Standing Strong: A West Brothers Story

I was so excited when I found out that Theresa Linden, one of my absolute favorite authors for teens, had written a new novel in her West Brothers series. Ever since the release a couple years ago of “Roland West, Loner,” the first book in the set, I've been totally in love with her characters and dying to read their further adventures. Her new story, “Standing Strong,” does not disappoint!This tale follows immediately after the events of “Battle for His Soul” (which, by the way, is truly life-changing – one of the BEST Catholic novels I've ever read and certainly one that will never allow you ignore your Guardian Angel again!). In that book, Linden left us hanging after the incredibly moving conversion of seventeen-year-old Jarret, who is one of those characters you love and hate at the same time. After rooting for him to turn to God through three entire books, the reader is more than rewarded with an unforgettable conversion scene . . . but then the book more or less ends, leaving you thinking: “Wait! It can't end yet! What happens next?” Well, in “Standing Strong” we get our answer, and the title gives a big hint. Jarret, freshly converted and embarking on a new life of loving God, is suddenly faced with temptations to return to his sinful ways. If you've ever experienced a deep, personal conversion, this situation will be very familiar. Satan is not happy when a soul decides to serve God. Will Jarret – still so inexperienced and vulnerable in things of the spiritual realm – be able to stand strong in the face of the devil's clever ploys, or will he slide back and revert to the Jarret of old? Linden keeps us on the edge of our seat as we watch Jarret wrestle with his new faith, all the while biting our nails.But that's not all! His twin brother, Keefe, who had an earlier conversion in book two (“Life-Changing Love”) is having a mammoth struggle of his own. After falling in love with Christ on a recent trip to Italy, Keefe feels drawn to enter a Franciscan monastery and give his life entirely to the service of God and the salvation of souls. But after a past filled with sins, he feels totally unworthy of such a high calling. Should he forget his lofty ideals and walk away? Go to college and get married like everyone else? How could Jesus possibly want him after all the bad things he's done? Keefe's soul is in agony, and to make it worse, he fears his dad will never, ever allow him to become a Franciscan friar. Besides, if he does, how could Jarret ever get by on his own without Keefe there to help and encourage him? The chapters alternate between the two brothers and their soul-wrenching interior battles.Linden is a master at getting inside the heads of today's teenagers, and her own deep faith and love of God shine through and inspire on every page. After reading “Standing Strong,” your own spiritual life cannot but be strengthened, making you also want to stand strong for God. Highly recommended!~Susan Peek, author of bestselling "The King's Prey: Saint Dymphna of Ireland" and other fast-paced saint stories

Another fantastic read by Theresa Linden that touches upon many struggles that teenagers have to deal with in this secular environment. A roller-coaster of emotions, we witness Keefe, whose always been his rebel brother’s partner in crime—although unwillingly—strongly discerning his vocation as a priest. Then there’s Jarret, who, after a miraculous moment in the last book, Battle for His Soul, is trying to stay strong in his newfound faith, but dealing with constant temptation. Linden has some really powerful scenes and messages in this exciting installment. With messages of trust, temptation, and relationships, I highly recommend this story.

Another great story of the West family as both the older boys twins Jarret and Keefe struggle with their future, younger brother Roland with healing from an accident to their father who has been acting strange lately and has a surprise for them. I have read all the series so far of the West family and recommend them all, I hope there is more to come. Thank you Theresa for another story I didn't want to end.

Always love to read anything by this author. I have almost all her books now. I never hesitate when I see a new book coming out by her. This story is written well, I always am eager to read about the West brothers especially. A must buy.

Really recommended the book! Shipping was great got it way before i thought i would get it

The tagline for Standing Strong—Theresa Linden’s most daring novel—reads: “Blessed is he who is not scandalized in me.” Most young adult novels ignore the spiritual life, some ridicule it, or replace it with fantasy. Standing Strong embraces spirituality—with a strong Franciscan flavor—as God shapes the lives of Jarret and Keefe West, and brings peace to their family.Readers of the first three West Brothers novels know Jarret as narcissistic, manipulative, and cruel—a teen just waiting for karma to catch up with him. His favorite targets include his twin, Keefe, an unwilling accomplice, and their younger brother, Roland—Jarret’s frequent victim.Rather than karma or Satan, it is mercy that catches Jarret. Like Saul on the road to Damascus, Jarret resets his priorities, sincerely attempting to amend his life. He admits his mistakes and avoids the people, places, and circumstances associated with his earlier misdeeds. He shows genuine compassion to his family, friends, and even his enemies. Unfortunately, he grows overconfident, and the lure of his deeply ingrained habits and the expectations of his classmates impede his spiritual progress. He finds himself rejected; crying out, “God, why do you make this so hard?”Keefe, Jarret’s perennial foil is so used to deferring to his brother, their father, and anyone who challenges him that he stalls on his journey to the religious life—mired in self-doubt, and his fear of wrath, ridicule, and rejection. Can he make the leap of faith, faith in himself and his calling, despite the apparent obstacles and contradictory signs? Can he embrace the scandal of Jesus?The author devises an elaborate series of subplots that pit Mr. West, Roland, and his friends, Channel—Jarret’s voluptuous girlfriend—, and strangers along the road who deflect the West twins from their holy trek.Standing Strong appeals to a wide audience, especially troubled high school students and those contemplating the religious life. Theresa Linden’s research into adolescent psychology and the life, legends, and spirituality of Saint Francis of Assisi erects a sturdy framework through which she threads her themes.The author shared the pre-publication copy of Standing Strong that enabled this review. I thank her and applaud her creative spirit.