Her scars are soul deep Artist Cami Bolin has trust issues. Every man who should have loved her ultimately betrayed her. The word “father” leaves her cold, even when it applies to the one in Heaven, the one her current friends are trying so hard to get her to believe in. What does she need God for? She loves her work. She has a newfound granddad who treats her with a kindness she’s never experienced. She has all she needs, except there’s this guy…
Temptation…or Divine intervention As a boy, Easton Cramer had two dreams. Convinced that his call to the ministry couldn’t coexist with his artistic aspirations he pursued his call and allowed his gift to languish. He’s a successful youth pastor, but there’s a part of him that remains unfulfilled. The yearning for more comes roaring back to life when Cami dangles a paintbrush in front of him.
Sometimes, the best gifts are the ones we don’t know we need Easton is interested in more than just Cami’s paintbrush, but she isn’t a believer and doesn’t want to be. When he gets the idea to give his father a special painting for his birthday, he shares his sketch with Cami and offers her the commission. She sees his untapped potential and doesn’t buy his nonchalant attitude. She agrees to paint the picture—but only if Easton will take painting lessons from her. The more time they spend together, creating beauty on canvas, the more they like each other. When her trust issues collide with his faith, it’s not beauty they create but a mess only God can sort out. Betrayal friendship mistrust emotional scars emotional journey
Small-town Oklahoma and the friendships they produce are embedded in Sharon Srock’s heart. After spending her first fifteen years on the move, living in fourteen homes and attending thirteen schools, she landed in a tiny central Oklahoma community and made it her own. As someone who’s been blessed to be a part of the same hometown church for more than five decades, Sharon writes stories of hope built from her own unique perspective—stories that demonstrate a sisterhood formed not by blood but by heart, where ordinary women are able to do extraordinary things thanks to the friends who surround them and the faith that pulls them through. Sharon still lives in the middle of nowhere, Oklahoma, with her husband and three very large dogs. When she isn’t writing, she loves to read, cook, and travel. One of these days, she’s going to figure out how to do all three at the same time.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book – the 8th one in the Crafted With Love series. Cami has trust issues with men in the “father” role. Her own father abandoned her, and she has trouble entering into a relationship with God as Father. Easton has feelings for Cami, but he won’t allow himself to be more than friends with her as his calling to the ministry asks him to yoke himself with another believer. I loved watching Cami and Easton grow in their relationship with God and each other throughout this book. I found myself needing a box of tissues nearby as I made my way through this story. So touching! It was one of those books that you love so much you never want it to end. I know this book is the last one in the series, but I hope to see Cami appear in other Srock’s books in the future.
Reading a Sharon Srock book is like slipping into a cozy pair of pajamas and curling up with old friends. Each book draws the reader back to familiar settings. A group of women drawn together with common purposes. We have learned of everyone's past which has led to their crossroads now. I feel everyone would love to find this set of soul friends to help us navigate our life.
Artist Cami grew up in a very stable but unstable life. Every man that she should have been able to trust and rely on has just left. The word Father has lost its meaning even when referring to the Father of us all. She has no need for Him or any other man. Sure her new found Grandfather treats her well, but can she hope that he will stay? Oh and there is one man......
Easton Cramer grew up with two dreams. However, he was also taught that those two cannot exist side by side. He gives up one to pursue the other but is there complete fulfillment. When two worlds and dreams collide, can Easton make both work together? When that one woman who appears unattainable enters, will he and she be able to find common ground?
I love this series and all those who came before. Each series follows different women but we see characters cross over to the others throughout. I received an advanced copy. A review was not required.
Cami has had a rough time of it. After recently finding her mother and grandmother, they now have both died. But she has the support of the craft group and some new family members and is beginning a new real life in the area. She has issues that people will leave her but is learning how to deal with that and gain confidence, and faith. Hers is an agonizing journey of trust. Easton is also struggling - to be a pastor and whether to use his God given talent or disobey his parents. Very believable people, wonderful support group and faith lessons.
I received this book free from the author and publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
A heartfelt, beautiful, so eloquently written ending to this series, a series I hold dear to my heart and is one of my all time favorites. Getting through chapter one, which I was so not expecting, I bawled like a baby. Bringing this series to an end with Cami's story was the perfect touch. Oh I am going to miss all of the Crafted with Love characters and stories for sure and for certain, but having Cami's story helped to bridge the learning that no matter the father figure you have in your life or don't have, that there is one true father who is always with you no matter what and even if you don't realize he is there. What a beautiful lesson we all need reminded of! I will treasure this story like all the others in this series and beyond, always! And I think you will also.
I always love revisiting Valley View and catching up with old friends. That's probably one of the things I love most about this author. She has created an entire community with her many series and they all intertwine. Cami's story was no different. Wow, I was captured from page 1 and had a smile on my face when I closed the last page.
Another thing I love about this author's book is how personal God is to her characters. That's the type of relationship I have with God our Father and I love when it's portrayed normally in Christian fiction as well. It brings a depth to the pages that other Christian fiction doesn't.
Wonderful book -now I want to know, when do I get to read the next book?
I received a complimentary copy of this book to review but all opinions are mine.
I was on the advanced readers for this book. I really enjoyed Cami's story. We got to see the other ladies in Crafted with Love again. Cami's story is unique as she had a father that left her when she was a kid. That does so many things to kids when a parent leaves them...think that they don't love them. She has so much anger due to him leaving her. Everyone is talking to her about Father God and she just can't see why she would want to do that when her Father left her...what good would Father God do for her. Leave her? She learns that God can and will be by her side at all times. She learns to let go and let God...but it takes her quite some time. Beautiful story! Sharon always writes a good story for us to read. Thank you!
Have you ever struggled with seeing God as your Father? I know many have because of the faulty representation they have had here on earth. Enter Cami. She’s right there with you. Follow her on her journey as she works her way through this. As always have your tissues close! They will be necessary!
I’m going to miss my friends in the Crafted With Love series. When you grow to love the characters like they are your friends, it’s just hard to say goodbye.
Cami’s story was a very inspirational and a very touching story. Cami had such a hard life until recently. So hard for her to accept any kind of love. The first chapter made me want to cry. So many great characters in the book. Cami has a lot to overcome, she has a lot of help but wants to do it on her own. Will she learn to accept love especially Gods love. Read to find out.
I received an advance copy of the book from the author. This book review is my own opinion.
Cami is an amazing young woman who struggles to trust men. In this book you will read about her trust issues and how they affect her. Easton is a wonderful person who is always trying to help his friends and community. The author will have you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next in this beautiful story.
This is a beautiful story that just absolutely shows how god works in our lives. The characters are realistic, troubled, friendly and live a faith filled Christian life. This an is uplifting and inspirational story you'll want to read and tell you're family and friends about. Enjoy.
This is an amazing book by a very talented author. I was pulled in from the first page, laughed, cried, and fell in love with Cami and everyone in this book. There were so many things I could relate to and feel how Cami felt in different situations. God's unfailing love was woven and shone brightly in Cami's story. I would highly recommend this book; it will not disappoint.
I’ve really enjoyed reading this series combined with sisters by design and women of valley view. All fantastic stories in their own right that are not only enjoyable but also get you thinking. I love the way faith is interwoven into the stories in a real way. Thank you
All of these books have been great, but this one is fantastic! I literally didn’t want to put it down. I think there are probably quite a few who could relate to Cami’s story. This story portrays God in a real and meaningful way. Can’t wait for Sharon’s next book😊
This book is a beautiful reminder that no matter what type of earthly father we have, we have a Heavenly Father who loves us and will never leave us. Not only that, He actively pursues us because He wants to be in our lives.
I loved this story and I love that the author makes God so real and she always shows how a back story can drive a lot of your life if you let it. Also the first time I’ve seen a motorcycle as a character.
The word Father was a bad word to Cami. It can be hard to relate to God Fatehr when one’s earthly father has caused only hurt. However, I love how this book demonstrates the intense, persistent love of our Heavenly Father. Very well done!
Loved it! Another beautifully written story inviting us back to Garfield as we enter Cami's world. I thought the 'begging for mercy' phrase was a cute tribute to one of Sharon's other series, only to be be later amazed when Mercie herself (and Scottlyn) pops into the story for a sweet surprise.
What a fantastic work of Christian fiction. It's such a warm story of healing and finding lasting love that had been missing for so long in Cami's life. I highly recommend it and you won't be disappointed.
This is a wonderful book and it is a incredible story about God's Love for Family who has been hurt since childhood by her dad and his family She finds love and faith and happiness Very well written
This is a story of a hardened heart which was caused by a father who walked away from a loving child. Having to deal with abandoned left her crushed that lingered into adulthood. It's how she deals with this issue that makes for an interesting story.
This story was very powerful. It showed how a painful situation early in life can co!or our thinking and behavior into adulthood. This as handled very compassionately. Love, especially that of our Heavenly Father can conquer all.
What a wonderful book! Cami has issues trusting men because of past hurts. Can a loving Father God get through to her? Can a person use artistic abilities to minister to others? Another faith-filled, Crafted with Love book, that brings friends together again and handles tough subjects with care. I always look forward to reading this author’s books!