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nicolemhewitt's review
4.0
This review and many others can be found on my blog - Feed Your Fiction Addiction
Prodigal was a lovely surprise!! I honestly wasn't sure what to expect from this book. I knew from the title and the cute little sheep on the cover (from the Parable of the Lost Sheep) that this would be Christian fiction, but what I didn't know was that this is actually a really great YA contemporary romance as well. It was EXACTLY what I've been looking for - a Christian book that isn't preachy or cheesy and would appeal to anyone who enjoys YA contemporary romance!!
If you enjoy YA contemporary romance and aren't totally offended by Christian content, then this book is for you. Honestly, the Christian elements are definitely there, but they're not heavy-handed or at all preachy, so this book will appeal to a much broader audience.
The negatives:
Clichés.
This book does employ some of the typical YA clichés. The biggest offense is that Lexy is an "average" girl who moves to a new town and is suddenly pursued by all the cutest and most popular boys in school. To give Ross some credit, there is a bit of an explanation for this - Ash hopes that Lexy is a clean slate since he already has a reputation as being kind of a jerk with the local girls, and then Ash's attention helps capture the other guys' attention. A few other clichés were there as well (the mean girl who makes Lexy's life miserable, the fairy tale makeover), but I did find that most of these clichés had a bit of a twist to them that made them still interesting and I honestly loved the characters so much that it didn't bother me nearly as much as it would otherwise!
What I LOVED:
Lexy and Ash.
Considering that this was a romance, the most important element, of course, is the main characters and their connection. This is where Ross did a fantastic job!! I absolutely LOVED Ash and wanted nothing more than for Lexy to be with him forever and magically solve all of his deep-seated issues. Of course, it can't happen that easily or we wouldn't have a story, but I was 100% engaged in their romance and was really hoping things would work out for them in the end. I also loved that, while Lexy was definitely wrapped up in Ash, he wasn't the only interest in her life - her passion for journalism was refreshing and realistically portrayed and it made her a well-rounded character. Ash and Lexy did both have their flaws - Lexy's insecurities and Ash's fears almost made a relationship impossible (I was kind of baffled when Lexy didn't seem to get that Ash wanted her even after he'd kissed her passionately at a certain dance). But, I couldn't give up on them, even when they had seemingly given up on each other. In fact, I stayed up until 2 AM reading because I needed to know what happened with them!!
Christian message without being preachy.
This book was definitely a Christian novel at its heart. It references stories and verses from the Bible and follows Lexy as she explores God's presence in this world. But the Christian elements are spread out enough that the message isn't heavy-handed (it feels like a regular contemporary romance with Christian themes thrown in until toward the end when Lexy is really exploring it further). Also, the Christian characters in this book aren't preachy and they aren't pushy, so the book isn't either. I have to confess that, even though I'm Christian, I haven't read all that many Christian novels because the ones I have read have seemed so cheesy and preachy. This book didn't feel that way at all!
I HIGHLY recommend this book to fans of Christian fiction and to anyone who loves YA contemporary romance and doesn't mind a Christian theme. I will definitely be reading more of Ross's work in the future! 4/5 stars.
Prodigal was a lovely surprise!! I honestly wasn't sure what to expect from this book. I knew from the title and the cute little sheep on the cover (from the Parable of the Lost Sheep) that this would be Christian fiction, but what I didn't know was that this is actually a really great YA contemporary romance as well. It was EXACTLY what I've been looking for - a Christian book that isn't preachy or cheesy and would appeal to anyone who enjoys YA contemporary romance!!
If you enjoy YA contemporary romance and aren't totally offended by Christian content, then this book is for you. Honestly, the Christian elements are definitely there, but they're not heavy-handed or at all preachy, so this book will appeal to a much broader audience.
The negatives:
Clichés.
This book does employ some of the typical YA clichés. The biggest offense is that Lexy is an "average" girl who moves to a new town and is suddenly pursued by all the cutest and most popular boys in school. To give Ross some credit, there is a bit of an explanation for this - Ash hopes that Lexy is a clean slate since he already has a reputation as being kind of a jerk with the local girls, and then Ash's attention helps capture the other guys' attention. A few other clichés were there as well (the mean girl who makes Lexy's life miserable, the fairy tale makeover), but I did find that most of these clichés had a bit of a twist to them that made them still interesting and I honestly loved the characters so much that it didn't bother me nearly as much as it would otherwise!
What I LOVED:
Lexy and Ash.
Considering that this was a romance, the most important element, of course, is the main characters and their connection. This is where Ross did a fantastic job!! I absolutely LOVED Ash and wanted nothing more than for Lexy to be with him forever and magically solve all of his deep-seated issues. Of course, it can't happen that easily or we wouldn't have a story, but I was 100% engaged in their romance and was really hoping things would work out for them in the end. I also loved that, while Lexy was definitely wrapped up in Ash, he wasn't the only interest in her life - her passion for journalism was refreshing and realistically portrayed and it made her a well-rounded character. Ash and Lexy did both have their flaws - Lexy's insecurities and Ash's fears almost made a relationship impossible (I was kind of baffled when Lexy didn't seem to get that Ash wanted her even after he'd kissed her passionately at a certain dance). But, I couldn't give up on them, even when they had seemingly given up on each other. In fact, I stayed up until 2 AM reading because I needed to know what happened with them!!
Christian message without being preachy.
This book was definitely a Christian novel at its heart. It references stories and verses from the Bible and follows Lexy as she explores God's presence in this world. But the Christian elements are spread out enough that the message isn't heavy-handed (it feels like a regular contemporary romance with Christian themes thrown in until toward the end when Lexy is really exploring it further). Also, the Christian characters in this book aren't preachy and they aren't pushy, so the book isn't either. I have to confess that, even though I'm Christian, I haven't read all that many Christian novels because the ones I have read have seemed so cheesy and preachy. This book didn't feel that way at all!
I HIGHLY recommend this book to fans of Christian fiction and to anyone who loves YA contemporary romance and doesn't mind a Christian theme. I will definitely be reading more of Ross's work in the future! 4/5 stars.
rainlady6's review
5.0
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book was a nice change from the usual coming of age/romance YA books. The author, Ross, knew that you can tell a wonderful, heartwarming love story without including sexual themes. This was the thing that I loved most about this book. Kudos to Ross for creating a book that is completely appropriate for all ages!
This story was has some of the most relateable characters that I have come across recently. Lexy is an average teen trying to find her place in the world when suddenly she discovers her mom has cancer and the family must move across the country for her to receive treatment. She is devastated because it is the beginning of her senior year and she had just been named the editor of her school paper, something she had been dreaming about for years. Like the typical teenager she is, she fights with her parents over the decision, throwing little temper tantrums and being obstinate. She worries about fitting in to a new school and trying to find a way on to the school paper. Right away she meets two wonderful guys who are also great characters. Brian is the all American boy, the sweet boy next store type, and is the Senior Class President. He helps Lexy find a place in the school and takes her in to his circle of friends. What girl hasn't dreamed of meeting a guy like this?! Then along comes Ash, the seemingly bad boy that everyone warns Lexy about. She is immediately drawn to him and she senses there is more to him then there seems. Again, what girl hasn't dreamed of meeting a guy like this?! The books is even complete with the witchy, queen of the school type of girl who immediately sets her sites on Lexy. So many great and endearing characters!
I also loved the subtle use of Christianity in the story; hence the title of Prodigal. It is not over the top religious, in fact Lexy is agnostic in the beginning, but uses some of the stories and verses in the Bible to lend to the story. The most important of which is the forgiveness that God has for everyone, including Ash, who is carrying a dark secret that threatens to destroy him.
There is only one thing about the book that I did not like. The use of a lamb on the cover seems like a very odd choice for me. I can't for the life of me figure out why they chose this cover. The only thing I can even remotely think of is that it is possibly representative of another name Christ is known by; The Lamb of God. Not sure if this is what they were thinking but it is my only idea. Please do not let the cover dissuade you from reading this book though!
If you get the chance I would highly recommend you read this book. I think it is a great choice for anyone that likes YA romance, especially a cleanly written one.
This book was a nice change from the usual coming of age/romance YA books. The author, Ross, knew that you can tell a wonderful, heartwarming love story without including sexual themes. This was the thing that I loved most about this book. Kudos to Ross for creating a book that is completely appropriate for all ages!
This story was has some of the most relateable characters that I have come across recently. Lexy is an average teen trying to find her place in the world when suddenly she discovers her mom has cancer and the family must move across the country for her to receive treatment. She is devastated because it is the beginning of her senior year and she had just been named the editor of her school paper, something she had been dreaming about for years. Like the typical teenager she is, she fights with her parents over the decision, throwing little temper tantrums and being obstinate. She worries about fitting in to a new school and trying to find a way on to the school paper. Right away she meets two wonderful guys who are also great characters. Brian is the all American boy, the sweet boy next store type, and is the Senior Class President. He helps Lexy find a place in the school and takes her in to his circle of friends. What girl hasn't dreamed of meeting a guy like this?! Then along comes Ash, the seemingly bad boy that everyone warns Lexy about. She is immediately drawn to him and she senses there is more to him then there seems. Again, what girl hasn't dreamed of meeting a guy like this?! The books is even complete with the witchy, queen of the school type of girl who immediately sets her sites on Lexy. So many great and endearing characters!
I also loved the subtle use of Christianity in the story; hence the title of Prodigal. It is not over the top religious, in fact Lexy is agnostic in the beginning, but uses some of the stories and verses in the Bible to lend to the story. The most important of which is the forgiveness that God has for everyone, including Ash, who is carrying a dark secret that threatens to destroy him.
There is only one thing about the book that I did not like. The use of a lamb on the cover seems like a very odd choice for me. I can't for the life of me figure out why they chose this cover. The only thing I can even remotely think of is that it is possibly representative of another name Christ is known by; The Lamb of God. Not sure if this is what they were thinking but it is my only idea. Please do not let the cover dissuade you from reading this book though!
If you get the chance I would highly recommend you read this book. I think it is a great choice for anyone that likes YA romance, especially a cleanly written one.
chrissireads's review
4.0
This book is really easy to read and not your typical chick lit story. It does have a religious element to it but it's not over-powering. A good young adult book!
brilee110's review
2.0
I won this book in the giveaways and had too high hopes about this book.
The characters were pretty flat. Their actions didn't really make sense a lot of the time. There weren't enough details for the book to be interesting. It jumped too far into the future too many times.
It was about a girl named Lex who moves away to Texas and has to learn how to fit in. She miraculously makes friends with the most popular boy in the whole class the first day. She gets to sit with a bunch of the boy's friends at lunch and is basically instantly accepted. Then, a really popular guy from a nearby private school meets her, tells her she's super pretty, and obviously develops feelings for her.
Lexy somehow fails to notice all the positive attention. She's also a drama queen at home.
The book is written from the point of view of a senior in highschool, but when you read it it sounds more like a middle schooler.
Definitely not one of the better books i've read.
The characters were pretty flat. Their actions didn't really make sense a lot of the time. There weren't enough details for the book to be interesting. It jumped too far into the future too many times.
It was about a girl named Lex who moves away to Texas and has to learn how to fit in. She miraculously makes friends with the most popular boy in the whole class the first day. She gets to sit with a bunch of the boy's friends at lunch and is basically instantly accepted. Then, a really popular guy from a nearby private school meets her, tells her she's super pretty, and obviously develops feelings for her.
Lexy somehow fails to notice all the positive attention. She's also a drama queen at home.
The book is written from the point of view of a senior in highschool, but when you read it it sounds more like a middle schooler.
Definitely not one of the better books i've read.
courtneythefangirl's review
4.0
More like 4.5 stars
Really did enjoy this! It made me think a lot. I like Lexy a lot but couldn't relate a lot to her except religion. And Ash. ASH. WHAT A JERK. JUST TELL US THE TRUTH. WE WILL THINK YOU ARE FINE. But as long as Ash and Lexy are together, I'm good!Thank you again Rektok Ross for sending me this!
Really did enjoy this! It made me think a lot. I like Lexy a lot but couldn't relate a lot to her except religion. And Ash. ASH. WHAT A JERK. JUST TELL US THE TRUTH. WE WILL THINK YOU ARE FINE. But as long as Ash and Lexy are together, I'm good!Thank you again Rektok Ross for sending me this!
sabbygee's review against another edition
5.0
This review and more on Sab The Book Eater
Fun facts before reading my review:
1. I'm a religious person. I'm not overly zealous but I love my faith enough to keep practicing it until the day I die (bit dramatic there are we). Even if that's the case, I'm not the type who often reads books with religious undertones because I feel like some books can be a bit preachy.
2. I read this book from 7PM to 4AM STRAIGHT. I haven't done that. Ever.
3. I think Ash is such a great name for the male lead. It's perfect for him - beautiful with a bit of mystery. I was in love with him the moment I read that his name's Ash. Please let me find an Ash. LOL.
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book! I was engrossed from beginning to end. I think the biggest reason why I enjoyed this book is the pacing. I love it when a book is able to cover a long span of time without hurting the quality of storytelling. I think Ross did a wonderful job at setting the pace for the book. The beginning alone was told in a pace that was just right, so I was able to get into the story faster. Some parts were told in detail while some were merely part of the narration, but still contributed to the overall flow of the story.
I also liked how real the characters felt - and that's also one of the reasons why I wasn't so bugged out by the religious aspect of the book. I can just imagine how the characters would say their lines if they were real people. Even Blythe's insults and snarky comments weren't over the top unlike in some stories. Everybody was believable.
Now let's talk about the protagonist: Lexy. She's smart but she's pretty clueless about boys. I mean, come on! Ash Preston is basically making time for you, and you know it's not just about the interview anymore, do you even wonder if he likes you? But that was case for the first half of the book. The rest of it - when she did realize that Ash had a thing for her - got more complicated and I don't want to spoil for you. Heh. Lexy's character may be a wallflower on the outside but inside, she's really something. She's a nerd who really goes after what she wants for her future and I really like that about her. It's very rare to read about female protagonists in a school setting who are more bent on getting her choice career track than getting the school's star player. I like that despite becoming a somebody in school, she didn't lose sight of who she really is - she remained a nerd I love that.
What I didn't like about her though is the way she handled her mother's illness. It kind of bothered me that she didn't react the way a normal person would if they'd find out one of their family members have cancer. She still went out a lot and it seemed like her love life troubled her more than her mom being sick. Eh?
I know some of you might get turned off by the religious aspect but trust me, it's not enough for this book to be characterized as religious fiction. Ross just made a few references to God and a parable (Prodigal Son) but it wasn't as if it was the central theme of the book. I think it's cool how Lexy was able to get a bit of clarity with the help of going to Church and reading about God and whatnot but it didn't instantly make her life better like magic. It just made her see things differently, and I think it's one of the most truthful things about religion in general.
And this is what I was saying earlier - the characters seemed real, so when they said stuff like, "Maybe God has a plan for you." it didn't feel preachy to me. I don't think it's because I'm religious and I'm surrounded by religious people so hearing lines like that is pretty normal to me. If it feels preachy, it feels preachy - in books and in real life. Prodigal wasn't like that. To me, it was Ross was able to incorporate religious references into the YA storyline smoothly.
The only thing I didn't like was the time it took for the Lexy-Ash issue to get resolved. At some point I felt so upset because of the conflict that I felt my heart beat uncontrollably like I'm the one experiencing it (dramatic much). For a reader to be affected like that, that's got to be great writing, right? Trouble was, the resolution happened in the last 3 percent of the book. I kept checking the location map on my Kindle app because I was starting to panic. I almost felt like they weren't getting a happily ever after but once they did, I felt really relieved and satisfied with how it turned out.
Overall, Prodigal is definitely a must read. It's refreshing, written beautifully with a great set of characters and a storyline that will get you hooked from the very first chapter till the end. Hey, any book that gets me reading for hours straight is surely great one!
For those of you wondering why on earth there's a sheep on the cover, here's my take on it: The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32), the Bible verse Ash writes on his palm during games, has many versions with the same theme of loss and redemption. One of which is the Parable of the Lost Sheep. Perhaps that's why they used a sheep on the cover. Thoughts?
Fun facts before reading my review:
1. I'm a religious person. I'm not overly zealous but I love my faith enough to keep practicing it until the day I die (bit dramatic there are we). Even if that's the case, I'm not the type who often reads books with religious undertones because I feel like some books can be a bit preachy.
2. I read this book from 7PM to 4AM STRAIGHT. I haven't done that. Ever.
3. I think Ash is such a great name for the male lead. It's perfect for him - beautiful with a bit of mystery. I was in love with him the moment I read that his name's Ash. Please let me find an Ash. LOL.
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book! I was engrossed from beginning to end. I think the biggest reason why I enjoyed this book is the pacing. I love it when a book is able to cover a long span of time without hurting the quality of storytelling. I think Ross did a wonderful job at setting the pace for the book. The beginning alone was told in a pace that was just right, so I was able to get into the story faster. Some parts were told in detail while some were merely part of the narration, but still contributed to the overall flow of the story.
I also liked how real the characters felt - and that's also one of the reasons why I wasn't so bugged out by the religious aspect of the book. I can just imagine how the characters would say their lines if they were real people. Even Blythe's insults and snarky comments weren't over the top unlike in some stories. Everybody was believable.
Now let's talk about the protagonist: Lexy. She's smart but she's pretty clueless about boys. I mean, come on! Ash Preston is basically making time for you, and you know it's not just about the interview anymore, do you even wonder if he likes you? But that was case for the first half of the book. The rest of it - when she did realize that Ash had a thing for her - got more complicated and I don't want to spoil for you. Heh. Lexy's character may be a wallflower on the outside but inside, she's really something. She's a nerd who really goes after what she wants for her future and I really like that about her. It's very rare to read about female protagonists in a school setting who are more bent on getting her choice career track than getting the school's star player. I like that despite becoming a somebody in school, she didn't lose sight of who she really is - she remained a nerd I love that.
What I didn't like about her though is the way she handled her mother's illness. It kind of bothered me that she didn't react the way a normal person would if they'd find out one of their family members have cancer. She still went out a lot and it seemed like her love life troubled her more than her mom being sick. Eh?
I know some of you might get turned off by the religious aspect but trust me, it's not enough for this book to be characterized as religious fiction. Ross just made a few references to God and a parable (Prodigal Son) but it wasn't as if it was the central theme of the book. I think it's cool how Lexy was able to get a bit of clarity with the help of going to Church and reading about God and whatnot but it didn't instantly make her life better like magic. It just made her see things differently, and I think it's one of the most truthful things about religion in general.
And this is what I was saying earlier - the characters seemed real, so when they said stuff like, "Maybe God has a plan for you." it didn't feel preachy to me. I don't think it's because I'm religious and I'm surrounded by religious people so hearing lines like that is pretty normal to me. If it feels preachy, it feels preachy - in books and in real life. Prodigal wasn't like that. To me, it was Ross was able to incorporate religious references into the YA storyline smoothly.
The only thing I didn't like was the time it took for the Lexy-Ash issue to get resolved. At some point I felt so upset because of the conflict that I felt my heart beat uncontrollably like I'm the one experiencing it (dramatic much). For a reader to be affected like that, that's got to be great writing, right? Trouble was, the resolution happened in the last 3 percent of the book. I kept checking the location map on my Kindle app because I was starting to panic. I almost felt like they weren't getting a happily ever after but once they did, I felt really relieved and satisfied with how it turned out.
Overall, Prodigal is definitely a must read. It's refreshing, written beautifully with a great set of characters and a storyline that will get you hooked from the very first chapter till the end. Hey, any book that gets me reading for hours straight is surely great one!
For those of you wondering why on earth there's a sheep on the cover, here's my take on it: The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32), the Bible verse Ash writes on his palm during games, has many versions with the same theme of loss and redemption. One of which is the Parable of the Lost Sheep. Perhaps that's why they used a sheep on the cover. Thoughts?
pavi_fictionalworm's review against another edition
4.0
The review was first up on For The Love of Fictional Worlds :)
I received a digital copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
I got in touch with the author, Ms. Ross on IG (yes I love that platform. It is now more than half of my social life :P) and she couldn't be anymore sweeter. When we were discussing the idea of me reading and reviewing her book, she was more worried about the fact that if the book would be a good fit form. Now as an individual human (highly debated! I still I am an alien) with some sort of working brain, actually understood where she is actually coming from. Not every book is for everyone. And why read something that is not up your valley. And that's exactly why I wanted to read this one. What's the point of being a bookworm if you didn't read something unusual? ;)
“It's just not that easy answer you want wrapped up in a pretty, little bow. Nothing real ever is, but that doesn't mean it's hopeless.”
Lexi Quinn is told by her parents that they are moving to Texas to start her senior year at a private school. Now this is a total life change for her, because finally she has the coveted position on the school newspaper. And leaving all that behind to start anew, to her, is basically destroying her life. But she has no choice. Her mother is suffering from Cancer and they need to move for a better treatment facility.
“People lie to themselves all the time. If they lie to themselves, how can you expect them not to lie to you?”
Lexi is my kind of heroine. She is down to earth, sweet, street smart, and loyal. She is also stubborn and ambitious. Reading the story in her POV, made me understand her a whole lot better and frankly, for the first time I was actually liked the first POV and that says a lot.
"You're really comparing hard science to religion?" "They both require faith until proven truthful"
Now Ash Preston is an enigma. He has the bad boy reputation of loving and leaving them behind. Now, the only way Lexi can get into the school newspaper is by interviewing Ash, who of course is as available as fictional characters are to us. He is a complex boy, with so many layers that even at the end, I had a feeling that even then we hadn't uncovered all of the layers.
"A God that's not safe because we can't control him or what he does to us, but good because he loves us no matter what?"
When Ms. Ross contacted me, she told me that most the foundation is in faith and in God for the plot. Now, I am more of believer in Karma. I do not believe that there is a higher entity that we are beholden to. I have seen many use God as an excuse for things that are inexcusable. So, while I was hesitant to actually read this book, I still worried that my own opinions would end up influencing my opinions.
But I was pleasantly surprised. Though there was focus given to faith and religion, it wasn't in the face or even preachy. What it was, was simple questions that got even me thinking, that made me question my beliefs and opinions.
And that is where this book is a success for me.
"Sometimes things get broken and stay that way, no matter how much you want to fix them"
Now, coming back to the story. I liked the writing style and the plot itself. The writing was perfectly in sync with the plot and the characters themselves. Best part though was the fact, that Ms. Ross never ended with a happily ever after. And that is quite commendable, because this is a YA Contemporary Romance and the characters will always be too young to have a Happily Ever After.
Now to the part I did not like. Lexi's mother suffers from Cancer, and this should have been more of an emotional blow to her than was portrayed, especially considering that she is more close to her mother than her father. Lexi even came of as selfish and too self - absorbed sometimes with a mother who is suffering from cancer.
While Lexi and Ash were actually perfect for each other, this relationship was again marred by the lack of communication (when will be these characters learn? :P). Especially considering the fact that when Lexi needed Ash, he wasn't there for her. Now that is just bad bad bad decision all around.
Even with these drawbacks, this is a beautiful debut by Ms. Ross. And for her, there is no where to go but up! <3
thepagemistress's review against another edition
4.0
4/5 Stars!
Summary:
This book follows Lexy just as she is about to enter her senior year. But things get turned upside down. Her parents are making them move from Atlanta to Texas. Lexy is furious because she just got on the newspaper staff as editor and now that will be ripped out from underneath her. But there is a reason why they're moving and no one was prepared. Lexy and her family make it to Texas. Lexy is the 'new kid' and target of bullying. Can she find friends in her last year? And what will life be like since she's not on the paper?
Dislikes:
I personally didn't relate to all the religious aspects of it but that's just my personal belief. At some points it just felt like if I didn't believe in a 'god' than I wasn't meant to understand and comprehend the real meaning.
Likes:
The characters were fun and relate-able. Lexy was real and raw and emotional to a degree that anyone can understand. The side characters and setting made me feel like I was right back in high school with the fear and excitement. The writing was impeccable.
Overall:
I could not put this book down. Read it in less than 24 hours and would highly recommend this contemporary to anyone. Fast paced and light-hearted. Gives you hope to pursue your dreams.
Summary:
This book follows Lexy just as she is about to enter her senior year. But things get turned upside down. Her parents are making them move from Atlanta to Texas. Lexy is furious because she just got on the newspaper staff as editor and now that will be ripped out from underneath her. But there is a reason why they're moving and no one was prepared. Lexy and her family make it to Texas. Lexy is the 'new kid' and target of bullying. Can she find friends in her last year? And what will life be like since she's not on the paper?
Dislikes:
I personally didn't relate to all the religious aspects of it but that's just my personal belief. At some points it just felt like if I didn't believe in a 'god' than I wasn't meant to understand and comprehend the real meaning.
Likes:
The characters were fun and relate-able. Lexy was real and raw and emotional to a degree that anyone can understand. The side characters and setting made me feel like I was right back in high school with the fear and excitement. The writing was impeccable.
Overall:
I could not put this book down. Read it in less than 24 hours and would highly recommend this contemporary to anyone. Fast paced and light-hearted. Gives you hope to pursue your dreams.
fortheloveoffictionalworlds's review against another edition
4.0
The review was first up on For The Love of Fictional Worlds :)
I received a digital copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
I got in touch with the author, Ms. Ross on IG (yes I love that platform. It is now more than half of my social life :P) and she couldn't be anymore sweeter. When we were discussing the idea of me reading and reviewing her book, she was more worried about the fact that if the book would be a good fit form. Now as an individual human (highly debated! I still I am an alien) with some sort of working brain, actually understood where she is actually coming from. Not every book is for everyone. And why read something that is not up your valley. And that's exactly why I wanted to read this one. What's the point of being a bookworm if you didn't read something unusual? ;)
“It's just not that easy answer you want wrapped up in a pretty, little bow. Nothing real ever is, but that doesn't mean it's hopeless.”
Lexi Quinn is told by her parents that they are moving to Texas to start her senior year at a private school. Now this is a total life change for her, because finally she has the coveted position on the school newspaper. And leaving all that behind to start anew, to her, is basically destroying her life. But she has no choice. Her mother is suffering from Cancer and they need to move for a better treatment facility.
“People lie to themselves all the time. If they lie to themselves, how can you expect them not to lie to you?”
Lexi is my kind of heroine. She is down to earth, sweet, street smart, and loyal. She is also stubborn and ambitious. Reading the story in her POV, made me understand her a whole lot better and frankly, for the first time I was actually liked the first POV and that says a lot.
"You're really comparing hard science to religion?" "They both require faith until proven truthful"
Now Ash Preston is an enigma. He has the bad boy reputation of loving and leaving them behind. Now, the only way Lexi can get into the school newspaper is by interviewing Ash, who of course is as available as fictional characters are to us. He is a complex boy, with so many layers that even at the end, I had a feeling that even then we hadn't uncovered all of the layers.
"A God that's not safe because we can't control him or what he does to us, but good because he loves us no matter what?"
When Ms. Ross contacted me, she told me that most the foundation is in faith and in God for the plot. Now, I am more of believer in Karma. I do not believe that there is a higher entity that we are beholden to. I have seen many use God as an excuse for things that are inexcusable. So, while I was hesitant to actually read this book, I still worried that my own opinions would end up influencing my opinions.
But I was pleasantly surprised. Though there was focus given to faith and religion, it wasn't in the face or even preachy. What it was, was simple questions that got even me thinking, that made me question my beliefs and opinions.
And that is where this book is a success for me.
"Sometimes things get broken and stay that way, no matter how much you want to fix them"
Now, coming back to the story. I liked the writing style and the plot itself. The writing was perfectly in sync with the plot and the characters themselves. Best part though was the fact, that Ms. Ross never ended with a happily ever after. And that is quite commendable, because this is a YA Contemporary Romance and the characters will always be too young to have a Happily Ever After.
Now to the part I did not like. Lexi's mother suffers from Cancer, and this should have been more of an emotional blow to her than was portrayed, especially considering that she is more close to her mother than her father. Lexi even came of as selfish and too self - absorbed sometimes with a mother who is suffering from cancer.
While Lexi and Ash were actually perfect for each other, this relationship was again marred by the lack of communication (when will be these characters learn? :P). Especially considering the fact that when Lexi needed Ash, he wasn't there for her. Now that is just bad bad bad decision all around.
Even with these drawbacks, this is a beautiful debut by Ms. Ross. And for her, there is no where to go but up! <3
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