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3.54 AVERAGE
3.54 AVERAGE
Not a book to read if you're anti-faith, anti-religion or in a depressed state, but if you're none of those, it's a good book.
One thing that I hate (publishers, take note): DO NOT put a preview chapter of an unneeded sequel into an ARC. It does nothing for the book or the readers.
One thing that I hate (publishers, take note): DO NOT put a preview chapter of an unneeded sequel into an ARC. It does nothing for the book or the readers.
After reading this, I have to go and change my review of Miracle Girls. Because in that review I said that Miracle Girls was probably my favorite Christian-realistic fiction book. And now it isn't; now After the Leaves Fall is.
So now I will desperately try to write a review for this book, and most likely fail miserably, because it's hard to put into words what I liked so much about the story. Still, I'll try.
The emotions in this book were just so well written. I could really understand how the characters felt. Especially Julia, who was one of the most well-written characters I've come across in a while. She was so real. The author portrayed Julia's uncertainties, her relationships, her ambitions in such a genuine way.
The prose was absolutely beautiful. Sometimes Julia seemed older than her actual age, but it was still wonderful. I don't read many books that are composed this eloquently. Nicole Baart can write.
The ending was just as beautiful as the rest of the story. It was so wonderful to read about
And lastly, for everybody who thinks that all Christian Fiction is unbearably preachy, this book is not. In fact, for pretty much 90% of the book, the main character isn't even Christian.
After the Leaves Fall is an excellent story, and one of the best Christian Fiction books I've ever read. I loved every minute of it, and I look forward to reading more by Nicole Baart.
This review can be found on: http://myfullbookshelfreviews.blogspot.com/2013/07/review-after-leaves-fall.html
So now I will desperately try to write a review for this book, and most likely fail miserably, because it's hard to put into words what I liked so much about the story. Still, I'll try.
The emotions in this book were just so well written. I could really understand how the characters felt. Especially Julia, who was one of the most well-written characters I've come across in a while. She was so real. The author portrayed Julia's uncertainties, her relationships, her ambitions in such a genuine way.
The prose was absolutely beautiful. Sometimes Julia seemed older than her actual age, but it was still wonderful. I don't read many books that are composed this eloquently. Nicole Baart can write.
The ending was just as beautiful as the rest of the story. It was so wonderful to read about
Spoiler
Julia's love for her unborn child.And lastly, for everybody who thinks that all Christian Fiction is unbearably preachy, this book is not. In fact, for pretty much 90% of the book, the main character isn't even Christian.
After the Leaves Fall is an excellent story, and one of the best Christian Fiction books I've ever read. I loved every minute of it, and I look forward to reading more by Nicole Baart.
This review can be found on: http://myfullbookshelfreviews.blogspot.com/2013/07/review-after-leaves-fall.html
I loved this book and the main character. I didn't realize it was a Christian fiction book until I added it here on Goodreads, but the story and the prose had hooked me enough by then I was willing to give it a chance. Luckily, the book did not disappoint with a heavy-handed, didactic message. Quite the opposite, in fact. The story was genuine, and the anger and struggles of faith were the authentic struggles of everyone as they grow up. The Goddy part didn't come until the very end, and while it wasn't my favorite part, it worked with the story.
The prose was wonderful. A lot of the reviews of this book were critical of the heavy exposition, but that was what made me fall in love with it. It's pretty similar to the way I write too (maybe I'm just in love with myself, but I couldn't put this book down, and it's been quite a while since there was a book I did that with). I'm not sure when I downloaded this, but if I'd known it was Christian I probably never would've given it a chance. I'm sure glad I did, because it was fantastic.
The prose was wonderful. A lot of the reviews of this book were critical of the heavy exposition, but that was what made me fall in love with it. It's pretty similar to the way I write too (maybe I'm just in love with myself, but I couldn't put this book down, and it's been quite a while since there was a book I did that with). I'm not sure when I downloaded this, but if I'd known it was Christian I probably never would've given it a chance. I'm sure glad I did, because it was fantastic.
An entertaining read, although the end felt a bit rushed, leaving out many facets that would have bettered the story. Another few chapters at the end would have been nice too to help bring a satisfying conclusion to the book.
This book was mediocre at best. Several times throughout the novel I found myself complaining out loud about what was going on. First of all, why didn't she just take the money Parker gave her? Your pride is better than the necessities you could provide for your baby with the money? And why doesn't she get a job, either? All she does to be responsible for the baby is move back in with her grandma. How are you going to provide for this child?! I also found it unrealistic that she got pregnant. It didn't seem to fit in with the storyline at all. The only part of the story I agree with is the girl coming to Christ at the end, but I felt the method to do that wasn't even good either.
Wow, I just didn't really connect with Julia or her problems. I got tired of hearing her complain. Every time she got a chance to create more drama in her life, she made the wrong choice. Every time she could have acted like a mature adult, she blew it. So don't care what happens to her.
This is the first in a trilogy that is reflective and sweet. Belonging to the genre, Christian fiction, it is surprisingly well written and not too "preachy". The main character is on a journey of self discovery and through various hardships, quite realistic, she comes to a place of understanding. This is a nice book to "unwind" with.
This book chronicles the journey of Julia DeSmit as she struggles to figure out her place in the world. She is not really sure of who she is and what she wants to do. Julia lives with her grandmother who has been raising her since her father passed away. Her mother left when she was 9 and as far as she is concerned she doesn't have to ever here from her again.
This story was kind of predictable in spots, but I still enjoyed reading it. I believe there are two sequels to this which I hope to read eventually. I thought that this was by a Christian author, but if that is true it is a very subtle influence in this particular story.
All in all it wasn't bad. Glad I took the time to read it.
This story was kind of predictable in spots, but I still enjoyed reading it. I believe there are two sequels to this which I hope to read eventually. I thought that this was by a Christian author, but if that is true it is a very subtle influence in this particular story.
All in all it wasn't bad. Glad I took the time to read it.