Totally Free

Laurel Shadrach

by Stephanie Perry Moore

Laurel Shadrach is in her second semester of her senior year and things seem to be falling into place. She's dating a Christian guy and her friendships are back on track. But right around the corner lurks the temptation of drugs and alcohol. As she witnesses their destruction on those around her, Laurel realizes that alcohol and drugs only bring temporary relief. To be totally free, you must turn your life over to Christ and rest in Him.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Teen, Young Adult

208 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2002

About the author

STEPHANIE PERRY MOORE is the author of many Young Adult Christian fiction titles, including the Payton Skky series, the Laurel Shadrach series, the Perry Skky Jr. series, the Faith Thomas Novelzine series, the Carmen Browne series, and the Beta Gamma Pi series. She is also the co-editor for the impactful BibleZine, REAL. Mrs. Moore speaks with young people across the country, showing them how they can live life fully and do it God's way. Stephanie currently lives in the greater Atlanta area with her husband, Derrick, a former NFL player and author, and their three children. Visit her website at www.stephanieperrymoore.com.

Reviews

[Delray Beach Public Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laurel is beginning her second semester in his senior year, and she thought she finally had her life in order. Her ankle was feeling much better and was able to compete in the gymnastics again. She was happy with her new boyfriend. Strong Christian Foster McDowell, was everything Laurel's ex, Branson Price was not.

Laurel was enjoying a Christmas phone call from Foster when she heard a noise coming from downstairs. She quickly runs to sees her younger brother lying in the ground in a pool of blood. Lance has been drinking. She takes her brother to the hospital and decides not to tell her parents that Lance was involved with alcohol and makes up a story. However, Lance is not only dealing with alcohol, he has also been gambling and continues on a path of destruction.

Dealing with conflicts at home and with friends, Laurel finds a spiritual companion with Foster. However, she feels that she still cares for Branson. Although it seems that Laurel has way too much drama to deal with, she begins to realize her mistakes. Will Laurel continue to cover up for Lance? Will she continue her relationship with Foster?
How about the lingering feelings for Branson Price?

Pick up the book and find out!

Other books in the Laurel Shadrach Series:

Absolutely Worthy
Equally Yoked
Finally Sure

Reviewed by Lunise P., TAB@DBPL Reader Advisor since 2012.

[Tamikia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is okay, but however the issues are a bit too much. If I was Laurel I'd wonder why bad things happen to people around me all of the time. Seriously this book was like an OD'd episode of Degrassi: There's teen gambling, drinking, AIDS, a school shooting, drug use, drag racing, not sure if I left something out or not. Plus it bothers me how Laurel is treating Foster who is a very nice guy who she doesn't deserve. She'd rather pine over and run back to Branson only to realize that once again (big surprise..) that nothing has changed and all he mainly wants is sex. Then she gets mad at her brother for calling out her and her friends for playing on guys emotions, which they do! Like I said overall it's okay but it's a bit much..

[OOSA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Encouraging

Oh my gosh, "Totally Free" was so encouraging. Stephanie Perry Moore talked about forgiving and trusting God. She also talked about gambling and drugs, which are sins. You have to forgive those who hurt you. "In Totally Free," Laurel learns how to forgive her friends for their actions. Trust in God in whatever you do.

Reviewed by:
Lauren
OOSA's Teen Reviewer

[Alexis G · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a really good read but I just couldn't get over how upset the main character made me. She was so foolish and annoying. Some things also felt unrealistic. I mainly enjoyed the relationships between the characters and the life lessons this story brought.

[Liz]

Unrealistic and, frankly, boring.

[Ikria Dorsey]

This book helps you with your chastrain belief and to go with your intincts on love

[The Third Place A Teen Library]

F MOO ls bk.2

[Makayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was good just too many bad things