Justified

Justified by Varina Denman is published by David C. Cook.

Thank you to Radiant Lit Blog Tours for highlighting this book in the Contemporary Fiction Genre. Thank you to Varina who is providing an autographed copy of Justified for our book giveaway!

Justified Release Date: June 1, 2015

WHAT IS THE BOOK ABOUT ?

In a small Texas town ruled by gossip, Fawn Blaylock believes others are justified in condemning her untimely pregnancy. Stifled by guilt, she yearns for grace while the local football coach treats her with gentle respect.

MY REVIEW:

I had seen the cover of Varina Denman’s first book, Jaded (which won the 2013 ACFW Genesis Award) in the Mended Hearts series, but had not gotten around to reading it. (Something I will be remedying as soon as I get my required reading out of the way!) When I was invited to get to know Varina Denman’s more through her work, and to review Justified, I jumped on it and I am so glad I did.

Once in a while, when you find yourself worrying about the characters days after you have finished the book, wondering how they are doing, and then you know, you know you found a good one! Not only is this story gritty and real, but the anticipation that builds throughout the book had me wishing I could read faster to find out how the story was going to be resolved. Would Fawn’s Baby be okay? What was Tyler (the baby’s father) going to do next? And when was the next diamond back rattle snake going to show up? These were all questions, among many others (but I don’t want to spoil it for you) that I was asking myself as I sped through the pages, devouring the story as it unraveled.

The novel, Justified tells the story of Fawn Blaylock who finds herself pregnant and alone. In a small town setting she feels as if everyone is gossiping about her, whispering behind her back and she feels guilt and shame. She has recognized that the father of her baby is not a good choice as a husband, but how can she break the bond that they have and untangle herself from him and his abusive behavior? Her parents want her to marry him.

Among secrets and family history Fawn has to fight for her own independence while allowing herself to accept help, and love, from those who are sincere in offering it. Twists and turns in the plot keep this story going right up until the white knuckle scenes and last pages. Enjoy the ride.

Look for the next book in the series, Jilted – due for release June 2016

Order it on Amazon.com or Amazon.ca

Find our more about the PERSON BEHIND THE PEN in my Q & A with Varina Denman

ENTER TO WIN A COPY OF JUSTIFIED (Contest runs from August 6th -17th, 2015)

Note: I received this book as part of the “Justified” blog tour from Radient Lit  I received no compensation for this review and only received a copy of the book for review purposes. Review copy provided by the publisher for Radiant Lit Blog Tours.