by John Faubion
Christian Fiction / Contemporary / Suspense
Available February 2014
Howard Books
368 pages
About the Book
“You’re afraid you are becoming unfaithful, aren’t you?”
Scott and Rachel’s marriage is on the brink of disaster. Scott, a businessman with a high-pressure job, just wants Rachel to understand him and accept his flaws. Rachel is a lonely housewife, desperate for attention and friendship. So she decides to create a virtual friend online, unaware that Scott is doing the exact same thing. But neither realizes that there’s a much larger problem looming. . . .
Behind both of their online creations is Melissa, a woman who is brilliant— and totally insane. Masquerading as both friend and lover, Melissa programmed a search parameter into the Virtual Friend Me software to find her perfect man, but along the way she forgot to specify his marriage status. And Scott is her ideal match. Now Melissa is determined to have it all—Scott, his family, and Rachel’s life.
As Melissa grows bolder and her online manipulations transition into the real world, Scott and Rachel figure out they are being played. Now it’s a race against time as Scott and Rachel fight to save their marriage, and their lives, before it’s too late.
My Thoughts
Scott and Rachel each turn to virtual friends when life starts getting complicated. As they each share more and more of themselves with their new friends, they grow more distant from each other. When things take a really strange—and scary!—twist, they realize that they still desperately need each other. But will they be able to overcome the hurts of the past months in time to figure out what in the world is going on?
John Faubion's debut novel, Friend Me, is an intense and thrilling read. The plot seemed far-fetched, futuristic at first. But as I kept reading, I realized that people are turning to online relationships every day, so the abuses explored in this book are totally possible—and even probable. (Although the whole "virtual" bit doesn't exist quite like this right now.) I was drawn in and could not stop reading. I seriously read this book in a day-and-a-half!
My only complaint was that the book wrapped up too quickly. I wanted just a little more explanation of the ending (total shocker!) ... and maybe a few more pages in the epilogue.
Also, due to the topics addressed and some of the ways that Scott and his virtual friend are involved, I would recommend this book for mature readers. The author does a great job of exploring the idea of an intimate, online relationship (outside of marriage) without going too far, but it's definitely what I would consider "edgy."
Friend Me is a wonderful book, and I strongly encourage you to pick up a copy today! But ... fair warning ... I wouldn't read this one at bedtime. :) [4.5 stars]
John Faubion's debut novel, Friend Me, is an intense and thrilling read. The plot seemed far-fetched, futuristic at first. But as I kept reading, I realized that people are turning to online relationships every day, so the abuses explored in this book are totally possible—and even probable. (Although the whole "virtual" bit doesn't exist quite like this right now.) I was drawn in and could not stop reading. I seriously read this book in a day-and-a-half!
My only complaint was that the book wrapped up too quickly. I wanted just a little more explanation of the ending (total shocker!) ... and maybe a few more pages in the epilogue.
Also, due to the topics addressed and some of the ways that Scott and his virtual friend are involved, I would recommend this book for mature readers. The author does a great job of exploring the idea of an intimate, online relationship (outside of marriage) without going too far, but it's definitely what I would consider "edgy."
Friend Me is a wonderful book, and I strongly encourage you to pick up a copy today! But ... fair warning ... I wouldn't read this one at bedtime. :) [4.5 stars]
I received a free copy of this book from Howard Books in exchange for my fair and honest review.
About the Author
John Faubion has spent many years in Asia as a missionary with his family. Since returning to the United States, John has worked as a senior software developer for a large appliance chain. He teaches an adult Sunday school class and enjoys writing and driving his 1949 Packard automobile. John lives near Indianapolis with his wife, Beth, and their daughter.
John Faubion Online
Giveaway
Howard Books is giving away a copy of Friend Me by John Faubion. Open to US residents only. Giveaway ends February 11. Enter through the Giveaway Tools widget below.
*** All participants must be 18 years or older. The winner will be contacted
via email. Once contacted the winner has 72 hours to respond with the
required information. If the winner does not respond within the
timeframe specified, another winner will be chosen. I am not responsible
for shipping mishaps. Void where prohibited. ***
This book sounds absolutely insane! That synopsis... wow. I'm curious, though, how frightening are we talking about? Say, on a scale of 1-10?
ReplyDeleteThat's hard ... maybe a 7? I think I freaked myself out because I started thinking about the possibilities, you know? So I had to put it down right before bed. But it wrapped up really nicely ... not quite as creepy as I had worked myself up to. :)
DeleteI've looked at the into of this book several time musing whether or not it is a "go" for me. If I win, it will be an interesting read, I am sure!
ReplyDelete