ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Michelle Sutton has lived in Arizona and since 1991 and has two sons and a husband of 18 years. She began writing fiction in August 2003 when God inspired her to write a novel with realistic characters that would glorify Him. In 2004 she joined ACFW - American Christian Fiction Writers. In 2006 Michelle ran for Volunteer Officer on the ACFW Operating board and ACFW members elected her to serve a two year term. She sold her first manuscript Then Sings My Soul (now re-titled It's Not About Me) to Sheaf House and her debut novel was released in Sept. 2008. The second book in the Second Glances series - It's Not About Him - will be released the following fall (Sept. 2009.)Last, Michelle is Editor in Chief of the new Christian Fiction Online Magazine. The debut issue released in July 2008. The magazine is sponsored by the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Annie has it all. She's attractive, graduated with honors, was accepted at the college of her choice, has supportive parents, good friends, and a steady boyfriend who loves her. One night an unexpected visitor appears and Annie's safe world is destroyed by a brutal attack. As she tries to pick up the pieces of her broken life, she is torn between two brothers, both of whom claim to love her. She is attracted to both, but which one does she love? How can she choose when her decision may cause a permanent rift between them? And more important, will she give her heart to the One who will sustain her even when human love fails."...the exquisitely written spiritual content shows the reader that redemption is available, no matter what the circumstances."
- 4 Stars, Romantic Times!
Instead of dealing with timely issues like alcoholism, premarital sex and pornography in a preachy, oh-so-tired fashion, Michelle Sutton's It's Not About Me gets to the heart of the matter with a shocking dose of realism and poignant storytelling. From the first paragraph, Sutton weaves together a thoroughly entertaining story that'll keep readers intrigued for the long haul as they get to know Annie, Dan, Tony and Susie—young adults that probably don't look and sound all that different from themselves. Now that's a seriously refreshing turn for Christian fiction."
~Christa Ann Banister~, author of Around the World in 80 Dates, (NavPress 2007) and Blessed are the Meddlers (NavPress 2008)
It's Not About Me is a wonderfully entertaining and deliciously suspenseful read that will keep you turning the pages. Sutton doesn't back away from the drama and with all of the twists and turns, It's Not About Me is hard to put down. I cannot wait for the sequel! Bravo!"
~Victoria Christopher Murray~, Essence best-selling author of multiple titles including The Ex Files and the upcoming YA series The Divine Divas
“Annie captured my heart on the first page and kept me enthralled to the very end. This edgy, yet surprisingly poignant story travels the inroads of intimate relationships – man to woman, brother to brother, parent to child, friend to friend. But especially satisfying is the author’s delicate handling of the relationship between a searching soul and the loving Savior who alone possesses the power to work all things out for the good. A terrific debut for Michelle Sutton. I can’t wait to read more from this talented author!”
~Virginia Smith~, author of Just As I Am and Sincerely, Mayla
"Michelle Sutton's gritty writing style will very likely go straight to the hearts of teens, addressing what they deal with every day in what is all too often grim reality for our youth. Sutton is no doubt a refreshing and much needed voice in today's YA fiction."
~Tina Ann Forkner~, Author of Ruby Among Us
Waterbrook Press/Random House
If you would like to read the Prologue and first Chapter of It's Not About Me, go HERE
It's Not About Me by Michelle SuttonMy review
rating: 3 of 5 stars
Having read a bunch of reviews of this book before I was able to get my hands on a copy I had several thoughts about what to expect. In starting the first and second chapter I was extremely hesitant. It was reminiscent to a time that I would gladly leave in my past memories and never go back to reflect. (A time that brought on a great long depression and I did not want to bring it back) But I promised to read the book and the author is a friend, so I prayed about continuing, felt peace and went on. In starting the third chapter I realized that this was not at all what I thought it would be and upon finishing the book, oh how true is that statement!
Michelle has done it. She has written a book that is so true to our youth and lives. This should be read through out colleges, I declare! It is a hard read, and I would definitely say that maturity should factor in, but I would not hesitate to say that if a parent deems their pre-teen old enough to let them read it, with the intention of discussion to follow.
It touches on so many points that people would rather ignore, and need to be spoken. As a person who is past the age of the characters in the book, I'd like to say that there was definitely a little too much kissing and all, but in reflection to who I was at that age, I should keep my mouth firmly shut. One can wish for tragedy to have never occurred, but without it, we would not be where we are today.
Michelle, you did it. I enjoyed the book. :) I would say the contemporary edgy is my genre, but it's a good story in a good book, by a good author.
View all my reviews.
4 comments and creative thoughts:
I saw your heart in this one, MJ, and I must say...it's beautifully like Jesus:-)
Love you, dear friend...
I'm not quite finished, but this book is definitely edgy. I just about fell out of my seat when I read he massaged her well...I'll keep the blog comments rated g. :)
I read the book and loved the writing and the concept. Ido agree with Amy a couple things sort of threw me but having read stuff that could almost pass for X with the amount of detail by authors who call themselves Christian this was tame in comparison.
Melissa
LOL! Can I just add that I never had him massage anything in the original version and that was actually added by the editor. I knew it would flip some people out. So know that the massaging was not put there by me. LOL!
And MJ, thanks so much for your honest review. That's what I love about my blogger friends. We write honest reviews. I do appreciate everything that you shared. :) As for my teenage years...we won't go there. It's not pretty. Love ya!
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