Genre

Young Adult / Romance

Audience

Ages 13+

Author’s Worldview

Catholic

Year Published

2019

Themes

Unplanned pregnancy, pro-life, sexual ethics, abortion

Reviewed by:

One night can turn into a life or death situation. Isaac, a recent college graduate and devout Catholic, trades his life on his family’s ranch for the bright lights of the city. Life is going well for Isaac with a dream job at an advertising agency and his best friend as a roommate. Isaac’s perfect world is turned upside down after a careless night of drinking with a pretty girl named Rebecca.

A mistake was made. A life was created and now Isaac and Rebecca must deal with the consequences. Isaac knows he must right a wrong and help bring this child into the world. For Rebecca, there is only one way to deal with an unwanted pregnancy: abortion. She asks Isaac for the money to procure one. He promptly denies her request. From there, emotions fly as the two fight over the life of the child that neither one of them are prepared for.

Isaac and Rebecca’s reaction to the pregnancy seems reflective of their environments. Isaac grew up in a loving and supportive family. Although they are disappointed with him, they never abandon him. It is as if they respond in the likeness of God. Along with his parents, Isaac also has the support of a true friend. Rebecca’s world seems to be filled with sadness. Her mother died when she was young and her father is both distant and demanding. An early abortion would shield her from having to tell her father about her mistake. At every turn, Rebecca’s roommate encourages her to get an abortion and convinces her the sooner she gets it over with the sooner she can get on with her life. As the pregnancy advances, Rebecca’s roommate just gets nastier. She seems to be surrounded by sharp edges.

Alternating between the points of view between pro-life Isaac and pro-choice Rebecca, Gaouette gives a voice to the often ignored father of an unplanned pregnancy. This isn’t just Isaac’s story. Rebecca’s transformation is beautiful. It’s no small thing to go from wanting an abortion to loving the unwanted child. The ending of this book gives the reader hope for Isaac and Rebecca’s situation as well as the pro-life mindset.

Life begins at the moment of conception. This is true regardless of whether it was planned or unplanned. Isaac is the type of strong pro-life man we need in the world today. He stood by his faith and values and fought for the life of his unborn child. For Eden’s Sake is a fast paced novel that is difficult to put down. By the third chapter, I was thoroughly invested in the characters and had to know how their story would end. I recommend this book for Catholic teens. Catholics will relate to the importance of confessing your sins, spending time in adoration, and putting your trust in God. Protestants and Catholics alike will identify with the pro-life theme of the book.

 

 

Roland West Loner by Theresa Linden

When his evil brothers lock Roland up in a dungeon he finds a locked box hiding a mysterious treasure.

How Sweet the Sound by Courtney Guest Kim

Annette makes all the wrong decisions for her love life—but through Grace finds true wisdom.

The King’s Prey by Susan Peek

When the king of Ireland goes insane, Princess Dymphna must embark on a harrowing journey to freedom.

Servant of the Suffering: Rose Hawthorne by Voyage Comics

The great-great-great-granddaughter of a Salem witch trial judge is on her way to Catholic sainthood.

Miracle at the Mission by Joseph Lewis

Visions, miracles, and a plot to assassinate the President of the United States – not the expected summer trip for two high school boys.

Stay with Me by Carolyn Astfalk

Can Rebecca get out from under her domineering father and find love with the forbidden Catholic boy determined to win her heart?

To Crown with Liberty by Karen Ullo

What must you do when nothing you can do will save those you love?

Worth Dying For By Marie C. Keiser

In the shady corporate-ruled galaxy, a man can acknowledge no god. Yet having nothing worth dying for frightens Mark more than death itself.

Misshelved Magic by S.R. Crickard

A non-magical librarian and a student mage discover the secrets of a magical library.

The Needle of Avocation by G.M. Baker

A match no one wants, except perhaps the groom. A mystery that could destroy everything.

The Rescue Sisters Series Adventures by Karina Fabian

Kickass Catholic Nuns in Space- what more do you need?!

A World Such As Heaven Intended

Amara didn’t intend to fall in love with a Union soldier. Is love even possible in her war-torn world?

Saving the Statue of Liberty By Andrea Jo Rodgers

Can John save the Statue of Liberty and keep from getting kicked off the team and out of the Academy?

North Pacific: A Story of Life, Love, Suffering, and Grace by Michael Steffan

Joseph & Miku’s love was already illegal. Then WWII began. Now home, disabled, and questioning God’s love, he still searches for her.

Ornamental Graces by Carolyn Astfalk

A great romantic drama about how authentic love can restore life to two people who have been hurt in the past.

Someday by Corinna Turner

Ordinary schoolgirls face a terrible fate: abuse, forced marriages, and even death at the hands of Islamic extremists.

Broken and Blessed: An Invitation to My Generation By Fr. Josh Johnson

Fr. Josh addresses some of the common misconceptions people have about God and what getting to actually know him actually means.

Demons are Forever by Declan Finn

Marco flees from his fears of hurting Amanda by taking a job to train Vampire Hunters in San Francisco. Should be a quiet job right?

Books for Lent

Deepen your Lenten reflection with these stories of repentance and forgiveness

Anyone But Him by Theresa Linden

What if you woke up one day and didn’t recognize the person you were sleeping next to?