Book: Jaded

Jaded

As a child, Ruthie was shunned by the local congregation. Thirteen years later, Ruthie’s heart begins to stir when an attractive single preacher arrives. But their relationship is bitterly opposed—unearthing a string of secrets which threaten to turn the church, the town, and her world upside-down.

Jaded is the rare novel that is both love story between a woman and man ... and God and His church. Plunging deep into the waters of shame, forgiveness and restoration, it will resonate with every woman who’s experienced a loss of heart ... and a thirst for hope.

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Trust, betrayal. Love, cynicism. Hope, despair.  What will win out in this story? 

There were so many different themes running through this book, the story, and then the meta-story.  I could think about it for days. 

Did I like it?  Well, let's just say I finished it in about 24 hours. Yes, all 400 pages.  It wasn't suspenseful per se, but I just wanted to find out what would happen!  I had a suspicion from about half way in, but I didn't know for sure until the last couple of chapters.

The writing was solid and I enjoyed the alternating perspectives of Ruthie and Dodd.  The length of the book felt just about right, there was time for the story to develop slowly and thoughts and emotions to come out.  That being said, I didn't want it to end!

This is the very first book by author Varina Denman, there's a sequel to this one, and I just can't wait to read more of her writing!

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If you would like to read the first chapter of Jaded, go HERE.

An avid reader and blogger, Varina Denman enjoys writing fiction about Christian women and the unique struggles they face. She seems to have a knack for describing small town life, and is currently working on a three book Texas series which will soon be published by David C. Cook. The first book in the series, Jaded, won the 2013 ACFW Genesis contest for romance.

Varina attended three Texas universities over a span of five years, majoring in four subjects and earning zero degrees. However, she can now boast sixteen years as a home educator, volunteering in the local cooperative where she has taught numerous subjects including creative writing and literature.

Even though Varina has spoken at ladies’ retreats and taught women’s Bible classes, she finds the greatest fulfillment facilitating prayer groups. She lives in Burleson, Texas, where she helps with Family Ministry in her home congregation. Varina is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and North Texas Christian Writers.