This story is brilliantly written. Not much more can be said without giving away too much of the plot. ( )

I am completely torn on this review....I just don't even really have words for this book. Nicole Seitz shrouds the entire piece in mystery and only reveals key bits at the end. The story itself was beautifully written, it flowed effortlessly and sucked me into the story, even in some places unwittingly. Other thoughts I had on this piece is that is had a very literary feel as well as a very sad presence. The whole time I was reading I wanted to start weeping for this poor little girl's innocence being totally ripped to shreds and at the same time I was cheering loudly for her spirit to be strong and persevere. This book will keep you up all night reading, crying, laughing, and falling in love with each and every character you come across, especially little Janie.

*This book was received from Thomas Nelson for review* ( )

There are reasons that I avoid reading Christian fiction - this book encompasses all of those reasons, and then some. I was extremely disappointed with this novel, which did not bill itself as Christian-themed, but rather as a Southern family drama. Seitz did write some interesting characters, people whose lives I could have been interested in learning more about; her overly simplistic handling of Priscilla's unplanned pregnancy, however, and her preachy, anti-abortion message that read like bad propoganda completely turned me off even the most compelling moments in the novel - not that there were many to begin with. Add to these elements a lot of off-putting talk about God and angels and 'surprise' plot twists that were wholly predictable and you get a dull novel that I couldn't wait to finish. The book description and marketing plan should absolutely indicate the heavy-handed Christian content so that readers can make a more informed purchasing decision. ( )

Without a doubt, Saving Cicadas is the best book I have read in years. It will be hard to write an adequate review of this impressionable novel and even more difficult not to include spoilers. It is a book that captured me from the first page and left me in awe at the last page. It took twists and turns that kept surprising me and when I thought I couldn’t be further surprised; I was surprised again.

Priscilla is a woman who is haunted by her past, depressed about her future and in turmoil regarding her present situation. She is a single mother of a special needs child and she finds herself pregnant again. Her spirit appears broken; her life in chaos. She takes off with her family in search of answers. The journey she takes is unplanned and spontaneous. It is a trip that will forever change her life and those she loves.

The story is told in a child’s voice with a child’s prospective on life. She is wise beyond her years; she is innocent and untouched by prejudice. She is the most powerful character you will ever meet in a novel. The impressions she leaves on the reader will never be forgotten.

Absolutely, everyone must read Saving Cicadas. I am recommending it to everyone I know. Regardless of what they may think they know about love and life; I am sure they will be affected by this incredible story forever. ( )

I selected this book thinking it would be an appealing addition to my growing collection of Southern fiction. Nothing in the description prepared me for the overwhelming Christian elements and the heavy-handed anti-abortion message that form the basis for the narrative. Though the characters of Janie, Rainey and Priscilla are appealing and the folksy tone consistent, I was very disappointed by the way Priscilla's dilemma was treated. The talk of God and angels was off-putting and overly simplistic as was the treatment of Rainey's special needs. The surprise twist was so telegraphed that it lost any effect and just served to further increase my dissatisfaction with this book. A more even-handed treatment of Priscilla's choices and a greater understanding of why she made them could have made this a powerful book about the dilemma of an unplanned pregnancy; instead it reads as a shallow and preachy piece of propoganda. Disappointing read- the book description should definitely indicate that this is Christian fiction to help people make a more informed purchasing decision. ( )