Tonya Matthews

In Roxie Applesauce, the author Tonya L. Matthews illustrates how God creates something beautiful from broken pieces. Both Marcella Ciscal and Haleya Kage experience God’s mercy and love when their paths intersect.

Suffering abuse from those around her, Marcella, homeless, wakes up beaten and alone. Haley’s Kage, taken for granted by her family, discovers Marcella, and God takes the seemingly random occurrence and uses it for His own divine plan.

I love how the author takes these two characters and those around them into a beautifully poignant story. While I initially thought I was going to find this book slow, I quickly lost myself in this story.

So if you enjoy touching and moving stories about how God creates beautiful tapestries from broken pieces, check out this book for yourself.

I received a complimentary… (más)

Saying that this is an emotional book is an understatement! Roxie Applesauce is a gut-wrenching, soul-searching story that gave me all the feels, and it's left me eager to read more books by Tonya Matthews. Yes, there may be trigger points for some readers, because Matthews tackles many sensitive topics. Marcella Ciscal's life has been a cycle of abuse, addiction, and being homeless, and she's found comfort and solace in her imaginary friend Roxie Applesauce, and in believing that Jesus loves her. And then, after a traumatic beating, Marcella becomes a patient of nurse Heyana Kage, and she finally learns about kindness and compassion. Heyana is a wonderful character but she certainly has her own problems. Her successful marriage is at risk, her daughter has become a rebellious teenager, and Heyana fears that her family life is spiraling out of control. Is it possible that this nurse and patient may be each other's saving grace? Can a sixty-something homeless person help a searching teenager find a new purpose?

There are several other characters who play key roles in this story, and I especially love that it is set in my home state of Kentucky. Roxie Applesauce is a heartbreaking and heartwarming book that I won't soon forget, and I highly recommend it. Just be sure to keep a box of tissues nearby!

I received a digital copy from Celebrate Lit. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.… (más)

I remember reading the first book from this series and thinking how impressed I was with the writing. The story continues in this book with familiar characters. Even though you could probably read it as a stand alone, I would recommend reading the first one to see how the author develops her characters. This one is just as emotional as the first one but was a little hard for me to follow at first. There are quite a few characters which made it difficult.

Following Marcella’s story was difficult because of the cruelty she endured. The abuse is both emotional and physical. Even though she had physical scars, the emotional ones are the deepest and hurt the most. To think that you aren’t loved or wanted sends you to a place where darkness surrounds you. Marcella could be anyone out there right now struggling with addiction, homelessness or abuse. Through the author’s words we find a woman who is determined to survive even though at times it seems hopeless.

Haleya is finding life to be difficult with a husband who seems unhappy and two children who are moody and distant at times. Her life is complicated with her family spinning out of control. It was interesting to see how the author explores a family that seems dysfunctional but really at the heart of it is lack of communication. If only we could slow down , take a deep breath and see what God has given us we may understand how blessed we are. For Haleya I think her attitude changes when she goes back to being a nurse who cares for her patients. Isn’t it funny how one decision can change everything in our life.

The connection between two people in the story is emotional and heartbreaking at the same time. I love how the author brings Marcella to a place where hope and love is found. It is hard to explain how powerful the ending is. I broke down in tears because Marcella is someone that was broken but God was there to wipe her tears away and bring her peace.

I kept thinking of how to end my review but all I could come up with is , “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world does. Do not let your hearts be troubled and don’t be afraid.” John 14:27.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.… (más)