What do you think?
Rate this book
The Secret Life of Samantha McGregor #2
Beyond Reach
If You Thought You Needed Vision, Would You Ask God For It? Exhausted by her role in the dramatic rescue of Kayla Henderson, Samantha McGregor is ready for a vacation from her God-given visions. B
250 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
12 people are currently reading
361 people want to read
About the author
Melody Carlson
419 books3,261 followersMelody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books, several of them Christmas novellas from Revell, including her much-loved and bestselling book, The Christmas Bus.
She also writes many teen books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series.
Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon.
She also writes many teen books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series.
Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
April 26, 2017
Few books have made me as angry as this one did, and still continues to do. The clear Christian agenda takes priority over the importance of developing an understanding of the suicidal character. This book could have focused on important issues like abuse and bullying but it doesn't. Instead it degrades the plight of the character and transforms them into a two-dimensional character that needs rescuing, not from their family or school environment, but rather their sexuality. This character is encouraged to go to Christian councillors to 'fix' their sexuality. If I was the character standing on the bridge and the narrator was patronising me, like she did this book character, I would have jumped. Then again, seemly 'broken' individuals like myself do not belong as equals in novels like these. We are portrayed as diseased outcasts, misguided victims who have been tricked into homosexuality and need saving. This is the moral of this woeful tale, and I, for one, am not impressed.
October 26, 2009
Same problems as with the first book: too little actual story, the characters were still flat (though slightly improved) and very preachy. Sermonizing tends to grate quickly and easily. It is the difference between a cup of tea and a meaningful conversation and being bashed over the head with a two-by-four by someone trying to tell you something. What one will you listen to more readily?
April 25, 2018
The second installment of this series was good, but not as good as the first book unfortunately. We continue to see Samantha learning and accepting her special gift. However, I felt the topic of this novel to be quiet heavy and morbid, with many different ways of suicide being discussed. If someone doesn't talk about it though, who will?
I also appreciated that this book picks up pretty close to the first book. The timeline is awesome and makes it feel like we are actually friends with Samantha, rather than just someone hearing about her life.
The problems for me were 1) the font that was used for scripture and the emails. It was difficult to read, which ultimately made me feel distracted more than anything. And 2) I do not agree with or like the emphasis on violent video games. I feel like it's unnecessary and doesn't add anything to this story. If anything, I found myself wanting to yell at Sam to 'mind her own buisness', especially when she confronts Cody's mom about these violent video games.
Despite all this, I will continue to read this series and I'm curious what the next book has to offer.
I also appreciated that this book picks up pretty close to the first book. The timeline is awesome and makes it feel like we are actually friends with Samantha, rather than just someone hearing about her life.
The problems for me were 1) the font that was used for scripture and the emails. It was difficult to read, which ultimately made me feel distracted more than anything. And 2) I do not agree with or like the emphasis on violent video games. I feel like it's unnecessary and doesn't add anything to this story. If anything, I found myself wanting to yell at Sam to 'mind her own buisness', especially when she confronts Cody's mom about these violent video games.
Despite all this, I will continue to read this series and I'm curious what the next book has to offer.
June 22, 2020
Wow, this book series is so incredible! It is inspiring, it has an edge of mystery, and the characters feel so real! God and the way he works through his people is such an underlying theme as well as spiritual giftings.
I do recommend this book series for teen readers because some of the content is a little bit heavier, but this book series is so good!
I highly recommend this book and series!!
I do recommend this book series for teen readers because some of the content is a little bit heavier, but this book series is so good!
I highly recommend this book and series!!
February 12, 2023
There’s a lot in this this book that I DID NOT agree with AT ALL. This book had so much potential. What a bummer. I expected at lot after reading the first book. I guess I’ll read the third book. Hopefully it’s not a fail like this one.
May 23, 2019
This book is a really good continuation of the last book. I really love how she is able to begin trusting God more and more.
April 15, 2016
About this book:
“If You Thought You Needed Vision, Would You Ask God For It?
Exhausted by her role in the dramatic rescue of Kayla Henderson, Samantha McGregor is ready for a vacation from her God-given visions. But when Sam gets her wish and the visions actually go on hiatus, she’s beginning to wonder if she’s lost her spiritual gift forever. To make matters worse, her police friend Ebony needs her help!
Peter Clark has been dead for several years, an open-and-shut case of suicide, but Ebony’s not convinced. Why would he do it? And why does Ebony suspect foul play? Sam has been no help in the investigation, and just when she’s lost all hope, God gives her a vision of a guy jumping from a railroad bridge. Suddenly the floodgates open and all of Sam’s visions involve suicide. Who is this guy? And what does this have to do with Peter’s death? It’s a race against the clock as Sam worries about every brown-haired guy she meets: her lab partner, Olivia’s rocker friend, Peter’s little brother–they all fit the description!
Whoever the guy in her vision is, his identity is just beyond Sam’s reach, and he’s definitely losing his grip fast…Trusting God will lead her, Sam’s determined to send a message of hope and find him before he gives up.”
Series: Book #2 (of four) in “The Secret Life of Samantha McGregor”. (Book #1 review, Here!)
Spiritual Content- Joel 2:27-29 at the beginning; All about Samantha’s gift of visions from God; Many prayers (including praying foul spirits away); Bible reading; Many, many Scriptures are read, mentioned, quoted & talked about; Many, many Talks about God, gifts, forgiveness, faith & Him being in control; ‘H’s are capital when referring to God (but not in Scriptures); Witnessing; Thanking God; Youth Group & a sermon; Sam asks for a break on her visions & regrets doing so; Sam’s mom is mad at God; Many mentions of prayers; Mentions of Bible reading; Mentions of those in the Bible; Mentions of Church, youth group & pastors; Mentions of Heaven; Mentions of Christians;
*Note: A mention of cavemen; A couple mentions of psychics & mediums.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘dumb’, an ‘idiot’, an ‘oh my gosh’, a ‘shut up’, a ‘what the heck’, two ‘sissy’s, five ‘crud’s, five ‘duh’s, six ‘stupid’s; Mentions of curses (most are covered by saying/reading ‘blanking’ or cut off); Sam & her mother bicker bit; Blood, smoke, a fire & Nightmares (semi-detailed); All about deaths, murders, suicides, foul play & a suicidal website; Many mentions of drugs, drug dealers, rehab & meth; Many mentions of parties, alcohol, bars, drunks & hangovers; Mentions of Book #1’s brutal murders & kidnappings; Mentions of terrorists, strangling, bombs, knives & blood (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of abuse, hitting & bruises; Mentions of past temper tantrums; Mentions of divorce; Mentions of tattoos & piercings; A couple mentions of violent video games; A mentions of dog poop;
*Note: A mention of Oprah, Banana Republic and The Gap.
Sexual Content- two cheek kisses, three not-detailed kisses; a ‘hot’ and two ‘sleazy’s; Talking to & many mentions of a young man who thinks he might be gay (from his father’s bullying) and is unsure if he is actually gay; Mentions of flirting & jealousy; Mentions of dating, boyfriends & who-likes-who; Mentions of boys, prom & dancing; Mentions of Book #1’s cyber creep, Kayla going down to meet him & him sexually abusing more than six girls; A couple mentions of wondering if a guy likes another guy; A (teasing) mention of s*x change; A mention of a lesbian;
*Note: A ‘butt out’ is said; Mentions of underwear.
-Samantha McGregor, age 16-17
1st person P.O.V. of Sam
244 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars (and a half)
My personal Rating- Three Stars
{Add a star for girls in Public School}
Like the first book in this series, when I was younger (prior-to-BFCG-younger…so long ago. ;) ) I loved this series. I still enjoy this series, but it does deal with some real-life/heavy topics. It’s what this author does best. ;) All the Spiritual Content in this series, though, is so nice & refreshing. :)
Link to review:
http://booksforchristiangirls.blogspo...
*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.
“If You Thought You Needed Vision, Would You Ask God For It?
Exhausted by her role in the dramatic rescue of Kayla Henderson, Samantha McGregor is ready for a vacation from her God-given visions. But when Sam gets her wish and the visions actually go on hiatus, she’s beginning to wonder if she’s lost her spiritual gift forever. To make matters worse, her police friend Ebony needs her help!
Peter Clark has been dead for several years, an open-and-shut case of suicide, but Ebony’s not convinced. Why would he do it? And why does Ebony suspect foul play? Sam has been no help in the investigation, and just when she’s lost all hope, God gives her a vision of a guy jumping from a railroad bridge. Suddenly the floodgates open and all of Sam’s visions involve suicide. Who is this guy? And what does this have to do with Peter’s death? It’s a race against the clock as Sam worries about every brown-haired guy she meets: her lab partner, Olivia’s rocker friend, Peter’s little brother–they all fit the description!
Whoever the guy in her vision is, his identity is just beyond Sam’s reach, and he’s definitely losing his grip fast…Trusting God will lead her, Sam’s determined to send a message of hope and find him before he gives up.”
Series: Book #2 (of four) in “The Secret Life of Samantha McGregor”. (Book #1 review, Here!)
Spiritual Content- Joel 2:27-29 at the beginning; All about Samantha’s gift of visions from God; Many prayers (including praying foul spirits away); Bible reading; Many, many Scriptures are read, mentioned, quoted & talked about; Many, many Talks about God, gifts, forgiveness, faith & Him being in control; ‘H’s are capital when referring to God (but not in Scriptures); Witnessing; Thanking God; Youth Group & a sermon; Sam asks for a break on her visions & regrets doing so; Sam’s mom is mad at God; Many mentions of prayers; Mentions of Bible reading; Mentions of those in the Bible; Mentions of Church, youth group & pastors; Mentions of Heaven; Mentions of Christians;
*Note: A mention of cavemen; A couple mentions of psychics & mediums.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘dumb’, an ‘idiot’, an ‘oh my gosh’, a ‘shut up’, a ‘what the heck’, two ‘sissy’s, five ‘crud’s, five ‘duh’s, six ‘stupid’s; Mentions of curses (most are covered by saying/reading ‘blanking’ or cut off); Sam & her mother bicker bit; Blood, smoke, a fire & Nightmares (semi-detailed); All about deaths, murders, suicides, foul play & a suicidal website; Many mentions of drugs, drug dealers, rehab & meth; Many mentions of parties, alcohol, bars, drunks & hangovers; Mentions of Book #1’s brutal murders & kidnappings; Mentions of terrorists, strangling, bombs, knives & blood (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of abuse, hitting & bruises; Mentions of past temper tantrums; Mentions of divorce; Mentions of tattoos & piercings; A couple mentions of violent video games; A mentions of dog poop;
*Note: A mention of Oprah, Banana Republic and The Gap.
Sexual Content- two cheek kisses, three not-detailed kisses; a ‘hot’ and two ‘sleazy’s; Talking to & many mentions of a young man who thinks he might be gay (from his father’s bullying) and is unsure if he is actually gay; Mentions of flirting & jealousy; Mentions of dating, boyfriends & who-likes-who; Mentions of boys, prom & dancing; Mentions of Book #1’s cyber creep, Kayla going down to meet him & him sexually abusing more than six girls; A couple mentions of wondering if a guy likes another guy; A (teasing) mention of s*x change; A mention of a lesbian;
*Note: A ‘butt out’ is said; Mentions of underwear.
-Samantha McGregor, age 16-17
1st person P.O.V. of Sam
244 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars (and a half)
My personal Rating- Three Stars
{Add a star for girls in Public School}
Like the first book in this series, when I was younger (prior-to-BFCG-younger…so long ago. ;) ) I loved this series. I still enjoy this series, but it does deal with some real-life/heavy topics. It’s what this author does best. ;) All the Spiritual Content in this series, though, is so nice & refreshing. :)
Link to review:
http://booksforchristiangirls.blogspo...
*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.
December 26, 2008
Review by Gigi Hoffman
Melody Carlson’s Beyond Reach, the second book in The Secret Life of Samantha McGregor series, is just as enthralling as book one. Carlson uses real life teen topics, tons of suspense, and faith in God to spin an engaging, can’t-put-it-down book.
Samantha McGregor, the girl with a God-given gift of prophecy, is at it again. Or maybe not. After trying to make sense of her visions to save her friend Kayla (in book one), plus her visions about a terrorist attack, Sam is ready for a break from the prophecies. She complains to God, saying she wants a little hiatus, and the visions stop, just like she wanted.
The only problem is, now Detective Ebony Hamilton needs her help with a cold case. Samantha doesn’t know what to do. The dreams and visions have been gone for weeks. How can she possibly help? Has God taken away her gift for good?
When Sam’s gift finally returns, she has a vision of a brown-haired boy jumping off a bridge to his death. Who is the boy? Does it have to do with the old suicide case Ebony is looking into? Samantha worries about every brunet guy she encounters—if only she knew who was going to jump off that bridge. With the unknown guy just out of reach, Samantha puts her trust in God, praying that he will show her who it is—before it’s too late.
Highly recommended.
Melody Carlson’s Beyond Reach, the second book in The Secret Life of Samantha McGregor series, is just as enthralling as book one. Carlson uses real life teen topics, tons of suspense, and faith in God to spin an engaging, can’t-put-it-down book.
Samantha McGregor, the girl with a God-given gift of prophecy, is at it again. Or maybe not. After trying to make sense of her visions to save her friend Kayla (in book one), plus her visions about a terrorist attack, Sam is ready for a break from the prophecies. She complains to God, saying she wants a little hiatus, and the visions stop, just like she wanted.
The only problem is, now Detective Ebony Hamilton needs her help with a cold case. Samantha doesn’t know what to do. The dreams and visions have been gone for weeks. How can she possibly help? Has God taken away her gift for good?
When Sam’s gift finally returns, she has a vision of a brown-haired boy jumping off a bridge to his death. Who is the boy? Does it have to do with the old suicide case Ebony is looking into? Samantha worries about every brunet guy she encounters—if only she knew who was going to jump off that bridge. With the unknown guy just out of reach, Samantha puts her trust in God, praying that he will show her who it is—before it’s too late.
Highly recommended.
March 3, 2012
This is a YA book. I'm not even sure how I came across it, but I'm glad I did. I checked it out of the library so long ago, it's one day overdue. But since it's cold out today, I decided to keep it one more day to see if it was any good--and it was. I read it in just a couple of hours. It's the story of a HS girl who has visions, sound hokey, but it's not. She helps law enforcement solve crimes and she helps her friends to. The Biblical teaching was pretty sound, she does not speak to the dead, she hears and sees messages from God. There was one lapse in Bible truth ("The truth will set you free," used to encourage someone to tell the truth), but all in all this YA Christian fiction was better than any adult Christian fiction I read. I think even non-believers would be interested enough in the story to stick with it.
April 24, 2009
These books might be aimed for teens, but that didn't even matter when I was reading them. Melody Carlson has to be one of my favorite authors at the moment. She is a Christian author and all of her books have that theme. Either the main character already has a relationship with God and she uses it in her life, or the main character has yet to find God, and realizes by the end how much she needs Him in her life.
In this particular series, Samantha already has a relationship with God, and a gift - she has visions.
While some find Melody Carlson's books too preachy, they always leave me with a peaceful feeling after reading them.
In this particular series, Samantha already has a relationship with God, and a gift - she has visions.
While some find Melody Carlson's books too preachy, they always leave me with a peaceful feeling after reading them.
July 6, 2012
I was disappointed in this second book of the Samantha series. I've read a few books by Melody Carlson thus far and was really looking forward to this one. It took half of the book before it began to move along in the story and before that it was monotonous and downright boring. It won't keep me from reading another book by this author and possibly even in the same series, but it will take me some time to come back.
June 24, 2014
This exciting story follows Sam as she works on the case of Peter Clark with her detective friend, Ebony. Solved several years ago and marked as a suicide, Ebony now has doubts that the Clark case was resolved the right way. Will God give Sam any new insights on the case? Meanwhile, Sam tries to befriend her geeky lab partner and a whole new twist ensues.
See my complete review on BookLoons: http://bookloons.com/cgi-bin/Review.a...
See my complete review on BookLoons: http://bookloons.com/cgi-bin/Review.a...
March 2, 2010
I clearly love this book as well. The mystery was great, there was some confusion and complications which made this book more interesting but also a bit hard to catch up on. This book is mainly about more of Samantha's vision and how she solves crimes. This book contains suspense, some humor, and some adventure.
I recommend this book to those who like to read mysteries and suspense.
I recommend this book to those who like to read mysteries and suspense.
August 18, 2011
I love the Secret Life of Samantha McGregor series! The First book, Bad Connection, was great! (and made my favorites list) And now the second book is also a favorite. I couldn't put this book down! I can't wait to read the third and fourth books!
April 14, 2015
well this book is prettty gruesome! i liked the book because her relationships are blooming and she makes new friends in every book but the stoyplot was eeeeh kind of iffy. but in the end , i guess it came all right.
September 12, 2014
Samantha has visions about a suicide she must stop--but whose?
October 6, 2008
I actually remember what this one is about! Yay! It was pretty good I guess. Had a good…okay I just totally forgot what I was about to say…
May 4, 2009
This was as good as the very first book and I think the author really knows how to keep the suspense going.
September 13, 2009
This book was about the same as the first, except it deals with teen sucicide. Fast read, interesting premise, but just okay.
October 23, 2009
It was pretty good!
Read
March 22, 2010F CAR slosm bk.2
July 31, 2011
Seriously one of the best books I have ever read!! It's even better than the first one in this series! I couldn't put it down!!!
January 17, 2012
This book gives you alot to consider. Good for teens and friends of teens.
May 17, 2012
Religious-y but okay.
June 22, 2012
Another great book by melody carlson i love her and her writing!
August 12, 2012
I think this series would make a good TV series, but they would probably have to take the religious aspect out.
never-going-to-read
October 8, 2012The first one was so preachy and the characters irritated me so much (minus Ebony) that I don't want to read anymore of this series. This is a reminder to myself.
November 29, 2013
A review of the entire series is now on my blog:
http://rwlreviews.blogspot.com/2013/0...
http://rwlreviews.blogspot.com/2013/0...
October 22, 2013
This is a really good series.
January 30, 2014
LOVE LOVE LOVE this book series!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews