Lea Waterhouse
CrossLink Publishing
Published February 23, 2017
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads
When Dawn learns of an opportunity to visit a college for the arts, she feels desperate to go. She knows, though, her parents would never, ever go along with her dreams of pursuing a career in photography. But when an old friend from her past returns to town and offers Dawn a ride on his motorcycle, Dawn realizes this might be the perfect chance to chase her dream, and reconnect with the gorgeous guy she once left behind.
Dawn’s sense of the world (sometimes lack of it) and her struggle to embrace her dream really resonated with me. I liked the ways in which her journey remained her own. Sometimes I felt like Justin’s wisdom and superior experience sort of overshadowed Dawn, but I liked that Dawn, on her own, crafts this spiritual journey apart from her relationship with Justin. I also liked that this story isn’t wholly a romance. At the heart of the story, Dawn faces some issues of maturity and cosmic questions. She’s a bit shallow and unfocused at the beginning, but definitely shows some growth by the end of the book.
The one thing that kind of left me shaking my head is the ending. I don’t want to give away what happens, but I felt like through the whole story Justin behaves a certain way, and then at the end he makes a choice that felt contrary to his character and the rules he’d established for himself.
On the whole this was a quick read with strong spiritual content that would probably appeal to young readers looking for stories featuring Christian girls. I liked the way the story used Dawn’s interest in photography as well.
Cultural Elements
Dawn’s parents are atheists and pretty forceful about their beliefs. Justin is a Christian but reluctant to share his beliefs with her.
Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.
Romance/Sexual Content
Dawn’s mom educated her about sex and provided condoms, so Dawn would be prepared. Dawn feels embarrassed about this, but when she leaves for her trip with Justin, she brings one condom along, just in case. She feels very attracted to Justin, and it seems he feels something for her, too.
One kiss at the very end of the story between a boy and girl.
Spiritual Content
See above. Dawn attends a church service and later begins her own exploration of the Bible and prayer. She becomes a Christian through these experiences.
Violent Content
None.
Drug Content
None.
