13 Reasons Why Blog Tour - Day 9: RELEASE DAY + Review of Freedom

IT'S RELEASE DAY. Today, our books are being released to the world. *lowkey screaming* You can purchase the ebook (and the paperback, once Amazon approves it . . . *growls*) HERE. 

World Suicide Prevention Day. We're releasing books that both celebrate life, and expose the darkness of suicide. I hope that both of these books bless you. But today I'm reviewing Freedom.

This book, y'all. I laughed, I cried (on the inside, of course. I don't think that I've ever cried legit tears while reading a book . . . ), I virtually hugged all the characters. *coughs* But, um, I'll get to that in a second.

Today's reason to live: words. Words are amazing things. I mean, really—there are twenty-six letters in the alphabet. These letters make up millions of words. How amazing is that?! With these words, we have power. We have the power to affect our lives, the lives of those around us . . . the world. You have the power to change lives, all through words. People are going to say awful things—it's just a part of our human nature. But people can also say incredible things. It's your choice to use either toxic words or healing words. You have the power to either lift someone up or tear them down. Speak life.

Now, on to my review of Freedom!

My rating:

Can I just scream to the end of the earth how amazing this book is?? Definitely one of my favorite reads of the year! (And I'm not just saying this because she's my precious fren and release buddy, either.)

So, I was actually super hesitant to read this book. *Coughs* Faith is an amazing author, and I've loved other stuff that I've read by her, but . . . this is also a romance. I don't like romance. I knew that I'd probably be reviewing Freedom during the blog tour, but if I rated my bestie's book anything less than 5 stars, I'd feel bad. But I read it anyway.

And I'm so, so, SO glad I did!

Ack, this book. I love it so, so much. Let's start off with the characters . . .

James—I love this dude, kay? His sarcasm and heart and struggles and lovable-ness just made me wanna jump into the book and hug him.

Alex—Awwww! I love Alex so much. At first I was afraid that she'd be the typical I'm-gonna-act-like-a-snob-to-test-if-you-really-love-me kinda girl. But not at all. She was super sweet, and snarky and adorable.

Joe & Gloria—the mentoring adopted parents. Marriage goals + so much yes.

Lester & Brian—I'm kinda partial to Lester. (Faith knows why . . . *smirks*)

THE NICKNAMES. Shall we just talk about the nicknames? I loved how Alex called James Semper Fi. And how he called her Lil' Miss Therapist. Just . . . yes. Please.

The romance—Okayyyy . . . so I'm gonna be completely honest and say that James and Alex's relationship was super awkward for me at the beginning. But it was super cute, so I'm not sure why . . . ? I mean, it could have to do with all the Princess Bride references. I saw about the first 10 minutes of that movie and didn't even like that much, soooo . . . (how can it be so popular?!) But the romance improved throughout the book. Faith actually writes romance that I like. Now that is quite an accomplishment.

Random lovable scenes—I love the Walmart scene. That one is hilarious. And then the ice cream shak scene. And the In Christ Alone scene. And the 5k scene. And the TRAVIS SCENE (FAITH HOW IN THE WORLD CAN YOU DO THAT)?! If you've read the book, you know what I'm talking about! I looooove all of these so much.

The suicide aspect was so. real. Wow. Wow, wow, wow. James' inner struggle was so raw and heartfelt and will impact anyone who reads this book. It's powerful. It's scary. It's dark. It's real. But you know what? It's also hopeful. Faith doesn't just point out the darkness of suicide—she also points out the light: the hope we have in Christ alone.

I'm definitely going to re-read this book sometime in the near future.

I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts are my own.

Visit Faith's blog for her interview of Beloved!

Life without love is hopeless. 

Foster teen Cara Richards is unloved. With nothing left and nowhere to go, she is determined to find peace, no matter the cost. But despite her intentions, she’s tossed into another foster family and this time, there’s no going back to who she used to be. To make matters worse, one of her five new foster brothers is a Jesus freak, and she refuses to believe that God actually cares.

Her world is thrown upside down in a way she never expects. Though she prides herself on a resilient heart, her mind is lost adrift among a sea of questions: Is death really the answer? Does God care about someone as unworthy as me? Can everyone truly be loved, no matter what?

Goodreads | Amazon | Paperback preorder

Having just returned to American soil from the desert sands of the Middle East, James Greene is done with his life. 'Double amputee' doesn't seem like a strong enough phrase to label the physical and emotional pain he bears. Add the lack of love and communication with his family members, the demons that haunt him day and night, and he can find nothing worth living for. Ending it all is the only way out. 

Alexandria Lorance is a not-so-ordinary physical therapist, content with aiding in her patients' recoveries. Her work gives her fulfillment, but alone in the silence, she still endures the hidden scars of a past, unhealthy relationship. Reminding herself that true healing is found in Christ alone, she seeks to show kindness and love to everyone she meets.


When these two broken ones' paths intersect, the spark of friendship is ignited, bringing hope and joy to both. Can they step out of the darkness of suffering and into the freedom of grace? 


A Marine, broken by war. A therapist, scarred by words. A chance meeting in a parking lot bonded them together. But can love grow in these two hurting hearts? Or are they truly too broken to ever find lasting happiness?

Goodreads | Amazon | Paperback preorder

Blog tour stops

Rebekah @ RebekahAshleigh — Review of Beloved

Abigail @ Books, Life, and Christ — Interview w/ Kate

Click on the image to be redirected to the giveaway

Don't forget about the Q&A!

Speak life, y'all. And choose life.