ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Michelle Sutton has lived in Arizona and since 1991 and has two sons and a husband of 18 years. She began writing fiction in August 2003 when God inspired her to write a novel with realistic characters that would glorify Him. In 2004 she joined ACFW - American Christian Fiction Writers. In 2006 Michelle ran for Volunteer Officer on the ACFW Operating board and ACFW members elected her to serve a two year term. She sold her first manuscript Then Sings My Soul (now re-titled It's Not About Me) to Sheaf House and her debut novel was released in Sept. 2008. The second book in the Second Glances series - It's Not About Him - will be released the following fall (Sept. 2009.)
Last, Michelle is Editor in Chief of the new Christian Fiction Online Magazine. The debut issue released in July 2008. The magazine is sponsored by the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Annie has it all. She's attractive, graduated with honors, was accepted at the college of her choice, has supportive parents, good friends, and a steady boyfriend who loves her. One night an unexpected visitor appears and Annie's safe world is destroyed by a brutal attack. As she tries to pick up the pieces of her broken life, she is torn between two brothers, both of whom claim to love her. She is attracted to both, but which one does she love? How can she choose when her decision may cause a permanent rift between them? And more important, will she give her heart to the One who will sustain her even when human love fails.
"...the exquisitely written spiritual content shows the reader that redemption is available, no matter what the circumstances."
- 4 Stars, Romantic Times!
Instead of dealing with timely issues like alcoholism, premarital sex and pornography in a preachy, oh-so-tired fashion, Michelle Sutton's It's Not About Me gets to the heart of the matter with a shocking dose of realism and poignant storytelling. From the first paragraph, Sutton weaves together a thoroughly entertaining story that'll keep readers intrigued for the long haul as they get to know Annie, Dan, Tony and Susie—young adults that probably don't look and sound all that different from themselves. Now that's a seriously refreshing turn for Christian fiction."
~Christa Ann Banister~, author of Around the World in 80 Dates, (NavPress 2007) and Blessed are the Meddlers (NavPress 2008)
It's Not About Me is a wonderfully entertaining and deliciously suspenseful read that will keep you turning the pages. Sutton doesn't back away from the drama and with all of the twists and turns, It's Not About Me is hard to put down. I cannot wait for the sequel! Bravo!"
~Victoria Christopher Murray~, Essence best-selling author of multiple titles including The Ex Files and the upcoming YA series The Divine Divas
“Annie captured my heart on the first page and kept me enthralled to the very end. This edgy, yet surprisingly poignant story travels the inroads of intimate relationships – man to woman, brother to brother, parent to child, friend to friend. But especially satisfying is the author’s delicate handling of the relationship between a searching soul and the loving Savior who alone possesses the power to work all things out for the good. A terrific debut for Michelle Sutton. I can’t wait to read more from this talented author!”
~Virginia Smith~, author of Just As I Am and Sincerely, Mayla
"Michelle Sutton's gritty writing style will very likely go straight to the hearts of teens, addressing what they deal with every day in what is all too often grim reality for our youth. Sutton is no doubt a refreshing and much needed voice in today's YA fiction."
~Tina Ann Forkner~, Author of Ruby Among Us
Waterbrook Press/Random House
If you would like to read the Prologue and first Chapter of It's Not About Me, go HERE
MY REVIEW:
Michelle Sutton is a self-proclaimed edgy inspirational author, and her first novel It’s Not About Me fulfills that description with amazing precision! I’ve been reading and commenting on Michelle’s blog for a while now, and I feel like I’ve watched this book “come to life” as it were. I remember voting on covers that I liked and reading about the day she held the first finished copy in her hand. It has been an amazing journey for Michelle, and the story she shares upon the pages of her debut novel is a testimony to her faith in God and her trust in His perfect timing.
It's Not About Me is the first in a young adult series entitled Second Glances. This story deals with mature themes in a very realistic way, and to be honest, there are scenes that made me squirm. However, my uncomfortable feelings weren’t from distaste but from the stark realization that I recognized those emotions and the drama from my own young adult years. I’m so glad we all eventually grow up! But I digress.
This story takes the reader through the very painful emotional and spiritual journey that Annie takes when two brothers declare their love for her in two very different ways. It takes some very dark circumstances to bring to light the true spiritual condition of each of the story’s characters – Annie, Tony, Dan, Susie and Jeff. Truth is revealed to their hearts and minds through very realistic circumstances, and they each must face the realization that true relationship with Christ means repentance through faith in Jesus Christ. Their journey is neither simple nor easy, but by the time you reach the final pages you have a very clear picture of God’s mercy and grace working in our lives for our good and His glory.
2 comments:
Thanks for the post Kim! And the review! I noticed the title was wrong the second time you mentioned it in your review. You wrote...
All About Me is the first in a young adult series (whoops!) Should be It's Not About Me. Hehehe. Love ya!
Good grief! How embarrassing!! I've corrected my mistake! Thanks, Michelle!
Kim
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