What do you think?
Rate this book
Saving Private Benjamin
When Jillian Farmer meets Carly Foreman in the pediatrician’s office, she has no idea how her life is about to be forever changed. After tragedy strikes, Jillian feels led to help a motherless child, but not everyone appreciates her help, and Jillian is soon put in the middle of a family feud. Jillian only wants what’s best for Ben, the child she quickly grows to love as her own, but will she make an objective decision, or will her own feelings get in the way of doing what is right?
- GenresChristian
216 pages, Paperback
First published April 8, 2015
9 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
About the author
Cynthia P. Willow
18 books34 followersCynthia grew up in the small town of Lake Butler, Florida. After high school, she started a family and now has 3 children. She currently teaches high school English where is able to share her stories with her students. She loves Jesus and has many stories to share about faith. She resides in Florida with her husband, three children, and two cats.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 16, 2015
This is my first book I’ve read by Cindee Pruitt Bumpus but won’t be my last. I really enjoyed the book Saving Private Benjamin. It was a very easy, fast read which had very likeable, personable characters that you can relate to. It was a great story about a wonderful women who followed God’s wish to make a difficult decision and put up with a difficult man. The women, Jillian, was so likeable because she wasn’t a saint, she was like the rest of us and had desirable thoughts but did the right thing, prayed hard and help bring a man to salvation. The book deals with so many issues death, alcoholism, custody of a small child and Christian values. The characters where just so well written you thought they were your friends. The only problem with the book was it ended to soon. I wanted more but that leaves the author room to expend on the relationship between Jillian and Private Benjamin.
April 21, 2015
A collision of lives
I've heard of extraordinary circumstances bringing two people together, but Willow has come with a truly different idea for making that happen. I liked how she handled even some things I thought were oversights -- the question of legal status, for example -- by making them true to life, where things could get lost in the shuffle and legalities slip through the cracks. And true to life, annoying and ridiculous behavior (really? Showing up THAT early?) makes you wonder about some people. Trusting in God and realizing that only He can transform the extraordinary into the miraculous is the theme that pulls it all together. Good read.
I've heard of extraordinary circumstances bringing two people together, but Willow has come with a truly different idea for making that happen. I liked how she handled even some things I thought were oversights -- the question of legal status, for example -- by making them true to life, where things could get lost in the shuffle and legalities slip through the cracks. And true to life, annoying and ridiculous behavior (really? Showing up THAT early?) makes you wonder about some people. Trusting in God and realizing that only He can transform the extraordinary into the miraculous is the theme that pulls it all together. Good read.
April 13, 2015
Saving Private Benjamin
This was a short story, but it packed a powerful punch. This is not your sweet people with no problems Christian Fiction, no this is gritty, messy, redemptive and reconciliatory type of story and I loved every minute of it. Cynthia, I would for you to write another story with Jillian and Benjamin. It would be exciting to see how they are adjusting to married life, how the other family members are adjusting and have there been any new additions to the family.
This was a short story, but it packed a powerful punch. This is not your sweet people with no problems Christian Fiction, no this is gritty, messy, redemptive and reconciliatory type of story and I loved every minute of it. Cynthia, I would for you to write another story with Jillian and Benjamin. It would be exciting to see how they are adjusting to married life, how the other family members are adjusting and have there been any new additions to the family.
November 19, 2015
Saving Private Ryan
This was a beautiful story based on a sad situation. God has plans that we don't always understand. In this situation there was a horrible accident that took the life of a young mother. Her husband, an Army Private, was on deployment and he was not a Christian. Through the trials and tribulations in the wake of this accident, he does end up being saved through God's grace.
This is a truly unique and beautiful story and I do strongly recommend that you read this book.
This was a beautiful story based on a sad situation. God has plans that we don't always understand. In this situation there was a horrible accident that took the life of a young mother. Her husband, an Army Private, was on deployment and he was not a Christian. Through the trials and tribulations in the wake of this accident, he does end up being saved through God's grace.
This is a truly unique and beautiful story and I do strongly recommend that you read this book.
April 19, 2015
This author has done a great Christian story of second chances. As Jill gave Benjamin a second chance, Shows God's love and mercy to us. Also in this book there is a second chance at love, but at what cost? A must read. I was given this book for an honest opinion.
October 20, 2017
The very beginning packed a mean punch, that's for sure! Even though I'm not yet a mother, I ached for the young mother in the story and the orphaned baby. And Jillian, wow, she's an angel!
I took one star off because there were topics that were sensitive to me, but although it took a little away from my enjoyment of the book it does by no means take from the author or narrator, in case you choose the audio version. The story is touching, and about many forms of love - mother and child, husband and wife, grandparents and grandchildren, and God and his children.
I received a copy of the book for free and leave this review voluntarily.
I took one star off because there were topics that were sensitive to me, but although it took a little away from my enjoyment of the book it does by no means take from the author or narrator, in case you choose the audio version. The story is touching, and about many forms of love - mother and child, husband and wife, grandparents and grandchildren, and God and his children.
I received a copy of the book for free and leave this review voluntarily.
July 1, 2018
Great Read.
Such a good book. Really showed that God really does answer our prayers. Through tragedy something good came out of this.
Such a good book. Really showed that God really does answer our prayers. Through tragedy something good came out of this.
October 6, 2016
Redemption, Forgiveness, Grace
I really enjoyed reading "Saving Private Benjamin ". I think the author did a great job of pulling the reader into the story and making the characters "come alive". The way she portrayed Jillian as a very committed Christian was incredible. How Jillian showed the love of God to Benjamin over and over, in spite of him messing up numerous times, is a true picture of God's love for us.
I did feel the romance happened way too quickly for Benjamin, though. He had barely grieved the death of his wife before he told Jillian he loved her. I think the author should have developed the storyline more before she took the book in that direction. I feel Benjamin was feeling extreme grief and didn't know how to express it.
Cynthia did a superb job of weaving the elements of redemption, forgiveness, and grace into this story and I highly recommend it. Cynthia Willow is a new author for me but I will be looking for more books by her.
I was given a copy of this book for an honest review.
I really enjoyed reading "Saving Private Benjamin ". I think the author did a great job of pulling the reader into the story and making the characters "come alive". The way she portrayed Jillian as a very committed Christian was incredible. How Jillian showed the love of God to Benjamin over and over, in spite of him messing up numerous times, is a true picture of God's love for us.
I did feel the romance happened way too quickly for Benjamin, though. He had barely grieved the death of his wife before he told Jillian he loved her. I think the author should have developed the storyline more before she took the book in that direction. I feel Benjamin was feeling extreme grief and didn't know how to express it.
Cynthia did a superb job of weaving the elements of redemption, forgiveness, and grace into this story and I highly recommend it. Cynthia Willow is a new author for me but I will be looking for more books by her.
I was given a copy of this book for an honest review.
September 13, 2016
Wonderful heartwarming story
Jillian's is a widowed military spouse, she has 3 children and works part time as a lactation consultant at her pediatrician's office. She meets Carly there one day who has a 3 month old son when she leaves the office she is right behind Carly's car when it is hit by a truck, she gets out to help and check on the baby who is fine sadly Carly is not. This story is wonderful Jillian fosters little Ben and prays that she can help his father find God it is a battle and Benjamin has his demons, and a custody battle for his son. This is a story about God's love, forgiveness and compassion it is a wonder read and I love the ending
Jillian's is a widowed military spouse, she has 3 children and works part time as a lactation consultant at her pediatrician's office. She meets Carly there one day who has a 3 month old son when she leaves the office she is right behind Carly's car when it is hit by a truck, she gets out to help and check on the baby who is fine sadly Carly is not. This story is wonderful Jillian fosters little Ben and prays that she can help his father find God it is a battle and Benjamin has his demons, and a custody battle for his son. This is a story about God's love, forgiveness and compassion it is a wonder read and I love the ending
September 20, 2016
Saving Private Benjamin isn't for those without tissues! This story grabs you at the beginning and doesn't let go until the last page! Jillian's husband is killed while on duty in Afghanistan; she is a mother of three children with an outside job of helping other mothers who are nursing their newborns. Meeting Carly was a God thing; who knew it would change her life. Private Benjamin is a grieving father with no hope. Can Jillian help him see that his son needs him as well as his true need for God?
August 15, 2016
Must read! Great read
Absolutely loved this book! It is so important for us to learn to wait on God and His timing. Giving every situation to Him and trusting in His guidance. Along with learning forgiveness, grace and what real friendship is about. I would recommend this book to all my friends. Keep writing my friend as I try and wait patiently for a new release
Danielle Bertrand (Shannon's sis n law)
PS : Read who book in just a few short hours, couldn't put it down
Absolutely loved this book! It is so important for us to learn to wait on God and His timing. Giving every situation to Him and trusting in His guidance. Along with learning forgiveness, grace and what real friendship is about. I would recommend this book to all my friends. Keep writing my friend as I try and wait patiently for a new release
Danielle Bertrand (Shannon's sis n law)
PS : Read who book in just a few short hours, couldn't put it down
July 21, 2016
very amateurish writing style. the audio version is read horribly! But the story line itself is sweet and believable, if a bit rushed.
March 28, 2017
Free Ebook
She's a widow of one year just getting her life together and witnesses horrible accident. The baby survives but needs a wet nurse. Jillian is called by God to help this baby. In turn she helps his alcoholic Father and his grandparents too!
She's a widow of one year just getting her life together and witnesses horrible accident. The baby survives but needs a wet nurse. Jillian is called by God to help this baby. In turn she helps his alcoholic Father and his grandparents too!
March 31, 2017
GOD can do the impossible
This is a story of love and redemption. God can heal lonely and broken hearts. He can turn you from sin, when you lose hope and faith. Prayers are heard and answered. You are never alone, God has a plan for our lives, when you pray you have to listen as God knows what is best for your life. Sinners can repent and be saved like Private Benjamin!! GOD put Julian where she need to be at the right place and time. A life was lost and more then one we saved.
This is a story of love and redemption. God can heal lonely and broken hearts. He can turn you from sin, when you lose hope and faith. Prayers are heard and answered. You are never alone, God has a plan for our lives, when you pray you have to listen as God knows what is best for your life. Sinners can repent and be saved like Private Benjamin!! GOD put Julian where she need to be at the right place and time. A life was lost and more then one we saved.
March 31, 2017
This book made me cry made me laugh and kept me hoping for the good.
Cynthia's subject is a hard one but one plenty of people face daily in both civilian and military life styles. Death, drinking and forgiveness along with Gods mercies is a blessing needed at times. I'm glad I read this book you will be too!
Cynthia's subject is a hard one but one plenty of people face daily in both civilian and military life styles. Death, drinking and forgiveness along with Gods mercies is a blessing needed at times. I'm glad I read this book you will be too!
March 31, 2017
I'm glad I read this book. The blessings of Gods mercies and grace move people hurting like Benjamin and his in laws. Drinking having to forgive yourself and choose God will help both civilians and military personnel. You need to get this book now.
Read
August 7, 2017DNF. I found the writing to be to choppy for me to really get into. I stopped around chapter 3.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews