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Stopped Cold
Margaret McWhorter enjoys a laid-back Freshman year in high school flirting with Jimmy Willmore, swimming and hanging out with friends—until that day. Her brother, Sean, suffers a stroke from taking a steroid. Now he’s lying unconscious in a hospital. Margaret’s angry at her dad for pushing Sean to be a great quarterback, but a fire of hatred burns inside her to make the criminals pay. Looking for justice, she takes Jimmy and her best friend, Emily, through a twisted, drug-filled sub-culture. A clue sends them deep into the woods behind the school where they overhear drug dealers discuss Sean. Time and time again they walk a treacherous path and come face to face with danger. Even the cop on the case can’t stop them from investigating. All the while Margaret really wants to cure Sean, heal the hate inside, and open her heart to love.
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First published April 10, 2013
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About the author
Gail Pallotta
15 books204 followersBest-selling, award-winning author Gail Pallotta’s a wife, Mom, swimmer and bargain shopper who loves God, beach sunsets and getting together with friends and family. A former regional writer of the year for American Christian Writers Association, she is a 2013 Grace Awards Finalist, a Reader's Favorite 2017 Book Award Winner and a TopShelf 2020 Book Awards Finalist. She received a Top Author Certificate for Hidden Danger, Christian Romantic Suspense (Discipleship Series Book 1), her latest book. Her teen novel, Stopped Cold, stayed on the Amazon Best Seller list for Christian Teen and Young Adult Mysteries and Thrillers for one month. Hair Calamities and Hot Cash has been on the Amazon Best Seller list for Contemporary Christian Fiction (Books) twice. Cooking up a Mystery has been on the Amazon Best Seller list in Christian Suspense, Cozy Culinary Mystery and Christian Mystery and Suspense.
She's a Western North Carolina native whose grandfather planted churches in the far reaches of the mountains. She set Hidden Danger there because she knows the area well and believed the hills and caves would make a good backdrop for mystery and suspense.
Gail loves to connect with readers. Visit her website at https://gailpallotta.com; her blog at gailpallotta.blogspot.com; Facebook at https://www.Facebook.com/AuthorsandMore.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 17, 2013
Gail Pallotta has written an important story of fiction concerning several realistic situations. This exceptional story is the first I’ve read geared toward teens and young adults; and an enlightening book particularly for parents of teens to read regarding the evil existence of drugs and steroids found in and around our school systems.
Written as a teen mystery, I was quickly drawn into the story as Margaret McWhorter hears her brother Sean explaining to his father that he was replaced as a quarterback on the high school football team. Dad begins chastising Sean about failing to live up to his high standards of athleticism expected. After all, dad still rode on his laurels of being a star college quarterback. Margaret herself is a champion swimmer on the Meriwether School swim team, and feels the sting of criticism for her brother, being familiar with this drill of denigration herself. Margaret is a typical teen as a freshman in that she wants to have fun, good friends, a boyfriend, make good grades, and to experience all the excitement in life possible within the barriers of parental constraint. She and Sean have a close relationship – Sean being the quieter, more reserved of the two.
Ms Pallotta’s story rapidly suspends into shock and grief when Margaret receives a call from her mother that Sean has suffered a stroke and is comatose in the hospital. Sean had taken a Steroid called Winstrol V, intended to increase athletic prowess, which he had apparently obtained illegally. In researching Winstrol V, to find out if it was fictional or an actual drug, the evidence proved it is real and very dangerous to use unprescribed or if the program isn’t followed with the help of an instructor. She and her parents meet Detective Garrett in Sean’s hospital room. He is an undercover cop and told Margaret he would be hanging around the favorite teen grill during his investigation and asked her to keep her eyes and ears open for any pertinent information that would help his investigation.
Margaret spent many frustrating hours alone worrying about Sean while her parents were at the hospital. Even though she continued attending her classes and swim meets alone, her anger at the unknown drug pushers that sold Sean the drug haunted her until Margaret began a plan along with her best friend Emily - a Buddhist, and her school crush Jimmy to solve this mystery. From this point in the story – I was compelled to work along with Margaret to solve this crime…..Gail Pallotta did a superb job of keeping it mysterious to the end. I held my breath in many instances of danger for the kids. It was obvious from the beginning that Margaret was blaming her dad for Sean’s bad choice of taking the drug.
When does a child first become aware of God being there for them? The beauty of Margaret’s spiritual growth and trust in God grew like a beautiful fragrant flower. Her mother was a believer and she learned much about the Lord from her; however she didn’t understand the behavior her dad displayed toward attending church and spiritual beliefs. She didn’t expect miracles, but she prayed for one…...or two. Gail Pallotta has my admiration and some jealousy toward her creative talent of character development. They are as finely tuned as a lovely stringed instrument, each having a different song to play in the story.
As a parent, grandparent and a great-grandparent – this story jolted me into a fresh awareness of what seems to be a never ending problem of family dysfunction and drugs, a battle my family has dealt with in the past. Bad decisions lead to disastrous outcomes; however Ms Pallotta’s story reveals faith and prayer as the favorable choice to change behaviors and attitudes. Thank you, Gail, for asking me to read your wonderful book. God’s grace certainly flows from your quill.
Written as a teen mystery, I was quickly drawn into the story as Margaret McWhorter hears her brother Sean explaining to his father that he was replaced as a quarterback on the high school football team. Dad begins chastising Sean about failing to live up to his high standards of athleticism expected. After all, dad still rode on his laurels of being a star college quarterback. Margaret herself is a champion swimmer on the Meriwether School swim team, and feels the sting of criticism for her brother, being familiar with this drill of denigration herself. Margaret is a typical teen as a freshman in that she wants to have fun, good friends, a boyfriend, make good grades, and to experience all the excitement in life possible within the barriers of parental constraint. She and Sean have a close relationship – Sean being the quieter, more reserved of the two.
Ms Pallotta’s story rapidly suspends into shock and grief when Margaret receives a call from her mother that Sean has suffered a stroke and is comatose in the hospital. Sean had taken a Steroid called Winstrol V, intended to increase athletic prowess, which he had apparently obtained illegally. In researching Winstrol V, to find out if it was fictional or an actual drug, the evidence proved it is real and very dangerous to use unprescribed or if the program isn’t followed with the help of an instructor. She and her parents meet Detective Garrett in Sean’s hospital room. He is an undercover cop and told Margaret he would be hanging around the favorite teen grill during his investigation and asked her to keep her eyes and ears open for any pertinent information that would help his investigation.
Margaret spent many frustrating hours alone worrying about Sean while her parents were at the hospital. Even though she continued attending her classes and swim meets alone, her anger at the unknown drug pushers that sold Sean the drug haunted her until Margaret began a plan along with her best friend Emily - a Buddhist, and her school crush Jimmy to solve this mystery. From this point in the story – I was compelled to work along with Margaret to solve this crime…..Gail Pallotta did a superb job of keeping it mysterious to the end. I held my breath in many instances of danger for the kids. It was obvious from the beginning that Margaret was blaming her dad for Sean’s bad choice of taking the drug.
When does a child first become aware of God being there for them? The beauty of Margaret’s spiritual growth and trust in God grew like a beautiful fragrant flower. Her mother was a believer and she learned much about the Lord from her; however she didn’t understand the behavior her dad displayed toward attending church and spiritual beliefs. She didn’t expect miracles, but she prayed for one…...or two. Gail Pallotta has my admiration and some jealousy toward her creative talent of character development. They are as finely tuned as a lovely stringed instrument, each having a different song to play in the story.
As a parent, grandparent and a great-grandparent – this story jolted me into a fresh awareness of what seems to be a never ending problem of family dysfunction and drugs, a battle my family has dealt with in the past. Bad decisions lead to disastrous outcomes; however Ms Pallotta’s story reveals faith and prayer as the favorable choice to change behaviors and attitudes. Thank you, Gail, for asking me to read your wonderful book. God’s grace certainly flows from your quill.
May 21, 2013
Pallotta’s high school drama could take place anywhere. Pressure from all sides: parents, teachers, coaches, and peers take their toll, no matter the size or type of school. Margaret McWhorter and her brother Sean attend the exclusive Meriwether School, one which is targeted by drug-trafficking creeps who have infiltrated the very place that’s supposed to be a safe and supportive environment.
It’s not enough to be talented in the world of high school athletics. Margaret and Sean’s parents unwittingly push their son over the edge as new competition for Sean’s quarterback position comes in and takes over. Sean is pressured into taking steroids and body-building, and suffers a stroke and subsequent coma. Even though the pressure for Margaret, a champion swimmer, is eased by Sean’s condition and the resulting parental guilt, she can’t stop her own consuming desire for vengeance against those who hurt her brother.
But Margaret is only a freshman. She’s just learning about life in high school, what can she do to find the bad guys? And who are they? Who can she trust, besides her mother’s faith that God will make everything right? And Dad—he was the one who pushed Sean too much to begin with.
Detective Garrett, the one assigned to the case, is moving way too slow for Margaret’s taste. He won’t figure things out until someone else gets hurt, and Margaret isn’t about to let that happen. She finally confides in her best friend Emily, who agrees to keep her eyes and ears open around school and their fav hangout, The Grill. Life changes in many ways as Margaret is forced to learn who to trust and what to believe in. Emily is a Buddhist, and a boy Margaret secretly admires, Jimmy, wants to hang out and help find the people behind the drugs. Is Emily’s faith stronger than Mom’s? And what does Jimmy really want?
Find out in this great new read. Told in first person, follow Margaret’s journey to discover the depth of true character and faith not only in school and friends, but family.
It’s not enough to be talented in the world of high school athletics. Margaret and Sean’s parents unwittingly push their son over the edge as new competition for Sean’s quarterback position comes in and takes over. Sean is pressured into taking steroids and body-building, and suffers a stroke and subsequent coma. Even though the pressure for Margaret, a champion swimmer, is eased by Sean’s condition and the resulting parental guilt, she can’t stop her own consuming desire for vengeance against those who hurt her brother.
But Margaret is only a freshman. She’s just learning about life in high school, what can she do to find the bad guys? And who are they? Who can she trust, besides her mother’s faith that God will make everything right? And Dad—he was the one who pushed Sean too much to begin with.
Detective Garrett, the one assigned to the case, is moving way too slow for Margaret’s taste. He won’t figure things out until someone else gets hurt, and Margaret isn’t about to let that happen. She finally confides in her best friend Emily, who agrees to keep her eyes and ears open around school and their fav hangout, The Grill. Life changes in many ways as Margaret is forced to learn who to trust and what to believe in. Emily is a Buddhist, and a boy Margaret secretly admires, Jimmy, wants to hang out and help find the people behind the drugs. Is Emily’s faith stronger than Mom’s? And what does Jimmy really want?
Find out in this great new read. Told in first person, follow Margaret’s journey to discover the depth of true character and faith not only in school and friends, but family.
June 7, 2013
This is the poignant story of a family in crisis as seen through the eyes and emotions of Margaret, the teenage daughter, as she struggles to find answers to her questions. What does one do with feelings of anger and pain and guilt when tragedy occurs? How does one continue to go through the motions of normal life when your heart is breaking? Does God hear our prayers? How does faith help when there seems to be no hope? Through Margaret’s thought and prayers, the reader travels with her through the serious illness of her brother, Sean.
The book is a cautionary tale about the dangers of using steroids to improve athletic performance. More than that, however, it explores what happens when a parent’s natural desire to want the best for his child turns toxic when that child sees himself as having value only when fulfilling the parent’s drive for perfection. Within the family home and dynamics, in what should be a haven of support and unconditional acceptance and love, the teens in this book feel pressure and fear scorn if they don’t live up to the expectations of their father. What happens when your best just isn’t good enough? This is heavy stuff, and perhaps should be required reading for both teens and parents as a springboard for discussion.
Balancing the dire situation in which Sean finds himself is the sweet and beautiful relationship between brother and sister. Maggie’s efforts to make things better for Sean lead to a suspenseful storyline as she and her supportive friends take on the bad guys. There is enough action to appeal to teens as the message of the book is revealed. We all are precious in God’s sight, just as He made us.
received this book from The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest opinion. The thoughts expressed are my own.
June 17, 2013
Stopped Cold by Gail Pallotta
This book is a Christian teen mystery. The author Gail Pallotta touches upon real life struggles of teenagers. She touches on tough subjects like peer pressure, drug use and faith. Margaret is a high school freshmen girl living in a Christian family, she attends private school and participates on the swim team. She has a brother that is on the football team, makes great grades and seems to have everything going for him. She and Sean are very close. Their father puts a lot of pressure on his children to be the best they can be, from good grades to excelling at sports. Sean a high school senior is feeling the pressure to become a better player, a stronger player. After collapsing and suffering a stroke, he is left unable to communicate. Margaret and her family are deeply hurt and struggling to deal with his illness. They learn his stroke was caused by drug use, he had taken a steroid. Margaret becomes very angry and resentful toward her father for pressuring Sean to be a better player and toward the drug dealer whom sold the drugs to Sean. She launches a search to find out who Sean was getting his steroids from with the help of her friends Emily and Jimmy. Her and Jimmy are developing feeling for each other. Will they become a couple? Their search takes them into a roller coaster ride of twists and turns right into danger. Read this great story to see where and whom they are lead to as the dealer. See how Margaret’s faith and her parent’s faith play into her struggle. And find out where Sean got the drugs and if he recovers. I recommend this book for every teen and parent of a teenager in high school. Thanks to BookFun.org and Gail Pallotta for this book in return for my honest opinion.
This book is a Christian teen mystery. The author Gail Pallotta touches upon real life struggles of teenagers. She touches on tough subjects like peer pressure, drug use and faith. Margaret is a high school freshmen girl living in a Christian family, she attends private school and participates on the swim team. She has a brother that is on the football team, makes great grades and seems to have everything going for him. She and Sean are very close. Their father puts a lot of pressure on his children to be the best they can be, from good grades to excelling at sports. Sean a high school senior is feeling the pressure to become a better player, a stronger player. After collapsing and suffering a stroke, he is left unable to communicate. Margaret and her family are deeply hurt and struggling to deal with his illness. They learn his stroke was caused by drug use, he had taken a steroid. Margaret becomes very angry and resentful toward her father for pressuring Sean to be a better player and toward the drug dealer whom sold the drugs to Sean. She launches a search to find out who Sean was getting his steroids from with the help of her friends Emily and Jimmy. Her and Jimmy are developing feeling for each other. Will they become a couple? Their search takes them into a roller coaster ride of twists and turns right into danger. Read this great story to see where and whom they are lead to as the dealer. See how Margaret’s faith and her parent’s faith play into her struggle. And find out where Sean got the drugs and if he recovers. I recommend this book for every teen and parent of a teenager in high school. Thanks to BookFun.org and Gail Pallotta for this book in return for my honest opinion.
June 16, 2013
In Stopped Cold by Gail Palotta Margaret is a young teenage girl who takes the burdens of her brother, her parents and the whole world on her shoulders. She deeply loves her brother, and sees the injustices done to her brother by her father.
Emily, her closest friend, is there for Margaret during all the family troubles. She also goes to dangerous places with her to help figure out the problem.
The main problem is, where did her brother Sean get the drug (a steroid) that made him have a stroke. Margaret is very mad at whomever it was that gave him those drugs.
Jimmy is a young boy who shows interest in Margaret and goes with Emily and her on their adventures.
Mom and Dad spend a lot of time at the hospital, setting with Sean. Before Sean took these pills that hurt him, his father expected a lot from each of the children and Sean told him some news that upset his father.
The journey that Dad had to take because of how and why he pushed his children was a hard road to follow. Dad was not very spiritual before this time and so this was a journey he took to discover his faith. Mom had her faith through the whole ordeal and because of her faith, they all could go on.
The author wove in through the story how the faith a person has can make a difference in theirs and others lives. I found this book to be a delightful and joyous time of exploring the world of being a young adult. I would recommend it to all young adults, and it wouldn’t hurt adults to read it either.
I received a copy of the book from bookfun.org for my honest opinion.
Emily, her closest friend, is there for Margaret during all the family troubles. She also goes to dangerous places with her to help figure out the problem.
The main problem is, where did her brother Sean get the drug (a steroid) that made him have a stroke. Margaret is very mad at whomever it was that gave him those drugs.
Jimmy is a young boy who shows interest in Margaret and goes with Emily and her on their adventures.
Mom and Dad spend a lot of time at the hospital, setting with Sean. Before Sean took these pills that hurt him, his father expected a lot from each of the children and Sean told him some news that upset his father.
The journey that Dad had to take because of how and why he pushed his children was a hard road to follow. Dad was not very spiritual before this time and so this was a journey he took to discover his faith. Mom had her faith through the whole ordeal and because of her faith, they all could go on.
The author wove in through the story how the faith a person has can make a difference in theirs and others lives. I found this book to be a delightful and joyous time of exploring the world of being a young adult. I would recommend it to all young adults, and it wouldn’t hurt adults to read it either.
I received a copy of the book from bookfun.org for my honest opinion.
June 19, 2013
Stopped Cold
Margaret McWhorter, a freshman at Meriwether Christian School, loved her brother Sean. When Sean was taken off the football team and replaced by Harold Gravitts, she was really upset. What bothered her more was their dad’s reaction to him being removed from the football team. Their father pushed them both to be the best in everything they did, especially sports since his dad was a football star at UNC in the 1980s. His dad wanted Sean to be a carbon copy of himself, and didn’t allow Sean to be his own person. Because Sean is under unhealthy pressure by his dad and doesn’t want to disappoint him he takes steroids, and suffers a coma.
Margaret, Jimmy, and Emily form their own detective team to help Detective Garrett, the one who is assigned the case to find the drug dealers. Read the book to see what happens to Sean and whether the detective team finds out who the drug dealers are.
Although this book is primarily directed at teenagers, as parents we can learn that we should not push our children too much because it can have devastating effects. Like Sean’s dad, some parents are in a rush to guarantee their child’s future by translating their own passion into the child’s passion. They genuinely feel that they are only doing what their child wants. Teenagers can learn that when facing life’s difficulties drugs and other unproductive activities can be destructive.
This book was given to me from bookfun.org in exchange for my honest opinion.
Margaret McWhorter, a freshman at Meriwether Christian School, loved her brother Sean. When Sean was taken off the football team and replaced by Harold Gravitts, she was really upset. What bothered her more was their dad’s reaction to him being removed from the football team. Their father pushed them both to be the best in everything they did, especially sports since his dad was a football star at UNC in the 1980s. His dad wanted Sean to be a carbon copy of himself, and didn’t allow Sean to be his own person. Because Sean is under unhealthy pressure by his dad and doesn’t want to disappoint him he takes steroids, and suffers a coma.
Margaret, Jimmy, and Emily form their own detective team to help Detective Garrett, the one who is assigned the case to find the drug dealers. Read the book to see what happens to Sean and whether the detective team finds out who the drug dealers are.
Although this book is primarily directed at teenagers, as parents we can learn that we should not push our children too much because it can have devastating effects. Like Sean’s dad, some parents are in a rush to guarantee their child’s future by translating their own passion into the child’s passion. They genuinely feel that they are only doing what their child wants. Teenagers can learn that when facing life’s difficulties drugs and other unproductive activities can be destructive.
This book was given to me from bookfun.org in exchange for my honest opinion.
June 14, 2013
Stopped Cold by Gail Palotta kept me going from beginning to end, and I had to read it all in one sitting. Great and relevant story re: steroids, but I never saw the twist of how Sean got the drugs, or why he used them. What a great bond between brother and sister, and I loved the faithfulness of friends old, Emily and new, Jimmy. The idea to have this take place at a Christian school is great, because the same kind of stuff that goes on in regular school system goes on in these Christian settings as well. Kids are kids, and life is hard, no matter who you are or where you are. I loved how praying, when not really knowing what to say was brought up, and prayer used often. We all need to pray more! and to be reminded to keep close to Him, keep our faith in Him, and leave the rest to Him.
As an avid reader of Hardy Boys growing up, I thoroughly enjoyed the twists and turns, the tense moments, the hiding out and more.
Grab a copy of this book and get ready for a great read, and an enjoyable one as you try to figure out who done it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from bookfun.org for my honest opinion.
As an avid reader of Hardy Boys growing up, I thoroughly enjoyed the twists and turns, the tense moments, the hiding out and more.
Grab a copy of this book and get ready for a great read, and an enjoyable one as you try to figure out who done it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from bookfun.org for my honest opinion.
June 12, 2013
"Stopped Cold" was a great book. Margaret McWhorter is the main character in this book. Margaret and her brother, Sean, was pressured by their father to excel in sports. Sean could not live up to Dad's expectation and took steroids. He had a stroke and went into a coma. Margaret had many emotions within and toward her family. She had questions to God, her family and herself, but with the help of her friends she was determined to find who sold the steroids to Sean. I was intrigued by the first chapter and had to finish reading the book . This book, "Stopped Cold" has a powerful message and every teen should read this book. Every parent or guardian of a teen should read this book and have a discussion concerning the consequences of the choices that teens make. Gail Pallotta has written a book that I recommend everyone should read. It's an exciting book.
I received this book from bookfun.org in return for my honest opinion.
I received this book from bookfun.org in return for my honest opinion.
September 15, 2013
"Stopped Cold" by Gail Pallotta gets 5 stars from me.
This book is a book that teens and parents should read! This book teaches parents the lesson that you shouldn't push your children to be more like you then themselves. The lesson of this book is encourage your children to be all that they can be but not to push them to be someone or something they aren't. This book shows that just because a person is in a leadership rule, we shouldn't trust everything they say but pray and ask God what is right.
This is the story of the McWhorter family told by Margaret, a teenage girl. Her father pushes her brother Sean to be as good as he was in football. One day Sean collapsed into a coma. The hospital finds drugs in his system! Where does he get the drugs, the answer will surprise you!
"I received a free PDF copy of this book courtesy of TBCN for my honest review.
This book is a book that teens and parents should read! This book teaches parents the lesson that you shouldn't push your children to be more like you then themselves. The lesson of this book is encourage your children to be all that they can be but not to push them to be someone or something they aren't. This book shows that just because a person is in a leadership rule, we shouldn't trust everything they say but pray and ask God what is right.
This is the story of the McWhorter family told by Margaret, a teenage girl. Her father pushes her brother Sean to be as good as he was in football. One day Sean collapsed into a coma. The hospital finds drugs in his system! Where does he get the drugs, the answer will surprise you!
"I received a free PDF copy of this book courtesy of TBCN for my honest review.
June 21, 2013
Great story! Story about a football player and drugs and finding their way back home to God. Seth a high school football player who plays to please his father who was all star when he was his age. His father expects him to be like him , but he doesn't want to be. His coach replaces him on the team with a new kid who isn't any good. Why? In order to get better he ends up on drugs to make him better but it causes him to have a stroke. He is unconscious for days. His sister is determined to find out who gave him the drugs. She gets into to some dangerous situations. Dad is kinda anti God right now because of whats happening. Will he find his way back? Will Seth live? Please get the book and find out. It's great.
June 19, 2013
This was a good book and I loved how the author was able to make me feel Maggie's emotions. There were times that I thought the story slowed down a bit, but it still was able to keep my attention and had me wondering who sold Sean the drugs. There is a lesson in this book to be learned by child and parent and I hope those who read it will realize that our children are a reward from the Lord and we need to encourage and lift them up to be the best that they can be. There is so much more I could say, but I just encourage you to read this book and discovery how good it is.
I was give a free copy of this book courtesy of TBCN for my honest review.
I was give a free copy of this book courtesy of TBCN for my honest review.
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June 18, 2013Wow! This book had my attention from the first page! I read this book in one evening! Even though this is a young adult book, I really enjoyed it. It is told from the first person point of view which is my favorite way to tell a story. It is written from Margaret, a teenager's point of view. It has a little suspense and a little romance in it. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone! I would love to read more books by Gail Palotta. I received this book from bookfun.org for my honest review. Thank you bookfun and Gail Palotta for letting me review this book!
June 18, 2013
I loved this story. Took me only 1 1/2 days to read. The book contains romance, mystery, love of family and also family problems, drug abuse and peer pressure. Told from a teenagers perspective and how she deals with a family crisis. She has a strong love for her brother and will stop at nothing to help him.
Well written and held my interest all the way. Good read for any age but especially for teenagers and parents.
This is the first book I have read by Gail Pallotta. Hope to read more.
I received this book from bookfun.org for my honest opinion and review.
Well written and held my interest all the way. Good read for any age but especially for teenagers and parents.
This is the first book I have read by Gail Pallotta. Hope to read more.
I received this book from bookfun.org for my honest opinion and review.
June 19, 2013
Wonderful story. So many life lessons and inner revelations about God and how He works in ones life. I would recommend this book to anyone from high age and on. I look forward to more spiritually uplifting stories from this I incredibly talented author.
Robin
Robin
November 25, 2013
I won this book through First Reads. Stopped Cold is a story aimed more for younger readers - but I was hooked from page 1. Awesome story that kept me hooked.
November 8, 2021
This young adult mystery romance is most relatable to teens and parents, but is a good read for everyone. The story deals with many of the issues and pressures young people face, often by well-meaning parents, including relationships, spirituality, and surviving in a highly competitive world. The story reminds readers about what is truly important in life. Definitely a book worth reading.
June 25, 2013
Stopped Cold is a simple story, despite the mystery storyline. It is a coming of age story. As we read, we see the characters making choices that will determine how they choose to live their lives. Most of the story paints Maggie’s struggle. She wants to make the drug dealers pay and is willing to brave dangerous circumstances to see that through.
Try as hard as I could, I just couldn’t like Maggie’s character. Some of the choices she made were not only dangerous, but also irresponsible. It is easy to sympathize with her and I did sympathize with her, but I finished reading the story knowing that she definitely isn’t anywhere near being a favorite character. Her friends, Jimmy and Emily, were definitely good influences on her. If I had to choose a favorite character, it would either be Jimmy or Emily. Sean’s character wasn’t as fully developed as theirs were, probably because he was lying in the hospital bed unresponsive for most of the book.
It was such a pity that right up the end, Maggie still felt the pressure to be a winner. It’s fine that her father wants a winner, but apparently, he didn’t learn his lesson when Sean got the stroke. It’s okay not to have winners in the family. Winning and losing is part of life. Yes, Maggie should be performing to win during the swim meet qualifiers, but her motives were somewhat off-the-mark. Her father should be proud of her, whether she wins or lose, and she shouldn’t be feeling the need to win because she couldn’t bear the disappointment of being the winner in the family for her father. Call me harsh, but while I was reading the pages about the qualifiers, I even found myself hoping that she would lose.
On a side note, as I write this review, I’m still trying to figure how the title of the book relates to the story. Right now, my only guesses is that it describes Seth’s condition, ie. he was “stopped cold” by what he took, or it describes Maggie’s life being “stopped cold” suddenly by her brother’s condition and the shocking trigger of it.
By reading the book, it could be easy to get away with the impression that steroids are bad, evil. However, that isn’t true. There are legal steroids and not all sellers of steroids are drug dealers. I checked the steroid used by Sean, Winstrol V, and was surprised the find out that it is a legal drug. It is also known as Stanozolol and has been approved by the FDA for human use. Reading the story, I had thought that Winstrol V is an illegal drug. I am glad I checked it out or I would have drawn the wrong conclusions.
Conclusion: Readers can definitely learn a lot of lessons from the choices made by the characters. If you’re a fan of coming-of-age stories, then you would like Stopped Cold. I came away from reading the book with mixed feelings. There are some good things to get from it, but right now, I think I’ll stick to books with more mature characters. Getting irritated with characters in a book is not something I like to do often.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author through The Book Club Network review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Try as hard as I could, I just couldn’t like Maggie’s character. Some of the choices she made were not only dangerous, but also irresponsible. It is easy to sympathize with her and I did sympathize with her, but I finished reading the story knowing that she definitely isn’t anywhere near being a favorite character. Her friends, Jimmy and Emily, were definitely good influences on her. If I had to choose a favorite character, it would either be Jimmy or Emily. Sean’s character wasn’t as fully developed as theirs were, probably because he was lying in the hospital bed unresponsive for most of the book.
It was such a pity that right up the end, Maggie still felt the pressure to be a winner. It’s fine that her father wants a winner, but apparently, he didn’t learn his lesson when Sean got the stroke. It’s okay not to have winners in the family. Winning and losing is part of life. Yes, Maggie should be performing to win during the swim meet qualifiers, but her motives were somewhat off-the-mark. Her father should be proud of her, whether she wins or lose, and she shouldn’t be feeling the need to win because she couldn’t bear the disappointment of being the winner in the family for her father. Call me harsh, but while I was reading the pages about the qualifiers, I even found myself hoping that she would lose.
On a side note, as I write this review, I’m still trying to figure how the title of the book relates to the story. Right now, my only guesses is that it describes Seth’s condition, ie. he was “stopped cold” by what he took, or it describes Maggie’s life being “stopped cold” suddenly by her brother’s condition and the shocking trigger of it.
By reading the book, it could be easy to get away with the impression that steroids are bad, evil. However, that isn’t true. There are legal steroids and not all sellers of steroids are drug dealers. I checked the steroid used by Sean, Winstrol V, and was surprised the find out that it is a legal drug. It is also known as Stanozolol and has been approved by the FDA for human use. Reading the story, I had thought that Winstrol V is an illegal drug. I am glad I checked it out or I would have drawn the wrong conclusions.
Conclusion: Readers can definitely learn a lot of lessons from the choices made by the characters. If you’re a fan of coming-of-age stories, then you would like Stopped Cold. I came away from reading the book with mixed feelings. There are some good things to get from it, but right now, I think I’ll stick to books with more mature characters. Getting irritated with characters in a book is not something I like to do often.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author through The Book Club Network review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
July 10, 2019
Sink or Swim: A Question of Faith
Author Gail Pallotta, in her inspirational book Stopped Cold, creates a captivating scenario of family life within the context of the struggles they experience due to an unexpected tragedy. She masterfully touches on the themes of competition, intergenerational tensions, spirituality, loyalty, and faith, all through the lens of sports.
In the book, Sean attempts to please his father to the extent that it leaves him comatose in the hospital due to the steroids he has been taking to try and meet his father’s expectations. His sister Margaret has to deal with the aftermath of his overdose, and we feel her conflicts and the crisis of faith in which she finds her self. The author beautifully weaves in the theme of faith and prayer very realistically through the characters, and each one experiences a relationship with God in their own way. It is as if everyone is adrift in the water, which plays such a key role in this novel, and everyone is at the point where it is either sink or swim.
The book is never preachy, and yet addresses very difficult and salient topics for today. The drug epidemic, for one, as well as the lack of communication and understanding between parents and children—which often leads young people to seek approval elsewhere, such as escaping their insecurities through the use of drugs.
I received a review copy of this book, and I am so happy that I did because it provides the opportunity to let everyone know what an excellent, relevant work this is. The author, Gail Pallotta, presents a very original approach to these heavy topics. Stopped Cold is a novel that is well-written, intense, and thought provoking while still being enjoyable and uplifting to read.
Author Gail Pallotta, in her inspirational book Stopped Cold, creates a captivating scenario of family life within the context of the struggles they experience due to an unexpected tragedy. She masterfully touches on the themes of competition, intergenerational tensions, spirituality, loyalty, and faith, all through the lens of sports.
In the book, Sean attempts to please his father to the extent that it leaves him comatose in the hospital due to the steroids he has been taking to try and meet his father’s expectations. His sister Margaret has to deal with the aftermath of his overdose, and we feel her conflicts and the crisis of faith in which she finds her self. The author beautifully weaves in the theme of faith and prayer very realistically through the characters, and each one experiences a relationship with God in their own way. It is as if everyone is adrift in the water, which plays such a key role in this novel, and everyone is at the point where it is either sink or swim.
The book is never preachy, and yet addresses very difficult and salient topics for today. The drug epidemic, for one, as well as the lack of communication and understanding between parents and children—which often leads young people to seek approval elsewhere, such as escaping their insecurities through the use of drugs.
I received a review copy of this book, and I am so happy that I did because it provides the opportunity to let everyone know what an excellent, relevant work this is. The author, Gail Pallotta, presents a very original approach to these heavy topics. Stopped Cold is a novel that is well-written, intense, and thought provoking while still being enjoyable and uplifting to read.
July 7, 2013
Stopped Cold is a story aimed at young readers, junior high to high school age. The story is told in the first person by Maggie, a high school student and trophy-winning swimmer. Her father has pressured her older brother, Sean, in the hope that his son would become the high school football hero that he apparently had been in his youth. Maggie's brother had taken steroids to enhance his endurance in order to make a comeback, and reclaim his position on the team. His coach had replaced him with another player who was better suited to the position. Sean's use of steroids caused him to suffer a stroke which resulted in unconsciousness for a lengthy time, and grave concern for his life and his future. His parents were devastated, his father displaying remorse at pushing the boy too hard. Their faith life had plummeted due to Maggie's father feeling bitter about some of the members of the church, one in particular. Maggie has a compulsion to find the drug dealers who provided Sean with steroids, and puts herself in harm's way as a result.
Some valuable lessons were broached through this story. The book may have had more impact if it had been told in the third person. Stronger character development is lacking since Maggie's character is somewhat limited. The author exposes many examples of how families can be more affective and more alert to their children's needs.
Disclaimer: I received a PDF copy of this book from BookFun.org in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review. Thank you to Fred St Laurent from the BookFun.org For Readers Only program.
Some valuable lessons were broached through this story. The book may have had more impact if it had been told in the third person. Stronger character development is lacking since Maggie's character is somewhat limited. The author exposes many examples of how families can be more affective and more alert to their children's needs.
Disclaimer: I received a PDF copy of this book from BookFun.org in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review. Thank you to Fred St Laurent from the BookFun.org For Readers Only program.
July 3, 2014
Maggie was just a normal teen-ager who enjoyed her life and excelled in swimming competition, until her world was shattered by her brother’s overdose on steroids. Uncertain about his recovery and enraged at the dealers who sold him the drug, she and her friends embark on a campaign to bring those responsible to justice.
The plot moves along at a rapid pace as the young teens engage in amateur detective work to discover who is furnishing the drugs to students. I enjoyed getting to know the characters as they wove through the issues of drug use, family relationships, mystery, romance, peer pressure, and more.
The author presents a spiritual theme that is brought out through the actions of the characters in a realistic manner. The story shows teens how God views them and how they can process their world through their relationship with Him.
This book is targeted to teens and carries a strong message about the dangers of steroid use. Other themes include the consequences that occur when young people are forced to perform beyond their capabilities or even their own motivation to please the adults in their world.
I recommend Stopped Cold for young people who enjoy stories about teens who face their problems and deal with them in a realistic manner.
The plot moves along at a rapid pace as the young teens engage in amateur detective work to discover who is furnishing the drugs to students. I enjoyed getting to know the characters as they wove through the issues of drug use, family relationships, mystery, romance, peer pressure, and more.
The author presents a spiritual theme that is brought out through the actions of the characters in a realistic manner. The story shows teens how God views them and how they can process their world through their relationship with Him.
This book is targeted to teens and carries a strong message about the dangers of steroid use. Other themes include the consequences that occur when young people are forced to perform beyond their capabilities or even their own motivation to please the adults in their world.
I recommend Stopped Cold for young people who enjoy stories about teens who face their problems and deal with them in a realistic manner.
December 12, 2015
Margaret’s intentions had really been to rectify the animosity within and expose her soul to true love, however there are many hindrances. At first Margaret relished an easygoing year at school playing on Jimmy as well as participating in swimming and hanging with her peers. Enter the story, her brother’s mishap. He does the unthinkable when he makes a poor and dangerous decision, and all to upping his skill in football in order to please his dad. Margaret and her friends take it upon themselves to seek restoration for her brother, and in doing so they venture into dangerous territory. Gail Pallotta cords a Christian viewpoint in this thought provoking story. It is nicely written and I personally found it to be a stirring, heartfelt read, incorporated with messages of perseverance, faith as well as important life lessons.
August 7, 2019
Getting Your Priorities Right
“Stopped Cold” by Gail Pallotta gets five stars from me. I enjoyed this book on several levels. On the surface it appears to be a YA mystery. But it’s much more than that. It’s a great read for adults, too. Especially parents. Gail Pallotta has done a wonderful job reminding us what is really important in life in this highly competitive world. Who we are is not based on what we or our children achieve, not on how many trophies or blue ribbons they accumulate, but the persons we and they are. I loved seeing Margaret and Sean’s highly-competitive, driven, ex-jock father come to that conclusion in the midst of what might be the most heartbreaking loss of his life. A great story for adults and teens alike.
“Stopped Cold” by Gail Pallotta gets five stars from me. I enjoyed this book on several levels. On the surface it appears to be a YA mystery. But it’s much more than that. It’s a great read for adults, too. Especially parents. Gail Pallotta has done a wonderful job reminding us what is really important in life in this highly competitive world. Who we are is not based on what we or our children achieve, not on how many trophies or blue ribbons they accumulate, but the persons we and they are. I loved seeing Margaret and Sean’s highly-competitive, driven, ex-jock father come to that conclusion in the midst of what might be the most heartbreaking loss of his life. A great story for adults and teens alike.
June 5, 2014
I wasn't sure what to expect with this book but once I read about 5 pages I devoured the rest of the book. I don't get to read very many teen mystery type books. I read it in 2 days. The story and the characters grab you from the get go and keeps you reading more to find out what happens next. Romance, mystery, love of family, teen drama, drug abuse, peer pressure. I recommend this book to anyone looking for something different.
I received this ebook from the author for my honest opinion and review.
I received this ebook from the author for my honest opinion and review.
August 28, 2019
Wow! This book had my attention from the first page! I read this book in one evening! Even though this is a young adult book, I really enjoyed it. It is told from the first person point of view which is my favorite way to tell a story. It is written from Margaret, a teenager's point of view. It has a little suspense and a little romance in it. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone! I would love to read more books by Gail Palotta.
I received this book from the publisher for my honest opinion.
I received this book from the publisher for my honest opinion.
July 1, 2016
Stopped Cold captured my attention right from the start. Showing the dangers of drugs, Stopped Cold is a book that all teens should read.
The way the book is crafted makes it extremely easy to connect with the characters. I loved the way the suspense is built. And as for the ending, well, God often uses the bad to draw people closer to him, as Margaret discovers in this adrenaline building tale.
Stopped Cold is a must read!
The way the book is crafted makes it extremely easy to connect with the characters. I loved the way the suspense is built. And as for the ending, well, God often uses the bad to draw people closer to him, as Margaret discovers in this adrenaline building tale.
Stopped Cold is a must read!
October 9, 2019
Lives are changed when decisions result in danger and strained relationships. Each character learns something about themselves. Through time and relying on faith in God, the family forms a closer bond. The struggles are heartfelt and reflective of today's society. Great read for parents and teens. I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required.
October 15, 2019
I have not read anything by Gail Pallotta before. I believe Stopped Cold has made me want to read more by her. I am giving it four stars.
July 14, 2024
This is. simple story suited for young teens- a little romance, a little suspense. Character development is lacking. Thematic ideas of faith, forgiveness, and family are prevalent. Tired issues of parental pushing and projecting one’s goals onto one’s offspring... and living vicariously through one’s offspring are also prevalent. The most important message for young people is the ramifications of the choices one makes and how those choices affect who one wants to be as a person. The choices made in present affect the future.
I’ve received a complimentary ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review . The opinions expressed are mine alone.
I’ve received a complimentary ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review . The opinions expressed are mine alone.
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