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As Is
The author has made this Special Edition of "As Is" available for purchase with ALL PROFANITY REMOVED. Life is hard for Mara Shaw. One bad relationship after another has left her a single mother with no faith in anything. She is unable to trust in anyone . . . including herself. She decides to start afresh, and never allow herself to be hurt again. Graydon Davidson walks into her life and begins to show her the truth. While the truth is hard to accept, it is also the key to her freedom. Is this gorgeous and compassionate stranger the answer to all her dreams? Or will specters from her past which emerge to haunt her take over? Mara is faced with a choice that will change her life forever.
354 pages, Paperback
First published June 5, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 7, 2015
This book and I we have been through quote a journey. It all started when I first found out about this book through a goodreads giveaway. Then the author contacts me and asks me to join her Street Team, so now I get a bunch of emails and promotions through her. This is when I became really good friends with her. I got a copy of 30 below through kindle, and I helped her along with my other friends, edit it. Then I got into the Acknowledgements section of the book, and I started to tear up. That really made my day. After that, I got a bunch of T-Shirts and little bookmarks from her for my birthday.
This may not all have something to do with the book, but this book led to all of that, and I will never forget it :)
Now onto the book, if you like Christian modern romance, you'll like this book. But be warned, it has cursing and maybe alittle adult content, so forwarn :)
But trust me, if you ever see this book somewhere (most likely Amazon), get it, it's rally good, and try out her Degrees of Discernment series, it's really good too!!!
This may not all have something to do with the book, but this book led to all of that, and I will never forget it :)
Now onto the book, if you like Christian modern romance, you'll like this book. But be warned, it has cursing and maybe alittle adult content, so forwarn :)
But trust me, if you ever see this book somewhere (most likely Amazon), get it, it's rally good, and try out her Degrees of Discernment series, it's really good too!!!
June 6, 2014
I am the author's husband so I better give this one a good review! But I can honestly say, it was a good read. Wendy is so great at creating real, interesting, believable characters that you become invested in. Mara is a mess! And Graydon has got it together. I loved how they interacted and how she learned from him. I loved how I saw the journey she walked and felt like I was walking right next to her. There were a lot of tools and coping skills written in the story that I can apply to my own life and that was cool. There are some heavy themes but also some comic relief. I was shocked by the ending. I didn't see it coming at all. It is obvious she poured herself into this story and let God guide her. It's a great story that I won't forget.
August 8, 2014
As Is
By: Wendy Stenzel Oleston
Spoiler alert in this review: This is a very thought provoking book. Real life issues, questions, and troubles are talked about and dealt with from being an alcoholic to losing a job to someone spreading rumors that aren’t true. How would it be if Jesus was right by your side as you endured these? What would he say to you as you go through life? Mara has a life filled with hard choices and consequences from her past. Can she accept her freedom as Graydon Davidson presents it, or will she reject what he has to offer?
Mara has been court-ordered to attend counseling. On the way there she meets Graydon. He becomes an integral part of her and her son’s life. He opens her eyes to a life filled with forgiveness, second chances, and God’s love for her. Can she accept what he is teaching her? Can she believe someone would love her for who she is and that there is nothing she can do to make his love stronger because he already loves her and went through so much just for her? Graydon asks her point blank questions, and makes her think about her actions. Sometimes we need to have a one-on-one conversation with God to find out where we stand with him. Our thoughts and actions could be holding us back from accomplishing so much for him.
The conversations between Mara and Graydon are so realistic. I felt like I was right there, especially when he’s looking in the mirror and tells her to look and see what she sees. She can never see past what is right there to see what God sees in her. God sees on the inside. Sometimes that’s harder to show others, but God knows what is there.
There is cursing in this book, which I think takes away from what the author is trying to do here. The words are used in context to what is going on, but they take me out of the story every time one is used. After finishing the book and realizing what I had thought was right, I want to go back and read it again, but I don’t want to because of the words. The story, characters, and meaning are excellently woven throughout. Once you finish the book, you are left with your thoughts. Is Jesus part of your everyday decision making processes? Is he the first one you think to talk to when you have an issue come up? What would it be like to have him right there with you, to talk to, to hug, to feel his love in all that you do? This book brings this out so poignantly. Jesus loves us this much. He wants to be this close to all of us as we go through life.
If there was a version without the curse words, I would say this book would be a great addition to read to get a full understanding of how it would be having Jesus right there with you, going through life with you. This book puts that into perspective in such a way, that even after reading the book, you still feel him there. You can have conversations with God; you just have to be willing to listen for the answer and accept what he has to say.
I can’t say too much more without giving the whole book away. If you don’t mind the curse words and can skip over them, I say pick up this book today. You won’t regret it! If they bother you, it will take away from the book and you won’t get out of it what you should. I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
By: Wendy Stenzel Oleston
Spoiler alert in this review: This is a very thought provoking book. Real life issues, questions, and troubles are talked about and dealt with from being an alcoholic to losing a job to someone spreading rumors that aren’t true. How would it be if Jesus was right by your side as you endured these? What would he say to you as you go through life? Mara has a life filled with hard choices and consequences from her past. Can she accept her freedom as Graydon Davidson presents it, or will she reject what he has to offer?
Mara has been court-ordered to attend counseling. On the way there she meets Graydon. He becomes an integral part of her and her son’s life. He opens her eyes to a life filled with forgiveness, second chances, and God’s love for her. Can she accept what he is teaching her? Can she believe someone would love her for who she is and that there is nothing she can do to make his love stronger because he already loves her and went through so much just for her? Graydon asks her point blank questions, and makes her think about her actions. Sometimes we need to have a one-on-one conversation with God to find out where we stand with him. Our thoughts and actions could be holding us back from accomplishing so much for him.
The conversations between Mara and Graydon are so realistic. I felt like I was right there, especially when he’s looking in the mirror and tells her to look and see what she sees. She can never see past what is right there to see what God sees in her. God sees on the inside. Sometimes that’s harder to show others, but God knows what is there.
There is cursing in this book, which I think takes away from what the author is trying to do here. The words are used in context to what is going on, but they take me out of the story every time one is used. After finishing the book and realizing what I had thought was right, I want to go back and read it again, but I don’t want to because of the words. The story, characters, and meaning are excellently woven throughout. Once you finish the book, you are left with your thoughts. Is Jesus part of your everyday decision making processes? Is he the first one you think to talk to when you have an issue come up? What would it be like to have him right there with you, to talk to, to hug, to feel his love in all that you do? This book brings this out so poignantly. Jesus loves us this much. He wants to be this close to all of us as we go through life.
If there was a version without the curse words, I would say this book would be a great addition to read to get a full understanding of how it would be having Jesus right there with you, going through life with you. This book puts that into perspective in such a way, that even after reading the book, you still feel him there. You can have conversations with God; you just have to be willing to listen for the answer and accept what he has to say.
I can’t say too much more without giving the whole book away. If you don’t mind the curse words and can skip over them, I say pick up this book today. You won’t regret it! If they bother you, it will take away from the book and you won’t get out of it what you should. I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
November 25, 2014
First of all, I would like to put it out there that I am not Christian.
However the author thought I might be interested in it, so hey: why not give it a go?
Wheeeeeeeeeww.
Let's talk about the beginning. Right off the bat the story starts in media res (middle of the "action", per say). We've got our main character, Mara Shaw, going to her new therapist due to her attempted suicide. Now, you expect it to start off with a serious tone and have the whole story carry this heavy and serious tone with this great meaning towards the end and etc.
Well let me tell you, ladies and gentlemen: it starts off with a light-hearted tone.
In fact, I was laughing.
Don't get me wrong, there is seriousness to this story, but Oleston was able to create this sense of reality and humor that glides along with the blanket of deep meaning. If I didn't know any better, I would have thought it was kind of like a Rom-Com in the beginning, what with the way Mara and Graydon meet and talk. It was soooo cute! It added a sense of realism to the book, especially since it's Christian Fiction. Which leads me to the topic of religion.
I feel like there's this stigma to the genre of Christian Fiction, like the books in that genre have to be written in a certain way: no exceptions. I also feel like Oleston's books are sometimes looked down upon because it's not necessarily written like a majority of Christian Fiction books (Granted, I have not read many CF books, so please correct me if I am wrong). It's like... "Omg, is this really in a Christian Fiction book? It is a sin!" etc. (please keep in mind that this is just an example). Especially since there's a glass of wine right there smack in the middle of the cover. But either way, I was kind of expecting to get bombarded with religion.
Picture
I have a news flash, folks: I was not bombarded with religion. Read More
However the author thought I might be interested in it, so hey: why not give it a go?
Wheeeeeeeeeww.
Let's talk about the beginning. Right off the bat the story starts in media res (middle of the "action", per say). We've got our main character, Mara Shaw, going to her new therapist due to her attempted suicide. Now, you expect it to start off with a serious tone and have the whole story carry this heavy and serious tone with this great meaning towards the end and etc.
Well let me tell you, ladies and gentlemen: it starts off with a light-hearted tone.
In fact, I was laughing.
Don't get me wrong, there is seriousness to this story, but Oleston was able to create this sense of reality and humor that glides along with the blanket of deep meaning. If I didn't know any better, I would have thought it was kind of like a Rom-Com in the beginning, what with the way Mara and Graydon meet and talk. It was soooo cute! It added a sense of realism to the book, especially since it's Christian Fiction. Which leads me to the topic of religion.
I feel like there's this stigma to the genre of Christian Fiction, like the books in that genre have to be written in a certain way: no exceptions. I also feel like Oleston's books are sometimes looked down upon because it's not necessarily written like a majority of Christian Fiction books (Granted, I have not read many CF books, so please correct me if I am wrong). It's like... "Omg, is this really in a Christian Fiction book? It is a sin!" etc. (please keep in mind that this is just an example). Especially since there's a glass of wine right there smack in the middle of the cover. But either way, I was kind of expecting to get bombarded with religion.
Picture
I have a news flash, folks: I was not bombarded with religion. Read More
May 14, 2015
Life is hard for Mara Shaw. One bad relationship after another has left her a single mother with no faith in anything. She is unable to trust in anyone . . . including herself. She decides to start afresh, and never allow herself to be hurt again.
Graydon Davidson walks into her life and begins to show her the truth. While the truth is hard to accept, it is also the key to her freedom. Is this gorgeous and compassionate stranger the answer to all her dreams? Or will specters from her past which emerge to haunt her take over? Mara is faced with a choice that will change her life forever.
Even if you are not a Christian, this book is thought invoking and everyone can take something away from this book after reading this book with a new outlook on life. Definitely a five star read!
(Please note that I read this book several months ago and did not realize that I had not posted this review. My apologies to the author as I wish I had shared this amazing book so much sooner.)
Graydon Davidson walks into her life and begins to show her the truth. While the truth is hard to accept, it is also the key to her freedom. Is this gorgeous and compassionate stranger the answer to all her dreams? Or will specters from her past which emerge to haunt her take over? Mara is faced with a choice that will change her life forever.
Even if you are not a Christian, this book is thought invoking and everyone can take something away from this book after reading this book with a new outlook on life. Definitely a five star read!
(Please note that I read this book several months ago and did not realize that I had not posted this review. My apologies to the author as I wish I had shared this amazing book so much sooner.)
May 19, 2015
As Is by Wendy Oleston is a Christian Fantasy novel. It shows the trials and tribulations of Mara Shaw. Mara's life is one hot mess. She has had so many disappointments, heartaches and almost anything and everything that could go wrong with her relationship wise, has happened to her. Mara's trust in others is diminished and she is struggling everyday to survive.
One day Mara meets Graydon Davidson. He is unlike anyone she has ever met. He shows her the truth about life. He makes her think and believe in a way that makes her a better person, but is she willing to accept it.
This book is different from from any book I have ever read. It makes you realize the hardships and struggles everyone goes through brings them to the path they are meant to be on. The message of believing in a higher power and turning your troubles over to that higher power will allow you to accomplish any goal you set your mind to. This was a good read and very thought provoking.
One day Mara meets Graydon Davidson. He is unlike anyone she has ever met. He shows her the truth about life. He makes her think and believe in a way that makes her a better person, but is she willing to accept it.
This book is different from from any book I have ever read. It makes you realize the hardships and struggles everyone goes through brings them to the path they are meant to be on. The message of believing in a higher power and turning your troubles over to that higher power will allow you to accomplish any goal you set your mind to. This was a good read and very thought provoking.
October 26, 2015
Not true spoilers in my review, but hard to tell what I thought of the book without including some subtle hinting.
Thank you Wendy for opening up your heart to your readers. I have never drank, but Mara was still very relatable to me. I think we all need a reminder of how much God loves us; that he takes us "As Is".
The ending totally surprised me. I had an inkling at the beginning as to how parts might play out, but as the book went on, I was beginning to doubt my initial thought. I do appreciate your afterword in the book as it opens up more of your intent behind why you choose certain plot lines, etc.
After reading "As Is", I would definitely like to read your Degrees of Discernment series. I enjoyed your relatable characters, story line, and underlying spiritual truths.
Thank you Wendy for opening up your heart to your readers. I have never drank, but Mara was still very relatable to me. I think we all need a reminder of how much God loves us; that he takes us "As Is".
The ending totally surprised me. I had an inkling at the beginning as to how parts might play out, but as the book went on, I was beginning to doubt my initial thought. I do appreciate your afterword in the book as it opens up more of your intent behind why you choose certain plot lines, etc.
After reading "As Is", I would definitely like to read your Degrees of Discernment series. I enjoyed your relatable characters, story line, and underlying spiritual truths.
May 16, 2015
Wonderful
I will be as honest as I can with this review, I am not a religious person and have never in my life read a Christian fantasy or romance. But having said that I found this book to be a wonderful , powerful and emotional story in which I am glad I read. Mara has a mindset a lot like me and as a result of reading this I am going to make a conscious effort to try to reduce some of my negative thoughts, No it has not sparked me to seek religion but it did open my eyes about the way I see myself and that is why I am very glad to have read this book. It is a good story , with a lot of struggle and a great friendship , even if religious books are not your thing , just give it a shot
I will be as honest as I can with this review, I am not a religious person and have never in my life read a Christian fantasy or romance. But having said that I found this book to be a wonderful , powerful and emotional story in which I am glad I read. Mara has a mindset a lot like me and as a result of reading this I am going to make a conscious effort to try to reduce some of my negative thoughts, No it has not sparked me to seek religion but it did open my eyes about the way I see myself and that is why I am very glad to have read this book. It is a good story , with a lot of struggle and a great friendship , even if religious books are not your thing , just give it a shot
May 25, 2015
Where do I start? To keep it simple.. Mara has had a string of relationships that would ruin anyone. She's been through enough difficult times to make any woman break. While she's managed to keep her life together she runs into Graydon. Graydon is strong willed and obviously goes for and gets what he wants.
This author has captured the distress in any relationship and how love can continuously be misconstrued in our own life but its important we learn from our path.
If you have not at one point felt as broken as Mara, you know someone who has and have felt that pain. This book is nothing like I've read before.
This author has captured the distress in any relationship and how love can continuously be misconstrued in our own life but its important we learn from our path.
If you have not at one point felt as broken as Mara, you know someone who has and have felt that pain. This book is nothing like I've read before.
October 7, 2015
**I was given a copy from the author.**
“As Is” was one of the best books I have read in a while. Once I started reading it, I honestly didn’t want to stop. This is the second Christian book that I’ve read, but it doesn’t matter what religion you are, if you have faith that’s all you need. Anyone and everyone can relate to the characters in this story. I loved Mara and Graydon, and this book will definitely pull at your heart strings. There were moments that made you laugh, so don’t think this read is too “deep” however, you will definitely feel a certain type of way after read this book; a good way. Would I recommend this? Yes! Would I read more of Wendy Oleston’s books? Absolutely.
“As Is” was one of the best books I have read in a while. Once I started reading it, I honestly didn’t want to stop. This is the second Christian book that I’ve read, but it doesn’t matter what religion you are, if you have faith that’s all you need. Anyone and everyone can relate to the characters in this story. I loved Mara and Graydon, and this book will definitely pull at your heart strings. There were moments that made you laugh, so don’t think this read is too “deep” however, you will definitely feel a certain type of way after read this book; a good way. Would I recommend this? Yes! Would I read more of Wendy Oleston’s books? Absolutely.
September 24, 2016
I was wary when i got this book due to the " christian "tag it came with with but the synopsis intrigued me .Mara is now a single mum , life hasn't been very good to her & her bad choices led to her attempting to take her own life .I started with the idea that this was going to be a god squad book but while religion is involved its more about keeping faith & the journey that Mara makes through the very bad times to reach the good especially when she connects with Graydon . This book took me on a rollercoaster of emotions & i couldn't put it down ,I won't be so quick to reject a christian themed book in future or id of missed out on this wonderful story
June 22, 2014
I received an Advanced Reader's copy of this book. I truly could not put it down. Wendy Oleston has an amazing talent for recounting conversations and making me feel like I'm there listening to it. The big "surprise" at the end truly was a surprise; I had no idea it was coming and made me appreciate the book that much more. Any Christian and especially those in recovery will find this an inspirational and outstanding read. I felt so good about my life after I read this book.
March 9, 2015
A good author can make the reader get lost in the story. An excellent story will stay with the reader long after it’s done. The courage it took Wendy to write this is obvious, and she told it well. There aren’t many books that I will reread; this is an exception. I wanted to give it 4 stars, I had already read 30 below and saw how much Wendy has grown as a writer. The problem I had was that the content was 5 stars. I just couldn't do it.
May 16, 2015
As is, is just that. Once I picked it up I couldn't put it down and didn't want to as I went to bed. I cried through most parts and laughed in others. Mara is a woman who is struggling with life in all different aspects. Graydon is a gentleman with a knack for seemly putting her on the right path to get closer to God and discovering her true self and her self worth. Will she see everything in a new light or will the log in her eye keep her from seeing her true self and her worth to God.
December 1, 2014
I absolutely loved this book!!! The farther I got into it the more I couldn't put it down! I am a born again Christian and this interpretation of the love of Jesus for us all was remarkable! His love for us is amazing and we have no idea how deep it is! Thank you Wendy for writing this book!! I can't wait to read more of your works!!
March 16, 2015
Loved this book
This book was full of emotions. Love the way Mara and Graydon met. Graydon was an awesome influence throughout all Mara's up and down emotional roller coaster. Loved all the Christian thoughts and ideas in this book. The ending was totally unexpected. Loved it though.
This book was full of emotions. Love the way Mara and Graydon met. Graydon was an awesome influence throughout all Mara's up and down emotional roller coaster. Loved all the Christian thoughts and ideas in this book. The ending was totally unexpected. Loved it though.
August 23, 2014
I loved this book. It's not my usual style but it was a captivating page turner.
January 13, 2015
As Is blew me a way with all its twists and turns. I was hooked from page one. I fell in love with the character right away.
December 19, 2014
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I connected on different levels with the female character. Looking forward to reading more by this author.
October 22, 2015
I received this book from the author as a freebie from a gift a book facebook page. Wow. Just wow. Such a fantastic, beautiful read. I can't wait to read more of your books Wendy!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews