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The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck
Becoming a Christian is the best and worst thing that has ever happened to Sarah Hollenbeck. Best because, well, that's obvious. Worst because, up to this point, she's made her very comfortable living as a well-known, bestselling author of steamy romance novels that would leave the members of her new church blushing. Now Sarah is trying to reconcile her past with the future she's chosen. She's still under contract with her publisher and on the hook with her enormous fan base for the kind of book she's not sure she can write anymore. She's beginning to think that the church might frown on her tithing on royalties from a "scandalous" book. And the fact that she's falling in love with her pastor doesn't make things any easier.
With a powerful voice, penetrating insight, and plenty of wit, Bethany Turner explodes onto the scene with a debut that isn't afraid to deal with the thorny realities of living the Christian life.
With a powerful voice, penetrating insight, and plenty of wit, Bethany Turner explodes onto the scene with a debut that isn't afraid to deal with the thorny realities of living the Christian life.
297 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2017
154 people are currently reading
2457 people want to read
About the author
Bethany Turner
12 books1,378 followersBethany Turner has been writing since the second grade, when she won her first writing award for explaining why, if she could have lunch with any person throughout history, she would choose John Stamos. She stands by this decision. Bethany now writes pop culture–infused rom-coms for a new generation of readers who crave fiction that tackles the thorny issues of life with humor and insight. She lives in Southwest Colorado with her husband, whom she met in the nineties in a chat room called Disco Inferno. As sketchy as it sounds, it worked out pretty well in this case, and they are now the proud parents of two grown sons. Connect with Bethany at seebethanywrite.com or across social media @seebethanywrite, where she clings to the eternal dream that John Stamos will someday send her a friend request. Text her any time at (970) 387-7811!
Learn more at seebethanywrite.com.
Learn more at seebethanywrite.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 545 reviews
September 21, 2017
I really tried to like this book. I truly did. I had heard loads of good buzz about it and thought that it sounded very interesting, so I wanted to read it. I realize I'm the odd man out here, so to speak, because the reviews are generally good. But I was very disappointed in this book. The book is marketed as Christian fiction, but I didn't really find all that much inspiration in it.
Sarah Hollenbeck has just been divorced from her cheating husband and is not sure of her identity anymore. She joins a book club and decides she could become an author and she does. Sarah writes steamy romance books, very steamy, in fact, and becomes a hit sensation. Personal appearances, TV interviews, etc. She is quite popular. Then she becomes a 'Christ-follower', in her own words (first person POV) and she decides she wants to write Christian fiction. An admirable goal. I know several true life authors who wrote for the secular romantic market before coming to Christ and they have written awesome novels, honoring Christ. So, I found no fault with that premise.
This book starts out with Sarah going full tilt, like she's on speed. I mean, boom, boom, boom, goes everything. I nearly missed her conversion! She goes to a new church, bumps into a man in the hallway, who happens to be the pastor, unbeknownst to her, and almost immediately she begins to have the hots for him. Really, she begins to lust after him. In fact, all through this book, both she and he think almost constantly about sex. I was very put off by that. I'm not a prude by any means and don't mind edgy fiction in Christian books, but really, that was too much. It seemed as if it was the main theme of the book. Almost always when I read Christian fiction, I come away with a spiritual theme that I can look back on and grow in my own spiritual walk. I couldn't find one of those here. Not one. It just seemed so shallow to me. Just a fast track shallow road to run. I was very disappointed because of all the buzz about this book.
* I was given a preview copy of this book by the publisher. My review is entirely my own opinion.
Sarah Hollenbeck has just been divorced from her cheating husband and is not sure of her identity anymore. She joins a book club and decides she could become an author and she does. Sarah writes steamy romance books, very steamy, in fact, and becomes a hit sensation. Personal appearances, TV interviews, etc. She is quite popular. Then she becomes a 'Christ-follower', in her own words (first person POV) and she decides she wants to write Christian fiction. An admirable goal. I know several true life authors who wrote for the secular romantic market before coming to Christ and they have written awesome novels, honoring Christ. So, I found no fault with that premise.
This book starts out with Sarah going full tilt, like she's on speed. I mean, boom, boom, boom, goes everything. I nearly missed her conversion! She goes to a new church, bumps into a man in the hallway, who happens to be the pastor, unbeknownst to her, and almost immediately she begins to have the hots for him. Really, she begins to lust after him. In fact, all through this book, both she and he think almost constantly about sex. I was very put off by that. I'm not a prude by any means and don't mind edgy fiction in Christian books, but really, that was too much. It seemed as if it was the main theme of the book. Almost always when I read Christian fiction, I come away with a spiritual theme that I can look back on and grow in my own spiritual walk. I couldn't find one of those here. Not one. It just seemed so shallow to me. Just a fast track shallow road to run. I was very disappointed because of all the buzz about this book.
* I was given a preview copy of this book by the publisher. My review is entirely my own opinion.
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May 20, 2019Overall, it's clear that Bethany Turner has talent as a writer. I'd like to see some improvements in plot/pacing and characterization, but her prose has promise.
First issue was pacing, and I think this was my main gripe. Turner chooses to show us the before and after but none of the extra parts that play into Sarah's huge turnaround. The moment where Sarah says she trusts God when having coffee with Piper is literally less than a paragraph. It comes out of left field and Sarah isn't really even seeking God at the moment; she's vaguely curious about why Piper is different. So we have a huge moment that's supposedly a catalyst for the entire rest of the book, a change that's so huge that Sarah can't even write the same books she wrote before--and it's less than a paragraph? Make me feel it, Bethany! I'm not asking for a blow-by-blow salvation plan, but I sure want to know what drew her, what changed her, how she felt, how her heart did a total about-face in a moment's time. Don't tell me--show me. This is the biggest of several such examples throughout the book.
Second issue was believability. Sarah just had so major a life change that she can't do anything the same way again. However, her publisher is super chill and is fine with her suddenly changing genres after forcing her to complete a world tour to promote her brand? Hm...yeah, no. (Also, why did she complete the tour if she hated the old stuff so thoroughly?) But this major life change is only referred to obliquely. There's nothing about suddenly falling head over heels for Jesus, nothing about devouring her Bible page after page, nothing about signing up for every last Bible study in town with the same zeal she showed of joining every single book club in town. If she wasn't doing these things, how did she suddenly conclude that erotica was wrong? Is she actually that much in love with Jesus--in which case we'd see a lot more of her drive in pursuit of a closer bond with Him--or is she binding herself to cheap rules of legalism?--in which case where is she hearing the idea of such a complete change in just one area of her life? Again, I'm missing the tug of what Sarah is feeling and instead I'm being told what's going on and expected to believe it at face value.
Third issue is characters. Piper is like quicksilver. I don't know her. I don't know her tug on Sarah. I don't even know if she's single, married, dating, or anything in between. One of my favorite things in books is the bond of best friends, but here we have a "best friend" who went three years without contact of any sort, who lives her own ephemeral life and pops up when needed to give a word of advice or share a cup of coffee and gossip. It takes until about 30% of the way in before we even hear that she intends to go on a date with someone. She seems to have read "The Thorn Birds" before; why was she okay with reading a book based on fornication but not an erotic book on the same subject?
Then Ben isn't much better. He loves his daughter to the moon and back. He grieves his wife. He wants to kiss Sarah. He'd have sex with Sarah if he didn't have beliefs holding him back. But why is he so attracted to Sarah? They don't talk about a ton of stuff. Who is Ben the man? Why his passion to preach? What does he do in his spare time? Seems he did nothing much before he met Sarah except weep for his wife and love on his daughter. He's two-dimensional: handsome and deeply in lust with Sarah.
Fourth issue is just that the book doesn't really know what it wants to be. It's a lot of talk and not much depth. While I didn't enjoy all the sex-sex-sex stuff, that isn't my main objection, though I do think readers should be aware that there's a lot of content. The humor wasn't funny--actually, I found it rather offensive that Sarah and Piper would die laughing over the nicknames Sarah had for the group, such as "Boob-Job woman" and "Botox"...Sarah didn't know better but Piper should have had a thought for some kindness. These ladies, after all, are supposed to be friends of Piper's, at least on a superficial level. It seemed that the sex talk was more "Oh, look how racy I can be" and covered a number of major plot and characterization flaws with the noise and excitement of being different. To me it was mainly a lot of page real estate devoted to one topic without having a foundation of strong story narrative to back it up.
Thanks to Revell publishers and netgalley for a free copy to read. A positive review was not required. Except for Revell or netgalley, this review may not be quoted without written permission. Copyright 2019 to Hannah Gridley
First issue was pacing, and I think this was my main gripe. Turner chooses to show us the before and after but none of the extra parts that play into Sarah's huge turnaround. The moment where Sarah says she trusts God when having coffee with Piper is literally less than a paragraph. It comes out of left field and Sarah isn't really even seeking God at the moment; she's vaguely curious about why Piper is different. So we have a huge moment that's supposedly a catalyst for the entire rest of the book, a change that's so huge that Sarah can't even write the same books she wrote before--and it's less than a paragraph? Make me feel it, Bethany! I'm not asking for a blow-by-blow salvation plan, but I sure want to know what drew her, what changed her, how she felt, how her heart did a total about-face in a moment's time. Don't tell me--show me. This is the biggest of several such examples throughout the book.
Second issue was believability. Sarah just had so major a life change that she can't do anything the same way again. However, her publisher is super chill and is fine with her suddenly changing genres after forcing her to complete a world tour to promote her brand? Hm...yeah, no. (Also, why did she complete the tour if she hated the old stuff so thoroughly?) But this major life change is only referred to obliquely. There's nothing about suddenly falling head over heels for Jesus, nothing about devouring her Bible page after page, nothing about signing up for every last Bible study in town with the same zeal she showed of joining every single book club in town. If she wasn't doing these things, how did she suddenly conclude that erotica was wrong? Is she actually that much in love with Jesus--in which case we'd see a lot more of her drive in pursuit of a closer bond with Him--or is she binding herself to cheap rules of legalism?--in which case where is she hearing the idea of such a complete change in just one area of her life? Again, I'm missing the tug of what Sarah is feeling and instead I'm being told what's going on and expected to believe it at face value.
Third issue is characters. Piper is like quicksilver. I don't know her. I don't know her tug on Sarah. I don't even know if she's single, married, dating, or anything in between. One of my favorite things in books is the bond of best friends, but here we have a "best friend" who went three years without contact of any sort, who lives her own ephemeral life and pops up when needed to give a word of advice or share a cup of coffee and gossip. It takes until about 30% of the way in before we even hear that she intends to go on a date with someone. She seems to have read "The Thorn Birds" before; why was she okay with reading a book based on fornication but not an erotic book on the same subject?
Then Ben isn't much better. He loves his daughter to the moon and back. He grieves his wife. He wants to kiss Sarah. He'd have sex with Sarah if he didn't have beliefs holding him back. But why is he so attracted to Sarah? They don't talk about a ton of stuff. Who is Ben the man? Why his passion to preach? What does he do in his spare time? Seems he did nothing much before he met Sarah except weep for his wife and love on his daughter. He's two-dimensional: handsome and deeply in lust with Sarah.
Fourth issue is just that the book doesn't really know what it wants to be. It's a lot of talk and not much depth. While I didn't enjoy all the sex-sex-sex stuff, that isn't my main objection, though I do think readers should be aware that there's a lot of content. The humor wasn't funny--actually, I found it rather offensive that Sarah and Piper would die laughing over the nicknames Sarah had for the group, such as "Boob-Job woman" and "Botox"...Sarah didn't know better but Piper should have had a thought for some kindness. These ladies, after all, are supposed to be friends of Piper's, at least on a superficial level. It seemed that the sex talk was more "Oh, look how racy I can be" and covered a number of major plot and characterization flaws with the noise and excitement of being different. To me it was mainly a lot of page real estate devoted to one topic without having a foundation of strong story narrative to back it up.
Thanks to Revell publishers and netgalley for a free copy to read. A positive review was not required. Except for Revell or netgalley, this review may not be quoted without written permission. Copyright 2019 to Hannah Gridley
June 11, 2018
The Secret Confessions of a disappointed reader:
By chapter six, I was done. Seriously. I did not like the character, I didn’t like the plot, I didn’t like any of it. I couldn’t see where it was going.
But I kept reading because I really wanted to love this book.
Here’s what I discovered (minor spoilers).
This really is kind of a modern telling of Sense and Sensibility. Sarah Hollenbeck is Marianne Dashwood. Her practical friend who says it like it is (my favorite character), is Elinor. Sarah’s ex-husband would be Willoughby, and Ben (the hunky pastor who has the same insta-love for her that she has for him) is Colonel Brandon.
Except in this book, I don’t get what Colonel Ben sees in Sarah Marianne.
This book, written in the first person, has a very authentic voice that helps you get to know the character well and quickly. And Ms. Turner does not shy away from the grittier areas of living in this fallen world through that character.
I just don’t like Sarah Hollenbeck. Trust me, I want to. I feel like there’s an interesting person behind that insecurity.
For the record, I like flawed, unlikeable characters.
I really do. Usually. I just don’t like this one. And it’s not because she wrote erotica novels before she became a Christian at the end of chapter 5 ish (Don’t have the book with me).
Speaking of erotica… ish. The second half of this book is dripping with sex.
Not played out on the page, but it's still there in every one of Sarah’s thoughts. Every. Single. One. I’m sure of it.
Look, Ms. Turner made an important point. Christian men and women are not immune to attraction and desire simply because the Holy Spirit dwells within them. Sometimes, Christian fiction acts like marriage turns on a switch that is otherwise completely shut off. I’ve been guilty of that, okay?
Choosing to address that was brilliant—important. But honestly, when did she address the lust and a Christian’s responsibility to avoid that little thing? Because there was a whole lotta lusting going on, too.
Somewhere around the three-quarter mark, I thought I might like it better.
I didn’t. Instead, I ended the book feeling like a deflated balloon and walked away one disappointed reader.
What SLOSH has going for it:
Great writing. Seriously, the author has a brilliant, authentic voice that gets you into the head of the character right away.
Ms. Turner addresses real problems not only in the church today but in Christian fiction. She makes her characters be sexual creatures—as we were created to be!!! And she does have some good humor in it. I laughed out loud in a few places. Honestly, the funny bits, if I could have liked other parts a bit more, might have made me bump my star rating up. Unfortunately, two stars were the best I could do.
And I feel guilty about that.
By chapter six, I was done. Seriously. I did not like the character, I didn’t like the plot, I didn’t like any of it. I couldn’t see where it was going.
But I kept reading because I really wanted to love this book.
Here’s what I discovered (minor spoilers).
This really is kind of a modern telling of Sense and Sensibility. Sarah Hollenbeck is Marianne Dashwood. Her practical friend who says it like it is (my favorite character), is Elinor. Sarah’s ex-husband would be Willoughby, and Ben (the hunky pastor who has the same insta-love for her that she has for him) is Colonel Brandon.
Except in this book, I don’t get what Colonel Ben sees in Sarah Marianne.
This book, written in the first person, has a very authentic voice that helps you get to know the character well and quickly. And Ms. Turner does not shy away from the grittier areas of living in this fallen world through that character.
I just don’t like Sarah Hollenbeck. Trust me, I want to. I feel like there’s an interesting person behind that insecurity.
For the record, I like flawed, unlikeable characters.
I really do. Usually. I just don’t like this one. And it’s not because she wrote erotica novels before she became a Christian at the end of chapter 5 ish (Don’t have the book with me).
Speaking of erotica… ish. The second half of this book is dripping with sex.
Not played out on the page, but it's still there in every one of Sarah’s thoughts. Every. Single. One. I’m sure of it.
Look, Ms. Turner made an important point. Christian men and women are not immune to attraction and desire simply because the Holy Spirit dwells within them. Sometimes, Christian fiction acts like marriage turns on a switch that is otherwise completely shut off. I’ve been guilty of that, okay?
Choosing to address that was brilliant—important. But honestly, when did she address the lust and a Christian’s responsibility to avoid that little thing? Because there was a whole lotta lusting going on, too.
Somewhere around the three-quarter mark, I thought I might like it better.
I didn’t. Instead, I ended the book feeling like a deflated balloon and walked away one disappointed reader.
What SLOSH has going for it:
Great writing. Seriously, the author has a brilliant, authentic voice that gets you into the head of the character right away.
Ms. Turner addresses real problems not only in the church today but in Christian fiction. She makes her characters be sexual creatures—as we were created to be!!! And she does have some good humor in it. I laughed out loud in a few places. Honestly, the funny bits, if I could have liked other parts a bit more, might have made me bump my star rating up. Unfortunately, two stars were the best I could do.
And I feel guilty about that.
December 6, 2017
I loved this book for the humor and the various perspectives on modern mainstream Christian life, from the new convert (Sarah), to the lifelong member (Piper), to the young pastor (Ben). It was written in a way that had me hooked to not just the story, but the characters, and how they dealt with the drama in their lives. The romance between Sarah and Ben developed quickly but I enjoyed the time we got to spend *in* the romance, not just leading up to it, and all the great and important conversations and interactions that took place. A great debut novel!
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
April 19, 2018
I really struggled with this book and how to rate it. I've saved my notes made part way through below. I'll add to them that I decided if I'd picked this up without the hype and just read it as a Christian romance I wouldn't have disliked it as much and might have given it 2 stars. But because it was supposed to be a new-type of more realistic romance, telling it like it really is, I was quite disappointed. I still wouldn't have loved it, though, because it's so totally unrealistic and full of coincidences and problems that disappear in hours. I also didn't see much of a true Christian message anywhere.
Looking back I see I was also really disappointed because the premise of the book appealed to me. When an adult becomes a Christian, how do they deal with the sins of their past? How do they reconcile to people they may have hurt and explain their change in behavior to those who know them? How do you walk in your new life if the world insists on seeing you as the person you used to be? Unfortunately this book didn't deal with any of that. Our heroine didn't ever have to make a hard decision or explain anything because Mr. Wonderful did it all for her. So many opportunities missed with this book.
Here's what I've already written:
OK, I'm about 60% of the way through this book and here's what I've learned so far.
I'm so disappointed in this book. There's nothing realistic here at all. This is not how real Christian lives work, which would be fine if it wasn't being touted as "telling it straight". It's as much a fairy-tale as any other pure romance. So it admits that Christians think about sex now and then. Big deal. I can't decide if I should keep reading in hopes it somehow improves or just quit now.
NB - I did keep reading and actually thought it was getting a little better when some problems and disagreements popped up. But they were resolved so quickly and with everyone so "happy, happy, happy" I quickly became disgruntled again. :( Sometimes it's hard to be Christian and do the right thing. You'd never guess that from this book.
Looking back I see I was also really disappointed because the premise of the book appealed to me. When an adult becomes a Christian, how do they deal with the sins of their past? How do they reconcile to people they may have hurt and explain their change in behavior to those who know them? How do you walk in your new life if the world insists on seeing you as the person you used to be? Unfortunately this book didn't deal with any of that. Our heroine didn't ever have to make a hard decision or explain anything because Mr. Wonderful did it all for her. So many opportunities missed with this book.
Here's what I've already written:
OK, I'm about 60% of the way through this book and here's what I've learned so far.
I'm so disappointed in this book. There's nothing realistic here at all. This is not how real Christian lives work, which would be fine if it wasn't being touted as "telling it straight". It's as much a fairy-tale as any other pure romance. So it admits that Christians think about sex now and then. Big deal. I can't decide if I should keep reading in hopes it somehow improves or just quit now.
NB - I did keep reading and actually thought it was getting a little better when some problems and disagreements popped up. But they were resolved so quickly and with everyone so "happy, happy, happy" I quickly became disgruntled again. :( Sometimes it's hard to be Christian and do the right thing. You'd never guess that from this book.
October 3, 2017
Bethany Tuner’s debut novel is the quintessential rom com. I laughed out loud so much my husband questioned my sanity and of course the actual hilarity of the book. And I smiled so many times I was pretty sure my cheeks were going to get stuck in that position.
This is such a great Christian rom com and it touches on sooo many issues. For one, what’s next after praying the salvation prayer. The other talks about Christian fiction and what readers want. The struggle of staying pure before marriage. The struggle of divorce. Seriously, I can go on. But even though there are so many issues, the book is no way weighed down by it or preachy. It’s just…awesomeness.
I can’t wait to see what Bethany Turner writes next because she’s made me a fan for life. Sarah Hollenbeck has everything you want in a rom com. The heart stopping, cheek-splitting grins filled with quotable lines and happily ever afters. And the comedy…seriously epic! It’s a book you want to read again because it’s just that great. I’m praying someone turns this into a movie because it would be AWESOME!
If you haven’t read this book, go buy it. If you can’t afford it, bug your library to buy it. It’s worth it my friends!
*I received a copy from the publisher. This is my own honest, opinion.
**First posted at: https://tonishiloh.wordpress.com/2017...
This is such a great Christian rom com and it touches on sooo many issues. For one, what’s next after praying the salvation prayer. The other talks about Christian fiction and what readers want. The struggle of staying pure before marriage. The struggle of divorce. Seriously, I can go on. But even though there are so many issues, the book is no way weighed down by it or preachy. It’s just…awesomeness.
I can’t wait to see what Bethany Turner writes next because she’s made me a fan for life. Sarah Hollenbeck has everything you want in a rom com. The heart stopping, cheek-splitting grins filled with quotable lines and happily ever afters. And the comedy…seriously epic! It’s a book you want to read again because it’s just that great. I’m praying someone turns this into a movie because it would be AWESOME!
If you haven’t read this book, go buy it. If you can’t afford it, bug your library to buy it. It’s worth it my friends!
*I received a copy from the publisher. This is my own honest, opinion.
**First posted at: https://tonishiloh.wordpress.com/2017...
June 1, 2018
I wish I were better at writing reviews so I could do this book justice. First off, I have to say, I LOVE IT SO MUCH! I love the voice of the author. I love the unique premise (seriously, I'm tired of reading the same plot over and over again). I love the humor in it. I love watching how someone stumbles around figuring out "how to be Christian." I love the bravery of the author and Revell (the publishing house) for stepping out of the "box" of Christian fiction and tackling an honest, real subject matter. *whispers* Guys, sex isn't a dirty word and we as Christians *can* talk about it. One of my favorite books of the whole year and one I will reread many times in the future.
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October 9, 2017I LOVE THIS AUTHOR and I WILL READ ANYTHING SHE WRITES FOREVER --- fyi. And she deserves a space in the Inspy writing and publishing world and she will continue to teach us about ourselves and encourage us to hold up a lens and look inside...
I read this book basically in one sitting (well two sittings on two different flights and over a layover) en route to Michigan to speak and sign and speak. ( best weekend ever).
And I should preface by saying this is not Rachel catnip material --- at least when it comes to love story--- but it IS Rachel catnip material in that the author is a brilliantly competent one I can learn things from. Reading as a writer is essential and there was so much that Turner can teach writers in any genre on plotting, pacing and interweaving backstory.
But, it wasn't a Rachel catnip book and isn't that wonderful and awesome!?? Because what may not be my cup of tea is EXACTLY WHAT YOU LOOK FOR IN STORIES AND ROMANTIC TROPES and that is why I think it is important for me to write about---- what I spell out may be your very favourite devices starring your very favourite kinds of romances and that is wonderful and that is why reading is diverse and taste is diverse and preference is diverse and that is the way it should be.
Also, I am being critical of these aspects from MY PERSONAL TASTE PROFILE --- so I cannot really say anything negative about them OTHER than from my personal preference. The joy of individuality.
I am not at a position of any type of expertise --other than a long time reader. And what I find might be limiting in the book for non Christian readers; you might think could act as a gateway. So we need to talk about this book. It is a great stepping point for a lot of dialogue --especially for readers of inspirational fiction. And it is the best type of book to talk about because it was penned by a dizzyingly talented writer.
I also have faith based and non faith based readers and 60 % of my life is in a non-faith-based world, so I have to point a few things about this book as a general heads' up. I personally feel this book is best enjoyed by people within a church setting or background because of its intense peer into Christian culture and the rules and restrictions therein. Without ill-intention, I can see how the rules meted out by the heroine's friend Piper and Sarah's new church community might be seen as a point of judgment to readers though my personal opinion is that the author did not intend this. This story, its publisher, its author are products of an environment where this is the norm. I also point out that the word "butch" is used in a derogatory way and I was surprised that the editors of the novel didn't catch and edit that word which is becoming (thank heavens) quickly obsolete. In the spirit of full disclosure, I also have to mention that in Sarah's journey, the conversion to Christianity finds her on the receiving end of advice that motivates her to reassess her writing in the secular romance world. While reading, I thought of my many many many romance writing friends on the other side of the Christianese fence and the many romance books I love and the many authors I follow and found this could be read as polarizing. The usual abstinence talks and alcohol free living talks followed and poor Piper almost made me roll my eyes with her initial holier than thou moments ushering the searching Sarah into the fold. But Piper is a plot device and a portal and so I cannot quite fault her for being the mouthpiece for the more conservative sect of Christian culture in which this book dwells. I also found that some of the issues in the novel might ostracize non-Christian readers beyond some of the rules and metrics laid out (and very very prevalent in many churches--- ). One ostracizing moment comes in the vernacular of tithing. It is cute and funny and winsome that Turner explores the smutty novelist tithing her smutty novel's royalties; and beyond Ben's judgmental response ( throw something at him, women), I thought this was one instance of the rhetoric of one world that might not be accessible to all readers.
All right, disclosure time over, let's dive in!
To begin, I loved the heroine ---- I really didn't like the romance. It isn't my type at all. But, as I mention later, it is integral to the construct of Turner's larger perspective and it works really well for the story she is trying to tell. And while I didn't like the romance, I loved the romantic world and construct--- I loved the clash of secular and Christian romance and the open-eyed Sarah choosing to read CBA romance and pen her own. This is the world so many of us read in and publish in and it is a safe space for me and I loved reading about it ( But, I also love chugging cab sauv and reading Tessa Dare and Elizabeth Hoyt so ...SO not the target reader of this book )
I hate insta love tropes and I never felt once I got to know Ben DeLaney--- but I did through his appearance get to know Sarah and sacrificing his dimension gave me more time with her---she was my love of this book. Her voice, her perspective, her passion to find a way to patch up her life. Her terrible poetry. Her stream of consciousness. Even though we view the world differently. Another non-Rachel-catnip thing (and yes I know it is scriptural, bring it up to me as the Marriage Supper of the Lamb), is the obsession of a wedding and children. Ben and Sarah just want insta family like their instalove. In what is the first ever usage of this term I have ever seen in a lifetime of reading Inspy romances he wants to "knock her up" and they'll have a ton of kids..... For a lot of readers, that is going to be the happy ever after, and of course, it is an easy and safe way for an inspy romance writer to bring sex into the conversation. For a reader like me it is all: WHAT? but you have money and live in Chicago and are a great writer and .... ugh! you can still have sex without kids! Again, PERSONAL PREFERENCE--- my feminism radar was tingling. .... but then it was just MY radar that was tingling. I don't want to spend my life cleaning up after eight rug rats --- But isn't feminism about choice? And shouldn't a woman decide that this is her preference? Reader and Sarah alike? She wants a passel of rugrats and to ascribe to the more traditional approach to life with Ben and I am all for that because she wants it! Choice, people. Choice!
I didn't ever feel like I got to know Ben at all: beyond "hot pastor who likes to kiss in the parking lot" (Which, FYI, is tantamount to scandal in the Christian sphere). And I sure as heck don't want a wedding where Song of Solomon is the theme du jour but that is me having a strong reaction to the world I grew up in where this is part and parcel of the game. What Turner does well is finally shine the spotlight on the woman. In church culture, women are physically the stumbling blocks. The tight shirts, the yoga pants (insert eye roll and cursing here), the purity culture holds the woman to such a high platform. If a man stumbles it is nature, if a woman stumbles it is a reflection of her character. Sarah slices through this prevalent double standard by having a healthy sexual appetite even as she tweaks its perimeters to fit into her new Christian world. And yes, when Ben and Sarah write out a list of rules about kissing and dating and time together ( we Christians have a lot of rules-- some Biblical-- most just ours ), I was saddened but also understanding. This is the culture. This is a look at a very real culture. Sarah's experience clashes with the instinctive norm of the culture because she very legitimately wants as many sexy times as he does ( of course post -marriage...let's not get too crazy here ;) )
What I found on a deeper level is that the Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck shows how susceptible a messed up person can be when looking for a quick fix. Her insta conversion pairs with her insta love and her beguiled look at Christianity leaves room for the author to show that nothing is perfect on either side of the stained glass. Indeed, by the end of the novel, a smart twist gives the reader a peek into the Secret Life of Ben Delaney: with its own secrets and fallacies, the first time we truly see him is human and imperfect and not just the hot pastor with the pretty eyes.
And the motif of platform and visibility and congregational judgment is one that will resonate with anyone who has been in the public eye: either at the front of the pulpit or as a writer. The double standards, the insta judgment .... how we hurt each other intentionally or not -- all in the name of Christ.
Its treatise on passion comes with a price as lust and sparks don't give us a chance to ever see Ben and Sarah falling on any deep or complex level. For a reader who loves the gradual build and friction of chemistry borne of something stronger than just physical heat, I felt I was deprived a beautiful love story. By the end, I still never saw connection between them beyond their passion and desire for a Von Trapp passel of children. But as a reader and lover of the inspirational market, I must point out how deeply I enjoyed a contemporary-set romance that really worked in the thesis of physical love within the meted restrictions of the church's purity culture. And while we can easily cite Deanne Gist and Julie Lessman in the historical sphere for pursuing the metrics of physical passion as far as they would go within the context of the inspirational trope, I enjoy that Turner broadened these lines.
I had the best strong reactions to this book: on one level it took me back into my formative years as a pastor's kid learning all of the rules and regulations of the evangelical world -- -"that sex leads to drinking" (I was Pentecostal, yo!) that romance is a stumbling block and sets unrealistic expectations ( it might be a stumbling block for you---each reader has their own journey and I don't believe in one prescriptive for all believers in many of these ( get it?) hot (snicker) topics). And I had a strong reaction to Piper who reminded me so much of the girl we ALL tried to be --doling out scriptural advice as we tugged people into the fold. Having a strong, visceral reaction ( she leaves the room) when someone we like is caught doing something we don't feel fits into our Christian world. Luckily for Sarah, she moves beyond the Piper and navigates Christianity on her own. And one of the major draws to the church is a man-- Ben--- with all of the tingles and stolen looks. This is real life and why wouldn't a woman whose heart has been broken by a man of the world not fall immediately for a man of the cloth? As mentioned earlier, Ben is a symbol for the road Sarah is trying to cross however imperfect it is on the other side.
To add, I love that she married two distinctive publishing spheres and how they clash. For those in the Inspirational industry, a constant conversation is about blurring lines, crossing over, finding secular readers ---- this book made me step outside the world and traditions I know well and really think beyond the veil of my time in a stricter Evangelical setting. What would my usual readers think? What might they perceive as judgmental? What am I feeling about connecting far more with the Sarah pre-conversion then nothing at all with the Sarah post-conversion? Maybe that is the point of the book...this book with the fresh, surprising, one-of-a-kind voice, with a ton of awesome possum Thorn Birds references....
I loved thinking about this book. How irked I was by it. How incensed I was by it. No...not it--- the world it reflects. How it forced me to take a step back and really revisit the world I tried to leave. For while I remain a Christian, I happily sneak into the back of an Anglican church and am nowhere near a service that sings bottomless Chris Tomlin songs. Where I recognize that I cannot be responsible for being a man's stumbling block, where a healthy curiousity about sex and intimacy should not force a woman to cringe and blush until she blends into her pew.
And it left me confused and riled and surged--- surged as a writer with the appreciation of voice and structure. This story may not be my jam but the author IS--- isn't that the best experience? And for those of you looking for this type of romantic comedy, you will just hit A + after A + across the board, because Turner has an inimitable voice. Turner has a brilliant sense of humour and a knack at peeling back the layers of the world and peering at the vulnerable places therein in a poignant shroud of grace and talent. Turner does backstory and perspective and deep POV like a pro. Turner should be used as an example of how to write first person that wraps around the reader and holds them close. She is an expert. She is one of the strongest debut voices I have ever encountered and the strongest most original voice I have seen in the CBA (inspirational publishing world) in years.
And whether intentional or not, Secret Life exposes the fallacies, the contradictions, the parts of the inspirational world and culture we are still trying to patch up and sew.....
Maybe the confusion and the inability to find answers allows us to find ourselves in the mess with two imperfect people meeting in an imperfect world stretching for perfect---the church--what should be a hospital but is seen as a cloistered and often judgmental space.
And maybe the confusion is in the funny. There is nothing more Christian-y than a church wedding with a basement reception where Song of Solomon is quoted. Circle of hell for me, the dream for so many--- neither of us is wrong --- like Sarah, we just have to carve out a place to belong.
I read this book basically in one sitting (well two sittings on two different flights and over a layover) en route to Michigan to speak and sign and speak. ( best weekend ever).
And I should preface by saying this is not Rachel catnip material --- at least when it comes to love story--- but it IS Rachel catnip material in that the author is a brilliantly competent one I can learn things from. Reading as a writer is essential and there was so much that Turner can teach writers in any genre on plotting, pacing and interweaving backstory.
But, it wasn't a Rachel catnip book and isn't that wonderful and awesome!?? Because what may not be my cup of tea is EXACTLY WHAT YOU LOOK FOR IN STORIES AND ROMANTIC TROPES and that is why I think it is important for me to write about---- what I spell out may be your very favourite devices starring your very favourite kinds of romances and that is wonderful and that is why reading is diverse and taste is diverse and preference is diverse and that is the way it should be.
Also, I am being critical of these aspects from MY PERSONAL TASTE PROFILE --- so I cannot really say anything negative about them OTHER than from my personal preference. The joy of individuality.
I am not at a position of any type of expertise --other than a long time reader. And what I find might be limiting in the book for non Christian readers; you might think could act as a gateway. So we need to talk about this book. It is a great stepping point for a lot of dialogue --especially for readers of inspirational fiction. And it is the best type of book to talk about because it was penned by a dizzyingly talented writer.
I also have faith based and non faith based readers and 60 % of my life is in a non-faith-based world, so I have to point a few things about this book as a general heads' up. I personally feel this book is best enjoyed by people within a church setting or background because of its intense peer into Christian culture and the rules and restrictions therein. Without ill-intention, I can see how the rules meted out by the heroine's friend Piper and Sarah's new church community might be seen as a point of judgment to readers though my personal opinion is that the author did not intend this. This story, its publisher, its author are products of an environment where this is the norm. I also point out that the word "butch" is used in a derogatory way and I was surprised that the editors of the novel didn't catch and edit that word which is becoming (thank heavens) quickly obsolete. In the spirit of full disclosure, I also have to mention that in Sarah's journey, the conversion to Christianity finds her on the receiving end of advice that motivates her to reassess her writing in the secular romance world. While reading, I thought of my many many many romance writing friends on the other side of the Christianese fence and the many romance books I love and the many authors I follow and found this could be read as polarizing. The usual abstinence talks and alcohol free living talks followed and poor Piper almost made me roll my eyes with her initial holier than thou moments ushering the searching Sarah into the fold. But Piper is a plot device and a portal and so I cannot quite fault her for being the mouthpiece for the more conservative sect of Christian culture in which this book dwells. I also found that some of the issues in the novel might ostracize non-Christian readers beyond some of the rules and metrics laid out (and very very prevalent in many churches--- ). One ostracizing moment comes in the vernacular of tithing. It is cute and funny and winsome that Turner explores the smutty novelist tithing her smutty novel's royalties; and beyond Ben's judgmental response ( throw something at him, women), I thought this was one instance of the rhetoric of one world that might not be accessible to all readers.
All right, disclosure time over, let's dive in!
To begin, I loved the heroine ---- I really didn't like the romance. It isn't my type at all. But, as I mention later, it is integral to the construct of Turner's larger perspective and it works really well for the story she is trying to tell. And while I didn't like the romance, I loved the romantic world and construct--- I loved the clash of secular and Christian romance and the open-eyed Sarah choosing to read CBA romance and pen her own. This is the world so many of us read in and publish in and it is a safe space for me and I loved reading about it ( But, I also love chugging cab sauv and reading Tessa Dare and Elizabeth Hoyt so ...SO not the target reader of this book )
I hate insta love tropes and I never felt once I got to know Ben DeLaney--- but I did through his appearance get to know Sarah and sacrificing his dimension gave me more time with her---she was my love of this book. Her voice, her perspective, her passion to find a way to patch up her life. Her terrible poetry. Her stream of consciousness. Even though we view the world differently. Another non-Rachel-catnip thing (and yes I know it is scriptural, bring it up to me as the Marriage Supper of the Lamb), is the obsession of a wedding and children. Ben and Sarah just want insta family like their instalove. In what is the first ever usage of this term I have ever seen in a lifetime of reading Inspy romances he wants to "knock her up" and they'll have a ton of kids..... For a lot of readers, that is going to be the happy ever after, and of course, it is an easy and safe way for an inspy romance writer to bring sex into the conversation. For a reader like me it is all: WHAT? but you have money and live in Chicago and are a great writer and .... ugh! you can still have sex without kids! Again, PERSONAL PREFERENCE--- my feminism radar was tingling. .... but then it was just MY radar that was tingling. I don't want to spend my life cleaning up after eight rug rats --- But isn't feminism about choice? And shouldn't a woman decide that this is her preference? Reader and Sarah alike? She wants a passel of rugrats and to ascribe to the more traditional approach to life with Ben and I am all for that because she wants it! Choice, people. Choice!
I didn't ever feel like I got to know Ben at all: beyond "hot pastor who likes to kiss in the parking lot" (Which, FYI, is tantamount to scandal in the Christian sphere). And I sure as heck don't want a wedding where Song of Solomon is the theme du jour but that is me having a strong reaction to the world I grew up in where this is part and parcel of the game. What Turner does well is finally shine the spotlight on the woman. In church culture, women are physically the stumbling blocks. The tight shirts, the yoga pants (insert eye roll and cursing here), the purity culture holds the woman to such a high platform. If a man stumbles it is nature, if a woman stumbles it is a reflection of her character. Sarah slices through this prevalent double standard by having a healthy sexual appetite even as she tweaks its perimeters to fit into her new Christian world. And yes, when Ben and Sarah write out a list of rules about kissing and dating and time together ( we Christians have a lot of rules-- some Biblical-- most just ours ), I was saddened but also understanding. This is the culture. This is a look at a very real culture. Sarah's experience clashes with the instinctive norm of the culture because she very legitimately wants as many sexy times as he does ( of course post -marriage...let's not get too crazy here ;) )
What I found on a deeper level is that the Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck shows how susceptible a messed up person can be when looking for a quick fix. Her insta conversion pairs with her insta love and her beguiled look at Christianity leaves room for the author to show that nothing is perfect on either side of the stained glass. Indeed, by the end of the novel, a smart twist gives the reader a peek into the Secret Life of Ben Delaney: with its own secrets and fallacies, the first time we truly see him is human and imperfect and not just the hot pastor with the pretty eyes.
And the motif of platform and visibility and congregational judgment is one that will resonate with anyone who has been in the public eye: either at the front of the pulpit or as a writer. The double standards, the insta judgment .... how we hurt each other intentionally or not -- all in the name of Christ.
Its treatise on passion comes with a price as lust and sparks don't give us a chance to ever see Ben and Sarah falling on any deep or complex level. For a reader who loves the gradual build and friction of chemistry borne of something stronger than just physical heat, I felt I was deprived a beautiful love story. By the end, I still never saw connection between them beyond their passion and desire for a Von Trapp passel of children. But as a reader and lover of the inspirational market, I must point out how deeply I enjoyed a contemporary-set romance that really worked in the thesis of physical love within the meted restrictions of the church's purity culture. And while we can easily cite Deanne Gist and Julie Lessman in the historical sphere for pursuing the metrics of physical passion as far as they would go within the context of the inspirational trope, I enjoy that Turner broadened these lines.
I had the best strong reactions to this book: on one level it took me back into my formative years as a pastor's kid learning all of the rules and regulations of the evangelical world -- -"that sex leads to drinking" (I was Pentecostal, yo!) that romance is a stumbling block and sets unrealistic expectations ( it might be a stumbling block for you---each reader has their own journey and I don't believe in one prescriptive for all believers in many of these ( get it?) hot (snicker) topics). And I had a strong reaction to Piper who reminded me so much of the girl we ALL tried to be --doling out scriptural advice as we tugged people into the fold. Having a strong, visceral reaction ( she leaves the room) when someone we like is caught doing something we don't feel fits into our Christian world. Luckily for Sarah, she moves beyond the Piper and navigates Christianity on her own. And one of the major draws to the church is a man-- Ben--- with all of the tingles and stolen looks. This is real life and why wouldn't a woman whose heart has been broken by a man of the world not fall immediately for a man of the cloth? As mentioned earlier, Ben is a symbol for the road Sarah is trying to cross however imperfect it is on the other side.
To add, I love that she married two distinctive publishing spheres and how they clash. For those in the Inspirational industry, a constant conversation is about blurring lines, crossing over, finding secular readers ---- this book made me step outside the world and traditions I know well and really think beyond the veil of my time in a stricter Evangelical setting. What would my usual readers think? What might they perceive as judgmental? What am I feeling about connecting far more with the Sarah pre-conversion then nothing at all with the Sarah post-conversion? Maybe that is the point of the book...this book with the fresh, surprising, one-of-a-kind voice, with a ton of awesome possum Thorn Birds references....
I loved thinking about this book. How irked I was by it. How incensed I was by it. No...not it--- the world it reflects. How it forced me to take a step back and really revisit the world I tried to leave. For while I remain a Christian, I happily sneak into the back of an Anglican church and am nowhere near a service that sings bottomless Chris Tomlin songs. Where I recognize that I cannot be responsible for being a man's stumbling block, where a healthy curiousity about sex and intimacy should not force a woman to cringe and blush until she blends into her pew.
And it left me confused and riled and surged--- surged as a writer with the appreciation of voice and structure. This story may not be my jam but the author IS--- isn't that the best experience? And for those of you looking for this type of romantic comedy, you will just hit A + after A + across the board, because Turner has an inimitable voice. Turner has a brilliant sense of humour and a knack at peeling back the layers of the world and peering at the vulnerable places therein in a poignant shroud of grace and talent. Turner does backstory and perspective and deep POV like a pro. Turner should be used as an example of how to write first person that wraps around the reader and holds them close. She is an expert. She is one of the strongest debut voices I have ever encountered and the strongest most original voice I have seen in the CBA (inspirational publishing world) in years.
And whether intentional or not, Secret Life exposes the fallacies, the contradictions, the parts of the inspirational world and culture we are still trying to patch up and sew.....
Maybe the confusion and the inability to find answers allows us to find ourselves in the mess with two imperfect people meeting in an imperfect world stretching for perfect---the church--what should be a hospital but is seen as a cloistered and often judgmental space.
And maybe the confusion is in the funny. There is nothing more Christian-y than a church wedding with a basement reception where Song of Solomon is quoted. Circle of hell for me, the dream for so many--- neither of us is wrong --- like Sarah, we just have to carve out a place to belong.
November 12, 2017
I’m not gonna lie...I was not going to finish this book. While the idea was cute, unique and fun, I just felt it was leaning HEAVILY towards mainstream fiction.
The romance was SO fast, and I normally never complain about that. But something about it felt wrong, even though they were technically doing it right. It got a bit steamy in a few places...
I did enjoy how they kept God as the forefront of their relationship, and the characters had some serious flaws and insecurities. It made them human. And I was excited to see that the book was based in Chicago since that’s where my daddy grew up, and my grandparents actually used to pastor a church in Algonquin, IL.
Will I pick something up by this author again? I honestly don’t know...I’ll just have to watch and see.
I give this a 2.5/3 out of 5 stars.
I don’t think I would recommend this book to friends or family.
Side note: (not a deal breaker for all, but I kept noticing and was a bit bugged) The “h’s” and “y’s” when referencing God were not capitalized.
The romance was SO fast, and I normally never complain about that. But something about it felt wrong, even though they were technically doing it right. It got a bit steamy in a few places...
I did enjoy how they kept God as the forefront of their relationship, and the characters had some serious flaws and insecurities. It made them human. And I was excited to see that the book was based in Chicago since that’s where my daddy grew up, and my grandparents actually used to pastor a church in Algonquin, IL.
Will I pick something up by this author again? I honestly don’t know...I’ll just have to watch and see.
I give this a 2.5/3 out of 5 stars.
I don’t think I would recommend this book to friends or family.
Side note: (not a deal breaker for all, but I kept noticing and was a bit bugged) The “h’s” and “y’s” when referencing God were not capitalized.
February 15, 2018
This was not good. I was really looking forward to a Christian novel that focuses on ~real~ topics. But, Francine Rivers (who is the only author I have found that does this correctly) is too long and sometimes dark. So, I also wanted something light hearted. This sucked. I don't know how it has such a high rating. The romance was extremely fast, the Christian aspect wasn't really explained and neither was the struggles except for "I know that's not how a Christian would act, but I've prayed about it and made my peace with it" instead of the struggle of HOW a Christian should act and WHY.
Also, did not agree with their interpretation of God's plan for us (His plan is salvation, no soul mates, nothing like that. Goodbye). The Insta-love was gag worthy and the romance itself was not a joy to read. They literally got married within MONTHS because they couldn't keep their hormones in check. I have a couple Bible verses to refute Ben's on how he thought that was okay and as a Pastor that is a bad example. I did not enjoy this read and it made me angry.
Also, did not agree with their interpretation of God's plan for us (His plan is salvation, no soul mates, nothing like that. Goodbye). The Insta-love was gag worthy and the romance itself was not a joy to read. They literally got married within MONTHS because they couldn't keep their hormones in check. I have a couple Bible verses to refute Ben's on how he thought that was okay and as a Pastor that is a bad example. I did not enjoy this read and it made me angry.
Read
May 22, 2018A very light, fun read, which made it a very unusual one for this die-hard historical fiction reader. I laughed out loud several times at the heroine's first-person stream of consciousness point of view. Can't wait to see what Bethany Turner writes next. She seriously cracks me up.
July 26, 2020
Debut author Turner has an incredibly unique voice that draws readers into the story and won't let them go until the gorgeous conclusion. This is a modern Christian novel that touches on realistic subjects and themes and shows how any situation can be directed back to God. The romance is both scorching-hot and completely appropriate, which is a difficult task to pull off, yet Turner does so amazingly. The novel is filled with humor, stellar characterization and conflict balanced with faith and love. Readers will definitely want to put this on their "to buy" list.
After going through a divorce, Sarah Hollenbeck searches for a way to express her emotional state. She tries her hand at poetry, but stinks at that, and decides to write a cheesy, steamy romance novel under a pseudonym. It becomes a hit and Sarah writes two more, rocketing herself to the top of the bestseller charts. Then, under the mentorship of her friend Piper, Sarah becomes a Christian and her outlook on life and writing changes. On her first day at church, she meets Ben Delaney and the attraction is present from the first moment they meet. All seems great, until Sarah discovers that Ben is the new pastor. How can she reconcile her career with her budding relationship?
After going through a divorce, Sarah Hollenbeck searches for a way to express her emotional state. She tries her hand at poetry, but stinks at that, and decides to write a cheesy, steamy romance novel under a pseudonym. It becomes a hit and Sarah writes two more, rocketing herself to the top of the bestseller charts. Then, under the mentorship of her friend Piper, Sarah becomes a Christian and her outlook on life and writing changes. On her first day at church, she meets Ben Delaney and the attraction is present from the first moment they meet. All seems great, until Sarah discovers that Ben is the new pastor. How can she reconcile her career with her budding relationship?
February 8, 2018
I LOVED this book! It was a hilarious christian fiction novel. I am glad I picked this one up because the characterisation was on point, the plot was well paced and this book was beyond hilarious! I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. To find this review and others please visit touchmyspinebookreviews.com
December 3, 2017
This debut had me laughing out loud multiple times. Yes, out loud and multiple times. Main character Sarah is wealthy and divorced and looking for something to do. She turns to both reading and writing.
The other main characters are Ben and Piper. While they were both great, I simply adored Piper. She's that friend that will give it to you straight even if the truth is painful.
I related to the references in the novel such as The Thorn Birds, Stevie Nicks and Touched by an Angel. While some readers may not be familiar with any of these, I am well versed in all three of the references listed which added to my enjoyment.
This unique novel was delightful and I look forward to Bethany Turner's sophomore release. My gratitude to author Becky Wade for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and the opinions expressed are my own.
The other main characters are Ben and Piper. While they were both great, I simply adored Piper. She's that friend that will give it to you straight even if the truth is painful.
I related to the references in the novel such as The Thorn Birds, Stevie Nicks and Touched by an Angel. While some readers may not be familiar with any of these, I am well versed in all three of the references listed which added to my enjoyment.
This unique novel was delightful and I look forward to Bethany Turner's sophomore release. My gratitude to author Becky Wade for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and the opinions expressed are my own.
November 21, 2025
2025 re-read! I adored this book as much as ever! It will always be a forever favorite!
Squeee! THIS BOOK IS SUPER AWESOME! I despised having to set it down, found myself reading it at every opportunity, and as soon as I finished I was instantly craving a reread! I'm serious, TSLOSH is happiness in book form! I swooned, laughed until my face hurt, and turned the final page with a contented sigh and a heart that was renewed, uplifted, and inspired!
This is a MUST READ for all Christian rom-com fans! 😍😍😍😍😍
I read this book for pure pleasure. No review required.
Squeee! THIS BOOK IS SUPER AWESOME! I despised having to set it down, found myself reading it at every opportunity, and as soon as I finished I was instantly craving a reread! I'm serious, TSLOSH is happiness in book form! I swooned, laughed until my face hurt, and turned the final page with a contented sigh and a heart that was renewed, uplifted, and inspired!
This is a MUST READ for all Christian rom-com fans! 😍😍😍😍😍
I read this book for pure pleasure. No review required.
May 29, 2022
So disappointing. I love the cover and the author’s humor and writing style is excellent but that’s where it ends. I just felt “yucky” while reading this. I liked that the author addresses the difficulty Christians face with resisting premarital sex, but this book had way too much lusting and “sex talk” in my opinion. I couldn’t stand Sarah…she’s very self-centered and obnoxious, and it doesn’t get better after she comes to the Lord. This was just not what I feel a Christian book should be. I own 2 more of this author’s books and I am willing to give her another chance. Not recommended.
September 29, 2017
Review to come. But believe me. Just go buy the book already. I DIE. 😍❤😍❤
April 30, 2018
My cheeks hurt from grinning so much! Funny, awkward, goofy... and frank. This book has garnered quite the controversy as readers deal with that verboten subject -- desire. Dare I say we seem to be a passionate lot when it comes to passion in our Christian fiction?
If you aren't into romance novels, this isn't the book for you because The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck is pure romance. It's toe-curling and swoon inducing, making a fainting couch a very real necessity for the duration of the read. But it also examines aspects of Christian culture - both good and bad -- as well as the foibles of human nature that left me grinding my teeth and hurling insults at certain characters. Which is all good, because I love to get totally immersed in a story.
Told completely from Sarah's first person point of view, Turner takes her readers on a rollicking roller coaster of a ride. I love Sarah soooo much! Self-deprecating humour masks some deep insecurities as she tries to make sense of her life after divorce. At first, she might seem to be self-absorbed but it's really self-preservation as she struggles to emerge from the shadows of her dysfunctional marriage.
Going from steamy romance author sensation to born again Christian is a bit of a cultural shock -- especially when Sarah falls for the pastor her first Sunday at church. Loved that immediate attraction -- a tangible, inexplicable link that sets both their worlds on a giddy tilt-a-whirl of emotional ups and downs. And physical attraction is very much a part of their developing relationship. Turner doesn't shy away from writing about that yearning but it's in a celebratory Godly way.
"I never would have imagined that there could be something more powerful than the desire I felt for Ben in that moment but the desire to not tarnish the love God was building within us was overpowering." (p 160)
Ben and Sarah don't hide from these feelings - but they do control them by putting God first in their relationship. My only hesitancy over their romance came from their spiritual inequality. Pastor Ben is a life-long Christian with a Divinity degree while not only is Sarah a new Christ-follower, but she doesn't have a clue what that actually means. And it does create some problems, but I love the way Sarah grows in her faith and actually ends up encouraging and guiding Ben through a tough situation. I love the way Turner shows how the Spirit can work when our hearts are open and receptive..
The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck is not your Granny's Christian romance! But if you have an adventurous reading spirit and enjoy a God-centered love story with flawed characters saved by grace, you'll definitely want to give this one a try.
If you aren't into romance novels, this isn't the book for you because The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck is pure romance. It's toe-curling and swoon inducing, making a fainting couch a very real necessity for the duration of the read. But it also examines aspects of Christian culture - both good and bad -- as well as the foibles of human nature that left me grinding my teeth and hurling insults at certain characters. Which is all good, because I love to get totally immersed in a story.
Told completely from Sarah's first person point of view, Turner takes her readers on a rollicking roller coaster of a ride. I love Sarah soooo much! Self-deprecating humour masks some deep insecurities as she tries to make sense of her life after divorce. At first, she might seem to be self-absorbed but it's really self-preservation as she struggles to emerge from the shadows of her dysfunctional marriage.
Going from steamy romance author sensation to born again Christian is a bit of a cultural shock -- especially when Sarah falls for the pastor her first Sunday at church. Loved that immediate attraction -- a tangible, inexplicable link that sets both their worlds on a giddy tilt-a-whirl of emotional ups and downs. And physical attraction is very much a part of their developing relationship. Turner doesn't shy away from writing about that yearning but it's in a celebratory Godly way.
"I never would have imagined that there could be something more powerful than the desire I felt for Ben in that moment but the desire to not tarnish the love God was building within us was overpowering." (p 160)
Ben and Sarah don't hide from these feelings - but they do control them by putting God first in their relationship. My only hesitancy over their romance came from their spiritual inequality. Pastor Ben is a life-long Christian with a Divinity degree while not only is Sarah a new Christ-follower, but she doesn't have a clue what that actually means. And it does create some problems, but I love the way Sarah grows in her faith and actually ends up encouraging and guiding Ben through a tough situation. I love the way Turner shows how the Spirit can work when our hearts are open and receptive..
The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck is not your Granny's Christian romance! But if you have an adventurous reading spirit and enjoy a God-centered love story with flawed characters saved by grace, you'll definitely want to give this one a try.
July 14, 2021
God I love this book and yesterday it came out on audiobook and it was wonderful. The narrator was excellent. The Story of Sarah who just got divorce. So Sarah tries to write a book and when it became famous with the smut it had in it she became famous. A year after her friend Piper lead her to Christ. When at church she meets the pastor and both fell in love right away. Can she become a person that Christ would be proud of and can she have a Christ center relationship. This book was hysterical, and the message was so good as well. This has to be my favorite of Bethany Turner. You will fall in love with Sarah who makes mistakes but finds her way thru her relationships and her love for Christ. What I love about Bethany is she write reality. People who are flawed who makes mistakes but each characters follow Christ for them to change their life. Really highly recommend this great book for all to read!! Such a great read!!
December 4, 2017
It has been really hard for me to decide on a rating for this book. I went with 4 stars and here's why. First the writing is lovely. The characters are well developed and the story very compelling. The romance is steamy without crossing the line, in my opinion. So why did I take off a star? I had a lot of personal issues with the pastor falling for a women he barely knew who had only become a Christian basically the day before. Now, I don't have a problem with"insta-love" (love at first sight) because it is a very real thing for some people and when two people are attracted to each other and have great chemistry love happens quickly and love is always choice. But in this book it just felt wrong to me. But overall great read. I would not recommend this to readers who do not care for romance. I would like to read more from this author.
November 9, 2017
I'm a picky reader. I'm picky about characters, I'm picky about plot, and I'm picky about writing. In order for me to enjoy a book, those three things have to be done to my satisfaction. With this book, it was. I. Loved. It. It's funny too because I ordered it online last minute, but didn't have any high expectations. Well all I can say is, I was impressed. The writing was solid, and I laughed quite a few times throughout the novel. There wasn't much of a huge plot, but that was okay because the characters were absolutely delightful. Sarah is an amazing protagonist and I was totally rooting for her the entire time. And Ben. How amazing is he? Just great. Their relationship was pretty insta-lovey so for those of you that don't enjoy that, you might want to skip this one. However if that doesn't bother you, and you're in the mood for something sweet funny and cute, this is definitely the book.
4.5 stars for me, so I'll round up to 5 stars
Note: Can we please have another book about Piper? (Sarah's BFF for those of you who haven't read it). Honestly, that would make my day.
4.5 stars for me, so I'll round up to 5 stars
Note: Can we please have another book about Piper? (Sarah's BFF for those of you who haven't read it). Honestly, that would make my day.
September 17, 2017
Hilarious. Honest. This novel takes everything you think you know about Christian fiction and totally shakes it until you have something so wonderful, delightful, surprising, and authentic, something that captures the agonising (and sometimes embarrassing) beauty of life and love.
Newly divorced, Sarah Hollenbeck turns to writing to fill the gaps in her life. When poetry doesn't work out, she tries romance. And surprisingly has huge success. Now a hugely successful author of three very steamy romances, her life is again shaken when she becomes a born-again Christian. Trying to reconcile her life and writing with her newfound faith, everything becomes more complicated when she meets and falls in love with Ben Delaney - her pastor.
The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck is written almost as if Sarah is sitting with you, a dear friend, and taking you into her confidence, sharing with you her story. The book begins just after her divorce and explains everything, from the first few lonely months, to her transition to writing, the rise of her success, her conversion to Christianity, and her falling in love. It is all written in this conversation, recollection-like format. It does seem like a lot of telling rather than showing, but it works incredibly well for the story. Not only does it give the reader a clear view of everything that has happened to Sarah, but it also explains her personality. It lets readers get inside her head - a truly hilarious place to be.
At first, Sarah is lost, hurting, and totally judgmental. Through her story it is so very easy to see the development in her character. While her decision to become a Christian might be sudden, the changes I could see over the course of this story were not so dramatic. She isn't suddenly less judgmental, but she makes an effort to not be quite so closed minded. And slowly, gradually a complete change is made, all seen through the little things, all displayed through her consistent sense of humour and a unique Sarah-ness that is hard to put into words. The book doesn't tell us how Sarah becomes a Christian, instead this book shows Sarah becoming a Christian.
With such accuracy, this novel captures that wonderful journey of faith, life and love. I loved that it never shied away from some tough topics. Everything from divorce, sex, dating, adultery, death, churches, and family are up for honest and open discussion. It is real! Never sanctimonious or perfect in its unattainability. There are also heaps of various literature and movie references (a lot of which, apart from the Sound of Music ones, went totally over my head).
There are so many, many things I loved about this book. The friendship between Sarah and Piper really shines. Piper is the one to confront Sarah on the atrocity that is her poetry. Piper is the one to lead Sarah to Christ. Piper is there for Sarah through all the bumps of new Christianity, with love, understanding, brutal honesty, and really good humour. This book also carries strong themes of family, grief, and relationships. And then there is the romance.
Ahhhh, the romance. Wow. Ben and Sarah connect from the minute they meet. Literally. It might seem sudden, insta-love like, but there is absolutely no denying their chemistry, connection, or the time and effort they put into their relationship on a soul level. I loved that their passion was never brushed over. I loved that they talk about their desire, that they actively put into place plans to ensure they stay within the boundaries they have set. It's not easy and they don't portray it as such and that makes it all the more real and relatable to the average human. But their romance is so incredibly sweet.
At times I found myself rereading lines a couple times just to soak in the sheer brilliance of it all. I adored this book. Upfront, honest, and so very hilarious, it was a delight to read. I can't wait to share this with my friends, with readers who love modern, clever, and funny Christian romance. I also can't wait to read whatever Bethany Turner next gifts us readers - it is sure to be just as surprisingly wonderful. But for now, I will content myself with rereading this delightful novel.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog Madison's Library.
Newly divorced, Sarah Hollenbeck turns to writing to fill the gaps in her life. When poetry doesn't work out, she tries romance. And surprisingly has huge success. Now a hugely successful author of three very steamy romances, her life is again shaken when she becomes a born-again Christian. Trying to reconcile her life and writing with her newfound faith, everything becomes more complicated when she meets and falls in love with Ben Delaney - her pastor.
The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck is written almost as if Sarah is sitting with you, a dear friend, and taking you into her confidence, sharing with you her story. The book begins just after her divorce and explains everything, from the first few lonely months, to her transition to writing, the rise of her success, her conversion to Christianity, and her falling in love. It is all written in this conversation, recollection-like format. It does seem like a lot of telling rather than showing, but it works incredibly well for the story. Not only does it give the reader a clear view of everything that has happened to Sarah, but it also explains her personality. It lets readers get inside her head - a truly hilarious place to be.
At first, Sarah is lost, hurting, and totally judgmental. Through her story it is so very easy to see the development in her character. While her decision to become a Christian might be sudden, the changes I could see over the course of this story were not so dramatic. She isn't suddenly less judgmental, but she makes an effort to not be quite so closed minded. And slowly, gradually a complete change is made, all seen through the little things, all displayed through her consistent sense of humour and a unique Sarah-ness that is hard to put into words. The book doesn't tell us how Sarah becomes a Christian, instead this book shows Sarah becoming a Christian.
With such accuracy, this novel captures that wonderful journey of faith, life and love. I loved that it never shied away from some tough topics. Everything from divorce, sex, dating, adultery, death, churches, and family are up for honest and open discussion. It is real! Never sanctimonious or perfect in its unattainability. There are also heaps of various literature and movie references (a lot of which, apart from the Sound of Music ones, went totally over my head).
There are so many, many things I loved about this book. The friendship between Sarah and Piper really shines. Piper is the one to confront Sarah on the atrocity that is her poetry. Piper is the one to lead Sarah to Christ. Piper is there for Sarah through all the bumps of new Christianity, with love, understanding, brutal honesty, and really good humour. This book also carries strong themes of family, grief, and relationships. And then there is the romance.
Ahhhh, the romance. Wow. Ben and Sarah connect from the minute they meet. Literally. It might seem sudden, insta-love like, but there is absolutely no denying their chemistry, connection, or the time and effort they put into their relationship on a soul level. I loved that their passion was never brushed over. I loved that they talk about their desire, that they actively put into place plans to ensure they stay within the boundaries they have set. It's not easy and they don't portray it as such and that makes it all the more real and relatable to the average human. But their romance is so incredibly sweet.
At times I found myself rereading lines a couple times just to soak in the sheer brilliance of it all. I adored this book. Upfront, honest, and so very hilarious, it was a delight to read. I can't wait to share this with my friends, with readers who love modern, clever, and funny Christian romance. I also can't wait to read whatever Bethany Turner next gifts us readers - it is sure to be just as surprisingly wonderful. But for now, I will content myself with rereading this delightful novel.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog Madison's Library.
not-going-to-finish
February 12, 2023Yeah, I think this one is not for me. I quit reading Christian romances a while ago and this is reminding me why. I was intrigued enough until the insta-love with the pastor. DNFing at chapter 6.
October 14, 2017
THE SECRET LIFE OF SARAH HOLLENBECK is a first-person, chicklit style book. Reeling from her divorce, Sarah is struggling to find her identity apart from her ex-husband's trophy wife. So she joins book clubs. And in the process discovers she can write. And she begins to make friends. Unfortunately, her best friend is judgmental and drops her like a hot potato when she learns Sarah writes steamy romances.
But Sarah's friend returns. And leads her to Christ. Which means that Sarah is losing it all, it is falling apart right and left, but yet there is this hot new man and... he gets drawn into this drama which ultimately is going to cost him everything too.
Okay, if you read any chicklit, you know the score. And I've read and LOVED chicklit. I cried when the genre sort of died. But while I've read some really really good chicklit, this wasn't it.
Ouch, right? I wanted to love it. I was over-the-moon excited when I saw this hot new debut that was chicklit. YES! I honestly wanted to love it. But I didn't.
This book was blah. I didn't care one ounce for Sarah. Piper had more personality though I didn't understand her. And some of it seemed rather contrived.
More conservative readers will have issues with a lot of the book. Divorce. Affairs. Sex with minors. And more. This is like a soap opera. Really.
But it also touches on the very real tendency of Christians to be judgmental without knowing all the facts. Shoot their wounded instead of supporting them.
A hard-hitting book that will leave the reader hurting but thinking. And for that, maybe I will give it more than the amount of stars I'd planned. Maybe. Or maybe not. Because the faith message was zilch.
I was given a free copy. All opinions are my own.
But Sarah's friend returns. And leads her to Christ. Which means that Sarah is losing it all, it is falling apart right and left, but yet there is this hot new man and... he gets drawn into this drama which ultimately is going to cost him everything too.
Okay, if you read any chicklit, you know the score. And I've read and LOVED chicklit. I cried when the genre sort of died. But while I've read some really really good chicklit, this wasn't it.
Ouch, right? I wanted to love it. I was over-the-moon excited when I saw this hot new debut that was chicklit. YES! I honestly wanted to love it. But I didn't.
This book was blah. I didn't care one ounce for Sarah. Piper had more personality though I didn't understand her. And some of it seemed rather contrived.
More conservative readers will have issues with a lot of the book. Divorce. Affairs. Sex with minors. And more. This is like a soap opera. Really.
But it also touches on the very real tendency of Christians to be judgmental without knowing all the facts. Shoot their wounded instead of supporting them.
A hard-hitting book that will leave the reader hurting but thinking. And for that, maybe I will give it more than the amount of stars I'd planned. Maybe. Or maybe not. Because the faith message was zilch.
I was given a free copy. All opinions are my own.
November 6, 2017
Bethany Turner has made a fan for life. The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck tells the story of an author who becomes a Christian all the while still having a contract with a publisher that wants her to write what is described as a scandalous novel. A novel she thinks she can't write now. Sarah also begins to attend a new church where she meets the Pastor and immediately has feelings for him. The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck touches on many issues long time believers and new believers struggle with. A new believer trying to figure out her new life and deal with what in reality are lustful thoughts towards another believer. That is something believers new and old struggle with and it's not often that I see this issue touched on in Christian fiction and I really appreciated it. Bethany Turner's debut is a funny, romantic, and poingant novel that young women and older women will devour.
March 28, 2018
Hold on to your cellphones 'cause I'm about to make a strong claim. This is the Christian Fiction I wish all other contemporary Christian Fiction books were like. It's de-lightful. Funny and real. The characters love God but they also struggle with attraction and desires. Hallelujah!
And let's go back to funny. Y'all it is SO funny. I swear I smiled and chuckled through the entire book. Case in point:
So yeah, stop reading this review and go order this book.
Right now. While you sing Super Trouper to yourself.
I am going to follow this author and henceforth try any book she ever releases.
And recommend her book to everyone.
And let's go back to funny. Y'all it is SO funny. I swear I smiled and chuckled through the entire book. Case in point:
"And by him we cry, 'Abba, Father."" Piper recited those words from Romans 8 to me, and I couldn't help but laugh when she explained to me that "Abba" was Aramaic for "Father" and that the apostle Paul hadn't actually been in the mood for a little "Dancing Queen."
"You don't know that he wasn't." I smiled. "You don't know that he and Timothy, or Barnabas, didn't occasionally release a little tension among the Corinthians by belting out 'Super Trouper.'
So yeah, stop reading this review and go order this book.
Right now. While you sing Super Trouper to yourself.
I am going to follow this author and henceforth try any book she ever releases.
And recommend her book to everyone.
October 17, 2017
What a fresh style! I enjoyed every second of reading this book and laughed almost the entire time. It's very different for inspirational fiction in that it deals with physical desires in a funny but realistic way.
April 2, 2018
This was such a fun story! The author had me laughing out loud many times. The first few chapters built a bit slowly for me, but I persevered and things really picked up.
It was an adventure to read about Sarah’s broken marriage, rise to fame, and ultimate decision to follow Jesus. And that was where the story really picked up the pace. There was attraction galore between the two main characters and the author did a good job of illustrating the feelings and actions between Sarah and Ben, while still keeping things clean. I would recommend this book for adults, as a huge focus was on intimacy issues and situations. This novel was packed with great characters and I loved the chapter headings.
(4.5 stars)
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
It was an adventure to read about Sarah’s broken marriage, rise to fame, and ultimate decision to follow Jesus. And that was where the story really picked up the pace. There was attraction galore between the two main characters and the author did a good job of illustrating the feelings and actions between Sarah and Ben, while still keeping things clean. I would recommend this book for adults, as a huge focus was on intimacy issues and situations. This novel was packed with great characters and I loved the chapter headings.
(4.5 stars)
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
Read
March 16, 2019I was looking for a fun, but NOT fluffy read (I'm not a reader of fluff), so I turned to Bethany Turner's debut. It is fun! It's giggle worthy, even. But it isn't without substance, in fact I was glad to find quite a bit of heft and good themes throughout. Even this "I don't read romance" girl was pulled in. Why? Because it was funny. That counts for a lot.
I need to note that other reviewers have been offended by certain discussions between two characters about struggling to resist the temptation of...ahem...lust. But what couple waiting to have sex until marriage doesn't struggle? And I found it refreshing that the couple discussed it (and set up boundaries) rather than internal dialogue that hints at uteruses fluttering or tingles or vague longings...etc. Yes, all of those I've seen in Christian fiction. Even the uterus. Turner's approach is more relatable, honest, and so much less awkward.
Also, did I mention that the book is funny?
I need to note that other reviewers have been offended by certain discussions between two characters about struggling to resist the temptation of...ahem...lust. But what couple waiting to have sex until marriage doesn't struggle? And I found it refreshing that the couple discussed it (and set up boundaries) rather than internal dialogue that hints at uteruses fluttering or tingles or vague longings...etc. Yes, all of those I've seen in Christian fiction. Even the uterus. Turner's approach is more relatable, honest, and so much less awkward.
Also, did I mention that the book is funny?
February 6, 2018
A sweet romance with spunk. I love Bethany Turner's voice and writing style!
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