Letting Go Reviewed

Book Description: Sometimes for dreams to come true, you have to let go . . .

Outwardly Diane Simmons appears to have everything a woman could want. A successful attorney, she’s beautiful and talented, and yet she always seems to be attracted to the wrong men. Longing to be loved for who she is, not for what she looks like, she finally realizes the world’s view of love is totally unrealistic and distorted and gives up on romance. She wants to find a better way but has no clue where to look.

Dave Passel can never father a biological child. He loves his foster son deeply, but something goes terribly wrong before the adoption can be finalized. When the State tries to reunite the child with the birth mother he has never known and the new caseworker accuses Dave of sabotaging visits with her, he hires Diane to fight for him in court. He believes in God’s sovereignty, but bad experiences with his late wife make it hard for him to trust Diane as she advocates for his son. If only he didn’t struggle so much with letting go . . .

My Review: Two people with hurting hearts, they meet because Dave needs a lawyer to represent him to fight to keep his foster son, Joey. During the course of their professional relationship Diane and Dave find that they have feelings for each other. Diane tries to fight it because of the abuse she suffered as a child, Dave is leery because his late wife held his sterility over his head. Diane has a passion for children and that is why she fights for them as an attorney.

Michelle has once again taken hurting hearts, and shown how with God you can heal. It is not always easy or fun, but you can do it! It requires trust and letting go of all the stuff in the past, and letting God take care of it.

One of my favorite lines from the book . . . "No wonder being a real Christian isn't popular. Who wants to suffer so they can find joy?" Diane

"The ways of the Lord are in conflict with the ways of men."

I highly recommend this book! I give it a lighthouse and shine a light on it for pointing a path to God!!! WAY TO GO MICHELLE!!!!!!

First Love - Tombstone Treasures Book 2 Reviewed

Book Description: Josiah and Tara had enjoyed acting in their high school plays. They had also been each other's first lover... in fact; most of the time they'd spent together had been in Tara's bed. When Josiah became a Christian, he left Tara to go to college and didn't look back.

Four years later, Josiah is back in town when his father has a near-fatal heart attack. When they meet up again they realize how much their separation had hurt each of them. But now Tara is a Christian and is trying to live a life that is pleasing to God.

Josiah wants Tara back, but neither knows how to relate to each other without the physical intimacy they once shared. They are determined to do things right this time, but find it more challenging than they'd anticipated.

My thoughts: How do two people who have already given themselves to each other, have become Christians, come back together, and not have the physical intimacy rule their relationship. That is the MILLION dollar question. For Josiah and Tara it is not an easy task. Knowing each other this way, it becomes nearly impossible to do, and they fall into the same patterns that they did before, what keeps them is the saving grace of Christ. It isn't until a tragedy that they find that the physical intimacy isn't the ALL gratifying! This is an absolutely beautiful book of grace, and healing for those who have stepped out and have experienced physical intimacy prior to marriage. God intended it for marriage, yet there is healing and He is the healer! I highly recommend this book!

REVIEW, ReViEw, REVIEW NEVER WITHOUT HOPE Michelle Sutton

Book Description: Hope believes she is above sexual temptation; that she would never break that commandment like her husband's previous wives had done. After all, she is a good Christian and a loving mother. She has no reason to stray . . . until her husband starts neglecting her needs and things begin to look hopeless. Though she clearly communicates her pain to her husband, he refuses to get help. She starts to wonder…Will she never have sex with her husband again? She soon learns that she, too, is capable of such betrayal when she succumbs to the unthinkable.

But things that first seemed sweet and reasonable given her painful situation soon produce a bitter taste when combined with the overwhelming guilt. No substitute will ever replace her love and desire for her husband. If only he would touch her like he used to. If only they could make love again. She misses him so much and wants to tell him the truth hoping it will propel him to do something to fix their problem, but she fears his rejection. Yet, she can't continue living such a hypocritical life. She knows it's wrong even though she continues to crave physical intimacy. Steeped in the quagmire of adultery, Hope must find her way back to solid ground to save her marriage. But will she lose everyone she loves in the process?




My Review: I had so many emotions as I read this book. As a woman whose ex husband cheated on her I know first hand the pain infidelity brings. My heart hurt for Hope who was dying inside wanting to be touched by James, at the same time it was crushed because while she was having the affair and was getting the physical affection she was “yearning” for it wasn’t satisfying her because what she longed for and desired was the loving, and spiritual connection she had with her husband. Without giving too much away Hope realizes that she can’t have a full and intimate relationship with her husband until God became the lover of her heart and soul. I totally identified with that, God is becoming the lover of my heart and soul as I have been healing from the pain of my divorce from my ex husband, knowing that I cannot be someone’s partner until God is the complete lover of my heart and soul. This beautiful story gives hope to those who have been hit by the tornado of adultery. I was given new eyes of compassion for those who fall into the web of adultery, realizing that Satan really does use all kinds of trappings to ensnare us, and we really need to be praying for and with our mates daily. I can’t recommend this book enough, this would be a great summer read for the beach! It comes out in JULY!!!! I give this book a LIGHTHOUSE and SHINE a LIGHT on it for pointing a path to GOD!!! Way to go Michelle!!!!!!!

REVIEW IN PLAIN SIGHT BY MICHELLE SUTTON

Book Description: Jovana was held captive by her gypsy boyfriend for seven years, and when he abandons her she returns to her parents' home in Macedonia. Her brother Bojan introduces her to faith and offers her a new life in Arizona.

While in Arizona, she stays with her future sister-in-law, but as her brother's wedding approaches he is concerned that she will be unsafe staying alone. Her brother has his close friend, her boss Randy, stay with her while they are away to protect her, only she objects to being treated like a child. A handsome stranger is pursuing her and she likes it, but she has no idea his intentions are for her destruction.

On the other hand her boss, Randy, is a wholesome, good man who even speaks her language. She can't imagine a nice man like him wanting a woman with her history, so she pursues the dangerous man, but she gets in way over her head. At the same time she discovers a surprising attraction to Randy developing, and because she is afraid of her feelings toward him, she does everything she can think of to scare him off. But he's tough to shake loose, which is, of course, exactly what she needs to heal.

My Review: In Plain Sight picks up where Danger At The Door ended, yet it can completely stand alone. Jovana is Bojan's younger sister, who became a Christian at the end of Danger At The Door. She's moved to Arizona, where she is working at a diner, and is working on putting her past behind her. Yet the scars of her former life rear their ugly head and she doesn't see herself worthy of a "good" man's love or respect. Michelle once again does a fabulous job of showing the struggle between our old self and who we want to be in Christ. I was clearly reminded of the scripture in Romans 7:14 -7:22 where Paul talks about What I want to do I do not do, what I do not do I do. The struggle within ourselves. I highly recommed this book! I give this book a lighthouse and shine a light on it for pointing a path to God! Way to go Michelle!

~REVIEW~ First Impressions

Book Description: Sammie Carpenter understands how a uniform influences behavior. Wearing her Army fatigues puts her in the mindset of a soldier and donning her Class-A Uniform always helps her shift into Captain Mode. So what harm could come from her dressing like a saloon girl and strutting through the streets of Tombstone? She didn't know how to flirt to save her life, and she wasn't getting any younger.

When she met the lonesome stud cowboy, Jimmy, she knew he was the one. So why was their communication always so awkward? Couldn't he see that she was interested in him? No matter how hard she tried to win him over, she couldn't seem to get him to see past his first impression of her. But Sammie didn't give up easily. Somehow she would make him see that they were meant to be together, but how can she do that when all of her plans keep falling apart?


My Review:

Michelle is one of my favorite authors! She writes about feelings, urgings, and longings that we've been told we're not suppose to think about or talk about. What's even better, she does it without fear or trembling! Her characters are real, and honest; they're just like us, not perfect and they struggle daily with issues just like we do. Each day we have the opportunity to make a choice on whether we live for God or not. While this book is steamy with the romance between the characters, Michelle doesn't stray away from the inspirational message. This is another Home Run for Michelle, and I can't wait to read the next one!

IT'S NOT ABOUT HIM by MICHELLE SUTTON - Reviewed

Book Description: Susie wakes up after a party knowing something isn't right. When she discovers she is pregnant but has no idea who the father is, she decides to place her baby for adoption with an infertile couple from church. Following through ends up being more challenging than she'd imagined. But she wants to do the right thing. If only Jeff would quit trying to marry her so she'll keep her baby! Why doesn't he understand? It's not about him; it's about what's best for her child. Meanwhile, a man shows up in her life that looks irritatingly familiar. Could he be the father?

My Thoughts: I am adopted and this is the first book that I have read with the point of view focused on the birth mother and the couple adopting the baby. All of the emotions in the story were real and raw. I felt everyone of them. What is great about what Michelle Sutton is that she isn't afraid to write about what is real. This stuff is really going on in our YA today and she writes about it honestly and right in your face! I didn't want to put the book down! This is an absolutely beautiful story. It shows that an birth mother and the adopted family can work together for the good of the child. This is a definite must read, it's one of my top 10 for the year! I give it a lighthouse and shine a light on it for pointing a path to God!

Featured This Weekend on CFBA is DANGER AT THE DOOR by MICHELLE SUTTON

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Danger At The Door
(Desert Breeze September, 2009)
by
Michelle Sutton


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Michelle Sutton, otherwise known as the Edgy Inspirational Author, is Editor-in-chief of Christian Fiction Online Magazine, a member of ACFW, a social worker by trade, and a prolific reader/book reviewer/blogger the rest of the time.

She lives in Arizona with her husband of nineteen years and her two teenaged sons. Michelle is also the author of It's Not about Me (2008) and It's Not About Him (Sheaf House 2009). She has nine other titles releasing over the next three years.






ABOUT THE BOOK


Upon her fiancé's death, Laney became a recluse who only left her home for emergencies. She managed to survive - barely - on food delivery service and her work-at-home job. When she tries to move on from her grief, the commemorative meal she orders is ruined. However, it leads to an unlikely friendship with an attractive man, Bojan, who speaks little English.

As he befriends Laney he continually says the wrong things, but he doesn't give up trying to win her trust. Meanwhile, she has this strange feeling of being watched and wonders if she's losing her mind.

Complicating things further, every time she leaves her house something bad happens, confirming that she is safer at home. Can Bojan convince Laney she'll be safe with him, or will his presence put her in further danger? Will he be able to protect the woman he loves before it's too late?


If you would like to read the Prologue and first Chapter of Danger At The Door, go HERE

My Thoughts: In Danger At The Door Michelle Sutton has created believable characters and story line. Laney is a woman who has lost everyone she’s ever cared about and that has made her afraid to step foot outside of her own home. On the night that she is receiving take out from her favorite restaurant the delivery guy isn’t the same and the meal she orders is ruined. What begins from there is a friendship that neither Boki nor Laney is expecting. He is in need of learning English and she is barely making ends meet. The friendship begins to take root. Both are surprised at the friendship that happens yet they are drawn to each other. They both have no idea that there are other forces at work drawing them together. This is a story filled with passion, edge which is what Michelle is known for; the spiritual element in the book is beautiful. This book is a beautiful depiction of the Salvation story. I give this book a lighthouse and shine a light on it for pointing a path to God. I highly recommend it. Pick up a copy today! You won’t be sorry!

MY REVIEW IT'S NOT ABOUT HIM by MICHELLE SUTTON

Book Description: Susie wakes up after a party knowing something isn't right. When she discovers she is pregnant but has no idea who the father is, she decides to place her baby for adoption with an infertile couple from church. Following through ends up being more challenging than she'd imagined. But she wants to do the right thing. If only Jeff would quit trying to marry her so she'll keep her baby! Why doesn't he understand? It's not about him; it's about what's best for her child. Meanwhile, a man shows up in her life that looks irritatingly familiar. Could he be the father?

My Thoughts: I am adopted and this is the first book that I have read with the point of view focused on the birth mother and the couple adopting the baby. All of the emotions in the story were real and raw. I felt everyone of them. What is great about what Michelle Sutton is that she isn't afraid to write about what is real. This stuff is really going on in our YA today and she writes about it honestly and right in your face! I didn't want to put the book down! This is an absolutely beautiful story. It shows that an birth mother and the adopted family can work together for the good of the child. This is a definite must read, it's one of my top 10 for the year! I give it a lighthouse and shine a light on it for pointing a path to God!