This is the fall of sequels and I'm all here for it! Anywhere is the next book in the Mayberry University series by Kristina Welch and it's a fun return to Bible college with the Mayberry crew.
Many thanks to the author for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Content to be aware of: While Anywhere could be read as a standalone, this is a heads up that there is a lot of terminology that is dependent on the previous book, especially around the university itself with all of the lingo and the nicknames for the characters. There are also mentions of sex outside marriage, though not in detail.
Book Synopsis
One frenetic runner.
One compulsive helper.
A collision they can’t seem to stop—
And a God who won’t follow their lead.
Always singing Sophie Appel has a system: stay busy, feel later. Austin Scott is the strong and swoony golden retriever of Mayberry University—but lately, it’s all fetch and no naps.
Total opposites. Accidental best friends. And absolutely nothing more, even if the chemistry is sparkier than the pickles electrocuted in Chem Lab. It’s for the best. Really. He’s headed for a porch-swing life. She’s aimed at passport stamps. Their futures don’t match, and scratching the itch for more would only leave them in desperate need of a first-aid kit.
But when one of them goes off script, the pent-up feelings combust into something unruly, beautiful … and dangerous. Egged on by their way-too-helpful found family and the full-blown chaos that is life at Mayberry, they bulldoze through the messiest parts of faith. Like depression, jealousy, family wounds, and temptation. Then comes growth they can’t stomach, imperfect obedience, and a love that costs more than they thought.
It's not easy. Sometimes obedience to the still, small voice looks like inaction. Sometimes a simple prayer feels like a fight.
Why does obedience feel impossible?
Can we ever measure up to who He says we are?
Source: Amazon
Book Thoughts
This is a continuation of the Mayberry University series where we get to dive into Sophie and Austin's story. If you've already read the first book, Anything, it's wonderful to encounter characters like Kit and Levi again. Once you get immersed in this world, you can quickly identify some of the friend dynamics and how they really care for one another. It's an age where learning to speak the truth in love goes a long way, and it's wonderful to witness how so many characters are growing in this skill. It's also helpful to see how Gen Z is applying their faith to the scenarios they're facing in a realistic manner.
Where this book shines is in tackling a difficult subject head-on without glorifying sin and without minimizing its effects on the characters. I appreciate that the author is able to write sobering and gut-wrenching emotional scenes that make you feel like you're alongside Sophie and Austin at Bible college. With older mentors available to provide wisdom, this is a book that gently nudges readers to witness the pitfalls of putting a romantic partner above God. If you're looking for a youthful story with an injection of pop culture, Anywhere will have you excited to see how Christian young adults are being discipled and sanctified in their walks with God.
Book Summary
- Format of book: 📱
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Recommendation: 👍
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