Review - This Side of Salvation by Jeri Smith-Ready

Title: This Side of Salvation

Author: Jeri Smith-Ready

Series: Stand Alone

Pages: 384

Published: April 1st 2014 by Simon Pulse 

ISBN: 9781442439481

Source: Publisher via Edelweiss

Description: Everyone mourns differently. When his older brother was killed, David got angry. As in, fist-meets-someone-else’s-face furious. But his parents? They got religious. David’s still figuring out his relationship with a higher power, but there’s one thing he does know for sure: The closer he gets to new-girl Bailey, the better, brighter, happier, more he feels. Then his parents start cutting all their worldly ties to prepare for the Rush, the divine moment when the faithful will be whisked off to Heaven…and they want David to do the same. David’s torn. There’s a big difference between living in the moment and giving up his best friend, varsity baseball, and Bailey—especially Bailey—in hope of salvation. But when he comes home late from prom, and late for the Rush, to find that his parents have vanished, David is in more trouble than he ever could have imagined... 

 

I Give This ...

There's a lot of things that drew me to this book.  It's not uncommon for those who experience loss to immerse themselves in religion.  I think most of the time this can be an truly uplifting experience.  But, I was curious as to the circumstances that may occur in this book.

I really liked David.  He's been through a traumatic experience and it's no wonder that he begins to question God.  He even goes as far as to mock God publicly.  But because of a series of events, David begins to become to devout in his faith.  So when his parents start to follow a questionable religious figure, he views it as another test of his faith.  He's willing to go the extra mile to keep his family intact, even when its at the expense of his own happiness.  He doubts the Rush is real, but he has no way to convince his parents (especially his dad) that they might be duped.  

I enjoyed how the idea of the Rush was set up.  I felt the author did a great job of making sure the reader recognizes the hoax behind the Rush.  I did wonder if the parents were in on the event, and was pleased to discover the truth behind the events.  I also appreciated that I never felt like the book was making fun of the idea of the Rapture.  David believes wholeheartedly in the bible and what it tells us.  And I appreciated how the matter was handled.

I loved how throughout this entire process, David never looses faith.  He realizes that his dad's faith has become something unhealthy.  But, he never waivers.  I think he even brings his sister back to the folds.

Review: Shift (Shade #2) by Jeri Smith-Ready

Title: Shift

Author: Jeri Smith-Ready

Series: 2nd in Shade series

Pages: 367

Published: Available now from Simon Pulse

ISBN: 9781416994084

Source: Simon and Schuster Galley Grab

Description: Aura’s life is anything but easy. Her boyfriend, Logan, died, and his slides between ghost and shade have left her reeling. Aura knows he needs her now more than ever. She loves Logan, but she can’t deny her connection with the totally supportive, totally gorgeous Zachary. And she’s not sure that she wants to. Logan and Zachary will fight to be the one by her side, but Aura needs them both to uncover the mystery of her past—the mystery of the Shift. As Aura’s search uncovers new truths, she must decide whom to trust with her secrets…and her heart.

I Give This ...

 

I was eager to read this book after finally reading Shade.  This did not disappoint me at all.  It's an excellent 2nd book in the series (something I don't get to say very often).

I was not surprised by the events that happen immediately after Logan reappears in Aura's life.  As much as she would like to be fully over Logan, his death, and the events afterwards, she isn't.  But, I was happy to see her realize that a life with Logan as a ghost really isn't a life.  It's more like a constant reminder of what should have been.  I can't imagine how hard it would be to get over someone who gone but not really gone.  At the same time I really admired her for her determination to do all she could to help Logan fully move on.  I think it was a way to help herself move forward and to maybe get a better grasp of what really happened with the Shift.  I think she was also really wanting to help Shades/ghosts get the proper treatment they deserved from those who can't see them.

I was a little surprised at both Logan and Zachary's actions for part of this book.  Logan seems to be stuck in the way he was when he died, almost like he's never gone to be capable of learning from his mistakes.  Sometimes, he entirely too selfish.  He says the he came back for Aura, but I think that's connected to his own reasoning.  I also felt that Zachary was a little hard on Aura.  I know he's been patient with her and letting her move on at her own pace.  I expected more from him though.  I also thought he was a typical a**hole during the whole prom scene and the weeks afterwards.  I did forgive him a little when he divulged his own reasoning for not wanting to compete with Logan.  And he completely redeemed himself in the end.  

I enjoyed the chain of events outside of the relationship drama.  I liked learning about the personal connections and events that happened that winter solstice so long ago.  I feel like things are finally coming to light even if they don't make complete sense at this point.  I'm curious as to how it all plays out in the end.  Way to long to wait for the final book in this series!

*There was one little tidbit with dates that really bugged me.  I'm sure no one else noticed and wondering if it was fixed in the final copy.  I only noticed because my daughter was born on the winter solstice.  The dates don't work for Aura to be conceived on the spring solstice and born prematurely on the winter solstice. 

 

Review: Shade (Shade #1) by Jeri Smith-Ready

Title: Shade

Author: Jeri Smith-Ready

Series: 1st in Shade series

Pages: 336

Published: Available now from Simon Pulse

ISBN: 9781416994077

Source: Purchased

 

Description: Love ties them together. Death can't tear them apart. Best. Birthday. Ever. At least, it was supposed to be. With Logan's band playing a critical gig and Aura's plans for an intimate after-party, Aura knows it will be the most memorable night of her boyfriend's life. She never thought it would be his last. Logan's sudden death leaves Aura devastated. He's gone. Well, sort of. Like everyone born after the Shift, Aura can see and hear ghosts. This mysterious ability has always been annoying, and Aura had wanted nothing more than to figure out why the Shift happened so she can undo it. But not with Logan's violet-hued spirit still hanging around. Because dead Logan is almost as real as ever. Almost. It doesn't help that Aura's new friend Zachary is so understanding—and so very alive. His support means more to Aura than she cares to admit.As Aura's relationships with the dead and the living grow ever complicated, so do her feelings for Logan and Zachary. Each holds a piece of Aura's heart...and clues to the secret of the Shift.

I Give This ...

 

I've been meaning to read this for awhile now (along with her other series).  With the chance to review the sequel, I finally got to it!  I should have read it sooner.  

I instantly liked Aura.  She seems level headed.  She has a great boyfriend who you can tell adores her.  But, it's not a perfect relationship and we know this because they're fighting when the story opens.  I also liked the she has a life outside of her boyfriend and his music.  I was most intrigued by the idea of the Shift and Aura's ability to see ghosts.  I wasn't sure how this worked until after Logan died.

Aura seems to be different that must kids/teens who can see ghosts.  Most seem to try and drown them out.  Aura is actually known for helping them fulfill their purpose to move on.  With some many people being able to see ghosts, people like Aura actually help ghosts testify at trials and voice their wishes for funerals.  Very rarely, do the interact with Shades.  Aura has only seen 3 in her life.  Shades are ghosts that have left their anger take over them.  The government tries to capture ghosts before they turn Shade.  Aura attracts unwanted attention because of who she is and because Logan is displaying some very Shade like tenancies.

Enter in Zackary, the sexy guy with the Scottish accent.  He was born right before the Shift so he can't see ghosts.  But, he has an interesting effect on Aura.  The governments is interested in him as well.  The three of them together make for an interesting love triangle.  Plus, they may hold the key to why the Shift occurred.  

As things come to ahead, we learn some interesting thing about Zachary and Aura and their connection.  Logan also has ultimatum placed on him.  He has to move on or risk containment forever.  Aura struggles with her love for Logan and helping him move on and her feelings for Zachary who is very much alive.  It was wonderfully built story that had me in suspense.  The love interests were wonderfully done and I fully felt the difficulty Aura had in making a choice.  I can't wait to read the sequel!