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11 August 2015

Diana's Review of JUSTIFIED by Varina Denman


David C. Cook, June 2015

Reviewed By Diana Flowers
5 stars~ (No Spoilers!)
 
Justified?


From the gossipy small town of Trapp, Texas to the beauty of the Caprock Escarpment with its rolling plains hundreds of feet below, comes an enthralling story of a spoiled-little-rich-girl who has grown into a lovely, rebellious young woman in need—unwed and pregnant.

After being kicked out of her home by her father – the wealthiest man in Trapp – Fawn Blaylock moves into a run-down, old rental house with an awe-inspiring view of the Caprock where she can sit for hours, drink in the glory of the unbroken terrain, and bask in her shame. Gone are the designer jeans—baggy shorts and t-shirts have taken their place. Gone are most of her friends, and judgmental, condemning townsfolk are now whispering behind her back. Her abusive, rich boyfriend and father of her baby, Tyler Cruz, is determined to win her back and promises Fawn for the fifth time he will never hurt her again.

Attractive and single, JohnScott Pickett, the reigning head coach of the Trapp Panthers football team, helps Fawn with repairs on her home and together they make a horrific and dangerous discovery on her land. When Tyler discovers another man spending a lot of time with Fawn, jealousy rears its ugly head and he begins to stalk her. However, Fawn knows that no decent man like JohnScott would ever pay attention to the likes of her anyway and maybe, just maybe, this time Tyler will change. He is what she deserves, after all. Not even God could ever justify her sin—or could He?

WOW! Don't you just love a book that keeps calling to you every time you try to put it down? That's exactly what happened when I devoured Justified. It is such a well written, unpredictable read with fascinating characters and exciting, eerie situations that I just breezed right through it. I feel as though I really got inside of Fawn's head and learned what made her tick, and I love how she evolved throughout the story. This novel is not all doom and gloom, however, and there are many humorous and tender "aww" moments that will leave the reader smiling! I so hope that everyone who feels disheartened will sense the love of God course through them as they read the powerful pattern of redemption, forgiveness, and hope weaved throughout the pages of this remarkable book! This will definitely go on my list of 2015 favorites!

 
The Caprock Escarpment Where Fawn Loves To Watch The Sun Rise

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Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.



This book may be purchased through Amazon, CBD, BAM, and your local bookstore.


GIVEAWAY: Varina Denman is generously offering an autographed copy of Justified to one blessed commenter! To be eligible please leave your email address for contact purposes should you win. Using (at) and (dot) will protect you against spammers.



56 comments:

  1. I can understand why she loves to watch the sunrise there. Too bad there are no waves or I would plan my next vacation there. ;-)
    Luke

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    1. Her home is overlooking it and she can see for miles and miles, LUKE. Just like looking at the ocean there seems to be no end. The Caprock is an actual place and according to the author the beauty can't be captured in a pic. Like you, I can understand why she loves to watch the sunrise there, and I would like to see the sun rise and set as Fawn saw it. :)

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    2. Sounds wonderful. :-)
      Luke

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    3. Indeed it does. Thank you for sharing!

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    4. Oh, I love sunsets on the beach! So relaxing. :)

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  2. This sounds like such a good book, I can't wait to read it!!! alander87 at allcom dot net

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    1. It was wonderful, ABBY! I have not read Varina Denman's JADED yet, but now I would love to go back and do so!

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    2. Thank you, Abby! I hope you enjoy Justified. :)

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  3. Oh wow! Great review, Diana! It sounds so mysterious, intriguing. Yes, I love books that hold my attention so that I don't want to put it down, and this one sounds like it would fit the bill. Please enter me in the drawing! :)

    bookwarp(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Thank you, ANGI! I have a dear reviewer friend who read all 400 pgs. of this book in 24 hrs. or less, I believe! Clean house before reading b/c you sure won't want to while you're reading it! Lol

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    2. Thank you, Angi. Good luck in the drawing! And Diana ... I'm so jealous of people who can read that fast. Not fair! There are so many good books, and I never have time to read as many as I want. LOL. :)

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    3. Me, too, VARINA! I wanted to savor yours, but read it way faster than I normally read books! Try three days. Lol

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  4. I think Diana, that with your wonderfully intriguing review, you have totally justified why I need to read this!! :) Putting both of the books in this series onto my Wish List!

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    1. Thank you, NOELA! And you'll be totally justified in not cleaning house or any similar chores while reading! ;)

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    2. And I should be justified in feeling incredibly honored by the way you guys are talking about Justified. Thanks so much!

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  5. Diana, thanks for the excellent review!

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    1. Hi, CARYL! You're welcome and hope you get the chance to read this one ASAP!

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    2. Hi, Caryl! Good to see you here at Diana's place. I love how active and supportive you are of authors and books. Thanks for the encouragement. :)

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  6. Great review! This is a new author for me. Sounds like a great book! Thanks.
    susanlulu@yahoo.com

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    1. Thx so much, SUSANLULU! She's also an exciting new author for me! I was pleasantly surprised!

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    2. Good luck, SusanLuLu. Hope you win a copy of Justified! :)

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  7. Good review! This is like the books I've been reading lately, books about women facing the rough parts of life and either finding God (or finding Him again) in the process. Justified is a book I'd like to read. I have a birthday coming up so it will be a present to myself! nancyhvest(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Early Happy Birthday, NANCY! This is SUCH a great book for women. Not all women suffer from abuse, certainly, but many still go through self-esteem issues because they can't let go of the guilt and shame of the past. Thank you for stopping by!!

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    2. Happy Birthday, Nancy! Hope you win a copy of Justified. :)

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  8. Great review! I love a book that captures my attention from the first page and won't let it go. This sounds like one of those. I have not read anything by Varina Denman before.
    Blessings, Tina
    tfrice(at)comcast(dot)com

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    1. This is def one of those, TINA! Varina was a new author to me as well, but I can't wait to read more of her books! Thank you!

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    2. Thanks for stopping by, Tina. I hope you enjoy Justified. :)

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  9. I have Jaded on my Kindle and will definitely read it this year. I hope to add Justified to my TBR pile as well. Great review, mdh. I know how much you enjoyed this book! :)

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    1. Thank you so much, Marian. I hope you enjoy both Jaded and Justified. Thanks for the encouragement. :)

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    2. I hope you get some time to read them one after another, MARIAN! It won't take as long as you think. lol Thank you and yes, I most certainly did! :)

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  10. Diana, thank you for taking the time to read and review Justified. Your kind words are such an encouragement, and I've enjoyed meeting some of your readers. This blog is beautiful!

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    1. Thank you, VARINA! It's such a pleasure to meet you and help others become acquainted with your wonderful books. I so enjoyed reading and writing the review for JUSTIFIED!

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  11. One blessed commenter coming right up! Would love to win :D Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net

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    1. That's the way, KATHLEEN! Speak positive!! Gotcha entered!

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  12. This sounds like a wonderful read. Thank you, my friend, Diana Flowers for a great review, and Varina Denman for using your God-given talent to minister for His glory as you reach out and touch hearts. Joyce Graves (Heart"wings," a women's fellowship - where I shared this link with my fellow sisters in Christ)

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    1. Thank you, JOYCE! You are such a blessing to so many! If you win, I know where to find you! ;)

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  13. This sounds like a wonderful book - I'm going to put it on my TBR list right now!!
    stimmer(at)familylife(dot)com

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    1. Hi, SHARON! Put it at the top...you won't be sorry! Good luck in the drawing!

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  14. Such a beautiful, enticing review - Diana, thank you!!

    I appreciate that Varina writes about the unique problems of women, I love books full of dysfunctional characters redeemed by a loving, forgiving God. I became aware of Varina's writing just a few months ago when her 'Jaded' was released - loved the story line of it, and knew she was an author whose work I wanted to read. I relate to several elements (from my past) in 'Justified", both books have beautiful covers - to go along with the beautiful name of their author. Wondering the background of the name Varina, and am putting the beautiful Caprock Escarpment on my research list, also - is it in Texas?? Can't wait to read both 'Jaded' and 'Justified'!!

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    1. Yes, the Caprock is in TX, BONNIE. Thank you for your kind words. Varina would make a lovely name for a heroine, wouldn't it?

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  15. Hello Diana. This sure sounds like a great book. She is in a bad spot with no support for awhile. But, I wouldn't trust Tyler again. 5 themes, really?? Please put my name in for a chance to win Varina's book. Wishing GOD's blessing on all of these sweet OWG ladies. And may HE bless the others here today. (((Hugs))) Thanks for the giveaway. Maxie > mac262(at)me(dot)com <

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    1. Hi, dear MAXIE! But each time Tyler is SOOO sweet, and buys her lots of stuff. Typical abused woman with low self-esteem pattern. Sometimes I wanted to shake Fawn, but didn't since she was pregnant. Lol I know you'll learn to love her as much as I did! Thank you for the blessings and may God bless you back!

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  16. Sounds like a great book! Would love to win :)
    bettimace(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. It most certainly is, BETTI! Tossing your name in the hat!

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  17. This has been the topic of books that I have been reading. It is funny how we see God through our sins. We forgot that when we were at our worst Christ died for us.

    Love the title. Justified- just as if we have never sinned.

    Sonnetta_jones(at)hotmail(dot)com

    Thanks for the review.

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    1. Yes, SONNETTA, He died while we were yet sinners and bore the shame for us so we wouldn't have to. Alot of times like the heroine in this story, we let others dictate how we should feel about ourselves instead of seeing ourselves through God's eyes. Thanks for sharing and good luck in the drawing!

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  18. Well written, Diana. Your review makes me want to read Justified. I haven't read any books by Varina Denman.
    kayewhitney@bellsouth.net

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    1. Thank you, KAYE! This is my first book by Varina Denman, but it won't be my last! I hope you get the chance to read it ASAP!

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  19. A fantastic review thank you. I'm looking forward to a great read.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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    1. Definitely a great read, MARY! Thanks for your kind words...music to my ears this morning.

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  20. Oh yes, I am totally with you ,Varina on this one. There will never be enough time to read all the wonderfully exciting books I want to read ! Diana, you give such an excellent review you've got me wanting to read this one. I've read Jaded and have been wanting to read this so I'm glad it's out !

    Deanne Patterson
    Cnnamongirl at aol dot com

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    1. I still need to read Jaded, DEANNE! I have it; it's just a matter of getting to it. Thank you for your kind words and even if you don't win I hope you get a copy. You'll be glad you did!

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  21. Sounds really good. Can't wait to read it.
    Mustain2rinard(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Good luck, ROB & JULIANNE! I believe you will really enjoy it!

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  22. So many good books out there to read, will have to add this one to my list!

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Isn't that the truth, PATTY!? I need two heads. lol Good luck in the drawing!

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