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Cambrooke #1
Running Back
Eventually things that are hidden have a way of coming to the light.
Garrett is tired of following the rules. Where did that ever get him? With all his friends and teammates partying, Garrett is compelled to do the same.
He's doing great on the football team and even though he isn't supposed to have a girlfriend, he does anyway. Garrett isn't prepared to fall in love, especially when things start to catch up with him.
Is he able to deal with the consequences? Or will he take the easy way out?
Garrett is tired of following the rules. Where did that ever get him? With all his friends and teammates partying, Garrett is compelled to do the same.
He's doing great on the football team and even though he isn't supposed to have a girlfriend, he does anyway. Garrett isn't prepared to fall in love, especially when things start to catch up with him.
Is he able to deal with the consequences? Or will he take the easy way out?
Unknown Binding
First published May 28, 2014
51 people are currently reading
143 people want to read
About the author
Emily Camp
32 books193 followersEmily is the author of several young adult romances. Emily is also a photographer. Her favorite days are when she can be by her pool reading a good book. She lives in a small town in Ohio similar to the towns in her stories.
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June 21, 2014
**I received a free copy from the author to provide an honest review of this book**
3 1/2***
-- Let me start off by saying I'm past my teenage years, so my age & experiences do affect my opinion of this story. --
Wow, this book is a roller coaster ride & I'm still reeling from it. This is not like any Christian romance books I've ever read before & very unexpected! It made me very uncomfortable at times & kept me wondering how it was going to work out.
I finished this book in one day after starting later in the day & stayed up to 1am! So needless to say, the story was addicting. This is 2nd in a series & I have not read the 1st. It is able to stand alone, but I wonder if I could have gotten invested in the story quicker if I had read book #1 first.
The subject matter of this book is pretty dark, especially considering it's a YA Faith based fiction novel. There is sex, under aged drinking, drug mentions & profanity. So I wouldn't suggest it for under 18 and/or without parental read along. It's very mature content for a High School story & had me thinking - does this really happen (yes I know it does, but to the extent as described in this book)? Or am/was I really, really sheltered??
The first couple of chapters were a little rough to me & I don't know if I would have continue reading if I hadn't committed to it. -- so don't let the beginning trick you!
This was not a fluff book where the characters are all nice, shiny & happy. The boys have a few moments of admirable behavior, but IMO the girls do not. It deals with real people & real problems. Showing that not everything is a happy ending, but that happiness can still be found in trouble. And that being a Christian doesn't mean your life will not have problems.
This story (will not mention specifics to avoid spoilers) really hit home to me because just last week I became involved with volunteering at a Christian group that helps teens in this exact situation. It really pulled at my heart & I was shocked at what this book was about when I just picked it up without looking at the description.
Sometimes the characters are being horrible & you want to knock some sense into them. But honestly that makes a good book -- the desire to interact with the characters. I didn't fall in love with these kids like I sometimes do. A lot of times I was stepping back & saying - you idiots! You know that's not right! Lol.
***What I liked:
- I LOVE that this book is written from the male characters perspective. You really don't find that often & I enjoyed it. (Although this lead to one of my complaints of underdeveloped female character.)
- How quick the story moved along after the first few chapters. Was very sucked into the story.
- That it was a story about real people & real life. Bad decisions, horrible events, great friends & good family support. (I both love & hate this point. Lol)
- I like that it did make me uncomfortable, because it got me invested in the story. And made me feel more about my own beliefs & teenage experiences.
***What I didn't like:
- The female character was somewhat underdeveloped. I would have liked a little more interaction to know why she said & did some things. She lacked depth & I couldn't see why she was such an "awesome" person in Garrett's mind. What made her special & worth the trouble?
- The faith aspect was glossed over quite a bit. The author didn't go into the depth of choices made or what the Christian faith believes. It could be confusing if the reader didn't have a faith based background to associate with the book details. If you didn't have parents of your own that had similar beliefs, you might not understand why they do what they do. I personally grew up with strict baptist parents & we went to church 3 times a week, no music, no movies, no dancing. But they were not even as Garrett's parents -- they let me date in HS. -_-
- In reference to the faith mention above. I feel that with the way the church & situation with Garrett's family was handled, the book puts Christianity in a bad light. I know that's not the intent since the book is about regaining the faith. But the author does such a good job at the beginning (majority of the book really) showing disdain & hatred of the church, the people of the church, and Garrett's parents' rules due to God - that the attempts to bring in the recommitment to faith were not strong enough & convincing. In my opinion.
** Off topic side note -- I know that Garrett's parents in this story were well meaning & doing their best to raise Godly kids. (Bree's parents were just idiots!) But as we see in real life, being too super strict tends to push kids to make even worse decisions than if they didn't have to sneak around for every little thing. End of rant **
Overall I enjoyed the story, though it wasn't a happy or even comfortable read for me. It won't go in my re-read pile, but I did enjoy reading it this first time.
3 1/2***
-- Let me start off by saying I'm past my teenage years, so my age & experiences do affect my opinion of this story. --
Wow, this book is a roller coaster ride & I'm still reeling from it. This is not like any Christian romance books I've ever read before & very unexpected! It made me very uncomfortable at times & kept me wondering how it was going to work out.
I finished this book in one day after starting later in the day & stayed up to 1am! So needless to say, the story was addicting. This is 2nd in a series & I have not read the 1st. It is able to stand alone, but I wonder if I could have gotten invested in the story quicker if I had read book #1 first.
The subject matter of this book is pretty dark, especially considering it's a YA Faith based fiction novel. There is sex, under aged drinking, drug mentions & profanity. So I wouldn't suggest it for under 18 and/or without parental read along. It's very mature content for a High School story & had me thinking - does this really happen (yes I know it does, but to the extent as described in this book)? Or am/was I really, really sheltered??
The first couple of chapters were a little rough to me & I don't know if I would have continue reading if I hadn't committed to it. -- so don't let the beginning trick you!
This was not a fluff book where the characters are all nice, shiny & happy. The boys have a few moments of admirable behavior, but IMO the girls do not. It deals with real people & real problems. Showing that not everything is a happy ending, but that happiness can still be found in trouble. And that being a Christian doesn't mean your life will not have problems.
This story (will not mention specifics to avoid spoilers) really hit home to me because just last week I became involved with volunteering at a Christian group that helps teens in this exact situation. It really pulled at my heart & I was shocked at what this book was about when I just picked it up without looking at the description.
Sometimes the characters are being horrible & you want to knock some sense into them. But honestly that makes a good book -- the desire to interact with the characters. I didn't fall in love with these kids like I sometimes do. A lot of times I was stepping back & saying - you idiots! You know that's not right! Lol.
***What I liked:
- I LOVE that this book is written from the male characters perspective. You really don't find that often & I enjoyed it. (Although this lead to one of my complaints of underdeveloped female character.)
- How quick the story moved along after the first few chapters. Was very sucked into the story.
- That it was a story about real people & real life. Bad decisions, horrible events, great friends & good family support. (I both love & hate this point. Lol)
- I like that it did make me uncomfortable, because it got me invested in the story. And made me feel more about my own beliefs & teenage experiences.
***What I didn't like:
- The female character was somewhat underdeveloped. I would have liked a little more interaction to know why she said & did some things. She lacked depth & I couldn't see why she was such an "awesome" person in Garrett's mind. What made her special & worth the trouble?
- The faith aspect was glossed over quite a bit. The author didn't go into the depth of choices made or what the Christian faith believes. It could be confusing if the reader didn't have a faith based background to associate with the book details. If you didn't have parents of your own that had similar beliefs, you might not understand why they do what they do. I personally grew up with strict baptist parents & we went to church 3 times a week, no music, no movies, no dancing. But they were not even as Garrett's parents -- they let me date in HS. -_-
- In reference to the faith mention above. I feel that with the way the church & situation with Garrett's family was handled, the book puts Christianity in a bad light. I know that's not the intent since the book is about regaining the faith. But the author does such a good job at the beginning (majority of the book really) showing disdain & hatred of the church, the people of the church, and Garrett's parents' rules due to God - that the attempts to bring in the recommitment to faith were not strong enough & convincing. In my opinion.
** Off topic side note -- I know that Garrett's parents in this story were well meaning & doing their best to raise Godly kids. (Bree's parents were just idiots!) But as we see in real life, being too super strict tends to push kids to make even worse decisions than if they didn't have to sneak around for every little thing. End of rant **
Overall I enjoyed the story, though it wasn't a happy or even comfortable read for me. It won't go in my re-read pile, but I did enjoy reading it this first time.
July 21, 2014
I received a copy of this book by Emily Camp in exchange for an honest review...so here we go! :D
When I received this book I wasn't sure what I was expecting - a light contemporary read, boy meets girl they fall in love etc. - but it was so much more than that. The main character here is Garrett, he's 16 years old football player from a loving, fairly strict Christian family. His parents have many rules that Garrett has to follow - including no dating while under 18, and of course no sex before marriage. These rules didn't bother Garrett before...but that was before Garrett meets Bree, the feisty, sweet, and vulnerable girl he meets at a party.
The relationship that develops between Garrett and Bree was really nice, I found myself hoping everything would work out well in the end for them - especially when things start to go a wrong for them.
I really enjoyed Colten and Carly...their relationship was so funny! I couldn't help but laugh every time they couldn't keep their hands off each other even when in public! I loved how Colten does eventually grow up, his wandering eyes were starting to annoy me!
This book was really well written, I really enjoyed it and look forward to reading other books by Emily Camp!
When I received this book I wasn't sure what I was expecting - a light contemporary read, boy meets girl they fall in love etc. - but it was so much more than that. The main character here is Garrett, he's 16 years old football player from a loving, fairly strict Christian family. His parents have many rules that Garrett has to follow - including no dating while under 18, and of course no sex before marriage. These rules didn't bother Garrett before...but that was before Garrett meets Bree, the feisty, sweet, and vulnerable girl he meets at a party.
The relationship that develops between Garrett and Bree was really nice, I found myself hoping everything would work out well in the end for them - especially when things start to go a wrong for them.
I really enjoyed Colten and Carly...their relationship was so funny! I couldn't help but laugh every time they couldn't keep their hands off each other even when in public! I loved how Colten does eventually grow up, his wandering eyes were starting to annoy me!
This book was really well written, I really enjoyed it and look forward to reading other books by Emily Camp!
February 3, 2017
I received an ARC by Emily Camp in exchange for an honest review.
Summary : Garrett has grown up being told what to believe.
Dealing with the peer pressures of being a star high school football player. He is torn between his convictions and what his teammates expect.
The summer he is sixteen he begins to question what he has been told all his life.
When he meets Bree he completely throws all his beliefs out the window to be with her.
Sneaking around and doing things he isn't supposed to he finds himself in bigger trouble than he'd ever thought he could be in.
Garrett struggles with what he knows he should do and what he wants to do. Is he too far gone to come back
What Do I Think? : I really enjoyed this book even though I haven't read the 1st book (even though they are separate stories) to me it's a Christian book because it talks about GOD and Christ and saving people in it. It made me realize that we need to spread the gospel about Christ because you never know what might happen to us in the end. Garrett is a confused Christian, he gets his girlfriend pregnant and turns his life around with the life events happening. There's a few curse words in it, the details are good in the book, but the ONLY concern I have is the text in the story.. Some bold, some normal text. I didn't get it. Did the author do it on purpose or did she not know which text looked better? I recommend you this book.
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Summary : Garrett has grown up being told what to believe.
Dealing with the peer pressures of being a star high school football player. He is torn between his convictions and what his teammates expect.
The summer he is sixteen he begins to question what he has been told all his life.
When he meets Bree he completely throws all his beliefs out the window to be with her.
Sneaking around and doing things he isn't supposed to he finds himself in bigger trouble than he'd ever thought he could be in.
Garrett struggles with what he knows he should do and what he wants to do. Is he too far gone to come back
What Do I Think? : I really enjoyed this book even though I haven't read the 1st book (even though they are separate stories) to me it's a Christian book because it talks about GOD and Christ and saving people in it. It made me realize that we need to spread the gospel about Christ because you never know what might happen to us in the end. Garrett is a confused Christian, he gets his girlfriend pregnant and turns his life around with the life events happening. There's a few curse words in it, the details are good in the book, but the ONLY concern I have is the text in the story.. Some bold, some normal text. I didn't get it. Did the author do it on purpose or did she not know which text looked better? I recommend you this book.
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September 22, 2014
**I received a free copy to review this book**
I really enjoyed the characters and plot of this book. The relationships in the book weren't rushed, like most stories seem to be. Emily Camp addressed a lot of modern day problems in this book. I felt as if it had a bit of everything. It was weird, experiencing joy then sadness then joy again. The characters didn't change over night--that would have been so unrealistic. My favorite characters are Bree and Colten. Bree isn't one of those well…sluts. She doesn't fall for a guy's looks, but their personality. While I think girls think more about personality than guys (who are more concerned about body), Garrett kept falling in love with Bree over and over again because of the way she acted. I really do ship them. Colten was the funniest, most entertaining character in the book. *sniffles* He made me die laughing almost every time he opened his mouth. I thought it was adorable to see Colten's desperation to fix things after screwing up over and over again. The title really fit the story on so many levels. It wasn't just his position in football. I thought football developed the players' characters more. Hmm…I didn't like the number of times Bree & Garrett got into fights. You can only fight so many times. I know that it allowed a bit more character development, but really? Also I'm not sure how Garrett can stare Bree in the eye and not feel guilty about Carly. It was still a really great book, great for people who like contemporary, romance, even football.
I really enjoyed the characters and plot of this book. The relationships in the book weren't rushed, like most stories seem to be. Emily Camp addressed a lot of modern day problems in this book. I felt as if it had a bit of everything. It was weird, experiencing joy then sadness then joy again. The characters didn't change over night--that would have been so unrealistic. My favorite characters are Bree and Colten. Bree isn't one of those well…sluts. She doesn't fall for a guy's looks, but their personality. While I think girls think more about personality than guys (who are more concerned about body), Garrett kept falling in love with Bree over and over again because of the way she acted. I really do ship them. Colten was the funniest, most entertaining character in the book. *sniffles* He made me die laughing almost every time he opened his mouth. I thought it was adorable to see Colten's desperation to fix things after screwing up over and over again. The title really fit the story on so many levels. It wasn't just his position in football. I thought football developed the players' characters more. Hmm…I didn't like the number of times Bree & Garrett got into fights. You can only fight so many times. I know that it allowed a bit more character development, but really? Also I'm not sure how Garrett can stare Bree in the eye and not feel guilty about Carly. It was still a really great book, great for people who like contemporary, romance, even football.
July 18, 2014
This book is the sequel to Here Comes The Light. I liked that between the two books, the premise for Running Back was set in the second half of book #1, Here Comes The Light, only that the relevant details hashed out in book #2, which made it its own story, were absent in book #1, making the entire plot come together in full circle.
This is the story of Garrett and Bree. Unlike Bree, Garrett was raised in a Christian and loving family, but because of peer pressure and his popularity as the running-back in his school’s football team (a position next best to being quarterback), he rejected God and fell into a life of disobedience. He and Bree eventually got into trouble, bringing them face to face with the fact that in life, actions have consequences. A sudden tragedy that shakes them, as well as the school, has them running back to God (no pun intended).
This story opens up the world that a lot of teenagers are exposed to. The writing, if I may so say myself, is quite YA uncensored so that you can see that the author has no intention of sugarcoating the truth of what happens among teenagers in our world today when parents aren’t looking. Some parts of it are borderline sensual, but still handled well. Emotions are raw, characterization very in-depth, and the sense of time/setting are on point. The pain/tragic moments are as real as the characters, but in the end, hope, grace, forgiveness, and restoration reign, making it a fine read.
I hope to continue with the other books in the series as the author publishes them.
This is the story of Garrett and Bree. Unlike Bree, Garrett was raised in a Christian and loving family, but because of peer pressure and his popularity as the running-back in his school’s football team (a position next best to being quarterback), he rejected God and fell into a life of disobedience. He and Bree eventually got into trouble, bringing them face to face with the fact that in life, actions have consequences. A sudden tragedy that shakes them, as well as the school, has them running back to God (no pun intended).
This story opens up the world that a lot of teenagers are exposed to. The writing, if I may so say myself, is quite YA uncensored so that you can see that the author has no intention of sugarcoating the truth of what happens among teenagers in our world today when parents aren’t looking. Some parts of it are borderline sensual, but still handled well. Emotions are raw, characterization very in-depth, and the sense of time/setting are on point. The pain/tragic moments are as real as the characters, but in the end, hope, grace, forgiveness, and restoration reign, making it a fine read.
I hope to continue with the other books in the series as the author publishes them.
June 9, 2020
Running from Life
Magnificent read!!
Life has a habit of catching up to us. Consequences come; no matter the decisions we make. Sometimes, those choices force us to grow up. I sniffled a little bit, but kept on reading.
Magnificent read!!
Life has a habit of catching up to us. Consequences come; no matter the decisions we make. Sometimes, those choices force us to grow up. I sniffled a little bit, but kept on reading.
September 3, 2016
Note: I am being completely honest so I’ll always comment on at least one bad aspect even if the book is amazing. I am not giving a description, only a review, I will make comparisons and try not to reveal spoilers.
[3 Stars]
This novel was great but in comparison to the first book (of the series) it fell under the "average" category. The links this book shared with the first book was interesting and subtle without giving any main plot twists away.
I enjoyed Bree's history, how she came from a broken family with the idea of her tortured soul being saved and cared for. Despite my different religious views it was not a forced aspect in the book which was comforting.
I thought this book was smooth, simple and controlled in comparison to "Here Comes The Light" because there weren't as many aspects and was more predictable. It was still interesting and compelling but I do wish it was more complex or dramatic. I do not regret reading this novel as it was interesting and the relationship between Garrett and Bree was very romantic.
[3 Stars]
This novel was great but in comparison to the first book (of the series) it fell under the "average" category. The links this book shared with the first book was interesting and subtle without giving any main plot twists away.
I enjoyed Bree's history, how she came from a broken family with the idea of her tortured soul being saved and cared for. Despite my different religious views it was not a forced aspect in the book which was comforting.
I thought this book was smooth, simple and controlled in comparison to "Here Comes The Light" because there weren't as many aspects and was more predictable. It was still interesting and compelling but I do wish it was more complex or dramatic. I do not regret reading this novel as it was interesting and the relationship between Garrett and Bree was very romantic.
May 23, 2014
This book is nothing like I was expecting. Its heartwarming, funny and sad all at in one.
The story revovles around Garrett and his friends and family. I love almost all the characters even the secondary ones. They are so well written that I felt like I was pulled into their world.
I like how even with the situations they're put through they manage to always find their way back to god. And there's some pretty bad ones.
I'm glad Garrett listened to his heart and was able to help Colten before it was too late. The way that situation play out was unique, it shows that there's not always a happy ending and that it doesn't always work out. It made it very realistic and I cried. By that point I was so ingrossed into they're friendship.
I kind of thought that the not dating till 18 rule was overboard so I wasn't surprised that it took him so long to fess up to his parents about Bree but they were surprising with their reaction.
I did notice some grammar problems but not enough to affect it.
I was given an ebook by the author in exchange for a honest review. Thank you.
The story revovles around Garrett and his friends and family. I love almost all the characters even the secondary ones. They are so well written that I felt like I was pulled into their world.
I like how even with the situations they're put through they manage to always find their way back to god. And there's some pretty bad ones.
I'm glad Garrett listened to his heart and was able to help Colten before it was too late. The way that situation play out was unique, it shows that there's not always a happy ending and that it doesn't always work out. It made it very realistic and I cried. By that point I was so ingrossed into they're friendship.
I kind of thought that the not dating till 18 rule was overboard so I wasn't surprised that it took him so long to fess up to his parents about Bree but they were surprising with their reaction.
I did notice some grammar problems but not enough to affect it.
I was given an ebook by the author in exchange for a honest review. Thank you.
April 19, 2014
In book 2 of this series, the story is told from a different angle. The book is a great young adult book as well as a good book for anyone who enjoys YA reading. The book tells of teenager rebellion, growing up, making mistakes that can't be erased and of the parents behind them. Although Bree and Garrett are the focus of this book, it shows siblings, parents and youth leaders that reach out and touch the lives of each other. The book also shows that those mistakes made while rebelling from God and your parents do not have to permanently separate us from God, who is just waiting for us to come back to Him. Where the first book was an awesome story that was in need of editing, this book was edited much better. I am looking forward to seeing more from this author! I was given a copy of this book for my honest review.
March 26, 2016
This is a great book for both young adults and adults. Adults may remember events from their past. Some events they remember will be painful, some nostalgic. For young adults, it serves as a warning and discussion starter. Young adults may recognize themselves in the characters and identify with them. As the story unfolds, the challenges faced by the young adults as they face peer pressure become evident. In many ways, the book is painful to read because it brings us into real life situations and describes them so accurately. The dialog really drew me in because it flows so naturally. A brave book which hopefully will help parents and their children find renewed relationships with each other and their creator.
July 27, 2014
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
3.5 stars. The main character, Garrett, drove me a little bit crazy sometimes. Did he really need to keep screwing up over and over again? I guess some
people in real life are like that, but it was annoying. It was hard to like or sympathize with him after the first few mistakes where he didn't learn a thing.
I did really like the messages in this book and feel like it's something every teen should read. It deals with a ton of real life teen issues. I also liked many of the secondary characters. The writing style was engaging and I wanted to keep reading and see what would happen.
3.5 stars. The main character, Garrett, drove me a little bit crazy sometimes. Did he really need to keep screwing up over and over again? I guess some
people in real life are like that, but it was annoying. It was hard to like or sympathize with him after the first few mistakes where he didn't learn a thing.
I did really like the messages in this book and feel like it's something every teen should read. It deals with a ton of real life teen issues. I also liked many of the secondary characters. The writing style was engaging and I wanted to keep reading and see what would happen.
April 15, 2014
Exquisite, Heartbreaking, Wonderful
I absolutely loved this book. It's a very emotional story I laughed and I cried, its a heartfelt story about faith and struggling with your beliefs. Coming to terms with doing what is right and dealing the consequences when you mess up. Running Back is a must read and I cant want for the next story in the Cambrooke series Emily Camp is an amazing writer.
I absolutely loved this book. It's a very emotional story I laughed and I cried, its a heartfelt story about faith and struggling with your beliefs. Coming to terms with doing what is right and dealing the consequences when you mess up. Running Back is a must read and I cant want for the next story in the Cambrooke series Emily Camp is an amazing writer.
April 27, 2014
So many emotions with reading Running Back, one word to describe the entire book would be captivating. This may be given from a young teenage boy perspective who deals with struggles and issues however it is written as if anyone could be dealing with most of the issues.
As I do not like to write spoilers, I will say tissues are needed as well as the laughter along with the different mixture of emotions.
Received a free copy for an honest review.
As I do not like to write spoilers, I will say tissues are needed as well as the laughter along with the different mixture of emotions.
Received a free copy for an honest review.
August 25, 2014
I cried, I laughed, I cried some more. Emily Camp's poignant characters had me letting out few woot-woot along the way and few other choice words as this roller coaster ride took me through this emotion packed page turner. All I can say is I can't wait for the next Cambrooke adventure!
February 19, 2020
**Free book in exchange for an honest review.**
Thank you, Emily, for the book, I did enjoy it. I will admit I don't think I have ever read a Christian book but had been wanting to try one. I was really surprised that the story tackled so many issues at once, that at times I felt a little overwhelmed and underwhelmed (or just whelmed). I don't know if I make sense here but let's just say issues with heavy partying, drinking, and premarital sex can definitely coincide together but and sometimes the primary issues weren't really developed all the way and it seemed like too much was going on all at once. I also felt that because of that, I wasn't able to make a connection with all the characters. As much as I enjoyed Garrett and Bree's story, I had more fun with Colten and Carly, especially Carly (I feel like there is so much more to her). I think this is a great book for young teenagers to read because it is not explicit but does tackle head-on some very important scenarios teenagers face today and what it takes to be able to put God first and make the best decision.
Thank you, Emily, for the book, I did enjoy it. I will admit I don't think I have ever read a Christian book but had been wanting to try one. I was really surprised that the story tackled so many issues at once, that at times I felt a little overwhelmed and underwhelmed (or just whelmed). I don't know if I make sense here but let's just say issues with heavy partying, drinking, and premarital sex can definitely coincide together but and sometimes the primary issues weren't really developed all the way and it seemed like too much was going on all at once. I also felt that because of that, I wasn't able to make a connection with all the characters. As much as I enjoyed Garrett and Bree's story, I had more fun with Colten and Carly, especially Carly (I feel like there is so much more to her). I think this is a great book for young teenagers to read because it is not explicit but does tackle head-on some very important scenarios teenagers face today and what it takes to be able to put God first and make the best decision.
July 15, 2018
Strong, real, vibrant characters!
Emily Camp makes characters come alive better than almost any author I know! I always fall in love with her heroes, and I love the way she somehow makes them so real, relatable and sympathetic.
Running Back deals with some heavy, real-teen issues, but they are woven seamlessly through the romance that is central to the story.
With characters that practically pop off the page, Running Back will not disappoint!
Emily Camp makes characters come alive better than almost any author I know! I always fall in love with her heroes, and I love the way she somehow makes them so real, relatable and sympathetic.
Running Back deals with some heavy, real-teen issues, but they are woven seamlessly through the romance that is central to the story.
With characters that practically pop off the page, Running Back will not disappoint!
May 21, 2014
This story truly has it all: action, heartache, hope, love, warm fuzzies, you name it. The story runs parallel with the first book in the series and intertwines beautifully without any spoilers or obvious flags.
One of the requirements for a story to be good in my 'book' is the element of surprise. For a while, I thought I had the story figured out and the ending predicted, but I was not prepared for a heart wrenching twist and turn of events toward the end.
The story follows the lives and events of a few teenagers who attend Cambrooke High School. The author does a great job portraying the emotional turmoil most teens experience at one point or another and how a teen can rebel even when raised in ideal conditions. One aspect I like about the story is how just because a person makes it over one hurdle, it doesn't mean they won't fall at the next. Life is about ups and downs and leaning on God is the only way to make it through.
Due to profanity and sexual content, I recommend this for readers ages 16+.
One of the requirements for a story to be good in my 'book' is the element of surprise. For a while, I thought I had the story figured out and the ending predicted, but I was not prepared for a heart wrenching twist and turn of events toward the end.
The story follows the lives and events of a few teenagers who attend Cambrooke High School. The author does a great job portraying the emotional turmoil most teens experience at one point or another and how a teen can rebel even when raised in ideal conditions. One aspect I like about the story is how just because a person makes it over one hurdle, it doesn't mean they won't fall at the next. Life is about ups and downs and leaning on God is the only way to make it through.
Due to profanity and sexual content, I recommend this for readers ages 16+.
November 6, 2013
I received an ARC of this for an honest review.
Garrett Light is the middle child in a Christian
family. He feels that he is always in his older
brother Declan's shadow while fulfilling his father's
dream on playing football. One night at a party, he
meets Bree. Bree is a typical fifteen year old girl
with family problems of her own. After secretly
dating, Bree ends up pregnant. Through this story of
teenage pregnancy, bullies, school shootings and
family drama/expectations .. it reminds you who that
there is one who is always on your side, God. This
story captivated me and had me wondering where it was
going to go. I loved seeing more Declan and Miley,
and even some of Ethan. My favorite thing though was
that you got to read through Garrett and Bree's point of view.
Definitly a great read.
November 25, 2013
Truley an amazing story that definitely portrays the real emotions of middle children and abandoning values. We watch as Bree and Garrett struggle (with her pregnancy) and much more before realizing only He can fix them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2014
I over the book couldn't put it down
August 11, 2016
This was a very emotional book! Every parent and teenager should read this book! It had a few editing issues but the message was worth more than the purchase price! Wish I could give it ten stars!
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