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Kennedy Stern #1
Unplanned
When Kennedy Stern’s childhood pastor asks her to volunteer at his new pregnancy center, she carves time out of her rigorous college schedule to promote the cause of the unborn.
After receiving a disturbing call from someone far too young to carry a child in the first place, Kennedy can no longer blindly hide behind the pro-life platitudes she grew up believing. She resolves to locate the unknown girl but winds up entrenched in a mystery that grows more convoluted as it unfolds.
Soon, Kennedy finds herself a pawn in a deadly game of intrigue, at the mercy of those who consider a few innocent lives a small ransom to pay in exchange for personal and political victory.
Alana Terry has won awards from Women of Faith, the Book Club Network, Grace Awards, Readers' Favorite, and more. Unplanned was a finalist in the Deep River Books writing contest. The ebook version contains discussion questions for personal reflection or group study.
After receiving a disturbing call from someone far too young to carry a child in the first place, Kennedy can no longer blindly hide behind the pro-life platitudes she grew up believing. She resolves to locate the unknown girl but winds up entrenched in a mystery that grows more convoluted as it unfolds.
Soon, Kennedy finds herself a pawn in a deadly game of intrigue, at the mercy of those who consider a few innocent lives a small ransom to pay in exchange for personal and political victory.
Alana Terry has won awards from Women of Faith, the Book Club Network, Grace Awards, Readers' Favorite, and more. Unplanned was a finalist in the Deep River Books writing contest. The ebook version contains discussion questions for personal reflection or group study.
230 pages, ebook
First published March 31, 2015
1480 people are currently reading
2146 people want to read
About the author
Alana Terry
95 books465 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 - 30 of 271 reviews
September 3, 2017
I was under the impression when I started this book that it was a Romantic Suspense, but upon reading it, I found that my impression was horribly wrong! I would definitely classify this story as a New Adult novel, which I really hate, but this one was actually rather engrossing! There is a definite mystery element to the story, but it is a very rudimentary one. In fact, the entire story felt rather simplistic!
We only get broad strokes when it comes to Kennedy, we don't get a lot of detail when it comes to her thought processes. Most of the events that occur in the story are told to us, rather than shown to us, so the combination of the two make it difficult to connect with Kennedy overall. The topic the story focused on is rather saddening in itself, so lacking that emotional connection to the story makes it harder to enjoy. Supporting characters that weren't Christians felt superficial at best, and the Christian ones weren't as in depth as I'd like.
I believe that this is the author's first book, and it certainly reads like that, even as such a quick read. I liked the fact that the story was complete for the most part, but that there were enough loose ends to progress to the next book. I was entertained enough with this that I'll probably read the next book in the series at some point.
We only get broad strokes when it comes to Kennedy, we don't get a lot of detail when it comes to her thought processes. Most of the events that occur in the story are told to us, rather than shown to us, so the combination of the two make it difficult to connect with Kennedy overall. The topic the story focused on is rather saddening in itself, so lacking that emotional connection to the story makes it harder to enjoy. Supporting characters that weren't Christians felt superficial at best, and the Christian ones weren't as in depth as I'd like.
I believe that this is the author's first book, and it certainly reads like that, even as such a quick read. I liked the fact that the story was complete for the most part, but that there were enough loose ends to progress to the next book. I was entertained enough with this that I'll probably read the next book in the series at some point.
February 19, 2019
2.5 stars
I’m really not sure what I think of this book. I liked it but at the same time I didn’t like it. It was intense, but not enough to make me nervous, which was nice. It had a mystery, but I pretty much figured it out early on. It dealt with really tough topics like “is abortion ever okay?” and “what do you do when you find a 13-year-old girl pregnant?” But it was also pretty detailed with blood and bleeding in parts. A new crises pregnancy center is opened up, but the one who was giving the hot line to answer had no training, no experience, no nothing. It talked about learning to trust God even when it seems He isn’t listening, but it kept things a bit vague, and the main character was still questioning at the end. There were characters who were fighting for life and standing for what was right, but I had problems with the “youth pastor” who had dreadlocks and wore t-shirts with pictures that were irreverent and frankly–disturbing. It talked about undercover missionary parents who seemed to be so focused on their work that their own child is pretty much left to do anything.
I probably won’t read the rest of the books in this series because this one left me so confused about my thoughts on it.
I’m really not sure what I think of this book. I liked it but at the same time I didn’t like it. It was intense, but not enough to make me nervous, which was nice. It had a mystery, but I pretty much figured it out early on. It dealt with really tough topics like “is abortion ever okay?” and “what do you do when you find a 13-year-old girl pregnant?” But it was also pretty detailed with blood and bleeding in parts. A new crises pregnancy center is opened up, but the one who was giving the hot line to answer had no training, no experience, no nothing. It talked about learning to trust God even when it seems He isn’t listening, but it kept things a bit vague, and the main character was still questioning at the end. There were characters who were fighting for life and standing for what was right, but I had problems with the “youth pastor” who had dreadlocks and wore t-shirts with pictures that were irreverent and frankly–disturbing. It talked about undercover missionary parents who seemed to be so focused on their work that their own child is pretty much left to do anything.
I probably won’t read the rest of the books in this series because this one left me so confused about my thoughts on it.
September 15, 2021
Another exciting thriller from Alana Terry, and this one was all too timely.
April 27, 2017
Unplanned by Alana Terry is a fast paced contemporary Christian suspense which I really enjoyed. At its heart the focus is pro life and recognising that God has His hand on us, even when we are still in the womb.
God, too was at the centre. For some, trusting God is easy. For others, life can intrude. "What was the point in worshipping a God who wouldn't lift His finger to rescue these precious souls?" God sees us all. He sees us before we are born. His rescue plan may not be ours but no one slips away unnoticed.
The peace of God can descend on those who trust, even in the midst of chaos. God's peace does not announce itself loudly, but quietly and gently envelopes us, securing us in His arms.
The novel shows that sometimes we become so comfortable with God that we forget His awesome power. "Had God become such an everyday part of her life, that there was no room left for awe?"
There is the theme of protection. Protection may come in the form of God (always) and people too.
Grief is a powerful motivating factor. Grief may consume souls who then act in a way that is contrary to their character.
Trust is another theme. "Something was tugging at her heart - an invitation to trust." We cannot go through life in isolation. We need to trust God and we need to trust others.
Family is important. Even though miles may separate, the reader can 'feel' the loving arms of parental love stretching out. How much greater is God's love for us?
Prayer is our hotline to God. He longs to hear from us. Sometimes we feel He is not listening. "Please, God. Aren't You listening?" Just because we cannot sense God does not mean He is not there. He has promised to never leave us nor forsake us.
Unplanned was a cracking thriller that I read with a racing heart to its conclusion. It was my first by Alana Terry but I shall be back for more. I was glad to see Unplanned is the first book in the Kennedy Stern Christian suspense series so plenty more to read!
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
God, too was at the centre. For some, trusting God is easy. For others, life can intrude. "What was the point in worshipping a God who wouldn't lift His finger to rescue these precious souls?" God sees us all. He sees us before we are born. His rescue plan may not be ours but no one slips away unnoticed.
The peace of God can descend on those who trust, even in the midst of chaos. God's peace does not announce itself loudly, but quietly and gently envelopes us, securing us in His arms.
The novel shows that sometimes we become so comfortable with God that we forget His awesome power. "Had God become such an everyday part of her life, that there was no room left for awe?"
There is the theme of protection. Protection may come in the form of God (always) and people too.
Grief is a powerful motivating factor. Grief may consume souls who then act in a way that is contrary to their character.
Trust is another theme. "Something was tugging at her heart - an invitation to trust." We cannot go through life in isolation. We need to trust God and we need to trust others.
Family is important. Even though miles may separate, the reader can 'feel' the loving arms of parental love stretching out. How much greater is God's love for us?
Prayer is our hotline to God. He longs to hear from us. Sometimes we feel He is not listening. "Please, God. Aren't You listening?" Just because we cannot sense God does not mean He is not there. He has promised to never leave us nor forsake us.
Unplanned was a cracking thriller that I read with a racing heart to its conclusion. It was my first by Alana Terry but I shall be back for more. I was glad to see Unplanned is the first book in the Kennedy Stern Christian suspense series so plenty more to read!
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
April 28, 2017
This book drew me in right away cause it's about a TCK (Third Culture Kids), and TCKs are one of those things in life that I'm passionate about.
There were times when I wasn't exactly sure what to think about this book. The cover made it look like a mystery or thriller, but then it started out with a really nice, calm pace. (I had nothing wrong with the pace - in fact I liked it a lot. It just wasn't what I was expecting from the cover.) But then part way through the pace really picks up and the adventure begins happening.
I was pulled into the story and intrigued by it. The book kept me wanting to come back for more. I felt like Kennedy, the main character, was well developed. I also connected with her, which isn't something that always happens, so that was a big plus.
The book dealt with some tough subjects, like totally not for kids. I thought it was well done, and even though there was TONS of information, it didn't come across as preachy, so that was really nice. There weren't a lot of unnecessary details, but there was enough to make it realistic and at one point I even was slightly sick to my stomach because of all that was going on.
I'm not sure if I can say I "enjoyed" this book, but it was amazing enough that I started reading the second book in the series as soon as I finished this first one. Way to go, Miss Alana!
There were times when I wasn't exactly sure what to think about this book. The cover made it look like a mystery or thriller, but then it started out with a really nice, calm pace. (I had nothing wrong with the pace - in fact I liked it a lot. It just wasn't what I was expecting from the cover.) But then part way through the pace really picks up and the adventure begins happening.
I was pulled into the story and intrigued by it. The book kept me wanting to come back for more. I felt like Kennedy, the main character, was well developed. I also connected with her, which isn't something that always happens, so that was a big plus.
The book dealt with some tough subjects, like totally not for kids. I thought it was well done, and even though there was TONS of information, it didn't come across as preachy, so that was really nice. There weren't a lot of unnecessary details, but there was enough to make it realistic and at one point I even was slightly sick to my stomach because of all that was going on.
I'm not sure if I can say I "enjoyed" this book, but it was amazing enough that I started reading the second book in the series as soon as I finished this first one. Way to go, Miss Alana!
December 15, 2016
Christian suspense. I'd like to rate this more highly, because I respected that this was about the topic of abortion. However, I felt there were far too many implausibilities and repetitious elements. For example, it's unbelievable that a crisis pregnancy center would begin operation with no trained staff, or that the main character would have been asked to man the phones with no training, and take the phone off premises. Also, no good reason was given for the main character's being abducted. It was mentioned many, many times that a drug would be ineffective, when in fact it would be effective but end up causing death to more than the fetus. I could go on, but basically I found myself turning pages just to get through the peril and try to understand the whys. I didn't find satisfactory conclusions.
February 7, 2019
This book was a good read, it didn't have twist and turn of others but it was intriguing till the end. Loved the main character and the story flowed easily and the writing style made you want to continue to the end!
October 31, 2017
Well, that was interesting for sure. This book started out slow and concluded quickly. This is the first time I've read a book by this author and I have to say it was ok. I'll still read the next book in this series. So we'll see how that one progresses.
July 2, 2022
This book was a timely read as I was scrolling last weekend through my kindle and came across this book, not knowing what it was about - I clicked into it. Turns out that Unplanned by Alana Terry was a CF edgy Teen/NA series featuring a young college girl Kennedy Stern. Why this book was timely, is that the day I read this book was the beginning of the Roe vs Wade case being overturned which as a result is making abortions in some states illegal and considered murder - just as if they had killed someone walking down the street. Myself, I am pro-life but I do acknowledge that there are a few cases where abortion in my mind is an acceptable course of action. I think it is something though that should be allowed because sadly the alternative is back-alley abortions which cause the death of the mother in a lot of instances e.g. septic, not done correctly, etc. Again, this is another case of the US going backward not forth into a world that is a massive contradiction at the moment as Hello, we accept LGBTQ+ and Black Lives Matter, etc but not Women's rights in terms of Abortion care which can be an actual life or death situation. It just doesn't make sense to me at all and as much as I wish I lived in the US - right now is one of those few times where I am thankful to be in a country like New Zealand.
Anyway, back to the book "Unplanned" which as readers need to note was published and released in 2015 and we are in 2022 now. Unplanned introduces us to Kennedy whose parents are missionaries and she has lived in a small Chinese province for the past ten years and now is back home in the US studying at the local university. Kennedy has reconnected with a Christian family who is the Pastor of a church and good friends with her parents. They have started a pregnancy hotline and community center and trying to recruit Kennedy into helping. She reluctantly agrees and takes home the phone not expecting it to ring, but it will and it will be a 13-year-old girl on the end of the line. As the call goes on, Kennedy is really worried and knows the girl is somehow connected to the congregation. What will happen though when she connects the girl to a powerful political family whose stance is pro-life? Kennedy and the young girl will find themselves kidnapped as someone who wants the baby gone and will do anything to protect the family's image even if it means going to an extreme of a back-alley abortion. This was quite a powerful read and one that does give you more views on the current state of the hot topic issue as it touches on a few points that translate into reality and the current situation of the abortion laws. As this is a CF read, it does have a huge input of religion and a strong Christianity view on the topic of abortion and body rights, which is brought up as a Christian I didn't mind reading about.
December 20, 2020
Unplanned⭐️
Kennedy comes back from studying and living abroad and finds it hard to adjust to being an american again.
Shes in the early admissions program at Harvard studying biology when Kennedy starts volunteering at a pregnancy center. Her fathers friend and the local pastor and his wiferun the center. On Kennedys first weekend manning the phones she gets a call from a young girl who she feels in danger. The girl says her name is Rose and that a friend needs help. Soon Kennedy finds out that the girl named Rose is 13 and her uncle is forcing her to get an abortion.
She worried this little girl is being abused and hurt at home but when Kennedy tries to track her down she comes up empty handed until Rose calls the center again and Kennedy tracks the number to the pastors church. Now everyone is involved in tracking Rose down before its too late.
But Kennedy got to close to the truth and now shes missing. Whats left to do but pray?
I really like how Kennedy discussed abortion and pro life. I also really like how she comforted Jodie in the midst of their kidnapping.
******Spoilers*****
Jodie aka Rose is abducted and forced to take an abortion pill but shes months along not weeks so the pill doesnt work. She keeps bleeding and bleeding shes lost to much blood. Did her uncle take Jodie to protect his brother, Wayne and the prolife campaign or did he take Jodie because showing that even the high and mighty Waynes daughter got knocked up and didnt want to have a baby By forcing Jodie to have an abortion.
Book club Qs
What stood out to you most in the book?
If you had a few extra hours a week to volunteer, where would you volunteer?
Wayne says he doesn’t have a right to be involved in pro-life ministry if he isn’t willing to help single moms. Do you agree or disagree?
Describe a time when you felt God‘s comfort and peace like Kennedy eventually does after she’s captured.
Have you had an experience like Kennedys when it felt like God wasn’t answering any of your prayers at all?
What are the primary reasons pro lifers give for being pro life?
What are the primary reasons pro abortionists get for being pro abortion?
“If we want abortions to stop we stop judging people would get pregnant out of weblock” Do you agree with that statement?
Kennedy showed extreme strength and trust in God while being kidnapped, in their situation would you have been strong like Kennedy or fearful like Jodie?
Anthony kidnapped his niece and forced her to get an abortion. Why did you think he did that? Was it to help protect his brother from the truth to save the campaign? Harm his brother, show him he failed as a prolifer and a father? What do you think?
Kennedy comes back from studying and living abroad and finds it hard to adjust to being an american again.
Shes in the early admissions program at Harvard studying biology when Kennedy starts volunteering at a pregnancy center. Her fathers friend and the local pastor and his wiferun the center. On Kennedys first weekend manning the phones she gets a call from a young girl who she feels in danger. The girl says her name is Rose and that a friend needs help. Soon Kennedy finds out that the girl named Rose is 13 and her uncle is forcing her to get an abortion.
She worried this little girl is being abused and hurt at home but when Kennedy tries to track her down she comes up empty handed until Rose calls the center again and Kennedy tracks the number to the pastors church. Now everyone is involved in tracking Rose down before its too late.
But Kennedy got to close to the truth and now shes missing. Whats left to do but pray?
I really like how Kennedy discussed abortion and pro life. I also really like how she comforted Jodie in the midst of their kidnapping.
******Spoilers*****
Jodie aka Rose is abducted and forced to take an abortion pill but shes months along not weeks so the pill doesnt work. She keeps bleeding and bleeding shes lost to much blood. Did her uncle take Jodie to protect his brother, Wayne and the prolife campaign or did he take Jodie because showing that even the high and mighty Waynes daughter got knocked up and didnt want to have a baby By forcing Jodie to have an abortion.
Book club Qs
What stood out to you most in the book?
If you had a few extra hours a week to volunteer, where would you volunteer?
Wayne says he doesn’t have a right to be involved in pro-life ministry if he isn’t willing to help single moms. Do you agree or disagree?
Describe a time when you felt God‘s comfort and peace like Kennedy eventually does after she’s captured.
Have you had an experience like Kennedys when it felt like God wasn’t answering any of your prayers at all?
What are the primary reasons pro lifers give for being pro life?
What are the primary reasons pro abortionists get for being pro abortion?
“If we want abortions to stop we stop judging people would get pregnant out of weblock” Do you agree with that statement?
Kennedy showed extreme strength and trust in God while being kidnapped, in their situation would you have been strong like Kennedy or fearful like Jodie?
Anthony kidnapped his niece and forced her to get an abortion. Why did you think he did that? Was it to help protect his brother from the truth to save the campaign? Harm his brother, show him he failed as a prolifer and a father? What do you think?
November 8, 2017
review to come
June 25, 2015
Unplanned is set in America and follows Kennedy Stern, the daughter of foreign missionaries, as she adjusts to life back in the states as a college student. When I read the book’s synopsis a while back, I don’t know why I didn’t put together the fact that this is the daughter who is mentioned as being away at college in Torn Asunder. If you have read the books set in China and North Korea, then this is a fun tie-in to them and I enjoyed hearing her perspective on growing up in the Stern household as they housed and prepared Secret Seminary students to enter into very dangerous missions. However, if you have not read the other stories by Alana Terry, don’t worry, Unplanned stands completely on its own.
This book deals with the topic of abortion and comes from a pro-life viewpoint. But it is not just a simple storyline that attempts to pull a reader to one side of the debate or the other. There are many questions raised by Kennedy as she navigates the disturbing situation that she finds herself in the middle of. I think the author did such a great job of showing that Kennedy is a young woman who is questioning everything, including her upbringing, her feelings of apathy toward God, even the reasons she is pro-life. Some very good questions are raised in this book.
Packed with intense mystery and suspense, the twists and turns will keep the reader enthralled. There are a few violent scenes toward the end of the book, as well as a medical situation that is described in some detail. I do feel that these details were important to the story, and I believe the author handled them in the best way possible. I simply mention it for readers who may be more sensitive to this type of thing.
I really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more in the series.
My thanks to the author for the complimentary copy of this book that I received in exchange for an honest review.
You can read this review on my blog at:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
This book deals with the topic of abortion and comes from a pro-life viewpoint. But it is not just a simple storyline that attempts to pull a reader to one side of the debate or the other. There are many questions raised by Kennedy as she navigates the disturbing situation that she finds herself in the middle of. I think the author did such a great job of showing that Kennedy is a young woman who is questioning everything, including her upbringing, her feelings of apathy toward God, even the reasons she is pro-life. Some very good questions are raised in this book.
Packed with intense mystery and suspense, the twists and turns will keep the reader enthralled. There are a few violent scenes toward the end of the book, as well as a medical situation that is described in some detail. I do feel that these details were important to the story, and I believe the author handled them in the best way possible. I simply mention it for readers who may be more sensitive to this type of thing.
I really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more in the series.
My thanks to the author for the complimentary copy of this book that I received in exchange for an honest review.
You can read this review on my blog at:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
February 2, 2017
After Kennedy signs up to answer phone calls from a pregnancy center, she finds herself talking to a very young pregnant girl. Kennedy determines to discover who this girl is in order to help her, but soon finds herself in danger because of her knowledge of the girl herself.
Unplanned was a whirlwind. I expected as much from Alana Terry, whose books have often brought me to stress or tears over the horrible situations the characters had to face. This one, however, also made a larger impact on my life because of its greater relevance to daily life in America.
In addition to the mystery and danger in Unplanned, Kennedy faces the controversy over abortion. Her beliefs are greatly challenged before she makes the decision for pro-life from her own knowledge and experience rather than her parents’. Making one’s own decision out of one’s own research was something the author stressed in the situation, something that is relevant to nearly everyone who reads this book.
One thing I noticed was that Alana Terry did a good job showing what a first year in college is like. Having recently experienced it myself, I can honestly say that Kennedy’s experiences were true to life, making her more relatable to the reader.
The plot focused more on the issue of abortion and helping the pregnant girl than on the suspense. It is not preachy, but it was definitely not as full of action, torture, escapes, and suspense as previous ones, such as Torn Asunder (whose characters were mentioned in Unplanned).
Unplanned was a great book I would recommend to others.
I received a free copy of Unplanned from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Unplanned was a whirlwind. I expected as much from Alana Terry, whose books have often brought me to stress or tears over the horrible situations the characters had to face. This one, however, also made a larger impact on my life because of its greater relevance to daily life in America.
In addition to the mystery and danger in Unplanned, Kennedy faces the controversy over abortion. Her beliefs are greatly challenged before she makes the decision for pro-life from her own knowledge and experience rather than her parents’. Making one’s own decision out of one’s own research was something the author stressed in the situation, something that is relevant to nearly everyone who reads this book.
One thing I noticed was that Alana Terry did a good job showing what a first year in college is like. Having recently experienced it myself, I can honestly say that Kennedy’s experiences were true to life, making her more relatable to the reader.
The plot focused more on the issue of abortion and helping the pregnant girl than on the suspense. It is not preachy, but it was definitely not as full of action, torture, escapes, and suspense as previous ones, such as Torn Asunder (whose characters were mentioned in Unplanned).
Unplanned was a great book I would recommend to others.
I received a free copy of Unplanned from the author in exchange for an honest review.
August 24, 2024
The book started out very slow, it didn’t come across as a thriller at all, and lacked direction. And unfortunately because of that lack of direction, it felt like the book had done a complete 180 within the span of a few words, when Kennedy is randomly kidnapped.
Thai is also a political story, which was fine, but it was handled very poorly. If there is a christian book covering something as heavy as abortion, there should be tools within the fiction so that we can learn more about that topic. And that wasn’t done, actually, the opposite had been done. Kennedy, at the end of the book, ends up questioning her position on abortion because of what she saw Jodie go through, and ends up voicing a lot of the strawman arguments that are voiced against pro-life beliefs.
I will note that I think this is one of her first books written so hopefully the newer ones are better, but the plotting was not well done.
There were a lot of plot holes and completely undeveloped characters. The antagonist had no motive for what he was doing. Instead we are given a backstory for his pain, but we don’t know why .
We never learn who the father is of this baby, we never learn about who Kennedy really is and the whole writing style was very constricted. The solution would be to put the character in situations to hear the information we need, through exciting thriller themed events, but that didn’t happen.
Instead we just ignored the gaping holes in the plot, or things were done behind the scenes and just appeared out of nowhere. Like Kennedy’s phone being copied, the family’s dislike of Jodie’s friendly relationship with a young boy Samir.
There was a lot.
I think this book holds a lot of potential if it was re-written and bulked up, but I will not be continuing this book, I wouldn’t waste your time with this one. If you are seeking a thriller, this one isn’t it.
SOME THINGS THAT DIDN'T MAKE SENSE:
The unnamed Character
- Very slow opening, and the ‘mystery journalist’ had a very dull conversation. Obviously the question to ask is, who is this guy? But this is never answered, instead he only comes back at the very end when he sees her in the news and visits in the hospital to dump a bunch of information that had no other way to get to Kennedy and the reader (that Anthony was the husband of the woman who died for refusing chemo and leaving him with Charlie).
- The guy ends up leaving again and we still have no idea who he is.
The sudden switch in genres (contemporary and slow to full on kidnapping)
- Kennedy trying to figure out who jodie was is worth noting, because this is apparently the reason why she got kidnapped. At some point in the book a ghost phone had been made of her cellphone (there was the mention of willow always leaving the door slightly ajar when she leaves, so I guess we are supposed to assume that one day they just walked in. There was also the point mentioned that she couldn’t find her phone for the longest time - but them going through all of this trouble was still overkill)
- The reason for the phone being copied was to cover plot holes when we follow a segment when the two henchmen list off all the people they texted and emailed saying she was out of commission for a while and not to worry.
Willow’s accident
This scene was painful because of how much of a lake of urgency there was. When reading dustin just walks in and says willow has been hit by a car. This story was not believable, why would the paramedics wait for her to get id before driving off? And Dustin and Kennedy both seemed very calm about it all. Kennedy (although she entries to say a few chapters later that she was very worried for willow and that is why she left) had no panic or emergency mode on when she heard the news about her friend being hit by a car.
Kennedy being kidnapped and kept alive
- Other than the vague implication that she is only being held hostage because she figured out who Rose was (which makes little sense since she only figured that out the day she was kidnapped … maybe they bugged her computer too?)
- Why was she being kept alive and how would this have served Anthony?
- If he wanted her dead to keep things under wraps, why didn’t he kill her as soon as she got to the abduction site?
- If he wanted her alive, why?
Anthony, the antagonist, has no motive.
- It’s mentioned early in the story that there was a huge news article about a christian woman who had been diagnosed with cancer and refused chemo until her baby was delivered. That woman was Anthony’s wife.
- We know that he is the cause behind the violent protests towards the pregnancy centers. That his political brother Wayne (father of Jodie) is for.
- He is forcing his niece to get an abortion who he thinks is only a few weeks along, but learns she is actually 5 months along. This ‘surprises’ him and then says it must have been Samir who did it, and falls into this criminal undermine trope and places a hit order on him. (a 13 years old boy).
- When Jodie doesn’t want the abortion, he decides to stage a kidnapping to force her? Why don’t the parents know? Why doesn’t he know - she would be showing by now?
- He has an all or nothing mentality like this has to be done. And he apparently isnt’ doing this for his brother wayne. It is assumed he may be doing this to hurt his brother, but how would that work if his brother doesn't know his daughter is pregnant anyway?
- When Jodie is on the floor dying, he is angry that she lied to him and says he would let her bleed out if she wasn’t family, but that seems to be exactly what he was doing while he was casually waiting upstairs.
- It seems like the conclusion of his arc was that since he had a son that ‘killed’ his wife, he is hurt and against pro-life movements and that turned him into a murderous kidnapper.
Who is the father of the baby?
The entire time we are asking, who is the father? This could and should have been a key element in this political thriller, but it is never addressed.
When Kennedy asks in the end, it is glossed over, to say it was vague is a complete understatement. Jodie says the DNA test is good because it means Samir won’t be in trouble, so I guess he is out and then explains she didn’t want to ruin the campaign …. So was it the uncle or not?
Kennedy got stabbed in the back.
Kennedy is stabbed in the back and has to get stitches with a heavy dose of a week's long rest at home to recover. She is walking around fine too.
Thai is also a political story, which was fine, but it was handled very poorly. If there is a christian book covering something as heavy as abortion, there should be tools within the fiction so that we can learn more about that topic. And that wasn’t done, actually, the opposite had been done. Kennedy, at the end of the book, ends up questioning her position on abortion because of what she saw Jodie go through, and ends up voicing a lot of the strawman arguments that are voiced against pro-life beliefs.
I will note that I think this is one of her first books written so hopefully the newer ones are better, but the plotting was not well done.
There were a lot of plot holes and completely undeveloped characters. The antagonist had no motive for what he was doing. Instead we are given a backstory for his pain, but we don’t know why .
We never learn who the father is of this baby, we never learn about who Kennedy really is and the whole writing style was very constricted. The solution would be to put the character in situations to hear the information we need, through exciting thriller themed events, but that didn’t happen.
Instead we just ignored the gaping holes in the plot, or things were done behind the scenes and just appeared out of nowhere. Like Kennedy’s phone being copied, the family’s dislike of Jodie’s friendly relationship with a young boy Samir.
There was a lot.
I think this book holds a lot of potential if it was re-written and bulked up, but I will not be continuing this book, I wouldn’t waste your time with this one. If you are seeking a thriller, this one isn’t it.
SOME THINGS THAT DIDN'T MAKE SENSE:
The unnamed Character
- Very slow opening, and the ‘mystery journalist’ had a very dull conversation. Obviously the question to ask is, who is this guy? But this is never answered, instead he only comes back at the very end when he sees her in the news and visits in the hospital to dump a bunch of information that had no other way to get to Kennedy and the reader (that Anthony was the husband of the woman who died for refusing chemo and leaving him with Charlie).
- The guy ends up leaving again and we still have no idea who he is.
The sudden switch in genres (contemporary and slow to full on kidnapping)
- Kennedy trying to figure out who jodie was is worth noting, because this is apparently the reason why she got kidnapped. At some point in the book a ghost phone had been made of her cellphone (there was the mention of willow always leaving the door slightly ajar when she leaves, so I guess we are supposed to assume that one day they just walked in. There was also the point mentioned that she couldn’t find her phone for the longest time - but them going through all of this trouble was still overkill)
- The reason for the phone being copied was to cover plot holes when we follow a segment when the two henchmen list off all the people they texted and emailed saying she was out of commission for a while and not to worry.
Willow’s accident
This scene was painful because of how much of a lake of urgency there was. When reading dustin just walks in and says willow has been hit by a car. This story was not believable, why would the paramedics wait for her to get id before driving off? And Dustin and Kennedy both seemed very calm about it all. Kennedy (although she entries to say a few chapters later that she was very worried for willow and that is why she left) had no panic or emergency mode on when she heard the news about her friend being hit by a car.
Kennedy being kidnapped and kept alive
- Other than the vague implication that she is only being held hostage because she figured out who Rose was (which makes little sense since she only figured that out the day she was kidnapped … maybe they bugged her computer too?)
- Why was she being kept alive and how would this have served Anthony?
- If he wanted her dead to keep things under wraps, why didn’t he kill her as soon as she got to the abduction site?
- If he wanted her alive, why?
Anthony, the antagonist, has no motive.
- It’s mentioned early in the story that there was a huge news article about a christian woman who had been diagnosed with cancer and refused chemo until her baby was delivered. That woman was Anthony’s wife.
- We know that he is the cause behind the violent protests towards the pregnancy centers. That his political brother Wayne (father of Jodie) is for.
- He is forcing his niece to get an abortion who he thinks is only a few weeks along, but learns she is actually 5 months along. This ‘surprises’ him and then says it must have been Samir who did it, and falls into this criminal undermine trope and places a hit order on him. (a 13 years old boy).
- When Jodie doesn’t want the abortion, he decides to stage a kidnapping to force her? Why don’t the parents know? Why doesn’t he know - she would be showing by now?
- He has an all or nothing mentality like this has to be done. And he apparently isnt’ doing this for his brother wayne. It is assumed he may be doing this to hurt his brother, but how would that work if his brother doesn't know his daughter is pregnant anyway?
- When Jodie is on the floor dying, he is angry that she lied to him and says he would let her bleed out if she wasn’t family, but that seems to be exactly what he was doing while he was casually waiting upstairs.
- It seems like the conclusion of his arc was that since he had a son that ‘killed’ his wife, he is hurt and against pro-life movements and that turned him into a murderous kidnapper.
Who is the father of the baby?
The entire time we are asking, who is the father? This could and should have been a key element in this political thriller, but it is never addressed.
When Kennedy asks in the end, it is glossed over, to say it was vague is a complete understatement. Jodie says the DNA test is good because it means Samir won’t be in trouble, so I guess he is out and then explains she didn’t want to ruin the campaign …. So was it the uncle or not?
Kennedy got stabbed in the back.
Kennedy is stabbed in the back and has to get stitches with a heavy dose of a week's long rest at home to recover. She is walking around fine too.
June 27, 2017
Unplanned is the opening novel in Alana Terry's newest Kennedy Stern series. She drew me into the story immediately and I couldn't stop reading. Kennedy is a first year pre-med student at Harvard and away from her missionary parents in China.
She reconnects with old family friends and becomes a volunteer for their pregnancy hotline before she can bat an eye.. She has very little time to spare and no idea what she is involved with and no idea what to say if someone were to call on her watch. She receives a disturbing call which pulls Kennedy into an intriguing, suspenseful, and frightening situation.
The subject of this book is abortion. The author doesn't preach or rant for one side or the other but gives the reader much to ponder. I appreciated her approach and feel that even though she is a Christian author her writing opens the door for anyone to read it.
This book grabs you on page one so fasten your seatbelt until the last page. I kept reading the next book in the series until I completed all of them. Tune in for my reviews on the rest of the Kennedy Stern series.
I was given a copy of Unplanned by the author for my honest review which I have given here.
She reconnects with old family friends and becomes a volunteer for their pregnancy hotline before she can bat an eye.. She has very little time to spare and no idea what she is involved with and no idea what to say if someone were to call on her watch. She receives a disturbing call which pulls Kennedy into an intriguing, suspenseful, and frightening situation.
The subject of this book is abortion. The author doesn't preach or rant for one side or the other but gives the reader much to ponder. I appreciated her approach and feel that even though she is a Christian author her writing opens the door for anyone to read it.
This book grabs you on page one so fasten your seatbelt until the last page. I kept reading the next book in the series until I completed all of them. Tune in for my reviews on the rest of the Kennedy Stern series.
I was given a copy of Unplanned by the author for my honest review which I have given here.
January 25, 2019
I was so intrigued by this book, though the cover captured my attention first. I had never heard of the author either, but since the reviews on Amazon were so good, I decided to give her a try. So glad I did! I enjoyed this book so much. I didn't read pages and pages of fluff; she had a story to tell, and she told it. I LOVED this. Every word mattered, for the most part.
The plot was heart-wrenching but so real. I was surprised at the end to find myself crying with the characters. Especially, the children's hospital scene. And, I related with the MC. I understood her desire to murder the bad guys where they stood, to protect this young girl even if it meant she would be pummeled herself. REAL emotions were captured. Not just *you're a Christian and this is how you should feel* emotions.
Great read! I'll be reading more soon.
The plot was heart-wrenching but so real. I was surprised at the end to find myself crying with the characters. Especially, the children's hospital scene. And, I related with the MC. I understood her desire to murder the bad guys where they stood, to protect this young girl even if it meant she would be pummeled herself. REAL emotions were captured. Not just *you're a Christian and this is how you should feel* emotions.
Great read! I'll be reading more soon.
August 28, 2015
Just when I think Alana Terry can't be better, she does it again!
This book is SO GREAT! I can't believe I read it in less than two hours!
Really addictive and full of meaning. I love the honesty of the words and I'm SO looking forward to read the next book!
This book is SO GREAT! I can't believe I read it in less than two hours!
Really addictive and full of meaning. I love the honesty of the words and I'm SO looking forward to read the next book!
March 1, 2025
It was SAD.
But well-written, engaging, and
inspiring. I wish her final position on abortion had been given clearly. I felt like the book lacked closure. It makes a shorter, but heavier, read. Or maybe it just seemed shorter.
It's memorable; a great addition to a Christian Thriller lover's TBR
No explicit s3xual content, not a romance/no smut, but there's knife and gun violence, death, attempted abortion, miscarriage, and references to child abuse/s3xual abuse, mob violence and vandalism, and Christian persecution.
But well-written, engaging, and
inspiring. I wish her final position on abortion had been given clearly. I felt like the book lacked closure. It makes a shorter, but heavier, read. Or maybe it just seemed shorter.
It's memorable; a great addition to a Christian Thriller lover's TBR
No explicit s3xual content, not a romance/no smut, but there's knife and gun violence, death, attempted abortion, miscarriage, and references to child abuse/s3xual abuse, mob violence and vandalism, and Christian persecution.
August 22, 2017
A heart wrenching story filled with dedication and determination. Would you know how to help someone in a crisis? What would you say? Who would you trust? From the first page of this story, the author takes the reader on a journey that touches the heart and gives hope for the future. Bring the tissues when you read this one. I received a copy of this story from the author and this is my personal honest opinion.
August 28, 2023
A gripping suspense novel. Drew me in. This story gets readers to question their stance on abortion and pro life. Is life always sacred or could there be reasons why ending the pregnancy would be justifiable?
**Warning* Both trigger and spoiler this novel might not be suitable for anyone sensitive to miscarriage or child abuse.
**Warning* Both trigger and spoiler this novel might not be suitable for anyone sensitive to miscarriage or child abuse.
June 7, 2024
Really liked this book. Great suspense, a real page Turner. This is the first book in a series. I will be reading book 2.
November 5, 2025
I started listening to Unplanned on Spotify recently and found it a really good, thought provoking story. It covers the topic of abortion and asks/answers some hard questions.
September 14, 2018
Good book, but too dark & too violent for my taste. The book made me sad to the point I couldn't finish it soon enough just so I could close it & be done w/ such a dark book.
November 8, 2015
RESEÑA COMPLETA EN ESPAÑOL
In every book of Alana Terry there’s a lot to process once you finish reading, and this time wasn’t the exception. This novel puts into question the rights of the unborn in a unique which feels real and not fiction.
Furthermore, the novel moves at a good pace and has no parts in which you can take a break.
Something that I liked was to know from some characters of other novels of the author; and although each of her books can be read separately and are perfectly understood, I think that the participation of other characters of her novels was a fantastic detail.
I recommend this book to those who liked the movie-and the book- October baby, because they speak the same subject, but from the point of view of different stories.
I recieved a book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion, so this fact didn't influence the review
January 23, 2016
Goodreads has a 2 star at "it was ok" and that's what I thought of this novel. It's ok. If it was marketed as a young adult or new adult novel then the ranking could have been higher which is why I'm giving it 3 stars.
The theme is relevant and clean. The topic is brutally honest but slightly glossed over. The plot didn't have much depth to it but it did have a fast pace to it. The character needed a little more development, especially her rash judgement of people who had not lived where she had lived.
Because of how the topic was handled, how the suspense was resolved in a tidy way, and how what could have been a deep plot to explore but was only lightly touched upon, I would rank this as good young adult novel for older teens. Especially as a way to help them understand the sanctity of life and what it really means to be pro-life.
The theme is relevant and clean. The topic is brutally honest but slightly glossed over. The plot didn't have much depth to it but it did have a fast pace to it. The character needed a little more development, especially her rash judgement of people who had not lived where she had lived.
Because of how the topic was handled, how the suspense was resolved in a tidy way, and how what could have been a deep plot to explore but was only lightly touched upon, I would rank this as good young adult novel for older teens. Especially as a way to help them understand the sanctity of life and what it really means to be pro-life.
September 5, 2016
This is an amazing story of a young girl, Kennedy, who grew up as the daughter of Missionaries in Yanji, China, but who is now at Harvard University in the States in her first year of Med school. Kennedy has had a Christian upbringing but she has never really had her faith tested or tried. This exciting and sometimes terrifying story gives her an opportunity to be truly tried and tested in some very unexpected ways. The story is well done, the characters developed to a point where one can almost see them and you will remember these people long after you put down the book. Your heart will ache for little Jodie, you will wonder what happens to Charlie, and you will certainly want to follow Kennedy further in her life. It is a book which you will not want to put down once you start reading. Well done, Alana Terry!
April 2, 2017
Riveting, emotional, gripping and unique story.
The author weaves the pro life issue both pro
and con into the story tactfully. The author
addresses the differences in the cultural ways of
life in China versus the ways of life in America
by having the main character present them.
Kennedy Stern has spent ten years in China with
her foreign missionary parents. Kennedy is now
starting college at Harvard.
Kennedy is introduced to a pregnancy center her
childhood Sunday school and his wife are about to
open. She volunteers to answer the hot line. Her
volunteering leads into the main plot.
A realistic cast of characters, unexpected twists
and turns, thick tension, mystery, suspense and
creative writing make this an interesting read.
I volunteered to read this eBook. Thank you to
the author via bookfun.org for this eBook. My
opinion is my own.
The author weaves the pro life issue both pro
and con into the story tactfully. The author
addresses the differences in the cultural ways of
life in China versus the ways of life in America
by having the main character present them.
Kennedy Stern has spent ten years in China with
her foreign missionary parents. Kennedy is now
starting college at Harvard.
Kennedy is introduced to a pregnancy center her
childhood Sunday school and his wife are about to
open. She volunteers to answer the hot line. Her
volunteering leads into the main plot.
A realistic cast of characters, unexpected twists
and turns, thick tension, mystery, suspense and
creative writing make this an interesting read.
I volunteered to read this eBook. Thank you to
the author via bookfun.org for this eBook. My
opinion is my own.
January 10, 2017
I've been a fan of this author since her first book. This one is my favorite yet, with The Beloved Daughter now a very close second. I could not put this book down. From the moment I read about the first phone call, I was driven to find out what will happen to the caller.
This book tackles the very difficult issue of abortion. I am 100% pro-life without exceptions, but I am often dismayed by the dismissive attitude of some who share my conviction on the issue. There can be very complex and painful circumstances involved, and this novel explores one of these in the most thoughtful and considerate way I have seen in any writing on the subject. Even though I walked away with my convictions unchanged, I am still a better pro-life activist for having closely examined these aspects.
This book tackles the very difficult issue of abortion. I am 100% pro-life without exceptions, but I am often dismayed by the dismissive attitude of some who share my conviction on the issue. There can be very complex and painful circumstances involved, and this novel explores one of these in the most thoughtful and considerate way I have seen in any writing on the subject. Even though I walked away with my convictions unchanged, I am still a better pro-life activist for having closely examined these aspects.
May 13, 2016
Wow!
As a pro life person and someone whose pregnancy was unplanned, this book really hit home for me. It is Christian, but incredibly honest about doubts and not "preachy". This is a heart wrenching story chock full of adrenaline, and I was hooked from the start.
As a pro life person and someone whose pregnancy was unplanned, this book really hit home for me. It is Christian, but incredibly honest about doubts and not "preachy". This is a heart wrenching story chock full of adrenaline, and I was hooked from the start.
December 28, 2022
WHAT IT'S ABOUT
When Kennedy Stern’s childhood pastor asks her to volunteer at his new pregnancy center, she carves time out of her rigorous college schedule to promote the cause of the unborn.
After receiving a disturbing call from someone far too young to carry a child in the first place, Kennedy can no longer blindly hide behind the pro-life platitudes she grew up believing. She resolves to locate the unknown girl but winds up entrenched in a mystery that grows more convoluted as it unfolds.
Soon, Kennedy finds herself a pawn in a deadly game of intrigue, at the mercy of those who consider a few innocent lives a small ransom to pay in exchange for personal and political victory.
MY TAKE
A touching and gut-wrenching mystery. This overtly Christian story deals with tough issues like abortion and incest. There were a lot of kind characters and vile ones as well.
I had a few issues, but it was still an engaging story.
When Kennedy Stern’s childhood pastor asks her to volunteer at his new pregnancy center, she carves time out of her rigorous college schedule to promote the cause of the unborn.
After receiving a disturbing call from someone far too young to carry a child in the first place, Kennedy can no longer blindly hide behind the pro-life platitudes she grew up believing. She resolves to locate the unknown girl but winds up entrenched in a mystery that grows more convoluted as it unfolds.
Soon, Kennedy finds herself a pawn in a deadly game of intrigue, at the mercy of those who consider a few innocent lives a small ransom to pay in exchange for personal and political victory.
MY TAKE
A touching and gut-wrenching mystery. This overtly Christian story deals with tough issues like abortion and incest. There were a lot of kind characters and vile ones as well.
I had a few issues, but it was still an engaging story.
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