Sally Lotz

15 year old Sara is a devout Jehovah's Witness, willing to do whatever it takes to enter paradise. When another witness, Rachel, moves into her family home, she confides in Sara that her step-father has sexually assaulted her. Sara, determined to set things right, goes to her mother, and then the elders. Instead of listening to her, Sara is punished. Suddenly she begins doubting her faith and what she has been taught most of her life.

This was an interesting and well paced book. It felt more like it was written for a middle grade audience than an adult audience. I had trouble connecting with Sara at first, but grew to understand her more as the book progressed. Overall, 4 out of 5 stars.… (plus d'informations)

Thank you to Sally Lotz for providing me a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Truth is pulling Sara apart. She is devoted to Jehovah and proves that every day through prayer, readings, volunteering, and meetings. Her dedication is tested chronically tested with Worldly people, ideas, and innocent secrets. Sara becomes the confidant of someone else’s terrible secret. One designed to test her dedication to Jehovah. When Sara seeks counsel from the elder’s, she is punished. Sara is forced to reevaluate her faith when Worldly people offer unconditional support.

Author Sally Lotz draws inspiration from her own upbringing as a Jehovah’s Witness and it shows. The paranoia experienced by victims can be incredibly hard, and the reader truly understands what it is like to live under such circumstances. The butterfly motif helps move the story along by indicating that Sara will experience a metamorphosis. In the end, this is a story on what love looks like in its many forms.

There are some grammatical errors that prevented me from giving this book three stars. Otherwise, I have now tucked this book into my pocket of 'experiences other people might share' book list.… (plus d'informations)