First Chapter Review: Kicking Eternity by Ann Lee Miller

After promoting a giveaway for Ann Lee Miller's Kicking Eternity, the author kindly sent me a free electronic copy of the book. While I don't have time to offer a full review right now, she expressed interest in a First Chapter Review.

BLURB: Stuck in sleepy New Smyrna Beach one last summer, Raine socks away her camp pay checks, worries about her druggy brother, and ignores trouble: Cal Koomer. She’s a plane ticket away from teaching orphans in Africa, and not even Cal’s surfer six-pack and the chinks she spies in his rebel armor will derail her.

The artist in Cal begs to paint Raine’s ivory skin, high cheek bones, and internal sparklers behind her eyes, but falling for her would caterwaul him into his parents’ life. No thanks. The girl was self-righteous waiting to happen. Mom served sanctimony like vegetables, three servings a day, and he had a gut full.

Rec Director Drew taunts her with “Rainey” and calls her an enabler. He is so infernally there like a horsefly—till he buzzes back to his ex.

Raine’s brother tweaks. Her dream of Africa dies small deaths. Will she figure out what to fight for and what to free before it’s too late?


COVER: Nicely done. The warm colors are pleasing to the eye, and the relaxing, breezy feeling of the scene is a great contrast to the more forceful word "kicking" in the title. Not sure what the guitar has to do with the story, yet, but there is mention of one character playing the instrument in high school.

FIRST CHAPTER:  It is orientation day for the staff at Triple S Camp. Raine is feeling out of sorts when a guy she used to know from youth group--Drew--says hello. But it's Cal, who captures Raine's attention--even if a guy is the last thing she needs right now. Then there's her roommate, Aly. That girl has a huge chip on her shoulder about people of faith. Luckily, after camp is over, Raine will be on her way to Africa to teach in an orphanage.

KEEP READING: Yes sir. In one chapter, Miller creates a group of characters--some heard from, others merely mentioned--that you'll want to get to know. While the reader isn't certain why Raine is less than thrilled about working at Triple S Camp, she's definitely interested in finding out what is up with her. Having led a somewhat sheltered life--according to Cal--coming in as the Bible teacher creates some tension. Cal and Aly make their feelings freely known on how they feel about people of faith. Drew is someone who irritates Raine within moments, and it looks like he plans to be a pain in her backside.

This first chapter is told from Raine's and Cal's points of view, so we get to see things from both sides. I like that. I'm definitely curious to see how things evolve.

File Size: 484 KB
Print Length: 218 pages
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
Language: English
ASIN: B0082GF8CE
Currently $2.99 for Kindle


I received a free electronic copy of this book from the author as a gift. No review was required. I received no monetary compensation for this First Chapter Review.