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Bending Willow Trilogy #1
Finding Light
Discovering love can be a dark journey.
Three very different heroes come together in this suspenseful series of the heart. Suvi Goldstein longs to live a normal life. One without nightmares. One where she only has to worry about grades, what book to read next, and when her boyfriend might sneak over to see her. But one phone call and decision changes everything. Now, the people she loves most will be hurt if she doesn’t do something to ensure their safety. Swept into a world of intrigue and violence, the painful past is resurrected, making a normal life utterly impossible.
James Hinton tries to save the world in the jungle cities of Guatemala, sacrificing health, comfort, and time to help the poor and needy there, even as his own life crumbles apart back home. When he moves to Idaho for a fresh start, he crosses paths with a beautiful damsel in distress, and his life will never be the same.
Austan Barras is officially dead. Even the girl he loves doesn’t know he still breathes…and he dares not reveal himself. With a deadly cartel out for revenge, he must lie low in order to keep Suvi safe, from herself and from external forces bent on her destruction. The truth, in the wrong hands, could threaten her.
Join these three characters on their journeys to find redemption, as their paths intersect and intertwine in a riveting love triangle that will keep you reading long into the night.
[This story was originally published in 2012 under the title Eyes of Light. It was taken out of circulation to undergo major revisions to the plot and organizational layout, requiring a new ISBN and title]
Three very different heroes come together in this suspenseful series of the heart. Suvi Goldstein longs to live a normal life. One without nightmares. One where she only has to worry about grades, what book to read next, and when her boyfriend might sneak over to see her. But one phone call and decision changes everything. Now, the people she loves most will be hurt if she doesn’t do something to ensure their safety. Swept into a world of intrigue and violence, the painful past is resurrected, making a normal life utterly impossible.
James Hinton tries to save the world in the jungle cities of Guatemala, sacrificing health, comfort, and time to help the poor and needy there, even as his own life crumbles apart back home. When he moves to Idaho for a fresh start, he crosses paths with a beautiful damsel in distress, and his life will never be the same.
Austan Barras is officially dead. Even the girl he loves doesn’t know he still breathes…and he dares not reveal himself. With a deadly cartel out for revenge, he must lie low in order to keep Suvi safe, from herself and from external forces bent on her destruction. The truth, in the wrong hands, could threaten her.
Join these three characters on their journeys to find redemption, as their paths intersect and intertwine in a riveting love triangle that will keep you reading long into the night.
[This story was originally published in 2012 under the title Eyes of Light. It was taken out of circulation to undergo major revisions to the plot and organizational layout, requiring a new ISBN and title]
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2012
25 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
About the author
Charissa Stastny
19 books81 followersCharissa Stastny is an avid reader, happy writer, BYU graduate, and lover of irises, clouds, chocolate, sushi, and the outdoors. Though she was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, she has never pulled a handle of a slot machine and can’t shuffle cards to save her life. She does shuffle kids, laundry, and church responsibilities rather well though. She has lived in Nevada and Idaho, but currently resides in Utah with her husband and four children where shuffling cards isn’t required. She is the author of four books and ‘imagine-eer’ of many more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
June 26, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. Two things stand out to me: One, I really wasn't exactly sure who Suvi was going to end up with, and that kept me turning the pages. Two, this book contains a beautiful message. The ending scene brought tears to my eyes. The message is simply this: no matter what you've experienced due to your circumstances in life or whatever you've done in your life, you are still precious in the eyes of God. The author brings this message to the reader rather eloquently. I finished this book and immediately started on the sequel. I'm looking forward to continuing Suvi's story.
July 20, 2013
My rating: 4.5.
I finished this book last week but I have been sweating about writing a review on goodreads because the author is my cousin. I want to be objective in my review or my review is meaningless for goodreads although a fawning review might gain me points with my cousin!! So here goes.
For about the first third of the book, I was really tense. If I didn't like the book, what would I say on goodreads? I sometimes had trouble immersing myself in the story because I was worried about that so much. At about that one-third point, my interest in the story took over and I forgot about the author all together. I was totally hooked on seeing how the whole story turned out. Despite my initially anxiety, I was consistently interested in the story throughout the book.
However, I have been dragging my feet about reviewing it on goodreads.
I liked the characters (the ones intended to be likable) and the general outline of the plot. I feel like the story could have had several logical ending points and, consequently, it seemed to get . . ."long." In fact, I was reading it on my iPad and I was totally surprised when it did end. It was just one point in several that would have made for a good book one ending. Once I finished the book, I could see why the author had to take the time she took to weave the story to the point she did to end book one, but I would have liked the story line to have been tighter. I am all for plot twists but . . . on a tighter time frame.
I thought the author gave great attention to detail and character development. She gave a lot of "flavor" to all the locations of the story and I particularly liked the mission detail because it felt so authentic. I felt like the characters, the good ones and the evil ones, behaved in a way consistent with the characters as the author had painted them for us in the beginning of the story and I like that in a story. I could tell there was a lot of careful drafting of the story.
I have a personal preference for action as opposed to romance and so sometimes the physical side of this book was just too much PDA for me. I did not feel it crossed the line into crudeness and inappropriateness.
One of my favorite "bits" of the book was the fairy tale analogy about the High King and his Son. That could make a great spin-off children's story to be sold at Christmas. :o). There were a lot of "good bits" in this book.
Good job, Charissa!
I finished this book last week but I have been sweating about writing a review on goodreads because the author is my cousin. I want to be objective in my review or my review is meaningless for goodreads although a fawning review might gain me points with my cousin!! So here goes.
For about the first third of the book, I was really tense. If I didn't like the book, what would I say on goodreads? I sometimes had trouble immersing myself in the story because I was worried about that so much. At about that one-third point, my interest in the story took over and I forgot about the author all together. I was totally hooked on seeing how the whole story turned out. Despite my initially anxiety, I was consistently interested in the story throughout the book.
However, I have been dragging my feet about reviewing it on goodreads.
I liked the characters (the ones intended to be likable) and the general outline of the plot. I feel like the story could have had several logical ending points and, consequently, it seemed to get . . ."long." In fact, I was reading it on my iPad and I was totally surprised when it did end. It was just one point in several that would have made for a good book one ending. Once I finished the book, I could see why the author had to take the time she took to weave the story to the point she did to end book one, but I would have liked the story line to have been tighter. I am all for plot twists but . . . on a tighter time frame.
I thought the author gave great attention to detail and character development. She gave a lot of "flavor" to all the locations of the story and I particularly liked the mission detail because it felt so authentic. I felt like the characters, the good ones and the evil ones, behaved in a way consistent with the characters as the author had painted them for us in the beginning of the story and I like that in a story. I could tell there was a lot of careful drafting of the story.
I have a personal preference for action as opposed to romance and so sometimes the physical side of this book was just too much PDA for me. I did not feel it crossed the line into crudeness and inappropriateness.
One of my favorite "bits" of the book was the fairy tale analogy about the High King and his Son. That could make a great spin-off children's story to be sold at Christmas. :o). There were a lot of "good bits" in this book.
Good job, Charissa!
April 26, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. The stark contrast between good and evil was marked, and Suvi's struggle to find her way between those two worlds kept me guessing all the way through. We can tell she's good underneath, but we've seen some of her terrible choices and witnessed her terrible experiences and so we can't be sure what's going to happen to her next, or what choices she will make. I read this book on an e-reader on my phone which meant it was always with me, and whenever I had a spare few minutes, I would open it up and instantly be absorbed right back into the story. It's always a good sign when you feel pleased that your kids have kept you waiting because it means you can grab a few minutes on your book!
I was torn between giving this four or five stars. In terms of it being a page turner that I wanted to read at any opportunity, then I would have gone for the five stars, and within the context of it being a first novel I would have gone for five stars. I've gone for four stars though because I feel Charissa will have grown as a writer through writing this book, and I want to leave the room to recognise that in future novels of hers - don't let me down there Charissa! ;)
I was torn between giving this four or five stars. In terms of it being a page turner that I wanted to read at any opportunity, then I would have gone for the five stars, and within the context of it being a first novel I would have gone for five stars. I've gone for four stars though because I feel Charissa will have grown as a writer through writing this book, and I want to leave the room to recognise that in future novels of hers - don't let me down there Charissa! ;)
October 11, 2012
For someone who typically doesn't enjoy LDS fiction because of its tendency to be cheesy, this book was a enjoyable surprise for me. There was the LDS spin, but it was that and more. There was a love story that wasn't so typical, but real all the same. There was action and humor and a past to these characters' lives. More real than a lot of the LDS fiction I've read in the past. And less naive.
The author's character development is far beyond what you'd expect from a first-time novelist. The characters were consistent and real. By the end of the book I found myself missing them... (good thing this is part of a series!). The author's ability to thread information and tidbits throughout the story is amazing. I have a feeling this book was the foundation to an equally entertaining second and third book. Can't wait to read more from Charissa Stastny!
The author's character development is far beyond what you'd expect from a first-time novelist. The characters were consistent and real. By the end of the book I found myself missing them... (good thing this is part of a series!). The author's ability to thread information and tidbits throughout the story is amazing. I have a feeling this book was the foundation to an equally entertaining second and third book. Can't wait to read more from Charissa Stastny!
January 16, 2015
This book was unlike anything else I have ever read. It is definitely a romance - which I don't usually read and the beginning of the book was a little mushy for me - I'm sure it wouldn't be for someone who reads more in that genre. However, it is also LDS Fiction and adventure fiction. There's a little bit of something for everyone. By the end of the book, I really cared about the characters and am excited to read the next books in the series. This was a real pageturner and kept me wanting to keep reading. Thanks for a fun book Charissa!
August 26, 2015
"Eyes of Light" features Suvi Goldstein, a young girl who sacrifices her self-worth after she makes a terrible mistake at the expense of a loved one. She is forced to face her past when she meets James Hinton, a missionary. James sees Suvi’s goodness beneath her destructive behavior and decides he must help her overcome her demons. A story of love, violence, and faith, "Eyes of Light" offers readers a view into the missionary lifestyle as well as teaches the power of forgiveness.
September 9, 2012
This tale is filled with suspense. The story's main characters are well developed. The plot and subplots are nicely interwoven. I really like the way the story ends...just the way I'd hoped it would. This is a well written book and I would highly suggest buying it. It held my attention, especially toward the end. I loved the overall message and the way it was presented. It's always a pleasure to read a new author. Eyes Of Light will not disappoint.
May 9, 2016
This was a gripping read. It starts off with Suvi in high school and I thought it was going to stick to the YA genre. However, this book is way more in depth than I realized.
I desperately wanted Suvi to understand God's grace. I kept reading until the message that no one is too far gone from God's grace was realized.
*I received a free copy in exchange of an honest review.
**See full review at http://tonishiloh.weebly.com/blog/ben...
I desperately wanted Suvi to understand God's grace. I kept reading until the message that no one is too far gone from God's grace was realized.
*I received a free copy in exchange of an honest review.
**See full review at http://tonishiloh.weebly.com/blog/ben...
October 3, 2020
"Finding Light" takes the reader from Mexican drug lords to missionaries in Guatemala, with a protagonist who's smart and resourceful yet unaware of her true potential or worthiness as a human being. Torn between violent men in one world and a kind, forgiving man in another, Suvi must find her way towards salvation, and thus escape her demons once and for all. As always, Stastny's prose is crisp and her characters compelling. A well-written read that not only entertains but educates as well.
August 12, 2017
I purchased Eyes of Light awhile ago but just got a chance to read it. I wasn't sure what to expect with this book. It has an interesting mix of being a suspense thriller and religious book. There is quite a bit of violence. I have the next book downloaded and will read it to see what happens next with these characters.
June 30, 2017
Wonderful
The author captures the true power of our savior, Jesus Christ's atonement. Very well written, compelling and a nail biter that I couldn't put down. Can't wait to read the rest of the series. Thank you Charissa.
The author captures the true power of our savior, Jesus Christ's atonement. Very well written, compelling and a nail biter that I couldn't put down. Can't wait to read the rest of the series. Thank you Charissa.
February 10, 2023
Worth reading
This book was a great read. It was difficult at times but was well worth working through those times to get to the end. I do not think you will regret reading this book.
This book was a great read. It was difficult at times but was well worth working through those times to get to the end. I do not think you will regret reading this book.
December 26, 2022
This was my first time reading a book by Ms. Stastny and I was not disappointed. Her writing is very descriptive and she takes the time to develop her characters, even if there is some darkness to them. There are many twists and turns to keep you reading, challenges to overcome, faith is questioned and redeemed, and evil to be defeated. I really enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
December 1, 2022
It can be stressful and exasperating, but also wholesome.
As a mexican, I didn't love the whole cartel thing (it reinforst the stereotype of the bad latins). At the other hand, I'm also not a fan of the intense religious bits.
This extremes are not my favorite elements here, but somehow all works mixed together. I liked it, definitely will continue the series.
So far I'm definitely team James (I was even before he actually met Suvi. I won't say specifics in order to not say spoilers, but Austan lost loooots of points.
As a mexican, I didn't love the whole cartel thing (it reinforst the stereotype of the bad latins). At the other hand, I'm also not a fan of the intense religious bits.
This extremes are not my favorite elements here, but somehow all works mixed together. I liked it, definitely will continue the series.
So far I'm definitely team James (I was even before he actually met Suvi. I won't say specifics in order to not say spoilers, but Austan lost loooots of points.
September 12, 2012
This book does not fit within my typical genre. I stole it from my wife at a time when the house was running low on books, initially thinking I would just pass the time with the first few chapters. Although I do not care much for romances, I ended up reading the entire book (and enjoying quite a few aspects) just because I had to find out what would happen with the characters. Some of the characters made some poor decisions; some did not behave rationally. But the book is about university aged youth, who are notorious for this kind of behavior… and I had to see what would happen.
If you enjoy romances, I don’t think you can go wrong with this book. If you enjoy LDS fiction, I think you will find this enjoyable.
Stastny has promised another book in this series. Assuming the book follows the same characters, I may have to read the next one before my wife.
If you enjoy romances, I don’t think you can go wrong with this book. If you enjoy LDS fiction, I think you will find this enjoyable.
Stastny has promised another book in this series. Assuming the book follows the same characters, I may have to read the next one before my wife.
May 1, 2013
I would have never guessed this was the author's first novel! A few grammatical errors stood out (mostly chopping the -ly off of adverbs) and made me stop reading for a minute, but I loved the flow of the story, the early introduction to Elder Hinton (so that his introduction into Suvi's life wasn't filled too much with "flashbacking"), and the integrity to Boise landmarks and her characters.
It's a great Cinderella romance. I definitely recommend this book to anyone and am looking forward to the sequel! Secret KeepersCharissa Stastny
It's a great Cinderella romance. I definitely recommend this book to anyone and am looking forward to the sequel! Secret KeepersCharissa Stastny
October 1, 2020
This book delves into the results of abuse and the emotional hold it can have on us, in juxtaposition to the redeeming power of love and forgiveness.
As James navigates his attraction to Suvi, a girl who’s lived a life he doesn’t begin to understand, he changes as the power of true love takes hold.
Austan has loved Suvi for years. Though he watches out for her, his love seems like a selfish dream. Will she ever know how he really feels?
Suvi has loved two men in her life, but experience has shown her she’s better off by herself. Can she change her thinking and grab onto the promise of something more?
This book was intense and surprising.
I received a copy courtesy of the author. This is my honest opinion of the book.
As James navigates his attraction to Suvi, a girl who’s lived a life he doesn’t begin to understand, he changes as the power of true love takes hold.
Austan has loved Suvi for years. Though he watches out for her, his love seems like a selfish dream. Will she ever know how he really feels?
Suvi has loved two men in her life, but experience has shown her she’s better off by herself. Can she change her thinking and grab onto the promise of something more?
This book was intense and surprising.
I received a copy courtesy of the author. This is my honest opinion of the book.
November 19, 2020
I received a free copy to review: Wow! An exceptionally-written story, evoking various emotions as the reader walks a journey with the main characters. A reminder that we are all trophies of God's grace, and have all sinned and are in need of His saving. Romance, intrigue and humour temper the harshness of circumstances Suvi has endured in her life, leaving deep scars.There were 1 or 2 minor factors I didn't agree on theologically, (about marriage & relationships) but they were irrelevant enough to still thoroughly enjoy this captivating saga. I'm looking forward to starting book 2 in the trilogy!
May 4, 2015
I have mixed feelings about this book...there are some things in it that are hard to read. But they are things that probably do happen around the world. It's not a true story...and there were parts that sort of skipped around a little. I got lost a couple of times, flipped back to make sure I didn't miss something only to have it explained later. I put it down a couple of times because of the graphic detail in some of the attacks Suvi goes through...I probably wouldn't recommend it and most likely won't read the rest of the books.
October 17, 2012
Eyes of Light is a great story. I couldn’t put it down. I finished it in two days. The author was clever and kept me switching back and forth who the bad guy was. This book has suspense, mystery, romance, and inspiration. The story is a good example of how a person’s life can be turned upside down because of circumstances and bad choices, and then can be changed by finding proper values, having good friends, and making right choices. I’m excited to read the next book. –George A. Clarke
February 18, 2015
I read this once before it was published. It was good then, but I enjoyed it even more now.
This is an LDS suspense/romance novel. My two favorite parts were thematic. One was the role of the Atonement. The second was the contrast between good and evil. This novel does not pull the punches where evil is concerned. It is fairly graphic and shows the devastation evil wreaks in lives and the world.
I liked it overall and now I'm off to read the next one.
This is an LDS suspense/romance novel. My two favorite parts were thematic. One was the role of the Atonement. The second was the contrast between good and evil. This novel does not pull the punches where evil is concerned. It is fairly graphic and shows the devastation evil wreaks in lives and the world.
I liked it overall and now I'm off to read the next one.
October 19, 2015
"Eyes of Light" takes the reader from Mexican drug lords to Mormon missionaries in Guatemala, with a protagonist who's smart and resourceful yet unaware of her true potential or worthiness as a human being. Torn between violent men in one world and a kind, forgiving man in another, Suvi must find her way towards salvation, and thus escape her demons once and for all. A well-written read that not only entertains but educates as well.
September 29, 2012
I was given a copy by the author. I really wanted to like it, but was frankly shocked at the content. TMI. I had to stop reading. Yuck. I hate reading a book that makes me feel so dirty. As much as I wanted the characters to grow and change, I don't want the pictures this book paints in my head.
October 1, 2020
More of a 3.5 review
Three lives intwined.
It took me a little while to get into the pace of the book. Overall, it was a good read. Definite contrasts in different lifestyles. First book in a trilogy. I would read the next two to see what happens and how the story continues to evolve and resolve.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Three lives intwined.
It took me a little while to get into the pace of the book. Overall, it was a good read. Definite contrasts in different lifestyles. First book in a trilogy. I would read the next two to see what happens and how the story continues to evolve and resolve.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
September 11, 2016
**SPOILER FREE**
Hard book to put down. This book will take you into another complete mind setting! Page turning seat gripping read! So much behind this cover that you don't expect! A book for the must read list!
*Received for an honest review*
Hard book to put down. This book will take you into another complete mind setting! Page turning seat gripping read! So much behind this cover that you don't expect! A book for the must read list!
*Received for an honest review*
February 15, 2021
Confusing
I really wanted to enjoy this book to but by the time I got A third of the way I stopped. The constant jumping from one scene to another with different characters and storylines was very confusing. I also felt some of the scenes were too graphic and violent
I really wanted to enjoy this book to but by the time I got A third of the way I stopped. The constant jumping from one scene to another with different characters and storylines was very confusing. I also felt some of the scenes were too graphic and violent
August 6, 2012
I liked the strong characters and fast moving plot. I think this was a great book especially for a first time author.
Read
February 19, 2013This is just for the author...I think it's great that you are writing books Charissa! Very cool! Really liked how this story ended and am anxious to read the follow up.
February 20, 2013
Excellent book, multiple twists and turns, definitely a stay up late book.
June 15, 2012
Yeah Charissa!!!! Great job, I am excited to read your next book!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews