The Deadly Curse of Toco-Rey

“Dr. Cooper, we both know this will be no picnic. Of course there are dangers: thick jungle, poisonous snakes, hostile natives. The area is remote, and we can expect little or not government assistance or protection. And… well, who knows? Kachi-Tochetin was a fierce, marauding warrior. He conquered peoples and cities all over ancient Mexico and Central America, sacrificing and slaughtering thousands. His treasure is undoubtedly the loot he stole from those he conquered. So maybe the tomb is booby trapped somehow. As for a curse…well, I understand you are a man of prayer, so I assume you aren’t bothered by such things.”

Jacob Cooper smiled. “I’ve run into my share of curses and hexes and magic spells, and my God has been greater than all of them.”

Book: The Deadly Curse of Toco-Rey (The Cooper Kids Adventure Series #6) by Frank Peretti, Crossway Books, 1996, republished in 2005

 

Genre: Suspense, Adventure

Target Audience: Boys and Girls 13-19

Subjects: Fear, Greed, Power, God’s Power, Superstition

Summary: A curse on tombs full of buried treasure and the Coopers are out to discover it. Never mind that the last group who sought to uncover it, caught the affects of the curse, went raving mad and killed one another. The Coopers know that their God is bigger than any curse. In a short time they discover what they believe to be the cause of this “curse” – a bat like wild creature who has a poisonous venom. Interestingly, the venom is only poisonous at night. Or so they are told. But when Lila gets some of it on her during the day and goes mad and runs off into the jungle, everything they thought they knew seems doubtful. They need to find answers – and fast!

Notes: The sixth in a series for young teens by Frank Peretti, an author known for his books on spiritual warfare and suspense, the Cooper Kids Adventures series tells about a father and his two children going on various archeological adventures where they strengthen their trust in God and share His greatness with others. In this book, the author shows again the effects of greed and corrupt power. A powerful wicked man makes plans to control the poison and use it to sell as a weapon on the black market. But in the end, his greed only leads to death and destruction. Like the others in the series, this book teaches that God is more powerful than anything else and can be trusted, even in the worst situations.  

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Jeremiah 10:6 – No one is like you, O LORD; you are great, and your name is mighty in power.

The Secret Of The Desert Stone

As Jacob Cooper looked into the burning eyes of the two towering visitors, he had a feeling he and his kids would soon be going to Africa.

Book: The Secret of the Desert Stone (The Cooper Kids Adventure Series #5) by Frank Peretti, Crossway Books, 1996, republished in 2005

Genre: Suspense, Adventure

Target Audience: Boys and Girls 13-19

Subjects: Faith, Salvation, General Revelation, God’s Power

Summary: One day it wasn’t there. The next morning it was. A huge stone box in the middle of the desert just appeared overnight. And the dictator of the company wants it gone. Now. His witch doctors tried to remove it. They failed. So he had them killed. He’s brought in some specialists from America to remove it now. They will either remove it or die too. But this huge stone seems to have been designed, created. It’s not just a freak of nature. And it has a purpose. The dictator may not like it, but the villagers on the other side do. They have no doubt that it’s a gift from their God. He is going to send them water. And someone to tell them of their God. They worship Him but do not know His name. All they know is that which He has revealed to them. So it comes down to this: remove the stone that God has placed or be killed by a dictator. The Coopers are in for quite an adventure!

Notes: The fifth in a series for young teens by Frank Peretti, an author known for his books on spiritual warfare and suspense, the Cooper Kids Adventures series tells about a father and his two children going on various archeological adventures where they strengthen their trust in God and share His greatness with others. In this book, the author paints a beautiful story of how God can reveal Himself to people even when they have no Bible or missionaries. The people the Coopers find on the other side of the stone have a deep faith and trust in God. They don’t understand or know a lot, but what they do know, they hold firmly to as they dream of the day a man will come and “open the leaves” to tell them the name of their God.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Romans 1:19-20 – since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.

Precisely Terminated

“We haven’t much time. Your struggle will kill millions.”

Monica closed her eyes and gritted her teeth. She squeezed her other leg up to her chest, forcing her back against the duct ceiling. What he said was true, but if he let her go, she could save them. The plans had to work.

Book: Precisely Terminated (The Cantral Chronicles) by Amanda L. Davis, Living Ink Books, 2011

 

Genre: Futuristic

Target Audience: Girls and Boys 16+

Subjects: Death, Sacrifice, Slavery

Summary: One child. Out of millions, only one child did not have a chip planted in her. And that one child lived when everyone else was killed. And that one child, now twelve years later has to save them all. Whenever a child is born, a chip is implanted in them. To eat, bathe, or really anything, to live, they have to have that chip. For that is how they maintain control. If you go out of your area, if you fail to report to your duty, if you become sick or injured, if you say the wrong thing, if you fail in any way to meet the standards set for you, you are instantly terminated. Monica has seen it happen time and time again. But she is the hope of all. The one child who survived the gas twelve years ago now looks for the answers for how to shut down the computer system that controls the chips. She’s as much of a slave as any of them are, yet this one slave has to find a way to be their salvation.

Notes: A futuristic novel about a corrupt government who controls all the people with electronic chips and frequently terminates any who become inconvenient, this story seems quite dark. But it does contain hope that Monica will be able to save them all and does end on a at least somewhat high note. As for spiritual content, there really isn’t any in this story, but there are hints of it. Monica doesn’t know any real answers and very few others do, but there are old hymns that imply life beyond death and some notes in an old book tell Monica she can’t do this on her own, but must have faith. So I’m hoping the next two books will contain more spiritual content. This one just leaves the characters hoping there is a reason for hope, but not really sure of anything.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 2/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

1 Corinthians 15:19 – If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.

Trapped at the Bottom of the Sea

There was one final blow, one final crashing of the pod and Lila lost all awareness, slipping into a dream.

Book: Trapped at the Bottom of the Sea (The Cooper Kids Adventure Series #4) by Frank Peretti, Crossway Books, 1988, republished in 2004

Genre: Suspense, Adventure

Target Audience: Boys and Girls 13-19

Subjects: Family Relationships, Loss, Guilt

Summary: When she angrily flung her words at her dad and hopped on board a plane for her aunt’s house, she never expected to learn how Jonah must have felt! Lila is a teenage girl desperately missing her mother right now and she’s convinced her dad doesn’t care. So she boards a plane to go back home, only to find this particular plane has been hijacked. One plane crash later, she finds herself trapped at the bottom of the sea, safely sealed in a weapon’s pod. It’s up to her dad and brother to find her before she runs out of air or the government gives it the command to self destruct, not knowing she is inside.

Notes: The fourth in a series for young teens by Frank Peretti, an author known for his books on spiritual warfare and suspense, the Cooper Kids Adventures series tells about a father and his two children going on various archeological adventures where they strengthen their trust in God and share His greatness with others. In this book, there is not nearly as much focus on spiritual warfare as there is on examining one’s own heart and letting the Lord work on you. Both Lila and her dad are fighting obedience to God and assuming the other one is to blame for the problems between them, but both are forced to open their hearts and let God have His way with them.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Jonah 2:10 – Salvation comes from the Lord.

 

Roundup of the Street Rovers

“You… there you are, you little thief! Police! Police! Catch that boy.” Pogo flapped his wings and darted into the air as Kip dropped his bag of papers at the feet of the two girls and ran.

Book:Roundup of the Street Rovers: Charles Loring Brace (Trailblazer Books #36) by Dave and Neta Jackson, Bethany House Publishers, 2001

Genre: Adventure

Target Audience: Family Relationships, Missions

Summary: Kip O’Reilly was sold by his father to a shoe tanner when he was eight. He ran away and, now thirteen, is a street rover, managing for his younger buddies and himself. When the boy is caught stealing, Rev. Brace is the only one who can help him out. The two only conditions – staying at the Aid Society and not stealing. This kind of life is so different from the one Kip has led. Can he manage?

Notes: This book tells the story of Charles Loring Brace. It is #27 in the Trailblazers series, a series designed to introduce readers to famous missionaries throughout history. The authors always have young characters who interact with the missionaries and who the story is centered around. These characters often are helped by the missionary, then learn to understand the heart for the lost themselves. This one doesn’t really have God at the center of everything, but it does show how a life can change through contact with Christians. It introduces the historical figure Reverend Brace, making the history into something interesting.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 4.5/5

Reviewer: Sofia Marie

Mathew 25:40b – ‘Assuredly, I say to you, in as much as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’

The Tombs of Anak

Dr. Cooper thoughtfully reviewed what they had learned from the goatherd. “The darkest of shadows… a cruel, tyrannical ghost who eats men, towers to the heavens, sings one song consistently enough for the goatherd to learn it… who inhabits the earth under that dig, who fills the local natives with terror… who is revered and worshiped as a deity…”

“Now that’s some kind of spook,” said Bill.

Book: The Tombs of Anak (The Cooper Kids Adventure Series #3) by Frank Peretti, Crossway Books, 1985, republished in 2004

 

Genre: Suspense, Adventure

Target Audience: Boys and Girls 13-19

Subjects: Fear, Superstition, Greed, Spiritual Warfare

Summary: The Bible talks of “sons of Anak”, giants with six fingers. And the Coopers have just met those sons! For the first time in thousands of years, a giant has been born to the sons of Anak. And that giant rules. Ha-Raphah – the Fearsome One is revered above all. His followers, The Yahrim – the Fearful understand well the consequences of disobeying him. A lost leg, a lost life. They leave their offerings and hope to appease him. One warns the Coopers, they shall never appease him. He will accept nothing less than their very lives. And his warning proves true. Trapped in a maze with false walls and traps, all leading to the monster’s lair, the Coopers have to battle for their very lives.

Notes: The third in a series for young teens by Frank Peretti, an author known for his books on spiritual warfare and suspense, the Cooper Kids Adventures series tells about a father and his two children going on various archeological adventures where they strengthen their trust in God and share His greatness with others. In this book, the author takes a look at greed and power and how it can destroy someone. The tombs of Anak are filled with old treasures and Anak and his priestess intend to keep all that treasure for themselves. Their greed and desire for power knows no limits. In the end, the destruction that comes from such is clearly seen.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Luke 12:15 – Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”

Escape From The Island Of Aquarius

 “But why did the Alliance hire us to find him?” Lila wondered.

Dr. Cooper couldn’t help getting a twinkle in his eye. “Well, under the circumstances, I don’t think anyone else wanted the job.”

“Under the circumstances…” Lila thought aloud. “A spooky island everyone’s afraid of and a dead man with no good reason to be dead!”

“That last part does have me perplexed,” said Dr. Cooper. “That man’s death was far from normal I talked to the authorities in Samoa, but all they could give me was guesses about posions and rumors about Aquarius, and that medallion around his neck. I’m afraid, we’ll have to find out everything else for ourselves.”

“I thought we were archeologists,” Lila said.

“We’re also very good at snooping,” Jay said.

Book: Escape from the Island of Aquarius (The Cooper Kids Adventure Series #2) by Frank Peretti, Crossway Books, 1985, republished in 2004

 

Genre: Suspense, Adventure

Target Audience: Boys and Girls 13-19

Subjects: Fear, Superstition, End Times, Missions, Trust in God, Loss

Summary: “Nothing can violate the spirits that rule here, not even the gospel of Jesus Christ!” That statement coming from a Christian sent to be a missionary to the island was shocking. What in the world was happening on this island and what happened to the missionary? Curses, poisonous bugs, frayed rope bridges, whirlpools, sacrificial pits, and a sinking island make up the Cooper’s latest adventure. Somehow, they have to convince the people of the truth and save them – along with themselves before destruction comes on them all!

Notes: The second in a series for young teens by Frank Peretti, an author known for his books on spiritual warfare and suspense, the Cooper Kids Adventures series tells about a father and his two children going on various archeological adventures where they strengthen their trust in God and share His greatness with others. In this book, the author sets up a picture of what the end times might be like by creating a situation like that the Bible describes in a small contained environment. Someone comes in, claims to be from God, deceives the people with signs and leads the people straight to their destruction. A couple of verses are quoted about the last days and how people will exchange the truth for a lie. The other spiritual content is trusting God no matter what happens. At one point, Dr. Cooper thinks someone has killed his daughter and is ready to kill in return. Right before he does, he remembers that he dedicated his daughter to the Lord, that she belongs to the Lord, not him and that it’s not up to him to take vengeance.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

2 Timothy 4:2-5 – For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.  They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.  But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

The Door In The Dragon's Throat

“What do they think they’ll miss?”

“Oh, some want to see the great treasure that will make our country – including them – very rich. The others… well, they have come to see you die.”

Dr. Cooper was getting a little tired of such talk. “I don’t intend to die,” he stated matter-of-factly.

Gozan laugh uproariously, as if Dr. Cooper had told a joke. “You intend to tamper with the forbidden Door, doctor! That always brings death!”

Book: The Door in the Dragon's Throat (The Cooper Kids Adventure Series #1) by Frank Peretti, Crossway Books, 1985, republished in 2004

Genre: Suspense, Adventure

Target Audience: Boys and Girls 13-19

Subjects: Fear, Superstition, Greed, Spiritual Warfare

Summary: Everyone dies. Anyone who dares to mess with the door at the bottom of that cavern dies. None have ever opened it. Only the most foolish dare to try. But the president wants that door opened! Something that cursed, that big, the powerful must surely contain great riches. Every team he calls in to try to open it fails though. They die or run away in fear and terror. This team is different though. Only the archeologist, his two teenagers and three workers. Surely if the powerful confident, teams of forty men with all the best equipment could not penetrate the door, this small group won’t be able to either. Or is their faith somehow the key to opening this. Despite earthquakes, poisonous snakes, desert shamans, and explosions, they are still alive! Maybe their god holds the answer after all!

Notes: The first in a series for young teens by Frank Peretti, an author known for his books on spiritual warfare and suspense, the Cooper Kids Adventures series tells about a father and his two children going on various archeological adventures where they strengthen their trust in God and share His greatness with others. In this book, the author sets up the idea that the “locusts from the pit” mentioned in Revelations, may actually be a pack of demons truly bound up somewhere waiting the day when they will be released on the earth. He speculates about what would happen if someone dared to open that door before the appointed time, or more accurately, what would happen if someone tried to do so. It’s a great look at how much more powerful the one true God is than any other power in the world. The natives of the land greatly fear the door, but the Coopers approach it in faith, asking God for His protection and survive when all others have failed.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Romans 8:38-39 – For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Tribulation Force (Left Behind Graphic Novels, Book 2, Vol. 3)

This may shock all of you, because I haven’t expressed an opinion yet, but Buck and Rayford, I think both of you should consider accepting these jobs.

Book: Tribulation Force (Left Behind Graphic Novels, Book 2, Vol. 3) by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins, Tyndale House Publishers, 2002 

Genre: Graphic Novel/Futuristic

Target Audience: Boys and Girls 16+

Subjects: End Times, Dating Relationships, God’s Will

Summary: Accepting would be going against everything they believe in! There’s no way Rayford or Buck could lower themselves to work for the anti-Christ! And yet, it seems this is exactly what God is asking of them! As the four members of the Tribulation Force seek to survive in a post-rapture world, pressure is put on them to serve forces of evil. Only time on their knees in prayer will reveal the best move in these situations.

Notes: The Left Behind books, the original adult series, has now been turned into graphic novels, making the adult stories appeal to older teens as well. The novels tell the stories of some new Christians who accepted Christ after the rapture of the Church. They are now living in the Tribulation and have to figure out what following God looks like in a time when evil has been given full reign. The strongest spiritual content from this book comes from the characters recognizing that only through prayer will they be able to figure out what the best decision is.

Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Colossians 4:2 – Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

Jacob’s Daughter

“I’m what?” “You heard me, Abby. Now hurry up and put this dress over your head before we miss our bus.” Lizzie Barlow stood her ground. She could feel no sympathy for her daughter at the moment. They had to get on that bus to Indiana, and there was no time for the temper-tantrums of a ten-year-old to complicate their already life-threatening situation. “I’m not Amish! You take that back!” Lizzie pursed her lips. “Actually, Abby, you are Amish because I’m Amish.”

Book: Jacob's Daughter: Book 1 by Samantha Jillian Bayarr, Livingston Hall Publishers, 2011

 

Genre: Amish Fiction

Target Audience: Girls 17-20

Subjects: drugs, family relationships, forgiveness

Summary: Lizzie Barlow was once Amish, but when an Englischer, Eddie, steals her innocence, she runs away from him, her family, and the guy she always loved. Ten years later, with Abby, her ten-year-old daughter, Lizzie runs away from Eddie again – but this time to her family and the Amish life she left before. Will her family understand? Is it even OK to come back after all these years?

Notes: This book deals with heavy issues. Its main focus is forgiveness. It is part of the Jacob’s Daughter series. Forgiveness is discussed a lot. God is not mentioned all the time, the book centering more on the Amish loving and forgiving culture.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: Sofia Marie

Hebrews 10:17 “Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.”

Millie’s Unsettled Season

“Oh, Aunt Wealthy,” Millie cried, as Wealthy’s boot touched solid ground. “It’s decided!” “My child, what is it?” asked the older lady, dropping the letter to take the girl’s hand and draw her to the sofa. “What is decided?” Millie spoke with a determined effort to be calm. “This morning at breakfast, Pappa told us- us children, I mean- he and Mamma had talked it over last night, and you know they have been praying about it, and…” “And?” Wealthy clasped Millie’s hand to her heart. “We are going to move … to…to… Pleasant Plains, Indiana.” “The frontier!” Wealthy gasped, sinking back on the coach.

Book: Millie's Unsettled Season, Book 1 by Martha Finley, Dodd, Mead and Company, 1876  (Adaptation written by Kersten Hamilton, Mission City Press, 2001) 

Genre: Historical Fiction/Adventure
Target Audience:  Girls 10-14
Subjects: Family relationships, Friendships, Trust in God, Obedience to God, Outreach, Standing up for your faith, Showing love to others
Summary: In 1833, 12-year-old Millie Keith’s family is moving from their comfortable house in Lansdale, Ohio to Indiana, the frontier. Millie is leaving everything she has ever known behind. A trip so far in the 1830s is perilous. Even if all her seven siblings get to Pleasant Planes safely, Millie isn’t certain it will ever feel like home.
Notes: Millie struggles to understand God’s plan for her. But, looking at her parents and great-aunt as brilliant examples, Millie constantly grows in her faith. She gets into heated discussions about the joy of being God’s children and looking at others as God would. Millie is an excellent example of standing up for your faith and helping others. Even when she does do wrong, she understands it, asks God and others to forgive her. Book 1 of the A LIFE OF FAITH: Millie Keith series.
Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 5/5
Reviewer: Sofia Marie  

James 1:22 – Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

The Frontier Boys

“There was a drive-by shooting tonight outside the skating rink. Three shots were fired.” Reverend Lewis stopped abruptly. He could barely choke out the words. “We think the bullets hit the concrete wall. One of them ricocheted off the wall and…” He stopped again. He had to swallow air for a second before his voice could continue. “One of them is currently lodged in the lower portion of TJ’s spine.”

Book:The Frontier Boys: The Novel by John Grooters, Destiny Image Fiction, 2012

 

Genre: Suspense

Target Audience: Boys 13-19

Subjects: Death, Prayer, Crime, Drugs, Guilt, Fear

Summary: At age ten they were dubbed “The Frontier Boys” by a local newspaper reporter who watched them try to sell the fish they’d caught. They’ve been friends for all these years. Three of ‘em basketball players, one the team’s biggest cheerleader. But something is about to change. A young man in town is dissatisfied with his life and takes a step to do something about that dissatisfaction. One wrong choice, one secret meeting and the path is set. Less than a week later the consequences are clearly seen as one of the Frontier Boys lies in the hospital injured and likely dying. Chances of his survival aren’t good. And one of the Frontier Boys feels the weight of this more deeply than the others. His feeling is guilt. And fear. But God is bigger than guilt and fear and He’s not done with any of the boys yet!

Notes: This story shows the power of simple choices. The boy who is weighed down with guilt didn’t even fully make the choice to do wrong. He merely considered it long enough to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. The boy who was injured is injured because of a simple choice to stand up to evil in a quiet manner. No threats or weapons, just a quiet voice. And the one responsible for bringing the powerful followers of evil to their town simply made the choice to wallow in self pity and pride, causing him to take actions that led to the near murder of a young boy. It also shows how God is bigger than fear and guilt and the one who feels responsible keeps quiet about what he knows for a long time, but finally makes the right choice. And when the injured boy finally regains consciousness, it’s after the others gathered around him praying for his healing. The book contains a few characters with very strong faith who turn to God, crying out for help and understanding and wisdom as they face this challenge.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 4/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Hebrews 10:22 – Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.

Right Where I Belong

"I will never, ever allow myself to fall in love. I won’t do to anyone what my father does to these women. And to me. Never. Do you hear me, God? Make me single. Have me travel the world or work with orphans or whatever. But don’t make me fall in love. I won’t do it. I can’t."

Book: Right Where I Belong by Krista McGee, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2012

 

Genre: Adventure/Romance/Allegory

Target Audience: Girls 13-19

Subjects: Sharing your faith, missions, loss, dating relationships, friendship

Summary: Her dad is getting his third divorce so he can pursue fiancée #4. And Natalia has had enough of it! There’s nothing wrong with her current wife. In fact, she’s the one who has told Natalia about Jesus. Natalia is miserable over her father’s decision and knows his wife, Maureen will be as well. Then she hits on a brilliant idea! Why not leave Spain and join Maureen in her move back to her own country, The United States?  Natalia is ecstatic about all the opportunities for spiritual growth this move brings. A Christian school where she can meet Christian friends, a class that teaches her the Bible. What more could she ask for? Well, there is one thing. Less attraction to Brian Younger. After all, she’s swore off all dating forever. She’d rather be single than go through what her father has done. But despite all her attempts, she continually finds more and more reasons to be attracted to this boy, and he to her. Why won’t God take away this desire? Surely dating isn’t in His plans for her? Is it?

Notes: It’s the story of Ruth, but from a modern day teenager perspective. But instead of it being a mother-in-law, it’s a step mother that she follows. Maureen has told Natalia all she knows about Jesus. And now that her father is divorcing her and moving on to fiancée #4, Natalia decides that Maureen needs her and Natalia needs Maureen. So she moves with her. The spiritual element comes in the struggles of both characters. Maureen has to learn to trust that God hasn’t abandonded her and still has a great plan for her, even if it’s quite different than what she would have thought. Natalia has to trust God with her future – career and love life both. After all the bad examples her dad has shown her, Natalia decides to never date. But God leads a godly young man to her and puts a desire for a relationship in both of them, despite their attempts to deny it. And He gives her a passion for serving Him through teaching – not exactly the successful business plan her parents had planned for her. The characters from the first two stories in this series (First Date and Starring Me) by this author, are brought back so we can see their continued growth and attempts to trust God with their relationships as well.

Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Ruth 1:16 – But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.

Disclaimer: This book was provided for free by Booksneeze in exchange for an honest review. 

 “I will never, ever allow myself to fall in love. I won’t do to anyone what my father does to these women. And to me. Never. Do you hear me, God? Make me single. Have me travel the world or work with orphans or whatever. But don’t make me fall in love. I won’t do it. I can’t.”

Right where I belong, Krista McGee, Thomas Nelson, 2012

Genre: Realistic

Target Audience: 15-19 years old

Subjects: God’s plan for your life, family relationships, dating relationships, missions.

Summary: Natalia Lopez will never date. That is what God wants for her - to be single. Right?

Certainly, He doesn’t want her to create a family only to mess it up later like her father

did. However, as Brian Younger comes into the scene, Natalia’s resolution wavers.

He’s a Christian, a pastor’s son, a tall, fun boy who, more than anything wants to serve

Jesus. Natalia won’t admit that she thinks about him all the time. God wants her to be

single. Right? Little by little, Natalia comes to realize God has placed her right where she

belongs…

Notes: Natalia struggles to understand that even though some families might break, that does not mean having a family is bad. God has a plan for her and He has her right where she belongs. The story is shown from two people’s points of view as are the others in the series. This book is fully centered on God. He helps the characters overcome

their difficulties and doubts. Right where I belong will help you grow spiritually as well

as entertain you.

5/5

Sofia Marie

 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11