Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Jaded

GIVEAWAY

DENMAN, VARINA
JADED

Book One in the Mended Hearts Series

Having been unjustly shunned by the local congregation, Ruthie Turner despises the church members who refuse to speak to her. When the new preacher asks her out, Ruthie’s bitterness is put to the test. Against her better judgment, she falls in love then re-examines Christianity while he risks his reputation to be with her. Their relationship reveals a string of secrets which turn the little church upside down as Ruthie learns to forgive.

Jaded is a love story, not only between a man and woman, but also between the church and the lost.

My Review:

This debut novel won the 2013 ACFW Genesis contest  in the romance category. And I can totally see why. It's a decadent read. Rich in both style and emotional depth. So many words to savor. Even more thoughts to process after the read. If you only read one book this year, I think this just might have to be that book!

Denman's writing is so smooth. The story flowed off the pages and into my mind with technicolor clarity. This book consumed me. Turned me inside out and brought healing and hope I didn't know I still needed.

I lived in Ruthie's skin. Felt her pain, her fear and confusion. Her yearning for so much more. Her scenes are written in first person POV which really helped me become this heroine. She's so heartbreakingly wary of Christians.

Dodd's like this knight in shining armor, swooping in with the noble intent of healing all wounds. Only he can't. He's a glass half full kind of guy. Determined to see the best in everyone, which makes it hard for him to recognize the bad. And Ruthie so needs him to see.

Stunning and complicated and so much more than just a love story.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Jaded please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday June 28 2015. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

28 comments:

  1. The high praise you give this one has me intrigued, Kav. Count me in, please!

    ckbarker at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm considering it life changing, Cheryl. Really makes you look at things. Good luck.

      Delete
  2. 'It's a decadent read. Rich in both style and emotional depth.' Wow, high praise indeed. I am looking forward to this book.

    Varina had a great post on her blog yesterday, check it out if you have a minute. varinadenman.com

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh wow, thanks for pointing out that blog post, Patty. I just read it. So many layers to it -- just like the book. Honestly, this would make an awesome book club book. Good luck!

      Delete
  3. Oh, yes! I'm reading this book!

    Thanks,
    Deborah
    rosebudsinjune at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  4. This isn't an entry - just YAY that you loved it as much as I do!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You pushed me forward on this one, Carrie. Wouldn't it be a great book for a book club? So much to talk about. Can't wait to read Justified.

      Delete
  5. The story line of "Jaded" is compelling, the fact that you consider it life-changing makes it even more so - Kav. Thanks for your review and the giveaway opportunity!!

    bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  6. Cool have to look for this. kamundsen44@yahoo.com Kim

    ReplyDelete
  7. I was wondering if this was good! It sounds VERY interesting!!!! Now that I've seen how it touched you I must read it!

    Blessings, Amada
    amada_chavezATyahooDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It really did touch me and it's the kind of book that will touch different people in different ways. Good luck, Amada.

      Delete
  8. Great review that drew me in............
    susanlulu@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  9. I've read some wonderful reviews for Jaded, including yours! I have this book on my wish list. Thank you for offering a giveaway of this book.I'm looking forward to reading it. Please include me in our contest!
    quiltcat26[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  10. Great review. I really want to read this book!
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  11. I am so happy for all of the great reviews for Jaded and Justified. I am anxious to read them both.

    tlhcoupon(@)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, I have Justified in my sight lines now too. Good luck trosado.

      Delete
  12. WOW! you make this very interesting by saying we should pick this one if we only read one book. I would so love to win it.
    Maxie > mac262(at)me(dot)com <

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It made an impact on me, Maxie. Good luck.

      Delete
  13. You've convince me with your review, sounds like a "strong" story, would love to read it now. rrwalter34ATgmailDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Very strong -- leaves you with lots to think about. Good luck, Becky.

      Delete
  14. Looks very interesting - loving reading my summer away ! Grandmaneverstopsatgmaildotcom

    ReplyDelete