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For This Life Only
A young man struggles to move forward after the death of his twin brother in this gripping, coming-of-age tale about loss, redemption, love, and the moment you begin to see the world differently.
Three minutes.
Jacob Palmer died for three life-changing minutes.
And when he woke up, nothing was the same. Elijah, his twin brother, is dead, and his family is broken. Jace’s planned future is crushed, along with his pitching arm. Everyone keeps telling him that Eli’s in a better place, but Jace isn’t so sure. Because in those three minutes, there was nothing.
Overwhelmed by guilt and doubt, Jace struggles to adjust to this new version of the world, one without his brother, one without the certainties he once relied on. And then Thera comes into his life.
She’s the last girl he should be turning to for help.
But she’s also the first person to truly see him.
Three minutes.
Jacob Palmer died for three life-changing minutes.
And when he woke up, nothing was the same. Elijah, his twin brother, is dead, and his family is broken. Jace’s planned future is crushed, along with his pitching arm. Everyone keeps telling him that Eli’s in a better place, but Jace isn’t so sure. Because in those three minutes, there was nothing.
Overwhelmed by guilt and doubt, Jace struggles to adjust to this new version of the world, one without his brother, one without the certainties he once relied on. And then Thera comes into his life.
She’s the last girl he should be turning to for help.
But she’s also the first person to truly see him.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 30, 2016
7 people are currently reading
1177 people want to read
About the author
Stacey Kade
17 books1,593 followers**Stacey Kade also writes as S.A. Barnes. Her latest release is DEAD SILENCE, coming from Nightfire Books on 1/25/22.**
The daughter of a minister and a music teacher, Stacey Kade grew up reading Harlequin romances on the sly in the basement. Kade is the author of two young adult series (The Ghost and Goth trilogy and the Project Paper Doll series) and two young adult contemporary standalone novels. 738 DAYS and STARLIGHT NIGHTS, her contemporary romance duo for adults, both received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly.
Kade lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband, Greg, and their three dogs.
The daughter of a minister and a music teacher, Stacey Kade grew up reading Harlequin romances on the sly in the basement. Kade is the author of two young adult series (The Ghost and Goth trilogy and the Project Paper Doll series) and two young adult contemporary standalone novels. 738 DAYS and STARLIGHT NIGHTS, her contemporary romance duo for adults, both received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly.
Kade lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband, Greg, and their three dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
May 14, 2022
For This Life Only is a contemporary YA novel that focuses on learning to cope with grief and loss, all while being a teenager. This book has so much growth and development in it, packed inside a YA book that also has romance, drama, and intrigue. I seriously loved this book, more than words can convey. It was such a strong book that tackles grief and loss in a unique yet very real way, and all the while made the book enjoyable (because death, grief, and loss are kind of difficult topics to tackle without sounding depressing).
I seriously loved the drama of our lead wanting to be himself, learn about his brother's true self, and coming to acceptance of what has happened in his life. Making his own friends, making his own decisions, and coming to terms with what it means to be your own person. It was such an amazing book, I highly recommend it! It might not be fast paced or the drama fest most YA books can be, but it's worth the read.
Four out of five stars.
I seriously loved the drama of our lead wanting to be himself, learn about his brother's true self, and coming to acceptance of what has happened in his life. Making his own friends, making his own decisions, and coming to terms with what it means to be your own person. It was such an amazing book, I highly recommend it! It might not be fast paced or the drama fest most YA books can be, but it's worth the read.
Four out of five stars.
August 16, 2016
Stacey Kade’s 738 Days was one of my favorite reads this summer. So my heart was ready to love and leap into this book at first sight! But…Yes, there is a but. My heart ended up disappointed.
For This Life Only introduces us to twins Jacob (Jace) and Eli and the whole Palmer family. Mr. Palmer is a Pastor in a small community. A father and leader with a lot of responsibility—the whole family feels the weight of responsibility actually. Jacob has always felt the pressure to be “good”. But tragedy spins Jacob and the whole family upside down. Eli is killed in an accident. Futures crushed and taken in an instant. The pain and loss bring tension and doubts into Jacob’s world. Can their faith and family survive the loss?
I wish the story remained focused on Jacob and his family’s grief. The idea of a family of faith struggling with their beliefs and way of life is a powerful one. But unfortunately the story splinters off into other points that steal a lot of that power. The romance part of the book was the big problem for me. After the accident, Jacob starts talking to Thera, a high school outsider with secrets and pain and troubles of her own. I liked Thera—well I didn’t dislike her anyway. But here’s the thing. I did not feel Jacob and Thera’s connection. I just didn’t buy it or FEEL it. And without that chemistry and connection, everything else kind of fell apart for me. When Jacob began fighting with his friends, it all seemed too sudden and dramatic. Both Thera and Jacob just started sharing these huge emotions with each other and all I kept thinking was—why? My heart didn’t see the trust or sparks.
My whole reading heart wanted to try to understand Jacob’s new world without his twin at his side. When people looked at Jacob they saw Eli. THAT made my heart ache. And Sarah! I adored Jacob’s little sister. Her fear and pain ate at my heart and soul. The poor thing! But there were too many other issues and distractions mixed into the plot that just never made it to my heart. Never made it anywhere actually. A lot of issues were left undeveloped. Jacob lost so much that night in the accident. Not only his brother, but maybe his faith and his baseball career. These issues alone would have made a powerful story. I didn’t need the additional conflict and worry with Thera and her family. As a matter of fact, the big secret Jacob and Thera struggled with at the end was rather underwhelming.
Death shakes us all to the core. From day to day life to faith in people and God. I was hoping for a more spiritual story here with Jacob and his family. As much as I appreciated the message of righting a wrong or finishing what one started, it just didn’t provide the emotional wallop I longed for.
Sadly I cannot recommend this book.
Go read 738 Days!
**ARC**
September 28, 2016
3.5/5
I have been gravitating more and more towards books about grief and loss lately, which is how Stacey Kade’s For This Life Only came to my attention. While I can’t say that it resonated as strongly with me as some of the other books I’ve read recently with similar themes, I still found the book to be well-written and thought-provoking.
The best part of For This Life Only was the author capturing the voice of a struggling teenage boy so authentically. I’m not particularly a huge fan of books solely told in a male POV, but Jacob’s voice in this book was written in a way that made it easy to sink myself into the story and feel a connection to him. He was easy to sympathize with, given the grief, sorrow and guilt that he experiences at the loss of his twin brother. I loved how strongly his emotions came through during the book. He struggles a lot in For This Life Only especially because in his mind his twin, Eli, was the good brother, the brother who deserved to live a long life. It wasn’t easy to read, but at the same time, it made you want to root for Jace to somehow overcome this tough phase of his life. He wasn’t the only one suffering though and his whole family is turned upside down with the loss of Eli. His baby sister, Sarah’s, reaction to it was extremely poignant and heartbreaking.
When Jace gets to know Thera, the town outcast, things to do start to look up for him. This isn’t the kind of story where the girl saves the boy from his misery, even the synopsis may make it look like that. Instead, Thera gives him the push that he needs in order to discover who his brother really was and what he was dealing with before his death. There was some animosity between Thera and Jace at the start of the book, but the two of them find comfort in each other and eventually fall in love. Though I would have wished for a little more build up, I found their romance to be sweet and swoony – they really were good together.
Religion was a huge theme in For This Life Only and I can’t tell you how much I appreciated that. I think a lot of YA authors shy away from exploring religious themes in their books for fear of pushing away readers, but it’s a part of many teens’ lives, so I really think there need to be more books that do this. In For This Life Only, I liked how the religious themes were explored without coming across as preaching. Jacob’s family is very religious, his father being a pastor of the local church, and all, but he personally struggles with it, especially with topics about the after-life and what faith really means when his brother passes. It was very thought-provoking and is a main reason I urge everyone to give this book a try.
I think where For This Life Only faltered a little for me was the actual plot. There’s a bit of a mystery regarding what Eli was up to secretly before he passed. One reason it didn’t really work for me was because it took some time to be introduced to the story, and I also felt like the ending chapters regarding this secret weren’t as fleshed-out as they could have been. To me, the mystery personally didn’t add much to the story.
For This Life Only is a book that I’ll particularly recommend to teens and adults alike, especially to people struggling with the role religion and faith in their lives, because I think it’s a book that can help guide some of those thoughts. Even if you aren’t into books about religion, I still wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this one because it had a lot of other great things for it. This was my first book by Stacey Kade, but it won’t be my last.
Want to read
February 3, 2016Love the cover!
September 2, 2016
Thought-provoking. Engaging. Hopeful.
I stayed up late to finish this one and it was worth every minute of sleep I lost.
Stacey Kade takes an honest, realistic look at family, faith, and the importance of discovering for yourself what you believe. No one can do it for you.
Jace and Eli are PKs (Preacher's Kids). As so often happens to offspring of religious leaders, they've been cast in their roles as Sinner and Saint. They're held to a higher moral standard, expected to always make the right choice, but aren't afforded the same forgiveness and grace as their peers when they don't. Neither is Thera. Everyone thinks they have her and her mother all figured out. They would be wrong.
Eli is the one everyone loves, depends on and respects. He's the one expected to do great things with his life. And Jace? Well, it'd be awesome if he could manage to stay out of trouble just once. When Eli dies leaving everyone, Jace included, with too many questions and not enough answers, Thera may be the only person who can help.
I was convinced I knew what the twist was, but like they say, pride goes before a fall. ;) I'm glad I was wrong, it made for a more compelling story.
I stayed up late to finish this one and it was worth every minute of sleep I lost.
Stacey Kade takes an honest, realistic look at family, faith, and the importance of discovering for yourself what you believe. No one can do it for you.
Jace and Eli are PKs (Preacher's Kids). As so often happens to offspring of religious leaders, they've been cast in their roles as Sinner and Saint. They're held to a higher moral standard, expected to always make the right choice, but aren't afforded the same forgiveness and grace as their peers when they don't. Neither is Thera. Everyone thinks they have her and her mother all figured out. They would be wrong.
Eli is the one everyone loves, depends on and respects. He's the one expected to do great things with his life. And Jace? Well, it'd be awesome if he could manage to stay out of trouble just once. When Eli dies leaving everyone, Jace included, with too many questions and not enough answers, Thera may be the only person who can help.
I was convinced I knew what the twist was, but like they say, pride goes before a fall. ;) I'm glad I was wrong, it made for a more compelling story.
September 1, 2016
3.5-4 stars
I liked this! At first I was wary of the heavy religious themes, but Jace's doubt and exploration of faith after his brother's death made him all the more sympathetic. His inner dialogue with himself felt wholly convincing for a teenage guy. With a side of romance - though I wish Thera's character had been given the same amount of depth, especially considering her own troubles - I enjoyed reading Stacey Kade's newest.
August 20, 2016
For This Life Only by Stacey Kade is an emotionally moving coming-of-age story filled with heartache, love, forgiveness, and learning to find yourself.
Jacob "Jace" Palmer is the black sheep of the family at least in comparison to his twin brother, Elijah, and his little sister Sarah. His only desire was to play baseball and get a baseball scholarship so he could get far away from home as possible. Where he'd only have to be worried about himself.
However, a night of partying and needing a ride home from his brother Eli changes his life forever. A tragic accident leaves him without a brother and no longer able to play baseball. Completely grief-stricken, Jace, along with his family, don't know how to move forward and live with the loss. How do they continue on when the world is completely changed?
Stacey Kade has created such a great story with strong characters especially amongst Jace, Eli, Thera and Sarah. Each of these characters stood out for me especially the juxtaposition of how Jace deals with his grief of losing Eli and how Sarah deals with hers. The parents as well, each had their own inner thoughts and guilt that differed from the other that they had to overcome by the end and Ms. Kade displayed their falling apart and picking up the pieces together realistically and with so much feeling.
I also liked Thera. She's blunt, tough, and she helps Jace come to terms with his feelings about his near death experience, losing Eli, and finding out there was more going on with his brother than he noticed. Her side-story with Eli, her mom, and Riverwoods was interesting, but I really feel the heart of the story for me was Jace and his family. Little Sarah definitely pulled at my heartstrings.
Overall, I enjoyed For This Life Only and definitely recommend. It's well-written, realistic, emotional, and filled with characters that just pull you into their story. I can't wait to read more from Ms. Kade.
(Received a copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)
Jacob "Jace" Palmer is the black sheep of the family at least in comparison to his twin brother, Elijah, and his little sister Sarah. His only desire was to play baseball and get a baseball scholarship so he could get far away from home as possible. Where he'd only have to be worried about himself.
However, a night of partying and needing a ride home from his brother Eli changes his life forever. A tragic accident leaves him without a brother and no longer able to play baseball. Completely grief-stricken, Jace, along with his family, don't know how to move forward and live with the loss. How do they continue on when the world is completely changed?
Stacey Kade has created such a great story with strong characters especially amongst Jace, Eli, Thera and Sarah. Each of these characters stood out for me especially the juxtaposition of how Jace deals with his grief of losing Eli and how Sarah deals with hers. The parents as well, each had their own inner thoughts and guilt that differed from the other that they had to overcome by the end and Ms. Kade displayed their falling apart and picking up the pieces together realistically and with so much feeling.
I also liked Thera. She's blunt, tough, and she helps Jace come to terms with his feelings about his near death experience, losing Eli, and finding out there was more going on with his brother than he noticed. Her side-story with Eli, her mom, and Riverwoods was interesting, but I really feel the heart of the story for me was Jace and his family. Little Sarah definitely pulled at my heartstrings.
Overall, I enjoyed For This Life Only and definitely recommend. It's well-written, realistic, emotional, and filled with characters that just pull you into their story. I can't wait to read more from Ms. Kade.
(Received a copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)
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May 8, 2017DNF
Mini review:
I was really looking forward to reading this book as I have enjoyed the authors other works. Unfortunately this book was not for me.
The MC was rude and bitter. And I cannot read about rude and bitter people. It really bothers me. Also I feel like this book will be really dramatic.
Do not recommend.
Mini review:
I was really looking forward to reading this book as I have enjoyed the authors other works. Unfortunately this book was not for me.
The MC was rude and bitter. And I cannot read about rude and bitter people. It really bothers me. Also I feel like this book will be really dramatic.
Do not recommend.
September 14, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. I was having quite the long day inside the lab, when I decided to pick this book up so I was able to read it in one sitting, while doing some lab works. And it was more than enough to keep the boredom away.
This book's portrayal of grief is so amazing, I could feel every emotion. Jace and Eli are twins, who got into an accident, which got Eli dead. Jace's life changed from that point, and he started to question everything in his life, especially things about his brother.
I really like the voice of Jace in the story. It's raw and full of emotions, which makes it very realistic for someone who just lost his other half. I love his relationship with Eli and their little sister, Sarah. He also has a great character development and I really enjoyed seeing his character grow. He used to be with the jocks, being sporty and all but that changed after the accident, which led him to meet Thera.
I also like Thera's character. She's very interesting and I enjoyed her story as well. It's quite nice to read a story that doesn't focus much on the romance, although I have to admit that the chemistry between Thera and Jace is really good.
Friendships in this book was portrayed really good too. Even with Jace falling out with some of his friends, it's quite reassuring that he was able to reconcile with them. There was also a heavy religious theme surrounding this book, which was depicted pretty well and it added depth to the story and to Jace's character, and his family relationship.
This was my first Stacey Kade book and I'm really impressed with her writing style. Overall, this book is one of the best books I've read this year and I can't wait to read more from her.
This book's portrayal of grief is so amazing, I could feel every emotion. Jace and Eli are twins, who got into an accident, which got Eli dead. Jace's life changed from that point, and he started to question everything in his life, especially things about his brother.
I really like the voice of Jace in the story. It's raw and full of emotions, which makes it very realistic for someone who just lost his other half. I love his relationship with Eli and their little sister, Sarah. He also has a great character development and I really enjoyed seeing his character grow. He used to be with the jocks, being sporty and all but that changed after the accident, which led him to meet Thera.
I also like Thera's character. She's very interesting and I enjoyed her story as well. It's quite nice to read a story that doesn't focus much on the romance, although I have to admit that the chemistry between Thera and Jace is really good.
Friendships in this book was portrayed really good too. Even with Jace falling out with some of his friends, it's quite reassuring that he was able to reconcile with them. There was also a heavy religious theme surrounding this book, which was depicted pretty well and it added depth to the story and to Jace's character, and his family relationship.
This was my first Stacey Kade book and I'm really impressed with her writing style. Overall, this book is one of the best books I've read this year and I can't wait to read more from her.
August 28, 2016
I've been a fan of Stacey Kade's writing since her adorable Ghost and the Goth series. She's not afraid to try out different genres and I enjoy putting her books in the hands of my students. This story...I know exactly who's hand I'm putting this one in first! :)
Jace and Eli are twins...and complete opposites. Jace is the wild child who struggles in school and in life while Eli is the golden boy, acing everything effortlessly and following in his father's footsteps, possibly as a pastor in the church. But then comes the terrible accident, changing everything completely. Eli is killed, and Jace is left to come to terms with his twin's death, the collapse of his family in the aftermath, and Jace's own involvement in the accident.
In the South, faith and religion are deeply ingrained in everyday life. It's not that most Southerners beat one another over the head with their religion, it's more of a constant in their lives. The same goes with this story. Faith and the church do play a part in this story but it's not a "religious" story, per se, just one filled with faith...and questioning of one's faith and place in the universe. (Trust me. Usually, I shy away from any religious-type stories but this was just a part of who Jace was, without it being overwhelming in any way.)
There's some romance but really, it's more about Jace's journey of recover and self-acceptance. It's a quiet kind of story, without twists or suspense, just a wonderful narrator and a heartfelt story.
Jace and Eli are twins...and complete opposites. Jace is the wild child who struggles in school and in life while Eli is the golden boy, acing everything effortlessly and following in his father's footsteps, possibly as a pastor in the church. But then comes the terrible accident, changing everything completely. Eli is killed, and Jace is left to come to terms with his twin's death, the collapse of his family in the aftermath, and Jace's own involvement in the accident.
In the South, faith and religion are deeply ingrained in everyday life. It's not that most Southerners beat one another over the head with their religion, it's more of a constant in their lives. The same goes with this story. Faith and the church do play a part in this story but it's not a "religious" story, per se, just one filled with faith...and questioning of one's faith and place in the universe. (Trust me. Usually, I shy away from any religious-type stories but this was just a part of who Jace was, without it being overwhelming in any way.)
There's some romance but really, it's more about Jace's journey of recover and self-acceptance. It's a quiet kind of story, without twists or suspense, just a wonderful narrator and a heartfelt story.
August 23, 2016
We spent a lot of time putting you back together.
Oh man, Ms. Stacey Kade, you have made my heart go through so many emotions once again (ICYMI: Stacey put out the amazing NA book, 738 Days, earlier this year and it's a top contender for best book of the year for me!). Forewarning: For This Life Only manages to make your heart drop and sing all in the same book. SO.MANY.FEELS.
First, let's meet our characters. You've got Jace and Eli, twins who may or may not be more alike than they realize, plus their sister and parents. Papa Palmer is not only the family Patriarch but the town's beloved Reverend. Eli is following in his father's footsteps while Jace is just trying to be a normal teen, much to his father's dismay. Gotta keep up appearances! On the flip side is Thera, daughter to the town psychic, who can't catch a break thanks to the pressure for her mom to close up shop.
Jace, out at a party with his friends, asks Eli to pick him up and drive him home. The two are driving home when Eli randomly comes out with, "Do you think there's a difference between doing the right thing that definitely hurts one person and doing the right thing that might hurt a lot of people?" Before the two can get deep into the conversation, Eli loses control of the car and Jace's life is forever changed. Upon waking up, Jace learns he not only lost the ability to pitch but also his twin. As you can imagine, Eli's loss impacts a lot of people, from their sister who is constantly worried about Jace's safety to Eli's girlfriend to Thera, who Eli was tutoring and working on another project with.
This book is about putting things back together again, or not, depending on how broken they are. It's about loss and recovery. The moment of Eli's loss was jarring and real. Jace's journey, along with those around him, is raw. Now that he can't play baseball, will he still fit in with his teammates? Will he ever know what Eli was talking about right before his death? What was Thera to Eli, really? Is anything as it seems and can he trust those he thought he knew? Add on top of that the fact that he has a pressure to be perfect in the eyes of a community who holds the cards to his family's wellbeing. Jace's questioning of the afterlife, thanks to his brief experience, is heartbreaking. Luckily Thera comes into his life, spunky and ready to help him. Stronger than either ever realized. Together, they explore Eli's last words and figure out what he was trying to tell Jace.
It's clear that Stacey poured her heart into this book, both by the writing and through her acknowledgements. I took this book with me to a music festival and sobbed in public as I read through the ending.
And can we talk about this cover!? How gorgeous is it!!!?? I love it and can't wait to get my hands on a finished copy. Many thanks to Stacey for writing yet another book I couldn't put down and left me sobbing at the end.
Oh man, Ms. Stacey Kade, you have made my heart go through so many emotions once again (ICYMI: Stacey put out the amazing NA book, 738 Days, earlier this year and it's a top contender for best book of the year for me!). Forewarning: For This Life Only manages to make your heart drop and sing all in the same book. SO.MANY.FEELS.
First, let's meet our characters. You've got Jace and Eli, twins who may or may not be more alike than they realize, plus their sister and parents. Papa Palmer is not only the family Patriarch but the town's beloved Reverend. Eli is following in his father's footsteps while Jace is just trying to be a normal teen, much to his father's dismay. Gotta keep up appearances! On the flip side is Thera, daughter to the town psychic, who can't catch a break thanks to the pressure for her mom to close up shop.
Jace, out at a party with his friends, asks Eli to pick him up and drive him home. The two are driving home when Eli randomly comes out with, "Do you think there's a difference between doing the right thing that definitely hurts one person and doing the right thing that might hurt a lot of people?" Before the two can get deep into the conversation, Eli loses control of the car and Jace's life is forever changed. Upon waking up, Jace learns he not only lost the ability to pitch but also his twin. As you can imagine, Eli's loss impacts a lot of people, from their sister who is constantly worried about Jace's safety to Eli's girlfriend to Thera, who Eli was tutoring and working on another project with.
This book is about putting things back together again, or not, depending on how broken they are. It's about loss and recovery. The moment of Eli's loss was jarring and real. Jace's journey, along with those around him, is raw. Now that he can't play baseball, will he still fit in with his teammates? Will he ever know what Eli was talking about right before his death? What was Thera to Eli, really? Is anything as it seems and can he trust those he thought he knew? Add on top of that the fact that he has a pressure to be perfect in the eyes of a community who holds the cards to his family's wellbeing. Jace's questioning of the afterlife, thanks to his brief experience, is heartbreaking. Luckily Thera comes into his life, spunky and ready to help him. Stronger than either ever realized. Together, they explore Eli's last words and figure out what he was trying to tell Jace.
It's clear that Stacey poured her heart into this book, both by the writing and through her acknowledgements. I took this book with me to a music festival and sobbed in public as I read through the ending.
And can we talk about this cover!? How gorgeous is it!!!?? I love it and can't wait to get my hands on a finished copy. Many thanks to Stacey for writing yet another book I couldn't put down and left me sobbing at the end.
August 19, 2016
I really enjoy Stacey Kade's writing, so For This Life Only was a must read for me. It is just as heartbreaking as the summary makes it sound, as well as uplifting and purposeful. I loved the themes of this story - grief, soul searching, faith, families of the church, expectations and choosing to do the 'right' thing even when you're not sure what that is.
In Jace's family he is the destructive twin, while his brother Eli manages to effortlessly maintain the levels of perfection their dad craves. Jace wants to play baseball, while Eli will probably follow in their father's footsteps and become a pastor, Jace is happy to go out partying and drinking with his teammates while Eli will be with his equally perfect girlfriend or at bible camp or writing his next debating speech. They are two halves of a whole. So Jace's life is shattered when, in a car accident, Eli is killed and Jace is saved. It challenges his view of the afterlife, faith and his family as they too start to crumble around him. But the town's outsider, the one girl he has been told his whole life not to go near, offers Jace some hope, a person to talk to about his darkest fears and reveals that even Eli was keeping secrets...
Jace is a fantastic protagonist and narrator. He is struggling with the death of his twin, guilt over his involvement in the crash and is scared that Eli might not be in that finally happy place after all. His family is falling apart and that just adds to the guilt. Add to that he can't play baseball anymore and he doesn't have anyone to talk to about his doubts. And his father!! I wanted to shake him. Pastors!! Ahggg. Don't get me started.
In her acknowledgments, Stacey says that writing about something she experienced (growing up in the church) was harder than she imagined, but I think she did a spectacular job. As always, it is so easy to disappear into her books and everything felt genuine and just as complicated as real life.
There weren't really any big twists or mysteries to be revealed in this story - this isn't a suspense. Nor really was it a romance, though there certainly is that element. The romance isn't the main focus of this story but it does provide that gentle shove Jace needs to help him start questioning some major things in his life. It is also very sweet and I loved the moments between Thera and Jace. Their connection was gentle and understanding but their passion was fiery. Loved it.
Overall, as expected, For This Life Only was as touching and beautiful as it was enjoyable and easy to devour. Stacey Kade is a brilliant author and I can't wait to read what she produces next.
The publishers provided a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Find more reviews on my blog Madison's Library.
In Jace's family he is the destructive twin, while his brother Eli manages to effortlessly maintain the levels of perfection their dad craves. Jace wants to play baseball, while Eli will probably follow in their father's footsteps and become a pastor, Jace is happy to go out partying and drinking with his teammates while Eli will be with his equally perfect girlfriend or at bible camp or writing his next debating speech. They are two halves of a whole. So Jace's life is shattered when, in a car accident, Eli is killed and Jace is saved. It challenges his view of the afterlife, faith and his family as they too start to crumble around him. But the town's outsider, the one girl he has been told his whole life not to go near, offers Jace some hope, a person to talk to about his darkest fears and reveals that even Eli was keeping secrets...
Jace is a fantastic protagonist and narrator. He is struggling with the death of his twin, guilt over his involvement in the crash and is scared that Eli might not be in that finally happy place after all. His family is falling apart and that just adds to the guilt. Add to that he can't play baseball anymore and he doesn't have anyone to talk to about his doubts. And his father!! I wanted to shake him. Pastors!! Ahggg. Don't get me started.
In her acknowledgments, Stacey says that writing about something she experienced (growing up in the church) was harder than she imagined, but I think she did a spectacular job. As always, it is so easy to disappear into her books and everything felt genuine and just as complicated as real life.
There weren't really any big twists or mysteries to be revealed in this story - this isn't a suspense. Nor really was it a romance, though there certainly is that element. The romance isn't the main focus of this story but it does provide that gentle shove Jace needs to help him start questioning some major things in his life. It is also very sweet and I loved the moments between Thera and Jace. Their connection was gentle and understanding but their passion was fiery. Loved it.
Overall, as expected, For This Life Only was as touching and beautiful as it was enjoyable and easy to devour. Stacey Kade is a brilliant author and I can't wait to read what she produces next.
The publishers provided a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Find more reviews on my blog Madison's Library.
October 6, 2016
Imagine a gender-swapped Footloose from the perspective of the preacher’s kid, and if you shift the focus from dancing you have For This Life Only. Kade takes the death of the “good one” of the preacher kids and explores how it shatters a family that’s not allowed to be less than perfect. The family dynamics are heart-wrenching, especially the issues Jace’s little sister has. And it’s very easy to relate to Jace feeling stifled by keeping up appearances. Sure, the romance is a touch Insta, but everything else is so excellent that I don’t care.
Where this book excelled the most, at least for me, is in how it addresses Jace questioning his religious beliefs. It perfectly balances the skepticism of religion that is growing among this generation, with the need to believe in something after a loved one dies. It’s a question I’ve struggled with – my inner Ravenclaw disdained religion from an early age, and at age 14, The Amber Spyglass cemented my atheism. But as my family members kept dying, I’d relapse into believing in an afterlife just because I needed the comfort of that, even though I still dismissed the rest of religion. I knew where Jace was coming from… for most of the last decade, I’d been trying to reconcile those two things. And then, in a single paragraph, this book solved that conundrum for me:
“Choice matters,” Thera said. “It defines us, more than what we’re told to believe or told to do. If you believe that you’ll see Eli again, in heaven or whatever comes after this, then believe that. Choose it.” (p. 169)
Most books argue either for belief or against it. This is the first one, to my memory, that leaves the choice up to you.
It’s a super-fast read, I finished it in a single day. But the book stayed with me in a way that few do (hence a two-week delay in writing a review). I loved all of Stacey Kade’s books an awful lot – she has a knack for asking tough questions in the guise of supremely lovable characters. But to my surprise, it’s the preacher kids that spoke to me more than ghosts or aliens or movie stars. And I end with another quote that’s just too perfect not to repeat:
“We’re small and fragile, and control relatively little of our existence. […] But we’re here. We’re alive against all those odds. And believing is a shout in the dark.” (p. 170)
Where this book excelled the most, at least for me, is in how it addresses Jace questioning his religious beliefs. It perfectly balances the skepticism of religion that is growing among this generation, with the need to believe in something after a loved one dies. It’s a question I’ve struggled with – my inner Ravenclaw disdained religion from an early age, and at age 14, The Amber Spyglass cemented my atheism. But as my family members kept dying, I’d relapse into believing in an afterlife just because I needed the comfort of that, even though I still dismissed the rest of religion. I knew where Jace was coming from… for most of the last decade, I’d been trying to reconcile those two things. And then, in a single paragraph, this book solved that conundrum for me:
“Choice matters,” Thera said. “It defines us, more than what we’re told to believe or told to do. If you believe that you’ll see Eli again, in heaven or whatever comes after this, then believe that. Choose it.” (p. 169)
Most books argue either for belief or against it. This is the first one, to my memory, that leaves the choice up to you.
It’s a super-fast read, I finished it in a single day. But the book stayed with me in a way that few do (hence a two-week delay in writing a review). I loved all of Stacey Kade’s books an awful lot – she has a knack for asking tough questions in the guise of supremely lovable characters. But to my surprise, it’s the preacher kids that spoke to me more than ghosts or aliens or movie stars. And I end with another quote that’s just too perfect not to repeat:
“We’re small and fragile, and control relatively little of our existence. […] But we’re here. We’re alive against all those odds. And believing is a shout in the dark.” (p. 170)
April 15, 2016
I received an ARC of this book today. I planned to read just the first few pages and then go out with friends. Four hours and so many tears later, I finished it. This is the kind of book I live for. Not necessarily the subject matter itself, but a book that pulls you in from the first line and won't let you go until the last. The story was beautiful and heart wrenching. I won't spoil it, but Sara was so real to me that my arms physically ached to hold her and try to give her some type of comfort. Gah, I'm sobbing again now just thinking of her. It's probably a good thing all books in this world aren't this well written, or I'd never get anything else done. Stacey Kade, I bow at your feet. You are a story goddess.
August 25, 2021
3.5 stars
September 20, 2016
4.5 stars
Really beautiful exploration of faith and grief. Don't be put off byt he religious aspect. It's a strong factor in Jace and his families life but it's very well done - respectful but not overwhelming or preachy.
There's a small subplot about the church that I didn't love (I wish the focus stayed on the family) but I do see how it tied everything together in the end.
For This Life Only reminded me a bit of This Side of Salvation by Jeri Smith-Ready - another story that tackled grief and religion very well.
Really beautiful exploration of faith and grief. Don't be put off byt he religious aspect. It's a strong factor in Jace and his families life but it's very well done - respectful but not overwhelming or preachy.
There's a small subplot about the church that I didn't love (I wish the focus stayed on the family) but I do see how it tied everything together in the end.
For This Life Only reminded me a bit of This Side of Salvation by Jeri Smith-Ready - another story that tackled grief and religion very well.
September 14, 2016
I did like the book.. but I didn't love it. I did not find it very moving.. even though some though stuff happened I could not get into it. I don't know if it was because the narrator was male ?
I did like how the accident made the main character doubt everything and how he learned to think for himself, and that it is okay to question stuff.
All in all not a very special novel, but is was okay.
I did like how the accident made the main character doubt everything and how he learned to think for himself, and that it is okay to question stuff.
All in all not a very special novel, but is was okay.
February 4, 2021
At first, the book was fascinating, and I wanted to read about Jacob's response to his brother's death and since Jacob was a Christian. As I kept reading, it got boring because it was pretty repetitive. But, I actually don't blame him for that (because I went through a similar experience). Overall, it was an okay book.
November 13, 2016
I was intrigued by the premise but the father was too sanctimonious for me. I also wished that there had been a certainty about Eli's fate.
July 9, 2018
Oh man, I'm not crying, a bug just flew in my eye.
I didn't really know what to expect from this book. Reading the synopsis, all I knew going into it was that Jacob lost his twin brother in a car accident, and he and his family are struggling to cope in the aftermath of his death. Then Jacob meets this girl, Thera, who seems to help him through this tough time. WELL, I am here to tell you, that there is so much more to this book than you get a glimpse at from the book blurb.
Jacob and his twin brother, Eli, come from a very religious family. Being twins, they are always compared to each other, and apparently Eli became known as "the good one." He follows in his father's footsteps, a pastor who keeps up appearances in their church community. Jacob somehow became "the bad one," if only because he's not as strictly religious as Eli. He goes to school, is a super good baseball player, and goes to parties like any other teenager. On the night of Eli's death, Eli and Jacob have a strangely vague conversation, in which you see Eli struggling with something deep down, and question what he has grown up to believe. Jacob never gets to find out that night though, because we lose Eli to a tragic car accident shortly after (no spoiler there, it was in the book blurb). After his death, Jacob has a hard time living a life without his twin, his other half. He blames himself for what happened, and throughout the book you see that all the family members blame themselves as well.
I think no matter what situation you're in, or what religious preferences you have, many can relate to this. We all know what we should do or what the right thing is, but sometimes it is hard to carry through. If you're angry or hurt or feeling guilty about something, though you know you shouldn't feel that way, how do you let it go so easily? How do you just stop? All I know from my experiences, is that it takes time. And sometimes that's difficult too, to just wait for time to slowly take the sharpness out of the hurt in your heart. But, that's all there is.
Through his new friendship/relationship with Thera, he learns more about his brother. Surprised and hurt that his brother didn't confide in him, Jacob begins to question the lies that the people closest to him seem to have, all for the purpose of keeping up pretenses. His father, who is adamant about keeping up appearances for the sake of being the perfect family, a perfect example for others. His brother, who he learns was under so much pressure to keep being "the good one." But sometimes, it's okay to admit we're not okay. Sometimes it's okay to appear human. And that's something I wish everyone knew and understood.
All in all, I thought this book can teach you a lot of things. Though it centers around a religious family and a son who struggles with what to believe in, you can take a lot of lessons from this book and apply them to various situations in life. That's what I loved about this book, and I think it's one of those books that everyone should read (:
"I miss you. Every day for the rest of my life, however long that is. And I'm looking forward to seeing you again."
I didn't really know what to expect from this book. Reading the synopsis, all I knew going into it was that Jacob lost his twin brother in a car accident, and he and his family are struggling to cope in the aftermath of his death. Then Jacob meets this girl, Thera, who seems to help him through this tough time. WELL, I am here to tell you, that there is so much more to this book than you get a glimpse at from the book blurb.
Jacob and his twin brother, Eli, come from a very religious family. Being twins, they are always compared to each other, and apparently Eli became known as "the good one." He follows in his father's footsteps, a pastor who keeps up appearances in their church community. Jacob somehow became "the bad one," if only because he's not as strictly religious as Eli. He goes to school, is a super good baseball player, and goes to parties like any other teenager. On the night of Eli's death, Eli and Jacob have a strangely vague conversation, in which you see Eli struggling with something deep down, and question what he has grown up to believe. Jacob never gets to find out that night though, because we lose Eli to a tragic car accident shortly after (no spoiler there, it was in the book blurb). After his death, Jacob has a hard time living a life without his twin, his other half. He blames himself for what happened, and throughout the book you see that all the family members blame themselves as well.
"Jesus said to forgive seventy times seven, Jace, "she said with an admonishing look.
Thanks, Leah, how incredibly helpful. I know the Bible verse-Matthew something--just as well as she did. But regardless, what the verse lacked was the how. How do you forgive someone that much? How do you forgive yourself? How do you stop being angry?
I think no matter what situation you're in, or what religious preferences you have, many can relate to this. We all know what we should do or what the right thing is, but sometimes it is hard to carry through. If you're angry or hurt or feeling guilty about something, though you know you shouldn't feel that way, how do you let it go so easily? How do you just stop? All I know from my experiences, is that it takes time. And sometimes that's difficult too, to just wait for time to slowly take the sharpness out of the hurt in your heart. But, that's all there is.
What did we always have to pretend everything was okay? Why couldn't we just admit that we were falling apart? If we couldn't do that, I wasn't sure how we were going to get better.
Through his new friendship/relationship with Thera, he learns more about his brother. Surprised and hurt that his brother didn't confide in him, Jacob begins to question the lies that the people closest to him seem to have, all for the purpose of keeping up pretenses. His father, who is adamant about keeping up appearances for the sake of being the perfect family, a perfect example for others. His brother, who he learns was under so much pressure to keep being "the good one." But sometimes, it's okay to admit we're not okay. Sometimes it's okay to appear human. And that's something I wish everyone knew and understood.
"...the world or existence or whatever is bigger than we allow ourselves to think. Which means that no matter what, we're only seeing part of the picture. Individual pixels. What looks like the end or like meaningless and painful chaos might just mean we're too close to the screen to understand."
All in all, I thought this book can teach you a lot of things. Though it centers around a religious family and a son who struggles with what to believe in, you can take a lot of lessons from this book and apply them to various situations in life. That's what I loved about this book, and I think it's one of those books that everyone should read (:
February 10, 2019
As a pastor's kid and survivor of a horrible medical incident, I was really excited to read this book, but I was severely disappointed.
For This Life Only explores several themes that are much heavier than Kade's usual action-adventure romances. Survivor guilt, loss of faith and cultural bigotry are all twined around each other in this short novel.
As usual, Kade's dialogue is snappy and her pacing is strong. She does an excellent job of moving the story from place to place, making the setting feel detailed and realistic.
Unfortunately, all the issues overwhelm the characters. Neither Jacob nor Thera feels like a real person. Jacob comes across more as a pawn in the author's exploration of these topics, while Thera is simply an icon of everything Jacob has been taught to oppose. A deeper and more meaningful novel would have required paring down the subject matter to just one or two issues and spending much more time developing the characters. As it stands, the story slips through your fingers without leaving any impression behind.
I wish the story remained focused on Jacob and his family’s grief. The idea of a family of faith struggling with their beliefs and way of life is a powerful one. But unfortunately the story splinters off into other points that steal a lot of that power. The romance part of the book was the big problem for me. After the accident, Jacob starts talking to Thera, a high school outsider with secrets and pain and troubles of her own. I liked Thera—well I didn’t dislike her anyway. But here’s the thing. I did not feel Jacob and Thera’s connection. I just didn’t buy it or FEEL it. And without that chemistry and connection, everything else kind of fell apart for me. When Jacob began fighting with his friends, it all seemed too sudden and dramatic. Both Thera and Jacob just started sharing these huge emotions with each other and all I kept thinking was—why? My heart didn’t see the trust or sparks.
My whole reading heart wanted to try to understand Jacob’s new world without his twin at his side. When people looked at Jacob they saw Eli. THAT made my heart ache. And Sarah! I adored Jacob’s little sister. Her fear and pain ate at my heart and soul. The poor thing! But there were too many other issues and distractions mixed into the plot that just never made it to my heart. Never made it anywhere actually. A lot of issues were left undeveloped. Jacob lost so much that night in the accident. Not only his brother, but maybe his faith and his baseball career. These issues alone would have made a powerful story. I didn’t need the additional conflict and worry with Thera and her family. As a matter of fact, the big secret Jacob and Thera struggled with at the end was rather underwhelming.
For This Life Only explores several themes that are much heavier than Kade's usual action-adventure romances. Survivor guilt, loss of faith and cultural bigotry are all twined around each other in this short novel.
As usual, Kade's dialogue is snappy and her pacing is strong. She does an excellent job of moving the story from place to place, making the setting feel detailed and realistic.
Unfortunately, all the issues overwhelm the characters. Neither Jacob nor Thera feels like a real person. Jacob comes across more as a pawn in the author's exploration of these topics, while Thera is simply an icon of everything Jacob has been taught to oppose. A deeper and more meaningful novel would have required paring down the subject matter to just one or two issues and spending much more time developing the characters. As it stands, the story slips through your fingers without leaving any impression behind.
I wish the story remained focused on Jacob and his family’s grief. The idea of a family of faith struggling with their beliefs and way of life is a powerful one. But unfortunately the story splinters off into other points that steal a lot of that power. The romance part of the book was the big problem for me. After the accident, Jacob starts talking to Thera, a high school outsider with secrets and pain and troubles of her own. I liked Thera—well I didn’t dislike her anyway. But here’s the thing. I did not feel Jacob and Thera’s connection. I just didn’t buy it or FEEL it. And without that chemistry and connection, everything else kind of fell apart for me. When Jacob began fighting with his friends, it all seemed too sudden and dramatic. Both Thera and Jacob just started sharing these huge emotions with each other and all I kept thinking was—why? My heart didn’t see the trust or sparks.
My whole reading heart wanted to try to understand Jacob’s new world without his twin at his side. When people looked at Jacob they saw Eli. THAT made my heart ache. And Sarah! I adored Jacob’s little sister. Her fear and pain ate at my heart and soul. The poor thing! But there were too many other issues and distractions mixed into the plot that just never made it to my heart. Never made it anywhere actually. A lot of issues were left undeveloped. Jacob lost so much that night in the accident. Not only his brother, but maybe his faith and his baseball career. These issues alone would have made a powerful story. I didn’t need the additional conflict and worry with Thera and her family. As a matter of fact, the big secret Jacob and Thera struggled with at the end was rather underwhelming.
December 27, 2016
For This Life Only explores several themes that are much heavier than Kade's usual action-adventure romances. Survivor guilt, loss of faith and cultural bigotry are all twined around each other in this short novel.
As usual, Kade's dialog is snappy and her pacing is strong. She does an excellent job of moving the story from place to place, making the setting feel detailed and realistic.
Unfortunately, all the issues overwhelm the characters. Neither Jacob nor Thera feels like a real person. Jacob comes across more as a pawn in the author's exploration of these topics, while Thera is simply an icon of everything Jacob has been taught to oppose. A deeper and more meaningful novel would have required paring down the subject matter to just one or two issues and spending much more time developing the characters. As it stands, the story slips through your fingers without leaving any impression behind.
For a more nuanced exploration of survivor guilt, read Bridge to Terabithia. For characters struggling with a crisis of faith, see Fiddler on the Roof or A Man For All Seasons . For the same kind of cultural division, watch, I dunno, West Side Story or practically anything written in the twentieth century.
As usual, Kade's dialog is snappy and her pacing is strong. She does an excellent job of moving the story from place to place, making the setting feel detailed and realistic.
Unfortunately, all the issues overwhelm the characters. Neither Jacob nor Thera feels like a real person. Jacob comes across more as a pawn in the author's exploration of these topics, while Thera is simply an icon of everything Jacob has been taught to oppose. A deeper and more meaningful novel would have required paring down the subject matter to just one or two issues and spending much more time developing the characters. As it stands, the story slips through your fingers without leaving any impression behind.
For a more nuanced exploration of survivor guilt, read Bridge to Terabithia. For characters struggling with a crisis of faith, see Fiddler on the Roof or A Man For All Seasons . For the same kind of cultural division, watch, I dunno, West Side Story or practically anything written in the twentieth century.
May 10, 2017
This book was both beautiful and devastating, an honest portrayal of a teenage boy struggling to cope with his twin brothers death, and his desperation for answers regarding life after death.
I'm grateful to Kade for addressing this topic, for writing a character who questions wether people truly end up "in a better place" after they die. It was interesting to read from Jace's pov as he struggled with the faith his parents were so desperate to hold onto in the light of tragedy. I felt like I could relate to him a lot, as I've never really been religious and don't really know what to believe in terms of life after death.
This book made me SOB so so much. But it was worth it. It's a book that makes you think and second guess your presumptions regarding the afterlife and Jace was a very strong, very real main character and the way he was written had me grow very attached to him, helped me to understand each of his thoughts and actions.
Thera was a bit prickly and hard to like at first but she grew on me and I came to admire her honesty, her ferocity and the way she was there for Jace without really coddling or pitying him, although I personally would have liked to see more of a heart to heart between them, with Jace breaking down and spilling all his feelings of guilt and sorrow because well, I'm sappy like that. Overall one of my favorite reads of this year, and I can't wait to read more by Stacey Kade.
I'm grateful to Kade for addressing this topic, for writing a character who questions wether people truly end up "in a better place" after they die. It was interesting to read from Jace's pov as he struggled with the faith his parents were so desperate to hold onto in the light of tragedy. I felt like I could relate to him a lot, as I've never really been religious and don't really know what to believe in terms of life after death.
This book made me SOB so so much. But it was worth it. It's a book that makes you think and second guess your presumptions regarding the afterlife and Jace was a very strong, very real main character and the way he was written had me grow very attached to him, helped me to understand each of his thoughts and actions.
Thera was a bit prickly and hard to like at first but she grew on me and I came to admire her honesty, her ferocity and the way she was there for Jace without really coddling or pitying him, although I personally would have liked to see more of a heart to heart between them, with Jace breaking down and spilling all his feelings of guilt and sorrow because well, I'm sappy like that. Overall one of my favorite reads of this year, and I can't wait to read more by Stacey Kade.
January 26, 2020
This was a good book. It was thought provoking and relevant to my life in a way, which was both heartbreaking and not at once. Some of the content was heartbreaking in itself, but I quite enjoyed reading Jace's story, his questions and confusion with the world and everything. It was an interesting take on life and the afterlife and I found I had a hard time putting it down as I grew closer and closer to the end.
There was only one main thing, at the end I wasn't crazy about, but I'm not going to spoil the book here. It's definitely worth the read.
There was only one main thing, at the end I wasn't crazy about, but I'm not going to spoil the book here. It's definitely worth the read.
June 3, 2021
4.5/5. I truly LOVED THIS BOOK!! I legit couldn't put it down and I had to force myself to put it down around 3 am and go to bed. The character development is IMMACULATEEEE and the true emotion is legit amazing. I was crying 40 pages in and uncontrollably sobbing at the end reading the epilogue. I thought I would struggle reading it because I'm a 15 y/o girl not a 17 y/o boy but I genuinely enjoyed it bc I guess Jace reminded me a lot of my brother who is a 19 y/o, tall, stud, pitcher. SO yeah I really really loved this book and go read it RNNNN!!
August 16, 2017
A heartbreaking, honest look at grief, faith, thinking for yourself, and choice. Jace's grief and guilt over his brother's death are piercing without ever descending into pathos, as are his family members', each of whom deal (or don't) in their own way.
I would put this on par with Jeri Smith-Ready's This Side of Salvation when it comes to books about teens and faith that are not preachy or overtly focused on conversion, but instead focus on why you believe what you believe.
I would put this on par with Jeri Smith-Ready's This Side of Salvation when it comes to books about teens and faith that are not preachy or overtly focused on conversion, but instead focus on why you believe what you believe.
February 13, 2018
u know how there’s some tv shows that set up plot lines for 4-5 seasons but get cancelled at season 2 so the ending feels rushed and nonsensical and stupidly tying up lose ends when there could have been so many plot lines and characters explored but they weren’t and u feel upset about that? that’s what the ending of this book felt like
March 4, 2019
Thoroughly satisfying teen novel that will appeal to readers looking for big questions to contemplate.
Twin survives car accident and is left with questions of what's after, guilt and contemplation about who he is, helped by outcast girl from the opposite side of the faith spectrum.
Twin survives car accident and is left with questions of what's after, guilt and contemplation about who he is, helped by outcast girl from the opposite side of the faith spectrum.
June 19, 2025
I enjoyed reading this book. It was inspiring to see how this young man healed and moved on after the loss of his twin in the accident. The changes he made in his own life to honor his brother was inspiring.
August 12, 2025
actually super cute it kind of hit home as a christian girlie but nonetheless their dynamic is so eughh okay so we just all need someone to look a lil closer .. i thought i was gonna cry but i didn’t
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