Caller 107

I have very mixed feelings on this book, so I will be rating it with 3 stars.  I’m torn about that rating, but 3 is right in the middle, so that’s where I’m landing.  I’m going to break the story down and rate each one separately.

5 stars for emotion.  The emotion is raw.  It is so palpable; it really makes this story stand out from the rest.

5 stars for the divorce theme.  Matt Cox wrote about the divorce with such power.  I think this would resonate well with any child going through divorce.  From my teaching days, I saw students going through divorce and you could tell they were suffering.  I think this book would really help them to see they aren’t alone and might make them think twice about falling in with the wrong group of people.

1 star for the language.  I am looking at this book from a junior high/high school standpoint.  I get that teens do use the f-word a lot.  I’ve seen it many times in young adult books.  However, the frequent use of the f-word prevents this novel from being used in classrooms.  It prevents teachers from giving the books to students who might benefit from reading the divorce standpoint.  (Looking at this as an adult book, then 5 stars for realistic language.)

3 stars for age range.  Natalie is 13, so that places the book more towards a younger YA audience.  The book, however, deals with rape, drugs, and swearing.  All of these topics are true for teens, but parents might balk at them.  Basically I thought Natalie should be older, maybe 16 or 17, to make the book more geared toward upper YA. 

2 stars for the mom.  I didn’t find any redeeming qualities in her.  I get that she was supposed to be a horrible person, but I would have liked to see a little bit of her shine.  At the end, I wished Natalie’s dad got full custody so she would never have to see her mom again.

1 star for setting.  I really couldn’t picture much of the setting.  The story was fast-paced and I didn’t get a sense of descriptions other than Natalie’s emotions.  The best description in the book was when she got shot.

3 stars for originality.  Matt Cox writes strong characters and the divorce theme is powerful.  However, I have read many similar books where someone dies and gets the chance to “go back” to the world of the living to “complete” something.  It is a classic theme that works.  It makes us think about our lives.  What sets this one apart from the others is the divorce aspect. 

5 stars for the artwork.  Wow.  Just wow.

So, overall, check out this book if you were a child of divorce, if you know a child going through divorce, or if you are going through one.  It will really make you rethink how children are treated when parents aren’t civil.

In the Middle of the Mess

I received a copy of IN THE MIDDLE OF THE MESS: STRENGTH FOR THIS BEAUTIFUL, BROKEN LIFE by Sheila Walsh from Thomas Nelson in exchange for an honest review.  This was my first book by Sheila Walsh, and her found her writing style easy to read and trustworthy.  Each page feels as though she is speaking from the heart.  I liked that she didn’t seem afraid to hold anything back.  Everything felt pure.  Honest.

The chapters are short, which make this book perfect for reading in between chores or on your lunch break.  It gives you plenty of fodder to think about throughout your day.  If you know of anyone struggling, this book would make a perfect holiday gift.

Out of the Ordinary

I received a copy of OUT OF THE ORDINARY by Jen Turano from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.  This is part of the “Apart from the Crowd” series.  I hadn’t read the first book and didn’t feel that I needed to in order to enjoy this one.

This is another top-notch historical romance from Bethany House.  I always know that I can expect a Christian message, a sweet romance, and strong characters.  I wasn’t disappointed.  My favorite part about this book is the humor.  There were many times I actually laughed out loud and people around me asked what was so funny.

My only complaint is really that this book didn’t feel unique.  It was just another historical romance with a Christian theme.  It was good, and if you like this type of book, than I can easily recommend it.  It just didn’t have anything that made it stand out from the rest, if that makes sense.  I guess I thought about that because of the title.  It did feel a bit ordinary.  

Vanishing Point

I received a copy of VANISHING POINT by Lisa Harper from Revell in exchange for an honest review.  This is part of the Nikki Boyd series.

I found this book to be incredibly interesting.  Usually books about cases are quick.  The mystery is solved within a few hours and a couple falls in love.  Instead, this book takes place over years.  You get to realize the ins and outs of law enforcement cases.  This would be an excellent book for someone thinking about going into law enforcement to read.

Other than that, this is a fast-paced and heart-pumping adventure.  It is truly gripping and you will want to read it in one sitting.  

ANGELINE 43 by Kathy Bosman

A lot of times I call a book fun.  This book, well, it isn’t so much fun and emotional.  It pulls you in and leaves you breathless.

I don’t read many angel books, but of those I have read, ANGELINE 43 is definitely different.  This is fresh.  Unique.  I loved Essa, from her attitude to her passion.  She is a strong character to root for. 

I also loved the descriptions.  Kathy Bosman takes something insignificant, like a hoodie, and makes it beautiful by calling it “duty-blue.”

The ending will leave you smiling.  You will sigh as you put the story down.

I 100% enjoyed it and recommend it for fans of young adult fantasy.

DEVIL’S PLAYGROUND by Heather Eagar

I am a huge history buff and I used to be obsessed with the Salem Witch Trials when I was in high school.  This book brought back my love of that time in history…and when I say love, it is more of a morbid fascination.  DEVIL’S PLAYGROUND takes a fresh new look at the witch trials.  I liked that it didn’t lesson the trauma of the historical time period, while still delivering something new and emotional.  I loved Elizabeth.  She was so relatable and strong. 

This is a fun, historical novel with a supernatural twist.  It is perfect for teens who love paranormal books, but aren’t too familiar with history.

Lady Jayne Disappears

I received a copy of LADY JAYNE DISAPPEARS by Joanna Davidson Politano from Revell in exchange for an honest review. 

This book was, well, it was incredible.  I am so in love with it.  The description sounded awesome and I couldn’t wait to read it.  I wasn’t disappointed.  I zipped through this story in no time!  I have always been passionate about Gothic romances, so I might be a bit biased, haha. 

You will quickly be sucked into the writing.  Don’t expect to read a chapter and then set the book aside.  Give yourself a good few hours because you will need it.  I love books about family secrets and creepy houses, and historical fiction just adds sugar on top.  As you can see, I really loved this book.  I can’t stop gushing about it!  Check it out and prepare not to be disappointed.