Jaded

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 Thoughts:
I have not encountered a work of fiction that has affected me quite like Jaded.  Being a minister's wife for some 23 years now, I have seen many things in church life and not all of them have been good or kind.  Varina Denman has written a book that will hold you hostage for the length of time it takes you to read it.
Denman accomplishes several things with Jaded.  She captures small town life perfectly.  The characters are richly developed and are easy to identify with deep emotion.  I see so much of myself in Ruthie.  I loved her journey and want to see how she grows moving forward.  Denman delves into the richness of what biblical love - agape, God's love - is supposed to look like and accomplish in the lives of His people.  Themes of judgment, deceit, shame, faith, trust and restoration are woven through a story of a small town, its people and the church.
Denman takes the reader into deep wells of thought with few words in lines such as these:

"But his memory is so much better than her reality."

"God is pretty important in my life, and you know...I was hoping He was improtant to you, too."  "I do believe in God..."  He peered down at me and laughed.  "I sense a but coming."  "But the church is messing with Him.  I'm surprised He puts up with it, really."

I hope you will read Jaded.  And be on the lookout for the sequel coming later this year...Justified.  I know I will.  Varina Denman's books will have a place on my keeper shelf.

Happy Reading Ya'll,
Jennifer