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The Gift of Joy - Adult Version
When Joy Tate was just a naïve, little girl that still believed in
dreams and wishes, she had only one wish for Santa Claus. It was a selfish hope that caused her to lose the most important person in her life. Now all she wishes for is…
THE GIFT OF REDEMPTION
Gabriel Hawthorne spent his entire childhood ignoring the sad, lonely girl from across the street, but could never fully keep her from his thoughts. But after reuniting with her, he’s impressed with the strong, fierce advocate she’s become. And when he’s with her, she gives him the greatest gift of all…
THE GIFT OF JOY
This is an Adult Version and recommended for readers 18 yrs and older.
dreams and wishes, she had only one wish for Santa Claus. It was a selfish hope that caused her to lose the most important person in her life. Now all she wishes for is…
THE GIFT OF REDEMPTION
Gabriel Hawthorne spent his entire childhood ignoring the sad, lonely girl from across the street, but could never fully keep her from his thoughts. But after reuniting with her, he’s impressed with the strong, fierce advocate she’s become. And when he’s with her, she gives him the greatest gift of all…
THE GIFT OF JOY
This is an Adult Version and recommended for readers 18 yrs and older.
168 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 13, 2010
5 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
Valerie Maarten
7 books37 followersLet me introduce myself...
I have been writing ever since I discovered that letters made sounds and a combination of letters made words. It wasn't until recently that I decided to share my work with the public at large.
The only thing I love more than writing, besides the obvious (God, family, life and country), is reading. As you will soon learn, I have an eclectic taste in what I read and what I write. There isn't a romance genre that I will pass up. I've recently began reading suspense and paranormal romance and have dabbled in the vampire series.
But one day, I'm going to reach in my storage bin or previously unpublished work and dust off that masterpiece I've been working on.
Until then...
I have been writing ever since I discovered that letters made sounds and a combination of letters made words. It wasn't until recently that I decided to share my work with the public at large.
The only thing I love more than writing, besides the obvious (God, family, life and country), is reading. As you will soon learn, I have an eclectic taste in what I read and what I write. There isn't a romance genre that I will pass up. I've recently began reading suspense and paranormal romance and have dabbled in the vampire series.
But one day, I'm going to reach in my storage bin or previously unpublished work and dust off that masterpiece I've been working on.
Until then...
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 30, 2011
I noticed this book earlier this year, but - and I'll be honest there - the cover was just uninspired and uninteresting. It wasn't until I saw the description somewhere that I realized that it was totally something I would read. I purchased it early last month and earlier this month the author contacted me asking for a review. I took that as a sign and told her I'd already purchased it on my own and would read it - figured I'm supposed to read it since it kept catching my eye...
Wow. This is such a well written book. As a child that grew up in a family with domestic abuse, it's almost cathartic at times, as strange that may sound. At times, though, the authors make me cringe. It's obvious they either have never experience what they are writing or haven't done their homework. This author hit it on the head. The feelings that Joy exhibits at a child are right on. Happy that her mom is letting her "get away" with something and guilt when they get caught. Her actions as an adult further show this author's homework was well done - the trust issues, the forced isolation, the burning need to help others in the same situation, etc. I think this was the stand out for me for this book. How true it felt. I kept reminding myself that it was NOT a memoir. It was fiction.
The story is sweet, but very very predictable. This isn't a mystery and the author pretty much guides you where she's going. In some ways I kind of was hoping for some sort of shift there so that it didn't go how it was obviously heading, you know?
I saw a few grammar/spelling errors, but nothing too awful terrible. If there were others, I was entirely too wrapped up in the story to care - which I suppose is the whole point anyway.
The author handles the subject of domestic abuse well, nothing is too graphic, but it's graphic enough to feel real and make you follow the storyline. None of it is gratuitous and the vast majority of the story takes place once the main character is an adult and revolves around her life today. And, yes, it's a romance.
It's really sad that this book has this cover - I'm not sure what it should have been, but this one makes it fade into the background of other books - it really deserves something that reaches out and grabs the reader. Let's face it, we all pretty much judge books by their cover.
I would highly recommend this book to those that enjoy women's fiction with a warning that it does have some tough subject matter, but is mostly an uplifting (yet not religious) story of hope --- and of joy.
Wow. This is such a well written book. As a child that grew up in a family with domestic abuse, it's almost cathartic at times, as strange that may sound. At times, though, the authors make me cringe. It's obvious they either have never experience what they are writing or haven't done their homework. This author hit it on the head. The feelings that Joy exhibits at a child are right on. Happy that her mom is letting her "get away" with something and guilt when they get caught. Her actions as an adult further show this author's homework was well done - the trust issues, the forced isolation, the burning need to help others in the same situation, etc. I think this was the stand out for me for this book. How true it felt. I kept reminding myself that it was NOT a memoir. It was fiction.
The story is sweet, but very very predictable. This isn't a mystery and the author pretty much guides you where she's going. In some ways I kind of was hoping for some sort of shift there so that it didn't go how it was obviously heading, you know?
I saw a few grammar/spelling errors, but nothing too awful terrible. If there were others, I was entirely too wrapped up in the story to care - which I suppose is the whole point anyway.
The author handles the subject of domestic abuse well, nothing is too graphic, but it's graphic enough to feel real and make you follow the storyline. None of it is gratuitous and the vast majority of the story takes place once the main character is an adult and revolves around her life today. And, yes, it's a romance.
It's really sad that this book has this cover - I'm not sure what it should have been, but this one makes it fade into the background of other books - it really deserves something that reaches out and grabs the reader. Let's face it, we all pretty much judge books by their cover.
I would highly recommend this book to those that enjoy women's fiction with a warning that it does have some tough subject matter, but is mostly an uplifting (yet not religious) story of hope --- and of joy.
February 21, 2011
Joy lived a life of repression and fear until one Christmas when her father snaps and murders her mother. Now a grown woman, Joy blames herself because that Christmas when she told her Santa her wish she didn't wish for her mother's happiness, but her own. Only, the wish never came true.
What Joy wanted more than anything was the protection of Gabe, the boy across the street. but as the years have passed they've exchanged no more than a handful of words. However, that's all about to change.
Back for the holidays, Gabe summons up the courage to approach Joy, who still lives across the street from his parents. Though she;s now a grown woman, he still sees her as the innocent girl who needs taken care of - and though he's long denied it, he wants to be the one to take care of her!
But, can they both let go of their pasts or will they let their own guilt destroy their relationship before it even starts?
This was a good book that reads very fast. I intended to sit down and read for only half and hour and two hours later I was suddenly looking at the clock in surprise. The story weaves between tragedy and magic, and back again, but the ending will leave you with a smile.
What Joy wanted more than anything was the protection of Gabe, the boy across the street. but as the years have passed they've exchanged no more than a handful of words. However, that's all about to change.
Back for the holidays, Gabe summons up the courage to approach Joy, who still lives across the street from his parents. Though she;s now a grown woman, he still sees her as the innocent girl who needs taken care of - and though he's long denied it, he wants to be the one to take care of her!
But, can they both let go of their pasts or will they let their own guilt destroy their relationship before it even starts?
This was a good book that reads very fast. I intended to sit down and read for only half and hour and two hours later I was suddenly looking at the clock in surprise. The story weaves between tragedy and magic, and back again, but the ending will leave you with a smile.
December 28, 2010
This is a romance that tackles a very sensitive issue: domestic violence. It had some part that were gut-wrenching, like the night Joy's mother died. We see it from a child's perspective, and I don't think that is something easily pulled off so I was impressed with how the author handled it. As an adult, Joy blames herself for her mother's untimely death and works to help abused women and their children. Joy was easy to like, and I thought she was realistic. Having gone through all she did as a child, it was no wonder she was burdened with guilt.
Then along comes Gabe who had grown up near her but never really knew her that well. Gabe was a sweetheart. There were no long drawn-out conflicts or misunderstandings--a definite plus in my opinion. I don't care much for romances where the whole book is full of couples arguing or not understanding what the other person meant, and sadly, I see this too much in romance books. This was not that kind of romance. The author gave me time to care about the couple before they confessed their feelings for each other. When the couple had their misunderstanding, it was resolved quickly.
Overall, this was a heartwarming book. I wanted a happy ending after all Joy had been through, and I wasn't disappointed.
Then along comes Gabe who had grown up near her but never really knew her that well. Gabe was a sweetheart. There were no long drawn-out conflicts or misunderstandings--a definite plus in my opinion. I don't care much for romances where the whole book is full of couples arguing or not understanding what the other person meant, and sadly, I see this too much in romance books. This was not that kind of romance. The author gave me time to care about the couple before they confessed their feelings for each other. When the couple had their misunderstanding, it was resolved quickly.
Overall, this was a heartwarming book. I wanted a happy ending after all Joy had been through, and I wasn't disappointed.
December 30, 2010
I read the when it was released. What a great story! I bought/read it over the weekend, (wept) and thoroughly enjoyed Ms. Maarten's writing.
Joy was a great character, she grew in the story like all heroines should, and I didn't once want to slap her character silly.
Gabe was also a great character, nice hero, and I also didn't once want to slap him silly! (His sisters were a whole different story :')
There was just enough pathos in the story that my husband had to bring the tissue over because I wouldn't stop reading and put down my Kindle... Don't get me wrong, just because I'm a weeper doesn't mean that this isn't a wonderful story. I will probably be re-reading it.
There's nothing like the girl/boy next door to make you take a deep, romantic breath!
Joy was a great character, she grew in the story like all heroines should, and I didn't once want to slap her character silly.
Gabe was also a great character, nice hero, and I also didn't once want to slap him silly! (His sisters were a whole different story :')
There was just enough pathos in the story that my husband had to bring the tissue over because I wouldn't stop reading and put down my Kindle... Don't get me wrong, just because I'm a weeper doesn't mean that this isn't a wonderful story. I will probably be re-reading it.
There's nothing like the girl/boy next door to make you take a deep, romantic breath!
June 26, 2011
Wow wonderful, sad sweet and gave me goose bumps. Love the message of the book, what a guy Gabe is and Joy strong I think personally. Some books when you read you feel no emotional attachment to it and some they will always be at the back of your mind. I say get a copy read it and see what you think and feel about the book.
Join my book group on Facebook (Romance Novel Junkies) and fan page (Romance Novel Junkies Book Reviews). We have over 500 members, which includes well known and indie authors and avid readers as members, who are apart of this group. We would love to hear about new books and thoughts. Also check out our kindle and ebook lending library.Twitter@romanceJUNKIES.
Join my book group on Facebook (Romance Novel Junkies) and fan page (Romance Novel Junkies Book Reviews). We have over 500 members, which includes well known and indie authors and avid readers as members, who are apart of this group. We would love to hear about new books and thoughts. Also check out our kindle and ebook lending library.Twitter@romanceJUNKIES.
September 24, 2012
After reading this, all I keep thinking is why did I think it was just OK. The story has a very sad beginning of domestic violence and as a whole, it has a good message. Why is this an adult version? The H and h are about 30 and 25 respectively. It's not really a sexy book that needs to be modified, and just because the story begins with them as very young children, and then jumps 20 years, doesn't make it "young adult"...? I wish this story had been longer. The relationship was just developing. Question, at what number of pages does a novella become a novel?
April 4, 2011
I haven't read the book yet, but if it's anything like other Maarten books, I'm sure I won't be disappointed. Everybody's raving about it.
May 3, 2012
When Joy Tate was a little girl, she sat on Santa’s knee and wished that the boy across the street would always be there for her and protect her. She feels that selfish wish caused her to lose the most important person in her life, her mother. Now years later, she works with battered and abused women at a shelter in hopes that someday she will receive the gift of redemption.
Gabriel Hawthorne spent his entire childhood ignoring the sad and lonely little girl he saved from a snowball fight, but he could never fully keep her out of his mind. Reunited with her years later, he’s impressed with the strong advocate that she’s become and when he’s with her, she gives him the greatest gift of all, the gift of joy.
This book can be read at any time; the message in it is heartwarming and rings true. However, I read it around Christmas and I feel that the festiveness really added to it. Valerie Maarten did a fantastic job painting the painful and confusing life of Joy and how the scars from the abusive family situation last even into her adulthood. You can feel Gabe’s guilt at not being able to be there for her, his desire to share a real family life with her through not only himself but his family as well. Most of all, you can feel and understand just why Joy is so driven to help those that are in similar situations to what her mother was in.
The story itself is very strong. Gabe struggles to bring Joy out of her shell while Joy struggles to keep herself hidden away out of fear that’s always been there. It builds and climaxes to a wonderful and awe inspiring magical moment that will give you a serious case of the warm fuzzies. It might even make you believe in Santa as the best gifts aren’t always in a wrapped box under the tree.
Gabriel Hawthorne spent his entire childhood ignoring the sad and lonely little girl he saved from a snowball fight, but he could never fully keep her out of his mind. Reunited with her years later, he’s impressed with the strong advocate that she’s become and when he’s with her, she gives him the greatest gift of all, the gift of joy.
This book can be read at any time; the message in it is heartwarming and rings true. However, I read it around Christmas and I feel that the festiveness really added to it. Valerie Maarten did a fantastic job painting the painful and confusing life of Joy and how the scars from the abusive family situation last even into her adulthood. You can feel Gabe’s guilt at not being able to be there for her, his desire to share a real family life with her through not only himself but his family as well. Most of all, you can feel and understand just why Joy is so driven to help those that are in similar situations to what her mother was in.
The story itself is very strong. Gabe struggles to bring Joy out of her shell while Joy struggles to keep herself hidden away out of fear that’s always been there. It builds and climaxes to a wonderful and awe inspiring magical moment that will give you a serious case of the warm fuzzies. It might even make you believe in Santa as the best gifts aren’t always in a wrapped box under the tree.
November 23, 2011
I literally just finished this book about thirty seconds ago and, usually I sleep on a book for a day before reviewing it, but I didn't want to do that this time.
The Gift of Joy by Valerie Maarten, in it's short 107 pages, packs a powerful punch and touches a wide range of emotions.
I'm a sucker for a good romance story and this, like I Loved You First by Reena Jacobs, is one of those. The story revolves around a girl named Joy who, when she's 6 years old, has three things - one of which is great and the other two very un-great - happen to her and they both have a profound effect on the rest of her life.
Domestic violence is a major issue in this book and one that is handled very well and realistically and shows you what can happen to some of the biggest victims of domestic violence, the children that see/experience it. The theme of domestic violence is married with a simple and wonderful love story that has to be read to be believed.
I LOVED this book! Highly recommended.
5 stars!
The Gift of Joy by Valerie Maarten, in it's short 107 pages, packs a powerful punch and touches a wide range of emotions.
I'm a sucker for a good romance story and this, like I Loved You First by Reena Jacobs, is one of those. The story revolves around a girl named Joy who, when she's 6 years old, has three things - one of which is great and the other two very un-great - happen to her and they both have a profound effect on the rest of her life.
Domestic violence is a major issue in this book and one that is handled very well and realistically and shows you what can happen to some of the biggest victims of domestic violence, the children that see/experience it. The theme of domestic violence is married with a simple and wonderful love story that has to be read to be believed.
I LOVED this book! Highly recommended.
5 stars!
September 9, 2016
TOUCHES THE HEART IN ALL THE RIGHT PLACES!! A tender love story about coming to terms with the past and embracing a better tomorrow. Gabe and Joy are refreshingly real, down-to-earth people with courage and honor inside their hearts. Joy is a beautiful, sweet, caring woman who dedicated herself to helping others, but she is tormented by a heartbreaking childhood that still haunts her. The loss of her mother was a scar that never healed. Christmastime is the perfect setting for tender new beginnings between Joy and Gabe. (I loved the scene where she finally gets to play in the snow!) Her happiness is so innocent, something rarely felt until her friendship with Gabe. He is the strong arm she needed. A great story, well-told. I definitely smiled in the end!
July 14, 2014
A touching love story about coming to terms with the past and embracing a better tomorrow. Gabe and Joy are refreshingly real, down-to-earth people with courage and honor inside their hearts. Joy is a beautiful, sweet, caring woman who dedicated herself to helping others, but she is tormented by a heartbreaking childhood that still haunts her. The loss of her mother was a scar that never healed. Christmastime is the perfect setting for tender new beginnings between Joy and Gabe. (I loved the scene where she finally gets to play in the snow!) Her happiness is so innocent, something rarely felt until her friendship with Gabe. He is the strong arm she needed. A great story, well-told. I definitely smiled in the end!
June 12, 2011
Dealing with the adult themes of domestic violence and learning to trust again, The Gift of Joy skirts around the steamier scenes without appearing to have been brutally censored from the adult version.
There's a dark side to this book, but it's interlaced with the hope and promise that even if a person suffers the most appalling childhood that's not the end for them. There's always hope and the possibility to change your own future, to choose something better.
The Gift of Joy shows so many important messages, while being a cracking good read that had me in tears at least twice, and welling up more often than that.
Should be compulsory reading for all teens - boys and girls.
There's a dark side to this book, but it's interlaced with the hope and promise that even if a person suffers the most appalling childhood that's not the end for them. There's always hope and the possibility to change your own future, to choose something better.
The Gift of Joy shows so many important messages, while being a cracking good read that had me in tears at least twice, and welling up more often than that.
Should be compulsory reading for all teens - boys and girls.
July 2, 2011
I liked this short story. It's heartbreaking and romantic and sexy and sweet all rolled into one. Fairly predictable, this story is enjoyable nonetheless. It gives you hope that good will come out of bad situations. Who knows the future, you know? This goes well with the Stand Up Against Abuse thing going on at some blogs right now.
Not much else to say! This book was short and sweet. It definitely wraps up nicely and leaves you with that warm and fuzzy feeling for the characters. I am wondering what the YA version is like though.. perhaps I'll have to read that one too!!
Thanks to the author for providing me a copy with a pdf copy of this book for review!!
Not much else to say! This book was short and sweet. It definitely wraps up nicely and leaves you with that warm and fuzzy feeling for the characters. I am wondering what the YA version is like though.. perhaps I'll have to read that one too!!
Thanks to the author for providing me a copy with a pdf copy of this book for review!!
July 22, 2012
I just want to say that this story really touched my heart. Having growed up in this kind of thing I understand it first hand. I felt so sorry for Joy and she done a wonderful thing when she grew up but she also closed herself down to never have love and to never just let go and have fun. Thanks for such a great story.
June 18, 2011
A sweet short story. Makes me wonder why we call it young adult. Read my full review Girl Who Reads
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews