If Only You Knew: A Novel

by Mags Storey

A summer to live for… or a summer to die for? Jo's summer vacation is off to a good start when she meets Kevin, an amazingly attractive guy, and Sam, her soon-to-be best friend, on the same day. Now she only needs a job, future plans, and a few goals for her life. No big deal, right? As if that's not enough, Jo would also like to know why no one talks about the horrible accident she witnessed last summer. But as much as she wants to know the truth, someone else wants to keep it a secret. Can she handle creepy stalkers, death threats, and her crazy love-life without losing control? For Jo, unraveling the mystery and piecing her life together will mean discovering if God really listens--and if he cares enough to answer.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Contemporary

272 pages, Paperback

First published February 28, 2009

Reviews

[Arden Belrose ♛ Phantom Paper · Rating 1 out of 5]

The first time around I thought this was enjoyable. Afew years later, I decided to re-read it cuz I forgot what happened except the main parts.

I was so disappointed.

Was this the book I read before and thought was actually good?? Every.Single.Character was annoying. Jo's insecure, jealous, stubborn and self-absorbed. And the accident she witnessed? What was so debilitating about that to get so shaken for so long? I mean, I'd get it if she was affected by it for a while. And if someone says they need you like a hole in their head, wouldn't that mean they didn't need you? Like, preferably NEVER?

And how the others in that whole Christian group treated her like she was goddamn contagious just for asking the SAME kinda questions they had in the beginning is so hypocritical. I'm a religious person and I still thought their behaviour smelled rank.

The only argument you can say in their place is that they're realistic characters.

But even then I'd like to know just where you're meeting all these kind of people in your life.

[CallMeB · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s an amazing read though for me it was a bit predictable for the ending. I love how in depth the characters go and none seem to break at all and the descriptions are comical and relatable, so it’s very clearly illustrated.

[Kaitlyn Lau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book!! Got years ago and absolutely still love it!!!

[Simone · Rating 1 out of 5]

Christian propaganda novel but I mean if you like that then you love it, I just personally didn’t

[Susan B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jo is spending the summer after high school at Silverpoint, living in an apartment with her older cousin, Kat. On her first day there, she meets Kevin and Sam, who will both vie for her attention through the summer. The thing is that, although Kevin is not very communicative, Jo finds him really 'hot', and he does seem to care for her, while Sam seems to have an on-off relationship with the manipulative Traci. But Sam still becomes a very good friend to Jo.

When Jo was in Silverpoint the previous summer, she witnessed a hit-and-run/attempted murder involving Nate, a youth leader at the local church. In fact, she was almost sure he had died. So it's quite a surprise to find Nate very much alive, although no one seems to know anything about his accident just last year. Why is it such a big secret? And who are the two creepy guys who seem to be stalking Jo?

This is an excellent teen read, with both romance and intrigue, as well as a Christian message that, in my opinion, isn't too preachy. For me, some of the romantic interactions were a bit sappy, but then I'm no longer a teenage girl. For those readers, I'm sure it will be perfect :)

[Squirreliosis · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was alright. Pretty predictable though, and I couldn’t find myself becoming attached to any of the characters. Although I’ve certainly seen worse. Pretty decent, might recommend if I was talking to someone who was into this sort of thing.

Edit: by predictable I mean I knew what the big twist was gonna be in the book by the 4th chapter. Also thus far I've not recommended it to anyone. Because it’s genuinely not a good book. I have no idea why I was tryna be nice before 💀

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

- a little slow, but an enjoyable read
- a little mystery
- lite romance, not cheesy
- i'd like to read more from this author

[Micaela · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked it; it was very entertaining with "real" characters with depth that you don't get in most books. Recomended.

[Dani · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm finding this book a little slow. An easy read, and funny in parts

[Vivien · Rating 4 out of 5]

SAAAAAAAM <3 Just Sam ugh I love him so much!!!

[Diosel · Rating 5 out of 5]

...I suggest you close your mouth for a minute, and listen. Because you might just find that JESUS wants to answer you. #irrelevantreview

[Jap Tampos · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is just amazing.

[Megan Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clever plot. I thoroughly enjoyed this read.
Foreshadowing and sneaky moments led to a captivating climax and ending.