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The End of the Dream
Ash, the mysterious new guy in town, is everything Vivien is not: friendly, cheerful, and carefree, with a deep Christian faith.
Vivien doesn't understand why Ash would choose her as a friend, but as a shy, reclusive teen with an absent father and airhead stepmom, she is drawn to him. She even gets to join him in fulfilling his special "Summer Can't Suck" activities list.
But when she finds herself falling for him, Ash begins to reveal suspicious gaps in his memory. Things are not adding up...
Vivien doesn't understand why Ash would choose her as a friend, but as a shy, reclusive teen with an absent father and airhead stepmom, she is drawn to him. She even gets to join him in fulfilling his special "Summer Can't Suck" activities list.
But when she finds herself falling for him, Ash begins to reveal suspicious gaps in his memory. Things are not adding up...
- GenresChristian Fiction
306 pages, Paperback
Published May 30, 2019
About the author
R.J. Conte
17 books35 followersRJ Conte has kissed only one boy in her entire life - and she married him - inspiring her to write about sweet or powerful love stories ever since. She writes issue-driven fiction that explores human nature and the depths of the soul while pointing readers to their Creator.
She writes a blog on parenting, publishing, painting, and perorating at http://blonderj.wordpress.com/
She writes a blog on parenting, publishing, painting, and perorating at http://blonderj.wordpress.com/
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
July 23, 2019
This book was phenomenal.
I DEEPLY loved it and just a little short on words it feels because I haven't read a story like this before, nor have I had a character resonate with me such as Vivien.
Speaking of her, Vivien I think is the first character I've read where it's like the author took all of me and put it in a character. She was super relatable in almost every way and as she does certain things with Ash, I couldn't help but think that is exactly what I would do. Her actions made me laugh, smile, cry, and want to privately message the author saying how cool it was to (again) relate SO strongly to a character.
And of course, it doesn't hurt that Vivien is totally around a hot guy who is half-Thai that was completely amazing. As much as I loved Vivien, I think I equally loved Ash. He just oozes confidence and brings out all the giggles, swooning, and inspiration. He encourages Viven to be better and challenged me as a reader to be involved in my community, whether that be online or face-to-face.
Now that I've gushed about these fantastic characters, this story had me on edge. The more Vivien and Ash do things on his summer bucket list, the more engrossed I was, ESPECIALLY when weird things start happening. ESPECIALLY WHEN THAT ONE SAID THING HAPPENS!!!
*coughs* I can't unveil what said thing is, but just know that there is NO putting this book down when it comes to strong attention. It will hook you, make you cry, hook you again, and make you cry again. Well done, author!!
Overall, did I love this story? In every single way possible. It will always be a favorite and one that I will devour (in one sitting if my kids will let me) because it's a very entertaining read, but one that also challenges us and inspires. If the author decided to write a follow-up novella/short story that involves a bunch of a gushing and squeals (okay that would be me *winks*), I would certainly not complain.
I strongly recommend this story to readers who enjoy edgy Christian fiction with characters who grow, a story that's real, and a tenderness involving change that impacts more then the heart.
Definitely a 10 out of 10 stars!
I DEEPLY loved it and just a little short on words it feels because I haven't read a story like this before, nor have I had a character resonate with me such as Vivien.
Speaking of her, Vivien I think is the first character I've read where it's like the author took all of me and put it in a character. She was super relatable in almost every way and as she does certain things with Ash, I couldn't help but think that is exactly what I would do. Her actions made me laugh, smile, cry, and want to privately message the author saying how cool it was to (again) relate SO strongly to a character.
And of course, it doesn't hurt that Vivien is totally around a hot guy who is half-Thai that was completely amazing. As much as I loved Vivien, I think I equally loved Ash. He just oozes confidence and brings out all the giggles, swooning, and inspiration. He encourages Viven to be better and challenged me as a reader to be involved in my community, whether that be online or face-to-face.
Now that I've gushed about these fantastic characters, this story had me on edge. The more Vivien and Ash do things on his summer bucket list, the more engrossed I was, ESPECIALLY when weird things start happening. ESPECIALLY WHEN THAT ONE SAID THING HAPPENS!!!
*coughs* I can't unveil what said thing is, but just know that there is NO putting this book down when it comes to strong attention. It will hook you, make you cry, hook you again, and make you cry again. Well done, author!!
Overall, did I love this story? In every single way possible. It will always be a favorite and one that I will devour (in one sitting if my kids will let me) because it's a very entertaining read, but one that also challenges us and inspires. If the author decided to write a follow-up novella/short story that involves a bunch of a gushing and squeals (okay that would be me *winks*), I would certainly not complain.
I strongly recommend this story to readers who enjoy edgy Christian fiction with characters who grow, a story that's real, and a tenderness involving change that impacts more then the heart.
Definitely a 10 out of 10 stars!
January 24, 2024
This book is amazing. Like, for real, it’s an incredible book. I loved every second of it, and I was hooked from the very beginning. The story was so heartfelt and cute, but also sad and tragic. I loved the relationship between Vivien and Ash, and also Vivien and Nevira. I loved how the main theme is Christianity, and trusting God through all hardships, and forgiving those who have wronged you the most.
The story started out sweet, fun, and entertaining, and the scenes were so cute and captivating. Once the middle hit, though, it was a rollercoaster of emotion and sadness and tragedy and very little hope. I wanted to cry so many times, but I couldn’t because of all my shock. The plot twist was insane, and I never expected it. I was heartbroken, and my heart was racing the entire last half of the book. But in the end, I loved it dearly, and I know I will always love this book and hold it close to my heart. I haven’t read such a good book in a long time, and I’m so grateful I found it.
This book taught me many things. First, I learned to forgive others because God will reward you for it. And forgiving the people who have wronged you the most will give you such a feeling of happiness and relief, and you will feel so much closer to God afterwards.
Second, I learned to show random acts of kindness to others just to make their day, and it will make me happier, too.
Lastly, I learned to trust God through anything life throws at me, whether that be sadness, tragedy, hopelessness, whatever. As long as I remember to trust God and ask him for help, he’ll come in any way.
This book was amazing, I definitely recommend it for anyone who wants a heartwarming love story with Christianity woven into every theme. I am for sure going to read this again, I loved it so much!!
The story started out sweet, fun, and entertaining, and the scenes were so cute and captivating. Once the middle hit, though, it was a rollercoaster of emotion and sadness and tragedy and very little hope. I wanted to cry so many times, but I couldn’t because of all my shock. The plot twist was insane, and I never expected it. I was heartbroken, and my heart was racing the entire last half of the book. But in the end, I loved it dearly, and I know I will always love this book and hold it close to my heart. I haven’t read such a good book in a long time, and I’m so grateful I found it.
This book taught me many things. First, I learned to forgive others because God will reward you for it. And forgiving the people who have wronged you the most will give you such a feeling of happiness and relief, and you will feel so much closer to God afterwards.
Second, I learned to show random acts of kindness to others just to make their day, and it will make me happier, too.
Lastly, I learned to trust God through anything life throws at me, whether that be sadness, tragedy, hopelessness, whatever. As long as I remember to trust God and ask him for help, he’ll come in any way.
This book was amazing, I definitely recommend it for anyone who wants a heartwarming love story with Christianity woven into every theme. I am for sure going to read this again, I loved it so much!!
June 29, 2022
Good story, but I felt the strong language was out of place for a Christian teen book.
August 25, 2019
So, this was not at all what I was expecting. But to be fair, I really have no idea what I was expecting. I loved Ash and his crazy bucket list! And while I had a harder time connecting with Vivian, I liked her character arc and watching her relationships grow. I did guess the twist early on (which I'm just gonna blame on writer brain refusing to let reader brain have some fun :P) But the end had me in tears! Which is a good thing, I promise ;) This book deals with some really tough topics in such a unique way, and I love the emphasis on hope woven throughout. Overall, a good book I'll have to read again ... when I can convince writer brain to take a day off LOL!
April 2, 2020
Great story with a very unexpected twist.
January 10, 2020
As a reading specialist, I can't think of any other Christian book in which my grandkids or students could relate to better. Included is a myriad of issues, death and abandonment, embarrassing stepmother, teenage emotions, absent father, newfound love, faith crises, fantasy involvement and adventure. It guarantees to maintain your teen's attention throughout in this well-written novel. The only minor difference which, I feel, would improve it is highlighting the chapter heading with a bolder or different font to offset it from the manuscript. Otherwise, a must-have for every Christian library.
April 8, 2020
I hesitated starting this book because Christian books about teen romance usually are huge turnoffs for me, but I enjoyed Conte’s “Lucent Sylph” so much I thought I’d give The End of the Dream a try.
I got hooked from the very beginning—and only got more engaged as the story developed.
The first thing that drew me in is that Vivien has deep-seated, complex problems that don’t have obvious answers. (In contrast, I feel like a lot of Christian romance heroines are just like “ugh, I’m so mildly quirky!” and it’s fairly obvious where their stories will go from there.) Vivien’s arc is unpredictable and compelling throughout.
I also typically loathe stories that dive deep into a Christian’s personal experience with Christ—not because I don’t believe it’s important, but because fictionalized accounts often feel so inauthentic and forced. Vivien’s journey to growth, however, fells well-motivated and compelling because of the deep emotional challenges she’s forced to go through.
Also, the speculative aspect of the story is fascinating, and the concluding chapters had me in tears with their raw emotional power. I’ll definitely be picking up more books by R.J. Conte!
I got hooked from the very beginning—and only got more engaged as the story developed.
The first thing that drew me in is that Vivien has deep-seated, complex problems that don’t have obvious answers. (In contrast, I feel like a lot of Christian romance heroines are just like “ugh, I’m so mildly quirky!” and it’s fairly obvious where their stories will go from there.) Vivien’s arc is unpredictable and compelling throughout.
I also typically loathe stories that dive deep into a Christian’s personal experience with Christ—not because I don’t believe it’s important, but because fictionalized accounts often feel so inauthentic and forced. Vivien’s journey to growth, however, fells well-motivated and compelling because of the deep emotional challenges she’s forced to go through.
Also, the speculative aspect of the story is fascinating, and the concluding chapters had me in tears with their raw emotional power. I’ll definitely be picking up more books by R.J. Conte!
April 4, 2020
I don't normally read romance novels, but I picked this one up because it's by an author whose work I already knew I liked. Sure enough, I wasn't disappointed! The romance wasn't overdone or sappy (Christian romance, in particular, tends to fall into the sappy trap, but this one didn't!). The characters were all distinct and very well developed, to the point where I felt I knew them. Once I got to the twist about halfway through, I COULD NOT put the book down. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys YA fiction, whether you normally read romance or not. An excellent read!
May 28, 2022
Outstanding!
The End of the Dream is the best book I have read in a very long time. Although the first of the story starts slowly, I couldn't put this book down until I could finish reading it.
The End of the Dream is the best book I have read in a very long time. Although the first of the story starts slowly, I couldn't put this book down until I could finish reading it.
October 26, 2020
Uplifting story
Cute story. I'm a stranger to this genre, but I enjoyed the story. I loved seeing Vivien progress and grow.
Cute story. I'm a stranger to this genre, but I enjoyed the story. I loved seeing Vivien progress and grow.
April 23, 2022
What a compelling and beautiful book. I love when Christian fiction deals with the nitty gritty trials of life while also showing how God uses these moments to point us to Him. RJ handles difficult topics with grace, never shying away from letting her characters deal with some really tough issues. I absolutely loved Vivien's character development, and Ash was a fun side character, whose past and testimony makes him a great role model for young readers. I also ended up really liking Nevira. At first she drove me nuts, but she grew on me, and I credit that to RJ's talented writing.
The last few chapters were especially moving, and I loved the overall message. Not to spoil anything, but I cried. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone.
The last few chapters were especially moving, and I loved the overall message. Not to spoil anything, but I cried. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews