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Right Where I Belong

by Krista McGee (Goodreads Author)

3.99 of 5 stars 3.99 · rating details · 111 ratings · 37 reviews

How do you find your place in the world?

Tired of watching her father flit from one wife to another and having formed a true bond with her most recent stepmother, Natalia decides to move with her from Spain to Florida when the divorce papers are finalized.

There are a couple things Natalia knows for sure: 1) She's being groomed to take over her father's international busine...more

Paperback, 320 pages

Published December 11th 2012 by Thomas Nelson

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Apr 09, 2013 Dee rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is a YA Christian story of a young lady struggling with finding her place in this world. Does she honor her parents plan for her future, or follow her heart and God’s plan for her?

I loved the character Natalia. She is a perfect role model for teenage girls. For a teenager, I admired how mature she was, and how devoted she was to learning more about her faith and sticking to what she believes in.

Brian, the pastor’s son, was also an interesting character. We get to see how he dealt with the s...more

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Jan 21, 2013 Debbie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian, ya, romance

"Right Where I Belong" is a young adult Christian romance that is loosely based on Ruth. Several characters from this author's previous two novels were in this one, but you don't need to read those novels to understand this one. This novel did "spoil" how her previous novels ended, though, so you might wish to read them in order.

The first third of this book was a fairly light story about Natalia trying to get used to all of the differences between her culture and American culture. While interest...more

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Jan 03, 2013 Laura rated it 3 of 5 stars

When her father's third marriage ends, Natalia swears off love. Instead, she decides to leave Spain to go America with her soon-to-be ex-stepmother, the one who first told her about Jesus. Florida brings unfamiliar culture, a new school, and a pastor's son who is funny and loves Jesus just as much as Natalia does. Will she find that love might just be right where she belongs?

This is the third book I've read by McGee that mirrors a Biblical narrative, this time Ruth's story. Although I love the s...more

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Jan 02, 2013 Rissi rated it 5 of 5 stars

Reading a handful of complimentary reviews can entice any reader to pick up a book with an unfamiliar author’s name to its credit. That was how I become introduced to Krista McGee’s novels; fellow reviewers unknowingly prompted me to request this novel for review. Happily I am not sorry to have done so. The story of seventeen-year-old Natalia is one that will hit its mark with many teens – instead of just “another” teenage romance novel in which the characters are on the brink of falling into pl...more Reading a handful of complimentary reviews can entice any reader to pick up a book with an unfamiliar author’s name to its credit. That was how I become introduced to Krista McGee’s novels; fellow reviewers unknowingly prompted me to request this novel for review. Happily I am not sorry to have done so. The story of seventeen-year-old Natalia is one that will hit its mark with many teens – instead of just “another” teenage romance novel in which the characters are on the brink of falling into places they might not return from or a sordid love triangle, this one has heart (more than any novel – adult or teen – that I’ve read in a long time), and more importantly, it’s grounded in realism not fantasy. In the story, Natalia leaves behind her life in Spain to return to America with her broken-hearted stepmother – just the latest “victim” in a long line of her father’s now ex-wives. Determined to remain unattached in life so that she never follows her father’s footsteps, Natalia finds that God has other plans for her new life in Florida.

Getting right the “art” of young adult fiction is no small task in today’s culture. Teens are accustomed to “hardcore” entertainment and are hard to please with anything less. That shouldn’t be the “standard” but the exception and we should begin to look more closely at authors like Krista Mcgee for that change. Her character of Natalia is one of the most upstanding, selfless, adorable, likable, pure (both of heart, mind and body) young characters I’ve run across. Fortunately I haven’t had to deal with the sort of situations – parents, Natalia has but I felt that did nothing to hinder the plot or the level that we “connect” with her. From my reader perspective, I was able to understand her desire to want to do right and grow spiritually. Her deepest desire was to do everything opposite of the mistakes her father had made and she put in the center of that, her relationship with Christ. Right Where I Belong isn’t a story that’s “in your face” or will come across as “preachy” but it doesn’t easily let you off the hook – subtly is its strong suit and in this case, that is a compliment of the highest kind.

Between the day’s out Natalia has with her girlfriends shopping or their trips to meet teenage Christmas television stars and the scenes of Natalia and Maureen (who introduced Natalia to Christ), the book sparkles with personality. And that isn’t even mentioning the “temptation” she must convince herself is “wrong” – the cute guy she meets in pastor’s son, Brian. Each of the characters are endearing but are searching for what God wants of them. The clash of cultures was adorable; I loved “watching” Natalia learn the American lexicon of catch-phrases. Modern, fresh and a loose (but beautiful) inspiration of the story of Ruth, this is sure not to be my last and only book by the talented Krista Mcgee. Unless you are close-minded, it’s a novel that speaks to you on a level far beyond superficial. (less)

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Dec 18, 2012 Lori rated it 5 of 5 stars

Right Where I Belong by Krista McGee

16 year old Natalia is leaving her life in Spain behind to go live with her stepmother Maureen in Tampa, FL. Natalia has recently found the lord and her friends and family in Spain ridicule her new beliefs. Maureen has taught Natalia so much about God, but she desires more knowledge. Maureen takes Natalia to her native country with hopes of moving on and bringing Natalia to a better spiritual environment.

Natalia is enrolled in the local Christian school and im...more

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Dec 14, 2012 Renn Shearin rated it 4 of 5 stars

Natalia’s about to discover her place in the world . . . and it’s not following in her father’s footsteps.

After watching her father jump from one marriage to the next, Natalia has completely written off love. And when her father divorces his third wife—the only one who has been a mother to her—Natalia is ready to write him off too.

Needing a change of scenery, Natalia leaves her home in Spain and relocates with her stepmother to sun-soaked Florida. But she didn’t realize just how far a new school...more Natalia’s about to discover her place in the world . . . and it’s not following in her father’s footsteps.

After watching her father jump from one marriage to the next, Natalia has completely written off love. And when her father divorces his third wife—the only one who has been a mother to her—Natalia is ready to write him off too.

Needing a change of scenery, Natalia leaves her home in Spain and relocates with her stepmother to sun-soaked Florida. But she didn’t realize just how far a new school, a new culture, and a new lifestyle would push her out of her comfort zone.

One of her biggest surprises comes from Brian, a pastor’s son with an adorable smile, who loves God with a sincerity that astounds Natalia. She doesn’t want to fall for him, but she can’t seem to avoid him long enough to get him out of her mind.

Love is the last thing Natalia wants. Even so, God has her right where she belongs.

Right Where I Belong by Krista McGee is a very interesting and adorable novel that kept me glued to the pages throughout. I finished the book in about one sitting. The plot line was exciting, and it contained elements of romance, humor, and helping others. The intriguing aspect of the storyline of this book is that Krista McGee crafted it after the story of Ruth and Naomi in the Bible. There were of course many differences in the story, but it was interesting to see the parallels between the story of Ruth and this novel. The narrative of the story was accounted mostly from the perspective of Natalia, but also from Brian.

The characters of this novel were my favorite part of this novel. They were realistic, well-developed, and I was able to identify with their struggles. Right Where I Belong is the third novel, following in the footsteps of First Date and Starring Me. While it is not necessary to read the other two novels before this one, I did enjoy seeing characters that I knew and loved in Right Where I belong. Addie from First Date was a mentor of sorts for Natalia, and Kara from Starring Me was also present at times. However, I really enjoyed the new characters of Natalia and Brian. They were so different yet they complemented each other well. I really enjoyed Brian's humor, his kindness, and his patience. It saddened me that he felt like he was an idiot who had no purpose at times. I had less connection to Natalia because many of our characteristics are different. She loves fashion and is too afraid to fall in love. Both Brian and Natalia struggled with what their callings were in life, for both were under pressure to choose differently than what God had called them to do with their lives. It was extremely neat to see how their paths meshed and to see their growth as Christians as they learned to trust in God alone.

Overall, I really enjoyed Right Where I Belong. The plot line was exciting and enjoyable, the characters were realistic and engaging, and the book was crafted after a well-loved story in the Bible. I would highly recommend this book and the two novels that come before it.

I received this novel for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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Nov 15, 2012 Meagan Myhren-bennett rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-living, forgiveness, friendship, family, fiction

Right Where I Belong
By Krista McGee

Natalie Lopez is hurting for her stepmother, her father has done it again dumping a wife so that he can have another true love. But Natalie determines that God wants her to leave her family and friends behind and go with her stepmother. But moving to Florida is a culture shock to Natalie who has spent the first 17 years of her life in Spain.

But Maureen has done so much - caring for her when her parents were too busy, leading her to a relationship with Jesus - h...more

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Sep 07, 2012 Eustacia Tan rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: netgalley

When I first read (First Date), I didn't know what I was getting into. I started getting an inkling at Starring Me, and now, I can safely say that Krista McGee is one of my favourite authors! I started Right Where I Belong one night and simply couldn't put it down!

Right Where I Belong loosely follows the story of Ruth. Natalia, our protagonist, has decided to follow her ex-stepmother Maureen to America to comfort her about her divorce from her father. Because of the many failed relationships sh...more When I first read (First Date), I didn't know what I was getting into. I started getting an inkling at Starring Me, and now, I can safely say that Krista McGee is one of my favourite authors! I started Right Where I Belong one night and simply couldn't put it down!

Right Where I Belong loosely follows the story of Ruth. Natalia, our protagonist, has decided to follow her ex-stepmother Maureen to America to comfort her about her divorce from her father. Because of the many failed relationships she has seen, Natalia has firmly decided to remain single. But what will she do when she meets Brian, the pastor's son and sparks fly?

Personally, this book was a wake-up call to me. I've been praying about this subject recently, and I was wondering if I was supposed to be single. Like how my friend and I were complaining to each other - it's so hard to wait! But reading this book, it showed me that God has his own plan and timing for everything in my life, even the parts that I'm impatient about.

As for characters, they were fabulous! First, there's Natalia. She's a rich girl from Spain, but so humble. Natalia struggles with her feelings, something I can completely understand. Vying for her attention is Brian, the pastor's son who isn't so popular and the popular Spencer, who really seems like a jerk. But both boys don't stay the same, they grow and well, the book really focuses more on their growth than this "love triangle" (the fact that Natalia turns them down for most of the book means there's none of this angst that's been appearing in YA books).

Plus, and this was a big bonus for me: Addy's here! And Kara and Lexi. I was silently screaming in my room (it was close to midnight and it's not a good idea to anger the tutors) when I realised that this book was set in the same fictional universe as First Date and Starring Me. While Kara doesn't play a significant role (she's a star after all), Addy and Lexi play fairly significant parts in the story. It was really nice to see those familiar faces again.

If you loved any of Krista McGees books, you have to read this one too! And if you haven't read her books, you should give it a go.

Disclaimer: I got a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a free and honest review.

First posted at Inside the mind of a Bibliophile (less)

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Aug 14, 2012 Julie Barrett rated it 4 of 5 stars

Right Where I Belong by Krista McGee
Natalia has left Spain with her new stepmother. Her father told her he found another woman who he loves. Natalia feels spiritually close to her stepmother, more than her bio mother so they leave to go back to where Maureen came from, Tampa, FL. Natalia has so much to get accustomed to: language, slang, accent. Maureen has arrived in FL with no husband, no money and now no luggage. What else can possibly go wrong.
Natalia's father has agreed to let her go with M...more

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Aug 11, 2012 Paula Phillips rated it 4 of 5 stars

Right Where I Belong starts in Spain , where we meet Natalia. She is about to make the biggest decision of her life and one that may cause an uproar amongst her friends and family. When her father decides to divorce his third wife Maureen , Natalia is devastated as out of the wives she was the only one Natalia could relate to and learn so much from. Natalia with Maureen's help has been moving forth with the notion of becoming a Christian and understanding the amazing power of God's love. We read...more

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Nov 27, 2012 Dawn rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2012

Natalia Lopez is tired of her father's love them and leave them attitude. When he divorces his third wife, Natalia leaves Spain with her stepmother to move to Florida. She's got a lot to adjust to - a grieving stepmother, a Christian school, and boys who are interested in her. She has sworn off love and boys because of how her father treated the women he married, yet she's drawn to Brian, the pastor's son. As the two get to know each other, they find that they are both drawn to the other's love...more

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Nov 24, 2012 Mychele rated it 5 of 5 stars

MY TAKE

Krista McGee is easily becoming one of my favorite authors! Every-time I pick up one of her books I always leave with a kick of humility and a feeling of God's love. I'm getting out of the habit of believing in coincidences and starting to realise its just God trying to get my attention. It's no secret to people who know me that fulfilling the purpose God gave me is my top priority, but here is the kicker I don't know what that is lol. So I've been praying and journaling and begging for...more

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Sep 17, 2012 Chrissy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebook, netgalley, read-in-2012

When I got the opportunity to read RIGHT WHERE I BELONG on NetGalley, I was definitely a little more than excited. One of the cutest books I ever found on the site was by this author, Krista McGee, so needless to say I had high expectations for this novel.

And, I'm happy to say that I was truly not disappointed. But of course, nobody really thought I would be, right?

Starting with the plot. Natalia has grown up in Spain as the daughter of highly educated and successful parents -- who just so happe...more When I got the opportunity to read RIGHT WHERE I BELONG on NetGalley, I was definitely a little more than excited. One of the cutest books I ever found on the site was by this author, Krista McGee, so needless to say I had high expectations for this novel.

And, I'm happy to say that I was truly not disappointed. But of course, nobody really thought I would be, right?

Starting with the plot. Natalia has grown up in Spain as the daughter of highly educated and successful parents -- who just so happen to be grooming her for the life of a business executive after years in an Ivy League school (or so they hope). Her father has an extensive ten year plan for Natalia that will culminate in her running one of his international businesses -- putting her on top of the world when it comes to wealth and fame, but will it leave any time for Natalia to fulfill her dream of one day having a family of her own?

But after years of watching her father's failed marriages, Natalia has little hope that she'll ever find love. She swears off dating and follows her favorite stepmother to the United States, where she will attend a private Christian college and hopefully learn to grow in her faith. Back at home, she is ridiculed for sharing her beliefs -- so what will it be like living and studying in a setting where other teens her age share her worldview?

After a life changing mission trip, Natalia becomes more convinced than ever that she has found her calling -- to teach children overseas. So, how can she break the news to her father, who expects nothing less than wealth and perfection from his young daughter? And when Natalia meets a compassionate preacher's son and fears she is falling head-over-heels for him, she has another fear that plagues her heart. How can she learn to embrace the possibility of a love after growing up in a family that put relationships behind money and success?

Luckily for her, Natalia is an eager, strong-willed young woman who is ready to start listening to God and discovering the joys that are revealed when one truly takes the time to listen for God's calling.

I really did love RIGHT WHERE I BELONG, and I think McGee did a fabulous job of crafting a heart-warming story that displayed a beautiful message to its readers. I really connected with Natalia, which made me feel invested enough in her story to keep flipping ahead until the very last page -- which was definitely not a disappointment. I do enjoy the way that the author manages to tell a relevant contemporary love story without letting the romance overshadow the lesson that is being conveyed through the story.

I still have one McGee novel left to read, and I definitely plan to find that one soon and add it to my to-be-read tower. And, for fans of her other works, get ready for starring roles from a few young women we have come to love in her other novels. Perhaps a side character may be featured in one of McGee's next stories -- I definitely can't wait to find out!(less)

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Mar 22, 2013 LORI CASWELL rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-2013

Natalia’s about to discover her place in the world . . . and it’s not following in her father’s footsteps.

Natalia’s father is about to get divorced again. His business is his top priority and plans for her to take over his business. Her mother is more concerned with her career and doesn’t have much time for her daughter. Natalia has really bonded with her current stepmother. Maureen has introduced Natalia to Christ and Natalia wants to learn more. When Maureen tells Natalia she will be moving ho...more Natalia’s about to discover her place in the world . . . and it’s not following in her father’s footsteps.

Natalia’s father is about to get divorced again. His business is his top priority and plans for her to take over his business. Her mother is more concerned with her career and doesn’t have much time for her daughter. Natalia has really bonded with her current stepmother. Maureen has introduced Natalia to Christ and Natalia wants to learn more. When Maureen tells Natalia she will be moving home to Florida after the divorce she is devastated. She needs Maureen and actually decides to move from Spain to Florida too. Her parents think living in the States would be wonderful for her college prospects so they put no obstacles in her way. It is not long before Natalia realizes Maureen needs her too. Together they embark on a journey following the paths set by a higher power.

Dollycas’s Thoughts
This was a beautiful story of a woman’s continuing journey with Christ and a young woman’s awakening in the awesomeness of the Lord. The behavior of her parents seriously marred her outlook on life. She never wanted to date or fall in love because she has a bird’s eye view of the heartbreak that occurs when someone falls out of love. Her father treated woman as things not humans with feelings. Moving away was just what she needed to open her eyes and her heart to the joy the world can provide.

Perfect way for today’s teens, Right Where I Belong is loosely based on the Bible’s story of Ruth. Her stepmother brought her the Good News of Christ and Natalia is still learning about her faith. She does want to share her awakening with everyone.

In Florida, she attends a Christian High School that is so different from her school in Spain. There were few Christians in Spain and they rarely discussed their faith. But the real adjustment was the language. Natalia spoke English well but she didn’t speak American teenage slang. It was a treat to learn the ways of American teens from the way they dress to the way the speak including the phases that roll so easily off our tongues but are truly confusing when words are dissected.

The story is brilliantly written with rich, warm, real characters. It is a Christian novel but it doesn’t preach. It is a perfect book for teenagers and those of us who are young at heart. It was an amazing fast read and I recommend it highly. I found JOY within the pages of Right Where I Belong. and think you will too.(less)

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Feb 16, 2013 Stephanie Ziegler rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Teen Readers / Christian Based

Shelves: booksneeze, favorites

The thing that I love most about this book is that it stays on target with the religious aspect and it does not drown you in talk about God. The descriptions of the high school student is dead on. The author maintained character personalities while putting them in high school age settings. I really reminded me of a group of friends in my own high school. They were my friends, but when it came to religion, I stayed in the fringe.

I really like how the author uses the members of the church and sch...more

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Nov 17, 2012 Amanda rated it 5 of 5 stars

Another winner from Krista McGee!
Natalia Lopez shouldn't be surprised when her father announces that he is through with his third marriage, leaving with the shallow excuse that he has fallen out of love (again) and wasn't meant to be with just one woman for the rest of his life.
In order to help her former step-mother, Natalia feels that God is leading her to move from Spain to Tampa to help Maureen recover, especially since she feels owes Maureen for leading her to the Lord.
When they arrive in F...more

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Dec 03, 2012 Aimee rated it 4 of 5 stars

3.5 stars, rounding up

Because I enjoyed reading First Date by Krista McGee, I thought I should give this book a try too. I'm glad I did. Although Right Where I Belong has some of the same characters in it as First Date, it is a stand alone book that in no way depends on the other books. This is a Christian Fiction YA book.

I just love the cover of this book. It brings to mind many happy memories of one of my favorite places to stand.

Natalia is a character to be admired in this book. She is faithf...more

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Nov 28, 2012 Erin rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-fiction, youth-fiction

The cover and title of this book caught my attention right away. Two things everyone loves: sticking their feet in the ocean, and knowing we're where we are supposed to be. Both are amazing feelings! I was so happy when this book lived up the expectations built on such a great first impression.

This is Natalia's story. She is seventeen when her life is rocked again with her father's announcement that he is divorcing wife #3 in favor of yet another younger woman. Her current stepmother, Maureen, h...more The cover and title of this book caught my attention right away. Two things everyone loves: sticking their feet in the ocean, and knowing we're where we are supposed to be. Both are amazing feelings! I was so happy when this book lived up the expectations built on such a great first impression.

This is Natalia's story. She is seventeen when her life is rocked again with her father's announcement that he is divorcing wife #3 in favor of yet another younger woman. Her current stepmother, Maureen, has brought so much good into Natalia's life, including introducing her to Jesus Christ and His saving grace. When Maureen decides to leave their home in Spain and her return to her family in the United States, Natalia feels God prompting her to go along, leaving her native country for adventures that only He can see. Her father agrees, knowing it will be helpful for Natalia to get into a good American college if she graduates from an American highschool.

Everything about her life changes in Florida. There's the new culture to deal with. A new school and new friends. Maureen is very depressed to be returning with her life in shambles, and Natalia does her best to be strong for her while learning and adjusting to all these changes. While hoping to make friends, she's also made a promise to herself: she's not going to get involved in a romantic relationship. Ever. She's seen too much heartbreak from the constant turnover of her father's wives and girlfriends.

Her promise is challenged by two young men: Brian, the tall and pale pastor's son, and Spencer, the most popular guy at her school. One's servant heart and humor make an impression she can't shake, while the other pursues her with persistence and charm. Natalia also makes some really great female friends, and I know just enough about this author's other books to know some of them have stories of their own. Those books are now on my wishlist so I can learn more about these kids!

One thing that I loved about this book was that it featured a Christian school. As a Christian school teacher who had never seen one portrayed in fiction, that was fun and thrilling for me. Then I read that the author is also a teacher at a Christian school herself, which cemented my feeling that she's a kindred spirit. I loved checking out her blog, too.

Another thing I loved was that all the emotions were incredibly realistic. Whether it was Maureen's depression, Natalia's uncertainty, Brian's self esteem issues, or the thrill of ministry, I felt it was very relatable and real. The issues were current and ones that resonated. What do you do when you feel your calling from the Lord goes against the wishes of your parents? How do you even know what God's will is for your life? Excellent subject matter wrapped up enjoyably in young adult format. I don't read a lot of young adult fiction, but Thomas Nelson is publishing some great stuff these days that you won't want to miss!

This book releases on December 11 and would make an excellent Christmas gift. I received my copy from the publisher in exchange for this honest review. All opinions are my own.(less)

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Dec 09, 2012 Amber Stokes rated it 4 of 5 stars

With just enough elements of the story of Ruth from the Bible to make the connection, Right Where I Belong is a unique YA retelling that should find a place to belong in the hearts of Christian YA fiction fans. I think it's a bit easier to relate to than First Date, McGee's debut novel and an Esther retelling that features a girl unwillingly forced into the spotlight and onto a reality T.V. show.

Right Where I Belong features Natalia, a girl who follows her soon-to-be-divorced stepmother to Flor...more

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Jan 29, 2013 Megan (Megz Madd Readz) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Those who like romance, Christian fiction, travel stories, high school/teenager stories

Recommended to Megan by: Booksneeze

Shelves: to-read-for-review, booksneeze-review-copies, 2013-books-read, a-z-challenge, favorites, reviewed-on-megz-madd-readz, christian-fiction, romance, received-in-my-mailbox

I am still very new to this genre but I absolutely loved this book!

From the beginning, I suspected this book was trying to tell the story of Ruth from the Bible because Natalia leaves her home country of Spain with her ex-stepmother to move to America. Very much like the story of Ruth. Natalia finds that cheering Maureen (her stepmother) up isn't as easy as she expected it would be because Maureen is devastated over her divorce from Natalia's father. On top of that, Natalia finds herself fighti...more

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Jan 30, 2013 Megan rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013-tower-teams-read-team-b-170, christian-fiction, read-in-2013, young-adult, review-books

The book of Ruth is one of my favorite passages of Scripture, so I love how Right Where I Belong is loosely based on it. I really liked the twist to it, instead of it being her mother-in-law it is her step-mother.

This book was an extremely easy read! I was able to read it in one sitting and with it having over 300 pages that doesn't usually happen. The story was interesting from page one and I could not put it down - I just had to finish it!

Some of the church parts in the book, though I am sure...more

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May 04, 2013 Sarah rated it 5 of 5 stars

Right Where I Belong by Krista McGee is a wonderful, inspirational young adult novel about a young girl, Natalia, growing in Christ and learning what God has in store for her life. Natalia moves from Spain to Florida with her ex-stepmother Maureen to learn more about God. While adjusting to her home, she meets Brian Younger Jr., the pastor’s son, and even though she has sworn off dating after watching her father go through relationships without regard, Natalia cannot help but fall for Brian. One...more

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Apr 10, 2013 Carol R. rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: teens, young adults, adults

Krista McGee presents another well-written contemporary young adult novel, loosely based on the biblical story of Ruth and Boaz.

In Right Where I Belong, teenaged Natalia moves to the United States with Maureen, an American who married Natalia’s dad while working in Madrid. Due to their closeness in age and shared faith, Maureen is more a friend than a stepmother. When her dad announces his divorce to Maureen, Natalia accompanies her back to America. Her dad supports the move because it will look...more Krista McGee presents another well-written contemporary young adult novel, loosely based on the biblical story of Ruth and Boaz.

In Right Where I Belong, teenaged Natalia moves to the United States with Maureen, an American who married Natalia’s dad while working in Madrid. Due to their closeness in age and shared faith, Maureen is more a friend than a stepmother. When her dad announces his divorce to Maureen, Natalia accompanies her back to America. Her dad supports the move because it will look good on her resume. Her parents want her to become a successful businesswoman. Natalia leaves behind her culture, her country, her best friend, but not her new faith.

As she encounters challenges, Natalia is tempted to return to Spain. Maureen begins looking for a job while Natalia enrolls in high school. Maureen’s pastor and his son Brian help them get settled. Maureen struggles in her faith while trying to adjust to life as a divorced woman. Brian and Natalia become friends, even though wealthy Spencer tries to impress Natalia.

Addy (from McGee’s [[ASIN:B009F7R2XM First Date]]) befriends Natalia, and Brian invites the girls on a mission trip to Costa Rica. Spencer, Natalia, Brian, and Addy go on the mission trip together, and it has a significant on all of them, especially Spencer.

Teens will easily relate to Natalia and the other main characters. Natalia struggles with adapting to a new country, as well as learning more about the Christian life. Natalia has to balance what her parents want for her life and what she is discovering that God may want. As it becomes clear that her heart’s desire is to be a teacher, she has to deal with her parents’ expectations.

Though there is an attraction between Natalia and Brian, they have a clean romance similar to McGee’s earlier books – the teens recognize their attraction but choose to move slowly in their relationship and let God lead them.

Disclaimer: Book reviews are my opinion of books I either purchased or received free of cost from the publisher in exchange for a honest review. (less)

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Feb 10, 2013 Iola rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013, christian-fiction, contemporary-romance, ya

This is the third and final book in Krista McGee’s series for teenage girls (following First Date and Starring Me), and I’ve enjoyed all of them (even though I’m a more than a little out of the target age range). They are well-written, with interesting characters and a solid Christian message. The first two books were quite focused on the modern celebrity culture, but Right Where I Belong has more of a focus on day-to-day life, albeit in the cultural test-tube of an American Christian high schoo...more

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Aug 06, 2012 Melissa rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2012, 5-stars, favorites, christian-young-adult-fiction

Krista McGee has done it again! This third book from Krista is a modern day version of Ruth from the Bible. Natalia leaves her home of Spain and all that she knows to move with her stepmother to Tampa Florida when Natalia's father seeks a divorce from her stepmother. Natalia is thrust into a culture she doesn't know and a brokenhearted and depressed stepmother so the move to America is not all Natalia thought it would be. She struggles but believes that God has brought her to this place and in t...more

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Mar 03, 2013 Katie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult, christian-fiction

When Natalia's father divorces for the third time, she decides to move from Spain to Florida to live with her stepmother, who has been more of a mother to her than her own. Since she recently became a Christian, Natalia's very excited to attend a Christian school. She decides to swear off men, but it's hard to fight her attraction to the pastor's son, Brian.

Natalia doesn't seem to be a very strong or deep character. I found it hard to relate to her and felt like she could have been developed a...more

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Feb 27, 2013 Cindy rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: teen-reads

Natalia decides to go with her stepmother to Florida. She enjoys having those who believe around her but is trying not to date as her father is a serial divorcer. A Christian teen,fast, light read with some good lessons on faith. I'd say it is Jenny B.Jones' books in a lesser form (writing and plot not as well fleshed out)Good for 12 and up (deals with divorce, depression,inattention of parents, fighting attraction, 2 kisses)

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Jan 21, 2013 Lisa rated it 2 of 5 stars

Nothing too extraordinary in this novel, but enjoyable none the less. My only quarrel would be that it comes across as a bit preachy and not particularly nuanced, but the story (while predictable) was a fun read, and the characters were well developed and yet left you wanting more. Not bad all in all!

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Jan 28, 2013 Karen rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book was a breath of fresh air! Although the story lines focuses on high school students, I found myself captivated with the story, the characters and all that surrounds this great book. Readers from teenagers and up would enjoy this story. It was an easy read that kept me wanting to read more. To watch the characters develop and their personalities intertwine was so exciting. I would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a good read.

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Mar 21, 2013 Chris rated it 5 of 5 stars

I love these Christian young adult books by Krista McGee! They are fun and funny and have a great moral in each one. I especially enjoyed this one based on the story of Ruth.

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About Krista McGee

Krista writes for teens, teaches teens, and more often than not, acts like a teen. She and her family have lived and ministered in Texas, Costa Rica, and Spain. Her current hometown is Tampa, FL.

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