I have been blessed to know Jessica Keller since I was in elementary school. We met at camp and attended the same summer camp through high school -- and back then, keeping in touch meant exchanging home addresses and taking the time to hand-write a letter and send it via snail mail. Later, during our high school/college/young adult years, we worked together at the very same camp. During those precious summers, her and I have shared some deep conversations and together we cried tears of joy when we realized, during one week of junior high camp, that all of our campers had accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
"We don't have to worry about any of our campers." She struggled to speak as the tears quickly filled her eyes.
We hugged and we praised God. I'll never forget that moment.
In college, Jessica and I spent quite a bit of time IMing through AOL Instant Messenger (AIM). I still remember when she told me, "I think you know my boyfriend... Matt...".
Sure enough, I did. Matt and I have known each other since Kindergartner. What a small world!
After my sister and I attended their wedding, Jessica sent us a thank you card with a message that I will never forget. Among her beautiful thank you message, she noted, "You two were the only ones at our wedding who knew us as individuals before we even knew each other."
What a poetic observation! I felt special and I've continue to cherished the opportunity to watch Jessica and Matt journey through life together.
When Jessica announced that she was going to write a book my first thought was, I don't know what it's about and I already want to read it. Jessica has always been blessed at writing and public speaking, so writing a book just seem to make perfect sense.
By observing her various Facebook statuses, I "watched" from a distance as she took her time to carefully consider every detail that went into her story -- and my excitement grew. Writer's block, survey questions, and re-writes were among her status updates. Her hard work was evident in each and every one of those brief comments/announcements. I could feel the warmth of her passion as she lovingly put her heart into writing this book.
On Thursday, January 17th, the moment had finally arrived. A small package sat in my mailbox. It displayed my name as the recipient and Jessica's by the return address. I (literally!) ripped open the package like a kid on Christmas morning and squealed with delight as I showed my husband (Dan) Jessica's book, Home for Good.
"It's here!" I proudly announced.
He playfully laughed at me as he came over to observe the book.
"I get to read Jessica's book!"
In case you don't know me personally, I have four jobs. One full-time job, two part-time, and one unpredictable freelance gig. In between work, I also volunteer as a worship leader at my church, facilitate the young adults (college+) weekly small group (at my house), and assist with the junior and senior high youth group. Lastly, throw in a hyper, 4-month-old Chihuahua (mix) rescue puppy and... yeah... I'm a busy girl. I didn't want to wait too long to begin Jessica's book, so I carried it with me and left it out in plain sight to serve as a friendly reminder: Once I have a spare moment, I am reading this book!
A break in my hectic schedule finally arrived last week when I squeezed in the time to start chapter one. Time's up! The next day I resumed my reading by consuming chapter two. Time's up! Puh-lease... you have got to be kidding me!
Friday night snuck up on me like a pleasant surprise and after a much-needed date night with my husband, I slipped into my freshly washed bed sheets, turned on the light on my side of our bed, and placed Home for Good on my nightstand. After our nightly routine of chit-chat and prayer, Dan cuddled with our puppy (Jetta) and quickly fell asleep. I, on the other hand, fluffed my pillows and pulled the covers over my chest as I prepared to continue reading Home for Good.
The hours quickly passed as I flew through the pages. With each passing chapter I found myself turning the pages faster and faster. My eyes grew tired and I refused to look at the time. I don't care what time it is, I can sleep in tomorrow. My eyelids gradually got heavier and heavier and I found myself thinking, Just one more chapter... several times.
Okay, tired eyes, you win. At this point I noticed that I was almost half way through the book as I placed it back on my nightstand and turned off the the light. A gentle smile stayed with me as I hugged my pillow and thought about the romantic struggle between Ali and Jericho.
The next morning I was woken up by a energetic puppy who was eagerly seeking a playmate. I gave Jetta some attention and took her outside for a potty break. Upon returning to bed, I found Dan was still sleeping. Perfect!
I slipped back in to bed and reopened Home for Good. There was just enough sunlight to read without any additional light. Once Jetta calmed down and curled up next to me, it was time to resume my reading.
A few chapters later, Dan woke up. I kept reading. One more chapter... One more chapter... One more chapter... it continued.
I was amazed at how easily I got lost in the story! I could picture Ali Silver's farmhouse and the entire town of Bitterroot Valley. I felt emotional as the story deepened and, quickly, I got carried away with the characters. Every sight, every sound, every smell, and every touch came to life. Each of my senses came alive as Jessica's carefully chosen words made my mind's eye burst with images. Jessica, I cannot put this book down!
The weekend was rapidly coming to an end and I noticed that I was getting close to finishing Home for Good. No! I don't want it to end. I'm not ready. So I slammed on the brakes as I began to slow down my reading. I want to savor these finals chapters.
Last night, I enjoyed another late night read as the number of unread pages grew slimmer and slimmer. I could easily finish tonight. But no, I couldn't bring myself to know how Ali and Jericho's story ends. Much like a great movie or a fun-filled vacation, I hate to see this story come to an end.
Wide awake, I placed the book on my nightstand and turned off the light. I started to debate what to do next.
You have to finish eventually.
I know.
You can always read it again.
I'm sure I will.
Will you finish tomorrow?
Probably.
Probably? How long do you think you can hold off? You know you want to know how it ends.
You're right. You're absolutely right!
There! It's settled. You will finish tomorrow.
Fair enough.
The last couple of chapters sit inside Home for Good, taunting and teasing me as the bitter-sweet conclusion rests between the paperback binding. I have come to adore this story and beautiful message it offers. Not only is it heartwarming, romantic, and very well-written, but it also offers a message of faith, hope, and the power of forgiveness. There is encouragement within the pages and a subtle personal challenge for readers to evaluate their own walk with God. Challenge accepted.
Personally, I admire and appreciate a movie, television show, or book that can share a great story without filling my mind with foul language, nudity, and crude behavior. These days, many producers and writers seem to believe that in order to successfully entertain us they are required to fill our imaginations with so much junk, it's discouraging.
Jessica's book is refreshing and perfect proof that you don't need senseless violence, detailed sex scenes, and vulgar language to fill a story and make it exciting and enjoyable. All it takes is great, creative writing. Mission accomplished, Jessica -- and thank you!
While I cannot testify my final thoughts on this book, please return to this post for a definite update. No need to worry, I won't be revealing anything about the ending, but I will post my complete impression on this book, once I officially conclude my reading.
Home for Good is available in paperback (January 22, 2013) or in Kindle edition (February 1, 2013).
UPDATE (1/30/13):
Last night, it happened. I finished Home for Good! It was a bitter-sweet moment as I took in those final chapters -- carefully reading each and every word to drag out the highly anticipated ending.
It was nighttime. Dan and I sat up in bed, each of us doing our own thing. He was on his computer and cell phone (doing some sort of updates) while I finished my book. I only had two chapters to go, so I finished before Dan had the chance to fall asleep.
I read everything -- including Jessica's personal message to her readers. Then, with a quiet sigh, I closed the book, placed it back on my nightstand, and turned off the light.
I turned on my left side and tapped Dan on his right shoulder. He turned over to face me.
"Did you finish your book?"
"Yes," I said with a playful pout. I still couldn't believe it was over -- I wanted more.
"And how was it?"
"So good!" I replied with silly smile stretched across my face.
From beginning to end, Home for Good offers twists and turns that kept this reader wanting more. There are plenty of surprises and pleasantly predictable moments. It is an easy read and could easily be enjoyed by readers of all ages. It's a good, clean romance novel.
Parents, you don't have to worry about your teens reading this book. In fact, I'd encourage them to read it! While no relationship is perfect, there is a lot of good that can be taken from Ali and Jericho's story. I would suggest reading it before your children so you can have discussions on what makes a healthy, God-centered relationship. Jessica even provides discussion questions in the back of the book to spark conversation.
If you want to read a book filled with romance, adventure, cowboys, and sneaky villains, Home for Good is your book.
In conclusion, I have a crush on Jericho Freed.
UPDATE (1/30/13):
Last night, it happened. I finished Home for Good! It was a bitter-sweet moment as I took in those final chapters -- carefully reading each and every word to drag out the highly anticipated ending.
It was nighttime. Dan and I sat up in bed, each of us doing our own thing. He was on his computer and cell phone (doing some sort of updates) while I finished my book. I only had two chapters to go, so I finished before Dan had the chance to fall asleep.
I read everything -- including Jessica's personal message to her readers. Then, with a quiet sigh, I closed the book, placed it back on my nightstand, and turned off the light.
I turned on my left side and tapped Dan on his right shoulder. He turned over to face me.
"Did you finish your book?"
"Yes," I said with a playful pout. I still couldn't believe it was over -- I wanted more.
"And how was it?"
"So good!" I replied with silly smile stretched across my face.
From beginning to end, Home for Good offers twists and turns that kept this reader wanting more. There are plenty of surprises and pleasantly predictable moments. It is an easy read and could easily be enjoyed by readers of all ages. It's a good, clean romance novel.
Parents, you don't have to worry about your teens reading this book. In fact, I'd encourage them to read it! While no relationship is perfect, there is a lot of good that can be taken from Ali and Jericho's story. I would suggest reading it before your children so you can have discussions on what makes a healthy, God-centered relationship. Jessica even provides discussion questions in the back of the book to spark conversation.
If you want to read a book filled with romance, adventure, cowboys, and sneaky villains, Home for Good is your book.
In conclusion, I have a crush on Jericho Freed.
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