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One Last Thing
Tara had always imagined her happily ever after. But her fiancé’s secrets are changing this story into one she doesn’t even recognize.
Tara Faulkner and Seth Grissom grew up next door to each other in Savannah’s historic district. Their parents are best friends. They finish each other’s sentences all the time. Their fairy-tale wedding is a foregone conclusion . . . until Tara discovers another side to Seth three weeks before the wedding.
Reality has crashed in on Tara’s fairy tale—but hope will lead her to a future she couldn’t have planned for herself.
Tara Faulkner and Seth Grissom grew up next door to each other in Savannah’s historic district. Their parents are best friends. They finish each other’s sentences all the time. Their fairy-tale wedding is a foregone conclusion . . . until Tara discovers another side to Seth three weeks before the wedding.
Reality has crashed in on Tara’s fairy tale—but hope will lead her to a future she couldn’t have planned for herself.
383 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2015
38 people are currently reading
766 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca St. James
55 books128 followersRebecca St. James, an Australian-born Christian recording artist, is both a Grammy Award winner and a multiple Dove Award recipient. She is also the bestselling author of Wait for Me, SHE Teen, and What is He Thinking. In addition, St. James has appeared in the film Sarah's Choice and lent her voice to VeggieTales' An Easter Story. www.rsjames.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
May 16, 2022
This novel may be a bit difficult to read, but the timely topic of pornography and its effects on a relationship are meaningful. More than an “issue” book, it also explores truth and lies — both those told to others and ones people tell themselves.
Tara Faulkner is engaged to Seth Grissom. Their relationship is perfect — both come from wealthy backgrounds, they grew up together and they have the whole world at their feet. In the midst of wedding planning, Tara discovers a shocking secret about Seth that has far-reaching consequences for them and those they love. There are no easy answers to what they should do, and faith is the only bright constant that can see them through.
Tara Faulkner is engaged to Seth Grissom. Their relationship is perfect — both come from wealthy backgrounds, they grew up together and they have the whole world at their feet. In the midst of wedding planning, Tara discovers a shocking secret about Seth that has far-reaching consequences for them and those they love. There are no easy answers to what they should do, and faith is the only bright constant that can see them through.
May 15, 2022
Well I don't often have to do this thank goodness. But I am not going to star this review.
This is a book I got from Net Galley courtesy of Thomas Nelson--FICTION when I was eager to keep clicking to read more books, I have calmed down since then thank God. I do my research if its a new author to me and make sure its something that I have at least 80% chance of enjoying.
I just didn't enjoy this.
I read it from beginning to end, but from one reader to another, it was like trudging through thick mud.
This book really needs to be worked on.
I also didn't realise how religious this book is. Yes Christian orientated but really down your throat 'get in there' type of read which for me personally was quite off putting.
There are so many subject matters that are being addressed its quite lewd.
Pornography, prostitution, addiction, abuse, stripping, suicide, public shaming, sexual addiction and financial problems that are such wide topics that this book really can't solve within its pages.
This made the story seem cheap and nasty.
Enough explained I think
I’m revisiting the books I hadn’t finished in one way or another for whatever reasons.
After reading this again, it’s an uncomfortable read in parts but I realise now that it’s Tara’s OTT reactions that got me. I fully understand why she’s so upset, I fully understand her OTT but I didn’t understand why She personalised everything about HER.
So I’ve now read it and able to let this book show up on my wall.
I never give up on a book and rate it. Personally I don’t think that fair. I do however set it aside until later.
This was very much later :(
This is a book I got from Net Galley courtesy of Thomas Nelson--FICTION when I was eager to keep clicking to read more books, I have calmed down since then thank God. I do my research if its a new author to me and make sure its something that I have at least 80% chance of enjoying.
I just didn't enjoy this.
I read it from beginning to end, but from one reader to another, it was like trudging through thick mud.
This book really needs to be worked on.
I also didn't realise how religious this book is. Yes Christian orientated but really down your throat 'get in there' type of read which for me personally was quite off putting.
There are so many subject matters that are being addressed its quite lewd.
Pornography, prostitution, addiction, abuse, stripping, suicide, public shaming, sexual addiction and financial problems that are such wide topics that this book really can't solve within its pages.
This made the story seem cheap and nasty.
Enough explained I think
I’m revisiting the books I hadn’t finished in one way or another for whatever reasons.
After reading this again, it’s an uncomfortable read in parts but I realise now that it’s Tara’s OTT reactions that got me. I fully understand why she’s so upset, I fully understand her OTT but I didn’t understand why She personalised everything about HER.
So I’ve now read it and able to let this book show up on my wall.
I never give up on a book and rate it. Personally I don’t think that fair. I do however set it aside until later.
This was very much later :(
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March 13, 2015Aghhh, I can't even give this one stars!
I mean, for starters, I absolutely ADORE Rebecca St. James. Hers was the first concert I ever attended, and she's the artist I've seen most frequently in concert. (About seven times, I think?) So, I'm biased in that I love all things Rebecca St. James...
... until this book.
I understand, at least when I was big into her music in high school and early college, that Rebecca takes a huge platform in speaking on abstinence and purity -- so, I'm hoping she's just the name on the cover and that most of the actual writing was done by the "author" (of whom I've never read any books before this one...)
Basically, this is the story of a rich, pampered, self-righteous brat and her brooding, sketchy fiance and their struggles in the weeks before their wedding after she walks in on him "participating" in internet pornography.
The subject matter ... is fine. I love a great, moral Christian fiction selection --- but what I don't love are irritating jerks as my main characters.
And, boy were these two insufferable. Pages after pages were filled with bragging ramblings about how rich and prestigious and moral and educated these people were. Everything about them was just grating and annoying.
I got about 300 pages into this mess before I abandoned it. Since I received the book for the purpose of providing an honest review, I felt compelled to post something anyways.
If you love Rebecca St. James, give it a shot. If you have an extremely high tolerance for self-righteous characters, it may be worth your time.
Of course, just take all of this with a huge grain of salt. There is *always* the possibility that things got insanely better in the last little chunk of the book.... right?
I mean, for starters, I absolutely ADORE Rebecca St. James. Hers was the first concert I ever attended, and she's the artist I've seen most frequently in concert. (About seven times, I think?) So, I'm biased in that I love all things Rebecca St. James...
... until this book.
I understand, at least when I was big into her music in high school and early college, that Rebecca takes a huge platform in speaking on abstinence and purity -- so, I'm hoping she's just the name on the cover and that most of the actual writing was done by the "author" (of whom I've never read any books before this one...)
Basically, this is the story of a rich, pampered, self-righteous brat and her brooding, sketchy fiance and their struggles in the weeks before their wedding after she walks in on him "participating" in internet pornography.
The subject matter ... is fine. I love a great, moral Christian fiction selection --- but what I don't love are irritating jerks as my main characters.
And, boy were these two insufferable. Pages after pages were filled with bragging ramblings about how rich and prestigious and moral and educated these people were. Everything about them was just grating and annoying.
I got about 300 pages into this mess before I abandoned it. Since I received the book for the purpose of providing an honest review, I felt compelled to post something anyways.
If you love Rebecca St. James, give it a shot. If you have an extremely high tolerance for self-righteous characters, it may be worth your time.
Of course, just take all of this with a huge grain of salt. There is *always* the possibility that things got insanely better in the last little chunk of the book.... right?
April 30, 2015
What an absolutely powerful read!
Rebecca and Nancy are spot on in their latest novel, One Last Thing.
They brilliantly take on the topic of porn in a fictional setting that is true to life.
So many young women today have to deal with this devastating issue.
I felt main character Tara’s heartbreak as she discovered the unthinkable about her fiancé.
The aftermath of finding out such a secret left her broken and undone.
So many women who face this in real life are left with the scars of insecurity and mistrust.
While the novel is never preachy, readers discover on their own the true life lessons and takeaways….which can be life changing.
I applaud these brave authors for taking on a subject that is not only taboo in the church, but distorted in the world.
Bravo ladies!
Rebecca and Nancy are spot on in their latest novel, One Last Thing.
They brilliantly take on the topic of porn in a fictional setting that is true to life.
So many young women today have to deal with this devastating issue.
I felt main character Tara’s heartbreak as she discovered the unthinkable about her fiancé.
The aftermath of finding out such a secret left her broken and undone.
So many women who face this in real life are left with the scars of insecurity and mistrust.
While the novel is never preachy, readers discover on their own the true life lessons and takeaways….which can be life changing.
I applaud these brave authors for taking on a subject that is not only taboo in the church, but distorted in the world.
Bravo ladies!
December 29, 2015
A Quickie Review
An emotionally intense read that showcases a problem that has plagued our society for quite a while. While not exactly light, airy Christian fiction, it definitely packs a punch.
Score: 4/5
An emotionally intense read that showcases a problem that has plagued our society for quite a while. While not exactly light, airy Christian fiction, it definitely packs a punch.
Score: 4/5
March 7, 2015
Review also found at http://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/2...
**I received an advance readers copy of this book from the publisher Thomas Nelson via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The expected publication date is March 10th 2015**
Discalimer - I am writing these initial thoughts at only 7% of the book as my reaction is so strong I feel the need to share it before continuing lest I forget upon completion of the book. Tara walks in on her fiancée and catches him watching a porn video on his computer. Her reaction is one that I can not comprehend. Yes it is tasteless, trashy and I do not understand the appeal but her reaction is like he is a monster. It is the reaction as if she caught him in the act of murder, molestation or even cheating or some other unforgiveable act. She views him as a monster and visualizes what it would mean to have to cancel the wedding as a result . If I were in her shoes I would be disappointed and disgusted but is this really such a horrific act? Would I walk out without an explanation or discussing it? Would I treat it as cheating? I think not. They are saving themselves for marriage...could this be an underlying factor in to his decision? I don't know but I worry about the direction this book will take and it may end up too "preachy" for me. I just can't see this as something I would take such a stand on (don't get me wrong....it is gross and I don't condone it and a knock down drag out fight would probably ensure but....) Onward I continue to see how this turns out.
I have now gone on to finish the book. I have to admit that it almost went in my DNF pile on multiple occasions. Since I do not believe in putting a book aside without giving it a fair shake I saw it through to the end. For me, it did not get any better.
I am sure it could be debated endlessly the moral grounds of if this was a forgivable "crime" or not. I am fairly conservative on my outlook of social issues and I still could not take Tara's side. I agreed with her disgust however I did not agree with how she made it all about herself. How she could not treat the situation like an adult and properly discuss what had happened. I will not judge the decision to stay in or leave the relationship as that is a personal moral question and it would bother some people more than others. For me yes it would bother me but I would not get all hurt because of someone else's actions.
Sorry guys I really couldn't see past this. It felt like a preachers judgement to me instead of carefully telling the story of a personal moral journey. I will not be recommending this book. I am giving it a two star rating. The only reason it gets the second star for me is because the writing style was easy to follow and flowed well. Unfortunately that is the only thing I liked.
**I received an advance readers copy of this book from the publisher Thomas Nelson via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The expected publication date is March 10th 2015**
Discalimer - I am writing these initial thoughts at only 7% of the book as my reaction is so strong I feel the need to share it before continuing lest I forget upon completion of the book. Tara walks in on her fiancée and catches him watching a porn video on his computer. Her reaction is one that I can not comprehend. Yes it is tasteless, trashy and I do not understand the appeal but her reaction is like he is a monster. It is the reaction as if she caught him in the act of murder, molestation or even cheating or some other unforgiveable act. She views him as a monster and visualizes what it would mean to have to cancel the wedding as a result . If I were in her shoes I would be disappointed and disgusted but is this really such a horrific act? Would I walk out without an explanation or discussing it? Would I treat it as cheating? I think not. They are saving themselves for marriage...could this be an underlying factor in to his decision? I don't know but I worry about the direction this book will take and it may end up too "preachy" for me. I just can't see this as something I would take such a stand on (don't get me wrong....it is gross and I don't condone it and a knock down drag out fight would probably ensure but....) Onward I continue to see how this turns out.
I have now gone on to finish the book. I have to admit that it almost went in my DNF pile on multiple occasions. Since I do not believe in putting a book aside without giving it a fair shake I saw it through to the end. For me, it did not get any better.
I am sure it could be debated endlessly the moral grounds of if this was a forgivable "crime" or not. I am fairly conservative on my outlook of social issues and I still could not take Tara's side. I agreed with her disgust however I did not agree with how she made it all about herself. How she could not treat the situation like an adult and properly discuss what had happened. I will not judge the decision to stay in or leave the relationship as that is a personal moral question and it would bother some people more than others. For me yes it would bother me but I would not get all hurt because of someone else's actions.
Sorry guys I really couldn't see past this. It felt like a preachers judgement to me instead of carefully telling the story of a personal moral journey. I will not be recommending this book. I am giving it a two star rating. The only reason it gets the second star for me is because the writing style was easy to follow and flowed well. Unfortunately that is the only thing I liked.
April 6, 2015
Tara Faulkner is marring Seth Grissom: her brother’s best friend, the son of their pastor, and the guy she’s loved for ten years. But they have a strange argument three weeks before the wedding, and when she returns to discuss it with Seth, she finds him doing something awful. He promises he’ll change and never do it again, and she wants to believe him. After all, the alternative is cancelling the wedding. But when she finds he lied, she does just that—but he makes her promise not to tell anyone why, which leaves her dealing with all the fallout, not least two families blaming her for the cancellation.
One Last Thing is written entirely in first person point of view from Tara’s viewpoint. This normally only works for complex characters, and Tara wasn’t complex, at least not in the beginning. She was the perfect pampered Southern princess, and while she hasn’t lived an entirely sheltered life, her family is financially stable and she’s always been given the best of everything. She attends church with her family, but there was little indication she had any personal faith: something that’s normally a must in Christian romance.
At first I was a little frustrated that Seth, a Christian man who worked for a mission organisation, was planning to marry a woman who had little or no personal faith of her own. But as the novel progressed, Tara began to search for God … and it explained why Seth was prepared to be “unequally yoked”. The explanation was misogynistic, hypocritical (or possibly both), but it worked, and it worked without making me feel as though my emotions were being manipulated. That’s strong writing.
The more Tara digs into Seth’s issues, the more she finds out, and the more secrets she has to keep from her friends, her family, and from Seth’s family. The only person who has any sympathy for her is Seth’s younger sister—who’s seen as a troublemaker. She is helped in her troubled journey by a disparate group of ladies she meets while working in a local coffee shop—her first-ever job.
Tara slowly discovers Seth’s issues, and strangely, this allows us to move from repugnance to sympathy for his problems while still acknowledging Tara did the right thing. Seth acknowledges that he has to take responsibility for his own actions, especially when they have hurt others, and I see this as a positive thing.
Publisher Thomas Nelson has caught some criticism recently for publishing books with inappropriate content for a Christian novel. I suspect they’ll catch a little more over One Last Thing, from people who would like to believe this kind of thing never happens to “proper” Christians. I wish it didn’t, but it does, and One Last Thing does an excellent job in sensitively fictionalising a growing problem in society. It’s not easy reading, and it’s not nice. But it is real. Unfortunately.
Thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
One Last Thing is written entirely in first person point of view from Tara’s viewpoint. This normally only works for complex characters, and Tara wasn’t complex, at least not in the beginning. She was the perfect pampered Southern princess, and while she hasn’t lived an entirely sheltered life, her family is financially stable and she’s always been given the best of everything. She attends church with her family, but there was little indication she had any personal faith: something that’s normally a must in Christian romance.
At first I was a little frustrated that Seth, a Christian man who worked for a mission organisation, was planning to marry a woman who had little or no personal faith of her own. But as the novel progressed, Tara began to search for God … and it explained why Seth was prepared to be “unequally yoked”. The explanation was misogynistic, hypocritical (or possibly both), but it worked, and it worked without making me feel as though my emotions were being manipulated. That’s strong writing.
The more Tara digs into Seth’s issues, the more she finds out, and the more secrets she has to keep from her friends, her family, and from Seth’s family. The only person who has any sympathy for her is Seth’s younger sister—who’s seen as a troublemaker. She is helped in her troubled journey by a disparate group of ladies she meets while working in a local coffee shop—her first-ever job.
Tara slowly discovers Seth’s issues, and strangely, this allows us to move from repugnance to sympathy for his problems while still acknowledging Tara did the right thing. Seth acknowledges that he has to take responsibility for his own actions, especially when they have hurt others, and I see this as a positive thing.
Publisher Thomas Nelson has caught some criticism recently for publishing books with inappropriate content for a Christian novel. I suspect they’ll catch a little more over One Last Thing, from people who would like to believe this kind of thing never happens to “proper” Christians. I wish it didn’t, but it does, and One Last Thing does an excellent job in sensitively fictionalising a growing problem in society. It’s not easy reading, and it’s not nice. But it is real. Unfortunately.
Thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
March 9, 2015
I didn't like this book at first. I thought the main character Tara over-reacted to find out that he fiancé watched porn. She seemed a bit clueless and spoiled.
But, as the book went on, I began to like her more. As she grew and realized this journey wasn't just about being a victim, she became stronger and a more likable character.
I liked the realness of the book--the raw emotions each character felt.
I also enjoyed the journey to healing that each character took.
Most of all, I appreciated that the book wasn't tied up in a nice, perfect package like everything will be okay if you just say a few prayers.
I was given this book in exchange for my review. My thoughts are my own.
But, as the book went on, I began to like her more. As she grew and realized this journey wasn't just about being a victim, she became stronger and a more likable character.
I liked the realness of the book--the raw emotions each character felt.
I also enjoyed the journey to healing that each character took.
Most of all, I appreciated that the book wasn't tied up in a nice, perfect package like everything will be okay if you just say a few prayers.
I was given this book in exchange for my review. My thoughts are my own.
March 13, 2015
Page turning, eye opening
Nancy Rue at her best. This story sweeps you into a place you don't want to go but carries you through to a place of hope and healing. Read it with the expectation of sharing it with others who need to learn the value of no more secrets, courage, and authentic self. God's fingerprints are all over these pages.
Nancy Rue at her best. This story sweeps you into a place you don't want to go but carries you through to a place of hope and healing. Read it with the expectation of sharing it with others who need to learn the value of no more secrets, courage, and authentic self. God's fingerprints are all over these pages.
January 11, 2016
A very Christian fiction read. A character(s) that are impossible to believe. How can anyone be that pampered, protected and naive.
August 13, 2016
Read only 1/4 and could not finish. Very disappointed.
July 8, 2015
This dynamic writing team tackles hard issues head intertwined with well-timed humor and fun moments for readers. Tara Faulkner has been in love with Seth since she was 15 years old. Seth is her brothers’ best friend. Seth’s parents are good friends with her parents; they even vacation together. All was right with the Tara’s world when Seth finally noticed her and they began dating. Now after three years of dating; her dreams were coming true. She’d planned the perfect wedding and was looking forward to Seth and her happily ever after. Until she discovers Seth’s secret. One that has disturbed her to the core of her being. Seth says it’s nothing that when they get married he won’t need use the porn. It’s only there because he’s not having sex with her. Tara wants to believe him but something just doesn't seem right. She’s gives him time to get off of it before the wedding. He has three week.
This topic and the situation is all too real. I had a friend that faced the same situation. She believed her fiance when he told her it was nothing; all would be well when they married. It wasn't true. It effected every area of their lives. There was much heartache and no happily ever after.
This novel is written in first person through the eyes of Tara. She has hard choices to make. Tara wrestles with this issue, why Seth needs this in the first place; how damaging it is to the person using it and to those they love. Tara has a very loving and supportive family which helps her and makes it difficult at the same time. She seeks the help of an understanding Christian counselor who helps her deal with the issue she faces, discover who she is, where she wants to go and her need for God when her life unravels.
I like how these authors handle all aspects of the issue. We live in a sexually absorbed society from Victoria Secret magazines, overt sexual commercials and 3D Cyberspace sex sites. If you have this addiction material is readily available and hard to avoid.
This is a very important compelling must read for engaged and married couples dealing with porn. Couples spend so much time planning the perfect wedding they neglect to talk about hard issues; their dreams and the direction each wants to go in life. I loved the playful moments sprinkled throughout the suspense and drama. I also liked that the setting to the story is in the historic district of Savannah. I've been there, taken the tour bus it was fun to remember the things l saw and learned.
I like that these authors don’t tie everything up in a nice neat bow; but left the reader with a satisfying ending. I highly recommend this novel. I look forward to checking out the other books they've written together.
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from blogging for books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St Laurent
TBCN Where Book Club Begins www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
This topic and the situation is all too real. I had a friend that faced the same situation. She believed her fiance when he told her it was nothing; all would be well when they married. It wasn't true. It effected every area of their lives. There was much heartache and no happily ever after.
This novel is written in first person through the eyes of Tara. She has hard choices to make. Tara wrestles with this issue, why Seth needs this in the first place; how damaging it is to the person using it and to those they love. Tara has a very loving and supportive family which helps her and makes it difficult at the same time. She seeks the help of an understanding Christian counselor who helps her deal with the issue she faces, discover who she is, where she wants to go and her need for God when her life unravels.
I like how these authors handle all aspects of the issue. We live in a sexually absorbed society from Victoria Secret magazines, overt sexual commercials and 3D Cyberspace sex sites. If you have this addiction material is readily available and hard to avoid.
This is a very important compelling must read for engaged and married couples dealing with porn. Couples spend so much time planning the perfect wedding they neglect to talk about hard issues; their dreams and the direction each wants to go in life. I loved the playful moments sprinkled throughout the suspense and drama. I also liked that the setting to the story is in the historic district of Savannah. I've been there, taken the tour bus it was fun to remember the things l saw and learned.
I like that these authors don’t tie everything up in a nice neat bow; but left the reader with a satisfying ending. I highly recommend this novel. I look forward to checking out the other books they've written together.
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from blogging for books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St Laurent
TBCN Where Book Club Begins www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
February 17, 2015
There is nothing like the weeks before the wedding, especially one that has been years in the making. All the “I’s” have been dotted, the “T’s” crossed. Everything is set and you are finally going to marry the man of your dreams, then suddenly, harshly, everything you thought you knew about your fiancé turns out to be a sham. He is not the man he has put himself to be. Your world comes tumbling down around you into tiny shards so small, even Humpty Dumpty’s army could never pick it up and put it all back together again.
To make matters worse, you have promised not to speak of why to anyone, not ANYONE. So now this has become your burden, your shame, and you must carry it alone. Why? You have suddenly become the bad guy, and the hole gets deeper and darker.
What is different about this story is the point-of-view. We hear how Porn affects men and tears their relationships apart and destroys their lives. But this story is focused, not on “his” story, but on “her” story. It is about the great harm it does to the woman and her lonely isolated battle of shame, denial, silence, and depression that often draw her down as she is shamed into helping to keep the secret for any number of reasons.
This One Thing is a poignant story of a young lady faced with the startling revelation that her fiancé of great moral stature is in fact in the clutches of Pornography. Her story is the shared story of so many women who face the shame and despair of dealing with a significant other or spouse who find themselves stuck in the cycle of porn by a family member. They most often find themselves hiding it from family, friends, and society.
This book is a message of hope for women who are hurting. It is a book of encouragement to seek support and assistance in the face of ridicule, for that is where true help and healing will be found. Most of all, in reaching out as women, we find that we are not alone.
This is not an easy book to read because of the subject matter, but I strongly recommend the book as a good resource and encouragement. I am thankful for Rebecca St. James having the courage to tackle such a difficult subject and do justice to the subject matter while maintaining the integrity of a wonderful storyline that was full of hope.
Christian Fiction Five Stars. A copy of this book was provided to me by Net Galley.
Shade Tree Book Reviews and Blog
http://shadetreeblogging.blogspot.com
To make matters worse, you have promised not to speak of why to anyone, not ANYONE. So now this has become your burden, your shame, and you must carry it alone. Why? You have suddenly become the bad guy, and the hole gets deeper and darker.
What is different about this story is the point-of-view. We hear how Porn affects men and tears their relationships apart and destroys their lives. But this story is focused, not on “his” story, but on “her” story. It is about the great harm it does to the woman and her lonely isolated battle of shame, denial, silence, and depression that often draw her down as she is shamed into helping to keep the secret for any number of reasons.
This One Thing is a poignant story of a young lady faced with the startling revelation that her fiancé of great moral stature is in fact in the clutches of Pornography. Her story is the shared story of so many women who face the shame and despair of dealing with a significant other or spouse who find themselves stuck in the cycle of porn by a family member. They most often find themselves hiding it from family, friends, and society.
This book is a message of hope for women who are hurting. It is a book of encouragement to seek support and assistance in the face of ridicule, for that is where true help and healing will be found. Most of all, in reaching out as women, we find that we are not alone.
This is not an easy book to read because of the subject matter, but I strongly recommend the book as a good resource and encouragement. I am thankful for Rebecca St. James having the courage to tackle such a difficult subject and do justice to the subject matter while maintaining the integrity of a wonderful storyline that was full of hope.
Christian Fiction Five Stars. A copy of this book was provided to me by Net Galley.
Shade Tree Book Reviews and Blog
http://shadetreeblogging.blogspot.com
July 3, 2015
One Last Thing brings light to a very real and, more often than not, private struggle facing a lot of relationships. The sexual sin of pornography is very real and it totally destroys relationships. The authors very clearly show how one man's sin has a snowball effect that destroys both families and friends. Because the book tackles a difficult subject it was sickening in places. But sin is real and takes you places you never thought you'd go. There is a lot of dysfunctional relationships in this book as well - pretending to be someone or something different than reality, covering things up to give the appearance of everything being ok, sidestepping issues so as not to create conflict. The authors really brought that out with an underlying message of being real and claiming truth. The authors also really developed the theme of the pain that accompanies silently suffering alone. The main character carried the burden of what she saw and what she knew silently and it just about broke her. Trusting relationships with individuals who will speak truth and hold confidences are essential. The main character found this in a group of unlikely mentors which added some humor and lightness to such a heavy topic. Even though this was a fiction book I sensed God saying to me be real, stand on truth and speak it into women, and be that trusted woman dispelling satan's lies.
September 15, 2017
One Last Thing was a difficult book to read. It dealt with some heavy issues and I wasn't expecting that; but, I think the book handled it well and it seemed realistic.
While I didn't like the MC right away, in the end, I grew to like her and felt bad for all the pain she went through. I also felt for Seth at times too.
All in all, a really good read, but it definitely is emotional at times.
*I received a complimentary eBook copy for my honest review. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
While I didn't like the MC right away, in the end, I grew to like her and felt bad for all the pain she went through. I also felt for Seth at times too.
All in all, a really good read, but it definitely is emotional at times.
*I received a complimentary eBook copy for my honest review. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
May 12, 2015
I love this book. I have never had anything by these authors before. I like how the authors showed how serious pornography can really be. I also like the way the main character grew and learn more about herself in this book. I look forward to more by these authors.
May 1, 2015
Awesome!
This book was amazing. Everyone should read this book. It goes to the core of what it means to be Christ like.
This book was amazing. Everyone should read this book. It goes to the core of what it means to be Christ like.
April 3, 2016
https://anaslair.wordpress.com/2015/1...
When I first started reading this book I was pretty confused. How were these two getting married? She asked stuff like Don't you have any normal milk in here? while opening his fridge and practically swooned when looking into his eyes.
There seemed to constantly be something along the lines of:
An oatmeal-colored crumb escaped and rested on his lower lip. Lucky crumb.
This is a girl who has been dating this guy for three years. Come on.
So then I found out they were not living together, mainly because of Seth's Christian values. I guess it made a bit of sense but did not really justify that sort of thing, in my book.
The main character kept telling me that she had been in love with this guy since she was 15 (so ten years prior to narrative) and yet I could not tell that she knew him at all or what exactly she loved about him besides his great looks.
I guess one of the main issues I had with this book was all the insta-love, particularly when Tara was the object of affection. I never understood why anyone fell for each other, either in the beginning or later on.
I actually enjoyed reading the novel when new things or people arrived to Tara's life and secrets were being uncovered.
I have to admit I had already anticipated most of the revelations, particularly the major ones, and I never really connected much with the main character as you can probably tell by now, although I could see where her struggles came from.
It's just that she came across as this self-loathing, rich but supposed to be normal, just a cutiepie girl. She is just plain perfect and has great manners and values all the great things in her life. She also has very perfect, understanding, modest parents and even if her mother was the queen of denial she always had great intentions at heart.
So a lot of the time I was reading about Tara calling herself names and then later on someone patting her on the back saying there there don't feel that way. I suppose it is very realistic in the way that people who are struggling through something which is not even their fault may feel guilty, but I really have this beef with perfect characters.
On the other hand, Seth's parents were portrayed as unnecessarily evil in my opinion, each in his own way - mother just plain aggressive and father more manipulative. They felt like caricatures to me and obvious alliances were formed from the get-go.
I was sad to see there was no redemption for either character in the end. I would have appreciated some growth.
Alas, the story developed into one of self-empowerment and respect, of valuing true friendships and not being afraid to be happy and also the true meaning of having God in one's life and how the way He operates is not obvious.
As I mentioned, I did appreciate the mystery aspect. Everytime a new revelation was made, even if I had already predicted it, I felt compelled to keep reading, to see what happened next and which decisions the characters made.
In the end, it was mostly the perfection aspect and the few drama scenes/clichés that hindered my enjoyment. I gotta tell ya, there were some pretty lame lines.
The man's footsteps echoed in the alley as he came lightly down the steps. They paused near me. I died several deaths.
Eurgh. The main character plainly irritated me and this is a case where I think different voices would have contributed to a stronger narrative.
Also, I did not really get the closure I had hoped for in the end.
Ultimately, the book had a good message and I still enjoyed reading it.
Disclaimer: I would like to thank the publisher and Netgalley for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
When I first started reading this book I was pretty confused. How were these two getting married? She asked stuff like Don't you have any normal milk in here? while opening his fridge and practically swooned when looking into his eyes.
There seemed to constantly be something along the lines of:
An oatmeal-colored crumb escaped and rested on his lower lip. Lucky crumb.
This is a girl who has been dating this guy for three years. Come on.
So then I found out they were not living together, mainly because of Seth's Christian values. I guess it made a bit of sense but did not really justify that sort of thing, in my book.
The main character kept telling me that she had been in love with this guy since she was 15 (so ten years prior to narrative) and yet I could not tell that she knew him at all or what exactly she loved about him besides his great looks.
I guess one of the main issues I had with this book was all the insta-love, particularly when Tara was the object of affection. I never understood why anyone fell for each other, either in the beginning or later on.
I actually enjoyed reading the novel when new things or people arrived to Tara's life and secrets were being uncovered.
I have to admit I had already anticipated most of the revelations, particularly the major ones, and I never really connected much with the main character as you can probably tell by now, although I could see where her struggles came from.
It's just that she came across as this self-loathing, rich but supposed to be normal, just a cutiepie girl. She is just plain perfect and has great manners and values all the great things in her life. She also has very perfect, understanding, modest parents and even if her mother was the queen of denial she always had great intentions at heart.
So a lot of the time I was reading about Tara calling herself names and then later on someone patting her on the back saying there there don't feel that way. I suppose it is very realistic in the way that people who are struggling through something which is not even their fault may feel guilty, but I really have this beef with perfect characters.
On the other hand, Seth's parents were portrayed as unnecessarily evil in my opinion, each in his own way - mother just plain aggressive and father more manipulative. They felt like caricatures to me and obvious alliances were formed from the get-go.
I was sad to see there was no redemption for either character in the end. I would have appreciated some growth.
Alas, the story developed into one of self-empowerment and respect, of valuing true friendships and not being afraid to be happy and also the true meaning of having God in one's life and how the way He operates is not obvious.
As I mentioned, I did appreciate the mystery aspect. Everytime a new revelation was made, even if I had already predicted it, I felt compelled to keep reading, to see what happened next and which decisions the characters made.
In the end, it was mostly the perfection aspect and the few drama scenes/clichés that hindered my enjoyment. I gotta tell ya, there were some pretty lame lines.
The man's footsteps echoed in the alley as he came lightly down the steps. They paused near me. I died several deaths.
Eurgh. The main character plainly irritated me and this is a case where I think different voices would have contributed to a stronger narrative.
Also, I did not really get the closure I had hoped for in the end.
Ultimately, the book had a good message and I still enjoyed reading it.
Disclaimer: I would like to thank the publisher and Netgalley for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
July 17, 2017
I will not lie to you, from one reader to another, this was a difficult book and topic to trudge through. It follows the last few weeks of one couple’s engagement, in which the main character, Tara, discovers her fiancé, Seth, is addicted to pornography and has to decide whether to further pursue the marriage and support her husband through his healing process or to pursue other opportunities. And while current societal expectations may suggest that pornography can be acceptable in an open-minded, communicable relationship with established boundaries, pornography can also be a severe obstacle that can destroy a relationship or marriage, based on the needs and beliefs of the couple. In One Last Thing, Rebecca St. James and Nancy Rue thoroughly explore the intricacies of a secret uncovered late in an engagement, how a relationship changes, and the decisions made about marriage and commitment.
What I really admired about this novel was carried through the development of the story and its characters. The novel opens with the lines, “What happened to Seth and me changed everything. Everything. And yet it began with a completely innocuous question: Where are we going to put the couch?,” which winds up generating a great deal of opportunity in the book: all at once, the couch becomes a centerpiece of the beginning of a relationship, a practice in negotiation, and a manifestation of unfaithfulness in a relationship. What I imagine is having a large orange couch in the middle of my otherwise-neutral living room and the couch visually screaming with memories every time I walked past it, looked at it, or relaxed on it. This display is similarly demonstrated through the central characters in the book and their behaviors; through Tara’s personal exploration of her feelings toward Seth and his behavior, there are recurring images and sentiments that evolve with Tara and Seth’s characters as they grow further apart in their relationship.
And while I admired how the authors handled the subject by way of story arch and parallels, I found myself intensely bothered by the portrayal of the main character and the writing of her internal thoughts and narrations. Many of her lines carry an air of “Well, I guess I have to do this now,” or “It’s such a burden on me,” which comes across, rather-immediately, as petty and self-absorbed. While I fully understand many of the complexities she is faced with in her oncoming, and ongoing, marriage, I find myself unable to understand her, to feel compassionate for her, because of her “It’s all about me,” and “He’s the only one at fault here; there’s nothing I could do to make this better” demeanor. However, this is an issue that resolves itself by the end of the story; as I stated earlier, much of Tara’s character is explored through the evolving of the problem, and by the end, after (no spoiler) a dramatic change in Tara and Seth’s relationship and her apology to Seth for her behavior and attitude. Without this apology, and without this adjustment, I would have been highly bereaved at this story; so though it was difficult to get through part of the story and found Tara’s character difficult to get along with for much of the story, I found my way to acceptance through Tara’s admission.
Rebecca St. James and Nancy Rue’s One Last Thing is a really raw and lovely exploration of obstacles in a serious and long-term relationship and follows the sharp transformation of the characters on this journey. And while it is a really difficult read, it was worth the time, effort and emotional investment. I recommend steeling yourself and giving this a try.
What I really admired about this novel was carried through the development of the story and its characters. The novel opens with the lines, “What happened to Seth and me changed everything. Everything. And yet it began with a completely innocuous question: Where are we going to put the couch?,” which winds up generating a great deal of opportunity in the book: all at once, the couch becomes a centerpiece of the beginning of a relationship, a practice in negotiation, and a manifestation of unfaithfulness in a relationship. What I imagine is having a large orange couch in the middle of my otherwise-neutral living room and the couch visually screaming with memories every time I walked past it, looked at it, or relaxed on it. This display is similarly demonstrated through the central characters in the book and their behaviors; through Tara’s personal exploration of her feelings toward Seth and his behavior, there are recurring images and sentiments that evolve with Tara and Seth’s characters as they grow further apart in their relationship.
And while I admired how the authors handled the subject by way of story arch and parallels, I found myself intensely bothered by the portrayal of the main character and the writing of her internal thoughts and narrations. Many of her lines carry an air of “Well, I guess I have to do this now,” or “It’s such a burden on me,” which comes across, rather-immediately, as petty and self-absorbed. While I fully understand many of the complexities she is faced with in her oncoming, and ongoing, marriage, I find myself unable to understand her, to feel compassionate for her, because of her “It’s all about me,” and “He’s the only one at fault here; there’s nothing I could do to make this better” demeanor. However, this is an issue that resolves itself by the end of the story; as I stated earlier, much of Tara’s character is explored through the evolving of the problem, and by the end, after (no spoiler) a dramatic change in Tara and Seth’s relationship and her apology to Seth for her behavior and attitude. Without this apology, and without this adjustment, I would have been highly bereaved at this story; so though it was difficult to get through part of the story and found Tara’s character difficult to get along with for much of the story, I found my way to acceptance through Tara’s admission.
Rebecca St. James and Nancy Rue’s One Last Thing is a really raw and lovely exploration of obstacles in a serious and long-term relationship and follows the sharp transformation of the characters on this journey. And while it is a really difficult read, it was worth the time, effort and emotional investment. I recommend steeling yourself and giving this a try.
March 15, 2015
This one caught me a little off guard. I’m on my mystery kick and I was roped in by the description of this book and the promise of a dark secret. It was definitely dark and a bit of a deeper issue than I was prepared for. I’ll blame my own ignorance. I knew the author’s name sounded familiar, and that is (after further investigation) because Rebecca St. James is also a Christian recording artist. I love many of her songs. So of course this is a Christian book! Not a bad thing, but just as I said, caught me off guard. The issues Tara and Seth face and tackle are all too real and heart-wrenching as the reader experiences with them in this book.
That all being said, it was a wonderfully written book with great characters and had me hooked. And oddly enough, this morning’s sermon at our church hit on many points that were very relevant to this story. (Refer 2 Samuel 11-12 for the story of David & Bathsheba) Maybe deep down Seth wanted his secret to be discovered so he could work towards being free of it? The secrets and the guilt we carry will only continue to eat away at us. In order to be free of our secrets we must face them. And that is hard. That is what Seth and Tara must do in this book. And that is what David did in the Bible. And God is working behind the scenes through it all (or maybe right out in the open too.)
The big “secret” is uncovered very early in the book. The rest of the book is how one person’s (Seth’s) choices affect everyone else in their life. It’s very powerful and a real issue facing not only many people, but many Christian people. I was worried about the book turning into a big PSA (public service announcement) as I find a lot of books in the Christian genre can be. But while the message is definitely there, the story was good. Really good.
Your heart will ache with Tara. You can just picture the “Watch”, Tara’s eccentric group of friends formed throughout the book and their nightly meetings at the coffee shop. All from different backgrounds, they are an amazing group of women brought together. I loved Tara’s relationships with her parents, her friends, her brother, Ned, Wendy, Ike and even Seth and his family. Each character really taught Tara something about herself and were all placed there for a specific reason. There were so many things going on, but woven seamlessly together with a good ending. And the backdrop of Savannah, GA was fun too having been there to visit and could easily visualize the setting.
This book really made me think and then paired with the sermon this morning, challenged me in a way I haven’t been in a while. Reinforcement that God is in everything. The bad, the good, the people we come across each day; in every tough situation there is a lesson to be learned that will only make us stronger. And sometimes bad things happen so we can see the good in them or things in ourselves we may not have known before. That is what happened for Tara and Seth in One Last Thing.
Again an unexpected ride from my initial download, but a really great one. Be prepared for anything and everything and check out this book!
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for allowing me to preview this book!!
http://mydogearedpurpose.com/2015/03/...
That all being said, it was a wonderfully written book with great characters and had me hooked. And oddly enough, this morning’s sermon at our church hit on many points that were very relevant to this story. (Refer 2 Samuel 11-12 for the story of David & Bathsheba) Maybe deep down Seth wanted his secret to be discovered so he could work towards being free of it? The secrets and the guilt we carry will only continue to eat away at us. In order to be free of our secrets we must face them. And that is hard. That is what Seth and Tara must do in this book. And that is what David did in the Bible. And God is working behind the scenes through it all (or maybe right out in the open too.)
The big “secret” is uncovered very early in the book. The rest of the book is how one person’s (Seth’s) choices affect everyone else in their life. It’s very powerful and a real issue facing not only many people, but many Christian people. I was worried about the book turning into a big PSA (public service announcement) as I find a lot of books in the Christian genre can be. But while the message is definitely there, the story was good. Really good.
Your heart will ache with Tara. You can just picture the “Watch”, Tara’s eccentric group of friends formed throughout the book and their nightly meetings at the coffee shop. All from different backgrounds, they are an amazing group of women brought together. I loved Tara’s relationships with her parents, her friends, her brother, Ned, Wendy, Ike and even Seth and his family. Each character really taught Tara something about herself and were all placed there for a specific reason. There were so many things going on, but woven seamlessly together with a good ending. And the backdrop of Savannah, GA was fun too having been there to visit and could easily visualize the setting.
This book really made me think and then paired with the sermon this morning, challenged me in a way I haven’t been in a while. Reinforcement that God is in everything. The bad, the good, the people we come across each day; in every tough situation there is a lesson to be learned that will only make us stronger. And sometimes bad things happen so we can see the good in them or things in ourselves we may not have known before. That is what happened for Tara and Seth in One Last Thing.
Again an unexpected ride from my initial download, but a really great one. Be prepared for anything and everything and check out this book!
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for allowing me to preview this book!!
http://mydogearedpurpose.com/2015/03/...
August 2, 2015
This book tackles some tough issues, including pornography and child abuse. I give the authors credit for taking on these subjects, and the harm they can do not just to the people directly involved but to their families and other loved ones. I also appreciate the way it was handled from a Christian perspective, but they did not oversimplify the healing and recovery process. They didn't present it as "just give it to Jesus and all will be fine" but instead made it clear that there is work to be done to achieve healing, but that God is there to help people through the process. I thought the way they handled all this was pretty realistic and believable. It was also very thought-provoking when they pointed out that people who suffer from other addictions such as drugs and alcohol are welcomed into the Christian fold when they seek help and achieve sobriety, but that such acceptance (grace, forgiveness) is not extended to pornography addicts - I never thought about that before, but I imagine it is true. The thing I did not love about the book was the main character. She just seemed a little too perfect and spoiled. Of course, that was part of the point, that her outwardly perfect life was actually hiding a lot of secrets and could easily be shattered. But it was hard for me to relate to a character who spent more on her wedding dress than I did on my last car, and I found her insecurity and "inner voice" pretty irritating. And then how everyone seemed to fall all over themselves to be her best friend as soon as they met her. It's great that she made all these friends, but in my experience it is not that easy to become such close friends with a woman just because you serve her lunch or sell her some cookies. I know, that was just part of the story, but I didn't find that to be very realistic. I thought this novel was a good way to get some insight into a hidden problem that most people probably don't think much about unless they are personally affected.
August 29, 2017
Tara opens the Pandora's box as she walks on her fiance and discover his hidden side. A lot of houses of cards will go down from that moment. Could this be actually God's doing?
Ah, yes. And yes to this raw and real book! The authoresses are going very, very deep in this novel and they cover a lot of issues, almost no stones are staying unturned. And I like it very much. This is my second book from the tandem and I don't need any more proofs that to follow them about anything they graciously put in front of their readers.
What I love about this book is that the authoresses are on the real lookout for the true things. And are not shying from deep, honest look at the life issues. Yes, even pastors can be not the good people. Yes, you don't really know your loved ones. Yes, even the people you love are capable of sins, and big ones at that. Yes, there is cruelty in the world. Yes, there is pain and shame. Yes, the healing is not easy and certainly you need to walk the walk and not just say a couple of prayers and be fine (don't get me wrong, I strongly believe in the power of prayer. I just know that to be the true believer, you need to follow the way of the cross).
And yes, there are good people and God's people in the world. And yes, He has a plan. And He is here with us.
This book is mostly about sexual sins and their roots. Such an actual issue! I suffered with the characters. And my fingers are crossed for them to heal.
I can relate to Tara, sheltered girl loved by all who is going to realize she needs to grow up amongst all of the pain and to became a real thing. My fingers are crossed for Seth (and I even hope they can have a future together, still, just because now they really know each other). My heart goes out for Evelyn, Wendy and Alyssa.
And toast to GrandMary and The Watch! I wish to have you in my life.
Read this and be prepared for this raw and real ride - and the one stringly pointing towards hope. Let it resonate with you.
Ah, yes. And yes to this raw and real book! The authoresses are going very, very deep in this novel and they cover a lot of issues, almost no stones are staying unturned. And I like it very much. This is my second book from the tandem and I don't need any more proofs that to follow them about anything they graciously put in front of their readers.
What I love about this book is that the authoresses are on the real lookout for the true things. And are not shying from deep, honest look at the life issues. Yes, even pastors can be not the good people. Yes, you don't really know your loved ones. Yes, even the people you love are capable of sins, and big ones at that. Yes, there is cruelty in the world. Yes, there is pain and shame. Yes, the healing is not easy and certainly you need to walk the walk and not just say a couple of prayers and be fine (don't get me wrong, I strongly believe in the power of prayer. I just know that to be the true believer, you need to follow the way of the cross).
And yes, there are good people and God's people in the world. And yes, He has a plan. And He is here with us.
This book is mostly about sexual sins and their roots. Such an actual issue! I suffered with the characters. And my fingers are crossed for them to heal.
I can relate to Tara, sheltered girl loved by all who is going to realize she needs to grow up amongst all of the pain and to became a real thing. My fingers are crossed for Seth (and I even hope they can have a future together, still, just because now they really know each other). My heart goes out for Evelyn, Wendy and Alyssa.
And toast to GrandMary and The Watch! I wish to have you in my life.
Read this and be prepared for this raw and real ride - and the one stringly pointing towards hope. Let it resonate with you.
July 3, 2015
I believe that this is a good read for two reasons.
One, it challenges you to think about the "perfect people" around you and realize that no one is perfect. No not one, and it forces you to deal with people as they are, struggles and all. Now I will say that the main characters are wealthy, and with the burden of wealthy characters comes discussions where money seems to be thrown about like water, which at times seems unrealistic. I will say this for the book, all things considered, the further you get into the book the less money drowned it sounds. Honestly I don't see why wealthy characters bother people so much, because movies are full of them, but I digress.
Secondly, this book deals with the guilt of sins, past and presents, and how the stigma of those sins can either hold us back or make us warriors for the Lord. This book also talks about how others hold our sins over us and never let us forget and how to deal with that in a couple of different ways.
I believe that this book is wonderfully redeeming, if for no other character than the priest Ned. Without revealing to much, Ned is the kind of character that you long was alive, real, and you could invite or for coffee. He's refreshingly real, honest, and good. He's not self righteous which makes him that much more real. When I finished the book I honestly felt like if there were more Neds and less porcelain Christians in the world then the church would be more appealing to others.
One, it challenges you to think about the "perfect people" around you and realize that no one is perfect. No not one, and it forces you to deal with people as they are, struggles and all. Now I will say that the main characters are wealthy, and with the burden of wealthy characters comes discussions where money seems to be thrown about like water, which at times seems unrealistic. I will say this for the book, all things considered, the further you get into the book the less money drowned it sounds. Honestly I don't see why wealthy characters bother people so much, because movies are full of them, but I digress.
Secondly, this book deals with the guilt of sins, past and presents, and how the stigma of those sins can either hold us back or make us warriors for the Lord. This book also talks about how others hold our sins over us and never let us forget and how to deal with that in a couple of different ways.
I believe that this book is wonderfully redeeming, if for no other character than the priest Ned. Without revealing to much, Ned is the kind of character that you long was alive, real, and you could invite or for coffee. He's refreshingly real, honest, and good. He's not self righteous which makes him that much more real. When I finished the book I honestly felt like if there were more Neds and less porcelain Christians in the world then the church would be more appealing to others.
April 18, 2019
Pornography is a huge issue in our culture today that most Christians don't know how to react to appropriately. I admire that this book tried to expose that, but I had two problems with the execution.
First, the book went to the extreme. It tried to tackle pornography, prostitution, stripping, addiction, abuse, suicide, depression, financial instability, public shaming, etc. They also tried to present the various reactions to sexual addiction: underrating, disbelief, anger, grief, hatred, and compassion. I understand that all of those things are important. Sexual addiction is a complicated issue both for those who struggle and also for those around them. However, it's unrealistic to expect that all of these things are present in the life of most men and women who struggle with sexual addiction. The story was somewhat cheapened by that.
Second, and most importantly, the solution for the characters was not found in the Gospel. The main character and her fiancé were both brought to points of greater trust in God. However, the Christian themes in the book can be reduced to, "God loves you. He forgives you. You should pray about it." However, it's more powerful for the sake of the story and for our ultimate hope to know, "Your shame is great because you've sinned not just against others and against your reputation but against a holy God. However, in Christ, He died the most shameful death possible on the cross, taking your shame upon Himself. Because of that, that shame died with Jesus, and you have been raised with Him into new life. Now, you've been given the righteousness of Christ and God sees you as pure. Your identity is in that rather than what you've done. His grace is greater than your sin, no matter how horrible." In an effort to be accessible, the book skipped over the theological depth that is needed to help those who struggle. Because, while love and compassion and forgiveness from others, it's truly our relationship with God that should form the foundation of our identity.
First, the book went to the extreme. It tried to tackle pornography, prostitution, stripping, addiction, abuse, suicide, depression, financial instability, public shaming, etc. They also tried to present the various reactions to sexual addiction: underrating, disbelief, anger, grief, hatred, and compassion. I understand that all of those things are important. Sexual addiction is a complicated issue both for those who struggle and also for those around them. However, it's unrealistic to expect that all of these things are present in the life of most men and women who struggle with sexual addiction. The story was somewhat cheapened by that.
Second, and most importantly, the solution for the characters was not found in the Gospel. The main character and her fiancé were both brought to points of greater trust in God. However, the Christian themes in the book can be reduced to, "God loves you. He forgives you. You should pray about it." However, it's more powerful for the sake of the story and for our ultimate hope to know, "Your shame is great because you've sinned not just against others and against your reputation but against a holy God. However, in Christ, He died the most shameful death possible on the cross, taking your shame upon Himself. Because of that, that shame died with Jesus, and you have been raised with Him into new life. Now, you've been given the righteousness of Christ and God sees you as pure. Your identity is in that rather than what you've done. His grace is greater than your sin, no matter how horrible." In an effort to be accessible, the book skipped over the theological depth that is needed to help those who struggle. Because, while love and compassion and forgiveness from others, it's truly our relationship with God that should form the foundation of our identity.
March 10, 2016
Broken Hearts Can Heal
This is a difficult addiction that few talk about because of the shame that accompanies it. One truth that is tied to recovery is: you are only as sick as your secrets. It sounds simple but it's huge. One Last Thing is about the devastation of addiction and how there are layers that need to be peeled away and dealt with before the healing can begin.
Tara has been planning her wedding to Seth for a long time and then twenty one days before she is to walk down the aisle she discovers Seth sitting at his computer physically involved with unspeakable images on the screen. Her dream of marriage dies. Seth begs Tara not to tell anyone why the marriage was cancelled and because she's loved Seth for as long as she can remember she agrees. Tara is now alone with the knowledge of Seth's addiction.
The writing of St. James and Rue is flawless . They peel away, a layer at a time, all the heartbreak that goes along with the healing that must come if an addict is to break free from their addiction. I advised Tara for not breaking her promise to Seth. I often thought I would not have been able to do the same. This is a book you will not want to put down until you finish.
This is a difficult addiction that few talk about because of the shame that accompanies it. One truth that is tied to recovery is: you are only as sick as your secrets. It sounds simple but it's huge. One Last Thing is about the devastation of addiction and how there are layers that need to be peeled away and dealt with before the healing can begin.
Tara has been planning her wedding to Seth for a long time and then twenty one days before she is to walk down the aisle she discovers Seth sitting at his computer physically involved with unspeakable images on the screen. Her dream of marriage dies. Seth begs Tara not to tell anyone why the marriage was cancelled and because she's loved Seth for as long as she can remember she agrees. Tara is now alone with the knowledge of Seth's addiction.
The writing of St. James and Rue is flawless . They peel away, a layer at a time, all the heartbreak that goes along with the healing that must come if an addict is to break free from their addiction. I advised Tara for not breaking her promise to Seth. I often thought I would not have been able to do the same. This is a book you will not want to put down until you finish.
June 11, 2024
Yet another deep, compelling work by Nancy Rue and Rebecca St. James. I have long appreciated how Rue handles the tough subjects and credit her with helping me along my journey out of legalism. This book is no different as it deals with porn even in the church and the rippling, devastating effects of it. The female character seemed to suffer the most even tho it was her intended husband who was involved. So many good subtle points in the book on how to handle this issue along with the accompanying shame and guilt. One of the best pieces is to find counsel outside your circle - someone who cares but doesn’t know you.
January 16, 2017
It's hard to rate this one, or decide on a scale of one to five how much I liked it, because it was so much more than a simple plot and story. From just about page one, we follow Tara as she learns the shattering truth about her fiance's pornography addiction, and we follow her journey in dealing with that, every single messy part of it. This book had so much good about it. I loved the support system Tara drew around her, how she came to realize that she couldn't get through her situation on her own, that she needed others to support her and listen to her and help her work through the thousands of emotions Seth's choices and addition brought with them. I loved how varied her support system was--from her family to a priest she just happened to meet to a group of ladies that she'd never really met before but became integral to her. I liked seeing Tara find her way, learning what it meant to be her, rather than what was expected or even what she expected, and embracing that. I also loved how St. James depicted Seth's recovery, treating pornography as a legit addiction, complete with a need for rehab, intense support and help once he returned home, and a complete rewiring of himself. Pornography is one of those things that people brush under the rug, either as too embarrassing to discuss or as "not a big deal." I really appreciated how seriously St. James took the issue, and how fearless she was in writing an entire novel that explored the devastating effects pornography has not just on the user but on the family, friends, associates, etc., as well--how it's not harmless, or not affecting only the person that uses it, but has serious, lasting consequences for everyone, even the innocent bystanders. It's such a big issue to tackle, and I think St. James did a great job, particularly by focusing on the issue from Tara's point of view, as an insider and innocent victim, and letting her struggle and her journey be the driving force of the story, letting Seth and his recovery fade to more of a subplot than anything else.
June 25, 2016
I have mixed thoughts on this book. I liked it how it kept me engaged wondering what the next dramatic point would be and how things would work out. I like how it brings to light a terribly real issue porn and sexual addictions are even within the Christian community and it isn't diminished.
Also showing how these addictions are not always what they seem - sometimes there are deeper issues that trigger addictive behavior. A lot of people that sink into these addictions are good people that don't like the addiction but are stuck and need a place to come, heal and be recognized as a person instead of a monster. And Seth was a good man for protecting Tara and not wanting to view her as an object.
However parts of the book are over the top and a little too much such as Tara's brother, Kellen, reporting his best friend, Seth, to the media and Seth losing his job because he was angry is sister got hurt. That's a bit much when Seth was getting help/treatment.
Some reviews have indicated that Tara's reaction to the initial porn incident was a little rash. I don't think it was. If you've been so sheltered, protected and naive as she was, reading this book alone would have been shocking and revolting!
While this should have been a home run Christian book, the authors don't bring a lot of Christian faith to the table. Most of the counseling, healing, and processing was apart from the faith - not with church, other believers, and so on. That being said, church is many times the last place you want to go with these issues unless you are fortunate to go to a church that recognizes these issues and genuinely wants to help and not further shame and ex-communicate.
I think this is potentially a good read in pre-marital counseling because it could indirectly lead to some good discussion before getting married.
Also showing how these addictions are not always what they seem - sometimes there are deeper issues that trigger addictive behavior. A lot of people that sink into these addictions are good people that don't like the addiction but are stuck and need a place to come, heal and be recognized as a person instead of a monster. And Seth was a good man for protecting Tara and not wanting to view her as an object.
However parts of the book are over the top and a little too much such as Tara's brother, Kellen, reporting his best friend, Seth, to the media and Seth losing his job because he was angry is sister got hurt. That's a bit much when Seth was getting help/treatment.
Some reviews have indicated that Tara's reaction to the initial porn incident was a little rash. I don't think it was. If you've been so sheltered, protected and naive as she was, reading this book alone would have been shocking and revolting!
While this should have been a home run Christian book, the authors don't bring a lot of Christian faith to the table. Most of the counseling, healing, and processing was apart from the faith - not with church, other believers, and so on. That being said, church is many times the last place you want to go with these issues unless you are fortunate to go to a church that recognizes these issues and genuinely wants to help and not further shame and ex-communicate.
I think this is potentially a good read in pre-marital counseling because it could indirectly lead to some good discussion before getting married.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 11, 2015
I have really mixed reviews about this book. So I think the subject matter of sex addiction is really important. I will also add that I have never lived in Georgia. I think that the protagonist, Tara is not consistent. First of all, she has a Masters in Literature. I have a degree in English and one thing it teaches you is a great deal of Emotional Intelligence. This heroine does not display the EI that she would have gained as an avid reader. Not only that, she is developing a relationship with Christ which I respect but, she is so judgmental. The relationships with her friends are also slightly inconsistent.
What happens is that Tara walks in on her fiance while he is masturbating to porn. I think a Christian author handling this theme is brave and it opens a forum to confess pornography and sexual sin which I admire. She calls off her wedding 20 days before it happens because of this and she goes through a pain and a confusion that I would expect from an adolescent. She starts working, she loses weight. She agrees that she is not to discuss the postponement of the wedding with anyone and everyone thinks she is losing her mind and the onus of the tragedy falls upon her which I understand that level of stress but she takes it to another level. She starts working at a coffee shop and develops a network of friends that help her through the issue as parts of it start coming out. The press gets wind that her fiance is a sex addict and the guy loses his job and has to go to rehab.
I think this book needed a focus group before release.
What happens is that Tara walks in on her fiance while he is masturbating to porn. I think a Christian author handling this theme is brave and it opens a forum to confess pornography and sexual sin which I admire. She calls off her wedding 20 days before it happens because of this and she goes through a pain and a confusion that I would expect from an adolescent. She starts working, she loses weight. She agrees that she is not to discuss the postponement of the wedding with anyone and everyone thinks she is losing her mind and the onus of the tragedy falls upon her which I understand that level of stress but she takes it to another level. She starts working at a coffee shop and develops a network of friends that help her through the issue as parts of it start coming out. The press gets wind that her fiance is a sex addict and the guy loses his job and has to go to rehab.
I think this book needed a focus group before release.
October 9, 2015
When I first started reading ONE LAST THING I had been expecting one thing, but got quite another as I turned each page. Why I thought there would be a perfectly Happily Ever After I don't know, but the realistic story portrayed in this novel is astounding.
I wasn't quite prepared for how one man's decision to look at pornography could impact so much more than a relationship with his finance. It made me realize as the story progressed that ANY kind of addiction can hurt so many people around us and ultimately ourselves.
One of the hardest things about reading this novel is Tara's journey, yet it is so beautiful. I was so touched by her story in pursuing who she really was in Christ and experiencing His love for her own. She had many obstacles to overcome and by the end, she was able to look back and see God's love surrounding her through all the hardships.
Overall, ONE LAST THING is a fantastic novel (though I will mention it was slow in a few parts and is why I'm giving it 4 stars). I definitely don't recommend it to the light of heart, but it is one I would recommend to any woman who wants to do the next true thing in her life with Christ at the center.
*(I received this novel from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts expressed are my own and I was not required to write a positive review.)*
I wasn't quite prepared for how one man's decision to look at pornography could impact so much more than a relationship with his finance. It made me realize as the story progressed that ANY kind of addiction can hurt so many people around us and ultimately ourselves.
One of the hardest things about reading this novel is Tara's journey, yet it is so beautiful. I was so touched by her story in pursuing who she really was in Christ and experiencing His love for her own. She had many obstacles to overcome and by the end, she was able to look back and see God's love surrounding her through all the hardships.
Overall, ONE LAST THING is a fantastic novel (though I will mention it was slow in a few parts and is why I'm giving it 4 stars). I definitely don't recommend it to the light of heart, but it is one I would recommend to any woman who wants to do the next true thing in her life with Christ at the center.
*(I received this novel from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts expressed are my own and I was not required to write a positive review.)*
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