Crystal Clear

Crystal has always been a bit restless in the story – and here we get a sense of her internal conflicts and questions as we see her perspective as she runs away – back to Dallas and tests the adage, you can never come home again. She doesn’t dislike her new family and the security that she’s found in Blessings, but as a teen, she’s feeling her way around her choices. As with all of Jenkins’ stories, Crystal’s voice is clear and well-developed, and her choices are often more clear to readers than characters at first. And while I’ve not read all of the stories in this series – the ability to escape into this character’s tale and see just how her past preyed (and affected) her choices, and the conflicts that she has within herself about her own new circumstances when compared to her friends in Texas was a quick and gripping read. I love the ability to have a peek into a character’s head – and Crystal’s story is one that shows loyalty, conflicted desires, love, support and even some growing up as things in Dallas aren’t quite as rosy as she remembered, and “home” really doesn’t feel as comfortable or comforting as the new one she’s building in Blessings. Follow that little story up with a wonderful short story called Transformations that mixes fantasy and history in ways that rarely are seen, to great effect. Highlighting Jenkins’ ability to tell a story that demands attention and engages, no matter the unfamiliarity of the genre. I borrowed this copy of the title from the library with intentions of review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

I wished it was a little bit longer. But all in all it was a good intro to the rest of the story that will continue in another book. I just love all of Ms. Jenkins books. I haven't been disappointed yet. love all of her historical fiction. Just love the July clan.

I really enjoy Crystal Clear