Hello dear friends- Hillary here-
Today my post may have more serious overtures as I read a more seriously overtured book this week:) If you haven't read "I'll know you by Heart", you really should take some time out and read it.
I was fortunate enough to be at the Valor Publishing debut a few weeks ago, and was able to meet and chat a bit with Kimberly Job, the author (you can soon, if not already, listen to our podcast interviews with the authors there). At any rate, I spoke with Kimberly and I opted to buy her book because a) I like romances and b) I hadn't read anything from her and was curious about the book.
If you have ever read anything by Tristi Pinkston, you will recognize her hand in editing this book because it begins with an INTENSE and dramatic gut-wrenching first chapter and doesn't really slow down. Kimberly took a very tender, terrible subject- one that I think instills anger, frustration and maybe even a bit of fear in every woman- that being the subject of abuse. Though I've never being the victim of any type of abuse, physical or verbal,I was so drawn in to Stephanie, the main character, that I felt like I was her, experiencing that type of violence first hand and whenever I put the book down (which wasn't often) I had to basically put myself back in reality and remember that my husband isn't an abuser.
The story tells of Stephanie, a 40 something semi-overweight housewife, married to Mark, a physically abusive (when it suits him, which is frequent) husband. After she endures a particularly violent beating that her oldest son, Tyson unfortunatley becomes a part of, Stephanie decides late into the night to pack up her 3 children and leave him. What follows is a tale of pain, anger, growth and love. The love in this book tales of the loss of love, almost a mourning, and the newness of a new love and what it is supposed to feel like.
The love story I liked because it felt very realistic. She wasn't this perfect woman. She was insecure, scared and dependant upon others to help her. With the help of her extended family, the church and Heavenly Father, she was able to slowly get over her husband, and make room for love worthy of her. The only part that didn't feel totally authentic to me was how she felt her heart had known Jared (the new interest) all along. I guess that seemed a bit fairy tale to me, but then again, a little fairy tale never hurt anyone either, and it wasn't constantly mentioned or over done, so overall, not a bad thing.
I would have to say that I made a good purchase. The story is unique and authentic. It has a way of drawing you in and making you forget that it is a story. Though it is her freshman novel, I would say that Kimberly does a fabulous job!
FTC-FYI- purchased
I highly recommend this book for all families who have been blessed to adopt their precious children. I also recommend this book, to give as a gift, for someone who may be struggling whether or not to adopt. You can see and feel, the pure joy and happiness, that comes from the miracle of adoption while reading this book.
"But I was wearing my jammies, a college sweatshirt and rain boots, and I remembered enough about the real world to know it was poor form for adults to approach children they didn't know and ask them how old they were, particularly when the adult in question was dressed like a homeless person."
"The smile widened on the words, regaining a cockiness familiar from her days in Venice. But Siri was listening too hard to his voice to care. She tried to place it with that of the robber's, but failed. Her assailant's bravado had been muffled by the unmarked helmet he had worn. Still, this gentleman's manner seemed very odd."
"David tried to open his eyes, but when he did, the room spun in circles around his head-or maybe his head was spinning in circles around the room; he wasn't really sure."