Lost in Dreams

Author: Roger Bruner

Series: Altered Hearts #2 (sequel to “Found in Translation“)

Genre: Christian/Young Adult/Fiction

Join eighteen-year-old Kim Hartlinger, as she arrives home from a life-changing mission trip to a remote Mexican village. This second novel in a new series for teen girls will challenge your faith-and capture your heart-as you journey with Kim through the biggest struggle of her life and faith.

 

 Positive Content: This is a thoughtful, deep story with many, many positive aspects promoting selflesness, courage, faith, trust, friendship, honesty, and love. It is excellent for anyone, but especially for those going through a difficult time or feeling a sense of guilt. The whole thing is one big, Christian learning curve.

 

Negative Content: None, really. Kim hides her guilt from her  father, but eventually confesses. She struggles from negative personal feelings, but these, too, are worked through. Aleesha and Jo get over their differences, in spite of a mean trick Jo tried to play on Aleesha (that backfired). There is a death, but it is non-graphic (though there is plenty of emotional trauma over it). They are working at a men’s prison, where some of the men are said to be murderers and rapists. One prison guard is blackmailing the inmates.

 

Summary: I liked this novel just as much as the first. It is deep, challenging and faith-building, with no real ‘negative’ content. It is well-written, though I ocassionally get the feeling that Mr. Bruner was trying too hard to get into a teenaged girl’s mind. However this is a minor flaw, I really enjoyed the book and have already recommended it to several people.

 

Ages: 16+

4 out of 5 stars

 

Visit the Author’s Website at http://www.rogerbruner.com

 

Team Novel Teen is a group of bloggers dedicated to spreading the word about clean teen fiction. Check out other posts about Lost in Dreams by Roger Bruner by clicking on the links below, and check out www.NovelTeen.com for more information about Team Novel Teen.

The God Girl Bible

The God Girl Bible is a new study Bible for teen girls, with devotionals, prayers, and other cool tidbits written by Hayley DiMarco, a popular author of Christian girl’s books.

You can even decorate the cover, how cool is that??

I’m used to reading the King James Version, and this Bible is much more modern. It’s closer to the Message translation than KJV. However, it puts everything in clear, simple language. I really like the devos and ‘extras’ that come with it, and it makes an excellent go-anywhere Bible.

It may not be as deep as others, but it’s fun, easy, and cheerful.

 

The Christian Zombie Killer’s Handbook

Author: Jeff Kinley

Series: None

Genre: Fiction AND Christian non-fiction/Adult/Spiritual Living

Ben Forman was just an ordinary guy, a young professional starting his first job and falling in love with his girlfriend. Living in the outskirts of a southern city, he didn’t think the zombie activity so common in the major cities would hit so close to home. But it was becoming clear that the mysterious infection reanimating the deceased was a growing epidemic across the country. The question was, would he stay alive or become the undead?

In this one-of-kind approach to teaching about sin, grace, and salvation, The Christian Zombie Killers Handbook tracks the fictional life of Ben Forman and offers solid Bible teaching to help readers understand the gravity and consequences of life without God, of life as a zombie. Ephesians 2:4-5 says, “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our transgressions–it is by grace you have been saved.” Without the salvation Jesus offers, we are all as good as dead. But as this book teaches in a winsome, cutting-edge, culturally relevant style, anyone can kill the zombie inside, escape the clutches of the undead, and come alive by the supernatural power of God’s salvation.

Summary: Lots of blood, lots of gore, some stuff that would probably be deemed ‘disturbing’ by people with weak stomachs. Lots of spiritual relevancy, refreshing and eye-opening ways to look at things, and a new perspective on Christian faith. Does one cancel out the other? Not necessarily – if you’ve got a good constitution. This book is NOT for easily disturbed and/or young people!

Ages: 16+

 

3.5 out of 5 stars

Book provided by Booksneeze.com

Found in Translation

Author: Roger Bruner

Series: Altered Hearts #1

Genre: Christian/Fiction/Young Adult

When Kim Hartlinger arrives late on a mission trip to Mexico and discovers that the mission location has changed and now she will be doing construction in a remote village without plumbing and electricity. She can rough it with her designer clothes, or turn around and head home. With no English speaking villagers, Spanish speaking team members, or any translators, Kim worries they will not be able to reach the heart of the villagers in just 14 days. Will Kim be able to touch the villagers’ hearts with the Gospel? Or will her time in Mexico be up before she gets the chance?

 

Positive Elements: Where to begin? This is a book about finding God, rebelling against what YOU want, and serving others. Kim learns that not everything revolves around her, and ends up being a huge Christian influence on the village people. This book really spoke to me, as I have a tendency to be self-centered, just like Kim. I identified a lot with her, and this made me convince myself I would change.

 

Negative Elements: Kim has a tendency to swear (though none are ever actually written) even though her parents disapprove. She replaces her ‘swear’ words with milder things. One boy seems to have an ‘interest’ in her, though nothing ever happens. She is also, quite frankly, a brat at the beginning – but this is a book about learning and growing, therefore I don’t really think it’s a ‘negative’ element.

 

Summary: I was expecting a light, fluffy chick-lit “Latte Days” kind of book. What I got was a surprisingly deep, fun, thought-provoking and spiritually enlightening book that I finished in a couple of days. Thank you, Mr. Bruner! I hope to read the next one, Lost in Dreams, VERY soon!

 

Ages: 15+ (Not because there is really anything that should be avoided for younger teens, but I think this is about where the reading/spiritual understanding level starts)

 

4.5 out of 5 stars

 

Team Novel Teen is a group of bloggers dedicated to spreading the word about clean teen fiction. Check out other posts about Found in Translation by Roger Bruner by clicking on the links below, and check out www.NovelTeen.com for more information about Team Novel Teen