Book Review: Chasing Jupiter by Rachel Coker

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Description: Scarlett Blaine's life in 1960s Georgia isn't always easy, especially given her parents' financial struggles and the fights surrounding her sister Juli's hippie lifestyle. Then there's her brother, Cliff. While Scarlett loves him more than anything, there's no denying his unique behavior leaves Cliff misunderstood and left out. So when he wishes for a rocket to Jupiter, Scarlett agrees to make it happen, no matter how crazy the idea might be. Raising the rocket money means baking pies, and the farmer's son, Frank, agrees to provide the peaches if Scarlett will help him talk to Juli. The problem is, Scarlett really enjoys her time with Frank, and finds herself wondering if, someday, they could be more than friends. Just as she thinks everything might be going her way, Cliff suffers an accident that not only affects the rocket plans, but shakes Scarlett's view of God. As the summer comes to an end, Scarlett must find a way to regain what she's lost, but also fulfill a promise to launch her brother's dream.

I loved Coker’s first book so much that I went out and paid full price for her second book when it came out. For those of you who don’t know me, this never happens. I normally wait until the price comes down or until I can get it to review. I just don’t have the money to buy books new and fresh off the press. So, as you can tell, I was very excited about the book.

Since I was in the middle of a project when I got the book, I let my younger sister read it first, since she was also a Coker fan. She finished it and said she was disappointed with the book. So, I put off reading the book. When I finally got around to reading it, I went in with low expectations.

Scarlett was just a hard character to connect with; in fact I didn’t until I was about 60% done. After an accident and Scarlet is wondering if her loved one will live or die, I finally found my connection, as I had been through some of the same emotions with one of my siblings. While Scarlett was a well-developed character and well written, most of the time she just seemed distant from the reader.

Coker’s writing was superb in her last book, but it was even better in this one. Her style and way with words is nothing short of being brilliant. I am sure that, with her talent, she will go far in her writing career.

The supporting cast of this book was excellent. Frank was my favorite, the kind animal lover who wants to help Scarlett and Cliff have a wonderful summer. Cliff, a boy who obviously has some sort of mental handicap like down-syndrome, tugged at my heart strings. Her Grandfather made me sad as I thought of the wonderful elderly people I have known that have had dementia. Juli was the wild child, but she was still likable.

My favorite part of this book was Scarlett’s talks with the pastor’s wife as she tried to figure out what the purpose of life and hardships are. I felt that Coker did a great job at answering these tough questions, and give real hope, not syrupy answers.

Over all, I recommend this book to those who like historical fiction, great storytelling, and coming-of-age stories.

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Rachel Coker: Interrupted

Recommend for: Those who like YA fiction, well written book seekers, those looking for a thought provoking read, clean fiction lovers

From the back cover:

Can love really heal all things? If Sam Carroll hadn't shown up, she might have been able to get to her mother in time. Instead, Allie Everly finds herself at a funeral, mourning the loss of her beloved mother. She is dealt another blow when, a few hours later, she is sent from Tennessee to Maine to become the daughter of Miss Beatrice Lovell, a prim woman with a faith Allie cannot accept. Poetry and letters written to her mother become the only things keeping Allie's heart from hardening completely. But then Sam arrives for the summer, and with him comes many confusing emotions, both toward him and the people around her. As World War II looms, Allie will be forced to decide whether hanging on to the past is worth losing her chance to be loved.

I was very excited about receiving this book to do a review on.  This was my first ARC, my first review book, as well as my first traditionally published book by a homeschooler.  This book had a lot to live up to, and it did not disappoint.

Rachel Coker has an engaging style of writing, one that lets you feel what the character feels.  Even though Allie and I are nothing alike, Rachel made me feel what she was feeling.  Not only that, but I also knew what Allie was like as a person.  She was so real, her character was so deep, and she will go on my list of unforgettable characters.

I was challenged by this story in a way I hadn’t been since Sophia’s Heart.  I was challenged to look at the people around me in a new light.  Maybe the angry people I met were like Allie, dealing with a past that I could only begin to imagine.  This book made me want to reach out to hurting people, and show those who might be the love of Christ. Just about any book that challenges you to do that, in my opinion, is worth reading.

What I loved:

Although this book deals with some hard subjects such as mental illness, a parent leaving, Christians not acting as they should, the death of a parent, etc.; it was not depressing.  Rachel Coker manages to throw in humor where needed.

I loved the poetry at the beginning of each chapter.  For someone who has a hard time sitting down and just reading poetry, this was a wonderful way to be exposed to a great poet.

What I didn’t like:

That Rachel doesn’t have another book out yet.  After reading this book, I can’t wait to get my hands on her next work.  However, I might have to wait a while.  Look for my name toward the top of the pre-order list when she does come out with one.

I highly recommend this book as a thought provoking as well as an enjoyable read.

I received this book from Zondervan in exchange for my honest review.  I was under no obligation to write a positive review.  The opinions in this review are entirely my own.

Announcement Saturday

News

We have updated out list! Now we have links on the page to author interviews and book reviews. 

Check it out!

Authors Added

Brooke Chatham

Books Added

(Now Available) The Ankulen  by Kendra E. Ardnek

Nicole Benson by Brooke Chatham

(Now Available) Chasing Jupiter by Rachel Coker

(Now Available) Supervillain Hunters, International by Katie Lynn Daniels

Dreams and Shadows by Katie Lynn Daniels

Supervillains of London by Katie Lynn Daniels

Ties that Bind by C. J. Darlington
Attempting Elizabeth by Jessica Grey
Atone by Jessica Grey
 (Coming Soon) Captive of Raven Castle by Jessica Greyson
(Now Available) Purple Moon by Tessa Emily Hall

Book Review: Interrupted: Life Beyond Words

By Sarah Holman

Recommend for: Those who like YA fiction, well written book seekers, those looking for a thought provoking read, clean fiction lovers

I was very excited about receiving this book to do a review on. This was my first ARC, my first review book, as well as my first traditionally published book by a homeschooler. This book had a lot to live up to, and it did not disappoint.

Rachel Coker has an engaging style of writing, one that lets you feel what the character feels. Even though Allie and I are nothing alike, Rachel made me feel what she was feeling. Not only that, but I also knew what Allie was like as a person. She was so real, her character was so deep, and she will go on my list of unforgettable characters.

I was challenged by this story in a way I hadn’t been since Sophia’s Heart (by Lori Wick). I was challenged to look at the people around me in a new light. Maybe the angry people I met were like Allie, dealing with a past that I could only begin to imagine. This book made me want to reach out to hurting people, and show those who might be the love of Christ. Just about any book that challenges you to do that, in my opinion, is worth reading.

What I loved:
Although this book deals with some hard subjects such as mental illness, a parent leaving, Christians not acting as they should, the death of a parent, etc.; it was not depressing. Rachel Coker manages to throw in humor where needed.

I loved the poetry at the beginning of each chapter. For someone who has a hard time sitting down and just reading poetry, this was a wonderful way to be exposed to a great poet.

What I didn’t like:
That Rachel doesn’t have another book out yet. After reading this book, I can’t wait to get my hands on her next work. However, I might have to wait a while. Look for my name toward the top of the pre-order list when she does come out with one.

I highly recommend this book as a thought provoking as well as an enjoyable read. You can buy it on Amazon today!


I received this book from Zondervan in exchange for my honest review. I was under no obligation to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are entirely my own.

Announcement Saturday: Gift Guides!

News
Want to appear on Homeschool Authors? Well you have a chance to write a post for us, submit a short inspirational Christmas post (including short stories) and a short bio to thedestinyofone(at)juno(com) This is a great way to get traffic to your blog or website for the holidays.

Gift Guides Published
Need a gift for someone? Check out the gift guides! More coming soon!
Books by Title
Fantasy and Paranormal Books

Books Added

(Coming Soon) Chasing Jupiter by Rachel Coker

The Thing I Desire by Sarah Bryant

The Young Maid by Sarah Bryant

The Maiden's Menu by Sarah Bryant

Interpreted: A Life Beyond Words

Can love really heal all things? If Sam Carroll hadn't shown up, she might have been able to get to her mother in time. Instead, Allie Everly finds herself at a funeral, mourning the loss of her beloved mother. She is dealt another blow when, a few hours later, she is sent from Tennessee to Maine to become the daughter of Miss Beatrice Lovell, a prim woman with a faith Allie cannot accept. Poetry and letters written to her mother become the only things keeping Allie's heart from hardening completely. But then Sam arrives for the summer, and with him comes many confusing emotions, both toward him and the people around her. As World War II looms, Allie will be forced to decide whether hanging on to the past is worth losing her chance to be loved.

Book Review; Interpreted: A Life Beyond Words

By Sarah Holman

Recommend for: Those who like YA fiction, well written book seekers, those looking for a thought provoking read, clean fiction lovers

From the back cover:

Can love really heal all things? If Sam Carroll hadn't shown up, she might have been able to get to her mother in time. Instead, Allie Everly finds herself at a funeral, mourning the loss of her beloved mother. She is dealt another blow when, a few hours later, she is sent from Tennessee to Maine to become the daughter of Miss Beatrice Lovell, a prim woman with a faith Allie cannot accept. Poetry and letters written to her mother become the only things keeping Allie's heart from hardening completely. But then Sam arrives for the summer, and with him comes many confusing emotions, both toward him and the people around her. As World War II looms, Allie will be forced to decide whether hanging on to the past is worth losing her chance to be loved.

I was very excited about receiving this book to do a review on.  This was my first ARC, my first review book, as well as my first traditionally published book by a homeschooler.  This book had a lot to live up to, and it did not disappoint.

Rachel Coker has an engaging style of writing, one that lets you feel what the character feels.  Even though Allie and I are nothing alike, Rachel made me feel what she was feeling.  Not only that, but I also knew what Allie was like as a person.  She was so real, her character was so deep, and she will go on my list of unforgettable characters.

I was challenged by this story in a way I hadn’t been since Sophia’s Heart.  I was challenged to look at the people around me in a new light.  Maybe the angry people I met were like Allie, dealing with a past that I could only begin to imagine.  This book made me want to reach out to hurting people, and show those who might be the love of Christ. Just about any book that challenges you to do that, in my opinion, is worth reading.

What I loved:

Although this book deals with some hard subjects such as mental illness, a parent leaving, Christians not acting as they should, the death of a parent, etc.; it was not depressing.  Rachel Coker manages to throw in humor where needed.

I loved the poetry at the beginning of each chapter.  For someone who has a hard time sitting down and just reading poetry, this was a wonderful way to be exposed to a great poet.

What I didn’t like:

That Rachel doesn’t have another book out yet.  After reading this book, I can’t wait to get my hands on her next work.  However, I might have to wait a while.  Look for my name toward the top of the pre-order list when she does come out with one.

I highly recommend this book as a thought provoking as well as an enjoyable read.

I received this book from Zondervan in exchange for my honest review.  I was under no obligation to write a positive review.  The opinions in this review are entirely my own.

We are pleased to present....

Rachel Coker!

What is your favorite subject in school?
Definitely history. I love reading about past events and cultures. Obviously it can get tedious sometimes, like when plugging through massive textbooks on the battles of the Civil War. But when I remember that I am reading about real events that happened to real people, just like me, I get tingles. It’s an incredible experience to read about life as it used to be, and imagine what it would have been like to grow up in that kind of world.


What is your favorite part of being homeschooled?
Oh, I am such a homeschool geek. ;) I love everything about it! I enjoy all the freedoms homeschooling allows me to have—I can work at my own pace, take time off to pursue other interests, and use whatever curriculum is best for me. I love being able to learn things from a Biblical worldview. And what homeschooler doesn’t get a kick out of making fun of themselves and cracking jokes about “unsociable homeschoolers”? On days when it seems like I have too much of a social life to deal with, I love joking about my lack of socialization. ;)


What inspired you to write Interrupted?
My uncle passed away from a brain tumor when I was thirteen. I remember feeling a lot of different emotions at that time. Anger, sadness, confusion… Not understanding why God lets things like that happen that hurts the people we love. Allie’s story sort of grew out of a lot of the emotions that I was working through at that time. She found healing the same way I did—through Christ.


What has been your most rewarding moment as a writer?
There have been two really amazing moments that first come to mind. The first was one afternoon when I received my first “fan letter” in the mail. It was from this teenage girl who was so excited and inspired it made me want to cry. It was months before my book even came out, but it humbled me to realize that there were kids and teens looking up to me. The other rewarding moment was when my dad finally read my book. He never reads any fiction, but he read Interrupted and when he told me how proud he was of me, it was one of the best moments of my life. I think every kid lives for the day when their parents just glow because of something they did. It’s a really amazing feeling.
 

Tell us about your book.
This is from the back cover. "Can love really heal all things? If Sam Carroll hadn’t shown up, she might have been able to get to her mother in time. Instead, Allie Everly finds herself at a funeral, mourning the loss of her beloved mother. She is dealt another blow when, a few hours later, she is sent from Tennessee to Maine to become the daughter of Miss Beatrice Lovell, a prim woman with a faith Allie cannot accept. Poetry and letters written to her mother become the only things keeping Allie’s heart from hardening completely. But then Sam arrives for the summer, and with him comes many confusing emotions, both toward him and the people around her. As World War II looms, Allie will be forced to decide whether hanging on to the past is worth losing her chance to be loved." 


Where can people get your book?
Readers can buy the book at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and just about everywhere books are sold! Isn't that great? :) 



Do you have any advice for those who are just starting to write?
Write from your own life experiences. Don’t start off trying to pen some tragic Gothic romance or the next Lord of the Rings. Base your stories and characters on things you can relate to. If everything you write is be close to your heart, it will resonate as true and honest and people will enjoy reading it!


Do you have any final thoughts you would like to share?
Thank you so much to everyone who has shown me love and encouragement! It has been really inspiring to me to see this community build up around my story, not only of fellow homeschoolers, but Christians, writers, and teenagers. Hearing about others’ aspirations only pushes me to work even harder toward my own dreams.  Also, if anyone is interested in hearing from me on a more daily basis, I’d encourage you to follow my blog: www.rachelcoker.wordpress.com.