Antonia's Choice [Paperback]

Nancy Rue (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 2, 2003

Toni Wells is a successful churchgoing career woman with full custody of her son. But her commitments escalate as she deals with defiant behavior from five-year-old Ben and takes a niece into her home. Toni cuts her hours temporarily to part-time, terrified of "losing herself completely" to her family. Then she discovers that Ben has been photographed and molested by a child pornographer. Toni must finally make a choice that's not really a choice: "Whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it" (Mark 8:35, NIV).

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Nancy Rue taught English and theater before pursuing writing full-time. The award-winning author of numerous works of fiction and nonfiction for children, young adults, and adults, Nancy lives with her husband in Lebanon, Tennessee.

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Multnomah Books (May 2, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1590520769
• ISBN-13: 978-1590520765
• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.8 x 8.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,484,800 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Nancy Rue is the author of 110 books, including 9 novels for adults, 17 for teens, and 60 for tween readers, as well as 2 parenting books, 32 non-fiction books for tweens and teens, and the features for the FaithGirlz Bible. Her Lily Series, published by Zondervan, has sold well over one million copies. Her ability to relate to a wide audience has made her a popular radio and television guest and an in-demand speaker and teacher for writer's conferences across the country. She has been a regular keynoter for The Young Writer's Institute and Virtuous Reality Ministries, and now anchors Zondervan's Beauty of Believing Tour for FaithGirlz, which draws thousands of tween girls and their moms. Nancy is also the founder of the "Writing for Children and Youth Conference" in Glen Eyrie, Colorado. Her latest titles include The Reluctant Prophet for adult readers (David C. Cook) Limos, Lattes, and My Life On the Fringe (Zondervan) for teens, and That Is SO Me (Zondervan), a year-long devotional for tweens. A student of the Academy for Spiritual Formation, sponsored by the Upper Room, Nancy continues her own spiritual journey even as she writes and speaks for mothers, daughters, and would-be writers about theirs. For more information, visit her website at www.nancyrue.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars powerful look at the aftermath of sexual abuse, May 24, 2003

By 

Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews
(#1 Hall OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Antonia's Choice (Paperback)

Finance expert Toni Wells left Richmond and her husband Chris due to his neglect and cheating to relocate with their five-year-old son Ben in the Nashville area. Whether it is the move or the split, Ben is filled with fear and anger, leaving Toni distraught and unsure what to do next.

Toni's mother calls to inform her that her older sister Bobbi and her husband Sid have been jailed for child pornography. Mom refuses to accept the fact that Bobbi committed any crime though the house is filled with equipment, pictures and videos, and their oldest daughter teenage Wyndham turned up in them. Soon Wyndham admits that Ben, her preadolescent siblings, and she has starred in some of the shots and worse actions too. Now Toni is fighting to save Ben and Wyndham, praying for her other niece and nephew, and trying to lock away her sister.

ANTONIA'S CHOICE is a deep look at sexual abuse that will shake readers with the events that occurred to Ben, Wyndham and others though Nancy Rue limits the graphics. The story line is heart wrenching as Toni begins to understand what happened to Ben. Wyndham is an especially great character as guilt keeps her on a suicide edge, but bravely albeit slowly relates the sickening events. Toni's mom is too delusional to accept the facts and the full thrust of Christianity as being the only avenue to save Ben will turn off some readers. Still ANTONIA'S CHOICE provides a powerful tale of the aftermath to the victims of sexual abuse.

Harriet Klausner

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Healing Choices, October 9, 2003

By 

"somakiss" (Munroe Falls, OH) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Antonia's Choice (Paperback)

An educational, yet not graphic, look at child pornography and its effects on one family.

The life of single mom Toni Wells is turned upside down when she finds out that her five-year-old son, Ben, has been victimized. Surrounded by Christian friends, she is able to step off the career ladder and focus on her son's needs. Exchanging the grand house, Lexus and Merry Maids for an apartment, a waitressing job and Goodwill furnishings become the easiest choices Toni must make.

I recommend this book because it helps to diffuse myths of child abuse while enlightening readers. It provides a realistic portrait of a dysfunctional family dealing with a crisis. Readers will also be reminded of their constant dependence on God.