Apples of Gold: A Parable of Purity    by Lisa Samson Order:  USA  Can WaterBrook Press, 2006 (2006) Hardcover      Reviewed by Melissa Parcel Two sisters are given a special gift by the governor - a beautiful apple - and are told to protect and cherish that gift until his son, the prince, returns. The prince will judge how each has cared for the gift and he will choose the best sister to help him. The sisters are quite different. One is plain, yet intelligent, and the other is beautiful and popular. Their individual reactions to their gift, and what they choose to do with it, are the focus of the story. This is a short tale written for teen girls, centering on the concept of sexual purity, and told in a story form that most will readily understand. The consequences for sacrificing the purity are clearly outlined, as well as the benefits for preserving it. Lisa Samson is a gifted writer and communicates her message in a unique, yet realistic way. This would be a great book for church youth groups or Bible studies to read and discuss. Ms. Samson also has a blog online, focusing on the book with articles and discussion points. She talks about intentional purity and decisions that all girls and women must make in their lives. Apples of Gold is a treasure and an excellent choice for young women to read. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Teens books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews