Reader's Choice -- Any Genre

GIVEAWAY

I have to admit that this post wasn't in the plans for today. I was supposed to review A Thing of Beauty by Lisa Samson. Normally I read at least a week ahead of my reviews so that if I find something questionable or I'm just not into a certain book, I'm not committed to review it. I just move on to another title from my TBR pile. However, time got away from me, and this week I'm reading and reviewing by the seat of my pants. So, I included A Thing of Beauty in my Next Week lineup posted in Sunday's blog. However, I can't in good conscience review this book or offer it as a giveaway. Here's why:

Before reading further, please note these are my personal feelings and I do realize that other readers might have different opinions. And that's fine...but I still have to be true to myself and my personal standards. So, why am I not reviewing A Thing of Beauty?

Questionable language. Which is surprising since it is published by Thomas Nelson and the author has even won a Christy Award for another book. Lisa Samson is a new-to-me author but I felt confidant, given those credentials, that this book would be a good fit for me. I was wrong.

The use of a crude (though not swearing) word a couple of times in the first few pages put my guard up. I got that the heroine was flawed and wounded and the author was bringing me into her gritty world. Fine, point made, let's get on to the story. But then I stumbled upon a different questionable word and began to have second thoughts about continuing. When I came upon blasphemy I closed the book. Fast. Fumed a bit. Picked it up again and skimmed through the rest of the book. In just a few seconds of flipping the pages, my eyes landed on more questionable words, including a terribly crude and vulgar phrase.

Disappointment doesn't begin to describe how I feel. Betrayed might be a better term. This might be the redemption story to end all redemption stories, but I just can't read it. Does that make me shallow? Narrow-minded? Naïve? I don't think so.

For me it comes down to Philippians 4:8 : Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

I may be in the world, but I'm striving not to be of it.

So...today's giveaway is your choice. Must be Christian Fiction. Must be a 2015 release date -- anywhere from January - April 2015. Leave a comment mentioning the title you want to win and if your name is picked, that's the book that will be shipped to you.

I HAVE SHARED MY TBR LISTS BY GENRE IN THE COMMENT SECTION IN CASE YOU'RE NOT SURE ABOUT WHAT WAS PUBLISHED BETWEEN JAN AND APRIL THIS YEAR.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of a new release (Jan - April 2015) Christian Fiction title, 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 March 29 2015. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!