LOSING FAITH by Denise Jaden

Okay, so I've been reading more and more realistic fiction. I think I might try my hand at it one day. If I can ever figure it out.

At the same time, I find myself flying through these contemp books. I just finished LOSING FAITH by Denise Jaden, and it was a real page-turner. I just had to know what the secrets were. Let's break it down a little more.

Writing: Another present tense first-person narrative, but yet again I really enjoyed the writing. It's fast-paced and unnoticeable. Which means it's good.

Characters: Brie is a fabulous narrator. I found her real and believable, if not a little on the innocent side. Which isn't a bad thing. I just knew something in the book WAY earlier than Brie did, and I sort of wish she could've figured it out. Or at least wonder about it. But you know what? It totally worked in the story, and 

I enjoyed Brie. And I really enjoyed Tessa. Maybe it was her spiky hair, or her spunk and straightforward attitude, or the way she's a real friend to Brie when she needed to be. I don't know, but the secondary cast of characters was fabulous.

Plot/Pacing: There is the whole mysterious death thing that keeps you turning the pages. I read this book over a two-day period and never once wished I'd been given another clue at a crucial point. Denise does a great job of giving you what you need exactly when you need it.

Cover: Okay, I'm partial, since this is a Simon Pulse title, but it's gorgeous. I love how the butterflies come out of the flowers. And I may or may not have a thing for butterflies...

Extra: I'm giving away a signed copy of LOSING FAITH! Click here for details -- contest ends September 26. It's an amazing debut, so make sure you get your copy today!

Check out what the other Bookanistas are up to this week:
Christine Fonseca - is showering praise for her BOOKANISTA buds and their covers
Beth Revis recommends INCARCERON
Carolina Valdez Miller dives into DARK WATER
Lisa and Laura Roecker are gushing over some fab covers
Kirsten Hubbard praises PARANORMALCY

What have you read recently that you loved?

And you haven't forgotten about the Writing Compelling Characters Blogging Experiment have you? It's happening tomorrow, and I have a link here. The details are at the bottom of the post.