Book Review: Small Town Sinners

Lacey Anne Byer is a perennial good girl. But with her driver's license in hand, Lacey's ready for a "movie moment" this year - something that will make her stand out. As a junior, she's finally eligible to try out for a lead role in Hell House, her church's annual haunted house of sin. But it turns out Lacey doesn't need to play a role to have her moment. What she needs is Ty Davis, the smart, cute, new guy in town. Ty doesn't know sweet, shy, good girl Lacey Anne. With Ty, Lacey could reinvent herself and maybe get her first boyfriend. As Lacey's feelings for Ty grow and conflicts surrounding Hell House intensify, Lacey finds reason to test her own boundaries - to question the faith she's always known to be absolute.

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In a Nutshell: Small Town Sinners is a book that shines a light on faith, sin, and what it means to decide the truth for yourself.

Putdownability Factor: This was definitely a fast read! I was sucked in from beginning to end.

Cover Love: The cover fits the book perfectly. Plus I just love that apple. I know its photoshopped but still, its awesome.

My Thoughts

There aren't a whole lot of YA authors writing religious fiction nowadays. I know its a controversial topic, and authors probably don't want to alienate readers but I really think that this is a niche that is just dying to be filled. Melissa Walker has not only written an intelligent and thought-provoking look at what its like to grow up a conservative christian, but she has also proven that there is a place for this type of book in YA.

Small Town Sinners isn't so much a book about religion, as it is a book about asking questions. Sure there were some heavily religious themes (hell houses? That is some crazy shiz!) but overall this book was about the characters and their journey through life, faith, and finding the truth in it all. Lacey Anne starts out as a shy good girl who would never question the religion that she's been brought up in, but by the books end Lacey Anne realizes that you can't just believe something because your parents believe it. You have to own it for yourself.

Small Town Sinners is for anyone who has had doubts, and wanted to the strength to find the answers. It was thought provoking, honest and one of my favorite reads of the summer. I give it 4 out of 5 ice cream cones.

Don't be afraid to ask questions.

Also you should take the time to check out Melissa Walker's blog because its AWESOME. One of my favorite author blogs. She has weekly giveaways, cover stories, and more! Really you should go follower her. 

Julia :)