Review: Worth the Wait by Laura Jackson

Worth the Wait by Laura Jackson
Published: February 2014
Length: 220 pages
Source: I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
My Rating: ****--4 Stars

Blurb:

Christian Fiction for Young Adults Ellie Lansing has a picture-perfect life with a close-knit family and the perfect boyfriend. But her world is suddenly knocked off center when her drool-worthy boyfriend cheats, and her always-has-it-together mother is diagnosed with cancer. Ellie doesn't get it. She always does the right thing - doesn't God owe her a happy life? Through her heartache, Ellie learns that sometimes what seems like the end is really just the beginning and that what God has for us is always worth the wait.

My Review:
Ellie has the perfect end to her school career in mind and it all seems to be within reach. Until Dylan turns out to be a cheating jerk and her mom gets sick. I loved how Ellie learned to adapt. I don't think most teenagers are secure enough to stand up for themselves like Ellie did. A big theme was that Ellie, a Christian, decided to wait for marriage before having sex and although she was pressured, teased, mocked, and tormented, even by those she loved and considered friends, she stood her ground and wouldn't cave. I love that kind of commitment and determination! What an example to her peers.

I had a hard time with Dylan. He grew up alongside Ellie and they were best friends before they were a couple. How could he treat her that way and throw everything away like that?! He seemed like a completely different guy from the one she knew and loved. Was he always that shallow?

I think the biggest thing that hit me with this book is that no one has the perfect life. A person can plan and plan all s/he wants to, but life never turns out as planned and it never works out perfectly.  I believe that a person should make a plan, but be adaptable to the changes that will happen to that plan. And always, always stick to your morals and beliefs. The good things in life don't come easy--but they'll be worth the wait.

Content:
There is a lot of talk of teens hooking up and sex, but I felt the message was to wait until after marriage for those relations, even if those around you don't; there was also some underage drinking/partying; I don't recall any language or violence. I would consider if clean for an older teen and up.

About the Author:

I love books---reading and writing them. As an elementary school librarian, I get to spend most of my day sharing great books with kids. After work, I write my own stories to share.
When I'm not surrounded by words, I love watching sports. I'm a huge Rockets fan, and I love the Texans.
I'm passionate about Jesus, books, trees, and cupcakes.
I love to hear from readers, so please find me on Facebook, Twitter (LauraJackson80), Goodreads, or on authorlaurajackson.blogspot.com.