72. The Reluctant Hallelujah by Gabrielle Williams

The Reluctant Hallelujah by Gabrielle Williams
Published February 2012

From the publisher:

When Dodie's parents go missing just as final year exams are about to start, she convinces herself they're fine. But when the least likely boy in class holds the key -- quite literally -- to the huge secret her parents have been hiding all these years, it's up to Dodie, her sister, the guy from school, and two guys she's never met before, to take on the challenge of a lifetime. So now Dodie's driving -- unlicensed -- to Sydney, and being chased by bad guys, the police, and one very handsome good guy.

I was looking forward to this book, because I really loved Gabrielle Williams'  first book Beatle Meets Destiny.  I can happily say I loved this book as much as her first book, but it was not at all what I expected.  

The blurb usually gives a good indication of what the book will be about.  In this case, everything the blurb tells you is absolutely true.  What it doesn't tell you is why they have to go to Sydney.  If you don't want to know, stop reading now...because I am going to tell you.

Dodie has been told that they key to her parents disappearance is hidden under her lounge room floor.  Something has been hidden there, and now it has to be moved to Sydney.  Here's the kicker...the thing in the basement is a person, a dead person...and that dead person is Jesus!  Yes, since his burial, Jesus has been moved from country to country for the last 2000+ years keeping him safe.  

While it may sound like a ridiculous plot, it doesn't read that way. The characters are a mix of 'believers' and 'non believers', the one thing they they all understand is the importance of their mission.  It's basically a road trip book mixed with weekend at Bernie's, where Bernie is Jesus. If the idea of finding Jesus in a basement and driving him to Sydney doesn't offend you, you should absolutely give this book a chance.

I am not sure how I feel about the ending.  I definitely didn't see it coming.

Who will like this book: Girls Age 14+
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