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SIMPLY DIVINE - Jacquelin Thomas Simon & Schuster/Pocket Books October 2006 |
SYNOPSIS: Bestselling author Jacquelin Thomas offers an unforgettable novel about a spunky Hollywood teen who, after being sent to live with her religious relatives in Georgia, discovers the true meaning of family and the power of faith.
YOUNG ADULT INSPIRATIONAL FICTION |4+| Tricia-Ann Blades
REVIEW: Divine, the main character of SIMPLY DIVINE by Jacqueline
Thomas, is faced at her tender age with insurmountable problems.
Unable to express them in the society she lives in due to the importance
of appearance, she temporarily creates a fantasy world in order to
survive. Wisdom prevails in the life of her parents and amidst the
problem she faces, she is placed under the wings of love. It is here
that the journey begins. Divine walks along the road as Christian in THE
PILGRIM'S PROGRESS, encountering her angels and her demons along the way
but coming out at the celestial city, victorious.
The supporting characters of Alyssa, Chance, Uncle Reed and Aunt Pheobe
aid in the development of this novel. Each of them have a special
relationship with God and it is this relationship that allows them to
openly accept Divine in spite of her nonchalant attitude towards their
humble homestead. It is through them that the author explores the themes
of family, discipline and love in all its various forms.
Jacqueline Thomas has done it again in producing this excellently
written, inspiring and thought provoking novel. In a world where the
youth appear to be lost, here is a lighthouse, whose light shines on the
rough seas guiding the ship of youth to safe harbor. SIMPLY DIVINE is a
powerful piece of literature that outlines the importance of familial
relationships, guidance and love in the life of the teenager. Mrs.
Thomas does not separate herself from the youth to write this beautiful
rendition but by using first person, she puts on the shoes of her
younger counterparts and ably walks in them to produce a wonderful tale.
An excellent addition to the adult novels previously written, a must
read for teenage girls. It is time someone shows them that they can
overcome without resorting to violence, drugs and illicit sex.
Powerful! Thought provoking! Inspiring!
reviewer@romanceincolor.com |1st January 2007