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3.51 AVERAGE
3.51 AVERAGE
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I am not really into the Amish Fiction thing, but having read another Melody Carlson book that had to do with the Amish, I figured I'd give this one a try. I had liked the first one, so I assumed this one would be at least okay too. I SHOULD NOT HAVE DONE THAT.
There are a ton of problems with this book; characters, plot, themes...it was a struggle to read.
First off, none of the characters are likeable. Well, I take that back. Zach's sister was likeable, though not all that exciting as a character. But aside from her, I didn't like any single character in the book.
First, we have Micah. Her problem is that she comes off as a bit stupid. First off, her plan that she hatches in the beginning of the book to dress up as a boy to meet Zach was horrible. Why would you do that. Why. She ended up causing only more trouble for herself. Then, just because she finds Zach a wee bit attractive, she starts wondering what would happen if he asked her to marry him. She also wishes to be Amish just so Zach would be attracted to her. Honey, no. First off, you've known this guy for like a week. Second off, becoming Amish for a guy...that's a recipe for disaster.
Zach's mother is a total witch. She insults Micah every other sentence of the book and just seems bitter overall. I almost felt sorry for Micah, because even though she wasn't the smartest, she really did try to get this vindictive woman to like her. Zach's father wasn't much better. He was portrayed as very stuck in his ways.
Enter Rachel. She is very snarky, and painted as trying too hard to win Zach's love. She didn't seem to like Micah very much, but when you are a star baker/cook and you meet a girl who literally thinks creaming the ingredients means you put cream in them I suppose I could see why you don't like her, let alone the fact that she's crushing on the guy you want.
The plot seemed very boring. Micah tried to leave that Amish farm at least twice, and somehow just kept coming back to lengthen interactions between her and Zach, it seemed, and it annoyed me.
Plus, almost all Amish people in this book were seen as judgemental and stuck in their ways. I felt like it was a bit dangerous, and I assume that was not the author's attention, but there were very few positively portrayed Amish.
I really did not care for this book. There were no redeeming qualities in it; the characters were the low point of this book for me, but the other factors weren't great either. Considering I've read books by Melody Carlson before that I've liked, I won't write her off as an author I'll read, but I don't think I'll be reading more of her Amish fiction books. Or anyone's Amish fiction books for that matter.
I am not really into the Amish Fiction thing, but having read another Melody Carlson book that had to do with the Amish, I figured I'd give this one a try. I had liked the first one, so I assumed this one would be at least okay too. I SHOULD NOT HAVE DONE THAT.
There are a ton of problems with this book; characters, plot, themes...it was a struggle to read.
First off, none of the characters are likeable. Well, I take that back. Zach's sister was likeable, though not all that exciting as a character. But aside from her, I didn't like any single character in the book.
First, we have Micah. Her problem is that she comes off as a bit stupid. First off, her plan that she hatches in the beginning of the book to dress up as a boy to meet Zach was horrible. Why would you do that. Why. She ended up causing only more trouble for herself. Then, just because she finds Zach a wee bit attractive, she starts wondering what would happen if he asked her to marry him. She also wishes to be Amish just so Zach would be attracted to her. Honey, no. First off, you've known this guy for like a week. Second off, becoming Amish for a guy...that's a recipe for disaster.
Zach's mother is a total witch. She insults Micah every other sentence of the book and just seems bitter overall. I almost felt sorry for Micah, because even though she wasn't the smartest, she really did try to get this vindictive woman to like her. Zach's father wasn't much better. He was portrayed as very stuck in his ways.
Enter Rachel. She is very snarky, and painted as trying too hard to win Zach's love. She didn't seem to like Micah very much, but when you are a star baker/cook and you meet a girl who literally thinks creaming the ingredients means you put cream in them I suppose I could see why you don't like her, let alone the fact that she's crushing on the guy you want.
The plot seemed very boring. Micah tried to leave that Amish farm at least twice, and somehow just kept coming back to lengthen interactions between her and Zach, it seemed, and it annoyed me.
Plus, almost all Amish people in this book were seen as judgemental and stuck in their ways. I felt like it was a bit dangerous, and I assume that was not the author's attention, but there were very few positively portrayed Amish.
I really did not care for this book. There were no redeeming qualities in it; the characters were the low point of this book for me, but the other factors weren't great either. Considering I've read books by Melody Carlson before that I've liked, I won't write her off as an author I'll read, but I don't think I'll be reading more of her Amish fiction books. Or anyone's Amish fiction books for that matter.
A sweet YA story about friendship, secrets and following your heart. The Christian element isn't preachy and the book makes a good point about how focused on mobile phones people are in today's society. There is a very chaste romantic feel to the story but it is more about coming of age self discovery. I found the characters likable and was drawn into the story.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Trading Secrets is a fun story that shows life in two different worlds--English and Amish. Micah and Zach have been pen pals for years, but there's a catch. Zach thinks Micah is a boy! When she goes to visit his family's farm for Spring Break, things get interesting. I really enjoyed this story by Melody Carlson. Once again, she nails the teen perspective. Without giving away any spoilers, I'll just say I appreciated the twist in the book. It gives the story another dimension. This is the first of Carlson's Amish crossover novels I've read, but I look forward to reading the others. Trading Secrets is for fans of YA Inspirational Fiction. It will make a great Christmas gift for teen girls who love to read!
(I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)
(I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)
Love it or loathe it, the Amish genre has been a mainstay of Christian fiction for several years. In Trading Secrets, Melody Carlson offers a different take on the genre.
Trading Secrets is a pretty unique entry in the YA scene, combining teen drama with the Amish lifestyle. Micah's trip to "Amishland" (as her best friend calls it) provides some humorous and touching moments, but I thought the book really took off upon Micah's return home. Zach's confusion about his own future as he contemplated leaving the Amish seemed especially realistic to me, and I appreciated that Carlson didn't romanticize the Amish life, but she didn't condemn it, either.
A few things did stretch credulity, such as the events surrounding Micah's arrival at the farm and Zach's education. I also wondered what parent would allow his daughter to board a bus and travel alone to stay with a male pen pal—even an Amish one.
Those criticisms aside, Trading Secrets is an enjoyable and clean YA novel, and I think many teen girls will really like it.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell through the Revell Reads program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Trading Secrets is a pretty unique entry in the YA scene, combining teen drama with the Amish lifestyle. Micah's trip to "Amishland" (as her best friend calls it) provides some humorous and touching moments, but I thought the book really took off upon Micah's return home. Zach's confusion about his own future as he contemplated leaving the Amish seemed especially realistic to me, and I appreciated that Carlson didn't romanticize the Amish life, but she didn't condemn it, either.
A few things did stretch credulity, such as the events surrounding Micah's arrival at the farm and Zach's education. I also wondered what parent would allow his daughter to board a bus and travel alone to stay with a male pen pal—even an Amish one.
Those criticisms aside, Trading Secrets is an enjoyable and clean YA novel, and I think many teen girls will really like it.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell through the Revell Reads program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
I don't normally pick up young adult books when I visit the Christian book section, but I'm considering making room on my shelves after having had such a great experience with the books I've read this year. Since Amish stories are my guilty pleasures, I thought I'd give Trading Secrets, teen fiction set in Ohio, a go. While not a must-read, it's still a cute story of faith and friendship.
Micah Night has been a pen pal to Amish boy Zach Miller since elementary school with no problems. When plans are made for the two to finally meet there's just one thing that Micah is worried about - that Zach won't want to be friends when he finds out she's a girl! Following the awkward first meeting, what ensues Micah couldn't have imagined.
While Trading Secrets is definitely not what I'm used to reading in the young adult fiction genre, I thought it was adorable. Sure, there are parts that are completely unbelievable, did she really have to explain race to Zach and did her dad really agree to fly a boy away from his family on a whim? but the overall story was sweet. I love the fact that this story is centered around friendship between a boy and a girl and not some insane romance. Don't get me wrong, I love a crazy romance as much as the next person, but it's nice to see things toned down. That said, I do want to know what happens next in their story. Carlson definitely leaves room for more. If you're looking for a clean story for your kids or just a short and sweet story for yourself, this is a nice book. If it weren't for the rushed ending and loose ends, I really think I would have given this book 4 or 5 stars.
~ My Rating: 3 out of 5 stars ~
*I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.*
Micah Night has been a pen pal to Amish boy Zach Miller since elementary school with no problems. When plans are made for the two to finally meet there's just one thing that Micah is worried about - that Zach won't want to be friends when he finds out she's a girl! Following the awkward first meeting, what ensues Micah couldn't have imagined.
While Trading Secrets is definitely not what I'm used to reading in the young adult fiction genre, I thought it was adorable. Sure, there are parts that are completely unbelievable, did she really have to explain race to Zach and did her dad really agree to fly a boy away from his family on a whim? but the overall story was sweet. I love the fact that this story is centered around friendship between a boy and a girl and not some insane romance. Don't get me wrong, I love a crazy romance as much as the next person, but it's nice to see things toned down. That said, I do want to know what happens next in their story. Carlson definitely leaves room for more. If you're looking for a clean story for your kids or just a short and sweet story for yourself, this is a nice book. If it weren't for the rushed ending and loose ends, I really think I would have given this book 4 or 5 stars.
~ My Rating: 3 out of 5 stars ~
*I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.*
Awesome
I have read a few of this author's other books, including her other Amish books. I am never disappointed! Her realistic characters and situations make me want to laugh and cry right along with them. I love how Melody doesn't center the books around romance, as many Amish authors do, but instead around friendship. Loved this and would recommend it to everyone!
I have read a few of this author's other books, including her other Amish books. I am never disappointed! Her realistic characters and situations make me want to laugh and cry right along with them. I love how Melody doesn't center the books around romance, as many Amish authors do, but instead around friendship. Loved this and would recommend it to everyone!
This is a sweet story, but I couldn't help but compare the writing style to the old Sweet Valley High books written more for tweens than young adults. Of course there are circumstances in the book that seem unrealistic, but don't all fictional books have those? It was more about the flow of the writing. Almost like the sentences were very terse and to the point. There's not anything wrong with that, it just seemed to be for the younger end of the YA crowd.
This book can definitely fill a purpose. Some YA romantic type books are a bit too risqué for the under 15 set. This is a sweet and VERY innocent romance so it's a book parents can feel okay with their teens reading.
This book can definitely fill a purpose. Some YA romantic type books are a bit too risqué for the under 15 set. This is a sweet and VERY innocent romance so it's a book parents can feel okay with their teens reading.
About this book:
“The truth may set you free—but it might also land you in some uncomfortably hot water.
Over the years, Micah Knight has exchanged many letters—and many secrets—with her longtime Amish pen pal, Zach. But Micah’s kept quiet on the secret of all—that fact that despite her name, she’s a girl.
Now Micah finally has the chance to meet her pen pal face-to-face. She wants nothing more than to experience life on Zach’s Amish farm, but she’s more than a little anxious. Will he be angry at her for deceiving him all these years? And will she risk losing his friendship to find something more?”
Series: As of now, no. {But there needs to be a sequel!}
Spiritual Content- Mentions of Zach witnessing to Micah in their letters; Bible reading; Mentions of Church going; Talks about God (but the ‘H’s aren’t capital); Prayers; Mentions of Scriptures;
*Note: A kitchen is described as “h*ll’s kitchen”; “Amish goddess” is said.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘crud’, a ‘darned’, two ‘dumb’s, two ‘idiot’s, two ‘skanky’s, three ‘wimpy’s, seven ‘stupid’s; Two Mentions of two hurt animals (that are okay now); A foal is born & then vet stuff (gross; boarder-line barely-above-not-detailed and semi-detailed); A dog is hit by a car (but is okay; blood; boarder-line barely-above-not-detailed and semi-detailed).
*Note: Lizzie names her cat Bella & Micah calls her a Tw*light freak.
Sexual Content- two ‘hot’s and five ‘hottie’s; Mentions of crushes & if Micah likes Zach; Micah wears two sport bras under her clothing; Katy pulls out Micah’s undies and says they’re so small (“How can they fit you?”); Jealousy; Rachel flirts; Mentions of a girl kissing a boy.
-Micah Knight
First person P.O.V. of Micah
278 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- Two Stars
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Four Stars
I’ve enjoyed Melody Carlson’s other Amish teen books. “Trading Secrets” was interesting & I’d like to see a squeal! I really can’t say anything else because of spoilers. ;)
Link to review:
http://booksforchristiangirls.blogspot.com/2014/11/trading-secrets-by-melody-carlson.html
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Publisher (Revell) for this review.
“The truth may set you free—but it might also land you in some uncomfortably hot water.
Over the years, Micah Knight has exchanged many letters—and many secrets—with her longtime Amish pen pal, Zach. But Micah’s kept quiet on the secret of all—that fact that despite her name, she’s a girl.
Now Micah finally has the chance to meet her pen pal face-to-face. She wants nothing more than to experience life on Zach’s Amish farm, but she’s more than a little anxious. Will he be angry at her for deceiving him all these years? And will she risk losing his friendship to find something more?”
Series: As of now, no. {But there needs to be a sequel!}
Spiritual Content- Mentions of Zach witnessing to Micah in their letters; Bible reading; Mentions of Church going; Talks about God (but the ‘H’s aren’t capital); Prayers; Mentions of Scriptures;
*Note: A kitchen is described as “h*ll’s kitchen”; “Amish goddess” is said.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘crud’, a ‘darned’, two ‘dumb’s, two ‘idiot’s, two ‘skanky’s, three ‘wimpy’s, seven ‘stupid’s; Two Mentions of two hurt animals (that are okay now); A foal is born & then vet stuff (gross; boarder-line barely-above-not-detailed and semi-detailed); A dog is hit by a car (but is okay; blood; boarder-line barely-above-not-detailed and semi-detailed).
*Note: Lizzie names her cat Bella & Micah calls her a Tw*light freak.
Sexual Content- two ‘hot’s and five ‘hottie’s; Mentions of crushes & if Micah likes Zach; Micah wears two sport bras under her clothing; Katy pulls out Micah’s undies and says they’re so small (“How can they fit you?”); Jealousy; Rachel flirts; Mentions of a girl kissing a boy.
-Micah Knight
First person P.O.V. of Micah
278 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- Two Stars
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Four Stars
I’ve enjoyed Melody Carlson’s other Amish teen books. “Trading Secrets” was interesting & I’d like to see a squeal! I really can’t say anything else because of spoilers. ;)
Link to review:
http://booksforchristiangirls.blogspot.com/2014/11/trading-secrets-by-melody-carlson.html
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Publisher (Revell) for this review.
I normally don't write reviews on here and I normally love this author's books but I'm sorry that was just awful.
As I mentioned in my last review, (The Christmas Cat by Melody Carlson), I am a fan of Melody's writings because they are fun reads. Not always necessarily "funny", but you can normally pick up one of her books and curl up by the fireplace and enjoy a nice light read. Trading Secrets was exactly that, a cute book that I enjoyed spending time on. The plot was an interesting one as I have never seen anything like this in an any other Amish Fiction book, the plot is what immediately grabbed my attention, the cover also played a part (Isn't it pretty?!). Though this book is not a part of a series, Melody does have a few books that are similar to Trading Secrets in ways such as the cover and plot (meaning Amish teens/young adults). Though I enjoyed reading Trading Secrets, I did find a few scenes to be slightly cheesy, but this is probably what made the book such a light read.
Overall, I rate Trading Secrets 4 out of 5 stars and can assure you that should another of Melody's books become available for review, I will be requesting it!
"I received this book from the author/publisher for the purpose of this review. All comments and opinions are my own."
You can read this review, as well as others, at http://acceleratethejesusmovement.wordpress.com
Overall, I rate Trading Secrets 4 out of 5 stars and can assure you that should another of Melody's books become available for review, I will be requesting it!
"I received this book from the author/publisher for the purpose of this review. All comments and opinions are my own."
You can read this review, as well as others, at http://acceleratethejesusmovement.wordpress.com