I will say that even though the following book review is not your typical romance novel, it does fit with the LOVE theme this month as this book is all about not only falling in love with God but realizing just how much HE LOVES US! Which is the all-time perfect love story!
On to the review...
One thing Allie Harrod will never do is become too dependent on her husband. She has always considered herself a career woman and she's determined not to let having a baby change that, no matter how much her heart longs to be home all day with her new daughter. But because she is feeling torn, Allie comes up with the perfect plan: rather than return to her old full-time job, she'll work from home.
She signs on with a home party company and dives in, head first. But the pressures of launching a business, her mother-in-law's unexpected extended visit, her husband's sudden personality change and her inability to control her eating habits take their toll. Before long, things start falling apart - especially her marriage. If she doesn't get a grip, she'll lose the very things she's been trying to hold on to.
I have a confession: Age before Beauty is the first book by Virginia Smith I've read. I say "confession" because it truly is a crime that I didn't discover her books before now. Virginia Smith has officially taken a place on my Favorite Authors list.
As a wife, a mother, the oldest child, and a previous direct sales consultant, I could so relate to Allie's story. I felt her joys, fears, and insecurities and was right there with Allie, cheering her on and feeling her pain. Although light and humorous in tone, the issues Allie faced were real and they were dealt with in a real way, as were the subplots in the novel, including Allie's relationship with her sisters, her mother-in-law's marital woes and Allie's husband's friendship with a female co-worker.
The Christian message is woven gently throughout, never too heavy or in-your-face. I knew Allie's realization of her need for God was coming, but it wasn't sudden or predictable. The revelation comes gradually, touched my heart and left me very satisfied (and a bit teary).
Age before Beauty delivers a fun, inspirational read with relatable,likeable characters. I have not yet read Stuck in the Middle, the first book in the Sister-to-Sister series, but I definitely plan to get my hands on a copy. And I excitedly await the release of Third Time's a Charm, the third and final book in this series.
Purchase Age before Beauty HERE on Amazon.com.
Virginia Smith left her job as a corporate director to become a full time writer and speaker with the release of her first novel Just As I Am. Since then she has contracted ten novels and published numerous articles and short stories.
She writes contemporary humorous novels for the Christian market, including
In March of 2008 she was named "Writer of the Year" at Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference. An energetic speaker, Virginia loves to exemplify God's truth by comparing real-life situations to well-known works of fiction, such as her popular talk, "Biblical Truths in Star Trek."
Visit Virginia Smith online: http://www.virginiasmith.org/index.html
3 comments:
I love direct marketing (I rep for 2 different companies) and always wanted to be a stay-at-home mom, so I wonder how I'll relate to this book. But anything about the beauty God sees in us always perks my interests, so please enter me. I think I would enjoy this read. :)
Jenni Saake
http://www.InfertilityMom.blogspot.com
Jenni, I just want to clarify that this is only a book review, not a giveaway. With all the giveaways this month, I know it's probably confusing because I stuck this review smack dab in the middle of them. Sorry! :-(
I hope you'll pick up a copy of Ginny's book. It really is a wonderful read. You'd love it.
You have been selected to receive the Premio Dardos award because I think your blog is worth recognition! If you accept, go to my blog and copy the rules to pass on to your awardees.
Happy blogging,
Tammy
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