For the Love of Joy by Janet Ferguson
MY REVIEW:
Although her bio doesn’t mention it, one might think Janet Ferguson has a day job as a Christian counselor or in a rehab center for substance abuse. Each of the books in her Coastal Hearts series centers around such a center and each one contains one or more redemptive stories of changed lives. For the Love of Joy is another such novel that touched my heart once again.
I love the continuity of this series in which familiar characters from previous books interact with the featured characters in the current book. What a beautiful picture of true Christian friendship with friends who put their own lives on hold to help someone through a hard patch or to accept a new friend without judgment. I loved finally getting to read Davis Donnelly’s story and was not at all disappointed. The emotionally charged tale was relieved by ample humorous moments, often supplied by Davis and Joy’s frequent use of amusing colloquialisms, many that brought back sweet memories of my grandmother.
So what happens when a man decides to find the woman he assumes is his ex only to witness a serious accident that leaves her in desperate need of help and has absolutely no one else to help her and her toddler except him? Well Davis is the kind of man who helps others whether they deserve it or not. As most readers can imagine, helping Joy and little Hankie stirs up a hornets nest of emotional baggage from the past that has the potential to destroy or redeem their lives.
I’ll stop here because of spoilers, you know. Just take my advice and grab a copy of For the Love of Joy asap and while you’re at it, you might want to pick up the rest of the series too. I guarantee you will probably want to read them too.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Is he married or isn’t he?
Years ago, a Dear John letter and then an IED explosion overseas rocked Davis Donnelly’s world and left him unclear about his marital status. He’d signed divorce papers, but broken mentally and physically, he’d never bothered to find out if his marriage actually ended. Now that he’s about to start a new position as an outreach minister, it’s time to settle things once and for all. At the moment he tracks down his wife—or former wife?—she takes a tumble while chasing a little boy. Her son. And that’s when life flips upside down.
Joy Jennings Donnelly made her share of mistakes. But one thing she never considered a mistake was her child, and she’ll do anything to protect him. Even keep his paternity a secret.
When she’s suddenly injured with not a soul to help her or her son, Joy is forced to rely on the man who has the most reasons to hate her.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Janet W. Ferguson is a Grace Award winner and a Christy Award finalist. She grew up in Mississippi and received a degree in Banking and Finance from the University of Mississippi. She has served as a children’s minister and a church youth volunteer. An avid reader, she worked as a librarian at a large public high school. She writes humorous inspirational fiction for people with real lives and real problems. Janet and her husband have two grown children, one really smart dog, and a cat that allows them to share the space.
Author Links:
https://twitter.com/JanetwFerguson
https://www.facebook.com/Janet.Ferguson.author/
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/janet-w-ferguson
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15138027.Janet_W_Ferguson
https://www.pinterest.com/janetwferguson/
https://www.amazon.com/Janet-W-Ferguson/e/B01DJTJNDS/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1
Liz Tolsma is a popular speaker and an editor and the owner of the Write Direction Editing. An almost-native Wisconsinite, she resides in a quiet corner of the state with her husband and is the mother of three. Her son proudly serves as a U.S. Marine. They adopted all of their children internationally, and one has special needs. When she gets a few spare minutes, she enjoys reading, relaxing on the front porch, walking, working in her large perennial garden, and camping with her family.
This story was so much fun to write, and the research was so interesting. It has to rank up there with one of my favorite books to write. That’s what makes my job the best around.
One thing that the people of LaPorte would want you to know is that they really are nice people and that their town is a nice town. Lots of good people have been born there or have lived there over the years, including Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, William Mayo, who founded Mayo Clinic, and William Scholl, who found Dr. Scholl’s. They kept emphasizing to me while I was there what a great place LaPorte is. Judging by their friendliness and helpfulness, I would have to agree.
Tabitha Bouldin is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and an avid reader. When she’s not busy homeschooling her two boys, you’ll find her buried in a book.
Rhonda Starnes is a middle school language arts teacher who has dreamed of being a published author since she was in seventh grade. She lives in North Alabama with her husband, who she lovingly refers to as Mountain Man. They enjoy traveling and spending time with their children and grandchildren. Rhonda writes romantic suspense with rugged heroes and feisty heroines.
From medical secretary to court reporter to property manager to owner of a special events decorating company, Carol’s resume reads as if she doesn’t know what she wants to be when she grows up. But one thing that has remained constant through the years is her love for writing. She currently pens fun and fast-paced inspirational romance and romantic suspense stories. Her books have been nominated for a RITA® award and an RT Reviewers’ Choice Best Book Award.
