An Unexpected Role by Leslea Wahl Book Review

It’s been a while since I’ve done a book review. It is difficult to commit to reviewing books because you have to find the time to read the book. I have been reading a lot of personal development books lately during my morning reading time and I’ve been saving fiction for when I am volunteering in Phone Central. When I heard about An Unexpected Role I thought it sounded like a book I would enjoy and it would force me to take some pleasure reading time in the evenings.

About An Unexpected Role

After a humiliating event and overwhelming peer pressure, 16-year-old Josie flees her home to spend the summer with her Aunt on a South Carolina island. Her fresh start turns into the summer of her dreams as friendships grow, romance blossoms, and a series of thefts surround her with excitement. However, when tragedy strikes someone close to her, Josie realizes there are more important things than her reputation. As she sets out to solve the mystery she has become entangled in, she not only realizes the importance of relying on her faith but along the way also discovers who God wants her to be.

Mom Maven’s Thoughts

An Unexpected Role is like reading three books in one, it is part coming of age, part mystery, and part romance. I did find the beginning of the story a bit slow for my tastes but when I got to the second half of the book, I couldn’t put it down. I like how the main character, Josie, isn’t perfect, she is flawed like we all are and she is dealing with some pretty big embarrassment back home. While visiting her aunt for the summer Josie begins to grow into the person she was born to be.

I recommend this novel for youth and adults alike. It is a good reminder to us parents about how devastating things can seem during the teen years. For teens it is a great story of growing up and growing stronger in our relationship with the Lord. You will have to read the book to find out what unexpected role Josie had to play.