What do you think?
Rate this book
Distorted Glass: A Snow Queen Story
Sixteen-year-old Jared is sure that this Christmas season is going to be the worst ever for his family. His fifteen-year-old sister, Amber, is scaring their whole family with how little she is eating and her obsession with winning a beauty pageant.
When Jared seeks help from his pastor, he comes up with a plan to help his sister by Christmas. As the days pass and he sees no change in his sister, he wonders if he can reach his goal.
A Christmas short story about faith, family, and unconditional love.
When Jared seeks help from his pastor, he comes up with a plan to help his sister by Christmas. As the days pass and he sees no change in his sister, he wonders if he can reach his goal.
A Christmas short story about faith, family, and unconditional love.
44 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2015
2 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Holman
46 books460 followersSarah Holman lives in Austin, Texas with her husband, Scott. When not working on her next novel, she can usually be found hanging out with her family, reading, or hiking at state parks with her husband. If there is anything adventuresome about her life, it’s because she serves a God with a destiny bigger than anything she could have imagined. You can find out more about her at her website, www.thedestinyofone.com.
To keep up to date on releases, join her newsletter at http://eepurl.com/bitBIf
To keep up to date on releases, join her newsletter at http://eepurl.com/bitBIf
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
December 5, 2017
This was really good!!!! :D
Amber - although she drove me a little bit crazy, I really felt sorry for her!
Jared - he is a very nice brother!!! :)
When I got the email saying I won this giveaway, I honestly had forgotten I had even entered!! So yes, I was surprised! ;) I'm glad I was able to win and read this!
Amber - although she drove me a little bit crazy, I really felt sorry for her!
Jared - he is a very nice brother!!! :)
When I got the email saying I won this giveaway, I honestly had forgotten I had even entered!! So yes, I was surprised! ;) I'm glad I was able to win and read this!
August 23, 2017
Wowsers. Yet another book this year that I could NOT go to bed without finishing. This short, inspirational story was SO good!!! And so sweet. :) I absolutely LOVED Jared. (I mean what girl doesn't want that amazing, great, sweet, caring of a brother?!?!?)
The themes of modesty, self-worth, and inner beauty really spoke to me and I thoroughly loved and enjoyed this book. I would recommend it to anyone who wants a sweet, good, quick story. :-)
The themes of modesty, self-worth, and inner beauty really spoke to me and I thoroughly loved and enjoyed this book. I would recommend it to anyone who wants a sweet, good, quick story. :-)
March 29, 2016
A very sweet, enjoyable story! It was a quick read, but there was nothing quick or trivial about the message of the book.
Also, I loved the older brother/younger sister relationship. Put something like that in a book and it's automatically my favorite. ;) It was a worthwhile read that I would wholeheartedly recommend!
Also, I loved the older brother/younger sister relationship. Put something like that in a book and it's automatically my favorite. ;) It was a worthwhile read that I would wholeheartedly recommend!
February 13, 2016
Can I just say: this book desperately needed to be written. Thank you so much Sarah! I will say that this book does discuss the very heavy topic of eating disorders. It is from the perspective of 16 year old Jared that is watching his sister attempt to conform to society and become a “Snow Princess”. It is definitely a book I would recommend to all of my readers, and I hope you all get a chance to read it. Talking about eating disorders and how to deal with them in a Godly manner is something that we don’t get to hear in this day and age, and I can’t express how happy I am that Sarah chose to tackle this topic.
Things I Loved:
As I mentioned (multiple times, lol) I love the theme of this book. It’s something that desperately needs to be discussed and addressed and Sarah made sure that it was. I really liked that this was written in the point of view of the brother. Usually I wouldn’t be able to relate much at all to a book written in the p.o.v. of a boy, but without the p.o.v. in this book, we wouldn’t be able to address the fact that it’s sometimes up to the boys and men around women to help them realize who they are in God. (Even if it’s a brother or father.)
Things I Don’t Love:
I’ll admit, I did have a harder time connecting to this book. Eating disorders aren’t something I’ve had happen to me, or anyone I know in my life, (thank God) so it wasn’t as easy for me to understand how the characters were feeling in this book.
Overall, I recommend this book to all of my readers and I implore you to share your thoughts about it here in the comments or on our Facebook.
Things I Loved:
As I mentioned (multiple times, lol) I love the theme of this book. It’s something that desperately needs to be discussed and addressed and Sarah made sure that it was. I really liked that this was written in the point of view of the brother. Usually I wouldn’t be able to relate much at all to a book written in the p.o.v. of a boy, but without the p.o.v. in this book, we wouldn’t be able to address the fact that it’s sometimes up to the boys and men around women to help them realize who they are in God. (Even if it’s a brother or father.)
Things I Don’t Love:
I’ll admit, I did have a harder time connecting to this book. Eating disorders aren’t something I’ve had happen to me, or anyone I know in my life, (thank God) so it wasn’t as easy for me to understand how the characters were feeling in this book.
Overall, I recommend this book to all of my readers and I implore you to share your thoughts about it here in the comments or on our Facebook.
October 4, 2016
Wow...there was so much in this short story. Modesty, unmerited love, speaking up for what is right, and making the right decisions. I'm impressed.
Jared isn't sure how to help his sister, Amber, who is obsessed with being thin for the beauty Christmas pageant. He seeks ways to help and encourage her. I like Jared's character...he reminded me of my brother.
Favorite quotes:
“Son, when you don’t view things in a proper way, your perception is in disorder."
"God offered the greatest and most wonderful gift freely, while we were still sinners. It is a gift for any and every one, no matter how broken, how far, or how dark. He didn’t require us to change before we came, but offered a way out while we were at our worst.”
Go grab yourself a copy and be blessed! :)
Jared isn't sure how to help his sister, Amber, who is obsessed with being thin for the beauty Christmas pageant. He seeks ways to help and encourage her. I like Jared's character...he reminded me of my brother.
Favorite quotes:
“Son, when you don’t view things in a proper way, your perception is in disorder."
"God offered the greatest and most wonderful gift freely, while we were still sinners. It is a gift for any and every one, no matter how broken, how far, or how dark. He didn’t require us to change before we came, but offered a way out while we were at our worst.”
Go grab yourself a copy and be blessed! :)
January 16, 2016
3.5 stars
I really did enjoy this book, but I found it kind of boring and it didn't seem too real life to me. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure it happens to some people, but I don't see any of this in my family.
A quick-read with good points of modesty and standing up for people and what you believe.
I really did enjoy this book, but I found it kind of boring and it didn't seem too real life to me. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure it happens to some people, but I don't see any of this in my family.
A quick-read with good points of modesty and standing up for people and what you believe.
January 15, 2016
Though I'm not much for fairy tales or their retellings, I did enjoy this short story. It had a good message and was well told.
March 7, 2018
A very well written story (as always;)!!
May 14, 2021
2.5 stars // read May 2021
I appreciated that this addressed a very real topic that is often ignored in Christian fiction: eating disorders. I also really liked the thought behind the story's title.
However, although the message was good, the writing and execution left much to be desired. The "Snow Queen" element felt forced. There were a few typos scattered throughout, but one in particular ruined an otherwise touching moment because it came across as inappropriate and wasn't intended to come across that way.
I appreciated that this addressed a very real topic that is often ignored in Christian fiction: eating disorders. I also really liked the thought behind the story's title.
However, although the message was good, the writing and execution left much to be desired. The "Snow Queen" element felt forced. There were a few typos scattered throughout, but one in particular ruined an otherwise touching moment because it came across as inappropriate and wasn't intended to come across that way.
December 30, 2020
Not my favorite by this author, and it could have used another proofreading pass, but I do appreciate her treatment of a difficult topic. It helps that I'm also a sucker for a great older brother character. :-)
This would be a good choice for anyone looking for a sweet no-romance Christmas story.
There's no 'content' as such here, and even younger readers might appreciate this story in some cases, but do be aware that it deals with an eating disorder and family tensions around that.
This would be a good choice for anyone looking for a sweet no-romance Christmas story.
There's no 'content' as such here, and even younger readers might appreciate this story in some cases, but do be aware that it deals with an eating disorder and family tensions around that.
December 1, 2022
I only wish it was longer! I loved this gentle story of unconditional love, family, and self worth. Snow Queen retellings are quickly becoming some of my favorites.
July 12, 2018
I really, really liked the message and the characters in this story. I loved Jared's love for Amber and the fact that his desire to see her change was rooted in what was best for her, not what was easy or comfortable for him. I also liked seeing little glimpses of Amber's personality pop out in different places.
I've never read the original "Snow Queen" story, so I'm guessing that the parts that confused me would probably make more sense if I had. The bits with the antique store and the old lady offering advice felt a little odd, and I wasn't sure what the point was--unless, as I suspect, they were pieces of the original story. The line about it seeming like someone had "cast a spell of forgetfulness" felt like something I should have just brushed off, but combined with the lady's comments when Jared entered the store, it left me feeling a bit unsettled.
I would have liked just a bit more resolution on the pageant subplot, although I liked the way the story ended as a whole. The dialogue was sometimes spot-on and other times just a bit stilted--I think a few more contractions would have made it flow a bit better in spots. There were also a number of typos that took me out of the story a bit.
I really liked the story, and if not for the number of typos and struggling a little over the retelling parts, I probably would have rated it higher. :)
I've never read the original "Snow Queen" story, so I'm guessing that the parts that confused me would probably make more sense if I had. The bits with the antique store and the old lady offering advice felt a little odd, and I wasn't sure what the point was--unless, as I suspect, they were pieces of the original story. The line about it seeming like someone had "cast a spell of forgetfulness" felt like something I should have just brushed off, but combined with the lady's comments when Jared entered the store, it left me feeling a bit unsettled.
I would have liked just a bit more resolution on the pageant subplot, although I liked the way the story ended as a whole. The dialogue was sometimes spot-on and other times just a bit stilted--I think a few more contractions would have made it flow a bit better in spots. There were also a number of typos that took me out of the story a bit.
I really liked the story, and if not for the number of typos and struggling a little over the retelling parts, I probably would have rated it higher. :)
August 1, 2017
(4.8) First of all, bless Sarah Holman. If you join her e-mail list, she will actually tell you which of her books are discounted. I happened to get this for free, and as a college student, I am seriously thankful that she discounts/gives away her books on occasion.
This book is wonderful. It talks about morals and honoring God but it's not in an overbearing and holier-than-thou way. It's from the brother's POV, which is unique and wonderful. I's also relatively short.
Personally, I think that the main female character's age could have been dropped a year, but again, personal preference.
All in all, a wonderful book!
This book is wonderful. It talks about morals and honoring God but it's not in an overbearing and holier-than-thou way. It's from the brother's POV, which is unique and wonderful. I's also relatively short.
Personally, I think that the main female character's age could have been dropped a year, but again, personal preference.
All in all, a wonderful book!
December 8, 2018
My Review:
My Favorite Character is Jared, who is a sweet older brother that I found to be kind, caring, and patient with his sister.
Thoughts: This is a short story with a big message for girls nowadays. In a way this story made me sad that girls often act like this, thinking that they have to look, act, be a certain way because of other people and what they think.
My Verse for this story: Matthew 4:4
But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. (King James Version)
I don't use this verse as a way of justifying not eating or eating a certain way but as a reminder!
My Favorite Character is Jared, who is a sweet older brother that I found to be kind, caring, and patient with his sister.
Thoughts: This is a short story with a big message for girls nowadays. In a way this story made me sad that girls often act like this, thinking that they have to look, act, be a certain way because of other people and what they think.
My Verse for this story: Matthew 4:4
But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. (King James Version)
I don't use this verse as a way of justifying not eating or eating a certain way but as a reminder!
December 13, 2016
My rating 3.5 stars.
Read
March 17, 2018Great book!
January 15, 2016
This was such a fantastic and impacting little read. Truly inspiring. I love the godly truths and encouragement Miss Holman weaves through each of her books, novels and short stories alike. Absolutely God-glorifying. Though only seven chapters, this tale had me tearing up at the end and really ministered to me. The message of loving others even when it's hard and it changing us really meant a lot to me.
Jared's love for his sister was special, and I really appreciated the ending - read for yourselves and find out why! :) Oh and the message on modesty too was also lovely! Such deep meanings in just a short tale.
Beautiful book and I'm so glad to have read it in one sitting!
Jared's love for his sister was special, and I really appreciated the ending - read for yourselves and find out why! :) Oh and the message on modesty too was also lovely! Such deep meanings in just a short tale.
Beautiful book and I'm so glad to have read it in one sitting!
October 5, 2017
This was a such a sweet little story. I absolutely loved the nods to the fairytale.
As an older sibling myself, I understood Jared's heartbreak at his sister's hurting. The way he chose to love her is the truth of sibling relationships and I loved it.
There were a few typos and a few things about the writing style that kind of pulled me out of the story, but overall it was a nice quick little read.
As an older sibling myself, I understood Jared's heartbreak at his sister's hurting. The way he chose to love her is the truth of sibling relationships and I loved it.
There were a few typos and a few things about the writing style that kind of pulled me out of the story, but overall it was a nice quick little read.
November 27, 2016
Good little story about standing up for faith and modesty. I liked Jared's passion when it came down to helping his sister with her struggles. It had a nice message about loving someone for who they are and helping them see how beautiful they truly are. I enjoyed this story and definitely recommend!
Read
December 9, 2015A little story with a big message. Thank you so much, Sarah, for dedicating this to me!
August 9, 2017
Distorted Glass was such a precious story! Every girl needs a big brother like Jared! I also appreciated seeing a guy take a stand for modesty and purity. :) The story was a little fast and had some typos near the end, but other than that it was wonderful! It had me near tears more than once. :)
July 31, 2017
Distorted Glass, I felt, was a well-crafted story that dealt honestly with some heavier subject matter. I was very impressed with the way Sarah crafted Jared's character (his personality and character development as a whole). He was written as a young man who genuinely wanted to please God and help his sister-- but he wasn't perfect-- the way he diligently sought God's will was done so fervently, but realistically, with it's hiccups along the way. Never once did I feel his character was too perfect of that a sixteen year old guy wouldn't behave that way. I did, however, finding myself wishing there was a way I could get my younger brother (more that age range) to read this story.
As for the subject matter!! <3 I thought Sarah did a great job with Jared's sister who has an eating disorder. it was treated/discussed honestly yet wholesomely. I also loved the way the subject of modesty was discussed in this book!! (claps hands enthusiastically) This was another reason I wanted my brother to read this! The feelings expressed by Amber about the church's focus when teaching modesty is something I have heard from young ladies close to me, and while it is not an excuse to sin, SHE IS NOT WRONG, and I LOVED that Sarah addressed that!!!
I was very impressed with this story as a whole, and enjoyed it very much!
As for the subject matter!! <3 I thought Sarah did a great job with Jared's sister who has an eating disorder. it was treated/discussed honestly yet wholesomely. I also loved the way the subject of modesty was discussed in this book!! (claps hands enthusiastically) This was another reason I wanted my brother to read this! The feelings expressed by Amber about the church's focus when teaching modesty is something I have heard from young ladies close to me, and while it is not an excuse to sin, SHE IS NOT WRONG, and I LOVED that Sarah addressed that!!!
I was very impressed with this story as a whole, and enjoyed it very much!
December 31, 2016
This was an interesting read. I think that the author was able to successfully create a modern Snow Queen story. It was about a girl that was completely changing things about her life and her family thought that the decisions she was making were too rash to do all at once. They wanted to help her but she was not accepting their input at first, but she starts learning that her family is really trying to help.
October 14, 2021
A meaningful story that packs a lot into its few pages. I liked Jared quite a bit, and was touched by how much he cared for his sister, Amber. The tie-ins with the Snow Queen fairy tale were interesting, though I wish everything in the story could have been developed just a little bit more. Overall, it's a sweet and memorable story with a good message!
July 31, 2017
A nice little story. I liked Jared; he would be a fun character to get to know better. I liked how he related and cared about his sister; I liked the message of giving love even before the other person "deserves" it.
December 11, 2023
Beautiful message and great family dynamics with true-to-life issues. It was easy to see how badly Amber was hurting and how much Jared wanted to help his sister. I really enjoyed this short Christmas read!
December 30, 2021
Good message, poor delivery
I would have rated this short story three stars if it didn't have so many spelling errors. Good message, but poor delivery.
I would have rated this short story three stars if it didn't have so many spelling errors. Good message, but poor delivery.
February 5, 2023
This story is not a straight-up retelling, but a honing in on the mirror that gets broken and scattered into people all over the earth. The MC is a SWEETHEART.
December 7, 2021
A sweet story, poorly edited
Jared's love of his sister is well done, and made me cry a bit.
But I also cringed on just about every page from wrong, missing or extra words.
I really wanted to cheer the story, but the missing grammar check makes it difficult.
Jared's love of his sister is well done, and made me cry a bit.
But I also cringed on just about every page from wrong, missing or extra words.
I really wanted to cheer the story, but the missing grammar check makes it difficult.
June 26, 2025
3 stars & 3/10 hearts. I enjoyed this story better the second time I read it. I do not agree with this book's ideas on modesty and I wouldn’t give this to a Christian teen unless she was firmly grounded in Biblical truth concerning modesty, but I agreed with his sentiment and I enjoyed watching him try to show Amber how he loved her just as he was. The bit on Christmas Eve was particularly nice. Also, I love the significance of the cover!!
A Favourite Quote: “‘God offered the greatest and most wonderful gift freely, while we were still sinners. It is a gift for any and every one, no matter how broken, how far, or how dark. He didn’t require us to change before we came, but offered a way out while we were at our worst.’”
A Favourite Beautiful Quote:
“‘I guess that is why Christmas is such a popular time of year—it invites us to all go back to happy memories and childhood,’ Jared said.”
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “One of the younger Sunday school classes was having a live nativity scene, and two of the tiny shepherds were using their shepherds’ staffs for swords, nearly hitting Mary and Joseph.
“‘I remember you doing that,’ Amber giggled, pointing the two shepherds, who were now being lectured by their fathers.“
A Favourite Quote: “‘God offered the greatest and most wonderful gift freely, while we were still sinners. It is a gift for any and every one, no matter how broken, how far, or how dark. He didn’t require us to change before we came, but offered a way out while we were at our worst.’”
A Favourite Beautiful Quote:
“‘I guess that is why Christmas is such a popular time of year—it invites us to all go back to happy memories and childhood,’ Jared said.”
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “One of the younger Sunday school classes was having a live nativity scene, and two of the tiny shepherds were using their shepherds’ staffs for swords, nearly hitting Mary and Joseph.
“‘I remember you doing that,’ Amber giggled, pointing the two shepherds, who were now being lectured by their fathers.“
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews