Surface by Stacy Robinson

Synopsis: In this powerfully written and insightful novel, author Stacy Robinson explores the consequences of flawed choices, the complex nature of betrayal and forgiveness--and the intriguing possibility of second acts. . . Claire Montgomery has a lifetime of sensible decisions behind her. Yet all it takes is one impulsive indiscretion to bring everything crashing down--her marriage to a wealthy entrepreneur, her status as half of one of Denver society's power couples, and the future she dreamed of for their seventeen-year-old son, Nick. Claire's husband, Michael, angrily blames her for the recklessness that has left Nick's life in the balance, though not nearly as much as Claire blames herself. But as Nick struggles to move forward, Claire too begins inching toward a reimagined future. Along with a fresh perspective come new questions. Are there other reasons for her fractured relationship and Michael's increasingly erratic behavior? Has he, too, been harboring painful secrets? And does Claire dare to find the real truth, when her seamlessly decorated world of privilege and security is at stake?

Review: This book actually holds two very moving stories: the recovery and rehab of young Nick, and the ending of the marriage of his parents, Claire and Michael.  

I was never able to like Michael in the slightest...he was a HUGE jerk. Claire was originally naive and in denial, expecting life to be exactly the same as it had been before her "indiscretion." As the story went on, however, I was impressed with her growth and strength.  Nick was determined, and even when he had troubles with his recovery, he never gave up.

The story is very well written, and flows well. The beginning of the book is a little slow, but once it picked up I didn't want to put it down. The main point of the story, to me, is that our actions have consequences, which may be further reaching than we realize.

Rating: Five stars

About the author
Stacy graduated with a BA degree in International Relations from Stanford University, and after satisfying her wanderlust with a three-year consulting and teaching stint in Japan, she returned to her hometown of Los Angeles to continue her career in international marketing. A happy twist of fate brought her to Denver, where she had kids and drifted back into the work she loves most – writing. Stacy is a lover of live music, clever lyrics, and the occasional cycling trip - and enjoys the Mile High city and nearby mountains with her husband, three children and chocolate Labrador non-Retriever, Jagger.

Beneath It All (Beneath #1), by Tori Madison

Synopsis: You.
Have.
Breast.
Cancer.

I wasn't prepared to hear those words. Neither was my loving husband, family or friends. And none of us were prepared for what life had in store after they were spoken.

I should have seen the signs all around me. I should have paid attention to the people who supposedly loved me, the people who I'd always trusted. But I was blind to what was going on. The effects on my flourishing career, passionate marriage and carefree lifestyle would be insurmountable.

It was time to take control of my life and the overwhelming chaos. Time to make the choices that were right for me. Right for my future. The future I hadn't planned on. 

My life didn't stop when I heard those four little words…it was only just beginning.

Thoughts: **I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.**

As a breast cancer survivor, I looked forward to reading this book, to see just how realistically it was written. It was like reading my own story as far as the treatments and the side effects were concerned.

Victoria's personal life was another matter entirely. She had one piece of bad news after another throughout the story, and yet, with the help of her circle of friends, she was able to find the strength to pick herself up and keep going on her journey.

I love the cliffhanger at the end, and can't wait to read the second book!!

My rating: Five stars

Broken On The Back Row: A Journey Through Grace And Forgiveness, by Sandi Patty

Synopsis: Sandi Patty, the most awarded female vocalist in contemporary Christian Music, saw her stellar career go into a tailspin. Now she tells the story of her long road to restoration. From the agony of divorce nearly ten years ago, Sandi has moved from center stage to the back row of the church balcony and back into the spotlight.

This book is the heart-touching narrative of her years as an acclaimed recording artist balancing her role as adoring mother to four children, her fall from public acclaim, and the steps she worked through with her church and pastor to find forgiveness and peace —- all under the harsh glare of national media attention.

Sandi's story also includes insightful vignettes from their bustling blended family (Sandi's four children and three stepchildren) and the inspiring way God worked in the adoption of an eighth child, their precious Sam.

Sandi's performance schedule is full once more but there's a difference in her music and her heart that reflects the unforgettable journey she's made to reach the other side of hurt and find healing and forgiveness in Christ.

Thoughts: As I went through this book, I found myself identifying with so many of the emotions she felt during her difficult time. I went through the same situation, without the national media attention, back in 2002, and remembered feeling separated from God and my church family, feeling guilty for turning so many lives upside down. Going through the book and taking in the advice Sandi got from her pastor, among others, I could hear God speaking to MY heart (which has been happening a lot lately), letting me know those words of grace and forgiveness were just as much for me as for Sandi.

I enjoyed the stories of the blended family and the incredible story of how they brought Sam into their family. That was a truly miraculous event!