First Date

Great book!

really loved this book! Being a christian is not easy. I am in no way perfect. In fact, it is daily choice to live right. And any other christian will tell you that there are days when you just want to give up. In this book, the reader meets Addy. A young lady of faith who is struggling with who she is.

One thing I loved about this book is that the author didn't paint to main character Addy to being a "perfect little christian." Addy is messed up. She said things she shouldn't have said. She has attitude and most importantly she fought against God. I can totally relate to that. When my husband got chosen to be the worship leader in the new church, I was immediately was upset. I prayed and said,"God, just what do you think your are doing? I don't want to be a leader. I don't want responsibility. I don't want people looking at my family. I DON'T WANT THIS!" I fought God. I told him, " I didn't ask for it and I don't want it." But God works in mysterious ways and TADA! Were in a new church plant, with me standing by my husband as the new worship leader. I'm scared. YES! Me. Little Savannah scared out of my mind. Why? Because I'm not perfect, I'm broken. Messed up. Then my good friend told me something. She said," Savannah, that is the exact reason why God chose you. People don't want to see perfection. They want to see someone who has been through trouble times and made it out. Just like Moses, who didn't want to lead people out of Egypt, he fought God, like you. Moses was great not because of what he did, but because of who he was in God." And deep breathe...

The book showed Addy's struggle with who she was and her past. I like that she wasn't perfect and carried her past with her. Through Ms. McGee's writing, the reader felt emotions of Addy's struggle with God, her life and her future. She prayed constantly, asking for help. I also adored that there wasn't super supreme being moments, like reigning shine of glory moments. Addy moments with God were small, precious, and life changing. The things he did in her life brought Addy closer to God. And through his grace, Addy was able to fine her way out.

My favorite line in this book was," If your not talking to God about it, how do you expect to get through it?" It's so TRUE! That line, makes my heart ache. Cause like so many people out there, I like to do things on my own. And then, when I am drowning and can't find my way out is when I finally pray. *Sigh* You think I learn by now, but my walk with God is getting better and better every day.

If you want a real christian book with real life struggles read this book! I can't tell you the amount of times I had some sort of revelation as to what do about certain things in my life. I like that it wasn't fake but a real relationship with the Lord. The struggles of life, a hurtful painful past and learning to love when you have nothing left. It all happen with the grace of God.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Highly recommended

I really really enjoyed this book. Looking forward to the next one she writes... Highly recommend for a teenager who wants a clean, but still funny and romantic, book.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Loved this book! Great story based loosely on the Bible story of

Loved this book! Great story based loosely on the Bible story of Esther, told in the present day. A very funny and endearing book. Can't wait for July when the sequel "Starring Me" about the character of Kara!!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Beautiful Story

Its kind of hard to find food teen fiction these days, but this a nice clean story, that makes you keep reading. I highly reccomend for someone trying to find an appropriate book.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Very Recommended - a wonderful read!

Pretty soon I'm going to have to give in and read, and then review, and nonfiction book. For now I have attacked a fiction book by Krista McGee entitled, "First Date".

This wonderful book is a cross between the TV show "The Batchelor" and the book of Ester from the Bible. Jonathon Jackson is the President's son. Addy Davidson is a bookworm who avoids the spotlight. Both of them find themselves on a reality TV show called "The Book of Love" to find Jonathon a date for his senior prom.

Jonathon must pick one lucky girl from the pool of 100 young ladies from all over the United States.

This was a very fun read. I could not put it down. This would be a wonderful book for a young teen girl to be encouraged when trouble comes. I enjoyed the modern day twist on the book of Ester. It brings the lessons we are supposed to get from the Bible in to better focus. As Christians, this book reminds us to not answer anger with anger, and to try to understand those who might be against us a little better.

While there are lessons to be learned from this book, it is not a heavy read, nor one filled with suspense or terror. I enjoyed the well crafted storyline and the way the author mixed the contestant interviews between the chapters to allow us to get to know the girls a little better.

If you have just finished a long book that required lots of contemplation between chapters (or sentences, for that matter) and need a "refresher" book to help clear your mind and bring a little joy to your heart, this is the book for you. I recommend this book to anyone who just wants a light read. It will get you to thinking about yourself and how you handle those troublesome people in your life.

As you read this book, you will cheer for Addy, feel for Jonathon, and despise Hank. Then you will finish the book and find that your initial reactions may have been off base.

I am looking forward to reading many more books by Krista McGee. If they are anything like "First Date", I'm sure to enjoy them all!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

First date!!

This is a great book!!!!! I loved it!!!!

FYI: This is a Christian contemporary fiction. I know some peopl

FYI: This is a Christian contemporary fiction. I know some people like to know that upfront.

I really enjoyed this book. It was fun and light. I liked the characters and wanted to see how it would all turn out. Addy wasn't exactly happy to be on a reality tv show to win a date with the President's son. This wasn't just any date though; it was a date to Jonathan's senior prom! The story line was so fun. The realty show started off with 100 girls from all over the nation, and basically Addy was the only one not excited and falling all over the first son. The villain in the story was great. He was annoying, mean, bitter, and laughable all at the same time.

This story is about friendship and overcoming your fears, and I enjoyed taking the journey with Addy.

My new favorite retelling of old storys!!!!!

This book is based on the story of esther and it is almost funny when some parts of the story mirrored the story of esther . This book i must say is my new favorite and i can't wait to read starring me also by krista mcgee hope you read this book!

Who wouldn't want to date the President's son? Certainly not Add

Who wouldn't want to date the President's son? Certainly not Addy Davidson, or so she thought at first. When she got unexpectedly selected to be one of the 100 girls who would compete in a reality show to impress Jonathon, the first son, she decided to do her best to get eliminated asap! But when she finally met the guy she thought she didn't want to do anything with, she gradually changes her mind. Especially after she realizes there is a higher purpose in all of these--for herself and others.

I am not really a big fun of reality dating shows. My idea of a reality show is limited to Survivor and The Amazing Race. I never really liked the idea of women (or men) vying desperately for the attention of one guy, resorting to all sorts of dirty schemes for all the world to see. So it was such a pleasant surprise that I enjoyed Krista McGee's first novel aptly titled, First Date. Addy is such a refreshing character on a reality tv. And eventually inspiring, too. She's not at all interested in what other people would think of her, but rather in what God's purpose is in lumping her in among these people.

She made a special connection with her roommate, Kara. And even as early as now, I am excited about Ms. McGee's second book which would be about her.

So, what did happen to Addy at the end of the reality show? You'll have to read and find out. If you're into light reading with a touch of romance and just the right amount of Godly lessons that does not overwhelm the whole plot, then you'll definitely enjoy First Date by Krista McGee.

Thank you, Booksneeze and the publisher for the free copy! :)

First Novel, First Date

This is the debut novel from author Krista McGhee. Loosely based on the story of Esther, First date is the story of Addy, a Christian high school girl who is chosen to be a part of a reality show. The object of the show is to become the prom date for the Presidents son. Addy is completely against the whole idea of the show and makes no bones about. But as the story progresses Addy realizes that she was chosen not just by school officials and the show producers but by God to be a light to all involved and watching the show.

I enjoyed First Date! It didn’t start slow and it kept my attention throughout the book. There was a romantic feel to the books but not so much that it took away from the message of the book. In fact sometimes I wished there was a little more (ohh well). Even though Addy was younger than me I learned a lot from her. She always sought God’s view, didn’t judge others and she didn’t conform to her environment just to appeal to a boy. She let her light shine even when she was crowded with darkness, there’s a lot to learn from this story. I wont tell you how it ends you have to read it for yourself ¿

Krista you did a great job on your first novel and I look forward to Kara’s story!

Enjoyable read

Thomas Nelson sent me a complimentary copy of the young adult book First Date (McGee). It's kind of The Bachelor goes to high school mixed with Win a Date with Tad Hamilton. It's loosely based on Esther but it wasn't heavy handed with the parallels. Addy seems an introverted character, which we don't find too often. At times, the book went the predictable route but there were a few surprises I never saw coming. I don't want to give it away but I felt the ending could have been more satisfying. I also could've done without the murdered missionary parents subplot and wish Addy's beliefs about dating had been more clear. But overall, I found this to be an enjoyable read.

Definitely worth the read!

What do you get when take "The Bachelor", "Survivor" a little bit of "Miss America" and give them a good dose of Biblical principals? "The Book of Love" of course! This modern day version of "Esther" has all the same elements that the Biblical version does; a young girl is chosen to live in a world that is unlike her own, a place where her "kind" has been persecuted but through her example of God's love and obedience to him, she's able to fulfill His purpose for her life. In "First Date", we meet Addy Davidson, the orphaned daughter of missionaries who reluctantly finds herself as a contestant on "The Book of Love" - a reality T.V. show where teenage girls are vying to become the prom date of the President's only son, Jonathon. Addy, who lives with her Uncle Mike is used to living a life of relative quiet and routine; she goes to school, leads a Bible study, hangs out with her BFF and is focused on getting into an Ivy League College. She's never really questioned God's plan for her life but that will change after she moves into The Mansion with the other girls who are "in it to win it". Jonathon, the First Son, is beautiful, smart, charming and beautiful (did I mention that already?) but his life is far from perfect or quiet like Addy's. He's got his very own BFF's aka Secret Service agents who are with him 24/7. (The poor guy can't even go to the bathroom without company.) Let's not forget the paparazzi who lurk around corners and hide out in bushes just waiting to get the "money" shot as they chronicle his every move in the daily tabloids. He also can't be too careful of new people, never really knowing who he can trust. Then there's all the expectations for his future. Does he even get a choice about what he wants to be when he grows up? Now, with all those pretty girls practically throwing themselves at him, he's living every teenage boy's fantasy. Or is he? The longer she's in the spotlight the more changes Addy begins to notice in herself and they aren't all positive. Her patience is being pushed to it's limits and her faith stretched in ways she never imagined. How in the world is she supposed to shine in such a hostile environment? Before it's all over, she'll be faced with making a decision that could jeopardize her place in the competition and she'll be left wondering if maybe, just maybe, God has brought her here for "such a time as this."

a must read!

First Date
By: Krista McGee

This book is amazing! Krista McGee is a Christian young adult fiction writer, but First Date is for anyone who wants to know how to let God use them in their lives. Addy Davidson is picked to be a participant in the reality TV show, The Book of Love. The winner gets to go to the prom with the President of the United State’s son, Jonathon. Addie doesn’t want to be on the show; she wants to be left alone to live her life in quiet. Unknown to her, God wants her to be on this show to step up and speak up for Him. Once she realizes this, she is nervous about speaking of her faith to others who may not believe like she does, but she relies on God to give her the words to say. If you’re nervous, shy, or feel you can’t talk to people about your faith, you must read this book!

I could picture myself in Addie’s shoes. She is a Christian, placed in unfamiliar surroundings, with people who aren’t Christians, and she feels God leading her to share her faith with them. How does she do this? How can she do this? Esther in the Bible is a similar story. She was put in a position for such a time as this. God put her there to do His work. By faith, Ester and Addie step out and talk about God’s love. We know how Ester’s story turns out. You’ll have to read First Date to see how Addie’s story turns out. You won’t be disappointed!

Krista McGee writes with wit, charm, and her love for God shines through this book. Sit back, relax, and enjoy getting to know Addie, Kara, and the other Book of Love contestants. These characters are very well developed; you think about them after the story has ended. Hopefully, there will be other stories coming out about these other characters! I would love to read more by this author. I received this book from Booksneeze in exchange for a review.

First Date

I enjoyed reading First Date by Krista McGee. However, I was skeptical after reading a few other reviews for the book. Honestly, I enjoy a simple romantic story. There were a few parts that I thought were very corny. But overall, the story was a quick read and an enjoyable one.
Addy is in high school, and the president¿s son Jonathon Jackson is looking for a prom date for his senior prom. So, they set up a show (similar to The Bachelor) in order for Jonathon to find a prom date. He is actually doing this so that his father gets a little more publicity for his presidential ratings. Addy has absolutely no desire to be on the reality tv show, but her school was chosen to send one girl and her school also is looking for publicity as their numbers are low. Therefore, Addy is chosen, due to her strong faith in God and the fact that she is not ¿over the top¿ like all the other girls. The book portrayed a reality tv show well, basically it felt like I was reading about The Bachelor in a book form. As I said it was enjoyable and a quick read.
I believe this book could be delegated as a ¿children¿s fiction¿ book for teenagers. I think that many teenagers would find parts of it relatable, and they would enjoy the storyline. It is loosely based off the book of Esther from the Bible, however, I didn¿t really see too many similarities.
I received this book free from Booksneeze in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

YA Christian fiction

Addy is NOT thrilled to learn that she's been chosen for a reality show. It's a bunch of silly girls competing to get a date to the prom with the president's son, Jonathan. Addy is studious, serious and has mediocre looks. What in the world would she do on a date with the president's son?
Her uncle and friends convince her that she can be a witness for God.

This was a really cute story. It's definitely written for teens with the lingo and typical high school stresses. But even though high school is in my distant past I still enjoyed reading this. It was a sweet and fun read.
The Christian elements were relevant for even the adults. I felt that it was well written and will let my daughter read it when she gets a little older.

I received this book free of charge from Booksneeze in exchange for my honest review.

Check This Book Out!! Highly Recommended

First Date is a YA Romance novel written by Krista McGee; Krista has done an amazing job at telling this story and keeping the readers emotionally involved. I feel a bit guilty for thinking in the beginning that I may not enjoy this book because it was Christian based novel. But don¿t make that mistake this book is a good YA romance novel. It is full of romance, drama and Krista¿s writing brings out true emotions in you, I laughed and at times was truly mad that there are so many shallow people in the world today. But like any good romance novel we are happy with the outcome of this story. Addy has just been told that she is going to be on a reality TV show called ¿First Date¿ where the winner gets to attend the prom with the President¿s son. Addy cannot for the life of her figure out why her principal and her uncle agree with each other that this would be great experience for her and the school if she won. The first time she meet Jonathon she blurts out she doesn¿t want to be there, if anything this intrigues Jonathon more. Struggling with her faith, she experiences firsthand what it is like to be bullied by the other contestants and even the producer of the show. Knowing people are counting on her Addie prays that she pull this off. Meanwhile she feels an attraction to Jonathon and finds herself wanting to maybe stick around for a bit. First Date is a fast light read and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys YA Romance novels. It is funny, romantic and I definitely will be reading Krista next book in this series Starring Me.

Queen Esther and Reality TV

There is something so enthralling about the story of Queen Esther. The frightened orphan girl turned gorgeous woman¿ the desperately lonely king¿ the scores of women fighting for his attention ¿ the impending genocide¿ the moment where the orphan turned queen can save a nation - that is if she can save herself from her own fears.
But unlike other Bible stories that writers have been able to so aptly transfer to more contemporary settings, Esther seems to defy modernity. I mean, how do you get the harem thing going in a story set in America today? Or a wife deserving death because she went to talk to her husband without him calling for her? So Queen Esther¿s tale of romance has languished in an inescapable antiquity¿ until now that is.
Krista McGee has tackled the timeless love story and turned it into something very here and now. Same story¿ oh ya, expect that the king is replaced with the president¿s son¿ the queen contest is replaced with a reality TV show¿ a harem is replaced with the dozens of teen girls claiming dibs on the poor boy for prom¿ and Esther is replaced with Addy Davidson, an ordinary girl who just wants to stay home and wants nothing to do with this whole thing.
First Date is an undeniable charming read that brought me back to my early teen days in its clean romantic plot and young characters. But this book unlike the mounds of fluff that teens gobble up off the YA shelves on a daily basis has some substance as well. Learning how to shine God¿s light in a dark place, overcoming fear of speaking truth, and realizing that God really HAS called you to this place for such a time as this were woven with the romance and comedy of the book. Making it even more adorable and inspiring for any young girl looking for a sweet read, seeing the story of Esther like never before.

First Date by Krista McGee is a complementary book I received via BookSneeze. For links, cover images, and more, check out booksneeze dot com.

First Date

First Date by Krista McGee is definitely an interesting, tongue-in-cheek and a refreshing read. I love this book and I can¿t help but laugh when the characters were put in strange predicament in this story.

This is a Christian fiction, and therefore, there¿s bits of Christian element in it, and one could see that clearly at some point of the story. But that¿s all right, I suppose cuz it was not overdone.

Wonderful and a light read, and something that could be easily finished within 2 hours. I highly recommends this book who loves a light reading or those who loves a good Christian romance.

No text was provided for this review.