Author's website: https://onceuponanordinary.wordpress.com
Genres: Fiction, Christian, Contemporary, Christmas
Rating: 4 stars
Mature Content: 0
Age Range: 10-16
Interest level: 12+
Background Knowledge:
Jessie is a teen living in a household teeming with siblings and the joy of the upcoming Christmas season. She loves writing, eating cheesecake, as well as hiding by Christmas trees during parties to fill her notebook with inspiration. One day, when she is offered the chance by her post lady to have a pen pal, she seizes the opportunity, and unexpected change comes from it...
Review:
First, I just want to say that I was so blessed to be able to receive this book directly from its' wonderful author, Kate Willis! Eeeeeeeekkkk!!! (Haha I'm totally not fangirling here ;) ) Sincerely, Jem is probably the sweetest book I've read. It's just bursting with love from the author, just waiting to be released to the reader. One aspect I really love in this book, is that there is such love between everyone in the family. There's never any fighting or tension or anything throughout the entire book. Even though it may seem that these characters are too perfect, I think all of them were masterfully crafted with Kate Willis' perfection. I've been looking for a book to read around Christmas time to get me into the Christmas spirit, and, at long last, it has finally come.
Things I Loved:
-The love between the characters. No, not gushy romantic love, but a family kind of love. I think we can all learn a thing or two from these characters, as it's truly an exemplary Christian family.
-There was a teensy bit of romance, but it was an extreme undertone. I love that this book didn't use it as a crutch, as most books usually do. Even that, the romance was between Jessie's older sister and her boyfriend, who (SPOILER ALERT!!!) get engaged at the end of the book. (END OF SPOILER)
Things I Didn't Love:
-There wasn't really anything I didn't love, but there were a couple things that could have maybe been a little different. As I am used to more fasted-paced/action-packed novels, this was a little bit slow going for me. But, as I realized after finishing the book, that wasn't it's intention, because it wasn't meant to have action or anything. Even with the lack of plot twists and all (and I mean this in a good way!), I really enjoyed it.
-I really think it ended too soon. Well, either that, or it was setting up for a sequel. I won't specify the details due to spoilers, but the ending really left me hanging and thirsting for more!
In Conclusion:
Kate Willis, if you're reading this, I just want you to know that I need a sequel! I really loved your book, and I think we need more authors in the world like you. Sincerely, Jem has truly won a place in my heart.
Recommended?:
Yes! It's such a fun, cute, and sweet Christmas read, you'll love it!
Thanks so much for your review! I'm glad you enjoyed. 😁