OnlineBookClub.org

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Texas Ice" by Sharon Traner.]

”Texas Ice” by Sharon Traner is a very interesting story that is sure to make anyone empathic about Jake, a teenager who is, perhaps, a wiz but had a rough early life. Jake happened to grow up in a home with an abusive father figure that led to him losing his mom at a young age and a discovery about his real father that led him to run away from home. These events put him in a spiral of events that transformed his life from one to the other. Interestingly, adopting a new life and developing a vague identity wasn't too difficult, being that going back didn't seem like any good option. His curiosity eventually led him to develop a personal love for hockey, something he couldn’t imagine his life without.

This is a story about a minor out in New Amsterdam alone, living by any means necessary to avoid returning to his abusive stepfather in Texas. Over time, he built a life that seemed impossible to stabilize until he had to face reality and accept that life is real.

While I read this book, I appreciated the author’s way of storytelling. Somehow, it had a powerful way of filling in the readers empathically into Jake’s story in this very indulging novel. I also admire the way the author used the character Chloe and her relationship with Jake from start to finish. Another interesting aspect was how Jake managed his friends in New Amsterdam, even though they were going through crises in life too.

I didn’t find anything to dislike in this book. Even though I found a few grammatical errors, they didn’t affect the flow of my reading experience. I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars rating because it was captivating and soothing to read. I recommend this book to those who relish emotionally appealing books. It will be a good choice for those who are on the lookout for stories about growing up, containing themes of self-realization, discovery, determination, and survival. Lovers of stories about sports, hockey in particular, and a career in athletics would also find this book interesting.

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Texas Ice
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This sounds like a deeply emotional and character-driven story. I appreciate books that explore resilience, self-discovery, and the complexities of growing up, especially when they tackle heavy themes like abuse and survival in a realistic yet engaging way. Jake’s journey—from escaping a painful past to finding a passion that gives his life meaning—feels like the kind of narrative that sticks with you.

The way the relationships are handled, especially with Chloe and his friends, also seems like a strong point. Stories that focus on found family and emotional growth can be incredibly moving when done right. The hockey element adds an interesting dimension, showing how sports can become more than just a game but a personal escape and purpose.

I’d consider giving this a read, though I’d have to be in the right mood for it. Heavy themes like these can hit hard, and I usually lean toward books that balance emotional depth with lighter moments. But if the writing is as immersive as you say, it could definitely be worth checking out.