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Kennedy Stern #1-3
Kennedy Stern Box Set #1-3
Three full-length suspense novels from multi-award winning Christian novelist Alana Terry. A three-in-one bundle of suspense and page-turning excitement as missionary kid Kennedy Stern faces more danger, mystery, and controversy than she knows how to handle. Confronted with questions of underage abortion, plagued by a stalker and paralyzing PTSD flashbacks, and eventually caught in the center of a police brutality scandal, Kennedy discovers that her first year at Harvard University involves a lot more than passing a few lab classes and fulfilling her premed requirements. With her parents serving North Korean refugees overseas, Kennedy befriends a loving and highly opinionated pastor, his hospitable and encouraging wife, an eccentric but respectful roommate whose worldview is drastically different from Kennedy's, and a foreign lab partner who's harboring a grave secret he'd do just about anything to keep from being exposed. The Kennedy Stern Christian suspense series tackles controversial issues facing the church today and brings them to light in a way that encourages questions and fosters discussions without ever turning preachy or heavy-handed. Find out why readers from all faiths and denominations, all walks of life, and all sides of the political spectrum are devouring this thought-provoking series from edgy Christian fiction author Alana Terry, who has won awards from Women of Faith, Grace Awards, The Book Club Network, Readers' Favorite, and many others.
579 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 4, 2018
552 people are currently reading
193 people want to read
About the author
Alana Terry
95 books461 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 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 14, 2018
This is based on the Audible version of the Kennedy Stern Christian Suspense Box Set (Books 1-3).
When I have a three book set, I am the sort of person who has to read all three books--even if the characters (particularly the main character) and narration are driving me crazy. That's why I finished the Kennedy Stern Box Set (Books 1-3). Each book had potential, but the development of the characters and each storyline left me disappointed.
Each book was built on a solid foundation of contemporary issues, and each book had aspects of suspense, but for the most part, they were dull. In Unplanned (the first book), it is beyond belief that Kennedy's family friends, Karl and Sandy, could be pastors of a mega church, but were unable to find anyone to help them with their pregnancy centre. Not like any mega church I know. The discrepancies of their life continued throughout the three books. For example, Kennedy spent time recovering at their home, but didn't find out until well into the second book about any of their children or foster children, or that Sandy minded her grandson three days a week. As for Sandy herself, she was too good to be true. A lovely character, without any flaws, but I didn't for a second believe anyone like her could exist (or do everything she appeared to do or would have to do as a mega church pastor's wife).
The third book, Policed, had the best start of all. It had the most potential of all the books. Unfortunately, the story didn't build on the rogue cop aspect (as in finding the one involved). Instead, it waffled on until near the end. That's when it became interesting again. The worst thing about book 3 was the constant use of book metaphors. Okay, we get the fact that Reuben and Kennedy had found an interest in studying children's literature in this book, but oh my, I cringed every time the author used one. One or two, here or there, would have been great, but there were way too many. If there were a Christian alternative to a drinking game, we could have played it every time a book metaphor was used.
At least the end of Book 3 had drama and sacrifice. It was, perhaps, the one part of all the books where the characters made an impact and felt real in their emotions.
As mentioned, I am basing this on the Audible version of the books. Perhaps, this is a series I may have enjoyed more if I had read it instead of listening. The narrator didn't bring the stories or characters to life, which was a pity. Her voice suited the target listener, but it lacked presence and impact.
Overall, I can see why many readers appear to love these books. They are undemanding, while attempting to tackle some tough subjects. Of course, they are also very clean (no bad language and no inappropriate behaviour by the Christian characters). They don't try to hide the fact that non-Christian characters are up to naughty things off stage, and I appreciated that honesty in a Christian book. In those ways, the Kennedy Stern books are an attempt to meet the new adult market of Christian readers who want a little more than a young adult main character. However, for me, they didn't hit the spot. I wasn't able to sufficiently lose myself in the stories and characters to be able to overlook the annoying aspects and discrepancies (and the metaphors--can't forget the metaphors).
When I have a three book set, I am the sort of person who has to read all three books--even if the characters (particularly the main character) and narration are driving me crazy. That's why I finished the Kennedy Stern Box Set (Books 1-3). Each book had potential, but the development of the characters and each storyline left me disappointed.
Each book was built on a solid foundation of contemporary issues, and each book had aspects of suspense, but for the most part, they were dull. In Unplanned (the first book), it is beyond belief that Kennedy's family friends, Karl and Sandy, could be pastors of a mega church, but were unable to find anyone to help them with their pregnancy centre. Not like any mega church I know. The discrepancies of their life continued throughout the three books. For example, Kennedy spent time recovering at their home, but didn't find out until well into the second book about any of their children or foster children, or that Sandy minded her grandson three days a week. As for Sandy herself, she was too good to be true. A lovely character, without any flaws, but I didn't for a second believe anyone like her could exist (or do everything she appeared to do or would have to do as a mega church pastor's wife).
The third book, Policed, had the best start of all. It had the most potential of all the books. Unfortunately, the story didn't build on the rogue cop aspect (as in finding the one involved). Instead, it waffled on until near the end. That's when it became interesting again. The worst thing about book 3 was the constant use of book metaphors. Okay, we get the fact that Reuben and Kennedy had found an interest in studying children's literature in this book, but oh my, I cringed every time the author used one. One or two, here or there, would have been great, but there were way too many. If there were a Christian alternative to a drinking game, we could have played it every time a book metaphor was used.
At least the end of Book 3 had drama and sacrifice. It was, perhaps, the one part of all the books where the characters made an impact and felt real in their emotions.
As mentioned, I am basing this on the Audible version of the books. Perhaps, this is a series I may have enjoyed more if I had read it instead of listening. The narrator didn't bring the stories or characters to life, which was a pity. Her voice suited the target listener, but it lacked presence and impact.
Overall, I can see why many readers appear to love these books. They are undemanding, while attempting to tackle some tough subjects. Of course, they are also very clean (no bad language and no inappropriate behaviour by the Christian characters). They don't try to hide the fact that non-Christian characters are up to naughty things off stage, and I appreciated that honesty in a Christian book. In those ways, the Kennedy Stern books are an attempt to meet the new adult market of Christian readers who want a little more than a young adult main character. However, for me, they didn't hit the spot. I wasn't able to sufficiently lose myself in the stories and characters to be able to overlook the annoying aspects and discrepancies (and the metaphors--can't forget the metaphors).
December 27, 2024
Three in One
Pre-med student Kennedy Stern has a series of dangerous episodes in her life. In the first book, she is kidnapped. In the second, someone attempts to kill her. In the last, she and her best friend are attacked by a brutal police officer. In all these situations, her faith is tested to the stretching point.
Pre-med student Kennedy Stern has a series of dangerous episodes in her life. In the first book, she is kidnapped. In the second, someone attempts to kill her. In the last, she and her best friend are attacked by a brutal police officer. In all these situations, her faith is tested to the stretching point.
May 5, 2021
I enjoyed these quite a bit, as they really dealt with things that are facing this world right now. But I really disliked the narrator. A few things kinda got on my nerves, but as a whole, they were pretty good! Not as suspenseful as I had hoped for though.
June 20, 2017
These books sum up Kennedy's first year at Harvard
I loved them all and highly recommend it to everyone, young adults, that likes Christian fiction with a strong message.
An advance copy of these books was given to me by the author. My opinions are 100% my own.
Unplanned:
My take on this:
If you want a light, fluffy book, this isn't for you
There was suspense from beginning to end.
I loved the characters of Kennedy and Jodie and I felt their pain.
This book brings the pro-life movement to the forefront.
I think is a book that all young adults should read.
Here we learn of God's love in times of need.
Thank you for an insightful book.
Paralyzed:
My take:
This book keeps you on your toes from beginning to end.
I loved all the characters and the action was there for me.
The story flowed well and we find the Lord's protection throughout the book.
Policed:
My take:
Alana Terry has again brought us an emotionally charged, suspenseful novel.
The story of Kennedy and Reuben can happen to any of us.
I was sad to see how their story ended.
I know some people who read this will think it's all about race, but at the same time, it could happen to anyone.
There are bad police officers, but not all police are bad.
We need to remember that police have a bad job and if they have to worry about gender and ethnicity before they can approach a suspect we are in trouble.
This is a time of spiritual warfare, against good and evil,
We need to be armed with the word of God, his mercy and redemption.
Why no voting buttons? We don't let customers vote on their own reviews, so the voting buttons appear only when you look at reviews submitted by others.
Permalink
I loved them all and highly recommend it to everyone, young adults, that likes Christian fiction with a strong message.
An advance copy of these books was given to me by the author. My opinions are 100% my own.
Unplanned:
My take on this:
If you want a light, fluffy book, this isn't for you
There was suspense from beginning to end.
I loved the characters of Kennedy and Jodie and I felt their pain.
This book brings the pro-life movement to the forefront.
I think is a book that all young adults should read.
Here we learn of God's love in times of need.
Thank you for an insightful book.
Paralyzed:
My take:
This book keeps you on your toes from beginning to end.
I loved all the characters and the action was there for me.
The story flowed well and we find the Lord's protection throughout the book.
Policed:
My take:
Alana Terry has again brought us an emotionally charged, suspenseful novel.
The story of Kennedy and Reuben can happen to any of us.
I was sad to see how their story ended.
I know some people who read this will think it's all about race, but at the same time, it could happen to anyone.
There are bad police officers, but not all police are bad.
We need to remember that police have a bad job and if they have to worry about gender and ethnicity before they can approach a suspect we are in trouble.
This is a time of spiritual warfare, against good and evil,
We need to be armed with the word of God, his mercy and redemption.
Why no voting buttons? We don't let customers vote on their own reviews, so the voting buttons appear only when you look at reviews submitted by others.
Permalink
April 14, 2020
Gripping ... couldn't put it down
Abduction, paralyzing fear, brutality and prejudice leading to false arrest of her best friend. The rawness of life and struggles of faith kept me riveted. I love that faith in God is intertwined in the series. God works all things for the good of His children. When we are weak, truly His glory is our testimony. Thank you for offering this box set in the midst of the pandemic.
Abduction, paralyzing fear, brutality and prejudice leading to false arrest of her best friend. The rawness of life and struggles of faith kept me riveted. I love that faith in God is intertwined in the series. God works all things for the good of His children. When we are weak, truly His glory is our testimony. Thank you for offering this box set in the midst of the pandemic.
September 2, 2017
Great series, with hard topics and no preaching or telling a person how to believe. Alana has been gifted with bringing different aspects of a hard topic to the table through dialogue with her characters. As we get to know them and their struggles or beliefs we will come to a point where we will be thinking about what is presented.
April 2, 2020
Interesting, thought provoking, entertaining.
Ive read all three books straight through, thought about how they were written, related to circumstances, questioned how situations were described and finished with enjoyment, satisfaction and looking forward to reading more by this author. Sit back, kick up your feet and enjoy the ride!
Ive read all three books straight through, thought about how they were written, related to circumstances, questioned how situations were described and finished with enjoyment, satisfaction and looking forward to reading more by this author. Sit back, kick up your feet and enjoy the ride!
April 3, 2020
Gripping suspense
Gripping suspense which is a job to put down. Cleverly written as highlights many difficult issues of life but doesn’t actually come across as preachy. Loaded this while free - will certainly buy the rest of the series once we are able to earn some money again when the pandemic eases. This authors books are now definitely on my list ‘to read’.
Gripping suspense which is a job to put down. Cleverly written as highlights many difficult issues of life but doesn’t actually come across as preachy. Loaded this while free - will certainly buy the rest of the series once we are able to earn some money again when the pandemic eases. This authors books are now definitely on my list ‘to read’.
May 8, 2020
Prepare to not be able to stop reading
These stories grabbed me from the first chapter and refused to let go. Kennedy and the other characters are so very real and what happens to them so intense that I was completely wrapped up in their lives. If talking back to or yelling at fictional characters is a sign of a good story, then this is a great one.
These stories grabbed me from the first chapter and refused to let go. Kennedy and the other characters are so very real and what happens to them so intense that I was completely wrapped up in their lives. If talking back to or yelling at fictional characters is a sign of a good story, then this is a great one.
September 30, 2021
Quite a Set!
Kennedy Stern is half a world away from home and all that is familiar in order to attend her first year of college. Having lived overseas, I’d say that is enough drama all by itself, yet Kennedy has to deal with danger at every turn and is finding that her heart is turning toward her lab partner. All three of these books are pages turners!
Kennedy Stern is half a world away from home and all that is familiar in order to attend her first year of college. Having lived overseas, I’d say that is enough drama all by itself, yet Kennedy has to deal with danger at every turn and is finding that her heart is turning toward her lab partner. All three of these books are pages turners!
August 7, 2023
such Intense drama
I read other books that are hard to put done but I find myself think about Alana’s characters even when I am not reading. Sometimes my heart races or hurts, or laughs when I read these books. She has the ability to use words that put me in the middle of the scene and the emotion
I read other books that are hard to put done but I find myself think about Alana’s characters even when I am not reading. Sometimes my heart races or hurts, or laughs when I read these books. She has the ability to use words that put me in the middle of the scene and the emotion
August 27, 2024
I listened to this box set in 2 days.
I’m rating this as 2 ⭐️ There were too many plot holes or maybe too many unresolved moments.
The story line is not plausible on any of the stories. And for a Harvard college student to consistently and routinely forget her phone, not have it with her, or forget to charge the battery is crazy.
These books (I’ve real 1-3 of the series) missed the mark.
I’m rating this as 2 ⭐️ There were too many plot holes or maybe too many unresolved moments.
The story line is not plausible on any of the stories. And for a Harvard college student to consistently and routinely forget her phone, not have it with her, or forget to charge the battery is crazy.
These books (I’ve real 1-3 of the series) missed the mark.
June 21, 2017
Kennedy is a amazing young woman. The characters in these books are very special people. The author will have you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next. You won't be able to stop reading these books they are so good.
July 31, 2017
Great read
This set is very good. I highly recommend it if you like psychology, thinking books that are honest and ask tough theological questions. Like why doesn't God always heal anxiety or PTSD. Or tackles questions about why does God allow bad things to happen.
This set is very good. I highly recommend it if you like psychology, thinking books that are honest and ask tough theological questions. Like why doesn't God always heal anxiety or PTSD. Or tackles questions about why does God allow bad things to happen.
November 9, 2017
Good series. Hard to put down.
You are wondering what she is going to get herself into next. Good reading though. Carl and Sandy have to be saints. Trouble seems to follow them around. Highly recommend this series.
You are wondering what she is going to get herself into next. Good reading though. Carl and Sandy have to be saints. Trouble seems to follow them around. Highly recommend this series.
April 30, 2020
An excellent series of stories! One can never get enough of Kennedy Stern. You will want to follow her from Book 1 all the way through the Series; however, each book stands well as a complete story on it's own.
July 11, 2020
Very good suspense story.
Good book. Kennedy went through a lot in these three stories,but everything turned out good except for when her friend had to go back home. He was thinking about her tho.
Good book. Kennedy went through a lot in these three stories,but everything turned out good except for when her friend had to go back home. He was thinking about her tho.
August 7, 2017
Best Christian Read Suspense
As always suspenseful..totally in love with Alana Terry books worth taking another look if ur up for some good reading
As always suspenseful..totally in love with Alana Terry books worth taking another look if ur up for some good reading
August 12, 2017
Kennedy stern Christian suspense box
What An awesome set of suspense loved all three and learned what awesome prayers were offered up to holy God
What An awesome set of suspense loved all three and learned what awesome prayers were offered up to holy God
September 22, 2017
Good 3 books
I really enjoyed reading these 3 books and all about Kennedy and her struggles and trials I am anxious to read the next book.
I really enjoyed reading these 3 books and all about Kennedy and her struggles and trials I am anxious to read the next book.
May 19, 2020
While I really enjoyed the first 2 books, I didn’t like the 3rd.
June 14, 2020
I loved all three of these books they really brought home how important it is never to lose faith and how in the darkness we can still feel the peace of Gods present.
November 18, 2020
Great books!
February 8, 2021
It was ok. Took forever to get into the first story, then it was interesting for a bit in the later part of 1&2 but 3 totally felt flat to me.
July 2, 2023
Dnf.. returned
October 11, 2023
Great books!
Worth reading! Great stories and great characters. I enjoyed reading and felt like I was right there with them! Enjoy
Worth reading! Great stories and great characters. I enjoyed reading and felt like I was right there with them! Enjoy
March 19, 2024
Hard to put down
Every chapter had me wishing I had more time to read. Fantastic series. Lots of unexpected twists and turns that held my interest.
Every chapter had me wishing I had more time to read. Fantastic series. Lots of unexpected twists and turns that held my interest.
March 22, 2024
police story- book 3
Too much repetition. Characters weren’t well developed. Story conclusion & ending too abrupt & not really tied up. Book 1 & 2 not too bad. Skim or omit book 3.
Too much repetition. Characters weren’t well developed. Story conclusion & ending too abrupt & not really tied up. Book 1 & 2 not too bad. Skim or omit book 3.
December 12, 2019
Loved this series!
I really liked this series a lot, and I hope things like this dont really happen, but sadly, I am sure they do. I wish I had a Carl and Sandy in my life :)
I really liked this series a lot, and I hope things like this dont really happen, but sadly, I am sure they do. I wish I had a Carl and Sandy in my life :)
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews