Jaded by Varina Denman —Their small-town church wants them apart, but God has other plans.
Do churches of today show the love God commands? Or do we cast that proverbial stone and toss the unlovely aside without a blink of an eye?
Ruthie Turner knows all about the judgmental church ever since she turned seven, so years later when the handsome preacher comes to her small town of Trapp, Texas, she avoids him like a horse does a rattlesnake. He’s just like the rest of those Christians and she wants nothing to do with him.
Even though he’s the most eligible bachelor in town.
And he has his eyes set on her.
Dodd Cunningham has his job cut out for him as preacher of a small Texan town filled with tainted relationships and secrets that some want to stay buried. However, when one of those mysteries involves the girl he’s falling in love with, he’s determined to protect her reputation . . . even if it means losing his flock.
Ruthie slowly softens towards Dodd and they begin to see each other secretly, but soon it blows up in their faces and spirals out of control. Can they both look beyond the judgmental attitude of the church and trust God to make it right? Or will Ruthie reject God, stay away from Dodd, and remain jaded forever?
Jaded is Varina Denman’s debut novel and is book one in her Mended Heart series. This is not a book I would normally pick up and buy. I’m a romantic suspense kind of gal, but I have to say…I really enjoyed this delightful story! Ms. Denman’s characters were likeable and well-rounded. My heart ached for some and others I wanted to throttle. 
I loved all the southern expressions woven throughout the novel, giving freshness to the author’s voice. The storyline was believable and deals with issues relevant to today’s society.
Judgment affects all towns—doesn’t matter the size. It’s real and disheartening. The author creates this fictitious town effectively through all the sights and smells, bringing it alive.
I give Jaded four out of five tumbleweeds. I will definitely be continuing on with Justified, book two in the series.
Come and walk the streets of Trapp, Texas. You will find a little bit of everything there, but most importantly—hope and forgiveness.
**Book has been provided courtesy of The Blog Spot for an honest review.
Contest!! I would like to give away my copy of Jaded. The contest rules are simple—leave a comment on the blog and you will be entered. Bonus entry– if you leave a comment AND share this post on Facebook you will get two entries (tag me on Facebook or let me know in the comments). Contest closes Saturday, June 27th at midnight. Enter now! (Open to residents of the USA and Canada only.)
So Dar, we trust God when we don’t understand or are stubborn. I have many times tried to go my own way and hide things from my past, but when a Christian is transparent and real that is when God can use them. Thanks for this.. Dar you are incredible.
We’re all guilty of this! God definitely uses transparent Christians. Thanks for stopping by, Di!
Diane, it’s so hard for me to trust God at times, but you’re right. Being transparent is what draws others to the light. 🙂
I grew up in West Texas and I betcha I will recognize sum of em colorful characters. As a fan of Jan Karon and Karen Kingsbury, I reckon this will be just the gentle breeze I hacker for.
Hi Jayna! Yes, you will definitely recognize some of these characters and probably some of the sayings the author uses. It’s funny you mention Karen Kingsbury because I thought of her books when I was reading Jaded. Very similar in style!
Jayna, you made me smile. And now I’m thinking “Where is she from? I wonder if I know anybody she knows.” But either way, we share the West Texas memories, and clearly, the twang. 🙂
i posted on my personal account and my page https://www.facebook.com/pages/A-Woman-Trusting-God-Ministry/1585527838325914?fref=ts I suggested they enter the contest too.
Thanks for sharing! Your name will be in the draw twice! 🙂
Darlene, thank you for such a sweet review. I’m so glad you enjoyed Jaded. 🙂
Hi Varina! I’m looking forward to reading Justified and seeing what happens with Fawn. Thanks for visiting my blog!
Wow!! This sounds like a great read. Looking forward to picking it up some day.
Thanks for sharing:)
Hi Brenda! It is a great read and you will enjoy it! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!