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Review: Anything - Mayberry University #1

Anything book cover on blue background

Having a soft spot for YA/New Adult books made reading Anything by Kristina Welch a fun trip into memory lane with the first title in her Mayberry University series released earlier this year.

I am grateful to the author for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Book Synopsis

Two guarded hearts.

He’s breaking down walls and she’s building them higher—a match made in Heaven, or a blueprint for disaster?

After the fiery downward spiral of senior year, Kit Talbot crash-lands on a quirky college campus where traditions rule and dorm floors act more like family. It’s just weird enough to keep her mind off the wreckage she’s leaving behind.

Enter Levi Whitaker, known as the swooniest guy on campus. Magnetic, confident, and far too much like the ex who sent her life into that PTSD-tainted nosedive. Levi seems to be everywhere, focused on her like she’s the only girl in the world—even indulging her sugar addiction with delivered treats. But Kit’s self-preservation instincts are sharper than ever, and she deflects him like Wonder Woman blocking bullets.

That is, until Levi’s quiet faith and humble apology start to break down Kit’s defenses. He loves Jesus in the dreamiest way, looks like wow, and ... somehow triggers the flashbacks she fights so hard to avoid. Every minute with him is a risk she isn’t sure she should take. Should she protect them both from the chaos of her life or learn a bravery that feels irresponsible?

As Kit fights to keep her life safe and manageable, she leans into her faith, clinging to the Bible verses God whispers to her heart. Clearly, he’s up to something, but the healing she prays for isn’t happening the way she wants.

Why is God silent on the prayer she needs most?

Source: Amazon

Book Thoughts

Getting to visit Mayberry University has been a treat in reliving Bible college and seeing young adults discover all that God has for them. In this new adult series, Kristina Welch invites readers to meet students who are on the cusp of major life decisions while building formative relationships. Kit and Levi are two such students who come from different backgrounds and while we get to be in Kit’s head more often, it’s wonderful to see how both individuals grow over the course of their story together. What made this book stand out was just how embedded the Bible was in the minds of Kit and Levi, where they constantly referenced what God’s Word had to say about each situation they faced. These characters lived and breathed prayer, providing a reprieve from the heaviness of Kit’s burdens.

Another outstanding element in this book is how the Bible verses are compiled, where readers have the opportunity to reference them and be reminded of God’s faithfulness to His people. If anything, this book touches on numerous aspects of God’s love, including His steadfastness, His patience with us, and His delight in rejoicing over us. I appreciate that issues around mental health, PTSD, and relational boundaries are touched on and that the characters are open to seeking help, which isn’t an easy step. Readers who are looking for a slow burn with plenty of pop culture references that will help them feel at home with Gen Z students will appreciate a thoroughly Christian relationship that is based on Jesus alone.

Book Summary

  • Format of book: 📱
  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Recommendation: 👍
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