13 May 2013

Courage To Change by Elizabeth Maddrey, Book review

Publisher: HopeSprings Books (April 3, 2013)
ISBN-13: 978-1938708138

Synopsis:
 

Book Two of the 'Grant Us Grace' Series. When Phil Reid became a Christian and stopped drinking, his hard-partying wife Brandi divorced him. Reeling and betrayed, he becomes convinced Christians should never remarry, and resolves to guard his heart. Allison Vasak has everything in her life under control, except for one thing. Her heart is irresistibly drawn to fellow attorney and coworker, Phil. 
Though she knows his history and believes that women should not initiate relationships, she longs to make her feelings known. As Phil and Allison work closely together to help a pregnant teen, Allison melts his defenses. But when Brandi discovers Phil's new relationship, she decides that though she doesn't want him, no one else can have him. Can Phil and Allison's love weather the chaos Brandi brings into their lives?

My thoughts:


In turn jocular and sedate, Elizabeth Maddrey's 'Courage to Change' provides  genuine entertainment for anyone looking for a good Christian novel to enjoy on long summer evenings. 

Perhaps the most refreshing aspect of book #2 in 'Grant Us Grace' series is the constancy of the author's faith when dealing with sensitive subjects, in this instance teen pregnancy, adoption as alternative to abortion or dealing with the aftermath of a nasty divorce. 
Never critical, Elizabeth Maddrey gives the impression of being a good listener, someone whom you would like to reach out to in times of self doubt!
Informative as well as discerning this is the sort of contemporary novel which would appeal to the younger crowd mostly yet I too found it consuming. 

As her main protagonists, Phil and Allison wins your heart by their sheer honesty and commitment to do the right thing despite obstacles. You cannot but wish to give each of them a nudge or two as they contemplate their own imperfections and the possibility of a future together but that's alright too. Phil's ex-wife however was decidedly not your atypical divorcee, at least I hope so! 

Maddrey's latest novel is well worth reading! 
4 Stars!
 
About the Author:

Elizabeth Maddrey began writing stories as soon as she could form the letters properly and has never looked back. Though her practical nature and love of math and organization steered her into computer science for college and graduate school, she has always had one or more stories in progress to occupy her free time. 
When she isn’t writing, Elizabeth is a voracious consumer of books and has mastered the art of reading while undertaking just about any other activity.
Visit her website (HERE).

 I received this book from BOOKCRASH as part of their blogger review program. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.



8 comments:

  1. So fun to visit your blog! Thank you for stopping in at Cranberry Morning today. I'm going to follow you via Feedly. So nice to meet you. :-)

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  2. First, I loved that ode on the previous post. Had to say that here where you would see it in case you are like me and prone to missing comments on older posts.

    Second, the title of that book grabbed me when I first opened this blog because (apparently) God keeps drawing me to the concept of having the courage to change. There it was again in the title of a book!

    When I read your review and saw that it was a Christian romance, I was very intrigued. When my daughters were living at home, I read every new Christian romance on the block because we were constantly buying them. I have sort of gotten away from it since they both went off to to school. I liked the review of this.

    (I also think I would like the book about the (Chicago?) Fair in an older post.

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    1. Thank you Debbie for an uplifting comment! It's always nice to hear a review reached someone and like you, my prerequisite for reading/viewing books/movies is that it is Christian. I was first introduced to Christian romances at my daughter's college with a Thoene novel and never looked back. My tastes are eclectic (particularly if it involves History) but my faith remains steadfast.
      It Happened At The Fair is excellent and check out the blog for two great books (upcoming) about a cat and a dog 'sent by God' and who 'speak to God'. Both gems!
      Blessings,

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  3. Hi Noelle,

    Just popping over to say hello. Thank you for your book tip!

    Happy day!

    Madelief x

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  4. The author is so pretty and happy. I'm sure that comes out in her writing! Sweet hugs!

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  5. Good thinking Diane and I believe you are right!

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