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Addison Blakely: Confessions of a PK
Sixteen-year-old Addison Blakely has tireless played the role of PK—preacher’s kid—her entire life. But after Wes Keegan revs his motorcycle into town and into her heart, Addison begins to wonder how much of her faith is her own and how much has been handed to her. She isn’t so sure she wants to be the good girl anymore. Join Addison Blakely as she attempts to separate love from lust, facts from faith, and keep her head above water in her murky, fishbowl existence.
368 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
5 people are currently reading
1,029 people want to read
About the author
Betsy St. Amant
47Ìýbooks766ÌýfollowersBetsy St. Amant Haddox is the author of over twenty romance novels and novellas. She resides in north Louisiana with her hubby, two daughters, an impressive stash of coffee mugs, and one furry Schnauzer-toddler. Betsy has a B.A. in Communications and a deep-rooted passion for seeing women restored to truth. When she’s not composing her next book or baby-talking her dog, Betsy can be found somewhere in the vicinity of an iced coffee. She writes frequently for iBelieve, a devotional site for women, and offers author coaching and editing services through Storyside LLC. . Visit her at
also published under Betsy Ann St. Amant
also published under Betsy Ann St. Amant
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
May 10, 2012
Being a Preacher's Kid is hard work!
At least that's what Addison Blakely thinks. Addison struggles to fit in with her peers, yet at the same time be the epitome of perfection expected of a PK. Addison navigates her way through High School, friendships, romantic relationships, and her dad dating again. Can Addison keep up with the unfair expectations handed down to her, can she be a good PK?
Written in an entertaining first person style, Addison Blakely: Confessions of a PK, is a book that was a bit slow to start but got better as it went along. There were elements to the story that I thought were a bit too cliche, but then this is a book about High School!
My favorite character ended up being one that wasn't really in the book as much I hoped he would be, because I thought that Luke was awesome.
What I really liked about this story was how it showed how sometimes we can substitute being good and following the rules for being solely dependant on Jesus Christ. And we shouldn't do that.
Overall, this was a fun book, with an ending that surprised me a bit, and I wasn't quite sure if I totally liked...But ya'll will have to read the book and make your own impressions :) For the most part, I would recommend this book more towards people who read alot of YA fiction.
I received this book from the publisher in return for an honest review.
At least that's what Addison Blakely thinks. Addison struggles to fit in with her peers, yet at the same time be the epitome of perfection expected of a PK. Addison navigates her way through High School, friendships, romantic relationships, and her dad dating again. Can Addison keep up with the unfair expectations handed down to her, can she be a good PK?
Written in an entertaining first person style, Addison Blakely: Confessions of a PK, is a book that was a bit slow to start but got better as it went along. There were elements to the story that I thought were a bit too cliche, but then this is a book about High School!
My favorite character ended up being one that wasn't really in the book as much I hoped he would be, because I thought that Luke was awesome.
What I really liked about this story was how it showed how sometimes we can substitute being good and following the rules for being solely dependant on Jesus Christ. And we shouldn't do that.
Overall, this was a fun book, with an ending that surprised me a bit, and I wasn't quite sure if I totally liked...But ya'll will have to read the book and make your own impressions :) For the most part, I would recommend this book more towards people who read alot of YA fiction.
I received this book from the publisher in return for an honest review.
July 9, 2023
As a former PK, I completely identified with Addison even tho I’m a long way removed from her high school years. She figured out the importance of a genuine, personal relationship with Jesus long before I did so definite kudos to her. Lots going on in this book but the author dealt with the issues appropriately and seemingly in ways that will reach her intended audience.
April 29, 2021
This was... nice. I liked how Wes's and Mr Keegan's character's changed through the book:) Marta was honestly one of the best friends I've read about! Katy was really sweet as well... and her dad? well, he's... a good Pastor, just maybe neglecting his daughter a bit lot? Addison herself tho... idk, she seemed a bittt selfish imo... but then I understand she'd have reason to be...
This book was relatable (me being a PK) so I enjoyed it and would love it if there were more books like this:D
This book was relatable (me being a PK) so I enjoyed it and would love it if there were more books like this:D
February 2, 2013
Addison Blakely is a 16 almost 17 yo Pk she struggles with her faith with her friend having to move away and trying to find out who she is in this world...In the end perhaps she will come into herself. I deffinitely recomend this book for young adults or adults who are simply young at hear...
April 8, 2012
Addison Blakely is a PK. After seeing the words PK mentioned oddly in two books I've read in the past couple of weeks I have finally discovered what it means! Yay for me! It means preacher's kid. She does everything for her father (well that's how I see it) while he's always away doing something for the church. She gets to cook him dinner three days out of the week, worry about his health, and maintain the image hat is the PK by getting the best possible grades, choosing the right choices, and overall being perfect.
Then comes in Wes who she has been obsessively stalking. He is the brooding-leather-jacket-motorcycle-riding-get-away-from-my-daughter type of person. He's always around poodle girl as she likes to call his "girlfriend" and they are sure to be making out but Wes has caught Addison's eye and maybe he actually might like her.
Luke is the boy your mother and father would love to meet. He's always sweet to Addison but she has her eyes on Wes. Marta is a foreign exchange student who she deems a Godsend since she's always there and gives her great ideas unlike her best friend who ditches her. Now her EX-best friend.
So who will Addison pick? And what will she do when her holier than holy father starts humming and smiling everywhere since he's been going on dates with someone too close for comfort? And is she really as close to God as she is supposed to be?
YES! What am I saying yes to? I am saying yes to this book and how completely hard I fell for it. Addison for one really needs to cut down on the sugar because she's going to go in a sugar comatose one of these days. She was a bit of a pain... not pain pain. I mean she always attacked Wes on everything he did and I thought the author was trying to make him be the bad guy and say that he was so wrong in every way. It was frustrating. But then I liked that about the book. I liked that I didn't know what was going to happen and I'm staring at my screen thinking ummm.... how do I not know how this is going to end yet!? when I'm so close to finishing. This book made me really just think and keep wondering and I loved it for that.
Now I said that I thought the author was making Wes seem like a really bad guy but I was gung ho for Luke because dude... he is totally into you and he is a sweetheart. At the end it could have gone to anyone really especially since Luke is pretty much perfect. Marta, her friend I was talking about earlier, is a foreign exchange student from Germany and I felt it was so unreal when reading Ja from her all the time. I'm like what is this!? It took me awhile but I warmed up to her. And I was looking at it from her point of view and I would have thrown something at Addison a long time ago because she's ALWAYS having a crisis. And I felt Addison a little bit selfish because it was always about her but then I think I'm being too nitpicky because duh! self look at the title. Still think it sometimes.
Her father.... I kind of know the horribleness that is overprotective parents. I really loathe it because I feel like I can never really do anything. My life feels like it's not really started and I feel like such a loner especially with reading all the time and people saying oh she reads all the time. Why do you read all the time? Answer: I. Like. Reading. So I felt like I can relate to her in more than one aspect.
The God part was interesting. It was odd when she was talking about it. So.... sure. But with God everything is easy except when you get into the details. Details like how I could never believe in Purgatory, how people who are religious think my ideas are wrong (I know what they mean when you can't interpret/shape the message or the Bible of how you want it. I understand that but then if I don't believe some things it doesn't mean I don't believe at all), and more importantly the religious people or people in general who think being gay is wrong. It's none of your business. It isn't your life. God loves everyone especially since they love. Your the one hating. I think he would prefer those who love. I have yet to find a book with details like this including this one. I wish I could find someone struggling with the details not the main concept. I except God not so much the other parts...
So in the end this book was fantastic. As you can tell by this really long review that I enjoyed it and it made me think about God which I've been trying to find more in books. So I'm pretty content right now. Oh! When she made her realization in the end... it was perfect. I wanted to cover my mouth too. Addison Blakely won me over. This book is HIGHLY recommended.
Then comes in Wes who she has been obsessively stalking. He is the brooding-leather-jacket-motorcycle-riding-get-away-from-my-daughter type of person. He's always around poodle girl as she likes to call his "girlfriend" and they are sure to be making out but Wes has caught Addison's eye and maybe he actually might like her.
Luke is the boy your mother and father would love to meet. He's always sweet to Addison but she has her eyes on Wes. Marta is a foreign exchange student who she deems a Godsend since she's always there and gives her great ideas unlike her best friend who ditches her. Now her EX-best friend.
So who will Addison pick? And what will she do when her holier than holy father starts humming and smiling everywhere since he's been going on dates with someone too close for comfort? And is she really as close to God as she is supposed to be?
YES! What am I saying yes to? I am saying yes to this book and how completely hard I fell for it. Addison for one really needs to cut down on the sugar because she's going to go in a sugar comatose one of these days. She was a bit of a pain... not pain pain. I mean she always attacked Wes on everything he did and I thought the author was trying to make him be the bad guy and say that he was so wrong in every way. It was frustrating. But then I liked that about the book. I liked that I didn't know what was going to happen and I'm staring at my screen thinking ummm.... how do I not know how this is going to end yet!? when I'm so close to finishing. This book made me really just think and keep wondering and I loved it for that.
Now I said that I thought the author was making Wes seem like a really bad guy but I was gung ho for Luke because dude... he is totally into you and he is a sweetheart. At the end it could have gone to anyone really especially since Luke is pretty much perfect. Marta, her friend I was talking about earlier, is a foreign exchange student from Germany and I felt it was so unreal when reading Ja from her all the time. I'm like what is this!? It took me awhile but I warmed up to her. And I was looking at it from her point of view and I would have thrown something at Addison a long time ago because she's ALWAYS having a crisis. And I felt Addison a little bit selfish because it was always about her but then I think I'm being too nitpicky because duh! self look at the title. Still think it sometimes.
Her father.... I kind of know the horribleness that is overprotective parents. I really loathe it because I feel like I can never really do anything. My life feels like it's not really started and I feel like such a loner especially with reading all the time and people saying oh she reads all the time. Why do you read all the time? Answer: I. Like. Reading. So I felt like I can relate to her in more than one aspect.
The God part was interesting. It was odd when she was talking about it. So.... sure. But with God everything is easy except when you get into the details. Details like how I could never believe in Purgatory, how people who are religious think my ideas are wrong (I know what they mean when you can't interpret/shape the message or the Bible of how you want it. I understand that but then if I don't believe some things it doesn't mean I don't believe at all), and more importantly the religious people or people in general who think being gay is wrong. It's none of your business. It isn't your life. God loves everyone especially since they love. Your the one hating. I think he would prefer those who love. I have yet to find a book with details like this including this one. I wish I could find someone struggling with the details not the main concept. I except God not so much the other parts...
So in the end this book was fantastic. As you can tell by this really long review that I enjoyed it and it made me think about God which I've been trying to find more in books. So I'm pretty content right now. Oh! When she made her realization in the end... it was perfect. I wanted to cover my mouth too. Addison Blakely won me over. This book is HIGHLY recommended.
December 14, 2011
It was a refreshing change to read a young adult book that had romance, yet was completely clean. The book held my attention throughout. TAnd I appreciated the fact that this was a definite work of Christian fiction...no holding back on that theme. There were only a few things that would be on my "wish list" for this book. They are, in no particular order:
1. Further explore the relationship between Addison and Claire. It was there, we got a glimpse, and then it was dropped like a hot mocha latte.
2. Wes?...Luke?...Wes?...Luke?...Edward?...Jacob?...Get my drift? I felt like I was in the Twilight saga. Give me something more original. Or just leave Luke out of the picture altogether.
3. Was Marta, Addison's best friend, really a junior in high school? I realize she was an exchange student from Germany, but she seemed very mature for her years. I don't mean you should have "dumbed" her down,but her voice just didn't seem to fit her age group. It sounded like her voice would have been perfect for Ms. Hawthorne (English teacher).
I wanted to give this book only 3 stars, but I felt it deserved more simply for the fact that it was a relief to finally read a YA book where the main character wished to act upon her morals yet it also showed her struggles with that. Whoever said that following God and Christ's examples would be easy? Thank you, Ms. St. Amant and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book prior to publication. I plan on adding it to my school's library collection.
1. Further explore the relationship between Addison and Claire. It was there, we got a glimpse, and then it was dropped like a hot mocha latte.
2. Wes?...Luke?...Wes?...Luke?...Edward?...Jacob?...Get my drift? I felt like I was in the Twilight saga. Give me something more original. Or just leave Luke out of the picture altogether.
3. Was Marta, Addison's best friend, really a junior in high school? I realize she was an exchange student from Germany, but she seemed very mature for her years. I don't mean you should have "dumbed" her down,but her voice just didn't seem to fit her age group. It sounded like her voice would have been perfect for Ms. Hawthorne (English teacher).
I wanted to give this book only 3 stars, but I felt it deserved more simply for the fact that it was a relief to finally read a YA book where the main character wished to act upon her morals yet it also showed her struggles with that. Whoever said that following God and Christ's examples would be easy? Thank you, Ms. St. Amant and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book prior to publication. I plan on adding it to my school's library collection.
March 30, 2014
Brilliant. Stunning. Poignant. Honest. Refreshing. Inspiring. Revelatory.
These were the first words that came to my mind after reading AB:CoaPK. Days later, I'm still in awe of the beauty in this story. I laughed, my eyes welled with tears, I laughed some more. It’s so much bigger than labels. The major theme of this story is universal. Who hasn’t questioned what they believe and why they believe it? And who hasn’t come to the realization, at some point in their lives that they have to choose what’s right over what’s desirable? Each character was well thought out for what they needed to add to the story. The contrast between Wes, Luke and even Austin went so much deeper for me than what was on the surface. Some may have reduced them to clichés, but not this chick.
This isn’t a preachy story where the author uses 353 pages to force her beliefs on the reader (not that I feel her beliefs are wrong, btw). The story is an invitation to readers to search their hearts, their beliefs, and their moral integrity, then examine how they line up with the way they actually live. By the end of the book, the author does a magnificent job of leaving ALL of the characters in a place where they are free to make their own choices, much as we all have free will to choose in regards to our personal spiritual journeys.
Addison Blakely: Confessions of a PK is a well-written, heartfelt coming of age story that compels readers to moments of self-reflection and self-discovery. Definitely one for the keeper shelf. In fact, it ranks on my favs list.
Well done, Ms. St. Amant.
These were the first words that came to my mind after reading AB:CoaPK. Days later, I'm still in awe of the beauty in this story. I laughed, my eyes welled with tears, I laughed some more. It’s so much bigger than labels. The major theme of this story is universal. Who hasn’t questioned what they believe and why they believe it? And who hasn’t come to the realization, at some point in their lives that they have to choose what’s right over what’s desirable? Each character was well thought out for what they needed to add to the story. The contrast between Wes, Luke and even Austin went so much deeper for me than what was on the surface. Some may have reduced them to clichés, but not this chick.
This isn’t a preachy story where the author uses 353 pages to force her beliefs on the reader (not that I feel her beliefs are wrong, btw). The story is an invitation to readers to search their hearts, their beliefs, and their moral integrity, then examine how they line up with the way they actually live. By the end of the book, the author does a magnificent job of leaving ALL of the characters in a place where they are free to make their own choices, much as we all have free will to choose in regards to our personal spiritual journeys.
Addison Blakely: Confessions of a PK is a well-written, heartfelt coming of age story that compels readers to moments of self-reflection and self-discovery. Definitely one for the keeper shelf. In fact, it ranks on my favs list.
Well done, Ms. St. Amant.
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April 10, 2012Addison, age 16, is best known for her role as the diligent PK (preacher's kid) -- always second guessing and second checking her actions to ensure she is upholding her father's good name. So, when she starts crushing on Wes, an older guy with a definite wild side, she is definitely hesitant to let things go too far. But, no matter how hard Addison tries to forget Wes, she is unable to keep herself from gravitating towards his mysterious charm. Can a preacher's justify a relationship with the town bad boy?
I think this novel was better than I had expected, but it did feel very young. I would probably recommend this to pre-teens or early teens, who are likely young enough to find charm in the overly-convenient plotlines and overly-forced dialogue of the characters.
I did enjoy the segment in which Addison forced herself to really look at her lifestyle, acknowledging that perhaps she has only been going through the motions as a preacher's kid rather than letting the natural outflowing of her beliefs affect her life. While the lessons of the story are admirable, the story itself just felt a bit too unrealistic at parts -- especially the interactions between (pretty much all of) the characters.
Even so, ADDISON BLAKELY: CONFESSIONS OF A PK was a charming, fun, delightful tale for fans of inspirational fiction.
I think this novel was better than I had expected, but it did feel very young. I would probably recommend this to pre-teens or early teens, who are likely young enough to find charm in the overly-convenient plotlines and overly-forced dialogue of the characters.
I did enjoy the segment in which Addison forced herself to really look at her lifestyle, acknowledging that perhaps she has only been going through the motions as a preacher's kid rather than letting the natural outflowing of her beliefs affect her life. While the lessons of the story are admirable, the story itself just felt a bit too unrealistic at parts -- especially the interactions between (pretty much all of) the characters.
Even so, ADDISON BLAKELY: CONFESSIONS OF A PK was a charming, fun, delightful tale for fans of inspirational fiction.
December 15, 2011
Addison Blakely is a preacher's kid. Her whole life and beliefs are predetermined & all eyes are on her, and she needs to set the good example in her community. Problem is, Addison is confused. She doesn't know what to believe in, if everything is only black or white, and what are the intentions of the hot new 'bad boy' in town, Wes Keegan.
A big portion of the book is spent with Addison's infatuation and also resistance towards Wes, her internal struggle when it comes to being a preacher's kid, and living with this label. She also didn't throw herself at Wes, and actually thought about the consequences of her actions. Marking her as a very endearing protagonist in my books!
I also loved her new friend, Marta, the foreign exchange student. She was a great friend to Addison and showed Addison that being a PK doesn't have to empower your life, and that you decide who you want to be in the end.
The story was great! there were some cute moments with Wes, even swoon worthy! so even with all Addison's drama, I am happy to say she wasn't the whiny, 'why me?!' kind of girl. I would recommend this book to contemporary lovers who want a breezy book to read!
A big portion of the book is spent with Addison's infatuation and also resistance towards Wes, her internal struggle when it comes to being a preacher's kid, and living with this label. She also didn't throw herself at Wes, and actually thought about the consequences of her actions. Marking her as a very endearing protagonist in my books!
I also loved her new friend, Marta, the foreign exchange student. She was a great friend to Addison and showed Addison that being a PK doesn't have to empower your life, and that you decide who you want to be in the end.
The story was great! there were some cute moments with Wes, even swoon worthy! so even with all Addison's drama, I am happy to say she wasn't the whiny, 'why me?!' kind of girl. I would recommend this book to contemporary lovers who want a breezy book to read!
February 20, 2012
Review by Jill Williamson
Addison Blakely has always done everything to please her overprotective dad—who’s also a pastor. The thing is, she has a crush on a bad boy. And the more her dad ignores her, the more she wants to chase after something she wants. But what if it’s the wrong choice?
Two thumbs up! I adored this book so much that I ignored my entire household one Saturday morning because I couldn’t put it down! This is a great story about first love/lust/attraction and how Addison deals with it all. I loved her character, and I was completely sucked in to her world. This story reminded me of Nicolas Sparks� A Walk to Remember in how the bad boy and the good girl like each other. This was a very sweet story. I highly recommend it to readers 14 and up.
*I received this book free for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Addison Blakely has always done everything to please her overprotective dad—who’s also a pastor. The thing is, she has a crush on a bad boy. And the more her dad ignores her, the more she wants to chase after something she wants. But what if it’s the wrong choice?
Two thumbs up! I adored this book so much that I ignored my entire household one Saturday morning because I couldn’t put it down! This is a great story about first love/lust/attraction and how Addison deals with it all. I loved her character, and I was completely sucked in to her world. This story reminded me of Nicolas Sparks� A Walk to Remember in how the bad boy and the good girl like each other. This was a very sweet story. I highly recommend it to readers 14 and up.
*I received this book free for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Read
September 23, 2011I liked this book. It is nice to read about people discovering what they really believe and then sticking to their morals. I liked Addison. She wasn't perfect but she was trying to not let her father down. Her father was a flawed and realistic character. I was happy to take the journey with her as she figured out how she really felt about things. I liked Wes but I never fully trusted him. Although I was happy with the way his character had changed by the end of the book. I have to admit (true to form) I was rooting for the underdog. Addison never wanted him but I thought he would be perfect for her. The way the book ended I wasn't sure if it was a stand alone or if there was another book planned. I enjoyed this book.
June 18, 2012
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June 13, 2012
Take away the super awesome guy, Germanic best friend, and the dead mom, add two brothers and a sister, and you basically have my life. Very, very good-- loved it all the way.
November 4, 2012
I think this book was very good. A lot of people can relate to the main character.I read it in about a day or two. This book contains enough drama and enough romance. Overall I give it 5/5 stars!
October 2, 2019
Highly enjoyed. Not necessarily the best literature, but it was an enjoyable bedtime read after a long day of school. Addison's story helped me to grow, as well.
October 29, 2019
Actual rating 4.5
I enjoyed the book quite a bit. It has a good plot and is realistic for a modern PK.
I enjoyed the book quite a bit. It has a good plot and is realistic for a modern PK.
April 13, 2012
great book, and i also has a great christian base! I loved it!
January 28, 2018
This was a cute book. I really liked the main character... most of the time. There were parts where Addison’s crush on Wes got to be pretty annoying, but when I think back to when I was a kid, I can remember having annoying obsessions too.
Her love for books at the beginning made me nod my head in agreement...
�...a bookworm carrying a book bag? Whatever. I loved my books—fiction more than textbooks, of course, though I was never without a variety of both—and they needed a bag, so what was the harm? At least there wasn’t an actual picture of a worm on the front.�
“I adjusted my purse on my shoulder, heavy with Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, which was silly since I knew I wouldn’t read in church even if I could get away with it.�
“I was rambling now but couldn’t stop. No one had ever listened to me talk about books before. Marta was even nodding like she agreed. I went on, picking up speed. “It sucks that people don’t read as much anymore, you know? It’s like video games and technology have completely replaced a good book. And then there are the people out there who want to read but can’t because they never even learned how—� I stopped and slowly smiled.�
As a teacher who loves books and students to read, I shouting, “OMG...yes!� I wish more parents and young people realized this!
But back to the main story...I think Addison’s internal struggles of what and why she believes what is right is realistic. Her doubt and sway between each happens to us all, not to mention teenagers.
This is a fun book for teen girls who love romance and reading about teen life. They could relate to the identity themes and the main character’s sarcasm and emotions. I’m only giving it three stars because I don’t think the resolution was the best. Relationships that mixed up shouldn’t always end up that neat and tidy.
Her love for books at the beginning made me nod my head in agreement...
�...a bookworm carrying a book bag? Whatever. I loved my books—fiction more than textbooks, of course, though I was never without a variety of both—and they needed a bag, so what was the harm? At least there wasn’t an actual picture of a worm on the front.�
“I adjusted my purse on my shoulder, heavy with Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, which was silly since I knew I wouldn’t read in church even if I could get away with it.�
“I was rambling now but couldn’t stop. No one had ever listened to me talk about books before. Marta was even nodding like she agreed. I went on, picking up speed. “It sucks that people don’t read as much anymore, you know? It’s like video games and technology have completely replaced a good book. And then there are the people out there who want to read but can’t because they never even learned how—� I stopped and slowly smiled.�
As a teacher who loves books and students to read, I shouting, “OMG...yes!� I wish more parents and young people realized this!
But back to the main story...I think Addison’s internal struggles of what and why she believes what is right is realistic. Her doubt and sway between each happens to us all, not to mention teenagers.
This is a fun book for teen girls who love romance and reading about teen life. They could relate to the identity themes and the main character’s sarcasm and emotions. I’m only giving it three stars because I don’t think the resolution was the best. Relationships that mixed up shouldn’t always end up that neat and tidy.
February 17, 2024
As a PK there is a lot I liked about this book. The challenges of being judged by the community (whether real or in my head) and the expectations set upon you by your family and community. Enjoyable and definitely explored the spiritual challenges of any PK.
January 31, 2015
Originally posted at:
The thing that caught my eye about this book was the PK (pastor’s kid). I know that stereotypes of Pks: either they’re holier-than-thou or rebellious punk rock stars. Apparently, there’s no in-between, and I’ve never really read a book that had an in-between character. Until, of course, I met this book.
Addison isn’t exactly a punk rock star (she wipes noses of the unfortunate) or holier-than-thou (her wit’s almost at the Percy Jackson level). She’s just a regular girl trying to find God in a time where feelings rule hearts and friendships are broken and made in a blink of an eye. She’s a refreshing character, and I absolutely loved getting to know her. Addison isn’t perfect; she’s real, and she’s just like everyone else else. I really like how the author broke that stereotype of a PK (and Christians) with Addison.
So, time to get down to the real meat: the lessons in the story.
Before I say anything else, I want to shout this:
THIS BOOK IS NOT PREACHY.
I REPEAT: THIS BOOK IS NOT PREACHY.
I’VE READ PREACHY; THIS BOOK IS NOT PREACHY!!
But it is YA Christian, and so it will have Christian morals and lessons. The theme/subject that I loved the most was the subject on navigating relationships in a Christian way. Not just bf/gf relationships but also relationships with friends and families. Being a Christian doesn't mean being a doormat, but it also doesn't mean that you should be rude. Finding that balance is often tough (how can I be kind, but not be a push-over?), but one of the sub-emphasises (???) of this book was doing everything out of love and not out of duty (which I think is the way to finding that balance- but finding that love can be tough sometimes). Another subject this book focuses a lot on is really making that decision for yourself to give your life to Christ; no one is born being a Christian, and I love the journey that Addison took to understand that. This is something I feel a lot of teens these days don’t really seem to get (I didn't get it either until much later), that just going to church and doing good stuff doesn’t make you a Christian. There’s so much more to being a Christian than church and doing good stuff; it’s about relationship with God, and Addison explores that topic as well. She learns and she grows, and the reader follows her, learning and growing as well.
Now the guys of this book� The love triangle in this novel between Addison, Luke (the quintessential good boy), and Wes (the residential bad boy) is an� interesting one. I didn’t really like it, but it wasn’t too bad. My main iffy was that Luke was a bit of flat character (he was just really good), while Wes was deep and complex, so it automatically made me biased towards him. It’s also interesting in that Addison knows what everyone expects of her -to fall for Luke- but instead she goes against her PK image of wiping noses and falls for Wes, the bad boy who has numerous issues. But she does go back and forth between what she feels she has to choose and what she wants to choose, and I like the ending (which does tie in with the love triangle) a lot because it ends with something beginning instead of ending. At the risk of spoilers, I shall just leave this vague statement here and hope when you read the book it makes sense lol. ;)
Marta, a foreign exchange student from Germany, is Addison’s wise mentor, and one of my favorite characters in this book. She guides Addison through her journey of discovering her identity in Christ and helps her grow spiritually. She also teaches Addison that though her earthly father may fail, Her Heavenly Father is perfect. With her blunt way of speaking, she’s honest and passionate about what she believes in and is an awesome friend to Addison.
This book is heart driven and absolutely sweet and lovely. The characters really carry the book, and I love the ending. I thank God that this is a stand alone because it’s perfect that way. :)
Thanks for reading! :)
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
The thing that caught my eye about this book was the PK (pastor’s kid). I know that stereotypes of Pks: either they’re holier-than-thou or rebellious punk rock stars. Apparently, there’s no in-between, and I’ve never really read a book that had an in-between character. Until, of course, I met this book.
Addison isn’t exactly a punk rock star (she wipes noses of the unfortunate) or holier-than-thou (her wit’s almost at the Percy Jackson level). She’s just a regular girl trying to find God in a time where feelings rule hearts and friendships are broken and made in a blink of an eye. She’s a refreshing character, and I absolutely loved getting to know her. Addison isn’t perfect; she’s real, and she’s just like everyone else else. I really like how the author broke that stereotype of a PK (and Christians) with Addison.
So, time to get down to the real meat: the lessons in the story.
Before I say anything else, I want to shout this:
THIS BOOK IS NOT PREACHY.
I REPEAT: THIS BOOK IS NOT PREACHY.
I’VE READ PREACHY; THIS BOOK IS NOT PREACHY!!
But it is YA Christian, and so it will have Christian morals and lessons. The theme/subject that I loved the most was the subject on navigating relationships in a Christian way. Not just bf/gf relationships but also relationships with friends and families. Being a Christian doesn't mean being a doormat, but it also doesn't mean that you should be rude. Finding that balance is often tough (how can I be kind, but not be a push-over?), but one of the sub-emphasises (???) of this book was doing everything out of love and not out of duty (which I think is the way to finding that balance- but finding that love can be tough sometimes). Another subject this book focuses a lot on is really making that decision for yourself to give your life to Christ; no one is born being a Christian, and I love the journey that Addison took to understand that. This is something I feel a lot of teens these days don’t really seem to get (I didn't get it either until much later), that just going to church and doing good stuff doesn’t make you a Christian. There’s so much more to being a Christian than church and doing good stuff; it’s about relationship with God, and Addison explores that topic as well. She learns and she grows, and the reader follows her, learning and growing as well.
Now the guys of this book� The love triangle in this novel between Addison, Luke (the quintessential good boy), and Wes (the residential bad boy) is an� interesting one. I didn’t really like it, but it wasn’t too bad. My main iffy was that Luke was a bit of flat character (he was just really good), while Wes was deep and complex, so it automatically made me biased towards him. It’s also interesting in that Addison knows what everyone expects of her -to fall for Luke- but instead she goes against her PK image of wiping noses and falls for Wes, the bad boy who has numerous issues. But she does go back and forth between what she feels she has to choose and what she wants to choose, and I like the ending (which does tie in with the love triangle) a lot because it ends with something beginning instead of ending. At the risk of spoilers, I shall just leave this vague statement here and hope when you read the book it makes sense lol. ;)
Marta, a foreign exchange student from Germany, is Addison’s wise mentor, and one of my favorite characters in this book. She guides Addison through her journey of discovering her identity in Christ and helps her grow spiritually. She also teaches Addison that though her earthly father may fail, Her Heavenly Father is perfect. With her blunt way of speaking, she’s honest and passionate about what she believes in and is an awesome friend to Addison.
This book is heart driven and absolutely sweet and lovely. The characters really carry the book, and I love the ending. I thank God that this is a stand alone because it’s perfect that way. :)
Thanks for reading! :)
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
March 10, 2015
When I first began this book, it wasn't very interesting. I mean I enjoyed Addison's humor but it just didn't grab me. But then I put it down and waited a day then picked it up again, and you know what? I loved it!
The characters were great, the setting was sweet, and the plot was realistic.
I think the only thing that I didn't like about this book (other than that it ended) was it seemed a bit dragged out in parts. I seriously hope there's a sequel. It seemed to hint at one (because some things were left unfinished) and I so hope they have one!
I laughed once or twice (at Addy's silly humor) but I don't believe I cried, though I felt down when she did.
I'm very glad was realistic in showing the struggles of a modern Christian teen.
Any teen or young adult would probably enjoy this novel.
(*SPOILER ALERT!!!*)
Addison was really sweet. She was kind, sensitive, realistic, and courageous. It was pretty easy for me to relate to her and her opinion. And what she said in the first paragraph about the belly-showing top... Oh my goodness, that was so me! Why did no one call her Addy? Here her had the potential for a perfectly cute nickname and they totally skipped it! Come on! At least Wes should've called her that instead of boring-but-slightly-sweet PK which isn't bad but isn't as cute as Addy.
Wes � Okay, at first I was annoyed at Addy for liking Wes. Though she totally attracted to him, he was, from all appearances, a jerk that slept around. I went, “No way! Forget him and come look at this other kid over here. His name is Luke and he's really cute, sweet too.� But then Wes showed his vulnerable side and my breath caught and mind raced. Suddenly, I began to like him more, and then more, and then � needless to say, I was completely in love with him by the time I finished the book!
Marta was a total sweetheart. She was so kind, and considerate, and selfless, and endearing. She was so the role-model best friend. I can't believe she has to go back to Germany! Why?! Becky St. Amant so should write a sequel about her. We need to know why she had to go back so early (all it gave me was a lame family-troubles excuse. I need more information than that, people!) and what in the world will ever happen with her crush on Luke (didn't even try to explain that one). Please write a sequel!
Luke was such a... well... a knight in shining armor, as Addy so accurately put it. He was really sweet at first. Happy-go-lucky, funny, romantic. But then, once he realized she liked Wes, he got a bit annoying. I mean, I respect him for not wanting to give up on her so easily, but you also need to know when to back off and mind your own business. I'm still waiting for him to notice Marta and suddenly realize that he's deathly in love with her, by the way.
Addy's Dad � I wouldn't feel right calling him David, even though I know it's his first name. I would feel I was calling my own dad my his first name. Anyway, he was pretty nice. I hope he becomes a more attentive father and a more passionate preacher. He really seemed to be in love with Ms. Hawthorne though, and that was cute.
Ms. Hawthorne (By the way, I feel weird calling her Kathy) was really nice. She was such a kind and understanding teacher. I'm sure she'll be a great mom. I know she'll help Addy grow accustomed to her being around and will eventually be so dear to her that Addy wouldn't know what to do without her.
Claire was a jerk at first. I'm very glad she dropped the completely annoying attitude and is getting help for her problem. I always thought bulimia was just gross, and sad too that someone would fell so insecure about how they look to do something so foolish and dangerous. Sad.
I'm very glad Mr. Keegan is making an effort to change. I hope all goes well with him. Austin was such a dork. Why did Claire even like him anyway? Mrs. Vanderford was so... so... so slap-worthy. There. Perfect word for what I felt about her.
I really, really enjoyed this novel. The only way it could be better was if it had a sequel.
Hint hint.
The characters were great, the setting was sweet, and the plot was realistic.
I think the only thing that I didn't like about this book (other than that it ended) was it seemed a bit dragged out in parts. I seriously hope there's a sequel. It seemed to hint at one (because some things were left unfinished) and I so hope they have one!
I laughed once or twice (at Addy's silly humor) but I don't believe I cried, though I felt down when she did.
I'm very glad was realistic in showing the struggles of a modern Christian teen.
Any teen or young adult would probably enjoy this novel.
(*SPOILER ALERT!!!*)
Addison was really sweet. She was kind, sensitive, realistic, and courageous. It was pretty easy for me to relate to her and her opinion. And what she said in the first paragraph about the belly-showing top... Oh my goodness, that was so me! Why did no one call her Addy? Here her had the potential for a perfectly cute nickname and they totally skipped it! Come on! At least Wes should've called her that instead of boring-but-slightly-sweet PK which isn't bad but isn't as cute as Addy.
Wes � Okay, at first I was annoyed at Addy for liking Wes. Though she totally attracted to him, he was, from all appearances, a jerk that slept around. I went, “No way! Forget him and come look at this other kid over here. His name is Luke and he's really cute, sweet too.� But then Wes showed his vulnerable side and my breath caught and mind raced. Suddenly, I began to like him more, and then more, and then � needless to say, I was completely in love with him by the time I finished the book!
Marta was a total sweetheart. She was so kind, and considerate, and selfless, and endearing. She was so the role-model best friend. I can't believe she has to go back to Germany! Why?! Becky St. Amant so should write a sequel about her. We need to know why she had to go back so early (all it gave me was a lame family-troubles excuse. I need more information than that, people!) and what in the world will ever happen with her crush on Luke (didn't even try to explain that one). Please write a sequel!
Luke was such a... well... a knight in shining armor, as Addy so accurately put it. He was really sweet at first. Happy-go-lucky, funny, romantic. But then, once he realized she liked Wes, he got a bit annoying. I mean, I respect him for not wanting to give up on her so easily, but you also need to know when to back off and mind your own business. I'm still waiting for him to notice Marta and suddenly realize that he's deathly in love with her, by the way.
Addy's Dad � I wouldn't feel right calling him David, even though I know it's his first name. I would feel I was calling my own dad my his first name. Anyway, he was pretty nice. I hope he becomes a more attentive father and a more passionate preacher. He really seemed to be in love with Ms. Hawthorne though, and that was cute.
Ms. Hawthorne (By the way, I feel weird calling her Kathy) was really nice. She was such a kind and understanding teacher. I'm sure she'll be a great mom. I know she'll help Addy grow accustomed to her being around and will eventually be so dear to her that Addy wouldn't know what to do without her.
Claire was a jerk at first. I'm very glad she dropped the completely annoying attitude and is getting help for her problem. I always thought bulimia was just gross, and sad too that someone would fell so insecure about how they look to do something so foolish and dangerous. Sad.
I'm very glad Mr. Keegan is making an effort to change. I hope all goes well with him. Austin was such a dork. Why did Claire even like him anyway? Mrs. Vanderford was so... so... so slap-worthy. There. Perfect word for what I felt about her.
I really, really enjoyed this novel. The only way it could be better was if it had a sequel.
Hint hint.
November 14, 2011
3.5/5.0
How does it feels like to be preacher's's kid? I basically grew up in a Christian environment and it's true that when you're a Christian, people expect you to be nicer and better and they tend to notice all the negative things about your life that doesn't fit in the word "good" and "proper". This book gave me a glimpse of what it's like for a Pastor's kid, living in what she calls life in a fishbowl.
"I didn't ask to be a PK. I didn't ask for a life that meant living like a teenage saint. I didn't ask for any of it, yet it was asked of me everyday."
It has always been Addison and his Pastor Dad since her mom died when she was little. She lives in their home doing her homework after school, sitting in the third pew at the church every Sunday, trying to live a life that is expected of her... everyday. She was never late for school, never missed one assignment, and always a perfect A student.
But then there is Wes Keegan--tattooed--his motorcycle and black leather jacket perfectly match his bad boy image. Addison is magnetically drawn to him, and she can't figure out why. Her life that revolves around her father, the church, and God is now suddenly turning vague... she's confused and her life is more complicated than ever. Everything in her life add up to her dilemma--God. Her dad. Her English teacher, Ms. Hawthorne. Her ex-bestfriend Claire. Luke. Wes and his Lemon Drop Girlfriend. Everything seems to be out of control. She started to think about her faith and questioned her relationship with God. The only thing that Addison wants now is to escape the rules and for once, be able to experience the joy of being outside the fishbowl. She tried to be a lemon drop.
"Forget the rules. Forget black and white. I wanted to hug gray. I wanted to ride the line between responsibility and fun and not worry about falling off the wrong side. "
"
I stared at my reflection in the bathroom mirror and tried to look assured. Confident. Independent. Sour. You. Are. A. Lemon. Drop. But my pink polka-dotted pj top pretty much said the opposite. I rested my forehead against the mirror with a groan. Who was I kidding? I was a gummi bear through and through..."
The story is good and what I really liked about it is the truth it implies about the importance of a person's relationship with God above everything else. I appreciate how the author wrote a well-written story about a person's journey in discovering what she really wants and what her relationship with God is all about without getting preachy. Addison's confessions are honest, they made me laugh and mad at the same time. Sometimes she's difficult to understand and it feels like she's exaggerating, but then I tried put myself in her shoes and I wonder what it is like to be Addison. I'm not a preacher's kid and maybe I won't ever understand what its like to be one. But I'm sure that each of us can somehow relate to Addison's struggles with her feelings toward Wes and the difficult task of choosing what's right from what's wrong.
Over all, this book is good and I enjoyed reading Addison's story except for some slow and dragging parts. Addison's life is simple yet complicated, funny and ironic too. You'll sympathize with her, laugh with her, and even get mad at her sometimes. But she's nice and sweet as Gummi Bear too. You'll like Wes even though he's too hard to figure out. There's something about him that will make you doubt him and care for him at the same time. This book made me a little crazy but in a good way, and I started asking myself "Am I a gummi bear or a lemon drop candy?" Maybe I'm a gummi bear... Hey, gummi bears are yummy!
How does it feels like to be preacher's's kid? I basically grew up in a Christian environment and it's true that when you're a Christian, people expect you to be nicer and better and they tend to notice all the negative things about your life that doesn't fit in the word "good" and "proper". This book gave me a glimpse of what it's like for a Pastor's kid, living in what she calls life in a fishbowl.
"I didn't ask to be a PK. I didn't ask for a life that meant living like a teenage saint. I didn't ask for any of it, yet it was asked of me everyday."
It has always been Addison and his Pastor Dad since her mom died when she was little. She lives in their home doing her homework after school, sitting in the third pew at the church every Sunday, trying to live a life that is expected of her... everyday. She was never late for school, never missed one assignment, and always a perfect A student.
But then there is Wes Keegan--tattooed--his motorcycle and black leather jacket perfectly match his bad boy image. Addison is magnetically drawn to him, and she can't figure out why. Her life that revolves around her father, the church, and God is now suddenly turning vague... she's confused and her life is more complicated than ever. Everything in her life add up to her dilemma--God. Her dad. Her English teacher, Ms. Hawthorne. Her ex-bestfriend Claire. Luke. Wes and his Lemon Drop Girlfriend. Everything seems to be out of control. She started to think about her faith and questioned her relationship with God. The only thing that Addison wants now is to escape the rules and for once, be able to experience the joy of being outside the fishbowl. She tried to be a lemon drop.
"Forget the rules. Forget black and white. I wanted to hug gray. I wanted to ride the line between responsibility and fun and not worry about falling off the wrong side. "
"
I stared at my reflection in the bathroom mirror and tried to look assured. Confident. Independent. Sour. You. Are. A. Lemon. Drop. But my pink polka-dotted pj top pretty much said the opposite. I rested my forehead against the mirror with a groan. Who was I kidding? I was a gummi bear through and through..."
The story is good and what I really liked about it is the truth it implies about the importance of a person's relationship with God above everything else. I appreciate how the author wrote a well-written story about a person's journey in discovering what she really wants and what her relationship with God is all about without getting preachy. Addison's confessions are honest, they made me laugh and mad at the same time. Sometimes she's difficult to understand and it feels like she's exaggerating, but then I tried put myself in her shoes and I wonder what it is like to be Addison. I'm not a preacher's kid and maybe I won't ever understand what its like to be one. But I'm sure that each of us can somehow relate to Addison's struggles with her feelings toward Wes and the difficult task of choosing what's right from what's wrong.
Over all, this book is good and I enjoyed reading Addison's story except for some slow and dragging parts. Addison's life is simple yet complicated, funny and ironic too. You'll sympathize with her, laugh with her, and even get mad at her sometimes. But she's nice and sweet as Gummi Bear too. You'll like Wes even though he's too hard to figure out. There's something about him that will make you doubt him and care for him at the same time. This book made me a little crazy but in a good way, and I started asking myself "Am I a gummi bear or a lemon drop candy?" Maybe I'm a gummi bear... Hey, gummi bears are yummy!
October 22, 2011
Oh, Addison, I know you too well. PK (pastor’s kid) is a jarringly familiar term to me, a title and taunt that you never grow out of. Well, at least I haven’t. So when I saw this book on Netgalley my interest was instantly piqued. And while Addison and I have quite a lot to commiserate about, unlike her, worrying about rebelling was never my problem. Bad boy? Been there. Done that. Me and that chick from Footloose, we’re *like that*. Next cliché, please.
Confessions of a PK plays host to a bevy of stereotypes, many of which are painfully and annoyingly true. I laughed when I got to passages like this:
I suddenly realized we were standing together � rather closely � in broad daylight on the corner of my street, where all the neighbors could see. And tattle. Welcome to the fishbowl of PK life.
Then winced at lines like this:
So once again, I folded my hands in my lap, pasted on a smile, and did what every self-surviving PK learned to do from day one. Lie.
Then wanted to throw my Kindle into the wall when I read this:
"You don’t get it, Marta. Everything I am is church. Faith. God. My whole stinkin� life. Every moment growing up was spent listening to Dad preach on the goodness of God our Heavenly Father then pretending not to care when he came home and practically ignored me�" I slapped my hand over my mouth and Marta’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. The truth cut a hole into my heart, and I slowly sank back into my chair. No wonder God had been so quiet. Had I ever really known him?
Me? Residual anger? You think?
Even fourteen years after last stepping out of the church my parents co-pastored as I grew up, the word God still sludges thickly in my throat, if I’m able to get it that far at all. I was angry when I finished this book � wanting to rail against Addison’s naiveté and pointless push to change Wes. But I quickly realized that anger is a defense. Amant was able to push buttons in me that I had long since buried. That a sixteen year old girl could grapple with, accept and bravely face something I’ve been avoiding for most of my life was humbling. Ok, to be honest, humiliating. It takes a lot of skill as a writer to get any complicated upbringing right and Amant was able to create the life as a PK in a frighteningly real way.
For those of you that aren’t PKs, I’m sure you won’t find this book nearly as rattling, and I want to say it could be a light read, but it’s really not. Anything with an overtly Christian message dredges up mixed emotions now-a-days. Confessions is, however, well-written (solid plot, fully fleshed characters that feel real) and delivers a positive message from a strong female protagonist.
I still have an issue with Addison’s crusade (and I use that word intentionally) to change the bad boy Wes to someone who can love God as much as she does so they can be together. While the message is positive in so many ways, it smacks of the outdated notion of molding a man to be who you want him to be. That’s just insulting. And bad role modeling. I’m all for fairness, forgiveness, reserving judgment and practicing patience � but always with the goal of giving people freedom to be who they naturally are. I don’t know, maybe I’m just taking this book too seriously. In any case, I’m sure there are many teenage girls that will appreciate a heroine they can identify with and that affirms their religious convictions. For the rest of us, enjoy Confessions for what it can be if you don’t read too deep � a positive chick lit romp through a teenager’s journey to discovering who she is.
[Review note: Received book through Netgalley.]
Confessions of a PK plays host to a bevy of stereotypes, many of which are painfully and annoyingly true. I laughed when I got to passages like this:
I suddenly realized we were standing together � rather closely � in broad daylight on the corner of my street, where all the neighbors could see. And tattle. Welcome to the fishbowl of PK life.
Then winced at lines like this:
So once again, I folded my hands in my lap, pasted on a smile, and did what every self-surviving PK learned to do from day one. Lie.
Then wanted to throw my Kindle into the wall when I read this:
"You don’t get it, Marta. Everything I am is church. Faith. God. My whole stinkin� life. Every moment growing up was spent listening to Dad preach on the goodness of God our Heavenly Father then pretending not to care when he came home and practically ignored me�" I slapped my hand over my mouth and Marta’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. The truth cut a hole into my heart, and I slowly sank back into my chair. No wonder God had been so quiet. Had I ever really known him?
Me? Residual anger? You think?
Even fourteen years after last stepping out of the church my parents co-pastored as I grew up, the word God still sludges thickly in my throat, if I’m able to get it that far at all. I was angry when I finished this book � wanting to rail against Addison’s naiveté and pointless push to change Wes. But I quickly realized that anger is a defense. Amant was able to push buttons in me that I had long since buried. That a sixteen year old girl could grapple with, accept and bravely face something I’ve been avoiding for most of my life was humbling. Ok, to be honest, humiliating. It takes a lot of skill as a writer to get any complicated upbringing right and Amant was able to create the life as a PK in a frighteningly real way.
For those of you that aren’t PKs, I’m sure you won’t find this book nearly as rattling, and I want to say it could be a light read, but it’s really not. Anything with an overtly Christian message dredges up mixed emotions now-a-days. Confessions is, however, well-written (solid plot, fully fleshed characters that feel real) and delivers a positive message from a strong female protagonist.
I still have an issue with Addison’s crusade (and I use that word intentionally) to change the bad boy Wes to someone who can love God as much as she does so they can be together. While the message is positive in so many ways, it smacks of the outdated notion of molding a man to be who you want him to be. That’s just insulting. And bad role modeling. I’m all for fairness, forgiveness, reserving judgment and practicing patience � but always with the goal of giving people freedom to be who they naturally are. I don’t know, maybe I’m just taking this book too seriously. In any case, I’m sure there are many teenage girls that will appreciate a heroine they can identify with and that affirms their religious convictions. For the rest of us, enjoy Confessions for what it can be if you don’t read too deep � a positive chick lit romp through a teenager’s journey to discovering who she is.
[Review note: Received book through Netgalley.]
February 14, 2012
Addison Blakely’s life is about to unravel. The new boy, Wes Keegan, is continually standing outside her window with ‘Poodle Girl.� Austin is hot after her, constantly kicking her chair in class. Luke stands up for her when Austin keeps acting like a jerk.
Addison’s best friend, Claire Pierson, starts to change for reasons unknown, and suddenly becomes Addison’s enemy. Marta, a German exchange student, steps in and becomes a close friend to her. In fact, because of Marta, she’s now in charge of the talent show.
Addison’s dad talks only mundane things with her, i.e., cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, how’s school, etc. Nothing deep or personal. However, he has strict rules she must adhere to, though he’s not mean-spirited about it. Up until then, Addison never gave him any problems. Something else changes when her dad meets an old high-school flame.
Betsy St. Amant, in Addison Blakely: Confessions of a PK, takes you inside the mind and heart of Addison, the PK. She interweaves the wild thoughts and sneaky behaviors of Addison’s worldly ideas when she has three boys vying for her attention, while at the same time keeping cool with her dad. She normally is a not-going-to-date girl. Her foot-in-mouth disease is hilarious. Addison’s love affair with her chocolate mocha lattes with whipped cream and sprinkles at Got Beans also becomes her secret rendezvous place with Wes. The romantic tension with Wes is palpable. Is he really who he puts himself out to be? What’s behind his bad boy persona? Is he good for her?
I love Addison, but I also love the character of Marta. Being from Germany, she openly talks about sex and abortion, as well as the selfishness of American students. She asks in-your-face questions of Addison as only a close friend would dare. She challenges Addison’s way of thinking and brings out a side of her that one wouldn’t know was there.
With each rendezvous with Wes, he challenges Addison’s faith and current role as a PK, whether she wants to continue abide by the rules. While at the same time Addison is questioning her commitment to the Lord. Betsy did a wonderful job with the internal tension and pressure continually swirling within Addison’s mind.
This book brought back so many memories of high school and truly captures the distraught feelings of a teenager finding her way through high school as a PK. It’s an intimate read that pulls you into the emotions of Wes, Marta, and Addison, as well as the interactions and gossip that travel around, particularly with the other girls who are jealous. The personal decisions were sensitive and difficult, yet appropriate for the situations.
This was one of the best, perky, snappy YA read I’ve read in a very long time. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Betsy knows her way around the minds of young girls! It was real, painful, entertaining, and very informative of the issues girls go through in today’s world. You’ll fall in love with the characters, as they are so real. For a great read, pick up Betsy’s book! It’s an eye-opener and it’s entertaining.
This book was provided by the author in exchange for my honest review. No monetary compensation was exchanged.
Addison’s best friend, Claire Pierson, starts to change for reasons unknown, and suddenly becomes Addison’s enemy. Marta, a German exchange student, steps in and becomes a close friend to her. In fact, because of Marta, she’s now in charge of the talent show.
Addison’s dad talks only mundane things with her, i.e., cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, how’s school, etc. Nothing deep or personal. However, he has strict rules she must adhere to, though he’s not mean-spirited about it. Up until then, Addison never gave him any problems. Something else changes when her dad meets an old high-school flame.
Betsy St. Amant, in Addison Blakely: Confessions of a PK, takes you inside the mind and heart of Addison, the PK. She interweaves the wild thoughts and sneaky behaviors of Addison’s worldly ideas when she has three boys vying for her attention, while at the same time keeping cool with her dad. She normally is a not-going-to-date girl. Her foot-in-mouth disease is hilarious. Addison’s love affair with her chocolate mocha lattes with whipped cream and sprinkles at Got Beans also becomes her secret rendezvous place with Wes. The romantic tension with Wes is palpable. Is he really who he puts himself out to be? What’s behind his bad boy persona? Is he good for her?
I love Addison, but I also love the character of Marta. Being from Germany, she openly talks about sex and abortion, as well as the selfishness of American students. She asks in-your-face questions of Addison as only a close friend would dare. She challenges Addison’s way of thinking and brings out a side of her that one wouldn’t know was there.
With each rendezvous with Wes, he challenges Addison’s faith and current role as a PK, whether she wants to continue abide by the rules. While at the same time Addison is questioning her commitment to the Lord. Betsy did a wonderful job with the internal tension and pressure continually swirling within Addison’s mind.
This book brought back so many memories of high school and truly captures the distraught feelings of a teenager finding her way through high school as a PK. It’s an intimate read that pulls you into the emotions of Wes, Marta, and Addison, as well as the interactions and gossip that travel around, particularly with the other girls who are jealous. The personal decisions were sensitive and difficult, yet appropriate for the situations.
This was one of the best, perky, snappy YA read I’ve read in a very long time. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Betsy knows her way around the minds of young girls! It was real, painful, entertaining, and very informative of the issues girls go through in today’s world. You’ll fall in love with the characters, as they are so real. For a great read, pick up Betsy’s book! It’s an eye-opener and it’s entertaining.
This book was provided by the author in exchange for my honest review. No monetary compensation was exchanged.
September 26, 2013
For all of those of you that are wondering what "PK" stands for, I'll give you the answer. "PK" stands for pastor's kid. It could stand for worse, so this one isn't exactly that bad. Addison Blakely: Confessions of a PK is a ridiculously long title; I mean, who names their books like that because I'm not even sure if I'll remember this book two years from now. A short book title like Echo by Alyson Noel, now that's short and memorable. Ask me in two years, whether or not I remember this title. (Most likely, I will because I do remember titles pretty well, although I might get the wording wrong.)
Addison Blakely: Confessions of a PK is a surprising and nice shock to me, because I don't read this types of book very often. If you look at my book list, you'll see dystopian, suspense, thriller, magic, paranormal, and other crazy fiction books. (Although, you may occasionally see nonfiction books because I do read books like that.) I can't really say how much I like Addison Blakely: Confessions of a PK, because there's some parts I don't really like. It's not love, but it's not hate. It's a little more on the positive side of this colorful rainbow.
The plot moves slowly; although it quickly picks up once we meet the German girl, who's also a pastor's kid, but doesn't tell Addison Blakely that because she wanted Addison "to figure things out" on her own. There's so many things going on in this book. There's a talent show, then there's the love triangle, and then there's a German girl shaking up everything in the town, and there's the English teacher dating Addison's pastor dad, and then there's the jock who's trying to get Addison's affections. Yeah, obviously there's so much going on in Addison Blakely: Confessions of a PK.
Then the ending is a great, powerful ending. It's a shame the author shoves everything good into the end; I wish she spread it out a little more, because I'm so surprised by how fast the author rushed through the book. All these happy endings, except one certain one, because someone is going away. I love how many people changed by Addison's bravery and strength to do what she ends up doing in the end. She questions and pushes to see where it will all lead.
Addison Blakely, obviously, is the person who changed the most of all. In the beginning, she's ignorant. She's good. She sees the world as black and white, never as gray or colorful. Sometimes I shake my head, wondering what exactly is going on in her subconscious. If she's not saying anything to me, then I would raise my eyebrows and ask, why did she do that?
Wes Keegan has Twilight written all over. Other than the different names and all that stuff; I noticed some similarities between the hunky, sparkly vampire to this bad boy biker. One is a good boy. One is a bad boy. Guess, who's who. Anyway, they both play the piano. They both stay out of the limelight (although one does whatever the girl tells him to do). They have bad backgrounds (sort of). Actually, this is more related to another guy, but I'm not going to mention who it is. He does have many similarities to the vamp.
Rating: Three Point Five out of Five
Rounded to Four.
Addison Blakely: Confessions of a PK is a surprising and nice shock to me, because I don't read this types of book very often. If you look at my book list, you'll see dystopian, suspense, thriller, magic, paranormal, and other crazy fiction books. (Although, you may occasionally see nonfiction books because I do read books like that.) I can't really say how much I like Addison Blakely: Confessions of a PK, because there's some parts I don't really like. It's not love, but it's not hate. It's a little more on the positive side of this colorful rainbow.
The plot moves slowly; although it quickly picks up once we meet the German girl, who's also a pastor's kid, but doesn't tell Addison Blakely that because she wanted Addison "to figure things out" on her own. There's so many things going on in this book. There's a talent show, then there's the love triangle, and then there's a German girl shaking up everything in the town, and there's the English teacher dating Addison's pastor dad, and then there's the jock who's trying to get Addison's affections. Yeah, obviously there's so much going on in Addison Blakely: Confessions of a PK.
Then the ending is a great, powerful ending. It's a shame the author shoves everything good into the end; I wish she spread it out a little more, because I'm so surprised by how fast the author rushed through the book. All these happy endings, except one certain one, because someone is going away. I love how many people changed by Addison's bravery and strength to do what she ends up doing in the end. She questions and pushes to see where it will all lead.
Addison Blakely, obviously, is the person who changed the most of all. In the beginning, she's ignorant. She's good. She sees the world as black and white, never as gray or colorful. Sometimes I shake my head, wondering what exactly is going on in her subconscious. If she's not saying anything to me, then I would raise my eyebrows and ask, why did she do that?
Wes Keegan has Twilight written all over. Other than the different names and all that stuff; I noticed some similarities between the hunky, sparkly vampire to this bad boy biker. One is a good boy. One is a bad boy. Guess, who's who. Anyway, they both play the piano. They both stay out of the limelight (although one does whatever the girl tells him to do). They have bad backgrounds (sort of). Actually, this is more related to another guy, but I'm not going to mention who it is. He does have many similarities to the vamp.
Rating: Three Point Five out of Five
Rounded to Four.
December 4, 2011
Addison Blakely has led what one might say a complicated life. Addison is sixteen, in high school, lost her mom at a young age, and is the daughter of the local small town preacher. Everything she says or does reflects back on her dad and it seems people are always judging. This year has been more difficult than most; a new and intriguing bad boy has moved across the street and a sweet guy in her class has started paying attention to her. Making things more complicated her best friend Claire has been acting more like an enemy than a friend lately. Thank God (literally), the new foreign exchange student Marta has swooped in to help just when Addison needs it the most. Putting together the school talent show, dealing with boy drama, her dad’s budding romance, and a religious revelation might be more than one girl can handle.
I really wanted to like Addison Blakely: Confessions of a PK by Betsy St. Amant. I just couldn’t get into it. All of the characters were too perfect…too put together. Even the “bad or wrong things� weren’t really that bad. The romance in this book was also seriously lacking. I understand that it came second to the true message of the book, but it was hard to believe. The main character Addison seems to be completely in love with the bad boy Wes and they’ve only talked in the street two or three times? The synopsis provided for the book says something about a “cute but arrogant jock� being in the picture. He is only present for about 10 pages. The quickly deteriorating relationship between Addison and Claire is hard to believe also. Marta the exchange student seems to be too wise and above reproach. I have never heard of a teenager being that “perfect�. I kept wondering when the religious aspect of the book would kick in and it seemed too jammed into the last quarter of the book. I would have preferred at least some mention of it sprinkled throughout the beginning. The lack of action or rather the lack of anything happening in a large portion of this book could be cut out to make it much shorter. As I was reading I honestly found myself thinking is this book ever going to end?
After all of the not so good things about this book I did find some aspects I liked. There were several messages at the end of the book that were good. I won’t ruin it and say what it is I didn’t see them coming), but it is something that Christians especially often forget. My favorite characters of were the owner of the coffee café who provided much needed comic relief and Kathy Addison’s teacher. The intentions and premise behind the book were good and intriguing, but were poorly executed.
I really wanted to like Addison Blakely: Confessions of a PK by Betsy St. Amant. I just couldn’t get into it. All of the characters were too perfect…too put together. Even the “bad or wrong things� weren’t really that bad. The romance in this book was also seriously lacking. I understand that it came second to the true message of the book, but it was hard to believe. The main character Addison seems to be completely in love with the bad boy Wes and they’ve only talked in the street two or three times? The synopsis provided for the book says something about a “cute but arrogant jock� being in the picture. He is only present for about 10 pages. The quickly deteriorating relationship between Addison and Claire is hard to believe also. Marta the exchange student seems to be too wise and above reproach. I have never heard of a teenager being that “perfect�. I kept wondering when the religious aspect of the book would kick in and it seemed too jammed into the last quarter of the book. I would have preferred at least some mention of it sprinkled throughout the beginning. The lack of action or rather the lack of anything happening in a large portion of this book could be cut out to make it much shorter. As I was reading I honestly found myself thinking is this book ever going to end?
After all of the not so good things about this book I did find some aspects I liked. There were several messages at the end of the book that were good. I won’t ruin it and say what it is I didn’t see them coming), but it is something that Christians especially often forget. My favorite characters of were the owner of the coffee café who provided much needed comic relief and Kathy Addison’s teacher. The intentions and premise behind the book were good and intriguing, but were poorly executed.
December 22, 2011
At First Sight: Addison lives the life expected of a small-town Preacher's Kid: she has good grades, is liked by all her teachers and is generally friendly with people - even if her relationship with best friend Claire is currently on a rocky patch. And if she has had to learn to be a little more self-reliant at home because her mom died when she was young and her dad works a lot, she's generally doing fine.
The only thing that shakes her is her attraction to Wes, the newly transplanted bad boy whom one moment seems to like her and the next is making out with some girl in front of Addison's house. But, as it turns out, there are lots of layers to Wes - and to Addison as well.
Some of those layers begin to be peeled back when Addison is unwittingly put in charge of the fun-raiser attached to this year's high school talent show, putting her in a conflicting path with Claire, and in the path of friendship with exchange student Marta who encourages Addison to be more of herself and not just the local PK.
Second Glance: Over all, Addison Blakely: Confessions of a PK was a good read. There were parts of it that I really liked, like Addison trying to find out who she is asides from her father's daughter, and her friendship with Marta. I also liked the sub-plot about Addison's dad and someone else (I don't want to say whom, in case it's too spoilery for some).
And I also liked Addison and Wes when they were alone, they have some good chemistry between them, even though it did take me a while to see Wes' appeal.
The portrayal of how Addison's friendship with Claire starts to implode was well done. And I actually liked Marta a lot though she had a tendency to sound very formal and older than her supposed 16 years.
Bottom Line: For me, Addison Blakely had it's hits and it's misses though for the most part it was an enjoyable book with nice characters and an interesting situation. Though it is Christian Fiction, I didn't feel like it was being shoved down my throat. Plus it had some moments of true fun.
Favorite Quote:“Just call me glutton for punishment,� I muttered to my mocha. “And don’t worry, it’s not your fault you can’t cheer me up today. Some issues even chocolate can’t touch.�
“Addison, if you don’t quit talking to your coffee, I’m not giving you double shots anymore,� Bert called from the counter, where he wiped down the display case with a rag.
“Can’t a girl have a bad day?� I held up my mug. “Besides, where are my sprinkles?�
“I told you I ran out yesterday.�
“And I told you that wasn’t acceptable.�
The only thing that shakes her is her attraction to Wes, the newly transplanted bad boy whom one moment seems to like her and the next is making out with some girl in front of Addison's house. But, as it turns out, there are lots of layers to Wes - and to Addison as well.
Some of those layers begin to be peeled back when Addison is unwittingly put in charge of the fun-raiser attached to this year's high school talent show, putting her in a conflicting path with Claire, and in the path of friendship with exchange student Marta who encourages Addison to be more of herself and not just the local PK.
Second Glance: Over all, Addison Blakely: Confessions of a PK was a good read. There were parts of it that I really liked, like Addison trying to find out who she is asides from her father's daughter, and her friendship with Marta. I also liked the sub-plot about Addison's dad and someone else (I don't want to say whom, in case it's too spoilery for some).
And I also liked Addison and Wes when they were alone, they have some good chemistry between them, even though it did take me a while to see Wes' appeal.
The portrayal of how Addison's friendship with Claire starts to implode was well done. And I actually liked Marta a lot though she had a tendency to sound very formal and older than her supposed 16 years.
Bottom Line: For me, Addison Blakely had it's hits and it's misses though for the most part it was an enjoyable book with nice characters and an interesting situation. Though it is Christian Fiction, I didn't feel like it was being shoved down my throat. Plus it had some moments of true fun.
Favorite Quote:“Just call me glutton for punishment,� I muttered to my mocha. “And don’t worry, it’s not your fault you can’t cheer me up today. Some issues even chocolate can’t touch.�
“Addison, if you don’t quit talking to your coffee, I’m not giving you double shots anymore,� Bert called from the counter, where he wiped down the display case with a rag.
“Can’t a girl have a bad day?� I held up my mug. “Besides, where are my sprinkles?�
“I told you I ran out yesterday.�
“And I told you that wasn’t acceptable.�
September 22, 2011
3.5/5
I admit, I was expecting a very different story. But in a way I’m really happy that it wasn’t what I initially thought. Was it a good thing? Yes. A big yes actually. I’m glad that the book has more depth than just a story of a goody two shoes girl that falls in love with a bad boy.
As the title suggests, Addison is a PK—a pastor’s kid. Because of that she has a big responsibility, big shoes to fill in as the preacher’s daughter. I confess again, I also have slight (but not really negative) fixed idea of people like Addison. I always see our Pastor’s family and they seem to project an ideal family. So I guess that gave me an idea that they need to be role models, their family is the one people look up to. Because among all the people, they should be the one who live up to what they preach. In retrospect, I think it was biased of me. So I’m thankful that this book did clear up my misconceptions about them. However, having said that, I still think that they should be the ones setting example, but we shouldn’t expect them to be perfect. That’s all.
The story overall was nice. I loved that characters here are real, imperfect with profundity. I liked the turn of events especially on Addison’s case. The burden of carrying such a label is difficult. But I liked that she embraced it fully, not because what people told her she should be. And for a person to admit that takes a lot of courage. So bravo, Addison, bravo! Wes, for me was bit flat, he’s too stereotypically bad boy. But I liked how his character turned out in the end. So I guess, he did redeem himself a bit!
I’m not gonna try to dissect the romance here. I’m not really a big fan of the beginning, that Wes was just interested on her because of her being a PK. But you know what, despite that, his effort seems validated the interest. And because I’m a hopeless romantic, I’d say I liked it.
I found the comparison to candies amusing. I too preferred gummi bears than lemon drops.
**Thanks Netgalley and Barbour Publishing for the eARC! **
I admit, I was expecting a very different story. But in a way I’m really happy that it wasn’t what I initially thought. Was it a good thing? Yes. A big yes actually. I’m glad that the book has more depth than just a story of a goody two shoes girl that falls in love with a bad boy.
As the title suggests, Addison is a PK—a pastor’s kid. Because of that she has a big responsibility, big shoes to fill in as the preacher’s daughter. I confess again, I also have slight (but not really negative) fixed idea of people like Addison. I always see our Pastor’s family and they seem to project an ideal family. So I guess that gave me an idea that they need to be role models, their family is the one people look up to. Because among all the people, they should be the one who live up to what they preach. In retrospect, I think it was biased of me. So I’m thankful that this book did clear up my misconceptions about them. However, having said that, I still think that they should be the ones setting example, but we shouldn’t expect them to be perfect. That’s all.
The story overall was nice. I loved that characters here are real, imperfect with profundity. I liked the turn of events especially on Addison’s case. The burden of carrying such a label is difficult. But I liked that she embraced it fully, not because what people told her she should be. And for a person to admit that takes a lot of courage. So bravo, Addison, bravo! Wes, for me was bit flat, he’s too stereotypically bad boy. But I liked how his character turned out in the end. So I guess, he did redeem himself a bit!
I’m not gonna try to dissect the romance here. I’m not really a big fan of the beginning, that Wes was just interested on her because of her being a PK. But you know what, despite that, his effort seems validated the interest. And because I’m a hopeless romantic, I’d say I liked it.
I found the comparison to candies amusing. I too preferred gummi bears than lemon drops.
“…this was one PK who finally knew what she wanted and, most importantly, who she was.�
**Thanks Netgalley and Barbour Publishing for the eARC! **
December 26, 2011
Addison Blakely was somehow born into the role of sainthood. It's expected of a pastor's kid. She's always done what she's told, but now she's beginning to question those rules. When motorcycle riding, tattoo-laden Wes Keagen moves into her town, she can't help but feel her heart pounding against her chest when she looks at him. He's everything she should stay away from . . .and her father would never approve. Throw into the mix and angst best-friend, ugly high-school rumors, and some shocking news from her dad, and this sixteen-year-old feels like her life is spiraling out of control. Can Addison sort through the heart-racing emotions that grip her closer to the forbidden Wes or will he be her undoing?
Addison Blakely: Confessions of a PK is an incredible novel, packed with drama, humor, romance, and spiritual depth.
Betsy St. Amant creates a real, living, breathing character. If I had read this novel at my local Starbucks, I feel somewhat certain that Addison Blakely would have jumped out of the book and started chatting with me right there in the coffee shop.
Addison is a relate-able character that teenagers and young adults can both identify with. She wrestles with faith-based issues that impact the center of her entire life.
Don't expect this novel to be a light-hearted read though. Betsy St. Amant deals openly and blatantly with issues teenagers face. She doesn't gloss over them--nor should she. Teenagers are receiving the same messages in secular novels. Betsy St. Amant takes her novel a step further, though, and provides open and blatant spiritual answers to the same issues she brings up, directing her readers to God's thoughts on those issues.
I highly recommend Addison Blakely: Confessions of a PK. Fans of Melody Carson's Diary of a Teenage Girl series (especially Catlin O'Conor), will love this novel and devour it. I think children of missionaries and pastors will also enjoy this novel, probably even throw out a few "amens" as they read it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Addison Blakely: Confessions of a PK is an incredible novel, packed with drama, humor, romance, and spiritual depth.
Betsy St. Amant creates a real, living, breathing character. If I had read this novel at my local Starbucks, I feel somewhat certain that Addison Blakely would have jumped out of the book and started chatting with me right there in the coffee shop.
Addison is a relate-able character that teenagers and young adults can both identify with. She wrestles with faith-based issues that impact the center of her entire life.
Don't expect this novel to be a light-hearted read though. Betsy St. Amant deals openly and blatantly with issues teenagers face. She doesn't gloss over them--nor should she. Teenagers are receiving the same messages in secular novels. Betsy St. Amant takes her novel a step further, though, and provides open and blatant spiritual answers to the same issues she brings up, directing her readers to God's thoughts on those issues.
I highly recommend Addison Blakely: Confessions of a PK. Fans of Melody Carson's Diary of a Teenage Girl series (especially Catlin O'Conor), will love this novel and devour it. I think children of missionaries and pastors will also enjoy this novel, probably even throw out a few "amens" as they read it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 9, 2012
Earlier this year, I picked up Small Town Sinners � a great book about a girl struggling to come to terms with her faith, straddling the line between what’s right and wrong, and being a part in her church’s annual production of the Hell House. Addison Blakely seemed like it would be along the same lines � a girl who would have to figure out what she believed, though in a much more indirect way. Addison’s character was witty, smart, and clever. She wasn’t stereotyped as a goody-two-shoes girl, though her classmates were cautious around her because she was a PK (Preacher’s Kid). She had a good sense for what was right and wrong. When she meets Wes, she starts reeling over how badly she wants to be with him and her guard is let down.
Wes rides a motorcycle, wears leather, and has multiple encounters with scantily clad girls. Addison knows she’s not his typical “type,� but she’s drawn to him because she feels there’s something much deeper and he’s putting up a front. I laughed so much at the sarcastic banter exchanged between Wes and Addison. When they began dating, I connected so much with Addison because I remembered exactly how it felt to be struggling with where to drawn the line in my high school relationships. While not every girl may connect with Addison’s struggle to understand Christianity, I do think most girls will connect with the emotional aspect of her relationship with Wes. There were ups and downs, misunderstandings, differences in beliefs, and so many buried issues they both needed to work out with their parents.
Betsey St. Amant did a great job getting her point across in this story without coming across as preachy. She made me remember the days when I was on a long bus ride to New Mexico for a week-long church camp all because I liked a boy. I remembered how hard it was (and sometimes it still continues to be) to define what was right and wrong for myself, even if that meant believing in something different than everyone around me.
Review Originally Posted on
Wes rides a motorcycle, wears leather, and has multiple encounters with scantily clad girls. Addison knows she’s not his typical “type,� but she’s drawn to him because she feels there’s something much deeper and he’s putting up a front. I laughed so much at the sarcastic banter exchanged between Wes and Addison. When they began dating, I connected so much with Addison because I remembered exactly how it felt to be struggling with where to drawn the line in my high school relationships. While not every girl may connect with Addison’s struggle to understand Christianity, I do think most girls will connect with the emotional aspect of her relationship with Wes. There were ups and downs, misunderstandings, differences in beliefs, and so many buried issues they both needed to work out with their parents.
Betsey St. Amant did a great job getting her point across in this story without coming across as preachy. She made me remember the days when I was on a long bus ride to New Mexico for a week-long church camp all because I liked a boy. I remembered how hard it was (and sometimes it still continues to be) to define what was right and wrong for myself, even if that meant believing in something different than everyone around me.
Review Originally Posted on
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