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13 August 2015

Noela Nancarrow reviews NILA'S HOPE by Kathleen Friesen

Nila's Hope
Nila’s Hope
by Kathleen Friesen
Harbourlight Books (March 20, 2015)

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow
5 Stars *****

Hope, dreams, and freedom ~ Can they be Nila's?

A troubled past of neglect, torment, and suffocating control has Nila Black struggling in her new faith. When her ex-boyfriend, the cruel and abusive Nick Parnell is sent to prison, Nila feels like she can begin to breathe again. And hope. Nila aches for an independence she’s never had, and longs to own a car and her own place to live. She yearns to love and be loved, to feel like she’s valued. But when Nick is released from prison early, will Nila ever be free again? Free to love, laugh, and live without fear?

Nila works as a carpenter with Will Jamison - her tall, blond, and awfully handsome co-worker and friend. Just as Will and Nila begin to become aware of each other and of the intensifying attraction between them, Nila is covertly threatened by her vengeful ex-boyfriend. Because those sinister promises were also directed to her cherished friends if she talks, Nila feels she has to hold the existent terror close to her chest to protect them all.

Pastor Dave and his wife Lydia, with whom Nila are boarding with, are wonderful and wise encouragers in Nila’s life, but how can they protect Nila from her dangerous secret if they are unaware? And will they ever be able to help her rise above her perceived unworthiness and difficulties with forgiveness? Will Jamison is suspicious of Nila’s changing moods, but how can he reach this scarred girl's heart to get her to trust not only him with her burdens, but also God? Are any of them safe from this evil that lurks so close?

While this novel had me on the edge of my seat with trepidation, and in tears for Nila’s harrowing life, it was also beautifully uplifting and inspirational in reading about the victories that emerged from Nila’s emotional and spiritual struggles. This is a well-written, page-turning story that shimmers with romance, love, forgiveness and hope! Highly recommended!

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The exciting 'Nila's Hope' may be purchased at these places and others: Amazon; CBD; Barnes & Noble; Books a Million

GIVEAWAY: Kathleen Friesen is generously offering a copy of 'Nila's Hope' to one blessed commenter!! To be be eligible please leave your email address for contact purpose should you win. Using (at) and (dot) will protect you against spammers.


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38 comments:

  1. Caryl KaneAugust 13, 2015 at 9:04 AM

    Fantastic review Noela!

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    1. UnknownAugust 13, 2015 at 9:40 AM

      Thanks Caryl, I hope you get to enjoy reading this wonderful book!!

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    2. UnknownAugust 15, 2015 at 11:34 PM

      Hi, Caryl. Thank you for reading Noela's wonderful review of Nila's Hope. I am so honored!

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  2. Rosemary FoleyAugust 13, 2015 at 9:09 AM

    Wow, a subject that is real that not too many people are aware of.. thanks for the great review !!! Awareness helps the understanding and along comes hope. this sounds like a GREAT story, would love to read it !!! Romance, love, forgiveness and hope, what I love in a story !!! Have a blessed day !!! Rosemary rfoley at salemstate dot edu

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    1. UnknownAugust 13, 2015 at 9:52 AM

      Hope is so important too, it's what keeps us going. I love these stories, Rosemary, that touch upon these difficult but real issues that affect so many! Thank you for your comment Rosemary, and I wish you all the best with your entry and hope you get to read it soon!! Blessings to you too!

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    2. UnknownAugust 15, 2015 at 11:36 PM

      I, too, hope you get to read Nila's story. We all need hope, forgiveness, and love - and romance is a great bonus! Thank you for commenting.

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  3. UnknownAugust 13, 2015 at 9:38 AM

    Thank you, Noela, for this wonderful review!

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    1. UnknownAugust 13, 2015 at 10:14 AM

      You're welcome Kathleen, and thank you for writing this inspiring story!! I look forward to reading more from you! :-)

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  4. KavAugust 13, 2015 at 10:40 AM

    Oh -- this sounds really compelling. Hadn't heard of it before so thanks for highlighting it. Especially love the fact that Nila has a non-traditional occupation for a woman.

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    1. UnknownAugust 13, 2015 at 11:07 AM

      My pleasure Kav! :-) Yes, not the usual occupation for a woman, and especially in a novel. Throughout the story though, you get to see what this is like through Nila's eyes. Awesome story, hope you get to read it Kav!!

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    2. UnknownAugust 15, 2015 at 11:39 PM

      Have you ever tried carpentry, Kav? Nila loves power tools, maybe because she's not used to being in control, so it's a special thrill. That and building something to last. That's a picture of hope. Thanks so much for commenting!

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  5. Diana FlowersAugust 13, 2015 at 12:09 PM

    Such an amazing review, NOELA! I'm amazed at how God worked out this week on OWG. Someone or more than one "someone" must be in need of help to break the terrible cycle of abuse! Beautifully written and I definitely want to read it!

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    1. UnknownAugust 13, 2015 at 8:05 PM

      I love how God works like this!! You and I, Diana, having 2 books come up (unplanned!) on the blog in the same week about abuse... Is definitely no co-incidence! Bless you Diana, love working with you!!

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    2. UnknownAugust 15, 2015 at 11:41 PM

      Wow! I got tingles when I read your comment. God does work in amazing ways. If Nila's Hope can help someone break free and find hope, I am truly blessed by God. Thanks so much!

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  6. UnknownAugust 13, 2015 at 12:53 PM

    WOW! It has been a while since I've commented to win a book. Still healing from my husband's death. My roommate in college was named Nila. This sounds like an important book and for anytime. Thanks for the chance to win a fantastic book.
    Blessings!

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    1. UnknownAugust 13, 2015 at 8:08 PM

      My prayers are still with you for your healing and comfort, Barbara. Big hugs!! I'm so glad to see you and I wish you all the best in winning this amazing book! Interesting you had a roommate named Nila too... It's not a name you hear much. God bless!

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    2. UnknownAugust 15, 2015 at 11:43 PM

      Dear Barbara, I wish I could give you a big hug. May you feel God's arms around you as you grieve and adjust. How interesting that your roommate was named Nila. I'd thought I'd made up that name! :) Thank you for commenting.

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  7. Bonnie RoofAugust 13, 2015 at 1:46 PM

    Thanks for your beautiful, compelling review, Noela - and for bringing 'Nila's Hope' to my attention.

    The title says it all - hope (through God). You and I are so similar in our enjoyment of novels with real-life situations, dysfunctional characters, and emotional struggles - yet uplifting and inspiring through the portrayal of healing available through a loving God. Through reading novels such as 'Nila's Hope', and being a victim of abuse myself - I am encouraged, educated, and inspired on how to reach out to other's in a similar situation. I'd love to read 'Nila's Hope' and other writing by Kathleen Frieson - a new author to me.

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    1. UnknownAugust 13, 2015 at 8:24 PM

      Thank you Bonnie! I'm sorry for what you've gone through, and you're right... These inspiring and encouraging stories that deal with these unfortunately all too real situations, can be a great tool in reaching those in a similar position and in helping to enable the rest of us to understand.. I hope you get a chance to read this one Bonnie!

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    2. UnknownAugust 15, 2015 at 11:46 PM

      Your words touched my heart, Bonnie. Thank you for your comments and courage. BTW, I'm a new author to me, too. :) Nila's Hope is only my second book. The first, where Nila is introduced, is Melody's Song, and was self-published.

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  8. Mary PrestonAugust 13, 2015 at 6:05 PM

    Thank you for your great review. This cover is quite haunting & seems like such a perfect fit for the story line.

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    1. UnknownAugust 13, 2015 at 8:26 PM

      It is, isn't it Mary?!! That's what I thought also about the cover! Blessings and all the best with your entry!

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    2. UnknownAugust 15, 2015 at 11:48 PM

      Nicola Martinez, publisher of Pelican Book Group, did the cover, Mary. When I first saw it, tears came to my eyes. Nicola captured Nila so perfectly! Thanks so much for commenting.

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  9. Robin in NCAugust 13, 2015 at 6:45 PM

    Goodness, this really sounds like a page turner! Thanks so much for sharing the excerpt & chance to win!
    rw620 AT aol DOT com

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    1. UnknownAugust 13, 2015 at 9:34 PM

      It really does keep you flipping those pages, Robin! :) Hope you get to read this exciting story soon!!

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    2. UnknownAugust 15, 2015 at 11:49 PM

      Thanks for commenting, Robin. I hope you get to read Nila's Hope and enjoy the suspense.

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  10. BettiAugust 13, 2015 at 7:45 PM

    Great review - now I really want to read this book!
    bettimace(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. UnknownAugust 13, 2015 at 9:35 PM

      Thanks Betti!! :-) I really want you to read it too! All the best and God bless!

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    2. UnknownAugust 15, 2015 at 11:50 PM

      Those are words every author loves to hear. Thank you, Betti!

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  11. Anne RightlerAugust 14, 2015 at 11:35 AM

    Sounds like a great read. Thank you for sharing your review. I look forward to reading the book.
    Anne at Rightler dot com

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    1. UnknownAugust 14, 2015 at 9:11 PM

      You're welcome Anne, thanks! You'll enjoy this book Anne, it's a very memorable story!

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    2. UnknownAugust 15, 2015 at 11:52 PM

      Thanks so much, Anne! I hope you do get to read and enjoy Nila's Hope!

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  12. Marian BaayAugust 15, 2015 at 11:48 AM

    Sounds like a wonderful read. Fantastic review, Aussie! *thumbs up* :)

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    1. UnknownAugust 15, 2015 at 11:53 PM

      Thank you, Marian. I hope you do read and enjoy this story. I'm so blessed by Noela's review!

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    2. UnknownAugust 17, 2015 at 8:25 AM

      Appreciate you saying that, Dutchy!! Thanks! :-) You'll enjoy this!!

      Kathleen, I'm so glad, thank you! I'm very much looking forward to reading more from you!!

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  13. UnknownAugust 16, 2015 at 9:43 AM

    I would love too read this book. It sounds so interesting. oh.hello.hiya@ gmail.com

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    1. UnknownAugust 17, 2015 at 12:32 AM

      Hi, Danie. I'm so glad you want to read Nila's Hope, and I hope you get to soon! And I hope and pray it touches your heart. BTW, your email address is adorable!

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    2. UnknownAugust 17, 2015 at 8:26 AM

      It really is very interesting Danie!! All the best my friend!

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