Justified Review

ABOUT THE BOOK

In a small Texas town ruled by gossip, Fawn Blaylock believes others are justified in condemning her untimely pregnancy. Stifled by guilt, she yearns for grace while the local football coach treats her with gentle respect.

Justified perfectly captures the rhythm and romance of life in a small town, telling the unforgettable story of a woman searching for renewal, a man looking beyond what others see, and a community torn between judgment and love. It is the unforgettable story of broken dreams, second chances, and relentless hope.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Justified, go HERE.

My Review

 I loved this book! I really couldn't put it down and I will say I think it really helps to read the first book in the series before starting this one. I thought the characters were well developed, but I had also met them in the previous book as well. I loved the dialogue and the real life happenings for a woman who is alone and pregnant. I liked the romance and the setting and I feel like God becomes more to the people in this book. Fawn drove me nuts a few times but in the end I was hopeful and I eagerly look forward to the next book!

For a raw storyline and real experiences I think this is a great book!

Five stars!

"I received this book from CFBA for free in exchange for an honest review."

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Justified David C. Cook (June 1, 2015) by Varina Denman

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

An avid reader and blogger, Varina Denman enjoys writing fiction about Christian women and the unique struggles they face. She seems to have a knack for describing small town life, and is currently working on the three-book Mended Heart Series. The first book in the series, Jaded, won the 2013 ACFW Genesis contest for romance.

Varina attended three Texas universities over a span of five years, majoring in four subjects and earning zero degrees. However, she can now boast sixteen years as a home educator, volunteering in the local cooperative where she has taught numerous subjects including creative writing and literature.

Even though Varina has spoken at ladies’ retreats and taught women’s Bible classes, she finds the greatest fulfillment facilitating prayer groups. She lives in Burleson, Texas, where she helps with Family Ministry in her home congregation. Varina is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and North Texas Christian Writers.

Jaded Book Review-This is a must read!

 About the Book

As a child, Ruthie was shunned by the local congregation. Thirteen years later, Ruthie’s heart begins to stir when an attractive single preacher arrives. But their relationship is bitterly opposed—unearthing a string of secrets which threaten to turn the church, the town, and her world upside-down.

Jaded is the rare novel that is both love story between a woman and man ... and God and His church. Plunging deep into the waters of shame, forgiveness and restoration, it will resonate with every woman who’s experienced a loss of heart ... and a thirst for hope.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Jaded, go HERE.

My Review

This book is fantastic in every way and has made it onto my favorite list! Church hurt is so relevant to many people and hits close to home for me personally. Ruthie and her mom have experienced excommunication from the church based on gossip that occurred when Ruthie was little. Ever since Ruthie and her mom have considered any Christian to be a hypocrite and refuse to become friends with them. A new family comes into town and Ruthie is confused to discover not only are they Christians but one of the men is the new preacher! The small town setting, the dialogue, the characters, and realistic portrayal of emotions blew me away in this book. I love how faith isn't portrayed as being a duty or something to shove into peoples faces but shown through your personal life and actions. The romance is sweet and not overdone and the author couldn't have done a better job. I can't wait to read her next novel.

This is a wonderful book and I hope to share it with everyone I know!

Five stars.

"I received this book from CFBA for free in exchange for an honest review."

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Jaded David C. Cook (March 1, 2015) by Varina Denman

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

An avid reader and blogger, Varina Denman enjoys writing fiction about Christian women and the unique struggles they face. She seems to have a knack for describing small town life, and is currently working on a three book Texas series which will soon be published by David C. Cook. The first book in the series, Jaded, won the 2013 ACFW Genesis contest for romance.

Varina attended three Texas universities over a span of five years, majoring in four subjects and earning zero degrees. However, she can now boast sixteen years as a home educator, volunteering in the local cooperative where she has taught numerous subjects including creative writing and literature.

Even though Varina has spoken at ladies’ retreats and taught women’s Bible classes, she finds the greatest fulfillment facilitating prayer groups. She lives in Burleson, Texas, where she helps with Family Ministry in her home congregation. Varina is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and North Texas Christian Writers.

Grave Consequences Book Review



Picture Credit



Grave Consequences by Lisa Tawn Bergren is the second book to the Grand Tour Series.

For Cora Kensington, the journey of a lifetime takes unexpected twists. And her future—her very life—depends on the decisions she’ll make at each crossroad. As her European tour with her newfound family takes her through Austria, France, and Italy, an unseen enemy trails close behind. Meanwhile, a forbidden love continues to claim her heart, putting everyone’s plans in danger. And as Cora stays one step ahead of it all, what might need the most protection is her own heart, torn between the dramatic pursuit of a dashing Frenchman and a man who has been quietly staking claim to her affections all along. Love has dangers all its own. She must escape the bonds of the past and discover the faith to make the right choices, as each one has grave consequences. (Goodreads)

The story from Glamorous Illusions continues with the life of the newly wealthy Cora Kensington. She is on the Grand Tour with her newly discovered siblings and experiences the trials of the wealthy. I ordered the first book in this series because I wanted to start at the beginning. I do not recommend that Grave Consequences be read alone, you really should read book one to understand the story. While I enjoyed the first book for the setting up of the story, both have been extremely disappointing. I love this author and I was so excited about this book, but its a book I didn't really want to finish. Yes, there are exciting scenes and funny moments, but the love triangle is completely ridiculous and I don't see that Cora has grown up at all. It's a long drawn out soap opera that is in a perfect setting but the characters and story line did not draw me in. I love the history and beautiful places that the writer includes but the romance could have been left out.

That being said, I do love this author and look forward to other books that she writes in the future.

"I received this book for free from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review".

Meet Lisa:  

  

Lisa T. Bergren is the award-winning author of over thirty-five books, with more than 2 million copies sold. A former publishing executive, Lisa now divides her time between writing, editing, parenting three children with her husband, Tim, and dreaming of her next trip to Italy. She lives in Colorado Springs. 

Celebrate the release of Grave Consequences with Lisa T. Bergren by entering to win an iPad Mini!

One "grand" winner receive:

• A brand new iPad Mini
• Grave Consequences and Glamorous Illusions will be pre-loaded onto the Mini!

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 23rd. Winner will be announced on March 25th at Lisa's website.

Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.