The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
kalemary's review
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
meezcarrie's review
4.0
Alana Terry is a very unique writing voice in Christian suspense fiction. She’s not afraid to tackle the tough stuff, and the faith element is very strong. However, don’t mistake “very strong” for “preachy” or “political”. In fact, just about the time I thought it could cross over into preachy territory, the author threw in a curve ball that kept the character and the story from becoming a caricature.
The attack on the crisis pregnancy center in Unplanned for instance – Sandy recounts how a protester crossed the picket line to safely escort her inside because women, no matter their politics, need to stick together. Thus, we were able to see humanity and heart on both sides of the fence. Also in Unplanned, Kennedy struggles with helping the center after she sees the trauma Rose has endured – an honest and very believable reaction especially for a college student in the process of making her faith her own.
Edge-of-your-seat suspense with unique twists and elements that wait to be resolved in the next book.
The attack on the crisis pregnancy center in Unplanned for instance – Sandy recounts how a protester crossed the picket line to safely escort her inside because women, no matter their politics, need to stick together. Thus, we were able to see humanity and heart on both sides of the fence. Also in Unplanned, Kennedy struggles with helping the center after she sees the trauma Rose has endured – an honest and very believable reaction especially for a college student in the process of making her faith her own.
Edge-of-your-seat suspense with unique twists and elements that wait to be resolved in the next book.
jle913's review
5.0
I've been a fan of this author since her first book. This one is my favorite yet, with The Beloved Daughter now a very close second. I could not put this book down. From the moment I read about the first phone call, I was driven to find out what will happen to the caller.
This book tackles the very difficult issue of abortion. I am 100% pro-life without exceptions, but I am often dismayed by the dismissive attitude of some who share my conviction on the issue. There can be very complex and painful circumstances involved, and this novel explores one of these in the most thoughtful and considerate way I have seen in any writing on the subject. Even though I walked away with my convictions unchanged, I am still a better pro-life activist for having closely examined these aspects.
This book tackles the very difficult issue of abortion. I am 100% pro-life without exceptions, but I am often dismayed by the dismissive attitude of some who share my conviction on the issue. There can be very complex and painful circumstances involved, and this novel explores one of these in the most thoughtful and considerate way I have seen in any writing on the subject. Even though I walked away with my convictions unchanged, I am still a better pro-life activist for having closely examined these aspects.
delicatedayreads's review
3.0
I finished this book within 4 hours and loved it. I’m only giving it three stars because it had some triggering moments and some parts were really difficult to get through because of how heartbreaking it was. I’m excited to read the rest of the series!
xakyr's review
3.0
I was under the impression when I started this book that it was a Romantic Suspense, but upon reading it, I found that my impression was horribly wrong! I would definitely classify this story as a New Adult novel, which I really hate, but this one was actually rather engrossing! There is a definite mystery element to the story, but it is a very rudimentary one. In fact, the entire story felt rather simplistic!
We only get broad strokes when it comes to Kennedy, we don't get a lot of detail when it comes to her thought processes. Most of the events that occur in the story are told to us, rather than shown to us, so the combination of the two make it difficult to connect with Kennedy overall. The topic the story focused on is rather saddening in itself, so lacking that emotional connection to the story makes it harder to enjoy. Supporting characters that weren't Christians felt superficial at best, and the Christian ones weren't as in depth as I'd like.
I believe that this is the author's first book, and it certainly reads like that, even as such a quick read. I liked the fact that the story was complete for the most part, but that there were enough loose ends to progress to the next book. I was entertained enough with this that I'll probably read the next book in the series at some point.
We only get broad strokes when it comes to Kennedy, we don't get a lot of detail when it comes to her thought processes. Most of the events that occur in the story are told to us, rather than shown to us, so the combination of the two make it difficult to connect with Kennedy overall. The topic the story focused on is rather saddening in itself, so lacking that emotional connection to the story makes it harder to enjoy. Supporting characters that weren't Christians felt superficial at best, and the Christian ones weren't as in depth as I'd like.
I believe that this is the author's first book, and it certainly reads like that, even as such a quick read. I liked the fact that the story was complete for the most part, but that there were enough loose ends to progress to the next book. I was entertained enough with this that I'll probably read the next book in the series at some point.
daphself's review against another edition
3.0
Goodreads has a 2 star at "it was ok" and that's what I thought of this novel. It's ok. If it was marketed as a young adult or new adult novel then the ranking could have been higher which is why I'm giving it 3 stars.
The theme is relevant and clean. The topic is brutally honest but slightly glossed over. The plot didn't have much depth to it but it did have a fast pace to it. The character needed a little more development, especially her rash judgement of people who had not lived where she had lived.
Because of how the topic was handled, how the suspense was resolved in a tidy way, and how what could have been a deep plot to explore but was only lightly touched upon, I would rank this as good young adult novel for older teens. Especially as a way to help them understand the sanctity of life and what it really means to be pro-life.
The theme is relevant and clean. The topic is brutally honest but slightly glossed over. The plot didn't have much depth to it but it did have a fast pace to it. The character needed a little more development, especially her rash judgement of people who had not lived where she had lived.
Because of how the topic was handled, how the suspense was resolved in a tidy way, and how what could have been a deep plot to explore but was only lightly touched upon, I would rank this as good young adult novel for older teens. Especially as a way to help them understand the sanctity of life and what it really means to be pro-life.
kelreads's review
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
3.0
rlangemann's review against another edition
3.0
Kindle freebie. I like how different and non-formulaic Alana Terry’s books are (at least the ones I’ve read so far). This one tackles some pretty serious stuff...thought-provoking.