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Interrupted: A Life Beyond Words

3.85 of 5 stars 3.85 · rating details · 251 ratings · 153 reviews

Can love really heal all things? If Sam Carroll hadn't shown up, she might have been able to get to her mother in time. Instead, Allie Everly finds herself at a funeral, mourning the loss of her beloved mother. She is dealt another blow when, a few hours later, she is sent from Tennessee to Maine to become the daughter of Miss Beatrice Lovell, a prim woman with a faith All...more

Hardcover, 247 pages

Published March 6th 2012 by Zondervan (first published February 14th 2012)

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Mar 14, 2012 Peggy Martinez rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviews

I received "Interrupted: A life beyond words" as an ARC from the publisher in the mail a few hours ago, & YES I am finished with it already! It was THAT good.

First of all, I love the cover! A pretty young lady with a hand written poetry in the background really captures the essence of the book.

Secondly, I truly loved this book!

Interrupted is a wonderfully written novel about a girl named Alcyone, aka Allie, growing up in the WWII era. Her story is a truly heartbreaking one filled with the...more

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Jun 23, 2012 Reena Jacobs rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: netgalley, 2012-reads, reviewed

This review also posted July 9, 2012 on Ramblings of an Amateur Writer: http://wp.me/pPz8s-2xJ

What can I say? The story line was interesting enough to keep me engaged. It wasn't a book I spent hours reading at night, but it also didn't take me a month like other books. More the middle of the road type of read which kept me just interested enough to keep going.

I have to say, I wasn't overly fond of the main character. She was quite unlovable, even before her mother died. Though it was noted as a...more This review also posted July 9, 2012 on Ramblings of an Amateur Writer: http://wp.me/pPz8s-2xJ

What can I say? The story line was interesting enough to keep me engaged. It wasn't a book I spent hours reading at night, but it also didn't take me a month like other books. More the middle of the road type of read which kept me just interested enough to keep going.

I have to say, I wasn't overly fond of the main character. She was quite unlovable, even before her mother died. Though it was noted as a character trait, I had a difficult time understand why she steadily pushed people way... and often she had a mean streak about it. She was also quite immature at times, particularly toward the beginning of the book. The story spanned her life from about 14 to 20. However, she seemed to behave more like a 5-6 year old at times during the first part of the story. It was odd and made it difficult to connect with her.

As for the story itself, I'm not really sure how to classify this one.

Was it a Christian novel? It did have a Christian undertone, particularly toward the end. However, her Christian disbelief seemed to be resolved rather quickly. It really lacked the journey which I normally enjoy with Christian books. Christianity was more of a light switch for her. One moment she didn't believe, the next she did. All of a sudden she was a better person for it. When I think of someone changing, I imagine it comes in increments. For her, it seemed she took on a completely different personality.

Was it a romance? The relationship she had with her beau was fun, but so little time was spent on it that the romance lacked depth. I truly would have loved to explore more of the romance. The relationship seems to have so much potential... like they were two halves of the same whole at times. Yet the time we spent with her beau was too insignificant to really call this a true romance.

Overall, this book had a lot of potential and was intriguing. However, I think this book could have offered a bit more.

Did I enjoy the read? Yes. I certainly don't think my time was wasted. But as I mentioned, it was lacking the oomph which really makes a book great.(less)

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Jan 24, 2013 Emily Rachelle rated it 4 of 5 stars

First of all, I have to admit the main reason I bought this book - and paid full price - was because Rachel Coker was a teen author, and you all know what that means to me. However, as a Christian writer published with Zondervan, I knew her book had to be pretty good and definitely my taste.

I enjoyed the story and the characters, and it was a good read. It wasn't the huge, heavy, deep read some might expect from a book involving death. Neither was it a light, easy breeze-through-it-during-summer...more First of all, I have to admit the main reason I bought this book - and paid full price - was because Rachel Coker was a teen author, and you all know what that means to me. However, as a Christian writer published with Zondervan, I knew her book had to be pretty good and definitely my taste.

I enjoyed the story and the characters, and it was a good read. It wasn't the huge, heavy, deep read some might expect from a book involving death. Neither was it a light, easy breeze-through-it-during-summer-vacation kind of book. Really, it was a simply story about faith and love and not letting bitterness or fear take over your life.

This is one book where, honestly, while I liked the story, I didn't really care for the main character. Allie is harsh and critical of others and can have a very narrow point of view sometimes. I'm a subscriber to Rachel's blog, so I know Allie was written that way on purpose, but those kind of characters just don't win my heart.

Sam, on the other hand... oh, Sam. :) Sam was so amazing and awesome and perfect. Loyal, sweet, gentle, undemanding, Sam knew when to push Allie and when to step back. He knew when she needed space or time and when was the right time to talk to her. And he was so patient. Did I mention loyal? Because I really don't want anyone to miss that bit.

I loved the ending. I won't spoil anything, but let's say the World War II setting definitely allows for a beautiful, sweet ending to a beautiful, sweet book.

Other than Allie, there was really just two things I didn't like, and they're little things. I felt like the book was a little too short or undeveloped somehow. The problem is, I can't really put my finger on when, or why, or how. It's just a gut feeling that kept skittering back while I was reading.

My third and final problem with the book is not with the book itself - it's with the back cover copy. After reading the book description (see above, first paragraph, "From Amazon"), I was expecting the kind of book where either (a) You open on the girl when she's young, see the mother's death in one chapter, and then the story really gets going when you fast-forward to her grown-up (or mostly) self; or (b) You open on the (almost, in this case) adult main character and learn, through flashbacks or memories or other little bits and pieces what happened in her past. With either beginning, you then spend the rest of the book watching boy and girl interact until they finally get over what happened in the past and live happily ever after. Regular readers of romance know what I'm talking about. While there's nothing wrong with the more evenly paced, autobiographical style of Interrupted, the story and the back cover copy don't quite match up.(less)

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Dec 27, 2012 Rose rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012

Wow, what a book. It was amazing!! How can i describe it? Heartbreaking, intriguing, sad, happy, romantic, funny and touching?? All of those answers I think. A good book to read, I highly recommend it.

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Sep 06, 2012 Alexandra rated it 5 of 5 stars

At the beginning it went little bit slowly but it passed after just 2-3 pages and it is a mixed between a sad book and a happy romantic book that turns in to a sad book and then back to a happy romantic book.
I wrote down what I liked and disliked about the book and here comes the list.

What I liked about the book:

That Rachel Coker have choosen to have some Emily Dickinson quotes at the beginning of every chapter, each one is very beautiful
I'm really loving the main character name Alcyone
The langu...more

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Aug 11, 2012 Talia rated it 1 of 5 stars

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway sponsored by Zondervan. My copy is an advanced copy.
So I've been meaning to read this book for ages. I won it from Goodreads around May I think and it's been sitting on my bookshelf, waiting to be read. I finally got around to it, and finished it within in a day, not because I couldn't put it down because it was so good but because it I knew that if I didn't finish it quick I would just be torturing myself.
To start with, there are so many grammatical error...more I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway sponsored by Zondervan. My copy is an advanced copy.
So I've been meaning to read this book for ages. I won it from Goodreads around May I think and it's been sitting on my bookshelf, waiting to be read. I finally got around to it, and finished it within in a day, not because I couldn't put it down because it was so good but because it I knew that if I didn't finish it quick I would just be torturing myself.
To start with, there are so many grammatical errors and awkward sentences in the book that I would skim over pages and pages, unable to enjoy the writing. I understand that this is an advanced copy and therefore not fully edited yet, however the writing was so bad that I found myself rewriting certain parts in my head. The vocabulary was limited at best, and the structure of the sentences was painful. I had an incredibly hard time understanding a lot of the story because of it. I feel as though the author didn't even bother editing her work before she published the advanced copy.
Keeping in mind that it was an advanced copy, I had hoped that the story would be enthralling enough to catch my attention. I was sorely disappointed. Everything, from the characters, to the dialogue, to the setting, felt flat and cliched.
The characters were all incredibly silly. Allie, our main "heroine" was a wishy-washy teenage girl, who could never make up her mind. Every other page she had decided something different about her situation. When it felt as though she was about to redeem herself, she would regress in an incredibly unbelievable way. Even when it felt as though she was growing, it felt fake, every word of hers felt fake. As I read I felt as though I was watching a low-budget movie and all the actors were poor, barely able to read their lines correctly. Allie was unpredictable, her sense of character never being properly established. The main male character, and the romantic lead, was flat as well, being simply a nice guy. He never got upset with Allie, though he had every right to hate her guts. Their relationship felt so fake and unbelievable, it frustrated me to no end. Every relationship felt silly and unrealistic, from Allie's friendship with Charlie to her conflict with Beatrice.
The setting, while the author tries to describe it beautiful, falls short of the real thing. With a lack of proper vocabulary and sentence structure, the setting doesn't strike me at all. Every background was just a gray wall to me, in front of which the characters were talking. The dialogue was boring and every scene felt boring.
I would not recommend this book to anyone, at least not until the author decided to properly edit it.(less)

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Jul 18, 2012 Reading Teen rated it 5 of 5 stars

Rachel Coker has written a novel with a Christian-based theme that is entertaining and interesting without being preachy or "goody two-shoes". I found this book to be a refreshing change of pace. The main character is a young woman who has had to deal with major tragedy and upheaval in her life at a very young age. She deals with these things by building a wall around herself and keeping a tight rein on her emotions. Allie has to take responsibility for her single mother when brain cancer causes...more

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Jul 17, 2012 Anna rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, young-adult, romance, death-grieve

Thank you to netgalley and the world of ARC for giving me the privilege to read the story.

I kinda feel conflicted about the story just as the protagonist on her feelings. It began quite good and it had me hooked then through out. I see that this was a fast read, finished in no more than I usually do.

The story, as I realize, has potential but had failed to actually elaborate on its sub-plots which made it a bit "lacking". I was expecting more talk regarding the war since that was clearly stated...more

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Jul 07, 2012 Tammy Walquist rated it 2 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Okay, I wanted to like this book, I really did, but I had one main problem that stopped me from liking it: the main character, Allie Everly. She comes from a difficult background: a surprise late-life child for her mother, who is dying of a brain tumor with a father who left because he couldn't handle the stress.

SPOILERS BELOW: Allie's mother dies at the beginning of the book. She blames the neighbor boy, Sam Carroll, who came over just at a key moment when her mother fell. Allie thinks if he ha...more

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Jun 26, 2012 Ashlie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

What makes this review so remarkable, and it shouldn't, is that the book was fabulous (I cried almost entirely through chapters 2-5), but it was written by a 16 year old girl. When she was 14. MIND=BLOWN.

Why does it astound me that Rachel Coker could have written this book at such a young age? I don't know, but she is awesome and I loved this book. It was the type of book where not every single, tiny detail was meshed out, but there were tiny gaps here and there, intentionally left to mark an ex...more What makes this review so remarkable, and it shouldn't, is that the book was fabulous (I cried almost entirely through chapters 2-5), but it was written by a 16 year old girl. When she was 14. MIND=BLOWN.

Why does it astound me that Rachel Coker could have written this book at such a young age? I don't know, but she is awesome and I loved this book. It was the type of book where not every single, tiny detail was meshed out, but there were tiny gaps here and there, intentionally left to mark an expanse of time. But it's not lofty in a way that you're left wondering, "what the heck happened?" It is stretched out in a way that is so appropriate and beautiful.

This book was so emotional! The emotions created in this story are so intense and so tangible. This book had me turning page after page and really appreciating the main character, Alcyone. This book does get religious, but it is not over-bearing. I'm Christian and I loved it. The Savior is a huge part of my life and the MC struggled so much with her faith and such big adversity at such a young age. Allie's experiences created so much fear in her life that only the Savior would be able to fix it and heal her heart, enabling her to really live (and love!) again. This was a beautiful story and it was so well written. When you consider that it was written by a girl at such a young age, I don't know that you can help but be anything but awed.

I adored Sam. I adored Beatrice and Irene and even Charlie. Russel and his mother were slightly creepy, and intense, but they were great supporting characters. There isn't a character in this book that is unnecessary. I loved that Rachel was able to give each one an ending and didn't leave me wondering about anything. The plot was well-thought out and I liked the twists, even if they weren't completely unexpected. They were entertaining and moving, and that's what I hope for in books.

I have to give Interrupted: Life Beyond Words 5 STARS because it was really touching. I think Rachel is a fabulous author and I hope she only continues to do it because she can only get better. There is a deliberateness to her timing that is so beautiful and trained. I think she is definitely an author to watch. I'm not one to jump on the book-to-movie train, but I could picture this as a movie, for sure, even if it was just a made for TV movie.(less)

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Jun 09, 2012 Majibookshelf Juhina & Farah rated it 4 of 5 stars

I went into Interrupted by Rachel Coker with NO expectations whatsoever, I didn't even know it was historical fiction until I started it when I got "The Notebook" vibe and it was addicting! I loved how carefree and realistic it was, even though the protagonist, Allie loses her mother and gets adopted and taken away from her hometown the day after her mother's funeral. We deal with tragic and sad situations, but at the same time we do not lose the reality of things.
The book is set in more than a...more I went into Interrupted by Rachel Coker with NO expectations whatsoever, I didn't even know it was historical fiction until I started it when I got "The Notebook" vibe and it was addicting! I loved how carefree and realistic it was, even though the protagonist, Allie loses her mother and gets adopted and taken away from her hometown the day after her mother's funeral. We deal with tragic and sad situations, but at the same time we do not lose the reality of things.
The book is set in more than a 3 year period, jumping from when Allie gets adopted at 14, to how old she is now, which is 17. Even though Allie gets the best adoptee mother (Beatrice) I personally can think of, she is still closed off and can't seem to open herself up to Beatrice, who seems to also be lost and unable to get closer to Allie and show her that she truly does love her, and at the same time Allie can't understand WHY Beatrice WOULD love her. Allie did frustrate me in this aspect; I mean, you've been adopted by around 4 years and you've only been treated no less than a real daughter, so why would you still hold on to all these insecurities and mistrust? Don't humans, naturally need someone to depend on? no matter how 'independent' they say they are. Allie does grow, with the help of Sam, her childhood friend, or more like, the guy who followed her as a lost puppy for years. I adored Sam, he wasn't pushy, he gave Allie her own time and slowed down to her pace and basically tried everything he could to make her happy, even if it meant that he won't end up with her.
Then enters the military enlistment. I liked, and disliked the addition of this idea, the like comes fro the phrase "Distance only makes the heart grow fonder" and disliked it for the fact that it sort of sprung up on me, I didn't have much time to adapt to the idea of Sam leaving, and I felt that Allie resolved her feelings a bit too fast because of it. However, even though the ending and resolution of the book felt a bit rushed, it was sweet, heartwarming, and just an overall feel good ending. I would recommend this book to any lover of realistic fiction, but beware, I couldn't put this book down! I am definitely excited for any new books by Rachel Coker and hoping for another brilliant realistic contemporary like Interrupted(less)

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May 21, 2012 Vanessa Booke rated it 5 of 5 stars

Interrupted: A life Beyond Words is a heart-breaking story about a young girl from Tennessee named Allie, who's forced to uproot her life when her mother passes from brain cancer. The story flowed smoothly and I loved that it was told from Allie's point of view. From the beginning you really get a sense of the struggle that Allie is faced with as she cares for her mother up until her death. The relationship between Allie and Sam is incredibly sweet and it was fun to watch it grow into something...more

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Apr 20, 2012 Brian McBride rated it 4 of 5 stars

Interrupted is Rachel Coker's debut novel.
To be honest, I was never one for Historical Romance - or rather, I'd never been interested in trying it. But this book shocked me, and not in a bad way.
It took me a bit to get into it, but when I did, I enjoyed every page. However, as enjoyable as it was, I could definitely tell that the writing was that of a first book. The first 82 pages were spotty, jumping from scene to scene, place to place.
The main character, Alcyone Everly, was very realistic...more

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Apr 12, 2012 Chayse Sundt rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is the first Historical Christian book that I have had the chance to review. I wasn't sure what to expect when diving into its pages. I didn't know how this book was to be written, but in the end I enjoyed it.

Allies' mom, I am sorry to say, was a little crazy sometimes. Although it was sad when she died, part of me wanted to shed some tears for her but the other part was asking "why?" With Allie, I could understand some of the stuff that she was going through but other than that I found her...more

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Apr 02, 2012 Jamie rated it 4 of 5 stars

I went into this book being completely unaware that it was Christian historical fiction so I was a little surprised when I started reading but that was my own fault for not researching more. Sometimes I like to start a book and just be surprised though and this book didn't disappoint!

Allie's mom drove me a little crazy. It was sad when she died but I definitely wasn't shedding any tears. Allie herself had her moments where I had to grit my teeth because she had a way of coming off as abrasive a...more

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Mar 26, 2012 Betsy rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian, e-books, historical-fiction, young-adult, arc

I must confess I braced myself for the usual brand of Christian romantic historical fiction here. [I grew up on a steady diet of Janette Oke and Bodie Thoene (to name a few).] But I was pleasantly surprised. The plot is pretty good, the writing needs a touch of work (which will come, no doubt, with the author's maturation as an author--this is a first novel), and I didn't find it too preachy.

This is a love story, yes, but it's also a story of a young girl (Allie is 13 when we first meet her) co...more

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Mar 24, 2012 Charlotte Black rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: reading-romances-challenge, arcs

I was excited to read this book. Anything about life during World War 2 always fascinates me. It's a life that none of us will ever really understand, especially how life as a teenage girl carried on while teenage boys do truly heroic things on the other side of the pond.

Before I start let me just say that this isn't a happy book. There are a few happy moments but overall Allie is not a pleasant person. Before her mother died Allie was told by her mother that Christians were bad, they lied, they...more I was excited to read this book. Anything about life during World War 2 always fascinates me. It's a life that none of us will ever really understand, especially how life as a teenage girl carried on while teenage boys do truly heroic things on the other side of the pond.

Before I start let me just say that this isn't a happy book. There are a few happy moments but overall Allie is not a pleasant person. Before her mother died Allie was told by her mother that Christians were bad, they lied, they say anything to get you to do their bidding. I'm not a religious person but even I thought this was a bit of a harsh line to tell your 9-year old daughter. However even after Allie's ardent care and attention her mum eventually dies from brain cancer and Allie starts to believe that her mother's words hold merit, and that life is cruel. Allie doesn't have time to grieve and instead is whisked off to the home of Miss Beatrice Lovell to be her new 'daughter'.

From here on in Allie's character is one of spite, bitterness and verbal cruelty. No matter how much Beatrice gives, Allie won't take it. She's puts up a defence mechanism and doesn't let anyone in or get close to her. Continually from here she's unguarded in her words and even gets a reputation of putting people down verbally. Allie finds solace in her poems and her diary she writes to her mum. She also treasures the sketchpad and chalk that her childhood friend Sam bought for her. But stuck in my mind is the memory than she barely uttered a 'thank you' to him except when prompted by her mother. But Sam is forgiving as always and accepts Allie is that way.

Over the years Allie doesn't change her attitude and when Sam moves in with his Aunt Rachel Allie shows a little surprise at seeing him again but no gladness that an old friend is there to cheer her up. Someone who knew what life was like for her when she cared for her mother. She only sees how annoying he was and that he would follow her around like a puppy dog.

As World War 2 sets in and life goes on, Allie doesn't change. Although Sam spends more time with Allie she doesn't drop her guard. But the instants where she's actually nice do come out more often. There is a happy ending though and I did feel a relief when, after a few certain events, Allie was able to finally come to terms with her mothers death.

Overall the character of Allie made me frustrated. To lose a parent so young is hard to bear. I' surprised that once Allie started growing up she didn't gradually accept the love around her. Truthfully I really didn't like her. Sam was an amazing character though. To be so supportive, even with the put-downs from Allie took courage. I even felt sorry for Beatrice more than once.

Towards the end the story takes on a heavier religious theme, and almost implies that had Allie believed in God then she wouldn't have become so bitter and twisted in her beliefs.

I'm glad I read it, I would recommend it as a very powerful and heartwarming story.(less)

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Mar 05, 2012 Louise rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction

Story Description:

Can love really heal all things? If Sam Carroll hadn't shown up, she might have been able to get to her mother in time. Instead, Allie Everly finds herself at a funeral, mourning the loss of her beloved mother. She is dealt another blow when, a few hours later, she is sent from Tennessee to Maine to become the daughter of Miss Beatrice Lovell, a prim woman with a faith Allie cannot accept. Poetry and letters written to her mother become the only things keeping Allie's heart fro...more

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Mar 02, 2012 Pretty in Fiction rated it 3 of 5 stars

This review was originally posted on Pretty In Fiction.

Allie is a troubled young girl. Taking care of a sick mother while she's dying, being sent away to Maine directly after the funeral. She had a right to be troubled. But she hangs on to her pain so strongly. She won't allow people in. Won't allow anyone to see her pain for what it is. She pushes everyone in her life away. It was frustrating to see how she hurt everyone who loved her away just by being distant.

I was not at all a fan of how col...more This review was originally posted on Pretty In Fiction.

Allie is a troubled young girl. Taking care of a sick mother while she's dying, being sent away to Maine directly after the funeral. She had a right to be troubled. But she hangs on to her pain so strongly. She won't allow people in. Won't allow anyone to see her pain for what it is. She pushes everyone in her life away. It was frustrating to see how she hurt everyone who loved her away just by being distant.

I was not at all a fan of how coldly everyone treated Allie. Sure, they were nice to her and all, but no one ever spoke to the girl about how she felt. Her mother just died! And before that she'd been living with the stress of taking care of a sick woman. She was only fourteen, why did no one feel the need to console the poor little thing? It seemed like a huge oversight. The only person who even asked her about her mother was Irene at the end of the book. Talk about being years late with that one. No wonder Allie was so closed off to people.

I really enjoyed all of the characters in Interrupted. Irene was such a character. She was so spunky with her hot pink everything. Including a car. In the '40s! I didn't know they made anything hot pink in the '40s but hey! It totally worked for Irene. Sam was just adorable, following Allie around since they were kids. He was love-struck and you could totally tell. Charlie was just so cute I felt like I wanted to pinch her chubby little cheeks.

The fact that the story revolves around World War II intrigued me. Seeing these girls sitting at home, waiting to find out if they'd ever see their sweethearts or fiancées or husbands ever again was tragic. I've never read a book about what happened on the home front during the war, and most movies are about the war itself. This gave me a fresh perspective on what it means to be in a war. These women were put through so much. Most were either newly married or engaged, some were expecting children. And none knew if they'd ever see their significant others again. It really moved me to see a little bit of what they went through.

Interrupted does become a little bit religious towards the end, but I honestly can't say that it was a bad turn. Allie begins to find religion and starts to read the bible. In the story, it's what Allie needs to change who she is. Allie is basically learning about God and the bible for the first time since her mother didn't believe in God. I didn't feel it was so much preaching as it was Allie discovering a way to deal with her pain and fears. The only thing I can say is that when Allie finally does breakdown and ask God for help, she sure sounds a lot like a practiced Christian for someone who has supposedly hated Christians her entire life. That was my one little pet peeve. To me it just seemed to make Allie's character a little less sincere in her prayers.

All in all, I was very impressed with Coker's writing seeing how young she is. Despite being occasionally overly cheesy, Interrupted was a sweet and heart-warming novel. I found myself smiling through most of it and crying through the rest. And isn't that what makes a book great? I recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick read that will lift your spirits.(less)

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Mar 09, 2012 Farrah rated it 4 of 5 stars

4/5

Interrupted is a beautiful coming of age story. Allie's mother died of a brain tumor when she was fourteen. Now, four years later, she still pushes everyone away. She can't let people into her heart. Over the course of the story, we see her grow up and open herself to love.

The story was beautiful. Allie would come off as mean sometimes, but it seems justified by her troubled past. Sam was so sweet; he got her to finally open her heart and I must say he got into mine, too.

The time period is w...more

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Mar 17, 2012 ~Kate~ rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012, epic-books, wishlist, funny-in-parts, heartbreaking, recommend, romance, dont-own, 5-stars, arc, historical-romance, ya

I thought this cover was sweet and that the book sounded interesting and different to what I normally read so I thought I would give this book a try so I was very pleased when I was accepted.

When I first started reading it and the girl was 13 years old I wasn't sure that it would be a book I liked as I knew it was romance and I just wouldn't have believed the romance at that age. I did however find that she was growing up within the book so as some of the chapters went on she got older.

I had sto...more I thought this cover was sweet and that the book sounded interesting and different to what I normally read so I thought I would give this book a try so I was very pleased when I was accepted.

When I first started reading it and the girl was 13 years old I wasn't sure that it would be a book I liked as I knew it was romance and I just wouldn't have believed the romance at that age. I did however find that she was growing up within the book so as some of the chapters went on she got older.

I had stopped reading a book the other week because I found it a bit too sad and very close to home yet this one in the sadness department was worse and I was crying loads and even throughout the book yet I actually loved it and I think that was down to the beautiful style of writing by Coker.

Allie's character had a lot to go through in her younger life which made her build walls around her so that she didn't hurt that way again so I did understand when she was being mean to some of the other character's whereas usually I wouldn't like these types of characters but I found her likable enough to forgive her. Even though it's not a really long book or even a series I was still able to believe the way she was able to grow up which was nice to see.

I loved Sam's character especially when he was older as he had a great sense of humour and he was also really sweet to Allie even when she didn't earn it. I just wish he was in it more.

I got so attached to all the characters so that when they was sad and crying so was I and when they was laughing so was I. I love to be this involved in a story as it shows just how great it was written.

The time period was around the Second World War and usually you find out about how the guy that has gone to war is going through but with this book we got to see the girls and how each cope in different ways. It wasn't a huge vocal point of the story but it was a great addition t the story.

This book also revolves around faith and loss of faith which isn't something I really like to read about as I'm not sure what I think of that subject matter but it was written in a manner that I never felt like I was being told to believe in a certain way yet it also made me think about what it means to me. Also adoption and death was touched upon in a very delicate way which is needed for all these delicate subject matters.

Overall a truly remarkable debut from Rachel Coker I can't wait to read more books by her. I read this from netgalley so I haven't actually got a hard copy of this book but because I loved it so much I know I will have to rectify that as it was just brilliant!(less)

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Mar 16, 2012 Becky rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: won, first-reads

Disclaimers - 1. I won this ARC. 2. I usually shy away from any books with religious tones.

I really enjoyed this book. I couldn't put the book down once Sam came back into the story again. The 'coming to god' part of the story wasn't preachy, and it was blended very smoothly. It didn't feel rushed or fake either. It was a huge part of Allie's growth as a character, yet it didn't diminish or overshadow the rest of what was going on in the book.

I loved the overall story and the characters. I even...more

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Feb 29, 2012 Edna Tollison rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is such a beautiful book, and the story is unbealivablely wrote by sixteen year old who is still in school.

When Allie Everly lost her mother to cancer she was sent to to Maine to live with an adoptive mother whom she had never meet she was very upset. She begin to think that if her friend Sam had not come she may have gotten to her mother in time to save her, so she blames herself for this lost. She had just lost her mother and now she was having to move away from her home and friends, so s...more

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Apr 03, 2012 Julie Graves rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-reads, christian

Alcyone Everly(Allie for short) is 14 years old when her life changes forever. Allie has taken care of her mother for a long time. She has had to endure her father abandoning them and the town ridiculing her mother as "crazy." Allie was willing to endure that as long as she was able to be with her mother. But when her mother dies Allie is sent away to Maine to be adopted by Miss Beatrice.

Allie's bitterness sets in. As the years go by she is determined to never let anyone close to her heart again...more

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Mar 01, 2012 Brianna rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: net-galley

I'm very proud to say that I just finished my first ARC!

Rachel Coker' s Interrupted: A life beyond words was a fantastic read. I'll admit, it really isn't the type of book I normally read, being a Christian (Jew here!) and realistic novel, but I'm glad I did.

Allie, or Alcyone, is an uptight 14 year old girl in the 1940's who really only loves her mother. When her mother is diagnosed with brain cancer and dies, Allie is sent to, ugh, Maine with her new adopted mother Beatrice.

As a Mainer myself,...more

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Mar 19, 2012 Vanya D. rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2012, historical-fiction

I received this book from Netgalley to review, upon request. I wanted to read it because it had a Christian twist, and I'm into that sort of books.

In the beginning, it started out slow, and it kind of felt like the story won't ever get to develop. But, that was done with a purpose: getting to know Allie (Alcyone)'s background. Where she came from, what made her act the way she did after the tragedy in her life. We saw where she came from, we saw why it was hard for her to trust others and hersel...more I received this book from Netgalley to review, upon request. I wanted to read it because it had a Christian twist, and I'm into that sort of books.

In the beginning, it started out slow, and it kind of felt like the story won't ever get to develop. But, that was done with a purpose: getting to know Allie (Alcyone)'s background. Where she came from, what made her act the way she did after the tragedy in her life. We saw where she came from, we saw why it was hard for her to trust others and herself.

And even though she absolutely infuriated me because of her stubbornness, her cold heart and bitchiness, I knew why she did and said everything. I knew why she couldn't accept being adopted, or loved, or trusted. I could understand her train of thought,I cried and laughed along with Allie and to me, that's important in a book.

It was easy for me to live through her pain and to understand her sorrow. And I loved it when she finally got to grow up and see her mistakes and ask for forgiveness. That moment of grace was really captivating, and struck me real hard.

The characters:

*Alcyone - she was a frustrated child, who had to take care of her sick mother until the poor woman died. I have no idea how I would've coped with all the hardships if I were in her place, but for a 14-year old, she did quite well. Yeah, she was always grumpy, and held back her hurt and distrust, but what's there to expect? I was surprised that she actually got to grow up as a character. She got to understand her mistakes and to finally give into love.

*Sam Carroll - he was a sweet boy. Too sweet really. I have no idea how he managed to ignore all the insults coming from Allie's mouth. She never appreciated him, never showed him any real care. She only shoved him away, and still her persisted. I loved that guy. He was honest and open hearted and he won me over from the moment he brought Allie the eggs.

*Beatrice - That woman was so caring, so devoted and so unconditionally loving, I couldn't help but feel for her every time she got rejected by Allie.

I would totally recommend this book to anyone who's going through a hardship and needs some strength from above.(less)

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Aug 28, 2012 Patrice Hoffman rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: giveaways

*won through a goodreads giveaway*

This book was extremely touching. From the beginning i was totally interested in this story and the lead character. Alcyone Everly's life is interrupted by the tragic death of her mother. The next few years of her life are painful to get through . The author does an extremely great job of making the reader case for this girl even before she cares much for her self.

This book is not only encouraging for young adults but also for anyone who has problems letting go....more

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May 08, 2012 Pamela Todd rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebook, romance, historical-fiction, read-in-2012

Allie’s life changes the instant her mother dies. Ripped out of the only home she has known and placed in a town where she doesn’t know anyone, it takes the poetry of Emily Dickinson to keep Allie from completely turning herself to stone.

But then a childhood friend appears and things stir in Allie that she had no idea existed. As World War II looms in the distance, Allie must try to get past her fears before it is too late to do anything about them.

Interrupted is a Christian historical fiction w...more

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Jul 22, 2012 Sky Destrian rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Teen writers anywhere, everywhere.

Recommended to Sky by: www.goteenwriters.com

Shelves: borrowed-books, favorites, loved-it, read-in-2012

I started writing my thoughts about Interrupted in this little review box, and then I ended up writing more than I thought I would. So it turned into a blog post. Here's a sneak peek:

As an aspiring teen author, I was quite impressed to hear of Rachel Coker's accomplishments in the publishing world. At the age of 16, she's already a published author, and that itself is inspiring to me.

So it was that I picked up Interrupted. I'd heard about the book after hearing about the Go Teen Writers blog (wh...more

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Apr 27, 2012 Casey rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: my-kindle

I was first introduced to this book a couple weeks ago and the concept of the novel caught my attention. It actually was not what I expected at the start, but what I got within the pages was certainly fulfilling.

The opening starts with a great hook. A girl still too young, taking care of her mom who is slowly slipping away from her. Watching this girl take on more than should be put on her shoulders made my heart yearn to help her.

The middle I thought lacked a bit of power to keep the story fr...more

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About Rachel Coker

Rachel Coker resides in Virginia with her parents and two sisters. She has a passion for great books, and has been surrounded by them all her life. Her gift for writing became apparent at the age of eleven, at which time her parents signed her up for a year of lessons with a professional writing coach. Rachel also has a deep love for classical music and old black-and-white movies. When she is not...more

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“I tried to smile back. Now, don't get me wrong. Sam Carroll wasn't a creep or a bully or anything. It's just that he was... well, he was Sam Carroll, for goodness' sake. I'd only known him for forever and he'd only followed me around for even longer.” — 10 people liked it

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