Elizabeth Roberts can't remember her past, and the present is too painful. She turns to nightclubs and drinking to forget her infant daughter's death, her husband's affair.
When his wife's coma wiped out the memory of their marriage, Chris Roberts found comfort elsewhere. He can't erase his betrayal, but with God's help he’s determined to fight for Elizabeth at any cost.
She wants to forget. He wants to save his marriage. Can they trust God with their future and find a love that’s unconditional?
Tanya Eavenson is an award-winning Christian romance novelist. She enjoys spending time with her husband and their three children. Her favorite pastime is grabbing a cup of coffee, eating chocolate, and reading a good book. You can find her at her website http://www.tanyaeavenson.com/
Powerful, Emotional, Heartwarming! This beautifully written love story was gripping from the very start! I was drawn into the plight of the main characters as they dealt with their personal struggles. I was impressed with how the author intricately weaves a story for the reader while displaying how the grace of God can lead to healing beyond our imagination!
In Unconditional, Elizabeth, the main character, loses her memory. Her husband, Chris, yearns for her to recover and remember him. He stays by her side, dreaming day and night of the time when she will know him. Finally, she’s able to leave the hospital, but unfortunately, she doesn’t recall Chris. She goes home and resumes life taking care of their baby. Eventually, Chris loses hope and has an affair with a woman at work. Almost simultaneously, the baby suffers from life-threatening apnea and dies. Chris is no help or comfort to Elizabeth, so she distances herself from him and depends on the doctor who cared for her baby. She also starts frequenting bars. The marriage goes into a downward spiral, even though Chris finally ends the affair. Elizabeth’s family and Chris pray for Elizabeth and Chris’s marriage. However, it’s the physician who cared for the child, who comes to Elizabeth’s rescue many times, and she feels close to him. There’s even an indication that she may have known him at some time in her life, but she can’t remember him either. On different occasions Elizabeth and Chris try to make their marriage work, but the timing’s bad and one of them has decided the marriage is a lost cause. The reader sympathizes with the heart-wrenching problems, wants Elizabeth and Chris to work things out and find happiness, but what about the doctor? The reader wants him to be happy too. This is a wonderful book showing life’s imperfections, God’s grace, His never-ending love and answers to prayers.
Unconditional by author Tanya Eavenson, had me turning pages from the very first. It's an emotional ride where two characters, a husband and a wife, must first grow in their relationship with the Lord. Then, they can take the bold step of learning to forgive each other—especially when the offenses seem unforgiveable.
The title sets the tone of the novel perfectly. Two people are called to love each other unconditionally, despite serious mistakes in their marriage. But when they are reminded that our Lord loves us unconditionally, they find the freedom to overcome resentment and hurt from the past.
Couples who struggle in their marriage would benefit by reading this novel. Anyone who wants to experience an uplifting and encouraging story about God's grace and work in our lives will be blessed by it.
This book is not a happy feel good book. It will make you think. HARD! There were times when I wanted to shake both Chris and Elizabeth and point out to them what they were doing to each other. The book will have you laughing, crying and wanting to hurl your book (or e-reader) against the wall at times. Tanya Eavenson, superbly captured the drama of this family. Their feelings, thoughts and issues were right in front of you. Her writing was true to character and believable. I finished this book feeling like these were my family members which probably explained why I wanted to shake them. A great book from a very talented author. This book will not disappoint you. 4.5 stars. This book was provided for review purposes only, no payment was received for this review.
Elizabeth Roberts’ daughter, Katherine, has been born prematurely with some breathing problems. At five months, she hasn’t outgrown them, and Elizabeth keeps a monitor on at all times, and frequently rushes Katherine to the hospital when she stops breathing. But this time it didn’t work. She can’t find her husband, Chris, he abandons her and Katherine and when he does show up, Elizabeth recognizes that he’s having an affair.
It’s too late. Chris loves Elizabeth, but he couldn’t keep himself true after almost losing Elizabeth in an accident. Even Katherine’s medical problems pulled him further away. But recognizing that Elizabeth has called it quits, Chris is determined to win her back. Whatever it takes.
Steven Moore is Elizabeth’s old fiancé. Now a doctor, he’s the one who treated Katherine, and he’s quick to step in to care for and comfort Elizabeth in Chris’ absence. He also goes looking for her in bars and clubs when Elizabeth tries to drown her pain in alcohol.
Will Elizabeth allow God to heal her pain instead of searching for something to fill the emptiness in other ways? Or will she forever be floundering? And who will win her heart? Chris? Or Steven?
UNCONDITIONAL is the debut novel by Tanya Eavenson. Anyone who has ever lost a child and a husband will know the pain that Elizabeth suffers. Chris makes a quick turn-around when he realizes that his infidelity has lost his wife, and is willing to do anything to win her love.
Tanya’s debut novel UNCONDITIONAL explores the struggles that married couples sometimes experience, and the decisions they must make after going through difficult circumstances. A powerful story of hope and healing. Pages 273. $2.99.
Unconditional was a heartbreaking and emotionally-stirring novel of loss, betrayal, forgiveness, and, ultimately, the power of God. Struggling with amnesia after a fall left her in a coma, Elizabeth's now, also, dealing with her husband's betrayal and mourning the loss of her infant daughter. Chris made the biggest mistake of his life and will try everything in his power to win back his wife's trust and love.
Their journey of learning to trust in God and each other again was very poignant and a great read. I couldn't read it fast enough! Eavenson has a real way with words, making the real world disappear and transporting the reader into the lives of her characters. Highly recommended! Looking forward to reading more from this talented author! I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and comments are my own honest opinion.
Elizabeth awakens to unsettling silence emanating from the baby monitor. Jolting to her feet, she runs to the nursery to check on her infant girl and finds her not breathing. Panicked, she longs to take her child to the hospital, but her husband thinks she's overreacting. In fact, lying in bed, he doesn't even seem to care--about her or their child. Holding her child--her treasure--to her chest, Elizabeth leaves the room and steals her heart. If she cries, it will be for the child she holds, not for the husband who has let her down.
Unconditional is a beautiful story of love, betrayal, fear, and hope. It shows the deep despair of a woman who's been let down when she needed love most, and the hope that comes from turning our eyes to the One who never disappoints. Can God save her marriage--save her from her from herself? Her husband--her betrayer, hopes so. In fact, he's willing to bank everything on that hope. But is it too late, and will her emerging memory and a man from her past stand in his way?
I loved the authentic characters presented in Tanya Eavenson's debut novel, and the promise of love and hope after despair. I also loved seeing Chris, Elizabeth's husband, fight for the one he loved--whether she reciprocated or accepted it. The writing was strong, and the mysterious events from Elizabeth's past provided great intrigue. I will certainly be on the lookout for future novels written by this talented new author.
Unconditional, written by Tanya Eavenson, is the first full novel that I've read by Eavenson and definitely won't be the last! Great story! Loved the character Chris...well, most of the time :) He was a true guy going through a tough time in a marriage, but the way that he was written was an encouragement to all men and women alike because marriage isn't for sissies! It takes work and when Chris finally figured that out...he was able to work at being the husband he should have been all along. Eavenson took each of the characters and brought them to life in such a real way. This was a story of a woman with amnesia...sometimes when I read amnesia stories, I wonder how real they could be, but I thought this was really great! Totally kept me guessing as to what was going to happen and how it would all work out! Loved that the characters had to depend on the Lord to get them through especially in the tough times. True page turner...you'll not want it to end! I was given this book by the author. All thoughts and comments are my own.
What could be more devastating to a woman than to lose a child and then discover her husband is having an affair? Who wouldn't want to simply give up? Drown your sorrows in alcohol? That's the dilemma for Elizabeth Roberts. Her husband, Chris, realizes too late that his error could cost him his marriage, and the only woman he truly loves. But how can he win her back when he's hurt her so deeply? This is a story of triumph. The triumph of two souls submitted to God who works all things together for those who trust Him. It's a rocky road that Chris and Elizabeth must travel but anyone who desires to fight for their troubled marriage may find inspiration and courage to keep up the battle. Tanya Eavenson has done a great job on her debut novel. Look for more to come!
When I first started reading this book, I wasn't sure I was going to like it. The process to healing is painful at times, and yet, in the end, every minute of every hour is worth it to be whole again. So went Tanya Eavenson's debut novel Unconditional. Every minute I read was worth it as the story revealed a man and woman struggling with their identities in Christ, surrendering their desires for a greater good, and repenting and asking forgiveness from those they hurt.
This is not a sweet, carefree romance, but so worth the read.
***I received this book from the author/publisher for purposes of review. The above opinion is my own.***
Elizabeth's world has shattered. She seems to have lost everything that ever mattered to her, including her relationship with God. As she struggles with forgiveness, the reader is pulled along in the struggle evaluating their own life and relationship with God. Expertly crafted, Tanya Eavenson's Unconditional is a page turner that leaves the reader with more than a good read, they are challenged in their own faith as they journey with Chris, Elizabeth, and Steven through brokenness and redemption.Unconditional
A beautiful story of love and forgiveness. The realness of Chris and Elizabeth's relationship shine through the pages of Unconditional. The characters draw you into their conflict and you'll fight for them until the very end. It was hard to put down. God is the center of this story as He should be in our marriages, our lives, our everything ... and this is one story you won't soon forget. Will be waiting for the next book from this author. I received a free copy of Unconditional in exchange for an honest review.
Elizabeth Roberts life is turned upside down in a matter of moments. A secret from her marriage throws her life in more of a tailspin. Dr. Moore comes on the scene, and I had to wonder, what is his story? I liked him from the very beginning and I hope Tanya Eavenson creates a story just for him! This book was a great read, one I highly recommend! Forgiveness, restoration, and healing play a huge part in this book!
Tanya Eavenson writes a thought-provoking novel of love, betrayal, and forgiveness. This story of unconditional love shows both sides of a marriage, each dealing with betrayal. The reader can relate to this story, if not personally then from the lives of friends or family. Eavenson does a wonderful job of keeping the reader absorbed and turning pages. I found as I read that I was alternately pulling for Chris and Elizabeth to find the truly unconditional love of God.
Eavenson has a way with words and faith: They create a beautiful tapestry in her book, Unconditional. Well-written romance and true-to-life characters are the cornerstones of this book. Eavenson touches on the topic of forgiveness, grief and joy in a very real way. Every Christian woman should read this book!
I loved this book. I was pulled into Chris' and Elizabeth's story from the first pages, and read it in one setting because I couldn't put it down. It is a beautiful story about love and forgiveness and how through God's grace and mercy there are second chances in life. This is the first book I have read by this author, and I certainly look forward to reading more by her.
Such an interesting and fast-moving book! The author really knows how to portray her characters’ hearts and souls to capture and captivate the reader. The main story is about Chris and Elizabeth, a married couple who face trials and temptations after a devastating accident and loss. They both have secrets, tons of regret, and fears that taunt and hound them which eventually drive them apart. But in the midst of all the anger, angst, and desperation God shows His faithfulness through the friends and family who surround the couple. Hope, healing, and forgiveness, though slow in coming, grab ahold of their fragile hearts and souls so that they each understand what true sacrificial love means. The struggles and challenges that Chris and Elizabeth face as a couple are so real and tangible.
I read this book in preparation for reading the second book in the series Restored (which I am reviewing for a book tour) and I’m glad that I read it first. I received a copy of the book from the author and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
An amazing story that is realistic and moving. Being captivated from the start, my interest never ended. A young wife while pregnant had a serious fall and was in a coma. There is such depth into the writing that I felt like I was not only watching it all happen but I was actually a participant.
This book is a healing spiritual experience. None of us are perfect, we all make mistakes. But when we hurt the ones we love, then how do we heal? Some possible answers are found in this book.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you. All opinions expressed are my own.
This is a book full of emotions. Once you start reading it you can't stop, you have to know what happens next. A wonderful reminder that no matter what you are going through God will never leave you. I received a free copy of this book from the author and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
This was a wonderful book full of twist and turns and second chances. I loved the well crafted plot,the wonderful characters amidst the Lord's guidance love and forgiveness. I recommend this book for all Christian romance lovers.
DNF. I can't even tell you how far. It wasn't much - I was too annoyed.
The writing is disjointed, the characters mere names, the drama far too deep, and the story line borrowed from a movie called 'The Vow'. Only these people aren't anywhere near as endearing. They're not even LIKEABLE.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I didn't really expect the realness and emotions I felt with this book. It was gut wrenching, tear tugging, and heart warming. My first book by Tanya Eavenson and will not be my last.
25% of the way in I knew I couldn't finish this book; the problems with it had piled up too far. First let me make it clear that the writing isn't terrible, but it is lacking transitions - those sentences that let you know you're moving from one location or POV to another and orient you as to time and place. Without them a story feels jerky and you have to stop reading often to figure out where you are and who's talking. I could have lived with that if the story hadn't become a melodrama. Not only has our heroine lost her memory due to a coma and watched her infant daughter die, then found out her husband was having an affair so she moved out of their house - all in the space of a few days - but her doctor is turning out to be some former who lover or something who wants her back. Yuck.
This is supposed to be a Christian book, but it's the kind where everyone opens the Bible to the exact verse they need for their lives, despite the fact that they haven't read a Bible in years. (I've been randomly opening my Bible for six decades, and I rarely get anything helpful that way. lol) But the last straw for me was when the supportive, loving Christian family of the MC - two weeks after all the trauma above happened - forces her to go to her five-year-old niece's birthday party. Who does that - making a woman who just lost her daughter go to a happy event celebrating someone else's live daughter? Only people with no compassion or understanding at all. I've been through multiple-grief events piled on top of each other. Two weeks later you're lucky if you can still breathe or take a shower.
NB - If you want good Christian fiction about a woman's marriage that's falling apart I recommend Healing Stones. That whole series is good, as is the The Reluctant Prophet series by the same author. Those books are better written and more realistic than this one.
There are a lot of struggles each of them are going through. There were so many times when each closed up & refused to share with each other, choosing instead to walk on alone. Instead of leaning on & accepting the help of their spouse, their silence & choices created more distance between them. They each had to learn to trust God & follow His leading. Tanya portrayed a lot about how marriages can disintegrate but also how they can heal. One of my favorite quotes is: "No matter how far she ran, nothing separated her from God’s love, not even herself."