"Hope's Journey" Review and Blog Tour/Giveaway Info

Welcome to my stop in this book's Spring Blog Tour.  I am honored to be part of showcasing this beautifully written novel.  Hope's Journey is a wonderful book that gives an honest look at the power of carnal appetites and its consequences.  But of course, also the greater power of God's influence.  I thoroughly enjoyed the read and I think you will too.

by Stephanie C. Worlton, YA, 2011, Kindle ebook, 287p, rating=4.5
Source: from author in exchange for honest review

A life-changing mistake. A soul-changing journey. Sydney is a straight-A student heading to college on a scholarship, and Alex is a quiet jock preparing to serve an LDS mission. But their dreams are shattered on the eve of their high school graduation when they find out that Sydney is pregnant. Separated, they must both trust in God as they search for the worth they once found in each other. (author's website)

I would venture to say that it is innate in us to seek after a mate.  The teenage years seem to be the stage for the practical draft of that quest.  Physical and biological changes during these tender years allow for exploration of all sorts of emotions, including carnal appetites.  Oh, the power of those lascivious desires are so underestimated!  Even in the hands of seemingly two strong Christian minded individuals, can fall victim to it's influence.  And so the case was for Alex and Sydney.  They succumbed.  The result was a pregnancy.  Their future, tainted.  Their journey, to unfold. 

Wow, I was surprised at how alive the story was presented.  Little did I know that this might have been so because it was the author's personal story (after the end of the book, in the Author's Note, does the author state this) so the events and feelings were real, under the umbrella of fictional novel.  Oh, I could imagine the tears that she must have shed while writing this novel.  Anyway, I really was captivated.  I was not liking Alex's reaction to the pregnancy (among few others).  But as the story progressed, I was getting that he needed that stay-away-from-me time.  Truly this young couple had a lot of soul searching.

Although, this was from a point of view of LDS individuals, the storyline was not preachy.  It really was a raw take on issues of teen pregnancy ..the emotional spiritual battle, the social humiliation and rejection, contemplating what is the right thing to do now, questioning a place in society, finding a support team, etc.  There were distinct side characters that you loved and disliked.  There were mean people, surprisingly even church members!  But I sure loved Sydney's grandmother.  She so rocked!  But, I wondered where grandpa was.  He was not around when Sydney came to visit.  Was he at work, chillin' in another room, or what? ..my silly little pet peeve. ;)

The prologue was strong and solid.  The follow through was meaty perhaps because the author did not want to leave anything out but unfortunately it also provided some disjointments.  The main focus was Alex and Sydney so the other characters lost details.  Then the ending was quickly wrapped up but it worked for me.  Overall, it was a story that edified me.  Well done, Ms Worlton!

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During this Spring Blog Tour, there is a giveaway for a chance to win Hope's Journey.  There will be three winners (1 signed copy, 2 digital copies).  Plus, if she gains 100 followers during the tour, she will add a $25 gift card to Amazon!  Go HERE to enter.

Want to read more reviews for Hope's Journey?  Then check out the following participants on the tour.  Go HERE for the links.

March 20 - From the Other Side of the Mirror
March 21 - Cami's Books
March 22 - I'm So Funny
March 23 - Mormon Mommy Writers
March 26 - The Write Path
March 27 - Cindy C. Bennett, author
March 28 - Interview by A.L. Sowards
March 30 - Taking It One Page at a Time  
April 2 - Preserving the Past
April 3 - Getting Your Read On
April 4 - Books and Sensibility
April 5 - Two Kids and Tired
April 6 - Maria Hoagland, LDS Novelist
April 9 - Renae's Writespot
April 10 - I write I read I review
April 11 - Why Not Because I Said So
April 12 - Minding Spot
April 16 - I'd So Rather Be Reading
April 17 - Blkosiner Book Blog
April 19 - Bookworm Lisa
April 24 - Jinky is Reading
April 25 - So Simply Sara
April 26 - Bees Knees Reviews
April 27 - Feminist Mormon Housewives

Find Author:
Website | Facebook

Stephanie Connelley Worlton pursued a degree in Architecture before turning her creative energy towards other forms of artistic expression including writing. Through her many associations with youth, Stephanie felt prompted to channel her own experience as a teenage mother into a work that might open the eyes of understanding, break down stereotypes, cause youth to reevaluate their relationships, and ultimately provide hope for those in the trenches of an unplanned pregnancy. Aside from the busy schedule she keeps as a wife and mother of four, Stephanie enjoys interior design, gardening, carpentry, painting, and being involved with the youth of our rising generation.