Finally & Forever

August 1, 2012

Gr 9 Up-Following the advice of her friend Christy, Katie follows her heart to see if the answers to some of life's questions lie in missionary work. She makes the spontaneous decision to join Eli, a fellow classmate and potential beau, in Kenya after their college graduation. Her initial impression of the country is marred by her uncomfortable journey from the airport but that changes when she is warmly welcomed by Eli's parents at their conference center, Brockhurst. Almost instantly Katie begins to fall in love with both Eli and Kenya. As her relationship with him grows, she begins to see a long-term future for herself within his family and as a contributor to the well-digging projects associated with Brockhurst. However, her faith is shaken when it becomes obvious that she and Eli have differing career interests that could lead them in opposite directions. Katie's spiritual and emotional journey is a universal one that will resonate with many teen girls. However, some readers will be turned off by outdated cultural references and word choices. Those readers will also be suspicious of the idealization of the simplicity of Kenyan culture. Christian faith and values are an overt part of the plot and provide the foundation for Katie's decisions. However, readers do not need to be versed in the Christian faith or the previous books to enjoy the romantic journey.-Lynn Rashid, Marriotts Ridge High School, Marriottsville, MD

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