I received this book from Netgalley to review, upon request. I wanted to read it because it had a Christian twist, and I'm into that sort of books.

In the beginning, it started out slow, and it kind of felt like the story won't ever get to develop. But, that was done with a purpose: getting to know Allie (Alcyone)'s background. Where she came from, what made her act the way she did after the tragedy in her life. We saw where she came from, we saw why it was hard for her to trust others and herself.

And even though she absolutely infuriated me because of her stubbornness, her cold heart and bitchiness, I knew why she did and said everything. I knew why she couldn't accept being adopted, or loved, or trusted. I could understand her train of thought,I cried and laughed along with Allie and to me, that's important in a book.

It was easy for me to live through her pain and to understand her sorrow. And I loved it when she finally got to grow up and see her mistakes and ask for forgiveness. That moment of grace was really captivating, and struck me real hard.

The characters:

*Alcyone - she was a frustrated child, who had to take care of her sick mother until the poor woman died. I have no idea how I would've coped with all the hardships if I were in her place, but for a 14-year old, she did quite well. Yeah, she was always grumpy, and held back her hurt and distrust, but what's there to expect? I was surprised that she actually got to grow up as a character. She got to understand her mistakes and to finally give into love.

*Sam Carroll - he was a sweet boy. Too sweet really. I have no idea how he managed to ignore all the insults coming from Allie's mouth. She never appreciated him, never showed him any real care. She only shoved him away, and still her persisted. I loved that guy. He was honest and open hearted and he won me over from the moment he brought Allie the eggs.

*Beatrice - That woman was so caring, so devoted and so unconditionally loving, I couldn't help but feel for her every time she got rejected by Allie.

I would totally recommend this book to anyone who's going through a hardship and needs some strength from above. ( )

I don’t normally read historical romance books as I find the time difference to me distracting, but with this book I didn’t really notice it was set in another time, especially in the beginning. Allie annoyed me as a person, it was as though she never grew up and refused to change, I loved Sam though. The romance part was quite good and kept me reading, but at times I found it hard to keep up with the time changes, especially when her mother was dying. I also felt like I had missed out, reading about her as a child, then suddenly she was a woman, and again when Sam went to war, I thought those parts would have made interesting reading.
Overall I enjoyed it, but didn’t love it and wouldn’t read it again.

My full review, plus others, can be found here. ( )

Um... Wow!!

I think age disappears in writing, I really do. But I've never read a book where I felt so completely like I was 14 again. The incredible thing about Rachel Coker is not that she has such a good grasp on youth... she is a youth!! But that her writing is so seamlessly smooth!! She has skill and perspective that make this book very unique.

On my copy there's a quote from Publisher's Weekly: "Coker is one to watch" and I have to agree 100%.

Interrupted has a somber tone. The main character, Alcyone, faces some difficult circumstances and grows hard & bitter. Her friend, Sam, is a neat character. Both of them are complicated, multi-layered. I was pretty much in awe of all the supporting cast. They are alive and vibrant.

The setting is beautiful and completely 1930 - 1940's. I could picture the lake, the ocean, the beach, the local hang-out. There was old-time chivalry, parties with dancing, cute polka dot dresses. In fact, "cute" describes the main feel of reading, rather like a (somber) flitting butterfly dancing along Ally's inner conflict.

It feels weird to close the book and find myself in the present day. The pace of life and the values of the community were very refreshing. Ally's search for God and meaning was realistic, too. I would have liked more romance, maybe. And maybe a little less time-jumping, 'cause that pulled me out of the moment, away from my connection with Ally, and left me catching up. But that just brings me around full circle to the beginning - I was just transported over seventy years back in time, where I felt completely at home. So... Wow!

My Rating: 3.5 - Worth the Time, Cute and better-than-cute. ( )

This is the first Historical Christian book that I have had the chance to review. I wasn't sure what to expect when diving into its pages. I didn't know how this book was to be written, but in the end I enjoyed it.

Allies' mom, I am sorry to say, was a little crazy sometimes. Although it was sad when she died, part of me wanted to shed some tears for her but the other part was asking "why?" With Allie, I could understand some of the stuff that she was going through but other than that I found her a little rude. Every time that she was offered both love and support she would turn it down. I didn't see a point to that, I could understand with her background but it wasn't necessary.

Sam was what made this book enjoyable. He always had a positive attitude and he just had that positive feeling around him that made him enjoyable.

There were some rough spots in this book that didn't allow the sentences to fully flow. However, overall this book was one that I enjoyed for it being a different genre.

I give this book 4 souls! ( )

Author: Rachel Coker
Published by: Zondervan
Age Recommend: 14+
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Raven Rating: 5
Blog Review For: GMTA

"Interrupted: Life Beyond Words" by Rachel Coker was such a wonderful read to bewritten by a sixteen year old. The reading is very easy to understand and this read is for the younger person as well as the adult.. I believe you will really appreciate this read.
There is a definite connection with God in this story that really helps to healing process of Alcyone (Allie) Everly. In this story there was a mixture of romance and history that happens around World War II during the 1940's.

The authors connection with the characters in this story were very real...especially Allie and Sam Carroll. The story starts out with Allie taking care of you Mom.... then there is a death that will take her from a fourteen year old to eighteen... and life really changes
for her causing her to lash out at others and withdrawing from anyone who offered love. Some of the characters that were wonderful in this read would be Charlie (her friend) and Irene (her sister... Beatrices' daughter)

What happens and how Allie matures really comes into play. I will not give anything away .... you will have to read this wonderful read to find out what all happens to Allie. However, from this read you will find answers ...from Tennessee to Maine how does Allies' relationship
with Sam present a change in her life? Why is poetry so important to Allie? And just who does Beatrice replied on to help this young troubled Allie? What was the secret that really was not a secret with Irene that Allie found out? You will find all this out and more from this good read. ( )