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Chain of Lakes #3
The Color of Truth
Truth isn't always black and white. Sometimes it takes the unexpected to reveal its true colors.
Marti has been on her own since she was 15, determined to build a life for herself and her sister despite the threats of a man intent on keeping her from revealing his secret.
Sam Evans’ turbulent teen years prepared him for the perfect job—counseling troubled youth. Then his pregnant wife walked out on their marriage and his life imploded, leaving him without a family, a job, or his hard-earned reputation.
With her sister in danger, they’re forced to divulge the secrets, lies, and half-truths they’ve kept hidden from each other, and from themselves. If they can’t face the brilliant colors of God’s truth, the consequences may be deadly.
293 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 8, 2017
70 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 30, 2018
Truth isn't always black and white. Sometimes it takes the unexpected to reveal its true colors. Marti Gustafson has been on her own since she was 15, determined to build a life for herself and her younger, beautiful and very vulnerable sister despite the threats on her life by a man intent on keeping her from revealing his secrets.
Sam Evans' turbulent teen years prepared him for the perfect job--counseling troubled youth. Then his pregnant wife walked out on their marriage and his life imploded, leaving him without a family, a job, or his hard-earned reputation.
When a crisis strikes, both Marti and Sam are forced to divulge their secrets, lies and half-truths they've kept hidden from others and themselves. If they can't face God's color of truth, the consequences may be deadly.
Marti pleads guilty to the accusations of her own conscience and develops a low self-esteem. Sam carries a burden of guilt and blames himself for the deaths of two teenagers and his failed marriage. Eddy is an evil and shrewd drug dealer who would kill anyone who gets in his way - including Marti. Author Monson weaves the lives of three main characters into a believable and inspiring story that not only reveals the baggage that humans can lug around, but the freedom that can be found in being truthful with God, self, and others, but would it come in time to salvage any of those involved?
Author Stacy Monson does a superb job of bringing her characters to life through natural dialogue and through their thoughts and feelings. The story line is filled with suspense and intrigue and keeps the reader's interest from start to finish. A real page-turner!
Stacy Monson has written the Chain of Lakes series: "Shattered Image," "Dance of Grace," and "The Color of Truth." Her ultimate goal is two-fold: to glorify God, and to share inspiring, encouraging stories that point people to the Source of all goodness, the One who can and does redeem everyone who seeks Him.
I give "The Color of Truth" by Stacy Monson a 5-star rating, and I highly recommend this book to anyone who has ever struggled with their own identity of their purpose in life.
Review by: Rita Kroon, author of "Kiss Your Mommy Goodbye" and "Letters from the Past."
Sam Evans' turbulent teen years prepared him for the perfect job--counseling troubled youth. Then his pregnant wife walked out on their marriage and his life imploded, leaving him without a family, a job, or his hard-earned reputation.
When a crisis strikes, both Marti and Sam are forced to divulge their secrets, lies and half-truths they've kept hidden from others and themselves. If they can't face God's color of truth, the consequences may be deadly.
Marti pleads guilty to the accusations of her own conscience and develops a low self-esteem. Sam carries a burden of guilt and blames himself for the deaths of two teenagers and his failed marriage. Eddy is an evil and shrewd drug dealer who would kill anyone who gets in his way - including Marti. Author Monson weaves the lives of three main characters into a believable and inspiring story that not only reveals the baggage that humans can lug around, but the freedom that can be found in being truthful with God, self, and others, but would it come in time to salvage any of those involved?
Author Stacy Monson does a superb job of bringing her characters to life through natural dialogue and through their thoughts and feelings. The story line is filled with suspense and intrigue and keeps the reader's interest from start to finish. A real page-turner!
Stacy Monson has written the Chain of Lakes series: "Shattered Image," "Dance of Grace," and "The Color of Truth." Her ultimate goal is two-fold: to glorify God, and to share inspiring, encouraging stories that point people to the Source of all goodness, the One who can and does redeem everyone who seeks Him.
I give "The Color of Truth" by Stacy Monson a 5-star rating, and I highly recommend this book to anyone who has ever struggled with their own identity of their purpose in life.
Review by: Rita Kroon, author of "Kiss Your Mommy Goodbye" and "Letters from the Past."
June 17, 2017
A Thought-Provoking Read!
Once again Stacy Monson has penned a novel that is so much more than romance! I was up until one in the morning reading because I couldn’t put it down! The Color of Truth is a thought-provoking, heart-tugging, page-turning story that holds a mirror to ourselves. How do we color the truth about ourselves? What do we believe? What are the lies we tell ourselves?
Stacy excels at writing stories that show people who could be your next-door neighbor—maybe relatives—maybe yourself!—dealing with real-life issues, and she always handles those issues with a generous amount of grace. I can’t wait to read more from Stacy Monson!
Once again Stacy Monson has penned a novel that is so much more than romance! I was up until one in the morning reading because I couldn’t put it down! The Color of Truth is a thought-provoking, heart-tugging, page-turning story that holds a mirror to ourselves. How do we color the truth about ourselves? What do we believe? What are the lies we tell ourselves?
Stacy excels at writing stories that show people who could be your next-door neighbor—maybe relatives—maybe yourself!—dealing with real-life issues, and she always handles those issues with a generous amount of grace. I can’t wait to read more from Stacy Monson!
November 1, 2018
The Color of Truth, book 3 in Monson’s Chain of Lakes series, was a satisfying, eye-opening read. From drug dealers to negative self-talk that had misdirected her entire life, Marti is a character that makes you stop and think about the situations that can derail a life. Monson’s Chain of Lakes series is a wonderful series about second (and third, and fourth) chances and the love of God for us as individuals. If you want to read a book, or a series, with realistic characters, I would highly recommend The Color of Truth and the Chain of Lakes series.
March 9, 2018
This multi-layered story, and Ms. Monson's strong writing, revealed quite a few surprises along the way to the heart-tugging end. Oh, yes, I got a little teary-eyed when . . . oops, can't tell you that!
January 3, 2018
All about forgiveness
I love the message in this book. The characters were lovable and the message was very clear. It's all about forgiveness to ourselves and of God
I love the message in this book. The characters were lovable and the message was very clear. It's all about forgiveness to ourselves and of God
February 14, 2019
This was my favourite book of the three in the series. I really enjoyed it.
September 26, 2017
This book is just as compelling as the first two in the series. I like the common setting and the continuing characters but appreciate that each story can be read as a standalone with no loss of understanding or enjoyment.
I have been trying to analyze why I love all three of books so much. The main characters are very different, and the situations in which they find themselves are extremely varied. But aside from the differences, they have several things in common:
- All are beautifully written in a very engaging voice.
- As different as the characters are, they all have a lot of self-doubt, fears, and secrets that we can all identify with. All come to recognize their own inherent worth as sons and daughters of God.
- The romances start with friendship and develop naturally, focused on conversation--often charming banter--and simple activities--like walks and sandwich meals--rather than passionate physical attraction and glamorous dates.
- The stories touch the emotions; I smiled and laughed in some places and cried in many others.
- Above all, the stories are rooted in love of God and deep faith. They don't always start that way; several of the characters have doubts and even claim to hate God because of their pasts, but through their trials and relationships and experiences, they come to depend on the Lord and trust Him implicitly.
If you enjoy Christian romances with God at the center, I recommend The Chain of Lakes series. I hope there are more to come!
I received a copy of the book from the author, but I voluntarily wrote the review, which expresses my honest opinion.
I have been trying to analyze why I love all three of books so much. The main characters are very different, and the situations in which they find themselves are extremely varied. But aside from the differences, they have several things in common:
- All are beautifully written in a very engaging voice.
- As different as the characters are, they all have a lot of self-doubt, fears, and secrets that we can all identify with. All come to recognize their own inherent worth as sons and daughters of God.
- The romances start with friendship and develop naturally, focused on conversation--often charming banter--and simple activities--like walks and sandwich meals--rather than passionate physical attraction and glamorous dates.
- The stories touch the emotions; I smiled and laughed in some places and cried in many others.
- Above all, the stories are rooted in love of God and deep faith. They don't always start that way; several of the characters have doubts and even claim to hate God because of their pasts, but through their trials and relationships and experiences, they come to depend on the Lord and trust Him implicitly.
If you enjoy Christian romances with God at the center, I recommend The Chain of Lakes series. I hope there are more to come!
I received a copy of the book from the author, but I voluntarily wrote the review, which expresses my honest opinion.
June 10, 2018
Gut-punching from page one—literally, as Marti is beaten up. The story is set in Minnesota, and there are a lot of 'nice' people. Don’t get me wrong; there is no lack of conflict. We are dealing with abuse, homelessness, foster homes, learning disabilities and image problems. There are enough not-nice people in Marti’s past to convince her that she is stupid, unattractive and worthless, not to mention guilty for her little sister's condition. There is also a 'bad guy' who holds power over her. But a lot of good people are committed to acting on their faith in God by serving those he loves, which Marti is about to learn includes her. And of course, there is romance. Sam has his own issues and fears that he has blown it in God’s book once and for all. Neither Sam nor Marti feels worthy of the other. Frankly, I'm not a romance fan. Another thing I love about Stacy Monson’s writing is that the romance adds layers of complexity without running the show. This is a clean read that will challenge how you think about other people and giving them second chances.
November 27, 2021
I love Romans 8
I knew the basic layout of the story from Ms. Monson's previous books in the series, but this story really spoke to me. The details of this book was so engaging, in some way the previous two hadn't. The characters seemed more lively somehow in my mind, the storyline more colorful, the plot a little more nuanced. And the verses at the end jumped at me with something new, which was very exciting. And I didn't want to put it down until I finished it.
Thank you Stacy Monsoon for this story. I so enjoyed this series!
I knew the basic layout of the story from Ms. Monson's previous books in the series, but this story really spoke to me. The details of this book was so engaging, in some way the previous two hadn't. The characters seemed more lively somehow in my mind, the storyline more colorful, the plot a little more nuanced. And the verses at the end jumped at me with something new, which was very exciting. And I didn't want to put it down until I finished it.
Thank you Stacy Monsoon for this story. I so enjoyed this series!
April 10, 2022
Stacy Monson is one of those authors, after reading one of her books, I always come away with a lighter step and heart. Her characters are broken but oh so relatable and real. Her stories are deep with truth, peppered with humor, winsome dialogue, a little suspense and romance, and always end up making me cry at some point. Maybe two points. And I’m not a crier. Her redemptive stories are hard to put down and always point to the love and grace of God in beautiful clarity. I’ve read all three of this series and wholeheartedly recommend them all!
May 20, 2018
Worth Reading!
The 3 rd book in Stacy Monsoon’s series is another success! Only hope there are more to come in this Chain of Lake series. We all get side stepped in life, forgetting that Christ is for us not against us. Reading her stories helps reinforce everyone has good in them. Sometimes it just takes the help of others for it too shine. Thank you Stacy for a novel well done!
The 3 rd book in Stacy Monsoon’s series is another success! Only hope there are more to come in this Chain of Lake series. We all get side stepped in life, forgetting that Christ is for us not against us. Reading her stories helps reinforce everyone has good in them. Sometimes it just takes the help of others for it too shine. Thank you Stacy for a novel well done!
January 14, 2022
Impossible to put down
I thoroughly enjoyed all 3 books in the Chain of Lakes series! There were twists and turns in the relationships but very realistic , not exaggerated or contrived. There were many good lessons about realizing who we each truly are, about forgiveness and moving forward toward our dreams and potential, despite our past.
I thoroughly enjoyed all 3 books in the Chain of Lakes series! There were twists and turns in the relationships but very realistic , not exaggerated or contrived. There were many good lessons about realizing who we each truly are, about forgiveness and moving forward toward our dreams and potential, despite our past.
June 1, 2022
I believe that I have read all of her books in this series
Initially, the beginning was rough, and I found it difficult to press on , but I know that the grace of God can overcome all things. Marti had it rough, but thankfully, she met some people who were willing to give her a second chance.
Initially, the beginning was rough, and I found it difficult to press on , but I know that the grace of God can overcome all things. Marti had it rough, but thankfully, she met some people who were willing to give her a second chance.
July 2, 2017
Wonderful story! I enjoyed it from beginning to end.
This is a great story and I can't wait to read more by Stacy Monson. This was a faith based story and shows how God works in mysterious ways. Well written !!
This is a great story and I can't wait to read more by Stacy Monson. This was a faith based story and shows how God works in mysterious ways. Well written !!
May 13, 2018
The Color of Truth
I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Color of Truth! It was a tear jerker, suspense story of one who was damaged goods and as a teenager, fell into bad company. This is the story of her redemption from that life and the people who loved her through it all.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Color of Truth! It was a tear jerker, suspense story of one who was damaged goods and as a teenager, fell into bad company. This is the story of her redemption from that life and the people who loved her through it all.
June 20, 2022
Sweet tears again!
Dear Author, must I always read your books with tissues at the ready?😜 Your stories are beautiful and remind me anew how God works all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose .
Dear Author, must I always read your books with tissues at the ready?😜 Your stories are beautiful and remind me anew how God works all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose .
May 2, 2018
One of the best inspirational romances I have ever read.
May 20, 2018
Great read.
It was a very good book. Would highly recommend it. Kept me on the edge of my seat. Great book.
It was a very good book. Would highly recommend it. Kept me on the edge of my seat. Great book.
May 21, 2018
It had it all! Interesting characters, good story line, a little suspense and God! Great read!
June 7, 2018
Great read
Really enjoyed book. Like how scripture quoted and shows how God works in our life. Would highly recommend . Will read her books again
Really enjoyed book. Like how scripture quoted and shows how God works in our life. Would highly recommend . Will read her books again
September 4, 2018
Forgiveness starts with oneself.
A beautifully written story of God's love and redemption.A story of life and it's unfairness put into perspective through His grace.
A beautifully written story of God's love and redemption.A story of life and it's unfairness put into perspective through His grace.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews