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20 October 2015

Noela Nancarrow reviews FLEE FROM EVIL by Connie Almony

Flee from Evil
Flee from Evil (Water’s Edge, Book 1)
by Connie Almony
Cracked Door Publishing – October 3, 2015

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow
5 Stars *****
  
‘Flee from Evil’ is a story of second beginnings from shameful pasts that pulsates with breath-taking suspense and heart-wrenching experiences. In other words, it’s a read that’ll knock your socks off!

Vince Steegle is the beloved pastor of Water’s Edge Church in Maryland, a former drug-dealer who has been open about his former life to his congregation. Mostly. When Cassandra Whitaker walks into Vince’s church while he’s preaching, for the first time ever this man with the gift of speech, falters. She represents the one thing he can’t forgive himself for. And judging by her blazing eyes of hatred, she hasn’t forgiven him either. Is God able to break those shackles of pain and unforgiveness within Vince and Cassandra, and will He be able to utilize the evil that once permeated Vince’s life for something good?

The widowed and broke Cassandra has returned to her hometown along with her teenage daughter Sophie and autistic son Tibo, to live with her mother. Upon visiting her mother’s church, she finds herself face to face with the man she thinks of as the devil himself. But when evil once again enters into Cassandra’s world in an even more sinister form and turns it upside down, does she do the right thing in trusting Vince to use his underworld connections to save her child?

Author Connie Almony has masterfully weaved a powerful and gripping tale of heartbreak and hope with surprising twists and tense whispers of ‘oh no!’ Written with realism and sensitivity ensured I was either smiling, spellbound, or weeping, whilst fully resonating with the genuine and fractured characters. There was Tibo the autistic child who lived in his own world and reminded me of my son when he was younger; Lew, the lost and rough around the edges guy; teenager Sophie who’s only just discovering herself as a young woman; and the pastor who is so hopeless at being a handyman that his friends have emergency numbers on speed dial. There are gems of spiritual insights and nuggets of wisdom threaded throughout, such as the universal struggle with forgiveness. The reader also gains a perceptive glimpse into the man behind the pulpit and a mother of a child with a disability. And that’s just for starters. Connie does a stellar job of illustrating how God creates beauty from ugliness! Highly recommended!

David Crowder Acoustic - How He Loves - The Muse for the novel Flee from Evil.
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You may purchase 'FLEE FROM EVIL' here at a bargain price : Amazon

GIVEAWAY: Connie Amony is generously donating TWO books for giveaway!! Two blessed people who leave a comment below will have the choice of either a paperback OR e-book! (There will be a small delay in sending out the paperbacks.) To be eligible, please leave your email address for contact purposes should you win. Using (at) and (dot) will protect you against spammers.

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80 comments:

  1. Lucy Reynolds October 20, 2015 at 8:29 AM

    Would love to read this book. Thank you so much for the chance.
    leliamae54(at)aol(dot)com

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    1. UnknownOctober 20, 2015 at 8:48 AM

      It's definitely not one to be missed Lucy, I hope you get the chance! :)

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    2. Connie AlmonyOctober 20, 2015 at 10:12 AM

      Thanks for stopping by Lucy.

      Delete
  2. Between the Pages with KatrinaOctober 20, 2015 at 8:32 AM

    This sounds like a good story line. Interesting certainly. Thank you for sharing.
    eppersonkatrina(at)yahoo (dot)com

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    1. UnknownOctober 20, 2015 at 8:49 AM

      Katrina, this is a truly incredible story and I know you'll love it!! You're welcome, and thanks for coming by to read about it! :)

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    2. Connie AlmonyOctober 20, 2015 at 10:14 AM

      Katrina, the idea for this story came while watching the Mel Gibson movie, Ransom. I'd just begun to read Christian fiction (almost twenty years ago) and wondered how someone could take some ideas in that movie and turn it into a Christian story. Twenty years later ... it turned out VERY DIFFERENT!

      Delete
  3. UnknownOctober 20, 2015 at 8:47 AM

    It sure is Kate... One of my favourites for the year! Connie Almony is so generous to offer those two books for giveaway!!

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  4. Marsha BernabeOctober 20, 2015 at 8:51 AM

    Looks like a great read!
    Ember99 at Hotmail dot Com

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    1. UnknownOctober 20, 2015 at 9:03 AM

      Certainly is, Marsha!! Thanks so much for coming by to read about Connie's amazing story!

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    2. Connie AlmonyOctober 20, 2015 at 10:15 AM

      Good luck and God Bless, Marsha!

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  5. Diana FlowersOctober 20, 2015 at 9:12 AM

    Your review is awesomely breathtaking, NOELA! I'm inwardly groaning b/c I MUST read this one, but when? I surely need two heads. (sigh...) And I know how wonderfully Connie can write!

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    1. UnknownOctober 20, 2015 at 9:21 AM

      Haha thanks Diana!! :) I agree with you, you MUST read this one, so start looking for another head, GF! ;) Or just squeeze it in! Trust me... It'll be a quick read because it's so hard to put down!!

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    2. Connie AlmonyOctober 20, 2015 at 10:16 AM

      Never thought I'd pray someone would grow another head. But Diana ... anything for you!

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    3. Diana FlowersOctober 20, 2015 at 10:45 PM

      LOL, Connie! I guess it might look rather unsightly. Maybe I could get a detachable one -- just for when I'm reading. :P

      Delete
  6. Anne RightlerOctober 20, 2015 at 9:45 AM

    Looks like a great read. Thank you for sharing! Here's hoping …
    Anne at Rightler dot com

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    1. Connie AlmonyOctober 20, 2015 at 10:17 AM

      Good luck, Anne. Thanks for stopping by to read about it.

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    2. UnknownOctober 20, 2015 at 10:19 AM

      You're welcome Anne, and I'm hoping along with you that you get to read this wonderful story soon! :)

      Delete
  7. Connie AlmonyOctober 20, 2015 at 10:12 AM

    If I am "generous" with OWG readers, it's because OWG and its readers have been generous with me!!! Kate, I hope you get a chance to read the novel.

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  8. KavOctober 20, 2015 at 10:13 AM

    Oh, what a beautiful review. Sounds like it's a story that stirs up a reader's emotions and I love that. And thanks for highlighting this book because I wouldn't have known about it otherwise. Just when I think I have a handle on all the new releases I want to get my hands on I realize I'm not even close! LOL

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    1. Connie AlmonyOctober 20, 2015 at 10:18 AM

      Kav, hopefully you'll get a FREE copy and you won't have to decide. It'll just show up in your mail box :). Thanks for stopping by to read about it!

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    2. UnknownOctober 20, 2015 at 10:27 AM

      Thank you Kav for those gracious words from one of my absolute favorite reviewers!! I was actually hoping you'd get to see read about this book because I knew you'd love this one! They all come thick and fast these days don't they? If Diana ever figures out how to get another head, perhaps she'll share with us. ;)

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  9. StellaOctober 20, 2015 at 11:09 AM

    I have not read a book by Connie Almony but I sure would love to read this one. The review is awesome. Maybe I will win, who knows. spotts at comcast dot net

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    1. Connie AlmonyOctober 20, 2015 at 11:15 AM

      Good luck and God Bless!!!

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    2. UnknownOctober 20, 2015 at 7:00 PM

      I would love you to win too, Stella!! But if you don't, I hope you still get to read this fabulous book! All the best!!

      Delete
  10. Bonnie RoofOctober 20, 2015 at 11:58 AM

    Such a beautiful review of such an exciting book, Noela - thank you!!

    I purchased the eBook of 'Flee From Evil', but as with Diana - just have to find the time to read it. I would love to have an additional head for extra reading, also, LOL. Commitments as a reviewer don't always allow me to read a favored book as quickly as I would like, however, I am always assured - with Connie's writing - her books will be ones I will truly enjoy. While a larger portion of my reading may be historical fiction, Connie's books are always ones I make exception for - because of their realistic characters, emotion (like Kav, I thrive on that emotion in my reading), faith, and spell-binding action/suspense. Thank you, Connie - for another wonderful storyline!!

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    1. Connie AlmonyOctober 20, 2015 at 2:48 PM

      Bonnie--Wow! Thank you so much for those words!!! I hope when you finally get around to Flee, you enjoy it as much as I did your comment :o)!

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    2. UnknownOctober 20, 2015 at 7:07 PM

      Bonnie, as with you, Connie's contemporary stories are always the exception to my first love - Historical Romance! The realistic situations and characters, the brilliant plots, and the stellar writing that touches your emotions in every way... I could happily read Connie's stories and nothing else!! :)

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  11. Mrs TinaOctober 20, 2015 at 2:14 PM

    Noela, your review is fantastic and the book sounds very interesting, one that will keep me on the edge of my seat.

    I have not read any books by Connie Amony--yet, but will add this book to my oh, so very long to-be-read list. And like Bonnie said, I have a number of books to read/review but will certainly make time to read this.
    Blessings,Tina
    tfrice(at)comcast(dot)net

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    1. Connie AlmonyOctober 20, 2015 at 2:48 PM

      Tina, I hope you like it! Thanks for stopping by.

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    2. UnknownOctober 20, 2015 at 7:14 PM

      Good on you Tina! Trust me my friend... You will thoroughly enjoy this story by Connie!! Thanks for your kind words and all the very best!!

      Delete
  12. UnknownOctober 20, 2015 at 3:18 PM

    I love reading this blog! I'm always hearing of new authors that I've never heard or read before. Thank you generous authors for being willing to give your books away. I so appreciate this blog and the time you spend to give great reviews on books I've never heard of!! Thank you so much!! I may not ever pick these books up otherwise.
    Sarahsmithstormatgmaildotcom

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    1. Connie AlmonyOctober 20, 2015 at 5:22 PM

      Hopefully, you'll get a chance to read this one :o).

      Delete
    2. UnknownOctober 20, 2015 at 7:18 PM

      Sarah, thank you SO much for your encouraging and kind words to both author Connie Almony and myself. As reviewers on this blog, we all do put quite a bit of time on these reviews so that we not only give potential readers a good overview of the book but to make them interesting as well. We appreciate YOU! Blessings!

      Delete
  13. DeanaOctober 20, 2015 at 3:53 PM

    I would be honored to read this fascinating book. My dad was a pastor and as a pastor's child I was always expected to be prim and proper. But behind closed doors were secrets that no one knew I had to endure. Thank you for the chance .
    Deana
    Jhdwayne(at)peoplepc(dot)com

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    1. Connie AlmonyOctober 20, 2015 at 5:27 PM

      Oh Deana, that breaks my heart! I touch on something like that--though very very briefly--in Flee. As a Christian counselor for some years, I became aware of how satan can use the church for his own purposes. That's why our hope cannot be in people, but in Jesus. Yes, people can be used as God's empty vessels, but satan LOVES to be a poor imitation of his Creator.

      Delete
    2. UnknownOctober 20, 2015 at 7:26 PM

      Thank you for sharing Deana, my heart goes out to you too with what you had to endure. Connie put it perfectly in her comment in how satan stirs up trouble in the church. No one is perfect, excepting Jesus, which is why our hope and faith can be in no one bar Him. Bless you and hugs!!

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  14. AnonymousOctober 20, 2015 at 4:47 PM

    Thank you for the breath-taking review Noela. This sounds like an incredible and beautiful story about our human nature to have problems with forgiveness. Connie will be a new author on my list because I plan to either win or buy this one for my Kindle collection. Since it is Book 1 of a new series - Water Cove it will definitely bring more that I will want to read!

    I agree with my sweet friend Diana that I am finding it harder to squeak out time to read these days, but this is a "must read" one that I know I will enjoy. Joyce - Heart"wings" joyce1510(dot)jrg(at)gmail(dot)com.

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    1. Connie AlmonyOctober 20, 2015 at 5:29 PM

      I was glad that Noela pointed out that little theme about the difficulty with forgiveness. It is what is required by God, but the question is how to REALLY do it. That question will resonate some more as the series, Water's Edge, moves forward. Thanks for reading!!!

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    2. UnknownOctober 20, 2015 at 7:32 PM

      Thank you so much Joyce for your wonderful comment! I'm thrilled to introduce you to such a wonderful author and this incredible new series!! I can barely wait for the next one!! Forgiveness definitely is one of the hardest issues that Christians face, and I'm grateful for all the help we can get with that! God bless!

      Delete
  15. BettiOctober 20, 2015 at 5:24 PM

    Wonderful review, Noela. I know I would absolutely love this book! I would love it in paperback, if I have the choice.
    bettimace at gmail dot com

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    1. Connie AlmonyOctober 20, 2015 at 5:30 PM

      If you win, we'll get you a paperback :o). Good luck and God Bless!!!

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    2. UnknownOctober 20, 2015 at 7:47 PM

      I know you will, too, Betti!! Which is why I'll be so happy if you win! :) All the best, and thanks!

      Delete
  16. Marian BaayOctober 20, 2015 at 5:29 PM

    Fantastic review, Aussie! :)

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    1. Connie AlmonyOctober 20, 2015 at 5:31 PM

      And she is a Fantastic Aussie!!!

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    2. UnknownOctober 20, 2015 at 7:50 PM

      Thank you Dutchy!! And Connie!! You guys are fantastic, too! :)

      Delete
  17. Trixi October 20, 2015 at 6:16 PM

    I love a book that deals with the messy-ness of real life....and when the author handles it with the Grace & forgiveness that Christ offers us :-) This sounds like the perfect read to rock my little world a bit :-) Thank you for the chance to win a copy of "Flee From Evil"
    Beautiful, beautiful review Noela! (never known you to NOT give one) :-)

    teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. Connie AlmonyOctober 20, 2015 at 7:03 PM

      Yes, Noela has a way with words!

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    2. UnknownOctober 20, 2015 at 8:00 PM

      Trixi, I just love your comments! :) Not only for the kind and encouraging words you always give, but you always seem to get it, and to use Connie's words... You have a way with words!! :) Thanks too, Connie. Trixi, I really hope you to get to have your world rocked soon!!

      Delete
  18. Caryl KaneOctober 20, 2015 at 6:29 PM

    NOELA, I am left breathless after reading this INTRIGUING review! I love reading stories about second chances with elements of romance and mystery. Flee From Evil sounds like perfect.

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    1. Connie AlmonyOctober 20, 2015 at 7:03 PM

      Caryl, I hope you get a chance to read it.

      Delete
    2. UnknownOctober 20, 2015 at 8:09 PM

      Thank you so much Caryl! :) Imagine how you'll be after you read the book!! Probably as stunned as I was in what a transcending, engrossing story you've just read. Really hope you get to read this one, I know you'll love it!

      Delete
  19. Mary PrestonOctober 20, 2015 at 6:42 PM

    WOW!! This sounds quite intense and amazing and everything in between.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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    1. Connie AlmonyOctober 20, 2015 at 7:04 PM

      Mary, thanks for stopping by to read about Flee from Evil.

      Delete
    2. UnknownOctober 20, 2015 at 8:12 PM

      That's a GREAT description of this book, Mary!! :) All the best!!

      Delete
  20. CyndiOctober 20, 2015 at 8:03 PM

    Great review! Thanks for introducing me to a new-to-me author! And thanks for the giveaway!

    cyndilou83(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Connie AlmonyOctober 20, 2015 at 8:04 PM

      Thanks for stopping by to check it out.

      Delete
    2. UnknownOctober 20, 2015 at 8:13 PM

      Thanks, and you're very welcome, Cyndi!! All the best in winning one of the two books that Connie has offered for the giveaway!!

      Delete
  21. Carrie Fancett PagelsOctober 20, 2015 at 9:28 PM

    This sounds POWERFUL and I am not at all surprised since CONNIE wrote it!!! GREAT review Aussie Angel!!! I tweeted, pinned with it going to FB, plus Google Plused it! Hugs!

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    1. UnknownOctober 20, 2015 at 9:42 PM

      You're awesome Carrie, thanks!!! :) And you're right about it being a powerful read as only Connie can do!! Very touching too. I know you'll also resonate with Tibo's mother as much as I did! Hugs back!!

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    2. Connie AlmonyOctober 21, 2015 at 9:16 AM

      Thanks Carrie! Your support is always astounding ... and greatly appreciated!

      Delete
  22. Loraine NunleyOctober 21, 2015 at 8:07 AM

    Great review, Noela. I had not heard about this book, but it sounds interesting. Thanks for the giveaway!
    momrain(AT)aol(DOT)com

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    1. UnknownOctober 21, 2015 at 8:13 AM

      Hi Loraine, thanks! Flee from Evil really is extremely interesting and grabs your attention from the get-go! Hope you get to read it! All the best!

      Delete
    2. Connie AlmonyOctober 21, 2015 at 9:17 AM

      Thanks for checking out the review. Good luck on the drawing and God Bless!

      Delete
  23. WaniOctober 21, 2015 at 8:32 AM

    As an autism mom myself I would love to read this book!!

    wanibug(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. UnknownOctober 21, 2015 at 8:45 AM

      Thank you so much for coming by to read about Flee from Evil, Wani! I sincerely hope you get to read this book as I'm sure you'll not only relate to it, but thoroughly enjoy it as well!! God bless!

      Delete
    2. Connie AlmonyOctober 21, 2015 at 9:22 AM

      Wani, God bless all the work you do in motherhood. I have an idea what it is like as my son is the inspiration for the character Tibo in Flee from Evil. As a writer, I'd decided not to write ABOUT autism because writing is my escape from the grind. However, as in this story, I often include characters WITH autism. These days, it just wouldn't be realistic not to include an affected family. And yet, God works His miracles among us in ways we never expect. That's why He often chooses the smallest to do the greatest things!!!

      Delete
  24. justcommonlyOctober 21, 2015 at 10:12 AM

    Wow, Noela! You're review is amazing. And Flee from Evil sounds intense and well worth a read! Thanks!
    justcommonly {at} gmail {dot} com

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    1. Connie AlmonyOctober 21, 2015 at 10:31 AM

      Thanks for stopping by to read about it.

      Delete
    2. UnknownOctober 21, 2015 at 10:49 AM

      Thanks Annie, it's an incredible read for sure!! Bless you, and all the best with your entry!

      Delete
  25. Marcia GruverOctober 21, 2015 at 10:15 AM

    Sounds like a very compelling read! I'll have to add it to my list. And great review as always, Noela.

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    1. Connie AlmonyOctober 21, 2015 at 10:32 AM

      Hope you enjoy it!

      Delete
    2. UnknownOctober 21, 2015 at 10:54 AM

      'Compelling' is actually a great word to describe Flee from Evil, Marcia!! :) Thanks for reading and commenting, you might just win yourself a copy and can read it even sooner! :)

      Delete
  26. kim hansenOctober 21, 2015 at 11:41 AM

    Nice review. kamundsen44ATyahooDOTcom.

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    1. Connie AlmonyOctober 21, 2015 at 1:21 PM

      Good luck and God bless!

      Delete
    2. UnknownOctober 21, 2015 at 8:53 PM

      Thanks Kim, it was a fabulous book!! Hope you get to read it!

      Delete
  27. Deanna StevensOctober 21, 2015 at 4:23 PM

    I got to read/review one of Connie's book & loved it.. I'd like to read more of her work !
    dkstevensne AToutlookDoT com

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    1. Connie AlmonyOctober 21, 2015 at 6:51 PM

      Thanks for that Deanna. Authors always need reviewers, and I'm so glad you liked it. I hope you'll enjoy this one as well.

      Delete
    2. UnknownOctober 21, 2015 at 8:55 PM

      You'll know then, Deanna, what a fantastic writer Connie is! I promise you'll enjoy this book just as much, if not more! :) All the best!

      Delete
  28. Melanie BackusOctober 21, 2015 at 9:48 PM

    Thank you for a great review!

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownOctober 21, 2015 at 9:55 PM

      Thank you Melanie, and all the best!! You'll love this one!! :)

      Delete

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