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Where There's Smoke
Pastor Henry Collins is hailed as a hero after rescuing a teenage girl from a burning church. But the real reason he was at the right place at the right time is known only to him and Hannah Mercer, the teenage girl he a girl whose faith has more to do with keeping up appearances than anything to do with God.
Lia Anders is a classmate of Hannah’ a girl whose coming out as a lesbian resulted in immediate expulsion from the church. As an unlikely friendship develops between the two, Hannah begins to realize the error of her hypocritical ways, and encourages Henry to make a decision that will forever alter the course of their lives. But for Henry, the price of living a lie is easier than owning up to the truth.
Where There’s Smoke is a story that who are we really? Are we the sum of all our actions? And is the note we finish our lives on the most defining of them all?
Lia Anders is a classmate of Hannah’ a girl whose coming out as a lesbian resulted in immediate expulsion from the church. As an unlikely friendship develops between the two, Hannah begins to realize the error of her hypocritical ways, and encourages Henry to make a decision that will forever alter the course of their lives. But for Henry, the price of living a lie is easier than owning up to the truth.
Where There’s Smoke is a story that who are we really? Are we the sum of all our actions? And is the note we finish our lives on the most defining of them all?
118 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
293 people want to read
About the author
Sarahbeth Caplin
10 books91 followersReading interests: YA, novels with unreliable narrators, biographies, memoirs, history, and all things theology-related.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 11, 2014
Sarahbeth Caplin created a story that intrigued me the moment I started reading. Belief systems are tested, knowledge of right and wrong and ultimately how one sees oneself are all parts to this wonderfully-written novel.
Hannah Mercer is a young girl struggling with her place within her church. The attention she receives from peers is that of pity. She’s tired of living with a stigma, not of her making. She doesn’t necessarily feel that everything is black and white, good or bad - but she doesn’t have a voice within her group to voice her opinions. Already somewhat of an outcast, she sticks to the norm until she reaches out to her pastor.
Pastor Henry is tied, not only by the rules of the church he runs, but also by those who control it. He has lived his life the way it is expected. Seminary, marriage, family and a church to lead, and yet he feels like something is missing. He was a wife and children that he loves, a congregation that respects and admires him - and he’s jaded by it. He sees what happens within the confines of his church, but someone else pulls the strings and he feels like a puppet.
Henry sees Hannah and her search for answers refreshing. She wants to know the whys of what she been brought up to believe and Henry listens because, he too has faced the same.
Will Hannah find her place in Grace Place that lets her grow out of the shadows of her past? And can Henry take control of his personal life and transform Grace Place to be the haven it is meant to be?
Hannah Mercer is a young girl struggling with her place within her church. The attention she receives from peers is that of pity. She’s tired of living with a stigma, not of her making. She doesn’t necessarily feel that everything is black and white, good or bad - but she doesn’t have a voice within her group to voice her opinions. Already somewhat of an outcast, she sticks to the norm until she reaches out to her pastor.
Pastor Henry is tied, not only by the rules of the church he runs, but also by those who control it. He has lived his life the way it is expected. Seminary, marriage, family and a church to lead, and yet he feels like something is missing. He was a wife and children that he loves, a congregation that respects and admires him - and he’s jaded by it. He sees what happens within the confines of his church, but someone else pulls the strings and he feels like a puppet.
Henry sees Hannah and her search for answers refreshing. She wants to know the whys of what she been brought up to believe and Henry listens because, he too has faced the same.
Will Hannah find her place in Grace Place that lets her grow out of the shadows of her past? And can Henry take control of his personal life and transform Grace Place to be the haven it is meant to be?
May 22, 2014
Where There’s Smoke
Where’s There’s Smoke takes a compelling look at organized religion, the sin and the sinner, and the relationship you should have with your own God.
This was the first book I’ve read by Sarahbeth Caplin, and I was truly impressed! I strayed a bit from the genres I tend to read because the blurb sounded compelling enough where I thought I’d give it a chance. And I loved it!
This is one of those ‘thinking’ books. It’s a story that makes you question your beliefs, morals, religion, and your own personal relationship with God. It’s far from preachy though. Caplin does an excellent job of making you ask yourself, “What’s important?” and “Whose place is it to judge the actions of others?”
Where There’s Smoke centers around the lives of high school student, Hannah, and her pastor, Henry. A forbidden romance begins, and we see how everyone in the congregation speculates, judges, and deals with their own struggles in faith. It’s more than that, though. It’s how the butterfly effect causes every character to be responsible for his/her own actions, and how everyone is a sinner, no matter who you are.
No one is perfect.
This is a novella, and I would’ve loved to see more about each character. But with that said, that kind of development was unnecessary for the story.
4.5 stars
Where’s There’s Smoke takes a compelling look at organized religion, the sin and the sinner, and the relationship you should have with your own God.
This was the first book I’ve read by Sarahbeth Caplin, and I was truly impressed! I strayed a bit from the genres I tend to read because the blurb sounded compelling enough where I thought I’d give it a chance. And I loved it!
This is one of those ‘thinking’ books. It’s a story that makes you question your beliefs, morals, religion, and your own personal relationship with God. It’s far from preachy though. Caplin does an excellent job of making you ask yourself, “What’s important?” and “Whose place is it to judge the actions of others?”
Where There’s Smoke centers around the lives of high school student, Hannah, and her pastor, Henry. A forbidden romance begins, and we see how everyone in the congregation speculates, judges, and deals with their own struggles in faith. It’s more than that, though. It’s how the butterfly effect causes every character to be responsible for his/her own actions, and how everyone is a sinner, no matter who you are.
No one is perfect.
This is a novella, and I would’ve loved to see more about each character. But with that said, that kind of development was unnecessary for the story.
4.5 stars
June 12, 2014
A story about grace
I really enjoyed "Where There's Smoke" by Sarahbeth Caplin. I like how the story illustrated each character's need for grace, how they missed that need, and the catalyst for understanding it. I also appreciate the exploration of how the church often treats sin and sinners less than graciously...as if some people need less grace than others. I would have liked to see more of other characters besides Hannah and Henry a little earlier on. Compelling!
I really enjoyed "Where There's Smoke" by Sarahbeth Caplin. I like how the story illustrated each character's need for grace, how they missed that need, and the catalyst for understanding it. I also appreciate the exploration of how the church often treats sin and sinners less than graciously...as if some people need less grace than others. I would have liked to see more of other characters besides Hannah and Henry a little earlier on. Compelling!
September 9, 2014
Reviewed on behalf of Fictional BookHos:
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Okay, where do I start? This book was not what I expected. When asked to review the book, I had expected some kind of romance novel. One featuring religious themes for sure, but a romance novel nonetheless. But what I got instead was a fascinating novel about hypocrisy, being human, and the cost of living a lie.
The primary character in the book is Hannah Mercer, an 18 year old high school student. She is confused, naive and vulnerable. Her father had recently just up and left her and her mother for reasons that she never understood. She is desperate to fit in with the uptight christian clique in her high school led by the church deacon's hypocritical and uptight daughter. But Hannah is also desperate for another kind of attention. The kind of inappropriate attention she ends up getting from her trusted, and married, pastor, Henry Collins.
Pastor Collins is a messed up man. In a loveless marriage, with two kids and another on the way. Preaching things he's not even sure he believes in every Sunday morning. When he takes advantage of naive Hannah, he crosses a line he can never uncross.
One of my favorite characters in the book is ostracized Lia Anders, a wonderful lesbian girl who is being shunned by all the "good" kids in high school. Hannah needs Lia to help tutor her in algebra, and they end up forming a secret friendship. A friendship that Hannah cannot tell anyone about unless she also wants to be shunned. Lia was a breath of fresh air, and I found myself looking forward to any scene she appeared in. I wish there had been more of them.
As you can probably imagine, things eventually bubble over. Secrets are revealed, lives are forever altered and nothing will ever be the same. Do not go into this book expecting a sexy romantic hero, or a steamy story. Instead, go into the book with an open mind. Willing to just experience what the author is presenting. I think you may find yourself as captivated as I was.
+++
Okay, where do I start? This book was not what I expected. When asked to review the book, I had expected some kind of romance novel. One featuring religious themes for sure, but a romance novel nonetheless. But what I got instead was a fascinating novel about hypocrisy, being human, and the cost of living a lie.
The primary character in the book is Hannah Mercer, an 18 year old high school student. She is confused, naive and vulnerable. Her father had recently just up and left her and her mother for reasons that she never understood. She is desperate to fit in with the uptight christian clique in her high school led by the church deacon's hypocritical and uptight daughter. But Hannah is also desperate for another kind of attention. The kind of inappropriate attention she ends up getting from her trusted, and married, pastor, Henry Collins.
Pastor Collins is a messed up man. In a loveless marriage, with two kids and another on the way. Preaching things he's not even sure he believes in every Sunday morning. When he takes advantage of naive Hannah, he crosses a line he can never uncross.
One of my favorite characters in the book is ostracized Lia Anders, a wonderful lesbian girl who is being shunned by all the "good" kids in high school. Hannah needs Lia to help tutor her in algebra, and they end up forming a secret friendship. A friendship that Hannah cannot tell anyone about unless she also wants to be shunned. Lia was a breath of fresh air, and I found myself looking forward to any scene she appeared in. I wish there had been more of them.
As you can probably imagine, things eventually bubble over. Secrets are revealed, lives are forever altered and nothing will ever be the same. Do not go into this book expecting a sexy romantic hero, or a steamy story. Instead, go into the book with an open mind. Willing to just experience what the author is presenting. I think you may find yourself as captivated as I was.
August 12, 2014
Okay, where do I start? This quick read was not what I expected. When asked to review the book, I had expected some kind of romance novel. One featuring religious themes for sure, but a romance novel nonetheless. But what I got instead was a fascinating young adult novel all about hypocrisy, being human, and the cost of living a lie.
The primary character in the book is Hannah Mercer, an 18 year old high school student. She is confused, naive and vulnerable. Her father had recently just up and left her and her mother for reasons that she never understood. She is desperate to fit in with the uptight christian clique in her high school led by the church deacon's hypocritical and uptight daughter. But Hannah is also desperate for another kind of attention. The kind of inappropriate attention she ends up getting from her trusted, and married, pastor, Henry Collins.
Pastor Collins is a messed up man. In a loveless marriage, with two kids and another on the way. Preaching things he's not even sure he believes in every Sunday morning. When he takes advantage of naive Hannah, he crosses a line he can never uncross.
One of my favorite characters in the book is ostracized Lia Anders, a wonderful lesbian girl who is being shunned by all the "good" kids in high school. Hannah needs Lia to help tutor her in algebra, and they end up forming a secret friendship. A friendship that Hannah cannot tell anyone about unless she also wants to be shunned. Lia was a breath of fresh air, and I found myself looking forward to any scene she appeared in. I wish there had been more of them.
As you can probably imagine, things eventually bubble over. Secrets are revealed, lives are forever altered and nothing will ever be the same. Do not go into this book expecting a sexy romantic hero, or a steamy story. Instead, go into the book with an open mind. Willing to just experience what the author is presenting. I think you may find yourself as captivated as I was.
The primary character in the book is Hannah Mercer, an 18 year old high school student. She is confused, naive and vulnerable. Her father had recently just up and left her and her mother for reasons that she never understood. She is desperate to fit in with the uptight christian clique in her high school led by the church deacon's hypocritical and uptight daughter. But Hannah is also desperate for another kind of attention. The kind of inappropriate attention she ends up getting from her trusted, and married, pastor, Henry Collins.
Pastor Collins is a messed up man. In a loveless marriage, with two kids and another on the way. Preaching things he's not even sure he believes in every Sunday morning. When he takes advantage of naive Hannah, he crosses a line he can never uncross.
One of my favorite characters in the book is ostracized Lia Anders, a wonderful lesbian girl who is being shunned by all the "good" kids in high school. Hannah needs Lia to help tutor her in algebra, and they end up forming a secret friendship. A friendship that Hannah cannot tell anyone about unless she also wants to be shunned. Lia was a breath of fresh air, and I found myself looking forward to any scene she appeared in. I wish there had been more of them.
As you can probably imagine, things eventually bubble over. Secrets are revealed, lives are forever altered and nothing will ever be the same. Do not go into this book expecting a sexy romantic hero, or a steamy story. Instead, go into the book with an open mind. Willing to just experience what the author is presenting. I think you may find yourself as captivated as I was.
March 31, 2015
Religion. One of the main things that inspires war. One of the main things that causes arguments amongst friends. One of the main things that males you either confident or frightened.
People look towards religious leaders as perfect public figures to look up to, most often undeserving of their attentions. Pastor Henry is the perfect example of a pastor in a bad place. He should be satisfied with his lot in life, but he's not. And many people probably won't blame him.
Hannah is a lonely, kind girl who needs guidance and has questions, something forbidden in this Christian community. But she's a sympathetic character, who makes poor choices but does her best to be good.
Lia is me. Period. When you get to know her, you'll get to know me. She's a white knight in disguise, and though she was kicked out of the church, she's probably the only truly "good" person in the story, one who tries her best to be her best.
You'll meet other characters in Ms. Caplin's novella, many of whom you'll recognize from your own lives: the rude, the hypocritical, and the weak. But each and every character has a story. Some you'll pity, and some you won't, but I can guarantee that your emotions will ride a crazy rollercoaster as you read this tale.
She talks about not just religion, but the effect ot has on all of us, especially those who try to be the stereotypical "good Christian". But I was able to take one constant thing from this, that God doesn't expect perfection from us. He just expects us to be the very best we can.
You don't have to be religious to read this, and I think everyone should take a peek, if only to enjoy Ms. Caplin's simplistic storytelling.
People look towards religious leaders as perfect public figures to look up to, most often undeserving of their attentions. Pastor Henry is the perfect example of a pastor in a bad place. He should be satisfied with his lot in life, but he's not. And many people probably won't blame him.
Hannah is a lonely, kind girl who needs guidance and has questions, something forbidden in this Christian community. But she's a sympathetic character, who makes poor choices but does her best to be good.
Lia is me. Period. When you get to know her, you'll get to know me. She's a white knight in disguise, and though she was kicked out of the church, she's probably the only truly "good" person in the story, one who tries her best to be her best.
You'll meet other characters in Ms. Caplin's novella, many of whom you'll recognize from your own lives: the rude, the hypocritical, and the weak. But each and every character has a story. Some you'll pity, and some you won't, but I can guarantee that your emotions will ride a crazy rollercoaster as you read this tale.
She talks about not just religion, but the effect ot has on all of us, especially those who try to be the stereotypical "good Christian". But I was able to take one constant thing from this, that God doesn't expect perfection from us. He just expects us to be the very best we can.
You don't have to be religious to read this, and I think everyone should take a peek, if only to enjoy Ms. Caplin's simplistic storytelling.
July 12, 2014
This book is unbelievably amazing. The topics it covers in what a person’s beliefs are verses what others say they should be, and the struggle to find your own way to accept others or conform to the belief of the group.
Hannah Mercer is a very naïve 18 year old, who is struggling and questioning the Christian beliefs that she has been taught. She is faced with many choices that make her question her beliefs and it is her actions that set the course for her future in her life.
Henry is a Pastor, husband and father. He is struggling with his own demons in regards to his path in life and his inability to always believe in what he is preaching to his congregation every Sunday.
The choices that Henry and Hannah make set in motion a storm of consequences for the church and the town.
This book made you think and really feel for the characters, you could see exactly what they were dealing with and the struggles they had with coming to terms with what was believed to be right from wrong. The direction the book took is not one that I expected, but it made for a very intriguing and thought provoking read. Sarahbeth Caplin has done a great job with capturing some of the most current topics and struggles in society with faith and religion. She has taken on infidelity, lust, greed, homosexuality and the search for happiness and made it into a very meaningful book that showed that we all make mistakes, we are all human, no one is perfect, it is what we do with our mistakes that make us the better people in our lives and our faith.
Hannah Mercer is a very naïve 18 year old, who is struggling and questioning the Christian beliefs that she has been taught. She is faced with many choices that make her question her beliefs and it is her actions that set the course for her future in her life.
Henry is a Pastor, husband and father. He is struggling with his own demons in regards to his path in life and his inability to always believe in what he is preaching to his congregation every Sunday.
The choices that Henry and Hannah make set in motion a storm of consequences for the church and the town.
This book made you think and really feel for the characters, you could see exactly what they were dealing with and the struggles they had with coming to terms with what was believed to be right from wrong. The direction the book took is not one that I expected, but it made for a very intriguing and thought provoking read. Sarahbeth Caplin has done a great job with capturing some of the most current topics and struggles in society with faith and religion. She has taken on infidelity, lust, greed, homosexuality and the search for happiness and made it into a very meaningful book that showed that we all make mistakes, we are all human, no one is perfect, it is what we do with our mistakes that make us the better people in our lives and our faith.
July 10, 2014
I think this story was bold and touched upon some very relatable subjects in those who are involved in a religious community and in general life as well. I do feel this is going to be a book that people are going to love or hate because of it's sensitive matter.
There is something that draws someone to such a taboo matter, but beyond the tense/angst amongst the characters there is a seriousness that can not be ignored. That choices we make, individually or together, can change the lives of many. To write about such matters with religion mixed into the storyline takes guts and walks a fine line that I enjoyed reading about.
The only downfall for me was that the ending felt rushed. We were thrown into variety of point of views that was a bit of a whirlwind. I get why they were shown, but without character build up to those views that were presented I found it difficult to imagine that that was the characters true reaction to the situation. I found it hard to connect with them without that development, but then again I thought about what it would take to have had those perspectives throughout the book. It would of made the book a bit more lengthy but I think it would of added to the power of it's message.
As it is, you will find it to be a quick read with a powerful message that will leave you thinking!!
4 *WINK* READ
Book Flirts by Jessi
www.facebook.com/bookflirts
@bookflirtsjessi
There is something that draws someone to such a taboo matter, but beyond the tense/angst amongst the characters there is a seriousness that can not be ignored. That choices we make, individually or together, can change the lives of many. To write about such matters with religion mixed into the storyline takes guts and walks a fine line that I enjoyed reading about.
The only downfall for me was that the ending felt rushed. We were thrown into variety of point of views that was a bit of a whirlwind. I get why they were shown, but without character build up to those views that were presented I found it difficult to imagine that that was the characters true reaction to the situation. I found it hard to connect with them without that development, but then again I thought about what it would take to have had those perspectives throughout the book. It would of made the book a bit more lengthy but I think it would of added to the power of it's message.
As it is, you will find it to be a quick read with a powerful message that will leave you thinking!!
4 *WINK* READ
Book Flirts by Jessi
www.facebook.com/bookflirts
@bookflirtsjessi
May 24, 2014
Where There’s Smoke is the third book I’ve read by Sarahbeth Caplin, and while I thoroughly enjoyed Someone You Already Know and Public Displays of Convention, I’d have to say this is my favorite.
As a beta reader, I was fortunate enough to see this book grow from the very first paragraphs all the way to the satisfactory ending. I watched the characters grow, plots change, and a story create itself over the span of a few months.
This is the kind of book that draws you in at the beginning and keeps you interested throughout. Protagonists Hannah and Henry are extremely relatable. There were times when I could relate to each character separately through the things they went through, and it made this a personal read for me.
Although religion is an important part of the story, you DO NOT have to be of any particular faith to enjoy and connect to this book. Most of us have struggles with faith in one way or another throughout our lives, whether it’s switching religions or deciding not to follow any, and this book really speaks to that struggle. It was well-written and honest, compelling and true-to-life.
I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for something a little different than mainstream young adult. It has a little bit of everything – mystery, romance, and characters that feel like people you just might know.
As a beta reader, I was fortunate enough to see this book grow from the very first paragraphs all the way to the satisfactory ending. I watched the characters grow, plots change, and a story create itself over the span of a few months.
This is the kind of book that draws you in at the beginning and keeps you interested throughout. Protagonists Hannah and Henry are extremely relatable. There were times when I could relate to each character separately through the things they went through, and it made this a personal read for me.
Although religion is an important part of the story, you DO NOT have to be of any particular faith to enjoy and connect to this book. Most of us have struggles with faith in one way or another throughout our lives, whether it’s switching religions or deciding not to follow any, and this book really speaks to that struggle. It was well-written and honest, compelling and true-to-life.
I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for something a little different than mainstream young adult. It has a little bit of everything – mystery, romance, and characters that feel like people you just might know.
July 11, 2016
ARC for Review
A pastor saves an unknown teenager from a church fire things start to unravel when he becomes a hero to the community. There is more than meets the eye. The reason why they are both in the church will destroy one of them.
Hannah Mercer a typical teenager who father has left her mother trying to fit in with the religious girls at her church and school. She ends up befriending Lia an open gay person who is an outcast by the church and her so called friends at school.
She soon realizes that Lia is not a bad person as others try to portray her. Not everything is black and white in the bible or religion.. Hannah also finds herself involve with her married Pastor Henry Collins which started out innocently with her meeting him for answers about faith. It soon became more as they seek comfort in each other.
In the midst of religious people who are not perfect and flawed, we see how things can escalate. No one is perfect and even strong faith Christians are easily susceptible to things they know are wrong but they try to justify their behavior.
We see that even so called perfect people are fragile and sometimes will take the easy way out to ease themselves of their pain. It is not easy living in a microscopic world where you are expected to be perfect.
A pastor saves an unknown teenager from a church fire things start to unravel when he becomes a hero to the community. There is more than meets the eye. The reason why they are both in the church will destroy one of them.
Hannah Mercer a typical teenager who father has left her mother trying to fit in with the religious girls at her church and school. She ends up befriending Lia an open gay person who is an outcast by the church and her so called friends at school.
She soon realizes that Lia is not a bad person as others try to portray her. Not everything is black and white in the bible or religion.. Hannah also finds herself involve with her married Pastor Henry Collins which started out innocently with her meeting him for answers about faith. It soon became more as they seek comfort in each other.
In the midst of religious people who are not perfect and flawed, we see how things can escalate. No one is perfect and even strong faith Christians are easily susceptible to things they know are wrong but they try to justify their behavior.
We see that even so called perfect people are fragile and sometimes will take the easy way out to ease themselves of their pain. It is not easy living in a microscopic world where you are expected to be perfect.
June 5, 2014
The main issue I had with this book is that it wasn't longer. I understand that it's a novella, but with some added details, it could've easily become a full blown novel and I would've connected better to the characters.
The writing is good, and though this is the first of Caplin's novels that I have read, I've read some excerpts from her other work and I can tell that her writing has improved. The only issue I had with the writing is when the author described a character as having a voice that sounds exactly like Effie Trinket. This phrase threw me out of the story as I searched my brain, trying to remember who Effie Trinket was. Other than that, the writing was well done.
The Christianity that Caplin paints is a stereotypical fundamentalist group and at times the community she created caused me to laugh out loud. I loved the book title "Lovers for the Lord" it cracked me up. Yet, there were times that I felt the characters were so over the top archetypal, that they didn't seem real and I didn't feel connected to them.
All in all, this wasn't a bad story, I respect the message that Caplin wants to send about spiritual abuse and true Christianity, however I think this book could've been improved by more character development and detail.
The writing is good, and though this is the first of Caplin's novels that I have read, I've read some excerpts from her other work and I can tell that her writing has improved. The only issue I had with the writing is when the author described a character as having a voice that sounds exactly like Effie Trinket. This phrase threw me out of the story as I searched my brain, trying to remember who Effie Trinket was. Other than that, the writing was well done.
The Christianity that Caplin paints is a stereotypical fundamentalist group and at times the community she created caused me to laugh out loud. I loved the book title "Lovers for the Lord" it cracked me up. Yet, there were times that I felt the characters were so over the top archetypal, that they didn't seem real and I didn't feel connected to them.
All in all, this wasn't a bad story, I respect the message that Caplin wants to send about spiritual abuse and true Christianity, however I think this book could've been improved by more character development and detail.
July 7, 2014
Speechless!
I was a little leery of this book after reading the synopsis. I had nothing to fear. This book is about faith and the hypocrisy that abounds within organized religion - which, as a Messianic Jew, I've always found astounding.
There is no preaching in this book. There is, however, powerful testimony! The characters in this book are real, they are human, and they could be anyone, in any town, anywhere. There is the girl longing to fit in, the girl who is trying to prove herself worthy to her parents, the outcast - who just happens to be gay, and the Minister who is more flawed than anyone knows. Things happen and harsh lessons are learned. The events in this book could (and more than likely have) take place in any Church, within any congregation, to any one of the people attending.
This book is a MUST read! I'd give it 10 stars if I could. It is certainly acceptable for mature teens and older. There are not many books on my 'favorites' shelf. I just added this one.
I was a little leery of this book after reading the synopsis. I had nothing to fear. This book is about faith and the hypocrisy that abounds within organized religion - which, as a Messianic Jew, I've always found astounding.
There is no preaching in this book. There is, however, powerful testimony! The characters in this book are real, they are human, and they could be anyone, in any town, anywhere. There is the girl longing to fit in, the girl who is trying to prove herself worthy to her parents, the outcast - who just happens to be gay, and the Minister who is more flawed than anyone knows. Things happen and harsh lessons are learned. The events in this book could (and more than likely have) take place in any Church, within any congregation, to any one of the people attending.
This book is a MUST read! I'd give it 10 stars if I could. It is certainly acceptable for mature teens and older. There are not many books on my 'favorites' shelf. I just added this one.
September 13, 2016
This is the second book by Sarahbeth Caplin that I have read. I really enjoy this story about Hannah who is a Christian girl and Henry Collins a Pastor,married with 2 children and the struggle they have for each other. Hannah is only a teenage school girl who has feelings for the Pastor. Henry Collins who is a pastor,respected,family man and mentor has feelings for Hannah that he should NEVER HAD. Sarahbeth did great telling this story and was a one that had my interest and couldn't wait to see how the whole story panned out. Did the "affair" come out? Where there more lies being told? What happened with Henry and his wife? So many questions I had and they did get answered. It does show that everyone is human and no matter with the church or not you will make mistakes and do or can do sinful things. This was a quick read..
July 10, 2014
A teen confused about the religion she was raised to believe in. A pastor questioning the teachings he was taught to believe in and preach. A group of hypocritical teens shunning those who are different. Wait, this is the way people should be treated, right? But, wasn't Jesus good to the outcasts? What happens when the pressure to be "perfect" gets to you? What will it take for the congregation to see the error of their ways?
I really enjoyed this book. I was raised Catholic by a very religious lady who was also the Religion teacher. I was shunned and turned away from the church due to a unwed, teen pregnancy and a divorce. I know exactly what it feels like to be the outcast and to question everything you were raised to believe. I could put myself in the shoes of these characters and really relate to them.
I would definitely recommend this book.
I really enjoyed this book. I was raised Catholic by a very religious lady who was also the Religion teacher. I was shunned and turned away from the church due to a unwed, teen pregnancy and a divorce. I know exactly what it feels like to be the outcast and to question everything you were raised to believe. I could put myself in the shoes of these characters and really relate to them.
I would definitely recommend this book.
July 19, 2014
When I finished reading Where There's Smoke, I was reminded of The Scarlett Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne.
The book centers on a young girl, Hannah, whose father left his family and how her life has been impacted as a result of her participation in a religious community.
There are three characters Hannah interacts with: Lia, Pastor Henry Collins and Kaylee Cartwright. These are complicated relationships and Sarahbeth Caplin is to be commended for this work.
I was saddened by the internal struggles these characters experienced. I would have liked to know more about the secondary characters. Some of the action is inferred and that was a bit confusing.
Overall it was a good read. I enjoyed the story and I thought the themes are relevant to our times and current events.
The book centers on a young girl, Hannah, whose father left his family and how her life has been impacted as a result of her participation in a religious community.
There are three characters Hannah interacts with: Lia, Pastor Henry Collins and Kaylee Cartwright. These are complicated relationships and Sarahbeth Caplin is to be commended for this work.
I was saddened by the internal struggles these characters experienced. I would have liked to know more about the secondary characters. Some of the action is inferred and that was a bit confusing.
Overall it was a good read. I enjoyed the story and I thought the themes are relevant to our times and current events.
June 10, 2014
Where There’s Smoke is a story of a community of people that might not be all they say they are. When a chain of events starts to unmask all the people of this group, the unexpected happens. Caplin is a strong writer with a great vision for her characters. Where There’s Smoke is a story full of people hiding behind masks and unforeseen twists that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Where There’s Smoke starts off very strong and I can see how this story has great potential. I felt like it kind of left me hanging a bit. I would love to read more of the story and see where this chain of events takes this group of individuals. I did however, enjoy the writing.
May 20, 2015
This book is amazing. It is deep and riveting, and it will make you think. I highly recommend it!
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