Release Date: November 5th 2013
Destiny Clark, a young Mormon girl living in Tennessee, is wildly infatuated with Isaac Robinson, the headmaster's son at her Baptist high school. When they're cast together in the school's production of Les Misérables, Destiny is horrified to find that she has to be publicly humiliated by acting out her true feelings of rejection onstage.As their rehearsals begin, Destiny realizes the unimaginable: Isaac has developed deep feelings for her despite their religious differences and the fact that he has a girlfriend.But will they be able to find their place amongst the backbiters of their ultra-conservative world?Weaving around Destiny and Isaac's alternating viewpoints, Destiny is the first book in a series inspired by the characters of Les Misérables and explores heartbreak, self-discovery, intolerance, and love.
REVIEW
Last week,
we witnessed a strong campaign going on in favor of more diversity in books,
and of course we didn’t want to be left out of it. So if you are looking for a
good fluffy read with some diversity in it, then Destiny is the book for you.
I know religious
issues can be a touchy subject sometimes, this book certainly proves how ugly
things can get when we take our beliefs to the extreme of prejudice and hatred,
but it was certainly interesting for me, to learn a bit more about some
religions I haven’t actually been much exposed to.
A fair
warning here, if you are not a fan of Christian Fiction, then maybe this book
isn’t for you, because religion is a great subject here and there will be talk
about God and Salvation. But if you don’t mind that and want to embrace religious
diversity and learn a bit more about religious kids and how they are willing to
fight for their beliefs and love; then please give this book a shot.
I really
enjoyed this book because it discussed important topics like intolerance and
bigotry, which lets face is very real, encompassed in an everyday reality. It was
really harsh to see how a person can be shunned for her religious differences,
and it was awesome to see Destiny rise through all that and get her life
together. It really helped that she met some amazing people to ride along.
Plus, besides all the hatred and opposition, I can understand why, when you
believe so strongly in something, it could be difficult to date someone with as
stronger beliefs in something different.
I can't go without saying that I'm a huge sucker for good boys, and the guys in this books are definitely something else. They were both so devoted and caring, and they also got their whole alpha male act going on. Truly, they are the ideal boyfriends, but in the bottom of my heart, I'm definitely team Preston!
It is weird
that Destiny’s parents put their kids in a Baptist school when they are
Mormons, but I have actually met people who went to Catholic schools without
being one, and even to Hebrew schools when they are not, so I guess, it
happens!
I also
liked that even though religion was a very relevant piece in the story, this
book really is about love and how far are we willing to fight for what we want
and for whom we love. It’s about real friendship, and for standing by the
people you care for; but what I loved the most was the importance music was
given. I’m really a terrible singer, so I do get jealous of people who have the
talent these kids had, but the descriptions were so good that I could feel the
goose bumps in my skin when they were singing. I swear I could almost hear them
sing. I have to admit though; I find it to be really odd that everyone had a
piano in their house and that they were all so proficient with music.
In sum,
what makes Destiny a good Fluffy Read you will enjoy, is that it’s about determination, loyalty and friendship. It’s about love and passion. It’s about not
letting others dictate how you should feel, act or believe. It's about how hatred, prejudice and intolerance can cause so much damage and hurt; and it’s about
music and the power it withholds. This book will leave you with a feeling that
nothing is impossible, and that you should most definitely fight for what you
want.
Verdict:
Happy reading,
Fluffy Reader Valeria
If you liked Destiny then don't forget to check out the next book in the series.
Synchrony (Destiny #2)
by Cindy Ray Hale
Release Date: 2014
When her parents discover she’s been sneaking out with Isaac Robinson the forbidden Baptist boy, Mormon girl Destiny Clark decides it’s time to keep their relationship quiet. As their relationship moves to shakier ground, Destiny discovers that Isaac has a terrible secret, and she is left completely shattered.The moment Destiny feels all hope is lost, Preston Nelson, her longtime church friend and Isaac's bitter rival, arrives like a beacon of light. It isn't long before two separate disasters strike for Preston and Destiny's best friend, Hannah. As Destiny helps them through their issues, she discovers that sometimes the best way to forget about your own problems is to help a friend in need.Just as her heart begins to mend and her friendship with Preston begins to heat up, Isaac walks back into her life, threatening to rekindle the feelings she’d hoped to bury forever. Will Destiny and Preston find the synchrony they so desperately need, or will she find a way to forgive Isaac and return to his outstretched arms?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Cindy Ray Hale lives in a little slice of wooded heaven near Atlanta, Georgia with her husband and children. She spends way too much time following up-and-coming musicians on YouTube and dreams of joining their ranks one day. She’s a bit of a health food nut and can’t live without her daily green smoothies. She tries to stay sane as she juggles writing with four kids, staying active on social media, and keeping up her book blog at http://cinnamoncindy.blogspot.com/. In addition to writing and self-publishing two Young Adult Contemporary novels, she has also written articles for "New Era" magazine and The American Preppers Network.
For more information on The Destiny Trilogy and Cindy’s upcoming books visit http://destinybycindyhale.blogspot.com/ or follow @CindyRayHale on Twitter.
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