Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name, and you are mine.
-Isaiah 43:1
Published by:
Waterbrook Press
Release Date:
April 15,2014
Pages:
308
5 Stars
Back Cover:
Fashion is a fickle industry, a frightening fact for twenty-four year old model Ivy Clark. Ten years in and she’s learned a sacred truth—appearance is everything. Nobody cares about her broken past as long as she looks beautiful for the camera. This is the only life Ivy knows—so when it starts to unravel, she’ll do anything to hold on. Even if that means moving to the quaint island town of Greenbrier, South Carolina, to be the new face of her stepmother’s bridal wear line—an irony too rich for words, since Ivy is far from the pure bride in white. If only her tenuous future didn’t rest in the hands of Davis Knight, her mysterious new photographer. Not only did he walk away from the kind of success Ivy longs for to work maintenance at a local church, he treats her differently than any man ever has. Somehow, Davis sees through the façade she works so hard to maintain. He, along with a cast of other characters, challenges everything Ivy has come to believe about beauty and worth. Is it possible that God sees her—a woman stained and broken by the world—yet wants her still?
My Review:
Katie Ganshert brings us a story that will take the reader on an emotional journey. It seems that in society today everyone is valued by their beauty rather than who they are on the inside. We are introduced to Ivy Clark who is a beautiful fashion model and is coming to the realization that at almost 25 years of age is considered "too old" for the industry. Ivy, at a young age, endured a troubled childhood and the people she should have been able to trust had let her down. My heart broke for the child who grew into a confused and coldhearted adult. She finds she has one last opportunity for a comeback in her career, but must travel to South Carolina and model bridal wear for her stepmother, Marilyn. Marilyn has always saw the real Ivy and loved her completely and hopes this time together will bring them closer. Ivy has always had a difficult and distant relationship with her father and stepmother so this was not going to be an enjoyable trip for her.
Davis Knight works at the Cornerstone Church as their maintenance man, but years ago he had been a fashion photographer in New York. Davis left the bright lights of the city and photography and was happier in South Caroline. This character is always striving to be the best he can be. His father had taught him at a young age that God had gift-wrapped his creation for the world and to always keep his eyes open, search for those moments, capture it and share it with the world. Davis feels he failed at that. Davis is a Christian and prays for guidance in all he does, but is he really listening to the answers?
This is a story of two people's spiritual journey and what they must endure, encounter and accept to get to the one place they both want to be. The author brings strong, well developed characters. The plot flows effortlessly and will draw the reader in and keep them turning the page.
I gave this book 5 stars because it was a beautiful story showing that outward beauty doesn't last, but inner beauty we find through salvation is everlasting.
I received this book for free from Blogging For Books for this review.
Meet the Author:
Christy Award finalist and Carol Award winner, Katie Ganshert, graduated from the University of Wisconsin in Madison with a degree in education, and worked as a fifth grade teacher for several years before staying home to write full-time. She was born and raised in the Midwest, where she lives with her husband, their young son, and their goofy black lab, Bubba. When she’s not busy writing or playing or reading or snuggling, she is obsessing over the paperwork and the waiting that comes with adoption.
Links to Connect with Katie:
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