For the Love of Joy

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for For the Love of Joy by Janet W. Ferguson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Series: Coastal Hearts

Author: Janet W. Ferguson

Release Date: January 1, 2021

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance / Southern rom-com

Years ago, a Dear John letter and then an IED explosion overseas rocked Davis Donnelly’s world and left him unclear about his marital status. He’d signed divorce papers, but broken mentally and physically, he’d never bothered to find out if his marriage actually ended. Now that he’s about to start a new position as an outreach minister, it’s time to settle things once and for all. At the moment he tracks down his wife—or former wife?—she takes a tumble while chasing a little boy. Her son. And that’s when life flips upside down.

Joy Jennings Donnelly made her share of mistakes. But one thing she never considered a mistake was her child, and she’ll do anything to protect him. Even keep his paternity a secret.

When she’s suddenly injured with not a soul to help her or her son, Joy is forced to rely on the man who has the most reasons to hate her.

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Review:

I really got into this book! I had not read any of Ms. Ferguson’s books before, so I was open-minded coming into it. Davis Donnely’s life was turned upside-down after receiving a “Dear John” letter then experiencing an IED explosion. Though he signed the divorce papers, he never followed through to learn what became of his marriage. After God’s work in his life and an opportunity as an outreach pastor, he is ready to settle his past. However, upon finding his, wife? Ex-wife? She takes a bad fall while chasing a little boy, who turns out to be her son! Joy Jennings Donnely knows that she has made mistakes. However, her life is now focused on her son and protecting him, even keeping his paternity a secret. When she falls and her injuries keep her helpless, she is forced to rely on the one who has the most right to be angry with her.

This was quite an intense, but fun book! Both Davis and Joy had a lot to deal with, they had a lot of issues to work through. I liked both of these characters and was amazed at how clearly Ms. Ferguson showed God’s work through them. I admired Davis and his desire to serve God. He knew of his past and his limitations. I thought it was really cool how Joy saw the work God had done it him and the change it brought. However, Davis was far from perfect. He still had a long way to go in trusting God and understanding His will. Joy frustrated me sometimes. I understood her hesitations and the barriers her past gave her, the writing gave a clear picture of her. I felt like I understood her thought-process, despite not being very much like her in background or personality. God had to do quite a work in her. It was really cool to see!

One of my favorite things of most books are the characters. In this one, the side characters were a large part of the story. Hank was adorable! I loved seeing him connect with everyone, especially Davis. River, Cooper, and Gabby were all such good friends! They stood by Davis and then Joy and Hank. They pointed them to Christ so beautifully! I was really struck by the sincerity of the representation of faith! I loved how clear it was and how lovely it was portrayed as! This book was really absorbing! Though I was not able to read it in one sitting because of having different obligations, I kept wanting to read more! Sometimes I can easily pause in a book, but I really wanted to know what would happen in this one! I would definitely recommend it! For the Love of Joy is a clean Christian romance that incorporates some heavier topics. I would recommend it to teens and older. I think that though it deals with some real issues, it is done thoughtfully.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Janet W. Ferguson is a Grace Award winner, FHL Readers Choice Winner, and a Christy Award finalist. She grew up in Mississippi and received a degree in Banking and Finance from the University of Mississippi. She has served as a children’s minister and a church youth volunteer. An avid reader, she worked as a librarian at a large public high school. She writes humorous inspirational fiction for people with real lives and real problems. Janet and her husband have two grown children, one really smart dog, and a cat that allows them to share the space.

CONNECT WITH JANET: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a wetcat Hug Yourself Turkish beach towel, beach bookmark, Meyers lavender soy candle, signed book, note, and shell from the author! Dream beach 2021!

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight January 19, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on January 26, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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