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Saint Sloan #1

Saint Sloan

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When Sloan Bridges is seventeen years and three hundred, sixty-four days old, her dream of having a perfect birthday is shattered. Home alone after spending the afternoon working on a science project at the new boy’s house, Sloan is brutally attacked in her kitchen by a man she can’t recognize. The only clue she has to go on is what he whispers in her ear, “You deserve this.”

The police have one suspect—Aaron Hunter, older brother of ‘the new boy’, who picked Sloan up a few nights before as she ran from a party. Adamant that he didn’t do it, Aaron begs Sloan to believe him. For her part, Sloan doesn’t know who to trust. She never saw her attacker’s face, and when she does picture it, it’s Aaron’s face she sees standing over her.

Trying to move on is impossible with a former best friend who taunts her and gives her the moniker, “Saint Sloan”, an ex-boyfriend who doesn’t understand why she changed a few months before her attack, and Aaron’s brother, Ray, who makes Sloan smile but has a side she doesn’t understand.

With her attacker ready to strike again, Sloan has to figure out who would hurt her and stop him before he finishes what he started.

Happy birthday to her…

231 pages, ebook

First published February 26, 2013

2 people are currently reading
163 people want to read

About the author

Kelly Martin

40 books285 followers
Kelly Martin is an author and developmental editor who lives in a possibly haunted house in a small southern town. While she'd like to say paranormal things only happen to her at her home, it would be a lie, mainly because she searches them out in some of America's most haunted locations. Whether it is talking to the ghosts of Waverly Hills or the spirits of Thomas House Hotel, these events inevitably land in some of Kelly's books. Just wait until you read The Haunting of Micah Reed.

Take a peek at the Website: http://www.kellymartinbooks.com

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Email Kelly Martin at kelly @kellymartinbooks.com (no spaces).

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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
Profile Image for Ruth Hill.
1,115 reviews646 followers
December 30, 2013
I have read a good share of Christian fiction, and I normally do not like contemporary Christian fiction. And young adult Christian fiction? Forget about it! It's all a bunch of fluff, or it goes too far in the other direction so it is not uplifting. Or it is so boring and predictable that I cannot connect with the book.

Let me say that this book completely dashed all notions and sentiments like that! I feel like I have finally found a young adult Christian book that was well-written, uplifting, and full of nail-biting action. This book deals with the subject of sexual assault in a way that I am sure would capture the attention of teenagers--it sure captured mine! This is meant for older teens as there is violence and sexual situations, but all are handled in a way that is realistic and emotionally captivating.

I found myself feeling so much for Sloan. I have never experienced anything like this, but I know it is rampant amongst teens. I am so pleased to see a Christian book dealing with this issue, and there is so much more in this book. Bullying, foster kids, drugs, lying, and so much more. The author keeps the book as realistic as possible, and she shows the consequences of bad choices. It is clear that she is writing from her heart. This is a message that is not usually discussed in Christian circles, but I am so glad it was here.

I love that the author puts in a bit of a mystery (and I figured it out), and the love/romance element is actually somewhat humorous. This book has it all, and if you like clean teen reads that deal with real issues, this may be a book for you. The book is never "preachy," but God's transforming work is there every step of the way.

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
Profile Image for Sheila.
Author 85 books190 followers
May 6, 2013
Sloan, now known as Saint Sloan to former friends and acquaintances, has found faith and turned her life around. Which is a bit of a problem at school where her less than perfect past is well-remembered by bullying class-mates.

When a new-old neighbor with a bad reputation suddenly offers her a ride, Sloan is naturally suspicious. But he seems very good, very kind, and makes no wrong moves. And all’s well, until a frightening attack in her own home leaves Sloan wondering not only who can she trust, but how can she even trust God or her own intuition. Was she so wrong about the good-looking neighbor? Or was it someone else?

Christian themes are strong in this book, but they’re neither overwhelming not simplistic as Sloan asks why God didn’t answer her prayers and protect her. She turns to God in need, and the needs get worse. Meanwhile rumors fly and careless words turn into undeniable truths as they waft through the air of high school classrooms.

The writing’s convincing with clear teen tones, quick descriptions and believable intuition. Readers are pulled quickly into Sloan’s world—the needs of homework, the words of sympathetic teachers with limited power to help, the unthinking cruelties… and faith—making this an enthralling, frightening real, story with a strong satisfying conclusion—highly recommended.

Disclosure: I received a free ecopy when I volunteered to be part of the blog tour.
Profile Image for Tricia Drammeh.
Author 28 books90 followers
May 9, 2013
I almost didn't read this book because I usually shy away from books with religious themes. But, I'm glad I decided to take a chance on it. It was a very enjoyable read, and despite the Christian theme, the author wasn't preachy. I believe it's a book all teens will be able to relate to, whether they're religious or not because it discusses bullying and peer pressure in a very realistic way. As a parent of teens, I absolutely appreciate the value of this book. I know how hard it is for teens to change once their identity is established and accepted by their peers. It's human nature to want to categorize the people around us and when someone decides to change who they are, it's unsettling for others.

That's what happens to Sloan. When the story begins, we find out Sloan used to be one of the popular girls. She slept around, participated in gossip, and loved to party. When Sloan accepts Jesus, she chooses to change her life for the better. Not everyone thinks these changes are for the best. Her boyfriend breaks up with her. Her ex-best friend has a hard time accepting the new Sloan, and bullies her relentlessly, coining the title Saint Sloan. But, Sloan is no saint. And, that's what makes her a believable character. Becoming Christian doesn't make Sloan perfect. In fact, she has a quite a temper. The taunts by her peers bother her. She struggles to remember it isn't up to her to impose her views on others. And, part of her still longs to be the person she used to be because it was much easier and much less lonely.

This is a very well-written story with many twists and turns.After a brutal assault, there's a great deal of mystery as Sloan struggles to figure out who attacked her. I thought I figured out who did it early on, but I was wrong. I liked Sloan's interactions with the brothers, Aaron and Ray. There are some great secondary characters in this book too.

There are some gritty scenes in this book. There is violence, discussions about sex, and some mild language (the word 'slut' is used). Parents of younger teens and pre-teens might not be comfortable with this. I think the subject matter is fine for ages 14 and up, but that's up to the individual parent and teen to decide. You don't have to be a Christian or a believer of any higher power to enjoy this book. I never thought I'd enjoy a 'religious' book, but I did. Enough to give it five stars.
Profile Image for Justine.
2,139 reviews78 followers
May 12, 2013
I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review. Usually I don't read book synopsis' at all lol, so I was thinking that this book was paranormal for some reason. And I fell in love with this cover. When I started reading this book I quickly realized that it wasn't paranormal it was contemporary and I very much enjoyed it. It was a nice surprise. I found Saint Sloan to be a quick read because it was very fast paced. I loved the mystery and thrills that the book included. I also loved the twist. The reader thinks that they have the villain figured out, but you don't! The only part of the book that I wasn't jiving on was the religion that was included. But Kelly Martin did the religion in a classy way as to not preach to the reader.
I liked Sloan as a character because I found her to be fairly relatable. I've been in that position where y lose your best friend and then are branded as a "slut" whether you are or not. So I feel for her. But unfortunately for Sloan, everything crossed the line and I feel terrible that she had to go through that. I think that Sloan has a good head on her shoulders and since being "saved" makes pretty good decisions. Especially when it comes to her love life.
I have a feeling that there might be a second book in the process (fingers crossed), because of some of the events that occurred at the end of this novel. I will be checking out more books by Kelly Martin. I would recommend this book to contemporary lovers.
Profile Image for Angela.
Author 18 books52 followers
February 28, 2014
I had heard about this book for a few months before I finally purchased it. Then it sat in my tbr pile a bit longer. When I picked it up I did not want to put it down. Sloan had a reputation then she was saved. Her "friends" turned on her when she started to try to live her life for Jesus. They nicknamed her Saint Sloan.
The night before her 18th birthday she is dropped off at her house after studying with a new/old friend (Ray and his older brother Aaron had just moved back after being gone for about 9 years) and was attacked in her kitchen. She never saw the face of her attacker, his voice had been a whisper and he wore a ski mask. She needs to find out who attacked her before he comes back to finish the job.
Meanwhile everyone assumes that Aaron did it. Since Sloan does not know who attacked her she cannot say for certain that it was not him. He tries to avoid the police, which affects his younger brother Ray. It is a domino affect of events.
This book was great. I love the fact that you know there is going to be a sequel because I want to know more. I do have to say though this is a YA book it is not for the younger spectrum (I wouldn't allow my younger teen 13 to read it) in my opinion because it deals with some hard core issues. It is definitely a good read and I highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Louisa.
593 reviews71 followers
February 27, 2014
Loved it - couldn't put it down

Fleeing a party following a verbal attack from former best friend, Sloan except a lift from Aaron Hunter the older brother of her first kiss Ray.
The hunter brothers have returned after an 8 year absence after being abandoned by their mother. Sloan a born again christian - hence her new nickname at the school Saint Sloan is assigned to be Ray's partner during a biology project. Following an evening working on the project at Ray's house, Aaron offer's to drop Sloan off at home.
The last night before her 18th Birthday suddenly turns into a nightmare when she is sexually assaulted in her own home. Sloan wakes to find Aaron standing over her - she dazed and confused she quickly points the finger at him. Aaron makes a run for due his past history - which leaves Ray without a guardian and Sloan question everything.

This is the first book I have read my Kelly Martin but it sure won't be the last. She hooks you in from the first word to the last and keeps you guess as to who attacked Sloan and till the very end.

I am very much looking forward to reading the next story of Sloan to see which of the Hunter brother's she chooses - the sweet younger brother Ray or the older Brother Aaron with a not so squeaky clean history
Profile Image for K. Chase.
Author 23 books151 followers
June 30, 2013
Wow, what can I say. This is the second book by Ms. Martin that I've read and I have to say, I'll be reading more from her, believe me. Sloan is a senior in high school who is trying to relate to those she used to call friends when she was a "bad girl." After becoming a Christian, her attitude and the way she treats her peers has changed and she faces a bit of persecution for it. When she is assaulted in her home, she isn't sure who to trust, especially since the suspect is a guy she happens to like. The writing is stellar and I appreciated how delicately the assault scene was written so it could be read by a wide audience. Ms. Martin has a real knack for creating tension and characters with deep issues and struggles. I don't care what anyone says, I LOVED the ending. It was a perfect setup to some character changes/developments that I can't WAIT to read about. I totally recommend this book and I know you'll enjoy it.
Profile Image for Stacy.
114 reviews5 followers
January 26, 2014
This book deals with several pretty heavy topics: bullying, sexual abuse, drug abuse, and domestic violence. Sloan is seventeen, almost eighteen, when she is saved and finds Jesus. The former party girl tries to turn her life around, but her classmates aren't buying it. They start calling her 'Saint Sloan', and her life becomes an unending stream of taunts and sideways glances.
One night she is attacked in her home by an intruder, abused, and left shattered and broken on the kitchen floor. She can't remember what happened and has no idea who it was, and she struggles with finding her way back to normalcy.
Saint Sloan is a fast-paced read (I finished it in an afternoon), and although it deals with heavy topics it does try to inject a little humor as well. I would recommend this book for readers 16+.
Profile Image for Serena .
254 reviews12 followers
September 2, 2016
I saw it. bought it. read it. loved it. I thought the characters were developed really well as well as the plot and I had such a great time reading and investing my time into everything that was happening and trying to solve the mystery around Sloan's attack. The one down side is that I didn't feel satisfied with the ending...I have a problem with books...if you're going to have a some romance (it's definitely not the forefront of the story) and have it be between two brothers, please tell who she picks, if any in the end!! I don't like to left hanging...I guess that just means I'll have to read the next book to see! I still would highly recommend this book because it truly was a well written book!
Profile Image for Shelley Walker.
14 reviews
October 5, 2013
This book was great!! It captured how high school students really feel, especially Christians. The plot kept me guessing the whole and I never really saw the end coming! I love Kelly Martin's books and look forward to my next adventure with her stories!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews

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