Hearts and flowers might pay the bills, but that’s all they’re good for.
Still clutched in the grip of guilt over her youthful indiscretions, Faith Nicholson can’t seem to move past her parents’ disappointment in her—or her disappointment in herself. Determined to make something in her life a success, she focuses on her floral design. After all, she has quite the past to atone for. Then her little sister decides to get married, and everyone but Faith chooses her for the job of coordinator. The family florist is the perfect choice. Right? Overruled, Faith agrees. Enter a widower and his precocious daughter. A friendship with Michael Jacobs becomes more than a refuge in stress of wedding preparations. It becomes a catalyst for her entire life. Hiding from her past hasn’t worked until now. Perhaps Michael is right. Facing it is exactly what she needs if she has any hope of a real future. Faith never would have imagined that her grudging agreement to help her sister could become an olive branch between herself and her family—and the Lord.
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.
This is my first read from author Jennifer Sienes and I enjoyed it much. Faith just can’t get over her past, and uses her flower arranging to help cope with the hurts she has faced. When her sister ask Faith to be her wedding planner, she tried everything to get put of it but it seems everyone else is in agreement that she should help her sister out. She was not expecting how it out turned out for her good.
Jennifer Sienes does a very nice job of creating likeable characters that develop well as the story unfolds. Faith was a flawed character with a tough background, and maybe that’s why I like her so well. And I enjoyed the interactions between she and Michael. I love how God brought these two together. And even though this is fiction, the same thing happens in real life all of the time. I love and appreciate how Sienes weaves faith into the lives of her characters, and how she shows love, faith, forgiveness and redemption through our Lord.
I enjoyed this story so much, it is the first I have read from the Apple Hill series, and now I’ll go back and read the others as well. But I will say that Saving Faith reads ok as a stand alone. If you haven’t read any books by Jennifer Sienes, this sweet romance is a great book to start with. And don’t forget to check out the other books in the Apple Hill series. I give Saving Faith Four Stars. Hurry put and get your copy.
A special thanks to Celebrate Lit and the publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
I enjoyed this story so much that I didn’t want it to end. It is an easy read filled with characters that you want to be friends with. I liked how the story flowed with faith elements in just the right places. I needed to read a book like this which is not heavy but still has a great message.
Faith is pretty hard on herself at times. She thinks she is being punished by God for sonething that happened in her past. I think we can all raise our hands and say we have thought the same thing. When we are at our lowest that is when the enemy comes in to distract us. Faith represents each of us who struggle with guilt, shame and self esteem. I wanted to tell her that she is not alone, even though it may feel like it at times.
Pastor Michael Jacobs and his daughter are so perfect for this story. I liked how the author shows that even pastors struggle at times. We forget that pastors are just like us and find themselves fighting the enemy at times. Michael has his hands full with his energetic daughter Addie. When he looks at her he thinks about the wife he lost. His wife makes a life changing decision that reminds me of the scripture, “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friend.” Her choice was hard to read but I understood why she did it.
The romance in the story is clean and moved at a nice pace. The author allows the characters to get to know each other and learn to trust each other. The moment that Faith decides to go to Michael and share her past was written so well. There was no judgment only guidance of how to forgive and move forward. This was my favorite part of the story. Reading how vulnerable Faith was and allowing someone to minister to her was priceless. The author has given us a story that not only expresses the love that God has for us but also Remi do us that we are forgiven.
“Forgiveness is often like an onion-it comes in layers. Just know that there may be moments when you get angry again, and that’s ok. God’ll get you through it.”
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
Jennifer Sienes is a favorite author of mine, I have read many of her books. I am always excited when she releases a new book. Her latest book, Saving Faith, is my most recent read!
Faith Nicholson made some mistakes in her Youth and she still feels the disappointment from her parents. Faith decides she wants to be successful in life and opens a Florist Business. Her little sister announces her Engagement and is looking forward to getting married. Faith is picked to be the Wedding Florist. She tries to deny the honor, but everyone thinks she should do the job, so she reluctantly agrees. Faith meets a young widower and his little Daughter. Pastor Michael Jacobs becomes a friend to Faith and she is enjoying their friendship. Faith tells him about her past and she believes he has some wise advice. He advises her that maybe it is time to face her past and not keep hiding from it. Faith begins to see the read wisdom in that. Will Faith be able to "FACE" her past? Will she see reconciliation and forgiveness from her Family and others?
WOW, the storyline sure is PACKED full of greatness in such a short novella. The book is only 124 pages long, but the author did a GREAT job at keeping the storyline focused. I could not put this book down once I began reading it. The main Characters, Faith and Pastor Michael, sure have a great story. I think many could relate to Faith in that we all may have at one time or another, had a situation in our life that "dragged us down" or made us "prove ourselves". Some may have also lost our faith in God during that time. I really like how the book was encouraging while telling Faith's story. I also really LOVED how Faith trusted Michael and how their friendship evolved into a Romance. The author did a wonderful job at showing the Christian message throughout the book. Saving Faith is a book about forgiveness, moving forward, new relationships and so much more. FANTASTIC BOOK!
I finished this novella in a day. Couldn't put it down. I might say that Author Jennifer hasn't let me down with her stories. Always a sweet story with the message of God but blended in very nicely.
In Saving Faith, we meet Faith a young woman that through bad choices in life she made she feels trapped within herself. Afraid to open up and feel free, she carries pain and doubt with her. Now in the little town she is in she has a Flower shop and brings beauty through the flowers she sells.
Then we meet Michael, the Pastor of the church her sister goes to, and a loving dad to a little girl, who also carries with him a sadness in his heart but that through the spirited fun active little girl he has, he makes it through the day. Even though he takes time out for himself.
I love the way Faith and Michael become connect in a sweet way, not pushed although their friendship and mutual feelings do seem fast paced. But sometimes the most beautiful things come unexpected and fast.
In this novella, we go through the feelings that Faith has hidden inside and how sometimes we too feel them. And how a simple gestured of friendship opened up with no pushes and judges can help us bring closure to the pain and doubt.
A novella that once you open it you will be tugged in and wrapped with it's beautiful sweet characters and the message that it plays all along through the pages.
I received a complimentary e-copy of the novella from the author. All expressions are my own and I was not obligated to post.
Saving Faith is a novella in the Apple Hills series, but reads just fine as a standalone. That said, if you're anything like me, you'll find yourself so drawn in by the author's effortless writing style that you might just find yourself wanting to read the rest of the series too! Either way, I had personally only read one book in the series prior to this and in no way found like I was missing anything.
I absolutely adored this story... the characters were fantastic, flawed though they might have been. A sweet romance with a cute kid? What could be better than that? The only real downfall to this story was that there wasn't more of it... as a novella, it was a very quick read, one that I was able to personally finish in just over an hour. While it did feel like it was complete, I still would have definitely enjoyed spending more time with these characters anyway! I enjoyed their love story and wasn't quite ready to see it end. I also enjoyed the strong messages of faith weaved effortlessly throughout the story as well.
Overall, I found this to be an enjoyable read and one that has me very much looking forward to reading more in this series and from the author in the future.
**I received a complimentary copy of this book for consideration. All thoughts are my own.
Saving Faith is written by Jennifer Sienes. This is an Apple Hill Novella it is 124 pages. One of the things that I love about this author is her characters. Her characters always feel like friends. I also love her covers of all the books. They always are done beautifully and are breathtaking.
In this story, we meet Faith. She is still haunted by the demons of her past. She lives in regret with her past choices. I think the author was brilliant in creating Faith, for I know that I have felt like this. She feels like God is punishing her.
Pastor Michael Jacobs and his daughter were also wonderful characters. Pastor Michael is human like all of us and struggles. He is a single dad and has his hands full with is daughter.
I love how the two of them connect with a friendship first, then build to a romance. It builds at a comfortable pace. The reminder of God's forgiveness is present throughout the story. I loved seeing Faith evolve through the whole story.
Well written characters, clean romance story line, great Biblical message. I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit Blogging Program, all thoughts are my own.
Faith lives with a past that keeps her doubting her worth and the truth regarding God. She feels disappointment in herself and fears the disappointment her parents will feel if they discover the truth. Focusing on floral design helps give her purpose. Then her younger sister gets engaged, and everyone feels Faith needs to be the wedding coordinator.
Add in Michael Jacobs, also known as Pastor Jake, and his adorable daughter and Faith finds herself dealing with emotions and truths she would rather hide from entirely. I especially loved the interactions between Faith and Michael’s daughter. The threesome provides the perfect focus for this story.
The author illustrates how facing our pasts and speaking the truth allows someone to move forward with their lives. So if you enjoy reading books that include family, faith, fun, and even a wedding, check out this book for yourself.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
Faith Nicholson enjoys working in her florist shop, but is it actually a safe place to hide from the world that has already robbed her of so much? Pain and guilt trouble her past and she can’t seem to forgive herself. It’s also driven a wedge between her and her family. Cue the new pastor with the cute little girl, who draws Faith out and challenges her to face the future rather than escape from it. The heart-tugging tale draws you in as the endearing, realistic characters’ lives gradually unfold on the pages. The tension and suspense regarding what really happened tug at the reader’s emotions while evoking connection and caring. I wasn’t sure if I would like the disclosure, but the author did a great job at slowly revealing the backstory while knitting the reader together with the protagonists. This would make a good book club selection. The journey to faith story came across as authentic and touching. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.
Saving Faith is a great novella set in Placerville. I enjoyed being reacquainted with characters from past novels. I enjoy how the author tackles hard topics in such a real and relatable manner.
This story focuses on Faith. She’s dealt with some hard issues in the past and she’s had a very hard time forgiving herself for choices that she made. She’s got so much guilt built up inside her that she’s too embarrassed to share it with her family. Once to meets Pastor Micheal Jacobs, she realizes that she’s normal and everyone goes through a season of doing something their not happy about. Micheal helps her open up and forgive herself enough to tell her parents. I really enjoyed the chemistry that flowed between Faith and Micheal and little Addie added an extra layer of fun.
I truly enjoyed this story and can’t wait to read the authors next story.
I have enjoyed the other books from Apple Hill series by Jennifer Sienes. I was happy to have the opportunity to read the novella, Saving Faith. I greatly enjoyed this story. I instantly adored Faith and felt a connection to her. She was one I could relate to and understand what she was going through. I really enjoyed the friendship she found in Michael. I thought it was a beautiful and quick read and a wonderful way to spend the day. I really liked it.
I am giving Saving Faith a very well deserved five plus stars. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean and inspiring fiction. As always, I look forward to more from Jennifer Sienes’ Apple Hill series.
I received a digital copy of Saving Faith from the publisher but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
Saving Faith by Jennifer Sienes is part of the Apple Hill Series. This is a series of stand alone stories. In this story we meet Faith who went to study over seas and make mistakes she has never told others about. Now that part of her life has come back to her and she struggles with telling her family.
This is a nice novella that is perfect for reading in a long evening. The story is well written with wonderful characters. This story brings Faith together with the pastor who is doing her sister's wedding, at the right time to help her deal with struggles. This story also shows the strong commitment and love Faith's family has to each other. The things that stands out to me in this story is that once Faith confides in her family and forgives herself, she can began to heal and move forward with her life.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.
This book tackles the topic of forgiving of ourselves due to shame and guilt that we may carry. It also tackles the topic of bitterness and blaming God. I really enjoyed this quick read, and loved the characters and story line in this book. Shame and guilt can be so emotionally damaging that it can hold you back and can keep you stuck in life. It's so important to not let Satan get a foothold, and with Jesus' help we can start healing and letting things go. Sometimes it's a healing process to remove strongholds and renew the mind. This book was a great reminder that everyone has regrets and a past, but Jesus died to forgive us and make us clean in Him. The truth is we are loved, forgiven, and His beloved. I really loved this Christian Romance story.
This is a really good story and flows so well that it reads quickly. The characters are wonderful and the elements of faith that are front and center in the book are wonderful. I love how it is there but not overtly ‘in your face’. It is just a part of the story.
The story is a wonderful example of how the past and our mistakes can hold us back from a wonderful future. I loved Michael and Faith’s relationship and that it was a refuge for her but also so much more. I just really liked the story and think it can be a story that makes you reflect on your life.
4/5
Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book via Celebrate Lit. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
From the very first pages, I was intrigued by Faith and the new little friend she makes next door to her florist shop. I was wrapped into the story line and wanted to stay in Placerville to see how everything would play out. It was hard to put down the book when I felt like I was among friends. The characters were likeable and even more, they were believable.
This was the first book I had read by Jennifer Sienes but it definitely intrigued me to read more by her. The only problem was that it was a novella and wanted more pages! I guess that is a good problem to have if you are going to have one. I would really recommend this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own and I was not required to leave a positive review.
Another great read from Jennifer Sienes! As with her other books, once started I couldn't put it down until I finished. It's a story about someone who feels God has turned His back on her and has been suffering for years and keeping all the pain inside. You'll have to read the story to see if she gets the guidance she needs to learn to enjoy life once again, and if so, how that transpires.
I received this book for free in exchange for my honest review. Jennifer is a very gifted author who is able to make you feel what the characters feel so that you become engrossed in the story and can't put it down until you see it through to the end.
"Saving Faith" by Jennifer Sienes is a fast and great read. It is a novella from (The Apple Hill Series). I believe even if you haven't read any of the other books from this series, you will enjoy this as as a stand a lone. It is a story of forgiveness and second chances. Faith and Michael are both trying to heal from past hurts and events, can they help each other. Then there is Addie who isn't afraid to ask for what she wants. What does she want, I know you want to know, so you'll have to read this book, to find out for yourself.
I received a contemporary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.
I loved the little girl in Saving Faith. Even though she is not the main character she played a very important part. Faith had a past that she was afraid to share. Will she be able to do share someday? Faith meets Michael who the father of Addie who is a typical little girl. Saving is a short story that is worth reading.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. This book review is my own opinion.
I enjoyed this little novella about Faith. Struggling to make up for the mistakes in her past, she seeks to serve others and fade into the background. Most of us can relate to Faith, on some degree. I enjoyed her story of learning to forgive herself! The author did a wonderful job of packing a lot into a short story, and I enjoyed the characters and their journey. This is a wonderful, quick read to pick up and enjoy!
I received this book from Celebrate Lit. This is my honest review.
A lovely novella with a variety of well-drawn characters who interact in very interesting ways. Well-paced with just enough tension and sweet romance to keep the reader glued to the pages. Woven in is a thoughtful theme of true faith, forgiveness and grace. All in all this is a delightful read and one I highly recommend. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book. A favorable review was not required, no compensation was received, and all views expressed are my own.
I really enjoyed this book. I like this author's style of writing and felt like I was back in the community having read the other books. I enjoyed Faith's character and the struggles she went through were very real life. I loved how the author worked through her issues alongside Pastor Jake. Great book. Thoroughly enjoyed reading
One again, Jennifer Sienes has given us a beautiful story of love and second chances. Sometimes those second chances are for others.... and sometimes its for yourself. God is a God of second chances, we just have to be billing to take it and forgive ourselves. I highly recommend this book! I enjoyed it so much!!!
This was a fantastic book. Yes, it is a sweet romance but what I loved most about this book was the journey Faith went on. The message of redemption and forgiveness is so strong in this book and I am sure it will have a powerful impact on all who read it. And of course Michael and Faith’s relationship is so sweet and I also loved that part of the story.
Saving Faith finds us back in Placerville with some characters we have met in other stories. This novella tells the story of Faith who has returned home and struggles with a past that haunts her. Because she feels condemned by her past choices, she remains distant from God and from her family. With the help of her sister's pastor, Michael, Faith realizes that God loves her. She learns to forgive, not only the one who hurt her, but also herself. In the process of helping Faith, Pastor Michael also comes to the realize the good plans that God has for him and his daughter.
Jennifer has once again tackled some delicate subject matter in a way that leaves room for us to see the grace, love and care of our heavenly Father.
I received an early copy of this novella. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.