A Heart Redirected by Elizabeth Maddrey – Book Review, Preview

I got married to the man of my dreams when I was eighteen!

Fresh out of high school, I had only attended a few weddings prior to mine. So I really had no clue. I wasn’t a girl who had dreamed of my wedding all my life. But I really wanted to get married!

Honestly, I think my older sister was appalled at how I handled things and how casually I approached the day. She subtly gifted me with a book about wedding planning which I may have used a little. But really, how complicated could it be? We needed rings, flowers, cake. Oh, and a dress. Simple, right?

While my wedding certainly wasn’t one to grace the covers of a wedding magazine, and there are a couple things I would have done differently if I was planning it today, the end result is the same. Years later, my husband and I are happily married.

How about you? Did you have a fancy wedding or was it a simple ceremony?

A Heart Redirected
by Elizabeth Maddrey

Published by JoNaTiMa Books
Publication Date February 26, 2019
Genres: Christian Fiction, Clean Romance
Setting: Virginia Contemporary
Main Character Ages: 25-34
Written for: Adults
Pages: 203

Synopsis:

She had her life mapped out. Then everything crashed and burned.

Larissa Carey’s fiancé left her waiting at the altar. So she dubbed the wedding reception a “near-miss” party, and tried not to dwell on the one thing being jilted made clear: she was unlovable. Determined to move on, Larissa redirected her focus to the dreams she’d had when she was single.

Sean Fitzgerald had never even been tempted to break Wedding Planner Rule #1: Don’t fall in love with the bride…until Larissa. When her selfish ex-fiancé steps out of her life, Sean craves a chance to be her forever love, but is it too soon? Before he can make his move, she leaves the country to pursue her dreams.

How can he convince her she’s totally worthy of love when she’s so far away?

Return to Peacock Hill and reconnect with old friends and make new ones in this clean, Christian contemporary romance full of realistic problems and a journey to lasting love.

I would like to thank Elizabeth Maddrey for giving me this copy of the book. This gift did not influence my opinion or review.

A male wedding planner?! I love how Sean was confident enough in his own skin that he was able to shrug off the insinuations made based on his choice of career. And I had fun reading about all the things that wedding planners do. I didn’t realize the extent to which they assist the couple getting married!

Lisette’s pain felt very real to me. And then as she began to look back, there were so many clues. It became clear that Tom was a self-centered so-and-so, even to her, and I loved watching her get her life back on track and have the courage to follow her dreams. And having the wisdom to see when a change in plans is not only okay, sometimes it is the best approach. She had a faith journey to travel before she was able to realize that God loved her and therefore she really was lovable.

I appreciate when authors aren’t afraid to tackle difficult subjects, even when they are uncomfortable. A secondary thread woven through this one had Sean contemplating how to handle a request that he coordinate a wedding between two men. Instead of simply writing it off and giving an immediate no, he prayed and conferred with his friend, Topher. The author addressed in a very considerate and Biblically sound manner. I don’t want to steal her thunder here so I’ll simply give her kudos for the way she had Sean handle the situation.

Those who have read previous Peacock Hill novels will be glad to follow the characters from these books as Sean and Lisette are added to their number. Those who have not yet had the pleasure of meeting the others can either start at the first book, A Heart Restored, or jump in with this one. Either way, you will not feel lost by not having the backstory, though once you’ve read this, you will probably want to go back to get to know the others better!

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