REVIEW: I know I am late to the party but, better late than never. I signed up for Not Again The Fallout and then remembered that there was Not Again and I politely backed out. Well, long story short, I read Not Again and then requested Not Again The Fallout. I am so happy that I reconsidered.

I have to say that I liked Not Again was a Christian based book. At my age, it was a little on the young side for me but, it did bring back memories of my younger years. Dating my boyfriend who would later become my husband. We went through some of the same struggles this young couple went through. I fell head over heels in love and remained that way. Those were the days!

Christina falls in love with Avery. They have a very hard time drawing the line and just sharing kisses. She strggles with the secret of a sexual assault she survived and wonders if she really has to save herself for marriage when she has already been assaulted. Her relationship with Avery and his family introducing her to a Chritian faith is her saving strength. I comes to her with a fierce determination to survive.

I really enjoyed following her walk with Christ and her determination to not let her assailant steal her happiness and joy. She is one determined young lady and I admired her strength. She winds up carrying this secret for many years. 

The character development was wonderful with the characters we really needed to know. Some were strong and some weren’t but, there was not any questions with the main characters. We knew what Christina was thinking most of the way and how important her firends were in her life.

There were scripture quotes in the last half of the book. I read them but, did not take the time to truly think about them and analyze what they were saying. Some were easier than others and I caught on right away. Others were more difficult. I didn’t mind them at all. I do wish they were in another version that has more modern language. One day I will go back and look them up. Maybe I should have read the verses in my own bible at the time. I would suggest that. There might be a fuller understanding.

This is my first book by Maria Henriksen and I was impressed. She did an awesome job with this story. I would not hold back reading this book if I were not a Christian. I truly hope that the young and old of today who are not Christians will read this book and be drawn to a Higher Power in their lives.  I do recommend this book. It is an awesome read and one that I think will resonate with young and old alike.

SYNOPSIS: Christina De Rosa holds a potentially deadly secret that threatens to get out. As an innocent young teenager, Christina survives a terrifying sexual assault that destroys her self-worth and trust.

In her daily struggle, Christina searches for ways to keep her torment at bay, so she can function as a “normal” teenager. Meanwhile, Christina’s spiritual journey leads her down a path causing conflict within, as she’s riddled with guilt and shame.

A chance encounter with her longtime, hot crush, Avery Evans, sparks a fire in Christina that she can’t extinguish. As the sweet, loving, knight in shining armor he readily portrays, Avery offers the safety and security that Christina craves.

In her quest for internal peace, Christina must make a decision. Will she give her heart, body and soul to the super popular, Avery Evans?

Will Christina’s nightmares become all-consuming or will her discoveries lead her to a renewed way of life?

Find out if true love triumphs in this edgy, faith-based young adult page-tuner, set in the 1980s.

*Not Again is NOT your typical Christian coming of age story. Fierce faith doesn’t come without a fight. Prepare for heartache, self-harm, traumatic events, real romance, and actual scripture in these pages.