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Heart of Grace #1
Grace Alive
I hate my job. I hate my life. Then one day he showed up. Him and his hunky smile. His laugh. “Say, yes.” I’m a pastor’s daughter. He has three kids. Branson is a risk. This will never work. Why did God tell me to say yes? My dad wants me to marry Jacob—the perfect Christian guy. A slimeball. If I defy my dad—what will happen? Can I really date a guy with 3 kids? Will my family disown me? You’ll read this funny, heart-warming romance in one night! Cuddle up with a powerful, Christian romance, that will leave you laughing and crying.
236 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 30, 2013
33 people are currently reading
439 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
December 2, 2016
DNF @ 26%
So this book has been on my TBR list for a while and I got it a long time ago. It has been sitting on my Kindle collecting little electronic dust particles for about a year and a half. I should have left it there.
Our heroine is Zoe, who is a pastor's kid. She is 26 and still living at home. She hasn't been on a date ever and hasn't even kissed a guy. One night she is working at the craft store called Little Bit of Everything, when Branson walks in with his three daughters. Zoe thinks he's cute right away. Hey, a girl can look and not touch. She sees no sign of a marriage ring but that still doesn't mean anything.
Her father wants her to be with a man named Jacob who gives Zoe the creepers. The guy does sound like a creep. Even though Zoe isn't leading him on, her dad is. While she feels like God is telling her to go with Branson, her father is telling her different.
I felt for Zoe in a sense of I come from a Catholic background which is to believe Catholics marry other Catholics, but I didn't. I am engaged to Wy who is an atheist who hates Christmas music anytime unless the week of Christmas. Neither of my parents really care. I think the only person I would hear from about that is my grandma who sadly past away when I was in junior high. But my family really cares if someone is happy then let them be happy.
Anyway this book kind of upset me in many ways. The focus on a woman needing a husband so she can pop out kids was really grating my nerves. If a woman doesn't want a husband she shouldn't be looked down upon just for that. Plus what is up with everyone having three kids. Some people stop after two or heck even one. Some even had more of the little people because they wanted too.
One girl had gotten pregnant in the youth group outside of marriage, and my dad had put her up front and rebuked her in front of everyone.
I don't know about you, but that just does not fly with me. That is horrible to do. Especially to a young girl. What if she was raped and was to scared to say anything to someone? Ugh I hate stuff like this.
Another problem I had was how her father was basically telling her that she needed to court and marry Jacob or else she will go to hell. That's pretty messed up. I simply couldn't enjoy this book.
So this book has been on my TBR list for a while and I got it a long time ago. It has been sitting on my Kindle collecting little electronic dust particles for about a year and a half. I should have left it there.
Our heroine is Zoe, who is a pastor's kid. She is 26 and still living at home. She hasn't been on a date ever and hasn't even kissed a guy. One night she is working at the craft store called Little Bit of Everything, when Branson walks in with his three daughters. Zoe thinks he's cute right away. Hey, a girl can look and not touch. She sees no sign of a marriage ring but that still doesn't mean anything.
Her father wants her to be with a man named Jacob who gives Zoe the creepers. The guy does sound like a creep. Even though Zoe isn't leading him on, her dad is. While she feels like God is telling her to go with Branson, her father is telling her different.
I felt for Zoe in a sense of I come from a Catholic background which is to believe Catholics marry other Catholics, but I didn't. I am engaged to Wy who is an atheist who hates Christmas music anytime unless the week of Christmas. Neither of my parents really care. I think the only person I would hear from about that is my grandma who sadly past away when I was in junior high. But my family really cares if someone is happy then let them be happy.
Anyway this book kind of upset me in many ways. The focus on a woman needing a husband so she can pop out kids was really grating my nerves. If a woman doesn't want a husband she shouldn't be looked down upon just for that. Plus what is up with everyone having three kids. Some people stop after two or heck even one. Some even had more of the little people because they wanted too.
One girl had gotten pregnant in the youth group outside of marriage, and my dad had put her up front and rebuked her in front of everyone.
I don't know about you, but that just does not fly with me. That is horrible to do. Especially to a young girl. What if she was raped and was to scared to say anything to someone? Ugh I hate stuff like this.
Another problem I had was how her father was basically telling her that she needed to court and marry Jacob or else she will go to hell. That's pretty messed up. I simply couldn't enjoy this book.
August 28, 2018
In my opinion this book is for adults only. The hero in this book stars in pornographic movies and is all over the internet making money. All of his sex was without protection and he impregnated a couple of his leading ladies.
I was disgusted by this story line. I didn't have a clue I would be reading a story about a porn star/manwhore and all his women, some who bore his children.
No one addressed the long term consequences of Branson's behavior. I didn't see where he was ever checked for diseases and we know he was having unprotected sex. His sins were on the web for anyone and everyone to see. He was filming and starring in his own pornography with many different women and oops! making babies outside of marriage while filming. Okay...that is a lot to take in, a lot for a woman who has clung to her virginity to have to deal with. But what about his children and the children he may have with Zoe. How will they be affected when others talk about their father's past? This will not disappear, things on the internet don't just up and go away, not even with time completely. What happens when some jerk of a kid decides to show the children (once they are teens) the porn flicks? Can you imagine your child watching their father do who-knows-what to many different women. Keep in mind that this is not simply sex, it is porn. Can you imagine being a product of those horrific indiscretions? Wow...I think these are very important issues that were not expressed. I have read and heard about these sorts of things happening and how it was devastating to the children, their lives forever changed and those have not been near as bad as what we read about in this book. Of course, they will explain how God's love, forgiveness and grace covered it all and that is how it should be...but, for me, it is the fact that they will eventually know, they will have most likely seen with their eyes.
I do admire the strength Zoe had and the determination to be with the one man God wanted her with.
I was disgusted by this story line. I didn't have a clue I would be reading a story about a porn star/manwhore and all his women, some who bore his children.
No one addressed the long term consequences of Branson's behavior. I didn't see where he was ever checked for diseases and we know he was having unprotected sex. His sins were on the web for anyone and everyone to see. He was filming and starring in his own pornography with many different women and oops! making babies outside of marriage while filming. Okay...that is a lot to take in, a lot for a woman who has clung to her virginity to have to deal with. But what about his children and the children he may have with Zoe. How will they be affected when others talk about their father's past? This will not disappear, things on the internet don't just up and go away, not even with time completely. What happens when some jerk of a kid decides to show the children (once they are teens) the porn flicks? Can you imagine your child watching their father do who-knows-what to many different women. Keep in mind that this is not simply sex, it is porn. Can you imagine being a product of those horrific indiscretions? Wow...I think these are very important issues that were not expressed. I have read and heard about these sorts of things happening and how it was devastating to the children, their lives forever changed and those have not been near as bad as what we read about in this book. Of course, they will explain how God's love, forgiveness and grace covered it all and that is how it should be...but, for me, it is the fact that they will eventually know, they will have most likely seen with their eyes.
I do admire the strength Zoe had and the determination to be with the one man God wanted her with.
November 24, 2018
I LOVEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE this book!!!!!!!!!!! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!!!!!!!!!!
March 15, 2014
Gosh my review on this book is long overdue. I've been meaning to post it, but life has been hectic. That being said now on to my review....
First off I have to say this is not the usual type of book I would read. Sure I love to read romances. But I wasn't sure what to except when I started to read this. But what I got wasn't what I was expecting and not in a bad way. This book was so much more. This book was the first book I've read from Mrs. House.
I love a book that has a plot that captures my attention from the beginning and holds it till the end. And Mrs. House does that. She had me laughing from the beginning to the end, in a good way.
Right from the start Zoe's character had me laughing. Zoe is smart and kind and funny, though I do have to admit she might be a little naive about some things.
Also I feel in love with Branson's character right away. You could tell that he really had made a change in his life and was trying to good on what he was handed in life.
There were a couple of character's in the book that I tried to like, but just couldn't find myself liking even in the end. You'll see what I mean if you read it. I even tried to put myself in their positions and couldn't find myself doing what they did.
I will say this though this book has a lot of scripture in it and I thought that would throw the book off for me. But it didn't and it really worked for this book and what it was about. This book is really about Faith, Trust and Second Chances.
I've already recommended this book to a lot of people. Definitely give this book 5 stars!!!
I was given a copy of this book from the author for my review.
First off I have to say this is not the usual type of book I would read. Sure I love to read romances. But I wasn't sure what to except when I started to read this. But what I got wasn't what I was expecting and not in a bad way. This book was so much more. This book was the first book I've read from Mrs. House.
I love a book that has a plot that captures my attention from the beginning and holds it till the end. And Mrs. House does that. She had me laughing from the beginning to the end, in a good way.
Right from the start Zoe's character had me laughing. Zoe is smart and kind and funny, though I do have to admit she might be a little naive about some things.
Also I feel in love with Branson's character right away. You could tell that he really had made a change in his life and was trying to good on what he was handed in life.
There were a couple of character's in the book that I tried to like, but just couldn't find myself liking even in the end. You'll see what I mean if you read it. I even tried to put myself in their positions and couldn't find myself doing what they did.
I will say this though this book has a lot of scripture in it and I thought that would throw the book off for me. But it didn't and it really worked for this book and what it was about. This book is really about Faith, Trust and Second Chances.
I've already recommended this book to a lot of people. Definitely give this book 5 stars!!!
I was given a copy of this book from the author for my review.
December 28, 2013
Grace Alive deals with some pretty big issues. The author uses first person and a very casual tone of voice. It feels as if the main character, Zoe, is speaking directly to the reader, describing what is happening in her life.
I found this to be a story that moved along very well. It was a very interesting storyline with a focus on Zoe learning the difference between judged by her friends and family in their very strict, judgmental church, and finding out what it means to be saved by grace. The differences in the two churches, from strict and condemning in her family’s church, to attending her friend’s charismatic church makes for a dramatic difference in experiences. The scriptures that are quoted are explained very well.
This book deals with past life choices involving sexual situations that would not make for an appropriate read for young teenagers, however, it is a clean book, with nothing explicit described.
I felt very involved in the lives of Zoe and Branson. The author did a great job of crafting characters I felt strongly about.
I received a complimentary copy of Grace Alive from the author in exchange for an honest review, which I have given.
http://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.co...
I found this to be a story that moved along very well. It was a very interesting storyline with a focus on Zoe learning the difference between judged by her friends and family in their very strict, judgmental church, and finding out what it means to be saved by grace. The differences in the two churches, from strict and condemning in her family’s church, to attending her friend’s charismatic church makes for a dramatic difference in experiences. The scriptures that are quoted are explained very well.
This book deals with past life choices involving sexual situations that would not make for an appropriate read for young teenagers, however, it is a clean book, with nothing explicit described.
I felt very involved in the lives of Zoe and Branson. The author did a great job of crafting characters I felt strongly about.
I received a complimentary copy of Grace Alive from the author in exchange for an honest review, which I have given.
http://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.co...
December 19, 2013
Zoe Reed thinks she is a failure. Her father, a pastor, expects perfection. He's trying to control her life and her future. Zoe feels trapped and frustrated. When she meets Branson Tate, she is interested. Her parents will never approve. After all he has three children out of wedlock. Does Zoe have the strength and the faith to follow her heart? Natasha House weaves a tale of love, forgiveness and healing. I liked Zoe. She is an interesting character who is searching to find herself. Branson has a troubled past but I like his enthusiasm as well as the joy and love he has for his children. The dialogue sparkles with wry humor. The story grabs your interest and pulls you in. There is a plot twist that completely surprised me. I enjoyed this uplifting, romantic book. This is the first book of Natasha's that I read but it won't be the last. I like her writing style.
February 20, 2014
I enjoyed the message behind this book however there were some serious flaws.
1. Zoe was 26 but her language and attitude was more like that of a teenager.
2. The fact that Bree was constantly referred to as Bree Bree was annoying.
3. Rachel had an abusive boyfriend so Branson fought for custody of Bree but CC and Evie's mom cried all the time and was an alcoholic and he didn't mind them being with her? He even told Rachel that CC & Evie's mom was a good mom who protected her kids. How does that make sense?
4. Branson is a reformed porn star with three kids but he almost can't control himself from the sexual temptation of a virgin's first kiss?
5. Why did we need to know the exact conversation with every waiter and every order?
I didn't hate the book but I wouldn't really recommend it.
1. Zoe was 26 but her language and attitude was more like that of a teenager.
2. The fact that Bree was constantly referred to as Bree Bree was annoying.
3. Rachel had an abusive boyfriend so Branson fought for custody of Bree but CC and Evie's mom cried all the time and was an alcoholic and he didn't mind them being with her? He even told Rachel that CC & Evie's mom was a good mom who protected her kids. How does that make sense?
4. Branson is a reformed porn star with three kids but he almost can't control himself from the sexual temptation of a virgin's first kiss?
5. Why did we need to know the exact conversation with every waiter and every order?
I didn't hate the book but I wouldn't really recommend it.
December 12, 2013
GRACE ALIVE is a nice, sweet romance. It's the kind of book you like to read while cuddled under a blanket. Zoe Reed is twenty-six, unmarried, still living with her parents, and working a dead-end job. Her father is the preacher at a church that believes in convicting everybody of sin. Zoe's life is a hopeless mess until she meets Branson. With young children hovering around him, Zoe struggles with her heart. He's handsome and sweet, but how can he be Mr. Right when everything about him is wrong?
This novel is well written and keeps you turning the pages. Zoe is a great character who is full of life and emotion.
This novel is well written and keeps you turning the pages. Zoe is a great character who is full of life and emotion.
March 4, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. I am not usually a fan of religious books or romances so I wasn't sure what to expect. Zoe is single and still living with her parents. Zoe's dad is a preacher and a very strict father. He has picked out a husband for Zoe but she has no interest in the creepy guy who attends their church. Zoe is smitten with Branson, a former porn star and unmarried father of three beautiful little girls.
I read most of this book I one sitting. I was unable to put it down as I followed the unexpected twists and turns as Zoe searched for a husband. I highly recommend this well written book and I hope there is a sequel in the future.
I read most of this book I one sitting. I was unable to put it down as I followed the unexpected twists and turns as Zoe searched for a husband. I highly recommend this well written book and I hope there is a sequel in the future.
February 4, 2014
I really don't know what to say about this book, I have never read anything like it. It was a hard read for me.
Might contain spoilers.....
Zoe's dad who is a pastor tells Zoe that God told him ( and Jacob and others) that she is to marry Jacob. Zoe hears God telling her to marry Brandon.
What happens is told in the 285 pages of this book, I can't image anyone guessing what all happens in this book.
I feel a few things were left unresolved and a few scenes, if I may use that word, that were not necessary (shoplifting)
Might contain spoilers.....
Zoe's dad who is a pastor tells Zoe that God told him ( and Jacob and others) that she is to marry Jacob. Zoe hears God telling her to marry Brandon.
What happens is told in the 285 pages of this book, I can't image anyone guessing what all happens in this book.
I feel a few things were left unresolved and a few scenes, if I may use that word, that were not necessary (shoplifting)
August 31, 2016
3.5 stars. I don't really read romance novels but I love Natasha's Jade series so I read this book! :) I thought I had already posted my review but I guess I didn't yet, oops!!!
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. This book is a quick read. Zoe is a great character. She has a strong personality and it is hard to not love her! Especially since her father expects so much of her! She is not kept down by him and it makes you love her more! I also really liked Branson. No, he's not perfect, but no one is!!
I definitely look forward to reading more by Ms. House!! :D
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. This book is a quick read. Zoe is a great character. She has a strong personality and it is hard to not love her! Especially since her father expects so much of her! She is not kept down by him and it makes you love her more! I also really liked Branson. No, he's not perfect, but no one is!!
I definitely look forward to reading more by Ms. House!! :D
March 27, 2014
Awesomeness
thank you to the author! Natasha house!! clap clap clap! I enjoyed almost every moment reading this book. grace alive! super good book. I laughed so much. so much funny phrases. love it!!! still smilin.
thank you to the author! Natasha house!! clap clap clap! I enjoyed almost every moment reading this book. grace alive! super good book. I laughed so much. so much funny phrases. love it!!! still smilin.
December 2, 2015
Every bad cliché that you could think of, yeah sums up my review.
January 30, 2021
Beautiful story
This was a nice easy read, exactly what I needed. The grace message which was clearly presented, touched my heart and I'm sure it will minister to everyone who reads the story.
This was a nice easy read, exactly what I needed. The grace message which was clearly presented, touched my heart and I'm sure it will minister to everyone who reads the story.
November 12, 2021
I've read this book before on Wattpad and I loved it! It's funny and it's unique for a Christian fiction, which i love! And I could relate so much to Zoe! I just love her!
May 4, 2025
So cuute, it’s perfect :) *.* Highly recommend :))
August 26, 2014
Not having any prior experience with this author, I was pleasantly surprised to find myself immediately pulled into the story and entertained right from the first page. I really liked Zoe as she's very easy to relate to and has an amusing personality. Her job at the weird craft store, in combination with her sarcastic tendencies and frank thoughts, makes for some very humorous moments! Her struggle to follow God's will is very interesting, in light of the fact that her parents are telling--practically demanding--her to do exactly the opposite of what she feels God wants.
Branson's past contains some of the worst stuff possible--from a human perspective, at least--and though I was initially shocked, I actually really liked the boldness that the author showed in giving him such a sordid past, thereby displaying the extremity of God's forgiveness and love, and the power it has to change even the darkest of lives. I liked how Branson was such a nice guy and so awesome with his kids--completely different than you would expect him to be, considering his past. His kids added some cute moments to the story, and the sub-plot concerning Branson's dual-custody of them was quite interesting; I actually wish a bit more time would have been devoted to it.
Much of the plot revolves around law vs grace, and while it's appropriate in the context of the story, it does come off a bit preachy. There's quite a bit of God speaking to people throughout, though not necessarily audibly. Much of this I thought was really cool, liked when Zoe would know God was encouraging her to blindly do the right thing in the midst of a difficult situation... but at other times it was just a bit too much and felt unrealistic. I'm not here to debate the theological aspects, but I will say that both the "law" and the "grace" sides are depicted as fairly extreme, and those in the "grace" camp struck me as being somewhat charismatic.
The story started out extremely strong for me, but as it progressed I become less enthused. It's hard to discuss without giving spoilers (which I won't do), but I can safely say that a few things--the situation with Zoe's Dad, in particular--took some turns that were rather unpleasant. I wish that situation could have been done a bit different, maybe with something not quite *so* drastic.
Overall, there really was a lot that I liked about Grace Alive--Zoe's personality and the author's writing style being at the top--but I'm still undecided if I will ultimately continue with the series or not. I kind of doubt it, though it is in the realm of possibility.
My Rating: 3.5 stars
Branson's past contains some of the worst stuff possible--from a human perspective, at least--and though I was initially shocked, I actually really liked the boldness that the author showed in giving him such a sordid past, thereby displaying the extremity of God's forgiveness and love, and the power it has to change even the darkest of lives. I liked how Branson was such a nice guy and so awesome with his kids--completely different than you would expect him to be, considering his past. His kids added some cute moments to the story, and the sub-plot concerning Branson's dual-custody of them was quite interesting; I actually wish a bit more time would have been devoted to it.
Much of the plot revolves around law vs grace, and while it's appropriate in the context of the story, it does come off a bit preachy. There's quite a bit of God speaking to people throughout, though not necessarily audibly. Much of this I thought was really cool, liked when Zoe would know God was encouraging her to blindly do the right thing in the midst of a difficult situation... but at other times it was just a bit too much and felt unrealistic. I'm not here to debate the theological aspects, but I will say that both the "law" and the "grace" sides are depicted as fairly extreme, and those in the "grace" camp struck me as being somewhat charismatic.
The story started out extremely strong for me, but as it progressed I become less enthused. It's hard to discuss without giving spoilers (which I won't do), but I can safely say that a few things--the situation with Zoe's Dad, in particular--took some turns that were rather unpleasant. I wish that situation could have been done a bit different, maybe with something not quite *so* drastic.
Overall, there really was a lot that I liked about Grace Alive--Zoe's personality and the author's writing style being at the top--but I'm still undecided if I will ultimately continue with the series or not. I kind of doubt it, though it is in the realm of possibility.
My Rating: 3.5 stars
January 31, 2014
A copy of this title was graciously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. The words I have elected to share are my own. I was not required to submit a positive review. With that said, I would encourage you to read this book for yourself and form your own opinion regarding the merits of the content.
Grace Alive was a story that grabbed my attention in a big way when I initially found out about it. The overview of the book seemed interesting, as if it would be easy to relate to. This excited me because it sounded like lessons on revelation and redemption would be a huge part of my takeaway.
Upon reading this book, I noticed three primary things.
1) The language was simple and clear.
2) The font in the review copy I had was inconsistent.
3) The main characters were introduced in such a way that I immediately began to see their personalities.
House was able to communicate her thoughts well. There was no obvious complexity in the reading that I observed. I felt that she was able to "show and tell" in an effective manner.
Unfortunately, I must say that even though I have stated the aforementioned, I have to confess that the ever-changing font in my review copy made the story rather hard to get through. I would not normally get hung up on anything related to mechanics such as this, but I do so now because it was very, very problematic for me as a reader. Because of it, I had to stop and start reading repeatedly. I kept thinking it would eventually stop, but it continued and this distracted me to the point that I had to put the book down. It was frustrating. Needless to say, after multiple attempts of trying to push through, I had to stop cold (something I never like to do).
Zoe and Branson (and the girls) had a realness to them that appealed to me. I could see their goodness as well as how their circumstances both challenged and shaped them. Their presentations revealed an authenticity and a familiar quality that I tend to prefer in Christian fiction.
Jumping ahead to the conclusion...(yes, I did!) Thankfully, this story ended well. The happily-ever-after came. That's always a good thing.
In truth, I would love to try a re-read of this, but it would have to be after a font change. I won't waver on that.
I was hesitant to post this review, especially after reading the comments of other reviewers. Still, I gave my word that I would share my opinion. I have done that. It is my hope that you will read House's book yourself and form your own opinion.
Grace Alive was a story that grabbed my attention in a big way when I initially found out about it. The overview of the book seemed interesting, as if it would be easy to relate to. This excited me because it sounded like lessons on revelation and redemption would be a huge part of my takeaway.
Upon reading this book, I noticed three primary things.
1) The language was simple and clear.
2) The font in the review copy I had was inconsistent.
3) The main characters were introduced in such a way that I immediately began to see their personalities.
House was able to communicate her thoughts well. There was no obvious complexity in the reading that I observed. I felt that she was able to "show and tell" in an effective manner.
Unfortunately, I must say that even though I have stated the aforementioned, I have to confess that the ever-changing font in my review copy made the story rather hard to get through. I would not normally get hung up on anything related to mechanics such as this, but I do so now because it was very, very problematic for me as a reader. Because of it, I had to stop and start reading repeatedly. I kept thinking it would eventually stop, but it continued and this distracted me to the point that I had to put the book down. It was frustrating. Needless to say, after multiple attempts of trying to push through, I had to stop cold (something I never like to do).
Zoe and Branson (and the girls) had a realness to them that appealed to me. I could see their goodness as well as how their circumstances both challenged and shaped them. Their presentations revealed an authenticity and a familiar quality that I tend to prefer in Christian fiction.
Jumping ahead to the conclusion...(yes, I did!) Thankfully, this story ended well. The happily-ever-after came. That's always a good thing.
In truth, I would love to try a re-read of this, but it would have to be after a font change. I won't waver on that.
I was hesitant to post this review, especially after reading the comments of other reviewers. Still, I gave my word that I would share my opinion. I have done that. It is my hope that you will read House's book yourself and form your own opinion.
March 9, 2016
Grace Alive is one of those books I can't decide if I like or not. Zoe was really whiny, constantly bemoaning how horrible her life was. She was almost cripplingly shy in some scenarios then completely fine and dandy in others. She couldn't bear to say the word NO to Jacob despite being utterly repulsed by him which drove me crazy. She was such a pushover and so whiny I had a hard time connecting with her. Add to that the freaking out over her religion and I had a truly hard time. I don't think there was a single conversation in the entire book that didn't mention god or prayers or any variation thereof--she even listed to worship music all the time.
The characters didn't feel very real as a result; I can't honestly say whether anyone in the book has any other hobbies or anything not related to the church. And the last little section when Zoe pretends to be Jesus and speaks to her dad saying stuff like "I am your father and you are my son" had me busting up laughing. Seeing that in person would have just seemed crazy, not inspirational.
That being said, I really liked the comparison drawn between the two churches. These are very real, different ideas of how a congregation should be led. Just like people learn in different ways, people worship in different ways. I really appreciated how the two were described, and frankly how a big ass dude covered in tats is the respected one in the church. Kudos for that! I can certainly say I know which one I would pick given the same scenario.
The romance was good. It felt a bit rushed and instalovey, but I loved the inclusion of the daughters. It felt much more realistic, especially with the multiple mothers. It brought a very real element to the story that it absolutely benefited from, and overall I'll say it was good.
The characters didn't feel very real as a result; I can't honestly say whether anyone in the book has any other hobbies or anything not related to the church. And the last little section when Zoe pretends to be Jesus and speaks to her dad saying stuff like "I am your father and you are my son" had me busting up laughing. Seeing that in person would have just seemed crazy, not inspirational.
That being said, I really liked the comparison drawn between the two churches. These are very real, different ideas of how a congregation should be led. Just like people learn in different ways, people worship in different ways. I really appreciated how the two were described, and frankly how a big ass dude covered in tats is the respected one in the church. Kudos for that! I can certainly say I know which one I would pick given the same scenario.
The romance was good. It felt a bit rushed and instalovey, but I loved the inclusion of the daughters. It felt much more realistic, especially with the multiple mothers. It brought a very real element to the story that it absolutely benefited from, and overall I'll say it was good.
December 12, 2013
I'm not a fan of Romance novels to say the least, but I was asked by the Author Natasha House to review this book and to give my honest opinion. That being the case, I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised by this book. The plot is fantastic, the characters are likable (well most of them anyways; read the book and you’ll understand why I say that), and the message of Grace, Love, Forgiveness, and Redemption is something that we all need to be reminded of. This story made me laugh out loud in many places, and as much as I hate to admit it being a man, it also brought me to tears. I found myself going through the whole spectrum of human emotions as I followed Zoe in her quest for love, but also in her longing to follow the desires of both her earthly father, and her Heavenly Father. I felt joy, anger, sadness, shock, and awe while reading this book. I felt Zoe’s pain and longing, but also felt her love and happiness as she comes to rely on God and in His plan for her life.
I’d also like to state, that as a Pastor, I found her scripture use and message to be spot on. Through this use Mrs. House teaches and reminds us of the real meaning of God’s love and Grace.
It’s been a long time since I've read a book that not only pulls you into the pages, but that also makes you feel the emotions that I experienced. Well done Natasha, Well done!
I’d also like to state, that as a Pastor, I found her scripture use and message to be spot on. Through this use Mrs. House teaches and reminds us of the real meaning of God’s love and Grace.
It’s been a long time since I've read a book that not only pulls you into the pages, but that also makes you feel the emotions that I experienced. Well done Natasha, Well done!
February 17, 2014
Grace Alive is an amazing book. It deals with some incredibly tough subjects and it handles them well.
Zoe’s dad, the pastor of their church, was a huge turn off for me. I have never in my life heard someone talk to their child, much less a grown child, the way he did. And he did it every time he had a conversation with her. Having high expectations for your child is one thing, but he carried it to a whole different level. Then to find out the reason behind it his treatment, I am not sure I would ever forgive my dad.
BUT… then there is Zoe. I LOVE ZOE. She goes out of her way to please her father and mother and do things the way they want. Even though what they want is making her incredibly unhappy. Then God talks to her. She knows that God will not lead her wrong and stands up to her parents, especially her father, and does what she knows is the right thing. She handles the criticism, the gossip, and disappointing her friends with so much grace and charm, I was in awe.
While dealing with tough situations, including some sexual ones, I would not recommend it to my teenager and her friends, but as an adult I absolutely loved it. I will happily recommend it to all my friends.
Zoe’s dad, the pastor of their church, was a huge turn off for me. I have never in my life heard someone talk to their child, much less a grown child, the way he did. And he did it every time he had a conversation with her. Having high expectations for your child is one thing, but he carried it to a whole different level. Then to find out the reason behind it his treatment, I am not sure I would ever forgive my dad.
BUT… then there is Zoe. I LOVE ZOE. She goes out of her way to please her father and mother and do things the way they want. Even though what they want is making her incredibly unhappy. Then God talks to her. She knows that God will not lead her wrong and stands up to her parents, especially her father, and does what she knows is the right thing. She handles the criticism, the gossip, and disappointing her friends with so much grace and charm, I was in awe.
While dealing with tough situations, including some sexual ones, I would not recommend it to my teenager and her friends, but as an adult I absolutely loved it. I will happily recommend it to all my friends.
January 24, 2014
It took some time for me to get into this book, but I continued reading it because I liked the storyline. I'm glad that I finished it. The characters are real people, and the circumstances in their lives are those to which people can easily relate. The book's crowning achievement is the manner in which it shows how God's grace and love override man's ideas of what people have to do to be forgiven by God. The scenes in the Grace Alive church are so moving and uplifting that a person can feel the spirit of God just reading them. Brandon and his kids are a joy to experience. Though I feel an important aspect of the story was not completely resolved, I especially like the way in which the author shows that God's grace will set people free from the wages of sin if they are willing to accept His grace.
This is a family-friendly Christian novel. Thanks, Natasha, for your beautiful story.
This is a family-friendly Christian novel. Thanks, Natasha, for your beautiful story.
November 17, 2014
The story was very engaging, and it's not just a romance. It is also about a young woman's troubled and changing relationships with her father and her god. The characters are well done and interesting, and the plot really pulls a reader along. It was more Christian than I expected, but this is the only book I've read by Natasha House. There were also a few grammatical errors that I found distracting. While I enjoyed the main character and how she came to find a better version of herself, some of the parts with her parents and friends near the beginning made me sad to think that people act like that. Those parts were thought provoking, at least. I also had a bit of a hard time with some of the mysticism and direct, divine conversation, but I know some people have those experiences. Overall, I enjoyed the story and characters, but I'm not positive that I will be back for more.
February 3, 2014
I just finished the book about 10 minutes ago. I started it this morning and really couldn't put it down. I crawled in to bed and just kept readying. I am glad that I had kleenex beside me because I definitely needed it. What an amazing and powerful book about God's love for us and the grace he gives us freely. As I read through the book I could really feel what the characters were feeling from the pain and hurt, to anger, to love and peace. I was blown away. The author really put her heart in to the book. You can sense the love that she has for God through each characters existence. The love that the Father shows us all is brought to life in each sentence and word of this book. I highly recommend it to anyone.
I can't wait to read more!!!
I can't wait to read more!!!
March 27, 2014
I normally am not a big fan of books with alot of religious talk. Most authors try to preach too much and with too much judgement. This book is packed full of religion, but done in a heart warming manner. If your religious you know you can be your own worst enemy, but God forgives you. In this story Zoe, a preachers dauther, finds out God is not who she thought he was. He doesn't want you beat yourself up or fight for him. But it takes her meeting Branson to realize true love and acceptance. The book is emotional and can get preachy but in a good way. I left loving the story and characters while finding more acceptance of myself. WaAR
August 25, 2014
I really like the message about grace and redemption in this story. However, most of the characters were one-dimensional. All of the people who went to Light on the Hill were sanctimonious but sinful. All the people who went to Grace Alive were filled with love and the Holy Spirit. The story would have been more believable to me if there was more a mix of character traits. Also, there were many grammar errors, especially run-on sentences, and many misused/wrong words. Some good editing could have made the book much better.
October 17, 2014
The message I liked the most in this book was not to throw stones at others. We all have a past, but it is the choices we make that direct us in our futures. This is a well written Christan Romance novel. My favorite part is the theme of unconditional love, and that love should not come with conditions. You'll meet characters who share different idea's of god, and their own Christian values based on how they interpret the bible. Forgiveness is the main point of this novel, and unconditional love. It's not my normal genre, but it was worth the read.
July 15, 2014
This is a beautiful story of grace winning over law. God is a God of healing, restoration, and second chances. The revelation of the Holy Spirit is shown simply and in powerful ways throughout this novel. I was brought to tears many times--not out of sadness, but out of beauty in how well our Lord's love was demonstrated. Well done!
December 21, 2015
Enlightening
I enjoyed reading this story. It definitely has a point worth in the story of the heroines romance. Believing in Gods word that all are forgiven. There is a lot of scriptures throughout the story.
I enjoyed reading this story. It definitely has a point worth in the story of the heroines romance. Believing in Gods word that all are forgiven. There is a lot of scriptures throughout the story.
May 7, 2015
This is my very first Christian romance novel. I really hope you enjoy Zoe's journey as she battles the contrast between law vs Grace.
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