illusions

Apple Hill #2

by Jennifer Sienes

One reckless night. A lifetime of regret.

Corey Schaffer has spent her entire marriage privately repenting a horrible mistake made the week before her wedding. When her teenaged daughter is in car accident, Corey blames herself and aches to confess all to her husband.

Additionally, their son’s thoughtless rebellion has put her husband Paul’s pastoral position at risk, and he’s finding it hard to forgive. If he can’t forgive Michael how can he forgive her?

It all comes to a head when a disgruntled church member sees an opportunity for revenge.

Corey must dig deep to find the courage to help her family. Even if that means walking away.

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

369 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 28, 2020

About the author

Award-winning author Jennifer Sienes is college-educated but discovered life experience is the best teacher. She loves Jesus, romance, and writing and puts it all together in inspirational contemporary fiction/romance. Her Apple Hill Series takes place in Northern California, and her Southern fiction Bedford County Series and Norfolk Southern Series are set in Tennessee where she now resides. When she isn’t writing, she works in her garden, refinishes old furniture, and dabbles with home décor.

Reviews

[Debbie DiFiore · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a romance really

I love marriage in peril books, as long as there is no cheating, on either side. I want them to reconcile and be happy. This book is different. Something happened before they were married and it is discovered in an odd way. The husband is a pastor and is totally worried about appearances and Corey, the wife, can't forgive herself for the mistake she made 18 years ago. There are a bunch of intersecting angst all coming together for this poor family. Honestly the only one I felt connected to was Michael, the son. He is so important in this book and he was always true to himself. He was such a good soul. I can't even explain how lucky that family was to have him. Corey runs away with her daughter to let things simmer down. The pastor is fighting for his job. It all comes together and this book is about forgiveness. Forgiveness from God but more importantly forgiveness to one's self. Very good story. Not a romance at all. I am not even sure I felt their love for each other. It was all about their family. Both at church and biological.

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I started this I could not stop!
I read it in less than 24 hours.
The plot was fast paced and exciting and pulled me right in. It made me want to keep reading and reading til I got to the end to find out what happens.
I am placing this book in my top 5 books of 2020.
Just remember God is in control , he's got it when we think it's all falling apart he's the one to put our faith and trust in!

Published April 28th 2020 by Celebrate Lit Publishing
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

[Marguerite Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

A window into the fish bowl life of a pastor and his family. How quickly members of a church forget that a pastor is human. Follow this family as the struggles and choices they make cause their lives to crumble. The novel is full of reminders about forgiveness, sin, and second chances.

[Blossom Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Illusions—what a great title for this inspirational contemporary fiction story. We all feel the need to put on a mask and hide behind our stained-glass windows at times. The story of Corey and Paul Schaffer will grab you in and not let you go. Even when the story is over, you will want more. I bet if we are honest, we would all find ourselves in either of these characters. The author, Jennifer Sienes masterfully pulls you into the drama, the sadness, the pain of life through a litany of events from marital conflict, teenage drama, long hidden secrets, church pressures for a pastor and his family, to what I loved the most…the message of God’s grace and restorative power in a marriage when two people humble themselves before the Lord. If you are like me, and get fully immersed in a story, you may need a box of tissues, and you may hate Paul for a while, but rest assured he has the most growth with a lovely ending. If there is anything at all to wish for in this very well-written story, I would have liked the healing and restorative part of the book to have been drawn out a little longer. All in all, this book is a must read from a very talented author.

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sienes' novel is a graphic portrayal of the stress that can exist in a pastor's family. Add an unconfessed sin to the situation and the stress level is magnified. When evidence of the sin explodes into the open, we get to see how the family members handle yet more pressure.

I had mixed feelings about the characters in the novel. I had compassion for Corey, a pastor's wife who felt she needed to give up her dream of teaching to be the kind of wife her husband thought the church demanded. I did not like Paul, the pastor husband, at all. Perhaps that was by design as he was so caught up in succeeding at church he ignored his family.

Several themes are woven into the plot. Trusting another with the truth is a huge one. Forgiveness is another. Loving the way Christ loves us is yet another. There are also several issues concerning the general dynamics of family life, like really finding out why a child is misbehaving.

There is a great deal of tension between husband and wife and between parents and children in much of this novel. That might be a bit uncomfortable for readers who grew up in a tension filled family. The end is a bit fast as issues are quickly resolved when it seemed for much of the novel the healing and restoration would take longer.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Keren Herrera-Lyles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Illusions is my first book that I have read from author Jennifer Sienes. Will keep you glued to each turning page. I just didn't want to close the book until I knew what happened. It captures all the topics very well and formatted into a story that You don't want to miss getting and diving right into it's pages.

Reminds you that God's is Good and is Always in Control. I brought to mind the story of The Footprints in the Sand, which was also mentioned in here.

Is the life of Corey, Paul, Michael, Taylor and her friend Tricia. Paul is a Pastor and he is having problems in his congregation. Michael their son is having behavioral issues due to something he didn't fully see, Tricia is Corey's friend has kept a secret of spousal abuse. Then it comes to Corey and Taylor. Corey has kept a secret of something that happened a week before her wedding and now Taylor has found out part of it. She lives angry with Corey and ends up having a car accident. The story involves around Taylor's accident and the consequences that arise from Corey's secret.

The story is touching and I loved the way the Bible verses are put in and make you reflect on them as you read. And understanding that Love conquers all. Family love, Marriage Love and especial God's Love. He sees us as we are, sees our hearts and Forgives us even when we don't think we deserve it. He never leaves us even when we think he is not there with us and everything else is falling apart left and right.

I got an Complimentary ARC from the Author for my personal sincere review/opinion on it.

[Janice Sisemore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Illusions is a book that had my attention from the very first word until the last word. The Author has a way of keeping the reader's attention.

Illusions is a story that we could all learn from reading. It is something that could happen in everyday life. Cory's daughter finds out by accident something hidden in her mother's past. Taylor then gets in a car accident that leaves her in a coma and has to relearn everything. The family still has to recover from Cory's secret and now recover from Taylor's accident. Will they be able to work everything out?

I received a complimentary copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. This book review is my own opinion.

[Emma Filbrun · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secrets...they can be devastating. Corey was sure no one would ever need to know about her indiscretion just before her wedding...and then the truth comes out in the strangest way. What a struggle for her to know what to do about it. At the same time, Paul was struggling with his own problems. Both had things they thought they couldn't tell the other—how could they resolve this? I had to think of two verses: Be sure your sin will find you out, and The Truth shall set you free. Both are illustrated in this story that will make you think and stick with you for a long time.

[Deana Dick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hope I can do a review for this book that will let readers know how powerful this story is. The author holds nothing back as she digs deep into emotions that rip your heart out. How many of us are guilty of expecting more from our pastor and their family? We believe they should have their house in order and their children should be perfect. Oh how we must all get on our knees and ask God to forgive us for judging, gossiping, pointing fingers and acting holier than thou. Just so you know, pastors go through trials just like us. Their children may mess up, their marriage may not always be the best it can be, but we better make sure to check ourselves before we point at a family that God has called into ministry.
This story is very personal for me. My dad was a preacher and I grew up in a very strict household. Every time the church was open, we were there. We were the picture of happiness but behind closed doors, secrets and shame ran rampant in our home. This book opened up a few wounds fir me and allowed me for the first time to see my sin of bitterness.
We are introduced to Paul, his wife Corey and their children Michael and Taylor. In the first few pages we witness an accident that will unravel secrets that one person never thought would be found out. I cried through the majority of the story as I felt the pain this family went through.
The relationship between father and son is fractured and I think Paul was more concerned about what the church thought of Michael’s actions than actually finding out why Michael had become so rebellious. As a pastor he sees and counsels people every day. He speaks to them about forgives, but has he forgiven his son? I enjoyed reading how the author explores a father and son relationship and breaks it down to the bare bones where sin is exposed.
Corey is overwhelmed with being a pastor’s wife, raising a family and being a substitute teacher. The day Taylor has an accident she had just discovered something that shook her world. The anger she expressed to her mom was brought on by a secret that will change the family forever. The author does a great job of taking us through Taylor’s accident and showing us what it would be like to have a child who would need not only physical therapy but emotional therapy as well. Oh how I wanted to hug Corey and tell her that she needs to stop carrying around guilt that God has forgiven her for.
The family is torn apart and in walks the enemy to try to severe a marriage, destroy a family and shame a pastor. I couldn’t put the book down as I wanted to know why someone was so determined to try to remove Paul from the pulpit. The story is very realistic and shows how vengeful people can be when they become angry and feel rejected by a pastor. Perhaps we can understand how hard it can be at times when your family is put under a microscope with people waiting to find a blemish.
I think this book needs to be put in every church library. It should also be required reading for all leaders and new members of a church. Allow this story to teach lessons about forgiveness,trust, communication, family and unconditional love. Let the story remind us that we all sin. Instead of pointing fingers when someone sins, lets wrap our arms around them and pray with them. The book is a powerful look at a fractured family who must be vulnerable to allow God to heal them and set them free from past pain and anger.
“Whom the son sets free, is free indeed.”
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

[MaryAnn Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Corey Schaffer, pastor’s wife and mother of two teens, has spent her entire marriage subconsciously repenting for one reckless night the week before her wedding.



Upon discovery of Corey’s indiscretion, her 17-year-old daughter, Taylor, is in a car accident resulting in a weeklong coma, traumatic brain injury and memory loss. Corey is riddled with guilt and would like nothing better than to confess all to her husband, Paul. But how can she when his pastoral position is at risk, thanks to their son’s thoughtless act of rebellion the year before—an act Paul has yet to forgive?



Instead, Corey loses herself in the day-to-day work of Taylor’s rehabilitation and prays God will give her the courage to face the past. But when a disgruntled church member sees an opportunity for revenge, Corey must find the faith and strength to put her family first, even if it means walking away.



My Thoughts: This book was such an enjoyable read. Life as a pastor's wife, or even as a pastor's child is not easy. Everyone is always watching and seems to be judging. This book takes a look into the lives of a pastor and his family who are struggling with everyday issues, just like any other family. The characters are so easy to connect with and the issues that are dealt with are very true to life. This is a story that the reader will not want to put down. This book teaches the true meaning of forgiveness and grace. This book will not only teach us about grace and forgiving, but also give the reader encouragement and strength to accomplish their own dreams in life. I truly enjoyed reading this book and know that this is one that readers should not miss out on.

[Connie Saunders · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've always believed that it would be very hard to be a minister and just as hard to be part of a minister's family. Many people expect higher standards from them and then, when these unrealistic expectations aren't met, the judgments can be very harsh. This is the situation with Pastor Paul Schaffer. He wants to be the best that he can be and this is putting a strain on him and filtering down to his family.

Illusions certainly isn't a happy story. The Schaffer family is suddenly thrust into crisis mode when the teenaged daughter is seriously injured, a secret from her mother's past is in danger of being exposed, and her brother Michael's rebellion is the talk of the congregation! Author Jennifer Sienes vividly shares the hurts, the regrets, and "life in a fishbowl". The book title says it best: the lives that we present to the world aren't always the lives that we live at home and perfect is an illusion that can't be met! Will this family unit be able to overcome all of their problems?


Sienes offers a strong depiction of the destruction that 'well meaning Christians' can cause in a church congregation. She reminds us that love and trust are essential and that we must be willing to extend to other the forgiveness and grace that we ourselves have been granted. Illusions is a book that will make you think and I recommend it to all who enjoy contemporary Christian fiction.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. I am voluntarily sharing my honest opinion.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A powerful story about love and forgiveness. I enjoyed the book but did not find it to be a riveting read that I couldn’t put down. Not the fault of the book just that it wasn’t a suspense-filled mystery. More a soft suspense with some family drama.

When I first picked up this book I didn’t realize it was an author that I’ve read before. I also didn’t realize it was the second book in a series. I’ve read the first book but they really don’t go together so that’s fine. You can read this as a stand-alone book. I read the first book a year ago this month so I had to reread my review to remember it.

There are lots of hard topics in this book and I felt that the author again covered them with grace. To me, this is a good book that you can read before bed but it’s going to make you think about the topics and how it can relate to your life. Whether that means it makes you rethink how you treat people, or possibly about some secrets you’re keeping.

I have to admit it made me think of if there were any secrets I’d never want to come to light in my children’s lives. What of my own life would I not want them to know?

Good read and I recommend this book, author, and the series.

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.

[Tabitha Bouldin · Rating 4 out of 5]

You might have to bring out the Kleenex for this one.

Illusions is a hard-hitting, go-getter of a book. No stone is left unturned, and every avenue of thought is explored when Corey’s guilt sends her on a roller-coaster ride with her teenage daughter in tow.

There are some real issues dealt with in this book, and they’re presented in such a way it makes them dig deep into your heart and ask, “How have I changed from the person God meant me to be?”

We’ve all heard the phrase “The truth shall set you free” but speaking that truth might be on of the hardest things you’ll ever do. There’s no guarantee that the freedom you find is the kind of freedom you want. This is the choice Corey faces. And she’s not alone. Paul has his own problems, and a serious lack of ability to forgive, which leaves Corey stuck in a situation where no one wants to be.

When a book is so raw and real that it makes me see the characters as people instead of words, I know the author has truly tapped into the heart of story. That’s where I found myself with Illusions.

God makes all things possible, even when we can’t see a path that might lead to happiness. That was my takeaway from this book and the thread I hold when nothing seems to work out the way I think it should.

I requested a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Illusions was a powerful reminder of what confessing of sin and what forgiveness looks like. There was so many great nuggets of truth in this story. And I mean gold nuggets.

Corey is a pastor's wife. She has sacrificed much for her husband, Paul, and his goals. She has also sacrificed much for her children. Her career, her goals, and her dreams have been all placed on that altar. However, Corey hides a secret. She has told no one, one that could take the illusion of her so called happy life and turn it on its head. But can secret sins really stay hidden? Certainly not for Corey and what she fears most has happened.

Now dealing with the aftermath of her daughter's car accident, which just seems to be the catalyst for everything to break wide open, we get an inside look at a family seemingly falling apart. But really I think by the end, they had to come apart to be put back together right. No illusions just truth.

This story does not only focus on Corey but on Paul as well. Paul has been doing a pretty good job at keeping secrets too, or so he thinks. Will truth set this family free?

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very powerful story with so many lessons to be gleaned: marriage, fear of man, preferences in church, forgiveness.
The first chapter will grab you and drag you right into the middle of the mess of this story. Next we go to a flashback that leads up to the opening scene. A very impactful way to begin a book.
With that being said I had a couple of issues with some things. I can't say too much because it will give be kind of a spoiler. But Corey makes a choice about half way through the book broke my heart. I can't imagine a mother doing what she did. It honestly really bothered me and made me not like her as much.
There were also a couple of inaccuracies with Corey and her teaching. I won't get into all of it, this is just a pet peeve of mine, I am a teacher and I know how things really work, but that did bother me.
With all that being said, it really is good story. This family has to deal with some very tough things. I saw my husband and son in the relationship between Paul and Michael and that made me sad...it wasn't good, but spot on.
I could say so much more about the truths in this story but this review is long enough. Overall, a very good read.

A copy of this book was given to me through the Celebrate Lit Team. All opinions are my own.

[Patti Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I began reading this book, I quickly found myself caught up Corey and Paul and their two children. Taylor discovers through a classroom experiment that she cannot be her father’s daughter. As a result, she rushes out of the house and winds up in a car accident that completely changes her life when she winds up in a coma.

While Corey is keeping secrets from Paul, Paul is also keeping secrets of his own from Corey. Meanwhile, their son is caught up in his own upsetting experiences. The family struggles to keep everything together.

I love how Corey has her friend to seek refuge from the world to help her daughter. Plus, she encounters another minister who provides guidance and wisdom. Corey and Paul both learn that in order to forgive others they have to be willing to also forgive themselves.

The book also illustrates how one or two people out for revenge or to cause trouble can take a church to the brink of destruction. I loved reading this book that shows the power of God and by offering forgiveness like Jesus offers us.

So if you are looking to read a book with an incredible storyline and a pwerful message, check out this book for yourself.

I received a copy of this book for my fair and honest review.

[Kendra Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Illusions is a page turner book from beginning to end. I finished the book in about 5hrs, it is truly that good!!

Corey Schaffer is a Pastor's wife and has something that has been eating away at her since she married. She is just about ready to confess to her husband of many years and her 17yr old is in an accident that puts her in a coma. She is also dealing with her rebellious son who is putting his Dad's job as a Pastor in jeopardy. A "revengeful" Church Member almost really breaks Corey. Corey decides she will stand up and be the bigger person through all this and puts her family first through this all. Will the Family, especially Corey, come through this time in their life a stronger family? Grab a copy of this book and find out!

I really enjoyed this book. It really spoke to me that even through times when we want to run and hide, God will uplift us and encourage us to do the right thing. This book is about Forgiveness and giving grace where it is needed.

Illusions is Book #2 in the Apple Hill Series by Jennifer Sienes. I am really enjoying this series and look forward to more books in this series! GREAT BOOK!

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked the book "Illusions" by Jennifer Sienes. This story is a hard subject to tackle but the author does a great job with it.
This novel is a look at a pastor's family, it clearly shows that preacher family are filled with stress and issues just like other families. Ok, this is a Christian novel but I ( again I can say this because it is fiction and a book) didn't really like the preacher, he wasn't very nice to his wife and son. But, again I understand the reason for this unloving attitude of unforgiveness. But those of us that aren't preachers tend to put pastors on pedestal and expect them not to be human. I know they are to be Christ's example, but then aren't we suppose to be a example of Him also.

I believe this book would be hard to put down for any reader unless that reader grew up in a house that wasn't very loving, then it might bring up painful memories but I still recommend this book because this book shows that healing is possible.

This book is a novel about love, forgiveness and trust and not communicating with each other.
This book is again "Fiction is Real Life"

I was given a contemporary copy by the author. These opinions are my own.

[Andrette Herron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I started reading Illusions, I could not put it down. I read the entire book in one day. Jennifer Sienes has written a beautiful story full of relatable characters struggling with issues of forgiveness and grace. I think we all have those personal battles. That's what really moved me - I could see myself in some of these characters. As a reader, seeing how each one comes to terms with God's grace reminded me how much it is there for all of us but we often get in our own way. 
      I highly recommend this book. It's a real reminder that no matter how much we try to hide, God knows the truth and will bring those things to light so He can extend His grace and love and bring healing in our lives. Thank you Jennifer for telling this story!
       Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher, but all opinions are my own. 

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Illusions is the second installment from the Apple Hill series. It is, also, my first introduction to Jennifer Sienes’ work. Since I have not read the first book in the series, I believe this one can be read as a stand alone. This definitely will not be my last I book I read by this author. I really enjoyed this tale of faith and inspiration. I felt connected to Corey from the start. The author detailed the emotions so good, that I could just feel her heart break at times. I did need to grab a tissue or two reading some scenes. There are so many lessons that I and many other readers would be able to learn from in this book. These lessons include: the power of forgiveness, letting go, moving on and learning to have faith. I was intrigued throughout the book and did not want to put it down. I just had to find out what would happen next. I found so much inspiration and made me really think. I had no problem reading this book in one day. It was that good.
I am giving Illusions a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who love to read beautifully written faith filled stories. I believe so many will relate to quite a bit of the content within the pages. I would love to read what happened previously in the Apple Hill series, Surrendered. I can not wait to get my hands on it.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

[Emily Yager · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the kind of story you gonna need a box of tissues to read. Just saying. An emotional read right of the beginning and those emotions pull you through all the way to the end.

An amazing story of how God's grace can heal a tattered family. The issues brought up are real and really force you to examine your own heart as well while reading through this family's trials. It also doesn't sugarcoat the pain and troubles they face.

This is the kind of book that is hard to put down once you start it. While this is book two in this series. It can be read on it's own.

[LaDonna McCall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a beautiful story of love, loss, redemption, and second chances. A story of how secrets can come back to haunt you but also that God's Grace is enough to cover past sins. A story of forgiveness even when it seems impossible to do so. A story of not giving up on those you love and letting God heal what could potentially destroy you. Jennifer Sienes writes beautiful stories that will touch your heart and soul and full of so much Truth from the Father. I love her books and I highly recommend Illusions.

[Jennifer J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A grabber from the beginning, this one is gut-wrenching, heart-hurting, faith-reaffirming and extraordinarily difficult to put down. Illusions is a finely crafted novel built around well-developed characters who behave and interact in all-too human ways. This author is a master of her craft and provides her readers with a memorable story that speaks volumes about human nature, the preciousness of forgiveness and the fragility of life. I highly recommend this one and am grateful it is one I can share with many. Enjoy!

[Naomi Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

what a book!

Wow! Another hard hitter from Jennifer sienes!

Pastor’s wife here and I was about ready to recommend Corey to join up with a pw group. When you hire a pastor it is Not a two for one deal. Let the pastor’s wife serve where God has called her.
Okay rant over. Haha
Excellent, emotional and powerful book.
Grace, forgiveness, devotion to family, all trump hidden sins. People can change by the grace of God. This book was very moving.

I feel seen.
Can be a standalone book. But Read providence too!

[Scott Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Food for the soul!

What an amazing book! From the very beginning the characters came alive and kept me from putting it down. I especially could relate to Corey; a wife and mother who could so easily loose her identity in every day life and the challenges it brings. Thank you Jennifer for keeping it real and bringing everything back to the foot of the cross. I highly recommend this book!!!

[Martha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Family story with interesting dynamics..

Women’s fiction is my favorite and this has so many good things. There was though an issue where it spent a lot of time calling out behavior and blaming, without calling it like it was. It would be a spoiler to mention it, but I felt like this could have been just a tad bit different and would have been better, but then, I am not the writer.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this ebook free in exchange for an honest review.

I could not put this book down! It has a lot of challenges going on within this family relating to things we all struggle with at some time - faith, past sins, forgiveness, arrogance, teenage attitudes, and more - along with Bible phrases throughout. A great read!

[Kathleen J Kunkle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read

This story has so much heart! It is about a pastor and his family and the many obstacles that they face. The situation is filled with a medical emergency, faithfulness, family's relationships and their relationship with God. The author does an excellent job setting the plot and moving the storyline to beautiful ending.

[Dawn Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

Awesome story line as the main characters go back and forth took a minute to get into the swing of things but the story line took off once I did. Excellent story line, well developed characters and a Christian background and message.

[Charlene Medley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting

While I enjoyed the story, I kept hoping that the author would reveal the truth about blood types. A child does not always have the blood type of his/her father. Why did Jennifer not know this? Both my sons have the same father, one with type B, the other type O.