Bookworm

Excellent and Emotional Read

Revisado: 07-07-24

First of all, it is a great book with compelling characters, good storyline, good use of humor, and great prose. For those qualities alone I would recommend this book.

Secondly, and equally importantly, this author is rare in her exceptional ability to empathetically and realistically write about difficult issues. Her novels have discussed both communities and topics that are close to my own life, and I felt that she navigated all of those with so much tact and empathy. I feel as if her books are supportive to my healing journey, as they both acknowledge the pain of difficult topics and from that, demonstrate a great process of healing for the characters. If you want a romance novel that safely and lovingly copes with difficult life experiences, while resting in the knowledge that the main characters will heal and get their happily ever after, this is it.

My longsuffering friends and family frequently hear me lament about romance novels that gloss over heavy topics, normalize unhealthy relationship dynamics, and other things that I perceive as problematic in entertainment I choose to consume. This book and the one preceeding it in the series do not have those challenges. There was a healthy balance of seeing difficult situations without wallowing, brushing off, or otherwise diminishing the gravity of the situation. The characters were not normalizing unhealthy or toxic behaviors or relationship dynamics. I do not recall anything standing out as concerning, unhealthy, or triggering to me. This book had exceptionally excellent content, and I want to commend the author for creating such a great novel.

This was the first time I read through this book, I am sure it will not be the last. I look forward to reading more of her novels!

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Excellent Explorstion of a Sensitive Topic

Revisado: 12-18-21 El oyente recibió este título gratis

The topic of religion and same-sex attraction is rife with deep emotions. As such, it can be difficult to discuss the topic of religion, including Christianity, and same-sex attraction. Fr. Thomas Hopko delicately and thoroughly navigates the topic of Christian faith and same-sex attraction throughout the passage of this book. This does not mean it was an easy read; I doubt any book on this topic would be. It does mean that Fr. Thomas Hopko wrote with kindness and love emanating from the pages as he explores the topic within the context of Christian faith, both for people who experience same-sex attraction and those who do not.

The content of the book does not comfortably fit into the paradigm of mainstream cultural talking points. Thus, many who read this might find points they had not considered, as well as guidance for Christians to integrate into their daily lives.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to learn about Christian faith and same-sex attraction. As with anything that discusses such sensitive topics, I suggest that those who read the book do so with an open heart and mind. The audiobook version was well read, and at two and a half hours, it is convenient to fit this audiobook into a schedule.

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Nourishing and Encouraging - Highly Recommended

Revisado: 10-12-20 El oyente recibió este título gratis

"All Is Well" is a short but beautiful book by Dr. Albert Rossi whose message is always important, and is desperately needed by all who are experiencing challenges in their lives. Throughout the course of the book, Dr. Rossi shares profound Orthodox insights, as seen through his professional lens as a psychologist. Additionally, he layers in personal reflections in a conversational tone that make this book relatable and even more impactful. As I read the book, I felt the truth of the title: all is well.

Throughout the book, Dr. Rossi reminds us Christians what is important in our earthly ministry, of core Orthodox principles, and how we can develop our inner peace as we deepen our walk with Christ.

Dr. Rossi narrated the audiobook, and as such, allows the audience to hear the tone, pace, and humor as he intended.

Overall, this book was so beautiful, I began recommending it to friends and family before I even finished it. I am sure that I will return to it throughout my life and hope it is a blessing for you as well.

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Don't Bother

Revisado: 05-21-16

The story fills a gap between the previous book and the next, which hopefully conclude this homicidal stalker trilogy. Excluding the conclusion, the entire story takes place in one day and contains unnecessary paranoia, anxiety, and inner turmoil.

The characters haven't developed, and their relationships haven't either. None of the relationships seem healthy. If Marino is such a lecherous, disrespectful person, why does Kay keep him around? Benton and his secrets? Lucy and her incredibly immaturity? Why does Janet love Lucy?

The series could be great, but the above flaws wreck it for me.

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