I read The Secret Life Of Sarah Hollenbeck the last of May, but couldn’t get this post done until now. Bethany Turner has won all sorts of awards for this wonderful book! Here’s the back cover copy:
Becoming a Christian is the best and worst thing that has ever happened to Sarah Hollenbeck. Best because, well, that’s obvious. Worst because, up to this point, she’s made her very comfortable living as a well-known, bestselling author of steamy romance novels that would leave the members of her new church blushing. Now
Sarah is trying to reconcile her past with the future she’s chosen. She’s still under contract with her publisher and on the hook with her enormous fan base for the kind of book she’s not sure she can write anymore. She’s beginning to think that the church might frown on her tithing on royalties from a “scandalous” book. And the fact that she’s falling in love with her pastor doesn’t make things any easier.
With a powerful voice, penetrating insight, and plenty of wit, Bethany Turner explodes onto the scene with a debut that isn’t afraid to deal with the thorny realities of living the Christian life.
My take:
In the first few pages of The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck, I didn’t really like Sarah, but then I realized why. She’s just like me. I can’t remember people’s names and I connect them in my mind to something odd or different about them. As I read on, I saw her pain, but loved the way Bethany Turner used humor to draw her out.
This is a book about 2nd chances and lost love and redemption. I loved Piper, who told her like it is. Everyone needs a Piper in her life. And Ben is flawed but perfect for Sarah. This book ticks all the right boxes for a great all-around read!
You can purchase The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck at:
Leave a comment and I’ll enter you in a drawing for a book from my library! May’s winner is: Karen!
And the winner of Richard Marby’s book, Bitter Pill is: Regina Merrick!
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Comments 42
Would love to read this book! Sounds just like me too!!
Author
It’s a great book, Faith. So sorry to be late commenting, but I’ve been trying to get my edits in today. 🙂
Having just recently read a review of Wooing Cadie McCaffrey by Bethany Turner, I’ve decided that I must read both the most recent book and The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck. The author’s humorous style sounds delightful!
Author
I’m going to read Wooing Cadie McCaffrey asap, Suzanne! Thanks for stopping by.
Read this book last year. It was tons of fun , if a bit unorthodox! But none of us is perfect! I have Cadie McCafferey and am looking forward to reading that one!
Author
It was different, for sure, Paula. Thanks for weighing in!
Have heard so much about this one. I better check it out. Thx for sharing about it.
Author
I really enjoyed it, Anne. Thanks for stopping by.
I haven’t read yet, sounds like great plot line.
Author
It’s different, Delores, but a good different. Thanks for stopping by.
the book sounds great!
Author
It is, Joan! Thanks for stopping by.
Another book for my TBR pile!
Author
If yours is like my TBR pile, Jeanna, it’s going to topple over soon. lol
I’ve read it! Loved it!
Author
Me, too, Jackie! Thanks for commenting.
Loved reading this novel when it came out. Bethany Turner has a style and voice all her own!
Author
Yes, she does, Johnnie! And I really enjoyed it.
I loved this book. I think that Bethany created a character that shows her imperfections and that is something that we can all relate to in ourselves. So good!
Author
Yes, Gloria! And I think that’s why I liked her. Thanks for stopping by.
Sounds like an interesting book. A small part of the back cover copy reminded me of the bio of a well-known Christian author whose books I enjoy a lot. I need to find this book so I can read it.
Author
It’s good, Edward. I think you would enjoy it.
This is actually the next book on my TBR pile! I’m excited to read it.
Author
That’s great, Colleen! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
It makes me so happy that you enjoyed this one! I LOVED it as well as her new release Wooing Cadie McCaffrey! Total awesome sauce!
Author
Got to read the next one, Caitlyn! Thanks for commenting!
Sounds like a great read.
Author
It is, Lucy. I think you would enjoy it.
I read this book last year and loved it. Bethany’s humor and writing style are refreshing. I used to read the kind of books that Sarah wrote so I could see where she was coming from. I cleaned up my reading choices and am much happier now. I gave the book to a friend and she hated it. Then I read “Wooing Cadie McCaffrey”, loved it even more and gave it to my friend. My friend read it and loved it. I think Bethany pushes the envelope, as they say, for Christian fiction. Her characters are real and true to life. Great writing.
Author
I think she does, too, Sue. But not in a bad way. She talks about things that really happen.
sounds like a good book!
Author
It is, Shelia. It is very unique! Thanks for stopping by.
Thank you for the great review! I’ve not yet read Sara’s books.
I think you’d really enjoy them, Caryl! So glad you dropped by.
I haven’t read any of her books, however, I think we all need to look at our lives thru our Christlike filter and think of the books we read( or write) and see if we think He would be pleased.
Author
I agree, Phyllis. I used to read general market books, and still read a few, but I always read the “see what’s inside” to make sure the story doesn’t have elements I don’t want in my head. Thanks for weighing in!
TBR on my library list, but would love to have a copy
Author
It’s a great story, Joni! Thanks for stopping by.
Whoo-hooo!! I’m so excited to win Richard’s novella! Thanks so much! I’ve wanted to read his books, and this will give me that push! See you Monday!
Author
I’m bringing it with me, Regina!! Can’t wait to see you.
I read this book last year rather reluctantly, but my most trusted reader friend raved about it. It wouldn’t have been one I normally pick up because it’s what I would call contemporary Chick Lit & Rom Com. But boy howdy, Bethany blew right past my reading barriers and enchanted me with it!! I was rather pleasantly surprised how much I fell in love with it. Her humor had me laughing out loud and her real life situations had me doing a lot of thinking.
I just recently read Wooing Cadie McCaffrery and loved it even more! She’s refreshingly honest in it & her hilarity had full reign! I once again found myself chuckling out loud while enthusiastically cheering Will on! I hope you get a chance to read it Patricia, if you loved Sarah Hollenbeck you’re really going to enjoy Cadie McCaffrey 🙂
Author
I will definitely put that on my TBR list, Trixi! Thanks for stopping by.