Book Review~Jaded by Varina Denman

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This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Jaded David C. Cook (March 1, 2015) by Varina Denman

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

An avid reader and blogger, Varina Denman enjoys writing fiction about Christian women and the unique struggles they face. She seems to have a knack for describing small town life, and is currently working on a three book Texas series which will soon be published by David C. Cook. The first book in the series, Jaded, won the 2013 ACFW Genesis contest for romance.

Varina attended three Texas universities over a span of five years, majoring in four subjects and earning zero degrees. However, she can now boast sixteen years as a home educator, volunteering in the local cooperative where she has taught numerous subjects including creative writing and literature.

Even though Varina has spoken at ladies’ retreats and taught women’s Bible classes, she finds the greatest fulfillment facilitating prayer groups. She lives in Burleson, Texas, where she helps with Family Ministry in her home congregation. Varina is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and North Texas Christian Writers.

ABOUT THE BOOK

As a child, Ruthie was shunned by the local congregation. Thirteen years later, Ruthie’s heart begins to stir when an attractive single preacher arrives. But their relationship is bitterly opposed—unearthing a string of secrets which threaten to turn the church, the town, and her world upside-down.

Jaded is the rare novel that is both love story between a woman and man ... and God and His church. Plunging deep into the waters of shame, forgiveness and restoration, it will resonate with every woman who’s experienced a loss of heart ... and a thirst for hope.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Jaded, go HERE.


What I Thought: Jaded was a fascinating story that kept me up late several nights.  It is one of those books that is hard to put down. Ruthie had lived such a hard life with her father's abandonment, and then the fact that the church abandoned her and her mother as well made her unable to trust.  Living in a small town where everyone knows each other, Ruthie has lived her life feeling like an outcast.  The arrival of the Cunningham family turns the town upside down.  Ruthie having feelings for Dodd Cunningham, the new preacher, is just not acceptable to her or her mother, but she can't seem to fight her feelings.  Secrets are uncovered, and relationships are mended.  Jaded is a story that many can relate to in some way, and reminds the reader that hope can be restored.