What do you think?
Rate this book
Mocked #2
Mocked by Faith
For Alexia Cross and Justin McNear, things are not what they seem. Both were born and raised in hidden, gated communities. A place where time virtually stands still and marriages are arranged by parents before a child’s 18th birthday.
Alexia is destined to be her community’s first spinster as her 18th birthday approaches. In a last ditch effort, a husband is found. The only complication? He has no idea he has been betrothed. Will his history of dating outsiders help or hinder his relationship with his future wife?
Justin McNear searched outside his church for the woman of his dreams. Returning home after failing, he knows he needs to rectify his life and his faith. Can a woman he’s never met make him whole again?
Will this couple end up mocked by their own faith? Follow Alexia and Justin through the trials and tribulations of finding, falling, and surviving each other's love. It’s never easy saying “I do” to someone you don’t know.
Alexia is destined to be her community’s first spinster as her 18th birthday approaches. In a last ditch effort, a husband is found. The only complication? He has no idea he has been betrothed. Will his history of dating outsiders help or hinder his relationship with his future wife?
Justin McNear searched outside his church for the woman of his dreams. Returning home after failing, he knows he needs to rectify his life and his faith. Can a woman he’s never met make him whole again?
Will this couple end up mocked by their own faith? Follow Alexia and Justin through the trials and tribulations of finding, falling, and surviving each other's love. It’s never easy saying “I do” to someone you don’t know.
- GenresRomance
250 pages, Paperback
First published August 25, 2011
1 person is currently reading
145 people want to read
About the author
Michele Richard
28 books81 followersMichele Richard is the proud mother of 2 daughters. Being an overly creative and caring person, she has been a volunteer co-leader for the Girl Scout Troop for five years. She takes great pride in teaching and guiding our future generations.
Her desire to continue her education drove her to attend night classes at Waltham High School. She refuse to just let life be. There is too much to learn than to stand by and watch it go by. Though she is not fluent yet in either, she has learned to speak French and Spanish in school. One day her dream is to be fluent in both.
”I supposed that makes me a lover of languages. Never stop learning is my motto.”
Travel is one of her great passions. Having seen the beaches of the Bahama’s, Aruba and Mexico to the deserts of Utah and Arizona, her personal favorite was bicycling down Mount Vail and standing on top of the Intercontinental Divide, followed closely by the Grand Canyon.
“America is truly a beautiful place to see. I recommend seeing as much of it as you can.”
I started writing with a flawed theory that a manuscript need to be complete and perfect before anyone would even want to read it, never mind publish it. the first thing I learned was it took a whole team of people to make a novel.
Most readers never appreciate the number of people that work on a single book for print. People I have a great amount of respect for.
That being said, I started my adventure by submitting three stories into a four genre contest. As it would have it, they wanted my Young Adult story. the pre-order for this novel began on Jan. 25, 2011.
http://www.thewriterscoffeeshop.com/p...
Mocked by Destiny
For Stella Richards, life in the charming town of Virginia Beach is not as magical as one would think. Sun, fun, and sand only guarantee one thing, unwanted visitors. Stella learned long ago to never befriend anyone visiting the beach. They're here; then they're gone, drifting in and out as the tide ebbs and flows. She vowed to never connect with anyone vacationing in Virgina Beach - until spring break. Stefan changed everything.
Stefan Sterling lives life never knowing where he will end up next. Bouncing from one Military base to another has hampered his ability to connect to those around him. That's what happens when your father is a high-ranking officer in the military. Raised in a world of discipline, control, and strangers, Stefan never expected to find anyone he'd want to be close to...let alone love.
A family curse verses a loving abnormality promises to keep Stella and Stefan on their toes. Was it an accident or could it be destiny? Will they be able to survive their families? And, is there ever a time when you can fully let go of the person who awoke your soul?
A story of love, sacrifice, and growing up before it's time.
Mocked by Faith
(to be published in August 2011)
For Alexia Cross and Justin McNear things are not what they seem for the green-eyed girl and blue-eyed boy.
They came from a unique set of communities. A place where you thought time stood still and marital parings needed to be arranged by your parents before your 18th birthday.
So, what happens when they run out of time to find the perfect match? These two are about to find out!
Alexia seemed destined to be the community’s first spinster. However, in a last minute effort, a husband was found. Problem was he had no idea he was betrothed. Will his history of dating outsiders help or hinder his relationship with his future wife?
Justin McNear searched outside his church for the woman of his dreams. Returning home after failing, he now needed to rectify his life and his faith. Will he be able to work through the damage that has been done? Can a wife he’s never met ever make him whole again?
Can their communities find a way to fix these two l
Her desire to continue her education drove her to attend night classes at Waltham High School. She refuse to just let life be. There is too much to learn than to stand by and watch it go by. Though she is not fluent yet in either, she has learned to speak French and Spanish in school. One day her dream is to be fluent in both.
”I supposed that makes me a lover of languages. Never stop learning is my motto.”
Travel is one of her great passions. Having seen the beaches of the Bahama’s, Aruba and Mexico to the deserts of Utah and Arizona, her personal favorite was bicycling down Mount Vail and standing on top of the Intercontinental Divide, followed closely by the Grand Canyon.
“America is truly a beautiful place to see. I recommend seeing as much of it as you can.”
I started writing with a flawed theory that a manuscript need to be complete and perfect before anyone would even want to read it, never mind publish it. the first thing I learned was it took a whole team of people to make a novel.
Most readers never appreciate the number of people that work on a single book for print. People I have a great amount of respect for.
That being said, I started my adventure by submitting three stories into a four genre contest. As it would have it, they wanted my Young Adult story. the pre-order for this novel began on Jan. 25, 2011.
http://www.thewriterscoffeeshop.com/p...
Mocked by Destiny
For Stella Richards, life in the charming town of Virginia Beach is not as magical as one would think. Sun, fun, and sand only guarantee one thing, unwanted visitors. Stella learned long ago to never befriend anyone visiting the beach. They're here; then they're gone, drifting in and out as the tide ebbs and flows. She vowed to never connect with anyone vacationing in Virgina Beach - until spring break. Stefan changed everything.
Stefan Sterling lives life never knowing where he will end up next. Bouncing from one Military base to another has hampered his ability to connect to those around him. That's what happens when your father is a high-ranking officer in the military. Raised in a world of discipline, control, and strangers, Stefan never expected to find anyone he'd want to be close to...let alone love.
A family curse verses a loving abnormality promises to keep Stella and Stefan on their toes. Was it an accident or could it be destiny? Will they be able to survive their families? And, is there ever a time when you can fully let go of the person who awoke your soul?
A story of love, sacrifice, and growing up before it's time.
Mocked by Faith
(to be published in August 2011)
For Alexia Cross and Justin McNear things are not what they seem for the green-eyed girl and blue-eyed boy.
They came from a unique set of communities. A place where you thought time stood still and marital parings needed to be arranged by your parents before your 18th birthday.
So, what happens when they run out of time to find the perfect match? These two are about to find out!
Alexia seemed destined to be the community’s first spinster. However, in a last minute effort, a husband was found. Problem was he had no idea he was betrothed. Will his history of dating outsiders help or hinder his relationship with his future wife?
Justin McNear searched outside his church for the woman of his dreams. Returning home after failing, he now needed to rectify his life and his faith. Will he be able to work through the damage that has been done? Can a wife he’s never met ever make him whole again?
Can their communities find a way to fix these two l
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 24, 2011
Hmm.. Let me start with the plot of the story. The plot is so different from any others I've read. You know, I'll be honest, at first, I couldn't relate to it. It was so bizarre and out of my reality. I mean, does that really happen? Growing up in gated communities and getting married to someone you didn't know that was arranged by your own parents before you turn 18? It was something I did not expect that I was completely blown away! But along the way, as I read further and deeper, I couldn't help it but be engrossed in the story. It completely sucked me into it that I couldn't put it down. There was something in the way Miss Michele Richard wrote the whole story that one can't help but give it their complete and undivided attention. She made me think like I'm inside that story, that I'm the one experiencing it! And that intensity is the one that made me love this book.
I want to tell you about how I felt about the characters. I had a love/hate kind of relationship with the two main characters. Alexia Cross should have been the typical teenager, self-conscious, awkward and emotional. But the thing that made her different is that she grew up in a closed community where there are rules that cannot be broken. She was anxious because her parents haven't picked out the guy she should marry and she's almost 18, while her friends are already engaged to be married. She's scared that she'd be an old maid. (You see why I thought it was bizarre? She's just turning 18 and she's scared that she'll be an old maid) She thought nobody wants her.
She was relieved and happy when suddenly Justin's parents arrived into their community from their sister church, (another community like theirs but in a different country) to talk to her parents. Alexia was relieved that she's not going to be a spinster. Her parents chose Justin for her. The only problem is that they haven't seen each other yet. She didn't know anything about Justin aside from his name. She hasn’t even seen a picture of him.
Justin McNear on another hand is a teenager in his community that made a mistake. He strayed from their beliefs.. not completely but enough to send him into a camp, like a rehab to renew his faith and set his priorities straight. He dated other girls outside their community hoping to find his love. He failed. He went home devastated and filled with regrets. He did what his parents wanted. He let them choose his bride for him.
And then the story gets really interesting and intense!
As I've written above earlier, I had mixed feelings of love/hate for the two main characters. Alexia and Justin are both young and still in the process of growing up and that's why I said I had a love/hate feelings for them. At times, I love them so much because they were cute and sweet and there were times I'm so frustrated at their decisions that I almost hate them (take note of the word ALMOST because I didn't really hate them). Their decisions and their actions in the story show how young they were. But the irony is, the things that made me so frustrated about these two characters are the things that made them so endearing to me. They were young teenagers who grew up inside a community that has strong beliefs. They were married so suddenly that they didn't have the time to really know each other. They didn't have the time to really grow up and be mature in order to make the right decisions and make the right actions. The whole story is about their journey in growing up together as a young married couple.
The whole book is like a roller coaster ride for me. There were times when I was feeling high because it was so sweet, sexy and full of happiness and then there were times when it was so intense and full of angst I hear my own heart breaking and I couldn't stop my tears from falling. This is a book that defies logic and reason. It's the kind of book you don't read with your mind but with your heart.
Miss Michele Richard wrote a very unique and powerful story! One that would stay with you, no matter how long ago you read it. And I'm looking forward to reading the next one!
Also posted on my blog
Journey with Books
October 6, 2012
Title: Mocked by Faith
Author: Michele Richard
Category: Fiction
Publication Date: August 25, 2011
Publisher: The Writer's Coffee Shop P. H.
Pages: 227
ISBN13 9781612130545
For Alexia Cross and Justin McNear, things are not what they seem. Both were born and raised in hidden, gated communities. A place where time virtually stands still and marriages are arranged by parents before a child’s 18th birthday.
Alexia is destined to be her community’s first spinster. In a last ditch effort, a husband is found. The only complication? He has no idea he has been betrothed. Will his history of dating outsiders help or hinder his relationship with his future wife?
Justin McNear searched outside his church for the woman of his dreams. Returning home after failing, he knows he needs to rectify his life and his faith. Can a woman he’s never met make him whole again?
Will this couple end up mocked by their own faith? Follow Alexia and Justin through the trials and tribulations of finding, falling, and surviving each other's love. It’s never easy saying “I do” to someone you don’t know.(less)
My Thoughts
Well where do I start, I cried, laughed, got angry, lets just say my emotions where all over the place. And not just for Alexia and Justin, but for all the characters. A gripping story of a Religious gated community. Truly interesting. I found myself actually a part of the story. I could not put it down. Started reading it around 8 pm and read until 1 am. got up did a few things around the house but had to go and finish reading. Finished it that day. But let me just say here in my opinion this book is for young adults and adults. I know the story is about teenagers, but due to the explicit sexual language I feel it should not be for young readers.
I have read stories of arranged marriages before. But the way this marriage arrangement was done, let's just say that I had some questions as to, weather or not could there really be a religion like this. Where or how it started? I could go on with the many questions I did have. Needless to say I was on the edge of my seat waiting for what was going to happen.
At first the split narrative caught me off guard. Had not read a book like that. Alexia's and Justin's details of their life's before their marriage, and afterwards totally had me engrossed in the book. Their true life struggles with their religion, marriage, their past, their future, careers, family and much, much more, just made it so real. Like so many teens today, they struggled with the fears and the dreams for the future.
The Author, Michele Richard has diffidently caught my attention due to her way of pulling you into her characters life's. Not just Alexia and Justin's, but the whole cast of characters here in the gated community. I found myself asking what would I do in their situation. And in one particliualer spot I actually cried so hard due to something very similar happening in my own life.....
So, as to this book review on Mock by Faith, if you have a taste for mystery, rocky beginnings, dreams, true forgiveness, struggles of forgiving yourself, the urge to withdrawal, and many more. Than this is a book for you. You will not regret reading it!!!
"It is never easy saying I do to someone you don't know"
I give it a (5) five Angel rating... I can not wait till her next book is out!
Author: Michele Richard
Category: Fiction
Publication Date: August 25, 2011
Publisher: The Writer's Coffee Shop P. H.
Pages: 227
ISBN13 9781612130545
For Alexia Cross and Justin McNear, things are not what they seem. Both were born and raised in hidden, gated communities. A place where time virtually stands still and marriages are arranged by parents before a child’s 18th birthday.
Alexia is destined to be her community’s first spinster. In a last ditch effort, a husband is found. The only complication? He has no idea he has been betrothed. Will his history of dating outsiders help or hinder his relationship with his future wife?
Justin McNear searched outside his church for the woman of his dreams. Returning home after failing, he knows he needs to rectify his life and his faith. Can a woman he’s never met make him whole again?
Will this couple end up mocked by their own faith? Follow Alexia and Justin through the trials and tribulations of finding, falling, and surviving each other's love. It’s never easy saying “I do” to someone you don’t know.(less)
My Thoughts
Well where do I start, I cried, laughed, got angry, lets just say my emotions where all over the place. And not just for Alexia and Justin, but for all the characters. A gripping story of a Religious gated community. Truly interesting. I found myself actually a part of the story. I could not put it down. Started reading it around 8 pm and read until 1 am. got up did a few things around the house but had to go and finish reading. Finished it that day. But let me just say here in my opinion this book is for young adults and adults. I know the story is about teenagers, but due to the explicit sexual language I feel it should not be for young readers.
I have read stories of arranged marriages before. But the way this marriage arrangement was done, let's just say that I had some questions as to, weather or not could there really be a religion like this. Where or how it started? I could go on with the many questions I did have. Needless to say I was on the edge of my seat waiting for what was going to happen.
At first the split narrative caught me off guard. Had not read a book like that. Alexia's and Justin's details of their life's before their marriage, and afterwards totally had me engrossed in the book. Their true life struggles with their religion, marriage, their past, their future, careers, family and much, much more, just made it so real. Like so many teens today, they struggled with the fears and the dreams for the future.
The Author, Michele Richard has diffidently caught my attention due to her way of pulling you into her characters life's. Not just Alexia and Justin's, but the whole cast of characters here in the gated community. I found myself asking what would I do in their situation. And in one particliualer spot I actually cried so hard due to something very similar happening in my own life.....
So, as to this book review on Mock by Faith, if you have a taste for mystery, rocky beginnings, dreams, true forgiveness, struggles of forgiving yourself, the urge to withdrawal, and many more. Than this is a book for you. You will not regret reading it!!!
"It is never easy saying I do to someone you don't know"
I give it a (5) five Angel rating... I can not wait till her next book is out!
September 21, 2014
This story line and character development were truly remarkable, I felt as if I was living the story among the characters and literally felt emotionally connected to them. This books amazing story had me on the edge of my seat waiting to see what happened next. I even had to run back to this book when I was cooking dinner in between my hamburger frying and the pasta boiling to discover what happened next. So what I’m saying is I couldn’t walk away from it without going crazy and running back to turn the page to find out what had happened to Alexia and Justin.
I read this book in one day… actually it was about nine hours to finish reading the whole book and Richard does amazing job of creating a world that completely immerses you into their world and I did not want to leave until the story was over. This is one of the few books on my shelf that I completely read in a day and could not wait to find out what happened next.
While reading about the lives of her two main characters and the hardships they had to overcome, I literally felt as if I was inside the story living through it all with them. It was as if Alexia jumped right out of the book and pulled me in between the pages with her then she let me stay in the guest room so I could see and hear everything.
The book’s main character is Alexia Cross and her world isn’t like most of ours. Living in her world, girls around her age are already promised to be married off to a man. This is decided by the girl’s father and mother who pick a husband for her. In today’s society most of us would roll our eyes at hearing about arranged marriages. Most cultures think it is an outdated practice and would think is the most ridiculous thing in the world. But you see, Alexia lives in a community called The Gates and it is the just the way they do things.
One day it finally happens for her…her parents find what they deem the perfect guy for her. Alexia and Justin are thrown together without even knowing each other. You heard me correct they don’t even know each other. Not like us you know we spend a few years together so we know the person we marry, not for these two they really had no clue. They have to live through the ups and downs of the new marriage and endure a life together. While learning to get to know each other, could you even imagine that? Not knowing a person before you marry them, then have to spend the rest of your life with them? That’s how it was for Alexia and Justin and you get a front roll seat into their life’s.
This book is an emotionally charged rollercoaster ride filled with happiness and angst all combined in a whirlwind between two book covers.
I read this book in one day… actually it was about nine hours to finish reading the whole book and Richard does amazing job of creating a world that completely immerses you into their world and I did not want to leave until the story was over. This is one of the few books on my shelf that I completely read in a day and could not wait to find out what happened next.
While reading about the lives of her two main characters and the hardships they had to overcome, I literally felt as if I was inside the story living through it all with them. It was as if Alexia jumped right out of the book and pulled me in between the pages with her then she let me stay in the guest room so I could see and hear everything.
The book’s main character is Alexia Cross and her world isn’t like most of ours. Living in her world, girls around her age are already promised to be married off to a man. This is decided by the girl’s father and mother who pick a husband for her. In today’s society most of us would roll our eyes at hearing about arranged marriages. Most cultures think it is an outdated practice and would think is the most ridiculous thing in the world. But you see, Alexia lives in a community called The Gates and it is the just the way they do things.
One day it finally happens for her…her parents find what they deem the perfect guy for her. Alexia and Justin are thrown together without even knowing each other. You heard me correct they don’t even know each other. Not like us you know we spend a few years together so we know the person we marry, not for these two they really had no clue. They have to live through the ups and downs of the new marriage and endure a life together. While learning to get to know each other, could you even imagine that? Not knowing a person before you marry them, then have to spend the rest of your life with them? That’s how it was for Alexia and Justin and you get a front roll seat into their life’s.
This book is an emotionally charged rollercoaster ride filled with happiness and angst all combined in a whirlwind between two book covers.
March 23, 2012
originally appeared on:Bookshelf Confessions
I am first intrigued by the title and it keeps me wondering why is it titled Mocked by Faith? Is this a pro-faith or anti-faith book?
At first glance, I would never have read this book, but when I open it and started reading, I find myself engross in the story and I read every word in it.
This book is masterpiece of Michele Richard and is a story about alexia, who taught she’s a failure in her family when at the age of 18, she still doesn’t find a fiancé when other girls in town, even her best friends Madison and Ginger are betrothed at the age of 16.
Everything changes when a couple from England, Mr. and Mrs. MacNear came and ask her parents for her, they agreed but Alexia became flabbergasted when she knew that Justin (groom-to-be) disobeyed their rules and tried to find love outside their community and he’s currently in a revirgining retreat. And they’re married not having the chance to see each other first, and just then they realize that the very thing they’re searching for is the person they’re marrying.
This book is definitely a love story with emphasis on faith, husband and wife, family and friends.
The plot is unique, I just don’t know if there’s really a so called community like this that exist or just a product of the author’s wide imagination.
Mrs. Richard writes fluently making her work engaging and a fast-read. I hadn’t put this book down since reading it. I love how she presents the characters and develops them. I appreciate the proper timing when and adversaries come, and the right twist and turns.
I’m just a lil bit stunned at the end, when the story ends, or the right term, I guess, is another chapter or series should start. It’s a cliff-hanger..:O
I must admit though, that I enjoyed reading the marriage theme. For it opened up a lot of things for me, like what it would be like and the consequential responsibilities.
I recommend this book to everyone who have lost a child, having family problems, and enjoyed reading books of true love and base on faith. Enjoy!
I am first intrigued by the title and it keeps me wondering why is it titled Mocked by Faith? Is this a pro-faith or anti-faith book?
At first glance, I would never have read this book, but when I open it and started reading, I find myself engross in the story and I read every word in it.
This book is masterpiece of Michele Richard and is a story about alexia, who taught she’s a failure in her family when at the age of 18, she still doesn’t find a fiancé when other girls in town, even her best friends Madison and Ginger are betrothed at the age of 16.
Everything changes when a couple from England, Mr. and Mrs. MacNear came and ask her parents for her, they agreed but Alexia became flabbergasted when she knew that Justin (groom-to-be) disobeyed their rules and tried to find love outside their community and he’s currently in a revirgining retreat. And they’re married not having the chance to see each other first, and just then they realize that the very thing they’re searching for is the person they’re marrying.
This book is definitely a love story with emphasis on faith, husband and wife, family and friends.
The plot is unique, I just don’t know if there’s really a so called community like this that exist or just a product of the author’s wide imagination.
Mrs. Richard writes fluently making her work engaging and a fast-read. I hadn’t put this book down since reading it. I love how she presents the characters and develops them. I appreciate the proper timing when and adversaries come, and the right twist and turns.
I’m just a lil bit stunned at the end, when the story ends, or the right term, I guess, is another chapter or series should start. It’s a cliff-hanger..:O
I must admit though, that I enjoyed reading the marriage theme. For it opened up a lot of things for me, like what it would be like and the consequential responsibilities.
I recommend this book to everyone who have lost a child, having family problems, and enjoyed reading books of true love and base on faith. Enjoy!
November 13, 2011
This book had me so hooked from begining to end!
I loved the idea of the story but when I read it I was simply blown away! You see the different side of life in gated communities. Teenage arranged marriages, trying to deal with being thrown into a marraige with a stranger. Wonderfully writen, quite angsty on certain issues. I really enjoyed reading both sides and perspectives. I will be looking forward to more of Micheles books
Wendy M ;)
I loved the idea of the story but when I read it I was simply blown away! You see the different side of life in gated communities. Teenage arranged marriages, trying to deal with being thrown into a marraige with a stranger. Wonderfully writen, quite angsty on certain issues. I really enjoyed reading both sides and perspectives. I will be looking forward to more of Micheles books
Wendy M ;)
January 17, 2012
In choosing to participate in a Blog Tour for Michele Richard's upcoming second book in this series, her publisher (The Writer's Coffee Shop) sent me the first book, Mocked by Faith, for my review.
For the sake of clarity, I give this book 3.5 stars out of 5. (GoodReads only allows reviewers a full star for reviews.)
What I liked about Mocked by Faith:
First, Michele certainly knows how to put her characters through the wringer. Not only was Alexia's husband chosen for her, but she also did not have the benefit of even knowing who he was until their wedding day. How's that for drama? I won't give too much away, but Alexia and Justin sure do suffer some trials and tribulations during their first year of marriage, ranging from accusations of infidelity to the loss of a loved one. The trials they face are magnified by their young age and inexperience, not to mention the fact that they didn't even know each other when they married.
The book is written in first-person point of view and with a split-narrative. This helps the reader delve a bit more into the psyche of both Justin and Alexia. Above all, I think the drama created by and between these two characters was what kept me reading further into the book. I just had to know what happened next.
The world Michele built for her characters is certainly interesting. I was equally horrified and fascinated by the belief and moral system that Alexia and Justin had been raised to respect and live by. As a former Pentecostal, I understand what it's like to be raised in a faith with certain, restrictive beliefs; to be "different"; to fear and judge "outsiders"; to not question why you believe what you believe.
The religious community featured in Mocked by Faith pulls from beliefs held by several religious sects often seen as "restrictive". Beliefs such as women generally not having a place outside the home, living to please their husbands, and having no privacy from their religious community.
An example of these beliefs is the following passage from page 14:
"Our community had very few demands; however the main one was marriage. Our scriptures dictated that a blessed union was required to make every person complete."
Having held some of these beliefs myself in the past, I was both understanding of and appalled by the actions, thoughts, and reasoning of some of the characters.
Aside from being young, Alexia and Justin are both emotionally and mentally stunted by their belief system. This made many of their their actions and reactions over the top, and sometimes I wanted to reach into the book and shake them by their shoulders! With that said, I know first-hand how our nature and nurturing can affect what we do, and the way we think, act and react. Perhaps I didn't like them at times because I could see a bit of the "old me" in them :-)
This is a book that will certainly make you both question and be thankful for certain aspects of your own life. True to the nature of the characters, Mocked by Faith ends in the middle of a dramatic moment, which paves the way for the sequel. In all, Mocked by Faith is a quick, easy read, perfect for the weekend or a day in the park. I look forward to reading the sequel, Healing the Faith, to see where the story goes and to, hopefully, see how the characters grow and mature.
For the sake of clarity, I give this book 3.5 stars out of 5. (GoodReads only allows reviewers a full star for reviews.)
What I liked about Mocked by Faith:
First, Michele certainly knows how to put her characters through the wringer. Not only was Alexia's husband chosen for her, but she also did not have the benefit of even knowing who he was until their wedding day. How's that for drama? I won't give too much away, but Alexia and Justin sure do suffer some trials and tribulations during their first year of marriage, ranging from accusations of infidelity to the loss of a loved one. The trials they face are magnified by their young age and inexperience, not to mention the fact that they didn't even know each other when they married.
The book is written in first-person point of view and with a split-narrative. This helps the reader delve a bit more into the psyche of both Justin and Alexia. Above all, I think the drama created by and between these two characters was what kept me reading further into the book. I just had to know what happened next.
The world Michele built for her characters is certainly interesting. I was equally horrified and fascinated by the belief and moral system that Alexia and Justin had been raised to respect and live by. As a former Pentecostal, I understand what it's like to be raised in a faith with certain, restrictive beliefs; to be "different"; to fear and judge "outsiders"; to not question why you believe what you believe.
The religious community featured in Mocked by Faith pulls from beliefs held by several religious sects often seen as "restrictive". Beliefs such as women generally not having a place outside the home, living to please their husbands, and having no privacy from their religious community.
An example of these beliefs is the following passage from page 14:
"Our community had very few demands; however the main one was marriage. Our scriptures dictated that a blessed union was required to make every person complete."
Having held some of these beliefs myself in the past, I was both understanding of and appalled by the actions, thoughts, and reasoning of some of the characters.
Aside from being young, Alexia and Justin are both emotionally and mentally stunted by their belief system. This made many of their their actions and reactions over the top, and sometimes I wanted to reach into the book and shake them by their shoulders! With that said, I know first-hand how our nature and nurturing can affect what we do, and the way we think, act and react. Perhaps I didn't like them at times because I could see a bit of the "old me" in them :-)
This is a book that will certainly make you both question and be thankful for certain aspects of your own life. True to the nature of the characters, Mocked by Faith ends in the middle of a dramatic moment, which paves the way for the sequel. In all, Mocked by Faith is a quick, easy read, perfect for the weekend or a day in the park. I look forward to reading the sequel, Healing the Faith, to see where the story goes and to, hopefully, see how the characters grow and mature.
September 25, 2011
I am a fan of The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House so I jumped at the opportunity to read and review Michele Richard's second novel, Mocked By Faith. I expected a gripping romantic read that would captivate me from beginning to end. Mocked By Faith did not disappoint.
After the first few pages of Mocked By Faith, I was so engrossed in the story that I just couldn't put it down. I was intrigued by the religious community Alexia grew up in and I was emotionally invested in her plight: first she is convinced she will be a spinster then she discovers she will be married quite soon to a man she hasn't met.
Or has she? You'll just have to read it to find out. :)
I enjoyed the split narrative between Alexia and her reformed husband Justin. He is an intriguing man who suffers a severe penalty for his very minor indiscretions. The split narrative further detailed the complexity of their drama filled first year of marriage. The extra details left me wondering who I should empathize with more or smack first, depending on the situation. Both Alexia and Justin are flawed characters trying to make the right decisions, but they are too young and inexperienced to handle the mature situations and emotions they find themselves in. This definitely fuels the drama.
Oh the drama. Author Michele Richard certainly knows how to craft a compelling dramatic narrative that draws you in and keeps you turning the pages. I just had to know what happened next!
Richard's superb storytelling skills even allowed me to forget my questions about the plot and setting of the story. I had so many questions about the gated religious community Alexia and Justin lived in. How did this community and its religion begin? How did they keep themselves segregated from the rest of the world? I wanted to know more about the role of arranged marriages in the lives of this high school kids. I was angered by the submissive role women played in the community and their own lives. What happened to the kids who rebelled against the rules? What happened to the girls who wanted to be in charge of their own destinies? Or did these kids not exist? I'm not sure if the answers to these questions are all that important to the narrative because the story works just fine without them, but I am one of those readers that wants all the backstory - the who, what, when, where, why, and how of the book's world.
Overall, Mocked By Faith was an engaging and captivating romantic read. If you are looking for a book to get lost in on a weekend afternoon, definitely consider delving into this book.
This review originally appeared on Feeding My Book Addiction: http://feedingmybookaddiction.blogspo...
After the first few pages of Mocked By Faith, I was so engrossed in the story that I just couldn't put it down. I was intrigued by the religious community Alexia grew up in and I was emotionally invested in her plight: first she is convinced she will be a spinster then she discovers she will be married quite soon to a man she hasn't met.
Or has she? You'll just have to read it to find out. :)
I enjoyed the split narrative between Alexia and her reformed husband Justin. He is an intriguing man who suffers a severe penalty for his very minor indiscretions. The split narrative further detailed the complexity of their drama filled first year of marriage. The extra details left me wondering who I should empathize with more or smack first, depending on the situation. Both Alexia and Justin are flawed characters trying to make the right decisions, but they are too young and inexperienced to handle the mature situations and emotions they find themselves in. This definitely fuels the drama.
Oh the drama. Author Michele Richard certainly knows how to craft a compelling dramatic narrative that draws you in and keeps you turning the pages. I just had to know what happened next!
Richard's superb storytelling skills even allowed me to forget my questions about the plot and setting of the story. I had so many questions about the gated religious community Alexia and Justin lived in. How did this community and its religion begin? How did they keep themselves segregated from the rest of the world? I wanted to know more about the role of arranged marriages in the lives of this high school kids. I was angered by the submissive role women played in the community and their own lives. What happened to the kids who rebelled against the rules? What happened to the girls who wanted to be in charge of their own destinies? Or did these kids not exist? I'm not sure if the answers to these questions are all that important to the narrative because the story works just fine without them, but I am one of those readers that wants all the backstory - the who, what, when, where, why, and how of the book's world.
Overall, Mocked By Faith was an engaging and captivating romantic read. If you are looking for a book to get lost in on a weekend afternoon, definitely consider delving into this book.
This review originally appeared on Feeding My Book Addiction: http://feedingmybookaddiction.blogspo...
August 31, 2011
While I've read religious-themed books before, I confess that this one was completely different from anything that I've ever read. It was truly an interesting read and I confess that I've enjoyed every minute of it. I honestly couldn't put this book down once I started reading.
I found myself engrossed within the lives of those living within a tightly-knit community where their faith was based around arranged marriages. I've heard about this sort of thing before, but never really knew that it was widely practiced here in the States. Yes, I confess it - I did a little research in regards to this sort of practice and what I came across was mind-blowing. Forgive me, I've strayed a little from what I want to say, I know, but I assure that it does relate to the book.
As I continued reading the story, I came to know Alexia Cross and her family. I saw her grow alongside Madison and Ginger and tumbled through her bouts of happiness and displeasure at the things that she had to endure in waiting to meet her husband-to-be.
Michele painted such a vivid picture of this tightly-knit community that's not that hard to envision every moment of it. It's so easy to become engrossed within each character's lives. To feel what they felt. To wish for that tiny bit of happiness that would make their world complete.
At times, I felt irked at Justin because he seemed to think more about himself than he did about his wife and child. Yet I can also understand what to drove him into drinking. The atrocities that he endured at the hands of that minister was appalling and I know that it took every ounce of his willpower to deal with everything on his own.
While Alexia may have felt betrayed by his actions and his decision to leave at the very end, I know that she still loved him and perhaps a small part of her did indeed know that he needed to set all of the ghosts within his closet to rest.
His letter at the very end was quite moving. I confess that I wanted to read what happened next. I'm so very looking forward to the next installment of this story: Mocked by Faith - Healing the Faith. This book was such a great read. I hope others enjoy it, as well.
I found myself engrossed within the lives of those living within a tightly-knit community where their faith was based around arranged marriages. I've heard about this sort of thing before, but never really knew that it was widely practiced here in the States. Yes, I confess it - I did a little research in regards to this sort of practice and what I came across was mind-blowing. Forgive me, I've strayed a little from what I want to say, I know, but I assure that it does relate to the book.
As I continued reading the story, I came to know Alexia Cross and her family. I saw her grow alongside Madison and Ginger and tumbled through her bouts of happiness and displeasure at the things that she had to endure in waiting to meet her husband-to-be.
Michele painted such a vivid picture of this tightly-knit community that's not that hard to envision every moment of it. It's so easy to become engrossed within each character's lives. To feel what they felt. To wish for that tiny bit of happiness that would make their world complete.
At times, I felt irked at Justin because he seemed to think more about himself than he did about his wife and child. Yet I can also understand what to drove him into drinking. The atrocities that he endured at the hands of that minister was appalling and I know that it took every ounce of his willpower to deal with everything on his own.
While Alexia may have felt betrayed by his actions and his decision to leave at the very end, I know that she still loved him and perhaps a small part of her did indeed know that he needed to set all of the ghosts within his closet to rest.
His letter at the very end was quite moving. I confess that I wanted to read what happened next. I'm so very looking forward to the next installment of this story: Mocked by Faith - Healing the Faith. This book was such a great read. I hope others enjoy it, as well.
November 5, 2011
Description:
American born Alexia Cross is 18, lives with her parents in a gated religious community, and is slated for an arranged marriage to a man she's never met. To make things more complicated, Justin, her husband to be, is from a similar religious community in England, but was caught trying to find love outside of the fold. So after they are married, and subsequently have their first meeting, they find it difficult to get to know each other, especially since they are from such different backgrounds. Both of them fear acceptance and have no idea what to expect, especially when it comes to love, trust, support, sexuality, and even the decision to have children. This book is the first in a series by Michele Richard and chronicles the couples awkward and tumultuous first year together.
Review:
I admit that I normally wouldn't have been interested in this book, but after reading the blurb, I decided it was worth a try. After I started reading I realized how interesting it really was. The premise and story-line were very well-written; Michele Richard's world of "The Gates" fully immerses the reader into the lives of Alexia and Justin. I felt that the alternating chapters in each character's point of view were an integral part of understanding their relationship and development, although there were a few confusing sections where there was too much happening at once and/or the dialogue became redundant; (I noticed there was a lot of unneeded info about the way they dressed and about their sexual lives). Overall, I found the book fast-paced and hard to put down; it packs a lot of emotion and is recommended for anyone looking for romance with some substance in their next read.
Rating: Bounty's Out (3.5/5)
*** I received this book from LibraryThing Early Reviewers in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
American born Alexia Cross is 18, lives with her parents in a gated religious community, and is slated for an arranged marriage to a man she's never met. To make things more complicated, Justin, her husband to be, is from a similar religious community in England, but was caught trying to find love outside of the fold. So after they are married, and subsequently have their first meeting, they find it difficult to get to know each other, especially since they are from such different backgrounds. Both of them fear acceptance and have no idea what to expect, especially when it comes to love, trust, support, sexuality, and even the decision to have children. This book is the first in a series by Michele Richard and chronicles the couples awkward and tumultuous first year together.
Review:
I admit that I normally wouldn't have been interested in this book, but after reading the blurb, I decided it was worth a try. After I started reading I realized how interesting it really was. The premise and story-line were very well-written; Michele Richard's world of "The Gates" fully immerses the reader into the lives of Alexia and Justin. I felt that the alternating chapters in each character's point of view were an integral part of understanding their relationship and development, although there were a few confusing sections where there was too much happening at once and/or the dialogue became redundant; (I noticed there was a lot of unneeded info about the way they dressed and about their sexual lives). Overall, I found the book fast-paced and hard to put down; it packs a lot of emotion and is recommended for anyone looking for romance with some substance in their next read.
Rating: Bounty's Out (3.5/5)
*** I received this book from LibraryThing Early Reviewers in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
September 23, 2011
Destined?
Alexia Cross and Justine McNear live in a world where serving God means loving each other and the children that they are bound by their faith and a marriage contract to produce. The problem with this seemingly simple scenario is they don't know each other. Their marriage and the life that they are expected to lead following it; is not one planned by lovers who have spent years nurturing a maturing love based in friendship and mutual respect.
Their union is one forged by their parents and their faith and involves two people who are unsure of themselves, each other, and the world.
Readers will fall in love with Alexia and Justin as they journey with them through the ups and downs of this heartfelt read. Though the concepts of a "closed society" and "arranged marriage" may seem foreign in today's society; the trials and tests of faith they face are universal.
Read my entire review and a special author interview here: http://wtfareyoureading.blogspot.com/...
Alexia Cross and Justine McNear live in a world where serving God means loving each other and the children that they are bound by their faith and a marriage contract to produce. The problem with this seemingly simple scenario is they don't know each other. Their marriage and the life that they are expected to lead following it; is not one planned by lovers who have spent years nurturing a maturing love based in friendship and mutual respect.
Their union is one forged by their parents and their faith and involves two people who are unsure of themselves, each other, and the world.
Readers will fall in love with Alexia and Justin as they journey with them through the ups and downs of this heartfelt read. Though the concepts of a "closed society" and "arranged marriage" may seem foreign in today's society; the trials and tests of faith they face are universal.
Read my entire review and a special author interview here: http://wtfareyoureading.blogspot.com/...
August 28, 2011
When I was lucky enough to sit down with Mocked by Faith, I knew I'd be in for an emotional journey, and I wouldn't have had it any other way. Set in a community where Arranged Marraiges is the norm, and to be 18 and unattached made you an old maids, I was already intrigued. The fact this was written by Michele Richard sealed the deal for me. Through the pages, I found myself laughing with Alexia and Justin, feelling frustrated, and yes, crying with them, too. I cheered when they managed to work things out and cursed when it would seem their Faith would be tested once again, but mostly, I smiled when while I watched them go from just being two, lost and lonely people, to being Alexia and Justin,destined to love each other forever.
Everyone looking for a great read, should check out Mocked by Faith.
Everyone looking for a great read, should check out Mocked by Faith.
December 6, 2011
This was an amazing read. I did not want to put it down. Michele wrote about arranged marriages and why they work in a way that made me want to allow my mom to pick a husband for me. Alexia and Justin are each so young and they are just trying to live the best way that they can within their gated community. They experience loss and sadness and are trying to find the best way to deal with it for them. They dont always deal with things the right way, but they are trying.
The community that Michele has built in this book is truly interesting. There is so much more that I want to know about this community and the way that it functions. I can not wait to read the next book.
The community that Michele has built in this book is truly interesting. There is so much more that I want to know about this community and the way that it functions. I can not wait to read the next book.
September 13, 2011
Great story of a modern day young couple that live in a community that parents still arrange marriages. It has lots of ups and downs that they experience just as any normal couple, but unlike normal couples, they need to get to know one another which is not always easy. I highly recommend reading this book, it was very enjoyable and kept my interest throughout.
March 23, 2012
I absolutely loved Mocked by Faith. The journey that Michele Richard takes us on us incredable, and nervewracking. Justin and Alexia grow as they learn who each other are, but more importantly, who they are. I would recommend everything Michele Richard writes.
November 11, 2011
In our world today it is hard to find people who live out their faith and convictions without being influenced by the outside world. Maybe that is why in this book the characters live in a gated community where they can live out their faith and beliefs without any influence from outsiders. I was so engrossed in this story that I was happy that I was allowed access into the lives of the characters.
In this story the people of the community live out a faith where parents choose the spouse for their children. Contracts are signed and at the age of sixteen most of them know who they will be marrying. By the age of eighteen they are married. I wasn’t quite sure what kind of religion this was other than they believed in the Bible and God.
Before you start thinking that this is a book about religion let me stop you there. This book is so much more than that. It is a love story. Alexia and Justin became one of my most favorite couples. Alexia is almost eighteen at the beginning of the story and feeling very insecure about herself. All the other girls around her have been promised in marriage and she is well on her way to being a spinster. Little does she know that her parents have made arrangements for her to be married. Unlike other girls she will not be meeting her spouse until she says “I do” at the altar. Justin is the boy that Alexia is going to marry. He left the community for awhile to look for the one he wanted to marry not trusting that his parents would make a contract for the right girl. When he returns to his family he chooses to enter the “revirgining retreat” so he will be able to enter into a marriage contract. Upon his release from the retreat he learns that his parents have contracted a marriage for him and it will happen in less than a week.
Michele Richard wrote a story that had the reader emotionally involved at every turn of the page. It was hard at times to wrap my mind around the arranged marriages but it worked in this story. Both Alexia and Justin believed in their faith and were determined to do their parts. Watching the romance unfold was priceless. Alexia and Justin both had insecurities but they were able to work on things together. The first year of their marriage was filled with getting to know each other, live together, trust each other, fall in love with each other, and endure both heart ache and joy. Just when it seems these two have found their niche and are on their way to overcoming obstacles something comes up. The story is not tied up nicely but leaves the reader a bit heartbroken for the couple. I’m rooting for them. At the end of the book is a preview of the first chapter to Mocked by Faith Healing the Faith. My heart is aching to read more of Alexia and Justin.
Michele Richard is a story teller. Her writing tells both sides of the story so that both characters are well developed. Their lives seem real with all the things that they go through. My emotions were all over the place while reading this book and I relished every moment. I was lucky to find this book. I’m glad I invested my time in reading it. It tells a great love story and gets you thinking about some things along the way. A great read for anyone willing to give it a try.
In this story the people of the community live out a faith where parents choose the spouse for their children. Contracts are signed and at the age of sixteen most of them know who they will be marrying. By the age of eighteen they are married. I wasn’t quite sure what kind of religion this was other than they believed in the Bible and God.
Before you start thinking that this is a book about religion let me stop you there. This book is so much more than that. It is a love story. Alexia and Justin became one of my most favorite couples. Alexia is almost eighteen at the beginning of the story and feeling very insecure about herself. All the other girls around her have been promised in marriage and she is well on her way to being a spinster. Little does she know that her parents have made arrangements for her to be married. Unlike other girls she will not be meeting her spouse until she says “I do” at the altar. Justin is the boy that Alexia is going to marry. He left the community for awhile to look for the one he wanted to marry not trusting that his parents would make a contract for the right girl. When he returns to his family he chooses to enter the “revirgining retreat” so he will be able to enter into a marriage contract. Upon his release from the retreat he learns that his parents have contracted a marriage for him and it will happen in less than a week.
Michele Richard wrote a story that had the reader emotionally involved at every turn of the page. It was hard at times to wrap my mind around the arranged marriages but it worked in this story. Both Alexia and Justin believed in their faith and were determined to do their parts. Watching the romance unfold was priceless. Alexia and Justin both had insecurities but they were able to work on things together. The first year of their marriage was filled with getting to know each other, live together, trust each other, fall in love with each other, and endure both heart ache and joy. Just when it seems these two have found their niche and are on their way to overcoming obstacles something comes up. The story is not tied up nicely but leaves the reader a bit heartbroken for the couple. I’m rooting for them. At the end of the book is a preview of the first chapter to Mocked by Faith Healing the Faith. My heart is aching to read more of Alexia and Justin.
Michele Richard is a story teller. Her writing tells both sides of the story so that both characters are well developed. Their lives seem real with all the things that they go through. My emotions were all over the place while reading this book and I relished every moment. I was lucky to find this book. I’m glad I invested my time in reading it. It tells a great love story and gets you thinking about some things along the way. A great read for anyone willing to give it a try.
January 22, 2013
I have to admit that when I first started on Mocked by Faith, I wasn't sure what to expect. I knew the story was a religious one, and that it wasn't a standard "popular" religion, and that was about it. Now I can honestly say I'm glad I gave it a chance despite my personal opinions on organized religion.
Alexia is likable at once while Justin, for me, takes a little getting used to. Even at the end of the book, I want to like him, but I can't quite do that yet. At times Justin comes across as immature and impulsive, but Alexia has her moments. Should I hold this against the characters? No, because they are only 18, and have been thrust into an awkward situation: Alexia, this is Justin. Justin, this is Alexia. Now say, "I do." Yeah, can you imagine! This is not a direct quote from the text, but the gist of the situation the reader is met with upon entering Richard's world of The Gates.
The Faith represented in Mocked by Faith is not quite spelled out, a good trick by the author to be sure; leaving the reader no choice but to continue reading the series for answers. (Not that this is a bad thing, mind you!) I detected elements of an Amish set-up, yet for Justin, Alexia, and all the others, their life is not as strict and regimented. They have modern amenities like electricity, nice cars, and hefty bank accounts at their disposal. However, their ways can be old-fashioned, and what some would consider antiquated. One such example is that their Council doctor has to approve any "modern medical treatment" like ultrasounds during pregnancy (there's a small hint for you).
Be prepared to follow the newly-wed McNears as they get to know one another on a personal level at the same time they start their life together. Justin brings a bit of a soiled past to the table, and Alexia offers up a plethora of young insecurity. I assure there is no shortage of emotional upheaval within the pages of this book. What can you say? Ah, young love . . .
I gave it 5 butterflies, what will you give it?
Alexia is likable at once while Justin, for me, takes a little getting used to. Even at the end of the book, I want to like him, but I can't quite do that yet. At times Justin comes across as immature and impulsive, but Alexia has her moments. Should I hold this against the characters? No, because they are only 18, and have been thrust into an awkward situation: Alexia, this is Justin. Justin, this is Alexia. Now say, "I do." Yeah, can you imagine! This is not a direct quote from the text, but the gist of the situation the reader is met with upon entering Richard's world of The Gates.
The Faith represented in Mocked by Faith is not quite spelled out, a good trick by the author to be sure; leaving the reader no choice but to continue reading the series for answers. (Not that this is a bad thing, mind you!) I detected elements of an Amish set-up, yet for Justin, Alexia, and all the others, their life is not as strict and regimented. They have modern amenities like electricity, nice cars, and hefty bank accounts at their disposal. However, their ways can be old-fashioned, and what some would consider antiquated. One such example is that their Council doctor has to approve any "modern medical treatment" like ultrasounds during pregnancy (there's a small hint for you).
Be prepared to follow the newly-wed McNears as they get to know one another on a personal level at the same time they start their life together. Justin brings a bit of a soiled past to the table, and Alexia offers up a plethora of young insecurity. I assure there is no shortage of emotional upheaval within the pages of this book. What can you say? Ah, young love . . .
I gave it 5 butterflies, what will you give it?
October 15, 2012
When I told Michele I was reading these 2 books for a review, the only warning she gave me was that the female characters are submissive by nature. Intrigued, I read on. Although the women she writes about are, due to their lifestyle, beholden and dependent on the men in their lives, I didn't find them submissive per say... the three friends of Alexia, Ginger and Madison all have an inner strength that, in my opinion, dealing with outsiders looking down on their gated community causes.
I admit, in places, I wanted to bash Lexie and Justin's heads together so they would see each other more clearly and TALK TO EACH OTHER!! (I posted that in caps because I growled that at them a lot, highly irritating the other half). Just when I thought they had gotten over their issues, bam, something else causes them to doubt each other, and sometimes themselves.
Michele has a real talent of drawing the reader into the lives of her characters, then teasing them by leaving a sodding great cliffhanger at the end of the book!
I'd never read a book set in and revolving around a gated, religious community, and honestly wasn't sure what to expect. (Say those words to yourself, admit it, Scientology and the Amish pop into your head right!). I really enjoyed the "normalcy" to their lives. It isn't all church going and living without modern day luxuries. it's real life with religion cleverly woven in.
For this review and more, see my blog http://michbookreviews.wordpress.com
I admit, in places, I wanted to bash Lexie and Justin's heads together so they would see each other more clearly and TALK TO EACH OTHER!! (I posted that in caps because I growled that at them a lot, highly irritating the other half). Just when I thought they had gotten over their issues, bam, something else causes them to doubt each other, and sometimes themselves.
Michele has a real talent of drawing the reader into the lives of her characters, then teasing them by leaving a sodding great cliffhanger at the end of the book!
I'd never read a book set in and revolving around a gated, religious community, and honestly wasn't sure what to expect. (Say those words to yourself, admit it, Scientology and the Amish pop into your head right!). I really enjoyed the "normalcy" to their lives. It isn't all church going and living without modern day luxuries. it's real life with religion cleverly woven in.
For this review and more, see my blog http://michbookreviews.wordpress.com
February 8, 2013
How did you meet the man or woman of your dreams? Did you meet your future spouse on a date or in school? What if you never met your future spouse until they were walking down the aisle? This was exactly how Alexia and Justin met -- standing at the altar to take their marriage vows.
In Alexia and Justin's community, prearranged marriages are the normal way for couples to get together. Fortunately, most girls and boys know who they will marry by the time they are sixteen. The parents agree, sign a contract and at eighteen, the lucky couple is married. For Alexia, it wasn't until she was eighteen a mate was found and he lived in another country!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book by Michele Richard. It was well-written, kept me engrossed and I didn't want to put the book down! The way it was written and the way the story line went, I never knew what to expect and it certainly didn't end the way I imagined. Actually, with the way the book ended, I will definitely purchase the next book to see what happens! I felt the book captured what it might be like to feel like an outcast, shunned by others because of your actions and how difficult it is to regain the trust of others. Very well worth checking it out!
This book receives 5 out of 5 stars!
In Alexia and Justin's community, prearranged marriages are the normal way for couples to get together. Fortunately, most girls and boys know who they will marry by the time they are sixteen. The parents agree, sign a contract and at eighteen, the lucky couple is married. For Alexia, it wasn't until she was eighteen a mate was found and he lived in another country!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book by Michele Richard. It was well-written, kept me engrossed and I didn't want to put the book down! The way it was written and the way the story line went, I never knew what to expect and it certainly didn't end the way I imagined. Actually, with the way the book ended, I will definitely purchase the next book to see what happens! I felt the book captured what it might be like to feel like an outcast, shunned by others because of your actions and how difficult it is to regain the trust of others. Very well worth checking it out!
This book receives 5 out of 5 stars!
June 4, 2012
I was excited to be chosen as an Early Reviewer for this book. I have always been fascinated with devoutly religious groups and I enjoy when authors use multiple main characters to tell a story. This book started out interesting but by Chapter 6 I felt like the book was dragging on. It sometimes became difficult to keep track of all the characters, and the writing seemed to be all over the place.
January 5, 2012
This book was about a faith based community and a specific couple: Justin and Alexis McNear. It was basically about their journey to bond, trust and rely on each other. Their marriage was contracted or arranged.
More detailed review in the morning.
More detailed review in the morning.
July 28, 2012
This read like it was written by an adolescent.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews