Small Town Sinners

by Melissa C. Walker

Does falling in love mean falling out of faith? Small Town Sinners is the story of Lacey, a small-town girl who is excited to star in Hell House, her church's annual haunted house of sin, until a childhood friend reappears and makes her question her faith.

Genres: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Religion, Realistic Fiction, Fiction, Teen

285 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 19, 2011

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Reviews

[Roohdaar · Rating 1 out of 5]

Okay.

Why I didn't read past chapter seven:

- Main character is a Mary Sue.
- Main character's boyfriend is also a Mary Sue. Gary.. Stu?
- They can't stop thinking about each other right after they've exchanged words for the first time... Romantic, right? No!
- He stalks her.
- She creeps up on him.
- They go out the second day they meet each other.
- This is just plain stupid.
- I hate my life.
- I hate my life even more after this.
- I want chocolate.

Gosh, I am so sick and tired of the main characters meeting each other, and just rapidly falling in love. It's so damn stupid. In what way is that romantic? It's like R&J all over again. And I'm sick of the female protagonists having no sense of intelligence what.so.ever. It's not hard to have a brain. Apparently it is!

[Lea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I waited a long time to read Melissa Walker’s Small Town Sinners; faith and religion can be incendiary topics, and I worried about how a YA author would handle such divisive topics. Glowing reviews from authors I respect and admire (and a sharply discounted price for the ebook) finally convinced me to take a chance.

Lacey Anne Byer is a parson’s daughter, nearly sixteen. With her best friends Starla Joy and Dean, she is eagerly awaiting her church’s annual Hell House, a haunted-house like event that dramatizes a different sin in each room. Lacey is secretly hoping that this year, the first in which she is eligible to play a part, she will be cast in the important role of Abortion Girl.

Two events change Lacey’s thinking: Starla Joy’s sister, Tessa, is sent away after getting pregnant but her boyfriend gets to remain in school, and a bully is allowed to keep his place in the Hell House production after he repeatedly harasses Dean. Lacey’s beliefs are also challenged by her new friend, Ty, a boy who rejoins her church but does not support the Hell House. Lacy begins to question her relationship with both her parents and with her church, and even her very faith.

Lacey was sometimes difficult to like, especially at the beginning when she doesn’t think for herself, but she grew on this reader when she started to value her personal faith rather than the sometimes contradictory teachings of her church.

Small Town Sinners is a brave book, and unlike anything else I have read recently. Reading this book requires an open mind; readers who can focus on Lacey’s journey, regardless of political or religious beliefs, will enjoy this thoughtful novel on a rarely-discussed topic in young adult literature.

Note: There are several graphic depictions of scenes in the Hell House, so sensitive readers should beware.

[Kristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

lissa Walker, I have one word for you... WOW.

Normally Small Town Sinners is not the type of book I would go for. Had it not been Melissa Walker, an author that I absolutely adore, I'm not sure I would have picked this book up. And I would have been upset with myself later!

I'm not an overly religious person. I've struggled with my faith throughout my teen years and into my adulthood... it's still something that I struggle with now. I usually avoid reading books about it for that very reason. And I'll admit that I was a little apprehensive with those first few pages of Small Town Sinners... but there is something about Lacey that will keep you turning the pages.

I loved this book. Absolutely did not put it down, totally invested in these characters... where did my afternoon go, kind of love for this book. It's about Lacey and her faith, what she believes in, and her struggles with that, but it's also about so much more. I never felt like the book was preaching to me. It was a masterfully crafted balance of those gray areas. I commend Walker for tackling those issues in such a serious manner. Making it really matter to the characters and not just portraying the stereotypical religious girl.

I can't say enough good things about this book. Once of the best contemporary novels I've read this year.

[Faye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow that was my life…well minus Hell House week, but pretty much. It is one of my favorite contemps of the year!

Walker creates re-latable characters that pretty much hit home for me. Growing up in a Christian family and having the same thoughts as Lacey. I saw myself in every character. I think at one point in everyone’s life they question things and that just makes a better person. Stepping outside of the box, Breaking the mold.

The strength and independence the characters portray really made me love them all, they are all trying to find themselves. Friendship really helps Lacey though it all, I loved how all her friends enlighten her in some way. Ty helps Lacey come out of her box. Everything was black and white to her until she starts to question everything, from hell house week to her friends Starla Joy and Dean, and growing relationship with Ty.

I really liked how Walker creates a story with religion in it but doesn’t try to preach to ya lol. I loved this book. It was a fabulous read. The ultimate contemp so far! When this book comes out everyone should get a copy! It’s fun, captivating and genuine.

(PS…this is my first Melissa Walker book and it won’t be the last because I’m already hooked!)

[Liviania · Rating 4 out of 5]

If there's one thing I learned from the comments section, it's that nothing turns IBWB readers off more than a mention of religious themes. Well, tough. SMALL TOWN SINNERS is chock-full of religion and it's a wonderful book.

Lacey Anne Byer is a sixteen-year-old girl, excited about performing in the Hell House put on by House of Enlightenment, her church. The Hell House is similar to a haunted house, but each room represents a sin. Lacey wants to be Abortion Girl, because that's the message she's compelled to share. But several things begin to change her worldview. Her best friend Starla Joy Minter's older sister gets pregnant. Her other best friend, Dean Perkins, is being bullied and none of the adults will do anything to punish the bully. And Ty Davis comes to town, attractive and willing to talk with Lacey about her doubts.

You don't have to be raised in an evangelical Christian home to sympathize with Lacey. She's at the age where she can see that her parents and other adults are not infallible. They do the best they can based on what they believe is right and wrong. Lacey has to decide on her own values.

Lacey is an extremely likeable heroine. While she's not sure what she believes, she's got a good grasp on listening to and caring for others. Compassion is something that evangelical Christianity, sadly, can lose sight of. As for the romance between her and Ty? It never goes beyond kissing, but it's still hot. Melissa Walker writes with emotional authenticity and Lacey's feelings for Ty are scorching. But Walker doesn't give too much weight to the romance. It's balanced well with Lacey's friendships and questions.

I can't think of another recent teen book that does friendship as well as SMALL TOWN SINNERS. C'mon, high school relationships can be intense, but friends are the most important part. Lacey, Starla Joy, Dean, and Ty are comfortable with each other. (Which leads me to a side point: the outdoors scenes are brilliant. I love every single one. I love what Walker does with sunlight.)

Lacey's parents are also well done. Her father is the children's pastor, so she expects quite a bit of him. But Lacey feels like neither of her parents listen to her or trust her . . . so she starts sneaking out. (Oh, teen logic.) SMALL TOWN SINNERS is fair to the Byers. They can be intolerant and overly strict, but they're good parents who are there for their daughter and other children in the community.

Really, that's the strength of SMALL TOWN SINNERS. It lets people be complex. And yes, evangelical Christians are just as complex as everyone else.

[Chamera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Upon first glance, Small Town Sinners draws you in. The cover definitely does the book justice, and the name itself is provocative and intriguing. Many of us realize however, that it is not the cover or even the title that makes a book, it is the content inside. And in the case of Melissa Walker's novel, the content inside is definitely breathtaking. Small Town Sinners is the story of a sixteen year old girl in a very small town. In her town, where religion plays a major role, she is seen as the ultimate good girl.

She obeys her parents, does well in school, and she lives well within the spectrum of her evangelical faith. She, however, craves more than being just the good girl. She wants the spotlight, at least once in her life, and with Hell House, the annual production held by her church, she finally has a chance at that spotlight. But with the arrival of Ty Davis, Lacey begins to question all she knows to be true.

What most compels me about this book is not certain quotes or chapters, but the meanings behind it. Walker manages to touch on the topics of religion, abortion, gay relationships, and a whole slew of other topics that most people tend to avoid with grace. While reading, I found myself combating with the ideals of Lacey Anne Byer, and with everything she has been taught. From the beginning, Walker makes it known that certain topics will come up. If you are uncomfortable with the topics, work through your grievances and finish the book. It is definitely worth it. Walker doesn't infuse the book with her own beliefs. This is one of the main reasons why I call this book refreshing. It is obvious that instead of saying, "This is what you should believe" or "This is the right path to go", she simply lets Lacey state her opinion, or the opinions given to her from childhood.



In the end, that is what this story is about. It isn't about the social stereotypes and taboos given to people of different beliefs. It is about having the right to choose what you believe, having the right to speculate about what is right and wrong in your eyes, and most important it is about having the right - and the courage- to stand up for what you believe. Small Town Sinners could really help many people look at the world with fresh eyes. It isn't about what you believe, it's about not letting people pressure you into their beliefs. Walker's fifth YA novel offers an exhilarating look into the life of young girl growing into herself, one that I belief everyone would enjoy. I would recommend this book to the fullest, to people of all genders and age ranges. This is one book that will linger with you, and the diverse personalities of the characters just make it all the more enjoyable.

5 out of 5 stars

(Review for Mera's YA Book List)

[Asheley T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

(a similar version of this review can be found here at Into the Hall of Books: http://www.intothehallofbooks.com/201...)

Okay, you guys, a book like this one is a perfect example of why I am so glad I am doing this Contemporary Month: I have found a new author to love! Small Town Sinners is the second book I have read by Melissa C. Walker. I picked it up just minutes after finishing her latest book, Unbreak My Heart. What I have learned from these two books is that this author is not afraid to tackle the big stuff, and she does it in a way that makes you feel complete intensity and yet you aren’t turned off by what she is throwing at you. I’m amazed by this.

Lacey Anne Byer is the 16-year-old daughter of super-strict parents. She’s a good girl, the kind who has a 'family' birthday party instead of a ‘regular’ party, complete with red velvet cupcakes and the gift of a new Bible instead of a car. With BFF’s Starla Joy and Dean by her side, Lacey Anne cruises thru life helping the church to win souls and genuinely maintaining her squeaky clean image. She has always dreamed of having one big movie moment in her life, something defining. She is more than thrilled that she is finally old enough to try out for the role of Abortion Girl at the annual production of Hell House, which is put on by her church, the House of Enlightenment.

Ok – I want to stop here for one second because things are about to get REAL. As in, Hell House (aka Judgment House) does exist. It's a production put on in various places across the US (and possibly other places) using various scenarios to show a crowd different kinds of sin and the effects of that particular sin, and then Satan comes out to address the audience. My experience – yes, experience – with these events is that they are usually around Halloween and people come in by the bus and vanloads, are shuffled through in groups, one after another, for several nights. These scenarios may be things like a car accident where someone dies, a suicide, or Lacey Anne’s ever-coveted role, the Abortion Girl. (This is not me judging or offering one viewpoint or another on these places – I’m simply saying they exist and this is a very limited summary of my experience with them.)

So while Lacey Anne studies the lines, practices, and tries out for the role of Abortion Girl, some things are happening around her tightly-structured and controlled community of friends. Lacey begins to want more freedom associated with turning 16 and driving, she begins a new relationship with a boy, and one of her friends becomes pregnant. Lacey notices through all of this, as she soldiers on with Hell House’s production, that her parents seem to become more controlling of her and more judgmental of the people around her. She begins to wonder if they’ve always been this judgmental and she’s never seen it (meaning she may be judgmental too) or are they NOT practicing what they preach? I'm telling you, it's big stuff.

**************************************************

This book is absolutely intense and amazing. There are so many issues and things packed in here, explored tightly and almost expertly, and presented back in a way that you don’t even feel “preached to.” I’m not sure how Melissa Walker was able to do it so well, because there was certainly room for me to close this book and fling it across the room, but I just never wanted to. I was so invested in every single part of the story, even as I tensed up at certain times or held my breath at other times. And yes, I burned my keyboard up on Twitter because I had to find someone to talk to while I was reading.

Lacey Anne’s boyfriend, Ty Davis, is awesome. He’s awesome because he has meaningful conversations with her and he asks her questions that cause her to think without making her feel judged. He challenges her to think about herself, and isn’t that what we all need – somebody to just talk to us and ask us questions and be invested in us just a little bit? YES, IT IS. Also, the two of them represent a couple in their situation really well because they really struggle with maintaining a lifestyle befitting of believing churchgoers, and yet they are able to admit what they are feeling and what they want. AND they do break the rules a time or two, which happens! Even good kids break the rules sometimes, you guys! Everybody does! Ty has a bit of mystery to him but it isn’t the standard mysterious guy syndrome that some people cannot stand – he has reasons for the way he is.

Lacey Anne’s friends are great too, because they are not perfect. They struggle with big stuff, perhaps maybe even bigger than Lacey Anne. Lacey Anne has to watch them struggle and it is hard for her because she loves them so much.

Lacey Anne’s parents – her Dad in particular – are just shockingly horrible. And also perfectly written. I don’t want to say too much more about them except that Lacey Anne's development as a character comes as much from their actions and the way they treat her (negatively) as it does from the way Ty treats her (positively).

Small Town Sinners is a small book that packs a huge, intense punch. I personally thought it was incredible. I’ve heard mostly very positive things about it from people who have grown up much like Lacey Anne AND from people who did not. There is a ton of religion discussed in the book, though, so be warned – BUT...I’m telling you that I did not think this book comes across as preachy. Melissa Walker is not using this book to sell religion, she is using it to tell a story about a girl and her growth as a person. If you like contemporary fiction and do not mind reading books with religion in them, this is one that I would absolutely suggest you pick up and read.

Small Town Sinners will appeal to fans of:

YA Contemporary
Romance
Books Containing Issues: tons of issues!

Small Town Sinners by Melissa C. Walker
is currently available for purchase.

[Sarah BT · Rating 5 out of 5]

About the Book: Lacey Anne Byers has always been a good girl. She's grown up in the church, followed the rules, and she's never questioned anything. Lacey is excited to try out for a lead role in her church's Hell House production. When Ty Davis moves to town, Lacey befriends him. He's smart, funny, and Lacey likes him-a lot. Lacey can talk to Ty about her faith, something her friends have never discussed much. Ty asks questions that Lacey has never asked and she begins to doubt if everything is as black and white, right and wrong as she once believed.

GreenBeanTeenQueen Says: I have been a longtime fan of Melissa Walker's and I think that Small Town Sinners is Melissa's standout book. She writes a story about faith, first love, and searching in a wonderfully realistic way.

As a Christian myself, I'm often hesitant to read portrayals of faith and Christians in fiction. Christian fiction is too corny and unrealistic to me whereas secular fiction often portrays Christian's as crazy nut jobs. Small Town Sinners does neither. The story is non-judgmental and it's up to the readers to answer their own questions and decide what they think. While the adults aren't always the best and they do things that I didn't agree with, no one was over the top, and I found this to be more realistic.

Instead of taking one side or another, Small Town Sinners has a wonderful balance. Hell House's aren't shown in a way that's extreme good or extreme bad. I'm personally not a fan of the Hell House idea, but I liked the explanations that Lacey gave about the reason and how they can be effective. This worked for me and I didn't feel like the book was preaching to me one way or the other. There is scripture used, which so often I feel is corny in books, but for some reason I liked it here. Maybe because I knew this wasn't really labeled "Christian Fiction" so I didn't feel like I was supposed to be getting a message from the book. Instead of just being thrown in there just because it needed to be, I felt it fit Lacey's character as she struggled with her faith.

What I loved most about the novel is that Lacey is a relatable, real, character. She understands that her faith cannot just be what her parents believe, but it has to become her own. In order to make it her own, she must ask questions and discover what she believes-and that's not a bad thing. So often we're told, especially in Christian fiction, that doubt is a bad thing. But in Small Town Sinners, doubt is part of life and it's needed to better understand your faith. This is a message that very often gets lots and I think it added a wonderful depth to the story. There are never easy answers and Lacey isn't left knowing the answers to everything-and that's OK.

The supporting cast adds a layer to the story. This isn't just a story about faith, but it's a story of first love, teen pregnancy, searching for answers, friendship, loyalty, and forgiveness. It all wraps up into a fantastic package that I highly recommend to all readers.

Book Pairings: Sorta Like a Rockstar by Matthew Quick, The Possibilities of Sainthood by Donna Frietas

[Slavica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this novel in one day what means that I liked it. Not as much as Lovestruck Summer so it has to be one star down (since it can't be 3.5). I couldn't put it down until the last page because I was really anxious to find out the message. It was fun and light read and I liked the diversity of characters (Starla Joy and Ty being among my favorites!) though I was really annoyed by some other like Lacey's parents with all their rules and restrictions and kinda shallow explanations offering pretty bad portrayal of Christianity in general. I loved when she opposed her father and went questioning her faith intrigued by conversations with Ty.
I, myself, am a Christian (though not as good as Lacey thinks of herself, lol) so I can symphatize in certain measure with almost everyone in the book, but on the other hand I'm kinda bothered with distorted perspective of Christianity here. There are so many places with the accent on being a good Christian. I don't believe in good Christians; I believe in saved-by-the-mercy Christians, the one who take their cross and daily die to themselves, to their fallen nature, not because they are trying to earn(!) their way to Heaven (impossible!!) but because they got their hearts broken by the awareness of the love they've received so they can't not to love the One who loved them before (when they were still sinners). This novel left me with impression of self righteous Christianity, the kind of I really don't want to have nothing to do with it. I'm afraid people might draw the wrong message, though I do understand that there are (unfortunately many) people like that in the world, I am also acquainted with some of them; self righteous Christians who are trying to earn their way to Heaven with their good deeds, still claiming there is something good in them, when fact is that there isn't because God himself said that There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one. Romans 3:10-12.
There is a sentence in book that says (Satan speaking) That's right! Kill your baby. Sin and belong to me! and the thing is that we cannot sin any more than we already have, whether we abort, murder or lie. It's all the same to God. There are many people out there who think they're good because they haven't killed anyone or even got drunk or had sex before marriage or whatever. Whether you done it or not, you are still gulity of the crime for being self righteous and declining to admit that you're a sinner in a need of Savior (every day! not just once in your life when you recite that puny prayer of accepting Jesus).
I don't know how God does that, how he saves, but I do believe the blood of His son is enough to wash me clean of all of my sin and I'm sure there's nothing I can do to help Him in saving me; all I can do is carry my cross and love (by His strength and mercy) because He loved me first.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melissa Walker writes some of the best contemporary fiction out there and Small Town Sinners, her newest release, is no different of course. Because quite simply Small Town Sinners manages to have it all: relatable and charming main characters, real-life situations that can apply to basically any reader's life, some funny parts, and smooth writing that keeps the reader constantly entranced in the book at hand.

Small Town Sinners tells the tale of Lacey Bryer. Lacey's always been the good girl thanks to her pastor father's influence, but the thing is she's fine with being that way. Especially since she has two of the best friends a person can have. And she can already tell this year, her junior one in high school, is going to be spectacular, because not only is she a shoo-in for the lead roll her in church's Hell Hall but she can also drive. Though, everything changes when Ty shows up in town. Ty is amazing and cute, perfect crush material in Lacey's opinion, but the thing is Ty, as well as several other key factors, are making Lacey question everything about her faith. So, what is one church girl supposed to do when everything in her world suddenly appears different? Will she stand up for what she now believes in or sit on the sidelines? Only time and more pages can tell in Small Town Sinners.

Lacey is a very believable and relatable character when it comes to the parts in the story were she questions her faith. Because I truly feel there's a time in almost any person's life were they question something they were taught that was supposed to be "right" but now wonder why there isn't another way to see and do things. Further more, I liked how while religion plays a big part in the story, Melissa has it in a way were it isn't right in your face, telling you what or what not to think. Actually it was quite different than that, because at least in my situation, I was questioning things in Lacey's life right along with her and Ty and making my own decisions for a huge duration of the story. On a lighter note, I also enjoyed the characters of Starla Joy and Dean, because they were funny, full-of-heart ones that you can't help but love as the story moves along.

While the plot wasn't the most exciting and suspenseful one ever written, it still was nearly perfect in my eyes thanks to Melissa's excellent writing that fully captured the feel of the story and the characters she brought to life right along with it. I especially liked how she used Hell Hall as a way to make the characters think out of the box when it came to what was presented in there and what was right to them at least.

In all, Small Town Sinners is a delightful read that not only is a fun distraction for a couple of hours but truly makes the reader question their own ways of thiking right along with Lacey and her friends. I truly can't suggest this one highly enough!

Grade: A

[Katelyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

In a balance of form and craft over content, it's easy to tell what tipped the scale here. The concept is an interesting one: our main character, Lacey, is a preacher's kid and active in her church's youth group. The plot revolves around her involvement with a new boy in town with a questionable background and how their relationship conflicts with her zeal for her youth group's Hell House production, a radical outreach event in which Lacey plays a girl condemned to hell for getting an abortion.

As interesting as the concept may be, my main complaint against this book is that the writing is just plain sloppy. We never really feel the chemistry between Lacey and her love interest. There are no vivid descriptions of anything, physical or abstract. Cliches or otherwise unimaginative phrases are used far too often. Secondly, I was disappointed that this book definitely valued its agenda over its story, and the characters suffered for it. Very few scenes in this book felt genuine.

All that said, it was an interesting read -- as a conservative Christian myself -- if only to see how "the other side" might think about my church and my beliefs.

[Ayla Stierwalt · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book did not set with me well, the story line was cute trying to question God learn your own voice when it comes to beliefs. The part of the story that I did not like was about the gay marriage and abortions that are in there hell house plays. This is a book I would not want my teen to read alone I would only let the read with someone who has read this book with the belief as ours, just so someone could help with them with the questions that they may develop with reading this book. I do think everyone has their own take on life and no one should be judge with the sins they create. God is the only one to judge at the end, and the bible can tell you what is ok. With saying that I do think teens should read this but talk about how they feel it could help them find there voice.

I really feel like I have no idea on what to say. No I don't like this story and I think anyone who picks this up will have a different option. I don't want what I say to affect that, some may think this book is amazing due to they believe the same way. I would just suggest as a parent read the book before you let you teen read the book.

[Tee loves Kyle Jacobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warning: This book is a must read! You will not be able to put it down. Melissa has weaved a story that makes you think about everything you were taught between right and wrong.

My Rating: 5 of 5

My Cover Thoughts: I so love this cover. It captivated me because you see a girl lying down on the ground holding her eyes while an apple with a heart in it is laying a few inches away from her. It makes you wonder if she had her heart broken.

My Thoughts/Review: WOW Melissa did an awesome job weaving a story together that a lot of Christian kids go through. Lacey has grown up in a house where God is first and foremost. She does everything her parents tell her to do without ever questioning it. That is until her sixteenth birthday and she is standing in line getting her drivers license and she sees a boy. He has captivated her so much so she is not paying attention and takes her license picture staring at him and not at the camera.

Lacey’s goal this year that she is a junior is to be the leading star in the churches Hell House that they put on every year. She wants to be abortion girl because every girl who has been abortion girl has been popular and gets standing ovations. She wants to be the center of attention this time and will stop at nothing to get the part. She feels bold in a ways because she does not think she will get the part but she is going to try very hard.

Then when she is at church for the first meeting for Hell House she sees the boy from the DMV. She can not help but wonder who he is. She turns to her two best friends and asks them if they know who he is and they both don’t know either. She soon finds out who he is and is thrown into a world of doubt and confusion when something big happens to one of her best friends. She questions everything she was taught by her parents and she even questions God.

Lacey and Ty begin a relationship but she is not sure what it is that is happening to her because she has never questioned God. Ty asks Lacey some hard questions and eventually she realizes that everything she says is because her parents have said it to be true she really does not know if that is the truth. As time passes Ty challenges her to have her own opinion and he also tells her that it is okay to doubt what her parents have told her. It is okay to form your own opinions. God will not be mad at her.

Lacey must find her way to the truth and along the journey she realizes that her friends were meant to be in her life and no matter what happens she will always be there for them just like God would want her to be. Will Lacy find her way to the truth or will she stay confused?

Advice: This book is a must read! It is so funny in some parts and other parts will make you cry but in the end Melissa has you questioning everything you were taught, especially if you have grown up in a Christian home. Awesome job Melissa!

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lacey Anne Byer has always been the good girl. She obeys her nine o’clock curfew, attends church regularly, and never argues with her parents. She’s never minded not being the center of attention, but this year, Lacey is definitely ready for a movie moment or at least something more than ordinary. This year, she’s determined to land a good role in Hell House, her church’s way of teaching about sin and drawing new people to their faith. She’s sure that’ll be her chance to shine. But then Ty Davis moves to town, and suddenly, all Lacey can think about is shining in a different sort of way—a way that would get Ty to notice her. Ty is sweet, smart, and cute, and Lacey finds herself falling for him even though the fact that he doesn’t believe like she does confuses her. But as the number of shocks and conflicts connected to Hell House increase, Ty is the only person she can talk to as she starts to question the behavior of her church community. And as these conflicts grow closer to home, Lacey will have to decide whether she wants to be the girl shaped only by her church’s beliefs or the girl who’s defined by her own.

I’ve always found it a little difficult to read books that are so heavily connected to religion and faith, mostly because I have my own doubts and am just not a very religious person. Small Town Sinners, however, is thankfully in no way preachy; it neither endorses nor condemns the beliefs and practices of one religious sect but instead explores the gray areas between organized religion and personal faith. Walker has taken an interesting look at a girl from a very conservative evangelist family who is confronted by a series of events which cause her to doubt and question everything she was raised to believe. Lacey’s journey to self confidence and self definition is beautifully portrayed and realistically written because Walked has a true talent for crafting such complex and utterly believable characters. I’ll admit that it was still hard for me to get through certain sections of this book where the more negative side of organized religion and the more controlling part of conservatism came into play, especially because Lacey’s character often got trampled under all of this. I can’t deny, though, that Walker has done a wonderful job of showing the integral role that religion and faith can play is people’s lives, usually for the better.

Fans of the Violet trilogy by Melissa Walker will be interested in taking a look at her newest novel, Small Town Sinners, despite its rather different content. This novel will also appeal to fans of The Dark Divine by Bree Despain and Days of Little Texas by R.A. Nelson.

reposted from http://thebookmuncher.blogspot.com

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the last book in the original Contemps Challenge so I was excited to dive in. I was also intrigued by the presence of religion, something so important in my life but something that doesn't usually appear in many YA books and by the plot element of "hell houses," something I find *so* creepy. But first a brief summary.

Lacey lives in a small town as an only child of conservative Christian parents. Church is a big part of her life and she's thrilled that she's finally old enough to a. drive and b. take an acting role in their annual Hell House, performed around Halloween time to scare youth into Christianity. Her dream role would be Abortion Girl, whose regrets about her abortion have proved very effective in past hell houses. But while she thought this year would be great, there are obstacles.

One of her best friends' older sister is pregnant and is shuffled off to a home while her boyfriend/the father continues his usual life. Her other best friend might be gay, not that he could ever share that with their church and is being bullied by a mean-spirited guy. Her parents no longer seem so infallible with all of the answers. And a former classmate named Ty returns to town with a shaken faith and encourages Lacey to question her own.

I really appreciated Lacey's questioning of her church, mostly because it's much more conservative than me. In particular, they are gay-hating, "slut-shaming," and male-elevating. I also think it's just a great idea in general to question what you think you believe especially during those crucial years as a teenager. However Ty, her main encourager, really annoyed me. I felt like he was leading her to have the same doubts as he did despite her very different experiences. There were some good things about him; for example he seemed much more open-minded than many of the other characters in the book. But something about him grated on me. He seemed much more like a plot device than an actual person.

Additionally while she was questioning, she was also lying to her parents and sneaking out of the house, which I can't condone. Did I think her parents were too overprotective? Yes. Did I think they handled Lacey's questions and doubts poorly? Emphatically yes. Does that justify her blatant disrespect for the rules, which it is their responsibility as parents to have and enforce? No! In fact, as YA parents go, these are very close to the top of the heap. They obviously care about their daughter and are involved with her life; they know the names of her friends and about her dream to star as Abortion Girl.

Overall: I liked some of the themes and the writing was easy to read but this will not be a favorite of mine.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Small Town Sinners follows Lacy a sixteen year old Evangelical Christian who has always seen the world as black and white. Now that she is a Junior Lacy is eligible to audition for a part in her churches hell house (a horror house that leads viewers through various sins) and Lacy wants to be the abortion girl. Through a series of events including an old friend returning to town and her sisters best friend's pregnancy Lacy starts to wonder if the world is as black and white as she has always believed.

This was a wonderful coming of age story set into an evangelical community that is done with respect. Lacy is believable as a small town religious girl who has always followed her parents teaching and rules without question. The framework of the hellhouse along with the disruptions in her friends allowed for a believable trigger for Lacy to question how she viewed her faith. This book somehow manages to walk the line both respecting and criticizing religion at the same time and I feel religious readers as well as those who have viewed religion from the outside will enjoy the book. It is neither preachy nor anti-religion and I do not feel it would offend religious readers. The real message one gets from the book is not that religion is bad but that one must make their own decisions about their beliefs and being kind, forgiving and understanding is better than sitting in judgement. I was very engrossed in the story and finished the book within hours.

Appropriateness: There is no adult content in the book however the book does deal with discussions of teen pregnancy, drunk driving, abortion and bullying. There are a lot of discussions of hypocritical behavior by adults and kids and Lacy sneaks out and lies to her parents multiple times (to do things that she feels she needs to do). I would recommend this book to teens 13+

[Sarah Lynn · Rating 2 out of 5]

This wasn't my most favorite book. I wish instead of making the book entirely about a girl questioning her religion that she would have added a little more 'love-story'. I also felt in some areas that she portrayed Christians as hateful people, and that we don't sin. Everyone sins, its a part of life. You ask God to forgive you. End of story. You do not dwell on that.

I do love Melissa's writing style although I feel in some parts of the book she could have added in a few more adjectives. Her imagery was impeccable in certain areas, and it really captured me. I liked the sections in the book where the main character questioned her parents logic as she became of age. Everyone needs to start thinking for themselves sometime in life.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very different book, but one that I really enjoyed. I wasn't sure what to expect when I first started reading it, but once I got into it I realized that the situations in this book are probably much more prevalent in the world than most of us realize. I loved how Lacey tried to figure out what was best for her while still trying to balance all of the beliefs she had been brought up on. I think your teenage years are difficult in general because of the pressures you face both internally and externally and I applaud how Melissa Walker showed how her strong female character chose to deal with them.

[Jen Petro-Roy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book, especially as someone who started to question her faith in her early twenties. Though this was a quiet book, and fairly short, I am in awe at how deeply Walker developed Lacey Anne. This should be required reading for all teens, whether religious or not.

[sbu_andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have no idea how this ended up in my nook library. Must’ve gotten it on some kind of YA sale when I was like 14. I remember getting bored a few pages in

But god help me, I love this book.

Which probably means it’s not that good, since I’m a gross old man and nowhere near the book’s target market. I don’t blame teenage me for dnfing it; the main characters all talk like old people and the narrator can be a little twee, especially since she starts dropping Bible verses from memory out of nowhere around the 75% mark.

But to me, it was a lot of fun and presented some pretty controversial topics in a very evenhanded way, all in a bitterly, achingly nostalgic package

[Katrina Burchett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lacey Anne Byer is the daughter of Pastor Ted and Theresa Byer. She loves the small town she lives in, a tight knit community where everybody sees her as the `good girl' who would never break the rules. She has had two close friends since pre-school, Starla Joy and Dean and they all worship at the House of Enlightenment. Lacey was raised by Christian parents who taught her to study the Word and look to the Word in times of trouble. She also wears the purity ring her father got for her when she turned fifteen. When a new guy comes to town, Lacey begins to question what she always believed to be Truth.

Lacey has been a Christian for years. She grew up with a dad who is a Pastor. She was an okay character, but it was surprising to me how certain incidents bothered her to the point where she began to question her faith. And a couple situations were really none of her business, so, at those times, I found her a bit judgmental. It seems she didn't question her faith at all until Ty came along. This young man had a problem with Lacey quoting Scripture, he planted seeds of doubt in her mind about what she believed and he confused her about things that never even crossed her mind before she spoke with him. And he was the reason she began to make certain bad choices she never thought to make before. Spiritually speaking, Ty had no clue he was allowing Satan to use him... For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of the darkness who rule this world and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms. - Ephesians 6:12 (New Living Translation) Again, Ty had no clue he was allowing Satan to use him.

Are teens being frightened into surrendering their lives to the Lord? That was the question I asked myself as soon as I saw the words `Hell House', so I had to buy the book to find out. As characters described scenes for Hell House, an outreach that would bring people to God, my question was answered. The issues being addressed were Abortion, Drunk Driving, Gay Marriage, Domestic Abuse, Cyber-porn and Suicide, and there was excitement expressed by these Christian people as they planned the tragic scenes. I'm not sure if that was because they were happy about the people who would get saved, or if they were desensitized by it all... I was at least glad to see that Lacey's mom got the seriousness of the Abortion Girl scene from the beginning. Lacey had to witness the consequences of a choice made by a friend, before she realized playing Abortion Girl wasn't something to be excited about. According to Pastor Byer, "You gotta shake `em to wake `em." But getting saved is about believing in Jesus Christ and what he did for us at Calvary. For God so LOVED the world that He gave His only begotten Son... scare tactics are not the way to lead the lost to Christ. Most of them probably backslide soon after they shake off the fear of Hell House, because their hearts weren't in it in the first place.

Thoughts that came to mind as I read this book:

1. Some people will live a certain way not because they believe it's who they are, but because someone else convinced them it's who they are.
2. As Christians, it's okay to have questions when it comes to the Bible. That's one way to learn. But it's not good to look so deep in between the lines that we stop believing because we don't understand or can't explain certain Scripture in a way that will satisfy someone who is challenging it.
3. Certain Christian characters suggested that a person would go to hell because of a sin committed. It does not work that way. And it's not about `feeling heaven bound'. Those who are going to heaven when they leave this world have received Jesus as Lord and Savior and those who aren't didn't. It is not about `feelings' and it is not about `works'.
4. Some people convince themselves a choice they've made is in `God's plan' when God didn't have a thing to do with it.

This is the first time I've read Melissa Walker's work. I gave `Small Town Sinners' three stars because it was interesting, realistic, and well-written. I gave it another star because of Walker's bravery. She touched on delicate controversial topics that have caused many heated discussions. Any book club might have to meet late into the night or may even have to schedule another day before every thought and opinion from its members can be expressed. Or they may have to agree to disagree about certain topics and move on to the next book.

[Andye.Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading only a few pages of Small Town Sinners, I began to have an uneasy feeling. I quickly learn that Lacey Anne Byer is the only child of the Children's Pastor of The House of Enlightenment Church and his wife. They live in a small town somewhere in the midwest and the church is a major influence in their town. The fact that I am a Christian myself causes me to be sensitive to how God, Jesus, the Bible and the church are portrayed. As I read, I was concerned about the tone that the author would take and how Christianity and religion would be portrayed. Many times the beliefs and rituals of some churches, especially those that are not of the mainstream denominations, are held up to be ridiculed. This was my concern and question and they weren't answered until I was deep into the story.

The backdrop of this story is the production of a Hell House scheduled to be presented on Halloween weekend. Hell House productions are done in contrast to Haunted Houses filled with ghosts and goblins. The Hell House was put on by the Youth Leaders of the House of Enlightenment as an outreach to the community and outlying areas. It was intended to show the eternal consequences of sinful choices that many people make and cause them to repent and give their lives to God. The scenes included things like abortion, drugs, gay marriage, suicide, domestic violence, cyberporn and drunk driving. Auditions were held for those who wanted to participate and lead roles were highly prized among the older teens. Even though Lacey Ann was only a junior, she greatly desired the lead role as Abortion Girl. Lacey has had a very sheltered and regimented upbringing by strict, loving parents. She has followed all the expected paths and has been happy doing so. She has a love for God and her parents and has a great desire to be the person that they all want her to be. It is only when a boy comes to town (of course!!) that Lacey begins to question the things that she has simply accepted as true for so long. As the preparation of Hell House continues, Lacey starts to look at things differently and acknowledge some doubts. This is where this book is different from so many others. Lacey does not become a crazy, rebellious girl who discards everything she's ever believed in to follow a wild, immoral guy into illegal activity. Instead, Ty Davis asks Lacey questions....questions that are difficult for Lacey to answer with her own voice. Trying to find these answers leads Lacey down a path of discovery of herself and the God she thought she knew so well.

The author, Melissa Walker, has done an excellent job of presenting a slice of life and then allowing the reader to come to their own conclusions. It would be so easy to make fun of these people who put so much time, effort and importance into this Hell House show. To Melissa Walker's credit, she does not do that. We are asked to take these people as they are...honest, sincere, God-fearing people who are doing their best to live godly lives. We are not directed to agree with everything they believe or to see them as foolish, misguided people. Like Lacey, we are asked to consider what we believe and why. My original uneasiness was replaced with admiration for the author's ability to balance more than one viewpoint and give them equal value. Thank you Melissa Walker for a great book! I would highly recommend this book for teens and adults.
Content:

Profanity: Moderate
Sexual Content: Moderate
Violence: Mild
Other Notables: Religious issues

Readingteen.net

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Small Town Sinners was a book that I didn't expect to enjoy so much. Generally, I try not to read books that deal too much about religion/faith, and it seems like the Christian faith is getting more exposure in YA novels. In Small Town Sinners, Lacey is super excited to be auditioning for this year's Hell House, her church's annual haunted house of sin that serves as an outreach program as well. But when a cute new stranger, Ty, comes to town, something begins to stir inside her. As her feelings for Ty make Lacey test her boundaries, events surrounding Hell House make her question her religion.

I was actually surprised to hear that Hell Houses exist. It sounds quite over the top but then again, Westerners are known to be slightly more "out there" than their Eastern counterparts. Walker did a really good job describing and showing readers what these Hell Houses are, and I finished the book wanting to experience one for myself, just to see what is it all about.

Lacey's a likeable character. She starts off a little naive, a little too perfect but when Ty comes into her life, she learns that not everything is black and white. I felt the emotions she did, and without going too much into detail, I completely agreed with her on her family's reactions to certain matters.

The romance was well-writing, but I did feel that Lacey's feelings for Ty was a little too strong. She sees him and is suddenly drawn to him? Maybe it's because they live in a small town and he's new and that's why he's so interesting, but it's still a little weird. I really liked Ty's character as well. There was a sense of mystery to him, but he acted as Lacey's foil, getting her to question her faith. It wasn't done out of spite, but merely to really get her to understand the world she lived in.

What I liked about the religious themes in the novel is that it's not preachy. It doesn't tell you things like, "This is how Lacey lives her life. It's the right way. Follow it." Instead, it's more of, "This is how Lacey lives her life" and there is an unspoken implication by the author who wants to get you to think about if this is the right way for Lacey. One line that stuck with me was Lacey saying how her house was a house of answers, it didn't matter what the questions were. Small Town Sinners is different. It isn't a house of answers, instead, it makes you think about what the questions and answers are.

I did feel that the ending wrapped up too neatly and that there could have been some better conclusions for secondary characters. But all in all, it finished what it set out to do, and there is a sense of closure for the characters, so I won't complain. Well done for a debut! :D

[Britney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved SMALL TOWN SINNERS so much because I could really relate to Lacey. No, I didn't grow up in a devoutly religious home, or a small town where everyone knows everyone else's business, or even around Hell Houses. But I did grow up trying to please everyone but myself, and I still feel like I don't really know who "I" am. The "who am I" question is a question that everyone deals with at some point in their life, and I just adore the way Lacey begins to find herself. (The literary term for a "coming of age" story is bildungsroman in case you were curious. How's that for random literary knowledge?) SMALL TOWN SINNERS addresses bullying, drunk driving, teen pregnancy, and abuse all while placing it in a realistic context. By "realistic context" I mean that the situations are all happening in a realistic way and not the hard-to-believe way that sometimes happens in novels. These events do not all happen to one person; they do not all have the worst possible consequences. Each situation has a different layer of complexity. For example, the majority of drunk driving themes in today's novels result in death, and death is a very real consequence of drunk driving. However, there are less severe consequences that are just as damaging to a person. Dealing with the fact that you were the cause of someone else's injury, or the way people react toward you after the accident can be very traumatic as well. This is just one example of how Melissa Walker eloquently addresses serious teen issues.

I also really loved the treatment of the Hell House. I have actually attended one of these before, although it was a less severely named Judgement House, and I don't remember the scenes being as intense as they are in the book (although my memory seems to be failing lately). The Hell House in STS helps Lacey to understand that it's time she start questioning her beliefs, not because they are wrong, but because she needs to discover what SHE believes and not what she is told to believe. I liked the way Walker put it (and I'm paraphrasing here), "My parents already have their answers so there's no room for questions. I have questions and need to find the answers for myself." Like I said, that is not an exact quote, but it embodies the beautiful message of the novel.

This book does deal with religious views, and while I wouldn't call it a "religious novel" I would caution that some of the images created and beliefs represented in the Hell House may be extreme for some readers. Scenes include suicide, abortion, and the Devil. These issues and descriptions were no problem for me; however, they may be too graphic for younger readers. I suggestion parents read STS before allowing children under15 to do so.

[Steph | bookedinsaigon · Rating 3 out of 5]

YA contemporary fiction just gets more and more stunning in their nuanced, relatable, and thought-provoking treatments of difficult subjects. Melissa Walker’s latest novel, SMALL TOWN SINNERS, is arguably the best examination of religious evangelism that I have read in YA fiction. Its sympathetic cast of characters and the careful way it treads the middle ground between black and white make it a superb literary accomplishment.

Religion is, as ever, a sensitive topic, one that is often difficult to talk about due to its highly personal and subjective manner. Which is why what Melissa Walker does in SMALL TOWN SINNERS is so impressive. Virtually all of the characters in this novel support rather unpopular and subjectively archaic positions on today’s controversial hot topics like abortion and gay marriage. However, rather than simply demonizing religious evangelists, Walker deftly makes all of her characters likeable, or at the very least sympathetic. It’s easy to hate issues and take solid stances on them when they are distant. However, when the issues hit home—when they become personal—is what SMALL TOWN SINNERS does so well. Walker shows that things such as faith and beliefs are individual and personal. This is a lesson that everyone could care to learn and promote.

The theme of SMALL TOWN SINNERS is a wonderful one, which makes up for the fact that sometimes, I felt like the characters were a little…mild. Lacey is a great protagonist in that she really captures the ambiguity of questioning her church-based faith, but there are times when I wanted her to be more than simply a mind-churning, tears-swallowing, does-he-like-me-or-not girlie-girl. Lacey’s best friend Starla Joy is said to be this more gregarious and outspoken girl, but she doesn’t very often display that. Ty, the supposed love interest, is, in my opinion, blown a bit out of proportion in the book’s synopsis. In SMALL TOWN SINNERS, romance definitely takes a backseat to the more compelling plotline of characters questioning their former beliefs. In fact, one may even think that the romance is a little lacking, a little too contrived.

But these minor qualms of mine regarding the characters don’t really matter in light of the book’s larger message. I love that the characters of SMALL TOWN SINNERS change over the course of the story—but in a way that stays true to who they are, and the way they were brought up. Needless to say, this is probably one of the most skilled and nuanced portrayals of extreme religion I’ve read in YA literature. All sorts of readers, I think, find this book compelling and eye-opening.

[Jen Bigheart · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

What a refreshing book! I honestly don't think I've read anything like this story. I know of a few recent YAs that have religious undertones, but this is the first (for me) where the overall theme is faith and sin. This story reminds me a lot of my own childhood. I grew up in a strict Christian home and I found myself wanting to rebel the second I turned 14. I was just like Lacey, I wanted to find my own way and start to make decisions based on what I believed, and not necessarily what was drilled into my head since the day I was born. I must say that Lacey has a great head on her shoulders. She knows when she reaches a crossroad and takes time to weigh out the choices. Me? I dove right in and thought of the consequences later. Lacey is much smarter than I was. When Ty, a boy who questions everything and has a secret past, comes along she starts to realize that maybe not everything is black and white, so cut and dry. There may be shades of gray and decisions need to be made based on the surrounding circumstances.

By the synopsis, you might think this book is all about Ty and Lacey and the temptations of sex. While that does come up a few times, the Hell House (a church production of sinful horrors that shows devastating consequences - read HERE for an example) setting explores a variety of "sins" that young adults face every day -pre-marital sex, alcohol, drugs, and porn. Some of these issues come close to home for Lacey and her friends, and while we aren't too surprised of which way the opinion meter goes here, Walker does balance things with the help of Ty and his ideas about faith. He doesn't exactly stand behind the church on every topic and we see Ty and Lacey have some really deep and meaningful conversations. It is during these times in the park where I love the characters most. They are vulnerable and open to each others differing thoughts and they have intelligent discussions on some pretty heavy stuff. Walker gives these characters depth and presented them as complex and bright individuals. The alone time in the dark could have easily turned into sexy time, but Walker stayed true to Lacey's character and kept her integrity in tact. It just made me love Ty even more...

We watch Lacey basically grow up in the year that we know her. She is the perfect obedient child at day one and disregards her own individual thoughts while being guided by her overprotective father. When we part with Lacey a year later, we watch her navigate her own way with the help of what she knows to be true and the welcome advice of her father.

4.5 Stars

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lacey's always known what her path in life is supposed to be, and she follows it like the good Christian girl she is. Right now she's hoping for a lead in the church's annual Hell House,so she can be on the front lines saving souls. Then Ty comes to town, and Lacey begins to question her beliefs for the first time. Just because you know something's right, does it mean it's right for everybody? What if faith's not something you're given, but something you have to earn for yourself?

This is a powerful book with a strong voice. Lacey's evangelical Christian lifestyle is clearly presented without being preachy. There's a lot of focus on friendship and community, and the strength one derives from them. It's not about being Christian so much as it's about growing up, and learning that sometimes you have to walk away from something to find your way back.

Hell Houses are real, and the one portrayed here is a classic example. They're an extreme method of outreach, and a popular one. The teens in the novel are enthusiastic supporters, viewing it as their own personal battle in the war against evil. It's important to bear in mind that they are blindly following what they've been told all their lives, and have no personal experience with their subject matter.

It's when these "sins" enter their own lives that things start to change. Kissed for the first time, Lacey begins to see her friend's pregnancy in a new light. When her parents forbid her from seeing Ty, suddenly lying doesn't seem like that big a deal. This is a story about being raised in a clearly black-and-white world, and what happens when you find out there's infinite shades of gray.

This is an excellent read, thought-provoking and full of depth. The author never comes down on one side of an issue; the fact that there are as many sides as there are individuals is the whole point. The message here is as timeless as it is important - before you can believe in anything, you first have to believe in yourself.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first Melissa Walker book, and will by no means be the last. Melissa Walker has filled the pages of Small Town Sinners with relatable character, every day events that affect communities, and wonderful writing. The moment I finished reading, I had a strong urge to go and start reading it over again.

Lacey is a character everyone can relate to. She is the all-religious girl, but as the book goes on you see her exploring her faith. I think a lot of us go through that, you see her questioning things and making choices. This makes her very real. Ty is the charming boy that you always know there's more too, and the entire book you are simply guessing at what it might be. Starla Joy was a character as fun as her name. She always lightened up scenes, and while she was a lot of fun, she was serious at the same time.

Small Town Sinners had a really unique plot! It isn't jump out of your seat suspenseful or anything like that, but it is very cool. Lacey lives in this small town, and they have a Hell House. It's sort of like a Haunted House only they stage different "sins" and then have the opportunity to join in with the church and become closer to God. Lacey is very into this, and dreams of becoming "Abortion Girl", the star of the house. That was such a new thing, I never would have thought something like that would exist. It's very cool, and even just reading, it really brings up my faith in myself. Everything that goes on was just so real and down to earth, like it could happen to anyone. Melissa Walker's writing was the cherry on top, and really just brought the story to life.

Small Town Sinners is a fast read that will be sure to be a pleaser. It is filled to the brim with wonderful characters, a great plot, and superb writing. I really can't express all my feelings for this book with mere words, but this will be a book I will press in to the hands of everyone I know. It is that good.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone fascinated by Hell Houses and Evangelical Christian (I watch/read everything I can get my hands on in regards to these topics), I was excited when I heard about the concept of this book. And once I found out it was released, I snapped it up on my Nook. Thank GOODNESS for instant gratification.

I liked that the question of one of the character's sexuality is never really answered because, in the eyes of the characters closest to this one, it doesn't matter. The cast of characters, as an ensemble, is very strong and very distinct--yet none of the characters overpowered one another.

If I had to pick one problem with the novel , I would say that Lacey's parents were a bit unpredictable. One minute is was a sort of 'fire and brimstone' and then the next it seemed 'gentle as a lamb.' I understand that they were un-used to punishing her, but I think a grounding might have been something that might have been tried. It wasn't bothersome, again because I enjoyed the book and the depth to which Lacey could grow and expand to find herself.

This book also brought up questions about double standards, and I really enjoyed the fact that it was questioned by the characters. Lacey earned my respect and kept it. If only everyone could be as dedicated to conscious thought and being in touch with their mind.

The Abortion Girl line was a little odd. While an important topic, it was weird to see how much this girl wanted to be the character. It was almost perverse and, if you've seen the documentaries 'Hell House' and 'Jesus Camp' you know exactly what I'm talking about. It's clear that author Melissa Walker not only did her research, but she kept characters real and believeable.

I bought this for my Nook and I LOVE it. I can't wait to read it again.

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lacey Byer has always been a good girl and perfect Christian. She also just turned sixteen, which not only means she gets her driver's license, but also makes her old enough to try out for a lead role in this year's Hell House. Lacey's father is the Children's Pastor at the local community church in her small town, so the Hell House production has always been a "movie moment" goal for her. And this year's show promises to be the best ever. But then things begin to happen in the lives of her best friends around her, and she begins to doubt the words her father preaches. Add to that the new boy in town, and things are getting rather confusing in the once simple life of Lacey.

Small Town Sinners is an enthralling book. Predictable, yes, but it doesn't pretend to want to surprise you with its actions. I had not heard of the phenomena of Hell Houses before this books, and found myself fascinated with the whole experience. Lacey was an unbelievably raw character. As the reader is pulled along through her doubt and re-invention of herself, Lacey remains unflinching honest. Melissa Walker wants to tell an authentic, open story, bold and without apology. Teen readers will have characters to identify with and are sure to find similarities in their own rebellion against their parents. I also think this is an important book for teens to read, not just for the lesson in thinking for yourself, but also for the beautiful love story that is equally as much the point of Lacey's journey. This is the first book of Walker's I have read, but I will definitely pick up her others to give them a whirl!