Destination Unknown

Roadside Assistance #2

by Amy Clipston

It's senior year, and Whitney Richards is tired of the constant pressures to be perfect. When she gets a D in Calculus, her mother immediately hires a tutor, worried Whitney won't get into the 'right' college---her alma mater---with imperfect grades. Her tutor, Taylor, is a quiet, mysterious boy who is unlike anyone Whitney has met before. But Taylor's rougher upbringing has her mother and friends discouraging any type of relationship. Tired of having to play a part for everyone else, Whitney quits the cheerleading squad that once defined her social identity, and begins spending more time with Taylor. Her mom and friends worry Whitney is making a huge mistake, and even Taylor begins to show concern for some of her choices. But for the first time, Whitney is in the driver's seat of her life. Will she be able to find her identity---and God's plan for her life---before she throws everything away?

Genres: Christian Fiction, Young Adult, Contemporary, Christian, Romance, Fiction, Teen

272 pages, Paperback

First published February 4, 2014

About the author

Hi! I'm a bestselling author of heartwarming romance and happily ever after.

Contemporary Romance (Non-Amish)
The Heart of Splendid Lake (2021)
The View from Coral Cove (2022)
On the Way to Christmas (Anthology) (2022)
Something Old, Something New (2023)
Starstruck (2023)
Finding You (2024)
With This Ring (2025)
Second Chance at Sunshine Inn (7/2025)
The Lighthouse at the Cove (12/2025)

Stand Alone Amish Fiction
Caring for the Amish Family (4/2025)

Guideposts Amish Suspense
A Heart Set Free (9/2025)


An Amish Legacy
1. Foundation of Love (2022)
2. Building a Future (2022)
3. Breaking New Ground (2023)
4. The Hearts of Shelter (2023)

An Amish Marketplace
1. The Bake Shop (2019)
2. The Farm Stand (2020)
3. The Coffee Corner (2020)
4. The Jam and Jelly Nook (2021)

An Amish Homestead
1. A Place at our Table (2017)
2. Room on the Porch Swing (2018)
3. Seat by the Hearth (2018)
4. A Welcome at Our Door (2019)

An Amish Heirloom
1. The Forgotten Recipe (2015)
2. The Courtship Basket (2016)
3. The Cherished Quilt (2017)
4. The Beloved Hope Chest (2017)

Hearts of Lancaster Grand Hotel
1. A Hopeful Heart (2013)
2. A Mother’s Secret (2014)
3. A Dream of Home (2015)
4. A Simple Prayer (2015)

Kauffman Amish Bakery
1. A Gift of Grace (2009)
2. A Promise of Hope (2010)
3. A Place of Peace (2011)
4. A Life of Joy (2012)
5. A Season of Love (2012)

Amish Anthologies
• An Amish Kitchen (2012) – Spoonful of Love (Stand-alone story)
• An Amish Cradle (2015) – A Son for Always (This story complements A Mother’s Secret)
• An Amish Market (2016) – Love Birds (This story complements The Forgotten Recipe)
• An Amish Harvest (2016) – Love & Buggy Rides (This complements The Courtship Basket)
• An Amish Home (2017) – Home Sweet Home (Stand-alone story)
• An Amish Summer (2017) – Summer Storms (Stand-alone story)
• Amish Sweethearts (2018) –Complements The Kauffman Amish Bakery Series and also has a sequel to my story in An Amish Summer
• An Amish Heirloom (2018) – Complements A Place at our Table
• An Amish Homecoming (2018) – Complements A Place at our Table
• Seasons of an Amish Garden (2019) – Complements The Christmas Cat, novella included in An Amish Christmas Love
• An Amish Reunion (2019) – Complements Room on the Porch Swing
• An Amish Christmas Bakery (2019) – Cookies and Cheer (Stand-alone story)
• An Amish Singing (2021) (Collection of four stories by Amy Clipston)
• An Amish Christmas Wedding (2020) –Evergreen Love (Stand-alone story)
• An Amish Barn Raising (2021)
• An Amish Schoolroom (2021)
• An Amish Quilting Bee (2021)

Young Adult
1. Roadside Assistance (2011)
2. Reckless Heart (2012) (Kauffman Amish Bakery young adult book)
3. Destination Unknown (2014)
4. Miles from Nowhere (2015)

Non-Fiction
A Gift of Love (2014)

Seasonal
• A Plain and Simple Christmas (2010) Naomi’s Gift (2011)
• Kauffman Amish Christmas Collection (2012)
• An Amish Christmas Gift (2015) includes Naomi’s Gift
• An Amish Christmas Love (2017) –The Christmas Cat
• An Amish Christmas Bakery (2019)
• An Amish Christmas Wedding (2020)
• On the Way to Christmas (2022)

Reviews

[Howard · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars for Destination Unknown: roadside Assistance, Book 2 by Amy Clipston read by Aimee Lilly.

I really enjoyed the first book more. I didn’t realize that the main character was going to change in this story till I started listening. The problems and angst of this entitled girl just didn’t work for me.

[Libby May · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't really enjoy this book. Whitney was really rebellious on purpose and although it was slightly approached and resolved at the end, I feel like the majority of the book where she rebelled was not matched and evened out with the ending.

Yes there are over protective and controlling parents.
We don't need books like that.
We need books about kids who choose to respect their parents and approach that controlling attitude with consideration and attempts to restore the relationship. We need encouraging books. Relatable, but not rebellious.
Y'all. You can disagree with me. I'm tired of defending my thoughts on rebellion. There's so many different circumstances and situation. And in the situation in the book Whitney was wrong, the author didn't balance it well and discourage rebellion or encourage submission or apologies. Whitney apologized for lying. She didn't at all speak about or mention her rebellion, sort of leaving it hanging. Rebellion is NOT the way to fix things. God wants us to obey our parents. He guides us through our parents. I wish authors wrote more about how God used parents to guide girls, and how obedience and submission was rewarded. The right thing to do.

I'm just tired of books that imply rebellion as alright and normal.

"Identity crisis"? More like temper tantrum. She didn't seek who God wanted her to be. She sought who SHE wanted to be aside from her parents influence.

And yes, Taylor did effect how she behaved towards her parents, even though she was the one who changed her attitude and he didn't do anything wrong to cause that.

I liked Taylor. I did not like Whitney at all. And I don't know why he liked her.

That's all.
Not reading the next book.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this a lot! It was the best to visit all of these characters again, especially getting to see Zander and Emily again. *heart eyes*

I really loved Whitney’s story. She was super relatable for me and her struggles to figure out who she truly is instead of who everyone tells her she is something I think a lot of teens can relate to.
Taylor was amazing too. I loved him and his family, especially Vanessa. Plus he’s a reader soo that makes him even better!

Whitney’s mom drove me crazy most of the book and Whitney did too... but you gotta love these dysfunctional people! 😂

Anyways, I loved, loved, LOVED it! It gets 5 huge stars and more. I can’t wait to read the next one!!!


📖Reread 2021 📖

I still love this book so much! Rereading this book my senior year was really special. I could relate to Whitney so much. There’s so many decisions to make senior year and it’s so overwhelming. Her desire to pour her heart out to God about her feelings really inspired me to continue doing the same.
I really love Whitney. She’s real and relatable.
Oh and I love, love Taylor Martinez! He’s just absolutely amazing. Rereading this book, I realized just how great of a guy he is. He’s such a gentleman. He treats Whitney with such respect. Also, I will never stop geeking out over the fact that he works at a bookstores, buys Whitney books, and discusses them with her. Ahh, he’s dreamy!
Oh and them together?? They’re the CUTEST thing ever. The whole chocolate chip cookie thing is the SWEETEST THING EVER and I will never stop fangirling about it.❤️ It always makes me want chocolate chip cookies and ice cream!
Now I just want to reread Roadside Assistance so I can get Zander and Emily’s story. Emily is the best and I can’t wait to visit her in her own book again!
Anyways, rereading this book— I still love it! I’m so grateful to Amy Clipston for writing this amazing YA contemporary trilogy that’s filled with faith and relatable characters. Also clean and wholesome!

[Bekah Ward · Rating 1 out of 5]

I winced my way through this book.

List of things I didn't like:

1) You are not a Christian because you pray at dinner and when life sucks: Whitney's prayers that were described sounded like a list of wants/demands to me. The first sign to me that she was Christian was when her family sat down to dinner and prayed first. Her only other Christian moments were when she prayed and was nice to Taylor's little sister because she can't afford cheerleading training. Also, I don't know how it works in America, but in my Bible, it says "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers (2 Corinthians 6:14 )". Whitney starts out by breaking up with her boyfriend who may or may not be a Christian? Everyone seems to have the label of Christian on them in this town, but are they really? Which leads to my next point.

2) These towns where everyone conveniently attends church/is Christian?: We do not have these magical towns in New Zealand. It seemed to me that everyone in Whitney's life was conveniently Christian. And if they hadn't been to church in a while, they had a good reason, that could totally change when Whitney finds out (*cough* Taylor *cough*).

3) Yes, Whitney, you are spoiled: I mean, it's not like what your parents say and want for you would be good, right? Taylor's right, you have waaaaay more opportunity to grab that most people, but you don't like it because your mum wants it for you?? Lying to your mother is not okay, even to gain this 'freedom' you desire.

4) Whitney's mother was made out to be plain evil: She can't make her daughter date anyone. She can want her daughter to go to a good collage. It seemed to me that Whitney and her mother needed to sit down and have a rational, feelings excluded, conversation. You know, LIKE ADULTS. My parents would be worried if my grades dropped, I dropped football and I started obsessing over a good 'bad boy' as well.

4) I DON'T CARE: I honestly just wanted to slap Whitney by the end. She has SO much on offer to her, and she's upset because her parents don't like a boy she's known for a month and want her to go to a good collage. The only feeling I could rouse toward her was loathing for her expectations toward the world and God.

List of things I liked:

1) This book is probably not the worst Christian teen fiction that could ever exist, because it was pretty clean.

[Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls) · Rating 5 out of 5]

About this book:

“It's senior year, and Whitney Richards is tired of the constant pressures to be perfect. When she gets a D in Calculus, her mother immediately hires a tutor, worried Whitney won't get into the 'right' college---her alma mater---with imperfect grades. Her tutor, Taylor, is a quiet, mysterious boy who is unlike anyone Whitney has met before. But Taylor's rougher upbringing has her mother and friends discouraging any type of relationship. Tired of having to play a part for everyone else, Whitney quits the cheerleading squad that once defined her social identity, and begins spending more time with Taylor. Her mom and friends worry Whitney is making a huge mistake, and even Taylor begins to show concern for some of her choices. But for the first time, Whitney is in the driver's seat of her life. Will she be able to find her identity---and God's plan for her life---before she throws everything away?”


Series: “Roadside Assistance” is it’s prequel.



Spiritual Content- Whitney goes to church & youth group; Whitney prays many times; Whitney & Taylor have a pretty strong Faith.


Negative Content- N/A

Sexual Content- A few (not-detailed) kisses.

-Whitney Richards

P.O.V. of Whitney
267 pages

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Okay, Mrs. Clipston, waiting for the next one. =D Heeheehee! What can I say? Besides I really really like it!? I’ve waited for a sequel to “Roadside Assistance” for two years and “Destination Unknown” was worth the wait!









*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.

[Allyson Jamison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why is it that I didn't find out that this book is the second in the series until I was 60% through it?? I suppose because I didn't look but that's because the point.

This book was amazing!!! I usually enjoy YA contemporary but yet I easily get tired of the dramatic teenage girls and such. While this book did have some of that, I felt it was there to prove a point. To show where Whitney was and where she ends up.

Whitney Richards is a cheerleader, rich, and hangs out with the popular kids at school. She's very smart and always gets high grades, which is why when she gets a D in Calculus it really surprises herself and her parents. Her mom immediately thinks she needs help and, in her usual controlling way, gets it for her. Enter tutor.

Taylor Martinez comes from the poor side of town and is always made fun of because of it. His dad left them when he was young and it's just him, his mom, and his little sister. Their family is really close, however, and he'd do anything to protect them. When he becomes Whitney's tutor he already has his opinion of her made up: snobbish, stuck-up, cheerleader stereotype. But he soon realizes that there's more to Whitney Richards then what meets the eye.

Taylor shakes Whitney up and makes her uncomfortable in who she's become, what friends she hangs out with, and the way she views the world. He makes her recognize these things and she knows she has to change. But does she have the courage to take that step and be the person God wants her to be?

The characters, the faith elements, the pure beauty in this book... It's golden! There was nothing I disliked about this book and will definitely be reading it many, many more times here soon!!

[Dominique · Rating 5 out of 5]

update: 4/17/17
eek, that old review isn't very good...I might try to write a new one lol




Whitney's life really isn't hers. Her mom chooses who she can and cannot hang out with, which college she is going to go to, and even what her hair color is. And when she gets a D in calculus her mom isn't a bit happy about it and makes her get a tutor, that's when she meets Taylor. After she starts hanging out with Taylor more she starts not fitting in with her friends and starts liking Taylor. As her problems keep growing she has to trust God more to help her through everything.

I thought the book was really good and I really liked it, most of the time I didn't want to put it down!

I received a ARC of this book from Zondervan Z Street Team in return for an honest review.

[Emily ✞ || [fallon's vrs] · Rating 4 out of 5]

╰┈➤ ✿ ɴᴏᴡ ᴘʟᴀʏɪɴɢ . . . :･*✧ ♩♪

。°⋆✫Free To Be Me ⇾ Francesca Battistelli✫⋆°。

1:30───●────3:28
◃◃ ⅠⅠ ▹▹



❝ 'You look stunning, Whitney.' He glanced down at my dress. 'You actually took my breath away when I saw you. I meant that.' ❞





This series is so wholesome. This was actually, in fact, the first young adult Christian romance I ever read. This specific book, and it certainly wasn't a let down. I loved the dynamics between all the characters and at the fact that Amy Clipston doesn't shy away from common family issues.



I related to Whitney immensely. I understood everything she was going through. The pressure, the expectations, and sometimes being told who I should and shouldn't hang out with. So I could feel everything she was feeling on a personal level.



After two years reading this book, I wrote a proper review, one that I feel is good enough for such a beautiful book. Thank you, Amy Clipston, for giving me this series. I'll be sure to look out for more of your works. 🤗






sexual:
a few non-detailed kisses. Brett tries to kiss Whitney and Whitney threatens to scream if he doesn't stop touching her. This is done in her bedroom, but the door is open and she was standing at the dresser




trigger:
single mother, father left a family



verdict:PG/11+

[Deigan Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mmm, this book--Ah!

I absolutely loved Roadside Assistance, and was SO super stoked to find out that Whitney had her own book. I read this book in less than 24 hours, and oh goodness, it was so cute!!

Taylor and Whitney together was just PRECIOUS. The second her got her a book, I knew he was a keeper. <3 (like, I was squealing SO dang hard over that, my sister got freaked out. XD)

I'm already wanting to reread this. 🥰

[★*☆♪Ev★*☆♪ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness! This was so good! I can't wait for the next one!

[Keira-- OLD ACCOUNT · Rating 4 out of 5]

1st Read
Okay! Let me get into this one. I really enjoyed this book. I read it after just finishing the original, 'Roadside Assistance'. I loved the original (you can find my post about that here), and I was sort of worried because I very rarely actually enjoy the sequel anywhere near so much as I did the first. However, while I definitely enjoyed the first book more, this book was still really good, and I would give it a 4 out of 5 stars.
Alright, so I loved the characters in this one. It made me so happy to see Emily and Zander doing well together, because I loved their romance so much! It was a very good moment as a book fan. I'm glad that everything turned out well for them. I also really enjoyed Whitney's character development, because she really improved! I had this odd liking for her in the first book, even when she seemed to be just a photogenic cheerleader. I was so glad when she threw behind her popular teen self to be the girl that God was actually shaping her to be.
And although Darlene was annoying though not horrible as an aunt in the first book, she was terrible as a mom! I'm so grateful my mom is NOTHING like her! The way that she tried to control her daughter, and never gave a logical explanation for anything! I was so happy when Whitney decided to do what was right, and not live her life to either please or defy her mother.
I was annoyed by Whitney's friends, and especially her ex-boyfriend. Oh, wow. He was just so bad, I can't even explain it. I couldn't believe him as I read the book. I found myself wondering what Whitney saw in him in the first place. But, I really liked the Martinez family, because they were really cute, and super kind, even when people weren't polite to them. Which brings me to Taylor. Wow. Taylor was an awesome character, and while I thought it was impossible to get anywhere as good as Zander, he managed to get close enough to the point where I didn't feel like the story was missing anything.
I mean, come on. He's a quiet Christian teenager who grew up in a low-income family, and he had to come up the hard way. He's a math whiz and all-around school genius who is determined to be a lawyer, and in order to go to college he has to take on extra work by tutoring kids and working at a bookstore (yes, you read that right!). Isn't he an awesome character? On top of all that, he has a big heart, and he truly loves Whitney.
Alright, so there were a few parts of this book that I didn't like. For one, it didn't have such a strong message of faith as the first one did. Instead of focusing on God, this book was focused on a girl who learned to trust God with her future. And while I think that's great (I love it, in fact!), I felt that there wasn't the same amount of faith as in Roadside Assistance.
I didn't love was how villainous we made Darlene seem at times. It seemed almost like another character from the Darlene we met in Roadside Assistance, who was less malicious and scheming, and more just unconsciously embarrassing. I also really disliked the mother-daughter turmoil, because I love books that have supportive and caring mothers, and daughters who show kindness in return. Instead, both the mother and daughter were scheming and Whitney lied to her mother 🙁. I wish that there could have been a more conclusive reconciliation between them at the end, but that's just me.
Okay, last thing that I didn't like is the motorcycles. I really don't like motorcycles. I think that the way that they endanger people is terrible, and some people I know have been in some motorcycle accidents, so it's very upsetting for me to read about them as if they're fun and exciting. Nothing fun and exciting about people getting hurt.
Besides for that, I really loved this book! I read it through Hoopla, my digital library, and I can't wait to read the third. I really liked how this book promoted the idea that the way that God made you is special. He really does love you how you are, not how you are with makeup, hair dye, cheerleader pom poms, and perfect grades. He loves the person you are on the inside, and you shouldn't be something just because someone else wants you to. This is something that isn't discussed much in Christian fiction, but should be. I definitely appreciated it, so thanks, Amy Clipston.

2nd Read
When I first started reading this book (re-read, that is), I sent out a little Goodreads update that said: Love this book! I definitely need this one right now. God sure knows when to have us re-read old favorites that help us out, right?
And I couldn't agree more! That was so true, and I really do believe that, because this book was exactly what I needed, and I so want a copy of this book for my own collection. Taylor and Whitney were perfect together. I loved it so much!!! I can't want until I read it again!!! Some stories just never get old.

[C.B. Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow wow wow. I am not much for contemporary romance, but this one really surprised me. I didn't realize that this apparently takes place after Roadside Assistance, so I'd suggest reading that one first, but I liked it pretty well as a standalone.

The Good
I felt really connected to Whitney. She's a senior (like I'm going to be), so she's facing all the uncertainty of college. She's also got a pretty strong faith. And Taylor. Oh, oh, oh. Where do I start with Taylor? He was just plain awesome. What is it with me lately and wanting to steal all the awesome book guys??? He also works in a bookstore, which is doubly cool.

The plot in this book was so awesome. There's tension, emotions, and just everything. And of course I really liked the faith message, too. I loved Emily, who provided such awesome emotional support, and I also loved how Whitney opened up to her youth leader. I also absolutely adored her little brother, Logan. If I had a little brother... *wink* Also, Vanessa and her mom were adorable. So, basically, I loved all the characters! Except Brett. I hated him on about page one, and I didn't even know his name then. ;)

I really, really liked how Whitney and Kristin made up at the end of the book. I was really upset that she was throwing away that friendship, and I was really happy when they made up.

The Bad
Sometimes Whitney was just plain stupid. Some of her lies, and sometimes when she broke her mom's rules and went places when she was grounded... *sighs and shakes head* Girl, don't be an idiot. And also the romance was a teensy bit to much for me. She seemed to be almost obsessed with Taylor.

The Ugly
Whitney talks back to her mom and there's some kissing. Brett gets aggressive with Whitney at one point, and it's not made too clear what his intentions were.

This book was really, really good, and I'll definitely be checking out more of Amy Clipston's books soon! :D

[Celestria · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good! I think I may have even liked it better than Roadside Assistance?? I don't know, it's hard to say. Maybe I just really like Taylor a lot...he's pretty much amazing.

I wanted to scream at Whitney's mom throughout the entire book basically, and I hated when Whitney would lie to her. I wanted to yell a her, "No! Stop! This isn't the way!!!" But it was still really good.

[Ella Ferris · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was ok. The story was pretty good, but I found the writing to be lacking. Not nearly as good as the first book, unfortunately. Hopefully the last one will be better!

3.5 stars

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this one more than Roadside Assistance, which I read last year. I really felt for Whitney and I couldn’t stand her insane, controlling mother. The mother didn’t even try to see things from Whitney’s point of view; she just bossed her around. I liked Taylor a lot and I loved his mother and sister. Whitney definitely changed for the better and I was glad that she started to stand up for herself. I also enjoyed seeing Emily and Zander from the first book - they were so cute!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun, light romance.... liked!

[Aubrie Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whitney honestly rubs me the wrong way. I'm not saying she bothers me all the time, but she definitely has her moments. I probably would have liked this book more if Whitney was a bit more real. The way Whitney deals with her struggles is a little fake after while. Im sure crying on her boyfriend's shoulder is great and all, but I'm pretty certain its not going to fix all her problems.

That said, it still was a cute book with a sweet romance, and I definitely enjoyed it.

[Lilian · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s senior year, and Whitney Richards is tired of the constant pressures to be perfect. When she gets a D in Calculus, her mother immediately hires a tutor, worried Whitney won’t get into the “right” college—her alma mater—with imperfect grades. Her tutor, Taylor, is a quiet, mysterious boy who is unlike anyone Whitney has met before. But Taylor’s rougher upbringing has her mother and friends discouraging any type of relationship.

Tired of having to play a part for everyone else, Whitney quits the cheerleading squad that once defined her social identity, and begins spending more time with Taylor. Her mom and friends worry Whitney is making a huge mistake, and even Taylor begins to show concern for some of her choices. But for the first time, Whitney is in the driver’s seat of her life. Will she be able to find her identity—and God’s plan for her life—before she throws everything away?

Destination Unknown is the second book in Amy Clipston's young adult contemporary series. (Check out my review of book one here)

This is my second time reading this book. I was re-reading it in preparation to read the newest addition to the series, Miles from Nowhere.

If you read my review on the first book in the series, Roadside Assistance, then you know I am not particularly fond of the book. So when it came time for me to re-read Destination Unknown, I was dreading it. I thought it was going to be just as torturous to read as the first one.

I am so happy that I was wrong.

Destination Unknown was, in my opinion, way better then the first book. Whitney was a very likable character, and the storyline was great.

As a sophomore in HS right now, I am starting to face those major decisions about my future, just like Whitney. So this book really was refreshing for me because I saw her keep her faith in God throughout the whole book, and it reminded me that's just what I need to do. I never thought a fiction book like this would help me strengthen my faith!

The characters were all fantastic.

Whitney was strong and dependable. But she wasn't perfect, like everyone thought she was. She had her faults. I admired her.

Taylor was not overly perfect, thankfully. He had a sweet and kind heart. I also admired how he loved his sister and his mother so much. And I can't forget how he works in a BOOKSTORE!? And he happens to have the same taste as Whitney!? Can I just find a guy like him, minus the motorcycle?

Whitney's mother was actually pretty comical. It was sad. I know this can be a true situation, though, and I am so thankful I have a mom that guides me and wants what's best for me, but also supports my own decisions and opinions.

I also love how the romance wasn't forced or steamy. It felt natural and young. Whitney and Taylor weren't making out all the time. Amy (the author) did a great job of keeping the romance young and blooming.

Overall, this is a fresh story with great characters that you will fall in love with. It's totally clean and a great read for just about anyone.

-Lilian-

[Jalynn Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

About the Book:
It's senior year, and Whitney Richards is tired of the constant pressures to be perfect. When she gets a D in Calculus, her mother immediately hires a tutor, worried Whitney won't get into the 'right' college---her alma mater---with imperfect grades. Her tutor, Taylor, is a quiet, mysterious boy who is unlike anyone Whitney has met before. But Taylor's rougher upbringing has her mother and friends discouraging any type of relationship. Tired of having to play a part for everyone else, Whitney quits the cheerleading squad that once defined her social identity, and begins spending more time with Taylor. Her mom and friends worry Whitney is making a huge mistake, and even Taylor begins to show concern for some of her choices. But for the first time, Whitney is in the driver's seat of her life. Will she be able to find her identity---and God's plan for her life---before she throws everything away?

About the Author:
Amy Clipston holds a degree in communication from Virginia Wesleyan College and works full-time for the City of Charlotte, NC. Amy lives in North Carolina with her husband, and two sons and four spoiled rotten cats.

My Review:
Whitney Richards, aka the popular one, the captain of the cheer squad, the girl everyone wanted to be. She had the captain of the football team as a boyfriends but he broke up with her on Valentines Day, the one day that's suppose to be about love and caring for one another. On the bright side, it's almost graduation, but she is also failing calculus and has to get a tutor. A tutor, she's been tutoring kids for years and now she has to get a tutor. He is a very intelligent boy, very handsome, but seems to have it in for her. He act's as if he had something better to do then mess with her.

Taylor's life has never been easy, ever since his father left he's been in-charge of his sister and has been steadily picked on by fellow students. He didn't have time to teach people who felt they didn't need help, no matter how pretty she is. She wouldn't have any trouble getting in to a good college with that one bad grade, she was like any other popular girl. But he soon noticed how she only wanted to hep others, and enjoyed it greatly. She was unlike all those other popular girls, she understands her mistakes and wants to fix her wrongs. She's perfect even though she really isn't.

**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the publisher.

[Christian Fiction Addiction · Rating 4 out of 5]

Teen girls are going to love getting their hands on a copy of "Destination Unknown", the latest release from popular author Amy Clipston. The novel moves at a brisk pace, featuring a character who struggles with everyday things that all girls will be able to relate to. Mother-teen conflict, bullying, prejudice, uncertainty about the future - this book has a little bit of everything, and as such there is plenty of drama to hold a reader's interest from beginning to end. Some of the introspection that Whitney experienced at times seemed a tad mature for a girl her age to actually be thinking, but then never having been a teen girl myself it is entirely possible that female youths truly have such deep thoughts and insight into their own behaviour! I really enjoyed how Whitney spends time praying in the story, working through her confusions and struggles with God at her side. Whitney's stand for what is right is absolutely admirable, and I liked that she isn't perfect, but struggles with lying and the consequences that follow. By the end of the book I couldn't help but feel like cheering for Whitney as she is faithful to what God expects of her, and also owns up to her mistakes. As such, there are important life truths contained in this story, resulting in a book that will not only entertain girls on the cusp of adulthood, but have them thinking about their own actions as well.

I strongly recommend this book for teen girls, and award it a solid 4 out of 5 stars.

A review copy was received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book review of Destination Unknown by Amy Clipston
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I'd never read a book by Amy until this one. And let me just say, this is probably THE cutest YA romance I've ever read.
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The book is told exclusively from Whiteney Richard's POV, as she struggles with an "identity crisis" in her senior year of school. She wants everyone to like her, from her oober controlling mom to her new calculus tutor, Taylor.
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And let's talk about Taylor for a hot sec. He is literally the SWEETEST guy ever! I think I fell in love with him a little. And ... okay. If you've read this book, the chocolate chip cookie part had me sobbing it was the cutest thing. (If you haven't read it, GO READ IT!)
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Highly recommend this book, whether you're 16 or 60, it's a lighthearted, adorably cute summer read!
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Five stars!
Ages 16 & up!

[Rebecca Grous · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’m having a very hard time trying to come up with anything that I liked about this book. From the clichéd plot to the ridiculous dialog, this book was painful to read. But what bothered me most were the characters' Christian walk. Mrs. Richards is a two-faced hypocrite who doesn’t grow at all. I realize the story wasn’t about her, but I expected her to have at least some change of heart rather than end the book just as prejudice and controlling as she began. And Whitney’s prayers seemed to be a laundry list of complaints rather than a contrite girl seeking guidance. Any growth that happened with her character felt completely superficial. The best character in this book was Emily but there wasn’t enough of her to save the story.

[Mariah White · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay this book is def not like a GOOD book but it was okay. The story followed a 17 year old who had a controlling mom. basically she was a straight A student until calculous and her mom made her get a calculous tutor AKA Taylor whom she ofc fell in love with. She was the cheerleading captain and she fought the stereotypes that came with it. But most of this story was just of her wanting to be with Taylor and her mom not wanting her to and trying to control her life. I don't know honestly the story line wasn't anything special and I probably wouldn't read it again but it wasn't trash. Maybe I should've read the first book first but yk when you don't realize its a series until you're already half way...

[Sarah Lawton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story! It was so wonderful to see all the old characters again. I remember finding out there was not one but TWO more books in the series and screaming for joy...
In the first book, particularly the first half of it, Whitney really was a spoiled brat. Here, I think we learn much more about her, and I really do love her in this book.

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Comments
I loved Roadside Assistance so when I discovered Destination Unknown was available, I knew I also had to read about Whitney! Whitney is Emily’s cousin and they became really close in the previous book. Whitney was not my favorite character until the end of the book where she became my hero in the story. In Destination Unknown, she now has to face her mom and others in challenging ways.

Whitney has always been the ideal student with a perfect 4.o GPA, the head cheerleader on the squad, the nice Christian girl who gets along with everyone. The story starts with her current boyfriend breaking up with her on Valentine’s Day…..REALLY?! Oh, also, Whitney has had the same best friends since elementary school, Kristin and Tiffany. I can’t imagine that, but her life has had the same structure and goals all the years she has been in school and nothing has changed. Then one day she gets a D on her Calculus test and her mom INSISTS on getting her a tutor.

Whitney is also a tutor for Language Arts and Spanish subjects; she’s absolutely humiliated that she will now be the one needing a tutor and won’t even tell her friends about this. Little does she realize that everything she knows is about to change after just one session with Taylor.

As much as I loved Taylor connecting with Whitney for this story, he was definitely a flawed character himself. He hasn’t had an easy time of it since his father left them, he works at a bookstore to save money for college, he helps his mom by watching out for his younger sister, Vanessa, and cooking meals on nights their mom has to work late. Taylor has also been picked on by certain popular athletes at school so he’s very guarded when it comes to Whitney. Soon, however, he realizes how different she is and they become friends. Taylor is known as the Einstein of his senior class and he enjoys tutoring students for math. I loved that Whitney and Taylor read the same books, that was an added plus for me in the story!

Emily is also in the story and it was wonderful reading the scenes she’s in! Her and her father have moved out from Whitney’s home and it was awesome to see her doing so well in the story. She gives Whitney a listening ear more than once and they even get to shop for prom dresses together.

I didn’t like how insecure Taylor was, he makes a joke out of it so it sort of comes off as cute but I thought he understood Whitney’s feelings better than he did. Then again, someone who has been disappointed in life as many times as he has been I guess it makes sense that he would have certain insecurities.

I really loved the journey Whitney experiences in this story, but I didn’t always agree with her tactics. She’s a great person with an amazing heart, but I had trouble with her lying to her mom no matter what the reasons were. Whitney discovers that there’s a fine line between finding your own way while respecting/honoring your parents. She is able to figure out what works best, but she stumbles a few times while getting there.

At the same time, I was seriously annoyed by Whitney’s mom several times while reading this. She acts very controlling and suspicious of Whitney when she doesn’t need to be. Even Whitney’s dad steps in a few times suggesting her mom backing off. When a teen is eager to hang out with different friends than usual (unless there’s a drug problem or danger involved), by not allowing your teen to enjoy themselves you’re only going to have them rebel against your wishes. Whitney was so caught up in doing what her mom wanted, that when she finally makes her own decisions she immediately wanted to rebel. That and their relationship is really strained, never fun when that happens between a mom and daughter.

One of my favorite scenes is when Whitney colors her hair, that was a doozy!

Even though I sometimes didn’t agree with Whitney, I understood her heart and what was important to her. I also loved how she cried out to God in prayer, seeking to do the right thing while figuring out who she really is. Her first lesson from Taylor was not caring what others think of her and that’s a struggle I definitely relate to. I also loved that there were adults Whitney could speak openly with and get advice from, it’s always helpful to get a different perspective from adults that care.

Despite certain conflicts Whitney finds herself in, I truly loved the story and read it quickly. Whitney isn’t perfect, but she makes herself accountable and she deals with unfriendly teens with class and character beyond her years. She also appreciates her faith, her family, and luxuries in her life. I really enjoyed watching her do the right thing while deciding which path worked best for her and she doesn’t back down. It’s a scary thing to venture into an unknown destination, but the journey is worthwhile. I love Young Adult books and this is another great one from Clipston, I always learn about myself when reading them and this one was very special! *discussion questions are included*

I want to thank Zondervan’s Z Street Team for the review copy provided. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Sarah L · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

[Lilly Fountain · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not sure how I feel about this book, it was a good story but the main girl lied all the time and claimed to be Christian. Twords the end of the book she grew up more but it was predictable

[Emma Turner · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the progression of the relationship between Whitney and Taylor. They came from two different worlds but someone the two united in a special way.

Note: As many of the reviews for this book state, Whitney’s respect for her mother was very poor. I did grow to dislike the mother’s control over Whitney, but she had no excuse to treat her that way. The book never really goes back to that aspect and deals with it, which did upset me. In the Bible, it says to honour thy father and thy mother. There’s no comment on if they treat you with respect or if they are nice to you. Honour thy father and thy mother (period). I learned the opposite of what this book essentially portrayed, that I need to always treat my parents with respect.

I edited this review after thinking on it some more.

[Wanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whitney Richards seems to have the perfect life. She lives in a high end neighborhood, she is the captain of the cheerleading team, she is a straight A student and she dates the captain of the football team. When she gets a D in calculus her whole life starts changing. But what she perceives to be the worst day of her life she soon finds to be the start of her life changing for the better. When Taylor Martinez, a student from the poor side of town, becomes her tutor she finds herself falling in love despite the harsh criticism from her mother and friends. As their relationship progresses Whitney starts changing. She soon evolves into the young woman she wants to be, not who her mom wants her to be.

This is my very first young adult book and I wasn't quite sure how I was going to feel about it. I have to say I was very pleased with the story. The characters were so real that I felt like I WAS Whitney Richards. Whitney was such a great young lady. Even though she lived a pampered life she treated everyone the same. She didn't look down on those that were less fortunate like a lot do. She was a very sweet girl and I loved how every night when she went to bed she would lay down and share her troubles with God like she was talking to a friend.

Taylor Martinez was such a nice guy. He worked hard to help support his mom and sister. He really understood Whitney and really listened when she shared her inner most secrets and turmoils. At eighteen he was such a gentleman! He really wore his heart on his sleeve. He had loved Whitney since the forth grade when he used to take homemade chocolate chip cookies to trade Whitney for lunch because her mom wouldn't let her eat unhealthy food. And his faith was great too. I liked his response to the teacher of the J2A meeting at church when she asked them to choose a verse that would best help them faced the uncertainty of their futures.

Quote:
"Okay." Taylor cleared his throat and then looked down at the verse he'd circled: "By day The Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me--a prayer to the God of my life."
Intrigued, I studied him.
"Why that verse?" Jenna asked.
Taylor shrugged. "Well, to me it means that no matter what you do all day, whether you're studying, or you're at work, or you're at school, you need to remember you have to live your day for God. He directs your heart, and he should be the focus of your life."

Whitney's mom was so controlling and I often wanted to shake her, but her dad was just great. He was a buffer between Whitney and her mom, often getting Darlene to back off when she tried to run Whitney's life. I loved Whitney's cousin Emily, too. She was such a great support for Whitney. So, as you can see, I think the characters are just great, but how is the story overall? This book was a true-to-life testimony for young adults. The difficulties and pressures they face when growing up and leaving for college, with relationships. What I liked most was the strong thread of faith woven throughout the story.

Quote:
"Do you remember I had a hard time praying after my mom died?" Emily asked.
"I remember that," I said. "You forgot how to talk to God because you were struggling with your grief."
"Well, I learned the hard way that life is hard sometimes, and sometimes things don't work out the way we want them to. But God Is always there for us. You may not see him or feel him right now, but he's here with you. You're never alone." Emily hugged me, and my tears began to sprinkle down my cheeks.

Everyone's faith was so deep and it was great to read about young people having such faith and principles. I loved watching Whitney and Taylor's budding romance. Their story was sweet and I would love to continue with their story as they grow older. The story line was perfect and I couldn't wait to read the ending. With such lovable characters and such a great plot it's impossible not to enjoy this book. If you like young adult romance, or even if it's your first like it was mine, you will thoroughly enjoy this book. I recommend it to readers of all ages!

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review. The opinions expressed are mine alone. If I recommend a book it's simply because I enjoyed it. I received no monetary compensation for this review.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

“men written by women” “the female gaze” yadda yadda yadda, WHO. CARES.!? I need a man written by Amy Clipston. If I saw him coming I would never let him go… Like….. literally everything a girl could ever want….. !!! DO YOU HEAR ME ??