Roger Bruner

3.5 stars (rating shown may vary depending on whether site allows half star ratings)

I started out this boxed set thinking it was a concept that I hadn't read often in fiction, so I really wanted to be able to recommend it. The first and fourth books were average (3) for me. The second and third books I would rate 4's--so averaging them out, I came to a 3.5 rating.

I have no idea if the first book in this series is the first one the author ever wrote. I can tell you that though I wanted to like it, there was something that kept me from from being fully engaged until late in the book. To me it felt like either the author was in the process of finding his writing "voice" or that he was adhering too much to the real-life event that inspired his story. Though I did appreciate the changes that the main character, Kim, experienced in that book.

Those changes continue in other books in the series and also spill over onto Kim's two best friends, Aleesha and Jo, and other people in Kim's life. Though I do question how many mission trips get taken in the short amount of time (vs. what most people would be able to do) and how neatly everything wraps up in a "happily ever after" fashion for most.

The first mission trip is to Mexico. It's a trip Kim and Jo were supposed to go on together. If they had, I don't know if Aleesha and Kim would have become friends. The second trip (in the second book) is to California to help with the finishing of a hostel type complex designed to serve the prison across the way. The third trip (in the third book) Jo and Aleesha go to Nicaragua, and in the fourth book, Kim returns to Mexico.

We aren't really told how the Zambrano situation is resolved. Aleesha agreed to sing with them--sometimes alternating with Stephy, but then (apparently when it's convenient for the author's timeline), Aleesha returns to Baltimore and no further mention is made about what happens with the Zambranos's group.… (altro)

I’d initially downloaded this book as an Amazon KINDLE Unlimited; however, in the end, I decided to buy a copy so it would become part of my permanent KINDLE Library on my computer.

I’m a multi-genre romance author myself, using three names because of the various genres I’ve written in, I found this delightful book to be as the author himself has described, to be quirky. An interesting thing about this is that it has gotten written by a male, a male who’s unabashed to have written it under his own name, rather than hiding it behind some feminine pen name like most male authors when writing romance. [This is forgetting about those males who write those ungodly gay romances.]

Perhaps the reason why the author, Roger Bruner, has been able to do it here, is that the story has gotten from the male protagonist's POV [point of view.] The story is one which the father, Ben Matthews, has written to his son, for him to understand that it’s okay to be a misfit because there’s always someone who would love you for being the person who you are. The problem the two protagonists had to face in their being misfits had been the misguided perceptions their peers possessed regarding them since the two are PKs [Preacher Kids]. Their peers believed that the two couldn’t participate in the same activities they did without them bringing religion into these activities.

Misfits are individuals who get persecuted for merely being who there are, and I, for one, knows what this is like since I got treated as a misfit due to a genetic condition I suffer from, that is until I get my dear OH. For having written an endearing, yet quirky story regarding being an adolescent, I’ve given the author, Roger Bruner, 5 STARS.… (altro)

Here is a summary of what the book is about. Spoiled eighteen-year-old Kim Hartlinger arrives late to orientation for a mission trip to Mexico-she carelessly missed her flight-only to learn the project has changed. Construction in a remote village without plumbing and electricity rather than evangelism in a medium-sized town with numerous souvenir and fast food places.

Kin's negative overreaction to the change angers the project leaders and her teammates and immediately makes her the least popular team member. She's determined to do better, though. And to be obedient to God.

When Kim breaks her arm, she feels useless. She wants to do evangelism, but the team didn't bring a translator and the villagers don't speak any English. Kim knows nada Spanish, and her "dual-language Bible" turns out to be Spanish-only.

Kim undertakes two one-handed projects. The first is her own idea. The second is God's, though, and it sounds crazy. Crazier than crazy. But will it touch the villagers' hearts with the Gospel? How can she even find out?

Wow what an amazing story. I absolutely enjoyed reading this one.

It is the type of book that reminds you of what is truly important and that is God. Reminder number two is no matter how bad you think you have it... there are other people who are worse off than you.

I would highly recommend this book. I can see myself reading it again.

Happy Reading Everyone!… (altro)

3 Stars/Fiction; Young Adult, Christian

The second book in Roger Bruner's Altered Hearts series, we follow Kim Hartlinger as she faces the tragic loss of her mother, sets out on another new mission trip and clings to her faith while trying to heal a wounded heart. Kim's story will touch you as you witness her teenage struggles and watch her grow both emotionally and spiritually through her love of God.

A touching story, this novel is about forgiveness, trust, hope and redemption. I recommend this series to anyone looking for good Christian Young Adult books.… (altro)