Monday, December 12, 2016

Jilted

GIVEAWAY

DENMAN, VARINA
JILTED

A heartbroken woman desires to move beyond old desires to move beyond old memories, but will her past give way to hope?

Lynda Turner has struggled with depression since her husband abandoned her and their young daughter fifteen years ago. Yet unexpected hope awakens when a local ex-convict shows interest. As long-hidden secrets resurface, Lynda must fight for her emotional stability and for a life in which the shadow of shame is replaced by the light of love.

Jilted tells of a woman who has lost the joy of living, of a man determined to draw her back toward happiness, and of a town that must -- once and for all -- leave the past where it belongs. It is a gentle reminder that all things can work together for good.

My Review:

Raw and real and gritty. Denman has penned a deeply emotional conclusion to the Mended Hearts series.  Jilted is the third book and I do think that it is wise to read the first two, Jaded and Justified before beginning this one. There are circumstances that won't be clear unless you've read the other stories.

The word vivid comes to mind when I think of this author's storytelling technique. From characters to plot to setting - her words paint pictures so vividly that it takes my breath away. I plunge right into Trapp, Texas and become an avid participant in all the small town dynamics. Elderly sisters, 'Blue' and 'Gray', queens of gossip and self-proclaimed judges, Steadfast Dixie who owns the diner and counsels Lynda even when she doesn't want it...and she never does. The complicated Blaylock family -- especially patriarch Neil -- shudder -- you have no idea how many times I pictured myself sitting at the diner and sticking my foot out when he walked by. Not that he was in the diner much but, still, it's a great video that keeps playing in my mind.

Lynda is a glass half empty kind of woman. She's battled depression most of her life and I'll be frank and say she was not a favourite character of mine in the first two books. Wasn't even sure I'd cotton to her this time round. But, oh my goodness, Denman digs deep and uncovers layers and layers of this complicated woman. And yes, sometimes it was uncomfortable but well worth the read.

And Clyde -- well, I was a Clyde fan early one. The strong, silent type with an unfortunate past that he hasn't let define him. His unwavering faith and the gentle way his actions reflect it is truly inspiring.

Jilted is an up-close and personal look at complicated, messy lives and how God works in amazing ways to turn even the most dire circumstances into something good.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Jilted 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 December 18 2016. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

24 comments:

  1. I read this one a while ago. The first and only one I did (although I do have the other two). Once I straightened out who was who and what was what, I got deep in the heart of Trapp and the town didn't let me go gently. It took me on a ride I'd never forget! I love when a story "traps" you in it's grasp, holding you hostage till the bitter end!
    I do have plans to (someday) read the first two in this series :-) A truly memorable read.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Whoa -- yes, I think it would have been a bit muddy in the beginning since you hadn't read the first two books. You'd miss a lot of the nuances too. But isn't it an amazing story? Nothing out there quite like this series. You gotta read the first two, Trixi! (in all your spare time.)

      Delete
  2. Wow this sounds like a really capturing read. Thanks so much for the chance to win a copy. I'd love to read this. iamabho (@) gmail (.) com

    ReplyDelete
  3. I have the first two and was waiting to read all 3 back to back! Your review makes me anxious to start reading. Please enter me in your giveaway, Kav.
    Thanks!! jacsmi75 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, you'll love the whole series, Jackie. And I applaud your fortitude with being able to wait until you have all three books in hand before starting the series. I can never do that. Good luck.

      Delete
  4. I haven't read this author. Sounds great.
    leliamae54(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  5. Great advice to leave the past behind you where it belongs. I often have trouble doing that. Sounds like a really good book.
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think we all do. This book is a good reminder. Good luck, rubynreba.

      Delete
  6. I love Varina's writing style and haven't read this one yet. When I was little, my family lived in west Texas. These books make me feel a little nostalgic.

    nina4sm/at/gmail/dot/com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, I bet they do. They make me feel nostalgic for Texas and I've never been. LOL Good luck, Sylvia.

      Delete
  7. A new author for me but would love to read it. mindyhoungATmsnDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
  8. I should have already read this one since I have the first two. Since I haven't read the third book, I may be presumptuous, but I feel like these should be destined for "classic" status ala Francine Rivers books. When the first in this series came out, I couldn't believe it she was a debut author. tlhcoupon(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Me too! I don't think there's anything out there quite like Varina Denman's novels. Captivating storylines and she throws out preconceived ideas and makes me think. Love that. Good luck, Terrill.

      Delete
  9. Read the first 2 love them. cheetahthecat1986(at)gmail(dot)com.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Denman's books sound so amazing! I own the first 2 in the series and would love to add that one. I need to be reading this series soon :D

    samanthabis23 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  11. Wow. You guys made my day. I think I'll bookmark this post and come back here whenever I'm feeling insecure about my writing. Thank you so much. I wish all of you could win a copy of Jilted! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I loved this book Varina, no doubt about it :-) Glad we made your day!

      Delete
    2. Thanks for stopping by, Varina. We love your work!

      Delete