Double Take by Melody Carlson

Spring break means happiness, fun, and relaxation. But not for Madison Van Buren and Anna Fisher. Pressures from her family and friends leave Madison feeling attacked and stressed. Anna just wants to escape a monotonous life of chores and children. When the two girls meet, they realize they could easily pass for sisters and they have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to temporarily swap places. Anna will go to New York to experience life outside of the Amish community and maybe even find her old boyfriend. Madison will escape some pressure and stress by traveling to another Amish community to help Anna's pregnant aunt with chores and children. The quickly-hatched plan leads Madison and Anna on two incredible journeys to understanding another's point-of-view. Neither of them will be the same.

I expected Double Take by Melody Carlson to be a modern-day version of The Parent Trap without the part about getting the parents together. To some degree it was the classic swapping-places chick lit. However, I was pleased by the depth and originality that Carlson added by intergrating the Amish beliefs/practices and taking the characters on a spiritual journey. I would love, love, love to read a sequel. The ending was satisfying, yet there were a few things left open that could definitely be sequel-material.

Though targeted to young adults, I recommend this book to both young adults and adults who love chick lit or Amish fiction.

Click here to read an excerpt from Double Take by Melody Carlson.

Available June 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Angry by Laura L. Smtih

Emma's parent's unexpected divorce has thrown her world out of control. Everything seems to be falling apart and Emma is the one stuck trying to hold it together. The guilt her parents inflict on her causes her to respond in anger and the last thing she wants to do is be around them. The two bright spots in her life are her friends and the upcoming school production of Les Miserables. When Emma lands the part of Eponine, she finds a unique way to deal with the pain. What she does not know is that God is going to use this play to draw her to him.

When I read the synopsis for Angry, I expected it to be heavy reading full of drama and teenage angst. I was pleasantly surprised to find that although the author deals with Emma's anger, the book is not depressing and heavy. Emma is presented as an authentic teenage girl whose life is changing. She is angry at her parents and a bit rebellious, but anger does not define all of who she is. Rather Emma is fun-loving and happy at some parts. She genuinely cares about her siblings, friends, and even parents. The story emphasizes the use of God-given passions as a coping technique for dealing with pain and anger. It's a good idea and far better than some of the unhealthy ways that some people cope with their anger. I would recommend this book for teenage girls as that is who it is aimed towards. However, as a 20-something, who hasn't been in high school for awhile, I still enjoyed the book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Hot by Laura Smith

Lindsey is beautiful, young and thrilled to be noticed by Noah, a handsome hockey player for her school’s team. She lives amid family struggles and the time she spends hanging out with Noah is the only time she feels safe and secure. She and Noah attend youth group together, have many common interests and are sure they love each other. But all the peer pressure and temptations of teenage life surround them and entice them to go further in their physical relationship. How far will Lindsey be willing to go for the peace and safety she craves?

Hot by Laura Smith is a glimpse into the life of a beautiful teenage girl. The story certainly stays true to the atmosphere and environment of today’s teenager. Once I got a few chapters into the book, I liked the story. The only complaint I have is that the book ended right in the middle of a conversation between Lindsey and Noah. I suppose this is a tricky way to ensure that the reader will want to purchase the next book in the series; however, I am not a fact of the tactic. A good read for teenagers who desire to remain sexually pure.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."