Kidnapped, raped, brutally beaten, and left for dead, Candi Reynolds becomes a prisoner of fear. Faced also with the impact of the unexpected break-up with her fiancé, and an unwanted pregnancy resulting from the attacks, she believes God has forsaken her. Choosing to move back to the Michigan horse farm, owned by her older brother, Dr. Cam Reynolds, Candi essentially goes into seclusion.
Dr. Patrick (Mack) MacKevon, long-time friend of Cam’s, watches from the sidelines at the farm, w here his horses are stabled, while Candi struggles to regain a sense of normalcy. His own big-brother tendencies develop into a much deeper emotion over the months he prays for her.
Is it possible for Candi to put all of the pain and trauma behind her and renew her former relationship with the Lord? Will she allow her heart to open enough to discover authentic love, while making decisions of victory on her personal journey to joy?
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SAMPLING OF 17 AMAZON REVIEWS
January 2, 2020
Format: Kindle Edition
This is the first of Joy's books I'm reading. I personally love to read books that touch on hard subjects, especially when they're well done.I particularly love the way the author explored the issues in clear, believable ways. I'm looking forward to her next book.
Definitely recommend.
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Amazon.com reviews:
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
It's just not fair....that this ended waaaayyyy too soon. The plot and characters were well developed, interesting, and kept me turning (swiping) at the speed of light. I even tried to slow down and savor. Didn't go so well.The difficult subject matter is sprinkled with humor, unusual twists,and intrigue, all encompassed by the fact that God loves us and always has our back.
Can't wait for the next one...
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January 4, 2020
Format: Paperback
She survived a fate worse than death, only to have her fiance blame her for "asking for it!"I am generally not a fan of fiction that delves into such difficult themes, but Candi's story was one of overcoming. If you know someone who endured similar injury, you might find it helpful. After she's kidnapped, raped, and left for dead, her brother and best friend are the ones who give her the loving support her fiance does not. Candi's recovery is triumphant in the end, and her journey is believable and full of insights along the way.
As others have said, Joy Avery Melville makes a difficult topic easier to read with her theme of hope, faith, and touches of humor. Oh, and a young girl's dream of owning a horse is a big part of the story and healing which I quite enjoyed.
Recommended for those who read women's fiction and aren't afraid to be moved by difficult topics.
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January 1, 2020
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
Author Joy Avery Melville's debut novel, Meant for Her, is a powerful story that pulled me in from the beginning. My heart was heavy for Candi, while adoring Mack - - what a wonderful hero he is! Well-written with a faith thread woven in, Meant for Her pulls at the reader's heart and is a story I highly recommend. Five Stars!!
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November 14, 2019
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
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December 2019
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
My heart broke for Candi and what the character endured and lived through. It's a hard topic to cover sensitively. My stumbling point in the story causing the 4 stars (I would have preferred to do 4 1/2 stars but I don't know how) anyway, Mack's Irish brogue was really hard for me to read. I think I'm too Norwegian. lol His character was wonderful as is the brother.
Very nicely done by Joy Melville. She tackled something clearly God put on her heart.
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SAMPLING OF 8 GOODREADS REVIEWS
really liked it
4 STARS
If you're looking for a lighthearted read, you may want to keep on looking because this one isn't an easy read by any means! It deals with some very serious topics such as rape and unwanted pregnancy. This could certainly be a trigger for some, and in general these aren't the most enjoyable of topics to read about, are they? Still despite the subject matter at hand, it truly was a story of healing and of hope that is so necessary.
I must admit at first I struggled to get into the story...finding the dialog a bit hard to follow. After some thought I realized that this is nothing in the story or writing itself. Instead, I believe it had to do with the formatting in the advanced copy that I received for consideration... this will be a nonissue for those reading the finished copy. Still, it did keep me from really getting into the story as much as I would have liked in the beginning... once I adjusted to the formatting, it was easier to connect with the characters and the story itself.
And oh what great characters they were! We meet Candi in the aftermath of her attack. The story follows her journey of healing both physically and emotionally. Again, not an easy topic, but one that I feel was handled both realistically (not sugar coated) and respectfully. There was a romance story in there as well with the perfect novel hero Mack, but more than anything it was the story of healing that stood out to me most. I loved this beautiful reminder that while tragic events aren't what God wants for us, He can and DOES bring good things from those intended for evil.
While this might not be the type of book that I would normally read as far as subject matter, it did have a fantastic message that I believe we can all use a reminder of now and again.
**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for consideration. All thoughts are 100% my own.
If you're looking for a lighthearted read, you may want to keep on looking because this one isn't an easy read by any means! It deals with some very serious topics such as rape and unwanted pregnancy. This could certainly be a trigger for some, and in general these aren't the most enjoyable of topics to read about, are they? Still despite the subject matter at hand, it truly was a story of healing and of hope that is so necessary.
I must admit at first I struggled to get into the story...finding the dialog a bit hard to follow. After some thought I realized that this is nothing in the story or writing itself. Instead, I believe it had to do with the formatting in the advanced copy that I received for consideration... this will be a nonissue for those reading the finished copy. Still, it did keep me from really getting into the story as much as I would have liked in the beginning... once I adjusted to the formatting, it was easier to connect with the characters and the story itself.
And oh what great characters they were! We meet Candi in the aftermath of her attack. The story follows her journey of healing both physically and emotionally. Again, not an easy topic, but one that I feel was handled both realistically (not sugar coated) and respectfully. There was a romance story in there as well with the perfect novel hero Mack, but more than anything it was the story of healing that stood out to me most. I loved this beautiful reminder that while tragic events aren't what God wants for us, He can and DOES bring good things from those intended for evil.
While this might not be the type of book that I would normally read as far as subject matter, it did have a fantastic message that I believe we can all use a reminder of now and again.
**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for consideration. All thoughts are 100% my own.
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it was amazing
5 STARS
My heart really hurt for Candi-girl. No one should have to go through what she did.
I think the author has handled this subject quite well and she has pulled this off in making the characters realistic.
As often in real life this does happen leaving the victim feeling ashamed, afraid, and looking over your shoulder at any little noise.
Fear will hold you captive. Once it grabs you it will stay as long as you let it.
It's why we need God. We need His Grace. All we need to do is ask.
I liked it that forgiveness is added in here too. Even though it's hard, we need to do it for our peace of mind.
My emotions were all over the place. My advice to you as a reader please have some tissue by your side.
You'll find yourself rooting for the main character as the author puts her through whatever life throws at her.
In my opinion Candi-girl came out the better person for it.
She was truly amazing and I loved her for it.
She also has a pretty special brother Cam. I loved that he supported his sister.
The best part about this book was the horses for me. I love horses ever since I was little.
Such gorgeous horses too!
I really enjoyed this book after I got into it. It starts out slow but then it gets better. You'll not want to put this book down until you see how Candis' story ends. Let me tell you you be thinking about her long after the book ends.
I might add the cover of the book has all of my favorite colors on it. The path on the cover will call to you too.
NO compensations were received and all opinions are my own. I was NOT required to write a review.
I think the author has handled this subject quite well and she has pulled this off in making the characters realistic.
As often in real life this does happen leaving the victim feeling ashamed, afraid, and looking over your shoulder at any little noise.
Fear will hold you captive. Once it grabs you it will stay as long as you let it.
It's why we need God. We need His Grace. All we need to do is ask.
I liked it that forgiveness is added in here too. Even though it's hard, we need to do it for our peace of mind.
My emotions were all over the place. My advice to you as a reader please have some tissue by your side.
You'll find yourself rooting for the main character as the author puts her through whatever life throws at her.
In my opinion Candi-girl came out the better person for it.
She was truly amazing and I loved her for it.
She also has a pretty special brother Cam. I loved that he supported his sister.
The best part about this book was the horses for me. I love horses ever since I was little.
Such gorgeous horses too!
I really enjoyed this book after I got into it. It starts out slow but then it gets better. You'll not want to put this book down until you see how Candis' story ends. Let me tell you you be thinking about her long after the book ends.
I might add the cover of the book has all of my favorite colors on it. The path on the cover will call to you too.
NO compensations were received and all opinions are my own. I was NOT required to write a review.
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5 STARS
A deeply touching story
This is a wonderful story about healing. It is well written with just the right sensitivity. And Mack is every girl’s hero
This is a wonderful story about healing. It is well written with just the right sensitivity. And Mack is every girl’s hero
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4 STARS
The author crafted a story that does have potential triggers for some readers, but the faith message is powerful. Melville tackled some difficult subject manners in a sensitive way. Characters and scenarios were realistic and relatable. I had a hard time liking Harper, but even his character was spot-on for how some people would react in his position, unfortunately. Cam is the dedicated and loving big brother even woman would long to have. I was thrilled with the ending, and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
One of my favorite quotes:
"God has our journeys mapped out in such a way that whatever detours we're forced to take, He gets us to the best possible destination of joy at the end.
The author crafted a story that does have potential triggers for some readers, but the faith message is powerful. Melville tackled some difficult subject manners in a sensitive way. Characters and scenarios were realistic and relatable. I had a hard time liking Harper, but even his character was spot-on for how some people would react in his position, unfortunately. Cam is the dedicated and loving big brother even woman would long to have. I was thrilled with the ending, and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
One of my favorite quotes:
"God has our journeys mapped out in such a way that whatever detours we're forced to take, He gets us to the best possible destination of joy at the end.
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RECOMMENDATIONS ON BOOKBUB
There are 4 recommendations to read Meant For Her.
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To learn more about Joy and her books - see her author connections below:
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Journeystojoy
- Email: joyjournaling@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.joyaverymelville.com
- Blog: https://www.journeystojoy.net
- Facebook Author Page: http://facebook.com/jamauthor
- Facebook Personal Page: http://facebook.com/joy.averymelville
- Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/joyaverymelville
- Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/joyjournalinggmailcom
- Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/joy-avery-melville
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WHERE can Meant For Her be purchased?
Which formats can Meant For Her be purchased in?
- Ebook
- Paperback
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Joy Avery Melville will be honored to gift
a winner a signed copy of Meant For Her.
Be sure to leave a comment with an email address where you can be reached should you win.
DRAWING TO BE HELD WEDNESDAY EVENING ~ January 29, 2019.
