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The Yaphe: The Beautiful People
Sixteen-year-old Serene Thompson can’t wait to gain her independence. The mysterious and sheltered life she shares with her family is wearing on her, and she longs for a normal future—college, friends, a regular job, her own place.
That future remains just out of reach, thanks to Serene’s overprotective parents, whose whole life revolves around her sister, Faith, and her troubling dreams. Every time Faith has a nightmare, Serene’s mother becomes more agitated. Every time she dreams about a people called the Yaphe, the family must pack up and move yet again.
Who are the Yaphe? Why is her mother so afraid of them? And what mysterious secret is she keeping?
Serene finds a glimmer of hope when she meets Jacob Dresden, a young man who promises to help her find her courage, and the future she wants. She trusts him, but something about his striking appearance is troublingly familiar.
When he begins to raise questions about her mother’s motives for their strange life, Serene becomes deeply uneasy. Is he who he claims to be? By accepting his help, has she walked into a trap, and put herself and Faith in danger?
That future remains just out of reach, thanks to Serene’s overprotective parents, whose whole life revolves around her sister, Faith, and her troubling dreams. Every time Faith has a nightmare, Serene’s mother becomes more agitated. Every time she dreams about a people called the Yaphe, the family must pack up and move yet again.
Who are the Yaphe? Why is her mother so afraid of them? And what mysterious secret is she keeping?
Serene finds a glimmer of hope when she meets Jacob Dresden, a young man who promises to help her find her courage, and the future she wants. She trusts him, but something about his striking appearance is troublingly familiar.
When he begins to raise questions about her mother’s motives for their strange life, Serene becomes deeply uneasy. Is he who he claims to be? By accepting his help, has she walked into a trap, and put herself and Faith in danger?
301 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 19, 2021
About the author
Ruthie Madison
17 books38 followersI am an author, rancher's wife, caregiver and graphic designer and I seek the kingdom of God.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
August 3, 2021
The Yaphe: The Beautiful People
Ruthie Madison
Amazon Services LLC
ASIN : B099SFBZ24
Publication date : July 19, 2021
I was given an advanced reader copy of The Yaphe with no expectation of review positive or otherwise, but I must say that I am rather impressed with this book and concept. I’ve had the pleasure of reading Ruthie’s other books as well, and I’ve seen her grow as a writer/author, Yaphe in my opinion is her most impressive book to date. The characters and emotions came alive on the page, and the concept is a unique one.
Serene Thompson is sixteen and tired of living a sheltered life with her family, she is ready to gain her independence. She wants a normal future, one that includes college, friends, a regular job, and a place of her own.
Unfortunately that future seems just out of reach, due to Serene’s overprotective parents, whose whole life revolves around her sister, Faith, and her troubling dreams. Whenever Faith has a nightmare Serene’s mother becomes more agitated. Whenever Faith has a dream about a people called The Yaphe her family packs up and moves again.
Who are these people called The Yaphe? Why is their Mother so afraid of them? And what mysterious secret is she keeping?
When she meets Jacob Dresden, a young man who promises to help her find her courage, and the future she wants. Serene trusts him, but something about his striking appearance is troublingly familiar.
When Jacob begins to raise questions about her mother’s motives for their strange life, Serene finds herself becoming deeply uneasy. Is he who he claims to be? By accepting his help, has she walked into a trap, and put herself and Faith in danger?
If you’re looking for an intriguing, excellent and unique read, I highly recommend The Yaphe!
I give The Yaphe: The Beautiful People five out of five stars…
Happy Reading!
Ruthie Madison
Amazon Services LLC
ASIN : B099SFBZ24
Publication date : July 19, 2021
I was given an advanced reader copy of The Yaphe with no expectation of review positive or otherwise, but I must say that I am rather impressed with this book and concept. I’ve had the pleasure of reading Ruthie’s other books as well, and I’ve seen her grow as a writer/author, Yaphe in my opinion is her most impressive book to date. The characters and emotions came alive on the page, and the concept is a unique one.
Serene Thompson is sixteen and tired of living a sheltered life with her family, she is ready to gain her independence. She wants a normal future, one that includes college, friends, a regular job, and a place of her own.
Unfortunately that future seems just out of reach, due to Serene’s overprotective parents, whose whole life revolves around her sister, Faith, and her troubling dreams. Whenever Faith has a nightmare Serene’s mother becomes more agitated. Whenever Faith has a dream about a people called The Yaphe her family packs up and moves again.
Who are these people called The Yaphe? Why is their Mother so afraid of them? And what mysterious secret is she keeping?
When she meets Jacob Dresden, a young man who promises to help her find her courage, and the future she wants. Serene trusts him, but something about his striking appearance is troublingly familiar.
When Jacob begins to raise questions about her mother’s motives for their strange life, Serene finds herself becoming deeply uneasy. Is he who he claims to be? By accepting his help, has she walked into a trap, and put herself and Faith in danger?
If you’re looking for an intriguing, excellent and unique read, I highly recommend The Yaphe!
I give The Yaphe: The Beautiful People five out of five stars…
Happy Reading!
March 5, 2024
The story about two sisters, and the things they live through and go through showed me a sister bond. This book is a very thought-provoking read. Every time she has a “dream” of the Yap he people her family ups and moves.
Is her mother hiding? Something is her father? This was a page turner for me. I appreciate the authors story and the way she brought it all together.
Is her mother hiding? Something is her father? This was a page turner for me. I appreciate the authors story and the way she brought it all together.
May 29, 2026
The Yaphe: The Beautiful People immediately creates a sense of unease and mystery that quietly intensifies beneath the surface of what initially appears to be a coming-of-age story. Ruthie Madison builds an atmosphere where secrecy, fear, family loyalty, and identity constantly collide, pulling readers into Serene Thompson’s growing suspicion that her entire life may have been built around hidden truths.
What makes the novel especially compelling is the emotional tension surrounding Serene’s desire for independence. Her longing for an ordinary life friends, stability, freedom, and a future of her own feels deeply relatable, especially against the backdrop of a family constantly uprooted by fear and secrecy. The repeated moves, Faith’s disturbing dreams, and the family’s anxious obsession with the mysterious Yaphe create a slow-burning psychological tension that keeps the reader questioning everything alongside Serene.
The novel also succeeds because of its layered family dynamics. Serene’s frustration with her overprotective parents is balanced by her loyalty to her sister, while the mystery surrounding her mother’s fear of the Yaphe adds emotional complexity rather than simple conflict. The family’s secrecy feels protective, but also increasingly dangerous.
Jacob Dresden’s arrival adds another strong layer to the story. His connection with Serene introduces both emotional vulnerability and growing suspicion, creating an effective balance between trust, attraction, and fear. The uncertainty surrounding his true intentions gives the novel a strong undercurrent of psychological suspense that strengthens the larger mystery.
At its core, The Yaphe: The Beautiful People is about identity, hidden truths, trust, and the fear of discovering that the people closest to you may not be telling the full story. Readers drawn to atmospheric YA fantasy, mystery-driven supernatural fiction, emotionally layered family stories, and slow-building suspense will likely connect strongly with Serene’s journey.
What makes the novel especially compelling is the emotional tension surrounding Serene’s desire for independence. Her longing for an ordinary life friends, stability, freedom, and a future of her own feels deeply relatable, especially against the backdrop of a family constantly uprooted by fear and secrecy. The repeated moves, Faith’s disturbing dreams, and the family’s anxious obsession with the mysterious Yaphe create a slow-burning psychological tension that keeps the reader questioning everything alongside Serene.
The novel also succeeds because of its layered family dynamics. Serene’s frustration with her overprotective parents is balanced by her loyalty to her sister, while the mystery surrounding her mother’s fear of the Yaphe adds emotional complexity rather than simple conflict. The family’s secrecy feels protective, but also increasingly dangerous.
Jacob Dresden’s arrival adds another strong layer to the story. His connection with Serene introduces both emotional vulnerability and growing suspicion, creating an effective balance between trust, attraction, and fear. The uncertainty surrounding his true intentions gives the novel a strong undercurrent of psychological suspense that strengthens the larger mystery.
At its core, The Yaphe: The Beautiful People is about identity, hidden truths, trust, and the fear of discovering that the people closest to you may not be telling the full story. Readers drawn to atmospheric YA fantasy, mystery-driven supernatural fiction, emotionally layered family stories, and slow-building suspense will likely connect strongly with Serene’s journey.
July 29, 2021
This is a well written book that holds your attention. It's a Christian sci-fi / fantasy that has mystery and suspense. It's a really good read.
I received a complimentary copy and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I received a complimentary copy and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
August 4, 2021
Enjoyed reading this book. I love the deep connection with the sisters. The journey the girls take to find who they are kept me reading into the night. Great book.
July 9, 2026
The Yaphe: The Beautiful People was such an enjoyable surprise. What started as a story about a teenager wanting a normal life gradually unfolded into a suspenseful mystery that kept me wanting to know what was really going on. I found myself connecting with Serene's frustration and desire for independence, which made her feel like a real person rather than just a fictional character.
The slow reveal of the family's secrets was handled really well. Every chapter seemed to answer one question while raising another, and I loved trying to piece everything together alongside Serene. Jacob was an especially intriguing character I was never quite sure whether to trust him, and that uncertainty made the story even more compelling.
Ruthie Madison does a wonderful job balancing mystery, family relationships, and emotional moments without making the pacing feel rushed. The world-building is subtle but fascinating, and the ending left me eager to see what happens next.
If you enjoy young adult fantasy with mystery, suspense, and believable characters, I highly recommend The Yaphe: The Beautiful People. It was an engaging read from beginning to end, and I'm looking forward to continuing the series.
The slow reveal of the family's secrets was handled really well. Every chapter seemed to answer one question while raising another, and I loved trying to piece everything together alongside Serene. Jacob was an especially intriguing character I was never quite sure whether to trust him, and that uncertainty made the story even more compelling.
Ruthie Madison does a wonderful job balancing mystery, family relationships, and emotional moments without making the pacing feel rushed. The world-building is subtle but fascinating, and the ending left me eager to see what happens next.
If you enjoy young adult fantasy with mystery, suspense, and believable characters, I highly recommend The Yaphe: The Beautiful People. It was an engaging read from beginning to end, and I'm looking forward to continuing the series.
July 23, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ **A Captivating Christian Fantasy Full of Faith and Adventure**
*The Yaphe* by Ruthie Madison is a wonderful Christian fantasy that drew me in from the very beginning. The story follows Serene and her younger sister, Faith, as they discover that another dimension exists—and that their mother is actually from that mysterious world. The blend of fantasy, mystery, and faith creates an engaging adventure that kept me turning the pages.
I especially enjoyed watching Serene and Faith uncover the truth about their family's past while facing the challenges that came with entering another dimension. Ruthie Madison does an excellent job weaving Christian themes throughout the story without taking away from the excitement of the plot. The message of faith, courage, and trusting God's plan shines through in a meaningful way.
The characters were easy to connect with, and the imaginative world-building made the fantasy elements come alive. If you're looking for a clean fantasy filled with adventure, heart, and a strong Christian message, I highly recommend *The Yaphe*. I look forward to reading more from Ruthie Madison in the future!
*The Yaphe* by Ruthie Madison is a wonderful Christian fantasy that drew me in from the very beginning. The story follows Serene and her younger sister, Faith, as they discover that another dimension exists—and that their mother is actually from that mysterious world. The blend of fantasy, mystery, and faith creates an engaging adventure that kept me turning the pages.
I especially enjoyed watching Serene and Faith uncover the truth about their family's past while facing the challenges that came with entering another dimension. Ruthie Madison does an excellent job weaving Christian themes throughout the story without taking away from the excitement of the plot. The message of faith, courage, and trusting God's plan shines through in a meaningful way.
The characters were easy to connect with, and the imaginative world-building made the fantasy elements come alive. If you're looking for a clean fantasy filled with adventure, heart, and a strong Christian message, I highly recommend *The Yaphe*. I look forward to reading more from Ruthie Madison in the future!
July 25, 2026
The Yaphe offers a fresh, imaginative premise that stands out in the YA mystery space. I really enjoyed the unique storyline and the steady pacing. It’s clear the author put a lot of heart into crafting something different.
The author’s voice and writing style are unique, and it ultimately gives the book its own personality.
Overall, this is a thoughtful, creative story with a strong central mystery. It has a strong Christian theme woven throughout with a strong clear message at the end. I’m glad I read it and will read the sequel if Ruthie does one. She hinted around that she might!
The author’s voice and writing style are unique, and it ultimately gives the book its own personality.
Overall, this is a thoughtful, creative story with a strong central mystery. It has a strong Christian theme woven throughout with a strong clear message at the end. I’m glad I read it and will read the sequel if Ruthie does one. She hinted around that she might!
June 5, 2026
Loved reading this book! The ending left me wanting more though. I’m hoping there will be a book 2. Love the family, the dynamics, and the storyline!
July 22, 2021
Wow! This story is full of suspense, and has a great message! I also love Serene’s very realistic journey. Her emotions and decisions were very typical of someone her age. The girls’ mother’s sacrifice reminds me of The Greatest Sacrifice of all! Very well done!!!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews