Turbulence

Kennedy Stern #5

by Alana Terry

Facing doubts and terror at forty thousand feet.

It's been another grueling semester at Harvard, and Kennedy can hardly wait to take a break from her premed studies for some much-needed rest and relaxation at her roommate's homestead in rural Alaska.

Unfortunately, Kennedy's great arctic adventure might come to a crashing halt before it ever begins.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Suspense, Christian, Fiction

358 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 19, 2016

About the author

When Alana isn't writing, it's likely that she's on the floor wrestling with her kids. Or playing outside with her kids. Or chauffeuring her kids. Or trying some random science experiment with her kids. But she's probably not cooking or cleaning.

Alana is a homeschooling mother of three who loves to write, hates to cook, and enjoys reading a good book almost as much as she enjoys writing one.

Alana won the Women of Faith writing contest for "The Beloved Daughter," her debut inspirational novel. "What, No Sushi?" is Alana's first book in a chapter-book series for kids published by Do Life Right, Inc.

Reviews

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Terry has crafted another great novel in this series for teens. Each of the novels deals with serious issues and this one is no exception. Kennedy and her roommate, Willow, are flying to Detroit, the first leg of their journey to spend Christmas with Willow's parents in Alaska. A passenger, irate over a situation in Detroit, manages to cause a situation that puts the lives of all of the passengers in danger. Kennedy is suddenly faced with her own mortality and tasks left undone with eternal consequences.

The strength of this series of novels is the issues Terry covers in the books. At first I thought the issue in this story was going to be racial profiling. It was disturbing to read how some people responded to those of different dress and language. Of greater importance was what came later in the flight. With the very real possibility of death looming, Kennedy had to face her witness, or lack of it, toward those for whom she cared. It is a sobering thought when you realize that someone you care for may go to hell because of your lack of witness.

Terry has added some great support characters in this novel. My favorite was the older woman who calls herself Grandma Lucy. She and Kennedy have a great discussion about what it means to have a relationship with the Lord. Even this senior citizen reader was impressed with the wisdom conveyed in that discussion.

This novel is another well crafted one and I highly recommend it to teen readers. Terry has provided discussion questions so this would be a wonderful choice for a teen reading group. Even though it is number five in the series, it reads very well on its own.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the author. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Fiction Aficionado · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I've enjoyed all of the Kennedy Stern novels so far, but this one got to me in a more personal way than the others have. Once again, the suspense is great. I really was, literally, holding my breath on a few occasions. But for me it was Kennedy's personal story that really hit me in the solar plexus. Each of the novels in this series have challenged me to think about certain hot-button issues from a variety of perspectives, but in this one, Kennedy is hit with the reality that she has had a year and a half to share the gospel with her anti-organised-religion room mate, Willow, and now she might have missed her chance. Very convicting for me personally!

And Grandma Lucy? Double wow! I'm not giving anything else away. But what a witness!

And such a poignant ending!

The next Kennedy Stern novel cannot come quickly enough for me!

* Every exclamation mark in this review is warranted. Every. Single. One.

[Christabelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has probably been one of my favorite Kennedy books so far. I must admit, I was hooked with the references to Alaskan moose and Kaladi Brothers! More than that, however, was the raw struggle with what being a Christian is and what it means to share one's faith. I was embolden by Grandma Lucy's strength of character and encouraged by her words. And Terry does not fail to include the suspense she is known for! I caught my breath on several occasions. I'm glad to see Kennedy growing and I'm excited to see where she goes next.

I was thankful to be included among the first readers for this story.

[Kit Hackett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I laughed and cried at unexpected place in this, heart in your throat book.

Alana Terry has a true gift of getting to honest places of a Believers heart. I love that she is not afraid to deal with tough issues all believers deal with. I fell in love with all her characters. But... we do need to have a talk about the Sea hawk guy. GO HAWKS! I loved the Grandma. And pray that I have that kind of passion when I work with young people. Alaska and the Northern lights. Perfect. Discovering the journey of timing in sharing the gospel. An excellent read.

[Rissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

KennedyStern can Not catch a break!
While going on holiday with her roommate Willow to Alaska their plane is hijacked!

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book tied in with a different series... Was very interesting to see things from a different point of view...

[Lillie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alana Terry is one of my favorite authors, and Kennedy Stern one of my favorite fictional characters, although I don't think I'd want to be her friend in real life because of all she goes through!

I just went on a Kennedy Stern binge and read all nine novels back-to-back. Although I had liked them tremendously the first time through, I enjoyed them even more this time around because of the continuity. I picked up on little things that I had missed before because I had forgotten an event from an earlier book. In this marathon reading, I remembered incidents from earlier books because I had just read them.

These are stand-alone novels and can be read in any order with any amount of time in between, but I highly recommend a binge read of the entire series.
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Original review:

I've read and loved all the previous books in this series, but I appreciate that readers can read any of the books in any order and not be lost. Other than the fact that in real life no one person would go through as much as Kennedy does, the stories are believable and the incidents straight out of the headlines. While there is a lot of suspense and action, Kennedy's reactions to the incidents she's involved in are most important. Each incident makes her consider her own faith--in this story, she realizes that her roommate could die without ever hearing the Gospel from Kennedy. I think a lot of Christians find themselves in the same situation; we want to witness to those around us, but we let our fears and feelings of inadequacy keep us from doing so. I read this in one sitting and was ready for the next book in the series.

I received a copy of the book from the author, but I voluntarily wrote the review, which expresses my honest opinion.

[Nana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been following the Kennedy Stern series since the first novel released, and each book has been unique and stands on its own merits. Topics vary and Kennedy matures. I love her character and strength in adversity. I found Turbulence to be jaw clenching! Kennedy is flying to Alaska to spend the Christmas holidays with her college friend and family. This is an opportunity of a lifetime.

Kennedy is looking forward to a relaxing flight, with lots of time to read and nap. Her friend, Willow, has made a new friend with whom she's occupied, so Kennedy relaxes and attempts to enjoy the flight. The pace takes off and the suspense is riveting! Kennedy's faith is strong, but she worries about her friend who doesn't share her faith. Kennedy fears that she may not have the opportunity to share her beliefs with Willow.

I think that Turbulence is probably the most exciting and nail biting book in the Kennedy Stern series. I was captivated! This series is not only great for adult readers, but I think that older teens would thoroughly enjoy this suspense series with a component of salvation. I'm hoping there will be a followup to this novel. I look forward to new releases in this series!

Disclaimer: I received this book as a gift and was not expected to write a positive review. All expressed opinions are my own.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! This was an exciting, scary thriller. Once again, Kennedy grabbed at our heartstrings with her innocence, naivete, insecurity with her faith, life and feelings, and yet with her bravery. As timid as she sometimes appears to be, she is also strong and determined and willing to take the risks necessary to get her through life and to witness to others about the faith that she sometimes struggles with herself. Turbulence is a great name for this book; however, I would suggest that you do not read it on your next plane trip. :)
I was offered this ARC free from the author for an honest review and am thrilled with the opportunity to voice my opinion. I hope to be able to read more about Kennedy in future editions and to follow her through to adulthood. Hmmm....will she reconnect with some of the young men in her first years of University, will she find happiness with Dominic, will she meet up with that red-haired man somewhere along the way or is there a brand new man waiting out there somewhere for her?
Thanks Mrs. Alana Terry for another great read!

[Sharon Paavola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kennedy on a flight to Alaska for the Christmas holidays encounters several people who will affect her deeply. Her roommate, Willow also comes face to face with life altering decisions. This thrilling novel moves quickly and is hard to put down.

I received a copy from The Book Club Network and the author. All thoughts are my own. I was not compensated for this review.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short but sweet

Kennedy has been invited to spend Christmas in Alaska with her roommate and her roomie's family. Also, she and the police chaplain, Dominic, have been on a couple quasi dates.
She's excited to go, but some odd things happen while they're on the plane.
The first thingz during boarding, is a Mennonite family with 4 kids. After a couple Arab-seeming passengers board the plane, the mother turns pale and her husband, after a brief, mostly non-verbal conversation, alerts the staff that they intend to deplane. It takes 15 min., and most assume it has to do with the men with their turbans and billowing pants, xenophobia, etc. but despite that, Kennedy seems to sense the woman is right to leave...but sje has no idea why. She is more consumed with the idea of whether oe not the woman was one of those who gets direct messages from God. And through this and another conversation, we get more insight into Kennedy's spiritual life.
In front of her is an obese man with no seeming acquaintance with personal hygiene or laundry. He has a teenaged girl with him. Willow notices that the girl seems ill at ease, but from her vantage point, Kennedy can't see it. Willow has chatted up a math teacher. Kennedy moves back a row so they can chat, since there are extra seats available. As they watch a horror movie on Willow's device, an older woman comes back to use the restroom, but there is a guy who has been in that restroom more than out, so the older woman sits next to Kennedy, who is finishing up a book on the life of a misssionary. The woman actually knew the missionary via her own missionary parents, and was born in China. Kennedy tells her that her parents are missionaries once the woman says she sees missionary whenever she looks at Kennedy.
While they're talking, a disturbance in front of their cabin is caused by a man frantically pointing and asking for help...in Dari. When ,"BO man," as the girls have dubbed him, starts carrying on about "stinking Arab terrorists," the grandmotherly woman tells him the man isn't an Arab, he is speaking Dari, the language of Afghanistan, and is saying his father can't breathe. The flight attendant calls for anyone with medical training to help, and the woman, stopped from going up, tells the attendant they will need a translator. She goes up and throughout the time the doctor in first class comes back, she alternates between praying - ar first aloud, then silently - and everything she prays for is answered. An allergy reaction to an antibiotic the man is taking for pneumonia is the cause, and the epi pen does the job. Things seem to quiet down. Kennedy gets up to use the restroom, having to go up front since the man who has been in and out of the restroom is in again. The teenager deliberatley trips her, then grabs her and shoves a note in her hand, so Kennedy pretends the fall was her fault and apologizes. When she gets into the bathroom, she reads the note - the girl has written jer name and said she is being kidnapped - a fate with which Kennedy is intimately familiar.
In the midst of her trying to get back to her seat, she is just near where Willow's teacher friend is correcting tests when the plane is skyjacked. The teacher yanks her into the seat next to him to keep her out of harm's way as much as possible. The skyjackers kill 2 people - the demamds they're making relate to an issue the older Christian woman's grandson had made, but it was pushed aside until later, and later never came, sonit went unaired despite his attempts to have someone air it to help. When the gunman grabs Willow, the older woman steps between the 2 and offers herself in his place, saying she is ready to go to heaven, witnessing to the man, but when he tries to kill her, the gun fails, which gives the passengers the courage to take him and his cohorts down. But there is still more to come on the flight before it lands and everyone is taken to a hospital, and interviewed by air marshalls as soon as they're cleared medically. Kennedy, who has been consumed by guilt over not witnessing to Willow, is given some peace of mind via an explanation before the skyjacking. But what will she do with what she has been told?
The book then skips to where the girls are in Alaska, finishing their vacation. Has Kennedy managed to witness to Willow? Will Willow have hernheart softened to the claim of Chrost on her life?

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Turbulence is the fifth Kennedy Sterns novel, opening with a Christmas vacation that Kennedy and Willow will never forget. The author skillfully weaves questions of faith in and through a suspenseful, life threatening event. Alana Terry packs more dialog and reflection into a couple days then many authors do in a week or two! The characters pose questions and ideas for which the reader sees shared scriptures to understand their own beliefs.

A pre-med student at Harvard, Kennedy and Willow, her dorm roommate, board a plane for the first leg of their journey to Willow’s Alaska home. Willow already has her eye on a friendly guy they met; Kennedy settles in to finish one of the missionary biographies her pastor’s wife gave her.

Two men wearing turbans and robes board the plane, and a woman across the aisle from the girls told her husband she felt the flight was dangerous and they needed to get off the plane. Another passenger was very disgruntled at the sight of Middle Eastern passengers. Fears were almost proven true when the two men caught the attention of the passengers. Grandma Lucy, a passenger who spoke their language, relieved the fears of others. The real danger came shortly after by Caucasian men. One was very angry about the recent challenges of the Brown Elementary School District, building a new school for students in a poor neighborhood on soil rife with hazardous materials that even causes illness to some of the construction crew. The ‘General’ began to systematically shoot passengers and threaten more.

Throughout the novel, Kennedy’s primary spiritual challenge is witnessing to others, specifically her lack of witnessing to Willow for the 1 and ½ years they have been roommates. She tries to look at every side of the issue, including rationalizing her action. Grandma Lucy initiated conversation with Kennedy when seeing the biography she is reading. Lucy had been on various foreign missions, and with gentle probing learned about Kennedy’s trip with Willow. They talked about sharing the Lord with others, and Kennedy struggled to see where there might be opportunity to open conversation with her friend. One of the lines with the biggest impact on me along with the concern for the eternal destiny of our loved ones is Grandma Lucy: “Without prayer and Scripture, we’re not going to mature. But I think what happens is we think of the spiritual disciplines, things like prayer and Bible study, as the definition of spiritual maturity, not the means to grow closer to Jesus.” (approx. location 1464)

Other challenges the author explores through Kennedy and other passengers on the flight is how we perceive people based on their culture and race and how we can respond to social needs such as how the school in a poor neighborhood is being built on land without toxic material abatements done.

This is a stunningly intense novel where many lives are on the line. Not just their life on earth, but eternal life. Kennedy’s walk with the Lord is enriched by her many experiences, and this reader hopes that Willow’s life will be changed also. The author uses dialog and quick action in such a way as to grab the reader’s attention from the start and hold it throughout. I highly recommend ‘Turbulence’ to readers of any age.

From a grateful heart: I was given this eBook by Book Fun (The Book Club Network) and here is my honest review.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Turbulence by Alana Terry is a Christian suspense novel and the fifth in the Kennedy Stern series. It can be read as a stand-alone.
Once again Alana Terry has written a cracking novel focusing on real and relevant issues. The novel is full of godly themes. Alana Terry tackles questions that we all struggle with - how to be brave enough to share our faith with our friends and how inadequate we feel as a Christian in comparison with others. "She was a failure as a Christian, especially when she compared herself... to the heroes of faith." God makes it quite clear that we are not in the comparison game. We each have a unique walk with Him. The only person we should compare ourselves with, is the person we were in the past. Our walk is ours and God's business. Our journey will never be the same as someone else and we should never play the comparison game as we will only end up heaping guilt on ourselves.
To take the point of sharing our faith with our friends. We all struggle with that for fear of sounding preachy and pushy. We do pile the pressure on ourselves and feel guilt for not sharing. "How would Willow get saved if she never heard the gospel?" We have to tell our friends about Jesus because it would be awful for them to die not knowing Him. There is a time and a place to share and we must ask the Holy Spirit and listen for His promptings. We should walk out our faith so others see our faith in action and are drawn to Jesus. "It's Jesus who saves, not theology."
God desires a relationship with us all. He does not want us to 'fit Him in' to our busy schedules. God wants us to spend time with Him, getting to know Him and being open to His words.
There is the theme of missionaries. Some are called to go overseas. "Gladys Aylward... remained faithful to God's call and ended up leading hundreds to Christ." For most of us, our mission field is right where we are - in our homes, our school, our workplaces. We are called to shine Jesus wherever we go.
The novel deals with the area of stereotypes, prejudice and judging. We need to see beyond the colour of someone's skin or clothing to see the person underneath.
We need to be quietly bold in our faith. Jesus should be such a part of us that His name just slides easily into conversation. No one will be converted by someone shouting and ramming hell fire and damnation down their throats. It is the gentle soul who lives with one eye on others and another on eternity who utters quiet words of love and lives out their faith and conviction that Jesus is real who will attract others. There is one such character in the novel and her faith is a beautiful thing.
Turbulence was a smashing novel. A great story with relevant themes and issues that concern and affect us all.
A fabulous read.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

[Lydia Howe · Rating 4 out of 5]

It hit me again the other day that these are really not the types of books I generally read. They're suspense, and I rarely, rarely read suspense because I don't like violence at all. Amazingly though, Miss Alana does a really good job of keeping the violence fairly low. Yes, people have been killed in nearly every book (which, I cringe at), but there aren't details. And, yes, obviously there is violence in real life - I'm not discounting that at all. I'm merely saying that a lot (most?) of the times in books I feel like authors either 1) Glorify violence 2) Add way too much detail or 3) Use it simply for a shock factor. I don't feel like Miss Alana did any of those things, so *that* is why I've been enjoying reading her books and giving them high ratings.

On to my review:

This book wasn't what I expected at all. The story started out in such a way that I was like "Wow, that's kinda bold" because of all the stereotypes, etc... that where thrust at the reader right from the start. I was extremely curious to see how Miss Alana was going to redeem the story in such a way that kept in line with the other books in her series. (And, I won't add more because of spoilers, but in the end she did a superb job of it.)

Probably three-fourths of this book takes place during a one-day time frame, so that was also different from the other books in the series. All the characters remained so much themselves though, and even had some character growth that seemed completely natural, so that was cool. Because of the setting of the book, we didn't get to see some of my favorite characters from the series, so I did miss that.

Once again Kennedy responded in SUCH a different way than I imagine I would in a situation. She's completely different from me (except for being driven and wanting to stay ahead with stuff), that I find reading about her to be a fun and interesting experience.

When I was finished with this book, I of course went to buy and read the next book, only to discover it hasn't been published yet. May 22nd (which is ten days from now) is it's release date, and I am very much looking forward to reading it then.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Turbulence is book five in the Kennedy Stern Christian Suspense Series written by Alana Terry. This is another riveting thriller with a deeper message. Kennedy and her college roommate, Willow, are headed to Willow’s home in Alaska for a much-needed respite from the grueling pressures of Harvard. They will spend Christmas in rural Alaska at Willow’s family’s homestead. Both girls are looking forward to this downtime, but first they must survive the harrowing plane trip there.

Kennedy’s panic attacks and recovery from previous traumatic circumstances seem to be lessening and her life improving. Her friendship with Dominic, a police chaplain, is growing, and pre-med studies are on track. Then a mentally deranged man with a grievance against his children’s school district and superintendent skyjacks their flight to expose the construction of a school on toxic land—just to save money. He wants justice and does not care how he acquires it or what lives it costs to bring attention to the injustice.

Once again, Kennedy finds herself immersed in a volatile situation—one that only God can control. Again, Kennedy must confront her beliefs and faith and evaluate her spiritual state. Is it too late to witness to her roommate whose beliefs are far different from hers and is God speaking to Kennedy about her spiritual responsibilities to others? Kennedy experiences a unique and life-changing Christmas, one that will be unforgettable. I highly recommend this book that I received through TBCN in exchange for an honest review.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

They'll need a miracle to survive...

Kennedy's latest adventure is like none other...anything that can go wrong on this flight, does. I've enjoyed the Kennedy Stern Christian Suspense series since reading the very first book. As with the previous stories Alana Terry takes on tough issues in Turbulence, issues that could be taken from today's headlines.

I think Kennedy's struggles in Turbulence will really resonate with readers, I know it did with me. That literally eternal question that eats at all Christians, when to share your faith and when to simply show by example, when to be bold and when to avoid the inevitable confrontation when someone feels you are trying to shove your religion down their throat.

Danger and miracles abound on what should have been a routine flight to Alaska as Alana Terry takes her readers on a Christmas ride that will excite the imagination and challenge them to see their faith in a new way...

(I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are entirely my own.)

[Anne Rightler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Turbulence by Alana Terry is the fifth book in the Kennedy Stern series and it does not disappoint. Kennedy is on Chrismas break from Harvard University and headed to Alaska with her roomie, Willow. Will they even get there? While on the plane several things occur that just might bring the plane down. And just who is Grandma Lucy? I loved her character. As she and Kennedy talk, Kennedy realizes she needs to step up her game in being bold about her witness as a Christian. What a good lesson for Christian readers, that being a follower of Christ is not just a set time of reading the Bible and saying a quick prayer to check devotions off one's things to do to make God happy. But it is allowing God's Word to transform us and being submitted to Him in every area of our lives. Lots of action and suspense to keep the pages turning in this one. Don't miss it! I received a complimentary copy of this book from Book Club network. A favorable review was not required and opinions are my own.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happens to Kennedy and Willow in this story is truly amazing. Grandma Lucy is a special person who seems like a angel. Grandma Lucy will really open your eyes in chapter 17, you won't be able to stop reading this book especially after that chapter. You will feel God working throughout this whole book on all of the characters. I had the honor to review this book for the author for a honest review. The words are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book. I would give this book a higher rating than a five star review if I could.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes I wasn’t sure what I felt about how Kennedy acted about being a Christian, and then I really appreciated it towards the end of the book.
Kennedy went through a terrible encounter in the air, and instead of relying on prayer, and God’s love and compassion, she decided that God wouldn’t help her. I love that there was an elderly woman on the plane, who was a Christian, and what she did, that made the whole book really great! along with what Willow, Kennedy’s college roommate, did, and the about-face that Kennedy did at the end of the book.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve had this book for awhile and I’m glad I had the chance to read it.

I love that Alana tackles some tough topics and this book is no exception. She deals with that fact that Kennedy’s best friend doesn’t know Jesus and what is her responsibility in that and what would happen if she never got the chance.

This made me think about the people I know who aren’t believers and how I am sharing the gospel with them.

A copy of this book was given to me. All opinions are my own

[Melissa Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kennedy Stern tries to live a normal life, but something always happens. From danger to mystery, her life is full of adventure. A seemingly simple plane ride to Alaska turns into a dangerous experience. Fast paced action. I enjoyed the story. I received a copy of this story from the author and this is my personal honest opinion.

[Gretchen Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Too quick of a read, or maybe it was that good! I love the suspense in Alana Terry's books, and the vivid characters. I also like that her books are indeed Christian, not just one mention of God. In addition, her stories are "real"...real life issues, not some milk and cookies fantasy bubble. We can all learn from "real life" Christian fiction, as we can apply it to our own lives.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This is a page turner for sure. I love Kennedy. I can relate to her as she grows in her faith. Also I loved all of the scenes with Grandma Lucy--I want to be like her. This is an extremely well written book that I highly recommend. I think it's my favorite of the series so far.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and voluntarily posted an honest review.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have greatly enjoyed this entire series. While each book relates a time and incident(s) in the life of the main character, Kennedy, they are also stand-alone books that can be read independently. I was kept on the edge of my seat.

[Rosemarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

inner drama

Examines the fears and hopes of many followers of Jesus and reasons not to share their faith. “What if the questions are too difficult?” “What if someone thinks less of me?” Etc This book also shares Good News. Worth reading.

[Martha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute and short, I am starting to feel like I am reading a Cherry Ames character, where you love them, but wonder if anything will go right for them eventually!

[Dawn Borgia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoying this series

Kennedy sure has bad luck, but watching her navigate such trials is quite interesting and encouraging. I’ll continue checking in with her!

[Bethany Crank · Rating 4 out of 5]

Didn't get hooked at the beginning but once I got started loved the book!

[Caryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kennedy Stern encounters a traumatic hostage situation on her flight to Alaska. The drama is engaging and riveting.

I won a copy. I've expressed my honest opinion.

[Rebecca McCurry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another intense story in Kennedys journey