A Beautiful Mess

by Brenda S. Anderson

A single mother's journey from bitterness to forgiveness.

Nearly four years ago, Erin Belden’s happy life became a shattered mess. After her husband admitted to an affair and that a child had been conceived, he left her and their young daughter for his new family. Now, she’s finally ready to put the pieces of her life together. She’s set to launch her own business and even thinks her heart might be open to romance—should the right man come along.

But just when everything seems to be lining up, she receives a devastating call: her ex-husband and his wife have been killed in a car accident, and Erin is listed in their will as their daughter’s legal guardian.

How can she be a mother to the child—let alone love the child—who broke up her marriage? Does she have the courage to start over yet again and turn this mess into a mosaic of beauty?

A single mother’s journey from bitterness to forgiveness.

Genres: Contemporary, Fiction, Inspirational, Womens Fiction

230 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 6, 2019

About the author

Brenda S. Anderson writes authentic and gritty life-affirming fiction that shows God at work in people’s messy lives. She is a founding member of the award-winning, nontraditional publishing company, The Mosaic Collection. When not writing, she enjoys live sports and theater, walking along the shores of Lake Superior, and sharing hot cocoa with friends and family. She lives near Minneapolis with her newly retired husband and their twin mischievous kitties, Mauer and Morneau.

Readers can learn more about Brenda S. Anderson at www.brendaandersonbooks.com

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had never heard of Brenda S Anderson before but I am sure glad I took a chance and picked up A BEAUTIFUL MESS. Ms. Anderson instantly hooked me and pulled me right in from the very first page and never let me go. What happens when a husband is unfaithful to his wife, and a child is conceived? Then one day, the ex-husband and his new wife are killed in an accident and the first wife is named as guardian of the child her ex-husband had with the other woman. Hang in tight! It is going to be a very crazy and bumpy ride!

A BEAUTIFUL MESS shows how when we turn ourselves over to God anything is possible. It is the heartbreaking story of Erin and the unbelievable situation she is put into following the death of her ex husband. I highly recommend this book for readers who enjoy clean reads with true to life characters. Brenda S Anderson grabs her readers by the heart and never lets them go.

All the characters in A BEAUTIFUL MESS are very relatable and not perfect at all. You can’t help but feel each emotion that they are dealing with. When one of them was happy, I was happy. When Erin was crying, I was crying too. I love when an author does that to their readers. I truly was an emotional mess after reading this heart tugging story of a single mother’s love and the battles she faces. Now that I have read A BEAUTIFUL MESS and discovered Brenda S Anderson, I’m excited to read more of this new to me, auto buy from now on author. If you are looking for a heart tugging read that is filled with heavy subject matter, but still fills you with hope, please take a chance and read A BEAUTIFUL MESS. It is so raw you need to keep the tissues close by because your emotions are going to be on one crazy roller coaster ride. Once you finish devouring this story, you are going to want to tell everyone you know about this awesome book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from JustRead Publicity Tours. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Ebosereme Nwamu · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was about real struggles that people go through. No scratch that, real struggles that children of God go through.

Erin was a single mother who knew God and was still reeling from the betrayal by her husband only for him to die and live her in custody of her love child.
She had to battle with all her insecurities, battle with unforgivingness towards her ex husband and learn to love and take care of the child like it was her own. I enjoyed immensely reading her journey from bitterness to forgiveness and love.
This story was breathtaking, absolutely heart warming. I cried, I prayed, my heart was on a journey with this book.

The theme of forgiving those who have hurt us deeply or left us ran through in this book, how to handle when we've been cheated on by spouse and the absolute unconditional love and forgiveness of God will keep you glued to the last pages.

I loved how the author pictured clearly in few words one of the struggles Christians go through, unforgivingness and how to let it at the foot of the cross.

I received a copy of the book and this is my honest opinion.

[Carole Jarvis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was attracted to A Beautiful Mess because women’s fiction is my favorite genre, and I am glad to say that Brenda S. Anderson shines in what seems like her natural element. The narrative is very well written, with rich character depth and a storyline that pulled me in and wouldn’t let go. The title itself couldn’t be more perfect, as it reflects what the Christian journey is all about. Themes such as an affair, infidelity, divorce, grief, and pregnancy outside of marriage are woven into the narrative and insightfully handled. A Beautiful Mess is a gripping, emotional, and believable story – and one of my favorite reads of the year.

Erin, having endured a painful end to her marriage a few years earlier, was just about to the point of successfully moving on – when an unexpected fatal accident brings it all rushing back and forces her to deal with a seemingly impossible task. Erin was a Christian, yet she struggled with disastrous situations just like we all do. I understood Erin’s fear that she couldn’t love Clara, and felt for the older child, Mik, when she acted out.

We really get to know Erin’s husband, Corey, when his journal is discovered, beginning with his downward spiral into lust and adultery. But I also loved getting to know his creative side through his paintings, which always included some small physical piece that related to each particular painting. I could understand why his artwork was in high demand.

It’s often true in life that someone has to hit rock bottom before they can turn their life around, and that was reflected in Corey’s life. A Beautiful Mess isn’t all about bitterness, but becomes a heartwarming story as both Corey and Erin begin to discover the difference between religion and having a relationship with Jesus. Another theme is the reminder that, although being a Christian doesn’t shield us from pain, God is in the business of redeeming and restoring, pulling shattered pieces into a beautiful mosaic.

I enjoyed A Beautiful Mess so very much and am eager to read much more from the pen of Brenda S. Anderson.

Highly recommended.

I received a copy of this book through JustRead Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Beautiful Mess by Brenda Anderson is a powerful contemporary novel that focuses on love and forgiveness. It is part of the Mosaic Collection but can be read as a stand-alone.
Brenda Anderson has created a marvellous mix of characters once again. They are realistically flawed, battling with issues that the reader can empathise with.
Forgiveness is a major theme. We all need to dispense and receive forgiveness. It is something that we all struggle with. When people wrong us we need to look to the example of Jesus. “Jesus loved him [Judas] regardless of that betrayal.” Betrayal hurts. We cannot stop it happening but we can choose our responses. “I’ve decided I can’t wallow in it. I can’t be bitter.”
Parenting is one of the hardest jobs in the world. Balancing a teen and a toddler can be stressful. Brenda Anderson has produced a realistic portrayal of the pressures mums are under.
When life is hard, it is vital to fix our eyes on Jesus. When our focus is on our problems, life overwhelms us. When our focus is on Jesus, our perspective alters and we receive a peace that passes understanding. “I’ll pray… because God sees from a different perspective.” God sees the bigger picture. He knows our end from our beginning.
Within the story, art is important. The reader is reminded that God is the Master Painter, painting our lives and revealing the beauty that may be hidden deep within.
As life intervenes, sometimes we lose sight of God. He longs and waits for us to return to Him. “He finally stopped running from God.” The reader is reminded of the father in the prodigal son, when we move towards God, God picks up His robes and runs towards us, and there is a glorious party in heaven as we return to the fold.
A Beautiful Mess has the difficult subjects of multiple miscarriage and betrayal of marriage vows. Brenda Anderson sensitively and realistically portrays the hurt. Life is not always kind but God is always faithful.
A Beautiful Mess is a powerful, realistic read about the love and faithfulness of God to repair and restore the pieces of our broken lives. I loved it. I always adore all of Brenda Anderson’s novels.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Am I really your masterpiece, God? Have you made me new to do good things for you?" (p 113)

Aptly titled because this story is one beautiful mess of heartache and hope and so much raw emotion it'll churn a reader's insides out!

Be forewarned: this is a read-in-one-sitting kind of book! Since we're closing in to Christmas, I've been pacing my reading with other projects. My day goes something like this: read a chapter, do a chore, read a chapter, do some Christmas baking, etc. So, I dutifully sat down to read my first chapter of A Beautiful Mess...but then I read the second one...and the third and couldn't stop until the very end! I became so enmeshed in the story, so enthralled by the characters that I just couldn't leave them in the midst of all that mess! And now I'm feeling heart-bruised and stuffy nosed (I've never been an elegant crier) and bereft because it's all over. Heaving sigh.

Anderson excels at creating chaos when harsh realities collide with gospel truths. Erin's struggles are so honest. Nothing sugar-coated here. There aren't any perfect answers -- at least not without a tremendous battle. Because it hurts to move forward, to embrace change, to let go, to forgive painful betrayals. It seems easier to hold onto anger and bitterness. And that's where Erin has been stuck for years, though she's taking baby steps out of that dark prison. But then her already imperfect world implodes and absolutely nothing but God's grace can turn the resulting mess into something beautiful.

Another profound, thought-provoking and uplifting novel from an author who isn't afraid to get real with her characters' lives.

My thanks to the author for gifting me with a copy of this book.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Thoughts on A Beautiful Mess:

This book covers some hard subjects like divorce, death, and grieving.  You also get adoption and parenting a child that represents an unhappy part of your past. 

First, of course, the main character has a wonderful name of Erin and I have to say the author has great taste to choose that name (it's my first name if you didn't know).

Second, adoption is near and dear to my heart as I'm an adoptive mom.  Our adoption was through family which technically you could consider this an adoption through family as well. 

The storyline was well written and just sucked me in.  I couldn't stop reading.  When Erin would get emotional, so would I.  I think that's probably the highest compliment I could give an author.  When I sympathize with the character that's one thing but when I cry with them that's another altogether. 

The Mosaic Collection is full of great books and this one fits right in.  I highly recommend you get a copy and give it a read now.  You will not regret it. 

Erin was happily married, or so she thought.  Her husband leaves her, they've been sweethearts since childhood, for another woman.  Then out of the blue, she is made guardian of the child of her husband and the woman he left her for.  I can't even imagine all the emotions that would go through me at that point.

Riveting book.  Must read!

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

[Janice Dick · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Erin Belden struggles to maintain sanity in her upside-down world, even her current mess continues to spiral downward. How is she going to cope with the unthinkable? How can she possibly keep bitterness and anger from overwhelming her?

I learned several valuable lessons reading this beautiful, messed up story:
— when you think nothing more can go wrong, it can
— when you think God can’t love you anymore, He can and He does
— when you are sure you can’t do what God is asking, you can…with His help
— when you feel alone, you are not

I was reminded that nothing can compare with God’s mercy. He loves jerks and sinners and lost souls, and welcomes them home. He loves insecure and frightened pilgrims, and draws them to Himself. I have no right to judge, only to obey, no matter what He asks of me.

Author Brenda S. Anderson weaves difficult and desperately dark threads into a sweet tapestry of forgiveness and peace, but the process is long, and there are many knots and frays along the way. I especially like the character of Clara, the 3-year-old, who adds light and color to the fabric of the story, to the lives of those she comes to love.

A highly recommended read for anyone dealing with life’s unexplained troubles, and that includes all of us.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you in advance to JustRead Publicity Tours, Vivant Press, and Brenda Anderson for the advanced review copy to read. I received the book to review without any monetary payment. A positive review was not required and all words/thoughts are my own.

Four years earlier Erin Belden suffered the end of her marriage when her husband had an affair. That wasn’t the worst part – the worst part was Corey (Corbin) fathering a child by the woman.

Current Day – thinking she can go on with her life with her soon to be moody teenage daughter Michaela, an accident derails Erin’s life dramatically. The accident slightly injures Michaela, but claims the lives of Corey and his wife Lilith.

As a result, Erin is now the custodian of the child that devastated her marriage – her daughter’s half-sister – three (3) year old Clara. While Erin has been Clara’s babysitter, there is a difference between watching a child and raising that child as her own, even loving the child as a mother should. That is part of Erin’s problem – she can’t bring herself to love the child as her own.

Erin is excited that Lilith’s parents want to be part of Clara’s life and think the child would be better suited with them. But, a mutual friend of hers and Corey’s – Jon – knows that isn’t what the couple wanted. Jon decides to find out why Lilith and Corey didn’t want their daughter to be with her parents. And, Jon is hiding his own secret about Erin as well.

As Erin weaves through the process of everyday mothering her own moody daughter, caring for Clara, the roadblocks of starting her own business, and going through her ex-husband’s journal – Erin finds a sense of forgiveness for Corey as well realizing she does love the child than ended her marriage.

She even finds that forgiveness leads to love.

Anderson doesn’t shy away from the tough subjects – infidelity, death, forgiveness, grief. Everything is here in one tidy package. And, it is presented in a realistic, albeit messy manner. After all, life is messy. This is one of those stories that makes us all sit back and ask ourselves “what would we do”, “how would we do it”. There is no real profanity, and what hints at it is “censored” out, making it a clean read for the most part. There is very little sex talk in it, so those looking for a clean read will find it in this story.

The story provokes emotions that are all over the place – anger, bitterness, jealousy, frustration, sadness, love. Case in point – I found myself mad at Erin, feeling sorry for her, mad at Michaela, feeling sorry for Michaela. I detested Corey as well as Lilith.

The true innocent in all of this was poor Clara who had no idea what was going on. And, despite Erin’s initial icy tone towards the child, Clara was still loving towards this woman and accepting of her in her life. That was the hardest part, even for me.

It was difficult to see how Erin couldn’t easily tap into or express her emotions. Some of that was glanced over, but never fully explained, at least for me.

At times reading Corey’s journal was insightful which answered the “how could this happen” question. But, it was also frustrating to see it happen as well.

The writer was also careful with the religious aspect of it, as well as realistic. Sometimes we believe, but not strong enough to carry us over the hump or through the darkness.

Still, As Anderson reminds us, it is God’s will that is done – not ours. And, it is done in his time.

I found this a quick and easy read with short chapters and really couldn’t seem to put it down. I was finished before I even realized it.

[Aminata Coote · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Beautiful Mess chronicles a woman’s journey to love the child that stemmed from the affair which broke up her marriage. She also has to learn to forgive the man who cheated on her and then saw it fit to name her guardian of his love child.

Okay, let me just say it: I’m not sure I would have been able to do what Erin did. It would be really hard for me to have any contact with someone who cheated on me and especially to be constantly reminded of what had been done to me. Maybe that’s why it was hard for her to move on and forgive her ex-husband Corey—she was constantly surrounded by reminders of him.

Yet this book was a reminder that family is deeper than just blood. It reminds us that it is possible to look past the sins of the father and judge the child based on their own deeds and actions.

Know God—the characters in this book struggled in their relationship with God. As we all do, they questioned God’s will and wondered what new thing God wanted to work in their lives. But they were also strengthened by their relationship with Him. As they drew closer to God they were given the ability to forgive, love and forge new paths.

Know yourself—One of the major characteristics of Erin was her inability to feel or show “normal” reactions. She wasn’t able to interpret body language or pick up visual cues as most people can. Because of that, she always had to evaluate her emotions—“okay, what am I feeling now?”

Run your race—for much of the book, Erin was not allowed to do what she felt she needed to do. Whenever she charted a path, some new catastrophe or development was put in her path forcing her to do in a new direction.

This may seem to be counterproductive to running your race, but life is like that, isn’t it? Things won’t always work out like we planned (or hoped) and we have to learn to deal with that. The trick is will we, like Corey, allow the unplanned things to cause us to resent our lives and do things that will have a destructive impact on the lives of those we love. Or will we, like Erin, draw closer to God and find the strength to forge ahead?

I enjoyed reading A Beautiful Mess. At one point I got a little annoyed with the constant reminders that Erin didn’t feel emotions. Personally, I believe she suppressed her emotions because she feared the consequences of being “out of control”. I also wish she had disciplined her elder daughter who behaved like a brat for most of the book and seemed to do so without consequences.

Overall, A Beautiful Mess was a good read. I liked the reminder that broken things—and people—can be melded together and make a beautiful mosaic that brings glory to God.

I received an Advanced Readers Copy from JustRead Tours; a positive review was not required.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t want this book to end; it’s not easy to put down, as the characters really came to life. The author has written an emotional story that will tug at your heart-strings. Erin, a single mom trying to raise a 13-year old daughter as well as starting her own accounting business, is suddenly put in a very undesirable position. Her ex-husband and his new wife are tragically killed and Erin is named as the guardian of their “love child”, the endearing Clare. How is she to try to show love to this precious 3 year old?

Using journal entries from ex-husband Cory, and through the efforts of Jon, the 3rd member of the 3 Sixlets, as they called themselves as kids, secrets are revealed, and emotional healing begins. I found the characters very believable in their emotional and spiritual struggles. I especially loved the nuggets of wisdom from Erin’s close friend and confidant Debbie.

I received an ARC of this book from JustRead Tours and was under no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Deb Elkink · Rating 4 out of 5]

The basic premise of this psychologically interesting, spiritually hopeful novel fascinates: A divorcée is stuck with the love child of her now-deceased, unfaithful ex-husband. The plot unwinds with the realistic protagonist emotionally troubled over a worsening situation, and the story really ramps up with the discovery of a diary. The journal notes of the wandering spouse chronologically recount his degeneration into a sexual affair--and the realism of his moral lapse is a riveting study into how sin is conceived, grows, and issues forth in death. The errant husband is manipulated as he justifies his wandering into the illicit behavior, and the detail behind this in itself makes the book worth reading. Justice is served in the end, though the sorrow in the story clings to me yet. Walking a life of faith doesn't guarantee delivery from pain but rather eventual delivery into joy. This book smacks of hope.

[Connie Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. Gravy. This book is amazing. This author is new to me, and I will be looking for some of her other books. This books draws you in within the first few paragraphs. I normally don't get teary-eyed at books - but this book swept me away with my emotions. This book is part of the Mosiac collection. I have not read the other books, and I had no problem following along. The characters that the author has created are real. They are flawed. They are people we can relate to. I love that the theme is forgiveness. This is something that I can struggle with. This book was a great reminder of why it's important to not harbor it in our hearts. I do not think that I could have done it. Taken care of my ex husband;s love child. But Erin did it. read her journey in this book

Thank you to the author and JustRead tours for allowing me to partake in this review.

[Christine Dillon · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like realistic stories about flawed people learning to follow Jesus then this is a book for you.
Could you love and care for your husband's love child from an affair? This book throws us into this situation in its complexity. Throw in a stubborn teenager and a mother with a lot of maturing to do and you have a realistic story.
Plenty to learn from this story and plenty of challenging things as we're dragged into the issues.
Outstanding cover and love the title too.
Well-written story with excellent characterisation.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forgiven and renewed

Brenda has a unique, God-given gift to make one feel so many emotions while reading her books. In God’s strength alone, it is possible to forgive someone for absolutely awful things and even move past the bitterness and hurt. Very well done!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Beautiful Mess by author Brenda S. Anderson is a new release in The Mosaic Collection. As with the previous releases from this collection, A Beautiful Mess is a story full of hope and grace.

Erin Belden has been picking up the pieces of her broken life for four years; her daughter Michaela, a young teen, continues to struggle with the anger and feelings of abandonment after her parent’s divorce.

It’s taken Erin four years to come to a place of moving forward after her husband betrayed her with an affair that resulted in the pregnancy of the other woman. Now the child is a three year old beauty with blond hair blues; she looks just like her mama.

On this weekend, Erin and her best friend, are headed to a cabin in a remote mountainous area for a “retreat”. With “Mik” visiting her father for the weekend, Erin is looking forward to some “girl time”. Although the weatherman is calling for wintry conditions, the two women set off. Reaching the cabin, the women have just begun settling in when Erin receives horrifying news, there’s been a very serious accident. Unable to get down the mountain due to the whether, Erin and her friend are forced to remain for the night hoping for the weather to clear up in the morning.

When Erin finally reaches the hospital, she is not prepared for what she is about to discover. Her daughter, though experiencing some minor wounds on her face, is safe, but her ex-husband is not. His injuries are so severe that emergency surgery is needed to relieve a disastrous brain bleed. Chances of his survival are iffy at best.

Despite the doctor’s attempts, Erin’s ex-husband dies from his injuries; his wife was killed upon impact. When Erin learns that the couple had recently changed their will, making her the sole guardian of their three year old daughter, Erin is beyond stunned.

What were they thinking? And what was Erin to do now? How was she going to raise a child her looked like the woman her husband left her for? It will take a lot of strength and grace for Erin to do it, along with the support of family and friends, especially Jon, a member of their circle of friends, a friend who disappeared from her life when her husband left the marriage.

Highly recommended. Engaging and hits the reader right in the feels!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and Just Read Tours and am not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions therein are solely my own, and freely given. I also purchased a copy for my own personal library.

[Candy Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I begin with this book? Well it is definitely a beautiful mess and I highly recommend it. I do have to say this book was way harder to read than I anticipated. For most people, it probably isn't but it hit close to home for me and brought up a lot of emotions that I still deal with the same as Erin had to deal with. A single mother raising a teenager(or for me two) who feels abandoned by her father is no easy task. Then for Erin to have to take in the child from her husband's affair after her ex and new wife die is a tremendous burden. And although she silently deals with anxiety and anger,she does take care of this little girl with grace and love.

[Suzie Waltner · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a surprising and heartachingly beautiful story this was. Brenda S. Anderson wallops readers over the head right away with the upheaval in Erin’s life and doesn’t stop tugging those strings of compassion, grief, forgiveness, and hope until the end.

As Erin struggles with her new reality, one in which she’s tasked with caring for the child who is a result of her ex-husband’s affair, readers also get peeks into the marriage’s demise with journal entries. The story is so connected, it’s hard to go into more detail without giving integral parts away.

A Beautiful Mess does not shy away from realistic, hard-hitting topics such as infidelity, bitterness, and how love looks different to different people. The characters in this are flawed and grieving messes of human emotions but throughout the book, there are glimpses of true love and hope of healing an extremely broken family.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

[Julene Lapinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book

This was an incredible book! I totally recommend this. It really shows how God can turn lives around and deeply expired the journey of forgiveness. I really like that it shows it for the journey it is. Can't do the book justice. You have to read it for yourself

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK 

A Beautiful Mess is a bittersweet story that could very well happen in today's world! In this messy story, Brenda S. Anderson deals with several heartwrenching issues. It had been four years since Erin's life was turned upside down when her husband dropped the latest on her that he was seeing another women and she was pregnant. She was ready to finally move on with her life when another bomb was dropped on her, and Erin is not ready for the way her life is headed. Can her ex really control her life from the grave? 

My heart hurt for Erin throughout this entire book. She, like so many people today had to suffer the heartbreaking news of an affair. And while her husband was living it up with his new wife, she was left trying to put the pieces together, dealing with all of the feelings that come with betrayal.  But this story took a twisted turn and a journey began for Erin that she did not want. Ms. Anderson does an amazing job of laying out all of the pieces of this story, emotions flying high in every possible way, and weaving them back together to give a beautiful ending that will stay with me for a long time. A Beautiful Mess is a story that you don't want to miss. I encourage you to check this book out, you may enjoy it as I did. 

A copy of this book was given to me by the author or publisher. I am not required to write a positive review. The opinions here in this review are totally mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 25

[Phyllis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story of healing and grace

A trend I've seen with "traditionally published" Christian books lately is that while there are themes of forgiveness and grace, the Gospel message is often watered down or not present at all. While I certainly don't believe that every Christian book is required to have the Gospel presented to be in that genre, in some of the stories, there isn't enough about faith in them to allow the reader to distinguish that the God mentioned is the one of the Bible.

Having read A Beautiful Mess, there is no question in my mind what author Brenda S. Anderson believes or what God she worships. The message of redemption is so clear. It shines in vivid colors! This is the first book I have read by her and I am so hooked!! I loved this glimpse into her heart.

Erin's story is tragic. She had a troubled childhood, was raised by just her mother who suffered from mental illness and depression. Married to her childhood sweetheart and best friend after getting pregnant, she thought everything was fine. Until she discovered what betrayal felt like!

I saw this book offered on blog tours several times. And while I was intrigued by the description, I passed up the opportunity to read it more than once. And yet, when invited again to receive a copy for review, I knew I had to read it. Oh, I am so glad I did!

Yes, my heart was wrenched. I was moved to tears. Erin's pain and the fears she had regarding her daughter were so intense! The sense of abandonment she had because of her husband Corey's actions and the desertion of another close friend had devastated her! And then, the things she read in Corey's personal journal. Wow!!

Erin's journey was filled with anguish and yet it was also full of hope. The way the author incorporated Corey's journal into the narrative to explain events that had occurred was well done. While it introduced some adult themes, they did not cross any lines of propriety and were needed to fully paint the picture of the past.

Readers who enjoy a rich portrait of brokenness and restoration bathed in faith will want to be sure and read this beautiful story!
Read my full review at Among the Reads


I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Beautiful Mess by Brenda S. Anderson is one story that will tug at your heart and make you think about what you would do in Erin's shoes.
Betrayal and forgiveness and grace combine the story with the characters. A wonderfully written book by a new author for me and I loved the book.
I received this book and I am under no obligation to give a positive review.

[Huanne Woodward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forgiveness and love

What an emotional roller coaster ride with the wonderful characters in this almost true to life story! Even though struggles seem to be insurmountable in the end God is the answer.

[Loraine Nunley · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 Stars
I was intrigued by the premise of this book. How can a woman love a child that resulted from something that tore her marriage apart? I liked that real emotions played out with Erin as she struggled to keep her life from spinning out of control when her ex-husband dies. They were all the emotions one would expect her to go through—including so many conflicting ones. I felt sorry for her. Even though I know it fit the story line, I struggled with the idea that Erin was the child’s babysitter long before the accident. Her statements that she could never love the child seemed unreasonable in the wake of her going above and beyond to babysit that child. Erin does finally resolved her feelings for the child and her ex-husband so the story came to a satisfying conclusion. Full review is at my website: lorainenunley(dot)com

I received this book complimentary as a participant in the JustReads reviewer tour. I was not required to give a positive review. All of the opinions I have expressed here are my own.

[E · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Beautiful Mess was even more amazing than I thought it would be.
I was drawn in with the first couple sentences and as I got to know the characters I became entangled within the artful web of the story. Anderson is an amazingly talented writer will a wonderful ability to create memorable characters and unforgettable stories that captivate every reader. A Beautiful Mess is a story about forgiveness and trusting the Lord through the pain. The story is heartbreaking at some points but the everlasting hope found in the Lord is shown clearly as the story closes. I loved everything in this story and it caused me to consider things more.

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.

[Anne Bester]

I was drawn into this book right from the beautiful front cover. However, I did not expect the story to be what it was given the front cover picture. In the end though Brenda Anderson could not have chosen a better cover. The story had me captivated from the start. Although the story is heartbreaking at times it reminds us that even though we don’t always understand why things happen to us, at the time they happen, but that God is in control and He can turn all things for His glory. God can redeem even very difficult circumstances, we just need to focus on Him and not ourselves and He will show us the way. I have received a copy of this book in exchange for my own honest review.

[Jackie]

Loved this book. The writing of the characters made them instantly likable and realistic. I immediately fell in love with the character of Erin. She was extremely relatable. You could feel the conflict right away in the novel, and it was interesting to see her develop throughout the course of the novel. There was a lot of figurative language like similes and metaphors. Some were useful in clarifying the story but some were overused. Overall, I would definitely recommend this book because I loved the story especially the uniqueness of it. I don't think I've ever read a story like this before. And some of the grammar things could just be personal preferences.

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story of Restoration

Loved this book! I found myself drawn to read - even when I didn't like parts of the story that made me uncomfortable. These were the parts that showed how "unChristlike" we as humans can be. So glad I kept pushing on to complete this story as it a story of restoration, of forgiveness and love.

[Lucille M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

It started out slow for me but not long though as things got very interesting and exciting, wondering what next, but of course a Happy Ending🤷🏼‍♀️💙❤️💚

[Debbie Chatley · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautifully written story that made me feel so many different emotions from sadness to joy, from anger to forgiveness, from frustration to exhilaration. 5 stars don’t seem enough. I loved so many things about this story. You can’t help but feel for the main character Erin who is asked to raise her ex husband love child upon his death. And I couldn’t help but put myself in her shoes and ponder what I would do or how I would feel. There were so many good themes in this book including: marriage, adultery, single parenting, mental illness, redemption, forgiveness, friendship, raising teenagers, working from home, just to name a few. I love how the author so artfully combined the current story with Erins journal entries in real time and her ex husbands journal entries from the past to give us the reader a full view of what is happening. And it flowed so smoothly. Some of my favorite quotes are:
Chpt 6 that child’s a mirror image of her mother, so when I look at her, I see lies and betrayal, broken vows and abandonment.
Chpt 13 time to pull on her big girl panties and deal with what life threw at her, stop fretting about what she couldn’t change, and work at making a difference where she could
Highly recommend this book for both the value of the story itself and for the lessons imbedded within

[CarolJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are all a bit of a beautiful mess

A wonderful story of how God never leaves or forsakes us, and loves us through our pain, patiently waiting for us to come to Him.