Location: United States
Member Since: May 13, 2012

gwenjoy

Smashwords book reviews by gwenjoy

  • The Art of My Life on Nov. 08, 2012
    (no rating)
    This second book by Ann Lee Miller continues the story from Kicking Eternity. As in the first, the characters seem real; the reader cares about their lives and watches them face real temptations and make choices that sometimes result in good in their lives and sometimes bad, just as in real life. I like the blogs by Aly at the beginning of each chapter; they add insight to her character and engaged me in thought about her topics. Miller writes some amazing kisses and presents the reality of throbbing hormones in a way that many Christian authors avoid, but are probably true to her readers' experiences. As a mom, I could really relate to the struggle between Cal and his mom who loved him yet didn't know how to show that love in light of his drug abuse. I felt his mom's despair and conflict. Missy was probably my least favorite character with her ultimatums of "Marry me now" or "Don't even be in my life." I was hoping Fish would teach her to love him and wait as she demanded of him. The Art of My Life kept me engaged throughout. I want to read more of this author's work.
  • Chasing Happy on July 04, 2015

    Ann Lee Miller creates realistic characters that her readers can care about. I was drawn into the characters' stories immediately. She took on a controversial subject and did a fine job describing Ash's struggle with his sexuality. I did think his assumption that he was gay as a result of one failed sexual experience seemed a bit drastic, however. Ash's commitment to Jesus was strong, and it changed his life as it is supposed to change all of our lives. I like the depth of his thinking as Miller wrote it. Be aware that the descriptions of sex are a bit graphic for some readers.