Not Alone
Broken Promises by Melody Carlson is a contemporary Christian novel for young girls aged nine years and above. It is the third book in the Being Zoey series.
In this series Melody Carlson tackles issues that are relevant in today’s society. In Broken Promises she presents the dynamics of female friendships. We have all been to school and suffered at the hands of other’s hate campaigns, Melody Carlson has the power in her words to send you flying back through the years, remembering just how you felt as the victim of others. Melody Carlson presents a realistic portrayal of the hurt and distress caused.
There is a wonderful two-girl friendship where the girls encourage, support and look out for each other.
The reader sees the pull of the secular to tempt us away from church. The reality is that the secular is not as good as it appears, (isn’t that just like sin, all that glitters is not gold?) whereas church is amazing, fun and safe.
As we learnt in the previous novels, Zoey is abandoned by her Mum and lives with her grandparents. Now her Mum wants to uproot her once more. We witness the feelings of fear that rise up in Zoey, as a new Christian, she realises the power of prayer. “Seems like all we can do is pray… God’s the only one who could change this.” Even more important is surrendering to God’s will, “trying to trust God with whatever lies ahead.”
The novel highlights the need for our church family and church attendance but “church membership is fine and good, but it is not our ticket to heaven.” Going to church does not make us a Christian, believing in and surrendering our life to Christ is what is needed. We need to want a relationship with Jesus and live out our lives for Him.
Guilt is a distraction from the enemy. “Sick with guilt…if I’d gone to visit her… would she still be alive?” No she wouldn’t but the enemy wants us to believe that a death is our fault. We need to give our guilt to God. It is a burden we must not carry. We learn from the past and we move on.
Broken Promises is a powerful novel with life lessons for us all from ages nine to adult. Melody Carlson is a talented author who with her words is relevant to all. For younger readers, it helps them to realise that the problems they face are not unique and they are not alone.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
JULIA WILSON
About the Book
Book: Broken Promises
Author: Melody Carlson
Genre: Middle Grade
Release Date: December 15, 2019
A school play sounds like fun…for some.
As she settles into life in the middle school of her new hometown, Zoey agrees to audition for the school play to encourage Louisa. Isn’t that what a BFF does? But she’s none too sure it’ll actually be fun—especially when she’s cast as a dog! Louisa really does need her support though when some of the older girls get upset at a sixth grader landing the lead role. Zoey does her best to be supportive and finally begins to feel really at home with her grandparents and at school.
Until someone pulls the plug on all her dreams.
Click here for your copy.
About the Author
Melody Carlson has written more than 200 books for teens, women, and children. That’s a lot of books, but mostly she considers herself a “storyteller.” Her young adult novels appeal to teenage girls around the world. Her annual Christmas novellas become more popular each year. She’s won a number of awards (including RT’s Career Achievement Award, the Rita and the Gold Medallion) and some of her books have been optioned for film/TV. Carlson has two grown sons and makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and yellow Lab dog.
More from Melody
For many tweens, middle school is a jungle of insecurities, mean girls, and disappointments. As usual I gave Zoey plenty to deal with. Including a BFF with high expectations and an absentee mom who still hasn’t grown up. Even though some people let her down, Zoey keeps plugging along, even playing Sandy the dog in the school play. And through her struggles she changes and matures — kind of like real life.
Blog Stops
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, January 18
janicesbookreviews, January 19
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 20
For Him and My Family, January 21
deb’s Book Review, January 22
Texas Book-aholic, January 23
Locks, Hooks and Books, January 24
Older & Smarter?, January 25
Mary Hake, January 25
Christian Bookaholic, January 26
Inklings and notions, January 27
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 28
Blogging With Carol, January 29
Remembrancy, January 29
Vicky Sluiter, January 30
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, January 31
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Melody is giving away the grand prize package of a copy of Broken Promises and the classic Annie movie (DVD or digital download, winner’s choice)!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/f4a1/broken-promises-celebration-tour-giveaway