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Faith #1
A Work in Progress
Rebecca Avery has never been one of “them”—the popular kids, the beautiful people. With less than fashion-plate looks and an off-beat, quirky style to living life, she has been relegated to finding “alone” activities to fill her time throughout high school. Unfortunately, college hasn’t changed that. Then she meets Eric Barnett, a nice guy who seems a little quirky himself. The only problem is, he’s in love with her roommate—one of the truly beautiful people. When Rebecca finds herself falling for him, she must find a way to break out of her shell or risk losing him forever. Who will win out in this mixed up jumble of feelings and loyalties?
Eric Barnett is drifting through college. Unlike his friends, he doesn’t have a path to relentlessly pursue. In fact, he often feels like the tag-along in a life that’s unfolding without him. Then he meets Rebecca Avery’s roommate who seems like she will finally give him what he most wants—credibility with his friends. However, when the roommate proves to be less-than-into-him, can Eric see past the outward appearance to find love with Rebecca?
Eric Barnett is drifting through college. Unlike his friends, he doesn’t have a path to relentlessly pursue. In fact, he often feels like the tag-along in a life that’s unfolding without him. Then he meets Rebecca Avery’s roommate who seems like she will finally give him what he most wants—credibility with his friends. However, when the roommate proves to be less-than-into-him, can Eric see past the outward appearance to find love with Rebecca?
379 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2010
1192 people are currently reading
1101 people want to read
About the author
Staci Stallings
72 books581 followersA stay-at-home mom with a husband, three kids and a writing addiction on the side, Staci Stallings has numerous titles for readers to choose from. Not content to stay in one genre and write it to death, Staci’s stories run the gamut from young adult to adult, from motivational and inspirational to full-out Christian and back again. Every title is a new adventure! That’s what keeps Staci writing and you reading. Staci touches the lives of people across the globe every week with her various Internet endeavors including:
Spirit Light Books–The Blog:
http://spiritlightbooks.wordpress.com/
Facebook Author Page at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Spirit-...
Staci’s Ebook Romance Stories:
http://ebookromancestories.com/
Follow Staci on Twitter: @StaciStallings
Spirit Light Books–The Blog:
http://spiritlightbooks.wordpress.com/
Facebook Author Page at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Spirit-...
Staci’s Ebook Romance Stories:
http://ebookromancestories.com/
Follow Staci on Twitter: @StaciStallings
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
April 11, 2015
I appreciate the author's efforts--it takes a lot of energy and dedication to write a book--but this book must have been self-published. The grammar is bad, the storyline could not support the novel's length, and the writing is really, really poor. This author has no concept of the subjunctive verb mood, pronoun-antecedent agreement, or subject-verb agreement with intervening phrases. Moreover, stale, clichéd expressions permeate the novel. If I had to read one more "soft smile" or "her spirit smiled," my brain cells would have died. Sheer doggedness alone kept me reading until the end.
March 23, 2015
I'm sorry; I'd like to post a positive review of A Work in Progress, but I can't. The book was too long for its simple plotline. The internal dialogue of both main characters was extremely repetitive. The long passages, whole pages, time after time, of "Poor me. I am so unpopular and ugly" eventually became almost humorous. The frequent grammatical, structural, and mechanical errors were distracting; and the long, awkward, contorted sentence structures came across as juvenile and uneducated. As for the content, it was not in the least subtle - whole sermons were preached time after time. The writer left no conclusions undrawn, no nuance unexplored. On a positive note, the characters were well-developed although somewhat inconsistent in their behaviors.
March 13, 2014
I read this book in one day, I couldn't put it down. I cried through a good portion of it, the imagery hitting a little too close to home for comfort. That is how Staci writes, characters that you can either relate to or that resemble you so much that you can't help but become engrossed in the story.
Rebecca is the invisible girl, the one who can be standing right there and you never even see. She is the type of girl who can spill hot chocolate down your front and you forget what she looks like. She believes that her only problem in life is her looks, if she was only beautiful, she would be happy, she would fit in. Through the trials of this story we learn that almost everyone has insecurities and everyone has their own demons that cut us down to size, no matter what God made us look like on the outside. This book is a great way to learn a lesson in judgment, namely to not judge people based on outward appearance, but look to the heart, that is where the true person is. This book does that in a completely non-judgmental way, which is just perfect.
As I said, this book hit me where I live. I was an invisible girl. I spent my childhood being the girl that was forgotten, that only a select few people were willing to be seen with. I used to dream about being beautiful, what it would be like to go out and have fun, or even just be included. I had to beg for dances at school, I wanted so much to be pretty, to be liked, and like Rebecca in the story, I was SURE that if I was pretty, it would magically happen. If I was pretty, they would stop teasing me, if I was pretty, they might invite me along. If I was pretty, they might like me. It took me until my Jr year in high school to learn that "fitting in" was not going to happen, and happiness had to come from somewhere other than others. I threw myself into my local youth group and enjoyed two years of peace. Then I went to college and everyone had boyfriends, I fell back into that old struggle. One day after being literally shoved off the path by some football players, who seemingly did not even notice, I gave my situation to God. My tears and my hurt were very real. I was done looking, done trying to fit in, done trying to be something I would never be, pretty. Literally a month later, the most amazing man walked into my dorm room with a friend of mine, he has had my heart ever since. He not only sees me as pretty, but beautiful. The Word says we must die to the world to live, and that is what this book is telling you through a very bitter-sweet love story that touched my heart.
Rebecca is the invisible girl, the one who can be standing right there and you never even see. She is the type of girl who can spill hot chocolate down your front and you forget what she looks like. She believes that her only problem in life is her looks, if she was only beautiful, she would be happy, she would fit in. Through the trials of this story we learn that almost everyone has insecurities and everyone has their own demons that cut us down to size, no matter what God made us look like on the outside. This book is a great way to learn a lesson in judgment, namely to not judge people based on outward appearance, but look to the heart, that is where the true person is. This book does that in a completely non-judgmental way, which is just perfect.
As I said, this book hit me where I live. I was an invisible girl. I spent my childhood being the girl that was forgotten, that only a select few people were willing to be seen with. I used to dream about being beautiful, what it would be like to go out and have fun, or even just be included. I had to beg for dances at school, I wanted so much to be pretty, to be liked, and like Rebecca in the story, I was SURE that if I was pretty, it would magically happen. If I was pretty, they would stop teasing me, if I was pretty, they might invite me along. If I was pretty, they might like me. It took me until my Jr year in high school to learn that "fitting in" was not going to happen, and happiness had to come from somewhere other than others. I threw myself into my local youth group and enjoyed two years of peace. Then I went to college and everyone had boyfriends, I fell back into that old struggle. One day after being literally shoved off the path by some football players, who seemingly did not even notice, I gave my situation to God. My tears and my hurt were very real. I was done looking, done trying to fit in, done trying to be something I would never be, pretty. Literally a month later, the most amazing man walked into my dorm room with a friend of mine, he has had my heart ever since. He not only sees me as pretty, but beautiful. The Word says we must die to the world to live, and that is what this book is telling you through a very bitter-sweet love story that touched my heart.
August 24, 2015
A mixed up salvation story
This one took persistence to keep reading but I stuck with It. If someone told me they had been saved this way, I would have to tell them that Jesus Christ is the Savior and He alone was crucified for my sins along with everyone else in the world. He defeated death and Satan when He arose from the dead. We are saved by grace, not by works. We receive the Holy Spirit after we repent and ask Jesus Christ to be the Lord of our lives. In this book it says very little about Jesus but a lot about the Holy Spirit, even praying to the Holy Spirit, who is always with us, instead of praying to Jesus. I'm sure most who read Christian books know this. Even when the students have their Bible studies, there's no mention of them ever using or even owning a Bible. It never mentioned anyone reading a Bible. I got this book for free but had I bought it, I would want my money back. The only thing that is probably real is the way Christian students are treated on a non-Christian college campus.
This one took persistence to keep reading but I stuck with It. If someone told me they had been saved this way, I would have to tell them that Jesus Christ is the Savior and He alone was crucified for my sins along with everyone else in the world. He defeated death and Satan when He arose from the dead. We are saved by grace, not by works. We receive the Holy Spirit after we repent and ask Jesus Christ to be the Lord of our lives. In this book it says very little about Jesus but a lot about the Holy Spirit, even praying to the Holy Spirit, who is always with us, instead of praying to Jesus. I'm sure most who read Christian books know this. Even when the students have their Bible studies, there's no mention of them ever using or even owning a Bible. It never mentioned anyone reading a Bible. I got this book for free but had I bought it, I would want my money back. The only thing that is probably real is the way Christian students are treated on a non-Christian college campus.
May 28, 2015
Not going to lie I really dreaded this book in the beginning. The characters were so depressed and down on themselves I couldn't possibly imagine them in a relationship, let alone a healthy relationship with anyone. However, the book progressed nicely and I loved the way the characters developed and the relationship they built. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
October 11, 2018
Was it preachy? Well, yeah. But I really liked it. Some of the problems the characters were happened seemed realistic, and their ways of dealing with the problems was on point. I love how Staci Stallings makes the relationship-building in her books seem real... it builds slowly over time. I love that so much. I’ve read so many books where I just groan because it’s a “love at first sight for both people but they just keep misunderstanding each other” thing, and I never have to worry about that with Staci.
4 stars.
4 stars.
October 21, 2019
This book isn’t for everyone, but it came along at precisely the time I was receptive to its message. It’s labeled as Christian romance, but it’s more Christian fiction than romance. There is very little romance, but a lot of examples of friendship. For most of the story, the hero is being strung along by the gorgeous roommate of the heroine who isn’t really into him. The hero and heroine really don’t move from friend zone to something more until about the 80% mark. So, don’t expect a sweet romance when reading this. This story is more coming of age, spiritual awakening, and women’s fiction.
I could relate to a lot of the emotions the heroine was dealing with, so that is what drew me into the story. I was hoping for a sweet he-notices-the-underdog romance, but she was invisible to him for a long time. He was also rude and dismissive of her before he got to know her.
I cut both of them a lot of slack because they’re in college, and you’re still figuring out who you are at that age. He was the kind of guy who chased the pretty girls who’d look good on his arm and impress his friends. She was the average girl with unimpressive looks and grades. Neither of them knew what they wanted career-wise. So, we hear a lot of inner pity parties from both the H and h- mostly from her.
Then, there’s the Christian aspect of the story which was introduced later than I expected. When I started reading this book, I expected to meet a scripture-quoting hero or heroine. Neither of them were like that. The story was really normal, and I kept reading and got sucked into the story long before Rebecca decided to visit local churches as research for a psychology paper. Later, she joins a campus Bible study group and leans on the new friends she finds there for emotional support.
I didn’t like some of the religious conversations. At times, I felt like the author was preaching a religious agenda, but I get it. Personally, it seems to me if a young college student is interested in learning how religion affects people, she would study more than just Christian religions. She’d also visit temples and mosques.
I also didn’t like how some of the characters seemed to flip-flop. Jeremy invited Becca to sit with him and Eric after they hung out at the Celtics game. He also invited her to Avalon (dance club) with their group, but later he’s nasty to her and tried to persuade Eric she’s beneath him. Don’t get me started on the hero. When we meet him, he’s jealous of the relationship his two friends share. He’s secretly in love with Gwen, but Gwen loves his best friend Jeremy. Eric, for some reason, needs to be stood up more than once before he realizes Holly just isn’t that into him. That’s not the confident guy I initially met. And Becca got on my last nerve being the martyr as she sat back and watched Eric and Holly go back and forth in their dating game. I wanted her to tell both of them to stop pretending like they wanted to date each other. I wanted her to stand up to Eric and tell him she spilled the hot chocolate on him and she’s been sitting in front of him in psychology class for weeks before they went to the Celtics game. It took her a looooong time to find her voice and stand up for herself.
Despite my dislikes, I like this author’s writing style, and I will definitely check out some of her other books. I hope I’ll find more romance than friendship and stronger lead characters in the other books.
I could relate to a lot of the emotions the heroine was dealing with, so that is what drew me into the story. I was hoping for a sweet he-notices-the-underdog romance, but she was invisible to him for a long time. He was also rude and dismissive of her before he got to know her.
I cut both of them a lot of slack because they’re in college, and you’re still figuring out who you are at that age. He was the kind of guy who chased the pretty girls who’d look good on his arm and impress his friends. She was the average girl with unimpressive looks and grades. Neither of them knew what they wanted career-wise. So, we hear a lot of inner pity parties from both the H and h- mostly from her.
Then, there’s the Christian aspect of the story which was introduced later than I expected. When I started reading this book, I expected to meet a scripture-quoting hero or heroine. Neither of them were like that. The story was really normal, and I kept reading and got sucked into the story long before Rebecca decided to visit local churches as research for a psychology paper. Later, she joins a campus Bible study group and leans on the new friends she finds there for emotional support.
I didn’t like some of the religious conversations. At times, I felt like the author was preaching a religious agenda, but I get it. Personally, it seems to me if a young college student is interested in learning how religion affects people, she would study more than just Christian religions. She’d also visit temples and mosques.
I also didn’t like how some of the characters seemed to flip-flop. Jeremy invited Becca to sit with him and Eric after they hung out at the Celtics game. He also invited her to Avalon (dance club) with their group, but later he’s nasty to her and tried to persuade Eric she’s beneath him. Don’t get me started on the hero. When we meet him, he’s jealous of the relationship his two friends share. He’s secretly in love with Gwen, but Gwen loves his best friend Jeremy. Eric, for some reason, needs to be stood up more than once before he realizes Holly just isn’t that into him. That’s not the confident guy I initially met. And Becca got on my last nerve being the martyr as she sat back and watched Eric and Holly go back and forth in their dating game. I wanted her to tell both of them to stop pretending like they wanted to date each other. I wanted her to stand up to Eric and tell him she spilled the hot chocolate on him and she’s been sitting in front of him in psychology class for weeks before they went to the Celtics game. It took her a looooong time to find her voice and stand up for herself.
Despite my dislikes, I like this author’s writing style, and I will definitely check out some of her other books. I hope I’ll find more romance than friendship and stronger lead characters in the other books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2016
It had it's ups and downs and it definitely could have been shorter. I felt this serious was being advertised as Contemporary Christian romance but certain elements that I believe to be fundamental in being a born again Christian were lacking. The Gospel was mentioned but surrounded in vague terms of "He loved us" and "we should use Him as an example of how to love ourselves and others". Love seemed to be the word of the day. The reading of scripture doesn't take place and while the Holy Spirit is mentioned a lot and even prayed too, Jesus is not(nor never really mentioned).
I would be interested to see what denomination or religion the characters follow.
One reason I could come up with for the vague practices/beliefs displayed by the characters is that the author attempted to provide a general overview of Christianity in order to not alienate one denomination or branch.
Approach this book with a grain of salt and a lot of patience( the length of the novel does not support the plot).
I would be interested to see what denomination or religion the characters follow.
One reason I could come up with for the vague practices/beliefs displayed by the characters is that the author attempted to provide a general overview of Christianity in order to not alienate one denomination or branch.
Approach this book with a grain of salt and a lot of patience( the length of the novel does not support the plot).
June 23, 2015
A Work in Progress is a contemporary Christian romance between Rebecca Avery and Eric Barnett. Rebecca wears funky clothes, usually has messed up hair and has big dark black plastic rimmed glasses; she spends almost all her time either at the library or in her dorm room studying. Eric is a cool good looking guy but appearance can be deceptive because he is as lost socially as Rebecca is and they become friends first as the romance develops.
The book has a strong Christian element as Rebecca with the help of Eric does research on how religion influences family life. A Bible study group adds more Christian influence to the story that is still a sweet love story set in the conflict of young people on a college campus looking to figure out their future.
The book has a strong Christian element as Rebecca with the help of Eric does research on how religion influences family life. A Bible study group adds more Christian influence to the story that is still a sweet love story set in the conflict of young people on a college campus looking to figure out their future.
May 5, 2018
It’s hard to know where to begin with this mish-mash of a story. Other readers have rightly critiqued the many flubs and grammar errors spilled throughout the book. But the core dilemma is more serious: two really unlikable people whose every waking thought and impulse is: does he/she like me? Huh? Huh? There’s literally nothing else going on except the eternal fretting over the fumbling romantic tale.
All these people do is go to cafes and eat. Then go and eat more. Go get pizza. Go play pool. Go to a Celtics game. Go eat. Call up to the girl’s room: is your roommate ready yet? There’s just page after page of these two mismatched hamsters on the frantic wheel of love.
I recall a wonderful line by C. S. Lewis where the initial emotional flurries of love must finally settle down to something quieter and more satisfying and lasting. But not here. For these two people, all love expressions are Mount Vesuvius. Explosions of passion tear through her heart; she feels the stab of unrequited love splitting her spleen. Sorry, but this is just so very over-the-top.
I scanned ahead and noted that there was a bit of Christian element along around 40% in; unfortunately, by then I had decided not to pour four more hours into a reading experience gone wrong.
This writer could do so much better. I honestly hope she regroups and tries again.
All these people do is go to cafes and eat. Then go and eat more. Go get pizza. Go play pool. Go to a Celtics game. Go eat. Call up to the girl’s room: is your roommate ready yet? There’s just page after page of these two mismatched hamsters on the frantic wheel of love.
I recall a wonderful line by C. S. Lewis where the initial emotional flurries of love must finally settle down to something quieter and more satisfying and lasting. But not here. For these two people, all love expressions are Mount Vesuvius. Explosions of passion tear through her heart; she feels the stab of unrequited love splitting her spleen. Sorry, but this is just so very over-the-top.
I scanned ahead and noted that there was a bit of Christian element along around 40% in; unfortunately, by then I had decided not to pour four more hours into a reading experience gone wrong.
This writer could do so much better. I honestly hope she regroups and tries again.
August 6, 2022
When I first got into this book, I felt like it should be a book for a young adult since it's focus was on kids going to college. But I stuck with it and ended up really enjoying the book. It is definitely a Christian book. Rebecca just wants to not be invisible. She thinks if she looked as pretty as Holly, then life would be wonderful. But life isn't how it seems on the outside. Holly has her own set of demons. Eric and his friends are a mish-mash of popular, money lifestyle that think they know it all and have all the fun times. But Rebecca and Eric do a paper for Rebecca's psychology class that has them interviewing church goers as to why they go to church. Rebecca is hooked. She finds a bible class that meets on Wednesday night. Through them, she learns about how if you let God love you and lead you in life, you can have peace and happiness. Rebecca is on a journey to share what she is learning with Eric. His friends don't think that is cool at all. But this is a good book about standing out and being different in the crowd when you believe something else or want something else. About forgiveness with self and others. Also really good about the ups and downs of letting Christ into your life and how you can find peace by putting him first. Very thought provoking.
January 4, 2023
I wasn’t sure what I picked up when I chose this book from those I had bought over the years. It felt like maybe a teen book, and it would be great for a teen or college aged kid. I wish I had read it when I was feeling like Rebecca. Wish I knew we all have insecurities and don’t always feel like we fit in.
Yes, it is a Christian book, but I like how she did it. It began with Rebecca researching a paper and turned into her learning about the Holy Spirit. Again, wish I had read this years ago. I had no idea what the purpose was of the Holy Spirit. This really helped me “get it” in a way I never had before.
I like a Christmas movie called A Boyfriend for Christmas. In that, Santa brings her a boyfriend but it has to be the right time for both of them. This book shows as Eric & Megan learn to have their right time…
If you don’t believe in God, don’t bother. You will probably roll your eyes.
If you’re trying to figure it out, you might learn with Rebecca.
Enjoy!
FYI - few things that drive me crazy. It is a hoop in basketball - not a goal. There were a few typos and a bit outdated with phones in their dorm rooms and when you first walk into the building so you can contact someone inside…
Yes, it is a Christian book, but I like how she did it. It began with Rebecca researching a paper and turned into her learning about the Holy Spirit. Again, wish I had read this years ago. I had no idea what the purpose was of the Holy Spirit. This really helped me “get it” in a way I never had before.
I like a Christmas movie called A Boyfriend for Christmas. In that, Santa brings her a boyfriend but it has to be the right time for both of them. This book shows as Eric & Megan learn to have their right time…
If you don’t believe in God, don’t bother. You will probably roll your eyes.
If you’re trying to figure it out, you might learn with Rebecca.
Enjoy!
FYI - few things that drive me crazy. It is a hoop in basketball - not a goal. There were a few typos and a bit outdated with phones in their dorm rooms and when you first walk into the building so you can contact someone inside…
February 17, 2023
I could totally relate to how both main characters were insecure in their own ways, she thought she wasn't pretty enough to be anything but invisible to others especially guys. And although Eric seemed pretty outgoing, he didn't feel comfortable getting together with his group of friends since he didn't have a steady girlfriend. He was surprised when he asked Rebecca's roommate out and she agreed, because she was so pretty. She had her own issues and I couldn't understand why she kept agreeing to meet Eric and then would stand him up. I felt if she really wasn't interested, she should have just turned him down. Then she ends up with a real jerk and ends up in a very bad situation and calls her roommate. Rebecca and Eric come to help her, and Rebecca comes close to being swept up with the partying students when the police show up.
I felt that despite his insecurities, Eric treated Rebecca pretty badly at times. Then they start to be kind of friends while working on psych paper and checking out various churches. I liked how Rebecca saw the note about a Bible study and started going to it. I think that was good for her self-esteem because the other students there accepted her and they became friends. It was good to see both Rebecca and Eric come to know more about God and changing.Eric's one friend is a total jerk-it seems like he has to make her feel bad because he isn't happy.
I want to read more of the series to see how things turn out for some of the other college students. I know some people think the story was unrealistic, but I think a lot of young adults act like they did as they are still growing up and finding their place in life. I thought it was realistic in showing how shallow a lot of the beautiful, popular students with money look down or simply ignore those who aren't them.
I felt that despite his insecurities, Eric treated Rebecca pretty badly at times. Then they start to be kind of friends while working on psych paper and checking out various churches. I liked how Rebecca saw the note about a Bible study and started going to it. I think that was good for her self-esteem because the other students there accepted her and they became friends. It was good to see both Rebecca and Eric come to know more about God and changing.Eric's one friend is a total jerk-it seems like he has to make her feel bad because he isn't happy.
I want to read more of the series to see how things turn out for some of the other college students. I know some people think the story was unrealistic, but I think a lot of young adults act like they did as they are still growing up and finding their place in life. I thought it was realistic in showing how shallow a lot of the beautiful, popular students with money look down or simply ignore those who aren't them.
March 7, 2018
The transition from youth to college life is often filled with growing pains, self discovery, and an assessment of values, as young people are introduced to new ideas and new people. A Work in Progress does a creditable job of portraying a young woman who takes this journey and finds that it leads her to faith.
Rebecca is a bright but self-conscious sophomore struggling with the normal strains of academic life and the added stress of an unrequited crush. Eric, the object of her crush, is also a student seeking fulfillment and self-worth by dating Holly, Rebecca’s bombshell of a roommate. But Rebecca and Eric soon become friends, and a class project leads them to explore church and Bible study. They begin to discover that life can hold meaning and beauty when they embrace God’s grace and a deep, caring relationship with one another.
With humor and grace, A Work in Progress examines timely and poignant young adult themes such as self-image problems, family expectations, and finding purpose and truth in a secular society. I highly recommend the novel, particularly to young adults and college students.
Rebecca is a bright but self-conscious sophomore struggling with the normal strains of academic life and the added stress of an unrequited crush. Eric, the object of her crush, is also a student seeking fulfillment and self-worth by dating Holly, Rebecca’s bombshell of a roommate. But Rebecca and Eric soon become friends, and a class project leads them to explore church and Bible study. They begin to discover that life can hold meaning and beauty when they embrace God’s grace and a deep, caring relationship with one another.
With humor and grace, A Work in Progress examines timely and poignant young adult themes such as self-image problems, family expectations, and finding purpose and truth in a secular society. I highly recommend the novel, particularly to young adults and college students.
January 2, 2019
Really enjoyed this cute christian romance. I think one thing that I didn't like was that faith was just thrown in there randomly. There was no mention of God or anything and I had to double check the title to make sure it was a christian book i was reading. Then at 33% suddenly Rebecca says she is writing her essay on religion and from then on the book is quite hardcore faith based. I wish the faith had been hinted at a bit beforehand so it did not feel so thrown in.
I liked and identified with Rebecca. Other reviewers saying that the characters seem silly and their day to day actions and inner dialogue are one dimensional. As a (once young) college student myself .... Rebecca is almost exactly like me. As silly or unrealistically self-deprecating as she seems I think the author has quite accurately portrayed the emotions of a young college girl. I did find her attitude towards Eric stalkerish at first and he was quite an asshole for the first bit. He had to come a long way to redeem himself in my eyes but, it's not me that does the forgiving it's God :)
I liked and identified with Rebecca. Other reviewers saying that the characters seem silly and their day to day actions and inner dialogue are one dimensional. As a (once young) college student myself .... Rebecca is almost exactly like me. As silly or unrealistically self-deprecating as she seems I think the author has quite accurately portrayed the emotions of a young college girl. I did find her attitude towards Eric stalkerish at first and he was quite an asshole for the first bit. He had to come a long way to redeem himself in my eyes but, it's not me that does the forgiving it's God :)
August 5, 2020
Rebecca has a secret crush on Eric. However, she knows there’s no hope because he is dating her gorgeous roommate and she is not the type of girl he would even notice.
Eric doesn’t see himself as someone girls find interesting. He is very surprised when Holly agrees to go out with him. However, he discovers that although she is beautiful there is no chemistry between them. When he volunteers to help her roommate, Rebecca, with her Psych paper he learns that what’s on the inside is more important that what’s on the outside.
I thought this was an okay story. I did have trouble liking the characters. While they were supposedly college aged, their actions were immature. Many of the characters had a negative self image and were very self centered. I appreciated that the book was free of foul language and sexual scenes. There was some adult content and some mild violence. There was also alcohol use. I found some of the Christian content to be heavy and a bit preachy. I would recommend this book to the young adult who likes clean romance.
Eric doesn’t see himself as someone girls find interesting. He is very surprised when Holly agrees to go out with him. However, he discovers that although she is beautiful there is no chemistry between them. When he volunteers to help her roommate, Rebecca, with her Psych paper he learns that what’s on the inside is more important that what’s on the outside.
I thought this was an okay story. I did have trouble liking the characters. While they were supposedly college aged, their actions were immature. Many of the characters had a negative self image and were very self centered. I appreciated that the book was free of foul language and sexual scenes. There was some adult content and some mild violence. There was also alcohol use. I found some of the Christian content to be heavy and a bit preachy. I would recommend this book to the young adult who likes clean romance.
June 27, 2019
Surprised this was labeled an adult novel (being a good clean Christian book) since it would be extremely valuable for high schoolers to read in preparation for college. Definitely related to the main character, Rebecca, who had dreams of fitting in, but felt socially awkward amongst all the cool people. The author had an amazing ability of delving into the inner workings of emotionally conflicted individuals, emphasizing how their growing-up years influenced their self-worth (or lack of it). Although labeled a Christian book, it gave an honest review of various religions and those with varying belief levels from all-show to those who actually reached out. (Just for accuracy, sermon should be 'homily' and service should be 'Mass' in reference to the Catholic religion vs the Protestant religions). Otherwise, despite being long, this book kept my attention throughout and is recommended as a valuable reading experience for those about to enter the college scene.
August 9, 2020
I started reading this book to check off a box for a reading challenge. I almost gave up on this book after the first few chapters but because of the challenge I stuck with it and I am glad I did as I liked the last half much more than the first. Maybe it is my age showing but I had a hard time with the college flirting and wanting to be liked. Seemed so childish.
If you want to read a book where the female MC is not drop dead gorgeous, this is your book. If you want a book where the male MC falls for a fellow student for her personality and not looks, this is your book. If you like a book where rekindling faith takes your life in a new direction, this is your book. I might have even liked the ending enough to move on to book #2 in the series. Not sure yet.
If you want to read a book where the female MC is not drop dead gorgeous, this is your book. If you want a book where the male MC falls for a fellow student for her personality and not looks, this is your book. If you like a book where rekindling faith takes your life in a new direction, this is your book. I might have even liked the ending enough to move on to book #2 in the series. Not sure yet.
October 30, 2020
Romance mixed with a bit of strong theology
As much as I love a good contemporary Christian romance novel, I really enjoyed the thought-provoking theology too and found this story to be as much a devotional as a novel. It's nice to get lost in the love story, but even better to have a book also challenge and encourage my own walk with the Lord as I read it. This book helped increase my prayer life this week as I caught myself on numerous occasions going to the Lord in prayer to ask for the bold faith of the new believers in this story. Having been a believer for nearly 4 decades, it's often refreshing to see the Lord from the fresh perspective of young believers. Glad to see there are more books in this series as I usually just read the author's stand alone novels.
As much as I love a good contemporary Christian romance novel, I really enjoyed the thought-provoking theology too and found this story to be as much a devotional as a novel. It's nice to get lost in the love story, but even better to have a book also challenge and encourage my own walk with the Lord as I read it. This book helped increase my prayer life this week as I caught myself on numerous occasions going to the Lord in prayer to ask for the bold faith of the new believers in this story. Having been a believer for nearly 4 decades, it's often refreshing to see the Lord from the fresh perspective of young believers. Glad to see there are more books in this series as I usually just read the author's stand alone novels.
December 30, 2018
A Work in Progress
A Work in Progress
Aren't we all? A work in progress, that is? These characters are in the midst of the one of those defining periods in their life where they are adults but not sure what that means for them yet. Each person is broken and flawed, on a journey of their own. Each one is looking at others as flawless while focusing on their own brokenness. This book brings GOD into that equation and those that embrace Him begin the journey towards healing. This book, and every book by this author, should be read and pondered for the deeper value and not just the story. I walk away changed by every book.
A Work in Progress
Aren't we all? A work in progress, that is? These characters are in the midst of the one of those defining periods in their life where they are adults but not sure what that means for them yet. Each person is broken and flawed, on a journey of their own. Each one is looking at others as flawless while focusing on their own brokenness. This book brings GOD into that equation and those that embrace Him begin the journey towards healing. This book, and every book by this author, should be read and pondered for the deeper value and not just the story. I walk away changed by every book.
June 8, 2017
Great depiction of emotion
I really liked the "real"-ness of the characters and the way each of their unique journeys played out.
The only thing I didn't like was the number of spelling mistakes and what appeared to be unfinished sentences. It needed one last proofread.
I recommend this book for young adults and adults who enjoy a romance story that focuses on that transition into adulthood where you come to terms with the expectations put on you and you find the courage to forge your own journey in light of emotional healing and spiritual guidance.
I really liked the "real"-ness of the characters and the way each of their unique journeys played out.
The only thing I didn't like was the number of spelling mistakes and what appeared to be unfinished sentences. It needed one last proofread.
I recommend this book for young adults and adults who enjoy a romance story that focuses on that transition into adulthood where you come to terms with the expectations put on you and you find the courage to forge your own journey in light of emotional healing and spiritual guidance.
February 27, 2019
Wow what a story first you read into the lives of Rebecca and Eric how they are both depressed, lost, unhappy with life and feel so alone. A life without God they are living according to their terms and have no love inside them. Then latter you read about them finding God, love starts to enter and grows. This book has so many messages for us with scripture readings and what the Holy Spirit can do to help you this book will have you hooked to read more about God. Highly recommendable to read as the characters feel real.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2020
Love and peace
When you stop trying to make everyone fit into your mold of what they should be, when you stop being hard on yourself about not living up to what everyone else says is acceptable, that's when you get peace. We think God looks at us and sees our flaws. But when God actually looks at us what he sees is someone he wants to love. He created us so he would have someone to love. Period! We are all a work in progress. This is what I learned from this book. I thought it was really good and would recommend it to anyone.
When you stop trying to make everyone fit into your mold of what they should be, when you stop being hard on yourself about not living up to what everyone else says is acceptable, that's when you get peace. We think God looks at us and sees our flaws. But when God actually looks at us what he sees is someone he wants to love. He created us so he would have someone to love. Period! We are all a work in progress. This is what I learned from this book. I thought it was really good and would recommend it to anyone.
July 4, 2022
Dit verhaal kwam langzaam op gang, bijna had ik het niet uitgelezen. Steeds komt hetzelfde thema terug: Rebecca voelt zich anders dan de rest. Dat zelfbeklag gaat op je zenuwen werken. Haar kamergenoot is vreemd.
Ik kreeg er ook wat Catcher in the Rye vibes bij.
Verder is het een boek vol preken en bekeringen. Wel geloofwaardig ingezet overigens. Twee studenten die onderzoek doen in verschillende kerken en geraakt worden door het Woord.
De relatie bloeit mooi op. Uiteindelijk kreeg het verhaal me toch te pakken en heb ik het uitgelezen
Ik kreeg er ook wat Catcher in the Rye vibes bij.
Verder is het een boek vol preken en bekeringen. Wel geloofwaardig ingezet overigens. Twee studenten die onderzoek doen in verschillende kerken en geraakt worden door het Woord.
De relatie bloeit mooi op. Uiteindelijk kreeg het verhaal me toch te pakken en heb ik het uitgelezen
May 27, 2017
Amazingly good! I enjoyed every bit of it. I only wish it didn't take too long to get into. The author spoke to me in so many ways.
"“The message He gave me to give to you is simply this. Whatever He gives you to do, do it with His love flowing through you. Let love be your goal and your guide in everything you do. If you do that, whatever you do will be blessed beyond measure. If you don’t, you’re missing the point."
"“The message He gave me to give to you is simply this. Whatever He gives you to do, do it with His love flowing through you. Let love be your goal and your guide in everything you do. If you do that, whatever you do will be blessed beyond measure. If you don’t, you’re missing the point."
June 19, 2020
This story was sweet but it was a little long and more simplistic than it could have been. Rebecca is sweet and shy and nerdy but whenever she's included, she is really outgoing. I had a hard time understanding her character. Eric was so shallow. I liked the arc of his character changing and that he was finally willing to stand up to his friends. I think including more interactions with Rebecca's family would have made her character a little fuller.
July 26, 2020
Rebecca Avery has always been the odd one out and college doesn't change much. Then she meets Eric Barnett, and she's amazed to be able to talk to him - even if he is trying to date her roommate. They end up in the same psych class and help each other out on their projects, which leads them both back to a religious awakening and the determination to just be themselves and others will like them. Interesting book aimed at "new adults". Religion plays a big part in the story.
July 26, 2020
Started out really interesting and very realistic . Staci is a talented writer and keeps your attention. Unfortunately, although I am a Christian, this was far too religious for me...by the time I reached the middle of the book, it was non-stop sermons. Perhaps there are people who actually talk like Emily and the Bible study class constantly, but I have never been in the presence of any of them. A little too dogmatic for me for a book I am reading for entertainment.
February 18, 2022
Enjoyed reading this book. Cried a lot. Very sad to see how people treat each other and yet if a person is really hurting on the inside that shows on how they interact with others. This is happening today and the only thing that will change them is to face who they are and to turn to God for a heart turn around. Will reread this book in the future. Being grateful for being grateful is part of my daily life now and I am very thankful that Staci wrote this in her book.
April 29, 2025
This may be one of the best books I’ve read recently. Even though I am decades older than these college students, there were so many truths expressed that are now underlined. We all need to know our self-worth and where to find it. There really is only one sure place - from a loving Father. Yes, there are sermonettes woven throughout the story, but I, for one, appreciated learning from them. This is real life, not fairy tale.
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