Double Take by Melody Carlson

Double Take: A Novel by Melody Carlson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

It's a familiar storyline with a new twist as NYC collides with rural Pennsylvania. The characters are likeable and fun and seem to deal with issues that most of your average teen girls also have to work through. I personally enjoyed the comparison of the life of the rich versus the life of the Amish from a teen girl's perspective.

Double Take was a fun book to read in a few hours of down time. It also has a neat message about the blessings of living life simply no matter what your life is - rich, poor, Amish, or English. I would recommend this for any 13-year-old and up to read as a great "beach book". However, I was disappointed in the weakness of the scriptural and gospel message. There was really nothing that set this book aside to make it clearly a Christian book except for mentioning God and "experiencing Him" a few times. My advice is to read and enjoy, just make sure it's not the only book your teen girl is reading this summer.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

It's spring break of her senior year and Madison Van Buren is fed up. Stressed over Ivy League pressure, her parents' marital problems, and her boyfriend's neglect, Madison gets in her car and drives west. Meanwhile, eighteen-year-old Anna Bronner wants to escape the so-called simple life--which for her consists of caring for younger siblings, sewing, cooking, and gardening--and she's well aware that her future will simply be more of the same with a man she doesn't love. Suddenly, worlds collide when Madison and Anna meet in a small town, realize they look uncannily similar, and decide the grass is definitely greener on the other side. Readers will love this funny and provocative tale of switching places from bestselling author Melody Carlson. As they get a glimpse into two very different worlds, they may find themselves happy to be just who they are, where they are.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group and the opinion expressed is strictly my own.

The Screwtape Letters – Dramatized Audio Version

The Screwtape Letters: First Ever Full-cast Dramatization of the Diabolical Classic by Paul McCusker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Goose bumps. Chills. Heightened awareness.

These are a few of the things that this incredible dramatized audio book will give you as you sit on the edge of your seat with your ear tuned into the hair-raising suspense created by the master of writing - C.S. Lewis. He paints a vivid picture of what could be...what just might be...the life and purpose of demons. Be prepared to have your view of spiritual warfare forever altered by this heart-pounding fictional - yet not so fictional - tale of a demons plans and strategy for a believer's life.

Focus on the Family has brought this vivid imagery to audio life through amazing vocal talent and brilliant sound effects. In fact it is so realistic that I would be very cautious as to who I allowed to listen to this series. Most likely it is best for 12-years and older, but still with parental direction for a teen. However, let me not discourage you from listening together with your teen since it presents a powerful message that may be just what your teen needs to hear in our culture of apathy.

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This book gets awarded with the To Read, Or Not To Read badge of distinction  - Best Of The Best - for the fact that because it is so good, it has been added to Mandy’s bookshelf!

Don’t Kiss Him Good-Bye by Sandra Byrd

Don't Kiss Him Good-Bye by Sandra Byrd
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

High school drama, strange siblings, cute boys, and great music - this book has them all! And a whole lot more!

After a long day at school any teen girl will love reading this sassy novel about 15-year-old Savvy Smith and her new life outside London. It is full of what teen girls face on a daily basis along with a whole lot of biblical advice for dealing with tough situations and presented in a fun, fiction format.

I really enjoy reading this series myself - as a grown woman! Sandra has a writing style that is fun, real, and enjoyable to read. This series deals with real life topics in a fresh way. They are light enough to read in just an a few hours, yet challenge the reader to do what is right even when it's not so easy to do.

As a Mom I would recommend them to any teen girl in 7th grade and up. May I also suggest that you buy the set and use them - one at a time - as impromptu gifts for your teen girl every now and then. What a great way to encourage her and instill biblical thinking in her life!

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Now established in her quirky British village, Savvy works hard to get an article with her own byline published in the school newspaper. When an attractive and mysterious boy asks her for help with his school work, Savvy is slowly pulled into his circle and soon finds out that the wrong set of friends—boys and girls—can influence her own behavior. Following her own advice to cut ties with a charming bad boy would mean abandoning her dearest wishes, and it just doesn't seem as wrong as it feels. Is it? Read on for surprise twists throughout the book!
London Confidential is a new series for young girls. In the series, British fashion, friendships, and guys collide as an all-American teen girl learns to love life and live out her faith. The series follows Savvy's entertaining attempts to fit in during her first year at a new school in a new country.

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Thanks to Tyndale House Publishers for the courtesy of a review copy. However, all opinion expressed is mine.

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Christy: Stage Fright, Goodbye Sweet Prince, Brotherly Love

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

C. Archer has done a wonderful job of adapting the book Christy by Catherine Marshall into something easy to read for younger children. This audio version by Oasis Audio is read by the talented Jaimee Draper and will captivate the imagination of children 6 and up. Draper reads with drama and flair that add life to the characters and depth to the story.

This set of audio stories is a great way to introduce children to classic fiction. I would suggest that parents listen to them before allowing their children to since there may be parts or entire stories that are too scary for your child depending on their personality.

I enjoyed listening to these myself as they simplify and then dramatize to a greater depth the original story. They do sometimes add some variations that you will not find in Catherine's original book.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Stage Fright: As Christy's students are preparing for a school play, she reveals her dream to act on stage. Little does she know that Dr. MacNeill's aunt is the artistic director of the Knoxville Theater. Before long, just as Christy is about to debut on stage, several mysterious incidents threaten both her dreams and her pride.

Goodbye, Sweet Prince: The whip cracked and the stallion reared up in pain. Christy cried in horror, "I've got to find a way to get Prince away from here!" Prince, the mission's stallion, has a cruel new owner. Christy and her students are heartsick. They desperately want to help Prince. But how? Is there a way their magnificent horse can be reclaimed?

Brotherly Love: George, Christy's younger brother, is charming and kind. But is he also a thief? Everyone is delighted when George visits Christy at the Cutter Gap Mission. But the delight ends when George reveals what he has been expelled from school for stealing. Can Christy summon the love and faith to help her brother do the right thing?

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To listen to an excerpt of this book, click here!

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Oasis Audio but the opinions expressed are my own.

Christy: The Princess Club, Family Secrets, Mountain Madness

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

C. Archer has done a wonderful job of adapting the book Christy by Catherine Marshall into something easy to read for younger children. This audio version by Oasis Audio is read by the talented Jaimee Draper and will captivate the imagination of children 6 and up. Draper reads with drama and flair that add life to the characters and depth to the story.

This set of audio stories is a great way to introduce children to classic fiction. I would suggest that parents listen to them before allowing their children to since there may be parts or entire stories that are too scary for your child depending on their personality.

I enjoyed listening to these myself as they simplify and then dramatize to a greater depth the original story. They do sometimes add some variations that you will not find in Catherine's original book.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

The Princess Club: When Ruby Mae, Bessie, and Clara discover gold in Dead Man's Creek, they form an exclusive group, "The Princess Club." Christy watches in dismay as Cutter Gap is torn apart by greed and envy. Can she find a way to heal the bitter divisions caused by a handful of gold?

Family Secrets: Bob Allen and many of the residents of Cutter Gap are upset that a black family has moved into the Cove. When hostile shooting and a series of threatening incidents befall the newly arrived family, the Washingtons, Christy steps in to help. But it's a clue in the Washington's family Bible that may hold the key to real peace and acceptance.

Mountain Madness: When Christy travels alone to a nearby mountain, she vows to discover the truth behind the terrifying legend of a strange mountain creature. But what she finds seems worse than anything she could ever have imagined!

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To listen to a excerpts of this audio book click here.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Oasis Audio but the opinions expressed are my own.

Christy: Midnight Rescue, The Proposal, Christy’s Choice

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

C. Archer has done a wonderful job of adapting the book Christy by Catherine Marshall into something easy to read for younger children. This audio version by Oasis Audio is read by the talented Jaimee Draper and will captivate the imagination of children 6 and up. Draper reads with drama and flair that add life to the characters and depth to the story.

This set of audio stories is a great way to introduce children to classic fiction. I would suggest that parents listen to them before allowing their children to since there may be parts or entire stories that are too scary for your child depending on their personality.

I enjoyed listening to these myself as they simplify and then dramatize to a greater depth the original story. They do sometimes add some variations that you will not find in Catherine's original book.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Midnight Rescue: Christy Huddleston, the new school teacher in Cutter Gap, thought her biggest problem was going to be choosing between the charming country doctor, Neil MacNeill, and the handsome minister, David Grantland. But Christy has more serious matters to deal with when her student Ruby Mae Morrison and the mission's runaway black stallion vanish in a furious storm. As Christy desperately searches for Ruby Mae in the cold, blinding rain, she runs headlong into three angry moonshiners bent on revenge against anyone who might try to stop their illegal activities. Can Christy survive this most terrifying test of her faith and courage?

The Proposal: Christy should be thrilled when David, the handsome minister, proposes marriage. So why do thoughts of Dr. MacNeill keep popping into her head? Before she can answer David, Christy is blinded in a terrible riding accident and all her dreams are threatened.

Christy's Choice: Christy screamed as the train broke from the track and plunged down the side of the mountain. When Christy is offered a chance to teach in her hometown, she faces a difficult decision. Will her train ride back to Cutter Gap be a journey home or a last farewell? In a moment of terror and danger, Christy must decide where her future lies.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Oasis Audio by the opinions expressed are my own.

Christy: The Bridge to Cutter Gap, Silent Superstitions, The Angry Intruder

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

C. Archer has done a wonderful job of adapting the book Christy by Catherine Marshall into something easy to read for younger children. This audio version by Oasis Audio is read by the talented Jaimee Draper and will captivate the imagination of children 6 and up. Draper reads with drama and flair that add life to the characters and depth to the story.

This set of audio stories is a great way to introduce children to classic fiction. I would suggest that parents listen to them before allowing their children to since there may be parts or entire stories that are too scary for your child depending on their personality.

I enjoyed listening to these myself as they simplify and then dramatize to a greater depth the original story. They do sometimes add some variations that you will not find in Catherine's original book.


BOOK OVERVIEW:

The Bridge to Cutter Gap: Christy Huddleston's dream is to teach poor mountain children. Join Christy as she crosses from the familiar world of parties and pretty things to the different world of Cutter Gap, located in the heart of the Smoky Mountains. There she meets the doctor who needs her help to save a life and the handsome minister who helps her face the challenges of teaching and loving the mountain people.

Silent Superstitions: Strange things are happening in Cutter Gap and everybody is convinced that Christy is cursed. After all, who can explain Bob Allens' mysterious accident on his way to bring Christy to Cutter Gap? Or the lightning strike that sent a tree through the school window? Will fear and superstition triumph? Will Christy be driven out of Cutter Gap forever? Or will Christy overcome and win the hearts of the mountain people?

The Angry Intruder: Headstrong and independent, Christy is determined to change the lives of the children in Cutter Gap. Yet it seems that anything new and strange poses a threat to the mountain people, who are proud of their way of life. Evidently, Christy has angered someone enough to cause a string of mysterious pranks. The handsome minister fears that the pranks will turn dangerous. Unfortunately, he doesn't realize how right his fears are.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Oasis Audio by the opinions expressed are my own.

Christy by Catherine Marshall

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Catherine Marshall whisks you back in time to a secluded place in the Smokey Mountains where you see life through the eyes of Christy. She is a spunky and courageous young teacher who wants her life to be about more than just who she knows and what parties she attends. As you find yourself walking the rugged hills and viewing the majestic sights in your own imagination, you will also find yourself learning wholesome life lessons.

The characters come to life through this audio version of the book and you finish this story feeling like you have new friends. Kellie Martin - who played Christy on the CBS dramatized version of this book - reads the book with passion and depth.

I not only enjoyed hearing the whole and original version of Christy, but was captivated by the tale. I couldn't wait to get up and get to work around the house so that I could continue listening to this amazing journey of Christy and the many other people woven into her story. I would highly recommend this book for older children to adults. It would make a great resource to entertain the family on a long road trip or over a longer period of time in commuting to school or around town.

There were parts that may be slightly scary - such as shootings, burials, and some of the folklore - but overall I think that it would still be appropriate for the average person, child, or family.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Christy Huddleston left home at 19 to teach school in the Smokey Mountains. There she came to know and love the wild mountain people with their fierce pride, their dark superstitions, their terrible poverty, their yearning for beauty and truth. Christy found her faith severely challenged in these primitive surroundings; and, confronted with two young men of unique strength and needs, she found her own growing yearnings challenged by love.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Oasis Audio.

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This book is awarded with the To Read, Or Not To Read badge of distinction  - Best Of The Best - for the fact that because it is so good, it has been added to Mandy’s bookshelf!

Perfectly Dateless by Kristin Billerbeck

Perfectly Dateless: A Universally Misunderstood Novel by Kristin Billerbeck

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

If you liked the movie Napoleon Dynamite then you will like this novel aimed at teen girls. However, I thought that Napoleon Dynamite was rather pointless and that's how I feel about this book as well. There was a lot of drama, and some humor, too, but not a lot of clear purpose.

I liked the theme - conservative parents at odds with their generally well-behaved teen daughter. But there was so many other issues and characters packed into this book that it was hard to follow along at points.

The book begins with an excerpt from Daisy's prom journal with more excerpts throughout the story. I liked the general flair that they added, but there was too many entries and they were too long in my opinion.

There was no one specific thing that I would caution readers concerning this book, but an overall advisement that it addresses drugs, drinking, easy girls, and what unfortunately is typical teen drama and topics. And the book overall is for entertainment with no real moral to the story. I personally would not have my daughters read it and if anyone else was to let their girls read it I would highly recommend it for only older teens girls; probably 16 and up.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

The countdown to prom has begun. Daisy Crispin has 196 days to find the right date for the prom. There's only one problem--her parents won't let her date or even talk to a guy on the phone. Oh, and she's totally invisible at school, wears lame homemade clothes, and possesses no social skills. Okay, so maybe there's more than one problem.

From bestselling author Kristin Billerbeck comes Perfectly Dateless, a hilariously endearing story about a regular high school girl, trying to fit in. Readers will fall in love with Daisy's sharp wit and resourcefulness as she navigates the world of boys, fashion, family, and friendship.

Can Daisy talk her parents into letting her go to the prom? Or will they succeed at their obvious attempts to completely ruin her life?

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, who offers practical books that bring the Christian faith to everyday life. They publish resources from a variety of well-known brands and authors, including their partnership with MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) and Hungry Planet. For more information, visit www.RevellBooks.com.

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Red Rock Mysteries by Jerry B. Jenkins & Chris Fabry

(Thanks go out to Oasis Audio for making this series possible through providing the review copies)

Red Rock Mysteries by Jerry B. Jenkins

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

If you are headed out on a road trip with your older children or younger teenagers then you won't want to forget to pack this audio book!

Red Rock Mysteries had me on the edge of my seat and looking over my shoulder as I listened to it. Jenkins and Fabry have written an action packed mystery that is full of intrigue, fun, and great lessons. I enjoyed both the plots and characters alike. This set is two books in one and both stories are long enough to make a good mystery, but short enough to finish on a road trip.

This audio book is listed for children, but it could be scary for kids under 10 since some of the scenes are a little intense. (Car chase, intruder in the cabin...etc...) However, for a family with older children (or while younger ones are distracted) this makes a great family listen. It's a great way to create family memories while listening to good, clean, and wholesome entertainment.

BOOK OVERVIEW: Haunted Waters (Book 1): A crazy, wild drive from a deserted mining town makes it clear that someoneís after Bryce and Ashley Timberline. Will they survive long enough to find out who it is? Bryce and Ashley Timberline are normal 13-year-old twins, except for one thingóthey discover action-packed mystery wherever they go. Wanting to get to the bottom of any mystery, these twins find themselves on a nonstop search for truth. Stolen Secrets (Book 2): Bryce and Ashley Timberline wonder what their stepdad is hiding. As they discover more about his past, the twins fear all is not as it seems.What isnít their stepdad telling them? Bryce and Ashley Timberline are normal 13-year-old twins, except for one thingóthey discover action-packed mystery wherever they go. Wanting to get to the bottom of any mystery, these twins find themselves searching for truth without stopping.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Oasis Audio in connection with Side Door Communications.

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GIVEAWAY!!!

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All you have to do is comment on any Resources For The Road Post (1 per post) and also 2 extra entries for each way you follow my blog!

And TODAY I am offering yet another way to get 5 entries into this giveaway….follow THE BOOK ADDICTS for 5 extra entries!

 

The Keystone Stable Series by Marsha Hubler

  Whispering Hope by Marsha Hubler

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Whispering Hope is the 7th book in the Keystone Stable series by Marsha Hubler and it's a book of hope for young teen girls. I liked the wholesome story and appreciated the relevant plot for teens to be reading. The characters seemed real and easy to connect with while being part of a fictional story that shares biblical truth. Whether or not your older child or younger teen likes horses or not, I think they will enjoy this series of 14-year-old Skye and in this book, the story of Wanda and a horse named Rebel who both need to see the love of others.

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The Long Ride Home by Marsha Hubler

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Marsha Hubler writes another great book in the Keystone Stable series with this 8th book - The Long Ride Home. Once again it's a wholesome story for young teens or older elementary ages kids and especially good for those who love horses or those who are foster kids.

The books in this series are easy to read and the storyline gets you from the beginning. I appreciate the spiritual challenge that is held in this one - and in the others, as well.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Zonderkids.

Katy’s New World by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Katy's New World by Kim Vogel Sawyer

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Katy's New World is about a Mennonite girl who longs to continue her education past the tradition of 9th grade. She receives the permission of the church elders to do so, but the bigger question is will she be able to balance the two worlds?

MY REVIEW:

The author, Kim Vogel Sawyer, has written a contemporary story of a teen girl caught in the middle of two very different worlds. Or are they really that different?

I enjoyed the simple storyline that explored the differences, and yet the similarities, of life between the "worldly people" and the Mennonite community. The characters are easy to relate to and are dealing with ordinary problems that a teen girl faces. It's an easy-to-follow plot that holds a few unexpected twists and turns and is full of obvious and underlying lessons. I appreciated the way the Sawyer dealt with the reality of trying to fit in and other harder topics in a manner appropriate for teen girls to be reading. This book will not only be a light and enjoyable read, but also one that encourages and teaches through it's entertainment.

It's a book I would let my daughter read without hesitation and a series I look forward to following.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Zondervan. The opinions expressed in this review are honest and strictly those of Mandy and no compensation was made in any way.

Asking For Trouble by Sandra Byrd

Asking for Trouble by Sandra Byrd

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

BOOK OVERVIEW:

When her family moves to London, 15-year-old Savvy Smith has to make her way in a new school and a new country. She just knows the school newspaper is the right place for her, but she doesn’t have the required experience, and the cute editor-in-chief is not looking to train anyone. She has to come up with a way to prove herself and nab the one available position on the newspaper staff at Wexburg Academy.

London Confidential is a new series where British fashion, friendships, and guys collide, and where an all-American girl learns to love life and live out her faith.

MY REVIEW:

Asking For Trouble is a fun and fast read about friendship and faith. While being the first book of the London Confidential Series it also stands alone to make for a great book for 12 to 15 year old teen girls.

I enjoyed the realistic characters of Savvy Smith and her family and the troubles she encounters in her new life in London. While being a fun and easy read, it is also a book with a spiritual message woven through out the story line that teen girls will be easily able to relate to.

I think that Asking For Trouble could have had a "heavier" message, however I am pleased with it for what it is and the fact that it does not contain material I would not want girls to read. So I give it 4 stars and recommend it as an encouraging book for younger teen girls.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Tyndale House Publishers.

Anything But Normal by Melody Carlson

  Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Anything But Normal is a novel that could be real, that most likely is real in the lives of many girls across the United States and around the world. The storyline is that of High School senior, Sophie, and her unexpected pregnancy. Sophie is a good girl, a Christian, so how could this happen to her? Melody Carlson gives us an afternoon read of what 9 months is like for a girl who finds herself in a situation she never thought she would be in.

I found this novel, written for teen girls, to be a challenge to myself and the way that I judge teen pregnancy. It compelled me to focus on helping them find forgiveness in Christ rather than just condemning the sin. After all, it's by the grace of God, not my own doing, that I myself was not in the same situation. This book is a wonderful resource to help anyone, teen or not, to think about what it may be like to be a pregnant teenager or pregnant out of wed-lock at any age.

Personally, I would let my 14 & older teen daughter read this book and then use it to talk to her about the whole topic of teen dating and teen pregnancy. However, I also realize that this book could possibly be offensive to some parents depending on how they choose to raise their kids and deal with topics such as this one. That being said, I would encourage all parents/guardians to read this book prior to their daughter reading it. The time it would take is minimal, maybe 4 hours, and it would then help both you and your daughter.

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ISBN: 978-0-8007-3258-5
Details: Soft Cover, 251 pages, $9.99
Published by: Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

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The review copy was courtesy of Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

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