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Double Take
It's spring break of her senior year and Madison Van Buren is fed up. Stressed over Ivy League pressure, her parents' marital problems, and her boyfriend's neglect, Madison gets in her car and drives west. Meanwhile, eighteen-year-old Anna Fisher wants to escape the so-called simple life--which for her consists of caring for younger siblings, sewing, cooking, and gardening--and she's well aware that her future will simply be more of the same with a man she doesn't love. Suddenly, worlds collide when Madison and Anna meet in a small town, realize they look uncannily similar, and decide the grass is definitely greener on the other side.
Readers will love this funny and provocative tale of switching places from bestselling author Melody Carlson. As they get a glimpse into two very different worlds, they may find themselves happy to be just who they are, where they are.
271 pages, Paperback
First published April 15, 2011
75 people are currently reading
880 people want to read
About the author
Melody Carlson
419 books3,264 followersMelody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books, several of them Christmas novellas from Revell, including her much-loved and bestselling book, The Christmas Bus.
She also writes many teen books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series.
Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon.
She also writes many teen books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series.
Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 192 reviews
September 14, 2020
3.5 stars. This was a really cute, feel-good chick flick of a book. I've always loved reading about elite NYC life (Gossip Girl, anyone?), but the added twist of the Amish lifestyle was a home run.
May 5, 2013
Are you a fan or do you remember the tale of the Prince and Pauper ? The story where two boys meet who looked identical , both fed up with their lives decide to switch places only to discover at the end -what each were missing from their old lives and the surprise people got when their true identities were revealed ? I love that story, which probably is the reason I loved the movie The Parent Trap and the TV/Book series The Lying Game.
Christian author Melody Carlson decides to take that story and turn it into an The Amish and the Englischer with Double Take. We meet Madison - the Englischer who is fed up with her life and stressed and with spring break coming up sees the opportunity to disappear and Anna - an Amish girl , she justs wants to be free to live her life, away from the countless chores and looking after her siblings, she yearns for more. On a chance meeting, the two girls discover that they could pass as identical twins and with each wanting a taste of what's on the other side, they decide to switch places. Madison heads to life as an Amish as Anna and Anna heads to the City to be Madison. What will happen when they take a walk in each others shoes ? Will they find themselves falling for their newfound life or will they discover that they miss parts of their old lives ? What will happen when their true identities are discovered ?
Double Take was a fun, light-hearted story of what it is like to "literally" take a walk in another's shoes and another brillantly written book by Melody Carlson - one of my all-time favourite Christian Teen Authors.
Christian author Melody Carlson decides to take that story and turn it into an The Amish and the Englischer with Double Take. We meet Madison - the Englischer who is fed up with her life and stressed and with spring break coming up sees the opportunity to disappear and Anna - an Amish girl , she justs wants to be free to live her life, away from the countless chores and looking after her siblings, she yearns for more. On a chance meeting, the two girls discover that they could pass as identical twins and with each wanting a taste of what's on the other side, they decide to switch places. Madison heads to life as an Amish as Anna and Anna heads to the City to be Madison. What will happen when they take a walk in each others shoes ? Will they find themselves falling for their newfound life or will they discover that they miss parts of their old lives ? What will happen when their true identities are discovered ?
Double Take was a fun, light-hearted story of what it is like to "literally" take a walk in another's shoes and another brillantly written book by Melody Carlson - one of my all-time favourite Christian Teen Authors.
November 17, 2019
My personal Rating- Three Stars (and a half) [rounded to four stars for Goodreads]
I first read this book many years ago and according to my Goodreads rating of five stars, I’d say I really must have enjoyed it. Fast forward for recent days, though, I don’t remember anything about this book expect what the back cover says. After rereading this book, I can see why I enjoyed it so much. I wouldn’t say it’s a five star read for me now, but I still enjoyed it and had fun reading this story.
Both Anna and Madison have to do some hard thinking by the end of this YA book and faiths are grown, which I liked seeing. Those sensitive to lying probably would not enjoy this book’s plot, but if it helps, both main girls at the end do feel bad deceiving those around them—even though they feel like these events needed to happen for their growth/changes in perspective.
{Official Content Review to Come.}}
I first read this book many years ago and according to my Goodreads rating of five stars, I’d say I really must have enjoyed it. Fast forward for recent days, though, I don’t remember anything about this book expect what the back cover says. After rereading this book, I can see why I enjoyed it so much. I wouldn’t say it’s a five star read for me now, but I still enjoyed it and had fun reading this story.
Both Anna and Madison have to do some hard thinking by the end of this YA book and faiths are grown, which I liked seeing. Those sensitive to lying probably would not enjoy this book’s plot, but if it helps, both main girls at the end do feel bad deceiving those around them—even though they feel like these events needed to happen for their growth/changes in perspective.
{Official Content Review to Come.}}
April 5, 2024
A little slow to get into at first, but for a young adult/teen read recommended by a student I thought it was super cute and enjoyable!
July 2, 2013
Story Description:
Baker Publishing Group|June 1, 2011|Trade Paperback|ISBN: 978-0-8007-1964-7
It is spring break of her senior year and Madison Van Buren is fed up. Stressed over Ivy League colleges, her parents marital problems, and her boyfriend’s neglect, Madison gets in her car and drives west. Meanwhile, eighteen-year-old Anna Fisher wants to escape the so-called simple life – which for her consists of caring for younger siblings, sewing, cooking and gardening – and she’s well aware that her future will simply be more of the same with a man she doesn’t love. Suddenly, worlds collide when Madison and Anna meet in a small town, realize they look uncannily similar, and decide the grass is definitely greener on the other side.
Readers will love this funny and provocative tale of switching places from bestselling author Melody Carlson. As they get a glimpse into two very different worlds, they may find themselves happy to be just who they are, where they are.
My Review:
Madison Van Buren’s family is rich beyond rich. They live in a Penthouse on the 26th floor of a beautiful building and Madison has everything any girl could ever possibly want from designer clothing to cell phones to computers to a Mini Cooper. Madison lacks for nothing. She even has her own money, wads of it and credit cards galore and lives a high and mighty life. However, lately she’s is just stressed to the max. Her parents are divorced and both want her to attend different colleges. One wants her to go to Harvard and the other one Yale but Madison wants to attend a smaller college. Her friends are getting on her nerves and Vivian wants her to go to Florida with her family for spring break, her boyfriend wants her to go to the Hampton’s, her mother wants her to go to Italy with herself and her grandmother and her father wants her to visit him in Boston. Feeling pressured she just hops into her car, drives west and ends up in a small town.
Anna Fisher is from a small Amish community and her days are nothing like Madison’s. Anna spends her days cooking, cleaning, making pies, doing laundry and watching her younger siblings. Every day is the same to her and she wishes she had some type of excitement in her life. Plus her parents most likely want her to marry that Zook fellow that she doesn’t like and has no plans to do so. Her old boyfriend, Jacob had left their community and gone to New York to get out of their settlement.
Madison and Anna bump into each other in this small town and realize that they look eerily alike, they could pass for twins. Together, they come up with this plan to switch places for an entire week, each living the other girls’ life. They went into the washroom of the coffee shop they were in and changed clothing and their adventure began. Anna headed for New York on a bus to live in Madison’s penthouse and Madison headed for the small Amish community.
They both discovered things about themselves during their week away that changes both their lives forever and just maybe they realize that each really is happy with their lot in life.
Double Take was a quick and easy read but very cute and very interesting. I thoroughly enjoyed this story from the first page to the last.
I would like to thank Graf-Martin for sending me a copy of this book.
Baker Publishing Group|June 1, 2011|Trade Paperback|ISBN: 978-0-8007-1964-7
It is spring break of her senior year and Madison Van Buren is fed up. Stressed over Ivy League colleges, her parents marital problems, and her boyfriend’s neglect, Madison gets in her car and drives west. Meanwhile, eighteen-year-old Anna Fisher wants to escape the so-called simple life – which for her consists of caring for younger siblings, sewing, cooking and gardening – and she’s well aware that her future will simply be more of the same with a man she doesn’t love. Suddenly, worlds collide when Madison and Anna meet in a small town, realize they look uncannily similar, and decide the grass is definitely greener on the other side.
Readers will love this funny and provocative tale of switching places from bestselling author Melody Carlson. As they get a glimpse into two very different worlds, they may find themselves happy to be just who they are, where they are.
My Review:
Madison Van Buren’s family is rich beyond rich. They live in a Penthouse on the 26th floor of a beautiful building and Madison has everything any girl could ever possibly want from designer clothing to cell phones to computers to a Mini Cooper. Madison lacks for nothing. She even has her own money, wads of it and credit cards galore and lives a high and mighty life. However, lately she’s is just stressed to the max. Her parents are divorced and both want her to attend different colleges. One wants her to go to Harvard and the other one Yale but Madison wants to attend a smaller college. Her friends are getting on her nerves and Vivian wants her to go to Florida with her family for spring break, her boyfriend wants her to go to the Hampton’s, her mother wants her to go to Italy with herself and her grandmother and her father wants her to visit him in Boston. Feeling pressured she just hops into her car, drives west and ends up in a small town.
Anna Fisher is from a small Amish community and her days are nothing like Madison’s. Anna spends her days cooking, cleaning, making pies, doing laundry and watching her younger siblings. Every day is the same to her and she wishes she had some type of excitement in her life. Plus her parents most likely want her to marry that Zook fellow that she doesn’t like and has no plans to do so. Her old boyfriend, Jacob had left their community and gone to New York to get out of their settlement.
Madison and Anna bump into each other in this small town and realize that they look eerily alike, they could pass for twins. Together, they come up with this plan to switch places for an entire week, each living the other girls’ life. They went into the washroom of the coffee shop they were in and changed clothing and their adventure began. Anna headed for New York on a bus to live in Madison’s penthouse and Madison headed for the small Amish community.
They both discovered things about themselves during their week away that changes both their lives forever and just maybe they realize that each really is happy with their lot in life.
Double Take was a quick and easy read but very cute and very interesting. I thoroughly enjoyed this story from the first page to the last.
I would like to thank Graf-Martin for sending me a copy of this book.
June 20, 2011
I really enjoy Melody Carlson. I have had the chance to interview her on my blogtalk radio show, The G-ZONE, a little while back; here is the link:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/gelatiss...
I really enjoyed our discussion and had a nice time talking with her, so when the opportunity came up to read her novel I took a leap at it, why not, I love Amish people too. Here is what is going on in this novel:
“It's spring break of her senior year and Madison Van Buren is fed up. Stressed over Ivy League pressure, her parents' marital problems, and her boyfriend's neglect, Madison gets in her car and drives west. Meanwhile, eighteen-year-old Anna Fisher wants to escape the so-called simple life--which for her consists of caring for younger siblings, sewing, cooking, and gardening--and she's well aware that her future will simply be more of the same with a man she doesn't love. Suddenly, worlds collide when Madison and Anna meet in a small town, realize they look uncannily similar, and decide the grass is definitely greener on the other side.
Readers will love this funny and provocative tale of switching places from bestselling author Melody Carlson. As they get a glimpse into two very different worlds, they may find themselves happy to be just who they are, where they are.”
This is a blend of a few different stories it seems, but the thing of it is, Melody Carlson puts a nice spin and take on a tired story of two people that seem to have it all yet cannot seem to grasp that thought. I like the many different themes she weaves into her plotline and executes it with ease. The different undertones and currents flow well and I was very happy to have gotten this read, as it brings home many important points about self and our place in things. It is that time of the year, to be going to the beach, chilling by the pool, or just to kick back and enjoy a good novel; this is one of those, grab it and have a great time.
Things have changed around here. I am now the published author by Trestle Press of “I Have Chrome Balls, Don’t You?” an “In Between The Collaborations”, “Down Low- Dead” with Vincent Zandri, “The Jersey Shore Has Eyes” with Big Daddy Abel”, “G.S.I Gelati’s Scoop Investigations Psychotic Detectives” with Thomas White, “Who Whacked The Blogger” with Benjamin Sobieck,“Thad and The G-Man’s Most Awesome Adventure” with Thad Brown , “Hotel Beaumont” with B.R. Stateham, “Bring Us Your Living…Now!” with HR Toye and the soon to be released “Edge of Cataclysmic” with Big Daddy Abel. All the stories are available @ Amazon, Barnes & Nobles and Smashwords. I am also the host of the wildly popular The G-ZONE blogtalk radio show. Thanks for stopping by today; We will see you tomorrow. Have a great day. http://www.gelatisscoop.blogspot.com
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/gelatiss...
I really enjoyed our discussion and had a nice time talking with her, so when the opportunity came up to read her novel I took a leap at it, why not, I love Amish people too. Here is what is going on in this novel:
“It's spring break of her senior year and Madison Van Buren is fed up. Stressed over Ivy League pressure, her parents' marital problems, and her boyfriend's neglect, Madison gets in her car and drives west. Meanwhile, eighteen-year-old Anna Fisher wants to escape the so-called simple life--which for her consists of caring for younger siblings, sewing, cooking, and gardening--and she's well aware that her future will simply be more of the same with a man she doesn't love. Suddenly, worlds collide when Madison and Anna meet in a small town, realize they look uncannily similar, and decide the grass is definitely greener on the other side.
Readers will love this funny and provocative tale of switching places from bestselling author Melody Carlson. As they get a glimpse into two very different worlds, they may find themselves happy to be just who they are, where they are.”
This is a blend of a few different stories it seems, but the thing of it is, Melody Carlson puts a nice spin and take on a tired story of two people that seem to have it all yet cannot seem to grasp that thought. I like the many different themes she weaves into her plotline and executes it with ease. The different undertones and currents flow well and I was very happy to have gotten this read, as it brings home many important points about self and our place in things. It is that time of the year, to be going to the beach, chilling by the pool, or just to kick back and enjoy a good novel; this is one of those, grab it and have a great time.
Things have changed around here. I am now the published author by Trestle Press of “I Have Chrome Balls, Don’t You?” an “In Between The Collaborations”, “Down Low- Dead” with Vincent Zandri, “The Jersey Shore Has Eyes” with Big Daddy Abel”, “G.S.I Gelati’s Scoop Investigations Psychotic Detectives” with Thomas White, “Who Whacked The Blogger” with Benjamin Sobieck,“Thad and The G-Man’s Most Awesome Adventure” with Thad Brown , “Hotel Beaumont” with B.R. Stateham, “Bring Us Your Living…Now!” with HR Toye and the soon to be released “Edge of Cataclysmic” with Big Daddy Abel. All the stories are available @ Amazon, Barnes & Nobles and Smashwords. I am also the host of the wildly popular The G-ZONE blogtalk radio show. Thanks for stopping by today; We will see you tomorrow. Have a great day. http://www.gelatisscoop.blogspot.com
June 11, 2011
Madison Van Buren is tried of having her future being chosen by her parents. It is spring break. A time when Madison is suppose to have fun and get a break from thinking about her future. It is just Madison and the maid left at home. Madison jumps in her car and heads west. Madison has no plans. She just knows she needs to get away.
Anne Fisher lives in Amish Country. She is at an age, where the Amish allow the teens to make up their minds, if they want to leave or stay and embrace the Amish life. On her way to her Aunt’s house to help deliver her baby, Anne meets Madison. Madison notices how very similar that she and Anne look and could pass as twins. She comes up with the idea that for one week, they switch lives. Madison and Anne will discover the answer to the question…” Is the grass greener on the other side?”
Double Take is the second book I have read by Melody Carlson. Mrs. Carlson writes for the teen readers. Though, I am not a teen, I do enjoy these books. She writes relatable topics that teens are experiencing. Amish stories are a favorite of mine to read. I thought that Mrs. Carlson did a good job portraying the life and the people, who live it. It was funny that Anne and Madison thought they were fooling people, when they weren’t really. If you have a little time to spare, than you should check out Double Take.
Anne Fisher lives in Amish Country. She is at an age, where the Amish allow the teens to make up their minds, if they want to leave or stay and embrace the Amish life. On her way to her Aunt’s house to help deliver her baby, Anne meets Madison. Madison notices how very similar that she and Anne look and could pass as twins. She comes up with the idea that for one week, they switch lives. Madison and Anne will discover the answer to the question…” Is the grass greener on the other side?”
Double Take is the second book I have read by Melody Carlson. Mrs. Carlson writes for the teen readers. Though, I am not a teen, I do enjoy these books. She writes relatable topics that teens are experiencing. Amish stories are a favorite of mine to read. I thought that Mrs. Carlson did a good job portraying the life and the people, who live it. It was funny that Anne and Madison thought they were fooling people, when they weren’t really. If you have a little time to spare, than you should check out Double Take.
January 24, 2015
This book is great!
'Double Take' is about 2 girls, Madison Van Buren and Anna Fisher. Madison is sick of all the pressure from her parents, on what University to go to and ways to spend the holidays with either her best friend or her boyfriend. Stressed, she drives off it the opposite direction to her family and friends, which leads to the Amish country.
Meanwhile, Anna is off to help with her pregnant aunt, where she has to help with her noisy children and help out around the house.
When they meet, they both realize they look so alike, and decide to swap lives, which really changes them both.
I loved this book, actually learnt a little about the Amish life and it had some great lessons winded through it. Melody dealt with writing about both lifestyles pretty much perfectly which was great. :)
At one point, I got a little frustrated with Anna's character, how when she couldn't meet Jacob straight away, but Anna was still a great character.
I was kinda thinking that Madison didn't seem 'spoiled' enough but there was only a little chapter or two about her life befor the switch.
A short and sweet read, I'd recommend this to anyone.
'Double Take' is about 2 girls, Madison Van Buren and Anna Fisher. Madison is sick of all the pressure from her parents, on what University to go to and ways to spend the holidays with either her best friend or her boyfriend. Stressed, she drives off it the opposite direction to her family and friends, which leads to the Amish country.
Meanwhile, Anna is off to help with her pregnant aunt, where she has to help with her noisy children and help out around the house.
When they meet, they both realize they look so alike, and decide to swap lives, which really changes them both.
I loved this book, actually learnt a little about the Amish life and it had some great lessons winded through it. Melody dealt with writing about both lifestyles pretty much perfectly which was great. :)
At one point, I got a little frustrated with Anna's character, how when she couldn't meet Jacob straight away, but Anna was still a great character.
I was kinda thinking that Madison didn't seem 'spoiled' enough but there was only a little chapter or two about her life befor the switch.
A short and sweet read, I'd recommend this to anyone.
June 13, 2012
The "look-alikes switching places" plot device that originated in Mark Twain's The Prince and the Pauper has been done countless times in movies, books, and television shows. You might think that makes this novel tripe, but Solomon said in Ecclesiastes 1:9 (NLT), "History merely repeats itself. It has all been done before. Nothing under the sun is truly new." So, then, is Double Take worth reading? Yes. The fish-out-of-water characterization is quite well done, and the story takes a surprising turn or two. Anyone who has enjoyed other Christian young adult novels, such as the ones in the Christy Miller or Sierra Jensen series by Robin Jones Gunn, will probably like Double Take.
June 19, 2011
How could two girls who look so alike be so different? When rich city-girl Madison Van Buren runs into her lookalike at a cafe in an Amish community in Pennsylvania, she begins to wonder how her life would have turned out if she's been born into the slow-paced country life of Anna Fisher. Stressed out by college choices, a possessive boyfriend, a needy best friend and her divorced parents, Madison sees Anna as an escape into a simpler way of life. Anna is tempted by the lure of freedom from responsibilities, and not having to constantly do chores and care for younger relatives. Living in New York would give her the chance to find her old boyfriend, Jacob, who left the Amish several years ago and hasn't been in contact. But switching lives turns out to be a lot more complicated than Madison and Anna imagined, and their plans for a carefree escape from their troubles doesn't work out quite as they expected. Both of them have something to learn about life, relationships and even God.
Those who read my reviews may have noticed that I’m not particularly interested in YA fiction. But when I saw that Melody Carlson, Queen of Christian Teen Fiction, was jumping on the Amish bandwagon (or buggy, as may be more appropriate) I couldn't help but request a review copy. And despite my doubts about how well Amish fiction would transfer to the YA market - particularly with a cover that's just a tad too cheesy for my liking - this is definitely one that I'd recommend. It took me a few chapters to adapt to Melody's style of writing and fit back into the mindset of a teenage girl, but once I found myself settled in the story, I didn't want to put it down.
Ignoring the plausibility of two girls looking so alike and just happening to run into each other, I loved the "Parent Trap" style plot of this book. Who hasn't wondered what their life would be like in a different place? As a British teen captivated by American TV shows and books, I used to daydream about attending an American high school like the fictional ones I was so familiar with. Like Anna, I believed my life would be so much more exciting away from home. But Anna soon finds that life in a city is much more overwhelming than she thought, and that it's not going to be easy finding Jacob in a city packed full of people. Plus, Madison's phone is difficult to operate, the TV shows seem mindless and none of Madison's clothes are remotely modest. She also has to deal with Madison's boyfriend, whom she ropes into helping in her search for Jacob, and an old friend of Madison's who immediately figures out that Anna is an imposter.
Madison, on the other hand, discovers that the "simple life" isn't as relaxing as it sounded. Making up some ridiculous story about how she hit her head on the ice while skating and has forgotten a lot of basic Amish life skills, Madison has to learn how to do basic chores like cooking and washing dishes, as well as looking after half a dozen cousins. Thankfully, Anna's aunt and uncle don't seem to think that there's anything weird about "Anna" and are just thankful for the help while the aunt, Rachel, is nearing the end of her pregnancy. There are some really touching scenes between Madison and Rachel, who isn't popular in her community because she isn't the best homemaker and seems to be slacking in a lot of areas that other Amish women relish in. Madison - who has never had to wash her own dishes before, let alone bake a pie or change a diaper - admires Rachel and helps the other women in the community to appreciate her “aunt” and help her in the departments where she's lacking. There's also a little romance between Madison and a local boy who helps on the farm. It's not entirely necessary to the plot, but shows how teenagers can get carried away by their romantic daydreams.
I actually ended up preferring Madison's Amish adventures to Anna's search for her old boyfriend, mainly because I felt that Madison had more to learn from her experiences. Anna gets a bit of a shock when she meets Jacob and discovers that he really has become an Englisher, and it shakes her teenage fantasies about her and Jacob ending up together, despite him leaving their community. I'm sure every woman can remember a time when they thought a teenage crush would turn out to be the man of their dreams, so Anna's story is quite easy to relate to, if a little bit anticlimatic. On the other hand, Madison does what many Amish fanatics fantasise about - convert to the calmer way of life. But what is there that’s calm about cow stalls, outhouses and home births? Madison experiences a serious culture shock that causes her to rethink her “real” life, and make some changes when she returns to New York. Her experiences with Rachel's family are quite amusing, but I don't know whether I would have reacted any better in her place. While Anna's situation was more relatable, Madison's definitely made for a more entertaining read.
Despite my usual wariness of YA novels, Melody Carlson may have actually made a convert out of me. This is definitely a book that I'd want my teenage daughter to read, if I had one, and is one to pass on to those younger sisters and daughters who try to sneak a peek at your Beverly Lewis novel. Amusing and very true to life, Double Take is one for both teenage girls and the older Amish fans, particularly those who like to fantasise about living the simpler life. 8/10
Review title provided courtesy of Revell.
Those who read my reviews may have noticed that I’m not particularly interested in YA fiction. But when I saw that Melody Carlson, Queen of Christian Teen Fiction, was jumping on the Amish bandwagon (or buggy, as may be more appropriate) I couldn't help but request a review copy. And despite my doubts about how well Amish fiction would transfer to the YA market - particularly with a cover that's just a tad too cheesy for my liking - this is definitely one that I'd recommend. It took me a few chapters to adapt to Melody's style of writing and fit back into the mindset of a teenage girl, but once I found myself settled in the story, I didn't want to put it down.
Ignoring the plausibility of two girls looking so alike and just happening to run into each other, I loved the "Parent Trap" style plot of this book. Who hasn't wondered what their life would be like in a different place? As a British teen captivated by American TV shows and books, I used to daydream about attending an American high school like the fictional ones I was so familiar with. Like Anna, I believed my life would be so much more exciting away from home. But Anna soon finds that life in a city is much more overwhelming than she thought, and that it's not going to be easy finding Jacob in a city packed full of people. Plus, Madison's phone is difficult to operate, the TV shows seem mindless and none of Madison's clothes are remotely modest. She also has to deal with Madison's boyfriend, whom she ropes into helping in her search for Jacob, and an old friend of Madison's who immediately figures out that Anna is an imposter.
Madison, on the other hand, discovers that the "simple life" isn't as relaxing as it sounded. Making up some ridiculous story about how she hit her head on the ice while skating and has forgotten a lot of basic Amish life skills, Madison has to learn how to do basic chores like cooking and washing dishes, as well as looking after half a dozen cousins. Thankfully, Anna's aunt and uncle don't seem to think that there's anything weird about "Anna" and are just thankful for the help while the aunt, Rachel, is nearing the end of her pregnancy. There are some really touching scenes between Madison and Rachel, who isn't popular in her community because she isn't the best homemaker and seems to be slacking in a lot of areas that other Amish women relish in. Madison - who has never had to wash her own dishes before, let alone bake a pie or change a diaper - admires Rachel and helps the other women in the community to appreciate her “aunt” and help her in the departments where she's lacking. There's also a little romance between Madison and a local boy who helps on the farm. It's not entirely necessary to the plot, but shows how teenagers can get carried away by their romantic daydreams.
I actually ended up preferring Madison's Amish adventures to Anna's search for her old boyfriend, mainly because I felt that Madison had more to learn from her experiences. Anna gets a bit of a shock when she meets Jacob and discovers that he really has become an Englisher, and it shakes her teenage fantasies about her and Jacob ending up together, despite him leaving their community. I'm sure every woman can remember a time when they thought a teenage crush would turn out to be the man of their dreams, so Anna's story is quite easy to relate to, if a little bit anticlimatic. On the other hand, Madison does what many Amish fanatics fantasise about - convert to the calmer way of life. But what is there that’s calm about cow stalls, outhouses and home births? Madison experiences a serious culture shock that causes her to rethink her “real” life, and make some changes when she returns to New York. Her experiences with Rachel's family are quite amusing, but I don't know whether I would have reacted any better in her place. While Anna's situation was more relatable, Madison's definitely made for a more entertaining read.
Despite my usual wariness of YA novels, Melody Carlson may have actually made a convert out of me. This is definitely a book that I'd want my teenage daughter to read, if I had one, and is one to pass on to those younger sisters and daughters who try to sneak a peek at your Beverly Lewis novel. Amusing and very true to life, Double Take is one for both teenage girls and the older Amish fans, particularly those who like to fantasise about living the simpler life. 8/10
Review title provided courtesy of Revell.
March 5, 2021
Very fun and it definetly seems like a Realistic Fiction book!
July 9, 2015
I’m a Melody Carlson fan, so when an opportunity came to receive a review copy of her newest book I jumped at the chance to read it. Double Take reminded me of two movies the first was the cartoon movie the Prince and the Pauper and the second was The Parent Trap. Melody Carlson blends these two premises in this novel. A spoiled rich girl is feeling overwhelmed by the choices she has to make with her life. Her father wants her in Harvard, her mother is pushing Yale, her boyfriend pressures to do things she doesn’t want to do and her best friend demands she attend social events she’s rather not attend. Madison just wants to get away from her life in the Penthouse suite. She drives off in her fancy car to the country. She meets Anna, an Amish girl who is in a coffee shop looking glum and so much like Madison she can't help but stare. Anna isn’t looking forward to spending time with her Aunt Rachel and Uncle Daniel who are expecting a baby any minute, and needed help to care for the rest of the little ones in the house. Not Anna’s idea of fun.
Anna is waiting for her Uncle to pick her up. Madison is just taking in the view and talking to Anna when she comes up with a plan to switch places and help them both out. It’s a spur of the moment plan they both agree to on the spot Madison’s parents are out of town for the week. Anna is staying with her Aunt and Uncle (whom she doesn’t see often or know well). It’s the perfect set up! They'd be staying with people who don’t know them intimately so they might pull this off.
Now do I think this could ever happen in real life? No, but just like in the movie The Prince and the Pauper and The Parent Trap you just go with it! Its fun to think about what would happen if this ever could take place - a switch between an Amish girl and an Englisher . Fun, Fun, Fun! Parts were hysterical! I enjoyed every second.
I liked Melody’s attention to detail and the way these girls experienced the others life. It was fascinating. Anna says this to Madison, “I don’t understand why English have so much comfortable things-beds, chairs, pillows, blankets, rugs….so luxurious-and then wear uncomfortable shoes and clothes?”
Madison laughed. “I don’t know. That’s a good question….I thought about the opposite question, why do the Amish dress comfortably, but all their beds and furnishings are uncomfortable?”
They have this conversation about different things they were experiencing in each others lives. Madison lives in a Penthouse suite and Anna takes her first elevator ride. Ohmygosh! What a riot! Anna doesn’t have indoor plumbing and Madison uses an outhouse for the first time. Hysterical! It’s all the little things about this story that I found humorous and eye opening as I hadn’t really thought about what the other would experience as they tried to life in a different world.
There’s a sensitive spiritual thread that was uniquely woven throughout this story, which was very believable. I really liked how both of these girls searched the depths of their souls to discover what was real for them. Madison learns to slow down, stop and smell the flowers and realizes what she's been missing. Anna wondered if she would throw the Amish life style away just to be with Jacob a boy she loved! Was her love for this boy greater than her love for God? Melody’s stories are fun; I care about and enjoy her characters that catch me by surprise as I feel a twinge in my heart about an event in the book. It’s the simple truths that touched me. This is not like any Amish story you’ve read so far. It’s a delightful; humorous novel that is respectful to both the Amish and the Englisher life styles. It’s a great read for the summer. I highly recommend it!
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
Anna is waiting for her Uncle to pick her up. Madison is just taking in the view and talking to Anna when she comes up with a plan to switch places and help them both out. It’s a spur of the moment plan they both agree to on the spot Madison’s parents are out of town for the week. Anna is staying with her Aunt and Uncle (whom she doesn’t see often or know well). It’s the perfect set up! They'd be staying with people who don’t know them intimately so they might pull this off.
Now do I think this could ever happen in real life? No, but just like in the movie The Prince and the Pauper and The Parent Trap you just go with it! Its fun to think about what would happen if this ever could take place - a switch between an Amish girl and an Englisher . Fun, Fun, Fun! Parts were hysterical! I enjoyed every second.
I liked Melody’s attention to detail and the way these girls experienced the others life. It was fascinating. Anna says this to Madison, “I don’t understand why English have so much comfortable things-beds, chairs, pillows, blankets, rugs….so luxurious-and then wear uncomfortable shoes and clothes?”
Madison laughed. “I don’t know. That’s a good question….I thought about the opposite question, why do the Amish dress comfortably, but all their beds and furnishings are uncomfortable?”
They have this conversation about different things they were experiencing in each others lives. Madison lives in a Penthouse suite and Anna takes her first elevator ride. Ohmygosh! What a riot! Anna doesn’t have indoor plumbing and Madison uses an outhouse for the first time. Hysterical! It’s all the little things about this story that I found humorous and eye opening as I hadn’t really thought about what the other would experience as they tried to life in a different world.
There’s a sensitive spiritual thread that was uniquely woven throughout this story, which was very believable. I really liked how both of these girls searched the depths of their souls to discover what was real for them. Madison learns to slow down, stop and smell the flowers and realizes what she's been missing. Anna wondered if she would throw the Amish life style away just to be with Jacob a boy she loved! Was her love for this boy greater than her love for God? Melody’s stories are fun; I care about and enjoy her characters that catch me by surprise as I feel a twinge in my heart about an event in the book. It’s the simple truths that touched me. This is not like any Amish story you’ve read so far. It’s a delightful; humorous novel that is respectful to both the Amish and the Englisher life styles. It’s a great read for the summer. I highly recommend it!
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
January 13, 2016
Great for your Summer Escape to the beach or poolside...
If you're looking for a great summer read for adults and YA readers alike then check out Melody's newest novel. Spring Break is supposed to mean vacation time and who needs that more than a High School senior before graduation. Madison has Mom and Dad both pushing for Ivy League (different schools even) next year which would mean applications, essays, transcripts, and the rest all in to the schools and a decision on her part NOW! to pursue that. Her best friend who doesn't want to go on a "family" vacation and be left to her own devices amongst a sea of adults. Grandma also has Mom begging Madison to travel to Europe with them over school break. Now if that isn't enough, her boyfriend is demanding attention and being a general jerk so Madison would like to find a way to just disappear. Apparently money and family name aren't all they're cracked up to be in Madison's case.
Hours away from bustling New York city Anna finished school at 8th grade per the standard Amish practice and has spent the last four years caring for siblings, hoping to find the right Amish husband for her, being a "good girl" per her cultural environs, and helping out wherever and whenever she is directed both amongst her Amish community and with extended family needs outside her own district. This year Aunt Rachel is expecting and since her last pregnancy was so difficult, Anna is enlisted to take over the household duties that Rachel should be avoiding both for the sake of her unborn child and her own.
Anna is feeling trapped by the confines of being Amish and considering what it might be like to stop being responsible at least long enough to see what another life might hold. Madison on the other hand might just flourish away from her "Englisch" life and all the demands facing her. While Madison decides to get away from it all by fleeing the city, Anna is on her way to "town" where her uncle will be collecting her for the buggy ride back to his farm. After her father delivers Anna to the meeting place where her uncle plans to meet her, Madison has also happened to arrive at nearly the same location. As they nearly collide outside the restroom of a coffee shop the two discover they may just have the key to their "dreams" of a different life without the demands they resent. This "key" catapults them both into culture shock among people and societies the polar opposite of their accustomed environments. Though this "experiment" they concoct only lasts a week that is an interminable stretch of time to be faced with unfamiliar demands and expectations on their time rather than the familiar yet unwelcome demands of their current lives.
Escape ends up to be a very different situation than either Madison or Anna expects and by the end of a week they have learned much about themselves and the nagging questions they hadn't looked for answers to just yet. Their experiment not only cements their own decisions about where they want their lives to go from here but also exposes them both to worlds they would never experience the same way as outsiders. The comedies of errors throughout this book keep a lighthearted tone despite many of the serious and emotionally heavy topics built into the plot. Rarely have I read a Melody Carlson book that I found too heavy and serious for my tastes. This author has a knack of attacking topics in a manner that is not only balanced but keeps the reader entertained with lighter moments and can make even topics of heavy social importance a vacation read for those like me who expect significant elements of escapism in fiction regardless of the content of the story. Thanks to Revell for a review copy.
If you're looking for a great summer read for adults and YA readers alike then check out Melody's newest novel. Spring Break is supposed to mean vacation time and who needs that more than a High School senior before graduation. Madison has Mom and Dad both pushing for Ivy League (different schools even) next year which would mean applications, essays, transcripts, and the rest all in to the schools and a decision on her part NOW! to pursue that. Her best friend who doesn't want to go on a "family" vacation and be left to her own devices amongst a sea of adults. Grandma also has Mom begging Madison to travel to Europe with them over school break. Now if that isn't enough, her boyfriend is demanding attention and being a general jerk so Madison would like to find a way to just disappear. Apparently money and family name aren't all they're cracked up to be in Madison's case.
Hours away from bustling New York city Anna finished school at 8th grade per the standard Amish practice and has spent the last four years caring for siblings, hoping to find the right Amish husband for her, being a "good girl" per her cultural environs, and helping out wherever and whenever she is directed both amongst her Amish community and with extended family needs outside her own district. This year Aunt Rachel is expecting and since her last pregnancy was so difficult, Anna is enlisted to take over the household duties that Rachel should be avoiding both for the sake of her unborn child and her own.
Anna is feeling trapped by the confines of being Amish and considering what it might be like to stop being responsible at least long enough to see what another life might hold. Madison on the other hand might just flourish away from her "Englisch" life and all the demands facing her. While Madison decides to get away from it all by fleeing the city, Anna is on her way to "town" where her uncle will be collecting her for the buggy ride back to his farm. After her father delivers Anna to the meeting place where her uncle plans to meet her, Madison has also happened to arrive at nearly the same location. As they nearly collide outside the restroom of a coffee shop the two discover they may just have the key to their "dreams" of a different life without the demands they resent. This "key" catapults them both into culture shock among people and societies the polar opposite of their accustomed environments. Though this "experiment" they concoct only lasts a week that is an interminable stretch of time to be faced with unfamiliar demands and expectations on their time rather than the familiar yet unwelcome demands of their current lives.
Escape ends up to be a very different situation than either Madison or Anna expects and by the end of a week they have learned much about themselves and the nagging questions they hadn't looked for answers to just yet. Their experiment not only cements their own decisions about where they want their lives to go from here but also exposes them both to worlds they would never experience the same way as outsiders. The comedies of errors throughout this book keep a lighthearted tone despite many of the serious and emotionally heavy topics built into the plot. Rarely have I read a Melody Carlson book that I found too heavy and serious for my tastes. This author has a knack of attacking topics in a manner that is not only balanced but keeps the reader entertained with lighter moments and can make even topics of heavy social importance a vacation read for those like me who expect significant elements of escapism in fiction regardless of the content of the story. Thanks to Revell for a review copy.
June 20, 2011
When socialite Madison VanBuren, a senior in high school, tires of being pulled in multiple directions with her life of people-pleasing and her cheating boyfriend, she gets into her Mini Cooper and heads West, away from all the hubbub of her life. After three hours of driving non-stop, she stops in a small Amish town to eat.
Anna Fisher is now eighteen and in her rumspringa time of her life. She is finding her Amish life boring and is questioning her faith in the Ordnung. But she must discover for herself whether she wants to join the community and be baptized. Meanwhile, she must go to her Aunt Rachel’s to help her out during her last month of pregnancy. But Anna has to wait in town for the day until Uncle Daniel comes to pick her up.
From the time the girls meet in town, the story begins to correlate to the Prince and the Pauper, only with the twists and turns that Melody Carlson pulls together. It’s a light-reading story about the exchanged lives of Anna and Madison, two restless teenagers looking for meaning in their lives. Little do they realize the deeper meaning of life.
It’s not your typical Amish read, and yet in ways it is. We still get to see the lives of both individual lifestyles, only from the other’s point of view. The complicated, awkward circumstances and settings the girls find themselves in are interesting indeed and fun! Will there be consequences if they are caught?
The story line is free-flowing, vacillating back and forth between the two girls. I enjoyed the impromptu conversations when things didn’t go as they had planned or expected. The language and slang usage make for a comical setting throughout the book. Melody’s inclusion of the natural yearnings of romance will take you to an outcome you won’t expect.
The biggest question at the end is what they will have learned from this exchange. Is the grass always greener on the other side of the fence? Do they appreciate their life’s appointment, or will they relish the new life they have discovered? It’s tantalizing and restful, depending on who is ‘talking.’ A fun, refreshing read!
This book was provided by Donna Hausler, Publicity Assistant, Baker Publishing Group, in exchange for my honest review. No monetary compensation was exchanged.
Anna Fisher is now eighteen and in her rumspringa time of her life. She is finding her Amish life boring and is questioning her faith in the Ordnung. But she must discover for herself whether she wants to join the community and be baptized. Meanwhile, she must go to her Aunt Rachel’s to help her out during her last month of pregnancy. But Anna has to wait in town for the day until Uncle Daniel comes to pick her up.
From the time the girls meet in town, the story begins to correlate to the Prince and the Pauper, only with the twists and turns that Melody Carlson pulls together. It’s a light-reading story about the exchanged lives of Anna and Madison, two restless teenagers looking for meaning in their lives. Little do they realize the deeper meaning of life.
It’s not your typical Amish read, and yet in ways it is. We still get to see the lives of both individual lifestyles, only from the other’s point of view. The complicated, awkward circumstances and settings the girls find themselves in are interesting indeed and fun! Will there be consequences if they are caught?
The story line is free-flowing, vacillating back and forth between the two girls. I enjoyed the impromptu conversations when things didn’t go as they had planned or expected. The language and slang usage make for a comical setting throughout the book. Melody’s inclusion of the natural yearnings of romance will take you to an outcome you won’t expect.
The biggest question at the end is what they will have learned from this exchange. Is the grass always greener on the other side of the fence? Do they appreciate their life’s appointment, or will they relish the new life they have discovered? It’s tantalizing and restful, depending on who is ‘talking.’ A fun, refreshing read!
This book was provided by Donna Hausler, Publicity Assistant, Baker Publishing Group, in exchange for my honest review. No monetary compensation was exchanged.
June 22, 2011
Melody Carlson in her new book, "Double Take" published by Revell gives us a view into the lives of two young women who happen to look-alike.
It has been done before. Mark Twain gave us, "The Prince and the Pauper" and Disney gave us, "The Parent Trap" but this is the 21st Century and it has not been done like this before. Socialite Madison VanBuren is a senior in high school. She is tired of her life so she gets into her Mini Cooper and heads West to get away from it all. After three hours of driving non-stop, she stops in a small Amish town to eat. Anna Fisher is now eighteen and finding her Amish life boring. Anna is missing her boyfriend who left the community to go to New York but she must go to her Aunt Rachel’s to help her out during her last month of pregnancy.
Of course these two young women are going to meet and exchange lives for just one week. But in that week they are going to learn things about life they could never have learned any other way. Melody Carlson gives us a delightful tale that will surprise you with some of the directions that this book goes in. It has wonderful themes remind us to appreciate what we have in life, and show us that sometimes life isn't always better in someone else's shoes. Melody Carlson has given us another winner not just for the young adult but for everyone to help focus us on the value in our own lives. I liked this book and am looking forward to more from Melody Carlson.
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours a day non-stop Christian music please visit our internet radio station http://www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
“Available June 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”
It has been done before. Mark Twain gave us, "The Prince and the Pauper" and Disney gave us, "The Parent Trap" but this is the 21st Century and it has not been done like this before. Socialite Madison VanBuren is a senior in high school. She is tired of her life so she gets into her Mini Cooper and heads West to get away from it all. After three hours of driving non-stop, she stops in a small Amish town to eat. Anna Fisher is now eighteen and finding her Amish life boring. Anna is missing her boyfriend who left the community to go to New York but she must go to her Aunt Rachel’s to help her out during her last month of pregnancy.
Of course these two young women are going to meet and exchange lives for just one week. But in that week they are going to learn things about life they could never have learned any other way. Melody Carlson gives us a delightful tale that will surprise you with some of the directions that this book goes in. It has wonderful themes remind us to appreciate what we have in life, and show us that sometimes life isn't always better in someone else's shoes. Melody Carlson has given us another winner not just for the young adult but for everyone to help focus us on the value in our own lives. I liked this book and am looking forward to more from Melody Carlson.
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours a day non-stop Christian music please visit our internet radio station http://www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
“Available June 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”
June 24, 2011
Double Take by Melody Carlson is a young adult addition to the growing Amish genre. Madison Van Buren is sick of all the pressure in her life; her mom wants her to go to Tuscany for spring break, her best friend, Vivian wants her to go to Florida, her cheating boyfriend Garrett wants to make it up to her with a trip to Nantucket, and her dad wants her to tour Harvard to enter it after her senior year. When all four get angry at her for refusing to cave to their pressure, she takes a drive to cool off and ends up in Amish country in Pennsylvania. The drive brings back fond memories of a visit when she was a little girl, as well as her love for the Little House on the Prairie series. It's a dream come true when she bumps into Amish girl Anna Fisher who is having her own questions about the life she is living. Anna's boyfriend Jacob left their community for New York, and her parents are pushing her to marry someone else, but Anna can't forget about her feelings for Jacob. When the girls meet, they discover they share an uncanny resemblance and decide to switch places for a week. Madison will take Anna's place helping her aunt Rachel care for her four children and husband during the end of her pregnancy, while Anna will go to Madison's penthouse in New York and try to find Jacob. Their crazy plan actually works and both girls are thrown into completely unexpected worlds where all of their allusions about the grass on the other side of the fence being greener. Both will learn important lessons about themselves, and both will change the other's life in significant ways. Carlson excels at writing compelling and moving stories for young adults that seem very real while sharing vital life lessons in a very non-preachy way. I love how she kept the faith aspect subdued in this novel. While both characters come closer to God, it's very natural and unforced. While the conclusion gives Madison some real closure, readers are left up in the air about Anna's return to her life. I hope that Carlson will consider a sequel to continue the tale of these fascinating young women.
June 20, 2011
Madison Van Buren, is a seventeen year old living in the lap of luxury in New York. She comes from one of the wealthiest families in the country, and has what appears to be the perfect life, but that's really not so, she always feels as if she is being pulled every which way and never really has a say in her life. Anna Fisher is a seventeen year old Amish girl who is bored, and missing her boyfriend who left the community to go to New York, she has just been promised by her mother to go take care of an aunt. So when a chance meeting between the two has them realizing how much they look alike Maddie comes up with an idea for them to change lives for a week. Can the two pull it off, and what life lessons will they learn when they step into the shoes of someone else for the week?
When I pick up a book by Melody Carlson I can always count on a page turner that will also teach a few life lessons while I am reading. This book is no different. While the premise seems a bit far fetched, for me it worked. It was easy to see why each girl would want to change places with the other for the week, and it was actually a bit surprising to see which one actually was most anxious to return home by the end.
I thought the changes the girls had to undergo during the switch was quite interesting, but each caught on pretty quickly. I think that each girl made an impact on the other girls life, but for me Maddie made a wonderful impact on Aunt Rachel.
If your looking for a fast paced read that will certainly remind you to appreciate what you have in life, and show you that sometimes life isn't always better in someone else's shoes then your certainly going to enjoy this book. While it is geared toward young adults I would recommend it to anyone looking for a light read, and if your an Amish fiction fan then your definitely going to want to read this one.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
When I pick up a book by Melody Carlson I can always count on a page turner that will also teach a few life lessons while I am reading. This book is no different. While the premise seems a bit far fetched, for me it worked. It was easy to see why each girl would want to change places with the other for the week, and it was actually a bit surprising to see which one actually was most anxious to return home by the end.
I thought the changes the girls had to undergo during the switch was quite interesting, but each caught on pretty quickly. I think that each girl made an impact on the other girls life, but for me Maddie made a wonderful impact on Aunt Rachel.
If your looking for a fast paced read that will certainly remind you to appreciate what you have in life, and show you that sometimes life isn't always better in someone else's shoes then your certainly going to enjoy this book. While it is geared toward young adults I would recommend it to anyone looking for a light read, and if your an Amish fiction fan then your definitely going to want to read this one.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
June 25, 2011
The concept of Double Take is really fun. There have been other books where kids which places but I'm pretty sure there has never been one where a Manhatten rich girl switches with a Amish girl.
Double Take is a really cute story with a good lesson in the end and really throughout the book. Madison is unhappy with her life, with the constant pull of her mom, her dad, her boyfriend and her best friend, she really just feels like she wants a simpler life and often feels like she was born in the wrong time period. Anna likes her life, sure it's simple and it's hard work, but she loves her family and she loves God. The only problem she really has is the boy she loves has left her Amish community during his Rumspringa with the threat to never come back and has headed to New York City where he is sure his destiny is. Anna is sure Jacob is her destiny and when her family starts making statements about her marrying another boy in the community and she's about to be shipped off to her Aunt Rachel's more strict Amish community for a few weeks it was like an act of God brought Madison into her life. When Madison runs into Anna in the coffee shop and sees the resemblance and talks Anna into her crazy switch-a-roo plan the story really takes off.
I loved getting to know each character in an environment that they were not use to. I think it actually told more about the character to show them in different environment. It showed how they were willing to change and how they were willing to learn about the others' lifestyle and take what they learned and employ it into their own life. So many lessons learned and in so many fun ways. I just loved this book and could not put it down. It was just plain fun with a good morals thrown in to boot.
Melody Carlson never ceases to amaze me how she can write so many books and relate so well to teenagers. I think she has hit another homerun with Double Take and I highly recommend it to teenagers and adults alike!
Double Take is a really cute story with a good lesson in the end and really throughout the book. Madison is unhappy with her life, with the constant pull of her mom, her dad, her boyfriend and her best friend, she really just feels like she wants a simpler life and often feels like she was born in the wrong time period. Anna likes her life, sure it's simple and it's hard work, but she loves her family and she loves God. The only problem she really has is the boy she loves has left her Amish community during his Rumspringa with the threat to never come back and has headed to New York City where he is sure his destiny is. Anna is sure Jacob is her destiny and when her family starts making statements about her marrying another boy in the community and she's about to be shipped off to her Aunt Rachel's more strict Amish community for a few weeks it was like an act of God brought Madison into her life. When Madison runs into Anna in the coffee shop and sees the resemblance and talks Anna into her crazy switch-a-roo plan the story really takes off.
I loved getting to know each character in an environment that they were not use to. I think it actually told more about the character to show them in different environment. It showed how they were willing to change and how they were willing to learn about the others' lifestyle and take what they learned and employ it into their own life. So many lessons learned and in so many fun ways. I just loved this book and could not put it down. It was just plain fun with a good morals thrown in to boot.
Melody Carlson never ceases to amaze me how she can write so many books and relate so well to teenagers. I think she has hit another homerun with Double Take and I highly recommend it to teenagers and adults alike!
June 25, 2011
Double Take was a nice escape for me. It's not very deep, but still a bit insightful. The tension was also pretty low-key compared to other YA books Carlson has written for Revell. I found it fairly believable the way it was set up and for me it was interesting to read about the differences in the way they lived their lives. The characters struggled to act the part of the other person, and given the culture shock alone, I could see why this would be hard. I liked how they did the right thing when some people started figuring out that all wasn't what it seemed. Having them insist on lying wouldn't have fit this story or these characters.
The issue with the men in their lives was quite entertaining. I especially enjoyed it when the rich girl from Manhattan saw the buff Amish man working outside and decided maybe roughing it for a week wasn't so bad. And all over some impressive abs and pecs. Hehehe. I found Anna's continual confusion over things that weren't available in the Amish community-- so they were new to her--fun to read as well. She didn't have a judgmental attitude so much as simply wondering what the appeal was. Giving each other a chance to experience the other's life for a week grew them both in their personal lives and in their faith. That was probably the most rewarding part of the book.
I would have liked to have seen more attraction and tension between the characters and others (like former friends and boyfriends,) but that may not have worked in this story given the short amount of time they had switched places. There were some subtle points made about the way people acted that contradicted their faith...well done! And the poor little rich girl theme wasn't overly dramatized even though it seemed like it would be in the very beginning. This was a great beach-type read. Not too deep, but still easy to read and very entertaining.
The issue with the men in their lives was quite entertaining. I especially enjoyed it when the rich girl from Manhattan saw the buff Amish man working outside and decided maybe roughing it for a week wasn't so bad. And all over some impressive abs and pecs. Hehehe. I found Anna's continual confusion over things that weren't available in the Amish community-- so they were new to her--fun to read as well. She didn't have a judgmental attitude so much as simply wondering what the appeal was. Giving each other a chance to experience the other's life for a week grew them both in their personal lives and in their faith. That was probably the most rewarding part of the book.
I would have liked to have seen more attraction and tension between the characters and others (like former friends and boyfriends,) but that may not have worked in this story given the short amount of time they had switched places. There were some subtle points made about the way people acted that contradicted their faith...well done! And the poor little rich girl theme wasn't overly dramatized even though it seemed like it would be in the very beginning. This was a great beach-type read. Not too deep, but still easy to read and very entertaining.
June 25, 2011
Spring break means happiness, fun, and relaxation. But not for Madison Van Buren and Anna Fisher. Pressures from her family and friends leave Madison feeling attacked and stressed. Anna just wants to escape a monotonous life of chores and children. When the two girls meet, they realize they could easily pass for sisters and they have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to temporarily swap places. Anna will go to New York to experience life outside of the Amish community and maybe even find her old boyfriend. Madison will escape some pressure and stress by traveling to another Amish community to help Anna's pregnant aunt with chores and children. The quickly-hatched plan leads Madison and Anna on two incredible journeys to understanding another's point-of-view. Neither of them will be the same.
I expected Double Take by Melody Carlson to be a modern-day version of The Parent Trap without the part about getting the parents together. To some degree it was the classic swapping-places chick lit. However, I was pleased by the depth and originality that Carlson added by intergrating the Amish beliefs/practices and taking the characters on a spiritual journey. I would love, love, love to read a sequel. The ending was satisfying, yet there were a few things left open that could definitely be sequel-material.
Though targeted to young adults, I recommend this book to both young adults and adults who love chick lit or Amish fiction.
Available June 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
I expected Double Take by Melody Carlson to be a modern-day version of The Parent Trap without the part about getting the parents together. To some degree it was the classic swapping-places chick lit. However, I was pleased by the depth and originality that Carlson added by intergrating the Amish beliefs/practices and taking the characters on a spiritual journey. I would love, love, love to read a sequel. The ending was satisfying, yet there were a few things left open that could definitely be sequel-material.
Though targeted to young adults, I recommend this book to both young adults and adults who love chick lit or Amish fiction.
Available June 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
June 20, 2011
Double Take by Melody Carlson is a fantastic, fun read. I love the switching that the girls did and thought it would be a dream come true for both of the girls, but then problems arise and they miss their own lives, but each of the girls have learned so very much. This book reminds me of the story of The Prince and The Pauper. You always think the grass is greener in the other person’s life until you get there and live their life for a few days.
This book is intended for the young adult, but can be enjoyed by all.
You will see what happens for the Amish girl switches and lives in one of the richest, best parts of New York. How will she fit in? Will she change and want the English life now that she has tasted all that it can offer? What of the rich girl who goes to live with the Amish? Will she hate the primitive living and all of the hard work? Will she think the Amish are simple and not very intellent?
I like Double Take for the lessons it teaches and how you can be a Christian in any life, if you put God first. Just because you’re rich doesn’t mean you can’t follow the Lord. In the same vein just because you’re Amish doesn’t mean you are closer to the Lord and are living the right life.
I think this is a really sweet book that will keep you interested and you won’t be able to put it down until the end. You just can’t wait to find out what happens to Madison and Anna. I highly recommend Double Take.
I received my free copy from Donna Hausler from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255
This book is intended for the young adult, but can be enjoyed by all.
You will see what happens for the Amish girl switches and lives in one of the richest, best parts of New York. How will she fit in? Will she change and want the English life now that she has tasted all that it can offer? What of the rich girl who goes to live with the Amish? Will she hate the primitive living and all of the hard work? Will she think the Amish are simple and not very intellent?
I like Double Take for the lessons it teaches and how you can be a Christian in any life, if you put God first. Just because you’re rich doesn’t mean you can’t follow the Lord. In the same vein just because you’re Amish doesn’t mean you are closer to the Lord and are living the right life.
I think this is a really sweet book that will keep you interested and you won’t be able to put it down until the end. You just can’t wait to find out what happens to Madison and Anna. I highly recommend Double Take.
I received my free copy from Donna Hausler from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255
June 19, 2011
Title: DOUBLE TAKE
Author: Melody Carlson
Publisher: Revell
2011
ISBN: 978-0-8007-1964-7
Genre: Inspirational/teen fiction
Anna Fisher doesn’t want to go to a different Amish community and take care of her pregnant Aunt Rachel. She believes Aunt Rachel is lazy, and she doesn’t want the responsibility that she’d have there. But she doesn’t have a choice.
Madison Van Buren is one of the rich socialites in New York. But she is being pulled in too many directions. Should she go to Italy, Boston, on va-ca with her best friend, or to Nantucket with her boyfriend? What Madison decides to do is ditch them all and drive to the country.
Madison and Anna meet and are surprised at how similar they look. And Madison, a spoiled rich girl decides she wants to be Amish for a week. Anna would really love to go to New York to look for her missing boyfriend… and with Madison doing all the planning, they switch places… Can a spoiled rich girl really survive on an Amish farm—and not have the family suspicious? And can an Amish girl live in New York, find her old boyfriend, and not have the household maid suspicious?
What do you do when your life is not all its cracked up to be? Get a new one.
I wasn’t sure what to think of this book at first. It seemed kind of a bit contrived when Madison and Anna met, and switched places, but once they were both in place in their new environments the story got interesting fast. I couldn’t wait to see how things would work out. Both Madison and Anna became real, and I even fell in love with Aunt Rachel, Lucinda, and Malachi.
I can see how the book extends, and I really love that. This is a great book for teens. $9.99. 273 pages.
Author: Melody Carlson
Publisher: Revell
2011
ISBN: 978-0-8007-1964-7
Genre: Inspirational/teen fiction
Anna Fisher doesn’t want to go to a different Amish community and take care of her pregnant Aunt Rachel. She believes Aunt Rachel is lazy, and she doesn’t want the responsibility that she’d have there. But she doesn’t have a choice.
Madison Van Buren is one of the rich socialites in New York. But she is being pulled in too many directions. Should she go to Italy, Boston, on va-ca with her best friend, or to Nantucket with her boyfriend? What Madison decides to do is ditch them all and drive to the country.
Madison and Anna meet and are surprised at how similar they look. And Madison, a spoiled rich girl decides she wants to be Amish for a week. Anna would really love to go to New York to look for her missing boyfriend… and with Madison doing all the planning, they switch places… Can a spoiled rich girl really survive on an Amish farm—and not have the family suspicious? And can an Amish girl live in New York, find her old boyfriend, and not have the household maid suspicious?
What do you do when your life is not all its cracked up to be? Get a new one.
I wasn’t sure what to think of this book at first. It seemed kind of a bit contrived when Madison and Anna met, and switched places, but once they were both in place in their new environments the story got interesting fast. I couldn’t wait to see how things would work out. Both Madison and Anna became real, and I even fell in love with Aunt Rachel, Lucinda, and Malachi.
I can see how the book extends, and I really love that. This is a great book for teens. $9.99. 273 pages.
June 20, 2011
In this coming of age story two girls from two very different worlds collide. In a classic switch-a-roo they decide to change places for a week. In this week they will discover things about themselves they did not know as well as learn the truth of what really matters in this world.
Madison Van Buren is the only daughter of divorced parents. From the time she was born she has gotten everything a girl could want. Now at seventeen she is feeling pressured from all sides to do what everyone wants. Her mother wants her to spend spring break traveling with her and her grandmother, her father wants to take a road trip to an Ivy League College, her best friend Vivian wants her to come with her, and then there is her boyfriend Garrett. Sometimes she wishes that she could just get away.
Anna Fisher is an Amish girl who's heart is broken by the fact that her childhood boyfriend has left on his rumspringa and she feels that he will never return. She is restless and eager to find some sort of contentment. Then to her surprise and dismay she is told that she will be staying with her aunt in another community for the summer. The very aunt that she thinks is lazy. She is upset at the prospect of the summer.
While waiting in the city for her uncle Anna meets Madison. Agreeing to switch places the girls embark on a journey that will forever change their lives. This one week will lead to discovery and change for both girls as they find out what matters most in this world - and how to appreciate the blessings right in front of them.
Excellent store.
Thanks to Revell for this review copy.
Madison Van Buren is the only daughter of divorced parents. From the time she was born she has gotten everything a girl could want. Now at seventeen she is feeling pressured from all sides to do what everyone wants. Her mother wants her to spend spring break traveling with her and her grandmother, her father wants to take a road trip to an Ivy League College, her best friend Vivian wants her to come with her, and then there is her boyfriend Garrett. Sometimes she wishes that she could just get away.
Anna Fisher is an Amish girl who's heart is broken by the fact that her childhood boyfriend has left on his rumspringa and she feels that he will never return. She is restless and eager to find some sort of contentment. Then to her surprise and dismay she is told that she will be staying with her aunt in another community for the summer. The very aunt that she thinks is lazy. She is upset at the prospect of the summer.
While waiting in the city for her uncle Anna meets Madison. Agreeing to switch places the girls embark on a journey that will forever change their lives. This one week will lead to discovery and change for both girls as they find out what matters most in this world - and how to appreciate the blessings right in front of them.
Excellent store.
Thanks to Revell for this review copy.
July 12, 2011
Remember the movie The Parent Trap? Loved that movie. Watching it as a girl, I remember wishing I had a twin somewhere so I could trade places. Not forever, just for a while. I've watched a few copycat movies over the years (It Takes Two with Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen comes to mind) and have always been intrigued at the possibility of two look-alike people (not necessarily twins) trading identities. There is something exciting about the thought of it. Could be just the author in me.
Along comes Double Take, a young adult novel by Melody Carlson. Only this story comes with a twist. Madison VanBuren, a rich city girl, and Anna Fisher, a simple Amish girl, do the switching, each having her own personal reasons for wanting to experience another way of life.
I can definitely see this book as a movie. With the rage of Amish books right now, it would be the perfect time to do it. I'm not offering my a lengthy review here. A full review will be posted on www.faithfulreader.com in mid-July, which I'll be sure to remind you of. But I will say Double Take was a light and fun read and held my interest just as much as The Parent Trap did all those years ago. By book's end, both Madison and Anna have grown up and take away a nice lesson from their experience.
As always, Melody Carlson has written a poignant book for teens. Nothing heavy, just a nice light read with a good message.
If you love switching-places stories, you won't be disappointed with Double Take.
Along comes Double Take, a young adult novel by Melody Carlson. Only this story comes with a twist. Madison VanBuren, a rich city girl, and Anna Fisher, a simple Amish girl, do the switching, each having her own personal reasons for wanting to experience another way of life.
I can definitely see this book as a movie. With the rage of Amish books right now, it would be the perfect time to do it. I'm not offering my a lengthy review here. A full review will be posted on www.faithfulreader.com in mid-July, which I'll be sure to remind you of. But I will say Double Take was a light and fun read and held my interest just as much as The Parent Trap did all those years ago. By book's end, both Madison and Anna have grown up and take away a nice lesson from their experience.
As always, Melody Carlson has written a poignant book for teens. Nothing heavy, just a nice light read with a good message.
If you love switching-places stories, you won't be disappointed with Double Take.
June 21, 2011
Cindy's Review
A rich young socialite and an Amish girl who is missing her beau, after he heads to NYC, trading places. This could only happen in a book, as it is a bit unrealistic for real life. I had alot of trouble imagining a young socialite girl being able to do the work of an Amish girl. However Melody Carlson made the story work, she pulled you into the story, rooting for Anna to find her friend Jacob Glick in the big city of New York, and hoping that Madison would fall in love with Micah. I was sad for Anna when things did not turn out how she was hoping, but I was glad her faith carried her through the hard situation. It was refreshing to see Madison learn that there is more to life that social engagements, and having lots of money. I was so hoping that the story would continue, with Anna (the real one) and Micah falling for each other. That would have made the story end perfectly for me!! I do have to say though that due to Melody Carlson's great writing ability this book was enjoyable, and was a good summer afternoon read. I give this book 4 stars!
This book was provided for review purposes only and is available from your favorite seller of Revell Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group. CBR
A rich young socialite and an Amish girl who is missing her beau, after he heads to NYC, trading places. This could only happen in a book, as it is a bit unrealistic for real life. I had alot of trouble imagining a young socialite girl being able to do the work of an Amish girl. However Melody Carlson made the story work, she pulled you into the story, rooting for Anna to find her friend Jacob Glick in the big city of New York, and hoping that Madison would fall in love with Micah. I was sad for Anna when things did not turn out how she was hoping, but I was glad her faith carried her through the hard situation. It was refreshing to see Madison learn that there is more to life that social engagements, and having lots of money. I was so hoping that the story would continue, with Anna (the real one) and Micah falling for each other. That would have made the story end perfectly for me!! I do have to say though that due to Melody Carlson's great writing ability this book was enjoyable, and was a good summer afternoon read. I give this book 4 stars!
This book was provided for review purposes only and is available from your favorite seller of Revell Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group. CBR
October 20, 2011
Double Take is a wonderful story about when two girl's worlds collide. Anna a hard working Amish girl who is missing her boyfriend and Madison a pampered city girl who is stressed about life. After Madison takes off just to get away for a while, she stops in a small Amish town where she runs into Anna who is waiting to go to her aunts house where she will help her since her aunt is pregnant. When they realize how similar they look they come up with the idea of switching places. Anna wants to go to NYC to find her boyfriend who left the Amish life because he didn't want to have the simple life. Madison who wants to find the simple life and get away from the stress coming at her from all sides. They part ways to take on each others lives. Throughout the week they face struggles with families, friends, guys, and God. The girls struggle with realizing who they really are and who they hope to be. The only problem I found with the book is that it struggled to flow in some places, otherwise it was very well written. Once you get hooked it's hard to put it down. The book is mostly geared toward teenage girls, but I think most young ladies would enjoy it.
July 20, 2011
I love this book. The story begins by introducing the two main characters Anna, and Madison who are both stressed out or bored with the way their life is going. They have a chance meeting in a small town where they notice that they could easily pass for twin sisters. Here is where Madison sees a chance for a switch, but its not so simple. Anna is Amish and is on her way to her Aunt, whose own community is much more conservative than Anna`s own Amish community. So how is a rich New Yorker (Madison),and an Amish girl (Anna), suppose to successfuly fool their love one`s? Well you`ll just have to read and find out.
SPOILER
This book was one of my favorites because as they are living each others lives they discover allies that the other did not notice. An example of this would be Rachel,who Anna perceives as lazy, but when Madison arrives she finds that this is not true. Rachel does what she can with in her limits and that in itself is admirable.
SPOILER
This book was one of my favorites because as they are living each others lives they discover allies that the other did not notice. An example of this would be Rachel,who Anna perceives as lazy, but when Madison arrives she finds that this is not true. Rachel does what she can with in her limits and that in itself is admirable.
January 24, 2013
Madison is a rich girl longing for a simpler life. Anna is an amish girl whose boyfriend left the community and now lives in New York. In a chance encounter, the girls meet each other and decide to trade places. But how can they pull this off, when each girl comes from a completely different lifestyle?
At first, I hated this book. For example, when the girls decide to trade places, I was mentally shouting, "This is so stupid!" I could not imagine two girls who literally met each other five minutes ago to agree to such an idea. I would never trust another person to do that unless I had known them for a while. For example, what if one of the girls was a thief,who would steal all the other's stuff and then run? for me, this was very unbelievable.
But soon the book didn't seem so stupid. The plot got better, and I was really getting into it. The characters were easy to relate to. (I thinkI would die if I were in Madison's shoes!) Malachi was also a bonus to the book. I only wish it had more of him!
All in all, four stars for a fun and enjoyable read.
At first, I hated this book. For example, when the girls decide to trade places, I was mentally shouting, "This is so stupid!" I could not imagine two girls who literally met each other five minutes ago to agree to such an idea. I would never trust another person to do that unless I had known them for a while. For example, what if one of the girls was a thief,who would steal all the other's stuff and then run? for me, this was very unbelievable.
But soon the book didn't seem so stupid. The plot got better, and I was really getting into it. The characters were easy to relate to. (I thinkI would die if I were in Madison's shoes!) Malachi was also a bonus to the book. I only wish it had more of him!
All in all, four stars for a fun and enjoyable read.
October 25, 2011
I read another novel by Melody Carlson, called Double Take. Madison Van Buren doesn't want to be herself anyone, tired of the pressures from her friends, family, and boyfriend, she heads west. Anna Fisher wishes to escape the simple life of the Amish and is concerned about her future in the Amish world. When they meet in a small town, they decide to switch lives for a week. Anna searches for directions to her love, Jacob. Madison learns not to judge and how to be patient, while helping Anna's Aunt Rachel and her five children. She begins to think about God and enjoys the simplicity and the nature of the land. Yes, they do both switch back, but they learn a lot. Anna understands what to do, and meets Malachi, who works for her uncle. Madison is reconnected to her old friend Lucy. Anna and Madison do a lot for each other, and for themselves. And God is there with them all the way, the Big Helper.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2012
I really, really enjoyed this book! It had the perfect level of both Madison and Anna's life-both Amish and English- to make it interesting and also a book with a good end value that you leave with. In the story both Anna and Madison find the Lord and find the meaning of true contentment. They both learn a lot about each others life style and I believe they both benefited from the switch they made. The story was equally as good entertaining-wise as the truth of the moral value, which the author did a good job of writing. I loved how the story went and it was so interesting and enjoyable-I read it in only two days! :) I'd highly recommend this book. It's a great teen fiction with a great moral. It showed me the importance of truly being content-and joyful-with were God has placed you and to embrace that calling to the fullest and to live without regrets. I really enjoyed this book and didn't find anything negative in it at all!
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