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Degrees of Discernment #1
30 Below
CONTENT WARNING:
While this book is Christian in theme, it contains strong sexual content and language.
Sex. Faith Quinn didn’t have much experience in that department, at least not until she met Lucas. But then again, a lot of things changed when he stepped into the picture. They fell in love the moment their eyes met and as wonderful as it felt, it also set in motion a chain of events that would ultimately change the quality of their lives forever. Honesty, trust and stress-free living become nearly impossible to find as this couple willingly steps outside God’s design for sex and marriage. This leaves them asking the question: what would things have been like had they followed the wise design of their loving Father from the beginning?
Check the Free Preview right here on Goodreads.
"30 Below" kindle is available for Pre-Order.
While this book is Christian in theme, it contains strong sexual content and language.
Sex. Faith Quinn didn’t have much experience in that department, at least not until she met Lucas. But then again, a lot of things changed when he stepped into the picture. They fell in love the moment their eyes met and as wonderful as it felt, it also set in motion a chain of events that would ultimately change the quality of their lives forever. Honesty, trust and stress-free living become nearly impossible to find as this couple willingly steps outside God’s design for sex and marriage. This leaves them asking the question: what would things have been like had they followed the wise design of their loving Father from the beginning?
Check the Free Preview right here on Goodreads.
"30 Below" kindle is available for Pre-Order.
- GenresRomance
350 pages, Paperback
First published September 14, 2014
8 people are currently reading
230 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
September 10, 2014
30 Below is one of the most different and interesting books, I think I have ever read. It touched me, it emotionally drained me but most surprising of all it made me reflect about my own life, the path I've taken and how I want to continue on in the future. Not many books have ever done that, maybe a handful at the most. While this book may not be everyone's cup of tea - because really no two people are guaranteed to like the same thing - I do think even if you don't agree with message (which I found wonderful) you will still take something away from this novel. Sorry if I seem vague, I don't want to say too much because everyone deserves to experience 30 Below for themselves - which is one of the best books I've read this year, if not ever.
(Was lucky enough to read an ARC, but will be buying a copy release day to support the author!)
(Was lucky enough to read an ARC, but will be buying a copy release day to support the author!)
October 17, 2014
30 Below is a story about Faith, who is an intelligent woman dealing with a mental illness. She meets and falls for Lucas, an attractive and intelligent man whom she thinks she is undeserving of. This book shares two sides of the beginning of their relationship. The first side is what I call the real world side. The second part is what I call the ideal situation side. You really get 2 books for the price of 1 but it's the same story just with different decisions made. The author has done a fantastic job of showcasing mental illness in a respectful light and proves that no matter who you are, no matter what ails you, we all are deserving of love. This story does contain Christian themes and faith is of importance to Faith and Lucas' journey together. However, I hope that doesn't deter you from reading this. The author in no way is shoving religion or personal beliefs down your throat. I feel that anyone of any faith could read this and relate to the elation, the struggles, the frustrations and heartbreak these two face. The author also does a great job of showing that faith and sex are connected and bring a couple closer together. Lucas is the type of man any woman would want and deserves to have. This story is well written, the characters are people you can relate to, people you would want in your life, and their story is beautiful and familiar.
September 13, 2014
Upon reading 30 below I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and how they were so real. One could actually see this story unfolding in real life, which is one of the things I liked most.
I couldn't put the book down once I started reading it. 30 below is a Christian based book that can be pretty hot and sexual at times. It let's you see that everyone has struggles and finds they're way through things.
I also loved how the book was centered around God and his divine blessings he gives you.
This book is an awesome read. I am very excited to read the next book Above 60.
In my opinion I believe everyone should go and read 30 below.
Check out the book and the author she is awesome.
Wendy Stenzel Oleston
I couldn't put the book down once I started reading it. 30 below is a Christian based book that can be pretty hot and sexual at times. It let's you see that everyone has struggles and finds they're way through things.
I also loved how the book was centered around God and his divine blessings he gives you.
This book is an awesome read. I am very excited to read the next book Above 60.
In my opinion I believe everyone should go and read 30 below.
Check out the book and the author she is awesome.
Wendy Stenzel Oleston
August 17, 2017
The book presents the two situations - the "oh I did that" in the first part, and the "what if..?" In the 2nd part. I loved the first 100 days of Faith'n'lucas' life toghter. It was actually quite interesting to see the development of a relationship that start with sex on the first date. And after that, whenI saw the "what if..?" part, I was actually disappointed. Life is hard in reality, it's not ideal as in part two. Overall a nice bed time story, a good read.
November 19, 2015
30 Below is a new genre of books to me. This is the first christian novel I have read. It was a good read and it had twist and turns that completely take you by surprise. It is told two different ways for a couple who follows their beliefs to fall in love and then doing everything backwards and not following their beliefs. It is a beautifully written love story. It is a nice change of pace to read a story where the attraction two have towards each other can lead to so much more not always involving sex until marriage. How you can really know someone one with out the complications of being intimate right away. It also provides a story of how being intimate has alot more complications then maybe what can be realized. The characters were loveable. You are brought into the story and made a part of it watching it unfold. Was a little reluctant at first to read it but I am so glad I did!
Faith Quinn is beautiful, smart, spunky,she is definitely a spitfire. She is the hometown girl from Fitchville where she has lived her whole life.
Faith is an only child so she never grew up with other siblings just her family.
The biggest thing about Faith is she learned young she was going to be a loner. She has some some mental illness she has been dealing with her whole life but has learned to live with it. She has had up and downs with her illness but hasn't taken the life from her. Although what she has gotten from it is living with that fact that her life will be a solitary life with few friends but has very loving parents and is very inexperienced in relationships, love, and life.
Lucas Anderson is Tall, has hazel eyes, brown hair and a very gentle smile. He is hot, smart, lived with money, he is a very outgoing and caring person. He lived a big city life. He has a sister so he didn't grow up as a only child. He never lived a solitary life he grew up with friends, family, love, loss & his share of relationships.
The story tells of Faith and Lucas it is told two different ways, but both stories still tell of the intense attraction both Faith and Lucas have towards each other. Just shows that some times intense feelings lead to unexpected and maybe not chosen paths that can lead to bigger issues never expected with one little choice by following the intense feelings you have instead of following God's chosen path or asking for the guidance instead of deciding your choice. This first story was still beautiful, intense, roller coaster ride that kept you asking what is going to happen next, or saying out loud oh no! just riveting
The second story of Faith and Lucas make's you step back and say Wow. They have the same intense feelings they just leave the hasty decision's in the hands of God. They question and pray rather than rushing into anything. They talk, they learn to love the inside of each other before they love the outside. They not only keep the same attraction the attraction just grows more intense towards each other with the honesty, and stories of the past they share, with the life experiences they had to sculpt them into the people they are today. It leads them into the beautiful, romantic love that people dream about, that people watch in the movie's over taking the path less chosen.
This is a story that really touches you and awakens you to maybe taking a step back not always handling it. sometimes prayer and leaving the situation in God's hands might have a better outcome.
It also brings to light that there are mental illness and the issue's that many people face that you might talk to regularly or once so often.
It was a very good read. So glad that I read this story of choice and Belief.
Faith Quinn is beautiful, smart, spunky,she is definitely a spitfire. She is the hometown girl from Fitchville where she has lived her whole life.
Faith is an only child so she never grew up with other siblings just her family.
The biggest thing about Faith is she learned young she was going to be a loner. She has some some mental illness she has been dealing with her whole life but has learned to live with it. She has had up and downs with her illness but hasn't taken the life from her. Although what she has gotten from it is living with that fact that her life will be a solitary life with few friends but has very loving parents and is very inexperienced in relationships, love, and life.
Lucas Anderson is Tall, has hazel eyes, brown hair and a very gentle smile. He is hot, smart, lived with money, he is a very outgoing and caring person. He lived a big city life. He has a sister so he didn't grow up as a only child. He never lived a solitary life he grew up with friends, family, love, loss & his share of relationships.
The story tells of Faith and Lucas it is told two different ways, but both stories still tell of the intense attraction both Faith and Lucas have towards each other. Just shows that some times intense feelings lead to unexpected and maybe not chosen paths that can lead to bigger issues never expected with one little choice by following the intense feelings you have instead of following God's chosen path or asking for the guidance instead of deciding your choice. This first story was still beautiful, intense, roller coaster ride that kept you asking what is going to happen next, or saying out loud oh no! just riveting
The second story of Faith and Lucas make's you step back and say Wow. They have the same intense feelings they just leave the hasty decision's in the hands of God. They question and pray rather than rushing into anything. They talk, they learn to love the inside of each other before they love the outside. They not only keep the same attraction the attraction just grows more intense towards each other with the honesty, and stories of the past they share, with the life experiences they had to sculpt them into the people they are today. It leads them into the beautiful, romantic love that people dream about, that people watch in the movie's over taking the path less chosen.
This is a story that really touches you and awakens you to maybe taking a step back not always handling it. sometimes prayer and leaving the situation in God's hands might have a better outcome.
It also brings to light that there are mental illness and the issue's that many people face that you might talk to regularly or once so often.
It was a very good read. So glad that I read this story of choice and Belief.
September 17, 2014
*****Review for Passionate Page Turner**************
CONTENT WARNING:
While this book is Christian in theme, it contains strong sexual content and language.
Sex. Faith Quinn didn’t have much experience in that department, at least not until she met Lucas. But then again, a lot of things changed when he stepped into the picture. They fell in love the moment their eyes met and as wonderful as it felt, it also set in motion a chain of events that would ultimately change the quality of their lives forever. Honesty, trust and stress-free living become nearly impossible to find as this couple willingly steps outside God’s design for sex and marriage. This leaves them asking the question: what would things have been like had they followed the wise design of their loving Father from the beginning?
This book was a refreshing read, do not be put off by the Christian theme. Its not in your face and flowed into the story naturally. The story follows the lives of Faith and Lucas. The first half of the book follows them as they become a couple and hit the ground running. What results is an incredibly stressful time, they rush into things and it causes heartbreak, are they strong enough to survive?
It then goes a bit sliding doors and we see what happens when they do take things slow and abstain from sex before marriage.
There is a very clear message here, not everyone will agree with it however we are all individuals and must respect each others opinions.
I really enjoyed this story, it is different and unique from anything else that I have read. As much as I enjoy reading about Alpha males in business suits, Lucas is a real man with very male thoughts but struggles with his desires for Faith and respecting her. They do fall in love very quickly but it is true love and he demonstrates that in the way that he supports her throughout both of the stories. Faith's life is not an easy one, my heart went out to her and what she has to deal with. Both are strong characters and they compliment each other.
This is the first part in a trilogy but there is no cliff-hanger and you could read as a standalone. Part two is due out at the end of the year and part three in early 2015.
CONTENT WARNING:
While this book is Christian in theme, it contains strong sexual content and language.
Sex. Faith Quinn didn’t have much experience in that department, at least not until she met Lucas. But then again, a lot of things changed when he stepped into the picture. They fell in love the moment their eyes met and as wonderful as it felt, it also set in motion a chain of events that would ultimately change the quality of their lives forever. Honesty, trust and stress-free living become nearly impossible to find as this couple willingly steps outside God’s design for sex and marriage. This leaves them asking the question: what would things have been like had they followed the wise design of their loving Father from the beginning?
This book was a refreshing read, do not be put off by the Christian theme. Its not in your face and flowed into the story naturally. The story follows the lives of Faith and Lucas. The first half of the book follows them as they become a couple and hit the ground running. What results is an incredibly stressful time, they rush into things and it causes heartbreak, are they strong enough to survive?
It then goes a bit sliding doors and we see what happens when they do take things slow and abstain from sex before marriage.
There is a very clear message here, not everyone will agree with it however we are all individuals and must respect each others opinions.
I really enjoyed this story, it is different and unique from anything else that I have read. As much as I enjoy reading about Alpha males in business suits, Lucas is a real man with very male thoughts but struggles with his desires for Faith and respecting her. They do fall in love very quickly but it is true love and he demonstrates that in the way that he supports her throughout both of the stories. Faith's life is not an easy one, my heart went out to her and what she has to deal with. Both are strong characters and they compliment each other.
This is the first part in a trilogy but there is no cliff-hanger and you could read as a standalone. Part two is due out at the end of the year and part three in early 2015.
December 19, 2014
4.5 Stars
I have been tossing this review around in my head for the past twenty-four hours, not completely sure about how I feel. But here goes anyway.
While I really liked Lucas and Faith as a couple, I was confused by the author’s choice to write the book in two entirely different ways. In the first half of the book, we meet Lucas and Faith and follow their journey through a whirlwind courtship where they immediately become involved in a sexual relationship. And even though there is a plot twist that is rather upsetting, I still enjoyed the story very much. In the second half of the book, it is basically the same story, without the couple engaging in premarital sex. They abstain from sex and focus their relationship on getting to know one another, falling in love, and getting married. I didn’t get it at first and then it hit me. In the second telling of the story, her family treated him different, his mother treated her different, and they, as a couple, fell in love knowing that they loved each other as people, and it was in no way based on how hot the sex was (cause they weren’t having any). I don’t read this genre so I don’t have anything to base my review on as far as that goes, but I know a good story when I hear one. My only complaint is that Lucas is only twenty-eight years old, but is always calling Faith “my dear”. No matter how hard I tried, I just couldn’t picture someone from that age group using that term of endearment. I highly recommend this book to anyone that likes a Christian themed book that still tells a story based on problems and decisions facing most couples today.
I have been tossing this review around in my head for the past twenty-four hours, not completely sure about how I feel. But here goes anyway.
While I really liked Lucas and Faith as a couple, I was confused by the author’s choice to write the book in two entirely different ways. In the first half of the book, we meet Lucas and Faith and follow their journey through a whirlwind courtship where they immediately become involved in a sexual relationship. And even though there is a plot twist that is rather upsetting, I still enjoyed the story very much. In the second half of the book, it is basically the same story, without the couple engaging in premarital sex. They abstain from sex and focus their relationship on getting to know one another, falling in love, and getting married. I didn’t get it at first and then it hit me. In the second telling of the story, her family treated him different, his mother treated her different, and they, as a couple, fell in love knowing that they loved each other as people, and it was in no way based on how hot the sex was (cause they weren’t having any). I don’t read this genre so I don’t have anything to base my review on as far as that goes, but I know a good story when I hear one. My only complaint is that Lucas is only twenty-eight years old, but is always calling Faith “my dear”. No matter how hard I tried, I just couldn’t picture someone from that age group using that term of endearment. I highly recommend this book to anyone that likes a Christian themed book that still tells a story based on problems and decisions facing most couples today.
March 18, 2016
This was an odd book – actually two different ‘scenarios’ with the same couple. It’s a hard one to review, but here goes…
In the description the author basically alerts us that she wants to show us how a relationship would be different as a sexual one vs. one where the characters abstain. Did the book succeed in that regard? I would argue yes.
I would not call this a “Christian” romance, as it has way too detailed sexual scenes for that. But I do think that it’s realistic for Christians to struggle with their faith, temptation and they do engage in sex. So in that regard I admired the author for wading into that arena. I also thought the first scenario, with the plot twist (I don’t want to spoil here) gave the story more emotional impact and acted as an obstacle to the couple getting together. You really had to cheer for them as they made it.
That being said, I still didn’t get into the story the way I’d expect, and I think it’s due to the fact that I just couldn’t get into Lucas. He was too perfect, no flaws. And way too schmoozy for a 28 yo man. Some of his internal dialogue was just not good. Faith came across as a more interesting mix of vulnerable and independent, trying to be normal even as her mental disability defined her. But even the disability seemed a little contrived to bring about the conflict.
Although in real life, scenario #2 is clearly preferable, it actually got boring because there wasn’t the conflict you expect in fiction. So some of the ‘punch’ of the author’s point (mentioned above) got lost – although I don’t know how else she could have done it!
In the description the author basically alerts us that she wants to show us how a relationship would be different as a sexual one vs. one where the characters abstain. Did the book succeed in that regard? I would argue yes.
I would not call this a “Christian” romance, as it has way too detailed sexual scenes for that. But I do think that it’s realistic for Christians to struggle with their faith, temptation and they do engage in sex. So in that regard I admired the author for wading into that arena. I also thought the first scenario, with the plot twist (I don’t want to spoil here) gave the story more emotional impact and acted as an obstacle to the couple getting together. You really had to cheer for them as they made it.
That being said, I still didn’t get into the story the way I’d expect, and I think it’s due to the fact that I just couldn’t get into Lucas. He was too perfect, no flaws. And way too schmoozy for a 28 yo man. Some of his internal dialogue was just not good. Faith came across as a more interesting mix of vulnerable and independent, trying to be normal even as her mental disability defined her. But even the disability seemed a little contrived to bring about the conflict.
Although in real life, scenario #2 is clearly preferable, it actually got boring because there wasn’t the conflict you expect in fiction. So some of the ‘punch’ of the author’s point (mentioned above) got lost – although I don’t know how else she could have done it!
November 3, 2014
This book was explained to me as a sexy, Christian read which made me a bit leery of it since I am not a Christian, or anything close to it. However I like to broaden my reading horizon and gave it a chance. While I was pleasantly surprised by the first half of the book, I was let down by the second half.
Faith Quinn has a lot going on in her head and because of this she hasn't had the bustling social life of most late twenty somethings. Working from home and keeping to herself, Faith is pretty much just going through the motions of life. One night the kind act of a stranger changes all of that and we jump on the roller coaster ride that is Faith and Lucas.
Lucas. The man is a freaking saint. Never would I imagine a guy going through what he does with Faith and sticking by her side. I was loving how he got stronger and stronger for her with every page. Just as you thought things were going to fall apart, the guy picks her back up and keeps them together.
That is why I was a bit disappointed in the second part of the story. Maybe this is where I needed a more Christian side to appreciate it. I didn't want to have an easy road for them, I liked the struggle and angst. It made for a more interesting story in my eyes.
The book is well written and I will admit to skimming a bit through the second half as it didn't keep my interest nearly as much as the first did. The four star rating is for the general ideal of the story and how Wendy Oleston pulled it off so well. She made you stop and think about the what ifs.
Faith Quinn has a lot going on in her head and because of this she hasn't had the bustling social life of most late twenty somethings. Working from home and keeping to herself, Faith is pretty much just going through the motions of life. One night the kind act of a stranger changes all of that and we jump on the roller coaster ride that is Faith and Lucas.
Lucas. The man is a freaking saint. Never would I imagine a guy going through what he does with Faith and sticking by her side. I was loving how he got stronger and stronger for her with every page. Just as you thought things were going to fall apart, the guy picks her back up and keeps them together.
That is why I was a bit disappointed in the second part of the story. Maybe this is where I needed a more Christian side to appreciate it. I didn't want to have an easy road for them, I liked the struggle and angst. It made for a more interesting story in my eyes.
The book is well written and I will admit to skimming a bit through the second half as it didn't keep my interest nearly as much as the first did. The four star rating is for the general ideal of the story and how Wendy Oleston pulled it off so well. She made you stop and think about the what ifs.
May 13, 2015
30 Below by Wendy Oleston is a story of love, faith, testing boundaries and learning to trust and believe. the story is about the coming together and the first 100 days of Faith and Lucas' relationship. 30 Below follows a Christian theme, which i have never read before, but it was very enjoyable.
this book was written differently in how the author told one story in the first half of the book and the second half was written by removing some of the temptations that Faith and Lucas indulged in, in the first half.
Faith is dealing with a mental illness when she first meets Lucas. When the two catch eyes of one another that is it. Love bloomed there and began to grow. Lucas is an easygoing, smart 28-year-old man whom Faith does not feel she deserves. As their relationship progresses, they take a step outside of their beliefs and begin a sexual courtship out of marriage.
the 2nd half of the book is more about Faith and Lucas stepping back from the marriage bed and forgoing sex until after they are married. they take the time to build their relationship and come to terms with the love they feel for each other and begin making plans to get married. Most of the secondary characters were different and pleasant.
i was given this book for an honest review.
this book was written differently in how the author told one story in the first half of the book and the second half was written by removing some of the temptations that Faith and Lucas indulged in, in the first half.
Faith is dealing with a mental illness when she first meets Lucas. When the two catch eyes of one another that is it. Love bloomed there and began to grow. Lucas is an easygoing, smart 28-year-old man whom Faith does not feel she deserves. As their relationship progresses, they take a step outside of their beliefs and begin a sexual courtship out of marriage.
the 2nd half of the book is more about Faith and Lucas stepping back from the marriage bed and forgoing sex until after they are married. they take the time to build their relationship and come to terms with the love they feel for each other and begin making plans to get married. Most of the secondary characters were different and pleasant.
i was given this book for an honest review.
March 3, 2015
I didn't realize the ARC I was accepting for an honest review was a Christian book. Having never read a Christian book before, I had no idea what to expect. Christian books have never been my genre, as I prefer young adult or new adult, sometimes some paranormal. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I really did enjoy the book. In the first half clearly the characters Lucas and Faith were very attracted to each other and let that attraction lead them to make mistakes, whether by Christian values or not. Those mistakes and the secrets withheld caused turmoil, mistrust and a host of other problems.
Few can honestly say they've lived their life without regrets. Fortunately, this author has presented readers with the means to see the opportunities for happiness that present themselves when better decisions are made, when they trust in God and themselves. Sometimes readers have to be hit over the head to get the underlying moral theme or messages within a book, but this author has made it so easy to get it. It's a great message and an important one to realize and take to heart.
Few can honestly say they've lived their life without regrets. Fortunately, this author has presented readers with the means to see the opportunities for happiness that present themselves when better decisions are made, when they trust in God and themselves. Sometimes readers have to be hit over the head to get the underlying moral theme or messages within a book, but this author has made it so easy to get it. It's a great message and an important one to realize and take to heart.
January 6, 2015
I can honestly say that I was pleasantly surprised by this book. What can be expected from an "edgy" Christian fiction book?
The first half I loved l, but had a lot of sex scene which wasn't a bad thing they were well written and steamy with all the things I enjoy about sex scenes (guilty pleasure, what are you gonna do?)
The characters were awesome Faith was to me a character I could relate to even with her illness.
Lucas was just your nice guy next door. He was a breath of fresh air for me. Bad boys. tend to be over done. He made good...HOTTTT!!! I really love his character.
Then the second part....without the sex. I first thought "Great! A repeat of the first half with out the good part. Then, I read it. It was so sweet and just touching and even revealed more about the depth of their connection.
It really to me is an example that even in this sex obsessed world God's design in the best design. We all fall short but it is never to late to live the life God wants you to, no matter what you are facing or what mistakes you've made.
5 superb stars!!!
The first half I loved l, but had a lot of sex scene which wasn't a bad thing they were well written and steamy with all the things I enjoy about sex scenes (guilty pleasure, what are you gonna do?)
The characters were awesome Faith was to me a character I could relate to even with her illness.
Lucas was just your nice guy next door. He was a breath of fresh air for me. Bad boys. tend to be over done. He made good...HOTTTT!!! I really love his character.
Then the second part....without the sex. I first thought "Great! A repeat of the first half with out the good part. Then, I read it. It was so sweet and just touching and even revealed more about the depth of their connection.
It really to me is an example that even in this sex obsessed world God's design in the best design. We all fall short but it is never to late to live the life God wants you to, no matter what you are facing or what mistakes you've made.
5 superb stars!!!
March 14, 2015
I was gifted an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. This is a Christian based love story that deals with mental illness. The first half of the book shows how impulse decisions can affect our lives when they're not made in the will of God. Impulse decisions, namely sex, can have a multitude of consequences and if you aren't prepared for the outcome things can be very difficult. The second half of the book is the same story but because they both want the will of God and His blessing on their relationship, things turn out so much better. I love that this story made me think about my relationship with God and how I need and want to handle situations in my life. I love how this story opened my eyes on mental illness. People can be so cruel and while I've never been mean to a person because of their mental illness, it opened my eyes and made me realize to be kind to everyone no matter how they act because you don't know what they are going through. Thank you Wendy Stenzal Oleston for gifting me this eye opening book that makes me want to be a better person.
March 8, 2015
I am a Christian, and I am a man. At first I was reluctant to read this, not because it was a “Christian book”, or that I knew it dealt with relationships, but because I highly sensitive to poorly written, crude, and to me distasteful sex scenes. I know that genre is all the rage, apart from the poorly written part, but it isn’t for me. I’m glad I gave this book a chance.
The characters in this book were well developed and brought me in to the story quickly, and the sex scenes were well written, fully explored, but to me they were tastefully done. I did not feel uncomfortable reading them; I enjoyed the intimacy they shared. The Christian aspect of the book was not over the top, but it was prominent. I didn’t find it to be preachy to me as a reader.
The other aspects of their lives and relationship made this book a thoroughly enjoyable read. I would recommend this book to anyone adult, Christian or not, and will be reading the rest of Wendy’s books very soon.
The characters in this book were well developed and brought me in to the story quickly, and the sex scenes were well written, fully explored, but to me they were tastefully done. I did not feel uncomfortable reading them; I enjoyed the intimacy they shared. The Christian aspect of the book was not over the top, but it was prominent. I didn’t find it to be preachy to me as a reader.
The other aspects of their lives and relationship made this book a thoroughly enjoyable read. I would recommend this book to anyone adult, Christian or not, and will be reading the rest of Wendy’s books very soon.
July 30, 2015
30 Below is a surprising novel. The basic premise of the story is boy meets girl, sparks ignite, boom! Well, there's a lot more than that, but if I told you, it would spoil the book for you. I was amazed at how Wendy wove this story to explore the possibilities of what can happen if we choose to wait for sex until marriage or if we don't. She does this in a very non-judgmental fashion. It simply makes you contemplate, "What if I wait?" She also explores how mental illness can affect a human being and how we can be more sensitive to others who struggle with it.
Warning - this book does contain sex and some language. Wendy best describes it as edgy Christian fiction.
The best review I can offer is...I just finished the first book and I can't wait to read the second one to see what life has in store for Faith and Lucas!
Warning - this book does contain sex and some language. Wendy best describes it as edgy Christian fiction.
The best review I can offer is...I just finished the first book and I can't wait to read the second one to see what life has in store for Faith and Lucas!
January 5, 2017
This hot (!) christian book is not only dealing with pre-marital sex vs. waiting for the one and for marriage, it's also a book about falling in love with someone who has a serious mental illness.
And about God's plan for our life and how He is able to use even our failure and how He cares for us.
Lucas is certainly a man every woman would dream of. He's hot in both parts of the book, he's caring, protective, sensitive, loving, handsome, strong, even possessive, willing to risk life with a "crazy" women who might fall into catatonia at any time, who has frightening symptoms and won't be able to give him children.
It's clear, that the second part is meant to be the model, but some things just seem too good to be true: his mother's total approval, change of his financial situation...
And about God's plan for our life and how He is able to use even our failure and how He cares for us.
Lucas is certainly a man every woman would dream of. He's hot in both parts of the book, he's caring, protective, sensitive, loving, handsome, strong, even possessive, willing to risk life with a "crazy" women who might fall into catatonia at any time, who has frightening symptoms and won't be able to give him children.
It's clear, that the second part is meant to be the model, but some things just seem too good to be true: his mother's total approval, change of his financial situation...
February 20, 2015
30 Below was smoking hot! However, if you are looking for a clean Christian read, move along because this book isn't one of them. This book definitely falls into the spicy Christian Romance category. In fact, this book is actually two books in one. You start out meeting Faith and Lucas as they fall into bed together and experience their relationship while it's all based around sex. The second half of the book is written as they court each other waiting to have sex until marriage. This was an interesting take on the relationships we have and the definite problems that can come from premarital sex. I really liked it, all in all its a very well written book that would be enjoyed by those who like contemporary or inspirational romance.
May 6, 2015
Wow. 30 Below is a powerful book! In real life, there are no do-overs. In fiction, however, anything is possible. This book illustrates the difference between doing things the easy way and doing them the right way. Strong Christian values make all the differences in this budding romance between a handsome videogame designer and a beautiful graphic artist. He has a past he's not too proud of, and she has a mental time-bomb in her brain. All of this takes place in a small town riddled with judgmental people and ridiculous snobs. I think this book has succeeded in giving the world something of value, and enjoyed it a lot. 18+ for steamy sex. Christian values are presented, but not preached at you. Loved it!
January 26, 2016
I won a copy of this book from the author for an honest review. The story is about a beautiful woman and an attractive man on a journey of lives, of their love and faith for each other. It is their story told two different ways. It is well written and the author draws you in on how they deal with Faith’s mental conditions, love, family, friends and faith.
I like how the story starts at the one place they are connected to, in each part of the book. They meet at a pizza place, Faith doesn’t have money to pay for it. Lucas buys it and they share the meal together, their journey begins. I like how they text each other throughout the book. It is a good book to read. When you’re done, you should read the next one the story continues.
I like how the story starts at the one place they are connected to, in each part of the book. They meet at a pizza place, Faith doesn’t have money to pay for it. Lucas buys it and they share the meal together, their journey begins. I like how they text each other throughout the book. It is a good book to read. When you’re done, you should read the next one the story continues.
May 7, 2015
Taken by surprise, and left with a smile...
I really didn't know what to expect when I first read this book, and halfway through, I stopped and questioned everything.
But then I kept reading, and everything fell into place. Suddenly all my questions answered themselves and I realized I loved the characters and the story more than I could have ever imagined.
I typically don't read a lot of books with positive life themes such as this, but I'm glad I did. It's a breath of fresh air in a genre that needs it.
I really loved this book by the last page, and am glad I didn't have to wait for the next one!
I really didn't know what to expect when I first read this book, and halfway through, I stopped and questioned everything.
But then I kept reading, and everything fell into place. Suddenly all my questions answered themselves and I realized I loved the characters and the story more than I could have ever imagined.
I typically don't read a lot of books with positive life themes such as this, but I'm glad I did. It's a breath of fresh air in a genre that needs it.
I really loved this book by the last page, and am glad I didn't have to wait for the next one!
Read
March 7, 2016This book was very well written.
I'll be doing a full review at some point, but for now j thought this book was great.
I found it to be 2 books, in theory. Same story/plot line, different paths.
Once I finished the first section "With" I was a little disappointed to start back at day 1. I was really confused, if I'm being honest. I'm glad I kept reading.
It's the same story, but totally different in the way it is told, and some key events. *sex*.
This book does have a lot of talk about God, so if that is something that makes you uncomfortable then don't read this book.
I really did enjoy the story, and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a great book that is truly unique.
I'll be doing a full review at some point, but for now j thought this book was great.
I found it to be 2 books, in theory. Same story/plot line, different paths.
Once I finished the first section "With" I was a little disappointed to start back at day 1. I was really confused, if I'm being honest. I'm glad I kept reading.
It's the same story, but totally different in the way it is told, and some key events. *sex*.
This book does have a lot of talk about God, so if that is something that makes you uncomfortable then don't read this book.
I really did enjoy the story, and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a great book that is truly unique.
January 13, 2015
Absolutely loved 30 Below! Very well written story about choosing right from wrong in the chooses in are lives. 30 Below is almost like getting two story's in one. Faith and Lucas chooses what there life would be like if they chose sex over God's plan in one and in the other if they followed God's plan about sex in the other. The difference it would make in health, family and ever other aspect of there lives.
March 8, 2015
30 below was a very realistic book mental health issues and Christianity but has a lot of sex it was hot hot hot! It was heartbreaking it was emotional it was sexy I was on an emotional roller coaster the whole time but touched on some very real issues which I loved about it I could not put this book down. I recommend this book 100% read it!!! This book doesn't have a cliffy but there will be other books in this series
May 5, 2015
this is great book, it shows what's its like from both sides, rushing in or waiting till marriage. faith is an amazing character an Wendy has done a fantastic job at writing about such a hard subject as mental illness. Lucas is a very kind a caring man an that comes across so well in this book. this is a Christian based book but is not overpowering and anyone would enjoy reading this, i did an i can't wait to read 60 Above. well done Wendy on such a job well done x
October 15, 2014
I just finished reading 30 Below by Wendy Stenzel Oleston. I really enjoyed this novel. Ms. Oleston tells the story of Lucas and Faith from two different views; which will really get the reader thinking. She paints the picture of how things could have been with "lust" playing a key role and then with Christianity playing a key role. I cannot wait to see what is next for Lucas and Faith
March 14, 2015
Loved this book
This book starts out interesting. The struggles and emotions are very high. Halfway through the book it changes and starts over. Loved the second section better. The two parts were interesting and unique. Loved this book.
This book starts out interesting. The struggles and emotions are very high. Halfway through the book it changes and starts over. Loved the second section better. The two parts were interesting and unique. Loved this book.
September 27, 2018
This book has definitely taught me to have Faith and anything can happen. This book is full of love between Faith and Lucas. I think they are perfect for each other. Wendy I am so glad that I have found you as an author. You my friend are amazing.
December 19, 2014
Really enjoyed this book. Must admit it was not what I was expecting, but then again isn't that what good writing is all about. Ready to read her next book in the series "Above 60".
October 12, 2016
Just loved this book very graphic so might not be for everyone well written cant wait to read more
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