A Shadow in the Dark

by Ronica Stromberg

Book by Ronica Stromberg

154 pages, Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Ronica Stromberg is the author of a picture book, The Time-for-bed Angel; a tween mystery, The Glass Inheritance; and two tween/teen novels, A Shadow in the Dark and Living It Up to Live It Down.

Reviews

[Julie Graves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kirsten Hart, her mother and her younger brother Eric have moved to the country following her parents’ divorce. While out walking the neighborhood to see if there are any girls her age, she comes to an old woman’s home. Before knocking she thinks that she sees someone looking out of one of the windows. As she leans closer to look the old woman opens the front door and catches her peeking in. The old woman is not happy. When Kirsten asks to meet the girl that she saw in the window the old woman denies that there is anyone else in the house. So starts Kirsten’s summer.

Kirsten’s mother remembers that some other neighbors are having their granddaughter stay with them for the summer. Kirsten goes to meet her. Gail and Kirsten spend the rest of their summer trying to find out whom the old woman is hiding in her home. After telling Kirsten’s mother, Gail’s grandparents and the police the girls realize that they are the only ones to “save” the girl being held captive.

One thing that Kirsten learns about Gail is that she is a Christian. Everything that Kirsten has heard about Christians is that they are weird. Gail surprises her with her faith. Throughout the story Gail’s steady faith in God impresses Kirsten. Pressures from old friends, guilt for enjoying her new friend, a dad that never follows through with his promises, and worry about the girl being held captive all eventually lead Kirsten to the one person that can give her peace and ultimate friendship…Jesus.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The story has heart-pounding action as well as humor. Ronica Stromberg captures the inward struggles that a pre-teen girl can go through. Struggles of acceptance, relationships with family and friends and ultimately struggles with faith.

[IrenesBookReviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book one in the Kirsten Hart Series by Ronica Stromberg is about a twelve-year-olds move to a new town. The story follows Kirsten as she makes new friends and learns about Jesus.

The author is great at describing the emotions the main character is feeling. You learn about Kirsten by reading how she reacts to the different situations she encounters. Although it has a bit of a mystery in it, the book is really about Kirsten discovery of who she is and why she needs Jesus.

Not one of the best book I have read but it is well written and moves along quickly.

I gave this book 4/5 stars.

I would like to thank ChristianReviewofBooks.com and the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.

[Kira · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Shadow in the Dark by Ronica Stromberg
Category: Contemporary
Grades 7 to 9
Royal Fireworks Press
January 2009
3 stars


Kristen’s father abandoned the family. So, Kristen’s mom moves then to an old farmhouse soe distance from their friends. Kristen finds a friend in a neighbor’s granddaughter who’s here for the summer. Together, they discover there might be someone being held against their will down the road. Will Kristen and Gail solve the mystery of who it it?

The beginning is slow and the cover is misleading. The characters are a little one-dimensional. The paragraphs and sentences, however, are well-written. Readers who like Christian fiction and friendship stories might like this book. Middle School

[melissa1lbr · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one had a rather interesting premise - mysterious hidden child being kept locked up by a crazy old woman. While the mystery was fairly entertaining, I struggled with the writing. It seemed rather dull and lacking in spark. The young characters did not talk the way I would have expected them to - some odd phrases coming from their young mouths. I found it slightly annoying also that despite the neighbor having a name, she was often just referred to as "neighbor lady" even by adults in the book. It was a good idea, just not very well executed.

[Charity U · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story! It’s about a young girl named Kirsten whose parents are divorced. She goes to live out in the country with her mom, struggles with her parents’ divorce, and meets a new friend. Kirsten and her friend suspect that an unkind older lady living near them is keeping a girl about their age against her will! This book has a fun dose of mystery and adventure too. It will keep you reading ‘til the end! It’s aimed at pre-teen/early-teen girls, but as an older teen, I enjoyed it too. In the end, Kirsten learns to trust God as her very best friend. A good book!