Danger she can’t escape.Temptation she can’t ignore.And the secret that could destroy everything …Blessing’s worked hard as a single mom. Caring for her son, struggling to pay the bills, and straightening out her life after years on the street … It’s the hardest job she’s ever loved.Until her ex-boyfriend reappears with a secret that could cost her freedom, her family, even her very life.Blessing promised herself never to return to the hell she escaped from. But that was before she had a child to worry about.A child who will die if Blessing makes the wrong choice …Or the right one.
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.
1. It was written in 1st person and kept jumping from present tense to past tense as the MC thought back on things. I found it very confusing and hard to follow. 2. The main character was living in sin (living with boyfriend but not married, pregnant, and also had another child but I don't know if it was by the same boyfriend). There is a lot of telling about her life earlier when she was raped by an older man she was "in love with" (she was 13!), and then how she worked in prostitution and taught other girls to do the same. 3. Add to that the former "boyfriend" gets out of jail and threatens the main character's family if she doesn't help him rob a bank. I stopped when the girl couldn't decide what she was going to do.
Too much sin, bad stuff, drama, and not any foreseeable redemption. I don't recommend it to others.
As usual, Alana Terry shows us a side of life that most of us know nothing about and can hardly imagine. Blessing has had a very difficult life and done things that she believes are beyond forgiveness. But God's forgiveness has no limit, and even Blessing can find redemption. The spiritual growth of Blessing and Damion paired with the suspense combine in a can't-stop-reading story.
I received a copy of the book from the author, but I voluntarily wrote the review, which expresses my honest opinion.
Blessing on the Run was a thrilling ride dealing with issues like rape, murder, drugs and prostitution. Not unheard of in Christian fiction but dealt with in a different way. The story is told from Blessing's point of view and it definitely pulls at your heartstrings because it's real. Manipulated at a young age to believe lies told to her by an older man and held captive by abuse and addiction. She's trying to get her life together raising her son and getting things right. But abuse definitely has long standing effects. This leads to a wonderful story of redemption and forgiveness. It honestly isn't an easy read though quick but it's deep. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Celebrate Lit for a blog tour. All opinions expressed are solely mine.
After years of desperate and dangerous living, Blessing has been working to get her life together for herself and her young son. But her ex-boyfriend, who's done so much in the past to destroy her, shows up with a threat that could cause her even more pain and worse in Blessing on the Run by author Alana Terry.
The colorful but serious tone of the controlled but bold book cover design drew me to this suspense novella. I've an appreciation for ChristFic authors who address critical real-world problems without sugarcoating or downplaying them. Without realistic depictions of how bad things can get, there are a lot of people who won't get the picture of how far redemption can reach.
This story tackles a lot in a relatively short amount of time, from rape and drug addiction to fear, manipulation, guilt, and more. And yes, there's a thread of redemption that runs through it, even if the thread involves other characters more than it does Blessing.
Still, I had a hard time getting through this book because I dislike the heroine. I understand she has plenty of reason to be angry and jaded, but her constantly negative attitude becomes predictable and monotonous. The majority of what she says to the reader and the other characters is downbeat, cynical, or sarcastic, and oftentimes redundant. Not only is she decidedly down on herself, but she often points out how the actions of her loved ones bother her. The brief, positive spark at the end of the book isn't enough to convince me that Blessing, her son, and her relationships are going to be all right.
Even so, I pressed through and finished the book because its manipulation theme is relevant. Sure, it can be easy to see how someone else—especially a fictional character—is being taken in and used by an abusive, chronic liar. And yet manipulation is a widespread societal problem now, with untold numbers of people (Christians included) whose fears are being played upon so much that they tolerate, ignore, or find reasons to justify or even praise the terrible behavior of their manipulators.
It's rare that I don't necessarily enjoy a book but would still recommend it. What brings enjoyment varies from person to person, and I ultimately found this book to be worth the read.
I have heard about this author- Alana Terry- many, many times, but despite my love of the Christian suspense genre, this was actually the first book I had had the chance to read from her. While I cannot say that the story itself was my favorite, the writing was very good and I can certainly see myself searching out more from her in the future.
Here's the thing about this story: it doesn't shy away from the tough topics. Rape, prostitution, abortion, substance abuse... these are just some of the rather unsavory topics talked about in this book. These are not unheard of topics in the Christian fiction genre, however the approach felt much different to me. The story is told from the point of view of Blessing, a girl who was manipulated as a very young girl into a 'romance' with an older man and lived a life filled with prostitution, abuse and addiction. She had left that life behind to find a more stable life as a single mom living with her live-in boyfriend. Certainly not your typical lead in the Christian genre, is it? Still, though it's perhaps unsavory, it's still a reality. That kind of abuse has long lasting, harmful effects and while it's easy to not like Blessing for some of her decisions and reactions, it certainly can be rather eye-opening to that experience.
It also leads the way for a very messy story of redemption and God's grace. We know that God can forgive a multitude of sins, but I think we still struggle with that concept when pasts are a little messier. While I think that many more conservative Christian readers may shy away from this book, I do believe there is a good message to be gained from it if given the chance, and certainly worth a read.
**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for consideration. All thoughts are 100% my own.
Well, if there's one thing I've learned while reading quite a few of Alana Terry's books, it's to expect the unexpected. I'm really not sure what I WAS expecting when I started Blessing On The Run, maybe some kind of romantic suspense with a cross-country chase. Anyway, whatever I did think, I was wrong. No, it was so much better!
Another thing you can count on with an Alana Terry book is that she will take on some of the toughest issues, those hot button topics, the things that we wade through every day while trying to understand and strengthen our faith in this modern culture of ours. In Blessing On The Run author Alana Terry, without prejudice and without judgment, opens the door on one of America's darkest and best kept secrets. The trafficking of our own fellow Americans, all of it right here in this country.
Blessing On The Run was a good read. Sure, it has some pretty tough stuff in it but there is still hope, the Ultimate Hope. I appreciated the first-person narrative, getting that chance to step inside Blessing’s mind and heart as she desperately tries to save those she loves and keep herself from once again becoming a victim to her troubled past.
So, do you want to have your eyes opened to the dark truth of what really goes on outside of the safety of your home? Care to realize what might be happening to people you know? Read Blessing On The Run from Alana Terry. IF YOU DARE....
(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
Blessing on the Run" by Alana Terry is a novel that deals with hard subjects rape, prostitution, and drugs and abortion and a secrets. I really didn't think I would like this story once I started reading because of these issues, but once again, I was wrong. I had to keep reading till the end. When I reached the end and closed the book, I wanted to read more. I am hoping for a second book with these characters. The ending makes me think there might be.
I really like that this story is told by the character Blessing. It felt like she was talking to me and that I wasn't reading the book but listening to her tell it.
The best part of this story is that even with subjects like this, the author has told a realistic story without all the cursing that authors seems to enjoy using more these days. I give Alana Terry 5 stars for writing this book and sharing a true picture of what could very well be a true story in someone's life without using graphic words and scenes.
This book really pulled at my heart strings, I wanted to jump into the pages and give the characters a hug. Well, everyone but Jerrod.
I was given a complimentary copy by the author and Celebrate Lit. These opinions are my own.
I was looking for suspense filled book. Instead, I got a heart wrenching realistic. This book deals with tough topics of addiction, foster care and acceptance. I went through quite the emotional roller coaster.
This is my first time reading a Christian suspense novel and anything by Alana Terry. The book cover drew me in along with the storyline. So, let’s meet Blessing, a struggling mother of a 5-year-old son with a baby on the way. She is trying to get herself together after surviving a life of prostitution, physical and mental abuse, and drug addiction all of which she suffered at the hands of her psychotic ex-boyfriend, Jarrod.
She was adopted out of the foster care system by a pastor and his wife who supported her through everything. Now in her thirties, there were still things she hid from them like her current pregnancy, recently bumping into Jarrod freshly released from prison, and a dark secret Jarrod was holding over her head. Jarrod has also threatened to kill her parents if she doesn’t help him embezzle funds from the bank where she works. This is weighing on her mind and thrusts her deeper into a quandary when her son is kidnapped by Jarrod. Without giving away too much, Blessing must face Jarrod once and for all and make the best decisions to come out alive with her son.
Overall, it was a quick and engaging read. The author did a great job using first person point of view and giving readers the backstory of Blessing’s attraction to Jarrod and his manipulations. The things she went through were very heavy and terrifying. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the suspense laced with threads of redemption and forgiveness cloaked in prayer. I rooted for Blessing from start to finish knowing that despite everything she went through she was able to survive it all.
Two thumbs up! And yes, l would read something by Alana Terry again.
Some of my favorite lines:
Not like I don’t have other reasons to stay awake worrying. Like the fact that my ex-boyfriend wants me to help him embezzle funds from the bank where I work. I knew there had to be an angle from the first time Jarrod showed up and surprised me while I was trying to close, but the real reason didn’t come out until he called me about a week later. It started with the usual types of complaints. “Money’s real tight. Nobody wants to hire me when they see my record.” Hmm. Maybe he should have thought of that before he started pimping me and dozens of other underage girls out on the streets, right?
There is so much packed into this story that I couldn’t put it down. I love the way the author chose to write the story with the character as the narrator throughout the book. It is hard to grasp what Blessing has been through and each detail became more painful than the last. By reading the story the author shows how a young woman becomes entangled in a life she didn’t choose. In the deep reaches of her soul, Blessing has always wanted to be truly loved and not used by men. The only way I can think of Jarrod is a person who preys on innocent children. I will say the author delivers a character that is realistic and easy not to like. He has the ability to get in Blessings head and make her believe he cares for her. I can understand her thinking since all she has known is abuse which she interprets as love. I wanted to jump into the pages and take Jarrod by the collar and throw him in jail. Oh he says all the right things to Blessing but his attitude is horrible when she goes through something no twelve year old child should have to. The story is definitely a hard one to read, but it shows how easy a young person can fall for lies when they have felt unwanted for so long. It is easy to control them with words they want to hear and promises they believe are true. I think I stayed mad through the entire book because all I wanted to do was rescue Blessing. Her ability to write a story with topics that are not popular to talk about makes her writing so intriguing. I love how the author weaves faith into her stories while showing how easy the enemy can slip into someone’s life with broken promises.
One of the best things about this story is examining forgiveness. It is hard to comprehend that God would forgive someone for murder, rape, abortion and so many other sins we see as horrendous. In this story that one word , forgiveness, is the most powerful word to try to accept. We must always remember that there is no such thing has a little sin or a big sin. Sis inGod’s eyes is sin. He doesn’t compare one to the other. He does however forgive each of us and wants us to find freedom.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
My review today is on the Christian Suspense, Blessing on the Run. I was sent this book to read, this review is my own work. I found the book interesting, well written, and so sad. It's terrible what people do to each other; especially those they think of as less important than themselves. This story is about human trafficking and how a man can twist little girls around his fingers.
Blessing was in foster care when she met Jarrod. She was only ten. She was soon trafficked out and later showed the younger girls how to please their clients. After losing a couple of babies and Jarrod going to prison she had ended up with a son that Jarrod wasn't aware of. Now she is clean and has a good job at a bank. She has a live in boyfriend, another baby on the way, and it is Christmas. Jarrod is out of prison and contacts her. He wants her to give him information about the bank she works at so he can rob it. He threatens her adopted parents if she refuses. She has stalled him until after Christmas. At the Christmas Eve dinner Her boyfriend announces that she is pregnant and asks her to marry him. On the way home she is fighting with her boyfriend when Jarrod calls and she goes off on him and refuses to help. He tells her she'll be sorry and hangs up. Now what is she going to do? Can she go to the police? Jarrod holds a past secret over her head, can she tell anyone? Would she go back to prison?
A terrifying journey against a mad man. How can this little family survive this monster? God has a plan for them a plan for a hope and a future. God has a plan for you too. A good plan and not for evil. Give Him your heart and watch Him rescue you from your monsters.
This was a difficult read for me because it dealt with the raw reality of sexual predators, prostitution, and more. There were not too many pretty or pleasant things in this book, but it was real. And the message is important. I credit the author for showing people how children are groomed to become victims, and how many remain victims even into adulthood because of the experiences they've had to endure, and the way their mind has been damaged and altered by the lies and actions of their abusers. And thank you, Alana Terry, for telling Blessing's story in a way that was not overly graphic or descriptive, yet still got the message across. Also, thank you for showing us that these children and yes, even women, are truly VICTIMS, not women who have simply chosen a less-than-appealing way of life, and that they need to be loved and shown conpassion.
I appreciated the ongoing theme of acceptance, love, compassion, and forgiveness throughout this story. Blessing had good and loving parents who not only taught her who God was, but also showed her through their actions. I loved that they never gave up on her. Even when she made mistakes, they showed her true unconditional love. God's love showed up brightly.
I do wish that the story would have continued a little further and spent more time on the healing process and continued recovery for Blessing. Much time was spent on her abuse, which was necessary to get the full impact of her hurts, but I felt that her healing was just starting by the end of the book. I would've loved reading about how God walked Blessing through a complete healing and what effects that would have had on her and her whole family. I know that would be too much for a novella, but I feel this story was big enough for a big book. Possibly even an epilogue would've left me more satisfied with the ending.
My Thoughts on Blessing on the Run: I have read several of Alana Terry’s books before and I knew that this was going to be a good one because I’ve not read a bad one from her yet! This one was a very short read for me, partly because it’s a short book compared to some of hers but also because it’s fast-paced and reads quickly.
Blessing has led a hard life. It hasn’t been easy for her growing up. She has a horrible secret that she doesn’t want anyone to know. It’s a really really bad deep dark secret that only her ex-boyfriend knows and he is not above holding it over her head until she does what he wants her to do. Now that he’s out of jail and forced himself back into her life she’s not sure what she’s going to do and doesn’t know how long her secret can remain safe.
Her life has changed since she was the girl her parents took in and later adopted. She’s turned her life around and even though she lives with her boyfriend, she’s starting to wonder about this God person of her parents. But she knows he’s never going to want her and her dirty dark secret.
When her son’s life is at stake, can Blessing make the right choices?
Highly recommend this book and all of Alana Terry’s novels.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
My Thoughts on Blessing on the Run: I have read several of Alana Terry’s books before and I knew that this was going to be a good one because I’ve not read a bad one from her yet! This one was a very short read for me, partly because it’s a short book compared to some of hers but also because it’s fast-paced and reads quickly.
Blessing has led a hard life. It hasn’t been easy for her growing up. She has a horrible secret that she doesn’t want anyone to know. It’s a really really bad deep dark secret that only her ex-boyfriend knows and he is not above holding it over her head until she does what he wants her to do. Now that he’s out of jail and forced himself back into her life she’s not sure what she’s going to do and doesn’t know how long her secret can remain safe.
Her life has changed since she was the girl her parents took in and later adopted. She’s turned her life around and even though she lives with her boyfriend, she’s starting to wonder about this God person of her parents. But she knows he’s never going to want her and her dirty dark secret.
When her son’s life is at stake, can Blessing make the right choices?
Highly recommend this book and all of Alana Terry’s novels.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
Emotionally charged book of a young woman, Blessing, who had a tragically twisted life from the time she was born being passed from one foster home to another. By the time she was 10, she was already being molested and abused by a 'sick' male who was much older than her. We see and hear stories of young girls on the street, but this author, Alana Terry, spells it out in a heart-wrenching way as she relates the grooming, the deceit, the drugs, the abuse, the addiction, the abortions and the absolute horror of young girls caught up in the sex industry. The redeeming grace is that Blessing is eventually fostered by loving and caring parents who accept her as she is, the good and the bad, and they stay with her through the many ups and downs of her life. Even though the story covers all the above and more, don't let it scare you off. It is written in clean language and doesn't go into bedroom scenes. I would recommend it as a very good book to help parents and young girls understand the dangers that are out there, and the importance of helping young people avoid this high risk lifestyle. It will also give those already involved in this lifestyle hope for a way out.
Alana Terry packs a punch like always in this emotional, truth filled suspense. Alana never shies away from diving into weighty topics and giving us the character's point of view, insecurities, hurts, and fears. In this book, we dive into the world of a life on the streets, sexual abuse, and prostitution. The author is able to give us a realistic look at this without being overly vulgar or using offensive language. The author gives us an inside look of people we are so quick to judge when looking from the outside without knowing their entire story. The author weaves a story of salvation, true love that is found in Christ alone, and redemption, and brings us suspense to boot. Blessing is really a heroine- so complex and developing with every turn of the page. The villain was so clearly portrayed that it gave the suspense a real jump factor to it. If you love suspense, this one is for you, even if you're just looking for an inspirational journey of hope- this one is for you.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, and all opinions given are entirely my own.
This is Blessing’s story. I must admit I was horrified at some of the things this poor child had experienced. The abuse at the hands of her psychotic ex-boyfriend who had also been her pimp opened my eyes to a world of exploitation that I couldn't even imagine. As she recalled her experiences, I found myself wondering why she allowed Jarrod to continue to have power over her. I came to the realization that she had never been given the tools to break away from that kind of manipulation. While she now is supposedly free, the ropes that bind her to him seem impossible to break.
There are plenty of twists and turns in this incredible story. The fact that God is always there, waiting for us with arms wide open is a recurring theme throughout the book, reminding us that forgiveness is there, we need only ask.
This review copy was received through the author and CelebrateLit. My impressions and comments were in no way solicited.
This author has given us another top-notch realistic story. Blessings On The Run has plenty of real-life issues that many women have been through. While they aren't considered the issues of some generations, the truth is they have always been there. The story is told first-person, with flashbacks. Blessing, like many women I know, has been used and degraded by men her entire life. My heart hurt for her, as it does for the real people I know who have or are going through such trials. Forgiveness and redemption are the themes of this book. Control and manipulation were clearly shown and not glossed over into something that is okay. I found it to be a relevant read.
For anyone who hasn't been around the issues in this book, it's good to keep in mind that they are far more prevalent in today's world than tend to be discussed in most Christian circles.
My copy came from Celebrate Lit. This review is my own, left of my own volition and contains my thoughts about this book.
Step inside a ring of underage girls forced into sex trafficking. Alana Terry knows how to tell a powerful story and evoke the emotion without offering graphic details. In this compelling tale, Blessing is a single mom whose back story emerges, entwined with the present day, as she tries to protect her young son. She has been through so much in her life—it tears at your heart. This short novel can be read in a few hours, but it won’t quickly leave your thoughts or heart. The story helps readers understand how a young teen or preteen can get caught up in this tragic life, groomed by an older guy who professes love and offers gifts. This is a book you won’t want to put down even though the topic is one to get up in arms about. Have hope. The tale contains some surprises and the ending offers a satisfying conclusion. The honest portrayal brings the characters to life. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.
One of the reading challenges my group has for this year was to read something out of your comfort zone. This was mine, even though I didnt realize it would be when I downloaded it. I found it gritty and somewhat disconcerting yet it has a ring of truth to it. Blessing has been passed around to various men by the time she is 10, and by the time she is 12 she's pregnant and too far along for an abortion. Her pimp gives her something to induce labor and she has the baby the the middle school restroom. She embarks on a near 20 year journey with this secret weighing her down. The pimp eventually goes to prison & she has a good job and a new boyfriend. There is no graphic sex but you realize what is taking place in her early days. The ending ties up a couple threads and winds up being satisfactory. Gotta wonder if Blessing is going to take her blessings seriously, or not.
Wow! I figured I would start this & see what it was like and read more tomorrow.....well, I can go to bed now because I just finished it! It kept me wondering what was going to happen next. I love how it showed one way after another that God is always there for us in spite of how often we chose to turn away from Him. He has a patience we can't really understand but can stop & accept His love and deliverance at any point in time. At the end of the book when it seems like the story is ending and showing the beautiful forgiveness the characters have accepted, an even more beautiful plan God had in place all along is revealed! I don't want to give away the particulars but will say this book shows there is no end to the immense beauty God can make of our lives in spite of the mess we have chosen create!! Another awesome book!!
Well written story about a woman who was victimized as a young girl, and has dealt with addiction, both to drugs and to her abuser. At first, without knowing all of her circumstances, I did not like the woman. Another reminder that we are not to judge? Oh, yes... I get those reminders even when it's a fictional character. The only thing I can say is that I am glad I read this book and will not be forgetting the character anytime soon. I thank God for Christian authors, especially the ones who aren't afraid to write about the less savory topics. There are a lot of broken people in this world and their stories need to be told, if only in a fictionalized form. Alana Terry is brave enough to do that.
Blessing on the Run is not your typical fiction book! It deals with tough issues, that even though it was not explicit, turned my stomach to think that such atrocities do occur. Blessing is a well written main character whose child and teen years were spent being abused by a young pimp. She is so addicted to this man and now that he is released from prison, she must decide what she wants her future to be like. This book contains no fluff reading. If you want grit, this is the book for you. Alana Terry always deals with real life issues in her writings. I received a complimentary e-book from the author. This is my honest opinion.
A beautiful ending to a tragic story a young girl was groomed from 10 to 12 by a pimp of young girls. Even though she was adopted at 13 she was still in his clutches and worked for him on the streets. At 16 she ran away to be with him because he has he on drugs. Then he locked her in the stable and mad her dress and put makeup on the younger girls that he had. By the grace of God and the prayers of her adopted mom and dad she turned her life around and got clean of drugs, which happened when she found out she was pregnant. After being clean and responsible for 5 years he returns and finally gets shot by police when he kidnapped her son.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
A tough book to read. It deals with teenage prostitution, drugs, abortion, manipulation, and a loving Pastor and his family who loves and embraces the "unlovable". it was also difficult to read because the main character--Blessing--was a self-centered young woman taken in by the loving Pastor and his wife, but she remained angry, resentful and negative. However, I'm glad I stuck with it and read the book to the end, as it had a redeeming twist that I didn't see coming--one only God could have orchestrated--and a hope that this young woman would be changed.
Blessing has been mentioned in previous stories, but this is her story. It goes back and forth between her youth and current life via her memories. We see Carl, Sandy and Drisklay again plus a brief interlude with Dominic from the Kennedy Stern series, as well as Damion and Jarrod. This story is easy to get into, and hard to put down with enough suspense and plot twists to keep you wondering.
A complimentary copy was provided by the author. No obligation of a review was required.
Blessing on the Run was an okay story at beat. Ms. Terry used very complicated situations to tell a story of salvation: how no matter how bad things get, and no matter how far we fall, redemption is always possible. Where this Christian fiction story fell flat for me is where Ms. Terry doesn't explain the pathway to redemption and salvation. I believe even just a small reference to John 3:16 would have made this story more a more compelling read for me.
This is a quick read but the subject matter is intense. Blessing has led a tough life and this book goes in to child pornography and abortions and other hard topics. This is well written and very sad. I wasn’t sure if I really liked Blessing but she had a hard life and at least improved her life. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
This story deals with a lot of tough issues which makes this a bit of a darker read. The dark depths and brutal truths of this read highlight a far too common reality. On a lighter note; this is a hopeful story about redemption and God’s grace.
While this is not my favorite by this author and I found it hard to follow at times. I did still enjoy it and still recommend it to anyone who enjoys a faith-filled suspense.