Invaluable

Author: Holly J. Wood

Publisher: Deseret Book

Published: December 2011

Paperback: 352 pages

ISBN13: 9781609088354

FTC FYI: Review copy

Reviewed by Mindy

Back cover: “Help Wanted

Sixteen year old girl seeks advice on how to reach out to a sister who has become distant, how to make up with my best friend, who spends every, moment with her new boyfriend; how to avoid losing my job over working on Sundays; and how to figure out who has been putting love notes in my locker.  Applicants are also required to provide advice on how to handle being head-over-heels for my prom date’s best friend–who happens to be the hottest guy in school.  Math tutoring a plus.  Interested persons may contact Eliza Moore.

Sounds like a tall order?  Well, that is what Eliza Moore is up against during her sophomore year of high school.  But when her great-grandmother begins visiting Eliza in her dreams, everything starts to change.  These dreams take Eliza back in time to see extraordinary women who help teach her about eight important values.  As Eliza learns more about these women and the values they lived by, she discovers the courage and confidence she needs to face her challenges–and her secret admirer.”

My Review

I really enjoyed this book.  Eliza was a great character and I was really impressed with her.  There was one thing that she did that surprised me during the book, especially after she was receiving the visits from the great-grandmother, but as I thought about it, we are all still learning in this life.  Mistakes will happen.  I looked forward to the visits from her grandmother, the people they visited, and the lessons Eliza learned.  I thought the “treasure hunt” after each visit was fun.  My one tiny complaint, was that I felt at times the story dragged a bit before her great-grandmother Eliza visited.  That being said, I enjoyed the characters and thought the author did a great job of incorporating the Young Woman values into a book.  I also really liked Luke and Jason.  I love it when boys are good examples too.

4 out of 5 stars.  I would recommend this book to any one with a daughter in YW’s or is interested in learning more about those amazing values.  My 13 year old daughter couldn’t wait until I was done so she could read it.  I love books that I can pass onto my girls, and this one is at the top of the list.  As a mom, it is also a great reminder for me to get my daughter excited about personal progress.  This book will do just that.

Learn more about Holly J. Wood here.  Follow her on FACEBOOK.

DESERET BOOK / AMAZON / BARNES AND NOBLE