The Secret Life of Samantha McGregor by Melody Carlson (and ANOTHER book giveaway!)

Melody Carlson is a favorite author, and a wonderful source for books written for teen girls. My daughter and I have been enjoying her "True Colors" series together, and now we have two new series to explore! I'm thrilled to introduce you to series number two today.

"The Secret Life of Samanthaa McGregor" is an intense supernatural thriller series that will have high appeal. Samantha is a normal teenaged girl that has a gift from God, but not one she likes to advertise.

Samantha can see things. God has gifted her with visions that she isn't quite sure she's happy about. In "Bad Connection", Samantha's gift helps her find Kayla Henderson, a troubled friend who's vanished.

At least, Samantha "thinks" her vision is supposed to help. But how can she know for sure she isn't just imagining things? And who can she talk to about what she "sees"?

At an age when girls want to fit in, Samantha's gift makes her stand out, and the usual struggle for self-acceptance and peer influence gets wonderful treatment in this novel.

The subject matter of "Bad Connection" and the other novels in this new series is controversial. In fact, Melody wrote a note of explanation to the reader in this series just to prevent misunderstanding. Melody's sense of responsibility to her young readers is admirable and just one more reason why I love her!

"Bad Connection" is the first in this new series, followed by "Beyond Reach" and the soon to be released "Playing With Fire".

Considering how much interest in the supernatural we see in media, specifically directed at our young women and young men, this is a series worth taking a look at. I read everything my kids read, and I encourage you to do the same. With Melody's books, it is so easy--they appeal on an adult level as well!!

"The Secret Life of Samantha McGregor" gets the full five out of five bookmarks from me, with a tiny textbook charm, to remind us that, while Sam is gifted, she is just a teenaged girl striving to serve God in obedience.

Now, it's YOUR turn! Leave me a comment and you can win a copy of "Playing With Fire" before it hits the shelves! I'll be drawing a winner on Monday, August 27th! And don't miss out on my giveaway for "Notes From a Spinning Planet: Mexico".

Happy Reading!

Deena