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Racing #2

Déjà Vu Bride

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Furious with God, Olivia Roseman vows to never trust Him again. Why should she? Once again her prayers have gone unanswered, and once again another loved one has been ripped from her. With no job and only a few dollars, Olivia makes a choice to start over again. Without God and without love. However, her handsome new boss isn't going to make forgetting God or keeping her vow to never love again very easy. Erik Cole questions the sanity of his moving from Swamper City, Alabama to Charity, West Virginia. That is, until he hires airbrush designer Olivia Roseman to paint his monster truck. When he senses that she's a gal who is down on her luck, he vows to do whatever he can to help her. Only problem is, the little beauty creates more challenges than one. As his feelings toward her deepen, all Erik can do is hope and pray that one day Olivia will open up her heart to Christ-and to him.

176 pages, Paperback

First published October 21, 2008

62 people are currently reading
196 people want to read

About the author

Debra Ullrick

38 books87 followers

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5 stars
109 (46%)
4 stars
69 (29%)
3 stars
42 (17%)
2 stars
12 (5%)
1 star
3 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Author 3 books5 followers
July 11, 2013
One of the first things that grabbed my attention while reading Debra Ullrick’s book, Déjà vu Bride, was the main character, Erik Cole’s, focus on God, especially when he was distracted by a beautiful woman. I really liked how he is portrayed as morally responsible and God fearing, focused on living an upright Christian life. Here is a line from the book that describes him to a T: “He was not the type of man to think outside the box of marriage. His morals ran too deep for that.” What a refreshing change from other books I’ve read. Easy-going and affable, Erik is a gentleman and treats everyone that way – not just Olivia, the woman to whom he is attracted.

An easy book to be drawn into, Déjà vu Bride is a sweet romance with a colorful cast of characters, from Aunt Adell Preston to Olivia Roseman, Olivia’s friend Audra, and Erik Cole, along with his employees and family members. Debra describes Olivia’s plight so well I felt sorry for her, knowing she had no money and finding myself actually wanting to leave a bag of groceries on her doorstep so she wouldn’t go hungry. From the first time she meets Erik and his family, Olivia is overwhelmed by the welcome she receives, their kindness and generosity and love she experiences.

Debra described the scenes in the book in enough detail that I could visualize exactly what was happening – in the workshop, at Olivia’s living quarters, during the church service, on the racetrack – making the book come to life in a way that caused me to want to participate in what was happening. In addition, I learned more about monster trucks as well as detailing them and racing them than I ever knew existed!
I liked Erik and Olivia’s easygoing teasing and the moments of humor which lightened up the sadder parts of the story where we get a glimpse of Olivia’s hurtful past. Not knowing exactly how to respond to Olivia’s emotional rollercoaster and the hurt and unforgiveness she holds in her heart, Erik handles her with care and treads lightly while pursuing a romantic relationship with her, not pushing her in any way, but relying on God’s guidance and wisdom to show him what to do. He is sensitive to God’s promptings, while at the same time, Olivia is trying to avoid God and deny His divine intervention in her life.

The reader is treated to a close-up view of Olivia’s transformation, and I thought that God speaking to her so clearly through the preacher’s sermon was a great touch. This really helped Olivia sees how God was working in her life all along, and that He had not abandoned nor punished her for the things she has said and done like she thought He had been doing.

This is an entertaining story, one I enjoyed reading and think you will too.

I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive one, and the opinions expressed here are my own.
Profile Image for Aerykah.
465 reviews40 followers
December 3, 2015
This one was... okay, I guess. Not bad, but not really good either. I did finish it, but it's not the type of book that keeps you engrossed from start to finish. Though the storyline was pretty interesting, I didn't really connect with any of the characters. Also, there was quite a bit of information about monster trucks, racing, etc. that, while it did somewhat interest me, I think the average reader would find tiresome. I did really like the portrayal of how God can use people when they let Him work in their lives & follow His leading -- that was the best part of the story.
13 reviews1 follower
May 2, 2013
Way too simple and terrible editing (serious issue with tenses).
Profile Image for Aimee .
3,073 reviews298 followers
July 23, 2015
3.5 stars

Christian Fiction. Male lead with the patience of a saint. (love is patient, love is kind) Slow growing clean romance.
667 reviews
April 5, 2020
Olivia and Erik

Olivia just can't get over how her life has turned out. First her parents, then her Mimi and now Hammond. In between was her horrible Aunt Hattie. How can she continue on? She decides to move on and is now applying for a new job and hoping Mr. Cole wouldn't want to call the evil Markus her last boss, who swore he would get back at her for not accepting his advances. Only Erik is so taken with her portfolio he doesn't even ask for references. So she now has a new job and he has offered her his guest cottage to live in since he knows there's nothing in the area for her to rent. Plus, it's not far from his house or the place she will be working! Which unbeknownst to him is great for her since she is directionally challenged. What happens next? Will she be able to ever trust again? What about love? Only one way to find out, read this great story by Debra Ullrick.
Profile Image for Kelly Yekel.
717 reviews2 followers
November 26, 2016
Touching!

I was glued. However, I have to say that Olivia was just a bit too negative about her belief. I found that the promise of faith and love are more stronger powers. Very good read!
Profile Image for Tina Arnold.
154 reviews1 follower
March 5, 2020
Good Read

This book was uplifting with great characters and a wonderful story. So glad I read it. I reached me in a spiritual way. GOOD READ!
123 reviews1 follower
July 1, 2013
Deja Vu Bride by Debra Ullrick was a very enjoyable story and a quick and easy read. Olivia Roseman has lost nearly everyone she has ever loved and as a result she has turned her back on God. She was fired from her latest job because she reported her boss to the police for an attempted sexual attack. Now she is jobless, penniless, and homeless. Her ex-boss threatened that he would get even so she moved from Wheeling to Charity, West Virginia. She applies for a job at Cole Chevrolet and Erik, the owner who has a deep faith in God, senses that Olivia has reached the end of her rope. After seeing her portfolio of airbrush designs, he hires her to airbrush paint his monster trucks. Erik decides that he will do everything he can to help Olivia but she creates one challenge after the other. As Erik’s feelings for Olivia grow, he prays that she will renew her trust in God and that she will open her heart to him.

The description of all the action at the rally was so realistic that I felt as if I were sitting right there in the stands and cheering with the rest of the people. Not only could I see what was going on, I could hear all the noise from the roaring motors. Character development was excellent and the dialogue was so well done that I wanted to jump right into the conversations. The author made the characters so loveable that I could not help but cheer them on in all their endeavors. Of course, Olivia’s ex-boss was not even likeable but that is the way he was supposed to be portrayed. The story was inspiring and showed that God never leaves us even if we do pull away from Him. Not only did Debra write a great romantic story but there was enough suspense to add more enjoyment of the book. I have never been to a monster truck rally but after reading this book I feel as if I have experienced the thrill of a rally.

I highly recommend this book to everyone that enjoys a heart warming romance and also likes a little suspense in the story.

Thanks to the author, Debra Ullrick, for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Diana.
711 reviews6 followers
June 14, 2013
This book touched me on so many levels! The first thought is that every teenage girl ought to read this to know what to hold out for. Erik is a perfect example of how girls should expect to be treated and an example to boys of how they should treat girls. Olivia's relationship with Hammond is a perfect example of what we women do- accept bad behavior and excusing bad treatment from a guy that we love- never stopping to realize that maybe those guys don't deserve our love and we should be holding out for the Eriks in this world. It dealt with running away from your past and how it will eventually find you in your present. It dealt with how we may feel guilt and push God away, only to find out that we "only know in part", and the reality of what we thought may be SO far from the real truth. It deals with asking God's forgiveness for pushing Him away and the peace that comes from accepting that forgiveness. This book brought tears to my eyes a couple of times as it put into words exactly how I felt about things that happened to me. It also made me smile and laugh. You would think that a book that deals with all of that would be written in volumes, but it was in an easy to read, comfortable novel. I received a copy of this book in return for my honest review. Honestly, even though I am a life-long bargain hunter, this book would have been worth paying full price for!
Profile Image for Pam Nelson.
16 reviews1 follower
April 19, 2014
I haven't been a Debra Ulrick fan for long. I just read my first book by her a few weeks ago (Reunited at Christmas) and enjoyed it tremendously. So I was extremely excited when she offered a book for an honest review. Even though Deja vu Bride is the second book in a series, it was written in such a way that you would never know it. You do not need to read book 1 to thoroughly enjoy book 2. I enjoyed the characters so much. Olivia had experienced so much loss in her short life that she turned her back on God. But Erik was the kind of man that could recognize the fact that she was hurt and was so tender and compassionate with her, making sure never to hurt her, that they were a perfect match. Erik being Olivia's boss threw a few monkey wrenches into the equation, and the fact that Erik was a devout Christian while Olivia had turned away from God was also a huge stumbling block. But God wants all of us to find redemption and Olivia is no exception. I loved all the twists and turns this story provided as well as how I longed to get back to it every time I had to put it down! I would highly recommend this book to anyone who likes Christian romance. The ending was satisfying although somewhat predictable. But the twists and turns along the way made it an extremely interesting read.

I was given a copy of this book for an honest review.
Profile Image for Crystal Scott.
230 reviews11 followers
June 10, 2013
Déjà vu Bride by Debra Ullrick is the sequel to The Bride Wore Coveralls and I truly enjoyed reading both books. In Déjà vu Bride, we have the story of Olivia Roseman and Erik Cole (Camara’s brother). Erik has moved to Charity, West Virginia and has hired a new graphics artist, Olivia Roseman who has a past of heartache and loss. She hides it all from Erik and when she finds her self falling in love with him, she is afraid and does not want to admit it. Erik is in love with her and has been since he laid eyes on her but doesn’t want to take it further until he knows for sure if she is a Christian.

The story is wonderful and shows us that God never gives up on us and if we just trust Him, things will work out for the best. Olivia finally realizes that its not God’s fault and turns back to Him. God will never leave or forsake us, but it us up to us not to let the enemy win when it comes to the hardships we have in our lives. God loves us and is always there for us and in this book you will find this to be so true.

I thoroughly recommend this book to anyone who has ever been mad at God for the way things have turned out in their life.

This book was provided to me by the author for my honest review.
Profile Image for Emily.
2 reviews
July 9, 2013
this is a good read for lovers of clean fiction with an underlying Christian theme that is tastefully presented without being stilted or too forceful. It was the first book by Debra Ullrick I've read and I will definitely read another.
My 3 star rating is not in anyway indicative of the author's skill in writing, rather, it is a reflection of how much I enjoyed the book.I liked it but two things stood out for me. Firstly, I found it difficult to comprehend that she had no true understanding of the cars she painted neither had she a true love for the sport.
Importantly, I did not like the heroine for most of the book. I was seriously annoyed with her most of the time. that fact showed true mastery by Ms Ullrick (It takes a lot to move me one way or the other). this led to a lot of soul searching and prayer as I read the book, a truly wonderful thing for inspired fiction.

I received a free evaluation copy from the author and this in no way influenced my review
Profile Image for Ogz.
188 reviews5 followers
July 11, 2015
I enjoyed reading this book. The author is good! Olivia's life was so hard and I felt her pain. The author also did make it very realistic and like every normal person would blame themselves for deaths of loved ones and turning against God in the time of pain, her journey to healing was slow and like a seed planted, it grew. It wasn't a hard slam sermon on why she needed to get back to God, but we could see her relationship being built through the events that happened in her life and the people God brought to her. It caused me to pray too. I love books like this. I liked the romantic part to it, though I thought it would have taken a lot more for Erik and Olivia to get together but when God plans something it can happen at a snap of a finger.
What I did not like about this book is that it lacks proof reading. There were quite a lot of grammatical and typographical errors. However, that didn't spoil the story.
Profile Image for Kelly.
444 reviews2 followers
October 1, 2016
(Read this title in the "Comng Home" box set.)
I just finished "Deja vu Bride" by Debra Ullrick and what a fun story it was. Erik, oh what a southern gentleman and a Godly man to boot! Yes, thinking I too could get lost in his eyes...just like Olivia did. I loved his gentle patient ways with Olivia, always taking thought to her reactions and feelings. Livvy, feisty and spunky, all to cover her pain. It was so fun to watch the walls around her heart come down, to watch hope begin to rise in her. Her fun nature about her was precious. I could truly envision her artwork, Debra did such a fantastic job with detail. Definitely a book of real struggles with questions I'm sure we have all asked. I highly recommend this read! (Now I want to read books one and three!! :) )
Profile Image for Jamie.
Author 19 books24 followers
September 17, 2011
I would highly recommend this book to anyone. But beware once you start you will not want to put it down. Debra Ullrick's writing is so compelling it keeps the reader wanting to turn the page. This is the first book of hers that I have read and I look forward to reading more from this talented writer.

While taking us on a journey filled with pain, grief and hope Debra shows us how much our heavenly father loves us. You'll want a box of Kleenex nearby but you'll shed happy tears before it's over and done. Examples of God's love and grace are threaded throughout this Cinderella type story. Thanks to a quiet weekend at home I was able to read right through and enjoyed every word.
Profile Image for Carrie Bray.
88 reviews1 follower
June 28, 2013
the squeal to the bride wore coveralls this isn't the normal squeal as it builds on a different character from the first book and adds some more. Olivia is troubled heartbroken battered beaten and worse turned from God and along comes Erik and his family and bring her back to God and love. I received this book free to review and I'm thankful I did everyone wants to turn from God at one time or another due to their tragedies and I know I have sat in church just knowing God is speaking to me through the preacher made me smile at that. I could go on and on but that would ruin the book for anyone I think 5+ stars says it all
2 reviews
May 16, 2014
My thanks to the author who provided a copy of this book to me for review purposes. Deja vu Bride is an example of why one should never give up on faith! I was born in Wheeling and it was great to see a setting so close to my home in eastern Ohio. I enjoyed getting to know Olivia and Erik and the associated friends, family members and others in their lives. The pacing was excellent, the characters genuine and memorable, and the outcome, true love! This is not just a story about love growing between a man and a woman, but how their relationship with their Heavenly Father enhances their bonds. Can't wait to read another Debra Ullrick book!
Profile Image for Lucy.
1,168 reviews117 followers
May 7, 2014
I really enjoyed reading this, even though I didn't read book one in the series. The characters were believable, and understanding how we all react differently to tragedies in our past is reflected well. I also enjoyed reading about my home state of WV and locations I have visited, so it was easy to visualize where they were. I gave this five stars because I loved the way her words spoke in pictures to me, very detailed. I recommend this to anyone who likes Christian romance. I was given this book by the author for an honest review.
Profile Image for MaryRhonda .
290 reviews4 followers
February 2, 2016
Nice Christian Romance

While I enjoyed this 2nd book in the series I did not find it as compelling. Eric is still the same God loving wonderful man. I found Olivia rather hard to like, even though she is not verbally whining she does whine a lot mentally. It just seemed that Eric "fell" for the superficial Olivia since she refused to be open about her past and herself. Overall, it is a nice story. The Coles are a very engaging and interesting family.
Profile Image for Michelle.
Author 45 books419 followers
February 21, 2009
Déjà vu Bride is a captivating tale of love lost and found again. Trust doesn’t come easy for Olivia, but God uses a faithful man and true friendship to bring her back to faith.

This story is a great sequel to The Bride Wore Coveralls. If you enjoyed that mud bog racing tale, you’ll really enjoy this monster truck one!

Profile Image for Staci Stallings.
Author 72 books581 followers
September 20, 2011
Get out the Kleenex! Olivia is the personification of heart-broken. Struggling to put the past behind her when it keeps popping up in front of her, Olivia embodies strength and courage in the fact of life's most difficult hurdles. Can she learn to trust another man? Moreover, can she ever learn to trust God again? This book should be on every to be read list out there!
Profile Image for June.
1,542 reviews17 followers
May 22, 2013
Was a good story. I remember reading "The Bride Wore Coveralls" (about Erik's sister Camara) when it first came out and it was such a good story, I couldn't pass up on this one when I found it. The characters were great. Debra Ullrick is a very talented story teller. Have enjoyed other books she's written also.
Profile Image for Mary Hanks.
Author 36 books54 followers
May 27, 2014
Erik and Olivia's story is as tender and sweet as the couple on the cover of Deja Vu Bride by Debra Ullrick. A painful past makes Olivia doubt God and live in anger and bitterness. But meeting Erik and his winsome family changes everything. The ending of this story is so delightful and satisfying, it's worth reading many times.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Sintes.
241 reviews
February 24, 2016
De'j'a vu Bride

I enjoyed this story because it brought my spirits up so much. Erik was a Soul full of love he had to touch her soul. She had been through so much her whole life that meeting a young man that loved His God so much it would have to touch her Soul. Yes I would be glad to share this novel with one and all.
Profile Image for Teresa Bertolio.
638 reviews9 followers
March 1, 2015
Great romance

Great story line where the characters have to overcome fear and turn to faith in God. I loved the plot, characterization, and the fast paced reading. I highly recommend this book as a clean romance.
Profile Image for Cici.
1,308 reviews
September 8, 2015
Sweet

This is a sweet Christian novella. The plot is a modern tale of someone finding their way. The guidance of the Lord leading them to the right situation. And the right people helping them. Sweet.
Profile Image for Lillie.
Author 21 books44 followers
November 3, 2015
A short and sweet love story--with more about monster truck racing than I ever wanted to know. I really Erik--he had strong faith and strong morals and made sure he honored God in his romantic relationship.
18 reviews1 follower
May 31, 2013
I enjoyed this sequel to The Bride Wore Coveralls. I recommend it to all who enjoy good clean Christian romance novels.
Profile Image for Holli Yargo.
18 reviews
July 7, 2015
A good read

Parts are a little hokey and at least one part wasn't completely fleshed out but overall a really nice book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews

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