Sharon Downing Jarvis

While I think there are lots of interesting things being taught in this novel (and it's predecessor) I that is the biggest problem with this novel (and series). The mark of a good novel is that it portrays truth by means of the story - not through the extensive thoughts and prayers and even lectures given by the main character. While I completely agree with the content, it better belongs in a 'talk' given at church, instead of in a novel. The thing is, there are so many interesting show more characters and situations that this novel could be so much more. show less

Unfortunately this novel perpetuates the weaknesses of the first two novels. In thinking more about this series, I also think each book lacks a defined storyline arch. While each book is following the various challenges of the different members in Bishop Shepard's ward, it sort of feels like 'more of the same', rather than a conflict which arises and which necessitates change or growth and then comes to a conclusion. I do want to know what happens with the characters, but I wish their show more stories were were 'shown' instead of 'told'. show less

The biggest problem with this book is that there is too much 'preaching' and not enough story. The characters and storylines have potential but there is so much explanation for everything and not enough action. I got to feeling like these people were not real, which isn't a good thing in a novel. I really wanted to enjoy it more than I did.

I enjoyed this book. The main character is used as the narrator throught and this gave the feeling she had an immediancy that might have otherwise been missing.
I was concerned that this would be a conversion novel as her next work was, however this is not in the begining, it is almost like she added this into the end as a but of an after thought, it might have been better to leave this as a change in mind about the church.
The other caracters were easy to understand, they were ofcourse viewed show more from a childs viewpoint, but one of the best things about this novel is the way that Emily begins to see people as more complicated as it goes through
I reccomend this book show less