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Windspree #1
Not Guilty
Rape is a Four-Letter Word But it is one that Christians need to discuss more openly. It's 1974 and Carrie Shepherd, daughter of the minister at Windspree Community Church, is a college senior with plans to be a missionary in Africa. Raped by a masked assailant, Carrie is so traumatized she tells no one until she realizes she's pregnant. Refusing to have an abortion, she must find the courage to face her family, her fiancé, her friends, and a gossiping, angry congregation which may include her attacker. Can Carrie find a way to cope with the secrets, silence, and shame that threaten to tear apart her family and church?
224 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
19 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 24, 2013
Not Guilty By Teresa Pollard & Candi Pullen
In this book you have a Pastor's daughter who is pure and clean. She is in love and engaged to be married to the man of her dreams when she is raped by a masked man. As she falls into depression she finds out she is pregnant. This book goes through her struggles that come with rape and pregnancy and judgmental Christians but I do not want to give too much away so I will stop there.
My attention was hooked on page 2 and I did not want to put this book down. I brought it with me while I ran errands and if I had one minute, I would read a page. LOL. I wanted to have someone read it to me while I drove because I did not want to wait a second to find out what was going on! Even through the unrealistic parts, I was still intrigued and wanted to read more!
After Carrie is raped, the emotions and struggles she goes through are very realistic and believable to me. She reacts the way I would expect. Her parents act the way I would expect a pastor and his wife to act. Joe.......... Joe was a little unrealistic to me. He accepted the pregnancy with open arms immediately, he did not hesitate or anything. I have never met a man like that. I am not saying he does not exist, I am just saying that I have not personally met him so it is hard for me to believe he would be THAT open and understanding.
The one thing I want to say to the author (and I would LOVE to know what all of you thought as well). The majority of this book (with Joe being the exception) was realistic and great. I loved the religious aspect but the end......... I was disappointed. Without giving too much away, I can say that I found the church scene to be very fake and unrealistic. There is no way any of it would have unfolded like it did and I felt let down.
All of that being said, overall I thought it was a great book and I will read it again and I do recommend it, but I will warn you, this is a very Christian book, God is talked about on almost every page so non believers would more than likely not enjoy it.
***This book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an open and honest review***
In this book you have a Pastor's daughter who is pure and clean. She is in love and engaged to be married to the man of her dreams when she is raped by a masked man. As she falls into depression she finds out she is pregnant. This book goes through her struggles that come with rape and pregnancy and judgmental Christians but I do not want to give too much away so I will stop there.
My attention was hooked on page 2 and I did not want to put this book down. I brought it with me while I ran errands and if I had one minute, I would read a page. LOL. I wanted to have someone read it to me while I drove because I did not want to wait a second to find out what was going on! Even through the unrealistic parts, I was still intrigued and wanted to read more!
After Carrie is raped, the emotions and struggles she goes through are very realistic and believable to me. She reacts the way I would expect. Her parents act the way I would expect a pastor and his wife to act. Joe.......... Joe was a little unrealistic to me. He accepted the pregnancy with open arms immediately, he did not hesitate or anything. I have never met a man like that. I am not saying he does not exist, I am just saying that I have not personally met him so it is hard for me to believe he would be THAT open and understanding.
The one thing I want to say to the author (and I would LOVE to know what all of you thought as well). The majority of this book (with Joe being the exception) was realistic and great. I loved the religious aspect but the end......... I was disappointed. Without giving too much away, I can say that I found the church scene to be very fake and unrealistic. There is no way any of it would have unfolded like it did and I felt let down.
All of that being said, overall I thought it was a great book and I will read it again and I do recommend it, but I will warn you, this is a very Christian book, God is talked about on almost every page so non believers would more than likely not enjoy it.
***This book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an open and honest review***
April 3, 2013
Carrie Shepherd has everything going for her. She's a pastor's daughter, college senior and engaged to the man she loves with plans to go to Africa as a missionary after their marriage. Everything comes crashing down around her when she is attacked by a masked assailant on her way home from college one day, and brutally raped. Traumatized, she hides the fact from everyone until she discovers she is pregnant. Now this secret could tear apart everyone she loves along with her future.
On the whole, this is a well-written book. The trauma and emotions feel very believable. Some of her parents reactions when faced with a daughter who is obviously severely upset yet not pushing to find out what happened to her were a little less believable. Carrie decides not to tell anyone she doesn't have to about the rape even after finding out about the pregnancy, not wanting to deal with the shame. Unfortnately, that was not a good decision, and had far-reaching consequences.
The biggest negative to this book for me was the epilogue. On one hand, it's nice to know what happened to these people later in life, but it felt very fairytale-ish in that out of the 27 people covered, only about 3 of them were negative as far as how their lives played out from that time forward. That dropped this review down to 4 stars out of five. I understand it's fiction, but I prefer an underlying line of reality in this type of fiction.
This book is recommended for teens and young adults. There is a section of resources and one of discussion questions for each chapter in the back of the book.
I received this book free from the publisher through the BookCrash.com book review program, which requires an honest, though not necessarily positive, review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
On the whole, this is a well-written book. The trauma and emotions feel very believable. Some of her parents reactions when faced with a daughter who is obviously severely upset yet not pushing to find out what happened to her were a little less believable. Carrie decides not to tell anyone she doesn't have to about the rape even after finding out about the pregnancy, not wanting to deal with the shame. Unfortnately, that was not a good decision, and had far-reaching consequences.
The biggest negative to this book for me was the epilogue. On one hand, it's nice to know what happened to these people later in life, but it felt very fairytale-ish in that out of the 27 people covered, only about 3 of them were negative as far as how their lives played out from that time forward. That dropped this review down to 4 stars out of five. I understand it's fiction, but I prefer an underlying line of reality in this type of fiction.
This book is recommended for teens and young adults. There is a section of resources and one of discussion questions for each chapter in the back of the book.
I received this book free from the publisher through the BookCrash.com book review program, which requires an honest, though not necessarily positive, review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
July 28, 2013
Carrie Shepard was brutally assaulted and in her grief, shame and despair Carrie broke off her engagement and retreated into a nightmare world of her own. She kept her secret until she discovered she was pregnant by her assailant. Her doctor offered her the available choices in her situation, abortion, adoption, or raising the child herself. Her parents were supportive and brought her fiance, Joe, and Carrie back together to see if they could work through the problems that Carrie's attack cost her. Joe's reaction was one of sensitivity and compassion, and he insisted that he loved her in spite of her situation. Pastor of the local church, her father's sermons focused on reactions to situations such as Carrie's, and the misunderstandings that developed.. Joe and Carrie had decided to marry as soon as possible, and the fallout with their friends and the church members was brutal when their suspicions that Carrie was pregnant were confirmed.
Issues of assault, unplanned pregnancy as a result, broken relationships, gossip and judgment are broached in this book. This story is told with an honest approach to issues that are realistic and sensitive. I would consider this a book for young adults with a strong Christian conviction. The characters are numerous and a bit confusing and undeveloped. The dialog is excessively positive and somewhat unrealistic. I don't feel that the dialog is typical to young adults. The overall lessons are justified and realistic. It's a good story about relationships, lessons in humility, forgiveness, acceptance and moving forward in spite of overwhelming obstacles created by others.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book free from the publisher through BookCrash in return for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own and no monetary compensation was received for this review.
Issues of assault, unplanned pregnancy as a result, broken relationships, gossip and judgment are broached in this book. This story is told with an honest approach to issues that are realistic and sensitive. I would consider this a book for young adults with a strong Christian conviction. The characters are numerous and a bit confusing and undeveloped. The dialog is excessively positive and somewhat unrealistic. I don't feel that the dialog is typical to young adults. The overall lessons are justified and realistic. It's a good story about relationships, lessons in humility, forgiveness, acceptance and moving forward in spite of overwhelming obstacles created by others.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book free from the publisher through BookCrash in return for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own and no monetary compensation was received for this review.
August 2, 2013
This is the story of a young couple’s trials after the heroine goes through a harrowing attack. Bride-to-be, Carrie Shepherd is raped just yards from her home, but is afraid to tell her parents, friends, and the police. Living in a private nightmare, she moves through her day-to-day activities in a daze, until she discovers she is pregnant, and is forced to tell her folks.
Now, the problem has magnified. Does Carrie even want to keep this baby? What about her fiancé, Joe Wright? Will he want damaged goods? If she decided to keep the baby, would he want to raise it as his own? What will her pastor father’s congregation think about her and Joe when it becomes obvious she was with child before their wedding?
Through this story, we see how people can react in both Godly and ungodly ways. We’re shown how submitting to the Lord can make all things work together for the good of those who love the Lord and are the called according to His purpose.
This book held my interest all the way through, and many of the characters were engaging. My favorite was a young man named Peter. Watch for him.
If you like to read “beauty for ashes” type novels, then you’ll like Not Guilty.
The Wordsmith Journal strives to guide readers to books of personal interest, with the understanding and respect that what appeals to some may not appeal to others. Therefore we attempt to keep our reviews focused on content, genre and style. The rating is necessary to make use of Goodreads and Amazon. It reflects the reviewer’s own level of enjoyment, but the review is intended to be informative for the benefit of all readers.
Now, the problem has magnified. Does Carrie even want to keep this baby? What about her fiancé, Joe Wright? Will he want damaged goods? If she decided to keep the baby, would he want to raise it as his own? What will her pastor father’s congregation think about her and Joe when it becomes obvious she was with child before their wedding?
Through this story, we see how people can react in both Godly and ungodly ways. We’re shown how submitting to the Lord can make all things work together for the good of those who love the Lord and are the called according to His purpose.
This book held my interest all the way through, and many of the characters were engaging. My favorite was a young man named Peter. Watch for him.
If you like to read “beauty for ashes” type novels, then you’ll like Not Guilty.
The Wordsmith Journal strives to guide readers to books of personal interest, with the understanding and respect that what appeals to some may not appeal to others. Therefore we attempt to keep our reviews focused on content, genre and style. The rating is necessary to make use of Goodreads and Amazon. It reflects the reviewer’s own level of enjoyment, but the review is intended to be informative for the benefit of all readers.
August 30, 2013
This is one of the best books that I have read lately. Rape is never pretty. I loved how authors Teresa Pollard and Candi Pullen put together a well written book.
Carrie Shepherd has plans to marry her sweetheart Joe. After her college graduation she and Joe will be going to the wilds of Africa as missionaries. As she makes her way up the path to her home she is grabbed from behind and is brutally raped. She somehow makes it to her home after the rape, sore, clothes tattered, and in shock. She can never tell Joe or her parents what happened.
This act of violence will have an impact on many characters in this story. Even though it happened to Carrie, the evil one is at work and out to destroy a church and the people who attend this church. Will he succeed?
As the story continues we see God's mighty hand at work in this situation. We find out that it is possible to take something so totally wrong and horrible and work a miracle out of it. I experienced so many emotions while reading this book.
Will Carrie be able to survive all she is going through? Will she ever stop having nightmares and flashbacks? Can she forgive and let go of the bitterness? Will she let God work in her and through her for complete healing?
This is a 5 star book. I would give it more if I could.
I received a copy of this book from Chalfont House Publishing. The opinions are mine and mine alone.
Carrie Shepherd has plans to marry her sweetheart Joe. After her college graduation she and Joe will be going to the wilds of Africa as missionaries. As she makes her way up the path to her home she is grabbed from behind and is brutally raped. She somehow makes it to her home after the rape, sore, clothes tattered, and in shock. She can never tell Joe or her parents what happened.
This act of violence will have an impact on many characters in this story. Even though it happened to Carrie, the evil one is at work and out to destroy a church and the people who attend this church. Will he succeed?
As the story continues we see God's mighty hand at work in this situation. We find out that it is possible to take something so totally wrong and horrible and work a miracle out of it. I experienced so many emotions while reading this book.
Will Carrie be able to survive all she is going through? Will she ever stop having nightmares and flashbacks? Can she forgive and let go of the bitterness? Will she let God work in her and through her for complete healing?
This is a 5 star book. I would give it more if I could.
I received a copy of this book from Chalfont House Publishing. The opinions are mine and mine alone.
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April 2, 2013A Realistic Portrayal Of The Pain and Shame of Rape
A realistic portrayal of a family in crisis. The authors bring you inside the emotions, grief, confusion and shame of a college senior, Carrie Shepherd, who is soon to be married. In an instant of brutal rape her life is turned upside down. Then just when she thinks she has found a way to adjust, she discovers she's pregnant, and a new level of anguish and turmoil ensue.
A thought-provoking story, and though under similar circumstances I reacted differently to my encounter with rape, I believe this book will help bring understanding and healing to anyone personally struggling with the trauma of rape as well as anyone trying to help someone else through it. The authors don't whitewash the brutality of the attack or bring pat, trite answers. The story is engaging and easy to read as Carrie struggles through anger to eventual, hard-won forgiveness. A helpful study-guide is included at the conclusion.
A realistic portrayal of a family in crisis. The authors bring you inside the emotions, grief, confusion and shame of a college senior, Carrie Shepherd, who is soon to be married. In an instant of brutal rape her life is turned upside down. Then just when she thinks she has found a way to adjust, she discovers she's pregnant, and a new level of anguish and turmoil ensue.
A thought-provoking story, and though under similar circumstances I reacted differently to my encounter with rape, I believe this book will help bring understanding and healing to anyone personally struggling with the trauma of rape as well as anyone trying to help someone else through it. The authors don't whitewash the brutality of the attack or bring pat, trite answers. The story is engaging and easy to read as Carrie struggles through anger to eventual, hard-won forgiveness. A helpful study-guide is included at the conclusion.
June 3, 2013
I am VERY proud of my dear friend, Teresa Pollard, in her first published work! This is an easy and enjoyable read about some very tough subject matters, rape and the hypocrisy of so-called Christians in the church. I would especially recommend this book to any woman who has ever suffered sexual abuse and rape. I would recommend it to pastors who are dealing with a mean-spirited and hypocritical church body. And I would also recommend it as a book study for women's groups. It is even equipped with study questions at the end.
October 22, 2013
I received this book from BookCrash for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Book Description:
Rape is a Four-Letter Word But it is one that Christians need to discuss more openly. It's 1974 and Carrie Shepherd, daughter of the minister at Windspree Community Church, is a college senior with plans to be a missionary in Africa. Raped by a masked assailant, Carrie is so traumatized she tells no one until she realizes she's pregnant. Refusing to have an abortion, she must find the courage to face her family, her fiance, her friends, and a gossiping, angry congregation which may include her attacker. Can Carrie find a way to cope with the secrets, silence, and shame that threaten to tear apart her family and church?
My Thoughts:
Not Guilty By Teresa Pollard and Candi Pullen is the first book by both of these authors that I have had a chance to read and I am glad I did. Carrie Shepard is engaged and a college senior. Her and her fiancee have planned to be missionaries in Africa. One day on her way home from school Carrie is raped by an unknown assailant who wen to great lengths to get her alone and in this position. Carrie is so ashamed that she will not tell anyone, she pulls away from her family and breaks off her engagement. Eventually Carrie figures out she is pregnant and decides that the only option for her is to keep the baby. Carrie has no choice but to tell her family and friends of the situation. As a pastor's daughter, Carrie is always under scrutiny, and now she must face accusations and looks from her church family. As Carrie embraces her situation and allows others in to help her she finds the courage to handle the situations at hand.
I was drawn to this book right away from the description. Rape is something that needs to be discussed more openly and this book really puts it in perspective and not just from the victims perspective. Not Guilty explores the effects of rape on all involved, family, friends, strangers, and the assailant. Teresa Pollard and Candi Pullen truly weave a story that starts with a tragedy and how that tragedy can change lives not just negatively. Also these authors put this secretive situation in the open where it belongs. They give the unpopular choice in this situation a voice and shows how a whole community can overcome. I found myself unable to put this book down. Throughout the story the authors show God's healing and forgiveness for those who believe. The characters in this story are real people, with real situations and flaws. The authors show the imperfections of humans and how judgemental and hurtful we can be to those who need our compassion. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Fiction about real life situations. I give this book 5 stars! I look forward to reading more from these two wonderful authors.
Book Description:
Rape is a Four-Letter Word But it is one that Christians need to discuss more openly. It's 1974 and Carrie Shepherd, daughter of the minister at Windspree Community Church, is a college senior with plans to be a missionary in Africa. Raped by a masked assailant, Carrie is so traumatized she tells no one until she realizes she's pregnant. Refusing to have an abortion, she must find the courage to face her family, her fiance, her friends, and a gossiping, angry congregation which may include her attacker. Can Carrie find a way to cope with the secrets, silence, and shame that threaten to tear apart her family and church?
My Thoughts:
Not Guilty By Teresa Pollard and Candi Pullen is the first book by both of these authors that I have had a chance to read and I am glad I did. Carrie Shepard is engaged and a college senior. Her and her fiancee have planned to be missionaries in Africa. One day on her way home from school Carrie is raped by an unknown assailant who wen to great lengths to get her alone and in this position. Carrie is so ashamed that she will not tell anyone, she pulls away from her family and breaks off her engagement. Eventually Carrie figures out she is pregnant and decides that the only option for her is to keep the baby. Carrie has no choice but to tell her family and friends of the situation. As a pastor's daughter, Carrie is always under scrutiny, and now she must face accusations and looks from her church family. As Carrie embraces her situation and allows others in to help her she finds the courage to handle the situations at hand.
I was drawn to this book right away from the description. Rape is something that needs to be discussed more openly and this book really puts it in perspective and not just from the victims perspective. Not Guilty explores the effects of rape on all involved, family, friends, strangers, and the assailant. Teresa Pollard and Candi Pullen truly weave a story that starts with a tragedy and how that tragedy can change lives not just negatively. Also these authors put this secretive situation in the open where it belongs. They give the unpopular choice in this situation a voice and shows how a whole community can overcome. I found myself unable to put this book down. Throughout the story the authors show God's healing and forgiveness for those who believe. The characters in this story are real people, with real situations and flaws. The authors show the imperfections of humans and how judgemental and hurtful we can be to those who need our compassion. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Fiction about real life situations. I give this book 5 stars! I look forward to reading more from these two wonderful authors.
November 2, 2014
Good Read with Lessons to Learn
Teresa Pollard and Candi Pullen have taken a sensitive issue, rape, and exposed it for what it is; a violent and brutal act that affect far more people than just the victim. I was hooked from the very beginning and couldn’t put this book down. The characters were genuine and their responses to the tragedy of rape and all of its horror were realistic.
There were many twists and turns in this story that I didn’t expect along with gossipy old biddies in the church that reacted harshly, just as there are in our own churches. I like the way the story ended and the way that the authors presented each character and their changes or lack of change as a result of their reactions to the events in the story. When the authors presented verses that went along with each character, I wondered what verse my family and friends would select for me.
In true Chalfont House Publishing style, there are helps at the end of the book for those who might have been raped or who wanted more follow-up. I also liked the list of chapter questions at the end of the book that made this book a great book for a book club or small group to explore.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review. I highly recommend this book and other books published by Chalfant House Publishing, HopeSprings Books
Teresa Pollard and Candi Pullen have taken a sensitive issue, rape, and exposed it for what it is; a violent and brutal act that affect far more people than just the victim. I was hooked from the very beginning and couldn’t put this book down. The characters were genuine and their responses to the tragedy of rape and all of its horror were realistic.
There were many twists and turns in this story that I didn’t expect along with gossipy old biddies in the church that reacted harshly, just as there are in our own churches. I like the way the story ended and the way that the authors presented each character and their changes or lack of change as a result of their reactions to the events in the story. When the authors presented verses that went along with each character, I wondered what verse my family and friends would select for me.
In true Chalfont House Publishing style, there are helps at the end of the book for those who might have been raped or who wanted more follow-up. I also liked the list of chapter questions at the end of the book that made this book a great book for a book club or small group to explore.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review. I highly recommend this book and other books published by Chalfant House Publishing, HopeSprings Books
September 26, 2014
Not Guilty by Teresa Pollard and Candi Pullen is a Christian novel tackling a hard and often taboo subject – that of an attack on a young Christian girl, Carrie.
Set in 1974 Carrie, the daughter of a pastor, and the fiancé of Joe who is a minister in training, was attacked by a masked man as she walked from the bus stop to her home. At first Carrie tells no one and withdraws from her family and friends, returning her engagement ring to Joe. She feels alternately angry, guilty, upset and has to rely on God to get her through the days. For several weeks, Carrie hides her secret before opening up to, first her parents, and later Joe. How will they react to her news? Will they support her? How will her community treat her? Will it affect her father’s position in the community?
I was given a copy of Not Guilty, and found it to be an incredibly powerful novel, dealing with a traumatic subject in a sensitive way. It was a gritty novel with realistically drawn characters, reacting in various ways to the situation they found themselves in.
Themes of guilt, love, forgiveness and family (both the nuclear and the wider church) run throughout the novel, but it is not ‘preachy’. It is gritty and straight talking, and I can highly recommend it.
Set in 1974 Carrie, the daughter of a pastor, and the fiancé of Joe who is a minister in training, was attacked by a masked man as she walked from the bus stop to her home. At first Carrie tells no one and withdraws from her family and friends, returning her engagement ring to Joe. She feels alternately angry, guilty, upset and has to rely on God to get her through the days. For several weeks, Carrie hides her secret before opening up to, first her parents, and later Joe. How will they react to her news? Will they support her? How will her community treat her? Will it affect her father’s position in the community?
I was given a copy of Not Guilty, and found it to be an incredibly powerful novel, dealing with a traumatic subject in a sensitive way. It was a gritty novel with realistically drawn characters, reacting in various ways to the situation they found themselves in.
Themes of guilt, love, forgiveness and family (both the nuclear and the wider church) run throughout the novel, but it is not ‘preachy’. It is gritty and straight talking, and I can highly recommend it.
November 13, 2014
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
This book covers the extremely sensitive topic of rape in a very caring manner. I was drawn into the story from the beginning, and could hardly bear to put it down until I was finished. I was touched by the courage and strength of the main character through all the trials she had to endure, and saddened by the hypocrisy of some so-called Christians she had to face.
I would highly recommend this book to everyone.
This book covers the extremely sensitive topic of rape in a very caring manner. I was drawn into the story from the beginning, and could hardly bear to put it down until I was finished. I was touched by the courage and strength of the main character through all the trials she had to endure, and saddened by the hypocrisy of some so-called Christians she had to face.
I would highly recommend this book to everyone.
June 19, 2015
Page Turner that is well written. The difficult subject of rape is covered well with how it affects all involved. It is an emotional read. I loved the way the Lord was mentioned in the healing process.
April 6, 2013
Engaged. Then raped by a masked man, and pregnant with his child. This is the situation Carrie Shephard finds herself in back in 1974. Her parents, knowing something is wrong, don’t push for details. This seems a bit unbelievable because if I had a twenty-one year old daughter and her behavior changed so radically, I would want to know why! Also unbelievable to me is the fact that the Christian university she attends doesn’t expel her for being pregnant. I don’t say this lightly. The Christian college I attended in the 1980s made a girl quit after being raped when she was pregnant, so for a school to be that open minded in 1974 seemed a stretch for me.
The story was great, but the dialogue didn’t seem true to life, nor did the fact that everyone seemed to be evangelizing every time they turned around. Yes, Christians are called to make disciples, but it is rare that people actually share their faith. I wasn’t also sure if I could believe a man would behave in the situation the way Joe, Carrie’s fiancé, did. While we are called to forgive, he went above and beyond that. I’m not saying a man couldn’t do that, but I question how many would do what he did.
True to what I believe would happen if this situation were real, there was a lot of gossip and lies spread in the church Carrie’s father pastored. Given one of the main settings is a church, there will be a number of characters, but there seemed to be too many, and I was left just trying to figure out who was who. In fact there were so many that after 189 pages of text, there were twenty seven characters listed in the “Where are they now” epilogue. I think the book would have flowed better if the main characters were cut in about half! (Also unbelievable was when the rapist asked for a stronger sentence to show his remorse!)
I did enjoy this book for what it is -- a work of fiction. Usually I like my fiction a little more believable as I know I wouldn’t have responded as such), but it was still a good read and left me wondering what I would have done -- or what my friends would have done -- given the same situation. There is a discussion guide at the back if you want to use it as a reading group selection. If you are looking for a book with a unique situation, this is sure to fit that criterion. I’ve not seen much historical fiction set in this era, nor with this subject theme.
Disclosure of Material: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookCrash.com book review program, which requires an honest, though not necessarily positive, review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
The story was great, but the dialogue didn’t seem true to life, nor did the fact that everyone seemed to be evangelizing every time they turned around. Yes, Christians are called to make disciples, but it is rare that people actually share their faith. I wasn’t also sure if I could believe a man would behave in the situation the way Joe, Carrie’s fiancé, did. While we are called to forgive, he went above and beyond that. I’m not saying a man couldn’t do that, but I question how many would do what he did.
True to what I believe would happen if this situation were real, there was a lot of gossip and lies spread in the church Carrie’s father pastored. Given one of the main settings is a church, there will be a number of characters, but there seemed to be too many, and I was left just trying to figure out who was who. In fact there were so many that after 189 pages of text, there were twenty seven characters listed in the “Where are they now” epilogue. I think the book would have flowed better if the main characters were cut in about half! (Also unbelievable was when the rapist asked for a stronger sentence to show his remorse!)
I did enjoy this book for what it is -- a work of fiction. Usually I like my fiction a little more believable as I know I wouldn’t have responded as such), but it was still a good read and left me wondering what I would have done -- or what my friends would have done -- given the same situation. There is a discussion guide at the back if you want to use it as a reading group selection. If you are looking for a book with a unique situation, this is sure to fit that criterion. I’ve not seen much historical fiction set in this era, nor with this subject theme.
Disclosure of Material: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookCrash.com book review program, which requires an honest, though not necessarily positive, review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
December 6, 2014
A Thought Provoking Book
Rape is a Four-Letter Word.
But it’s one that Christians need to discuss more openly.
It’s 1974 and Carrie Shepherd, daughter of the minister at Windspree Community Church, is a college senior with plans to be a missionary in Africa. Raped by a masked assailant, Carrie is so traumatized she tells no one until she realizes she’s pregnant. Refusing to have an abortion, she must find the courage to face her family, her fiancé, her friends, and a gossiping, angry congregation which may include her attacker.
Can Carrie find a way to cope with the secrets, silence, and shame that threatens to tear apart her family and church?
I seem to be getting a few hard-to-read books for review recently. Not necessarily in storytelling abilities, but in the subject matter.
Not Guilty is a thought provoking book about how wrong perceptions and gossip can destroy lives, and a lesson, in my opinion, for what not to do if you are raped.
I always have a problem with stories about rape victims because it’s such a heinous crime, and because I want the victims do to do the right things, like tell the authorities, not destroy evidence, and not feel like they are at fault. All things this heroine does, which made me want to yell at her. In fact, I actually moaned out loud when she took a shower and lied about what happened. Fortunately, the people around her, who love her, didn’t yell at her. Instead they showed patience and kindness, to which she ultimately responded.
The blurb gave a hint about the assailant, and I thought I had the mystery figured out. At the last minute, the authors threw me a curve. Well done!
This book has, in my opinion, some veiled Christian references that might escape those who do not know the Bible well, such as the names of some of the characters. The manner of the public disclosure of the attacker bothered me a bit as did the head hopping, even though the head hopping was neatly divided with pictures of crossed gavels to let you know it was happening. But then head hopping is a particular pet peeve of mine.
The authors intended this book for discussion as is noted in the second line of their blurb, and they included a set of chapter-by-chapter discussion questions at the end of the book which address the many issues this book raises. I think this book would work well as a discussion book or even a study guide since they have included a number of scriptures in the chapter questions. If someone you know is dealing with rape, gossip, and shame, reading this book might be a way to open up a conversation and help them toward healing.
I was given this book for an honest review.
Rape is a Four-Letter Word.
But it’s one that Christians need to discuss more openly.
It’s 1974 and Carrie Shepherd, daughter of the minister at Windspree Community Church, is a college senior with plans to be a missionary in Africa. Raped by a masked assailant, Carrie is so traumatized she tells no one until she realizes she’s pregnant. Refusing to have an abortion, she must find the courage to face her family, her fiancé, her friends, and a gossiping, angry congregation which may include her attacker.
Can Carrie find a way to cope with the secrets, silence, and shame that threatens to tear apart her family and church?
I seem to be getting a few hard-to-read books for review recently. Not necessarily in storytelling abilities, but in the subject matter.
Not Guilty is a thought provoking book about how wrong perceptions and gossip can destroy lives, and a lesson, in my opinion, for what not to do if you are raped.
I always have a problem with stories about rape victims because it’s such a heinous crime, and because I want the victims do to do the right things, like tell the authorities, not destroy evidence, and not feel like they are at fault. All things this heroine does, which made me want to yell at her. In fact, I actually moaned out loud when she took a shower and lied about what happened. Fortunately, the people around her, who love her, didn’t yell at her. Instead they showed patience and kindness, to which she ultimately responded.
The blurb gave a hint about the assailant, and I thought I had the mystery figured out. At the last minute, the authors threw me a curve. Well done!
This book has, in my opinion, some veiled Christian references that might escape those who do not know the Bible well, such as the names of some of the characters. The manner of the public disclosure of the attacker bothered me a bit as did the head hopping, even though the head hopping was neatly divided with pictures of crossed gavels to let you know it was happening. But then head hopping is a particular pet peeve of mine.
The authors intended this book for discussion as is noted in the second line of their blurb, and they included a set of chapter-by-chapter discussion questions at the end of the book which address the many issues this book raises. I think this book would work well as a discussion book or even a study guide since they have included a number of scriptures in the chapter questions. If someone you know is dealing with rape, gossip, and shame, reading this book might be a way to open up a conversation and help them toward healing.
I was given this book for an honest review.
July 23, 2015
"Not Guilty"is a great story! I love it when authors can take a hard subject like rape and turn it into a great story that teaches life lessons! Yes the subject is hard to to read about, but it is so much better reading about then it is watching a movie or a tv show, like Law and Order SVU, and this book deals with the feelings of all effected by rape, and not just the victim and how the community deals with it. It is also Christian Fiction so that makes it a better read for me.
Carrie Shepherd is engaged and and planning on going to Africa to be a missionary. Great plans, but in moments those plans are changed because of a rape. She is determined ot to tell anyone what has happened, not even her finance or her parents. She sends the ring back to Joe and refuses to see him anymore.
The whole community knows something is wrong and then Carrie realizes that she is pregnant. She tells her mother. Her father plans on getting her back with Joe.
The rapist isn't finished, he comes back a second time and this time, Carrie, uses Joe's Christmas gift to clobber him in the head, wait until you read what this gift is, I thought how appropriate! She faints and the police is call in this time.
This story is so true to life. It shows the feelings of the victim and even how the church members deals with issues when they don't have the facts.
This book shows how forgiveness and love can go along in healing. It also shows how judging someone when you don't have the facts can be just as damaging as the reason for the judging ( in this story it is because Carrie is pregnant.)
This story has characters you wish you could hug and it has characters you want to slap ( yes I said slap and I am not a violent person) because this person is so mean and cruel.
This story is not necessarily a easy read and if you have ever been or known someone that has been raped, it might bring up some issues but the story very plainly teaches RAPE VICTIMS ARE NOT GUILTY!
There are resource lists in the back of the book if you need help or want more information on rape.
I am giving "Not Guilty" by Teresa Pollard and Candi Pullen five stars.
I was given a copy of "Not Guilty" by the publisher for my honest review.
Carrie Shepherd is engaged and and planning on going to Africa to be a missionary. Great plans, but in moments those plans are changed because of a rape. She is determined ot to tell anyone what has happened, not even her finance or her parents. She sends the ring back to Joe and refuses to see him anymore.
The whole community knows something is wrong and then Carrie realizes that she is pregnant. She tells her mother. Her father plans on getting her back with Joe.
The rapist isn't finished, he comes back a second time and this time, Carrie, uses Joe's Christmas gift to clobber him in the head, wait until you read what this gift is, I thought how appropriate! She faints and the police is call in this time.
This story is so true to life. It shows the feelings of the victim and even how the church members deals with issues when they don't have the facts.
This book shows how forgiveness and love can go along in healing. It also shows how judging someone when you don't have the facts can be just as damaging as the reason for the judging ( in this story it is because Carrie is pregnant.)
This story has characters you wish you could hug and it has characters you want to slap ( yes I said slap and I am not a violent person) because this person is so mean and cruel.
This story is not necessarily a easy read and if you have ever been or known someone that has been raped, it might bring up some issues but the story very plainly teaches RAPE VICTIMS ARE NOT GUILTY!
There are resource lists in the back of the book if you need help or want more information on rape.
I am giving "Not Guilty" by Teresa Pollard and Candi Pullen five stars.
I was given a copy of "Not Guilty" by the publisher for my honest review.
July 1, 2015
I liked this book mainly for the content of what happens when a young person is raped and the mystery surrounding it.
What makes it hard for the main character is that she is engaged, she is a minister;s daughter and she doesn't want anyone know what happened.
She is forced to reveal the rape when she finds she is pregnant.
I applaud her fiancee and her parents reaction to the rape and pregnancy. This is not the case in so many instances. The reaction from many of the congregation was typical because people think that ministers children are held to a different standard. My heart went out to Carrie for her pain and choices.I love the workings of the Lordwith her and throughout the book.
This book with all the study questions would be great for young people and rape centers.
What makes it hard for the main character is that she is engaged, she is a minister;s daughter and she doesn't want anyone know what happened.
She is forced to reveal the rape when she finds she is pregnant.
I applaud her fiancee and her parents reaction to the rape and pregnancy. This is not the case in so many instances. The reaction from many of the congregation was typical because people think that ministers children are held to a different standard. My heart went out to Carrie for her pain and choices.I love the workings of the Lordwith her and throughout the book.
This book with all the study questions would be great for young people and rape centers.
July 14, 2015
A Story Of The Pain and Shame of Rape
This story of a family in crisis brings you inside the emotions, grief, confusion and shame of a rape victim. Then there is a new level of anguish and turmoil when she discovers she's pregnant from this rape. This pastor's daughter is just beginning her life as she is to graduate college, is engaged to be married to a preacher, and they are to become missionaries. How can she accept this child? When she sends the ring back to her fiancé without explanation, will they get back together? Can they work through this, can they forgive the rapist? How can they work through being denied their missions denial? Will the truth ever be released? What an awesome read! I recommend this book and its author. I was given a copy for an honest review.
This story of a family in crisis brings you inside the emotions, grief, confusion and shame of a rape victim. Then there is a new level of anguish and turmoil when she discovers she's pregnant from this rape. This pastor's daughter is just beginning her life as she is to graduate college, is engaged to be married to a preacher, and they are to become missionaries. How can she accept this child? When she sends the ring back to her fiancé without explanation, will they get back together? Can they work through this, can they forgive the rapist? How can they work through being denied their missions denial? Will the truth ever be released? What an awesome read! I recommend this book and its author. I was given a copy for an honest review.
April 17, 2016
What is a young woman to do, raped outside her own home? Carrie Shepherd is so traumatized she tells no one--until she discovers she is pregnant. Then members of her father's congregation suspect her of living a "loose life" and spread malicious gossip about her. And, is it possible the rapist is part of the very congregation that should be comforting her? This story is particularly for anyone who has experienced this trauma. It provides realistic, emotional support as well as Scriptural comfort.
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