Two Words, One Answer.
Christians
 Fireflies in December (Center Point Christian Fiction (Large Print)) $31.95 Plot/Storyline: 4 1/2 Stars While a bit slow to start, the storyline had a nice, even flow to it. The reader is immersed in the world of a just-turned thirteen year old Southern girl, Jessilyn. While there was not a lot of action, there was plenty to enjoy in each scene with glimpses of Jessie's life. One element of the story could have used more explanation for creditability. Jessilyn's father's decision to take Gemma into their home as part of the family was not supported by enough back story to explain why he would take such risks to his own family, especially with the great danger to his own daughter. The confrontations between Jessilyn and her 'stalker' were handled extremely well. Never was there a truly contrived rescue; each incidence ended realistically. With the setting and the young protagonist, this book was reminiscent of To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee. The courtroom scene was a big contributor to this connection. After completing this book, I went back and read the description again. There is a portion which states, "Escalating episodes of horrific violence ensue, including sexual attacks directed at 13-year-old Jessilyn Lassiter." I do not agree with this description. I realize that `horrific' may have different connotations for different people, but to me it implies blood and guts, which were not really part of this book. Also, the phrase 'sexual attacks' implies rape or molestation when in actuality the 'sexual attacks' were an adult male making a few rude, suggestive remarks to Jessilyn. This book could easily be read by young teens. Character Development: 4 1/2 Stars For the character of Jessilyn, this was also a coming of age story. Her character grew and matured throughout the summer setting as she entered her teenage years. She was both mature and childish, in turns, just like any young teenager. Her actions were right on target for someone of her age. Gemma was not as well developed. I would have liked to have gleaned more of her personality through further, frank discussions with Jessilyn. Although Jessilyn was the main character, Gemma was such an important part of the book that she really should have had more depth. Miss Cleta was my favorite character. She was a feisty, older, true Southern lady. She could bake beautiful desserts with one hand and scare off the bad guys with a shotgun in her other. Writing Style: 5 Stars I think it must be very difficult for an adult to write a book that is fit for young teens, while still being interesting to adults. Ms. Valent seems to handle this with ease. Her subject matter is a sticky one, yet it is handled with style and aplomb. The dialogue was what I loved most in this story. I could easily hear these people talking. The South was in every contraction and lackadaisical sentence. It's so much fun to read true-to-life dialogue that really puts you into the story. Editing/Formatting: 5 Stars Both were of professional quality. Rating: PG for some Light Sexual References --------------------- For more reviews, articles, and author commentary, you can subscribe to my blog to have it delivered to your Kindle daily.  Sterling Silver Christian Fish shaped Prayer Box $30.30 Unique prayer box design, nice pleasant weight to it, nice size. Chain is thin. Overall an inexpensive but unique & good quality piece to own or give, if you're looking for a prayer box pendant.  The Christians $10.98 Named after two band members, Garry and Russell Christian; The Christians were a popular alt/soul act of the late 80s/early 90s that found success with this release and later "Colour". Very good when it stays with the simple and lush: "Ideal World" is silky smooth. "Hooverville" is top notch, with its velvety keyboards, sax and sweet melody; it ranks in my all time top 100. "Forgotten Town" and "Born Again" work well; some of the rest does sound a little dated but nothing unforgiveable. Great production work by Laurie Latham who worked with Paul Young and Echo and the Bunneymen. |
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