CFBA Review: Jaded by:Varina Denman

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Jaded David C. Cook (March 1, 2015) by Varina Denman

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

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.

ABOUT THE BOOK

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.

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


My Review:
Ruthie Turner was shunned by the local church, due to her parents indiscretions, when she was just a child. Now years later, she doesn't trust neither church-goers nor preachers. She works two jobs to keep a room over her and her parents heads. Her cousin seems to be the only guy who really cares for her. As her life continues on it's depressing way, it is abruptly interrupted by a guy by the name of Dodd  Cunningham.

Dodd, his mother, and brother, Grady, just moved to the small town of Trapp. A town where everyone knows everybody and football is everyone's favorite pass-time. Dodd meets Ruthie when he and his brother drop by the local grocery store for a couple soft drinks. The minute he laid eyes on her. It seems there is a division between Ruthie and the church, but what?

Ruthie finds Dodd, both interesting and handsome, that was until she learned he was the new preacher. The minute she learned of his occupation, the thought of him and her, turn acidic in her mind. She believe she could get away from him during her job at the school but it turns out he is also the new math teacher.

Jaded is a wonderful book. I enjoyed how the characters interacted, and how sarcastic Ruthie could be. I really hope that the author writes another book real soon!

**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from CFBA.