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A Season of Eden
He's my teacher. I shouldn't be alone with him. But I can't help that he's irresistible. I let the door silently close at my back. He stared at me, and a taut quiet stretched between us. "I like hearing you play," I said, moving toward him. He turned, in sync with my slow approach. He looked up at me but didn't say anything. I rested my clammy hand on the cold, slick body of the baby grand. "May I?" The muscles in his throat shifted, then he swallowed. "Eden." My knees weakened, like a soft tickling kiss had just been blown against the backs of them. "Is it okay?" I asked. His gaze held mine like two hands joined. He understood what I was really asking. "Let me stay," I said. "Please." "You're going to get me in trouble," he said.
321 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 20, 2008
20 people are currently reading
2194 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Laurens
16 books1,048 followersJennifer, aka JM Warwick was born and raised in Southern California and her hometown of Palos Verdes Estates flavors her books: A Season of Eden and An Open Vein. She doesn't limit herself to writing one genre, and was the first to author four romance novels centered around the popular sport of ballroom dancing.She has YA novels published under her YA romance name of Jennifer Laurens: Falling for Romeo, Magic Hands, Nailed and the Heavenly series: Heavenly ( 2009) Penitence (2010) and Absolution (2010) A Season of Eden (2011) and Overprotected ( 2011 ) Grace Doll ( 2012 ) .An Open Vein is under her JM Warwick pen name. Jennifer lives in Utah and has 6 children, one of whom has autism. Jennifer doesn't put stock in reviews - in fact she never reads them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 305 reviews
November 23, 2014
I don't know about you, but that's one of the damn sexiest things I've ever read. It's dripping with this forbidden, strained, stressed sexual tension that permeates the pages and has me rooting for the two to just hook up already.
Is this a high school student/teacher relationship? Yes. Why do I find nothing wrong with this? Because the student, Eden, is 18. The teacher, James, is 22. Under any other circumstances, there'd be nothing wrong with this relationship. Is it undermining James's professional integrity? Absolutely. Is he still violating a code of conduct? Of course he is. But both parties involved are of the legal age of consent in any state so circumstances aside, I don't have a problem with it.
That out of the way, I absolutely devoured this book. Would I call it a romance? Not really. It doesn't fit any of the romance tropes. The ending is optimistic but not conclusive. It leaves you wondering, which romance, as I understand it, doesn't. But is it raw and passionate? Absolutely.
Every single fleck of emotion Eden emoted I could feel. From her jealously of other female students to her drive (and at times obsession) to be with James. Every single piece of it I felt. It was like I became Eden, I could feel her emotions so deeply. But there were times where I was able to step back, where I wanted to warn her to back away. Take it easy. Not so fast. Chill out. In a way I was kind of guiding myself.
Why? I was in a similar, albeit much less involved, situation in high school. I was a senior (17 until May of that year) and we had a student teacher that like every girl was drooling over. He wasn't even out of college although I can't accurately remember if he was getting his Masters or if he was finishing his teaching degree. Since he was externing in a classroom, I'm logically leaning towards the latter. So that made him . . . 21? 22? We flirted. Absolutely. We could have rightly shared a cafeteria table only a few years before so where was the problem, right? I knew things about his personal life that a student probably shouldn't have known. It never advanced to the degree that Eden and James did. Not even close. But reading this book made me remember everything I felt with that student teacher. All the jealously, striving to stand out in a group of girls so he'll notice me, structuring my day around his class. Of course. I felt like I was reliving a part of my high school life reading this and for a few hours, I absolutely loved it.
It's such raw emotion. It flames forth unabated, unchecked. Eden wants to find out where James lives so she stalks him a little. Just a little. There are no checks or balances there because it's something she always does with her friends when they want to know more about a new boy. Things like that are rationalized. The Id is prominent, clawing its way to the forefront and telling reason to shut the hell up. God, I couldn't get enough of it.
As I said before, the writing just drips with a vibrating, buzzing sexual tension that's just at the forefront of coming to a head. From the beginning it's there, mounting, and you keep reading because you're willing to do anything to sate that tension but will it go away?
I was a little over Eden's rich girl 'I get everything' attitude. Even though that was a major factor in the storyline, I kind of wished it happened to a, well, more deserving girl. One that didn't have everything handed to her on a silver platter, that couldn't manipulate her way into and out of anything to get her desired outcome. Like I said, it's all relevant in the end but I still couldn't help but wish she wasn't the little rich girl. The absentee parents kind of irked me as well. It was very convenient. Again, relevant to the plot as it all comes full circle but like the rich girl, I was over it.
There is also some pretty heavy religious undertones in the story. Eden - garden of forbidden fruit, Eve the temptress. It all fits. On top of that, Grove Creek Publishing in and of itself has a religious bent to it. They're not a Christian press but their mission statement is having "clean" YA absent of lewdness, etc. But reading A Season of Eden with all its ripe sexual tension, you wouldn't get that if you didn't look into the publisher beforehand. There's definitely some level of spiritual cleansing going on at the end (absent actual religion, I just want to be clear, this is not Christian literature) but honestly, it's something the character needs so it fits. I didn't mind it in the slightest.
So while there were a few things I could have lived without in A Season of Eden, those were easily enough stashed away under the rug and allowed me to read this flavorful piece of meat from beginning to end, running the entire way. The writing is glorious, the tension rips at your brain and it'll have you salivating for more the more pages you turn. If you want an nontraditional romance that'll leave you scratching at your face, but in a good way, you'll want to read A Season of Eden. And then you'll probably get writer envy because quite frankly, I've never read sexual tension written this well before. Makes me want to write a scene just to see how I measure up. And I don't even write romance-ish stuff.
Is this a high school student/teacher relationship? Yes. Why do I find nothing wrong with this? Because the student, Eden, is 18. The teacher, James, is 22. Under any other circumstances, there'd be nothing wrong with this relationship. Is it undermining James's professional integrity? Absolutely. Is he still violating a code of conduct? Of course he is. But both parties involved are of the legal age of consent in any state so circumstances aside, I don't have a problem with it.
That out of the way, I absolutely devoured this book. Would I call it a romance? Not really. It doesn't fit any of the romance tropes. The ending is optimistic but not conclusive. It leaves you wondering, which romance, as I understand it, doesn't. But is it raw and passionate? Absolutely.
Every single fleck of emotion Eden emoted I could feel. From her jealously of other female students to her drive (and at times obsession) to be with James. Every single piece of it I felt. It was like I became Eden, I could feel her emotions so deeply. But there were times where I was able to step back, where I wanted to warn her to back away. Take it easy. Not so fast. Chill out. In a way I was kind of guiding myself.
Why? I was in a similar, albeit much less involved, situation in high school. I was a senior (17 until May of that year) and we had a student teacher that like every girl was drooling over. He wasn't even out of college although I can't accurately remember if he was getting his Masters or if he was finishing his teaching degree. Since he was externing in a classroom, I'm logically leaning towards the latter. So that made him . . . 21? 22? We flirted. Absolutely. We could have rightly shared a cafeteria table only a few years before so where was the problem, right? I knew things about his personal life that a student probably shouldn't have known. It never advanced to the degree that Eden and James did. Not even close. But reading this book made me remember everything I felt with that student teacher. All the jealously, striving to stand out in a group of girls so he'll notice me, structuring my day around his class. Of course. I felt like I was reliving a part of my high school life reading this and for a few hours, I absolutely loved it.
It's such raw emotion. It flames forth unabated, unchecked. Eden wants to find out where James lives so she stalks him a little. Just a little. There are no checks or balances there because it's something she always does with her friends when they want to know more about a new boy. Things like that are rationalized. The Id is prominent, clawing its way to the forefront and telling reason to shut the hell up. God, I couldn't get enough of it.
As I said before, the writing just drips with a vibrating, buzzing sexual tension that's just at the forefront of coming to a head. From the beginning it's there, mounting, and you keep reading because you're willing to do anything to sate that tension but will it go away?
I was a little over Eden's rich girl 'I get everything' attitude. Even though that was a major factor in the storyline, I kind of wished it happened to a, well, more deserving girl. One that didn't have everything handed to her on a silver platter, that couldn't manipulate her way into and out of anything to get her desired outcome. Like I said, it's all relevant in the end but I still couldn't help but wish she wasn't the little rich girl. The absentee parents kind of irked me as well. It was very convenient. Again, relevant to the plot as it all comes full circle but like the rich girl, I was over it.
There is also some pretty heavy religious undertones in the story. Eden - garden of forbidden fruit, Eve the temptress. It all fits. On top of that, Grove Creek Publishing in and of itself has a religious bent to it. They're not a Christian press but their mission statement is having "clean" YA absent of lewdness, etc. But reading A Season of Eden with all its ripe sexual tension, you wouldn't get that if you didn't look into the publisher beforehand. There's definitely some level of spiritual cleansing going on at the end (absent actual religion, I just want to be clear, this is not Christian literature) but honestly, it's something the character needs so it fits. I didn't mind it in the slightest.
So while there were a few things I could have lived without in A Season of Eden, those were easily enough stashed away under the rug and allowed me to read this flavorful piece of meat from beginning to end, running the entire way. The writing is glorious, the tension rips at your brain and it'll have you salivating for more the more pages you turn. If you want an nontraditional romance that'll leave you scratching at your face, but in a good way, you'll want to read A Season of Eden. And then you'll probably get writer envy because quite frankly, I've never read sexual tension written this well before. Makes me want to write a scene just to see how I measure up. And I don't even write romance-ish stuff.
June 2, 2023
Such a stupid book! Children's minds in teenagers' bodies, bad, I mean BAAAD dialogue and the heroine - whatserface..oh yeah, Eden, like in the title. She's practically raping James every chance she gets.
James is no jewel either, can't control his class or himself!
Stupid book, this is what you get for being stupid!!
James is no jewel either, can't control his class or himself!
Stupid book, this is what you get for being stupid!!
May 4, 2011
I jumped at the chance to read this book simply because of the author, I didn't even read the book summary before accepting this book for review. When I got the book and read the summary I was a little worried. He's my teacher. I shouldn't be alone with him. But I can't help that he's irresistible. Having read Jennifer Lauren before I only hesitated for a minute before starting the book. The subject matter maybe taboo I found myself enjoying this forbidden love story. To put your mind at ease she is 18 and he is 22 which doesn't make a teacher/high school student relationship ethical but at least it's not perverted.
I'm fairly certain I can guess which of my friends will love this story and which ones won't. There is some cool symbolism in the book - think Eden & forbidden fruit. I had many other things I should have done today but this book kept calling me back to it to finish it whenever I tried to put it down.
I can't decide if I love or hate the ending. I'm one for closure and having everything tied up with a nice big bow and we don't get that. Usually this would annoy me to not get the ending I wanted but I was ok with the open ending. However, I'd love to have Jennifer write an epilogue to give me the happily ever after nice big bow I wanted especially if she included another scene involving the piano.
Content: no language, no sex scene, no graphic violence which would mean it would fit the category of a clean read.... however content makes me hesitant to label this "clean". There is talk of sex & hooking up, there is the taboo subject of a high school student involved with her teacher and there is lots of sexual tension and desire and a pretty intense make out scene. So perhaps a clean read for an adult but not for a teenager?
Rating: 4 Stars
I'm fairly certain I can guess which of my friends will love this story and which ones won't. There is some cool symbolism in the book - think Eden & forbidden fruit. I had many other things I should have done today but this book kept calling me back to it to finish it whenever I tried to put it down.
I can't decide if I love or hate the ending. I'm one for closure and having everything tied up with a nice big bow and we don't get that. Usually this would annoy me to not get the ending I wanted but I was ok with the open ending. However, I'd love to have Jennifer write an epilogue to give me the happily ever after nice big bow I wanted especially if she included another scene involving the piano.
Content: no language, no sex scene, no graphic violence which would mean it would fit the category of a clean read.... however content makes me hesitant to label this "clean". There is talk of sex & hooking up, there is the taboo subject of a high school student involved with her teacher and there is lots of sexual tension and desire and a pretty intense make out scene. So perhaps a clean read for an adult but not for a teenager?
Rating: 4 Stars
November 15, 2012
I'm really frustrated with this book. First, there is Eden. I had no luck figuring her out. At times, she seemed like a deep thinker, more mature then her age - but then she spouting "That's lame" or "Don't be retarded". It's like the author couldn't decided if she was going to be a lonely, hurt soul who was looking for something to fill the void, or a vapid, spoiled "mean girl" who was stymied by the fact that she finally found something that she wanted, that she couldn't have. The back and forth kind of gave me whiplash.
Then there was James. He was not your typical hero. He had the really oblivious, and naive quality about him, that was both charming and frustrating. I truly couldn't understand what all the fuss was about regarding what brought on their "break up". It just felt really overblow.
I also have to grip about the fact that there is no HEA. I get that we should be happy that Eden apparently "grew" as a person, but I'm selfish, and I want it all.
The whole tone of the book was very intriguing, and the religious illusions were interesting, but not enough to make this one a keeper for me.
Then there was James. He was not your typical hero. He had the really oblivious, and naive quality about him, that was both charming and frustrating. I truly couldn't understand what all the fuss was about regarding what brought on their "break up". It just felt really overblow.
I also have to grip about the fact that there is no HEA. I get that we should be happy that Eden apparently "grew" as a person, but I'm selfish, and I want it all.
The whole tone of the book was very intriguing, and the religious illusions were interesting, but not enough to make this one a keeper for me.
March 17, 2011
I was up all night reading this book. I don´t think it is too much to say that this book was perfect. I would recommend it to everybody.
It is a story about a girl (Eden) that has everything she could wish for. She learns how to grows up during the book but I gotta say that I liked her even at the beginning. Even though she had everything she is not spoiled.
NOTE: the love interest-James Christian is not old. He is 22 and Eden is 18.
It is a story about a girl (Eden) that has everything she could wish for. She learns how to grows up during the book but I gotta say that I liked her even at the beginning. Even though she had everything she is not spoiled.
NOTE: the love interest-James Christian is not old. He is 22 and Eden is 18.
October 21, 2015
Actual Rating: 4.05
This book was great. This is one of those student-teacher relationships. However, their age difference is 4 years apart. This is exactly the relationship between Aria and Ezra from PLL TV Series. The only difference is that Ezria's story occurred during English class, while James and Eden's story takes place in music class. I find the relationship between the two to be very unique and cute. James is adorable, and Eden is cool but also annoying at times. The thing I found interesting is the religious material in the book such as the female MC's named after the Garden of Eden, which means that she is the temptress.
This book was great. This is one of those student-teacher relationships. However, their age difference is 4 years apart. This is exactly the relationship between Aria and Ezra from PLL TV Series. The only difference is that Ezria's story occurred during English class, while James and Eden's story takes place in music class. I find the relationship between the two to be very unique and cute. James is adorable, and Eden is cool but also annoying at times. The thing I found interesting is the religious material in the book such as the female MC's named after the Garden of Eden, which means that she is the temptress.
May 20, 2010
This is my first book by J.M. Warwick (AKA Jennifer Laurens) and I am completely smitten. If all her writing is this good, then consider me an avid fan!
A Season of Eden is such an aptly named book. We meet Eden, the gorgeous and popular girl in school. She has the hunk boyfriend, the loyal group of friends, and the admiration of all who gaze upon her. Eden is a girl who is used to getting exactly what she wants, and what she wants is the new choral teacher Mr. Christian.
When I found out that this book was based on a teacher/student relationship, I initially balked a bit. Yes I have read (and still do read) many a controversial piece of literature, but I wondered how J.M. was going to deal with this specifically. I'm not a big romance novel fan for the simple fact that I can't deal with trashy scenes. Can I please say...I had nothing to worry about.
The way this story is written is true perfection. Eden and James Christian have a tantalizingly electric relationship that keeps you on the edge of your seat so to speak. However their relationship never goes over the top. There are scenes in this book that will make your toes curl and your head spin. All without the aforementioned trash. Thank you J.M.!
Although the taboo between them is mentioned, it isn't what the story is focused on. Instead the reader is granted a look into how this new relationship causes Eden to grow as a person. By seeing herself through James' eyes, she realizes what a shallow and hurtful person she's been. James teaches Eden that we don't always get what we want. Not without work.
I can't say too much more without spoilers so I will end it here! If you love romance or novels about change, this is a book for you. This book is well worth the read.
A Season of Eden is such an aptly named book. We meet Eden, the gorgeous and popular girl in school. She has the hunk boyfriend, the loyal group of friends, and the admiration of all who gaze upon her. Eden is a girl who is used to getting exactly what she wants, and what she wants is the new choral teacher Mr. Christian.
When I found out that this book was based on a teacher/student relationship, I initially balked a bit. Yes I have read (and still do read) many a controversial piece of literature, but I wondered how J.M. was going to deal with this specifically. I'm not a big romance novel fan for the simple fact that I can't deal with trashy scenes. Can I please say...I had nothing to worry about.
The way this story is written is true perfection. Eden and James Christian have a tantalizingly electric relationship that keeps you on the edge of your seat so to speak. However their relationship never goes over the top. There are scenes in this book that will make your toes curl and your head spin. All without the aforementioned trash. Thank you J.M.!
Although the taboo between them is mentioned, it isn't what the story is focused on. Instead the reader is granted a look into how this new relationship causes Eden to grow as a person. By seeing herself through James' eyes, she realizes what a shallow and hurtful person she's been. James teaches Eden that we don't always get what we want. Not without work.
I can't say too much more without spoilers so I will end it here! If you love romance or novels about change, this is a book for you. This book is well worth the read.
October 10, 2011
-"Don't you have a boyfriend?" I shook my head, fingering my bag. "That surprises me," he said.
"Because I seem like a girl that would have a guy around?" I finished.
"No." He started toward the light switch and I followed. "In my experience, the beautiful girls are always taken."-
WOW! just WOW-makes the wow face-
This book people, this book is just a complete season on it's own, it isn't fall or winter, nor summer or spring it's a whole other season concept and one I might forever be in love with and forever be waiting to happen in my life or at least in my country's weather ;)
Jennifer Laurens you made this book a complete piece of art for me.
Since the beginning of the book I felt all warm inside; predicting that I was in for a h*** of a book.
Eden was/is/will be one of my favorite characters and one very very real character.
Since she sets her eyes on Mr.Christian she suddenly has a thing for all things mature.(Having a crush on a guy who has a first name for a last name is not to be passed for normal)
As for my Feelings while reading the book->
Sometimes I couldn't even know when all these feelings, that Eden had, came from. Her instant crush on that person made me uneasy at first, I mean, we all experience crushes at one time in our life but hers felt just like, at the beginning, like an obssession, a really really unhealthy obsession. Hence the stalking she did, the always thinking what would he be thinking, would be listening to? The list goes on and on...
But then things started to look normal, and then BOOM!
She was my hero, she started to grow up, trying to-without changing what she was, who she was-started questioning all her actions, their concecuences, her decisions always better thought.
In the end, music-age-love all blend together to make the awesome symphony that is A Season of Eden.
Jennifer's writing was beautiful through out the whole book, describing and giving us glimpses of just the right amount of emotions, the right amount of the scenery, and a really large and really welcomed dose of music backround.
When you THINK you have found the one for you, but feel that you're not good enough, that you're not OLD ENOUGH, that you're simply out of his league...think again...and then, think some more...maybe you're not thinking right...maybe this time you have to let HIM do the thinking and you? Well just follow the music that your heart makes...it always takes you to the right path wich, while right, isn't always the easiest.
5/5
I gave it my 10-super-duper-fotitos RATING over at the blog ;)
"Because I seem like a girl that would have a guy around?" I finished.
"No." He started toward the light switch and I followed. "In my experience, the beautiful girls are always taken."-
WOW! just WOW-makes the wow face-
This book people, this book is just a complete season on it's own, it isn't fall or winter, nor summer or spring it's a whole other season concept and one I might forever be in love with and forever be waiting to happen in my life or at least in my country's weather ;)
Jennifer Laurens you made this book a complete piece of art for me.
Since the beginning of the book I felt all warm inside; predicting that I was in for a h*** of a book.
Eden was/is/will be one of my favorite characters and one very very real character.
Since she sets her eyes on Mr.Christian she suddenly has a thing for all things mature.(Having a crush on a guy who has a first name for a last name is not to be passed for normal)
As for my Feelings while reading the book->
Sometimes I couldn't even know when all these feelings, that Eden had, came from. Her instant crush on that person made me uneasy at first, I mean, we all experience crushes at one time in our life but hers felt just like, at the beginning, like an obssession, a really really unhealthy obsession. Hence the stalking she did, the always thinking what would he be thinking, would be listening to? The list goes on and on...
But then things started to look normal, and then BOOM!
She was my hero, she started to grow up, trying to-without changing what she was, who she was-started questioning all her actions, their concecuences, her decisions always better thought.
In the end, music-age-love all blend together to make the awesome symphony that is A Season of Eden.
Jennifer's writing was beautiful through out the whole book, describing and giving us glimpses of just the right amount of emotions, the right amount of the scenery, and a really large and really welcomed dose of music backround.
When you THINK you have found the one for you, but feel that you're not good enough, that you're not OLD ENOUGH, that you're simply out of his league...think again...and then, think some more...maybe you're not thinking right...maybe this time you have to let HIM do the thinking and you? Well just follow the music that your heart makes...it always takes you to the right path wich, while right, isn't always the easiest.
5/5
I gave it my 10-super-duper-fotitos RATING over at the blog ;)
September 3, 2011
Ok so I have read lots of discussion about people wanting to read books with a student/teacher relationship similar to Rose & Dimitri. I kind of did too, even though I preferred Adrian, I enjoyed Rose and Dimitri's story. I have not read any yet because I wanted something similar and not like a gross really older guy. In this story Eden is 18 and James Christian, her teacher is 22 so I decided to give it a try. The beginning was not so good and I was almost pissed I spent $5 on kindle for this on a whim. But slowly I really got into the story and the characters. Eden comes from a rich family. Her mom died, and her dad remarried four months later and never paid her any attention after that. She is beautiful and has had her pick of guys. When she meets nerdy music teacher Mr. Christian it was a little strange the way she immediately fell for him. But I liked that the relationship did build and felt honest to me. Some reviews I read did not like Eden or find her to be realistic but I did. I felt like she had a ton of character growth. I did understand over time why they would fall for each other. Eden gets to school early each morning for some extra time with Mr. Christian and they slowly get to know each other. James Christian never had a girlfriend in high school and I can see why having the attention of a beautiful popular girl would appeal to him. They spend time at school together each morning until Eden decided to ask him to hang and he gives in and they meet for coffee. They continue to meet secretly and there are two make out sessions but no sex. I enjoyed the build of their relationship and was very engrossed in this book by the end. Now the ending some liked it some hated it but I was somewhere in the middle
September 25, 2012
A friend recommended this one to me but like many other readers felt on Goodreads, I was nervous of whether or not I wanted to read it when I read what it was about.(A story of student/teacher relationship.) However the reviews put my mind at ease and I decided to give it a try. Eden(the student) is 18 and James(the 1st year music teacher) is 22, not that that makes it "right" necessarily, but at least it makes it not disgusting.:) This is a fun coming of age love story. Eden drove me crazy a lot of the time but was a typical High School Girl. The "stalking" she does of the poor teacher at first was hilarious to me....mainly because I remember going with a certain "girlfriend" of mine(yea you know who you are;)lol as she attempted to find out where a certain guy she was absolutely in love with lived...and what he drove...etc :)...anyway... Again, typical High School drama and it made me laugh. Eden's immaturity at times made me dislike her character but I liked seeing her grow and try to change for the better. I enjoyed this story...and the funny memories it brought back from when I was 17.(That same friend I mentioned earlier:) had a MAJOR crush on one of our teachers too....just makes me laugh so hard to think of it now.) I would have probably given the book 5 stars BUT...I have to add that the ending DROVE ME CRAZY!!!!! I am a "need closure...happily ever after" type girl. This left things waaaaayyyy to "open" for my taste personally. I was hoping for an epilouge atleast. I literally thought my book hadn't downloaded correctly and I didn't have the end of the book. Grrrrrr!!! So too the author a second book or epilouge please!!:) I need CLOSURE;)lol I guess I will just have to make up my own:)lol
no language
the obvious student/teacher relationship, make-out scene, highschool kids talking of hooking up,...in other words I wouldn't let my teen read it, but clean for an adult.
no language
the obvious student/teacher relationship, make-out scene, highschool kids talking of hooking up,...in other words I wouldn't let my teen read it, but clean for an adult.
June 11, 2010
I would have liked this book better 10 years ago, but now it was just alright for me. It's not that it was bad, but I was nothing like Eden when I was 18. And I didn't have any teachers worth crushing on. ^^
I don't have that much to say about it. Mr. Christian sounds like a kind of guy a lot of girls would like and I think it's weird for somebody like him to fall for somebody like Eden.
I read a review, saying this entire book gives you the feeling you get when reading the meadow scene (yeah the one in that book) but it wasn't like that for me at all.
I don't have that much to say about it. Mr. Christian sounds like a kind of guy a lot of girls would like and I think it's weird for somebody like him to fall for somebody like Eden.
I read a review, saying this entire book gives you the feeling you get when reading the meadow scene (yeah the one in that book) but it wasn't like that for me at all.
June 19, 2010
First a bit of back story: I was scanning through the Around the world ARC Tours, checking to see if there were other available titles (I've only joined recently) that were still open. A Season of Eden was, and while it intrigued me, it also repelled me. First I was intrigued by the summary alone, but then, paranormal-addict that I am, I realized I would probably not want to write a review about it. I moved on.
A week later, I had returned to the page for this book, staring longingly at the beautiful cover. The summary resonated with me; I had the sudden urge to dip my toes back into the high school life--if only to briefly reminisce.
I received the ARC in the mail yesterday, stuffing the book into my purse in my haste to catch my train. I had planned on reading it as quickly as I could in order to pass it on to the next person. I didn't read it on the train ride there. I did, however, read it on the ride back home... and I almost missed my stop because of it.
As I munch on some Skittles at 2am, I've realized something: this is the first Young Adult book--and a non-paranormal one at that--which has moved me to this degree. Why else would I be guzzling down sugar, overeager to type out my review? (and I had planned on not posting anything tomorrow [well, today now:] because I was behind on reviews)
While most of us might cringe when looking back upon high school (I know I do more often then not), this novel has the potential to summon memories of young love to the forefront of one's mind. It, for me personally, reminded me of the person I was, and how much I've changed since then. It was beautiful and ugly all at the same time. It reinforced the reality of how harsh teenagers can be--and even adults. I was reminded of how wonderful it can be to meet such a talented, pure soul, and the fear of how your "darkened" soul would corrupt the other.
Well maybe that one's just for me, and maybe I've figured out why this has resonated with me so much. I dated a musician, and much like James, my first boyfriend was innocent, optimistic, naive, and so pure it was astounding. In comparison, I felt like a typical dramatic teenager who was getting over a rough time in her life. Yep, I didn't have the student-teacher relationship, but I definitely had the musician relationship, and it was beautiful while it lasted.
I was reminded of how flaky girls can be at that age (because I'm not reminded of this on an almost daily basis *sarcasm*), and how nasty they can get when more than one of them is struggling to attain the attention of the boy they currently want. *raises hand* I've been guilty of that one. I was reminded of how easily a friendship can dissipate, and how easy it is for "friends" to gang up on one victim. I was reminded of the desolation one can feel, and how that is multiplied when something goes wrong within the family. I was reminded of that, and so much more.
There were minor factors that annoyed me, such as the overuse of the words "retard", "lame", and "I'm sorry". Likewise, Eden's immature thoughts sometimes irked me, but when I really thought about it.... well hell, I get like that too sometimes, as does everyone. Besides, this is an 18 year old rich girl who always--as it was reiterated numerous times--gets her way.
The development of Eden's character was outstanding. She really transformed from some snooty little high school brat into a beautiful young woman right before the reader's eyes. Time somehow manages to blur together so that the reader, aside from when Eden announces it's a new day of school, has no real sense of how many days have passed. Normally I would frown upon this, but in this situation, I believe that this was another element that enhanced my reading experience. How many times, as a young teenage girl, did time fly by during school as you waited and thought about your potential love interest, or even just a crush?
And now that I've finished the other half of my bag of Skittles, I feel it necessary to wrap up my review (and hopefully pass out before the sugar kicks in). While not a paranormal book, I believe A Season of Eden is something that everyone should read. I loved it. It managed to make me tear up, and it also reminded me of how innocent love can be sometimes (emphasis on the sometimes). Once I have the money, I will definitely be buying an actual copy of this book, because I know I will, at some point, re-read this. I only wish there was a sequel...
A week later, I had returned to the page for this book, staring longingly at the beautiful cover. The summary resonated with me; I had the sudden urge to dip my toes back into the high school life--if only to briefly reminisce.
I received the ARC in the mail yesterday, stuffing the book into my purse in my haste to catch my train. I had planned on reading it as quickly as I could in order to pass it on to the next person. I didn't read it on the train ride there. I did, however, read it on the ride back home... and I almost missed my stop because of it.
As I munch on some Skittles at 2am, I've realized something: this is the first Young Adult book--and a non-paranormal one at that--which has moved me to this degree. Why else would I be guzzling down sugar, overeager to type out my review? (and I had planned on not posting anything tomorrow [well, today now:] because I was behind on reviews)
While most of us might cringe when looking back upon high school (I know I do more often then not), this novel has the potential to summon memories of young love to the forefront of one's mind. It, for me personally, reminded me of the person I was, and how much I've changed since then. It was beautiful and ugly all at the same time. It reinforced the reality of how harsh teenagers can be--and even adults. I was reminded of how wonderful it can be to meet such a talented, pure soul, and the fear of how your "darkened" soul would corrupt the other.
Well maybe that one's just for me, and maybe I've figured out why this has resonated with me so much. I dated a musician, and much like James, my first boyfriend was innocent, optimistic, naive, and so pure it was astounding. In comparison, I felt like a typical dramatic teenager who was getting over a rough time in her life. Yep, I didn't have the student-teacher relationship, but I definitely had the musician relationship, and it was beautiful while it lasted.
I was reminded of how flaky girls can be at that age (because I'm not reminded of this on an almost daily basis *sarcasm*), and how nasty they can get when more than one of them is struggling to attain the attention of the boy they currently want. *raises hand* I've been guilty of that one. I was reminded of how easily a friendship can dissipate, and how easy it is for "friends" to gang up on one victim. I was reminded of the desolation one can feel, and how that is multiplied when something goes wrong within the family. I was reminded of that, and so much more.
There were minor factors that annoyed me, such as the overuse of the words "retard", "lame", and "I'm sorry". Likewise, Eden's immature thoughts sometimes irked me, but when I really thought about it.... well hell, I get like that too sometimes, as does everyone. Besides, this is an 18 year old rich girl who always--as it was reiterated numerous times--gets her way.
The development of Eden's character was outstanding. She really transformed from some snooty little high school brat into a beautiful young woman right before the reader's eyes. Time somehow manages to blur together so that the reader, aside from when Eden announces it's a new day of school, has no real sense of how many days have passed. Normally I would frown upon this, but in this situation, I believe that this was another element that enhanced my reading experience. How many times, as a young teenage girl, did time fly by during school as you waited and thought about your potential love interest, or even just a crush?
And now that I've finished the other half of my bag of Skittles, I feel it necessary to wrap up my review (and hopefully pass out before the sugar kicks in). While not a paranormal book, I believe A Season of Eden is something that everyone should read. I loved it. It managed to make me tear up, and it also reminded me of how innocent love can be sometimes (emphasis on the sometimes). Once I have the money, I will definitely be buying an actual copy of this book, because I know I will, at some point, re-read this. I only wish there was a sequel...
February 6, 2012
So this wasn't what I was expecting. Maybe I've started to assume that all books about student-teacher relationships are going to be more like Boy Toy or Prey, where I'm expecting some sort of abuse or strange behavior to happen. This was not the case with ASOE.
A Season of Eden turned out to be a bittersweet book, but there was more sweet than bitter in this instance, which surprised me. The scandal level was dialed way down. The friendship that started between an 18 year old (which is legal) student and her 22 year old teacher (goodness, that's young to teach) was about as shocking as a children's cartoon. If you were expecting a torrid affair like I might have been, sorry to disappoint you.
Yet, I found the story to be a (somewhat) decent love story. I can't say I was all too fond of Eden's waxing poetic about her teacher love because it bordered on the obsessive. I especially was not fond of her stalking Mr. Christian (which, by the way, say this out loud : Mister Christian. I had the lyrics "Sister Christian" stuck in my head because of this...yikes.), to the point of FOLLOWING HIM HOME just to see where he lived. She waited for him before class, after class, out in the parking lot, etc. etc. etc. Most of us as teens probably arranged to "happen to be somewhere" when we knew a cute guy was going to be there, whether it was a party, at the movies, whatever. That's kind of cute. What isn't cute, is hanging around someone to the point where you're always in their shadow. What was this girl thinking? If a guy did this, people would be all over such behavior for being creepy.
The part of the book that made up for some of the weirdness was the way the student and teacher did eventually decide to handle the relationship. They made the right choice and the ending didn't completely suck because of their decision. I was happy with how things turned out. I wished that just a little bit more detail had been given at the end (I felt like I was being toyed with!) but at least I wasn't bummed out either.
Even though there was no sex, there was one sexy line I loved and had to quote. This is a music teacher speaking these words : "I want to play your body like an instrument." Yes, please.
Overall, this book was okay, but I've seen this subject done better. If you're looking for a student-teacher book with a more serious and disturbing vibe, I'd recommend Boy Toy, which was very well done for such a sensitive subject. If you would prefer a student-teacher love story that's a bit more interesting to read, I'd pick up Vampire Academy.
A Season of Eden turned out to be a bittersweet book, but there was more sweet than bitter in this instance, which surprised me. The scandal level was dialed way down. The friendship that started between an 18 year old (which is legal) student and her 22 year old teacher (goodness, that's young to teach) was about as shocking as a children's cartoon. If you were expecting a torrid affair like I might have been, sorry to disappoint you.
Yet, I found the story to be a (somewhat) decent love story. I can't say I was all too fond of Eden's waxing poetic about her teacher love because it bordered on the obsessive. I especially was not fond of her stalking Mr. Christian (which, by the way, say this out loud : Mister Christian. I had the lyrics "Sister Christian" stuck in my head because of this...yikes.), to the point of FOLLOWING HIM HOME just to see where he lived. She waited for him before class, after class, out in the parking lot, etc. etc. etc. Most of us as teens probably arranged to "happen to be somewhere" when we knew a cute guy was going to be there, whether it was a party, at the movies, whatever. That's kind of cute. What isn't cute, is hanging around someone to the point where you're always in their shadow. What was this girl thinking? If a guy did this, people would be all over such behavior for being creepy.
The part of the book that made up for some of the weirdness was the way the student and teacher did eventually decide to handle the relationship. They made the right choice and the ending didn't completely suck because of their decision. I was happy with how things turned out. I wished that just a little bit more detail had been given at the end (I felt like I was being toyed with!) but at least I wasn't bummed out either.
Even though there was no sex, there was one sexy line I loved and had to quote. This is a music teacher speaking these words : "I want to play your body like an instrument." Yes, please.
Overall, this book was okay, but I've seen this subject done better. If you're looking for a student-teacher book with a more serious and disturbing vibe, I'd recommend Boy Toy, which was very well done for such a sensitive subject. If you would prefer a student-teacher love story that's a bit more interesting to read, I'd pick up Vampire Academy.
August 18, 2008
Reviewed by Margaret Waterman for TeensReadToo.com
Reviewed by Margaret Waterman for TeensReadToo.com
The melody reached in. Touched me. Filled me. As if an invisible siphon leeched off the notes and chords with the urgency of needed breath. He slowed the piece, his long fingers curling and flattening on the ivory keys, his eyes closing, lashes pressed against his cheeks. The tune echoed off the empty walls with one final deep chord. When he opened his eyes, they locked on mine. His hands slid from the keys and into his lap.
`There can't be anything between us.'"
Eden, a senior at her high school, needs to take an elective. She signs up for Concert Choir, which has always been labeled as an "Easy A" class. She doesn't expect to even care about the class... Much less, truly enjoy it.
However, when Mr. James Christian, the beautiful, young, new teacher, enters the room, Eden's heart stops. Concert Choir will certainly be more than she ever bargained for. Soon, Choir becomes her favorite class, and not because of all the beautiful music. A forbidden attraction springs up between Eden and her teacher, which they must repress.
Eden, dealing with her distant father, terrible stepmother and the loss of her real mother ten years previously, has a lot going on in her life. She seeks solace through Mr. Christian when her school friends become less than helpful. After having experienced a more mature friendship with Mr. Christian, people that she used to hang out with (her ex-boyfriend, etc.), seem suddenly immature and uninteresting. He seems to understand her in an adult way that she has never experienced before.
The dynamic between Eden and her teacher is very interesting. Little details display the subtle changes in their relationship throughout the novel. The reader will slowly watch her change how she addresses him... He goes from Mr. Christian to James Christian to James. Yet, although he is only four years older than Eden, there is still the teacher-student gap that cannot be bridged.
A SEASON OF EDEN will have you wondering, hoping, and crossing your fingers, waiting for something to happen between the two. J.M. Warwick has written a book that can and will be enjoyed by all different kinds of teenagers.
Reviewed by Margaret Waterman for TeensReadToo.com
The melody reached in. Touched me. Filled me. As if an invisible siphon leeched off the notes and chords with the urgency of needed breath. He slowed the piece, his long fingers curling and flattening on the ivory keys, his eyes closing, lashes pressed against his cheeks. The tune echoed off the empty walls with one final deep chord. When he opened his eyes, they locked on mine. His hands slid from the keys and into his lap.
`There can't be anything between us.'"
Eden, a senior at her high school, needs to take an elective. She signs up for Concert Choir, which has always been labeled as an "Easy A" class. She doesn't expect to even care about the class... Much less, truly enjoy it.
However, when Mr. James Christian, the beautiful, young, new teacher, enters the room, Eden's heart stops. Concert Choir will certainly be more than she ever bargained for. Soon, Choir becomes her favorite class, and not because of all the beautiful music. A forbidden attraction springs up between Eden and her teacher, which they must repress.
Eden, dealing with her distant father, terrible stepmother and the loss of her real mother ten years previously, has a lot going on in her life. She seeks solace through Mr. Christian when her school friends become less than helpful. After having experienced a more mature friendship with Mr. Christian, people that she used to hang out with (her ex-boyfriend, etc.), seem suddenly immature and uninteresting. He seems to understand her in an adult way that she has never experienced before.
The dynamic between Eden and her teacher is very interesting. Little details display the subtle changes in their relationship throughout the novel. The reader will slowly watch her change how she addresses him... He goes from Mr. Christian to James Christian to James. Yet, although he is only four years older than Eden, there is still the teacher-student gap that cannot be bridged.
A SEASON OF EDEN will have you wondering, hoping, and crossing your fingers, waiting for something to happen between the two. J.M. Warwick has written a book that can and will be enjoyed by all different kinds of teenagers.
August 28, 2014
I literally just finished a few minutes ago, so I'm still digesting. After the Twilight series, I wanted a love story. This one came from the publisher, and I am very grateful. The feelings of Eden for her teacher, James Christian, help her realize how shallow her life is. For the first time, she doesn't get everything that she wants.
Maybe it's just the cover art with the teacher holding a red apple, but the imagery of Eden/apple/teacher/Christian is a bit thick. However, besides names and a couple visits to James's church, I didn't find it to be distracting from the story. The ending is hopeful and I felt Eden's feelings in the pit of my stomach.
For referrals, there is not any controversial language or sexual content. The only area of concern would be an inappropriate relationship between a student and teacher. However, Eden is 18 and James is 22, and that forbidden love is what makes this a romance.
A must read for anyone looking for love beyond their normal lives.
Beyond the content, there are quite a few editing mistakes. Misplaced commas and his age changed a couple times (22 to 21 to 22). I'm a nerd, so it caught my attention, but I was soon back aching for James.
Maybe it's just the cover art with the teacher holding a red apple, but the imagery of Eden/apple/teacher/Christian is a bit thick. However, besides names and a couple visits to James's church, I didn't find it to be distracting from the story. The ending is hopeful and I felt Eden's feelings in the pit of my stomach.
For referrals, there is not any controversial language or sexual content. The only area of concern would be an inappropriate relationship between a student and teacher. However, Eden is 18 and James is 22, and that forbidden love is what makes this a romance.
A must read for anyone looking for love beyond their normal lives.
Beyond the content, there are quite a few editing mistakes. Misplaced commas and his age changed a couple times (22 to 21 to 22). I'm a nerd, so it caught my attention, but I was soon back aching for James.
July 11, 2011
Ugh...what a waste of my time.
This next bit will contain SPOILERS! So if you actually plan on reading this terrible book then don't read on.
Eden Eden Eden...I could not believe how selfish she was. I've read some terrible books and some disastrous characters but Eden has made it to my top 5. She stomped on anyone that was in her way, didn't care how her words affected other people and was sooooooo immature. But she wasn't the only problem, we had her best friend Brielle who was the biggest push over I've ever read about. Matt who had his heart broken by Eden, now I'll admit I didn't like him but he didn't deserve to be treated like a piece of garbage.
The only person I liked in this book was James, he did try pushing Eden away (not very well, but the effort counts) He even held his ground when the dirty skank Eden pushed to have sex in a church when she knew he was religious. Now I'm not a religious person, but even I know that is too far. I was actually happy when he made her wait till graduation, serves her right.
Overall I hated this book. With a passion and would recommend this to...no-one.
This next bit will contain SPOILERS! So if you actually plan on reading this terrible book then don't read on.
Eden Eden Eden...I could not believe how selfish she was. I've read some terrible books and some disastrous characters but Eden has made it to my top 5. She stomped on anyone that was in her way, didn't care how her words affected other people and was sooooooo immature. But she wasn't the only problem, we had her best friend Brielle who was the biggest push over I've ever read about. Matt who had his heart broken by Eden, now I'll admit I didn't like him but he didn't deserve to be treated like a piece of garbage.
The only person I liked in this book was James, he did try pushing Eden away (not very well, but the effort counts) He even held his ground when the dirty skank Eden pushed to have sex in a church when she knew he was religious. Now I'm not a religious person, but even I know that is too far. I was actually happy when he made her wait till graduation, serves her right.
Overall I hated this book. With a passion and would recommend this to...no-one.
May 12, 2011
When I had first stumbled upon this book I wasn't sure I would read it or not, it being a story of student / teacher relationship. However the reviews put me at ease Eden is 18 and James is 22, still not ethical but at least not perverted. This is a fun coming of age love story. I liked how Eden could see her immaturity at times and tried to change for the better. I totally enjoyed this story, It reminded me of when I was 17, we had a cute student teacher for the semester all the girls where crushing on him ( as far as I know he behaved himself:). Except for the ending, I want a second book please!! I like closer, no closer here. Still even with the ending I am so glad I read it.
no language
the obvious student /teacher relationship, sexual tension, talk of hooking up, not for my teen, but clean for an adult
no language
the obvious student /teacher relationship, sexual tension, talk of hooking up, not for my teen, but clean for an adult
September 26, 2012
MY THOUGHTS
Eden is a beautiful and sought after 18-year old senior at a prestigious Southern California High School. Her life seems perfect, if outsiders don’t look beneath the surface. Although Eden seems to have it all – good friends, a popular and good looking boyfriend, a ‘mansion’ for a house, and a luxury car she can call her own – she is a lonely girl who misses her deceased mother and can’t get her father to notice her since he’s married a superficial blonde who is only interested in his wealth. As an only child, she has no one to share her frustrations, concerns and sorrows…just a pet dog that joins her at home when she returns from school every day.
* Plot Spoilers*
It’s the first day of the last semester of senior year and Eden enrolls in an ‘easy A’ – Chorus Choir – where she sets her eyes on the most gorgeous guy she’s ever seen. Unfortunately, that gorgeous and charismatic guy is her new Choir teacher, Mr. Christian. He’s so young, so talented, so gifted with the piano, so passionate about music and engendering interest in his students. Engender interest he does! It’s clear from the outset that the females in the choir room are smitten by this new, young good looking and enthusiastic choir teacher. Eden wastes no time and begins to implement the all too familiar subtle flirtation strategies that many female students employ when they develop crushes on their hot young teachers. Except, most of these crushes go unnoticed and much of the strategizing is rarely successful…but…
Mr. Christian does not, in any direct way, enable Eden’s flirtatiousness. In fact, he does quite the opposite, warning Eden that her behavior is inappropriate and constantly reminding her that she’s a student and he’s a teacher. Eventually, Mr. Christian’s desire for and interest in Eden is too much to handle and he makes a move and kisses Eden passionately as she excitedly reciprocates. She’s 18, he’s 22 and she’s two months shy from graduating. What’s the big deal, right? Wrong! The pureness of Mr. Christian’s kiss confuses Eden and she feels as though she is corrupting his innocence. Eventually Eden overcomes her own lack of innocence and learns to deal with being in love with a man as pure and honorable as Mr. Christian.
The relationship between Mr. Christian (or James) and Eden, if it can be called that, is for the most part and emotional one and very little physical interactions take place between the two due to Mr. Christian’s firm belief that a romantic relationship between student and teacher is absolutely inappropriate. Eden grudgingly agrees to give Mr. Christian the time he needs (i.e. until she graduates) and lays off on her persistent pursuit.
Laurens writes an impeccable story with real characters who are tormented, confused, lonely and falling in love with each other. The story had a perfect harmony of ‘flow’ and it was wholeheartedly believable. Eden and Mr. Christian represent real individuals at any high school, and they were portrayed as absolutely normal people dealing with difficult situations as best as they saw fit. The one aspect of this book that puzzled me was the ending. Although I am a firm believer that not all good books require a neat and tidy ending that wraps up the entire story, I do think it’s important where warranted (i.e. where there is no sequel to close the loop on the story). As far as I know, Laurens never wrote a sequel to A Season of Eden ☹. If Jennifer Laurens reads my review…please, write the sequel…there is so much I want to know!
MY FAVORITE PASSAGE
“I want to play you…” He pressed his forehead to mine, closing his eyes. “I want to play your body like an instrument.” – Page 196
by Eva Márquez
www.SweetestTabooBook.com
Eden is a beautiful and sought after 18-year old senior at a prestigious Southern California High School. Her life seems perfect, if outsiders don’t look beneath the surface. Although Eden seems to have it all – good friends, a popular and good looking boyfriend, a ‘mansion’ for a house, and a luxury car she can call her own – she is a lonely girl who misses her deceased mother and can’t get her father to notice her since he’s married a superficial blonde who is only interested in his wealth. As an only child, she has no one to share her frustrations, concerns and sorrows…just a pet dog that joins her at home when she returns from school every day.
* Plot Spoilers*
It’s the first day of the last semester of senior year and Eden enrolls in an ‘easy A’ – Chorus Choir – where she sets her eyes on the most gorgeous guy she’s ever seen. Unfortunately, that gorgeous and charismatic guy is her new Choir teacher, Mr. Christian. He’s so young, so talented, so gifted with the piano, so passionate about music and engendering interest in his students. Engender interest he does! It’s clear from the outset that the females in the choir room are smitten by this new, young good looking and enthusiastic choir teacher. Eden wastes no time and begins to implement the all too familiar subtle flirtation strategies that many female students employ when they develop crushes on their hot young teachers. Except, most of these crushes go unnoticed and much of the strategizing is rarely successful…but…
Mr. Christian does not, in any direct way, enable Eden’s flirtatiousness. In fact, he does quite the opposite, warning Eden that her behavior is inappropriate and constantly reminding her that she’s a student and he’s a teacher. Eventually, Mr. Christian’s desire for and interest in Eden is too much to handle and he makes a move and kisses Eden passionately as she excitedly reciprocates. She’s 18, he’s 22 and she’s two months shy from graduating. What’s the big deal, right? Wrong! The pureness of Mr. Christian’s kiss confuses Eden and she feels as though she is corrupting his innocence. Eventually Eden overcomes her own lack of innocence and learns to deal with being in love with a man as pure and honorable as Mr. Christian.
The relationship between Mr. Christian (or James) and Eden, if it can be called that, is for the most part and emotional one and very little physical interactions take place between the two due to Mr. Christian’s firm belief that a romantic relationship between student and teacher is absolutely inappropriate. Eden grudgingly agrees to give Mr. Christian the time he needs (i.e. until she graduates) and lays off on her persistent pursuit.
Laurens writes an impeccable story with real characters who are tormented, confused, lonely and falling in love with each other. The story had a perfect harmony of ‘flow’ and it was wholeheartedly believable. Eden and Mr. Christian represent real individuals at any high school, and they were portrayed as absolutely normal people dealing with difficult situations as best as they saw fit. The one aspect of this book that puzzled me was the ending. Although I am a firm believer that not all good books require a neat and tidy ending that wraps up the entire story, I do think it’s important where warranted (i.e. where there is no sequel to close the loop on the story). As far as I know, Laurens never wrote a sequel to A Season of Eden ☹. If Jennifer Laurens reads my review…please, write the sequel…there is so much I want to know!
MY FAVORITE PASSAGE
“I want to play you…” He pressed his forehead to mine, closing his eyes. “I want to play your body like an instrument.” – Page 196
by Eva Márquez
www.SweetestTabooBook.com
March 12, 2010
*3.5 stars*
Review Part I- no spoilers
I thought I would be uncomfortable with the subject matter of this book but honestly, I think that's kind of the point. I was actually surprised how little it bothered me and I think the fact that Eden is 18 and James is only 22 played a big part in that. She's legally an adult and there's only 4 years between them. I didn't feel that James was taking advantage of, or manipulating Eden in any way.
I didn't buy Eden's feelings for James as sincere at first. I felt more that it was story about a desperate girl in a bad life situation who had become obsessed with conquering the attention of this older "man" for validation. Later, I changed my tune. I think the way the James was able to lead Eden to identify her flaws and want to become a better person.... lets just say by the end, based on heractions and thoughts later in the book, I knew what she was feeling was very real.
I couldn't help but fall for James but I wish we had a little more development on his side of the story. He's the type of person I would have liked when I was in HS... sensitive, passionate... hot.
There were several delicious James and Eden scenes in this book that made my heart flutter and made me want to fly through the story. The author is very good at capturing the nerves, tension, excitement etc of a young feelings.
This was a very fast, guilty pleasure read that I recommend for anyone who enjoys YA or a good love story.
Review Part II- spoilers
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
What the hell was that ending? Can I even call it an ending? Did I miss something? This is the reason I had to give the book only 3.5 stars. As delicious as I found the read, leaving the end hanging like that almost ruined it for me. I like good solid, well wrapped up endings. Sure I wanted them to end up together, but even if they didn't that would have been okay too...... just TELL ME ONE WAY OR THE OTHER! Don't leave me hanging like that. She confronts him in the church, he kinda smiles, book ends. WHAT? I don't think this is open for a sequel either. I truly think this is the end of James and Edens story.
Perhaps I missed something, but I was so disappointed by the end.
Review Part I- no spoilers
I thought I would be uncomfortable with the subject matter of this book but honestly, I think that's kind of the point. I was actually surprised how little it bothered me and I think the fact that Eden is 18 and James is only 22 played a big part in that. She's legally an adult and there's only 4 years between them. I didn't feel that James was taking advantage of, or manipulating Eden in any way.
I didn't buy Eden's feelings for James as sincere at first. I felt more that it was story about a desperate girl in a bad life situation who had become obsessed with conquering the attention of this older "man" for validation. Later, I changed my tune. I think the way the James was able to lead Eden to identify her flaws and want to become a better person.... lets just say by the end, based on heractions and thoughts later in the book, I knew what she was feeling was very real.
I couldn't help but fall for James but I wish we had a little more development on his side of the story. He's the type of person I would have liked when I was in HS... sensitive, passionate... hot.
There were several delicious James and Eden scenes in this book that made my heart flutter and made me want to fly through the story. The author is very good at capturing the nerves, tension, excitement etc of a young feelings.
This was a very fast, guilty pleasure read that I recommend for anyone who enjoys YA or a good love story.
Review Part II- spoilers
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
What the hell was that ending? Can I even call it an ending? Did I miss something? This is the reason I had to give the book only 3.5 stars. As delicious as I found the read, leaving the end hanging like that almost ruined it for me. I like good solid, well wrapped up endings. Sure I wanted them to end up together, but even if they didn't that would have been okay too...... just TELL ME ONE WAY OR THE OTHER! Don't leave me hanging like that. She confronts him in the church, he kinda smiles, book ends. WHAT? I don't think this is open for a sequel either. I truly think this is the end of James and Edens story.
Perhaps I missed something, but I was so disappointed by the end.
September 19, 2012
I'm so mad that I wasted four hours reading this book straight last night when I came home from work. The writing was decent, and the story had the potential to be awesome... but every time it was about to go over and enter into the "Oh my god, I have to keep reading" phase, the author would step back from the jump. However, me, being the book lover that I am, kept reading. I just thought "she's going to take the plunge, it's going to happen, this book is about to get amazing." Except it didn't. I was left on the last page and my final words were "WTF?!" It was like she just up and left the book unfinished. I kept thinking of what my creative writing teacher would tell me last semester, "Leave your characters in a room, LOCK the door, and don't let them come out until it's over!" Eden and James need to be locked up in that music room and not be allowed to come out until something is freaking resolved.
The Cons:
*The other characters were more reminiscent of junior high kids, than acutal young adults.
*Unsatisfying overall
*Insta love
*James walked a fine line between sensitive and just plain being a woman- seriously, a pink shirt?
* Inconsistent writing- first James is 22, then he's 21. Edens mom died 10 years, then it was 12.
The Pros:
*Great tension/ build up... but that's all it was- you're left hanging
*I liked Eden. At first I thought she was a complete bitch, but in the end I saw what she truly was- a girl just trying to grow up.
*The church scene- right when they are about to leave after James has played for her... yeah, that was pretty hot.
Overall:
This book gives off the impression that it's a romance. In fact, it gives that impression through out the whole entire thing until you reach 97% of it and then you realize the author is going to change the direction on you. So, 97% of it IS romance, the other 3% is coming of age. But it's the LAST 3% and that's what's important because it's the ending! I felt ripped off a little. I really was starting to love the story, but it needed to go to the next level. Right now, I can just compare it to a bad lifetime movie.
More of this review and others at: www.litgirlreviews.blogspot.com
The Cons:
*The other characters were more reminiscent of junior high kids, than acutal young adults.
*Unsatisfying overall
*Insta love
*James walked a fine line between sensitive and just plain being a woman- seriously, a pink shirt?
* Inconsistent writing- first James is 22, then he's 21. Edens mom died 10 years, then it was 12.
The Pros:
*Great tension/ build up... but that's all it was- you're left hanging
*I liked Eden. At first I thought she was a complete bitch, but in the end I saw what she truly was- a girl just trying to grow up.
*The church scene- right when they are about to leave after James has played for her... yeah, that was pretty hot.
Overall:
This book gives off the impression that it's a romance. In fact, it gives that impression through out the whole entire thing until you reach 97% of it and then you realize the author is going to change the direction on you. So, 97% of it IS romance, the other 3% is coming of age. But it's the LAST 3% and that's what's important because it's the ending! I felt ripped off a little. I really was starting to love the story, but it needed to go to the next level. Right now, I can just compare it to a bad lifetime movie.
More of this review and others at: www.litgirlreviews.blogspot.com
April 15, 2015
A Season of Eden is INSANE, STALKERISH, and at times SLIGHTY ROMANTIC.
Eden, quite frankly, was a hypocrite. She goes around complaining about how childish her friends are, yet she isn’t much better. Don’t get me wrong, there are parts of the book where she has deep, meaningful thoughts… but then she follows up with a “Why is SHE passing out the music?” Really, Eden? Stop saying you are growing up and becoming better than your friends, and just do it already!
Mr. Christian, or James, was… infuriating. I wanted to like him, I really did. I just couldn’t get over his inability to resist the girl’s charms. Honestly, I am STILL having a hard time finding what he saw in her.
Now, allow me to explain why I said, “at times SLIGHTLY ROMANTIC.” There are a few scenes in the book with these two that would normally cause me to swoon. Unfortunately, when I was just getting into the romantic scenes, I’d be reminded of how ridiculous the relationship was and I’d become annoyed again.
I went into this book KNOWING that I may have a hard time with the whole student/teacher relationship. While, I do not support it in real life, it’s just a book. Books allow us to shamelessly adventure into the taboo, right? So, I gave the story the benefit of the doubt because she was 18 years old and possibly mature enough for me to side with it all. I was very wrong. When a teacher is dating a student that ACTS like a child, then it becomes extremely disturbing… even for a book.
There were a lot of grammatical errors, misspelled words, and conflicting information in this book, as well. So, if that sort of thing bothers you in a book, you should steer clear.
Overall, if you enjoy reading about forbidden relationships between students and teachers, and you don’t mind poor editing, there may still be hope for you! :)
Eden, quite frankly, was a hypocrite. She goes around complaining about how childish her friends are, yet she isn’t much better. Don’t get me wrong, there are parts of the book where she has deep, meaningful thoughts… but then she follows up with a “Why is SHE passing out the music?” Really, Eden? Stop saying you are growing up and becoming better than your friends, and just do it already!
Mr. Christian, or James, was… infuriating. I wanted to like him, I really did. I just couldn’t get over his inability to resist the girl’s charms. Honestly, I am STILL having a hard time finding what he saw in her.
Now, allow me to explain why I said, “at times SLIGHTLY ROMANTIC.” There are a few scenes in the book with these two that would normally cause me to swoon. Unfortunately, when I was just getting into the romantic scenes, I’d be reminded of how ridiculous the relationship was and I’d become annoyed again.
I went into this book KNOWING that I may have a hard time with the whole student/teacher relationship. While, I do not support it in real life, it’s just a book. Books allow us to shamelessly adventure into the taboo, right? So, I gave the story the benefit of the doubt because she was 18 years old and possibly mature enough for me to side with it all. I was very wrong. When a teacher is dating a student that ACTS like a child, then it becomes extremely disturbing… even for a book.
There were a lot of grammatical errors, misspelled words, and conflicting information in this book, as well. So, if that sort of thing bothers you in a book, you should steer clear.
Overall, if you enjoy reading about forbidden relationships between students and teachers, and you don’t mind poor editing, there may still be hope for you! :)
August 3, 2016
I was going to give this a 1 star but I realized I'm rating this for the wrong reasons. Everytime I turn the pages, I was like SEX. Just have sex already! Damn it are you guys going to have sex? Totally not this book.
I was still disappointed with this one. I guess maybe because I had high hopes. There's something about teacher & student relationship that makes me giddy. REAL GIDDY. Maybe because I was in the same situation as Eden back in high school! Well less obsessed than she is. I used to go talk to that teacher every chance I get. Not because I was sexually attracted to them, but because I love their company. I love the way we talked. I love how he was there to listen with whatever rant I have that moment. Sigh.
This book is about an 18 year old senior, Eden. She's your typical popular girl in high school who gets everything she likes. Not so much at home. She wasn't happy with her life at home. So when one day, a 22 year old new teacher, Mr. James Christian, walks into her class, her life was about to change.
My Eden.
My James Christian.
At first she was interested for the wrong reasons, but later on it was more for company. Someone to talk to. Her friends are shit. I HATE her 'friends'. They acted like they were in middle school! Her dad didn't seem to care and her stepmom... eh. So maybe that's the reason why she wanted him.
As I'm writing this review, I realized that I actually liked the book. I was going to give it a 1, but you know what, I wasn't looking at it for the right reasons.
Cons:
I felt that there wasn't enough details.
The story didn't flow well. It was a bit jumpy.
I was still disappointed with this one. I guess maybe because I had high hopes. There's something about teacher & student relationship that makes me giddy. REAL GIDDY. Maybe because I was in the same situation as Eden back in high school! Well less obsessed than she is. I used to go talk to that teacher every chance I get. Not because I was sexually attracted to them, but because I love their company. I love the way we talked. I love how he was there to listen with whatever rant I have that moment. Sigh.
This book is about an 18 year old senior, Eden. She's your typical popular girl in high school who gets everything she likes. Not so much at home. She wasn't happy with her life at home. So when one day, a 22 year old new teacher, Mr. James Christian, walks into her class, her life was about to change.
My Eden.
My James Christian.
At first she was interested for the wrong reasons, but later on it was more for company. Someone to talk to. Her friends are shit. I HATE her 'friends'. They acted like they were in middle school! Her dad didn't seem to care and her stepmom... eh. So maybe that's the reason why she wanted him.
As I'm writing this review, I realized that I actually liked the book. I was going to give it a 1, but you know what, I wasn't looking at it for the right reasons.
Cons:
I felt that there wasn't enough details.
The story didn't flow well. It was a bit jumpy.
March 25, 2011
This book was alright.
I didn't necessarily LOVED it, but I also didn't HATE it either.
No ending? Really? If I knew that I would not have read it.
I read the Heavenly series and I was kind of on the fence with those. No ending there either. Hmm? So, I decided to give the author another chance. I picked this book up.
I read it and I was oooooo,this is going to be fantastic!!!
Then about half way through, I am like stalker much?
Then when he finally kissed her, she ran off like a little girl?
Then when she kissed him he said that she was too young for her?
Then that was it. She waited for him until school was over. Then waited until August and still did not hear from him. Sounds like he didn't want her? Then she went to his church where he taught children how to sing so she can finally stop waiting, and he turns around and then it ends? No finally words? No making up?
If you are going to write about a teacher dating a student at least make it worth my time and make it, not raunchy, but close.
I am not talking about crazysex but something that is going to want me to say like HOLY SHIT did that just happen!? Because that is what I wanted from this book.
It was boring and I felt like all she was doing was becoming some weird stalker chick.
Like I said, the book was fine and the plot was amazing. It had great potential. That was it. It was nor good or bad. Sigh...
I didn't necessarily LOVED it, but I also didn't HATE it either.
No ending? Really? If I knew that I would not have read it.
I read the Heavenly series and I was kind of on the fence with those. No ending there either. Hmm? So, I decided to give the author another chance. I picked this book up.
I read it and I was oooooo,this is going to be fantastic!!!
Then about half way through, I am like stalker much?
Then when he finally kissed her, she ran off like a little girl?
Then when she kissed him he said that she was too young for her?
Then that was it. She waited for him until school was over. Then waited until August and still did not hear from him. Sounds like he didn't want her? Then she went to his church where he taught children how to sing so she can finally stop waiting, and he turns around and then it ends? No finally words? No making up?
If you are going to write about a teacher dating a student at least make it worth my time and make it, not raunchy, but close.
I am not talking about crazy
It was boring and I felt like all she was doing was becoming some weird stalker chick.
Like I said, the book was fine and the plot was amazing. It had great potential. That was it. It was nor good or bad. Sigh...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2010
I have to admit when I first read the blurb on the back cover I was a little creeped out about the student-teacher relationship. So before I go on I want to ease your mind a little, Eden is eighteen and Mr. Christian is twenty-two. Feel better? Me too. Now that that’s out of the way, let’s talk about the story. This book is about so much more than just a student-teacher affair. It's more of a coming of age story about all kinds of relationships between friends, father/daughter and of course student/teacher. The story focuses on Eden. She’s a beautiful, smart, and popular girl who seems to have it all. However, Eden’s life is a facade. I liked the way the J.M. wrote Eden. She is a dynamically complicated character trying to figure out where she fits in. Anyone who is in high school or has ever been to high school can remember how that feels. Eden goes along day after day playing the same role until she meets her new music teacher, Mr. Christian. I have to say, if Mr. Christian had taught in my high school I would have had a crush on him too. Eden and Mr. Christian have great chemistry together. J.M. does a great job with this forbidden relationship. I thought this book was a great read. The plot is interesting, the story line flows easily and the characters are believable.
July 19, 2012
Oh, Free Kindle Books-why do I always fall for you. And this time, I did it without even checking to see what this book was about, which in my case, was a fatal mistake. This wasn't as poorly written as the other book I read by Jennifer Laurens, which was a relief. There were still some odd moments, "The dress looked like a legwarmer on an oak tree." WHAT DOES THAT EVEN MEAN? Step away from the adjectives and similes and metaphors Laurens. Do all of us a favor. There was also some obviously reused material in both-I counted several sentences/phrases that were used in both, which was odd, and some ideas recurred here.
I'm not going to comment on the teacher-student thing, because that's part of the plot and its pretty much everywhere on the CW. (I'm not a huge fan, and it baffles me why college graduates would go after high school seniors-and how that could be in a non-creepy way, but that is just my opinion.) It was definitely a fast read! If you enjoy this type of romance, I would say give it a try. Otherwise, skip it, and head towards Why We Broke Up or The Statistical Probability of Love At First Sight. I've also heard Dash and Lily's Book of Dares is Pretty Entertaining.
I'm not going to comment on the teacher-student thing, because that's part of the plot and its pretty much everywhere on the CW. (I'm not a huge fan, and it baffles me why college graduates would go after high school seniors-and how that could be in a non-creepy way, but that is just my opinion.) It was definitely a fast read! If you enjoy this type of romance, I would say give it a try. Otherwise, skip it, and head towards Why We Broke Up or The Statistical Probability of Love At First Sight. I've also heard Dash and Lily's Book of Dares is Pretty Entertaining.
January 13, 2010
By now I’ve read several reviews exclaiming that A Season of Eden was an exceptional read and I believed them. So of course I was gleeful when I finally managed to grab a copy for my hands, but my smile turned upside down. A Season of Eden started out hard for me. First came the “love at first sight”. Secondly came the “stalking”. Everything else was fine; I just had issues with those.
Love at first sight is an easy escape for an author. No need for the general build-up, the characters to mingle, but just one glance at his blue-green eyes and they fall. Typically I wouldn’t mind it as much, but with such a small book there was hardly any room for character growth and relationship growth. What we had in the beginning was basically what we were left with in the end. The stalking speaks for itself. There were a few awkward transitions, a tad smidgen of over-dramatized scenes, and poor editing skills done in the book.
To those who've enjoyed it, that's fantastic! It just was not for me clearly.
Love at first sight is an easy escape for an author. No need for the general build-up, the characters to mingle, but just one glance at his blue-green eyes and they fall. Typically I wouldn’t mind it as much, but with such a small book there was hardly any room for character growth and relationship growth. What we had in the beginning was basically what we were left with in the end. The stalking speaks for itself. There were a few awkward transitions, a tad smidgen of over-dramatized scenes, and poor editing skills done in the book.
To those who've enjoyed it, that's fantastic! It just was not for me clearly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2013
"His sharp gaze still had me pinned. “And that’s what it all comes down to, doesn’t it? How close can we get to the edge?"
I read this for a challenge in one of my book clubs. I have huge reservations about teacher / student relationships. I mean, hey, I have two daughters - 1 is a teenager. So, it's tough. I cringe. Would i want this for my daughter??
Ugh. No and if I ever saw any of this crazy behavior in my daughter I would get her help.
Eden seems unstable. her stalking and psychotic behavior starts on the first day of school and just continues to downward spiral. She seems intent on owning him - even though its dangerous for him. And she's frightening in her need to consume him.
I felt scared for him the whole book. Their stumbling around was never hot or steamy, it was always "dear god, James, I'm scared for your safety"
if you don't have reservations about a student stalking a teacher, by all means, this one just might be for you.
I read this for a challenge in one of my book clubs. I have huge reservations about teacher / student relationships. I mean, hey, I have two daughters - 1 is a teenager. So, it's tough. I cringe. Would i want this for my daughter??
Ugh. No and if I ever saw any of this crazy behavior in my daughter I would get her help.
Eden seems unstable. her stalking and psychotic behavior starts on the first day of school and just continues to downward spiral. She seems intent on owning him - even though its dangerous for him. And she's frightening in her need to consume him.
I felt scared for him the whole book. Their stumbling around was never hot or steamy, it was always "dear god, James, I'm scared for your safety"
if you don't have reservations about a student stalking a teacher, by all means, this one just might be for you.
August 28, 2013
Mmmmmmmmh.
I tried to read this book. I really liked it at the beginning, but in the end something just felt... artificial. The whole situation was too strange, the actions had no consequences and I felt lost in this big mess.
And Eden... I liked her at the beginning, but arrived at page 56 I just wanted to scream at her.
She was just like this:
I mean... seriously?
I think sooner or later I'm going to finish this book, but not now.
I tried to read this book. I really liked it at the beginning, but in the end something just felt... artificial. The whole situation was too strange, the actions had no consequences and I felt lost in this big mess.
And Eden... I liked her at the beginning, but arrived at page 56 I just wanted to scream at her.
She was just like this:
I mean... seriously?
I think sooner or later I'm going to finish this book, but not now.
August 25, 2008
I really don't know what to make of this book. If I was a teenager (therefore being a member of the intended audience) I would find this book incredibly romantic. As an adult and a parent, I find this book incredibly inappropriate. Also, I think this was an ARC my sister got, and I hope so because it could definitely use some more editorial interference. Hm.
September 3, 2020
The writing wasn't very strong and the protagonist was not relatable (embarrassed by and yet jealous of a less beautiful student, drops the r-word a lot, etc.). The romantic storyline was kind of fun though and I finished the book. Wouldn't recommend it though - better options out there for this type of storyline.
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