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New Smyrna Beach #1
Avra's God
In the tradition of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, four friends navigate college and the drama churned up by their Florida beach band to cement friendship and more.
Avra wants love, but drummer Cisco—self-medicating from his parents’ divorce with sex and intoxicants—is a poor choice. Cisco hungers for fresh-baked cookies and the scent of family he finds at Avra’s.
Kallie shares her classically trained singing voice only with lead vocalist Jesse and fights to keep her heart safe. Jesse feeds on fame and hides more than insecurity beneath his guitar.
The friends surf ego, betrayal, and ambition and head for wipe-out. But somehow, when they’re not looking, Avra’s God changes them all.
Avra wants love, but drummer Cisco—self-medicating from his parents’ divorce with sex and intoxicants—is a poor choice. Cisco hungers for fresh-baked cookies and the scent of family he finds at Avra’s.
Kallie shares her classically trained singing voice only with lead vocalist Jesse and fights to keep her heart safe. Jesse feeds on fame and hides more than insecurity beneath his guitar.
The friends surf ego, betrayal, and ambition and head for wipe-out. But somehow, when they’re not looking, Avra’s God changes them all.
343 pages, Paperback
First published November 19, 2012
1 person is currently reading
183 people want to read
About the author
Ann Lee Miller
7 books38 followersAnn Lee Miller earned a BA in creative writing from Ashland (OH) University and writes full-time in Phoenix, but left her heart in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, where she grew up. She loves speaking to young adults and guest lectures on writing at several Arizona colleges. When she isn’t writing or muddling through some crisis—real or imagined—you’ll find her hiking in the Superstition Mountains with her husband or meddling in her kids’ lives
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
January 5, 2013
This was a book I was lucky to critique a few years back, and it's probably my favorite of Ann's books. There's just something so tangible about the characters she's created, and I loved watching them all unravel, to be built back up again.
I'm also quoted in the endorsements and thanked in the acknowledgements, so how could I NOT love it, am I right? ;)
This is the perfect read for people looking for a fun contemporary read with a hopefulness that runs through all the pain and grief.
I'm also quoted in the endorsements and thanked in the acknowledgements, so how could I NOT love it, am I right? ;)
This is the perfect read for people looking for a fun contemporary read with a hopefulness that runs through all the pain and grief.
January 29, 2013
Ann Lee Miller does it again!!! 5 stars for Avra's God!! Avra's God is such an uplifting, inspiring story about college aged students who love and serve God. I love everything about this book! It has devotion, romance, turmoil, skepticism, and happy endings! I love how descriptive Ann Lee Miller is with her writing when describing scenes. I feel like I am right there with the characters sucked into their world and emotions. I fell into every emotional scene in this book because of descriptions like this one...
"Kallie tilted her head toward him, looking at him for the first time since the song ended. He took a deep breath and leaned toward her. Kallie’s eyes widened. His fingers tightened on hers. Her lips were soft, motionless under his. He pulled away and grinned, tasting triumph and strawberry. Behind her the ducks splashed through a clumsy takeoff"
Avra is the constant, the rock, the level headed in her group of friends. At least that is how they see her. In reality Avra second guesses every decision she makes and is constantly seeking reassurance from God. I love how strong Avra is even when she wants to so badly fall prey to life's curve balls that are thrown her way. Then there is Cisco... Oh Cisco... Heads turn everywhere he goes. He is charismatic, funny, good looking, athletic.. And did I mention he is in a band. A drummer at that!! That is another thing I love about this story. It has a rock band with "good boys." Of course the good boys aren't always good... They have their own demons they are working through. Cisco is no exception. He is the personification of life of the party. Outsiders see him as always playing around, laughing, and seems to excudes confidence... But inside he is a insecure boy who doesn't think he is good enough for anyone. All of these issues stem from his home life and his parents divorce.
"No, Avra was class—and she didn’t have a clue. What would it be like to kiss class like that? It had to be different from the girls he usually made out with. He wasn’t stupid. He went after those girls because they dished a whole lot more than kisses."
A love story about college kids and rock band mates wouldn't be the same without best friends. Lead singer and preacher's kid Jesse is the true skeptic if the group. He feels like he cannot enjoy his life, play rock and roll, and live the rock god lifestyle if God is in charge of his destiny. His dad has high hopes of him taking after his old man and leading the church one day. Jesse, however has different plans that take him down a different road than his dad planned. Then along comes Kallie. Kallie is every boys' dream but is cold as ice on the inside. So much so she is known as the ice queen and a song is written about her iciness. Behind every bitter female is a story, and Kallie has one of her own. Jesse and Kallie have a love/hate relationship for most part of the book. Will they end up as friends, enemies, or lovers??? That was the question I pondered majority of the story!
Life happens, twists and turns pull the young lovers apart and tough decisions must be made. Avra's God has it all!! The characters go from being devoted to each other regardless of what type of relationship they have, being devoted to God, questioning everything from each other to their faith, and a little in between! Readers will fall in love with these characters and will find themselves connecting to one or more of them from time to time in the book. Ann Lee Miller did a spectacular job of capturing that questioning nature that young adults have and touched right down to my heart!
“Like your God would care about someone like me. He’d whoop my tail like my old man did.”
I love how the author writes a book centered around faith without making it sound higher than thou or preachy. What a way to reach out to a large audience of believers and possibly non-believers! Great job Ann Lee Miller!! Keep these inspiring stories coming ... PLEASE!!!
"Kallie tilted her head toward him, looking at him for the first time since the song ended. He took a deep breath and leaned toward her. Kallie’s eyes widened. His fingers tightened on hers. Her lips were soft, motionless under his. He pulled away and grinned, tasting triumph and strawberry. Behind her the ducks splashed through a clumsy takeoff"
Avra is the constant, the rock, the level headed in her group of friends. At least that is how they see her. In reality Avra second guesses every decision she makes and is constantly seeking reassurance from God. I love how strong Avra is even when she wants to so badly fall prey to life's curve balls that are thrown her way. Then there is Cisco... Oh Cisco... Heads turn everywhere he goes. He is charismatic, funny, good looking, athletic.. And did I mention he is in a band. A drummer at that!! That is another thing I love about this story. It has a rock band with "good boys." Of course the good boys aren't always good... They have their own demons they are working through. Cisco is no exception. He is the personification of life of the party. Outsiders see him as always playing around, laughing, and seems to excudes confidence... But inside he is a insecure boy who doesn't think he is good enough for anyone. All of these issues stem from his home life and his parents divorce.
"No, Avra was class—and she didn’t have a clue. What would it be like to kiss class like that? It had to be different from the girls he usually made out with. He wasn’t stupid. He went after those girls because they dished a whole lot more than kisses."
A love story about college kids and rock band mates wouldn't be the same without best friends. Lead singer and preacher's kid Jesse is the true skeptic if the group. He feels like he cannot enjoy his life, play rock and roll, and live the rock god lifestyle if God is in charge of his destiny. His dad has high hopes of him taking after his old man and leading the church one day. Jesse, however has different plans that take him down a different road than his dad planned. Then along comes Kallie. Kallie is every boys' dream but is cold as ice on the inside. So much so she is known as the ice queen and a song is written about her iciness. Behind every bitter female is a story, and Kallie has one of her own. Jesse and Kallie have a love/hate relationship for most part of the book. Will they end up as friends, enemies, or lovers??? That was the question I pondered majority of the story!
Life happens, twists and turns pull the young lovers apart and tough decisions must be made. Avra's God has it all!! The characters go from being devoted to each other regardless of what type of relationship they have, being devoted to God, questioning everything from each other to their faith, and a little in between! Readers will fall in love with these characters and will find themselves connecting to one or more of them from time to time in the book. Ann Lee Miller did a spectacular job of capturing that questioning nature that young adults have and touched right down to my heart!
“Like your God would care about someone like me. He’d whoop my tail like my old man did.”
I love how the author writes a book centered around faith without making it sound higher than thou or preachy. What a way to reach out to a large audience of believers and possibly non-believers! Great job Ann Lee Miller!! Keep these inspiring stories coming ... PLEASE!!!
January 16, 2016
By now I know I am always going to enjoy a story from Ann. She is really establishing herself as an author. I thought this book was pretty good. Although I didn't quite like it as much as the other two. I can see where some people might actually like it better. I think it does have more teen appeal. So it would be better as a YA novel, where as the other two I thought were more for adults or college students.
This story was all about dating, choosing the right guy, making good choices, being faithful (to each other, to God and to your personal choices).
This story was a little hard for me to get into to at first and I was a little confused at times, but as the story went on it did get much better! And the ending was actually very good.
The character development was very good as it always is in Ann's books. I just did not really like the male characters, Cisco and Jesse. I liked Avra and Kallie, but thought they could choose better men! Towards the end I did get to like Jesse but never really did warm up to Cisco. But that is what character development is all about - some characters you like and some you do not! If I liked all the characters all the time then I would think something was wrong, they are not all suppose to be likable. And it wasn't my decision who she should date, it was Avra's! LOL
"Who'd a thunk it?" Ha! I love that this line is in the book! I say that all the time! When I read that I just laughed and thought - wow, someone else says that besides me.
"Are you going to ask me out again?"
"Do you want me to?"
She stared at the clouds, unseeing. She didn't hear his breathing. "Not yet."
Cisco let his breath out. "So I should ask in five minutes? Half an hour? Next week? Next month? If it's anything less than not in this lifetime, I'm in. I'm not going anywhere. I'm patient. Now," - my favorite lines in the book.
"I got God. I didn't show up at your church for half the summer just to get my cheeks pinched by old ladies." - heehee
THE ALL-IN-ALL -
All in all this is a good teen read. It is pretty clean, but realistic. There is talk of sex (but nothing graphic) there is no swearing, and the female characters make good choices and have good values and stick to their decisions, but it does show how they are tempted. I think this book has good morals for a teen without being preachy and boring and too "goody-goody".
This story was all about dating, choosing the right guy, making good choices, being faithful (to each other, to God and to your personal choices).
This story was a little hard for me to get into to at first and I was a little confused at times, but as the story went on it did get much better! And the ending was actually very good.
The character development was very good as it always is in Ann's books. I just did not really like the male characters, Cisco and Jesse. I liked Avra and Kallie, but thought they could choose better men! Towards the end I did get to like Jesse but never really did warm up to Cisco. But that is what character development is all about - some characters you like and some you do not! If I liked all the characters all the time then I would think something was wrong, they are not all suppose to be likable. And it wasn't my decision who she should date, it was Avra's! LOL
"Who'd a thunk it?" Ha! I love that this line is in the book! I say that all the time! When I read that I just laughed and thought - wow, someone else says that besides me.
"Are you going to ask me out again?"
"Do you want me to?"
She stared at the clouds, unseeing. She didn't hear his breathing. "Not yet."
Cisco let his breath out. "So I should ask in five minutes? Half an hour? Next week? Next month? If it's anything less than not in this lifetime, I'm in. I'm not going anywhere. I'm patient. Now," - my favorite lines in the book.
"I got God. I didn't show up at your church for half the summer just to get my cheeks pinched by old ladies." - heehee
THE ALL-IN-ALL -
All in all this is a good teen read. It is pretty clean, but realistic. There is talk of sex (but nothing graphic) there is no swearing, and the female characters make good choices and have good values and stick to their decisions, but it does show how they are tempted. I think this book has good morals for a teen without being preachy and boring and too "goody-goody".
February 17, 2013
Avra's God was my first read by author Ann Lee Miller! Her ability to bring the characters to life, with all of their strengths, flaws and insecurities exposed while keeping the story going shows her true gift as an author!
Four college age students face life head on, but only Avra's faith in God kept her on HER correct path, no matter how hard it was. She is smitten over Cisco, the proverbial bad boy who is lost in his own personal torments. Meanwhile their friends, Jesse and Kallie dance around their feelings, hiding behind the barriers they have built. Can they all find happiness while living as they feel God wants them to?
Avra's feelings for Cisco almost made her fall away from her beliefs because Cisco doesn't believe in God. Her strength and convictions for one so young under the pressures of today proved how strong she was and makes her an ideal role model for girls, in particular.
Cisco is bitter with the life his family has led since his father left them. He longs for the structure and support of a family like Avra's. To him, she is a lifeline to grab onto, but, he struggles to follow the path she has, after all, its easier to just give in to temptation and live in the moment. On his path to self-destruction, he tends to give in too easily.
Jessie is a disillusioned son of a strict minister and is rebelling against the roll he is expected to play in life. He cares for Kallie, even looks for ways to be near her, but knows he isn't ready to commit to an exclusive relationship with her when he can't even find himself.
Kallie, thanks to her father's rejection, is insecure and although she wants Jesse with all of her heart, what she wants is total control, that way, she can't be 'left behind' again. She has hardened her heart against his attempts to tell her how he feels through his songs.
All four of these characters are facing real life challenges, some know where God fits in and use that strength in their day to day lives, even when they might falter. This is a beautifully colored story, well-written and a wonderful read! Ann Miller has blended faith and contemporary issues well!
Four college age students face life head on, but only Avra's faith in God kept her on HER correct path, no matter how hard it was. She is smitten over Cisco, the proverbial bad boy who is lost in his own personal torments. Meanwhile their friends, Jesse and Kallie dance around their feelings, hiding behind the barriers they have built. Can they all find happiness while living as they feel God wants them to?
Avra's feelings for Cisco almost made her fall away from her beliefs because Cisco doesn't believe in God. Her strength and convictions for one so young under the pressures of today proved how strong she was and makes her an ideal role model for girls, in particular.
Cisco is bitter with the life his family has led since his father left them. He longs for the structure and support of a family like Avra's. To him, she is a lifeline to grab onto, but, he struggles to follow the path she has, after all, its easier to just give in to temptation and live in the moment. On his path to self-destruction, he tends to give in too easily.
Jessie is a disillusioned son of a strict minister and is rebelling against the roll he is expected to play in life. He cares for Kallie, even looks for ways to be near her, but knows he isn't ready to commit to an exclusive relationship with her when he can't even find himself.
Kallie, thanks to her father's rejection, is insecure and although she wants Jesse with all of her heart, what she wants is total control, that way, she can't be 'left behind' again. She has hardened her heart against his attempts to tell her how he feels through his songs.
All four of these characters are facing real life challenges, some know where God fits in and use that strength in their day to day lives, even when they might falter. This is a beautifully colored story, well-written and a wonderful read! Ann Miller has blended faith and contemporary issues well!
December 13, 2012
RF's Review: Avra's God by Ann Lee Miller
I started this book without knowing anything about it. I was immediately drawn to Cisco's character. The strong, good looking party boy that every girl wants. There was just something sweet about him that you knew he really wasn't everything he was pretending to be on the outside. I also love his Spanish phrases, I think he should be Boyfriend Monday candidate! From the minute he sees Avra he knows there is something different about her and he wants her, but she is a good, Christian, church going girl. I love the way he weaves himself into her family by inviting himself over to bake cookies and by playing football with her brothers. I also think it is really sweet that he asks Avra's Dad if it is ok if he asks her out.
Avra is another great character in the book. She is a strong women who thinks with her head, not just her heart and she doesn't make rash decisions. She writes down her feelings and prays about things before making her choice. She lives her life in a way that makes the other characters, Cisco, Jesse, and Kallie, wonder what is different about her and why she can react so well to bad situations. By living her faith she inspires her friends to start coming to church and become Christians as well.
Jesse is not my favorite character. I got kind of annoyed about his indecisiveness and his refusal to see what was right infront of him. But I guess like most young men it takes them a while to figure things out! I do like the songs he writes though, it was cool how he gets all his emotions out in a song. Kallie says she won't be the girl that waits around for Jesse, she really does try to move on but her heart really is stuck on him.
This was a good read, you got to know the character more in depth then in most teen romance books. I enjoyed the character development and that is was a unique story and not predictable
I am so glad that we get to see Cisco and Avra's relationship come full circle, Jesse and Kallie's too I guess!
4 out of 5 stars
I started this book without knowing anything about it. I was immediately drawn to Cisco's character. The strong, good looking party boy that every girl wants. There was just something sweet about him that you knew he really wasn't everything he was pretending to be on the outside. I also love his Spanish phrases, I think he should be Boyfriend Monday candidate! From the minute he sees Avra he knows there is something different about her and he wants her, but she is a good, Christian, church going girl. I love the way he weaves himself into her family by inviting himself over to bake cookies and by playing football with her brothers. I also think it is really sweet that he asks Avra's Dad if it is ok if he asks her out.
Avra is another great character in the book. She is a strong women who thinks with her head, not just her heart and she doesn't make rash decisions. She writes down her feelings and prays about things before making her choice. She lives her life in a way that makes the other characters, Cisco, Jesse, and Kallie, wonder what is different about her and why she can react so well to bad situations. By living her faith she inspires her friends to start coming to church and become Christians as well.
Jesse is not my favorite character. I got kind of annoyed about his indecisiveness and his refusal to see what was right infront of him. But I guess like most young men it takes them a while to figure things out! I do like the songs he writes though, it was cool how he gets all his emotions out in a song. Kallie says she won't be the girl that waits around for Jesse, she really does try to move on but her heart really is stuck on him.
This was a good read, you got to know the character more in depth then in most teen romance books. I enjoyed the character development and that is was a unique story and not predictable
I am so glad that we get to see Cisco and Avra's relationship come full circle, Jesse and Kallie's too I guess!
4 out of 5 stars
February 5, 2013
Avra's God is Ann Lee Miller's third book release and if you've read her first two books, you'll enjoy the glimpses of some of the characters from them.
Avra's is a story that many women - young and old - can relate to. Falling for that bad boy, and wrestling between what you know is right and the runaway emotions that you feel. By clinging to her trust in God, Avra's faith impacts her friends and sets up a catalyst for change and healing.
Cisco, Kallie and Jesse have a boat load of issues between them. They all have a varying knowledge and experience of God, and each must come to Him in their own way. Most readers would find they identify with one or more of the character's issues.
I'm a big fan of Ann's novels. Somehow she completely understands the lives and minds of early twenty-somethings and brings them to life with such clarity. My skin was crawling with some of the things her male characters said - it was so accurate and typical of boys in that age group, I was instantly transported back to a similar period in my life.
This is such an exciting age group to read about, and Ann captures the emotions and drama so well that it's easy to completely lose yourself in the story. The characters' journey towards God is natural, touching and refreshing.
In terms of degree of "edginess", Avra's God sits between the sweetness of Kicking Eternity and the drama of The Art of My Life. If you haven't read Ann's books before, I'd recommend starting here - or Kicking Eternity.
Another great book by Ann :)
Avra's is a story that many women - young and old - can relate to. Falling for that bad boy, and wrestling between what you know is right and the runaway emotions that you feel. By clinging to her trust in God, Avra's faith impacts her friends and sets up a catalyst for change and healing.
Cisco, Kallie and Jesse have a boat load of issues between them. They all have a varying knowledge and experience of God, and each must come to Him in their own way. Most readers would find they identify with one or more of the character's issues.
I'm a big fan of Ann's novels. Somehow she completely understands the lives and minds of early twenty-somethings and brings them to life with such clarity. My skin was crawling with some of the things her male characters said - it was so accurate and typical of boys in that age group, I was instantly transported back to a similar period in my life.
This is such an exciting age group to read about, and Ann captures the emotions and drama so well that it's easy to completely lose yourself in the story. The characters' journey towards God is natural, touching and refreshing.
In terms of degree of "edginess", Avra's God sits between the sweetness of Kicking Eternity and the drama of The Art of My Life. If you haven't read Ann's books before, I'd recommend starting here - or Kicking Eternity.
Another great book by Ann :)
November 29, 2012
Ann Lee Miller has an amazing talent for putting words together to keep a person on the edge of their seats and holding their breath, and Avra's God is no exception. She can put you right into the scenes and characters without any trouble at all.
Avra is a college student with two rowdy younger brothers. She also has a crush on this dreamy guy, Cisco. She has always felt a little gawky--tall and athletic, but definitely non-gorgeous. That's why she's amazed when Cisco flirts with her and practically invites himself to her house for home-baked cookies.
Cisco recognizes that Avra is one high-class young woman, not his typical easy conquests. He treats her with respect. For eight months, and then he wants more than either of them are comfortable with. Abstinence wears thin, and he goes off the edge with another girl. How can Avra forgive that, let alone ever trust him again?
And then there's Kallie, whose father deserted her and her little sister Aly a few years before, leaving her mother for a younger woman. How can she trust her heart to Jesse, a young man who thrives on the adulation of a fan club of teen girls who swoon over his music?
Avra is a college student with two rowdy younger brothers. She also has a crush on this dreamy guy, Cisco. She has always felt a little gawky--tall and athletic, but definitely non-gorgeous. That's why she's amazed when Cisco flirts with her and practically invites himself to her house for home-baked cookies.
Cisco recognizes that Avra is one high-class young woman, not his typical easy conquests. He treats her with respect. For eight months, and then he wants more than either of them are comfortable with. Abstinence wears thin, and he goes off the edge with another girl. How can Avra forgive that, let alone ever trust him again?
And then there's Kallie, whose father deserted her and her little sister Aly a few years before, leaving her mother for a younger woman. How can she trust her heart to Jesse, a young man who thrives on the adulation of a fan club of teen girls who swoon over his music?
December 3, 2012
I've reviewed all of Ann's books and each one amazes me. She isn't afraid to tackle tough subjects, and she does it with such grace.
Avra's God is about one college girl living her life for Jesus with an unashamed devotion to His will for her life. It is about the change ONE person can make in those around them if they live a life choosing to please the ONE who gave life. Her friends make some unfortunate choices, but she remains steadfast despite her own self-doubt.
I highly recommend you read Avra's God. It would be a wonderful gift for a college student near you who is struggling with peer pressure or making their way in the world.
Warning: There are a few curse words (less than five) in this book. While I don't care for their use in Christian fiction, it was easy enough to skip over them and continue with the story.
***I received this book free for the purpose of review.***
Avra's God is about one college girl living her life for Jesus with an unashamed devotion to His will for her life. It is about the change ONE person can make in those around them if they live a life choosing to please the ONE who gave life. Her friends make some unfortunate choices, but she remains steadfast despite her own self-doubt.
I highly recommend you read Avra's God. It would be a wonderful gift for a college student near you who is struggling with peer pressure or making their way in the world.
Warning: There are a few curse words (less than five) in this book. While I don't care for their use in Christian fiction, it was easy enough to skip over them and continue with the story.
***I received this book free for the purpose of review.***
November 30, 2012
Avra's God is another wonderful novel by Ann Lee Miller. Her stories are heart warming to read. She takes a great stand on Christianity. Her main characters are endearing and pull you into the story.
This novel is about 4 young college students who are also in a band. The setting is Florida beach. Follow Avra who had a great upbringing and is a believer in God as she meets Cisco a heart throb who is a non-believer. Cisco longs for the close family life Avra has and even though he is the typical bad boy, he tries to respect Avra. Both are ruled by their beliefs.
Jesse is a preacher's son trying to run from God and searching for happiness. Jesse is drawn to Kallie but she has built a wall around her heart because of early rejection from her father when her parents split.
See how these situations lead you on an emotional roller coaster.
This novel is about 4 young college students who are also in a band. The setting is Florida beach. Follow Avra who had a great upbringing and is a believer in God as she meets Cisco a heart throb who is a non-believer. Cisco longs for the close family life Avra has and even though he is the typical bad boy, he tries to respect Avra. Both are ruled by their beliefs.
Jesse is a preacher's son trying to run from God and searching for happiness. Jesse is drawn to Kallie but she has built a wall around her heart because of early rejection from her father when her parents split.
See how these situations lead you on an emotional roller coaster.
December 4, 2012
When Ann asked me to review this book I wasn’t sure if I’d like it. I’m not what you would call religious. However, combined with a good story line and a nice writing style this story was enjoyable.
The story line is realistic and easy to relate. ‘Avra’s God’ tells the tale of Avra and Kallie, two girls in their late teens/early twenties, and their journey to finding love. The girls rely on God to tell them what to do and only then do they find their ‘happy ever after.’ The only thing I dislike about this book is that it jumps around quite a lot to tell the tale from many peoples perspective which makes the characters hard to connect to. Other than that this is a great read.
This book leaves you thinking and I’d recommend it to a teenage/young adult audience.
I received "Avra's God" from the author for my honest review.
The story line is realistic and easy to relate. ‘Avra’s God’ tells the tale of Avra and Kallie, two girls in their late teens/early twenties, and their journey to finding love. The girls rely on God to tell them what to do and only then do they find their ‘happy ever after.’ The only thing I dislike about this book is that it jumps around quite a lot to tell the tale from many peoples perspective which makes the characters hard to connect to. Other than that this is a great read.
This book leaves you thinking and I’d recommend it to a teenage/young adult audience.
I received "Avra's God" from the author for my honest review.
February 2, 2013
This was a wonderful book and I loved every minute of it. I especially loved when Cisco decided to turn his life of over to Christ; it reminded me of the song Jessica Reedy sings "Moving Forward".
February 19, 2013
Title: Avra’s God
Author: Ann Lee Miller
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Genre: Christian Inspirational
Sub Genre: Young Adult
Publisher: Flawed People Press
Published: 13 Nov 2012
ASIN: B00A7DLQX0
SYNOPSIS
In the tradition of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, four friends navigate college and the drama churned up by their Florida beach band to cement friendship and more.
Avra wants love, but drummer Cisco—self-medicating from his parents’ divorce with sex and intoxicants—is a poor choice. Cisco hungers for fresh-baked cookies and the scent of family he finds at Avra’s.
Kallie shares her classically trained singing voice only with lead vocalist Jesse and fights to keep her heart safe. Jesse feeds on fame and hides more than insecurity beneath his guitar.
The friends surf ego, betrayal, and ambition and head for wipe-out. But somehow, when they’re not looking, Avra’s God changes them all.
REVIEW
Avra’s God by Ann Lee Miller, is an inspirational coming of age tale of four young adults Avra, Kallie, Jesse and Cisco. I know some would classify this as Christian literature, but just because it mentions a divine power, doesn’t mean only a certain class of reader will enjoy it. Author Miller writes a compelling story about life changes and the rocky path all of us have to adulthood. Please don’t shy away from this book because it may not be your regular genre. It isn’t my normal genre either; but I utterly enjoyed it.
The first young adult the reader meets is Avra, the oldest child in a house built by Norman Rockwell. She is invisible to the opposite sex or so she thinks. Too tall, too athletic – too everything the male population doesn’t like. Avra believes in God; a God of forgiveness, brightness and hope. No, she is not a follow me because I preach it character. She is a follow me because I live it character. Avra is far from perfect; but she is the person we should all strive to be in life, flaws and all.
The second young adult is Kallie, described as a beauty with long white blond hair. She has looks and is admired by the male student body of State of Daytona. What possible problems could she have? Avra ponders a similar questions about Kallie. Well, I first met Kallie in Miller’s book The Art of My Life, she was the older sister to the main female character Aly. In that book Kallie is a young married mother. Here Kallie is a twenty year old college junior with daddy issues. Those issues being her father is a horrible man, who abandoned his first family when he started a new one. The impact his actions have on Kallie and her inability to trust in love has damaged this wonderful girl. How will Kallie as damaged as she is grow into a well rounded adult?
Third you have Cisco, handsome, charming and a player. He comes from a recent broken home, and has a deep need for normalcy in his life. His home life is depicted in the book is hectic and scattered. That normalcy that he craves, steps in front of him in the guise of Avra and her family. Being a player and him being attracted to Avra with her moral convictions, makes for an interesting relationship. These two characters come from totally different worlds, both socially and morally. Can two people from totally different worlds survive in a relationship?
Lastly, Jesse, the preacher’s son, who would rather have God and his father ignore him; as he has had a falling out with both his earthly and heavenly fathers. Jesse doesn’t want to be tied down. He wants a big life. A rock star life with all the trappings. He loves the adoration of the crowd and the love he feels from the many girls who flock to him. His major problem is that despite him not wanting to settle down, he has met his soul mate in Kallie. How far can a young man run from his destiny? Only he know?
All of Miller’s characters are flawed, real, and engaging. This is not a fairy tale where the knight is there to slay the dragon and rescue the princess. A higher power is needed to see these friends into an adulthood as they deal with their demons. Their path to adulthood isn’t what they thought it might be, as the road to adulthood is never easy. I remember being young and trying to find my own way, it’s that time when some lives balance on the a knife edge, one wrong move can change a life forever. For these four young friends they will be tested and what choices they make for ill or good will strengthen their mettle. Ann Lee Millers book was a very enjoyable read.
Author: Ann Lee Miller
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Genre: Christian Inspirational
Sub Genre: Young Adult
Publisher: Flawed People Press
Published: 13 Nov 2012
ASIN: B00A7DLQX0
SYNOPSIS
In the tradition of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, four friends navigate college and the drama churned up by their Florida beach band to cement friendship and more.
Avra wants love, but drummer Cisco—self-medicating from his parents’ divorce with sex and intoxicants—is a poor choice. Cisco hungers for fresh-baked cookies and the scent of family he finds at Avra’s.
Kallie shares her classically trained singing voice only with lead vocalist Jesse and fights to keep her heart safe. Jesse feeds on fame and hides more than insecurity beneath his guitar.
The friends surf ego, betrayal, and ambition and head for wipe-out. But somehow, when they’re not looking, Avra’s God changes them all.
REVIEW
Avra’s God by Ann Lee Miller, is an inspirational coming of age tale of four young adults Avra, Kallie, Jesse and Cisco. I know some would classify this as Christian literature, but just because it mentions a divine power, doesn’t mean only a certain class of reader will enjoy it. Author Miller writes a compelling story about life changes and the rocky path all of us have to adulthood. Please don’t shy away from this book because it may not be your regular genre. It isn’t my normal genre either; but I utterly enjoyed it.
The first young adult the reader meets is Avra, the oldest child in a house built by Norman Rockwell. She is invisible to the opposite sex or so she thinks. Too tall, too athletic – too everything the male population doesn’t like. Avra believes in God; a God of forgiveness, brightness and hope. No, she is not a follow me because I preach it character. She is a follow me because I live it character. Avra is far from perfect; but she is the person we should all strive to be in life, flaws and all.
The second young adult is Kallie, described as a beauty with long white blond hair. She has looks and is admired by the male student body of State of Daytona. What possible problems could she have? Avra ponders a similar questions about Kallie. Well, I first met Kallie in Miller’s book The Art of My Life, she was the older sister to the main female character Aly. In that book Kallie is a young married mother. Here Kallie is a twenty year old college junior with daddy issues. Those issues being her father is a horrible man, who abandoned his first family when he started a new one. The impact his actions have on Kallie and her inability to trust in love has damaged this wonderful girl. How will Kallie as damaged as she is grow into a well rounded adult?
Third you have Cisco, handsome, charming and a player. He comes from a recent broken home, and has a deep need for normalcy in his life. His home life is depicted in the book is hectic and scattered. That normalcy that he craves, steps in front of him in the guise of Avra and her family. Being a player and him being attracted to Avra with her moral convictions, makes for an interesting relationship. These two characters come from totally different worlds, both socially and morally. Can two people from totally different worlds survive in a relationship?
Lastly, Jesse, the preacher’s son, who would rather have God and his father ignore him; as he has had a falling out with both his earthly and heavenly fathers. Jesse doesn’t want to be tied down. He wants a big life. A rock star life with all the trappings. He loves the adoration of the crowd and the love he feels from the many girls who flock to him. His major problem is that despite him not wanting to settle down, he has met his soul mate in Kallie. How far can a young man run from his destiny? Only he know?
All of Miller’s characters are flawed, real, and engaging. This is not a fairy tale where the knight is there to slay the dragon and rescue the princess. A higher power is needed to see these friends into an adulthood as they deal with their demons. Their path to adulthood isn’t what they thought it might be, as the road to adulthood is never easy. I remember being young and trying to find my own way, it’s that time when some lives balance on the a knife edge, one wrong move can change a life forever. For these four young friends they will be tested and what choices they make for ill or good will strengthen their mettle. Ann Lee Millers book was a very enjoyable read.
February 3, 2013
Funnily enough, even as a Christian, I don’t read much Christian fiction. I just haven’t found anything in the genre that’s really struck a chord with me or comes off believable. There have been a few books but not many. Although there were elements to Avra’s God I could appreciate and enjoy, I didn’t fall in love with the book.
Avra’s God follows a group of four friends: Avra, Cisco, Jesse, and Kallie. They each have their own personal demons to face and their stories are intertwined with one another. Avra has had a crush on Cisco, so when he starts spending time with her and her family, she’s fighting to keep from getting her hopes too high. But soon her dreams come true when Cisco asks her to be his girlfriend. Jesse is Cisco’s best friend and is known for dating around and never really taking anything serious. Kallie becomes close friends with Avra and falls hardcore for Jesse, against her better judgment.
The characters I liked the most were Jesse and Kallie. Jesse’s resentment and anger against his father, who is a preacher and has high expectations which Jesse seems to fail at meeting, felt real and relatable. He has trust issues because he doesn’t feel like anyone really cares about him and assumes everyone expects him to fail, which is what he does most of the time. Jesse’s afraid to love anyone because he’s afraid he can’t live up to the expectation or change. He struggles a lot through the book to find his way and forgiveness toward himself and his dad. I liked the way his character was portrayed.
Kallie’s family life is broken. Her father left and married someone else and doesn’t come around much. She doesn’t know how to love the right way and is terrified of loving anyone. She closes herself off from the world because she figures it’s easier than feeling. I think a lot of young girls (and women) can relate to Kallie’s story and what she faces. She finds the courage and strength to overcome her fears and I liked that about her.
Cisco is cliché bad boy. He doesn’t have a job. He has a crappy family life. He drinks and gets high. He sleeps around. There just didn’t seem to be anything beyond that. Even when Cisco felt bad about what he did to Avra or his relationship with his family or dad, he just seemed to have a ‘whatever’ attitude about it. Avra, although she was a decent character, just felt too dry. She was always offering advice or coming off too bland. She was just a boring character.
The main issues with the book were how it was written and executed. The entire book is TOLD to the reader and never really experienced by the reader. The quoting of Bible verses always seemed cliché and preachy. They just never felt like they came in at the right time or in the best way. The characters, all of them minus the parents, sound like they’re in high school. If I hadn’t read in the synopsis which states that they were college students there is no way I would have known that. The dialogue and actions portray them as sixteen-year-olds. There wasn’t much to depth to the characters. Even though I could relate to their story and appreciate what the author was trying to accomplish through the message, there wasn’t much dimension to them or the plot. Everything came off to bland or too uncomfortable because the dialogue came off unrealistic for how a college student would speak. The ending was okay. It’s a happily ever after type of ending which is nice, but much of it seemed really rushed.
Despite how roughly written Avra’s God is, the struggles the characters face both outwardly and inwardly, the way they handle some of those situations, and the lessons they learn are very much relatable and understandable.
Avra’s God follows a group of four friends: Avra, Cisco, Jesse, and Kallie. They each have their own personal demons to face and their stories are intertwined with one another. Avra has had a crush on Cisco, so when he starts spending time with her and her family, she’s fighting to keep from getting her hopes too high. But soon her dreams come true when Cisco asks her to be his girlfriend. Jesse is Cisco’s best friend and is known for dating around and never really taking anything serious. Kallie becomes close friends with Avra and falls hardcore for Jesse, against her better judgment.
The characters I liked the most were Jesse and Kallie. Jesse’s resentment and anger against his father, who is a preacher and has high expectations which Jesse seems to fail at meeting, felt real and relatable. He has trust issues because he doesn’t feel like anyone really cares about him and assumes everyone expects him to fail, which is what he does most of the time. Jesse’s afraid to love anyone because he’s afraid he can’t live up to the expectation or change. He struggles a lot through the book to find his way and forgiveness toward himself and his dad. I liked the way his character was portrayed.
Kallie’s family life is broken. Her father left and married someone else and doesn’t come around much. She doesn’t know how to love the right way and is terrified of loving anyone. She closes herself off from the world because she figures it’s easier than feeling. I think a lot of young girls (and women) can relate to Kallie’s story and what she faces. She finds the courage and strength to overcome her fears and I liked that about her.
Cisco is cliché bad boy. He doesn’t have a job. He has a crappy family life. He drinks and gets high. He sleeps around. There just didn’t seem to be anything beyond that. Even when Cisco felt bad about what he did to Avra or his relationship with his family or dad, he just seemed to have a ‘whatever’ attitude about it. Avra, although she was a decent character, just felt too dry. She was always offering advice or coming off too bland. She was just a boring character.
The main issues with the book were how it was written and executed. The entire book is TOLD to the reader and never really experienced by the reader. The quoting of Bible verses always seemed cliché and preachy. They just never felt like they came in at the right time or in the best way. The characters, all of them minus the parents, sound like they’re in high school. If I hadn’t read in the synopsis which states that they were college students there is no way I would have known that. The dialogue and actions portray them as sixteen-year-olds. There wasn’t much to depth to the characters. Even though I could relate to their story and appreciate what the author was trying to accomplish through the message, there wasn’t much dimension to them or the plot. Everything came off to bland or too uncomfortable because the dialogue came off unrealistic for how a college student would speak. The ending was okay. It’s a happily ever after type of ending which is nice, but much of it seemed really rushed.
Despite how roughly written Avra’s God is, the struggles the characters face both outwardly and inwardly, the way they handle some of those situations, and the lessons they learn are very much relatable and understandable.
March 19, 2013
"You're my best friend," Cisco said. "I mean that. Everybody in my life has issues. You're my sanity. I like the whole package-your smarts, your family. You listen to me. I like the electric blue in your eyes, the way you fit in my arms, your lips-" He coughed, "Uh, let's just say I really like the package"
Avra's God weaves together the story of Avra, Cisco, Kallie and Jessie. Four college age friends trying to find their place in the world. Dealing with love, faith, temptations and jealousy among other things. Each of them are dealing with their own separate issues and while the book is titled Avra's God, for me the character that I felt stood out the most was Cisco. He had so much growth throughout the book that I just found myself drawn to him the most. But ultimately it is the paths that they all take in their journey and discovery of Avra's God.
Avra is a strong character. She is very level headed but she also seeks the guidance of God in the decisions that she makes. She is attracted to bad boy Cisco who does not share the same beliefs as she does. Cisco dabbles in drugs and sex, but when he looks at Avra and her family he sees something that he wants to be a part of. Avra makes him want to be a better man. And when he kisses her, the lines between want she feels in the moment and her beliefs make her question Cisco. But Avra's belief is almost unwavering, even in her lowest moments. And I suppose it's in those times that you really need to hold onto that belief the most.
Jessie is the son of a preacher. He loves being in a band and the attention that he gets from girls. Despite his attraction to Kallie, he doesn't want to give up the adoration of the girls and settle down. Kallie has her own set of issues to deal with. She sees how Jessie is always surrounded by girls and she is afraid of being hurt by him.
Kallie wasn't a piece of fluff you blew off when you tired of her. She wound her tentacles around your soul.
What I loved most about Avra's God was that the characters were all so relatable. They could have easily been me or you. We could have very easily been dealing with any of the same issues that they were each dealing with. Although at times I did feel that besides Cisco, the other characters appeared younger that what they actually were.
Not really being one to read books that are overly religious, I have to say that I was a bit apprehensive about the connection that I would feel while I was reading it. The presence of God and the characters faith are very prominent throughout, but I can't say that I ever thought it was too much. It was just a part of the story as any other aspect of the book would be.
Ann Lee miller's writing is very easy to read. I admit to being slightly confused at the start of the book but once I got a few chapters in everything fell into place and the story flowed incredibly smoothly and before I knew it I had finished.
All in all, Avra's God was a really enjoyable read!! I will definitely be checking out other books by Ann Lee Miller.
4.5/5 Stars!!
Avra's God weaves together the story of Avra, Cisco, Kallie and Jessie. Four college age friends trying to find their place in the world. Dealing with love, faith, temptations and jealousy among other things. Each of them are dealing with their own separate issues and while the book is titled Avra's God, for me the character that I felt stood out the most was Cisco. He had so much growth throughout the book that I just found myself drawn to him the most. But ultimately it is the paths that they all take in their journey and discovery of Avra's God.
Avra is a strong character. She is very level headed but she also seeks the guidance of God in the decisions that she makes. She is attracted to bad boy Cisco who does not share the same beliefs as she does. Cisco dabbles in drugs and sex, but when he looks at Avra and her family he sees something that he wants to be a part of. Avra makes him want to be a better man. And when he kisses her, the lines between want she feels in the moment and her beliefs make her question Cisco. But Avra's belief is almost unwavering, even in her lowest moments. And I suppose it's in those times that you really need to hold onto that belief the most.
Jessie is the son of a preacher. He loves being in a band and the attention that he gets from girls. Despite his attraction to Kallie, he doesn't want to give up the adoration of the girls and settle down. Kallie has her own set of issues to deal with. She sees how Jessie is always surrounded by girls and she is afraid of being hurt by him.
Kallie wasn't a piece of fluff you blew off when you tired of her. She wound her tentacles around your soul.
What I loved most about Avra's God was that the characters were all so relatable. They could have easily been me or you. We could have very easily been dealing with any of the same issues that they were each dealing with. Although at times I did feel that besides Cisco, the other characters appeared younger that what they actually were.
Not really being one to read books that are overly religious, I have to say that I was a bit apprehensive about the connection that I would feel while I was reading it. The presence of God and the characters faith are very prominent throughout, but I can't say that I ever thought it was too much. It was just a part of the story as any other aspect of the book would be.
Ann Lee miller's writing is very easy to read. I admit to being slightly confused at the start of the book but once I got a few chapters in everything fell into place and the story flowed incredibly smoothly and before I knew it I had finished.
All in all, Avra's God was a really enjoyable read!! I will definitely be checking out other books by Ann Lee Miller.
4.5/5 Stars!!
May 25, 2016
*I was offered a free copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.*
Even though she's a junior in college, Avra has never had a boyfriend, so when handsome, popular Cisco is interested in her--and even embraces her Christian faith--Avra is happier than she has ever been. However, although Cisco has good intentions, he is frustrated by the need for purity in their relationship and misses the sex life he had before Avra.
Meanwhile, Avra's new friend Kallie is struggling with her father's abandonment and with the attraction she feels for Jesse, Cisco's best friend. Jesse writes songs that allow Kallie a glimpse of his soul, but he doesn't seem willing to give Kallie everything she needs, even though they connected from the first time they met. While Kallie is looking for God to help her, Jesse is hoping He'll stay out of his life. Avra is certain that God has the answers to all of their struggles--but will they let Him provide them?
This is the first New Adult romance I've read--and I love the fact that it's a Christian story so that there aren't any sex scenes. I think Avra, Cisco, Kallie, and Jesse are all likeable characters and the reasons for their behavior are believable. However, they aren't quite as fully developed as I personally like--but that's likely due to the fact that the book is divided up into all 4 of their perspectives, thus limiting the amount of "page time" each character gets.
Going along with that, I didn't always like the pacing of the book; we'd go from one character's point of view to the next very quickly, which didn't allow time to delve into some of the issues as much as I would have liked. For instance, there's a paragraph where Jesse is surrounded by girls, making Kallie jealous after she blew him off when he tried to kiss her (which we see from his perspective); immediately after that paragraph, he's giving her a CD with a song he wrote for her (which we see from her perspective). So, he's trying to fix things, but we don't see his thoughts at all beyond trying to make her jealous--and then he's suddenly trying to be nice and fix stuff. That makes things just seem a little abrupt and made the mood swings a little dizzying and the pacing was somewhat off in places. Additionally, the fact that Cisco kisses two girls, Jesse kisses three (and is kissed by a fourth), and Kallie dates someone besides Jesse in the middle of all of this, means there's a lot going on in this book, and the pacing isn't always the smoothest.
There were times when the writing irritated me a little; it just seemed overwritten (for example, "her thick, dark hair arcing behind her to brush the bare skin between her jeans and her blouse"--seems like an overly complicated phrase).
Overall, though, I liked the book and read it in one day because I wanted to see what was going to happen. I liked seeing the developing faith in and relationships with God as well as the romance.
Even though she's a junior in college, Avra has never had a boyfriend, so when handsome, popular Cisco is interested in her--and even embraces her Christian faith--Avra is happier than she has ever been. However, although Cisco has good intentions, he is frustrated by the need for purity in their relationship and misses the sex life he had before Avra.
Meanwhile, Avra's new friend Kallie is struggling with her father's abandonment and with the attraction she feels for Jesse, Cisco's best friend. Jesse writes songs that allow Kallie a glimpse of his soul, but he doesn't seem willing to give Kallie everything she needs, even though they connected from the first time they met. While Kallie is looking for God to help her, Jesse is hoping He'll stay out of his life. Avra is certain that God has the answers to all of their struggles--but will they let Him provide them?
This is the first New Adult romance I've read--and I love the fact that it's a Christian story so that there aren't any sex scenes. I think Avra, Cisco, Kallie, and Jesse are all likeable characters and the reasons for their behavior are believable. However, they aren't quite as fully developed as I personally like--but that's likely due to the fact that the book is divided up into all 4 of their perspectives, thus limiting the amount of "page time" each character gets.
Going along with that, I didn't always like the pacing of the book; we'd go from one character's point of view to the next very quickly, which didn't allow time to delve into some of the issues as much as I would have liked. For instance, there's a paragraph where Jesse is surrounded by girls, making Kallie jealous after she blew him off when he tried to kiss her (which we see from his perspective); immediately after that paragraph, he's giving her a CD with a song he wrote for her (which we see from her perspective). So, he's trying to fix things, but we don't see his thoughts at all beyond trying to make her jealous--and then he's suddenly trying to be nice and fix stuff. That makes things just seem a little abrupt and made the mood swings a little dizzying and the pacing was somewhat off in places. Additionally, the fact that Cisco kisses two girls, Jesse kisses three (and is kissed by a fourth), and Kallie dates someone besides Jesse in the middle of all of this, means there's a lot going on in this book, and the pacing isn't always the smoothest.
There were times when the writing irritated me a little; it just seemed overwritten (for example, "her thick, dark hair arcing behind her to brush the bare skin between her jeans and her blouse"--seems like an overly complicated phrase).
Overall, though, I liked the book and read it in one day because I wanted to see what was going to happen. I liked seeing the developing faith in and relationships with God as well as the romance.
January 21, 2013
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Avra’s God. As in a well-written and thought-provoking (in a good way) book by Ann Miller. The book tells the story of two boys, Cisco and Jesse, and two girls, Avra and Kallie. The girls are completely different from each other but they still end up being best friends. There's Avra who is kind, generous and religious and then there's Kallie who is out-going and never has really thought of turning to God in order to get some answers as far as her life is concerned.
And there are also the guys. Cisco and Jesse have been friends for a long time. So starting a boy band seemed like a pretty good idea. And it turned out to be a great one. Neither of them thought that they could find true love and be with the one they want. But when Cisco notices Avra, he can picture their future together. But Avra isn't like the other girls he used in order to get through his parents’ divorce. He has feelings for her and she seems to return them but she wants to move slowly, thing that Cisco isn't comfortable with but he accepts it. But when Avra can't take the pressure anymore, she says goodbye to Cisco even though it breaks her heart and Cisco returns to his on and off girlfriend. He thinks he can forget about her but when he realizes that he can't live without her, he will do everything he can to apologize to Avra.
Jesse and Kallie’s case is simpler. They meet, fall in love but never admit it to each other. And that's where their story begins. Jesse needs help with his voice and songs, so he asks from Kallie to help him become a better artist. But what starts as innocent meetings turns out to be a love story that gets cut by Kallie because she knows that she can't be with someone like Jesse. At first, he thinks that's for the best but can you lie to your own heart? So, he tries to win her. He writes songs and performs them just for her but making her his isn't as easy as it seems..
All in all, Avra’s God is worth reading. The characters are realistic and full of emotions just like us. God is mentioned a lot of times throughout the story because that's where the characters turn to when they are looking for answers, the plot is dramatic and the end…let's just say that it's a good one.
Avra’s God. As in a well-written and thought-provoking (in a good way) book by Ann Miller. The book tells the story of two boys, Cisco and Jesse, and two girls, Avra and Kallie. The girls are completely different from each other but they still end up being best friends. There's Avra who is kind, generous and religious and then there's Kallie who is out-going and never has really thought of turning to God in order to get some answers as far as her life is concerned.
And there are also the guys. Cisco and Jesse have been friends for a long time. So starting a boy band seemed like a pretty good idea. And it turned out to be a great one. Neither of them thought that they could find true love and be with the one they want. But when Cisco notices Avra, he can picture their future together. But Avra isn't like the other girls he used in order to get through his parents’ divorce. He has feelings for her and she seems to return them but she wants to move slowly, thing that Cisco isn't comfortable with but he accepts it. But when Avra can't take the pressure anymore, she says goodbye to Cisco even though it breaks her heart and Cisco returns to his on and off girlfriend. He thinks he can forget about her but when he realizes that he can't live without her, he will do everything he can to apologize to Avra.
Jesse and Kallie’s case is simpler. They meet, fall in love but never admit it to each other. And that's where their story begins. Jesse needs help with his voice and songs, so he asks from Kallie to help him become a better artist. But what starts as innocent meetings turns out to be a love story that gets cut by Kallie because she knows that she can't be with someone like Jesse. At first, he thinks that's for the best but can you lie to your own heart? So, he tries to win her. He writes songs and performs them just for her but making her his isn't as easy as it seems..
All in all, Avra’s God is worth reading. The characters are realistic and full of emotions just like us. God is mentioned a lot of times throughout the story because that's where the characters turn to when they are looking for answers, the plot is dramatic and the end…let's just say that it's a good one.
August 10, 2014
The emotional roller coaster I sat on while reading Avra’s God took me to heights I never imagined. Anne Lee Miller crafted her story in such a fashion that it incorporated life events and struggles that almost any reader may relate to. The characters endured family troubles, relationship problems, and problems in their lives in general. In creating the lives of these characters, Avra, Cisco, Jesse and Kallie, Miller opened up a new level of compassion and feelings that we as readers have for them. Whatever comes their way, we experience and get a sense of what they must go through.
A popular topic within Avra’s God is, not surprisingly, God. The events that transpired all tied back to Avra and her teachings to her friends. She helped each one find God, in her words, but more importantly find peace within their hearts about themselves and their lives. Many of the characters had to deal with father issue and in their own time learned to accept them. Avra was a key component to their success and is also the character that most of my compassion drifted towards.
Avra is a strong female lead character within Miller’s novel. Each character seemingly receives the same amount of time, but Avra has a much stronger presence. She is the helping hand, the one each friend turns to when in need of advice. So when her life and relationship start to crumble, the largest portion of my sympathy is directed towards her. She is a great role model to the audience. Avra never bends her beliefs for her friends or relationship, but stays true to who she is as a person.
I really enjoyed Avra’s God and the messages that Miller sent to her audience. I was engrossed with the characters and truthfully, I read this in one night because was unable to put it down for a second. Miller includes just the right amount of each topic and does not overwhelm the reader, but traps them in the lives of these four college students and the common hardships many must face in life.
A popular topic within Avra’s God is, not surprisingly, God. The events that transpired all tied back to Avra and her teachings to her friends. She helped each one find God, in her words, but more importantly find peace within their hearts about themselves and their lives. Many of the characters had to deal with father issue and in their own time learned to accept them. Avra was a key component to their success and is also the character that most of my compassion drifted towards.
Avra is a strong female lead character within Miller’s novel. Each character seemingly receives the same amount of time, but Avra has a much stronger presence. She is the helping hand, the one each friend turns to when in need of advice. So when her life and relationship start to crumble, the largest portion of my sympathy is directed towards her. She is a great role model to the audience. Avra never bends her beliefs for her friends or relationship, but stays true to who she is as a person.
I really enjoyed Avra’s God and the messages that Miller sent to her audience. I was engrossed with the characters and truthfully, I read this in one night because was unable to put it down for a second. Miller includes just the right amount of each topic and does not overwhelm the reader, but traps them in the lives of these four college students and the common hardships many must face in life.
January 16, 2016
Avra’s God by Ann Lee Miller
New Smyrna Beach Series Book 3
Jesse Koomer was raised in the church, literally since his dad is a minister. Jesse is running from God these days though. Enjoying playing in a band and having all the girls around him. And yet he seems to be missing happiness.
Kallie Logan is so afraid of rejection that she don’t give life a chance to hurt her. Not like her dad did when he left their family. She has to guard her heart from Jesse because she is an all or nothing kind of girl and he’s definitely not ready for that.
Avra Martin knows she shouldn’t be dating a non-believer but when the best looking guy around asks her out, how can she say no? She finds out that God’s rules are there for a reason, to protect us.
Cisco Carter has been leaving a trail of self-destruction behind him ever since his dad left them. When he meets Avra it’s like a breath of fresh air. He loves her life. Her brothers and parents and homemade chocolate chip cookies. But he isn’t so keen on her morals after months of dating. Can he ever leave his old life behind?
Welcome back to New Smyrna Beach once again. This book takes the reader back in time, before Kicking Eternity (book 1) and The Art of My Life (book 2). Once again Ann writes a story that will pull the reader in and take them for an emotional ride. Her stories don’t pretty up life but instead paint a story that has truth in it. Life is hard. Even though some of the characters are Christians they still struggle with life’s temptations….just like in everyday life. All three of these books are worth the time to read.
**Mild sensual situations
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
New Smyrna Beach Series Book 3
Jesse Koomer was raised in the church, literally since his dad is a minister. Jesse is running from God these days though. Enjoying playing in a band and having all the girls around him. And yet he seems to be missing happiness.
Kallie Logan is so afraid of rejection that she don’t give life a chance to hurt her. Not like her dad did when he left their family. She has to guard her heart from Jesse because she is an all or nothing kind of girl and he’s definitely not ready for that.
Avra Martin knows she shouldn’t be dating a non-believer but when the best looking guy around asks her out, how can she say no? She finds out that God’s rules are there for a reason, to protect us.
Cisco Carter has been leaving a trail of self-destruction behind him ever since his dad left them. When he meets Avra it’s like a breath of fresh air. He loves her life. Her brothers and parents and homemade chocolate chip cookies. But he isn’t so keen on her morals after months of dating. Can he ever leave his old life behind?
Welcome back to New Smyrna Beach once again. This book takes the reader back in time, before Kicking Eternity (book 1) and The Art of My Life (book 2). Once again Ann writes a story that will pull the reader in and take them for an emotional ride. Her stories don’t pretty up life but instead paint a story that has truth in it. Life is hard. Even though some of the characters are Christians they still struggle with life’s temptations….just like in everyday life. All three of these books are worth the time to read.
**Mild sensual situations
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
April 16, 2014
Avra believes that handsome Cisco would never give her a second look so when he starts to show interest in her she is skeptical. To Cisco there is something about Avra that draws him. Compared to his family hers is perfect and he wants to be part of it. When Cisco’s desire for a more physical relationship begins to cross the line for Avra bitterness and heartache face the couple. Will Avra’s faith be able to help mend her broken heart?
This is the first book I’ve read by this author. The book is set in New Smyrna Beach, FL which drew me to it because I have actually been to New Smyrna Beach. That aside, I enjoyed the characters in this book very much. I thought that the author did a great job in portraying the college students true to life. I admired Avra for standing up for her beliefs and being a witness to her friends around her. The author did a good job portraying the heartache that comes when two people do not hold the same faith or the same values. I liked how the author was able to show Avra’s struggle to remain pure after all of her desires were awakened by the steamy kisses that she and Cisco shared. The book did not become preachy about whether you should be for or against sex before marriage, but spoke to the reality of the difficulty to remain pure when passions are aroused. I also liked how Avra touched lives around her. Her input into Kallie, Jesse and Cisco’s lives helped show them a more personal relationship with a loving and forgiving Savior.
Thanks to Ann Lee Miller for my copy of Avra’s God for review.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author. The book is set in New Smyrna Beach, FL which drew me to it because I have actually been to New Smyrna Beach. That aside, I enjoyed the characters in this book very much. I thought that the author did a great job in portraying the college students true to life. I admired Avra for standing up for her beliefs and being a witness to her friends around her. The author did a good job portraying the heartache that comes when two people do not hold the same faith or the same values. I liked how the author was able to show Avra’s struggle to remain pure after all of her desires were awakened by the steamy kisses that she and Cisco shared. The book did not become preachy about whether you should be for or against sex before marriage, but spoke to the reality of the difficulty to remain pure when passions are aroused. I also liked how Avra touched lives around her. Her input into Kallie, Jesse and Cisco’s lives helped show them a more personal relationship with a loving and forgiving Savior.
Thanks to Ann Lee Miller for my copy of Avra’s God for review.
April 28, 2015
Author Ann Miller has created a story that could be happening to you and your friends. Avra has a very close walk with God. This doesn’t mean she isn’t vulnerable. It means she has to rely on her to keep her on the right path. She especially needs his help when she finds herself attracted to Cisco. Cisco has some major issues. He is attracted to Avra. He wants what she has, yet like so many it is easier to live the life he has. Those quick fixes like drugs and sex make it easy to make excuses. Then we meet Jessie and Kallie. Kallie doesn’t trust men because her father ran out one them. If she can take control of the situation then she won’t get hurt. That’s what she tells herself. Jessie is a preacher’s kid. He is in a band and loves the attention he gets from all of the girls. I could relate to so many of these characters. I was raised in a very strict Christian home. When the doors of the church were open we were there. When I rebelled I made sure my mom knew what I was doing. I wanted to show her I could be bad, yet God constantly pulled me back to him.
I believe anyone and everyone who reads this book will see themselves in one of the characters. That is hard to admit because it means we look back at a part of our past that we may not be proud of. At the same time it means we look back at the way God directed our past.
Like Avra, we want our faith to lead our friends to, or closer to a walk with God. This is one of the best books I have read this year and I am glad to recommend it to others.
I believe anyone and everyone who reads this book will see themselves in one of the characters. That is hard to admit because it means we look back at a part of our past that we may not be proud of. At the same time it means we look back at the way God directed our past.
Like Avra, we want our faith to lead our friends to, or closer to a walk with God. This is one of the best books I have read this year and I am glad to recommend it to others.
December 4, 2012
I spent a good portion of my teen years at New Smyrna Beach so when I was asked by Ann to read and review this book I was super excited! She has created some great characters that pull you right in and make you care about them.
Jesse is a preachers kid, and the last place he wants to be is in church. He wants to be in the band that he has started, and having all the girls swooning over him. Yet, he is missing something.
Kallie won't let anyone get close, especially Jesse. She's afraid of being hurt again just like what her dad did after he left her family. It's all or nothing with her, and Jesse isn't ready for that.
Avra knows she shouldn't be dating Cisco but he's the best looking guy and when he asked her out she nearly fell over. She's soon to find out that God's way is better.
Cisco is the resident heart throb who has been leaving a trail of broken hearts since his dad split. He loves Avra's family because they are a true family. He craves Avra's homemade chocolate chip cookies, but he doesn't seem to be able to stick to the moral guidelines he agreed to with her dad.
Welcome to New Smyrna Beach where the water is warm, the sand inviting, and troubles are bound to happen.
Ann writes a story that will pull the reader right in from the beginning and won't let them go. She makes you care about each of these characters and want them to succeed. This is a definite must read!
Jesse is a preachers kid, and the last place he wants to be is in church. He wants to be in the band that he has started, and having all the girls swooning over him. Yet, he is missing something.
Kallie won't let anyone get close, especially Jesse. She's afraid of being hurt again just like what her dad did after he left her family. It's all or nothing with her, and Jesse isn't ready for that.
Avra knows she shouldn't be dating Cisco but he's the best looking guy and when he asked her out she nearly fell over. She's soon to find out that God's way is better.
Cisco is the resident heart throb who has been leaving a trail of broken hearts since his dad split. He loves Avra's family because they are a true family. He craves Avra's homemade chocolate chip cookies, but he doesn't seem to be able to stick to the moral guidelines he agreed to with her dad.
Welcome to New Smyrna Beach where the water is warm, the sand inviting, and troubles are bound to happen.
Ann writes a story that will pull the reader right in from the beginning and won't let them go. She makes you care about each of these characters and want them to succeed. This is a definite must read!
April 1, 2014
I recently had the privilege of reading Ann Lee Miller’s Avra’s God (New Smyrna Beach Series), set at a public university in sunny Florida.
I was blessed to attend private schools from kindergarten through college, and will admit that I wasn’t sure how well I could or would relate to the public-school setting, having never experienced it and heard mixed reviews. But as I began to read Avra’s God, many, many high-school and college memories immediately came flooding back. Turns out private and public schools aren’t always that different. :)
Sure, the curricula can and do vary widely; some students thrive in a specific school setting, while others would do anything to be “normal” and not attend the school they’re at – let’s face it, the grass is always greener! – the thoughts, hearts, minds (and hormones) of students everywhere are Not. That. Different.
The characters in Avra’s God are relatable and likable; it was sometimes hard to keep story lines and characters’ pasts straight, but I quickly found myself rooting for them to succeed – in faith, in school, and in relationships. I particularly enjoyed the themes of redemption and reconciliation; several characters have become estranged from their fathers, and it was neat to see God at work in each of those. While reconciliation didn’t happen neatly or with a bow tied on top, it still happened – and in ways I wouldn’t have expected.
A pleasurable read; I’m looking forward to reading more of Ann Lee Miller’s works.
I was blessed to attend private schools from kindergarten through college, and will admit that I wasn’t sure how well I could or would relate to the public-school setting, having never experienced it and heard mixed reviews. But as I began to read Avra’s God, many, many high-school and college memories immediately came flooding back. Turns out private and public schools aren’t always that different. :)
Sure, the curricula can and do vary widely; some students thrive in a specific school setting, while others would do anything to be “normal” and not attend the school they’re at – let’s face it, the grass is always greener! – the thoughts, hearts, minds (and hormones) of students everywhere are Not. That. Different.
The characters in Avra’s God are relatable and likable; it was sometimes hard to keep story lines and characters’ pasts straight, but I quickly found myself rooting for them to succeed – in faith, in school, and in relationships. I particularly enjoyed the themes of redemption and reconciliation; several characters have become estranged from their fathers, and it was neat to see God at work in each of those. While reconciliation didn’t happen neatly or with a bow tied on top, it still happened – and in ways I wouldn’t have expected.
A pleasurable read; I’m looking forward to reading more of Ann Lee Miller’s works.
December 7, 2013
So many things to love about “Avra’s God.” Such finely drawn, relatable characters. Avra and Cisco are beautifully real – with insecurities and hopes, humor and heartbreak. By the third chapter, I was half in love with Cisco myself – such a charmer!
Kallie and Jesse, the secondary characters, were also intriguing (although I kind of wanted to shake each of them at one point or another!) and fun to read. Together and individually, the two couples work through issues of temptation and heartbreak, forgiveness and grace. It was amazing to watch these four kids become adults.
The setting of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, is like another major character in the book. Miller uses such strong imagery, I felt like I was there – I could hear the surf, feel the sand beneath my feet. I enjoyed that so much.
The pace is super quick, making the pages fly by. And yet, the issues the characters deal with are deep, real issues – grace and forgiveness, faith, the struggle to discover and remain faithful to God’s plan in the face of fear and overwhelming temptation. The kind of things that keep you thinking about the characters long after you put the book down.
This book has it all – characters you can fall in love with, humor, lighthearted banter, deep questions and the deep comfort that comes from living by faith. Kind of like life, actually.
Kallie and Jesse, the secondary characters, were also intriguing (although I kind of wanted to shake each of them at one point or another!) and fun to read. Together and individually, the two couples work through issues of temptation and heartbreak, forgiveness and grace. It was amazing to watch these four kids become adults.
The setting of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, is like another major character in the book. Miller uses such strong imagery, I felt like I was there – I could hear the surf, feel the sand beneath my feet. I enjoyed that so much.
The pace is super quick, making the pages fly by. And yet, the issues the characters deal with are deep, real issues – grace and forgiveness, faith, the struggle to discover and remain faithful to God’s plan in the face of fear and overwhelming temptation. The kind of things that keep you thinking about the characters long after you put the book down.
This book has it all – characters you can fall in love with, humor, lighthearted banter, deep questions and the deep comfort that comes from living by faith. Kind of like life, actually.
March 10, 2016
What a rollercoaster of emotion! Reading this "New Adult" book reminds me of one of those e-cards that I think is hilarious and oh-so-true: "I'm 30 but I still fell like I'm 20... until I hang out with 20 year olds... then I'm like, nope never mind, I'm 30." The author skillfully portrayed all the drama, emotion, indecision, change, and maturing that happens during the college years. The characters are vibrant- I felt like I really got to know each of them- their strengths, hopes, vulnerabilities, and fears. The story is told from four perspectives- the two girls, and the two guys who break their hearts. I appreciated having the insights into what the guys were thinking, although that didn't prevent me from still having a hard time understanding the male psyche. (Maybe it's because I grew up with all sisters). I kept thinking, if they would only just sit down and talk about what they are really feeling! But that's not usually reality- and the conflicts these young adults struggled with and the way they handled them sure felt real. The spiritual journey and growth of each character also felt realistic- it was a progression towards connecting with God, learning how to be comforted and guided by him, seeking forgiveness and the grace to forgive.
(a copy of the book was provided by the author for unbiased review)
(a copy of the book was provided by the author for unbiased review)
June 2, 2014
Forgiveness. Each character in this story has to learn to forgive. Avra needs to forgive Cisco. Cisco needs to forgive his father. Jesse and Kallie need to forgive each other.
This story revolves around four friends attending Daytona State University. Cisco comes from a broken home and loves the atmosphere of family he finds at Avra's. Avra has had a crush on Cisco but has always felt she wasn't worthy.
Jesse is in a band and has grabbed the attention of squealing fangirls. One of them is not Kallie. She's just a friend...a friend he wants to make something more. Holding Kallie back are the girls and the band atmosphere. Is Jesse the right one for her?
I don't know. I didn't really connect with this book. I can't really explain what it was, but I never really felt like I knew the characters. Too much was going on and I was trying to keep characters straight in my mind. I don't know. It wasn't a bad story. I just couldn't connect to it.
I read this book as a review request. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review in any way.
This story revolves around four friends attending Daytona State University. Cisco comes from a broken home and loves the atmosphere of family he finds at Avra's. Avra has had a crush on Cisco but has always felt she wasn't worthy.
Jesse is in a band and has grabbed the attention of squealing fangirls. One of them is not Kallie. She's just a friend...a friend he wants to make something more. Holding Kallie back are the girls and the band atmosphere. Is Jesse the right one for her?
I don't know. I didn't really connect with this book. I can't really explain what it was, but I never really felt like I knew the characters. Too much was going on and I was trying to keep characters straight in my mind. I don't know. It wasn't a bad story. I just couldn't connect to it.
I read this book as a review request. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review in any way.
June 1, 2014
Avra's God by Ann Lee Miller is another exceptionally written story. I enjoyed reading the story about how Jessie & Kallie and Avra & Cisco became couples.
The lives of these four people are so interesting to read and learn about. How they each have issues and their individual struggles to find their way in life, each other, their families and in God.
Ann Lee Miller has a wonderful way of putting reality into the characters she writes about. They become 3 demensional and alive in your imagination. I particularly enjoy the way Ann captures the edginess of the young men and writes so expressively using the words and thoughts of how men in this age group actually think and speak.
The young women in the story are so true to life in their mannerisms and insecurities. Brought to mind how I felt at that age and how insecure I was about my looks and personality.
If you enjoy reading this genre then I highly recommend this as your next read. Then I encourage you to read the rest of the stories in this wonderful series.
The lives of these four people are so interesting to read and learn about. How they each have issues and their individual struggles to find their way in life, each other, their families and in God.
Ann Lee Miller has a wonderful way of putting reality into the characters she writes about. They become 3 demensional and alive in your imagination. I particularly enjoy the way Ann captures the edginess of the young men and writes so expressively using the words and thoughts of how men in this age group actually think and speak.
The young women in the story are so true to life in their mannerisms and insecurities. Brought to mind how I felt at that age and how insecure I was about my looks and personality.
If you enjoy reading this genre then I highly recommend this as your next read. Then I encourage you to read the rest of the stories in this wonderful series.
February 18, 2014
I want every teen & 20-something I know to read this book. Miller wrote their story. And my story. And your story. Her characters are us--our loves, our wounds, our temptations, our strengths, our weaknesses, our hopes, our fears, our struggle against God, and/or our struggle to live for Him. The book description is simplistic--giving the basic story line--but this book has far more depth. I'm in my 40s and reading this gave perspective to my memories, brought healing, and opened my eyes to lingering issues.
I have to go now because I need to read everything else Ann Lee Miller wrote. She has a rare gift with words, but the beauty and insight in Avra's God goes far beyond that. Do yourself a favor and read it--and then give a copy to the young adults in your life.
I have to go now because I need to read everything else Ann Lee Miller wrote. She has a rare gift with words, but the beauty and insight in Avra's God goes far beyond that. Do yourself a favor and read it--and then give a copy to the young adults in your life.
June 4, 2014
I am always looking for clean reads. Many of the books I read are not overtly Christian though. This one is and I really enjoyed it. The characters drew me in. They faced real problems faced my young adults today. They had to learn to trust each other and more importantly to trust their God. While they had been let down by the world, they had to each learn to rely on God and develop a personal relationship with him. It took one of them to plant the seed in the hearts of the others. They each overcame hurt and learned to love and forgive others. The problems they faced were very real. Their friendships were a strength to them. I loved how these characters related to each other and how they each found God.
March 4, 2013
I had a hard time getting into this book at first. It started a little slow for me. I think the book works better classified as young adult fiction. The theme throughout the story was about the personal choices made by the characters and how the consequences can weigh on you. Avra's strong relationship with God keeps her trying to make the best decisions for herself even though she nearly succumbs a few times. The friendship throughout the story is endearing, and ultimately that's what made the story successful to me.
~ Crystal
~ Crystal
March 4, 2013
I had a hard time getting into this book at first. It started a little slow for me. I think the book works better classified as young adult fiction. The theme throughout the story was about the personal choices made by the characters and how the consequences can weigh on you. Avra's strong relationship with God keeps her trying to make the best decisions for herself even though she nearly succumbs a few times. The friendship throughout the story is endearing, and ultimately that's what made the story successful to me.
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