Sins of the Father

Jesus Freaks #1

by Andrea Randall

Kennedy Sawyer is the valedictorian of her upper middle class, liberal high school.

Roland Abbot is the charismatic, attractive televangelist from New Life Church with a dark past and an illegitimate child.

Ignoring the cautions of her mother and the confusion of her Ivy League-bound friends, Kennedy enrolls at the conservative Christian Carter University where her sights are set on Roland Abbot—her birth father.

Kennedy’s intentions are to learn more about her father than the Bible. However, roommates who are quick to evangelize to strangers, an RA who seems to be hiding something, and friends in the most unlikely places challenge everything she’s ever held as true in the raging battle of us vs. them.

Genres: New Adult, Fiction, Contemporary, Young Adult, Christian, Amazon, Contemporary Romance

290 pages, Paperback

First published August 25, 2014

About the author

Currently working on a new New Adult series,titled, "Jesus Freaks".

Titles Now Available:

In the Stillness

Nocturne

The November Blue Series:
1. Ten Days of Perfect
2. Reckless Abandon
3. Sweet Forty-Two
4. Marrying Ember
5. Bo & Ember

Novellas (stand-alones):
1. Something's Come Up
2. Bar Crawl


I started writing poetry long before writing fiction. I firmly believe Poetry is a solid foundation for all other forms of writing. It taught me that a single word can make or break the world.

I write fiction because my characters have a story and they want me to tell it.

I hope you enjoy the pieces of my soul that I share with you.

Reviews

[Amy | Foxy Blogs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jesus Freaks is penned by the same author who wrote, In The Stillness, which I loved. So, I was curious when I saw the title to this book what kind of story the author would create.

Scandal and legacy!
Kennedy is a byproduct of sin. She was born out of wedlock and her birth father signed away his parental rights. Harsh! Maybe?! But Roland had his reasons why he gave her up.



Coming to Jesus meeting.
As a young man he spiraled downhill until one particular moment brought him to his knees. That “coming to Jesus” moment turned his life around. Now, he's a popular televangelist who’s also a guest speaker at the college Kennedy is going to attend.

One foot in the world and one foot in the Word.
Kennedy was raised to be an independent woman. Her mom is more of a liberal Christian then a conservative Christian. Kennedy is a lip ring wearing girl entering a college with strict rules from skirts that are knee length to no public displays of affection.

Seek and you shall find.
Kennedy doesn’t want anyone to know her birth father is the famous Pastor Abbot. Up to this point the public knows about his sin but they don't know the specifics. To respect her wishes they don't let people know their secret when she starts college. Why she chose this college was her curiosity to know her father… both her biblical and birth father.

Oh what's love got to do, got to do with it. What's love but a second hand emotion!
I'm a romantic at heart. I love my books to have some element of romance in it. Even if it's just a small piece. Jesus Freaks was missing that element for me. My romantic heart kept trying to link Kennedy up with different guy friends at her college. Fortunately, Jesus Freaks does not end in this book, there's a book 2. Maybe she finds romance in that book.

Just for fun.
“Blimey Cow” has a ton of good-natured Christian videos. This video is The Top 15 Christian Clichés -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PuK4s...

SERIES:

Continuing story.

[Jess-i-ca · Rating 5 out of 5]

5- Wasn't what I expected - Stars!

Kennedy, a somewhat liberal Episcopalian and valedictorian of her high school could go to any school she would like and was accepted to some very prestigious ones, but decides to enroll at Carter University, a very conservative Christian school.



Her main reason for enrolling is to be near her father, Pastor Roland Abbott, a nearby televangelist connected with the university. The only problem is she is his illegitimate child and no one knows her identity. Sure he's preached about his past sins but she has never been named outright.



She doesn't want anyone to view her differently especially while she is still getting to know Roland. He is immensely popular and has been labeled basically King of Modern Evangelical Christianity.



So Kennedy begins at Carter and is automatically labeled from outsiders as a Jesus Freak, even though she's relatively normal.

"Just a normal day in Jesusville. With my telvangelist birth father."

As she forms relationships with the people in her school she realizes that they are actually good people with good hearts and she has judged them just as much.

"I've been walking around thinking that the people around me think they’re better than me in a spiritual sense, and I've been doing the same thing back at them.

She forms some great relationships but is still trying to find her place in the world basically. Where does she fit in? What is God's plan for her? Why would God leave her abandoned by her father as an infant?

" One thing I do know is I can't pretend to know more than the creator of the universe. Does that make me someone who sees through the bullshit? Or someone who buys it?"

Kennedy was likable to me because she struggles with the same things I have tried to figure out where you fit in with God and how you should believe. She's not all the way left and she's not all the way right. She is just a normal down to earth person and evaluates herself throughout this whole process.



I thought this was a great Amazon freebies and I actually can't wait to see where the story goes from here. Let me warn you this is B>not a romance, or at least not yet. This part of the story focuses on Kennedy's relationship with her father and with God.

[Maggi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book struck such a chord with me, I had to read it again. I don't care who you are, we've all had a run in with a Jesus Freak. The stereotype; out of touch, overly opinionated and undereducated, oppressors of women. You know who I'm talking about. Somewhere out there Wendy Sawyer's giving me an "AMEN, SISTAH!"

Kennedy's journey to discover herself in the middle of a university fraught with this type character was illuminating. I saw so much of myself in her struggles both spiritually and in her desire to simply belong. I have to hand it to Andrea, she crafted some characters in Bridgette and Eden that I NEVER thought I would like. How judgmental of me ;)

Even though I identified with Wendy, I really wanted to shake her out her self important doctrine of what is PC and what is fundamental. As a mother, I needed her to get over herself and be present for her daughter. The snarky remarks and purposeful button stabbing made me angry at a woman who was too busy pontificating her political diatribe to listen to her daughter. And the husband!! What the hell Dan??? Grow a sac. Speak up, man! Sorry. I got a little passionate. Clearly, this did not sway my star rating because characters are supposed to be real enough to stir something in you. I don't believe that every redeemable character should be someone the reader is in love with, and that's how I felt about Wendy and Dan: well meaning but completely misguided.

Roland is a real life person, and he was the pastor of my church in North Carolina. I kid you not. I swear Andrea must've met Greg Farrand at some point and written him into Roland. Don't believe me? Look him up...just don't tell him I sent you.

Matt. Matt. Matt. I didn't see you coming my friend, and you know what? I love that. I love it when the plot genuinely surprises you with a twist you didn't see coming. I'm not going to say what that is, but I will say this: Well played, Andrea Randall. Well played. I'm in awe of your ability to make me sympathize with a group of people who typically give Christianity a bad rap.

For the questioning: You don't have to be a person of faith to appreciate this story. It's ultimately the story of a girl trying to find out who she is and where she belongs in a much bigger picture than she could've ever imagined. This is a book for everyone, not just the Jesus Freaks ;)

[Krystle Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So...I finished Jesus Freaks last night. Aaaaand...just...wow!

Some of you may know I struggle with my faith and more importantly I struggle with organized religion. I wasn't sure id like this book...at all. But I love everything AR writes so obviously I was gonna give it a shot.

I.LOVED.THIS.BOOK!

It's like Andrea clawed her way into my brain and took my thoughts out and put them on paper. More than once. Seriously, there are passages in there that I have said pretty much word for word. It blew my mind.

At the same time, she stretched my beliefs and made me realize there is certainly some soul searching I could be taking part in. Not only in religion but in other parts of life as well.

I adored the characters. Well, most of them. But even the ones I hated were great to read about. K. Sawyer, the main character, is the freakin bomb. Yeah, I just said the bomb. Whatev.

Anyways, read this book. Add it to your TBR now! Whether your a Jesus Freak or not, I guarantee this book will make you think and you'll love every minute of it!

[Charles Sheehan-Miles · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s been quite a while since I’ve posted a book review, but this one I thought was important to get out there. Here’s why.

For most of my adult life, I’ve been prejudiced against conservative Christians and fundamentalists of all kinds. At least outside of fiction. I loved reading about Prior Phillip in Pillars of the Earth, but it never even crossed my mind to read any contemporary Christian literature, with the exception of the Left Behind series, which I thought was okay writing but hideously awful theology. The thing I disliked the most about that series (and a few others which I’ve read) is that they were transparently pushing a specific religious agenda. As I’ve written before, I’ve spent much of my adult life on the outs with God, so I really didn’t want to hear it.

This book isn’t that.

First, my disclosure. I fell in love with Andrea Randall’s writing first, then with her heart and soul. Now I live with her and we’re building a family together. So I’m biased. But that doesn’t make my review untrue. I just wanted to make sure it’s out there.

Now, for the book.

Let me tell you about Kennedy Sawyer. She’s really smart. Graduated at the top of her class, and had her pick of Ivy League colleges to attend. Which was why her friends and her mother were gobsmacked to discover that instead of Cornell or Yale, she was heading off to conservative Christian Carter University, or, as Kennedy irreverently refers to it, Jesusville.

In fact, I’ve only made it on Facebook once this week. Once. I logged on in the library on campus, but kept my message of I’m alive, no worries, just settling into my new environment short and sweet. I’m sure you can imagine the responses that status garnered.

Have they burned you at the stake?

Pray for me, from a guy friend whose profile picture showcased him flanked by two girls with Greek letters across their chests.

That I get laid soon! He completed his thought in another reply.

Am I allowed to visit, or will the pearly gates be closed?

Kennedy’s friends are surprised, but no more so than her mother, who doesn’t support Kennedy’s decision at all. We’re treated with this exchange in the first chapter:

“Makes it easier for them to spoon feed you Jesus,” Mom had sarcastically remarked earlier in the summer. “Cram him down your throat” is what she’d actually said, but I talked her down.

But there is more to the story than her friends know. In fact, Kennedy’s birth father is Roland Abbot, the celebrity televangelist who also happens to be the pastor of the fundamentalist church linked to the campus.

Kennedy made the decision to go to Carter to explore her relationship with her father—and with herself.

Stopping with my hand on the doorknob, I turn to Roland. “I’ve lost my appetite. You preached for an hour about sin and regret. You gave the freshman class one hell of a cautionary tale, Roland. Pardon me if I don’t want to be the dog in your dog and pony show designed to keep everyone
pure. No one knows we’re related, and no one will. Got it? I’m having a hard enough time fitting in without throwing you into the mix.”

Enough with the quotes. This was a heck of a good book. It’s worth reading, and it doesn’t require you to be any kind of religion to enjoy the story of a woman coming of age in an unfamiliar and sometimes hostile environment. It will, however, make you think, about politics, faith and the sometimes uncomfortable crossroads between them.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do you ever see a book and think, "man. This book is going to have NOTHING in it that is of interest to me?" Well, that was my initial thought when I heard about Jesus Freaks. I mean, come on now...Me. I loathe almost everything I know about organized religion and these people were going to a Christian College, where the main character's televangelist father is associated. Ok. I went in fully expecting to roll my eyes and want to barf throughout the entire book, BUT, I love most anything that Andrea writes, so I wanted to give it a try. While I did indeed go through with the eye rolling, I'm very glad I gave Jesus Freaks a try.

Kennedy Sawyer is one of those people who is going to stick with you. I don't care who you are. She is wise beyond her years and the fact that she questions everything, because she deserves an answer, makes her one of my favorite characters. In fact, all of the characters in this book, minus Joy (barf), are those types of people you'd want to be friends with. Sure, some of them are a bit on the "holy roller" side, but, they're at a Christian college. Each character is well rounded and definitely serves a purpose. As with Ms. Randall's other books, this is just one of the things that makes me enjoy her writing.

Jesus Freaks is one of those books that makes you think. A lot. It had me questioning things that I hadn't even thought to question and it made me take a step back and look at things around me. Including the stereotypes that I had invented in my own head. I would encourage everyone to give this book a try. It's not your typical "New Adult" type book. There is depth, there is "questionable" material, there are friendships that make you smile and there are life lessons learned. Sounds good, right? Trust me. It is.

[M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know this book seems like one you don’t think you want to read. I, for one, absolutely love Andrea’s writing, but had doubts about reading her new book. The topic of religion just generally makes people uncomfortable. It does me. I’m not a believer. I try understanding and accepting people that do believe, but I personally just can’t. And it makes me uncomfortable when people talk religion to me (read: preach to me) or blatantly push their beliefs on me. I like Christians just fine and I am perfectly capable of being good friends with them, as long as we steer clear of the religion topic. So yes, you could say I was hesitant to start this book. And the reason why I ended up writing this review is because I don’t want you to be. Trust me on this, guys. This book is not what you think. Whether you’re Christian, agnostic, Muslim, Jewish or atheist, you can get something out of this story. Yes, religion is a huge aspect, Evangelical Christians in particular play a big role, but it’s not that kind of story.

There are a lot of things I can say about religion, and all of them have been said and thought before. This story has proved to be very thought-provoking, which is part of why I gave it 5 stars, but I won’t waste my time on the religion talk. We all have our opinions, beliefs and faith. Life is not about making sure everyone shares the same opinion, belief and faith. Nope. It’s about respecting people, even though they’re different. It’s about respecting their differences and withholding judgment.

Now we are all quick to judge. I won’t believe you if you tell me you never judge. We are quick to call people “weird”, even I am. There were some kids in my neighborhood that didn’t have TV at home for religious reasons. I judged, because, how weird. My Christian friend exclusively listened to Christian music and I judged, because, how weird and why would you. My classmate all of a sudden decided to cover her hair for religious reasons and I judged, because, why would you and what’s the point?

Now back to the story. Evangelical Christians are pretty devote. If you didn’t know that, now you know. They’re devote and there’s a big group that’s also very conservative. Now imagine you’re a regular girl who was raised Christian, but in a very liberal way. Your mom is an activist for women’s rights, your church has a gay bishop and you have a lip piercing. But you’re a Christian, because despite all of that, you do believe in God and go to church weekly. You have a stepdad and you see your biological dad once in a long while because he’s been mainly absent in your life. Your birth father is a celebrity among Evangelists. He is a televangelist and a famous and well-loved preacher.

You’re basically the daughter of the King of Modern Evangelical Christianity.

Imagine you’re 18, just graduated high school and you got admitted to Yale. Do you go to Yale? Nope. Why? Because you’re kind of lost. You don’t know what to do, what you want, who you are. You want to get to know your biological father better (you’ve been stalking him from afar online) and you want to get to know yourself, but that’s secondary right now. The only way to get close to your father is to join Carter University (aka CU), the strict Evangelical university with God-fearing and Jesus-loving kids. Your father preaches at the New Life Church which is connected to the CU. So you do. You join CU, despite your mother’s protests and jokes about weird Jesus lovers. Imagine suddenly being surrounded by everything you ever judged as weird. They are weird. You are normal. But now you are being judged for your lack of Bible knowledge, for not being baptized as an adult, for cursing, for having a lip piercing (good thing they don’t know that part yet) and for so many things that to you are normal things, but to them is weird. And for the first time in your life, you are the minority. This is what happens to Kennedy as she tries to find herself and her father in an environment that’s so different from her own. She becomes fast friends with a few people, including her roommates, but the internal judging is still there. Both parties, in some sense, think they’re better than the other.

I’ve been walking around thinking that the people around me think they’re better than me in a spiritual sense, and I’ve been doing the same thing back at them.

The power of this story that Andrea crafted is that it doesn’t preach, it doesn’t try to convince, it just tells and shows that there is no such thing as weird. That it is all a matter of perspective and that they have as much reason to judge us as we do them. Even better; there is no them and us. There doesn’t have to be a distinction. We are all humans and we are all different in our own ways, but there should never be a battle that requires a distinction between them and us.

I know that CU isn’t necessarily what’s “normal” when placed in the scope of the entire United States, but – as Roland so helpfully pointed out – it’s normal for here.

So if you are afraid of starting this book, because you think you will be spoon-fed Jesus, fear not. That is not what will happen. In fact, the main character is probably much like you and is equally skeptical of the Jesus Freaks as you are. She internally makes jokes about them that will crack you up. I didn’t expect to, but I laughed a lot while reading this. Seriously, it was hilarious. And the main character is just so easy to relate to. Once I started reading, I couldn’t stop. If it weren’t for work, I would’ve finished this story in one day.

**This review has also been posted on my good friend Lucia's blog, Reading is my Breathing Blog.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easily one of my favorite books this year.

[Sanny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ah, I got no clue where to start. So let’s do a quote:

“This isn’t a lie, by the way. I do love God. I can’t remember a day in my life when I haven’t thought of him, or prayed, or written about him.”

Just to put things into perspective: reading a book with lines like that… You could as well hand me a fantasy book that’s how far religion is out of my realm. Despite being a baptized catholic, I don‘t believe in any religion.

That said, this book certain wasn’t an easy read for me, but it is well written and intriguing. I constantly had to fight my initial reaction though. While the Kennedy is a main character that can be easily understood, there are still things about her that I will never understand but I definitely admire how she managed to balance both sides of her life. It can’t be easy to merge a liberal upbringing with a strict religious university. I absolutely loved how she stated her opinions on both sides and openly talked about her feelings when she felt that there were wrong-doings afoot. She really was a great character to read about, despite the little bits and pieces I don’t understand.

However her roommates and other friends were an entirely different story. I get that they truly believed in their words and worried about their “unsaved” friend. To me it just seems completely random.

I’ve got a tattoo.

I’ve got 10 piercing.

I’ve engaged in relationships before marriage.

I curse regularly.

I do not go to church.

I do not believe in God.

And now what? Sorry to disappoint, but I do not believe in hell either and I don’t appreciate people trying to force their opinions on me, even as I’m well aware that many of my preferences wouldn’t be considered “normal” by many standards. And some religious people have that annoying tendency to push their beliefs on people, meaning well or not – it DOES NOT MATTER. Everyone should be allowed to live their life however they see fit without being badgered about it.

And that’s pretty much the point where I go off ranting without end in sight ;) I’m going to spare you all my further views on the church and what’s wrong with them in my personal opinion. I think I’ve stated these things already often enough, especially about the Catholic Church.

And don’t even get me started about Roland, Kennedy’s birth father. To me, he scream hypocrisy – just like the church (sorry, had to get that one in). I did not get him, AT ALL. His actions made absolutely no sense to me and neither did his explanation about how he found God.

There were two other great characters that I’d like to mention though: Jonah and Matt. Two completely different characters bit both labelled unfairly. Jonah especially came across as very respectful of other opinions despite his conservative upbringing. He was way more open-minded than most of the other characters which was clear in every interaction between him and Kennedy.

And Matt who initially came across like a huge jerk, has a really interesting backstory. I can’t imagine living with such a label and never even considered how families might be affected (sounds cryptic but you will understand once you read the book). I’d definitely like to know more about him but ultimately I’m not sure if it’ll be enough to get me to read the next book. I suppose I’ll have to stalk reviews first and see how the series goes on in regards to religious opinions.

One last piece of advice: no matter if you are religious or not, you might still enjoy this book if you give it a fair shot.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an fast-paced read with a really intriguing premise...liberal CT college student attends a conservative Bible college to try to get close to her evangelical mega-church pastor biological dad who she's been estranged from her entire life due to the circumstances of her conception.

There's really rich material here, and the drama is well thought out. I was raised Catholic and now identify as an Evangelical. I know both sides very well and have experienced the type of prejudice and bullying that Kennedy faces in the book. I thought the conflicts she faced on campus not fitting into this subculture were handled realistically, although at times I felt that the evangelicals were portrayed in an over the top stereotypical fashion.

One logic point I hope the author resolves in the sequel is how this single, unmarried man was able to become the lead pastor for this mega church. Given this is a conservative, evangelical church, they would be following the Biblical conditions for eldership which would require a married man for such a role.

I also thought the way the college rules were continually brought up and harped on was tedious and unnecessarily repetitive. I thought it could have been handled more organically within the context of the story.

Nonetheless, I will be eagerly awaiting the sequel. The progression of the father-daughter relationship from strangers to potentially something more is extremely compelling. That relationship may wreak havoc on Kennedy's other relationships including the parents who raised her. Will she end up with Matt or Josh, and will she be able to follow the dating rules with the entire world watching and trying to catch her screwing up? Kennedy's spiritual journey is really moving...will she be able to reconcile with both her earthly and heavenly fathers or will the struggle just bring her down further?

***I had to upgrade my rating to 5 stars after re-reading this and stewing about it for some time. This is really phenomenal, and I hope the author will keep the series going.

[Misty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I have so much to say about this book that I need to collect my thoughts. And I need the next book like tomorrow! I will write more when I wrap my head around the feelings I have after reading this.

Let's see if I can get my thoughts together long enough to write some kind of a review. First off, I LOVE this book! I couldn't put it down. I was skeptical at first because of the topic this book talks about but that alone also had me intrigued to purchase the book. I could not put it down!

Andrea does a phenomenal job of covering the topic at hand with adding conflict so you don't entirely focus on the religious aspect of the book. As someone who has been struggling for a few years on what I believe I connected with K. Sawyer in a way I haven't connected with an individual character in awhile and that's saying something as much as I read. Andrea was able to put on paper everything I feel on a daily basis when it comes to my beliefs. The judgement, the questions. This book makes me want to explore all of that now and to quit sitting around waiting on some sign.

Do yourself a favor and read this book. I don't want to say too much more because I don't want spoil this book for anyone.

I can't wait for the next book!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jesus Freaks, was one of the most Fantastic Books, that I've read this year. Totally different from what I am accustomed to reading. And honestly, I probably wouldn't have read it, if not for Andrea writing it. I'm sure that sounds silly, but it is totally honest.

Jesus Freaks, may make you uncomfortable, may make you really think and reevaluate your stance on your personal beliefs, and it may even make you shake your head....But that is perfectly fine, because you will breathe what Andrea has given you and love it something fierce. This is a new way to read Andrea. It is unique, interesting, and so well written.

I FELT EVERYTHING that was poured onto those pages. I had a moment where I felt the pages talk to me. I even had a few chapters where I just bawled my eyes out, because I was so moved by the happenings of the characters. I even had moments where I laughed out loud and rolled my eyes----because believe me you will too. But the most important thing I took from this book, was that God is good. (yes I already knew that, but sometimes you just need to get that friendly reminder.) God is good!

Oh....The characters. Man, those characters, were something else. Strong willed, bold, fierce, passionate, and totally amazing. Each character is their own person. Yes they all believe in God, but they all have their own stories too. And the heroin, Kennedy, she sucked me into her vortex. She is one BAB!! Mama Bear is a BAB too! And was taken aback with how much Kennedy reminded me of a certain someone we all know and love. Once you meet these characters you will understand their awesomeness. Anyways, you get what I am saying.

With that, please do me a really HUGE favor and try this story out. I know for a fact that it won't be for everyone, and that is ok, because we all have a certain flavor of genre we love. Jesus Freaks is sort of a mix of Mature YA and NA, Religion (which is a given), and maybe even Contemporary (maybe not). You get what I am saying though. Remember THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX when reading Jesus Freaks.

[Kelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received and ARC from the author. She only asked that we talk about the book if we liked it.

I didn't like it, I LOVED it.

Andrea Randall has once again captured my attention, entering subjects that aren't always popular or something people want to talk about. What is more taboo in today's society than religion?

I was excited to find the setting practically in my backyard. Knowing Asheville like I do, the author managed to capture the diversity of the town well without making us look like a bunch of judgmental backwards hicks.

I loved taking this spiritual journey with Kennedy. She is smart, witty, and mature beyond her years. Watching her go from feeling like an outcast to a true part of the CU student body is refreshing. She begins to trust and rely on her friends to hold her up in her time of need. And the supporting cast is just adorable. I hope to read more about them in the books to come.

Matt is a nice surprise as well.

The book leaves a lot on the table and I was shocked when I got to the last page....I really didn't expect it to end right in the middle of the most important moment in Kennedy's young life. So please, Ms. Randall....don't make us wait too long for the next installment.

[Anjanette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was surprisingly good, I didn't want to really read a book about "holy rollers " however if Andrea Randall is writing it I thought why not give it a try. I loved Kennedy's character because she was so strong and independent, I also loved her circle of friends they were also not what I expected. I do however hope that more of Matts story will be revealed I'm the second book. Great job on this one Ms Randall you hit a home run.

[Jodie · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Jesus Freaks. Capital J. Capital F.”

Oh this book, this is a book I started reading because I was in a funk and I wanted something different, I wanted something that wasn’t like everything else out there in this writing community I have become attached to. I will say the other reason was the title “Jesus Freaks”. I go to a Baptist church and I think from the day I switched from Lutheran to Baptist I have heard that term from my own family multiple times. We all know the stereotype that follows the term Jesus Freak; Bible thumper, Someone who has bracelets, bumper stickers, T-shirts and anything with the phrase I am a Christian on it, and you better be born again. You totally know who I'm talking about, and you are absolutely laughing right now. We have all met them and we all know the ones with their hands in the air saying, “Thank you, Jesus!”

“Just a normal day in Jesusville.”

But this book is more than just finding ones religion this is a girl’s journey to finding her true self and getting to know a father she only knows through TV. Watching Kennedy tackle all this while adjusting to a Christian University environment was enlightening for me to read about. I think I connected so much with her because I see so much of myself in what she was struggling with. I remember how hard I struggled when I entered the Christian community with my girls and the way I judged some of the women because let’s face it we are women and it’s hard to believe someone is truly just that happy and I am sorry but I also have the mouth of a trucker.

“Shit!” I whisper yell, startling my mom as I unhook my lip ring and take it out. “Damn it, I swore!” I cry out in a more hushed tone. “Crap! I did it again!”

I have to hand it to Andrea, she was able to take a taboo topic and make it so relatable that even though I guess this is a religious book you didn’t feel like it was being forced down your throat. It was just part of this beautiful story that was Kennedy’s life. I loved how real these characters were, I loved that Kennedy’s mom was so different from the life Kennedy was entering and I loved that she stayed real. I loved her comments to Kennedy and the way they interacted with one another. I loved that she didn’t let her feelings for Kennedy’s birth father, Roland rub off onto Kennedy.

“I have half his genes, and half yours, but I have one hundred percent of your environmental upbringing. I’m just examining the twenty-five percent of me I don’t know.” She sighs. “A quarter is a lot , Dee. Try sitting down for dinner with a chair that’s had a leg sawed off.”

Roland is maybe the most real character I have ever read, and he is my old pastor, Tom Lemmon. I am not lying and if you live in Pittsburgh you can hear him on Word FM. I don’t know maybe all Christian pastor are like Pastor Tom, maybe it’s a requirement but I totally wish I could show you a picture of Pastor Tom in his converse shoes and jeans on Sunday. Actually, I know another pastor that fits the bill too, Jon Fowler and now I am a Pastor name dropper. Oh well, seriously google them and you will see what I am saying.

“Roland was carefully selected to lead New Life Church and act as a spiritual liaison for CU. He’s young, attractive, passionate about Jesus, and politically cautious.”

And then there is the best part about this book is there is a boy, a boy I completely fell in love with. A boy that made you think he was one thing only to prove that you should never judge a character by the way he is written at first. Matt, oh perfect Matt. I love when an author creates a plot twist with just one character.

I applaud you Andrea Randall, I applaud you because you weren’t afraid to write a story that most would turn away from, I applaud you because you made it more than just a Christian book, you made it real. For those that are questioning if this book is for you, I have to say read it. Give it a chance because it’s not what you are thinking. Is God in this book? ABSOLUTELY, but there is so much more to this story than religion. It’s truly a story about a young girl finding herself and learning where she belongs. It’s a story about a girl finding her birth father and entering a world she never was part of but a world she knew existed. Bottom line it’s different and you shouldn’t be afraid of different.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andrea Randall is stepping outside of the box with her new Jesus Freaks series. Jesus Freaks: Sins of the Father is completely different from anything I have ever read. My first thought was to classify this novel in the Christian fiction genre, but Randall confirmed that she considers her new series to be new adult. No matter the genre, she has taken a big risk in trying something different, and I absolutely applaud her!

Kennedy Sawyer is an incoming freshman at Carter University in Asheville. She is a liberal Episcopalian teenager from Connecticut who will be attending an extremely conservative, evangelical Christian university. Roland Abbot is the charismatic televangelist preacher from New Life Church, which sits on the edge of the Carter University campus. Roland is a superstar among evangelical preachers. And unbeknownst to anyone from Carter University, he is also Kennedy’s birth father. Although Kennedy could have had her pick of colleges, she chose to attend Carter University with hopes to learn more about Roland Abbot. Kennedy has done everything she can to prepare herself for what she knows will be a difficult transition; however, nothing can prepare her for what is to come during her freshman year.

As I began reading Jesus Freaks: Sins of the Father, I knew this novel was going to be different. I think it is important to share with everyone who reads this review that I personally consider myself a Christian. I am familiar with many of the topics and issues that Kennedy faces when she arrives at Carter University. It was apparent Andrea Randall researched extensively for this novel. Her depth of knowledge, combined with her outstanding writing, has resulted in a fantastic novel, and I expect to see the same quality as the series progresses. Our protagonist faces some bigger than life issues with this story. Kennedy questions everything she understands about her own faith while navigating through her freshman year. She questions her own upbringing. Why would her birth father decide to give up his parental rights? She begins to see that things aren't always black and white. Kennedy also has a couple of boys that she is attracted to. And because she has been raised differently than most students at Carter University, she struggles with normal teenage issues in a different way than her fellow students.

It was not hard for me to become invested in this story. Randall quickly engaged my interest. I appreciated reading about her characters and how they each added to the story. When I needed to take a break from reading, I looked forward to the moment that I could pick up my Kindle to continue. If you are intrigued by Jesus Freaks: Sins of the Father, I encourage you to consider reading it. Andrea Randall has earned a 5-star rating from me for this beautifully written novel!

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andrea Randall became one of my favorite authors after I read In the Stillness. It is one of my top favorites, and if you haven't read it, I suggest you do! I put whatever she writes onto my MUST READ list and Jesus Freaks: Sins of the Father did not disappoint.

Kennedy Sawyer has grown up in a liberal Episcopalian household. Her mother Wendy is very liberal in ever facet of life, so when Kennedy decides to enroll is the conservative Evangelical Christian college, Carter University, her mother immediately tries to fight her on it. The reason Kennedy, who was her school valedictorian, and was accepted into Yale and Cornell, chose Carter University is because her birth father, Roland Abbot, celebrity televangelist, is the new famous pastor of the affiliated church, New Life, and she wants to try to get to know him better. The only thing is, no one knows Roland is Kennedy's father and she wants to keep in that way.

Kennedy is thrown into the conservative Christian world of college dress codes, mandatory church services three times a week, chaperoned dates, and oh yes, only hand holding is allowed on AND off campus. Kennedy grew up a "normal" teenager, so this is all very new to her. When her new roommates and new friends find out she is from liberal Connecticut and an Episcopalian they quickly realize she is not like them at all. Kennedy tries her hardest to fit in in this very different world. She not only sets out in a journey to get to know her father, but to better understand herself and her relationship with God a little better.

This is not a preachy book, nor is this is not a book that pushes a specific religious agenda. This book does not tell you it is better to be Episcopalian, or to be an Evangelical Christian. What this book does do is help you see we all aren't really that different underneath. We all do not have the answers, some things we do are right, some are wrong, no matter our religion or political affiliation. As Matt says (Oh how I love Matt), "We're all imperfect. We all fall short. There was one perfect man who ever walked this Earth. The trick is, it was God, so the rest of us are screwed." Amen to that!

Another thing this book did do for me is open up my eyes to a lot of things spiritually. I actually envied the kids Kennedy went to school with, and their close relationships with God. There were a lot of good quotes that I highlighted to help me on my own spiritual journey.

Bottom line, if you want a book that isn't just mind numbing drama, and will actually make you THINK, then this is a book you should definitely read.

5 stars! Can't wait for the next installment!!

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I begin with this thought provoking, laugh out loud, amazing book? I just finished Jesus Freaks and all I can say is that I can not wait to see what happens next. I found myself attached to Kennedy and her hilarious and supportive mother from the first page. Kennedy is a person you root for and hope she finds what she is looking for on her journey of finding herself and where she fits in. As for the title, it's not a religious book. If it was, I would not be the one doing this review. Instead it is about a college freshmen going to a uber Christian college and the differences between the extreme "Jesus Freaks" and what others may consider more tame. I'm on the low end of the spectrum so I found myself laughing with Kennedy's mother Wendy. She was firm to what she believed but tried to reign in her judgement for her daughter to discover who she was. Going through her first semester at college and doubting herself to becoming who she is now was a fabulous ride that Andrea Randall takes us on. The words she chooses and the analogies are so catchy anyone should read this book. Religious or not. Do it. Buy it now. You know you want to.

[Melina Lunnon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was not expecting to like this book. I read it in one sitting.

I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC copy from the author in return for an honest review.

As an Australian, I find the American Bible belt culture bizarre to say the least. I am a Christian, accepted Jesus as my personal friend and saviour, but I find the in-your-face Jesus freaks to be incredibly off-putting and borderline offensive.

So with that in mind, I approached this book with some trepidation. However, I found myself really enjoying it. I found myself drawn to Kennedy, the main character, and I felt for her, struggling through unfamiliar territory, surrounded by weird people. As the story progressed, I found myself realising that those weird people were simply people - different opinions and ways of life, but still just people.

I find myself at a little bit of a loss as to how to truly explain how this book made me feel. All I can really say is that it was excellent, and you should read it.

[Melissa Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intelligent, thought-provoking, heart-twisting. Andrea Randall proves once again that she is an eloquent writer and creator of characters who will stay with you long after you finish the book.

[Amanda Lee Disheveled Book Blog]

How am I just now seeing this???? I can't wait to read a new Andrea Randall book.

[Nancee Cain · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't been this excited over a book in a long time. I literally could not put it down and finished it in 2 day. I read the last line last night before bed and woke up thinking about it. That's what I love about this book, it makes you think. It tugs at something DEEP inside. I have no doubt there is a reason I picked it up to read now. Jesus Freaks is Andrea's best work yet. I went to the Episcopal Church and left. Why? Why does anyone leave or walk away from a church? Dissatisfaction. Questions. Human Frailty. I live in the South, the heart of the Bible Belt. You don't talk religion, politics or football unless you can back up your thoughts with stats and passion. I don't talk about my views on abortion, gay marriage and other hot button issues with many of my friends (or family). They don't understand. Or rather I don't think they'll understand. For I have my own judgments about those that don't believe like I do. Andrea nails it with that us versus them mentality that surrounds religion. This book handles religion with respect. I see Kennedy as a Doubting Thomas, voicing the same things I've thought, wondered and wanted. The longing to connect with others and with the Divine. I have no idea how the story will end. (My one objection is it sort of leaves you hanging, wanting MORE) It doesn't matter.It's making me think. It's a journey.

Now before you think this book is some heavy, downer boring stuff, let me assure you it isn't. The characters are painted vividly and you care about them and want to know their story. Which boy will Kennedy end up with? Matt the jock or the studious, Jonah? Or even Asher, her boss? Even the villainous, Joy, who I wanted to slap is an interesting character that you're curious about. What makes her this way? As Kennedy peels back the layers to understand her new friends, you realize they aren't freaks. They are kids. Kids searching for something. To figure out who they are. Haven't we all been there?

[Whit · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read!

I'm stingy with my stars. Only the really good ones get four stars. But this is a five star book.
I know, you're thinking, "Jesus Freaks...the title tells me all I need to know." But you're wrong. This is a story about a girl struggling with who she is, with finding where she belongs, with getting to know her birth father, with wanting him in her life, and yes, struggling with her religion. Religion is there. Sometimes it's very there. But it's never the in your face, beat you over the head kind.
It's so easy to relate to Kennedy. We've all been her at some point in our lives, questioning everything, and then questioning why we're questioning. We've all struggled to fit in and find our place. It's fun to watch Kennedy try to separate the liberal Kennedy and the Kennedy attending the uber conservative Christian school. It's even better when the two collide on campus.
You fall in love with characters. You wish some would get run down by a bus. You nod your head in agreement with some of the judgments Kennedy makes. You gasp in horror at some of the things fellow students do. You smile at the friendships that blossom up unexpectedly.
There's more than meets the eye in this story. Don't judge a book by it's cover (er, title)

I do have to say something about the religion aspect. I am quick to tell anyone and everyone that I lost my faith a very long time ago. Anyone that knows me knows my feelings, especially on organized religion. But there were points during this book (far more than I care to admit) that made me stop. Made me rethink my stand on things. Sometimes my emotions ran high, and I had to stop reading, tears pouring down my face. It awoke...something, something I thought long dead, in me.
Which isn't necessarily a bad thing, unexpected as it was.

Bottom line, it's a very intriguing story, with many twist and turns, and well worth the time.spent reading it.
I can not wait for the next.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jesus Freaks! Where to start?

I don't always write long reviews. A lot of times, I write a short one or two sentences about a book….unless I really love it (or GASP! Don’t like it at all)

I've read all of Andrea’s other books. I am a fan. But even I was unsure about this one.

Is it about Christianity? Yes see below

Does it bash or trash Christianity? No

Will it try to convert me or evangelize to me? NO…not overtly. It may get you thinking

To me, this was a compelling story of a young women searching for herself. The context, the setting, and the characters are within this Christian setting. But the story, the story is what is important. The story could very well take place in another culture or setting.

That all being said, what did I think? I really loved this book and I am anxiously awaiting the next. Truth be told, I am Christian….Catholic. There are lots of themes and characters that I was able to identify with in different ways. Kennedy is a young girl, freshman in college, who is embarking on this journey to get to know and understand her birth father (who just happens to be this uber famous televangelist) Along th way, she meets a wide range of people who all influence her in some way. The challenge her, anger her, encourage her, etc .. Kennedy struggles with her secret (who her father is) and how she FITS into this new community.

Andrea is a great storyteller who develops rich, complex characters in all her books. This one is NO exception !

Don’t let the name, cover, blurb, or expectations make you pass this one up

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is not trying to convert you. It is a fictional story of a young woman trying to find out who she is by exploring her roots. Doing so she enters a conservative Christian university that her estranged father is attached to. It's simply a story about a young woman's self discovery. There is no trying to convert non-believers or pushing religious views upon you.

For me, the setting and the characters make this an interesting read. It's different from the same old-same old plot that I've been reading. This book is filled with judgments and misconceptions, (starting with the title). As a more liberal Christian, I was a little skeptical going in. I found it shows how people, even people who think differently about a hot topic like religion, are basically the same and there is almost always some common ground. Unbelievably, given the setting Andrea Randall manages to craft this story so that it never becomes "preachy".

I honestly became attached to Kennedy Sawyer and Roland Abbot and surprisingly, as the liberal Christian that I am, did not really care for Kennedy's liberal mother, Wendy. But I love that. I hope that this makes me look at myself and those who are more religiously conservative in a different light. My only criticism is that I want more. Now. I am so intrigued as to where Kennedy's journey takes her.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Religion is one of those topics that is avoided by many, and only embraced by a few dedicated souls that can serve and grow they way it is intended for them to. I. myself, while I pray to God nightly to thank him for my blessings, am only a half-hearted Catholic girl...afraid of the commitment to God, but so desperately longing for it. When I heard Andrea was writing this series, I was intrigued for sure. I love what she writes and how she is not afraid to write about the taboo topics! I was also hesitant...it is called Jesus Freaks after all....religion was obviously going to be huge! The teasers she posted definitely piqued my curiosity....but was it enough to be a good book?? Being a devout Andrea Randall fan....I felt obligated to give it a try. Let me tell you - I am speechless....I just finished reading Jesus Freaks (read in 2 days)... And I am speechless. I really wasn't sure what to expect and I went into it with an open mind. I must say my dear Andrea Randall - it was amazing! Seriously amazing. I didn't want it to end! I really didn't think I would like it but I think it will be one of my favorites! I recommend that everyone give it a chance :)

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Sometimes...sometimes God has to take matters into his own hands. Sometimes he has to overrun the sin and destruction we can bring into our lives. Sometimes He has to wash us clean the most powerful way possible so when we come up for air, all we're calling is His name."

So I've learned a valuable lesson with this book. Never judge a book by it's title! I'm going to admit I was a bit leary with this title and avoided it for a while. Not sure what I was expecting but whatever it was was quickly overshadowed by what I received! This book is not preachy, it's not derogatory. As a matter of fact I found this story to be very touching and thought provoking. There were many instances while reading that I was touched beyond measure by the scenes that were unfolding on the pages. Andrea Randall is so very gifted. I would encourage you to leave your assumptions at the door and give this story a try. This story does not finish in this book as there are more to come and frankly I can't wait!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dare I say Ms.Randall has left me at a crossroad of relatable emotional soul searching confusion?! An author who has never disappointed; with thought provoking, emotion igniting feeling, chapter after chapter book after book.

I love how Andrea can humanize topics that fiction writers tend to curtail; Jesus Freaks, SOTF is no exception. Beliefs are a very sensitive topic for many; behaviour is a condition of all. Randall once again has provided a stage with a plethora of strong characters with varying layers of individuality, personality and heart.

Nailed it again! I always feel the need to lie on the head doctors couch or medicate heavily after one of your books.

The power of the written word when done correctly with class(rock those pearls)! Can't wait for book two!

[Marjorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazon Freebie somewhat Christian Fiction - Loved it. Yes it did have some of the conservative Christian stereotypes, but I think that it did a good job recognizing where Christianity is right now. It was a good story to see the main character as searching and not knowing all of the answers at the end, just like in real life.

I loved that the main character saw a need to be in the world and not completely separated. The truth is no one is perfect Christian or not. The author took stereotypical characters and turned them into real people.

Will some topics bug non-Christians, yes. Will some topics bug Christians, yes. Did it feel real - absolutely and that, in my opinion, makes a great book.

[Chantell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please do not let the title of this book steer you away from experiencing the story behind Kennedy's journey. Yes, there is religion in the book, it is not a "bible beater" though. It's a breath of fresh air with real life situation and struggles that a young girl might face who realizes her father, who she doesn't really have a relationship with, is a highly looked up to Pastor. This is a beautiful, well written story. I can't wait to see what how this story unfolds. Give this book a chance. I assure you, you won't be disappointed. This is also a great clean read for advanced pre-teen and teen age girls.