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Engraved
A missing girl. A young woman running from her shameful past. A person with a dark secret who will stop at nothing to keep it hidden. And the act of betrayal that binds them all together.
400 pages, Paperback
First published June 13, 2012
1 person is currently reading
263 people want to read
About the author
Amber Garza
53 books1,408 followersAmber Garza has had a passion for the written word since she was a child making books out of notebook paper and staples. Her hobbies include reading and singing. Coffee and wine are her drinks of choice (not necessarily in that order). She writes while blaring music, and talks about her characters like they're real people. She lives with her husband and two kids in Folsom, California, which is also home to another Amber Garza.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 17, 2012
I really liked this book! It's a story of love and redemption written by flipping back and forth from the past to the present each chapter. I think it is a good YA/adult mystery/suspense/romance. I received this book through the first reads program
The present: Amy Thompson is in her twenties and she has finally got her life under control- she has revived her connections with family and friends, has a good job where she can mentor others, and is soon to be married to her loving, protective fiancé.
The past: Amy is in her teens and slowly spirals out of control with her controlling, abusive boyfriend- going from smoking to drinking to drugs and leaving her with a child.
Everything from the past affected what is written in the present and will keep you turning the pages to learn who has the child that Amy gave away for adoption.
The present: Amy Thompson is in her twenties and she has finally got her life under control- she has revived her connections with family and friends, has a good job where she can mentor others, and is soon to be married to her loving, protective fiancé.
The past: Amy is in her teens and slowly spirals out of control with her controlling, abusive boyfriend- going from smoking to drinking to drugs and leaving her with a child.
Everything from the past affected what is written in the present and will keep you turning the pages to learn who has the child that Amy gave away for adoption.
January 9, 2016
The pacing in this was a bit too slow for me, so it dragged at times.
The mystery over who took the little girl was interesting enough for the story to keep my attention, but it wasn't until the last 15% or so that I started to really enjoy the book.
Overall, An okay read.
The mystery over who took the little girl was interesting enough for the story to keep my attention, but it wasn't until the last 15% or so that I started to really enjoy the book.
Overall, An okay read.
November 21, 2012
I left my comfort zone to read this book, but it's always a gift to read someone's redemption story and the title really got my attention. Garza managed to grab my attention from the first page and I literally pulled an all nighter to finish reading it (I think I did it in about 5 hours) :)
Amy is struggling to get on with her life after a troubled and disturbing teen life. She has the ideal home life with two parents who love her deeply and a younger brother that I instantly adored (LOVED it when he snuck her a cookie and he basically supports her in every crisis she goes through). This is the kind of story where the brother is more heroic than the boyfriend and I treasure that kind of story.
Despite the loving and sheltering home she lives in, she considers herself an outcast because she doesn't fit in with her church or her school. Then she meets bad boy Blake and she is sucked into a world of isolation, addiction, and abuse. And the more involved she gets, the more she loses herself and the hopes of escaping. There are several scenes with abuse and even some violence that made me very uncomfortable, but I do believe it was realistic to the story.
Thanks to a mysterious character named Michael (a guardian angel?? I'm believing so *smile*) and the prayers of her family, Amy finally gets the help she needs. Then one day she finds the police at her door saying a little girl is missing and she is forced to face her past once more. Once she does, she will discover betrayal, devastation, and she has the privilege of seeing it through someone else's perspective. Amy will once again be sucked into a world where she miraculously escaped all for the sake of finding this child, but she also finds her closure and the ability to finally let it go.
Garza brilliantly writes about a world most "Christians" frown upon or judge with raw honesty, respect and redemption. There is no profanity or sex (sex is implied but nothing is detailed) and even though I disagreed with Amy the adult's decisions and discernment, I loved her heart. She risks everything to love her students and help the missing child even when she herself is thrust into danger. Even though this book is about teen issues, I believe it's for an older audience and once again I'm thankful for leaving my comfort zone.
Thank you Amber Garza for sharing your story with me, I now understand Isaiah 49:16 in a new way :)
Amy is struggling to get on with her life after a troubled and disturbing teen life. She has the ideal home life with two parents who love her deeply and a younger brother that I instantly adored (LOVED it when he snuck her a cookie and he basically supports her in every crisis she goes through). This is the kind of story where the brother is more heroic than the boyfriend and I treasure that kind of story.
Despite the loving and sheltering home she lives in, she considers herself an outcast because she doesn't fit in with her church or her school. Then she meets bad boy Blake and she is sucked into a world of isolation, addiction, and abuse. And the more involved she gets, the more she loses herself and the hopes of escaping. There are several scenes with abuse and even some violence that made me very uncomfortable, but I do believe it was realistic to the story.
Thanks to a mysterious character named Michael (a guardian angel?? I'm believing so *smile*) and the prayers of her family, Amy finally gets the help she needs. Then one day she finds the police at her door saying a little girl is missing and she is forced to face her past once more. Once she does, she will discover betrayal, devastation, and she has the privilege of seeing it through someone else's perspective. Amy will once again be sucked into a world where she miraculously escaped all for the sake of finding this child, but she also finds her closure and the ability to finally let it go.
Garza brilliantly writes about a world most "Christians" frown upon or judge with raw honesty, respect and redemption. There is no profanity or sex (sex is implied but nothing is detailed) and even though I disagreed with Amy the adult's decisions and discernment, I loved her heart. She risks everything to love her students and help the missing child even when she herself is thrust into danger. Even though this book is about teen issues, I believe it's for an older audience and once again I'm thankful for leaving my comfort zone.
Thank you Amber Garza for sharing your story with me, I now understand Isaiah 49:16 in a new way :)
October 19, 2012
My Review:
Author Amber Garza has done it again!! WOW.. The back and forth of the book as far as the chapters going from the present to the past was way far out!!
I Loved This Book!!!! From the beginning to the end I was on the edge. Did not want to put the kindle out of my hands. Turning the pages was a must. Tried to solve the mystery, only to read a few more lines to say no that can't be. Then to read more to go back to my first thought.
The characters within the pages of this edge of your seat book are so life like. I was shaking my fist, yelling, so mad then trying to give each one a benefit of the doubt.
I love how author Amber Garza has a way with her writing that just makes you dive into the lives of the characters and live the story as if it were you. Her story lines are awesome and easy to read. I never saw the actual ending to this one coming.
But as usually I don't want to give any thing else away. You Must Must Must read Engraved!
So due to the above, if I could it would be higher, I am giving this book a Breath of Life ratings of:
Five Clock Rating!!!
Disclosure: I received the above book in exchange for my honest opinion and review. Opinions are my own and yours may differ.
Author Amber Garza has done it again!! WOW.. The back and forth of the book as far as the chapters going from the present to the past was way far out!!
I Loved This Book!!!! From the beginning to the end I was on the edge. Did not want to put the kindle out of my hands. Turning the pages was a must. Tried to solve the mystery, only to read a few more lines to say no that can't be. Then to read more to go back to my first thought.
The characters within the pages of this edge of your seat book are so life like. I was shaking my fist, yelling, so mad then trying to give each one a benefit of the doubt.
I love how author Amber Garza has a way with her writing that just makes you dive into the lives of the characters and live the story as if it were you. Her story lines are awesome and easy to read. I never saw the actual ending to this one coming.
But as usually I don't want to give any thing else away. You Must Must Must read Engraved!
So due to the above, if I could it would be higher, I am giving this book a Breath of Life ratings of:
Five Clock Rating!!!
Disclosure: I received the above book in exchange for my honest opinion and review. Opinions are my own and yours may differ.
November 5, 2012
I love this author! She has become one of my favorites! Engraved is an amazing book which I think everyone should read. I absolutely loved it! I was really touched by the message about the power of God's love for us. Yes Engraved is Christian fiction (Which I, as a Christian loved!) but it is very non preachy so I think it could definitely crossover to a mainstream audience. I really hope there is a sequel at some point, because I wasn't ready to let these characters go! If you want a book that is suspensful and will really make you think, I promise that Engraved will open your eyes to the truth of our Heavenly Father's love and forgiveness! However I recommend it to older teens and adults because there is some adult content (Mainly drug use)
I have never seen a fictional book that ministers to the reader as well as this one does, this book is truly a blessing and I am positive that it will continue to bless the lives of those who read it, forever. In my opinion, Engraved can, will, and should become a classic of the Christian faith! Brava, Amber Garza for using your God given talent to write amazing, life changing books like this one! Pick up Engraved by Amber Garza, you won't be sorry!
I have never seen a fictional book that ministers to the reader as well as this one does, this book is truly a blessing and I am positive that it will continue to bless the lives of those who read it, forever. In my opinion, Engraved can, will, and should become a classic of the Christian faith! Brava, Amber Garza for using your God given talent to write amazing, life changing books like this one! Pick up Engraved by Amber Garza, you won't be sorry!
April 18, 2012
This is my favorite book that I've written. It's very close to my heart as it mirrors my own story of redemption. The novel is a mystery/suspense written for for an upper YA/Adult audience. I hope you enjoy it!
November 7, 2013
This book had a lot of good things going for it, but it also had it's share of negative things. Let me start by saying that overall the book was enjoyable, entertaining, and kept me interested and it is for those reasons that I would recommend this book to readers. This story is engaging in a "I want to know what happens" kind of way. The writer did an excellent job of moving the story forward without ruining the surprise ending. I thought this was an excellent story premise as I have a fondness for redemption stories.
There were two things that disappointed me about this book. One is general and one is very specific to me. The specific first, I work with abused and neglected children in the foster care system and I help those children get adopted. I was very upset to see the writer shine such a negative light on foster care and adoption. There are so many precious children needing good homes and we in this industry have enough problems disproving the many myths that surround foster care and adoption in the public. I wish the writer would shown more support for this very important topic. The general, I found the lead character to be to self-centered in her actions and thoughts, and while I understand that someone in the midst of addiction is acting very selfishly, I believe that selfishness should have dissipated more once she was clean. I could not come to respect the character because of this.
I know I seem harsh in my last paragraph, but this is a very important topic to me and to the children we serve. Having said that, I really did like the novel and I thought it was a very good mystery. Also, the writer did try to show at least one successful adoption story within the context of the book. I would recommend this book to others.
There were two things that disappointed me about this book. One is general and one is very specific to me. The specific first, I work with abused and neglected children in the foster care system and I help those children get adopted. I was very upset to see the writer shine such a negative light on foster care and adoption. There are so many precious children needing good homes and we in this industry have enough problems disproving the many myths that surround foster care and adoption in the public. I wish the writer would shown more support for this very important topic. The general, I found the lead character to be to self-centered in her actions and thoughts, and while I understand that someone in the midst of addiction is acting very selfishly, I believe that selfishness should have dissipated more once she was clean. I could not come to respect the character because of this.
I know I seem harsh in my last paragraph, but this is a very important topic to me and to the children we serve. Having said that, I really did like the novel and I thought it was a very good mystery. Also, the writer did try to show at least one successful adoption story within the context of the book. I would recommend this book to others.
December 21, 2012
Review on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/review/R3Y6Q9GV...
Review on my blog: http://christianbookshelfreviews.blog...
Engraved was a very interesting read - just like the other three books I've read by Amber Garza (The Prowl Trilogy). I really liked the characters and while there weren't that many surprises in the book, I still found parts of it suspenseful.
Engraved dealt a lot with drugs and addiction. There was also mention of a rape and some heavy kissing. Because of that, I would only recommend this book to mature readers.
Overall, I really liked Engraved and look forward to reading more of Amber Garza's books in the future. If you like books that deal with addiction and have some suspense, then I think you'll like Engraved.
*I received a complimentary eBook copy of this book from the author for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
Review on my blog: http://christianbookshelfreviews.blog...
Engraved was a very interesting read - just like the other three books I've read by Amber Garza (The Prowl Trilogy). I really liked the characters and while there weren't that many surprises in the book, I still found parts of it suspenseful.
Engraved dealt a lot with drugs and addiction. There was also mention of a rape and some heavy kissing. Because of that, I would only recommend this book to mature readers.
Overall, I really liked Engraved and look forward to reading more of Amber Garza's books in the future. If you like books that deal with addiction and have some suspense, then I think you'll like Engraved.
*I received a complimentary eBook copy of this book from the author for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
July 3, 2015
As a teenager, Amy rebelled against her Christian family and their way of life and ran off with a bad guy, did lots of drugs, was abused and had a baby that she gave up for adoption. Years later, she is helping other people out of the same sort of situation that she had been in, but her daughter has been kidnapped and she suspects her ex-boyfriend. There is mystery, intrigue and plot twists in this Christian thriller. I kind of felt that the story was a bit over-exaggerated or over-emphasized as many Christian redemption themed books are - just a bit too scripted. If you like Christian fiction, you may enjoy this book.
December 25, 2014
Engraved is a powerful story about Amy. As a teenager, Amy met Blake and together they became drug addicts. Years later Amy is sober, happy, engaged and a school guidance counselor. Then she discovers the daughter she gave up for adoption has been kidnapped. The chapters go from present to past as Amy's ordeal is revealed.
It's heart breaking. Have the tissues nearby. I'm emotionally exhausted and at peace. Amber Garza has written an emotionally powerful, raw, and stunning book.
Highly recommended to everyone, especially parents.
It's heart breaking. Have the tissues nearby. I'm emotionally exhausted and at peace. Amber Garza has written an emotionally powerful, raw, and stunning book.
Highly recommended to everyone, especially parents.
December 26, 2013
A poignant tale of a woman who, because of her low-self esteem, finds herself attracted to the wrong sort of guy. She ends up living the life of a prodigal son, but with the help of praying parents and a couple of godly friends, she finds a way back to the right path...or so she thinks.
January 3, 2016
This book was a serious diversion from all the previous ones I'be read by this author. It wasnt a cute romantic story but instead a mysterious, kidnapping, drug addict kind of story with a religious undertone. It wasn't bad but it wasn't as much as of a compulsive read for me as her other books.
June 14, 2012
So excited that the book is finally available in both paperback and kindle!
September 6, 2014
Wow this book was intense& pretty dark, but very good!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews