5-Star Review of "Jaded"

 Review of Jaded

by Varina Denman

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.

MY REVIEW:  This is Varina Denman's first novel and it is such a wonderful way to enter the world of writing and fiction!   I was very intrigued by the description of this novel as I was a pastor's wife in several small towns, one in Texas and two in North Carolina.  I, too, have been injured by one of those churches and it caused my heart a great deal of pain until I was able to forgive the people and accept that God still loved me no matter what some of "His children" did to me and my family.  I think the author handled the issues beautifully.   It is about judging others, gossip and rumors and how they can hurt others.   They truly do hurt others and this book also addresses an issue that I refer to as "churches shooting their wounded".    

        The new young pastor does not believe that it is acceptable to shoot the wounded and reaches out to the "sinners" in the small town.   Many of the church leaders do not appreciate his doing so.    Jesus himself ate with the sinners and tax collectors.   Dodd is following in Jesus' example.  He does much to lead the town and congregation to forgiveness and healing.  I do not know how Ruthie and her mother stayed in the little town after being "ex-communicated" from the Christian church for rumors and gossip!  I think I would have had to move away.  I know that is what I did when I was hurt by the church we pastored.   I simply could not remain when rumors were flying and people were reporting them to me at my job as a local teacher.   It hurt me too, just as it hurt Ruthie and her mother. But there is forgiveness and that is what "Jaded" is all about.   

       I rate this book 5 stars and am anxious to read the second book in the series, "Justified". 

       I received a free ebook format of this book from netgalley in exchange for my honest review.  

About the Author:

Varina Denman is a native Texan who spent her high school years in a small Texas town. Now she lives near Fort Worth with her husband and her five mostly-grown children. Jaded is her debut novel. Look for the sequel, Justified, to be released soon from David C. Cook.