Eighteen-year-old Kim Hartlinger has prepared well for her mission trip to Mexico. Her suitcases are filled with all the hair-care products and designer outfits she’ll need for the next two weeks, along with a portable karaoke machine and plenty of size D batteries. She’s bolstered by her recent domestic mission trips and is geared up to spread the Gospel to the natives of Cuidad de Plata. Kim’s plans unravel even before she leaves home, when her best friend cancels out on the trip. On her first day of travel, she must pay seventy-five dollars for overweight baggage at the airport, gets sick on too much pizza at the Dallas/Ft. Worth airport, and misses her connecting flight to San Diego. When she finally joins up with the mission team, she learns that their destination in Mexico has changed and she missed the memo. They’re not heading to Cuidad de Plata, where Kim expected to find real Mexican fast food and the welcoming homes of hosting church members. Instead the mission team will be doing construction work, rebuilding homes in the tiny village of Santa Maria, recently devastated by a tornado… where there is no running water, no electricity for Kim’s hairdryer, and nowhere to sleep but on the rocky desert floor. And they’ll have no translators to bridge the language gap. Kim is completely unprepared for the mission… and for the journey of faith that God has set before her.

This novel, written by Roger Bruner with his daughter, Kristi Rae Bruner­-whose real life mission trip was the core inspiration for the novel­-is a spiritual coming-of-age story imbued with humor and heart. While at times slow-paced with language and cultural references that might be over the heads of some younger readers, this novel is engaging and hard to put down, and will leave the reader both laughing and reaching for tissues by the end. Readers­-especially girls­-will connect with Kim Hartlinger and her dilemmas, and will find themselves uplifted and encouraged along the way.

Diana Sharples
Novel Teen review

I have just finished reading Found in Translation: An unforgettable mission trip where faith, obedience, and forgiveness intersect (Altered Hearts). This story is full of raw emotion and heart reaching actions. I would recommend this book to adult, youth, youth groups, or to any person unsure in their faith and searching for answers. Book Two in the series can't be released soon enough. This author is now on my must read list!

Sandi

Take a self-absorbed 18-year-old girl on a mission trip to an extremely remote Mexican village and you may have a recipe for disaster. Roughing it is not part of her vocabulary or lifestyle, yet Kim Hartlinger (appropriate name, don’t you think?) surprises herself as she adapts and proves equal to the tasks God puts in her path. Found in Translation by Roger Bruner, written with his daughter Kristi Rae, found this reader excited to be along for the journey.

Each unique individual is believably portrayed—foibles, failures, fears, and finding the way. It’s a story of growth and exploring relationships as well as the maturing process. But don’t think it’s all serious and too churchy. Found in Translation is a fun read, like listening to a close friend share personal experiences, including the funny and the embarrassing along with the full truth. Kim’s first person narration reveals her heart and her dreams while telling of her two-week adventure. She also develops a close friendship with an African-American girl, which adds a deeper dynamic to her experience.

Although marketed as YA, this touching story speaks to adults too. It will challenge and encourage believers to follow Kim’s example of surrender and obedience to the Lord’s leading. I suggest youth groups read this before heading out on that short-term mission. It would also be insightful for graduating teens before heading off to college. I look forward to the Bruners’ next well-written installment in their Altered Hearts series.

Mary Ann Hake

From the very first page, I was caught up into Kim's character: her weaknesses, her humor, her sometimes ditzy thinking, but also her kind heart. As Kim's story unfolds, we see her step into action with surprising gumption, facing problem after unexpected problem with new grit and courage. All with the help of faith and friends.

The Bruners' captivating settings and realistic interactions reminded me, as I read, of my own mission trips and moments in Mexico. The uncertainty, the questions... the falling short and fumbling with a new language on my tongue. And like Kim, we see that God holds us steady even when we falter, when we're afraid to step out--if we'll just trust Him with the outcome.

Kim's final decisions and surprising end to this book make us glad we read--and even more glad we believe.

I hope this is the first of MANY books for Roger and Kristi Bruner!

Jen

Found in Translation is a book with a fresh, authentic young adult voice and embodies a message that speaks to young people everywhere. It pulls the reader into the story and beautifully compels them to keep reading. It is a book that is easy to recommend. I read it through in one sitting.

Terry Burns
Author of "Beyond the Smoke," 2009 Will Rogers Medallion Winner for Young Adult Fiction

Found in Translation is a refreshing, insightful exposition on experiencing God cross-culturally through unexpected, chaotic circumstances. Filled with teen culture, relational challenges, and humor, the book portrays the foundational truth that ‘all things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose.’ I just found it a delightful reading…I’m amazed at all the scenarios Roger has pulled together to make such a meaningful book.

Bobbye Rankin
Popular missions speaker

Roger and Kristi Rae Bruner's debut novel, Found in Translation, is a charming and sincere commentary on racial sensitivity and interdependence. When I started writing years ago, I wanted to create real characters who, though imperfect, could navigate the minefields of race and prejudice with God's grace. Looks like the Bruners have the same goal. Way to go, Roger and Kristi Rae.

Linda Leigh Hargrove
Author of The Making of Isaac Hunt and Loving Cee Cee Johnson

Roger Bruner has written the kind of YA novel I want my daughter and granddaughter to read. It's true to the way real young adults today see the world, themselves, and God.

Eva Marie Everson
Author of This Fine Life