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A Perfect Weakness

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The Civil War left its mark on Dr. John Turner. He turns his back on medicine and sees his unexpected inheritance in England as an opportunity to start over. But he never imagines how God intends to use his new role as lord of Ashford Hall or the beautiful woman he finds there to ease his troubled soul. A tragic loss led Penelope Howard to bury her heart and dreams in her work for the Hall and the village of Woodley. But the arrival of the new heir stirs not only her discarded longings but her compassion as well. What burden does he carry that he can't accept that grace covers the darkest of sins? A deadly epidemic sweeps through Woodley revealing secrets which threaten everything. The doctor faces a leave or dare to believe what the Lord whispers through the woman John has come to love. No one is beyond redemption.

1 pages, MP3 CD

Published May 7, 2019

211 people are currently reading
319 people want to read

About the author

Jennifer A. Davids

7 books61 followers
Jennifer has been writing stories since she got an A++ on her ninth grade creative writing assignment. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and a graduate of The Ohio State University, she makes room to write in between being a busy wife and mom and despite the fact her cats like to walk in front of her keyboard. You can also follow her on BookBub here: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jenni...

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5 stars
189 (41%)
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174 (38%)
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76 (16%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
Profile Image for Deanne Patterson.
2,398 reviews115 followers
July 15, 2019
A wonderful message is found in this book, we may not feel worthy of many things but God does not give up on us.
A fascinating story about the time period right after the Civil War but yet takes place in England.
Dr. John Turner carries a heavy burden, he won't let himself forget or forgive himself. He jumps at an opportunity to start over in England with an unexpected inheritance and is now the lord of Ashford Hall. Once there he meets another troubled soul.
Penelope Howard helps others as much as possible to keep busy so she won't remember her loss.
So many times we are held by our memories in the past while others have moved on. These memories can be very damaging to our souls.
I was captivated by this story with it's strong sense of rediscovering self worth and forgiveness of self.
Published July 25th 2018

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.


Profile Image for Ron Wroblewski.
675 reviews168 followers
February 17, 2025
It got to my heart, that God's grace can forgive all. This book will be in my mind for a long time.
Profile Image for Brittany .
2,869 reviews204 followers
July 31, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this historical romance. I loved that it was set just after the American Civil War, yet it almost exclusively took place in England. That made it a unique setting for me for that time period.

The characters, John and Penelope, were captivating! Both of them had heavy guilt hanging over them. John especially struggled with guilt. Penelope had a better acceptance of the fact that God’s grace could cover anything. Yet, she still carried some immense sadness from past events.

I loved the medical setting and situation that these characters must persevere through. I thought the author did a very good job of showing how even good doctors, who were very well trained, could be reluctant to accept a new philosphy or idea, preferring to believe things that we now know were incorrect. It rang of authenticity to me as I read these scenes.

This novel kept me intrigued from beginning to end, felt very true to the times, and had some twists and turns thrown in, as well.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
Profile Image for Lisa P Clement.
313 reviews9 followers
July 29, 2018
I loved the book. I always enjoy historical stories. I like when a story deals with real life events and the author does a great job with these characters. She writes of their struggles in their past and their redemption over time.
I look forward to reading another book by this author. I highly recommend it.
I was given an advanced copy. This is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Amanda Geaney.
532 reviews336 followers
November 13, 2020
As often happens with ebooks, I purchased A Perfect Weakness in April 2019 and let it slip into digital oblivion. I rediscovered it yesterday while doing a little housekeeping in my kindle library. I've never read Jennifer A. Davids before nor has anyone recommended her works to me so I felt I needed to take a few moments to recommend this story to YOU—my bookish friends. 

Davids capture my attention right away and I sank into this story with ease. The further I read, the more invested I became and before I knew it, I was cheering for Penelope and Dr. Turner. What I admired about Penelope was the way she embraced God's forgiveness for her past indiscretions and how she served others with joy and contentment. I also admired the compassion she showed towards one person in particular even when it could have cost her her reputation. With Dr. Turner I vacillated between compassion and frustration. As a former military medic, I hated to think of how the things he'd witnessed and the duties he'd performed during the war had driven him to drink. My frustration came as a result of his stubborn refusal to help others because of his past mistakes. It was really sweet how the author used one grace-clinger to point a wounded soul to freedom. 
As soon as I finished reading A Perfect Weakness, I went to the author's website to see what she was currently working on. To my delight, she has a new story releasing on November 24th. I plan to snatch it up right away.

Readers who like this book may also enjoy stories by Kristi Ann Hunter and Jocelyn Green. 
Favorite Quote: “Grace is powerful medicine. Dispense it generously.”
Profile Image for LisLovesReading E.Espinoza.
346 reviews
August 8, 2018
*4.5 Stars
A Perfect Weakness, by Jennifer A. Davids, is an uplifting and endearing novel. The characters in this historical fiction book are particularly compelling. They are vulnerable and thoughtful. They possess a genuine believability that makes them truly relatable and unforgettable. Their struggles, insecurities, fears, and beliefs are truly authentic and moving. I still feel emotionally connected to the characters because of their sincere and desperate longing for the grace and the forgiveness they needed in order to find healing for the heartaches they had endured and the mistakes they had made.
The relevant themes in this story show the degree to which shame and guilt can hurt and hinder the soul, while demonstrating the powerful impact forgiveness and grace can have in creating a safe space for healing to begin and wholeness to be realized. Pride and resentment prove to be hollow and unfulfilling, but courageous actions and selfless choices foster true happiness and lasting contentment.
A Perfect Weakness is a story of renewed hope and second chances. It is a story of faith and trust and new beginnings. It is a story of love, grace, and redemption. From the first page to the last, this novel is enjoyable to read. It is honest, tender, emotionally stirring, and ultimately uplifting. I recommend it wholeheartedly.
*I was given a copy of this novel from the author/publisher. A review was not required. The review I have written contains opinions that are entirely my own.
Profile Image for Stella Potts.
516 reviews9 followers
September 7, 2018
Redemption is ours for the asking

This was a great book. It is the first time I have read a book by this author and I will certainly look for others by her. It gives us a view of how God forgives our past mistakes. I enjoyed getting to know the hero and heroine Lord Turner and Penelope. I recommend this book for historical fiction lovers.
Profile Image for Anne.
Author 25 books148 followers
July 25, 2018
Very impressed with this book! Jennifer's writing draws the reader in and gets you attached to the characters. And the romance...oh my! Subtle but beautiful. I love how both characters have struggled with redemption over something from their past. "Nobody is beyond redemption" is the theme of this book, and it's one we all need to hear. In addition to a wonderful story, the book, which is set in England in the late 1860s, is well-researched, and I loved learning a few things about medical practices during that time period. If you love historical romance, don't miss A Perfect Weakness!

I'm looking forward to more books by this author!
Profile Image for Candace West.
Author 11 books247 followers
August 21, 2018
And excellent read! When Penelope meets John (the new heir of her uncle's estate), she doesn't realize how tragically his life is broken. But then, neither does John realize Penelope's shattered past.
Jennifer Davids does a beautiful job weaving their stories together. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to find out what was going to happen next! This story is all about how God can take the most hopeless situation and turn it into a blessing. Every page draws the characters closer to God's redeeming love. I'll be reading more from this wonderful author!
Profile Image for Erin Laramore.
828 reviews77 followers
July 21, 2018
This story took place in the 1860's in England (primarily - with a couple of early scenes in the US), and is a beautiful story of grace and redemption. The story focuses on the lives of the 2 main characters, John and Penelope. Both of them have committed grievous sins in their past that they attempt to keep hidden. John struggles with the possibility of God's grace and believes he has fallen too far. While Penelope has accepted God's grace, she still struggles with the repercussions of her past mistakes and believes that her sins will keep her from finding true happiness and seeks contentment in her current circumstances. Throughout the story, various circumstances come to light and they seek to help each other come to terms with their pasts.

While parts of the story were somewhat predictable and I was fully convinced I could see the ending coming a mile away, the author brought along a few surprises throughout and the ending was so sweet! This was a lovely romance story, but it was made more so because of the resounding theme of grace. The theme verse of the book is 2 Corinthians 12:9 where God says to Paul "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" (hence the title), and that theme came through loud and clear. God used both of their weaknesses to bring about a great result in the end.

Special thanks to the publisher for providing me with an advanced e-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to write a review and the thoughts and opinions contained herein are my own.
Profile Image for Lynda.
415 reviews23 followers
October 1, 2018
Expectations—good or bad—can be very uncomfortable things. Whether a parent who cannot be satisfied or assumptions about someone based on his or her heritage, this book shows how judgments are often based on too little information and the crippling effects they can have.

Forgiveness is a key theme in this novel, especially of self. Long after others have moved on, our emotions can hold us captive to the past. Only with God can we truly understand forgiveness and move forward to live again. The spiritual content is solid and strong, woven into the story and a natural part of the narrative.

I enjoyed the historical details about doctoring, how doctors trained and what might have been different in that field in the US versus England. In fact, many ideas were different between the two countries; I tend to forget sometimes about the deep divide between the countries during this period in history with respect to ideas about people and rights.

I loved how many of the characters are forced to look at things in a different way than they started. For example, an injured man has to reconsider his status as a “burden” when his father tells him that he still has his son, and that is no burden but a blessing. The main characters both grow and change over the course of the novel, and how they see themselves is a big part of that.

And the romance is first-rate as well, with a hero and heroine who are so right for each other it is painful to watch them struggle against their feelings. Their motivations for doing this are beautiful, however, as each truly wants the best for the other, even if it means letting go of the one they love.

This is a great book that I thoroughly enjoyed even though it deals with some difficult topics. I recommend it for mature readers of 16 and up due to some thematic elements, all handled appropriately, but still sensitive in nature. Those who think that their particular sin is too difficult for God to forgive will be blessed as they read about others who have similar worries and find redemption available for them, too.

I received a review copy of this book from the publisher but was not required to write a positive review. The thoughts expressed are both honest and my own.
Profile Image for Kat Green.
1,147 reviews20 followers
May 12, 2021
I listened to the audiobook on this one because it was FREE in my Audible Plus account. Sine I was unfamiliar with both the author & the narrator, I decided to try it out. The characters are well developed with lots of well researched details in this awesome storyline. The narrator, Gwyneth Olsen, shows considerable talent with her wonderful portrayal of the characters. She just pulls you into the story as if you’re a bystander watching a movie. Since there are no explicit sex scenes to limit the audience, I can easily recommend this book or audiobook to anyone who loved Regency romances. I love the way this book makes one think of how their “Now” decisions should not be their only concern. They need to consider how their actions will/may affect themselves or others later in time. Excellent experience. ❤️
Profile Image for Terressa.
597 reviews
July 25, 2018
Fantastic story of forgiveness. And of course love. I really liked the approach on how the characters realized the forgiveness they needed and received all while learning and accepting to love through that forgiving phase. I hope there is a sequel!!

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists,
and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive
reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this
in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.
Profile Image for Shonda.
Author 10 books47 followers
July 31, 2018
Such a good book I couldn’t put down! I feel in love with the characters especially Penelope. A great story about God’s grace and forgiveness. I found myself rooting for John. This story will tug on your heart strings. There were moments I wanted to cry it then other times I wanted to rejoice. I highly recommend to anyone looking for a real page turner to read!
Profile Image for Lindsey.
171 reviews2 followers
June 9, 2021
For being free on Audible this was a really good story! I enjoyed the medical aspects of the book. This was a Christian book and had a lot of talk about forgiveness.

89 reviews2 followers
July 25, 2018
This is a wonderful book! It drew me in from the start. Penelope and John are very relatable characters with broken pasts that they must overcome to see God’s love and grace for them and their futures. The medical details in the story were accurate to the time period as well (as a nurse, that is important to me). I loved seeing the progression of their relationship, made to be realistic in that it’s not all happiness and roses, but has hurdles they overcome. I look forward to reading more books by Jennifer Davids. I did receive a free advance copy, but the review was given of my own free will and is completely my own opinions.
Profile Image for Nieca.
253 reviews20 followers
July 18, 2018
A story of two troubled souls finding each other, and helping each other heal. Sympathetic characters who have been through a lot. I would have liked a confrontation at the end rather than just hearing what happened (I don't want to say too much). Overall, I enjoyed this book. It was a nice break from my book club read!
Profile Image for Kailey.
794 reviews94 followers
July 14, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. The author did an excellent job writing this book. The story and characters really came to life in my mind while reading. The characters were great. It was nice to see them move forward from their past hurts. I always enjoy reading about characters that surrender to God and let Him lead their lives. I look forward to reading more from this author! I highly recommend it!






I was given a complimentary copy of this ebook from the author, but was not required to write a review. The thoughts and comments are my own.
Profile Image for Bhriv.
604 reviews27 followers
September 11, 2018
A Perfect Weakness, written by Jennifer A. Davids, is an excellent read by this author.
My favorite character: Penelope - She had strength and courage to keep going after finding herself in a terrible situation.
Davids took these characters and brought them to life. She didn't miss a beat with bringing realistic struggles to the pages.
Lord Turner had the gift of medicine but couldn't find it in himself to practice after dealing with memories of the Civil War constantly wearing him down.
Penelope had her own struggles and I wasn't sure how the two would ever work through their own issues and then yet another character comes onto the scene with a surprise.
This book kept me guessing at each page turn. Loved how it ended! Definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves historical with a touch of romance and intrigue. You won't be disappointed!
I was given an ARC of this book by the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.
Profile Image for Gina Holder.
Author 14 books454 followers
March 7, 2019
A Perfect Weakness is a beautiful redemption story. I loved the usage of Scripture as it added depth and a spiritual connection to the theme of the book. The characters in this story are hurting, they've been through some terrible things and made some huge mistakes. Our heroine, Penelope Howard is still grieving the loss of a loved one, but she has accepted God's forgiveness for her sin. Now, it's up to her to help Dr. John Turner, the new lord of Ashford Hall, forgive himself before tragedy strikes the little town of Woodley.
I love how John, the American, shakes up this little English village. He challenges their backwards traditions, namely the separation of "classes." It has a bit of a Cinderella twist as "servants" attend a ball and a groomsman becomes a doctor!
I love how the author shows the changes in the times as the doctors squabble over the source of the epidemic-- the discovering of water-borne diseases verses "bad air."
One thing I appreciated is that not everyone is the story finds redemption or a happy ending. It reminds us that for there to be redemption, we have to want God's redemption. This subplot to the story does also introduce some more sensitive issues including: an attempted abortion, attempted suicide, rape, and pornographic artistry. They are not described in detail and are well-handled with lots of tact, but it is a part of the story.
I love how the "Castle" acts as imagery throughout the book. The ruins of the first Ashford Hall is a beautiful picture of the ruins that both John and Penelope see as their lives. It's a wonderful reminder that "No One is Beyond Redemption." It doesn't matter how far you fall, God is always there to rebuild the ruins of your life and make something from the pieces that remain.
I recommend this book for readers who love historical English settings and stories that have a deep faith message.
I received a copy of this book from the author. A review was not required. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
128 reviews
August 5, 2018
A Perfect Weakness is a wonderfully rich story about two broken people who help each other heal. Dr. John Turner is guilt ridden about the things that he did as a doctor during the Civil War and about something that happened afterwards as well. When he finds he is the heir to an estate in England, he leaves America and medicine behind to claim his inheritance. He is drawn to Penelope Hall who is the sister to the steward of the estate. Penelope has a secret that she believes will cause her to be alone for the rest of her life. She has made peace (or so she tells herself) with this. John and Penelope are determined to be alone as they both feel that is their lot in life even though they both feel a connection with the other. When an epidemic breaks out in the area, John reluctantly takes up medicine again to help his protege who discovers the source of the illness. Throughout their time together, John and Penelope grow close in spite of their efforts to distance themselves. In a very emotional ending, Penelope's secret is revealed and it coincides with what was the final thing that caused John to abandon medicine. As they work through this together and the crushing blow Penelope's brother throws their way, they help each other heal. There are a couple of sub stories that are compelling as well.
I did receive a Kindle version of this book from the author.
Profile Image for Sally.
Author 25 books96 followers
September 4, 2018
A Perfect Weakness, a historical Christian romance set in Victorian England, is a beautiful love story that is filled with God’s abundant grace. I was fascinated by the historical detail about medical treatment, and I fell in love with the characters. A winner!
Profile Image for Theresa Kitchen.
16 reviews
September 3, 2018
God's strength made perfect in weakness

I loved this story! This author grabbed my attention from the very beginning. It was very interesting to see how she used God's grace and strength to bring healing where it was most needed.
Profile Image for Cindy .
699 reviews2 followers
August 20, 2018
Very enjoyable book that you don't want to put down. Due to our sin nature, we often feel that salvation is simply too easy to be true. We either think (and want) to do something to earn our salvation, or we are sure that the thing(s) we have done are simply too horrible for God to forgive us. They are both different aspects of pride. The author does a good job of showing how wrong that kind of thinking is, and how stubbornly we will hold on to it. I loved towards the end when Penelope explains God's forgiveness to Clara. She uses the passage about the woman caught in adultery, explaining what her father had told her when he gave her a rock to remind her of it. I won't say more as I don't want to ruin it for anyone, but it's something I'll never forget.
Profile Image for Stacy.
315 reviews35 followers
October 4, 2018
Author Jennifer A. Davids created a beautiful story of redemption set in the latter 1860's in England. The characters were realistic and very likable -you wanted to read more about them. I enjoyed becoming acquainted with the medical practices from that time period as well. And the romance is gentle, yet perfectly enjoyable.
Historical romance fans will want to read this book. It's the perfect mixture of romance, redemption, and history.
I was given an advanced readers copy of this book, my review is written of my own free will and is wholly written from my own opinions upon reading this book.
Profile Image for Tabitha Bouldin.
Author 45 books707 followers
August 30, 2018
Wonderful!

A beautiful story of love and the great power of God's forgiveness. Sometimes we forget that we never sink so low that God cannot find us.
Profile Image for Danielle Carpenter.
1,818 reviews11 followers
August 11, 2018
This story is based on the scripture, 2 Corinthian 2:19. I found John's character overdid the God will never forgive me, but Penelope was the beauty and perfection that can come from redemption. These two character are polar opposites, but they are brought together to show that no one is beyond redemption. I love the power and the emotions brought to these two characters, and the emotions of those around them, and how they are effected. Each character has his or her own story and it is wrapped into the fabric of the story bringing a powerful and emotional story to the reader.
Profile Image for Melissa (So Behind).
5,143 reviews3,099 followers
August 14, 2018
This is a fascinating historical fiction novel with gorgeous themes of redemption. The Civil War time period is one that has always interested me, and since this one is set in England, the reader gets a unique perspective of that time. The romance is slightly predictable, but overall this is a great story elevated by its spiritual message. Inspirational historical fiction fans should definitely seek this book out as its story is beautifully told and will touch hearts.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Sherrinda.
Author 4 books91 followers
May 25, 2018
This was a lovely book dealing with some serious issues, and I was pulled in emotionally for both the hero and heroine. Both dealt with pas's that prevented them from opening up to each other. One was running from his past, trying to find the peace only God could provide, and the other poured herself out to others to give her a sense of purpose. I loved the secondary characters and their own storylines. The author did a great job of weaving it all together for a fabulous read.
Profile Image for rob.
398 reviews2 followers
August 28, 2018
Awesome

This was a very good book. It would be even better if the author would write a sequel making this a series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews

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