Title: Gifted Touch
Author: Melinda Metz
First published April 1, 2001
240 pages, Mass Market Paperback
ISBN: 9780064472654 (ISBN10: 0064472655)
Rating: 3.9
Overview
Are you tired of taking your faith too seriously? Do you want to know the comedic side of Christianity?
Jonathan Acuff’s book, Holy Humor, is the perfect guide to navigating the hilarious moments that come with faith. With a satirical approach, Acuff tackles the absurdity of Christian culture, from worship leader stereotypes to the infamous church potluck.
Whether you’re a seasoned believer or just curious, this book will have you laughing and nodding in agreement. Holy Humor is a must-read for anyone who wants to lighten up and find the joy in their faith.
About the Author
Growing up in San Jose, California, Melinda Metz is often asked if she knows the way. While she does have a general idea, her sense of direction is a bit off-kilter, so she suggests using a navigational device for confidence.
In kindergarten, Melinda had no interest in reading or writing her name. However, she eventually mastered both and even earned an English degree from San Jose State University.
After college, Melinda moved to Manhattan to seek her fortune. This involved working at a grocery store, making money from profits at an off-Broadway play, and editing books.
Melinda and Laura J. Burns became unofficial writing partners while working as editors at the same company.
They collaborated on brainstorming story ideas and later worked on the Roswell High book series. As an official writing team, they wrote two TV pilots, moved to L.A. for Roswell, and briefly lived in Toronto while working on 1-800-Missing.
They continue to write books, both together and separately.
Their new book, Sanctuary Bay, is a YA thriller set at an ultra-exclusive private school on an island. Once accepted, students must stay until graduation with no contact with the outside world.
The first four books in Melinda’s new middle-grade mystery series, S.M.A.R.T.S., are out now. The series involves a group of kids in a makerspace club with lots of science information.
Melinda lives in Concord, NC with her dog, Scully, named after an X-Files character. She loves reading and writing and has never regretted learning these skills.
Editoral Review
Gifted Touch by Melinda Metz: A Compelling Story of Love and Psychic Powers
Melinda Metz, the prolific author of numerous young adult and romance novels, weaves an intriguing tale of love, psychic powers, and self-discovery in Gifted Touch. Initially published on April 1, 2001, the novel has endured as a classic of the romance genre, offering an engaging mix of suspense, character development, and paranormal intrigue.
The novel centers on 17-year-old Kira, who has recently moved to a small town in upstate New York with her mother. Kira possesses a rare talent: she can feel the emotions and memories of others by touching them.
This power makes her an outsider, causing her to withdraw from the world and hide her abilities. However, when she crosses paths with handsome and popular football player Luke, Kira discovers that he, too, has a secret psychic ability.
Together, Kira and Luke embark on a thrilling journey of self-discovery, battling their own insecurities and fears while uncovering a dangerous conspiracy that could threaten their lives. Metz skillfully captures the essence of teenage angst and romance, creating relatable characters that readers can easily root for.
The novels setting also taps into the allure of small-town life, with its intricate front porch conversations, summer festivals, and tight-knit communities. Additionally, the paranormal elements of Gifted Touch offer a fresh take on the young adult and romance genre, adding layers of tension and intrigue that keep readers engaged until the very end.
Yet, despite its strengths, Gifted Touch suffers from a predictable plot and shallow character development. The novel also tends to oversimplify complex issues, such as mental health and consent, which may be problematic for some readers.
Overall, Gifted Touch is a must-read for fans of young adult and romance novels. Its engaging premise, vivid setting, and unique paranormal elements make it a standout in the genre.
However, readers looking for deep character studies and unexpected plot twists may be disappointed. Rating: 3.5/5
