Reviews of St. Agnes' Place
5.0 out of 5 stars, Great Read! August 20, 2012 By Kate Wagner, Format:Paperback
I loved this book! It is the first book that I have read in quite some time and it is very inspiring. Living in the Albany area, I have first hand knowledge of the setting and can picture the characters in it quite clearly. Jill does a fantastic job with character description while weaving a story line about a topic that not many are familiarized with. Child sex trafficking is not something that one thinks of as a positive topic to read about... however, Jill touches the hearts of readers with the story of a warming and loving relationship between Shawnsy and the girls (and also her relationship with Eric.) Making the book not only enjoyable but thought provoking.
I would recommend this both on an educational level and as a pleasure read. GREAT job Jill, and I can't wait for the next one :)
I loved this book! It is the first book that I have read in quite some time and it is very inspiring. Living in the Albany area, I have first hand knowledge of the setting and can picture the characters in it quite clearly. Jill does a fantastic job with character description while weaving a story line about a topic that not many are familiarized with. Child sex trafficking is not something that one thinks of as a positive topic to read about... however, Jill touches the hearts of readers with the story of a warming and loving relationship between Shawnsy and the girls (and also her relationship with Eric.) Making the book not only enjoyable but thought provoking.
I would recommend this both on an educational level and as a pleasure read. GREAT job Jill, and I can't wait for the next one :)
5.0 out of 5 stars, St Agnes Place, July 9, 2012 By Allwill, This review is from: St. Agnes' Place (Kindle Edition)
Amazing story by a brilliant new writer! With such a compelling and heart wrenching topic, Ms. Starling created rich character portraits and I found that I cared about the well-being of all of these girls! Kudos for tackling a very real issue in a creative and thoughtful way. I can't wait to read what comes next from Ms. Starling!
Amazing story by a brilliant new writer! With such a compelling and heart wrenching topic, Ms. Starling created rich character portraits and I found that I cared about the well-being of all of these girls! Kudos for tackling a very real issue in a creative and thoughtful way. I can't wait to read what comes next from Ms. Starling!
5.0 out of 5 stars, What a great book !!!!!!!, May 29, 2012 By christina, This review is from: St. Agnes' Place (Paperback)
I started to read this book one night and could not stop!!!! I read the entire book cover to cover in one day. The book made me keep wanting to know what was going to happen next. I will admit the book did make me cry and smile. From death, to love, to abandonment you never knew where the book was going to turn next. I was surprised and disappointed when I read the
epilogue. I am very excited to see what Jill Starlings will come up with next.
I know I will be a follower of this new up and coming author. Good job!!!!!
I started to read this book one night and could not stop!!!! I read the entire book cover to cover in one day. The book made me keep wanting to know what was going to happen next. I will admit the book did make me cry and smile. From death, to love, to abandonment you never knew where the book was going to turn next. I was surprised and disappointed when I read the
epilogue. I am very excited to see what Jill Starlings will come up with next.
I know I will be a follower of this new up and coming author. Good job!!!!!
5.0 out of 5 stars, Fast paced page turner, May 28, 2012 By MuffinMann, This review is from: St. Agnes' Place (Paperback)
Great book by a great author. Jill's writing style had me wanting to turn the page quicker than I could finish reading. I found myself looking forward to how it would all turn out and yet not wanting the story to end. Very deft handling of a sensitive and uncomfortable subject. Showing both reality and sensitivity. The author is both sympathetic and honest. So glad she is bringing attention to the subject matter. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
Great book by a great author. Jill's writing style had me wanting to turn the page quicker than I could finish reading. I found myself looking forward to how it would all turn out and yet not wanting the story to end. Very deft handling of a sensitive and uncomfortable subject. Showing both reality and sensitivity. The author is both sympathetic and honest. So glad she is bringing attention to the subject matter. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
5.0 out of 5 stars, Fantastic Read, May 22, 2012 By Ty Langston, This review is from: St. Agnes' Place (Paperback)
Fantastic Debut from a new author.
I was so riveted by each and every character this this book. Every girl had a story and you couldn't help but to feel connected to all of them. Despite the subject matter, I found myself not wanting to put this book down until, the words The End.
Fantastic Read, Kudos Ms Starling, will look forward to more of your novels in the future.
Fantastic Debut from a new author.
I was so riveted by each and every character this this book. Every girl had a story and you couldn't help but to feel connected to all of them. Despite the subject matter, I found myself not wanting to put this book down until, the words The End.
Fantastic Read, Kudos Ms Starling, will look forward to more of your novels in the future.
5.0 out of 5 stars, A model for modern writers, May 19, 2012 By Catherine Fischer, This review is from: St. Agnes' Place (Paperback)
Firstly, I would like to begin my review with how I came across this fantastic book. I had an English project due and as with most projects I procrastinated and found myself short of research. My topic was the exploitation of children's wrights so I began last-minute searching, one thing led to another and I ended up at the Amazon page for St. Agnes Place. My curious nature led me off of my original course and wanting to know more about this book. I am an avid reader and have actually never read a novel depicting these uncomfortable topics so I decided to give the book a chance. Once I started reading I couldn't stop (my project seemed it could wait a few more hours) and I sped right through it. I loved the characters, I felt like I had a bond with them - I understood why they were who they were, which I think is related to a major theme. The plot was great with perfect finish. You have a gift Jill Starling! I also realized something after I had finished, I recognized some of the street and shop names - they were all real. I have an aunt who lives in Albany and I visit her almost every summer, surprisingly I remember passing a cupcake store known as CoccaDots, it is not a name easily forgotten. I loved how you tied in your own life into the book. I hope this helps and yet again you really do have a special gift, Ms. Starling.
Firstly, I would like to begin my review with how I came across this fantastic book. I had an English project due and as with most projects I procrastinated and found myself short of research. My topic was the exploitation of children's wrights so I began last-minute searching, one thing led to another and I ended up at the Amazon page for St. Agnes Place. My curious nature led me off of my original course and wanting to know more about this book. I am an avid reader and have actually never read a novel depicting these uncomfortable topics so I decided to give the book a chance. Once I started reading I couldn't stop (my project seemed it could wait a few more hours) and I sped right through it. I loved the characters, I felt like I had a bond with them - I understood why they were who they were, which I think is related to a major theme. The plot was great with perfect finish. You have a gift Jill Starling! I also realized something after I had finished, I recognized some of the street and shop names - they were all real. I have an aunt who lives in Albany and I visit her almost every summer, surprisingly I remember passing a cupcake store known as CoccaDots, it is not a name easily forgotten. I loved how you tied in your own life into the book. I hope this helps and yet again you really do have a special gift, Ms. Starling.
5.0 out of 5 stars, Evokes emotion, May 17, 2012 By URABUTTERFLY, This review is from: St. Agnes' Place (Paperback)
I wasn't too sure I wanted to read about this sensitive topic, however, the author tastefully depicts the impact of sex trafficking upon the women's lives involved but simultaneously engenders a milieu of emotions from her reader. This is a fantastic human interest story that touches upon a full spectrum of personalities, perspectives, personal developments and lifestyles that many times starkly contrast, while at the same time melt together as the characters find commonalities and friendships. This novel reads and digests easily. I recommend others to pick up this book and enjoy a great read!!
I wasn't too sure I wanted to read about this sensitive topic, however, the author tastefully depicts the impact of sex trafficking upon the women's lives involved but simultaneously engenders a milieu of emotions from her reader. This is a fantastic human interest story that touches upon a full spectrum of personalities, perspectives, personal developments and lifestyles that many times starkly contrast, while at the same time melt together as the characters find commonalities and friendships. This novel reads and digests easily. I recommend others to pick up this book and enjoy a great read!!
5.0 out of 5 stars St. Agnes' Place, May 16, 2012 By MagicMan, This review is from: St. Agnes' Place (Paperback)
My wife bought this book from a local author and couldn't put it down. When she finished it, she told me that I had to read it too. I hesitated because it's not a "guys book", but I agreed to read it. I am glad my wife introduced me to St. Agnes' Place as the author did a great job getting you hooked on the characters. Kudos, Ms. Starling.
My wife bought this book from a local author and couldn't put it down. When she finished it, she told me that I had to read it too. I hesitated because it's not a "guys book", but I agreed to read it. I am glad my wife introduced me to St. Agnes' Place as the author did a great job getting you hooked on the characters. Kudos, Ms. Starling.
5.0 out of 5 stars, Enjoyable, relaxing weekend or afternoon read!, May 16, 2012 By BMcC, This review is from: St. Agnes' Place (Paperback)
Great story! When I saw the book was about child sex trafficing I was hesitant if it was a story I could handle reading. St. Agnes' Place hits you with the realiities of this terrible issue, but makes you want to go visit/volunteer at the campus. So very tastefully written I felt like I knew the girls in the home and wanted to be the caretaker. I laughed and cried as I read the book and I didn't want it to end. I hope there is more to come!
Great story! When I saw the book was about child sex trafficing I was hesitant if it was a story I could handle reading. St. Agnes' Place hits you with the realiities of this terrible issue, but makes you want to go visit/volunteer at the campus. So very tastefully written I felt like I knew the girls in the home and wanted to be the caretaker. I laughed and cried as I read the book and I didn't want it to end. I hope there is more to come!