5+ stars out of 5
I cannot say enough about TOLD YOU SO by Kristen Heitzmann,
other than it was an exceptional story of faith and forgiveness!
The style and rhythm of TOLD YOU SO were quite intriguing,
but challenging as well. Admittedly, I had a hard time with the first hundred
pages or so because of the staccato timing in the dialog. I am a multi-tasker,
so it’s nothing for me to watch a movie and read a book at the same time. But with
TOLD YOU SO I couldn’t do that for fear I would miss something pivotal. A
friend asked if I was going to bother finishing the book if it was that difficult
to read. I answered with an emphatic “Oh Yes!” I just recognized that I had to
give TOLD YOU SO my undivided attention if I was going to be able to follow the
storyline. The energy between Grace and Devin was volatile. Their dialog crisp
and sharp. I had to be present one-hundred-percent so I didn’t miss out. The
rest of the book was finished in less than five hours. The story was intelligent
as well as inspiring!
Grace Evangeline has a light about her everyone is drawn to.
Everyone but Broadway producer Devin Bressard. A romance novelist—whose characters
are virtuous and always have a happily ever after—Grace is convinced her latest
novel needs to be on the Broadway stage. Devin dismisses Grace’s writing,
calling it contrived and farcical, and has no intentions of producing it. Devin
considers his work literary art, not flights of fancy, and his feelings towards
Grace are nothing less than insolent. But Grace refuses to give up. And then, by
a twist of fate, Grace and Devin are partnered to work on a project for a
mutual friend. Their time together is verbally volatile and emotionally
exhausting. Devin is determined to write something realistic and impactful while
Grace challenges him to allow hope and chance to inspire him. Devin’s irritation
with Grace soon turns to fascination. The more time he spends with Grace the
more he is drawn to her. The sparks between them are emotionally charged but
soon become romantically driven. Grace feels the pull as much as Devin but
knows their attraction can’t lead anywhere. Their outlooks on life are worlds
apart. But when their worlds collide, the fallout affects more than just
themselves.
I think TOLD YOU SO is an exceptional example of worthy Christian
fiction. I don’t understand people who have been critical of Ms. Heitzmann or
insist this book should not be categorized as ‘Christian’. TOLD YOU SO is
centered on the life of a woman who propagates virtue and encourages other women
not to sell themselves short. How is that not considered a Christian
perspective? I, myself, do not look to Christian fiction for perfect characters
with charmed lives. I look for characters who try to do the right thing, and
even when they fail, they cling to God to help them right their course. Ms.
Heitzmann’s portrayal of a Christian woman living in the world that surrounds her
screams of realism. A perfect example was when Grace attended a high-class party
with another notable celebrity. When alcohol, drugs, and more—completely acceptable
amenities in celebrity circles—were offered to her, she didn’t act horrified, self-righteous,
or get on a soapbox to tell others what was wrong with their lifestyle. But her
simple refusal showed people where she stood and spoke louder than any sermon
she could’ve preached. And, her unpretentious reaction gained the respect of
the celebrity she was with. Grace successfully navigated these pitfalls. But
that’s not always the case. Do we fool ourselves into thinking Christians don’t
lie, swear, or fall into temptation? Because they do. Not because they love God
less, but because they aren’t perfect. I applaud Christian fiction that will accurately
portray the trials along with the triumphs in the lives of Christians. I don’t in
any way condone sin or make excuses for it. But I also am not so pious as to
believe it doesn’t touch the life of those who love God. I read for enjoyment,
pleasure, and escapism, not for fantasy or a place to stick my head in the
sand. Thank you, Ms. Heitzmann, for penning a story that was realistic and
inspiring. I hope people see that same kind of realism in the books I write.
No comments:
Post a Comment