Dreams of Promise

Allison forced a smile. It's not that she wasn't glad, but it felt like someone had just knocked the wind out of her sails.

Book: Dreams of Promise by Melody Carlson, Bethany House Publishers, 1999

 

Genre: Realistic/Historical Fiction (historical time period, but feels like reading modern realistic)

Target Audience: Girls 13-16

Subjects: Crushes, split family issues, friendships, dealing with someone who is out to get you

Summary: Marsha wants Allison with her over Christmas, but her dad wants her to stay home with him and Grace and the others. Shirley's hatred of Allison seems to be growing. New opportunities working for the school newspaper lead Allison to a dangerous mystery that Shirley only makes worse. Allison has some important decisions to make, and no matter what she decides, someone could get hurt.

Notes: This is just an ordinary story about a highschooler living a very ordinary life. She's dealing with the whole boy-girl relationships, friendships, mean girls, befriending those in need of friends, planning surprise parties, giving make-overs, and just regular school stuff. Allison is a Christian and when she's in doubt or hurting, she knows where to turn. God or the Bible aren't exactly a major part of the story, but they are definitely there.

Recommendation Scale: 4

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Colossians 3:13-14 - Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.