Purple Moon

I’ve done a post like this before, but I’ve decided to talk about how Purple Moon again, the amazing book by Tess Emily Hall.

Selena's life isn't turning out to be the fairy tale she imagined as a kid.

That hope seemed to vanish long ago when her dad kicked her and her mom out of the house. This summer might finally hold the chance of a new beginning for Selena ... but having to live with her snobby cousin in Lake Lure, NC while waiting for her mom to get out of rehab wasn't how Selena was planning on spending her summer. She soon begins to wonder why she committed to give up her "bad habits" for this.

Things don't seem too bad, though. Especially when Selena gains the attention of the cute neighbor next door. But when her best friend back home in Brooklyn desperately needs her, a secret that's been hidden from Selena for years is revealed, and when she becomes a target for one of her cousin's nasty pranks, she finds herself having to face the scars from her past and the memories that come along with them. Will she follow her mom's example in running away, or trust that God still has a fairy tale life written just for her?

What I loved about this book was how much God was in the center of it. Though Selena wasn’t a Christian and she did sin, I saw God clearly working in her life. At the same time, it wasn’t preachy. Austin wasn’t an unrealistic, flawless Christian. He had a story too and he had changed by the grace of God.

I read this book last winter after following Tessa’s blog for awhile. I couldn’t put it down. I really think it could influence someone’s conversion. Selena was a very relatable character. Even though we didn’t have many similarities, I could understand her.  She was just searching. She wanted to stop doing bad things, but she was trapped. We’ve all felt that way some time during our life.

Another thing about it was Selena’s love to draw. I stink at drawing, but I was fantastic by how Tessa used her gift to contribute to the story. Up until then, I didn’t think your main character’s talent was a significant detail, but she used it in an important way.

So whenever you can, read this book. I downloaded it on my Kindle app on the day it was free, but it’s still inexpensive and totally worth it. If I had the money, I’d buy an actual copy of it. Even if you are a Christian, Selena’s story is a wonderful reminder of God’s love for us and how he can truly change a life. If you’re not a Christian, do not hesitate to read it. It’s not preachy and it’s very relatable to everyone.

But, I will add, that this book does include some content that you would have to understand before you read. It presents all this content as sin and honestly talks about the consequences, but I still think you it needs to be understood. So definitely talk to your parents before reading.

To learn more about Tessa Emily Hall, read her amazing blog. It's also not too late to enter her giveaway!