Joint Venture: A 'Grant Us Grace' Novella

Grant Us Grace #4

by Elizabeth Maddrey

Christian Contemporary Romance.

Set in the world of the 'Grant Us Grace' series, this novella tells the love story of Matt and Laura Stephenson, who are familiar to readers of "Wisdom to Know", "Courage to Change" and "Serenity to Accept" by Elizabeth Maddrey.

Laura Willis is busy planning her wedding to Ryan when she catches him cheating. Again. This time with her best friend. She throws her fist, and her ring, in his face and immerses herself in work at Brenda's House of Hair. But the salon is awash in drama too as Brenda cuts corners and goes on a rampage.

Laura’s coworker hairstylist, Matt Stephenson, is searching for other employment options and a new place to live. Deciding to take a risk, he determines to open his own salon and invites Laura to partner with him. Can their friendship survive the undertaking or will this joint venture be more than either of them bargained for?

Genres: Fiction, Christian Fiction

174 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2013

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Elizabeth Maddrey is a semi-reformed computer geek and homeschooling mother of two who lives in the suburbs of Washington D.C. When she isn’t writing, Elizabeth is a voracious consumer of books. She loves to write about Christians who struggle through their lives, dealing with sin and receiving God’s grace on their way to their own romantic happily ever after.

Reviews

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet Story

Joint Venture is a cute story with an unusual situation for the hero and heroine. The romance is very light and a bit rushed at the end but cute too.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joint Venture by Elizabeth Maddrey is a wonderful contemporary Christian romance novella. It is the prequel to the Grant Us Grace series and I absolutely loved it. I love everything that Elizabeth Maddrey writes.
Joint Venture is a novella about best friends and new beginnings. Hairdressers Matt and Laura are friends who support each other. Their relationship is wonderful to read. They are both friendly and caring. Elizabeth Maddrey writes in such a way that I can 'feel' their friendship and it is a complete joy to 'watch' their interactions.
The new beginnings is in both Laura's personal and professional life. New beginnings can be scary and new beginnings can be fun. As the reader I could both 'see' and 'feel' the excitement and intrepidation as Laura planned a new venture.
The novella deals with the theme of forgiveness. When one is wronged, the hurt can build up inside you and destroy you from the inside out. Forgiveness is necessary in order to move forward in your life. Forgiveness is freeing but it does not necessarily mean restoring bad relationships in your life.
Faith is an important part of the novel. Both Matt and Laura go to Church. Church is important as it is a place where believers can build each other up to strengthen each other for the week ahead.
I love Elizabeth Maddrey's writings. If you have not read any of her works, you are missing out. Try Joint Venture today. It's just perfect for an afternoon's read.

I received this book for free in exchange for a fair and honest review. No monetary compensation was received and all views expressed are my own.

[Cindi Klemm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet book. I recieved the audible version to review for free for my honest opinion, I wish I would have had the written book as I do not have a lot of time to listen to the book so I had to listen to it in spurts as it is a little over 3 hours long. The narrator did a good job of keeping the story interesting.
This is a sweet story about a young lady who seems to be so innocent and gullible, always wiling to believe the best in ithers and then gets stabbed in the back by her fiancé and best friend, With the help of her friend, Mart, she is able to realize that she doesn't have to live the life others mapped out for her. She has a brain and can use it and make decisions for herself!

[Shari Howe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book as an audio book. This is the second book I have listened to in this format and found that I enjoyed being able to go about my day’s activities while listening to a wonderful story. The characters in this book are likable as is the story itself. The author, while writing a gentle love story, also explores some areas of conflict such as unfaithfulness, stereotyping, moral purity etc. Joint Venture is an easy read/listen and is bound to bring a smile to your face. I will look for other books in this series and books by this author. I gave this book a top rating for its heart warming story as well as its wholesome portrayal of young love.

[Lyndon · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the same circle of friends as the Grant Us Grace series by Elizabeth Maddrey, the novella Joint Venture explores the blossoming relationship between Laura and Matt in a gentle romance that is filled with the starts and fits and misfires that mark all genuine friendships. Maddrey's storytelling is sweet and simple yet far from mundane or predictable. The author has a way of taking ordinary events and characters and weaving them into a tale that is both captivating during the reading and satisfying at the end. Recommended for all who enjoy inspirational fiction.

[Kari Trumbo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was everything I expected it to be, it was a short, Christian, romance novel. I knew what was going to happen, but that didn't make the story less pleasurable. I would certainly recommend this to anyone wanting a little romantic escape book. I liked Laura and Matt, the book is "real feeling" enough that it sort of feels like you are talking to a friend about mutual friends. All-in-all a good read and I would definitely read more from this author.

[Toni Shiloh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elizabeth Maddrey is one of my must read authors. I loved Joint Venture. It was great to see how Laura and Matt became a couple since the other books they're featured in (Grant us Grace series) has them already married. If you've never read Ms. Maddrey, this novella is a great way to be introduced to her writing style. She writes real characters we can relate to that also happen to be loveable.
If you have read Ms. Maddrey then you won't be disappointed. :)

[Pam Nelson]

Loved this book! The characters were great and I fell in love with Matthew & Laura right off! Great Christian Romance novel!

[EmbGram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can business partners become more?

I have "Joint Venture" five stars because it was a believable story of God's grace in the lives of two people struggling with major life changing challenges. In all of the upheaval they were able to work together to find new dreams and beginnings.

[Linda Rainey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Beautiful Romance

This was a beautiful romance about second chances.
I loved the storyline and the interesting characters.
I need to go back and re read this series because knowing the characters adds an enrichment to the series.
This book is recommended for Christian romance lovers.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book because I was looking for something quick and easy to read but that told a good story. This book filled the bill perfectly. I liked watching Laura and Matt grow from friends to business partners to something more. I would recommend this book.

[Chaelah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really great

The only thing I could ask is that the book longer! I really love the characters, the book was really well written, and the Christian themes were much appreciated and really truly accurate to everyday life! Five stars!

[kATHERINE J. GRAVES · Rating 5 out of 5]

great prequel

In the other books of the Grant Us Grace series you get to know this couple after their story began. In this book you get to see how it all started and it is a truly beautiful beginning.

[karn · Rating 5 out of 5]

fantastic story

Great to read a fantastic Christian read. Great story and love the sermon on the Lords prayer-the dads version. Love to read the parents early story. Sounds interesting to say the least. Again great read.

[R.j. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

I have no idea why I love this so much. I get such a kick out of Laura‘a mom, even as she is annoying. But I love a unique plot like this.

[Donna Kale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good reads

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joint Venture (A Grant Us Grace Novella) by Elizabeth Maddrey is such a cute and romantic story. Laura Willis has been dating Ryan since senior year of high school. They are engaged and planning their wedding until Laura catches Ryan cheating – again! Laura calls off the engagement and she has to decide what she wants to do with her life now. Matt works with Laura as a stylist at a hair salon. Matt has also known Laura since high school. Matt and Laura decide to become partners and open their own salon and spa. Joint Venture is a cute Christian story. When I finished reading this book, I had a smile on my face and was sad for the book to end. If you like Christian books, you will love Joint Venture.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

http://bibliophileandavidreader.blogs...

[Pattisue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, sweet story about lasting friendship and fresh starts, this is a light, quick read with characters I loved and characters I love to hate. The plot is a bit predictable but the conclusion is swoon worthy and creative. Matt is a thoughtful, kind and trustworthy friend. He is a steady, compassionate, shoulder to lean on when Laura’s world comes crashing down around her. “…it was good he didn’t try to use his charisma for evil.” Filled with dramatic scenes and quirky guest stars such as June and July, I recommend this great break up story to girl friends everywhere.

[Heather Vaughn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is well written. This book keeps you wanting more. Laura is my favorite character. Laura had her heart stomped on by her fiance and her best friend. I am glad Laura found Matthew to mend her broken heart. Give this book a try. I really enjoyed it. Also reviewed by Heather Ann's Book Reviews.

[Wilani Wahl · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book that that I found hard to put down. I loved the story and the way the characters dealt with issues of prejudice, betrayal, forgiveness and healing. I fell in love with the characters and look forward to reading the rest of the series.