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Imagination #1
Becoming Me
Is there something greater than we know? Can we, through the talents God has given us, tap into a well-spring our mortal senses do not see? If so, how do we encourage each other to find that deeper “something,” or do we rationalize each other out of even searching for it?
Paige Grayson isn’t crushing on Nelson Samuels. Just ask her. She’ll tell you. After all, he is her sister’s best friend, “royalty” in her high school, a senior, and so talented he would never notice a nobody like her. So Paige resorts to pouring her non-existent feelings for Nelson into a very special notebook, a notebook of the words that cascade through her without her knowing how or where they come from. She’s always been like that, writing words that are poetic, ephemeral, and too precious to share with anyone else. But what happens when she loses the notebook that contains the words that are such a part of her? Worse, when Nelson starts to want to hang out, can she play it cool or will he learn all the secrets she’s been keeping from everyone, even herself?
Nelson Samuels knows he’s always been a little weird. For as long as he can remember, he’s done his best to keep just how weird a secret from those closest to him. Yes, they know he writes music. What they don’t know is that he hears music in haunting melodies all the time. Having learned to capture some of them into notes on a page, he struggles to share just enough of his talent without risking anyone knowing all of it. It’s only when Nelson starts to notice his best friend’s younger sister that life is about to dare him to open the deepest secrets he holds about himself to someone else. Will he be brave enough to share the imagination side of him, or will he forever stay trapped in knowing he has this amazing gift but being too afraid to share it with anyone?
“Becoming Me” begins The Imagination Series by USA Today Best-Selling Christian author Staci Stallings. This set of stories begins in the very real world and takes the reader on a journey to learn that we all have gifts and talents, and those were placed inside of us by a God Who loves us and wants us to learn to use them—for ourselves, for our friends and family, for the world, and for His Kingdom. Come along on this journey that dares to ask what would happen if we all stopped judging our differences and started celebrating them instead.
Paige Grayson isn’t crushing on Nelson Samuels. Just ask her. She’ll tell you. After all, he is her sister’s best friend, “royalty” in her high school, a senior, and so talented he would never notice a nobody like her. So Paige resorts to pouring her non-existent feelings for Nelson into a very special notebook, a notebook of the words that cascade through her without her knowing how or where they come from. She’s always been like that, writing words that are poetic, ephemeral, and too precious to share with anyone else. But what happens when she loses the notebook that contains the words that are such a part of her? Worse, when Nelson starts to want to hang out, can she play it cool or will he learn all the secrets she’s been keeping from everyone, even herself?
Nelson Samuels knows he’s always been a little weird. For as long as he can remember, he’s done his best to keep just how weird a secret from those closest to him. Yes, they know he writes music. What they don’t know is that he hears music in haunting melodies all the time. Having learned to capture some of them into notes on a page, he struggles to share just enough of his talent without risking anyone knowing all of it. It’s only when Nelson starts to notice his best friend’s younger sister that life is about to dare him to open the deepest secrets he holds about himself to someone else. Will he be brave enough to share the imagination side of him, or will he forever stay trapped in knowing he has this amazing gift but being too afraid to share it with anyone?
“Becoming Me” begins The Imagination Series by USA Today Best-Selling Christian author Staci Stallings. This set of stories begins in the very real world and takes the reader on a journey to learn that we all have gifts and talents, and those were placed inside of us by a God Who loves us and wants us to learn to use them—for ourselves, for our friends and family, for the world, and for His Kingdom. Come along on this journey that dares to ask what would happen if we all stopped judging our differences and started celebrating them instead.
405 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 6, 2018
578 people are currently reading
172 people want to read
About the author
Staci Stallings
72 books581 followersA stay-at-home mom with a husband, three kids and a writing addiction on the side, Staci Stallings has numerous titles for readers to choose from. Not content to stay in one genre and write it to death, Staci’s stories run the gamut from young adult to adult, from motivational and inspirational to full-out Christian and back again. Every title is a new adventure! That’s what keeps Staci writing and you reading. Staci touches the lives of people across the globe every week with her various Internet endeavors including:
Spirit Light Books–The Blog:
http://spiritlightbooks.wordpress.com/
Facebook Author Page at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Spirit-...
Staci’s Ebook Romance Stories:
http://ebookromancestories.com/
Follow Staci on Twitter: @StaciStallings
Spirit Light Books–The Blog:
http://spiritlightbooks.wordpress.com/
Facebook Author Page at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Spirit-...
Staci’s Ebook Romance Stories:
http://ebookromancestories.com/
Follow Staci on Twitter: @StaciStallings
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
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August 26, 2018💝FREE on Amazon today (8/26/2018)!💝
Blurb:
Is there something greater than we know? Can we, through the talents God has given us, tap into a well-spring our mortal senses do not see? If so, how do we encourage each other to find that deeper “something,” or do we rationalize each other out of even searching for it?
Paige Grayson isn’t crushing on Nelson Samuels. Just ask her. She’ll tell you. After all, he is her sister’s best friend, “royalty” in her high school, a senior, and so talented he would never notice a nobody like her. So Paige resorts to pouring her non-existent feelings for Nelson into a very special notebook, a notebook of the words that cascade through her without her knowing how or where they come from. She’s always been like that, writing words that are poetic, ephemeral, and too precious to share with anyone else. But what happens when she loses the notebook that contains the words that are such a part of her? Worse, when Nelson starts to want to hang out, can she play it cool or will he learn all the secrets she’s been keeping from everyone, even herself?
Nelson Samuels knows he’s always been a little weird. For as long as he can remember, he’s done his best to keep just how weird a secret from those closest to him. Yes, they know he writes music. What they don’t know is that he hears music in haunting melodies all the time. Having learned to capture some of them into notes on a page, he struggles to share just enough of his talent without risking anyone knowing all of it. It’s only when Nelson starts to notice his best friend’s younger sister that life is about to dare him to open the deepest secrets he holds about himself to someone else. Will he be brave enough to share the imagination side of him, or will he forever stay trapped in knowing he has this amazing gift but being too afraid to share it with anyone?
Blurb:
Is there something greater than we know? Can we, through the talents God has given us, tap into a well-spring our mortal senses do not see? If so, how do we encourage each other to find that deeper “something,” or do we rationalize each other out of even searching for it?
Paige Grayson isn’t crushing on Nelson Samuels. Just ask her. She’ll tell you. After all, he is her sister’s best friend, “royalty” in her high school, a senior, and so talented he would never notice a nobody like her. So Paige resorts to pouring her non-existent feelings for Nelson into a very special notebook, a notebook of the words that cascade through her without her knowing how or where they come from. She’s always been like that, writing words that are poetic, ephemeral, and too precious to share with anyone else. But what happens when she loses the notebook that contains the words that are such a part of her? Worse, when Nelson starts to want to hang out, can she play it cool or will he learn all the secrets she’s been keeping from everyone, even herself?
Nelson Samuels knows he’s always been a little weird. For as long as he can remember, he’s done his best to keep just how weird a secret from those closest to him. Yes, they know he writes music. What they don’t know is that he hears music in haunting melodies all the time. Having learned to capture some of them into notes on a page, he struggles to share just enough of his talent without risking anyone knowing all of it. It’s only when Nelson starts to notice his best friend’s younger sister that life is about to dare him to open the deepest secrets he holds about himself to someone else. Will he be brave enough to share the imagination side of him, or will he forever stay trapped in knowing he has this amazing gift but being too afraid to share it with anyone?
February 20, 2020
4,5
Ah now I want more... So sweet...
Ah now I want more... So sweet...
September 22, 2018
Man this author captures the pain, unsteadiness, crazy mind blowing emotions that come on you as you go from being a carefree teen to finishing high school and being faced with the real world. Around this time or maybe I should say up to this time we are made aware of so much more than our little world it can be overwhelming. Trying to measure up to what you think others want from you or just to put on the face that makes everyone think you have it all together. These two learn from each other to share their troubles and that it's all easier with someone by your side. I love that this is a clean romance and that between them they have friends and family (hers) to help them through it all. I can't wait to see where the author takes us in the next book which continues their life. This is my first book by this author and while I normally stay away from YA's (too much teen angst kills me every time) I really enjoyed the way this one played out.
January 8, 2019
A Sweet Clean Read
Nelson is the Student Council President, an amazing musician, a super hard worker, and is adored by his fellow students. Unfortunately, primarily due to his standing at home, he has minimal self-confidence but has learned how to put on a great act. Paige, along with numerous others secretly adores Nelson and has her own shortage of self-confidence. When they eventually spend more time together the two are a Godsend to each other and help each other build their self-confidence enormously.
Nelson is the Student Council President, an amazing musician, a super hard worker, and is adored by his fellow students. Unfortunately, primarily due to his standing at home, he has minimal self-confidence but has learned how to put on a great act. Paige, along with numerous others secretly adores Nelson and has her own shortage of self-confidence. When they eventually spend more time together the two are a Godsend to each other and help each other build their self-confidence enormously.
August 27, 2018
Being young and feeling, the want if, they really knew me, would they like me. Beautiful told story, of listening to who you are within yourself, and being true to it. There will come a place, and people that will want that. To write one’s feeling down, or to hear music, is a gift. This was a nice beginning to a new series, and a great message awaits readers, as they read this.
August 29, 2018
A lovely teens love story
Portraying the shyness, insecurities, hopes, talents, ambitions, feelings of rejection, betrayal of those meant to be closest to them and the soaring passions and beauty within each young character portrayed in this story. Well done Stacy Stallings! Once again you have written a story that is profoundly beautiful.
Portraying the shyness, insecurities, hopes, talents, ambitions, feelings of rejection, betrayal of those meant to be closest to them and the soaring passions and beauty within each young character portrayed in this story. Well done Stacy Stallings! Once again you have written a story that is profoundly beautiful.
July 30, 2018
Good Story
The themes of self-doubt and the lengths one goes to to hide it from the world are honestly and deeply explored here. As Paige and Nelson find out, two are definitely stronger than one.
The themes of self-doubt and the lengths one goes to to hide it from the world are honestly and deeply explored here. As Paige and Nelson find out, two are definitely stronger than one.
September 4, 2018
Good read
Ms Stallings has captured the feelings and hesitancies of both sexes as they start dating. Thought some of the things they dealt with were really tough for a 16 and 18 teens to handle.
Ms Stallings has captured the feelings and hesitancies of both sexes as they start dating. Thought some of the things they dealt with were really tough for a 16 and 18 teens to handle.
November 29, 2018
A new adult book, written about high school students. The author captures the drama of high school as well as the deep love that Seniors can have for one another.
I also liked the character issues with the parents that were being dealt with as well.
I also liked the character issues with the parents that were being dealt with as well.
August 19, 2021
One of my absolute favorite Christian romance authors. This series touches your heart, mind body and spirit in a special way.
I am in the process of re-reading the series because it is so good. I never do that.
I am in the process of re-reading the series because it is so good. I never do that.
March 28, 2024
Wow...very amazing just like all the others I've read...very inspiring...I really enjoyed this book.
It was a great book
I definitely would recommend it to anyone..
I didn't want to stop reading until I was done reading this book...keep up the excellent work...
It was a great book
I definitely would recommend it to anyone..
I didn't want to stop reading until I was done reading this book...keep up the excellent work...
July 10, 2018
Becoming Me
Paige has words flowing through her mind. Nelson has melodies playing in his head. The blending of her words and his notes make beautiful music.
Paige has words flowing through her mind. Nelson has melodies playing in his head. The blending of her words and his notes make beautiful music.
October 8, 2018
A good clean young adult book. It had interesting characters, a nice narrative style and all in all was an enjoyable read.
October 8, 2018
AWESOME!!!!!!
This was a very sweet and tender love story. I really enjoyed it. It caused me to go back to my high school years. That was not a good time in my live.
This was a very sweet and tender love story. I really enjoyed it. It caused me to go back to my high school years. That was not a good time in my live.
June 13, 2019
Excellent as always. I absolutely loved this book. The characters are believable and the story line pertinent. I love the way God's mercy, love and grace shine through.
July 7, 2019
Wonderfully written.
September 5, 2019
Enjoyed the book, and have started book 2. I also have the rest of the series so I can continue reading it. Liked the characters. Enjoyed the interaction between them.
November 10, 2021
No person can make a decision that is fully neutral. Every decision has consequences, so does every life.”
This Christian Fiction Novel by Staci Stallings is about Nelson and Paige: two teenagers who walk the same path but live in different worlds. Nelson’s world is full of responsibilities to his band, his position as student body president, and to making sure no one knows who he truly is—a musical genius who hears melodies in his head, and a guy who’s interested in his best friend’s little sister. Paige’s world consist of two things: words she writes in a secret notebook and feelings she has for her sister’s best friend. But Nelson’s and Paige’s worlds come a bit closer when Paige’s secret notebook falls into the hands of Nelson, thus giving lyrics to the melodies he hears.
I have to say in reading the blurb of the book, I was skeptical about the characters and the purpose of the story; but in starting the book, it became clear the story Staci Stallings created isn’t so simple. The story is of romance, sure, but it’s also about decisions and consequences, broken families, and about using your God-given talents even when it’s scary to do so.
What piqued my interest from the beginning is how Paige is a poet—a pretty good one at that. She has a unique way of turning her feelings into light and airy sentences, like feathers in word form. What kept my attention is the trust Paige and Nelson’s have in their relationship and how the trust deepens and grows. They cute. Real Cute.
I recommend this book if you want to read a story about being proud of your talents and creativity, trust in both familial relationships and romantic relationships, and a little of drama (c’mon, stop it, now you know you want to read about a about a snippet of drama).
P.S. This book also has a sequel, but the first book ends in a way where the reader won’t feel the story was open-ended if the second book isn’t read.
SPOILER ALERT RINGING LOUD AND PROUD
Who else was a bit scared for Paige’s safety when Taylor kept giving her ice glares during the band audition?? I thought the little girl was a goner, but surprisingly, Taylor turns out to be a supportive big sister for Paige. My favorite Taylor moment was when she called Nelson and asked what he had done to her sister and threatened to pummel him. I said, “Yes, Taylor, Yes! Get Him!”
My favorite Paige and Nelson moment was the Hula Hoop session. The dude was a pro! I had aspirations to be that good when I was kid! Needless to say, I didn’t get to his level ( I looked like a DJ spinning her records :/).
Thanks for reading! If you’ve read the book, comment your thoughts about it!
This Christian Fiction Novel by Staci Stallings is about Nelson and Paige: two teenagers who walk the same path but live in different worlds. Nelson’s world is full of responsibilities to his band, his position as student body president, and to making sure no one knows who he truly is—a musical genius who hears melodies in his head, and a guy who’s interested in his best friend’s little sister. Paige’s world consist of two things: words she writes in a secret notebook and feelings she has for her sister’s best friend. But Nelson’s and Paige’s worlds come a bit closer when Paige’s secret notebook falls into the hands of Nelson, thus giving lyrics to the melodies he hears.
I have to say in reading the blurb of the book, I was skeptical about the characters and the purpose of the story; but in starting the book, it became clear the story Staci Stallings created isn’t so simple. The story is of romance, sure, but it’s also about decisions and consequences, broken families, and about using your God-given talents even when it’s scary to do so.
What piqued my interest from the beginning is how Paige is a poet—a pretty good one at that. She has a unique way of turning her feelings into light and airy sentences, like feathers in word form. What kept my attention is the trust Paige and Nelson’s have in their relationship and how the trust deepens and grows. They cute. Real Cute.
I recommend this book if you want to read a story about being proud of your talents and creativity, trust in both familial relationships and romantic relationships, and a little of drama (c’mon, stop it, now you know you want to read about a about a snippet of drama).
P.S. This book also has a sequel, but the first book ends in a way where the reader won’t feel the story was open-ended if the second book isn’t read.
SPOILER ALERT RINGING LOUD AND PROUD
Who else was a bit scared for Paige’s safety when Taylor kept giving her ice glares during the band audition?? I thought the little girl was a goner, but surprisingly, Taylor turns out to be a supportive big sister for Paige. My favorite Taylor moment was when she called Nelson and asked what he had done to her sister and threatened to pummel him. I said, “Yes, Taylor, Yes! Get Him!”
My favorite Paige and Nelson moment was the Hula Hoop session. The dude was a pro! I had aspirations to be that good when I was kid! Needless to say, I didn’t get to his level ( I looked like a DJ spinning her records :/).
Thanks for reading! If you’ve read the book, comment your thoughts about it!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews