Sometimes we read books that touch our lives in a thoughtful or emotional way. Then there are books that really transform us; books that become a part of our souls and influence how we view the world.
Beauties from Ashes, a young adult book series by fellow blogger and author Beckie Lindsey, has transformed my way of thinking about prayer and spiritual warfare.
I’ve already reviewed book one, Secrets, here. And now I’d like to share my thoughts on book two, Uninvited.
Faith Meets Fiction
I bought a hard copy of Uninvited not only because I love the feeling of holding an actual book in my hands, but because the cover art is so cool! Thankfully the content lives up to the alluring cover.
Uninvited continues the stories of Krystal, Mackenzie, Tammi, and Sadie as their present lives mix with their traumatic pasts and intertwine with one another.
These characters are real and relatable, without falling into the “teenage girl” stereotype. I like how Beckie mixes strength and vulnerability into all of her characters.
The plot of Uninvited is driven by the collision of present events and the secrets of each girl’s past. There’s friendship and boy drama, along with some real-life issues such as eating disorders, sexual abuse, depression, and abortion.
All of these topics are explored in a realistic way that is still appropriate for most teen readers. Premarital sex is also a topic that Beckie writes about, and I believe she does it in a believable way that is still God-honoring.
Supernatural Suspense
One of my favorite aspects of the Beauties from Ashes series is how Beckie portrays spiritual warfare. Angels and demons are interwoven throughout the story as they battle for the souls of the main characters.
Fans of books like the Screwtape Letters or This Present Darkness will love the way the supernatural collides with the everyday world, and how prayer changes the course of these girls’ lives.
Overall, I would say that Uninvited is my favorite book of the series yet! It has drama, humor, romance, and the spiritual element that drives the plot into supernatural suspense.
And if you love cliffhangers, Uninvited ends on one so big that I’m thankful the third book, Daybreak, is already on sale! You can find the links to these awesome books below.
Order Secrets, Uninvited, and Daybreak here! On Amazon, Barnes & Nobel, or Walmart.
Emily Susanne Wolf is the owner and blogger of fearfullywonderfullyme.com. She has dedicated her life to follow Jesus, encourage others, and write with passion. When she isn’t covered in pen ink or lost in a book, Emily can be found obsessing over cats and donuts.