 |
| An Insignificant Life |
An Insignificant Life (The Maryland State University
Series, Book 2)
June 2, 2015
Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow
5 Stars *****
The far-reaching ripples of careless flirtations and
pre-marital sex are
The beautiful student and Resident Assistant, Tiffany
Lundgren, is pushing toward her future goal of a successful career, seeking the
significance that’s missing in her life. Always the flirt, Tiffany is becoming
dissatisfied with the hollowness in her heart from poor relationships, and
decides to focus on her future. She removes an obstacle that’s in the way of
reaching her career goals but instead succeeds in opening a Pandora’s Box of
pain that she can’t quite understand. Unfortunately, Tiffany’s poor choices may
sabotage her chance to be loved by someone who finally sees past her body.
K-9 campus police officer Adam Grant is working with
others to combat the dangerous drug trade on campus. A man of faith, Adam is
drawn to Tiffany but troubled by her actions. He struggles in trying to reach
her without seeming judgmental. It was inspiring to see him containing his justifiable
emotions and in following sage advice from his pastor in order to help her. But
can Adam and the tortured Tiffany find common ground or will the escalating campus
dangers separate them forever?
Former alcoholic Todd Watson and fellow Resident
Assistant Alexa Woo have a palpable animosity simmering between them, but will
that change for the better or worse when the truth of their bitterness is
revealed? And can Todd deal with his former stigma and the stress of the Campus
drug ring without succumbing to the bottle’s allure again? These characters and
others are amazingly realistic and relatable, drawing me fully into their
lives. And the suspense and mystery surrounding the evil residing within the
campus, makes for a story that keeps your attention right to the nail-biting
finish!
~ ~
~ ~ ~
Connie's music muse for An Insignificant Life
~ * ~ * ~ * ~
You can purchase this book at: Amazon
GIVEAWAY: We have an e-book giveaway of Connie Almony's 'An Insignificant Life' for someone who leaves a comment below! Leave your email if we don't know you!
Noela!!! Thank you so much for this review! And I'm so grateful you added my music muse at the bottom. God has used music in profound ways for me as I write. I wanted to share the other Youtube video with your readers, also. Same song, but there is something about the water on the chalkboard on this one that gives me chills--like Jesus' tears washing away our sins. Here it is ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwtcwQwgdsA. Hope you all enjoy. Thanks again!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Connie, you're so welcome! Thank you for writing these inspiring, impacting, and entertaining stories! I'm so glad you added the video link for everybody for that song... I really wanted to share that particular video with the chalkboard and other visuals but it wouldn't allow me. Please watch it if you can everyone, it will bless you!!
DeleteCONNIE is a wonderful author as I found out when I read At the Edge of a Dark Forest! What a fabulous review, Noela! Insightful and compelling!
ReplyDeleteYes she certainly is, Diana! I love it when I can trust authors to always deliver... and Connie certainly does that! I also love a story that has the potential to encourage, help, and even change people's lives. And this powerful story manages that easily. I hope you get to read this story as well Diana, and thanks for the kind words!!
DeleteAwww, thanks ladies! It's always so good to visit you all here!!!
DeleteNoela, thank you for your wonderful review. Connie, thank you for addressing these tough issues.
ReplyDeleteThank you Caryl, I love the privilege of reviewing meaningful books like this one! And yes, Connie addresses some tough issues in this book, and very admirably too I might say. :)
DeleteNo problem, Caryl. I don't think I could NOT address them. Too many suffering in invisible ways from what the world tells them to do. These things only leave a person empty. Thank goodness there is a Holy Spirit to fill that void.
DeleteWow, NOELA!!! Fascinating review. I think I would like this book. Seems like it might be more than the same old story; one that reaches down and grasps the reader, changing them.
ReplyDeleteTenth Ave North...oh yeah! Awesome group.
Thanks Anne! ;) Yes, you are spot on about this book being different to the 'same old'... It's very refreshing, and an extremely captivating and inspiring story!! I didn't know Tenth Ave North but I really enjoyed this song and need to listen to more of their music now! :)
DeleteAnne, you obviously have great taste in music :o)!!! I hope you have a chance to read the novel. God bless!!!
DeleteWonderful interview. I have read and loved An Insignificant Life. Please do not include me in the drawing for the e-copy of the book since I have already read it. Give someone else an opportunity to be blessed with a copy. abilene_nana@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteAnn, thanks for visiting and all the work you do on the Launch Team. It is really appreciated!!!
DeleteThank you Ann and bless you for coming by to share your endorsement!
DeleteWow! Quite the topics in today's post. I've read one of Connie's books and appreciate the way she writes about
ReplyDeletehard topics.. I'd enjoy reading this one too :)
dkstevensne AToutlookD oTCoM
Deanna, yes, I recognize your name as a supporter through reviews. Much appreciated!!! I hope you have a chance to read this one!
DeleteThey are such important and relevant issues Deanna and I'm so grateful there is someone out there writing about them! Yep, you would really enjoy this one as well Deanna!! Thanks for coming by!
DeleteOutstanding review, Noela - thank you!! I recently took a step outside my usual genre box of historical fiction to read and review Connie's "One Among Men" - the characters and story line blew me away, and stayed with me long after I finished reading the novel. I would have missed such a blessing had I not read it.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to echo Caryl's thanks to Connie for writing about controversial subjects - there is nothing wrong with reading books for pure enjoyment, however - I feel it our duty to also read books for insight into these controversial subjects as an aid in reaching out to others. Controversial subjects are, and have always been, such a realistic part of society - God has commanded that we reach others of all walks of life, it becomes easier when we can empathize with their difficult situations. One way to accomplish that is by knowledge gained through novels such as Connie's.
I love reading books that give me insight through their dysfunctional characters and difficult subjects, I appreciate authors who aren't afraid to tackle these subjects. I'm definitely adding "An Insignificant Life" to my to-be-read-list - the title alone, compels me to. There are so many people that need to know they're not insignificant to Him. I watched both videos - such a touching, compelling story within those musical lines. I could relate to Connie's description of the video she mentioned - music has always spoken so powerfully to my soul, yet, is such a balm for it, also. I'm so blessed that I have both music and books in my life!!
Bonnie, your words blessed me. You are so correct in that we need novels that are written for pure enjoyment. Those I know who are experiencing some of the things I write about especially need a little escape into fantasy now and then. It always bothers me when I read some blogs that discount a fun read as not important. It's medicine to some!!!! Can I get an Amen? In fact, that was what I'd planned to do as an author. But you know how our Creator is. He doesn't always take my advice when He inspires me ... and I'm glad.
DeleteWhat you say about reading to learn about these issues touched me as well. When those in the industry ask authors to define their target audience, I finally came to the realization my target is the reader who wants to understand the viewpoint of someone who was not brought up in a Christian environment and is really clueless of the things we know. We sometimes assume they know and resist. The truth is they don't really know. Yes, they resist, but it's because they don't understand. In order to reach the "lost" we need to understand what it is like to be the lost. I hope my fiction gives a glimpse of what that looks like while entertaining the reader with a little romance, suspense and maybe a giggle on the side :o)!!! Thanks for your wonderful encouragement!!!
Bonnie, thank you so much for your thoughtful comment!! You've expressed everything so perfectly and I agree with you, and Connie,100%! I need books for enjoyment... Especially when one has a chronic illness, and there are many that do, reading a book for pleasure can lift your thoughts from how you are feeling! But I particularly love a book like Connie's that can be read for pleasure, while at the same time touching those important issues that bestows amazing insight into the lost and hurting of this world. And knowing that the book you're reading has the potential to help people to change their lives. These books I love to heartily endorse on this blog 'Overcoming with God'.
DeleteA lot of issues being highlighted in this story. Always a good thing.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, Mary!! :) Thank so much for coming by to read about Connie's powerful story!
DeleteMary, yes there are a lot of issues being highlighted in the story. All very prevalent in many large college campuses these days. There is a wealth of opportunity to help "the lost" on campuses today. It's why I'm glad there are organizations like CruMD (Campus Crusade for Christ at Maryland) to give students an alternative to empty pursuits. That's why ten percent of author income from the campus series goes to CruMD. I had the wonderful opportunity in April this year to go on a prayer journey with members of this group to travel the very extensive campus and praye for the students and faculty there.
DeleteI think that's awesome that ten percent of your income from this series is going to the Campus Crusade for Christ at Maryland ministry, Connie. God bless you for that!!
DeleteI haven't read any books by this author and would like to. This book has my attention.
ReplyDeletekarenskrayons(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks so much for coming by Karen! I sincerely hope you get to read this book by Connie, I know it will not only touch and inspire you but I think you just may also discover a new favorite author! :)
DeleteKaren, I hope you have a chance to read it. God bless!!!
DeleteNoela, don't put me in the drawing, I'll buy my copy, but your review made that decision for me. I hadn't seen Connie's book and the cover and description grabbed hold of me instantly. I love romantic realism (Vince Mooney's term for my work, over on Seekerville!) and he's right, that's the kind of romance and fiction I like to read! Connie, can't wait to read this for myself!
ReplyDeleteRuth, that blesses me untold to hear that I've encouraged you to read Connie's book!! :) Thank you so much for coming by to read the review and for your comment. I enjoy reading Romantic Realism (great term!) too... Must be why I also love your writing so much! ;) Hugs!
DeleteRuth, thanks so much for the support! I hope you enjoy it. Yes, romantic realism is awesome. It reminds me of the greatest love story ever told--God's love for us.
Delete