great job of exploring the background of Isabelle's heritage. It made her grieve to learn of her ancestors that were involved in terrible crimes that led to torture. It is at times hard to read the book as I felt Isabelle's despair and her need to know who the true God is. I loved how the author showed readers that there is hope, forgiveness, and above all a loving God that loves us unconditionally.
The book is must read which delves into the secret world of hate groups. I really though the author wrote a very emotional story that could draw kids in just by making them believe lies. The brainwashing was evident in the story and showed how easily a trap can be set to get new members. The ending is a true surprise and one that brought the writing to a depth of realism.
I received a digital copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.,
Isabelle seemed to have it all. Her father was very strict and demanding at times, but wanted the best for his daughter. He wants to dictate Isabelle's every move and that causes her to be a bit rebellious. Her grandmother is not any better with her harsh tones and opinions that are hurtful and unfounded. What she lacks in her home is security and love. Isabelle wants to belong , to feel appreciated and above all loved. Tyler comes to her rescue and she sees him as her knight in shining armour. He has rescued her from a group of boys who were out to harm her. Tyler seems to be a decent guy and Isabelle is thankful he was there to help her.
Tyler and Isabelle's relationship is quick to develop and it suddenly turns into a marriage. I thought it seemed rushed at first but the author does an exceptional job of showing the emotions Isabelle had to want someone to love her and keep her safe. She had this fairy tale dream of a perfect husband with beautiful children where they live happily ever after. Isabelle is in for a shock as time goes on. She knows that Tyler belongs to a group called The Faithful. This group seems to be exactly what Isabelle is looking for. I really liked how the group didn't quite welcome her with open arms like she envisioned. After all, she needed to prove she could be trusted . But when dark secrets arise, Isabelle know she has made a grave mistake.
The story deals with a very emotional subject about racism . The author really did an amazing job of describing what a religious cult is and the power the leader, Thomas had over his followers. I was on the edge of my seat as things started to crumble around Isabelle's world. When death and hatred arises all around her she starts to wonder why she so willingly married Tyler. She loves her husband, but fears that he has been lying to her about The Faithful. I could feel the fear in Isabelle as she discovers the truth behind The Faithful. Will she try to escape from the cult? Can she trust anyone to save her? Is it possible to ever escape from a cult that is filled with hate and revenge?
The book is very explosive and deals with racism, hatred, manipulation, lies and fear. Throughout the book the author does a great job of exploring the background of Isabelle's heritage. It made her grieve to learn of her ancestors that were involved in terrible crimes that led to torture. It is at times hard to read the book as I felt Isabelle's despair and her need to know who the true God is. I loved how the author showed readers that there is hope, forgiveness, and above all a loving God that loves us unconditionally.
The book is must read which delves into the secret world of hate groups. I really though the author wrote a very emotional story that could draw kids in just by making them believe lies. The brainwashing was evident in the story and showed how easily a trap can be set to get new members. The ending is a true surprise and one that brought the writing to a depth of realism.
I received a digital copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.,
Thursday, September 8, 2016
THE REASON by WILLIAM SIRLS
I have always heard "There is a reason why things happen." I have often wondered will I ever find out what that reason is? Will I understand why it happened? In this book there are several characters that will ask those questions. I loved each character and thought the author represented a good array of problems they had, and took us on a journey that is unforgettable.
There is a cross in front of a church that has been damaged. It sure doesn't seem like it is even repairable but a group gets together to find a way to repair it. A carpenter named Kenneth agrees to fix it and the townspeople are amazed at how beautiful the new cross is. It seemed impossible to fix, but before their eyes it transformed into a cross that brought tears to people's eyes.
It's hard not to tell more about this book, but to do that I would ruin the story. I can say that I cried many a tear during this book. The story is about several people and their test of faith. We sometimes say "Why God, why me?" or "I had faith but you didn't answer my prayer. " Through this story I found myself identifying with some of the characters. Do I have enough faith ? I say I trust God, but do I really? There is nothing more powerful than to witness a miracle . I have heard of the pastor who had lost his voice for years, then one day as he was asked to do a bible class, his hoarse , very hard to here voice suddenly was restored. Yes that was a true miracle and as you read this book you will read about miracles. You will also experience the despair of a mother, the hope of a doctor and the undeniable faith of a pastor.
I loved the character Kenneth and how he was able to lead people to the truth and talk to them through scriptures. Who is Kenneth? Could he be an angel sent by God to share faith with people, let them know that they could have a true relationship with God, or is he Jesus himself? The book is very well written and the emotions run strong throughout the story. Each character has a purpose in the story and I loved how the author weaved their story so closely with each other. Do you believe? Is your faith strong enough to believe in miracles and trust God?
I hope as you read this amazing book that you take your time, let the story touch your soul as you discover "The Reason."
"God doesn't have to prove anything to anyone."
I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.
There is a cross in front of a church that has been damaged. It sure doesn't seem like it is even repairable but a group gets together to find a way to repair it. A carpenter named Kenneth agrees to fix it and the townspeople are amazed at how beautiful the new cross is. It seemed impossible to fix, but before their eyes it transformed into a cross that brought tears to people's eyes.
It's hard not to tell more about this book, but to do that I would ruin the story. I can say that I cried many a tear during this book. The story is about several people and their test of faith. We sometimes say "Why God, why me?" or "I had faith but you didn't answer my prayer. " Through this story I found myself identifying with some of the characters. Do I have enough faith ? I say I trust God, but do I really? There is nothing more powerful than to witness a miracle . I have heard of the pastor who had lost his voice for years, then one day as he was asked to do a bible class, his hoarse , very hard to here voice suddenly was restored. Yes that was a true miracle and as you read this book you will read about miracles. You will also experience the despair of a mother, the hope of a doctor and the undeniable faith of a pastor.
I loved the character Kenneth and how he was able to lead people to the truth and talk to them through scriptures. Who is Kenneth? Could he be an angel sent by God to share faith with people, let them know that they could have a true relationship with God, or is he Jesus himself? The book is very well written and the emotions run strong throughout the story. Each character has a purpose in the story and I loved how the author weaved their story so closely with each other. Do you believe? Is your faith strong enough to believe in miracles and trust God?
I hope as you read this amazing book that you take your time, let the story touch your soul as you discover "The Reason."
"God doesn't have to prove anything to anyone."
I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.
Tuesday, September 6, 2016
Pumpkins in Paradise
by Kathi Daley
… everything about fall in it all wrapped up with a mystery … Its a quick read too, but a very enjoyable one.
~A Chick Who Reads
~A Chick Who Reads
The mystery was very well plotted and truly was puzzling. I love the way the hidden clues were found and were not easy to solve.
~Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book
~Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book
I loved this book for several reasons…The characters are well done and easy to relate to, the setting in a small town with a resort by a mountain lake. You can’t ask for anything better.
~Sleuth Cafe
~Sleuth Cafe
The characters are fun and the author keeps you held into the story from the very first page.
~Shelley’s Book Case
~Shelley’s Book Case
I enjoyed the setting and the characters and solving puzzles which occur throughout the book.
~Laura’s Interests
~Laura’s Interests
Pumpkins in Paradise (A Tj Jensen Mystery Book 1)
Paperback: 268 pages
Publisher: Henery Press; Second edition (September 6, 2016)
ISBN-13: 978-1635110890
E-Book ASIN: B01GQPYU8U
Paperback: 268 pages
Publisher: Henery Press; Second edition (September 6, 2016)
ISBN-13: 978-1635110890
E-Book ASIN: B01GQPYU8U
Synopsis
Between volunteering for the annual pumpkin festival and coaching her girls to the state soccer finals, high school teacher Tj Jensen finds her good friend Zachary Collins dead in his favorite chair. When the handsome new deputy closes the case without so much as a “why” or “how,” Tj turns her attention from chili cook-offs and pumpkin carving to complex puzzles, prophetic riddles, and a decades-old secret she seems destined to unravel.
If you have not read a book from this author, you are really missing out on great stories that captivate an audience with words that dance across the pages with adventure. I love how the author develops her characters so well and gives them personalities we can all relate to. Her descriptions of the area that the story takes place in makes you feel very welcoming.
This book is the first in an exciting series where we meet Tj Jensen. Tj is a very responsible and caring person. She has a big heart for children which makes her job as a high school PE coach perfect for her. The town is so quaint and is decorated for the fall. I could picture pumpkins gracing the storefronts and festive decorations that add to the excitement of fall.
Because of an unexpected tragedy , Tj is now caring for her two half-sisters. They all live together with her father and grandfather in a resort they run. I love the relationship the family has and the author did a great job of showing how family comes together in a tragedy.
Being back in her hometown, Tj will run into old friends and perhaps find a new person that will help her get out more. She seems to stay busy with work and family which leaves little time for herself. What happens when an old friend of Tj is found dead? Will she help with the investigation or get in the way? Tj's old friend had many secrets that will change lives and it was enduring to see how much compassion Tj had for him. I felt so sad knowing that this person was almost forgotten about in the town and had little friends or family to visit him. I loved the way the story flowed so easily and gave readers many twists that keeps you glued to the book. I loved reading how the suspect gets narrowed down by brilliant writing and intriguing facts. I was very surprised by who it was and the ending is a great suspenseful whodunit.
Don't miss this great introduction to the Tj Jensen Mystery Series. It is a good cozy mystery that has intrigue, secrets, and a town full of interesting characters. It's time to get comfy and read a book that you will not be able to put down. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
I received a copy of this book from Great Escapes Book Tours for an honest review.
Henery Press is releasing the 1st 6 books in this series on September 6, 2016
Snowmen in Paradise (A Tj Jensen Mystery Book 2)
Winter Carnival comes to Serenity, and with it Tj finds her schedule busier than ever. Not only is her ski and snowboard team heavily involved in demonstrations and local competitions, but her ragtag choir is about to debut in their first live performance. To make matters even more complicated, someone has killed Travis Davidson, a town favorite son, world-class snowboarder, and Olympic hopeful. Tj is determined not to get involved in the subsequent investigation until she learns the prime suspect is Chelsea Hanson, high-school boyfriend Hunter Hanson’s sister.
Winter Carnival comes to Serenity, and with it Tj finds her schedule busier than ever. Not only is her ski and snowboard team heavily involved in demonstrations and local competitions, but her ragtag choir is about to debut in their first live performance. To make matters even more complicated, someone has killed Travis Davidson, a town favorite son, world-class snowboarder, and Olympic hopeful. Tj is determined not to get involved in the subsequent investigation until she learns the prime suspect is Chelsea Hanson, high-school boyfriend Hunter Hanson’s sister.
Although there’s no shortage of Sereninites with a grudge against the hometown hero, even Tj has to admit there’s good cause to suspect Chelsea of the murder. Balancing bridesmaid duties, Winter Carnival obligations, show choir duty, and after-hours investigation, Tj sets out to prove Chelsea innocent.
Bikinis in Paradise (A Tj Jensen Mystery Book 3)
When the Tropical Tan Corporation descends on Maggie’s Hideaway, the lakeside resort where Tj Jensen lives, she must juggle a bikini contest, a BBQ cook-off, a missing model, and a dead chaperone while her father is out of town. Lead Deputy Dylan Caine is on vacation while his sister is visiting, leaving Assistant Deputy Roy Fisher in charge. When Roy asks Tj for her help they find there may be more going on than anyone realized. With Kyle and Jenna’s help, they dig into the lives of those involved, only to find a mystery more complex than anything they could ever have imagined.
Christmas in Paradise (A Tj Jensen Mystery Book 4)
Christmas in Serenity is a magical time of year Tj has always looked forward to with happy anticipation. This year her holiday spirit is marred by the impending arrival of two new men in her life. When one of them ends up dead, Tj must juggle community plays, Christmas tree cuttings, sleigh rides, and holiday shopping with a complex murder investigation. As the facts begin to unravel, she realizes she may have to risk everything to save someone she loves.
Puppies in Paradise (A Tj Jensen Mystery Book 5)
When a friend of Tj’s is injured in a car accident during a blizzard, Tj takes responsibility for the litter of puppies left behind. Meanwhile, she works with Kyle, Jenna, and the gang to catch the person responsible for the death of a close family friend. When it turns out that the main suspects are also close to the Jensens, Tj must deal with one of the most difficult decisions she’s ever had to make.
In the midst of the annual Halloween frenzy, Tj finds herself pulled into a series of events at the high school where she works. Not only must she help one of the girls on her team deal with a case of cyberbullying, but she must help a student who has recently suffered a personal tragedy. And as if Tj wasn’t busy enough, in walks Samantha Colton, a reporter for Second Look, a television series that takes a look back at unsolved murders. This time the case is the death of a popular student after the homecoming dance ten years before. To make matters even worse—or maybe more convenient—the graduating class of the victim is in town for their ten-year reunion and all the suspects just happen to have converged on Serenity for the weekend. When Samantha turns up dead, Tj must track down someone who seems willing to kill again to keep their secret.
• TREASURE IN PARADISE (#7) April 2017
*Just click on Covers to order from Amazon
About the Author
Author of the Zoe Donovan cozy Mystery Series, Tj Jensen Paradise Lake Mystery series, Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Series, Sand and Sea Hawaiian Mysteries, and Seacliff High Teen Cozy Mystery Series.
Come for the murder, stay for the romance.
Kathi lives in the beautiful alpine community of Lake Tahoe with her husband Ken and dog Echo. When she’s not writing she enjoys hanging out on the beach with her children and grandchildren. During the summer she enjoys hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, wakeboarding, and sunset cruises on the lake. During the winter she enjoys cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and curling up by a fire with a good book.
Kathi uses her mountain home as inspiration for her books, all which include appearances by the wildlife she shares her life with.
Visit Kathi Daley:
Blog – http://kathidaleyblog.com
Facebook at Kathi Daley Books, www.facebook.com/kathidaleybooks
Kathi Daley Teen – www.facebook.com/kathidaleyteen
Kathi Daley Books Group Page – https://www.facebook.com/groups/569578823146850/
Kathi Daley Books Birthday Club- get a book on your birthday – https://www.facebook.com/groups/1040638412628912/
Kathi Daley Recipe Exchange – https://www.facebook.com/groups/752806778126428/
Webpage – www.kathidaley.com
Twitter at Kathi Daley@kathidaley – https://twitter.com/kathidaley
Tumblr – http://kathidaleybooks.tumblr.com/
Pinterest – http://www.pinterest.com/kathidaley/
PURCHASE LINKS – Amazon
PURCHASE LINKS – Amazon
Count Down to Paradise Launch Event - https://www.facebook.com/events/848072505336998/
Pumpkins in Paradise Book Club - https://www.facebook.com/events/1408072279209347/
Books in the Tj Jensen Mystery Series:
• PUMPKINS IN PARADISE 
(#1)
• SNOWMEN IN PARADISE
(#2)
• BIKINIS IN PARADISE
(#3)
• CHRISTMAS IN PARADISE
(#4)
• PUPPIES IN PARADISE
(#5)
• HALLOWEEN IN PARADISE
(#6)
• TREASURE IN PARADISE (#7) April 2017
(#1)• SNOWMEN IN PARADISE
(#2)• BIKINIS IN PARADISE
(#3)• CHRISTMAS IN PARADISE
(#4)• PUPPIES IN PARADISE
(#5)• HALLOWEEN IN PARADISE
(#6)• TREASURE IN PARADISE (#7) April 2017
Barnes and Noble
Books in the Tj Jensen Mystery Series:
• PUMPKINS IN PARADISE (#1)
• SNOWMEN IN PARADISE (#2)
• BIKINIS IN PARADISE (#3) link not up yet
• CHRISTMAS IN PARADISE (#4) link not up yet
• PUPPIES IN PARADISE (#5)
• HALLOWEEN IN PARADISE (#6)
• TREASURE IN PARADISE (#7) April 2017
Tour Participants
• SNOWMEN IN PARADISE (#2)
• BIKINIS IN PARADISE (#3) link not up yet
• CHRISTMAS IN PARADISE (#4) link not up yet
• PUPPIES IN PARADISE (#5)
• HALLOWEEN IN PARADISE (#6)
• TREASURE IN PARADISE (#7) April 2017
Tour Participants
August 31 – A Chick Who Reads – REVIEW
August 31 – Island Confidential – INTERVIEW
September 1 – Queen of All She Reads – GUEST POST
September 1 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW
September 2 – Sleuth Cafe – REVIEW
September 2 – Shelley’s Book Case – REVIEW
September 3 – Author Annette Drake’s Blog – INTERVIEW
September 3 – Laura’s Interests – REVIEW
September 4 – Ashleyz Wonderland – REVIEW
September 4 – 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, &, Sissy, Too! – SPOTLIGHT
September 5 – T’s Stuff – REVIEW
September 5 – Christa Reads and Writes – GUEST POST
September 5 – StoreyBook Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
September 6 – Brooke Blogs – REVIEW
September 6 – Texas Book-aholic – REVIEW
September 7 – The Girl with Book Lungs – REVIEW
September 7 – Community Bookstop – REVIEW
September 8 – A Holland Reads – GUEST POST
September 8 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
September 9 – Jersey Girl Book Reviews – REVIEW, GUEST POST
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Monday, September 5, 2016
SPIRITUAL STEPS ON THE ROAD TO SUCCESS by LINDA SEGER Th. D
I can remember when I was little all I could think about was growing up to be a teacher. I loved to learn and was always intrigued by the teachers. I thought they were so smart and I wanted to be just like them. Now that I am older I wonder if I really considered what my calling was? Did I get it right? Do I feel like I succeeded in life? I loved when the author said, " we can best find out what we're meant to do when we grow up by looking at what we loved to do when we were young." The two things I loved as a child were reading and wanting to teach. I was a librarian for fifteen years and loved every minute I was at the library. I wasn't the "traditional" teacher in a classroom but I have been a Children's Pastor for many years. My vision was much smaller than God's. I had the honor of teaching many children each Sunday.
In the book the author shares many testimonies from businessmen to actors of how they recognized their calling in life. I did like the example Denzil Washington shared. He says, "I understand that what I've been blessed to do is a part of God's plan." He starts and ends each day with prayer. When you know without a doubt what your calling is, you want to honor God as you walk in your destiny. We sometimes rush into something thinking this is exactly what I'm called to do. However we may not have heard correctly and it could be our flesh rushing in the wrong direction. The hardest thing to do is wait. We need to sit quietly, listen to His voice and He will direct us. To have patience is never easy.
The book really made me take a second look at other jobs that people have. They may not think they have important jobs, but what would we do if there was no one to wait on us at a fast food restaurant or the customer service person at a store eagerly willing to solve our problem. Each job is important and brings different things to help each other. I appreciate the warm smile as I'm getting checked out at the grocery store or a greeting from the teller at the bank.
Each chapter discusses a topic that is explained with examples and at the end of each chapter is questions which I really enjoyed and scriptures to look up . It helped me understand the chapter better and gave me a deeper sense of the subject. One of the chapters I really enjoyed was on the Seven Deadly Sins. They sure try to sneak in when we are successful and "although they'll be happy to play with anyone, they particularly love those with power." Which deadly sin would you have the most trouble with? I found the chapter to be powerful and inspiring.
Overall the book is very well written and is a great tool to use as you find your calling and become successful. I did think about the word successful the entire time I read the book. For me, my success is that I never gave up, I went through trials, and I'm happy with the things I achieved while working as a librarian and Children's pastor.
"We are out in this earth partly to help people and things grow. We prepare the soil, we plant our seeds , we hope we are in tune with the Holy Spirit and that the Light comes to nurture our work. "
I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.
In the book the author shares many testimonies from businessmen to actors of how they recognized their calling in life. I did like the example Denzil Washington shared. He says, "I understand that what I've been blessed to do is a part of God's plan." He starts and ends each day with prayer. When you know without a doubt what your calling is, you want to honor God as you walk in your destiny. We sometimes rush into something thinking this is exactly what I'm called to do. However we may not have heard correctly and it could be our flesh rushing in the wrong direction. The hardest thing to do is wait. We need to sit quietly, listen to His voice and He will direct us. To have patience is never easy.
The book really made me take a second look at other jobs that people have. They may not think they have important jobs, but what would we do if there was no one to wait on us at a fast food restaurant or the customer service person at a store eagerly willing to solve our problem. Each job is important and brings different things to help each other. I appreciate the warm smile as I'm getting checked out at the grocery store or a greeting from the teller at the bank.
Each chapter discusses a topic that is explained with examples and at the end of each chapter is questions which I really enjoyed and scriptures to look up . It helped me understand the chapter better and gave me a deeper sense of the subject. One of the chapters I really enjoyed was on the Seven Deadly Sins. They sure try to sneak in when we are successful and "although they'll be happy to play with anyone, they particularly love those with power." Which deadly sin would you have the most trouble with? I found the chapter to be powerful and inspiring.
Overall the book is very well written and is a great tool to use as you find your calling and become successful. I did think about the word successful the entire time I read the book. For me, my success is that I never gave up, I went through trials, and I'm happy with the things I achieved while working as a librarian and Children's pastor.
"We are out in this earth partly to help people and things grow. We prepare the soil, we plant our seeds , we hope we are in tune with the Holy Spirit and that the Light comes to nurture our work. "
I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.
THE PROMISE OF JESSE WOODS by CHRIS FABRY
If I could give this book ten stars I would. The writing is extremely beautiful and the story captivates an audience right from the beginning page. It will leave you wanting more. Be prepared for the ending, because it is a tear jerker.
The story takes place between 1972-1984. An unlikely friendship has developed between Matt, the new kid , Dickie, an African American boy and Jesse the girl from the wrong side of the tracks. Matt is a likeable kid and is trying to fit in at a new school and finds it hard to do at tines. His character is one that you want to be friends with because you know he is going to have a hard time making lasting friends. He is kinda chubby and of course other kids use that to make him feel self conscious . He has a great quality that a lot of people lack. He is a true friend to the end and he keeps his promises. He is also know as PK. I was a PK Aldo and know how hard it can be at times to have a dad who is a preacher.
The story follows the trio as they go through some tough times growing up. I have to say that Jesse was my favorite character. She is a tough as nails girl who ferociously protects her little sister. She has made a promise to her mother. What promise did she make? Does she keep her promise or forget about as she gets older? I loved that she never backed down from a fight and would do anything for you if you were her friend. She was made fun of because she was poor . She acted like it didn't bother her, but deep down her heart was broken. It's hard to feel unwanted and to alone in the world.
Dickie is a great kid but has to deal with his dad being away serving in the Vietnam War. Dickie misses his dad and is so proud of his patriotism. I loved the friendship between Dickie and Matt. Dickie has this wonderful saying that he tells everyone. "I'm looking for a breakthrough. " Does he ever find his breakthrough" Matt and Dickie seemed to be inseparable until a secret is revealed that causes their friendship to end. What secret destroyed their friendship? Will Dickie ever forgive Matt?
I loved the story that flowed with ease and kept me glued to the pages as Matt's life is told with humor, sadness, and promises. The story is emotional at times and I became attached to the characters. The blooming attraction between Jesse and Matt is sweet and a wonderful coming of age story. This is one story you will never forget. Why does Matt come back after all these years to his hometown? How important is it to keep a promise?
"Man looks on the outside but God looks at the heart."
"If you can't keep a promise, what can you keep?"
I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.
The story takes place between 1972-1984. An unlikely friendship has developed between Matt, the new kid , Dickie, an African American boy and Jesse the girl from the wrong side of the tracks. Matt is a likeable kid and is trying to fit in at a new school and finds it hard to do at tines. His character is one that you want to be friends with because you know he is going to have a hard time making lasting friends. He is kinda chubby and of course other kids use that to make him feel self conscious . He has a great quality that a lot of people lack. He is a true friend to the end and he keeps his promises. He is also know as PK. I was a PK Aldo and know how hard it can be at times to have a dad who is a preacher.
The story follows the trio as they go through some tough times growing up. I have to say that Jesse was my favorite character. She is a tough as nails girl who ferociously protects her little sister. She has made a promise to her mother. What promise did she make? Does she keep her promise or forget about as she gets older? I loved that she never backed down from a fight and would do anything for you if you were her friend. She was made fun of because she was poor . She acted like it didn't bother her, but deep down her heart was broken. It's hard to feel unwanted and to alone in the world.
Dickie is a great kid but has to deal with his dad being away serving in the Vietnam War. Dickie misses his dad and is so proud of his patriotism. I loved the friendship between Dickie and Matt. Dickie has this wonderful saying that he tells everyone. "I'm looking for a breakthrough. " Does he ever find his breakthrough" Matt and Dickie seemed to be inseparable until a secret is revealed that causes their friendship to end. What secret destroyed their friendship? Will Dickie ever forgive Matt?
I loved the story that flowed with ease and kept me glued to the pages as Matt's life is told with humor, sadness, and promises. The story is emotional at times and I became attached to the characters. The blooming attraction between Jesse and Matt is sweet and a wonderful coming of age story. This is one story you will never forget. Why does Matt come back after all these years to his hometown? How important is it to keep a promise?
"Man looks on the outside but God looks at the heart."
"If you can't keep a promise, what can you keep?"
I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.
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