Contemporary Christian Novel

Fantastic Novel

 

Although this is Book 2 of the series, Mended Hearts,  it is a stand alone novel. However, I would suggest you read Jaded first, as it will give you an in-depth look at Trapp, its citizens and the Church in Trapp.

 

This story will take us back to Trapp, Texas, small town America and it’s still the same gossip laden town it was in Jaded.  To give you some background, Fawn Blaylock is trying to put her life back together.  Alone, pregnant, and almost penniless, she is befriended by Ruthie Turner and Ruthie’s family which includes JohnScott.  JohnScott will become a major part of this book.

 

Fawn’s daddy, Neil, is the richest man in Trapp and an hypocritical Christian. Fawn had lived the life of  privilege up to the point Neil found out she was pregnant.   Fawn’s pillar of the church family disowned her.  She became a pariah.  Everyone expected her to marry the father of the baby, Tyler Cruz.  Fawn has experienced his abuse and refuses.

 

Fawn journey is one of broken dreams, second chances, renewal, acceptance, and redemption.  She must recognize and conquer Tyler’s attempts to manipulate her and the evil he can do and does in her life.  Fawn has a hard time letting go of Tyler, even though, he abuses and lies to her repeatedly.

 

Her father and Tyler are determined she will marry Tyler though hook or crook.  She will learn to stand on her own feet,  to recognize that the easiest solution is not the correct solution for her, and through it all God is always there ready to lead.  We will watch her faith grow from a spoiled rich superficial believer to a real lasting belief in the goodness of God and his wishes for our lives.

 

We see many of the cast of characters from the first book, Jaded;  JohnScott comes into his own in this book.  He will become Fawn’s rock.  Author Varina Deman gave me a real shock when the high school lover and subsequent daughter of Clyde were revealed. I was amazed, I actually had to read it twice to make sure I had read it correctly.

 

Ruthie and Dodd, of course, are present and just as much in love as ever and they stand firmly by Fawn. Ruthie, mother, Lynda will begin to join life again. I was so glad to see Lynda opening up, even she will stand by Fawn.  The mystery of the relationship between Neil, Fawns mother, and Lynda is revealed. That was another shocker.

 

Fawns journey from a superficial spoiled society girl was heart wrenching. She had to overcome so much, but this journey will be made with JohnScott right beside her all the way.  Through all of her trials she will discover a love worth hanging on to in JohnScott, with Gods help she can make the right choices, and a life worth living as God intents us to live.  Fawn will discover that God has always been with her, waiting for her to discover his presence.

 

Ms. Denman has a knack for teaching life lessons without being condescending, pushy, or preachy.  Her pacing of the plot and growth of the characters were spot on. The story held my interest from start to finish. I didn’t want to put the book down. This is a wonderful story of love and faith. I can’t wait for the 3rd books release.

 

I highly recommend this book; Jaded and Justified are two of my favorite books, which I will read over and over.

 

Books reviews of any novel are dependent on the book review author’s opinion;  book reviews on line under my name and on my blog are my opinion.

 

I received this book from the author, Varina Denman and Netgalley in return for an honest book review.

Other Books You Might Like

Jaded

Refuge Of The Heart

Take And Give

Five Days In Sky

Link to Varina Deman’s Web Site