A unique story and engaging read! Christine swept me up and immersed me in the story right from the start. It was emotional and funny and freaking fantastic! She's become a 1-click author for me.

Sixteen-year-old Tevy returns home after five long years in an awful mental institution. She has convinced her doctor that all those crazy angel sightings following her parent’s death were in her head. But truth is, she really does see angels battling in the clouds, beautiful ones with shimmering wings and scary ones with black wings. Determined to get out of the institution at any cost, she lies to the doctors and everyone else upon her return. No one needs to know she sleeps in her closet at night out of fear. This is her life now and lying will get her through. Two stories weave together as Tevy adjusts at school, holding tight to her secret, but it’s only a matter of time before the bullies and those who really care about her, begin to suspect something. Then there is the angel mystery. Why does only Tevy see them? We learn about a heavenly realm and that Tevy has been chosen for something special. The author’s world building of this realm is awesome. Some interesting angel personalities and riveting battle scenes. A trilogy or sequel seems likely, as the ending feels too good to be true, but overall, this was satisfying to read. Love the sweet romance between Tevy and Dylan.

Lie to Me by Christine Anna Kirchoff is a young adult urban fantasy novel. Tevy has spent the last five years in a psychiatric center when she makes the mistake of telling people about the angels she saw battling in the sky. The doctors tell her it's PTSD from losing her parents. She'll do anything to go back home, even if she has to lie her way out the door. When her aunt finally takes her home, she quickly realizes that everything has changed. Her parents' furniture is no longer in the house. Their photos aren't on the mantel. Her best friend won't have anything to do with her. The only one that seems to want her around is Dylan, the boy next door. Soon Dylan discovers her biggest secret: she still sees angels. When she learns that the angels are real, she's dragged into the middle of a war. With twists and turns that keep you guessing until the last page, Christine Anna Kirchoff has a witty style that makes for a fun read from beginning to end! The characters are dashing and lovable, easily likable, and make for a delightful adventure. Tevy is a strong and commendable lead who struggles to discover where she belongs in an emotional journey that will capture your heart. Dylan bends the stereotypes of boy-next-door and heroic love interest, being brave and courageous, but also socially awkward, babbling, and bubbly. He starts as a quiet boy with a pet frog whom Tevy stands up for, and turns into an awkward and sweet character who is immediately captivating. Their romance is sweet and innocent, making each other stronger and building each other up. The side characters take turns playing an important role in Tevy and Dylan's journey. The relationships make up an important aspect in their development. Some of the characters have a more surprising role than others. Dylan's down-to-earth deputy father and his best friend, Ben, build upon his quirkiness, providing a source of humor with fun banter along with heartfelt moments. When Tevy returns home, she's forced into new roles, acting a certain way to please her aunt, and discovers that her best friend wants nothing to do with her. Even though she's returned home, she still feels alone until she bonds with Dylan who acts as her place of solace, allowing her to be herself. Lie to Me is a clever and funny, romantic and emotional read that takes serious themes of bullying and mental illness, blending in mythology and humor.

Lie to Me isn’t about what you think it’s going to be about. Yes, there are warrior angels—good and evil—and a terrible, almost Dickensian insane asylum. And toward the end of the book, there is a terrifying battle scene. There’s a sweet love story, and a super-appealing heroine, Tevy, who tells the book in first person. But what the book is really about is the power of young women to observe the world (or worlds, plural!) around them—and how we’d rather tell them they are crazy and try to silence them, even brutally, than to allow for their truth. Tevy, through the course of this novel, discovers her true heritage, gets to use (at first by accident) her true powers…and learns to fly. For her, graduating from eleventh grade is more a matter of saving the cosmos than getting mired in the typical mean-girls-with-cell-phones dramas. The message? Don’t hide in the closet! Keep your eyes on the skies! You’re not crazy if you see more than the sun and the moon. Tevy’s boyfriend Dylan and his cop father are appealing foils to her developing character. The plot is a wild ride that keeps the pages turning and doesn’t let go. This is an exciting, inspiring read—and I’d love to see a sequel or even a series.