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Kennedy Stern #7
Abridged
Kennedy's pastor and mentor has always been outspoken. Maybe too outspoken.
Carl's no stranger to political controversy, but when his church comes under fire for hosting the Truth Warrior's men's retreat, women's rights activists and feminist leaders aren't the only ones worried that the conference will unduly restrict women's roles in the church and at home.
On a college campus where safe spaces threaten free speech and academic freedom only exists as long as other students aren't offended, Kennedy dares to defend her friend in Harvard's student newspaper. She unwillingly becomes the face of a controversy that not only jeopardizes her academic career but lands Pastor Carl in the hospital, struggling for his very survival.
Carl's no stranger to political controversy, but when his church comes under fire for hosting the Truth Warrior's men's retreat, women's rights activists and feminist leaders aren't the only ones worried that the conference will unduly restrict women's roles in the church and at home.
On a college campus where safe spaces threaten free speech and academic freedom only exists as long as other students aren't offended, Kennedy dares to defend her friend in Harvard's student newspaper. She unwillingly becomes the face of a controversy that not only jeopardizes her academic career but lands Pastor Carl in the hospital, struggling for his very survival.
279 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 15, 2017
169 people are currently reading
332 people want to read
About the author
Alana Terry
95 books466 followersWhen 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 16, 2017
I know from reading the previous novels in this series that Terry does not shy away from hot topics. In this novel, Kennedy is confronted with the whole issue of women's roles in the church, in the home, and at the university.
What women can and cannot do in the church according to the Bible is a touchy subject. Kennedy's pastor and friend, Carl, is conservative. No women are allowed to pray up front, take offering, be on the church board, etc. That doesn't sit well with many in the university community. When Kennedy defends the right of the pastor's wife to be a stay at home mom, she catches the ire of students and faculty alike. She experiences the cost of not being politically correct on a liberal east coast university campus.
The large issue of the place of women in the church includes the parallel one of where we get our identity. Feminists on campus think being a stay at home mom is the same as slavery. They see valid worth for a woman only in a profession. The issue even comes home to a man in the book, who saw his identity in his occupation. Terry does a good job of exploring these issues in the novel.
Terry also does a great job in character construction. My favorite character depiction is Woong, Carl and Sandy's adopted son. He talks a mile a minute. His vocabulary and sentence structure are unique, as are that of Willow, Kennedy's roommate.
There is a good balance of character development and action. Throw in a physical attack and a kidnapping along with the Kennedy's musing and you have a well plotted novel. We readers are left hanging at the end of this novel. Is Kennedy's future at the university in jeopardy? Bring on the sequel!
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the author. My comments are an independent and honest review.
What women can and cannot do in the church according to the Bible is a touchy subject. Kennedy's pastor and friend, Carl, is conservative. No women are allowed to pray up front, take offering, be on the church board, etc. That doesn't sit well with many in the university community. When Kennedy defends the right of the pastor's wife to be a stay at home mom, she catches the ire of students and faculty alike. She experiences the cost of not being politically correct on a liberal east coast university campus.
The large issue of the place of women in the church includes the parallel one of where we get our identity. Feminists on campus think being a stay at home mom is the same as slavery. They see valid worth for a woman only in a profession. The issue even comes home to a man in the book, who saw his identity in his occupation. Terry does a good job of exploring these issues in the novel.
Terry also does a great job in character construction. My favorite character depiction is Woong, Carl and Sandy's adopted son. He talks a mile a minute. His vocabulary and sentence structure are unique, as are that of Willow, Kennedy's roommate.
There is a good balance of character development and action. Throw in a physical attack and a kidnapping along with the Kennedy's musing and you have a well plotted novel. We readers are left hanging at the end of this novel. Is Kennedy's future at the university in jeopardy? Bring on the sequel!
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the author. My comments are an independent and honest review.
September 22, 2020
Kind of open ended
Kennedy is in her junior year, and has been given a TA (Teaching Assistant, something not defined in the book) position, an honor in view of her bring just a junior. Her class load is lighter than her oast semesters.
Sandy is now homeschooling Woong, because she is sure he is older than the orphanage in Korea thought he was. This gives him a chance to work ahead in subjects he likes, while being given extra time in subjects with which he struggles. It's also more flexible for all of them.
Carl is planning an event for men only. In a university town, especially far left leaning Harvard, a school where there is zero tolerance for any viewpoint other than Marxist aligned thought (which has only gotten worse innthe years since this book was penned...there are at least a couple of news events a uear about censorship at Harvard-which, ironically, started its life in Colonial America as a seminary, so this part is very much true) the reaction is virulent...and gets nasty to the point where Carl and Nick are always arguing heatedly. Not too long after the 2 part again, Nick comes running down the hall asking Kennedy for help...he has blood all over his hands and is sayiingntjere is so much blood and he can't syop the bleeding, and says it is urgent to get Sandy...then his face goes ashen and pale and he faints. Kennedy rushes to find Sandy, whom Woong says is in praying with someone, and she tells Woong to get Sandy now, and tell her to go to Carl's office right away because there's an emergency. And there is blood everywhere. Tje ambulance is called, andnthey tell the operator to send police, because it looks very much like someone bashed in Carl's head. With the arguments and his bloody hands, it doesn't look good for Nick, but with everyone saying no one could be at the church for 15 min without knowing the 2 men fought constantly but always respected each other, it simply becomes Nick telling the police what he remembers and if he saw anyone enter the room after he left.
Also, Kennedy disliked the attack on Sandy and sent an email tellingnthem their writers should get to know the person. The Forum section editor asled her to write a rebittal, and althouhh sje said sje jerself was grateful for the freedoms women enjoy today, that there is nothing wrongnwoth someone choosong to e a stay at home mom and wife. She and the editor end up in a meeting...everyone ignores every word except for the part where she says choosing to be a stay at home mom is a valid choice and that she knows Sandy personally, and knows that she chose that lifestyle because she enjoys ot, andnthat she volunteers, plus they took in foster kids and have adopted a few, so Sandy's life isn't non-productive because sje isn't paid. The forum editor quits, after lambasting the hierarchy for refusongntp allow open dialog on difficult issues. Kennedy loses jer TA job, and while the chemistry prof is trying to help by having Kennedy meet with the deoartment head, Woong's.kidnapping means she forgets all about the meet8ng. Her prof says she can still try to see the department head, who now wants to reconsider her early admission status for medical school, and demands an apology and a retraction. Meanwhile, the neurological injury is much worse; Carl stopped breathing on the way to the hospital and was put on a ventilator. They have a very wonderful praying session...then find out Woong is missing. Now Sandy jas a missing child and a critically ill husband.
Surveillance footage shows Woong leaving with a man who claimed to be the detective who had wanted to ask Woong some questions. Woong has been kidnapped - but by whom? And how much more can Sandy withstand, with a comatose husband on life support and a missing son?
The book leaves you hanging about what Kennedy will do aboaut the demands. Nick amd Willow are definitely in love, and the red head -the "ginger," as Willow calls him (using British slang), a reporter who shows up as a background character in most of the books, is now coming into more prominence. In the first book, he said he knew the area in China where her dad has his business; it turns out it's because he is puttingntogether a documentary on human rights abuses in China and N. Korea. He also offers to out her in contact with legitimate anto-censorship media should she decide to share her story. She is staring to like him, but is still mourning Dominic and wondering if it's right for her to move on. We don't yet know if the friendship she has with Ian (the "ginger") will develop. And you will have to read to find out how Carl fares and hiw Woong fares as well.
Kennedy is in her junior year, and has been given a TA (Teaching Assistant, something not defined in the book) position, an honor in view of her bring just a junior. Her class load is lighter than her oast semesters.
Sandy is now homeschooling Woong, because she is sure he is older than the orphanage in Korea thought he was. This gives him a chance to work ahead in subjects he likes, while being given extra time in subjects with which he struggles. It's also more flexible for all of them.
Carl is planning an event for men only. In a university town, especially far left leaning Harvard, a school where there is zero tolerance for any viewpoint other than Marxist aligned thought (which has only gotten worse innthe years since this book was penned...there are at least a couple of news events a uear about censorship at Harvard-which, ironically, started its life in Colonial America as a seminary, so this part is very much true) the reaction is virulent...and gets nasty to the point where Carl and Nick are always arguing heatedly. Not too long after the 2 part again, Nick comes running down the hall asking Kennedy for help...he has blood all over his hands and is sayiingntjere is so much blood and he can't syop the bleeding, and says it is urgent to get Sandy...then his face goes ashen and pale and he faints. Kennedy rushes to find Sandy, whom Woong says is in praying with someone, and she tells Woong to get Sandy now, and tell her to go to Carl's office right away because there's an emergency. And there is blood everywhere. Tje ambulance is called, andnthey tell the operator to send police, because it looks very much like someone bashed in Carl's head. With the arguments and his bloody hands, it doesn't look good for Nick, but with everyone saying no one could be at the church for 15 min without knowing the 2 men fought constantly but always respected each other, it simply becomes Nick telling the police what he remembers and if he saw anyone enter the room after he left.
Also, Kennedy disliked the attack on Sandy and sent an email tellingnthem their writers should get to know the person. The Forum section editor asled her to write a rebittal, and althouhh sje said sje jerself was grateful for the freedoms women enjoy today, that there is nothing wrongnwoth someone choosong to e a stay at home mom and wife. She and the editor end up in a meeting...everyone ignores every word except for the part where she says choosing to be a stay at home mom is a valid choice and that she knows Sandy personally, and knows that she chose that lifestyle because she enjoys ot, andnthat she volunteers, plus they took in foster kids and have adopted a few, so Sandy's life isn't non-productive because sje isn't paid. The forum editor quits, after lambasting the hierarchy for refusongntp allow open dialog on difficult issues. Kennedy loses jer TA job, and while the chemistry prof is trying to help by having Kennedy meet with the deoartment head, Woong's.kidnapping means she forgets all about the meet8ng. Her prof says she can still try to see the department head, who now wants to reconsider her early admission status for medical school, and demands an apology and a retraction. Meanwhile, the neurological injury is much worse; Carl stopped breathing on the way to the hospital and was put on a ventilator. They have a very wonderful praying session...then find out Woong is missing. Now Sandy jas a missing child and a critically ill husband.
Surveillance footage shows Woong leaving with a man who claimed to be the detective who had wanted to ask Woong some questions. Woong has been kidnapped - but by whom? And how much more can Sandy withstand, with a comatose husband on life support and a missing son?
The book leaves you hanging about what Kennedy will do aboaut the demands. Nick amd Willow are definitely in love, and the red head -the "ginger," as Willow calls him (using British slang), a reporter who shows up as a background character in most of the books, is now coming into more prominence. In the first book, he said he knew the area in China where her dad has his business; it turns out it's because he is puttingntogether a documentary on human rights abuses in China and N. Korea. He also offers to out her in contact with legitimate anto-censorship media should she decide to share her story. She is staring to like him, but is still mourning Dominic and wondering if it's right for her to move on. We don't yet know if the friendship she has with Ian (the "ginger") will develop. And you will have to read to find out how Carl fares and hiw Woong fares as well.
November 16, 2017
Abridged is 7th in Alana Terry’s Kennedy Stearns series. Kennedy and her college roommate, Willow have begun a new year of classes at Harvard, and a new season of faith challenges. I continue to be mesmerized by Abridged as I was with earlier novels; it addresses at least two challenges that Christians of any age face today.
Kennedy and Willow were helping do setup at the church for a Truth Warriors Conference that Pastor Carl is instrumental in supporting. He and Nick, the youth pastor and Willow’s boyfriend, have vastly differing opinions regarding this conference and what Nick thinks the church is espousing by hosting. They have a very loud discussion at the church about it. Shortly afterwards, they find Carl bleeding and unconscious in his office. Kennedy accompanies his wife Sandy and their young son, Woong, when they go to the hospital.
Kennedy had written an opinion in her column in The Voice, a student paper at Harvard. Upon request, she then shared a longer piece supporting work-at-home moms, such as Sandy, whose calling is in their home. Sandy and Carl have fostered many children over the years in addition to raising their own. Unfortunately, there are people who do not feel Kennedy’s opinion reflects the values of the prestigious university who will go to any length to not allow conservative views to be tolerated – or in her special study program. Her career could be over before she even begins to practice.
Kennedy – and all the characters – are very well-defined, strong people, and most are people of faith. As this is very fast-paced, we learn the most through realistic dialog and how their continual action. It has been exciting to see Kennedy and Willow grow through their time as roommates, then as sisters in Christ! I also like Sandy and Pastor Carl, and understand how devastating his injury is to those who love him – and then when the unthinkable happens to Woong.
The plot is stunning, with twists and turns that would have floored most people, yet Sandy, a woman of deep faith, keeps trudging through, even driving to places she hasn’t been to get to her son. There is so much inspiration in this novel without a word of preaching; it is the kind of book that one could loan to others, showing that it isn’t just Kennedy who doesn’t know what to say or do in various situations. While one will find several points of inspiration throughout, the Lord is at the center of it. Kennedy doesn’t think or say anything that many of us haven’t thought at one time or another. The emotions throughout are intense, yet again, the Lord is at the center, and it is a courageous author to write about the topics in Abridged. The bad guy was a real surprise to me, and the end is satisfactory overall. I highly recommend this for older teens and adults of any age who enjoy good Christian suspense writing.
From a grateful heart: I was given this eBook by Book Fun (The Book Club Network) and here is my honest review.
Kennedy and Willow were helping do setup at the church for a Truth Warriors Conference that Pastor Carl is instrumental in supporting. He and Nick, the youth pastor and Willow’s boyfriend, have vastly differing opinions regarding this conference and what Nick thinks the church is espousing by hosting. They have a very loud discussion at the church about it. Shortly afterwards, they find Carl bleeding and unconscious in his office. Kennedy accompanies his wife Sandy and their young son, Woong, when they go to the hospital.
Kennedy had written an opinion in her column in The Voice, a student paper at Harvard. Upon request, she then shared a longer piece supporting work-at-home moms, such as Sandy, whose calling is in their home. Sandy and Carl have fostered many children over the years in addition to raising their own. Unfortunately, there are people who do not feel Kennedy’s opinion reflects the values of the prestigious university who will go to any length to not allow conservative views to be tolerated – or in her special study program. Her career could be over before she even begins to practice.
Kennedy – and all the characters – are very well-defined, strong people, and most are people of faith. As this is very fast-paced, we learn the most through realistic dialog and how their continual action. It has been exciting to see Kennedy and Willow grow through their time as roommates, then as sisters in Christ! I also like Sandy and Pastor Carl, and understand how devastating his injury is to those who love him – and then when the unthinkable happens to Woong.
The plot is stunning, with twists and turns that would have floored most people, yet Sandy, a woman of deep faith, keeps trudging through, even driving to places she hasn’t been to get to her son. There is so much inspiration in this novel without a word of preaching; it is the kind of book that one could loan to others, showing that it isn’t just Kennedy who doesn’t know what to say or do in various situations. While one will find several points of inspiration throughout, the Lord is at the center of it. Kennedy doesn’t think or say anything that many of us haven’t thought at one time or another. The emotions throughout are intense, yet again, the Lord is at the center, and it is a courageous author to write about the topics in Abridged. The bad guy was a real surprise to me, and the end is satisfactory overall. I highly recommend this for older teens and adults of any age who enjoy good Christian suspense writing.
From a grateful heart: I was given this eBook by Book Fun (The Book Club Network) and here is my honest review.
August 31, 2017
Abridged
A Kennedy Stern Christian Suspense Novel #7
By Alana Terry
Kennedy and her roommate Willow are helping with the set up for the upcoming Truth Warrior's retreat for men at Pastor Carl's church. But the retreat for some reason has riled up any and all women's rights groups in the area. Kennedy just can't understand just what all the fuss and uproar is about. Even the church's assistant/youth minister Nick seems opposed to it. But then Nick seems to oppose almost anything Carl does at present.
But when the outcry takes an ugly turn and Carl is left in a life-threatening condition Kennedy is shocked. And when her own opinion is called into question her status on campus is also questioned. Who knew that standing up for women's roles in life whether at home or at a career could create such an uproar? Well, now Kennedy does and she is about to discover just how tolerant her fellow classmates are when it comes to freedom of speech and freedom of personal opinion. Tolerance only goes so far and Kennedy is about to discover just how far it can go at Harvard.
Abridged is the latest book in the Kennedy Stern series in which controversial issues of the day are explored with Kennedy usually absorbing what both sides are saying and balancing it with her own personal experiences. And one really has to feel for Kennedy, college life is certainly not easy for her but somehow she manages to get through it and learn something important along the way.
I was provided a review copy of this book by the author with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
A Kennedy Stern Christian Suspense Novel #7
By Alana Terry
Kennedy and her roommate Willow are helping with the set up for the upcoming Truth Warrior's retreat for men at Pastor Carl's church. But the retreat for some reason has riled up any and all women's rights groups in the area. Kennedy just can't understand just what all the fuss and uproar is about. Even the church's assistant/youth minister Nick seems opposed to it. But then Nick seems to oppose almost anything Carl does at present.
But when the outcry takes an ugly turn and Carl is left in a life-threatening condition Kennedy is shocked. And when her own opinion is called into question her status on campus is also questioned. Who knew that standing up for women's roles in life whether at home or at a career could create such an uproar? Well, now Kennedy does and she is about to discover just how tolerant her fellow classmates are when it comes to freedom of speech and freedom of personal opinion. Tolerance only goes so far and Kennedy is about to discover just how far it can go at Harvard.
Abridged is the latest book in the Kennedy Stern series in which controversial issues of the day are explored with Kennedy usually absorbing what both sides are saying and balancing it with her own personal experiences. And one really has to feel for Kennedy, college life is certainly not easy for her but somehow she manages to get through it and learn something important along the way.
I was provided a review copy of this book by the author with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
September 29, 2017
Abridged by Alana Terry is book seven in A Kennedy Stern Christian Suspense Novel Series. This is a really good series. And each book just gets better. The church Kennedy attends is hosting the Truth Warriors men retreat and there are many people who are upset about it. The pastor, Carl, and the youth pastor, Nick, get into heated arguments about hosting this event. While setting up for the event, someone goes into Carl's office and attacks him. While on the way to the hospital, Carl stops breathing and is left on the ventilator with brain trauma.
Carl is not the only one under attack. His wife was written about in the college newspaper. Being good friends with Carl's wife Kennedy writes an honest article for the newspaper about women's right to chose to stay at home or have a career. She finds herself being forced to apologize for the article or face damaging her education.
I just love this series. I find myself reading the books non-stop to find out what is happening and I can't wait for the next in the series. The books do need to be read in order to follow through with the story. I also enjoy how the author brings in characters from her other books. This story is very fast moving with a lot of twist and turns. While Carl is struggling for his life, his son is kidnapped. Kennedy is trying to be a friend and support Carl's wife, yet is being pulled in different directions with meetings at school regarding her article. If you enjoy suspenseful Christian Fiction you will love this book.
I received a copy of this book from the author through Book Club Network and this is my honest review.
Carl is not the only one under attack. His wife was written about in the college newspaper. Being good friends with Carl's wife Kennedy writes an honest article for the newspaper about women's right to chose to stay at home or have a career. She finds herself being forced to apologize for the article or face damaging her education.
I just love this series. I find myself reading the books non-stop to find out what is happening and I can't wait for the next in the series. The books do need to be read in order to follow through with the story. I also enjoy how the author brings in characters from her other books. This story is very fast moving with a lot of twist and turns. While Carl is struggling for his life, his son is kidnapped. Kennedy is trying to be a friend and support Carl's wife, yet is being pulled in different directions with meetings at school regarding her article. If you enjoy suspenseful Christian Fiction you will love this book.
I received a copy of this book from the author through Book Club Network and this is my honest review.
June 19, 2017
Alana Terry did it once again with her main character, Kennedy Stern. Kennedy gets herself into more situations than any young woman could imagine as she lives in the US, with her very unusual roommate, Willow, and as they both pursue studies at Harvard University. Kennedy's missionary parents are hard at work in China running a printing company while working undercover to help escapees and/or refugees on the run from North Korea. You would think that her parents could relax in peace knowing that their daughter has been accepted as a pre-med student at Harvard, but they had no way of knowing all the situations that would arise in young Kennedy's life. In Abridged, Kennedy in involved in speaking her mind at the university newspaper, Voice. This does not go over well, and neither does the event her pastor and substitute father is planning for men at their church.
As this story progresses, Kennedy, once again, is spending lots of her time at the local hospital, along with Carl, her pastor, his wife Sandy, their lovable little boy Woong, her friend Willow, the unpredictable associate pastor, Nick and many of their church family. Lots of prayers are needed and Kennedy is also struggling with the past events that happened at that very hospital. All these characters want to believe that God is in control and that all things will work out for the good, but they are also struggling to define what is good in God's eyes.
Thanks Alana for another story which opens up our minds and hearts to prayer and the value it has in all circumstances.
As this story progresses, Kennedy, once again, is spending lots of her time at the local hospital, along with Carl, her pastor, his wife Sandy, their lovable little boy Woong, her friend Willow, the unpredictable associate pastor, Nick and many of their church family. Lots of prayers are needed and Kennedy is also struggling with the past events that happened at that very hospital. All these characters want to believe that God is in control and that all things will work out for the good, but they are also struggling to define what is good in God's eyes.
Thanks Alana for another story which opens up our minds and hearts to prayer and the value it has in all circumstances.
October 12, 2017
Abridged is book 7 in the suspense-filled Kennedy Stern series by Alana Terry. Junior at Harvard, Kennedy, once again finds herself in the middle of controversy. In a school publication, she has defended her pastor's wife and as a result, ends up with some rather severe consequences. A men's conference at the church finds Kennedy's pastor in the middle of controversy as well, and in fact, may just have been the reason he is in the ICU, fighting for his life. The author does a great job of keeping the pages turning with fast-paced action (volatile arguments and kidnapping), several twists and turns to the plot and a little romance too. The characters are realistic and if the reader has read the previous books in the series, the growth in their faith in God is evident. In this novel, the author boldly takes on free speech, and women's rights and women's role in church and society, two topics that are often in the headlines. She brings some thought-provoking ideas to the forefront about these two subjects. At the end of the book, there are also discussion questions for personal reflection or perhaps a group discussion. It seems like there were one or two unanswered questions at the end so I am looking forward to book 8 in this must-read series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Book Club network. A favorable review was not required and opinions are my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Book Club network. A favorable review was not required and opinions are my own.
February 3, 2018
Is silencing the opposition really the answer?
When one picks up an Alana Terry book one knows exactly what to expect...danger, today's hot button issues, and the unexpected. And Abridged delivers just that! This time Alana Terry takes on two controversial topics, women's rights and free speech, and through the eyes of young Kennedy Stern we see these issues play out through all sides of the argument.
One of the things that I really liked about Abridged is that Kennedy is starting to get her footing under her. She still has lots of questions but she also is beginning to formulate her own ideas and opinions, which is part of what gets her in hot water. Quite simply, like we've all had to, Kennedy is growing and maturing even though it isn't always that fun or easy.
If you like grittier Christian fiction, if you like to be asked the hard questions, and if you would rather an author encourage prayerful thought about tough issues instead of trying to lead the reader's thinking, you've got to check out the Kennedy Stern Christian Suspense series. You won't be disappointed!
(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
When one picks up an Alana Terry book one knows exactly what to expect...danger, today's hot button issues, and the unexpected. And Abridged delivers just that! This time Alana Terry takes on two controversial topics, women's rights and free speech, and through the eyes of young Kennedy Stern we see these issues play out through all sides of the argument.
One of the things that I really liked about Abridged is that Kennedy is starting to get her footing under her. She still has lots of questions but she also is beginning to formulate her own ideas and opinions, which is part of what gets her in hot water. Quite simply, like we've all had to, Kennedy is growing and maturing even though it isn't always that fun or easy.
If you like grittier Christian fiction, if you like to be asked the hard questions, and if you would rather an author encourage prayerful thought about tough issues instead of trying to lead the reader's thinking, you've got to check out the Kennedy Stern Christian Suspense series. You won't be disappointed!
(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
August 25, 2017
Wow! This book really made me rethink about subjects that I wasn't even aware I thought about! Good dialog/debates were had by Kennedy, Willow(Kennedy's dorm mate) Sandy(Pastor Carl's wife) and little Woong (Carl and Sandy's son); I felt like a fly on the wall. Kennedy wrestles with people that want to censor her words; words she wrote to a campus newspaper as a rebuttal to negativity about women and the roles they choose for themselves. People crawl out of the woodwork twisting Kennedy's words to fit their agendas. Now she must defend her words or possibly loose her position and future at Harvard. All this while Pastor Carl is in ICU from an attack. This is a who done it mystery, as well as, a thought provoking novel! Nothing too preachy, although some may disagree. But this is the world we live in!
October 3, 2017
I requested a copy of this book to read and review. The book is good as a standalone book, but better if you've read the other books as you will know the people more in-depth. The story was a good, easy read. I liked it, but not quite as well as some of the others. It left a few unanswered questions. Hopefully, they will be resolved in a future book. The editing was good but not as good as the other books. The other books were completely error-free, but this one had maybe 2 or 3 errors. Not bad at all, just there. The mystery and drama weren't as intense as in some of the other books and for me, that was good. I enjoyed the book and I'm sure if you like a good, clean Christian mystery book, you'll enjoy this book.
October 4, 2017
Abridged—book seven—in the Kennedy Stern Series by Alana Terry is another well-written book. The good thing about this author’s books is that they can be read in a few hours (all of the excitement—attack, kidnapping, social opposition, and budding romance). The bad thing is that these stories end very soon. Fortunately, the author keeps writing the series at a fairly fast pace so that the reader does not have to wait too long for another installment. The author presents issues and conflicts from today’s world without any definite opinion or judgment so that the readers can reflect and determine their own ideas and stance. This was another Kennedy Stern book that I highly recommend. I received this book through the author for an honest review.
October 5, 2017
Alana Terry continues to bring us engaging fiction with #7 of the Kennedy Stern series. I was hooked on this series from the first book! Alana has such a gift that she is able to share the gospel message in a non threatening way. In this novel, Kennedy is waiting with her friends to see what the outcome will be for her friend and pastor, Carl. This series really makes you feel like you are actually living in Kennedy’s shoes! If you’ve never read anything by Alana Terry, you are definitely missing out! I would recommend her books to everyone out there.
I received this book from the author for my honest opinion.
I received this book from the author for my honest opinion.
December 26, 2017
This wasn't my favorite in the Kennedy Stern series, but it was a lot better than I had imagined it would be when I first started it. This was actually the first book in the series that I started and then put down for a couple of weeks because I didn't think I would like it Thankfully I was wrong and it had a much-needed apology in it, which I'd been waiting for since the beginning of the books.
*I don't remember a ton of my thoughts regarding this book, because I read it several months ago*
*I don't remember a ton of my thoughts regarding this book, because I read it several months ago*
August 15, 2017
Alana Terry is not afraid to tackle sensitive subjects and social injustice.
This latest book Abridged is no exception.
A scheduled men's conference on biblical masculinity, at Kennedy's home church, starts a cascade of events that affect an entire community.
Tension and suspense grip you as the police work to solve the assault on a local pastor.
I loved each character, the engaging storyline and the setting of Harvard.
This book is recommended for those who like powerful Women's fiction.
This latest book Abridged is no exception.
A scheduled men's conference on biblical masculinity, at Kennedy's home church, starts a cascade of events that affect an entire community.
Tension and suspense grip you as the police work to solve the assault on a local pastor.
I loved each character, the engaging storyline and the setting of Harvard.
This book is recommended for those who like powerful Women's fiction.
August 23, 2017
Kennedy is a amazing young lady. When Carl is put in the hospital Kennedy is there to help Sandy and her son. Willow is truly remarkable the way she is there to support Kennedy and Sandy. You will be on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next. You will feel God working throughout this whole book. I would give this book a higher rating than a five star review if I could.
June 12, 2018
From topics such as women's rights to kidnapping to free speech, this story is filled with faith, action and thought provoking events. Each Kennedy Stern novel brings attention to today's topics and gives the reader opportunity to understand ideas and actions of others. Great read. I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my personal honest opinion. No review was required.
November 18, 2021
Although this book was written several years ago, it reads like a newspaper or magazine article written today. It deals with differing views on how we each should respect one another’s differing viewpoints. It also addresses cancel culture. There is a little mystery mixed in along with romance. Another great book about the life of Kennedy Stern. Real life issues with a twist.
February 13, 2018
Another great Kennedy Stern book. Alana weaves a great story set amid Kennedy's Junior year. We get to meet many of the normal cast of characters and as usual Alana deals with a difficult topic with insightfulness and tact.
September 17, 2018
Big issues wrapped in a suspense story
I've enjoyed the whole series so far. This one brought up heated issues in a tasteful way, wrapped into a suspenseful theme.
I've enjoyed the whole series so far. This one brought up heated issues in a tasteful way, wrapped into a suspenseful theme.
January 12, 2020
Great series ! I'm glad I found this series and I'm waiting for the next book ! It has everything I look forward to reading about . Suspense, love, humor and most importantly it is faith based .
July 7, 2023
Another suspense filled story dealing with contemporary issues Christians argue about as well as issues nonbelievers struggle to understand.
June 29, 2025
EXCELLENT
Another excellent book by Alana. I’m so excited that I have found such a great author and I’m looking forward to reading more.
Another excellent book by Alana. I’m so excited that I have found such a great author and I’m looking forward to reading more.
May 18, 2019
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.
=========================
Original review:
It always amazes me how much happens and how fast I can devour the stories in this series. I read books 5, 6, and 7 in about a day, and I'm looking forward to the next one.
These books are action-packed adventures based around themes that are the hot-button topics of the day; the main issues in this story are free speech and women's rights. Readers are exposed to different perspectives on the subjects, which encourages them to form their own thoughtful opinions. At the very center of everything, though, is faith. These are fabulous suspense novels and decidedly Christian.
I think any of the books can be read as a standalone, but readers will enjoy a richer reading experience if they read the series in sequence. I hate cliffhanger endings; while each of these stories has loose threads leading to the next novel in the series, each has its own satisfying (if not always happy) ending.
I received a copy of the book from the author, but I voluntarily wrote the review, which expresses my honest opinion.
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.
=========================
Original review:
It always amazes me how much happens and how fast I can devour the stories in this series. I read books 5, 6, and 7 in about a day, and I'm looking forward to the next one.
These books are action-packed adventures based around themes that are the hot-button topics of the day; the main issues in this story are free speech and women's rights. Readers are exposed to different perspectives on the subjects, which encourages them to form their own thoughtful opinions. At the very center of everything, though, is faith. These are fabulous suspense novels and decidedly Christian.
I think any of the books can be read as a standalone, but readers will enjoy a richer reading experience if they read the series in sequence. I hate cliffhanger endings; while each of these stories has loose threads leading to the next novel in the series, each has its own satisfying (if not always happy) ending.
I received a copy of the book from the author, but I voluntarily wrote the review, which expresses my honest opinion.
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