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About the Book
Cole Sanders is a changed man. The university quarterback questions his direction in life after serving on a mission trip in Honduras. Things that used to fill Cole’s ego seem empty after witnessing the developing country’s extreme poverty and the death of a precious child. The one glimmer of hope through his confusion is the fresh perspective he now has about his tutor, Audrey. She possesses something beautiful inside and out—something that might help him become the person he wants to be.
University senior Audrey Vaughn tutored Cole Sanders for an entire year and never imagined the popular quarterback would see her as anything more than a friend. After partnering with him on the mission trip, they are drawn together. And he appears to have changed for the better. To let Cole into her life, Audrey will have to overcome not only her brother’s distrust, but also the paralyzing fear still lingering from a past she’s tried to leave behind.
Cole can’t walk away from Audrey now that they’re back in Oxford. He’ll have to figure out how to keep her giant of a brother, a lineman on his football team, from killing him when the coach has his back turned. But can Audrey trust her heart to a player so similar to the one who stole so much from her in the past?
I received this book for free in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
My Review
Every single book in the Southern Heart Series continues to impress me with the quality of the story line and characters each book presents. Ms Ferguson tackles an especially difficult topic that Audrey struggles with in regards to abuse and trafficking of women and how it leaves a scar for a lifetime. My heart truly broke with Audrey and her fear of loving again, especially Cole who seems to be a repeat performance of what had stolen her innocence before. Cole struggles with the way Audrey holds back. He isn't perfect and has made unwise choices and lived a rowdy lifestyle- what makes him think he deserves someone as sweet and innocent as Audrey? Grant isn't about to let his sister's heart be hurt again and so steps into the overprotective brother's role. He is easily led away by his own demons as well. Emma causes conflict in her flamboyant way, constantly vying for the attention of Grant and Cole. The Lord can change anyone- and Cole knows he's got to change completely because the sin he lived in is against everything he knows is right. Audrey struggles with her love for Cole because she thinks she sees a difference but a relationship with him doesn't feel safe enough. Will Audrey and Cole ever find happiness together? The characters in this book continue to amaze me- the clarity of their appearance, their speech, their clothes, even how they carry themselves. I had a clear picture of each character and felt as though I was part of the story in the midst of the conversation myself. The story was heart-wrenching and at the same time fulfilling and redeeming. Each relationship in the book had it's own struggles and all of them changed by the end of it. We see how scars and fear can lead us to make some of the worst decisions of our lives and leave logic behind. We see how love can come from where we least expect it if we will give it a chance. We see how the Lord alone can cause someone to make a total 180 in their life, and how His will is truly perfect in all aspects! I literally could not put this book down until I had finished it! My mouth is watering for more of this endearing series!About the Author
Janet W. Ferguson grew up in Mississippi and received a degree in Banking and Finance from the University of Mississippi. She has served her church as a children’s minister and a youth volunteer. An avid reader, she worked as a librarian at a large public high school. Janet and her husband have two grown children, one really smart dog, and a few cats that allow them to share the space.
Guest Post from Janet Ferguson
Hi, I’m Janet W. Ferguson, and I’m so excited to be back again and meet more readers through Celebrate Lit!
This is a story I didn’t want to write, but felt called to tackle. The loss of the dream, the loss of innocence, and life’s other unfair struggles can challenge our faith—can make us captive to fear and disappointment.
In the South, we love football. In writing this book, I’m not trying to make a statement for or against the sport. My husband and son loved playing the game. After my son suffered a torn ACL, torn shoulder labrum, and four surgeries, he could no longer participate in the game he loved. He mourned the loss of the brotherhood of his team. I saw the popular pastime differently from his eyes. For young men, I believe it is a bond between friends for a common goal. Though the character in this book is totally fictional, I’m dedicating this book to my son, Luke.
The other sensitive topics in this story seemed particularly sad, but relevant in our society. Trust me, I didn’t prefer to research acquaintance/date rape or human trafficking, but both are going on all too often in communities both small and large. There are a number of organizations set up to help victims of these crimes if you feel a calling to help.
Someone reading this may have had something terrible that happened in their past or may know someone who has. God is able to set free the captives, set you free from the bonds that hold you. My prayer is that you find comfort in that truth.
Blog Stops
August 15: Quiet Quilter
August 16: A Baker’s Perspective
August 17: Blogging With Carol
August 18: The Power of Words (Spotlight)
August 19: inklings and notions
August 20: Christian Chick’s Thoughts
August 21: Karen’s Krayons
August 22: Bigreadersite
August 23: A Greater Yes
August 24: Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner
August 25: A Reader’s Brain
August 26: Mary Hake
August 27: His Grace is Sufficient
August 28: Cassandra M’s Place
August 29: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Janet is giving away a $75 Amazon gift card Click here to enter: https://promosimple.com/ps/a1c6