mechapman80's review
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
0.5
stacyculler's review
4.0
I read several books in this series and really like Karen Kingsbury as a Christian author.
thatisagreatread's review
4.0
I had my doubts in the beginning, but was pleasantly surprised at how much I actually enjoyed this first book. Then again, I loved reading the Twilight Series and these books are similar....with a Christian spin to them. The character development was excellent and the books are a quick read (again, similar to Twilight). Just like Twilight, the first 150 pages are spent introducing you to each of the characters, but once you get past all the "introductions" and get into the story, the story is actually quite intriguing....making you want to quickly get to the end and pick up the next book in the series. The story, while sometimes somewhat predictable, still sucked me in and I found myself crying through several chapters.
I will say this: these books are not for those who are skeptical or critical about Christianity. If you are like this, or just a literature snob in general, don't even bother reading them. You will be disappointed.
I will say this: these books are not for those who are skeptical or critical about Christianity. If you are like this, or just a literature snob in general, don't even bother reading them. You will be disappointed.
abigailkayharris's review
4.0
This is my least favorite book by Kingsbury . . . But it isn’t her fault, I just didn’t love the themes of the plot. It was a good story of redemption though I feel that that it ended too easily with the murder just because one of the characters was in love with another person – their high school crush even. sighs I didn’t like it but otherwise, it was pretty good through better for 17/19 up and I’m only giving 2 and 1/2 stars. Not a favorite but it was all right, I guess.
stepgg's review
I was quite disappointed by this book. it wasn't a bad book persay but after reading Karen's Oceans Apart, I had high expectations of this book. I found it to be lacking a good story, and could have used some more. maybe part of the problem was I just got angry withthe characters n thought they were being dumb. I did not care for tims character. I also find it hard to agree with taking someone back after an affair so maybe that was part of my problem. I shall try the next one and hope it is better
cadie_quick's review
5.0
This book!!!!!!! AAHHHHHH! I can’t even form proper sentences. I fell in love with these characters. I didn’t want it to end.
mswrightwright's review
5.0
A wonderful read with a great lesson on listening to God and forgiveness.
basicbsguide's review
3.0
I'd give this 3.5 stars. I enjoyed the story and it was a pretty quick read. I had a bit of a hard time when the characters would recall bible verses or hear God talk to them. Seemed a bit much for me. I have had friends that seem like the Baxter family though (Sandy-EDS). I appreciated Kari's strength and courage. So many people would chose the easy way out and she didn't. A good story of redemption and forgiveness. Heartbreaking in the end.
prose_mortem's review
1.0
This whole series is christian propaganda/purity culture brainwashing. If you're a christian reader, you'll definitely be entertained by the massive family expansion over the years that this series covers as well as the drama, but the message is toxic and harmful. Especially all the purity craziness in Bailey's story later down the road.