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A Heart Surrendered
As the teenaged pastor's daughter of New Hope Church, Sharonda Peterson knew finding comfort in Carl's arms was a mistake. But how could the only night she ever felt beautiful be wrong?
When Carl leaves town to pursue an acting and singing career, Sharonda relegates herself to a life of church service--and solitude--rather than face the pain now associated with that one night.
Carl Ray Everhart has been caught up in the fast pace of fame … and female adoration. But a near-death experience has him questioning everything and vowing to set things straight … starting with the love that got away.
When Carl returns home to serve as the worship leader at New Hope, Sharonda finds that it takes every ounce of her resolve to resist his pursuits … not to mention memories that threaten to overturn the delicate balance she's created. Can she finally surrender the one thing she's tried all these years to her heart?
When Carl leaves town to pursue an acting and singing career, Sharonda relegates herself to a life of church service--and solitude--rather than face the pain now associated with that one night.
Carl Ray Everhart has been caught up in the fast pace of fame … and female adoration. But a near-death experience has him questioning everything and vowing to set things straight … starting with the love that got away.
When Carl returns home to serve as the worship leader at New Hope, Sharonda finds that it takes every ounce of her resolve to resist his pursuits … not to mention memories that threaten to overturn the delicate balance she's created. Can she finally surrender the one thing she's tried all these years to her heart?
190 pages, Paperback
Published July 8, 2019
63 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
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July 22, 2019A Heart Surrendered deals with two great subject that isn’t often discussed in CF: body image and sex before marriage. Those two reasons alone had me interested in Ms. Massenburge’s novel.
I don’t know a single woman who doesn’t have issues with her image but Ms. Massenburge points to God’s truth of how we were created and the beauty of that in itself. She also gets to the heart of the matter as Sharonda battles acknowledging her sin.
Add Sharonda’s family dynamics, a swoon-worthy hero, and a glimpse in the African-American community and I was hooked until the final page.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. My review was not required nor influenced.
**First seen at: https://diversitybetweenthepages.word...
I don’t know a single woman who doesn’t have issues with her image but Ms. Massenburge points to God’s truth of how we were created and the beauty of that in itself. She also gets to the heart of the matter as Sharonda battles acknowledging her sin.
Add Sharonda’s family dynamics, a swoon-worthy hero, and a glimpse in the African-American community and I was hooked until the final page.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. My review was not required nor influenced.
**First seen at: https://diversitybetweenthepages.word...
June 20, 2019
Sharonda Peterson’s life doesn’t belong to her. It belongs to her mother, her father, her church, and soon it will belong to Brice, an up and coming pastor candidate whose real reason for choosing Sharonda is he wants boy babies and someone he can control. By the end of the first chapter I was fully immersed into Sharonda’s miserable life. As the story moves forward, we learn her mother, a mentally unstable pastor’s wife, is the one who’s really in control through her vicious tongue, temper tantrums, and demands. The mother not only wants to control of Sharonda, she tries to control everyone around her. Maybe she isn’t mentally unstable after all. Could her problems stem from something else?
Sharonda deals with her problems by trying to keep the piece, trying to appease her mother, and trying to keep up the front her family needs to look good to the church. And by eating. All the while, she is shriveling up inside with a futile sense of worthlessness. Sharonda’s issues are compounded by fibroid tumors and endrometriosis and a fear that she may not be able to give Brice the boy babies he wants.
Sharonda did love someone once, but the relationship got messed up with a Biblically old sin, one that allows the self-righteous church board to pass judgement, something they are ready to do to the neediest young person in the congregation.
Throughout this fast-paced story my heart broke for Sharonda. I wanted to slap her mother silly and open the eyes of her pastor father. And I wanted her to be victorious. The wisest member of the family was Janice, the younger sister who came across as hard and tough at the beginning.
A Heart Surrendered is more than a romance. It also touches on how damaging legalism and manmade rules are within the church system and how they hurt church members. The story shows how making unrealistic demands can foster rebellion and result in unforgiveness and ruined lives. And how the shallow act of keeping up outward appearances imbeds itself deeply, nearly destroying a family. The story shows how tyranny, ego, image, self-righteousness, and unforgiveness eat away at the soul. Sadly, this is repeated frequently in real life.
Like all good romances, A Heart Surrendered has a happily ever after. In fact, it has several. Joy K. Massenburge succeeded in pulling me into her story and keeping me engaged all the way through. Once I started reading, I found it hard to stop until I reached the end. My only objection is that I would have liked a little more at the end, maybe a view of a few months or years down the road.
Although I’m required to tell you I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, and a review was not required, I would have purchased and reviewed A Heart Surrendered anyway, as I really enjoy, and learn from this author.
Sharonda deals with her problems by trying to keep the piece, trying to appease her mother, and trying to keep up the front her family needs to look good to the church. And by eating. All the while, she is shriveling up inside with a futile sense of worthlessness. Sharonda’s issues are compounded by fibroid tumors and endrometriosis and a fear that she may not be able to give Brice the boy babies he wants.
Sharonda did love someone once, but the relationship got messed up with a Biblically old sin, one that allows the self-righteous church board to pass judgement, something they are ready to do to the neediest young person in the congregation.
Throughout this fast-paced story my heart broke for Sharonda. I wanted to slap her mother silly and open the eyes of her pastor father. And I wanted her to be victorious. The wisest member of the family was Janice, the younger sister who came across as hard and tough at the beginning.
A Heart Surrendered is more than a romance. It also touches on how damaging legalism and manmade rules are within the church system and how they hurt church members. The story shows how making unrealistic demands can foster rebellion and result in unforgiveness and ruined lives. And how the shallow act of keeping up outward appearances imbeds itself deeply, nearly destroying a family. The story shows how tyranny, ego, image, self-righteousness, and unforgiveness eat away at the soul. Sadly, this is repeated frequently in real life.
Like all good romances, A Heart Surrendered has a happily ever after. In fact, it has several. Joy K. Massenburge succeeded in pulling me into her story and keeping me engaged all the way through. Once I started reading, I found it hard to stop until I reached the end. My only objection is that I would have liked a little more at the end, maybe a view of a few months or years down the road.
Although I’m required to tell you I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, and a review was not required, I would have purchased and reviewed A Heart Surrendered anyway, as I really enjoy, and learn from this author.
June 21, 2019
Joy K. Massenburge's debut novel centers around a woman who does everything for others, and expects very little in return, Sharonda Peterson. As she is weighed down by one night's consequences with her former flame, Carl Ray Everheart, Sharonda learns to love herself and overcome stumbling blocks which are keeping her near her home and demanding parents, her mother in particular.
Carl Ray comes home to lead the worship in his childhood church, which is Sharonda's. A star in his own right, Sharonda finds him as appealing as ever. And all the fame and adulation he has received matters little as he comes to terms with his own life choices. . . and how he can earn Sharonda's trust and love.
It is a beautiful story, which made me get teary-eyed in places, laugh, and smile. You'll fall in love with these characters as I did. I'm waiting in anticipation for another novel by this very gifted author.
I received this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post or blog a review regarding it.
Carl Ray comes home to lead the worship in his childhood church, which is Sharonda's. A star in his own right, Sharonda finds him as appealing as ever. And all the fame and adulation he has received matters little as he comes to terms with his own life choices. . . and how he can earn Sharonda's trust and love.
It is a beautiful story, which made me get teary-eyed in places, laugh, and smile. You'll fall in love with these characters as I did. I'm waiting in anticipation for another novel by this very gifted author.
I received this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post or blog a review regarding it.
July 7, 2019
This is one sizzling, sweet romance with a soul-deep message you won’t soon forget. The two main characters are very relatable, and I found myself cheering for them throughout the book. I really enjoyed seeing the relationship develop between these two—and how they went together from sharing one night together to sharing their lives. This is not my usual genre, but I found I sincerely enjoyed reading this. And the author has a wonderful sense of humor. In the beginning of the book, the main character is wearing a pink suit, pink hat, and pink shoes, and thinks, “Paste a label across her chest and she’d pass for a human billboard for Pepto Bismol.” Finally, this book has a really touching, challenging message about giving everything to God. Because as much as we like our own plans, His are always better. Thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys a heartfelt romance.
February 24, 2020
A Heart Surrendered
This was an ok read, it was a lil slow and confusing at times. I did identify with Sharonda on a few things that were going on with her. I was happy she stood up for herself and fought for what she wanted.
This was an ok read, it was a lil slow and confusing at times. I did identify with Sharonda on a few things that were going on with her. I was happy she stood up for herself and fought for what she wanted.
February 28, 2020
Sharonda has gone through a lot in this story. She tries to be a people pleaser but she suffers the most in this story. She struggles with issues from the past and her self esteem. Once she finally forgives herself she is able to be happy and have the desires of her heart.
August 30, 2019
I am not a romance lover. The stories are predictable. Change the names and the hair color and you have the same story.
Not so with Massenburge. She is going to make me love the genre.
Sharonda, is not your typical heroine: overweight, insecure, tied to her parents. Guilt over her one-night-stand with Carl Ray keeps her heart bound and her life lonely.
Carl Ray lives the reverse life--famous and desired.
Massenburge digs deep into the themes and motivations. She creates three dimension characters who both resemble and transcend those we know in real life.
Her romance scenes are unique, romantic, and even for the Christian genre, spine tingling--no single tear falling, no thumbs rubbing the love interest's hand. She zips pure romance with a kiss on the neck or a look in the eye (not one used by others).
I love this author's work and will continue to read them.
A copy of this book was provided for an honest review. And this, indeed, is an honest review.
Not so with Massenburge. She is going to make me love the genre.
Sharonda, is not your typical heroine: overweight, insecure, tied to her parents. Guilt over her one-night-stand with Carl Ray keeps her heart bound and her life lonely.
Carl Ray lives the reverse life--famous and desired.
Massenburge digs deep into the themes and motivations. She creates three dimension characters who both resemble and transcend those we know in real life.
Her romance scenes are unique, romantic, and even for the Christian genre, spine tingling--no single tear falling, no thumbs rubbing the love interest's hand. She zips pure romance with a kiss on the neck or a look in the eye (not one used by others).
I love this author's work and will continue to read them.
A copy of this book was provided for an honest review. And this, indeed, is an honest review.
June 22, 2019
A Heart Surrendered by Joy K. Massenburge is the touching story of a young woman, Sharonda, who made a mistake in her youth and has been suffering for it ever since. When her friend Carl Ray returns to Longview and takes over as music minister at New Hope Church, Sharonda’s dysfunctional family enters a period of crisis that might destroy the whole family.
The characters feel real. From the beginning of A Heart Surrendered, I felt I knew these people.
This book is easy to read because of Joy’s flowing writing style. The story is filled with moments of sadness balanced with some light humor. I will be waiting impatiently for Joy’s next book.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. A review was not required. This is my honest review.
A Heart Surrendered will be published July 8, 2019, and is available for pre-order at: http://amzn.com/B07SXSZ5PT
The characters feel real. From the beginning of A Heart Surrendered, I felt I knew these people.
This book is easy to read because of Joy’s flowing writing style. The story is filled with moments of sadness balanced with some light humor. I will be waiting impatiently for Joy’s next book.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. A review was not required. This is my honest review.
A Heart Surrendered will be published July 8, 2019, and is available for pre-order at: http://amzn.com/B07SXSZ5PT
July 11, 2019
Being a Preacher's Kid is not easy. I saw a lot of myself in Sharonda, especially with feeling the need to make my parents happy and ignoring my heart, the insecurities of life, as well as the weight issues she dealt with. This story will cause you to truly take a good look at yourself and ask, are you following God and your heart and are you truly living your purpose. There were also themes of repentance and forgiveness woven throughout the story. This was truly a God inspired read, and I'm hoping Sharonda's siblings will have stories in the future. The characters depicted real life people making real life mistakes. The Author did a great job with this story, and I can't wait to read more from her.
I received an advanced copy and a review was not required. All thoughts and opinions were my own.
I received an advanced copy and a review was not required. All thoughts and opinions were my own.
June 19, 2019
I loved it. Romantic and convicting with well-rounded, characters facing real world problems. Tugged at me on a spiritual level. Well done!
Note: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. A review was not required.
Note: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. A review was not required.
June 22, 2019
Beautiful book! Filled with a beautiful story of second chances, dwelling on what really matters and fighting for what you love and believe in. Delightful read!
A copy of this book was provided for a honest preview.
A copy of this book was provided for a honest preview.
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August 27, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (8/27/2019)! 🎁
September 28, 2020
It's probably not a good sign that I spent most of the first few chapters of the books rolling my eyes at the antics of the characters.
Sharonda's mother seems the main source of conflict (at least at the beginning). She and her husband are fighting enough that Sharonda comments on it--apparently mostly over Mr. Peterson becoming a/the bishop. In this sense Sharonda's mother seems to be someone who once one goal is reached, she wants the next higher thing--never content. There doesn't seem to be much love.
Sharonda herself gives in to her mother to "keep the peace". She wears a dress to church--complete with layers of spanx and slips--because her mother (and perhaps other church members) expect it of her. She carries a hat box and wears a hat that hurts her head because her mother (and perhaps other church members) expect it. She agrees to marry a minister at the church that her mother picks out for her. Sharonda seems to feel that she has to be "the good one" because her brother left the church and her sister never goes.
The sister still lives at home--which confuses me because if the mother (and maybe father) think she is making them look bad to the church. . . are they trying to show they can "love the enemy" or should they "cast her out"?
We're told Sharonda suffers from some medical condition but it was hard to figure out what at first. Something she takes medication for and something that her mother would worry about if Sharonda left home.
At first I wondered if Sharonda might be pregnant--given the wording of the blurb and all the clothes not fitting and stomach issues. But then, it seemed like her fainting was something that's happened fairly often, so . . .
Sharonda's mother seems the main source of conflict (at least at the beginning). She and her husband are fighting enough that Sharonda comments on it--apparently mostly over Mr. Peterson becoming a/the bishop. In this sense Sharonda's mother seems to be someone who once one goal is reached, she wants the next higher thing--never content. There doesn't seem to be much love.
Sharonda herself gives in to her mother to "keep the peace". She wears a dress to church--complete with layers of spanx and slips--because her mother (and perhaps other church members) expect it of her. She carries a hat box and wears a hat that hurts her head because her mother (and perhaps other church members) expect it. She agrees to marry a minister at the church that her mother picks out for her. Sharonda seems to feel that she has to be "the good one" because her brother left the church and her sister never goes.
The sister still lives at home--which confuses me because if the mother (and maybe father) think she is making them look bad to the church. . . are they trying to show they can "love the enemy" or should they "cast her out"?
We're told Sharonda suffers from some medical condition but it was hard to figure out what at first. Something she takes medication for and something that her mother would worry about if Sharonda left home.
At first I wondered if Sharonda might be pregnant--given the wording of the blurb and all the clothes not fitting and stomach issues. But then, it seemed like her fainting was something that's happened fairly often, so . . .
March 24, 2023
A lot to unpack in this story. Sharonda is a faithful servant daughter of Bishop & First Lady Peterson. At 30, she still lives at home with parents and First Lady Peterson is just hard. A mother who controls every aspect and thought of this young lady’s life. Carl Ray and Sharonda had a past, and now that they are older can this be rekindled? Or will Sharonda be forced to live the life with a mare that her mother has chosen. A man that wants a younger wife just to have some sons for him. Sometimes our true plus one only comes along once in a lifetime, and we have to be ready to go all in. Sharonda is getting a second chance and the question can she break free or continue to suffer in silence? The sister is an awesome character and exemplifies true love for her sister. Another oddity is that Carl & Sharonda both suffers with some negative emotional baggage. Can they fall in love and heal and enjoy a happily ever after?
July 18, 2020
I enjoyed this novel, and I'd like to read future books by Joy K. Massenburge. The concept and premise of the story are excellent. Most women will consider the novel relatable with topics spanning everything from body shaming and self-worth to people-pleasing and family dysfunction. Plus, it offers good discussion for book clubs. However, the author sometimes inserts extraneous details and confusing dialog that slow the story's flow. A few women in my book club admitted to re-reading small portions of the text for better understanding. The plot kept us coming back though. Overall, this is a wonderful story, and I'm expecting great things from Joy K. Massenburge in the future.
My rating: 3.5.
My rating: 3.5.
February 5, 2021
This was an interesting read for me -- the cultural differences are so great that it was hard to connect with the main character because I just could not imagine being put in the position she lived, from the controlling/expectant parents to the formality and rigidness of the church structure (I've never heard of a First Lady of a church before!).
This romance trope isn't my favorite -- a lot of miscommunications that could have been cleared up if the characters had talked to each other -- but it was a sweet story. My favorite character was actually Janice, whose story I wouldn't mind reading!
Though it wasn't my favorite romance trope, it was a fun, easy-to-read story with a sigh-worthy happily ever after.
Rated PG.
This romance trope isn't my favorite -- a lot of miscommunications that could have been cleared up if the characters had talked to each other -- but it was a sweet story. My favorite character was actually Janice, whose story I wouldn't mind reading!
Though it wasn't my favorite romance trope, it was a fun, easy-to-read story with a sigh-worthy happily ever after.
Rated PG.
February 24, 2020
This is my first time reading a book by this author and I can say it truly hit home with me. The storyline is a good example how body images and trying to stay within the Christian values that has been instilled in you growing up.
The characters were well developed and and I could feel the emotions of love, hurt, being afraid of the consequences of doing worldly things.
I recommend this book to read, especially if you like a clean Christian Fiction storyline and I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Cassandra H.
The characters were well developed and and I could feel the emotions of love, hurt, being afraid of the consequences of doing worldly things.
I recommend this book to read, especially if you like a clean Christian Fiction storyline and I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Cassandra H.
April 5, 2021
Honest, with plenty of unexpected twists and turns. I was so into the story that at times I wanted to shake some of the characters when they made bad choices.
The struggles of the main characters tugged at my heart. Secondary characters also wrestle with difficulties. The author skillfully weaves a story where the struggles of the secondary characters enhance the pain of the main characters. Very well done.
Massenburge also beautifully illustrates how the pain of one generation can be passed down to the next … and then the next.
I will look for more books by this author.
The struggles of the main characters tugged at my heart. Secondary characters also wrestle with difficulties. The author skillfully weaves a story where the struggles of the secondary characters enhance the pain of the main characters. Very well done.
Massenburge also beautifully illustrates how the pain of one generation can be passed down to the next … and then the next.
I will look for more books by this author.
May 29, 2020
I really enjoyed this. I haven't read a lot of romance set within the African-American Christian community, so this was a breath of fresh air. It was refreshingly honest and witty. I would happily read another from this author. I suspect the lead's sister might have her own story.
Thanks to LPC books and the author for granting free access to this book for an honest review. All opinions are mine.
Thanks to LPC books and the author for granting free access to this book for an honest review. All opinions are mine.
October 17, 2022
This was a good little book. Sharonda and Carl shared an intimate moment when they were young. They probably thought they were gonna be together but Carl goes on to become an actor and singer. He comes back home and to the church to be the minister of music. He sees it as an opportunity to get back what he left behind. Read the story to see if he does. I'm looking forward to reading another book by this author.
May 16, 2020
Good read!
I enjoyed reading a good clean story with everyday life. I like the way the author dealt with issues from the past holding the future hostage. The dealing with forgiveness and second chances. I didn’t understand the young woman always wearing a big hat so that just kind of threw me. She also showed how judgemental church members can be.
I enjoyed reading a good clean story with everyday life. I like the way the author dealt with issues from the past holding the future hostage. The dealing with forgiveness and second chances. I didn’t understand the young woman always wearing a big hat so that just kind of threw me. She also showed how judgemental church members can be.
May 12, 2020
Story line covered a number of "church issues" that often get ignored or swept under the rug. Enjoyed the book and liked the way it ended.
June 6, 2020
Fight or Flight
Love is worth the wait, and once you find it, you have to fight for it according to God plan. Excellent read
Love is worth the wait, and once you find it, you have to fight for it according to God plan. Excellent read
October 26, 2020
I related to the main character in this book, in that you felt you could never be good enough or make up for mistakes. It was well written!
July 10, 2019
**Verified purchase review! I purchased this book, and my opinions are my own. I received NO incentives from the posting of this review, nor was I asked to do so.**
Harambee Press’ trailblazing author, Joy K. Massenburge, pens an emotional novel about second chances and finding love after mistakes with A Heart Surrendered. This heart-wrenching romance just might bring you to tears but will also leave you full of joy.
Sharonda Peterson’s father is the pastor of New Hope Church, which places a lot of responsibility on her shoulders. Even after years of dedicated service to the church and her family, she is still tormented by her past - namely, a love affair in her teenage years. Sharonda vows to live the life of the dutiful daughter, even agreeing to marry a man of her parents’ choosing. Riddled with fibroids and an impending hysterectomy, this marriage could also be her last chance at starting a family. But a brush with death brings the young man from her past into her present. His unexpected arrival complicates her engagement and starts to break down the wall she’s built around her heart.
Carl Ray Everhart is desperately trying to prioritize his life after a near death experience. He leaves a successful acting and singing career behind in New York, and accepts a position as worship leader in New Hope Church, determined to set things right in his life, starting with the love he left behind. Carl Ray pursues Sharonda, but after so much time has past, he discovers she isn’t the same girl from high school but a woman who has relegated herself to a life of church service and solitude—and she’s even engaged to a man she doesn’t love.
Neither Sharonda nor Carl Ray immediately realize God’s plan for their relationship or the role they will play in each other’s spiritual lives, and that night of forbidden passion hangs over their heads, making A Heart Surrendered a soul-searching read. When will they come to terms with their pasts? How should they handle it all? By the time they find common ground working on a youth music program, it’s too late to uncover the answers. Though Sharonda and Carl Ray admit their feelings for each other, they’re soon faced with bigger issues involving a videotaped confession that risks ruining the youth program and everything they’ve worked so hard to achieve. Now the only question that remains is: Are they willing to surrender all for a chance at real love?
Joy K. Massenburge does an outstanding job of blending faith and romance. Her characters are real and relatable. A Heart Surrendered hits on issues that all Christians struggle with. So many people are consumed by guilt and struggling to balance duty with matters of the heart. Just like those people, Joy’s characters learn to surrender to love. A Heart Surrendered is a beautiful romance that is seriously worth the read.
Harambee Press’ trailblazing author, Joy K. Massenburge, pens an emotional novel about second chances and finding love after mistakes with A Heart Surrendered. This heart-wrenching romance just might bring you to tears but will also leave you full of joy.
Sharonda Peterson’s father is the pastor of New Hope Church, which places a lot of responsibility on her shoulders. Even after years of dedicated service to the church and her family, she is still tormented by her past - namely, a love affair in her teenage years. Sharonda vows to live the life of the dutiful daughter, even agreeing to marry a man of her parents’ choosing. Riddled with fibroids and an impending hysterectomy, this marriage could also be her last chance at starting a family. But a brush with death brings the young man from her past into her present. His unexpected arrival complicates her engagement and starts to break down the wall she’s built around her heart.
Carl Ray Everhart is desperately trying to prioritize his life after a near death experience. He leaves a successful acting and singing career behind in New York, and accepts a position as worship leader in New Hope Church, determined to set things right in his life, starting with the love he left behind. Carl Ray pursues Sharonda, but after so much time has past, he discovers she isn’t the same girl from high school but a woman who has relegated herself to a life of church service and solitude—and she’s even engaged to a man she doesn’t love.
Neither Sharonda nor Carl Ray immediately realize God’s plan for their relationship or the role they will play in each other’s spiritual lives, and that night of forbidden passion hangs over their heads, making A Heart Surrendered a soul-searching read. When will they come to terms with their pasts? How should they handle it all? By the time they find common ground working on a youth music program, it’s too late to uncover the answers. Though Sharonda and Carl Ray admit their feelings for each other, they’re soon faced with bigger issues involving a videotaped confession that risks ruining the youth program and everything they’ve worked so hard to achieve. Now the only question that remains is: Are they willing to surrender all for a chance at real love?
Joy K. Massenburge does an outstanding job of blending faith and romance. Her characters are real and relatable. A Heart Surrendered hits on issues that all Christians struggle with. So many people are consumed by guilt and struggling to balance duty with matters of the heart. Just like those people, Joy’s characters learn to surrender to love. A Heart Surrendered is a beautiful romance that is seriously worth the read.
November 22, 2019
A Heart Surrendered
Was a good read Pastor Peterson wife want to arrange marriage for her daughter Sharonda with Bishop Brice who never love her only using her for perks . Long time lover Carl Ray returned home and he rekindled his love for Sharonda. First Lady was upset but Pastor remind her of their past. Anyways long story short First Lady met with Carl Ray went to see where he live and invited him back so Sharonda would meet with him. Beautiful love story
Was a good read Pastor Peterson wife want to arrange marriage for her daughter Sharonda with Bishop Brice who never love her only using her for perks . Long time lover Carl Ray returned home and he rekindled his love for Sharonda. First Lady was upset but Pastor remind her of their past. Anyways long story short First Lady met with Carl Ray went to see where he live and invited him back so Sharonda would meet with him. Beautiful love story
July 15, 2019
I believe that every great book is infused with even greater truths. Whether they're truths we come to understand about others or a truth we come to recognize about ourselves, the lessons that we learn are priceless. The genuineness of the main character, Sharonda Peterson, awakened me to one of the most humbling realizations concerning myself. How can I love God whom I have not seen, yet fail to love my brother/sister whom I see daily? How can I, a professing Christian, claim to love God yet break what Jesus Christ listed as one of His greatest commandments; loving thy neighbor as thy self? Sharonda was incapable of truly loving anyone in her life, because she had not learned to properly love herself.
Sharonda Peterson held on to what she assumed love to be, all the while neglecting the foundational principles that framed the very construct of love. The lust that she had for her childhood lover, the selfish attentiveness that she expressed toward her family, and the false set of ambitions she conjured up as acts of service for the Lord, were nothing more than a mirage of which inward fear helped her project. It wasn't until she faced the truth about herself that she was able to see life and purpose in its true perspective. I enjoyed the character arc of each person as well as the laughs shared between family and friends; yet it was the main character that I entrusted with my tears.
I relinquished the last page of this tale with a true heart of repentance, understanding that loving (not worshiping) myself is the blueprint God gives for loving others. And my obedience to His plan is loving Him and also the foundation I am to build upon.
Sharonda Peterson held on to what she assumed love to be, all the while neglecting the foundational principles that framed the very construct of love. The lust that she had for her childhood lover, the selfish attentiveness that she expressed toward her family, and the false set of ambitions she conjured up as acts of service for the Lord, were nothing more than a mirage of which inward fear helped her project. It wasn't until she faced the truth about herself that she was able to see life and purpose in its true perspective. I enjoyed the character arc of each person as well as the laughs shared between family and friends; yet it was the main character that I entrusted with my tears.
I relinquished the last page of this tale with a true heart of repentance, understanding that loving (not worshiping) myself is the blueprint God gives for loving others. And my obedience to His plan is loving Him and also the foundation I am to build upon.
June 25, 2019
In "A Heart Surrendered," Joy Massenburge has crafted a compelling second-chance story that beautifully illustrates God's redemptive power.
The repressed daughter of a respected pastor and his overbearing wife, Sharonda Peterson is stunned to see her former flame, Carl Ray Everhart, filling in to lead worship at her church. Sharonda and Carl Ray had a one-night stand years ago, which they both still regret. Carl Ray is eager to make amends and start fresh, but Sharonda's not quite sure she can take the leap of faith that being with him will require.
Sharonda is hands-down one of my favorite heroines ever; she's smart and compassionate, but she struggles under the heavy load her role in the church's First Family requires of her. In addition, she's turned to food in her lonely years, and it's caught up with her...but Carl Ray finds her beautiful exactly as she is. And Carl Ray is no slouch, either; his laid-back confidence is the perfect match for Sharonda's self-doubt. Watching Sharonda learn to love herself, to see herself as Carl Ray does, and blossom into who she was always meant to be is beautiful to witness in these expertly-crafted pages.
If you're a fan of beautiful character arcs, sparkling dialogue, quirky-and-dysfunctional-but-still-lovable families, second chances, swoony kisses, and moments that will make you both laugh out loud and stand up and cheer, do yourself a favor and grab a copy of "A Heart Surrendered."
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. A review was not required.
The repressed daughter of a respected pastor and his overbearing wife, Sharonda Peterson is stunned to see her former flame, Carl Ray Everhart, filling in to lead worship at her church. Sharonda and Carl Ray had a one-night stand years ago, which they both still regret. Carl Ray is eager to make amends and start fresh, but Sharonda's not quite sure she can take the leap of faith that being with him will require.
Sharonda is hands-down one of my favorite heroines ever; she's smart and compassionate, but she struggles under the heavy load her role in the church's First Family requires of her. In addition, she's turned to food in her lonely years, and it's caught up with her...but Carl Ray finds her beautiful exactly as she is. And Carl Ray is no slouch, either; his laid-back confidence is the perfect match for Sharonda's self-doubt. Watching Sharonda learn to love herself, to see herself as Carl Ray does, and blossom into who she was always meant to be is beautiful to witness in these expertly-crafted pages.
If you're a fan of beautiful character arcs, sparkling dialogue, quirky-and-dysfunctional-but-still-lovable families, second chances, swoony kisses, and moments that will make you both laugh out loud and stand up and cheer, do yourself a favor and grab a copy of "A Heart Surrendered."
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. A review was not required.
July 7, 2019
I thought that this was a great story!
I was a little surprised at some of the content concerning Christian values and human mistakes. But I think that the author handled that sensitive material reasonably well.
The storytelling was superb. The characters came to life on the page. They were engaging, multi-dimensional and vibrant. The author did a good job of painting pictures with her words. The dialogue was definitely fresh, especially the sassy words spoken by the heroine's sister!
The plot thickened as the story progressed and the backstory was woven into the plot perfectly.
The romance between the hero and heroine was a bit quick but not rushed, given their backstory. However, I think that this story would be even more amazing if the hero and heroine's relationship was more played out the page so that the reader could really see them fall in love, survive storms and experience a well-developed happily ever after.
I think that I enjoyed the ending of this book the most because everything came together and I loved the spunk of the hero's agent who played a part toward the end of this story.
I would recommend this book to any reader who wants to read a story that reflects real-life situations and shows how God's grace helps us to survive the curveballs of life.
*I (Alexis A. Goring) received an ARC of “A Heart Surrendered" from the author. My opinions in this honest review are my own.
I was a little surprised at some of the content concerning Christian values and human mistakes. But I think that the author handled that sensitive material reasonably well.
The storytelling was superb. The characters came to life on the page. They were engaging, multi-dimensional and vibrant. The author did a good job of painting pictures with her words. The dialogue was definitely fresh, especially the sassy words spoken by the heroine's sister!
The plot thickened as the story progressed and the backstory was woven into the plot perfectly.
The romance between the hero and heroine was a bit quick but not rushed, given their backstory. However, I think that this story would be even more amazing if the hero and heroine's relationship was more played out the page so that the reader could really see them fall in love, survive storms and experience a well-developed happily ever after.
I think that I enjoyed the ending of this book the most because everything came together and I loved the spunk of the hero's agent who played a part toward the end of this story.
I would recommend this book to any reader who wants to read a story that reflects real-life situations and shows how God's grace helps us to survive the curveballs of life.
*I (Alexis A. Goring) received an ARC of “A Heart Surrendered" from the author. My opinions in this honest review are my own.
November 8, 2019
A very good story to which I hope there is a second part. Happy related to Sharonda a lot.
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