Review: Original and Creative!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 05 5, 2014
When I first read what To Die Once was about, I was a bit nervous. I’m not a huge fan of love triangles and this book seems to have love triangle all over it. But I read some of the author’s writings and one thing that I have learned is that good writing can trump topics that I don’t like. I can’t go into too much detail because this is one of those books where too much talking will give the surprise away. So, here we go:What I did like:Don’t worry about the love triangle! If that’s your fear, please don’t let that stop you from reading this book!The novel took place in Lagos and Italy. It’s not often you read Christian fiction that doesn’t take place in America. I really enjoyed the cultural aspect that was presented. And sometimes, I wanted more.The overall premise of the story. I loved the way the novel comes full circle.Many aspects of this novel felt grounded in reality. Sometimes I feel like romance novels drag certain things out to make the novel longer. And I didn’t feel that way with this one.Chidi. She was my favorite character.Spiritually, there are a ton of lessons here dealing with grace, judgment, forgiveness, etc. However, the one that stuck with me the most was that you shouldn’t think that you can handle temptation. If you recognize it for what it is, leave. Oh, wait, there’s another, God can use the mistakes in our lives and use them for something greater.What I didn’t like:When Jennifer fell in love, she seemed to base a lot of it on attraction. And so, I felt as a reader that I never really connected with the men in her life. When things got rough between her and a guy, I simply wasn’t as concerned about him. I was concerned about Jennifer and Chidi. But the men, not so much.Also, one of the characters in this novel seemed to equate grace with trust. While I get that you are a new creation in Christ, trust still must be earned. And this person had some earning to do.Romantic Scale: 8Overall, I enjoyed this novel. The writing was beautiful, the story (though a bit farfetched) was really creative, and it’s a beautiful story of grace.**I received this novel from the author. My opinion was not affected in anyway.**