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Trust Me Twice
From the day they were born, Alana and Zac were best friends, until an incident on a school camp causes Alana to push Zac away. Ten years later, Alana returns to her home town of Oakley and runs into Zac again. He is now a famous TV star and super-cute, but can she forgive him for hurting her all those years ago? While stranded alone with him in the middle of a natural disaster, she is forced to decide whether she will open her heart and trust him again.
- GenresChristian Fiction
134 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 19, 2013
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27 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 5, 2013
I have two words to describe this story: Sweet fairytale! I loved this book start to finish. The romance wasn’t over the top, but it was really sweet. Ever read a book where prince-charming did everything a girl ever dreamed of (at least in my book)? That was Zac, the male lead character in this book. Not at the beginning, but definitely at the end.
Even though Alana, the female lead character, was hurt and couldn’t trust easily, she surprisingly didn’t wrestle with what God was trying to teach her and eventually opened her heart to Him and to Zac. Alison did a wonderful job of building Alana’s character and personality as a child and teenager so well there was no way a reader wouldn’t be drawn emotionally into the story quickly. But I didn’t get to know Alana’s personality as an adult as well. Zac’s personality was better developed. I felt the emotional process of Alana’s change of heart needed a slower build. The lessons she learned morphed her too quickly so I didn’t get to know her deep enough. But that didn’t stop me from loving the story. In fact, for the sweetness of the story, it’s a detail that I’m willing overlook.
What I admire most about Alison’s work is her boldness in clearly passing across the message of the story with Scripture and teaching. It was a well themed book; some might call it preachy. I personally loved and enjoyed it! The message was clear: trust God in all things whether or not you understand the situations in your life.
I enjoyed this book immensely. It was really romantic.
Even though Alana, the female lead character, was hurt and couldn’t trust easily, she surprisingly didn’t wrestle with what God was trying to teach her and eventually opened her heart to Him and to Zac. Alison did a wonderful job of building Alana’s character and personality as a child and teenager so well there was no way a reader wouldn’t be drawn emotionally into the story quickly. But I didn’t get to know Alana’s personality as an adult as well. Zac’s personality was better developed. I felt the emotional process of Alana’s change of heart needed a slower build. The lessons she learned morphed her too quickly so I didn’t get to know her deep enough. But that didn’t stop me from loving the story. In fact, for the sweetness of the story, it’s a detail that I’m willing overlook.
What I admire most about Alison’s work is her boldness in clearly passing across the message of the story with Scripture and teaching. It was a well themed book; some might call it preachy. I personally loved and enjoyed it! The message was clear: trust God in all things whether or not you understand the situations in your life.
I enjoyed this book immensely. It was really romantic.
June 6, 2013
Alana Johnston and Zac Whitehouse had been best friends since they were children in Oakley, New South Wales, Australia, and discovered the shared the same birthday. But then Zac’s parents moved. Seven years later, Zac came back. He was cute and cool. And Alana wasn’t. And while Alana thought they might become best friends again, she then overheard something that confirmed it wasn’t meant to be.
Ten years later, Alana and Zac are both back in Oakley. It seems super-cute Zac is now a TV star, on the soap, ‘North Shore’. Not that Alana knew, as she’s too busy with her career to watch TV. Meeting Zac again… the attraction is still there, but she’ll have to work out their new relationship, and review her relationship with God.
I really enjoyed Trust Me Twice. It was an easy and relaxing read, perfect for summer sunbathing (or curling up by a winter fire). There is quite a lot of detail about Alana and Zac as teens, and it was almost too realistic. Remember those times when you said things you didn’t mean, or you said something and it came out totally wrong?
The adult Alana and Zac were much more mature (thankfully). They’d both worked out who they were a bit better, and while there were still a whole bunch of issues to work through before Alana especially could trust Zac again, it was well done. A good read and I’ll look forward to reading more from Alison Stanley.
Thanks to Alison Stanley for providing a free ebook for review.
Ten years later, Alana and Zac are both back in Oakley. It seems super-cute Zac is now a TV star, on the soap, ‘North Shore’. Not that Alana knew, as she’s too busy with her career to watch TV. Meeting Zac again… the attraction is still there, but she’ll have to work out their new relationship, and review her relationship with God.
I really enjoyed Trust Me Twice. It was an easy and relaxing read, perfect for summer sunbathing (or curling up by a winter fire). There is quite a lot of detail about Alana and Zac as teens, and it was almost too realistic. Remember those times when you said things you didn’t mean, or you said something and it came out totally wrong?
The adult Alana and Zac were much more mature (thankfully). They’d both worked out who they were a bit better, and while there were still a whole bunch of issues to work through before Alana especially could trust Zac again, it was well done. A good read and I’ll look forward to reading more from Alison Stanley.
Thanks to Alison Stanley for providing a free ebook for review.
March 18, 2013
I love, love, love Christian Fiction. When Alison asked me if I would review Trust Me Twice I had to say yes, especially after seeing that it was a Christian Romance. I love reading about characters that have been struggling with their relationship with God, find peace in Him.
Alison Stanley did a fabulous job of creating down to earth characters in a wonderful romance.
Alana and Zac have been friends since birth, they even share a birthday. As small children they spent many hours playing with one another until the day that his family moves.
When they become teenagers and Zac moves back, Alana begins to feel a strong attraction to Zac. They bond again as friends but then the high school pressures drive him away from his friendship with her, which leaves her broken hearted.
Now that they are all grown up, Alana heads home for the holidays and who does she run into? Zac. After all those years apart, she finds that those feelings that were so well hidden are coming back like a flood, but she needs to figure out how to push back behind the wall she had built around them before her heart suffers once again.
Alison Stanley did a fabulous job of creating down to earth characters in a wonderful romance.
Alana and Zac have been friends since birth, they even share a birthday. As small children they spent many hours playing with one another until the day that his family moves.
When they become teenagers and Zac moves back, Alana begins to feel a strong attraction to Zac. They bond again as friends but then the high school pressures drive him away from his friendship with her, which leaves her broken hearted.
Now that they are all grown up, Alana heads home for the holidays and who does she run into? Zac. After all those years apart, she finds that those feelings that were so well hidden are coming back like a flood, but she needs to figure out how to push back behind the wall she had built around them before her heart suffers once again.
April 17, 2013
I had just finished reading the book this morning. Didn't want to the e-book put it down. The story wasn't cheesy or fake. It touched me deeply. I felt that the main character Alana had a lot in common. Like her it took quite some time to forgive those who had hurt me, although didn't have any guy issues being I never had one. I recommend this book to all who may be struggling in the waiting period of their lives. I know it has given me a boost in my faith. God bless Alison Stanley and I can't wait for her next book. (secretly hoping for a thick paperback.)
April 11, 2013
Awesome! I am thrilled to have found this author. These selections are a blessing to read. The situations in Second Chances and Trust Me Twice are situations we all can relate to, either personally or by association.
These are must reads for teens and young adults. I know you will enjoy them as much ad I did.
Thanks Me. Stanley. Please continue writing.
These are must reads for teens and young adults. I know you will enjoy them as much ad I did.
Thanks Me. Stanley. Please continue writing.
April 28, 2013
Interestingly enough, I was recently contacted by Alison Stanley as she found out I was going to be reviewing one of her other books, Second Chances in a few weeks. She asked if I could read one of her other books, Trust Me Twice, and publish my review for that one first. What's interesting about this request is:
1. This is the first time I have actually been contacted by an author to review a different book I already had scheduled. I am curious as to how she found out, but am really excited that she did because this means someone is reading my musings, so that is a good thing!
2. I had actually finished reading the first book and was just about to publish the review when Ms. Stanley contacted me. I am a voracious reader, so I am actually weeks ahead in my reading. Since I have not had a chance to write any of my reviews yet, I figured what's one more book! So I readily accepted the invitation to read and I am so glad I did.
Trust Me Twice is the story of two friends, Alana and Zac, born on the same day and actually grew up across the street from one another. Unfortunately, just as things were starting to develop, Zac and his family moved away. The good news though is that seven years later, he comes back with his family, a little bit older and a little bit different.
Hoping to restart that friendship again, she ends up helping Zac redecorate his room. While it takes weeks to complete this project, Alana realizes that both her and Zac have grown up a bit and perhaps apart. He doesn't believe in God anymore and thinks she's a kid. He tries to explain himself, but like typical teenage boys can do, he stucks his foot in his mouth and didn't think before he spoke. God and church are really important to Alana, and she takes this all wrong and that's when things get progressively worse.
Oh those teenage years! They were awful for me and I can so totally relate to the storyline so far. Clearly Alison remembers what it was like to be a teenager because the characters she crafted were entirely believable, right down to Alana's jealousy of the popular girls and the dialogue between Zac and the other teens on the school trip making fun of Alana. Such a huge betrayal of trust But that is where the relating stops. I never had a boyfriend while I was in school, so I didn't have to pine for one years and years later. But I know what it's like to be betrayed.
Ironically, I have been attending a Bible Study Fellowship program and one of the things that we talked about is the fact that even though things don't always make sense in our lives and prayers are not always answered the way we want them to be, God really does have a plan for each and every one of us. What we need to remember is that He is the one that is driver's seat and we need to follow the path he is setting out for us.
Trust Me Twice is a beautiful story that demonstrates how God doesn't always answer those prayers in the manner we want, but in the end, He does finally get us to the point we were asking for in the first place. While the journey He takes us on is not the most direct route, we eventually ends up in the exact spot we asked to be in.
I don't want to reveal too much more about the story, but I would like to say that it does have some interesting curves in the road. Trust Me Twice by Alison Stanley is so aptly named and reminds all of us that we need to not only need to trust in ourselves, but we need to trust in God as well.
1. This is the first time I have actually been contacted by an author to review a different book I already had scheduled. I am curious as to how she found out, but am really excited that she did because this means someone is reading my musings, so that is a good thing!
2. I had actually finished reading the first book and was just about to publish the review when Ms. Stanley contacted me. I am a voracious reader, so I am actually weeks ahead in my reading. Since I have not had a chance to write any of my reviews yet, I figured what's one more book! So I readily accepted the invitation to read and I am so glad I did.
Trust Me Twice is the story of two friends, Alana and Zac, born on the same day and actually grew up across the street from one another. Unfortunately, just as things were starting to develop, Zac and his family moved away. The good news though is that seven years later, he comes back with his family, a little bit older and a little bit different.
Hoping to restart that friendship again, she ends up helping Zac redecorate his room. While it takes weeks to complete this project, Alana realizes that both her and Zac have grown up a bit and perhaps apart. He doesn't believe in God anymore and thinks she's a kid. He tries to explain himself, but like typical teenage boys can do, he stucks his foot in his mouth and didn't think before he spoke. God and church are really important to Alana, and she takes this all wrong and that's when things get progressively worse.
Oh those teenage years! They were awful for me and I can so totally relate to the storyline so far. Clearly Alison remembers what it was like to be a teenager because the characters she crafted were entirely believable, right down to Alana's jealousy of the popular girls and the dialogue between Zac and the other teens on the school trip making fun of Alana. Such a huge betrayal of trust But that is where the relating stops. I never had a boyfriend while I was in school, so I didn't have to pine for one years and years later. But I know what it's like to be betrayed.
Ironically, I have been attending a Bible Study Fellowship program and one of the things that we talked about is the fact that even though things don't always make sense in our lives and prayers are not always answered the way we want them to be, God really does have a plan for each and every one of us. What we need to remember is that He is the one that is driver's seat and we need to follow the path he is setting out for us.
Trust Me Twice is a beautiful story that demonstrates how God doesn't always answer those prayers in the manner we want, but in the end, He does finally get us to the point we were asking for in the first place. While the journey He takes us on is not the most direct route, we eventually ends up in the exact spot we asked to be in.
I don't want to reveal too much more about the story, but I would like to say that it does have some interesting curves in the road. Trust Me Twice by Alison Stanley is so aptly named and reminds all of us that we need to not only need to trust in ourselves, but we need to trust in God as well.
August 14, 2013
What a short and sweet novel!! It is so evident that Alison had fun writing Trust Me Twice as I had so much fun reading it. It is fast paced, has charming characters and communicates the wonderful lesson of trust, not only in others, but in God’s perfect timing. There are just so many things I like about this book…
Firstly, it is that Alison did a great job engaging readers emotionally. After reading the first chapter, I knew this story was going to be a keeper. Reading Alana’s heart ache over Zac at such a young age, I couldn’t help but feel her pain, especially after reading how it has caused her to keep a distance from people to prevent her from being hurt again. However this just made her moments with Zac even more electrifying! I loved the chemistry between the two and how well they complemented each other. (The kisses were just oh so perfect) I love Zac, his character as well as his celebrity because, let’s be honest, every girl at least once in their life dreams of marrying a celebrity (a good looking one at that). This is exactly what Zac is. I suppose his added charm is that he is a Christian, which is a rarity for someone of his status, somewhat fulfilling this dream. It is what attracted me to the story anyway Alana is someone every heart-broken girl is able to relate with, making it a whole lot easier to step in and take her place. (I know, I’m a hopeless romantic) Although this is a very short story, I have to compliment Alison on the wonderful job in orchestrating this contemporary fairy tale. I really felt like Cinderella reading it, especially the ending!!
Secondly, it’s the setting I love how it is set in Australia, the Gold Coast, and Sydney. Although I have never been to those places myself, I could very easily relate as I too live in Australia. My recent discovery of really amazingly talented Australian authors is just getting better.
Thirdly, I love the pace of this novel! I have come across really thick books that have just dragged on a little too long. However regarding this book, although it is about 55 pages, I would say that it is very appropriate. In the beginning I was a little unsure of its pace, however once I got to the second chapter I was engaged and found the story flowed beautifully. I couldn’t put it down!
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Firstly, it is that Alison did a great job engaging readers emotionally. After reading the first chapter, I knew this story was going to be a keeper. Reading Alana’s heart ache over Zac at such a young age, I couldn’t help but feel her pain, especially after reading how it has caused her to keep a distance from people to prevent her from being hurt again. However this just made her moments with Zac even more electrifying! I loved the chemistry between the two and how well they complemented each other. (The kisses were just oh so perfect) I love Zac, his character as well as his celebrity because, let’s be honest, every girl at least once in their life dreams of marrying a celebrity (a good looking one at that). This is exactly what Zac is. I suppose his added charm is that he is a Christian, which is a rarity for someone of his status, somewhat fulfilling this dream. It is what attracted me to the story anyway Alana is someone every heart-broken girl is able to relate with, making it a whole lot easier to step in and take her place. (I know, I’m a hopeless romantic) Although this is a very short story, I have to compliment Alison on the wonderful job in orchestrating this contemporary fairy tale. I really felt like Cinderella reading it, especially the ending!!
Secondly, it’s the setting I love how it is set in Australia, the Gold Coast, and Sydney. Although I have never been to those places myself, I could very easily relate as I too live in Australia. My recent discovery of really amazingly talented Australian authors is just getting better.
Thirdly, I love the pace of this novel! I have come across really thick books that have just dragged on a little too long. However regarding this book, although it is about 55 pages, I would say that it is very appropriate. In the beginning I was a little unsure of its pace, however once I got to the second chapter I was engaged and found the story flowed beautifully. I couldn’t put it down!
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May 12, 2013
Trust Me Twice is a lovely coming of age story which blossoms into a reconnection of two people who were best friends from the moment they breathed their first breaths.
Alana and Zac did everything together growing up. They each felt as welcome in the other's home as they did in their own.
One of the most charming scenes builds around Zac's request of Alana to help him organize and decorate his room. He has seen hers, and it's design convinces Zac that this is what he needs to do. Alana arrives as scheduled on a Saturday morning at Zac's, and he is still asleep. Alana sits comfortably in the kitchen with Zac's mom waiting patiently for him to appear. The sense of camaraderie between Alana and Zac's mother lends an air of safety and security and a mutual respect.
Alana and Zac grow up, and Alana follows her dream of interior design and moves away. But not before Zac has hurt her deeply. Ten years pass, and Alana returns to her home town and is soon confronted with Zac, the handsome TV star.
When a natural disaster hits and the storm strands them alone in Alana's parents' home, the two begin to consider their past and if they have a future together.
This is my first read of an Alison Stanley book, and I quickly came to appreciate her character development -- real, down-to-earth people, her use of dialogue in interesting circumstances -- a scene where Alana and Zac pass notes under a down, and her ability to draw you almost from the beginning.
A quick read, Trust Me Twice is suitable for tween girls to read and for anyone who wants to engage in a story showing that God has a time for each of us, but in His own time and His own way.
Alana and Zac did everything together growing up. They each felt as welcome in the other's home as they did in their own.
One of the most charming scenes builds around Zac's request of Alana to help him organize and decorate his room. He has seen hers, and it's design convinces Zac that this is what he needs to do. Alana arrives as scheduled on a Saturday morning at Zac's, and he is still asleep. Alana sits comfortably in the kitchen with Zac's mom waiting patiently for him to appear. The sense of camaraderie between Alana and Zac's mother lends an air of safety and security and a mutual respect.
Alana and Zac grow up, and Alana follows her dream of interior design and moves away. But not before Zac has hurt her deeply. Ten years pass, and Alana returns to her home town and is soon confronted with Zac, the handsome TV star.
When a natural disaster hits and the storm strands them alone in Alana's parents' home, the two begin to consider their past and if they have a future together.
This is my first read of an Alison Stanley book, and I quickly came to appreciate her character development -- real, down-to-earth people, her use of dialogue in interesting circumstances -- a scene where Alana and Zac pass notes under a down, and her ability to draw you almost from the beginning.
A quick read, Trust Me Twice is suitable for tween girls to read and for anyone who wants to engage in a story showing that God has a time for each of us, but in His own time and His own way.
January 10, 2014
I'm not a huge fan of Christian fiction, so this is saying something! :)
Stanley has a great way of adding detail to settings that supplies enough of a glimmer that you can fill in the blanks. The relationship development of both main characters was satisfying and I felt, complete. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this to anyone in their teenage years who needs encouragement that God has our paths all sorted out. The story and writing is so versatile that it could be Adult, New Adult or even Young Adult in audience.
But, I suppose the huge blocks of adults "directing" the main character's thoughts might lend itself to a more fresh-christian, early teen audience. (I have a feeling that later teens might find those sections irritating, and the story supports the ideas enough to do without them. But I can understand why Stanley wanted to include them- she wanted to be perfectly clear in her intentions in promoting God's goodness.)
In terms of endings though, I preferred Stanley's non-fairytale ending of Second chances to this one. But again, personal preferences are always going to differ, and I still think this is another great addition to Stanley's bookshelf.
I'm so impressed that this was a self-published novel. So many published works don't even meet the kind of quality that I see here.
Looking forward to whatever else Stanley has in her head, and wondering if maybe, I'm not so adverse to Christian literature myself?
Stanley has a great way of adding detail to settings that supplies enough of a glimmer that you can fill in the blanks. The relationship development of both main characters was satisfying and I felt, complete. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this to anyone in their teenage years who needs encouragement that God has our paths all sorted out. The story and writing is so versatile that it could be Adult, New Adult or even Young Adult in audience.
But, I suppose the huge blocks of adults "directing" the main character's thoughts might lend itself to a more fresh-christian, early teen audience. (I have a feeling that later teens might find those sections irritating, and the story supports the ideas enough to do without them. But I can understand why Stanley wanted to include them- she wanted to be perfectly clear in her intentions in promoting God's goodness.)
In terms of endings though, I preferred Stanley's non-fairytale ending of Second chances to this one. But again, personal preferences are always going to differ, and I still think this is another great addition to Stanley's bookshelf.
I'm so impressed that this was a self-published novel. So many published works don't even meet the kind of quality that I see here.
Looking forward to whatever else Stanley has in her head, and wondering if maybe, I'm not so adverse to Christian literature myself?
September 21, 2013
I received a review copy of this book in exchage for an honest review.
Having read the reviews on Amazon, I was confident I would like this book but, in all honesty, it actually exceeded my expectations. First of all, it was truly decent and, for that, I'm grateful - as my search for decent romance books has been frustrating, even with filtering on "Christian". I thought the book was well written and the characters were very likeable. I especially liked the romance that played out when the lead characters were grown up. I also liked the family dynamics and the storms of life that provide realism. I honestly cannot say enough good about this book. Through requesting the review copy, I got to meet the author and I consider her and her works to be inspirational.
Having read the reviews on Amazon, I was confident I would like this book but, in all honesty, it actually exceeded my expectations. First of all, it was truly decent and, for that, I'm grateful - as my search for decent romance books has been frustrating, even with filtering on "Christian". I thought the book was well written and the characters were very likeable. I especially liked the romance that played out when the lead characters were grown up. I also liked the family dynamics and the storms of life that provide realism. I honestly cannot say enough good about this book. Through requesting the review copy, I got to meet the author and I consider her and her works to be inspirational.
March 23, 2013
Trust Me Twice is a relatively short read, which I did in a few hours one night, and it kept me awake until I finished it. Parts of the story take place in Alana's teen years and it really took me back to my own adolescence, awaking those feelings I experienced back then.
I enjoyed Alison's writing, especially one piece of dialogue between Alana and Zac where they were on opposite sides of a door, and passed notes underneath. Loved that.
All in all, Trust Me Twice was an engrossing, heart-warming read, and I recommend it to all to love a good romance with a satisfying ending. Thanks Alison, for sending me a review copy.
I enjoyed Alison's writing, especially one piece of dialogue between Alana and Zac where they were on opposite sides of a door, and passed notes underneath. Loved that.
All in all, Trust Me Twice was an engrossing, heart-warming read, and I recommend it to all to love a good romance with a satisfying ending. Thanks Alison, for sending me a review copy.
December 3, 2015
Great Christian Book
I find it so invigorating to read a book that is 100% pure Christian orientated. Trusting that God is paving the way and it is His plan and His time with our life. Relying on God is hard sometimes, especially when we think things aren't progressing as we want. It all comes down to faith.
I find it so invigorating to read a book that is 100% pure Christian orientated. Trusting that God is paving the way and it is His plan and His time with our life. Relying on God is hard sometimes, especially when we think things aren't progressing as we want. It all comes down to faith.
August 7, 2013
Quick enjoyable read
September 8, 2014
Review
good read and had some morals to it-it's nice to read a book that doesn't contain vulgarity and is family friendly.it's nice to read clean and uplifting material
good read and had some morals to it-it's nice to read a book that doesn't contain vulgarity and is family friendly.it's nice to read clean and uplifting material
June 17, 2016
Trust
There are so many things in life that we question. Is it something we want or is it what God wants. This book makes you think about these choices.
There are so many things in life that we question. Is it something we want or is it what God wants. This book makes you think about these choices.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews