THE ENCORE: Becoming Beka #5
Sarah Anne Sumpolec
Moody Publishers
Fiction
ISBN-10: 0802464580
ISBN-13: 9780802464583
272 pages

Sarah Anne Sumpolec wraps up the Becoming Beka series on a hopeful and satisfactory note. Beka, now within a handbreadth of graduating, spends the remainder of her senior year in high school debating and making decisions. Whether she should take a risk to pursue a career in music and move to Los Angeles where her soon-to-be new family lives is always just a thought away from Beka's consciousness. Should she continue "seeing" Mark, whose very presence causes her mind to go into neutral and her standards to suddenly become debatable? Can a long-distance friendship (or possible romantic relationship) with Josh ever work? And which college should she choose?

With all these decisions preying on Beka's mind, she is also forced to take action --- responsible action --- on behalf of herself and those close to her. Her sister Lucy is becoming more distant and angry by the day. Beka pushes as far as she's able to reach back into Lucy's world, but every time she makes another attempt, Lucy backlashes her with bitter words of resentment. Beka's dad --- the strong, stable, committed man that he is --- tries to protect his family from erupting work problems that threaten his financial stability and reputation. But Beka sees through her father's calm façade and tries to shoulder some of his burden as well. Meanwhile, Beka's best friend Lori continues to wrestle with her own family troubles as her adopted parents attempt to work through an ongoing marriage crisis.

Add school with the revenge-seeking Mai and a controversy involving Beka's music teacher and her song of choice, and Beka is reeling under the pressure. From every angle, Beka has something or someone needing her help, support or advice. So where does Beka go for recharging? Surprisingly, she finds a friendly and understanding voice in Gabby, her dad's fiancée. Beka's counselor offers additional wise counsel, as do a few Christian friends from church.

When all is said and done, Beka realizes that everyone needs "backup," God provides exactly what is needed, and life is seldom without some sort of difficulty --- although there's still something worthwhile even amidst the hardships.

   --- Reviewed by Michele Howe

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