Do you ever see a book in a store window or online or perhaps even in someone’s hands and instantly it rockets straight to the top of your To-Be-Read list?
I’m all about structure. Plans. To-do lists. Surprises are not my friends. There’s even a plan in place to devour all the bookish goodness hanging out on my nightstand and eReader. Novel A will be read before Novel B and so forth … Some titles will be reserved for a particular vacation or upcoming trip in the near future, thus shifting their position in the queue. Now occasionally a library book makes an unexpected appearance and that one has to be devoured because there’s nothing worse than a library hold expiring and that title returning to circulation without the opportunity to enjoy it.
Am I right?
True confession: I have too many books. Electronic and paperback. I keep telling myself eventually I’ll get to those other titles lingering in my virtual library. But it doesn’t stop me from acquiring more.
Even though (generally speaking) surprises don’t go over well with me, I will always, always deviate from my plans when a fabulous book drops into my life.
Author Pepper Basham’s new release popped up on my favorite social media platforms recently and I was immediately smitten.
Will a wager against her future steal her chance at true love?
Dr. Adelina Roseland has worked ten years in research as an accent reduction specialist to attain her dream job. But a secret wager to transform Appalachian cattle farmer Reese Mitchell into corporate material challenges Adelina in ways she never expected, threatening her new position.
For one, Adelina didn’t plan for the faith and friction of Reese, or the unexpected influence of his chaotic family. Now, drawn into a culture she’d tried to forget, Adelina finds the warmth of family, the hope of faith, and the joy of love melting away the deep wounds of her past.
But when Reese discovers that he’s a pawn in her climb up the academic ladder, will he forgive Adelina’s deceit or will their miscommunication end in two broken lives?
How fun is that?!
As soon as I saw it, I immediately wanted to read Twist of Faith. Lists and well-ordered reading plans were abandoned and I jumped right in to this delightful read. Let me tell ‘ya, I made a great decision. An amazing cover is only the beginning for this inspirational romance. From the fantastic cast of secondary characters to the swoon-worthy hero and the unmistakable attraction ‘sparking’ between he and the heroine, this novel had my attention from the get-go.
All jokes aside, the spiritual thread expertly woven throughout was my favorite part. Pepper Basham’s ability to walk her reader straight to the feet of Jesus is remarkable. The message of grace and hope intermingled with the characters’ struggles to forgive what we as humans sometimes declare unpardonable sins was very well-written. The following quote from the novel regarding unforgiveness truly resonated with me.
So true, isn’t it? I’ve certainly struggled with unforgiveness and it often felt like a burden I couldn’t shake, weighing me down and dragging me under. Clinging to the wrongs done to me and waiting for an apology that might never come definitely kept me from being the person God intended me to be.
I love it when a novel is a delightful romance with complex layers, leaving me with life lessons to ponder long after I’ve turned the final page. If you haven’t already, I hope you’ll pick up a copy of A Twist of Faith very soon. I’m certain you’ll enjoy it as much as I did. Happy reading, friends!
Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance peppered with grace and humor. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is the mom of 5 great kids, speech-pathologist to about fifty more, lover of chocolate, jazz, and Jesus, and proud AlleyCat over at a group writing blog, The Writer’s Alley. Her debut historical romance novel, The Thorn Bearer, released in May 2015, with the second arriving in February 2016. A Twist of Faith is her first contemporary romance.
Photo image of woman at water’s edge: Chris Lawton via Unsplash
Jill Weatherholt says
I’m with you, Heidi. I’ve got books coming out of my ears. Thanks to this terrific review, I’ve moved Pepper’s book up in line…yes, it’s been loaded on my Kindle since its release. I think I have a problem. :)
Elizabeth Maddrey says
I read this recently as well, it’s delightful. (I also suffer from too many books…though it’s not really suffering. I don’t usually make lists for when to read what though. Perhaps I ought to try that.)
Wemble says
Thanks Heidi, Pepper Basham is new to me, so will definitely be seeking out her books- what was that you said about books to be read everywhere??!! Appreciate the quote about unforgiveness, whenever I am struggling with that, I am sent back to that line from the Lord’s Prayer about forgiving our sins as we forgive others… Blessings:)
Pepper says
Wow!! Heidi!!! I’m totally floored by this review. Oh my goodness!! You mentioned so many of the reasons I love this story! I’m sooooo glad you did to!! Thank you thank you!
Jennifer says
I really enjoyed reading this book too. :)
Priscila says
I also organize my books in a to be read list and have way too many books in my list that I plan to go through but every once in a while new books jump up the list. I love hearing about good books in thus blog. They never disappoint. Thank you for sharing such an interesting story.
Valerie Comer says
Pepper’s book has been on my Kindle for a while, and is slated to be read on our upcoming vacation! ;)
heidimccahan says
I don’t think you have a problem at all, Jill. Writers are supposed to be voracious readers, aren’t we? I think Stephen King said that … therefore it must be true. ;-) Yes, Pepper’s book is delightful. I hope you get a chance to devour it soon. Thanks for commenting on my post.
heidimccahan says
The lists might have something to do with my control freak-ness, Elizabeth. :-) Thank you for taking the time to comment. Blessings!
heidimccahan says
Hi there. Thank you for the reminder that we are called to forgive just as the Lord has forgiven us. I hope you’ll seek out Pepper’s books. Blessings to you, as well.
heidimccahan says
My pleasure, Pepper. Congratulations on writing such a wonderful book. I look forward to reading more of your work.
heidimccahan says
I’m so glad you did, Jennifer.
heidimccahan says
We are kindred spirits, Priscila. I’m glad you enjoy reading the blog. That’s our goal: content readers. :-)
Margaret Nelson says
I’ve got a problem – I want to buy and read this book, and several others – but I already have so many “to be read” books on my Kindle AND bookshelf that I decided I couldn’t buy any more for awhile!
Julianne Archer says
This book is on my TBR list, which is also very long. I appear to be in good company :) I think I’ll bump it up on my list as well. Thanks!
Nancy K. says
I have also had this book on my Kindle since it’s release. I am also moving it on up on my to be read list. Looks like I am good company. I am trying my best not to buy and download a lot of books on my Kindle at the present time since I have so many to be read. I do more reading in the winter and cold months when the weather means I will be indoors more. Now that nicer weather is here I like to be more active outdoors.
Winnie Thomas says
I loved this book! I was lucky enough to get an ARC of it and quickly devoured it. This is one of my most favorite covers ever. I ended up ordering a print copy because the cover is so adorable I just had to be able to look at it often. Is that crazy to spend money on a print copy just because of the cover? Of course, I had to read it again when I got it!
Your review is awesome. I had much the same feelings when I read A Twist of Faith!
Gail Estes Hollingsworth says
Loved this book! And the cover, wow! Every time I look at it I smile.
I have stacks of books to read. Some are ones I’m committed to read and review. I try to put them in order of when I receive them and/or when the publishing date in my TBR pile.
juliejobe says
My “to be read” list is way too long, but I can’t help but add to it when I see something good! A Twist of Faith has been on my list since it came out and I hope to get to it soon! I’ve heard so many great things about it!
Trixi says
Heidi you could be my book twin because everything you said is true for me as well!! SO true about the library hold book going straight to the top because I don’t want it to expire before I get to read it…that would be a shame wouldn’t it? I’d feel so guilty, lol!
I love how you put this: “Pepper Basham’s ability to walk her reader straight to the feet of Jesus is remarkable”. I highly admire any author that can do this in their books. It’s why I read Christian fiction; not only for entertainment but more importantly to feel like I walked away changed someone in my walk & relationship with Christ. That’s where a huge chunk is missing from secular or general market reads & a reason why I won’t even read a book marked as a “clean” read. They just fall flat!
I absolutely love the book quote graphic! It gets right down to the heart of the matter of unforgivness. It’s so essential that we forgive others even when we don’t want to, because it does change us in ways we don’t want. And holds us back from what God has for us :-)
I have this on my Kindle, now to just put it on my TBR pile somewhere…..sigh!
lori meyer says
I am so excited to find another awesome Christian story! There are not enough good clean writers out there, as far as I am concerned, so I am happy to find another one!! I haven’t read you yet, but I am definitely looking forward to checking out your book “A Twist of Fate!” Thank you and God Bless!!
pepperbasham says
Jill, I can’t wait to find out what you think? Do you have a preference of historical vs contemporary?
pepperbasham says
Elizabeth! So glad you hear that you enjoyed A Twist of Faith. Heidi’s review was SUPER!!
pepperbasham says
YAY!! Jennifer! I’m so glad you liked it! It was certainy fun to write
pepperbasham says
Valerie, I’m looking forward to hearing what you think! Enjoy your vacation :-)
pepperbasham says
Julianne, I hope you enjoy it
pepperbasham says
My list is long too!! Oh my goodness, I have a lot to catch up on :-)
pepperbasham says
Winnie, you are just super duper, you know that?
pepperbasham says
Gail!! I do the same THING!!! And my indie book coming out in Feb…oh my goodness, the cover concept for it makes me smile too. Sigh…..
pepperbasham says
Trixi!! Thank you thank you!!! Isn’t Heidi’s review AMAZING! I LOVE LOVE it! And I’m glad you felt the same way about ATOF :-)
pepperbasham says
Lori, Can’t wait to see what you think :-)