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Mended Hearts #2
Justified
In a small Texas town ruled by gossip, Fawn Blaylock believes others are justified in condemning her untimely pregnancy. Stifled by guilt, she yearns for grace while the local football coach treats her with gentle respect.
Justified perfectly captures the rhythm and romance of life in a small town, telling the unforgettable story of a woman searching for renewal, a man looking beyond what others see, and a community torn between judgment and love. It is the unforgettable story of broken dreams, second chances, and relentless hope.
Justified perfectly captures the rhythm and romance of life in a small town, telling the unforgettable story of a woman searching for renewal, a man looking beyond what others see, and a community torn between judgment and love. It is the unforgettable story of broken dreams, second chances, and relentless hope.
416 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2015
47 people are currently reading
948 people want to read
About the author
Varina Denman
5 books309 followersVarina Denman enjoys writing fiction about women and the unique struggles they face. She seems to have a knack for describing small town life, and her debut novel, Jaded, won the ACFW Genesis Contest, the BRMCWC Selah Award, and the INSPYs Bloggers’ Award for Excellence in Faith-Driven Literature.
She attended three universities over a span of five years, majoring in four subjects and earning zero degrees. However, she can now boast sixteen years as a home educator, volunteering in her local cooperative where she has taught numerous subjects including creative writing and literature. Varina lives in North Texas where she and her husband volunteer as a marriage mentors. She is represented by Jessica Kirkland of Kirkland Media Management.
She attended three universities over a span of five years, majoring in four subjects and earning zero degrees. However, she can now boast sixteen years as a home educator, volunteering in her local cooperative where she has taught numerous subjects including creative writing and literature. Varina lives in North Texas where she and her husband volunteer as a marriage mentors. She is represented by Jessica Kirkland of Kirkland Media Management.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
February 6, 2017
Over the past couple of years, I tried two other times to start and read this book. My friends loved it, but I had a hard time getting into it. Finally I gritted my teeth and dived in a few days ago, determined to mine until I found the gold.
Well, I did end up liking Fawn a lot. Ruthie was my favorite character, and I may go back and read her story just so I can see how she fell in love with her man. JohnScott was good, but I just couldn't get past the whole he-was-her-teacher thing. It just didn't work.
If Fawn had narrated the whole book, I probably would have given it four stars, or perhaps 3.5. I found myself skimming over the non-Fawn parts to get back to the Fawn parts. I might have liked more JohnScott parts, because in the end I didn't feel like I knew him a lot. But absolutely no Tyler parts...and why the brief parts in Clyde's view and Fawn's mom's view? Keep it simple.
Pluses: Fawn loving her kid in spite of everything; the strong pro-life message. Ruthie. Velma. Fawn and her mom finally talking (shocker! Parents and kids talking to each other! Long overdue for those two, but at least it happened.)
Fails:
First and foremost, Tyler. Such an unbelievable character. I mean, Fawn was supposed to have been in love with him, and yet he is a stalking creeper? A rich kid and privileged, yet carving a brand on his own arm? Nobody noticing he is stalking her? He acted like some bum, always drinking and hanging around and acting possessive. Shoving her around in public, then showing up at her house with tons of gifts. Ultimately, I think it would have made a lot more psychological sense for him to have raped her and gotten her pregnant than to think he was someone who had some sort of "social standing" that her dad would want. And the ending...
JohnScott. Also not deeply consistent. Saying he is caring for her but not finding out what Tyler is up to? Coming over to her place all alone when he knows he feels attracted to her? Portrayed as a nice guy...but I missed a lot of real chemistry between them. More scenes of the going to shoe polish the windows and the showing up at the hospital in a dust storm, and I'd feel much more sure of their relationship.
Reality. Oh my goodness, the ending! The accident/crash was just not believable. Explain it. Show me how it could have worked. The scenes were heavy on the emotion and low on the detail. I felt every bit of Fawn's panic for her child and her need to get to the truck, but...the crash happened off-camera, so to speak. It was never explained and was totally unrealistic.
Profanity. Tyler uses out and out profanity. Not cool. Not acceptable in any Christian book, spelled out, and definitely not needed in that context.
Nudity/steaminess. Tyler watching her remove her bra? Gross! Deciding her chest had improved? Her talk about her breast milk soaking her pads in her bra? Then...JohnScott going to "make out" with her on a date? Talking about tongues in kissing? A guy showing up with his jeans unzipped? This is just way over the top for what I expect in a clean Christian novel. None of it was appropriate in real life for unmarried Christians, especially ones who aren't even sure yet that they want to date with marriage in view. Even appropriate stuff, though, I don't want to see. It's fun to see couples kiss and hold hands and giggle together. To see them rub their hands all over each other, devour each other's faces, and lay on top of each other is something entirely out of order in public and not something I want to read about in a book. Definitely not in a Christian book.
In the end, this book had way too many inconsistencies for me to enjoy it, and the flat characterization of the creepy, horrid villain was a huge misfit in a contemporary romance. I may or may not try another later book by this author to see if her writing improves.
I received a free copy through NetGalley and was not required to write a favorable review.
Well, I did end up liking Fawn a lot. Ruthie was my favorite character, and I may go back and read her story just so I can see how she fell in love with her man. JohnScott was good, but I just couldn't get past the whole he-was-her-teacher thing. It just didn't work.
If Fawn had narrated the whole book, I probably would have given it four stars, or perhaps 3.5. I found myself skimming over the non-Fawn parts to get back to the Fawn parts. I might have liked more JohnScott parts, because in the end I didn't feel like I knew him a lot. But absolutely no Tyler parts...and why the brief parts in Clyde's view and Fawn's mom's view? Keep it simple.
Pluses: Fawn loving her kid in spite of everything; the strong pro-life message. Ruthie. Velma. Fawn and her mom finally talking (shocker! Parents and kids talking to each other! Long overdue for those two, but at least it happened.)
Fails:
First and foremost, Tyler. Such an unbelievable character. I mean, Fawn was supposed to have been in love with him, and yet he is a stalking creeper? A rich kid and privileged, yet carving a brand on his own arm? Nobody noticing he is stalking her? He acted like some bum, always drinking and hanging around and acting possessive. Shoving her around in public, then showing up at her house with tons of gifts. Ultimately, I think it would have made a lot more psychological sense for him to have raped her and gotten her pregnant than to think he was someone who had some sort of "social standing" that her dad would want. And the ending...
JohnScott. Also not deeply consistent. Saying he is caring for her but not finding out what Tyler is up to? Coming over to her place all alone when he knows he feels attracted to her? Portrayed as a nice guy...but I missed a lot of real chemistry between them. More scenes of the going to shoe polish the windows and the showing up at the hospital in a dust storm, and I'd feel much more sure of their relationship.
Reality. Oh my goodness, the ending! The accident/crash was just not believable. Explain it. Show me how it could have worked. The scenes were heavy on the emotion and low on the detail. I felt every bit of Fawn's panic for her child and her need to get to the truck, but...the crash happened off-camera, so to speak. It was never explained and was totally unrealistic.
Profanity. Tyler uses out and out profanity. Not cool. Not acceptable in any Christian book, spelled out, and definitely not needed in that context.
Nudity/steaminess. Tyler watching her remove her bra? Gross! Deciding her chest had improved? Her talk about her breast milk soaking her pads in her bra? Then...JohnScott going to "make out" with her on a date? Talking about tongues in kissing? A guy showing up with his jeans unzipped? This is just way over the top for what I expect in a clean Christian novel. None of it was appropriate in real life for unmarried Christians, especially ones who aren't even sure yet that they want to date with marriage in view. Even appropriate stuff, though, I don't want to see. It's fun to see couples kiss and hold hands and giggle together. To see them rub their hands all over each other, devour each other's faces, and lay on top of each other is something entirely out of order in public and not something I want to read about in a book. Definitely not in a Christian book.
In the end, this book had way too many inconsistencies for me to enjoy it, and the flat characterization of the creepy, horrid villain was a huge misfit in a contemporary romance. I may or may not try another later book by this author to see if her writing improves.
I received a free copy through NetGalley and was not required to write a favorable review.
December 4, 2016
I finished it! ❤️ Wow, I really enjoyed this second book in the series and I think she might be my favorite Christian writer right now. I stayed up very late last night and had to force myself to put it down. Great characters and great writing in this story. She did a good job pulling me in and lots of chemistry between the characters. I loved how she caused me to think about how I would handle each situation and what or how Christian's should act when people stumble in their walk. Really, really good. I can't wait to read book three. Merry Christmas everybody.
April 26, 2020
While I liked Jaded a little bit more, Justified was very good. In fact, I couldn’t put it down (I tried and before I knew it I finished the whole book). It showed the messiness of life, how choices can be better but harder and the value of good friends. The writing was top-notch and I really enjoyed it.
December 7, 2017
Justified is a wonderful continuation of the Mended Hearts series and the story of Trapp, Texas. This story focuses on Fawn Blaylock, and while at first, I wondered how well I might relate to her, I soon fell into Denman's easy, true-to-life style of story-telling. Once again, the first-person narration makes Fawn's character jump off the page and become someone that I related to and rooted for. She grows so much within the course of the story, and even when I was frustrated with her actions, I still understood them and empathized with her.
And, oh, John Scott. He just about has to be one of the most genuine, all around good guys that I've ever had the pleasure to meet in a fictional setting. There is something refreshing about a male lead that is just a good guy. Not flashy, just steady, unpretentious and, in John Scott's case, perhaps a bit unsettled when it comes to talking with a pretty girl.
Denman writes in such a manner that connects me to the characters and their lives. I felt such a range of emotions while reading this (and the other two Mended Hearts) books, and it's really impressive to me that she is able to produce such an emotional variety on my part. I don't react strongly to every book I read, so when I do, I know I've found one for the keeper shelf and another author to add to my "will always read" list.
And, oh, John Scott. He just about has to be one of the most genuine, all around good guys that I've ever had the pleasure to meet in a fictional setting. There is something refreshing about a male lead that is just a good guy. Not flashy, just steady, unpretentious and, in John Scott's case, perhaps a bit unsettled when it comes to talking with a pretty girl.
Denman writes in such a manner that connects me to the characters and their lives. I felt such a range of emotions while reading this (and the other two Mended Hearts) books, and it's really impressive to me that she is able to produce such an emotional variety on my part. I don't react strongly to every book I read, so when I do, I know I've found one for the keeper shelf and another author to add to my "will always read" list.
May 22, 2016
Justified is the second book of the Mended Hearts series.
I am very much enjoying this series about the residents of fictional Trapp, Texas. Varina Denman's writing is simple, rather than flowery. She inserts some humor into the voice of her characters. What I like the most is the trials that we live through with her characters.
In Justified, the focus is on Fawn, a girl from a rich family that gets pregnant out of wedlock and JohnScott, a young football coach that lives in a mobile home on his parent's land. I adored JohnScott. He is such an admirable character and while his flaws made him realistic, they were few.
I look forward to continuing the series.
I am very much enjoying this series about the residents of fictional Trapp, Texas. Varina Denman's writing is simple, rather than flowery. She inserts some humor into the voice of her characters. What I like the most is the trials that we live through with her characters.
In Justified, the focus is on Fawn, a girl from a rich family that gets pregnant out of wedlock and JohnScott, a young football coach that lives in a mobile home on his parent's land. I adored JohnScott. He is such an admirable character and while his flaws made him realistic, they were few.
I look forward to continuing the series.
February 5, 2017
By Andrea Renee Cox
There were not many things I liked about this book. The hero was really well crafted, and the theme of forgiving oneself shone through. However, the antagonist seemed more apt to be in a suspense/horror book than a romance, there was a bit of nudity and ogling a woman's naked body, and the Lord's name was used inappropriately at least twice. Perhaps this style of book will be enjoyed by someone else, but it was not to my taste.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. I was not asked to write a positive review. These opinions are my own.
There were not many things I liked about this book. The hero was really well crafted, and the theme of forgiving oneself shone through. However, the antagonist seemed more apt to be in a suspense/horror book than a romance, there was a bit of nudity and ogling a woman's naked body, and the Lord's name was used inappropriately at least twice. Perhaps this style of book will be enjoyed by someone else, but it was not to my taste.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. I was not asked to write a positive review. These opinions are my own.
April 30, 2015
I received this book as an Advanced Reader Copy via the publisher at NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
I really didn’t know what to expect from this book. I received an email from the editor at The Christian Manifesto asking for a reviewer. After looking at the description, it sounded like a book that would interest me; so I took on the assignment. In hindsight, the description is deeper than the book itself.
I had a lot of issues with this book.
The book was written in first person from Fawn’s perspective alternating with third person somewhat omniscient from Tyler and JohnScott’s perspectives.
Can we just pause here for a moment and say how much I hated pretty much every character’s name? Okay, small nitpick done.
Fawn is spoiled and whiney. One of her main focuses being to get back into her pre-pregnancy designer clothes. Tyler and JohnScott are both more caricatures than realistic characters. The rest of the supporting characters really don’t seem to have much to them. They are really more plot devices, coming in to play their part and then stepping out, than a part of the ongoing story. I didn’t feel that any of the characters were more than one-dimensional or grew as the story progressed.
The dialogue was hard to follow and jumped around from topic to topic before circling back around. The characters also belabored their introspection.
I really didn’t get a grasp of the small town feel that is mentioned in the description. The characters are going back and forth between bigger Texas cities a lot. There really is not a lot of gossip or condemnation (other than self) for Fawn to deal with. A lot of it seems to be in her head.
The romantic relating…wasn’t. I felt like a lot of the interactions were cheesy or over the top. I didn’t really care if anyone got together or had a happily ever after.
As far as spiritual elements to the story, it seems like Fawn tries to have some sort of spiritual revelation of her worth and her forgiveness. However, it just missed the mark for me. There was not a lot about redemption or justification aside from a few conversations Fawn and JohnScott have. The majority of the people who are nice to Fawn are non-Christians. The church people who are supposedly condemning her just simply aren’t mentioned much (other than throwing her a baby shower.
Aside from those overarching issues, there were so many minor things that just didn’t make sense. For instance, when a character drank some water and its wetness “washed the soot of bitterness from her lungs.” What?!? Hopefully the water she drank didn’t get into her lungs. That can be deadly. Then you have Tyler being able to observe nuances of actions and facial expressions from Fawn’s parents across the street in their car from where he was sitting in his truck (although the text had previously said he’d driven off). Fawn states that JohnScott was at fault along with her for an altercation she has with Tyler at a football game. Nowhere does the text support that JohnScott has any guilt to hold in that.
There were also smaller inconsistencies. The pastor walking to the front of the church then all of a sudden in the back with other characters. Fawn thinking about the football game and then the text saying by the time she got home she had already pushed the game far from her mind. Later she goes to one of JohnScott’s football games with the rationalization that going will put him out of her mind. Other inconsistencies or head scratching incidents would include spoilers but suffice it to say there were plenty.
Then there was just wrong information like when Fawn’s doctor said the lotion she used interfered with hearing her baby’s heartbeat on the Doppler. To my knowledge (and Google research), there is no lotion that interferes in that way. Also, Fawn was pregnant for longer than the normal 9 months, clearly had no idea she was in labor, and was able to birth her baby in two pushes.
I’m a detailed person and so while I can handle an inconsistency or two with grace, a book full of them can send me over the edge – as this one did.
There are some edgier topics covered – premarital sex, physical abuse, drinking, etc. None are really written about in an offensive way though. It is a pretty safe book for all audiences.
In conclusion, had this not been a review book I would have quit reading long before the predictable, anticlimactic end.
***This review also appears on The Christian Manifesto and at http://bookmarks-of-my-life.blogspot....
Pros:
Cons: full of inconsistencies; stereotypical characters; flat story
My Rating: 0.5 out of 5 (waste of time)
I really didn’t know what to expect from this book. I received an email from the editor at The Christian Manifesto asking for a reviewer. After looking at the description, it sounded like a book that would interest me; so I took on the assignment. In hindsight, the description is deeper than the book itself.
I had a lot of issues with this book.
The book was written in first person from Fawn’s perspective alternating with third person somewhat omniscient from Tyler and JohnScott’s perspectives.
Can we just pause here for a moment and say how much I hated pretty much every character’s name? Okay, small nitpick done.
Fawn is spoiled and whiney. One of her main focuses being to get back into her pre-pregnancy designer clothes. Tyler and JohnScott are both more caricatures than realistic characters. The rest of the supporting characters really don’t seem to have much to them. They are really more plot devices, coming in to play their part and then stepping out, than a part of the ongoing story. I didn’t feel that any of the characters were more than one-dimensional or grew as the story progressed.
The dialogue was hard to follow and jumped around from topic to topic before circling back around. The characters also belabored their introspection.
I really didn’t get a grasp of the small town feel that is mentioned in the description. The characters are going back and forth between bigger Texas cities a lot. There really is not a lot of gossip or condemnation (other than self) for Fawn to deal with. A lot of it seems to be in her head.
The romantic relating…wasn’t. I felt like a lot of the interactions were cheesy or over the top. I didn’t really care if anyone got together or had a happily ever after.
As far as spiritual elements to the story, it seems like Fawn tries to have some sort of spiritual revelation of her worth and her forgiveness. However, it just missed the mark for me. There was not a lot about redemption or justification aside from a few conversations Fawn and JohnScott have. The majority of the people who are nice to Fawn are non-Christians. The church people who are supposedly condemning her just simply aren’t mentioned much (other than throwing her a baby shower.
Aside from those overarching issues, there were so many minor things that just didn’t make sense. For instance, when a character drank some water and its wetness “washed the soot of bitterness from her lungs.” What?!? Hopefully the water she drank didn’t get into her lungs. That can be deadly. Then you have Tyler being able to observe nuances of actions and facial expressions from Fawn’s parents across the street in their car from where he was sitting in his truck (although the text had previously said he’d driven off). Fawn states that JohnScott was at fault along with her for an altercation she has with Tyler at a football game. Nowhere does the text support that JohnScott has any guilt to hold in that.
There were also smaller inconsistencies. The pastor walking to the front of the church then all of a sudden in the back with other characters. Fawn thinking about the football game and then the text saying by the time she got home she had already pushed the game far from her mind. Later she goes to one of JohnScott’s football games with the rationalization that going will put him out of her mind. Other inconsistencies or head scratching incidents would include spoilers but suffice it to say there were plenty.
Then there was just wrong information like when Fawn’s doctor said the lotion she used interfered with hearing her baby’s heartbeat on the Doppler. To my knowledge (and Google research), there is no lotion that interferes in that way. Also, Fawn was pregnant for longer than the normal 9 months, clearly had no idea she was in labor, and was able to birth her baby in two pushes.
I’m a detailed person and so while I can handle an inconsistency or two with grace, a book full of them can send me over the edge – as this one did.
There are some edgier topics covered – premarital sex, physical abuse, drinking, etc. None are really written about in an offensive way though. It is a pretty safe book for all audiences.
In conclusion, had this not been a review book I would have quit reading long before the predictable, anticlimactic end.
***This review also appears on The Christian Manifesto and at http://bookmarks-of-my-life.blogspot....
Pros:
Cons: full of inconsistencies; stereotypical characters; flat story
My Rating: 0.5 out of 5 (waste of time)
March 30, 2015
So I just finished reading Justified by Varina Denman and all I can say is Wow, because I loved this book!
Having read Jaded, the first in the Mended hearts series, I was already pretty hooked on Varina's writing style, and her characters, but I still wasn't prepared for how much this book would resonate with my own thoughts and feelings, in a way that would ultimately help me come to terms with some of my own fears, judgements and inabilities to forgive myself and others.
Which to my mind is exactly what good Christian fiction should do in our day to day lives it is so easy to get sidetracked, to forget to spend time with God and reading Christian fiction is a great way of grounding ourselves and reminding ourselves what is important. Varina does this in a way that you don't feel pressured or forced to see a message about how you should live, but instead, gently guides you to the realisation through the lives and experiences of her characters. A nudge so gentle in fact that you barely know it has happened, until you close up the book, sit back and let out a contented sign and ponder it a while.
I've said it before in my review of Jaded and I will say it again now, Varina is up there with the great Christian writer, Francine Rivers and she has well and truly earned a place in my heart, alongside Francine Rivers as one of my all-time favourite authors. So much, so that all Varina's currently published books have made it onto my wish list, for my birthday in May.
I only wish it were three and I will be excitedly awaiting the release of the third book in her Mended heart series, which I believe is called Jilted.
If you haven't read one of Varina's books you should. Even if you are not a Christina I believe you will get enjoyment from reading the carefully penned words of this brilliant author.
Having read Jaded, the first in the Mended hearts series, I was already pretty hooked on Varina's writing style, and her characters, but I still wasn't prepared for how much this book would resonate with my own thoughts and feelings, in a way that would ultimately help me come to terms with some of my own fears, judgements and inabilities to forgive myself and others.
Which to my mind is exactly what good Christian fiction should do in our day to day lives it is so easy to get sidetracked, to forget to spend time with God and reading Christian fiction is a great way of grounding ourselves and reminding ourselves what is important. Varina does this in a way that you don't feel pressured or forced to see a message about how you should live, but instead, gently guides you to the realisation through the lives and experiences of her characters. A nudge so gentle in fact that you barely know it has happened, until you close up the book, sit back and let out a contented sign and ponder it a while.
I've said it before in my review of Jaded and I will say it again now, Varina is up there with the great Christian writer, Francine Rivers and she has well and truly earned a place in my heart, alongside Francine Rivers as one of my all-time favourite authors. So much, so that all Varina's currently published books have made it onto my wish list, for my birthday in May.
I only wish it were three and I will be excitedly awaiting the release of the third book in her Mended heart series, which I believe is called Jilted.
If you haven't read one of Varina's books you should. Even if you are not a Christina I believe you will get enjoyment from reading the carefully penned words of this brilliant author.
August 4, 2015
Flawed characters are genuinely human and the author does an incredible job of showcasing the reasons they are flawed. It's hard to stay mad at a Denman creation. She shows that even the worst characters can be redeemed. And she does this wonderful thing where she reveals the ripple effect the choices we make carry on into the next generation. Honestly, there are characters in this book that I strongly disliked and yet Denman opened my heart to a deeper level of compassion with her carefully crafted story. Praying I'll remember that when dealing with the real 'characters' in my life.
In fact, Fawn was a secondary character in Jaded that I did not like at all. I wasn't even sure I wanted to read a whole book about her, Kudos to Denman for showing me the complexities and sorrows that make up Fawn Baylock. It wasn't long before I was championing her. Worrying myself into a frazzle over her. There were times I feared she was going to back pedal her way into disaster. Such a mix of fragility and strength. She's been a Christian all her life but she's just on the cusp of understanding what that actually means. Love the following quote because it shows exactly where Fawn's struggle lies.
"Where was God? Monday morning, Labor Day, I sat on the hood of the Chevy, picking at the polish on my thumbnail and waiting for Him to show up." (p. 163)
Love this authors 'voice', the way her words flow and fill up my head with indelible pictures. Not only am I living every second in these characters' shoes, I'm learning life lessons right along with them and that helps me stretch and grow into someone with a deeper connection to my Father in Heaven and the people around me.
In fact, Fawn was a secondary character in Jaded that I did not like at all. I wasn't even sure I wanted to read a whole book about her, Kudos to Denman for showing me the complexities and sorrows that make up Fawn Baylock. It wasn't long before I was championing her. Worrying myself into a frazzle over her. There were times I feared she was going to back pedal her way into disaster. Such a mix of fragility and strength. She's been a Christian all her life but she's just on the cusp of understanding what that actually means. Love the following quote because it shows exactly where Fawn's struggle lies.
"Where was God? Monday morning, Labor Day, I sat on the hood of the Chevy, picking at the polish on my thumbnail and waiting for Him to show up." (p. 163)
Love this authors 'voice', the way her words flow and fill up my head with indelible pictures. Not only am I living every second in these characters' shoes, I'm learning life lessons right along with them and that helps me stretch and grow into someone with a deeper connection to my Father in Heaven and the people around me.
March 17, 2015
What a beautiful story. Great characters, quaint small-town setting and romance to swoon for, all with a side helping of suspense.
Fawn's life changed the moment she realised she was pregnant. Now she is seeing her town of Trapp and its inhabitants in a whole new light. Away from her family and the prestige and comfort it brought, she is beginning to question her faith, her choice in friends and who she can trust. JohnScott's family reached out to Fawn when her family shunned her. He feels a desire to protect and look out for her, but is unsure if he could ever deserve to have a future with her.
I loved JohnScott in the first book in the Mended Hearts series, Jaded. He was funny and caring, but we saw him through Ruthie's eyes - as a cousin. In this book we see a whole new side to him - and it's a handsome, romantic, protective, sweet, frustrating side. I can understand Fawn's attraction to him completely. The relationship that gradually builds between Fawn and JohnScott is that perfect mix of comfortable and chemistry-filled tension. The romance is perfectly interwoven with humour, friendship and faith.
I would recommend reading the books in series order. While each has a fairly complete story arch, Fawn's story begins in the first book, Jaded, and a whole lot of undercurrent stories continue throughout the two books. I enjoyed the continuation of Ruthie and Dodd's story in this second book, as well as the return of all the other familiar faces of Trapp. Trapp is such an authentic small town where everyone knows everyone (and their business). You can taste the dirt, smell the creosote (if I knew what that smelt like), and hear the town gossip.
This beautiful story carefully handles topics of forgiveness, shame, abuse, resilience and love with an authentic and down-to-earth voice. Justified is highly recommended as a great contemporary romance.
The publishers provided a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Fawn's life changed the moment she realised she was pregnant. Now she is seeing her town of Trapp and its inhabitants in a whole new light. Away from her family and the prestige and comfort it brought, she is beginning to question her faith, her choice in friends and who she can trust. JohnScott's family reached out to Fawn when her family shunned her. He feels a desire to protect and look out for her, but is unsure if he could ever deserve to have a future with her.
I loved JohnScott in the first book in the Mended Hearts series, Jaded. He was funny and caring, but we saw him through Ruthie's eyes - as a cousin. In this book we see a whole new side to him - and it's a handsome, romantic, protective, sweet, frustrating side. I can understand Fawn's attraction to him completely. The relationship that gradually builds between Fawn and JohnScott is that perfect mix of comfortable and chemistry-filled tension. The romance is perfectly interwoven with humour, friendship and faith.
I would recommend reading the books in series order. While each has a fairly complete story arch, Fawn's story begins in the first book, Jaded, and a whole lot of undercurrent stories continue throughout the two books. I enjoyed the continuation of Ruthie and Dodd's story in this second book, as well as the return of all the other familiar faces of Trapp. Trapp is such an authentic small town where everyone knows everyone (and their business). You can taste the dirt, smell the creosote (if I knew what that smelt like), and hear the town gossip.
This beautiful story carefully handles topics of forgiveness, shame, abuse, resilience and love with an authentic and down-to-earth voice. Justified is highly recommended as a great contemporary romance.
The publishers provided a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 28, 2016
I loved this book! I really couldn't put it down and I will say I think it really helps to read the first book in the series before starting this one. I thought the characters were well developed, but I had also met them in the previous book as well. I loved the dialogue and the real life happenings for a woman who is alone and pregnant. I liked the romance and the setting and I feel like God becomes more to the people in this book. Fawn drove me nuts a few times but in the end I was hopeful and I eagerly look forward to the next book!
For a raw storyline and real experiences I think this is a great book!
Five stars!
"I received this book from CFBA for free in exchange for an honest review."
For a raw storyline and real experiences I think this is a great book!
Five stars!
"I received this book from CFBA for free in exchange for an honest review."
December 28, 2016
Varina Denman has a way with words that keeps me turning the pages, wondering what she's going to write next that will cause me to stop and reread a sentence again because of how she strung the words together just right. Her characters are layered, complicated -- just like people are in real life -- and just when I feel like I've got them figured out, Denman peels back another layer of the story and surprises me. She doesn't shove God in a box, either, and she weaves the truth throughout the plot lines of Justified in a way that is clear and doesn't seem like an "add on."
May 23, 2017
I must say I enjoyed the story behind Fawn's life. She started out like a mean girl but gathered her strength and ability to love others the more she learned about her personal relationship,with God. I felt like I was right in the small town in Texas with the people who lived in this book. This was a good read.
June 9, 2017
Book 2 in the Mended Hearts series is Fawn's story. Fawn is forced to grow up quickly when she finds herself pregnant. She's always had everything she wanted, being the only child of a very rich Texas rancher. But, she's kicked out of her daddy's house and is forced to find a way for herself and the child she carries. There are a lot of bumps along the way and a few big surprises as Fawn figures out what she wants in life. It's a good story, but I liked book one better. Now on to book three!
October 8, 2015
I’m the first to admit I’m a harsh critic. So if I tell you I’ve not only got Varina Denman’s two books on Kindle but I’ve also bought print copies you’ll know I think they’re really, really good!
Justified follows on from Varina’s 2013 ACFW Genesis Award winner, Jaded. Having said that, Justified is a stand-alone novel, and equally as good as Varina’s debut work.
Fawn Blaylock is unmarried, pregnant, guilty, and the subject of small town gossip. Luckily, she has the support of Ruthie, (the heroine from Jaded) despite the fact their families don’t speak.
Fawn isn’t on great terms with her parents, either. Not only is their love horribly conditional, especially on her father’s part (I wanted to sign him up for parenting classes!) but they think she should marry the father of her baby, Tyler Cruz, because he comes from a rich family like theirs, but mainly because it would help get rid of the embarrassment of having an unwed mother for a daughter
Tyler thinks Fawn should marry him too. He doesn’t like the fact Fawn is showing an independent side, but Fawn wants to have as little to do with him as possible. She wants to show the world she can make it on her own, but how can she? She comes from a well-to-do family from which she is now cut off, and has no idea how to cope with being poor.
Help comes to Fawn in unexpected ways. She’s been given a house to live in rent free. It might be rundown and in need of repair, but why would anyone do that? And who is her benefactor?
Ruthie’s Aunt Velma and Uncle Ansel are a big help. Help also comes from their son, local football coach, JohnScott. Quite a lot of help. And Fawn isn’t quite sure how to take it any more than JohnScott knows why he’s giving it.
I really liked Fawn. Her struggles are enormous but she’s determined to do the best for her unborn child. JohnScott is a great combination of tender and torn in his feelings toward Fawn and I warmed to him right from the start.
Again, like I did with Jaded, this Aussie/Kiwi girl loved reading about Texas. Varina writes so well, I had a movie going on in my head, featuring dialogue in a Texan twang and complete visuals of all the characters and their idiosyncrasies. I loved the way the small town gossip was portrayed, laughed out loud at many of the different sayings and colloquialisms, saw clearly the perfectly described landscapes.
Justified is a fabulous contemporary Christian romance, full of realism in the spiritual journeys, a healthy dose of suspense, and loads of good old chemistry between the hero and heroine. I simply loved it.
Look out for Varina’s third book in the series, Jilted, coming soon.
Justified follows on from Varina’s 2013 ACFW Genesis Award winner, Jaded. Having said that, Justified is a stand-alone novel, and equally as good as Varina’s debut work.
Fawn Blaylock is unmarried, pregnant, guilty, and the subject of small town gossip. Luckily, she has the support of Ruthie, (the heroine from Jaded) despite the fact their families don’t speak.
Fawn isn’t on great terms with her parents, either. Not only is their love horribly conditional, especially on her father’s part (I wanted to sign him up for parenting classes!) but they think she should marry the father of her baby, Tyler Cruz, because he comes from a rich family like theirs, but mainly because it would help get rid of the embarrassment of having an unwed mother for a daughter
Tyler thinks Fawn should marry him too. He doesn’t like the fact Fawn is showing an independent side, but Fawn wants to have as little to do with him as possible. She wants to show the world she can make it on her own, but how can she? She comes from a well-to-do family from which she is now cut off, and has no idea how to cope with being poor.
Help comes to Fawn in unexpected ways. She’s been given a house to live in rent free. It might be rundown and in need of repair, but why would anyone do that? And who is her benefactor?
Ruthie’s Aunt Velma and Uncle Ansel are a big help. Help also comes from their son, local football coach, JohnScott. Quite a lot of help. And Fawn isn’t quite sure how to take it any more than JohnScott knows why he’s giving it.
I really liked Fawn. Her struggles are enormous but she’s determined to do the best for her unborn child. JohnScott is a great combination of tender and torn in his feelings toward Fawn and I warmed to him right from the start.
Again, like I did with Jaded, this Aussie/Kiwi girl loved reading about Texas. Varina writes so well, I had a movie going on in my head, featuring dialogue in a Texan twang and complete visuals of all the characters and their idiosyncrasies. I loved the way the small town gossip was portrayed, laughed out loud at many of the different sayings and colloquialisms, saw clearly the perfectly described landscapes.
Justified is a fabulous contemporary Christian romance, full of realism in the spiritual journeys, a healthy dose of suspense, and loads of good old chemistry between the hero and heroine. I simply loved it.
Look out for Varina’s third book in the series, Jilted, coming soon.
June 29, 2015
Justified is the second book in the Mended Hearts Series. All the characters from Jaded, the first book, are back, but this story focuses on Fawn.
It surprised me how easily it became to adore and cheer her one. Yes, she’s a bit self-centered, snobbish, and used to having money make her life easier, but she notices those qualities and wants to become someone of worth. Except... she’s not quite sure how to do that. Even if she could manage to forgive herself, living in a shack near a rattlesnakes’ den sure isn’t helping in the get-a-better-life department.
JohnScott is helping, whether she wants him to or not. What starts out as kindness quickly leads to feelings, making Fawn’s life even more complicated. (I propose awarding him the Sweet, Swoon-Worthy Award for his heroic’ish actions and…well, everything else that is JohnScott. Yes, it’s a made up award. But still well deserved. ☺)
To every hero, there must be a villain. If internal doubt isn’t going to ruin her hope of a good future, the father of her baby just might. Tyler may have money, but he has some MAJOR issues to say the least.
Some of the unresolved plot threads from the first book reveal themselves during Fawn’s story, but my absolute favorite part is the last few pages. I loved everything about that scene. It fit the characters and story perfectly!
Justified could be enjoyed as a standalone, but I recommend reading the series in order.
Megan's Ratings:
Content: Edgy (due to self-harm)
Story: 4.75 stars
This and other reviews found at: http://www.edgyinspirationalromance.c...
It surprised me how easily it became to adore and cheer her one. Yes, she’s a bit self-centered, snobbish, and used to having money make her life easier, but she notices those qualities and wants to become someone of worth. Except... she’s not quite sure how to do that. Even if she could manage to forgive herself, living in a shack near a rattlesnakes’ den sure isn’t helping in the get-a-better-life department.
JohnScott is helping, whether she wants him to or not. What starts out as kindness quickly leads to feelings, making Fawn’s life even more complicated. (I propose awarding him the Sweet, Swoon-Worthy Award for his heroic’ish actions and…well, everything else that is JohnScott. Yes, it’s a made up award. But still well deserved. ☺)
To every hero, there must be a villain. If internal doubt isn’t going to ruin her hope of a good future, the father of her baby just might. Tyler may have money, but he has some MAJOR issues to say the least.
Some of the unresolved plot threads from the first book reveal themselves during Fawn’s story, but my absolute favorite part is the last few pages. I loved everything about that scene. It fit the characters and story perfectly!
Justified could be enjoyed as a standalone, but I recommend reading the series in order.
Megan's Ratings:
Content: Edgy (due to self-harm)
Story: 4.75 stars
This and other reviews found at: http://www.edgyinspirationalromance.c...
January 21, 2016
This book is SO amazingly good. I rarely give books 5 stars because, like most people, I need to thoroughly engaged from start to finish and the writing has to be perfect! This book is fantastic. The characters! What they go through, how messy their lives are, the sweet moments, shaky moments in faith, and when the baby gets kidnapped and nearly killed...I couldn't breathe I was so stressed out. Such a great book. I highly recommend. Ms. Denman is a jewel of a writer. Cannot wait until the 3rd book is out!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 1, 2016
So good!!! Seriously, Denman has me hooked! Her writing style and characters have me living within the pages and not wanting to leave. If you loved Book 1, Book 2 does not disappoint! Cannot wait to start Book 3!
* Also, for readers of Book 1, you may notice that Fawn's pregnancy is a little longer than average. Denman addresses this in the Author's notes at the end. If like me, that was bugging you.
* Also, for readers of Book 1, you may notice that Fawn's pregnancy is a little longer than average. Denman addresses this in the Author's notes at the end. If like me, that was bugging you.
July 27, 2015
I loved the first book in the series, Jaded, and I enjoyed the second very much! It was great to see the changes in the characters and how the story played out. The writing was smooth, and the plot was very interesting. The faith elements were natural and well woven into the story. I highly recommend it.
July 24, 2020
Justified and complicated......
Good storyline for a contemporary read, by the cover of the book I thought this story took place at the turn of the century, imagine my surprise when Fawn starts talking about her cellphone. I wanted to quit reading but I kept going and it was okay for me. I like stronger rolls for women not someone who gives in all the time. I also felt the ending between Tyler and Fawn wasn't over, he was in the hospital and that part was skipped over. The ending was rushed too me. I am going back to read the first book in this series, I do like Ruth, she seems like a character I could relate to better.
Good storyline for a contemporary read, by the cover of the book I thought this story took place at the turn of the century, imagine my surprise when Fawn starts talking about her cellphone. I wanted to quit reading but I kept going and it was okay for me. I like stronger rolls for women not someone who gives in all the time. I also felt the ending between Tyler and Fawn wasn't over, he was in the hospital and that part was skipped over. The ending was rushed too me. I am going back to read the first book in this series, I do like Ruth, she seems like a character I could relate to better.
March 6, 2018
The story of life in a small Texas town continued with two other main characters, one male and one female. More or the secrets of the town's people were revealed as everyone accepted the years of deceit and unfairness and moved on with their lives. Although the author's attention to detail remained sharp, the dramatic scenes did not build suspense or a real sense of danger. I kept reading though because I cared about the characters.
July 27, 2017
Great 2nd read on this book. Full of grace and forgiveness, includes lots of exciting and sometimes terrifying moments. Had to re-read the first 2 books so I can now start the 3rd book in the series. Varina's writing style is easily readable and her characters are easy to like. Looking forward to more from her.
January 10, 2019
Can’t seem to put these books down! The characters draw you in and you miss them when it’s over. I want to live in this town and know these people. I love the ease of the writing with real life issues. It’s not all happily ever after but it’s real and that’s so much better.
April 21, 2020
Oh my GOSH! This book! Laughter, tears, and I’m certain my heart has grown just from reading this book. I loved the line, God is God so you don’t have to be. Ugh beautiful story! Varina Denman has instantly made it into my top 5 favorite authors! HIGHLY recommend!
February 19, 2021
I thought the author needed to spend time on plot and character development. Events in the story happened too quickly and seemed to be contrived much of the time. The author is a good writer, and this book has potential.
June 19, 2021
Very compelling really believable story line keeps you hooked
I found this book to have a real life story line that caught your imagination and you could believe it could believe that it wasn't just fiction
I found this book to have a real life story line that caught your imagination and you could believe it could believe that it wasn't just fiction
January 24, 2017
This book is not something that can stand alone. Most of the characters back stories are in the 1st book of this series. This is a good book, but only if you have read the first one. otherwise I believe you will be a bit confused by the relationships of the characters.
April 2, 2020
Enjoyable!
Wow! This is a very enjoyable story. The characters are so believable in their words and actions. You feel like you're right there with them.
Wow! This is a very enjoyable story. The characters are so believable in their words and actions. You feel like you're right there with them.
March 29, 2021
Good Christian Fiction
This is a great series. I have enjoyed both. Realistic storyline with believable characters. A quick read. Good writing too.
This is a great series. I have enjoyed both. Realistic storyline with believable characters. A quick read. Good writing too.
August 9, 2021
Loved this story.
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