This book does have a christian base to it.. even if it doesn't really seem like it in the beginning. I know that some people don't like reading books that have a church undertone, so I figured I would mention it. This book tackles a very tough topic, and I feel it does it very well. Olivia has been through a lot in her life, and isn't even an adult yet. She falls in with the wrong crowd but eventually gets presented with a opportunity to better herself and takes it. She realizes that not everything that has happened to her was God's doing, but that through it all God was there supporting her and waiting for her to acknowledge him. Olivia develops some really great relationships and develops feelings for a boy. The characters are all very well developed and the social issues that they all face in their various lives are well addressed.

I went into this story expecting one thing and came out with something completely different. I'm an emotional reader, and this one had my crying at parts. I understand that this type of story isn't for everyone, that some people don't like them. But I've come to love books under the "Christian Fiction" umbrella. I enjoy reading a story that an author as constructed to display the christian faith. I enjoyed the story and am very glad I picked up this book. ( )

NCLA Review: In the first book of the Diamond Estates series, teenager Olivia Mansfield just wants to escape. She wants to get away from her stepfather’s abuse, her mother’s ignorance, and her memories of her father’s death. This fervent wish leads her to make poor choice after poor choice until she reaches rock bottom. It is then that she is introduced to Diamond Estates, a God-focused home for troubled teens. This book uses many character clichés, but deals with them in a realistic and believable way. Getting to know Olivia is like getting to know a real person. At first, the reader sees her as a typical bratty, rich teenager. But as the book goes on, more of her past is revealed and her true self emerges. Topics such as forgiveness, consequences, and the lasting effects of abuse are dealt with realistically, and Olivia’s search for and struggle with God are both well done and believable. Rating: 3 —JAN ( )