Jaded is book 1 in the Mended Hearts Series written by Varina Denman. This is Ruthie's story. When Ruthie was a little girl, her father left. The church they were attended shunned her and her mother and the community looked down on them. Ruthie is now grown and is working 2 jobs to try to help support her mother and herself. She works at the high school during the day and at a grocery store at night. Her cousin looks after her a lot, taking her where she needs to be and hanging out with her.

The little town of Trapp Texas does not get many people moving in. Within a short length of time a former community member moves back when he is released from prison. And the Cunningham family move to the area. The oldest son, Dodd, is the new part time pastor at the local church as well as teaches at the high school where Ruthie and her cousin work.

Dodd is a Bible following pastor and talks with people from outside of the church leading them to God. The church leaders do not like this, they feel they have hired him to work for them only, not those who do not attend the church.

This is the first book I have read written by Varina Denman and I really like it. I like how realistic this book is about situations and struggles people go through. And the hurt they feel while going through the hard times. The story shows us that things that we have not control over, such as Ruthie's dad leaving, affects the rest of our lives. I especially like the family background in this story. I like how strong Ruthie's extended family is and how they have reached out to take care of Ruthie when her mother is not able too. And I like seeing how Ruthie takes on the responsibility of helping her mother and trying to keep things easy for her mother.

I received a copy of this book from RadiantLit and this is my honest review.

(I received an advance reader copy in exchange for this honest review.) Even if I hadn't received this book with the intention of leaving a review, I would have had to leave one. Ms. Denman's debut novel is quite simply everything I want in a book -- Her writing voice is smooth and easy and the scenes played out in my head like a movie while I read. The characters are so life-like and relatable that I felt almost sad when I closed the book because I wouldn't get to spend time with them anymore. The romance was so very gentle and sweet and grin-inducing. :-) See? I even grin just thinking about it again lol. And the plot ... Something we all as believers know about the church but wish weren't true: Sometimes, churches get it wrong. And when they do, they tend to get it REALLY wrong! But then along comes someone who lives out Jesus and slowly begins making the sad things untrue again with His help and with quiet and consistent demonstrations of His love. The Cunninghams were people like this. Finally, the little bits of unanswered questions have me waiting most impatiently for the next book - Justified!! ( )

Title: Jaded (Mended Hearts Series)
Author: Varina Denman
Website: http://varinadenman.com/
Pages: 432
Year: 2015
Publisher: David C. Cook
My Rating: 5 stars out of 5
When I first began reading Jaded, I wasn’t sure which direction the author was taking her audience. I am glad to have reached the novel’s conclusion with what was surely a surprise ending and one filled with encouragement and hope. The characters in the book can probably be found in any local church anywhere at any time. Why? For the simple reason that all mankind has sinned and when we fellowship together in any way, shape or form, our humanity stands out.
The main characters are Lynda and her daughter Ruthie along with the Cunningham family who have just moved to town. Dodd Cunningham is going to become the church’s preacher, though Lynda and Ruthie haven’t walked into the church since an occurrence years ago. Ruthie was only seven at the time and couldn’t fathom why her mother would crumple up the paper which was handed to all who came through the doors every Sunday morning. So Ruthie smoothed out the program sheet and hid it in her little children’s Bible and tucked it safely inside a drawer.
Without any foreknowledge by Dodd Cunningham, his preaching and seeking the truth in all areas of life is going to unearth a long buried secret. The consequences of this that no one could have foreseen make life even harder than before for a while longer, but the hope is that forgiveness and peace would finally come to the small church peoples’ hearts.
I think the novel was refreshing and impressive as it shows the humanness that does exist within the four walls of a building we call church. There is also reason for encouragement, hope, forgiveness, and the restoration that comes when ugliness is unveiled and dealt with in the love of Christ. While this is a fictional story, it isn’t hard to imagine that the occurrences of the reality portrayed have in fact been seen over the centuries. Therefore, we can have hope when we step forth into the light, removing the veil and receiving the forgiveness that Jesus bled and died for all to receive!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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