Diana's Review of JUSTIFIED by Varina Denman

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.



Marian Baay reviews A HEART DECEIVED by Michelle Griep

A Heart Deceived

A HEART DECEIVED

By Michelle Griep

David C. Cook, 2013

Reviewed by Marian Baay

~5 stars~*****

Publisher’s book description:

Miri Brayden teeters on a razor's edge between placating and enraging her brother, whom she depends upon for support. Yet if his anger is unleashed, so is his madness. Miri must keep his descent into lunacy a secret, or he'll be committed to an asylum—and she'll be sent to the poorhouse. 

Ethan Goodwin has been on the run all of his life—from family, from the law ... from God. After a heart-changing encounter with the gritty Reverand John Newton, Ethan would like nothing more than to become a man of integrity—an impossible feat for an opium addict charged with murder. 

When Ethan shows up on Miri's doorstep, her balancing act falls to pieces. Both Ethan and Miri are caught in a web of lies and deceit—fallacies that land Ethan in prison and Miri in the asylum with her brother. Only the truth will set them free.

My review:

A new-to-me-author, this was my first introduction with Michelle Griep’s writing. This woman really can write! Usually I’m not so much into books with a sort of ‘dark’ setting and that’s why I looked at this book for at least three times and every time decided not to request it for review, but then I did it anyway—and boy, am I glad I did!

The author has a unique way with words that drew me into the story right away—on the first page I sat next to Miri in church in 18th century England and reluctantly had to let my new friend go on the last.

The descriptions are so rich and full, I could almost feel, hear, smell, and touch them. The emotions splattered from the pages—fear, despair, unfairness, hope, love, romance!

Extremely well written, excellent research, and a brilliant plot!!

*Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a review copy through NetGalley.*

You can find Michelle's books at Amazon, CBD, B&N and other bookstores.

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GIVEAWAY: A book by Michelle Griep of your choice, and format—international winners ebook only.

TO DO: Like Michelle's author page on facebook and leave a comment here on Overcoming With God and put MG in your comment. Don't forget to leave your email address as well. 

Marian's review of Glamorous Illusions by Lisa T. Bergren

Glamorous Illusions by Lisa T. Bergren

The Grand Tour Series book 1

David C. Cook 2012

Reviewed by Marian Baay

5 stars *****

Lisa Bergren writes a fabulous story in Glamorous Illusions!

Cora Diehl grew up in a poor farmer family. When her papa suffers a second stroke, a wealthy stranger comes to her door to announce that he is her biological father. Cora can't believe it, but when her mother affirms the story her world is turned upside down.

Mr. Kensington is a wealthy man. He offers the best medical care to Cora's papa. But Cora must come with him to meet his children and go with them on their Grand Tour of Europe. Eventually Cora decides to go. She's introduced to his family and she gets her own maid. 

After the first introduction to her siblings she feels unaccepted and lonely. How is she ever to deal with her siblings the whole summer?

Her life is suddenly so different now. She starts to wonder who she really is. Mr. Kensington encourages her to find that out on her Grand Tour.

The bear and his nephew Will are to look after the Kensington siblings and their friends. Will is a young man who is attracted to Cora from the first moment they meet. But as her protector he can't pursue her.

From Montana to England and from England to France is where this first book of the Grand Tour Series will take you. Sail with Cora to Europe to enjoy the grand houses and enter their balls. Let yourself fall in love with the awesome characters in this story. I loved every page of this book. Lisa knows how to keep your interest. I hated to see this book end and I am eagerly awaiting the next two books in this series!


*Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for my review copy. I was not required to write a positive review.*

You can buy Lisa's books on Amazon, CBD and other book stores.

Diana Flowers Reviews Glamorous Illusions by Lisa T. Bergren

Glamorous Illusions 
by Lisa T. Bergren
(David C. Cook, 2011)

5 stars~ *****

Glamorous Indeed!

In Glamorous Illusions, Lisa T. Bergren sweeps the reader away on a journey that begins on a struggling farm, to the copper mines of Montana; to the gorgeous cathedrals, chateaus, and palaces of the very wealthy in England and Paris. Our heroine, Cora Diehl, has come home to her farm in Montana to visit her parents after attending college, only to have her father suffer a stroke and is now unable to work the farm. Then a stranger arrives on her doorstep with a shocking secret and a proposition...one that she realizes she cannot refuse.

Cora finds herself on a fabulous journey of self discovery and adventure with her siblings--siblings she never even knew existed, in a world quite different than her own. With much trepidation and anticipation, Cora joins them on The Grand Tour of Europe led by tour guides, Will McCabe and his uncle. Suddenly thrust into a world of masked balls, gorgeous gowns, art museums, and magnificent palaces, Cora begins to question who she is and where she really belongs. And two very different men are falling for her; one an extremely wealthy, French Prince Charming, and her tour guide, Will. Where does Cora's path to self discovery lead her, and will she ever feel comfortable in this opulent lifestyle, and with her haughty siblings? Is she a Kensington or a Diehl?

Lisa T. Bergren takes us on a wonderful journey to places most of us only dream of visiting! Her use of imagery, and firsthand knowledge of Europe will fascinate and draw the reader in with a novel that is nigh unto impossible to put down. I loved the unpredictability and excitement of this book--one never knows what is going to happen next--not even which honorable character our heroine is going to end up with. With a wonderful cliff-hanger of a conclusion (to be continued in next book of series), and a spiritual thread throughout...this is an absolute must read! Nicely done, Lisa Bergren!


I received a copy of this novel from Net Galley and was not required to write a positive review.

Friend on Friday - Marian Baay reviews Cascade by Lisa T. Bergren

Cascade
Published by David C. Cook

by Lisa T. Bergren

Review

By Marian Baay

5 stars *****

In Waterfall we traveled back to the 14th century with Gabi and Lia. Gabi fell in love with Marcello. At the end of the book Gabi and Lia had to travel back to the 21st century. That is where Cascade continues.

When Mom finds out what happened to Gabi and Lia she freaks out. Gabi convinces her Mom and Lia to travel back to the 14th century. When they get there a couple of months have passed since they left and some things have changed. Marcello is very happy to see Gabi again and he arranges a feast to celebrate the return of the Ladies Betarrini.

In this wonderful second book in the River of Times Series, the Betarrinis have to battle new dangers and the love between Gabi and Marcello grows. Marcello persuades Gabi to marry him, but Gabi is not sure if she’s ready for marriage.

We get to know Lia better and soon she’s falling in love with Luca.

If you liked Waterfall, I’m sure you’ll love Cascade. Lisa T. Bergren did a great job with this series. It’s written for Young Adult, but I think it’s a great read for all ages. I enjoyed it immensely and could not put the book down until it was finished.

Thanks, Marian, for the great review!  Readers – Marian is from the Netherlands.  She is a lector who reads, judges, and translate books from English into the Dutch language for publishers. She previously worked in an international operating transport company.