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Science Falsely So Called #1
Things Not Seen
Fear rules Cassie Randall’s life. Fear of facing the brother her testimony helped put behind bars. Fear of sharing the Gospel with others. She’s spent the last four months hiding. But a random meeting with a man who has no reason to show her kindness just might force her to face those fears and give them to the One greater than any fear.
Derek Walker has based his career—his life—on denying the existence of the Creator. Evidence for God doesn’t exist. The firm beliefs that Cassie—the woman he helped one rainy night—holds can’t change that. Nothing can change that. Until his world is shaken and that evidence is thrust at him.
When Derek and Cassie are faced with circumstances far out of their control, will they believe the One Who has revealed Himself through His Word, or will they fall prey to the lies of man?
Derek Walker has based his career—his life—on denying the existence of the Creator. Evidence for God doesn’t exist. The firm beliefs that Cassie—the woman he helped one rainy night—holds can’t change that. Nothing can change that. Until his world is shaken and that evidence is thrust at him.
When Derek and Cassie are faced with circumstances far out of their control, will they believe the One Who has revealed Himself through His Word, or will they fall prey to the lies of man?
Kindle Edition
First published January 26, 2021
About the author
Kristina Hall
19 books442 followersKristina Hall is a sinner saved by grace who seeks to glorify God with her words. She is a homeschool graduate and holds a degree in accounting. When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading, arm wrestling, lifting weights, and playing the violin.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 18, 2022
Wow! This was so good! I mean, wow! The suspense the logical approach to witnessing and breaking the lies of evolution it was fantastic!
Characters:
Cassie was great. I really liked her (love her name because I have a sister named Cassie) and her backstory and everything was great! Her brother was a real creepy though...lol...
Derek I loved watching his character grow as the story went on and the turn around and emotion and just...yeah, this was so great!
All the side characters was awesome...Nate was a favorite...and yeah, that was so good and heartbreaking at times.
Themes:
Standing for what we believe, witnessing, learning not to fear that ultimately it's all put of our control. I loved how Kristina present the gospel and the ending, I could hear that speech in my head and it was fantastic! Amazing!
Romance:
Nothing worth noting. Some slight mutual attraction.
Language:
Hell mentioned in the context of people going to hell if they didn't believe on the Word of God. No problem for me...
Overall:
This was so good and I can't wait to start reading Stand in the morning! This is amazing! Definitely check it out if you like science and suspense because yes...these two are mixed! And it's fantastic!!!
Characters:
Cassie was great. I really liked her (love her name because I have a sister named Cassie) and her backstory and everything was great! Her brother was a real creepy though...lol...
Derek I loved watching his character grow as the story went on and the turn around and emotion and just...yeah, this was so great!
All the side characters was awesome...Nate was a favorite...and yeah, that was so good and heartbreaking at times.
Themes:
Standing for what we believe, witnessing, learning not to fear that ultimately it's all put of our control. I loved how Kristina present the gospel and the ending, I could hear that speech in my head and it was fantastic! Amazing!
Romance:
Nothing worth noting. Some slight mutual attraction.
Language:
Hell mentioned in the context of people going to hell if they didn't believe on the Word of God. No problem for me...
Overall:
This was so good and I can't wait to start reading Stand in the morning! This is amazing! Definitely check it out if you like science and suspense because yes...these two are mixed! And it's fantastic!!!
February 7, 2021
A problem I find very prevalent in the Christian fiction market today is the overall lack of strong morals. Some books labeled "Christian fiction" only have a few prayers scattered about, as if it's an afterthought on the author's thoughts. Others have a better amount of Christianity within their pages, but they can come off as shallow.
Things Not Seen is one of the best books on the market if you're looking for quality entertainment and strong, biblical teaching. I love stories, but I love stories so much more if I'm getting filled up with truth, too. The emphasis on the power and infallibility of God's Word was stunning, and I'm not sure if I've ever read another book that drove home this important truth so clearly.
Derek and Cassie (the two main characters) were quite likeable and understandable. I, as well, can be timid just like Cassie and could sympathize with her fear! Derek was such a nice dude - until he went off the rails completely because of a tragedy within the book. (No spoilers here.) His arc throughout the book ended beautifully.
Although I can be a stickler for dramatic, grand prose, I thoroughly enjoyed this book's more minimal writing style. The author's style fit the book's genre very well, and the story came to life through the words. I focused on the story instead of swooning over a beautiful line or something (which I am wont to do occasionally).
Overall, I would highly recommend this book to lovers of suspense...and anyone who enjoys a great story filled with truth!
Things Not Seen is one of the best books on the market if you're looking for quality entertainment and strong, biblical teaching. I love stories, but I love stories so much more if I'm getting filled up with truth, too. The emphasis on the power and infallibility of God's Word was stunning, and I'm not sure if I've ever read another book that drove home this important truth so clearly.
Derek and Cassie (the two main characters) were quite likeable and understandable. I, as well, can be timid just like Cassie and could sympathize with her fear! Derek was such a nice dude - until he went off the rails completely because of a tragedy within the book. (No spoilers here.) His arc throughout the book ended beautifully.
Although I can be a stickler for dramatic, grand prose, I thoroughly enjoyed this book's more minimal writing style. The author's style fit the book's genre very well, and the story came to life through the words. I focused on the story instead of swooning over a beautiful line or something (which I am wont to do occasionally).
Overall, I would highly recommend this book to lovers of suspense...and anyone who enjoys a great story filled with truth!
April 17, 2021
I enjoyed this debut from Kristina Hall, which follows an atheist professor as he wrestles with whether Christianity is true after meeting a Christian girl named Cassie who shares the gospel with him.
I really liked Derek. I appreciated that the author portrayed him as a normal, decent guy, despite the fact he is an atheist. I liked how gentlemanly and compassionately he acted toward Cassie, allowing her to have her beliefs without forcing his on her. Surprisingly, it was Cassie who was most bent on converting him to her beliefs.
I liked Cassie . . . in some ways. I appreciated that she was not the typical Christian girl who had grown up in church all her life, but she actually came from a very rough past. I admire the fact that she overcame her difficult past and was able to find peace and identity in Christ. But she also didn’t have a lot of depth to her, and I came away from the book feeling like I didn’t know her very well. I would have appreciated learning a little more about her backstory.
I also found it annoying how often Cassie brought up Christianity to Derek. It seemed like her number one goal was to convert Derek, rather than first developing a relationship with him as a friend. As Christians, we are supposed to share the gospel with others, but first Jesus called us to love our neighbors. And often, the best way to convince someone that Christianity is true is by our lives, instead of hitting them with arguments for the existence of God and the gospel right up front.
But, I did enjoy seeing Cassie change from believing that converting Derek rested entirely on her, to entrusting him to God’s hands and timing. That’s such an important truth!
The plot was rather predictable and mediocre at times. The confrontations between Cassie and her brother especially became quite repetitive and seemed disconnected from the rest of the story. Sam didn’t feel like a real person, like he was only there to add more excitement and action, not to advance the plot in anyway. There were also some plot holes. For example, there was no explanation of how Sam found Cassie the first time, despite it only being her first day of work at the campus.
The themes were very strong. At times, I could definitely sense the author’s viewpoints coming out through the characters, especially on theistic evolution. Overall, the themes that Christianity is true and God’s Word is true felt very preachy to me. I was expecting more solid, concrete arguments for Christianity, but I was kind of disappointed to find that there weren’t many, except for one or two mentions of the design we see in nature pointing to a Creator. Instead, Cassie kept arguing that since God was there in the beginning and we weren’t, then we need to trust what He says in His Word. While that is true, that kind of argument won’t satisfyingly answer the questions of a doubting Christian or convince an atheist.
Overall, I would have appreciated a little more depth and complexity in the characters and plot and more exploration of the theme, but I did enjoy watching Derek and Cassie change over the course of the story. I’m looking forward to seeing how their relationship develops further in book two.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
I really liked Derek. I appreciated that the author portrayed him as a normal, decent guy, despite the fact he is an atheist. I liked how gentlemanly and compassionately he acted toward Cassie, allowing her to have her beliefs without forcing his on her. Surprisingly, it was Cassie who was most bent on converting him to her beliefs.
I liked Cassie . . . in some ways. I appreciated that she was not the typical Christian girl who had grown up in church all her life, but she actually came from a very rough past. I admire the fact that she overcame her difficult past and was able to find peace and identity in Christ. But she also didn’t have a lot of depth to her, and I came away from the book feeling like I didn’t know her very well. I would have appreciated learning a little more about her backstory.
I also found it annoying how often Cassie brought up Christianity to Derek. It seemed like her number one goal was to convert Derek, rather than first developing a relationship with him as a friend. As Christians, we are supposed to share the gospel with others, but first Jesus called us to love our neighbors. And often, the best way to convince someone that Christianity is true is by our lives, instead of hitting them with arguments for the existence of God and the gospel right up front.
But, I did enjoy seeing Cassie change from believing that converting Derek rested entirely on her, to entrusting him to God’s hands and timing. That’s such an important truth!
The plot was rather predictable and mediocre at times. The confrontations between Cassie and her brother especially became quite repetitive and seemed disconnected from the rest of the story. Sam didn’t feel like a real person, like he was only there to add more excitement and action, not to advance the plot in anyway. There were also some plot holes. For example, there was no explanation of how Sam found Cassie the first time, despite it only being her first day of work at the campus.
The themes were very strong. At times, I could definitely sense the author’s viewpoints coming out through the characters, especially on theistic evolution. Overall, the themes that Christianity is true and God’s Word is true felt very preachy to me. I was expecting more solid, concrete arguments for Christianity, but I was kind of disappointed to find that there weren’t many, except for one or two mentions of the design we see in nature pointing to a Creator. Instead, Cassie kept arguing that since God was there in the beginning and we weren’t, then we need to trust what He says in His Word. While that is true, that kind of argument won’t satisfyingly answer the questions of a doubting Christian or convince an atheist.
Overall, I would have appreciated a little more depth and complexity in the characters and plot and more exploration of the theme, but I did enjoy watching Derek and Cassie change over the course of the story. I’m looking forward to seeing how their relationship develops further in book two.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
February 7, 2021
When the story opens, Cassie, the heroine of Things Not Seen, is so beaten down by life that she's essentially given up on herself—surrendered her future to her evil brother, who's out to kill her in revenge for testifying against him in court.
Despite finding some great friends and experiencing a miraculous near miss or two, by the end of the book, Cassie's not far from the place she began—nearly paralyzed by fear, and burdened with the conviction that a Christian's faithful witness ought to take the form of the five-point Gospel Presentation, delivered in season and...out of season. I found Cassie both likeable and grating, sweet and fatalistic, and, to be honest, a bit frustrating. But underneath it all ran a thread of courage I hope to see developed in the next part of the story, when she must inevitably confront her brother once again. Since I had expected her story cycle to end at a more satisfying point, I was a little disappointed. But that's what sequels are for. I'd also like to see her brother, Sam, cease to be a faceless, and rather inept, villain, and become a person, too.
Derek, the secondary main character, who switched roles between rescuer and benevolent antagonist, is a professor of cellular and evolutionary biology at the local university. While he was a much more conventionally appealing hero, at the same time, his lack of complexity made him less interesting. Maybe he was too predictable. Burned by the hypocrisy of his parents and church leaders, he loses his faith and turns to atheism in an attempt to extinguish the pain inside.
Because Derek helped her when she was in trouble, Cassie believes God has given her the task of helping him see where he's gone wrong. To find out what happens then, you'll just have to read the book!
Overall, Things Not Seen was a fine effort by a brand-new author, and I look forward to see where the next book in the series will take Derek and Cassie, in their lives, in their relationship, and in their faith.
I received a free copy of Things Not seen from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Despite finding some great friends and experiencing a miraculous near miss or two, by the end of the book, Cassie's not far from the place she began—nearly paralyzed by fear, and burdened with the conviction that a Christian's faithful witness ought to take the form of the five-point Gospel Presentation, delivered in season and...out of season. I found Cassie both likeable and grating, sweet and fatalistic, and, to be honest, a bit frustrating. But underneath it all ran a thread of courage I hope to see developed in the next part of the story, when she must inevitably confront her brother once again. Since I had expected her story cycle to end at a more satisfying point, I was a little disappointed. But that's what sequels are for. I'd also like to see her brother, Sam, cease to be a faceless, and rather inept, villain, and become a person, too.
Derek, the secondary main character, who switched roles between rescuer and benevolent antagonist, is a professor of cellular and evolutionary biology at the local university. While he was a much more conventionally appealing hero, at the same time, his lack of complexity made him less interesting. Maybe he was too predictable. Burned by the hypocrisy of his parents and church leaders, he loses his faith and turns to atheism in an attempt to extinguish the pain inside.
Because Derek helped her when she was in trouble, Cassie believes God has given her the task of helping him see where he's gone wrong. To find out what happens then, you'll just have to read the book!
Overall, Things Not Seen was a fine effort by a brand-new author, and I look forward to see where the next book in the series will take Derek and Cassie, in their lives, in their relationship, and in their faith.
I received a free copy of Things Not seen from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
May 29, 2021
I loved this book! Fast-paced, suspenseful, and edifyingly Christian. I loved reading how her characters spent so much time praying and reading the Bible and knew what they believed. It was a pleasure to read about Christian characters that were actually Christian! I also enjoyed how simple it was in defending the faith and that the Gospel was presented several times and yet in fresh ways! Excellently done!
October 11, 2021
This is a story of faith and faithfulness in tough circumstances. You are allowed a peak in at the prayers and thoughts of the main characters. I found Cassie's desire to share the gospel that none should perish to be admirable and exactly how each of us who are Believers should be. I loved that she lived her faith "out loud" and without apology.
Well done. Thank you, Kristina Hall!
Well done. Thank you, Kristina Hall!
September 20, 2022
I do believe this book wins the award for my favorite Kristina Hall book! I adore Kristina’s writing style – it sucks me in and keeps me captivated. She focuses a lot on her characters feelings, thoughts and perspectives and I really love that. This book is no exception.
I was immediately pulled in by Cassidy’s character. I feel a lot like her, in some ways anyway. Maybe not her past, but her present. She’s working out her faith and desiring to share it, but struggling with fear. I really resonated with that. She had some beautiful moments with God – of letting go of her past and present fears. 🥰
I’m a big fan of sibling tropes so this pulled me! What a sad, broken relationship! 😭 Sam doesn’t realize how much he needs Cassie in his life. I just hope Cassie has the courage to pursue his heart and keep sharing God’s love with Him.
Derek. I really enjoyed his arch. Life was good. He was content. But then Cassie comes along and starts asking questions, making him think. Then tragedy comes and his world crashes and he’s forced to make a decision. And he was a real gentleman.
As I said I never tire of reading Kristina’s writing style! But after reading two of her books already, I felt like I was reading the same plotline again. Just different characters, different setting, different struggles – but overall – a bad guy chasing a good guy, and the whole story is their repeated run ins. The good guys are attacked and rescued, attacked and rescued. Nearly half a dozen times in each novel. The whole story is Cassie living life, running into Sam, being beaten up, nearly killed, rescued by Derek, and then we start all over again. 😉 Don’t get me wrong, each encounter is different, and there is plenty of good character development in between, and a few normal life scenes where nothing happens, but I did stop being surprised by Sam showing up. It wasn’t a matter of if he would show up, but when.
There are hints of romance in this story, but it’s the least romantic of all that I’ve read of Kristina (Maybe that’s why it’s my favorite! 😁Though I understand there is more romance in the second book). While Derek is interested in Cassie, she turns him down because he does not believe in God. I really appreciated the struggles she had with that. She genuinely cared for him, but she loved God more. And Derek in turn still respected her, even though he had his moment of lashing out at her faith, so I applaud him for that.
There was a decent amount of violence in this book. Both Cassie and Derek are beaten up several times. Towards the end there’s some gunfire. As I’ve said before, I don’t agree with Christians bearing arms, but that is my personal conviction and does not affect my rating.
I was really really pleased to find that in the end (SPOILER ALERT!) the bad guy did not stereotypically die. He is still alive and breathing and I desperately hope to see a breakthrough with his character. The evil man always being killed is so sad, and I would love to see Sam saved.
Another thing I love about Kristina’s books is the faith. It’s so beautiful woven into the plotline. I loved the scenes where Cassie opened her Bible and read the world, praying, and talking to Jesus. Allowing Him to work in her life and reveal His truth to her. Her struggle with fear and overcoming it was very well portrayed. Even though they are both on opposites sides of belief – an atheist and a Christian – they both have to wrestle and truly believe – one has to believe that God does exist, and one must believe that He will do as He promised.
Overall, I truly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it!!
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)
I was immediately pulled in by Cassidy’s character. I feel a lot like her, in some ways anyway. Maybe not her past, but her present. She’s working out her faith and desiring to share it, but struggling with fear. I really resonated with that. She had some beautiful moments with God – of letting go of her past and present fears. 🥰
I’m a big fan of sibling tropes so this pulled me! What a sad, broken relationship! 😭 Sam doesn’t realize how much he needs Cassie in his life. I just hope Cassie has the courage to pursue his heart and keep sharing God’s love with Him.
Derek. I really enjoyed his arch. Life was good. He was content. But then Cassie comes along and starts asking questions, making him think. Then tragedy comes and his world crashes and he’s forced to make a decision. And he was a real gentleman.
As I said I never tire of reading Kristina’s writing style! But after reading two of her books already, I felt like I was reading the same plotline again. Just different characters, different setting, different struggles – but overall – a bad guy chasing a good guy, and the whole story is their repeated run ins. The good guys are attacked and rescued, attacked and rescued. Nearly half a dozen times in each novel. The whole story is Cassie living life, running into Sam, being beaten up, nearly killed, rescued by Derek, and then we start all over again. 😉 Don’t get me wrong, each encounter is different, and there is plenty of good character development in between, and a few normal life scenes where nothing happens, but I did stop being surprised by Sam showing up. It wasn’t a matter of if he would show up, but when.
There are hints of romance in this story, but it’s the least romantic of all that I’ve read of Kristina (Maybe that’s why it’s my favorite! 😁Though I understand there is more romance in the second book). While Derek is interested in Cassie, she turns him down because he does not believe in God. I really appreciated the struggles she had with that. She genuinely cared for him, but she loved God more. And Derek in turn still respected her, even though he had his moment of lashing out at her faith, so I applaud him for that.
There was a decent amount of violence in this book. Both Cassie and Derek are beaten up several times. Towards the end there’s some gunfire. As I’ve said before, I don’t agree with Christians bearing arms, but that is my personal conviction and does not affect my rating.
I was really really pleased to find that in the end (SPOILER ALERT!) the bad guy did not stereotypically die. He is still alive and breathing and I desperately hope to see a breakthrough with his character. The evil man always being killed is so sad, and I would love to see Sam saved.
Another thing I love about Kristina’s books is the faith. It’s so beautiful woven into the plotline. I loved the scenes where Cassie opened her Bible and read the world, praying, and talking to Jesus. Allowing Him to work in her life and reveal His truth to her. Her struggle with fear and overcoming it was very well portrayed. Even though they are both on opposites sides of belief – an atheist and a Christian – they both have to wrestle and truly believe – one has to believe that God does exist, and one must believe that He will do as He promised.
Overall, I truly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it!!
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)
March 27, 2022
I was intrigued from the very first page of this book! Cassie Randall is on the run from her murderous brother, putting her into the path of Derek Walker. He's a college professor that believes in evolution, putting him at odds with Cassie's faith in God as Creator. This was one of the most faith filled Christian books I've encountered and I just loved all of the debate and intrigue contained in this first of the series. On to book two!
April 8, 2021
Things Not Seen is an exciting debut novel. The main characters, Cassie and Derek, are on opposite ends of the spectrum regarding what they believe about life, the beginnings of the universe, and whether there is a God or not.
Although Cassie felt that she never did enough, I found her to be a character who seemed to never give up. She pushed past her fear, over and over again, and repeatedly confronted Derek with the gospel message, even when he reacted very badly to it.
Derek was a character who I felt sorry for. He was obviously very smart but had been hurt by events in his youth, leading him to turn away from God. It was interesting to watch his journey.
There was danger in this story involving a main antagonist whose evil intent was focused on Cassie. Her brother’s hatred seemed a bit over the top to me. There were some times when Cassie was in fear for her life and there were mentions of saliva flooding her mouth in these instances. That imagery was jarring to me. Derek’s boss also became violent in one moment and that seemed like a strange thing to happen in a professional setting. However, I guess those things do happen sometimes. But these two men definitely added some stress to the situations that Cassie and Derek were in. Overall, this was a good story with a focus on Apologetics.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
Although Cassie felt that she never did enough, I found her to be a character who seemed to never give up. She pushed past her fear, over and over again, and repeatedly confronted Derek with the gospel message, even when he reacted very badly to it.
Derek was a character who I felt sorry for. He was obviously very smart but had been hurt by events in his youth, leading him to turn away from God. It was interesting to watch his journey.
There was danger in this story involving a main antagonist whose evil intent was focused on Cassie. Her brother’s hatred seemed a bit over the top to me. There were some times when Cassie was in fear for her life and there were mentions of saliva flooding her mouth in these instances. That imagery was jarring to me. Derek’s boss also became violent in one moment and that seemed like a strange thing to happen in a professional setting. However, I guess those things do happen sometimes. But these two men definitely added some stress to the situations that Cassie and Derek were in. Overall, this was a good story with a focus on Apologetics.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
March 17, 2021
This book has quite a story. The title is a bit of a mouthful, and the KJV quotes a bit jarring, but I still heartily recommend reading it. There's enough action to keep things interesting, and Cassie's heart for the lost as a fairly new Christian will put many of us 'life-long' raised in church believers to shame.
We've got to get out of our 'huddle' and go where the people are.
I think casting Derek, as the educated unbeliever, as a kind, hurting, decent person was great. Those are the people who think they're fine and don't need God. Cassie's perseverance and prayers were inspiring. I hurt for her when she kept thinking she'd 'failed' in her witness. She was faithful to her part, each time it was asked of her, whether it was well-received or not, and the rest is up to God. 1 Corinthians 3:6-8 Matthew 5:11-12 and Luke 10:16.
Having a couple of mature Christians strategically placed in Cassie's life was very encouraging, and a good reminder that discipleship matters.
That said, this story is also fun, funny, fast-paced, with enough danger and determination to keep you on the edge of your seat. I'm always grateful for fun stories that really make you think.
I received a copy of the book from the author and chose to review it here. All thoughts are my own.
We've got to get out of our 'huddle' and go where the people are.
I think casting Derek, as the educated unbeliever, as a kind, hurting, decent person was great. Those are the people who think they're fine and don't need God. Cassie's perseverance and prayers were inspiring. I hurt for her when she kept thinking she'd 'failed' in her witness. She was faithful to her part, each time it was asked of her, whether it was well-received or not, and the rest is up to God. 1 Corinthians 3:6-8 Matthew 5:11-12 and Luke 10:16.
Having a couple of mature Christians strategically placed in Cassie's life was very encouraging, and a good reminder that discipleship matters.
That said, this story is also fun, funny, fast-paced, with enough danger and determination to keep you on the edge of your seat. I'm always grateful for fun stories that really make you think.
I received a copy of the book from the author and chose to review it here. All thoughts are my own.
April 10, 2021
The storyline of this book is wonderful, however it goes a step further by offering salvation! Cassie has given her a life to Christ, but she is struggling with sharing that decision with others. She is also trying to move on in her life. She hopes that a new start will not only help her in her life, but help her to open up her heart and share the word of God. Immediately, God confronts her with some daunting tasks. she is also being chased by someone who wants her dead. You will be shocked when you find out who it is! you will not be disappointed by this story. Entertaining, wonderful, most of all an opportunity to save your life!
February 22, 2021
First-time author Kristina Hall makes her debut with Things Not Seen, the first in the series, Science Falsely So Called.
Packing a commendable dose of insight for a young, new writer, she contrasts her main character, Cassie, a nervous, fearful, jobless, twenty-something Christian, with Derek, a young, well placed Professor of Evolutionary Biology and hard core atheist. Circumstances bring them together on a wintry night, in time for Derek to foil the first of several murderous attacks by the girl's brother. The kindness of the stranger is the beginning of a slow but definite mutual attraction, not helped in any way by Cassie's effort to save him through her faith.
Interestingly, you want to shake Cassie, tell her to toughen up and do something for herself besides moaning. Don't be fooled! The “loser” has layers of complexity revealing inner fortitude, thanks to her own redemption. I imagine much crafting and sculpting went into the creation of this character.
Overriding a simple plot is a strong Christian defense against disbelief and the need to share it with those in a headlong slide to the dark abyss of unbelief.
Like Cassie, Kristina is an unapologetic Apologist, headbutting atheist arguments with Scriptural defenses. Ah! Now the subtitle, Science Falsely So Called makes sense. That's Hall's battle and her message, woven into skeins of romance, danger and fear.
February 15, 2021
Things Not Seen by Kristina Hall is volume one in her Science Falsely So Called series. After going to prison for robbery and testifying against her brother, Cassie Randall is trying to start over. But fear is her constant companion. When Cassie meets Derek Walker, an atheist Biology professor, she feels that she needs to tell him about the saving power of Jesus. Will she let her fear of talking about her faith over-ride her convictions? This is a story of grace, forgiveness and mercy. Cassie lived in fear of everything but she clung to the promise that God is always faithful. With her feelings of inadequacy, she still witnessed to others. I really enjoyed the story-line. The brother popped in and out and you never really felt like he was a part of the story. It was like he was only there to give a sense of danger and fear. There was a touch of romance but not an over-abundance. The main focus was Cassie’s ability to accept what God had done for her and to share that joy with others. This is Ms. Hall’s debut novel and I think she did a very good job. I’d like to see how she progresses as a writer.
I received this e-book from the author for my honest review.
I received this e-book from the author for my honest review.
January 11, 2022
Cassie lives her life in fear: in particular, fear of what her brother Sam, who she helped send to jail, will do to her, and fear of what others will think of her beliefs. When Derek, a professor who teaches evolution at the college where she works, helps to protect her from Sam, she is thrown into contact with a man who stands for all she believes to be wrong. Can she step out in faith to stand up for what she believes in? And will she and Derek manage to stay safe from Sam?
This book was a great reminder that we really do need to be telling others of our beliefs - it's a matter of life and death. It also makes it clear that it's not always an easy thing to do, which is encouraging given that far too many books feel like they present it as effortless (maybe for some people it is - but not me)! Probably my favourite part of the book was where something I'd been feeling needed to happen but was being ignored, finally happened (trying to avoid spoilers here) - I guess it emphasised not only the importance of doing the right thing, but the fact that we are flawed humans and may not always see what IS the right thing (or want to do it...). All in all, a good read, hard to put down and inspiring, but best read as a series with book 2 because it does end a bit in the middle of things. Recommended.
Note that I received a review copy of the book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
This book was a great reminder that we really do need to be telling others of our beliefs - it's a matter of life and death. It also makes it clear that it's not always an easy thing to do, which is encouraging given that far too many books feel like they present it as effortless (maybe for some people it is - but not me)! Probably my favourite part of the book was where something I'd been feeling needed to happen but was being ignored, finally happened (trying to avoid spoilers here) - I guess it emphasised not only the importance of doing the right thing, but the fact that we are flawed humans and may not always see what IS the right thing (or want to do it...). All in all, a good read, hard to put down and inspiring, but best read as a series with book 2 because it does end a bit in the middle of things. Recommended.
Note that I received a review copy of the book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
January 12, 2023
I read this book in a single afternoon and, I'll admit, my feelings toward it were mixed as I read.
Likes:
It was very refreshing to read a Christian book that was so wonderfully drenched in Scripture (although it was sometimes annoying that the same verses were repeated many times). The faith in Things Not Seen was very strong and encouraging to my own walk with the Lord, especially Derek's powerful salvation at the end (my favorite part!).
I also enjoyed the romance and can't wait to see it more developed in the next book in the series. I particularly appreciated that Cassie made it clear to Derek that she would not be with him since he was an unbeliever at the time. Too often in Christian fiction saved characters get involved with unbelievers as if that is no problem at all.
Dislikes:
Now, I have to be honest here, I was not a fan of Cassie at times. It often felt like she was just throwing a pity party for herself and sulking in fear. Her personality was really flat and gloomy sometimes.
It also bothered me that she was always begging for forgiveness from God without realizing that once we believe in Jesus and are saved, we are forgiven of all our sin -- past, present, and future.
Additionally, as someone passionate about Christian apologetics, it bothered me how weak many of Cassie's arguments for God were. It also didn't help that she kept preaching *at* Derek at the most inappropriate times instead of just being with him and showing him that she cares.
And, finally, the book often felt like it just kept going in circles and wasn't really getting anywhere.
While I ended up enjoying the book -- or at least the end of it because I honestly didn't really like it up to a certain point towards the end -- I had many problems and frustrations with it as I read. I'm looking forward to starting Stand, the next book in the series, tomorrow as I think I will like it more than this one. 3 stars.
God bless,
Kaya :)
Likes:
It was very refreshing to read a Christian book that was so wonderfully drenched in Scripture (although it was sometimes annoying that the same verses were repeated many times). The faith in Things Not Seen was very strong and encouraging to my own walk with the Lord, especially Derek's powerful salvation at the end (my favorite part!).
I also enjoyed the romance and can't wait to see it more developed in the next book in the series. I particularly appreciated that Cassie made it clear to Derek that she would not be with him since he was an unbeliever at the time. Too often in Christian fiction saved characters get involved with unbelievers as if that is no problem at all.
Dislikes:
Now, I have to be honest here, I was not a fan of Cassie at times. It often felt like she was just throwing a pity party for herself and sulking in fear. Her personality was really flat and gloomy sometimes.
It also bothered me that she was always begging for forgiveness from God without realizing that once we believe in Jesus and are saved, we are forgiven of all our sin -- past, present, and future.
Additionally, as someone passionate about Christian apologetics, it bothered me how weak many of Cassie's arguments for God were. It also didn't help that she kept preaching *at* Derek at the most inappropriate times instead of just being with him and showing him that she cares.
And, finally, the book often felt like it just kept going in circles and wasn't really getting anywhere.
While I ended up enjoying the book -- or at least the end of it because I honestly didn't really like it up to a certain point towards the end -- I had many problems and frustrations with it as I read. I'm looking forward to starting Stand, the next book in the series, tomorrow as I think I will like it more than this one. 3 stars.
God bless,
Kaya :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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