Reviewed by: Diane Ash, retired teacher and current librarian of the Federated Church, Sandwich, IL

Introduction

Title: The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck

Author: Bethany Turner

Publisher: Revell

Publication Date: 2017

Format: Paperback print book

Length: 294 pages

OVERVIEW

Sarah Hollenbeck is a divorced writer of bestselling steamy romance novels until she becomes best friends with someone who introduces her to the Lord and his plan of salvation.  Sarah is an eager new Christian and begins attending a church where she and the pastor have an immediate attraction for each other.  How to reconcile her past with a new future is told with lots of humor while addressing issues for leading a Christian life.  For instance, how will the church feel about her tithing royalties from her “scandalous” books, and how will her publisher feel when she reveals she now plans to author Christian romance novels?  She and Pastor Ben have kept no secrets from each other as their relationship moves forward, but there is also the problem of his past girlfriend who still seems to feel she can eventually win him over.  When a crisis in their relationship occurs it is not the one I was expecting.

I enjoyed this lighthearted, humorous novel and its plot, but also appreciated the way it addresses some of the realities of living the Christian life.  I thought it was quite charming.

ASSESSMENT

Rating (1 to 5)

4

Suggested Audience

Female audiences of late teens and adults of all ages

Christian Impact

Both Sarah and Pastor Ben have to deal with imperfect pasts, and the novel stresses the importance of prayer and faith that God can and will work for good for those who believe in Him.

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