Ember

Title: Ember (Audio Book)

Series: Crafted with Love #1

Author: Sharon Srock 

Publisher: A Blond and a Prayer Books

Narrator: Eliza Kiss

Genre: Christian Fiction, Romance, Contemporary Fiction

My Review:

Ember is the first book that I have read by Sharon Srock. She has written over two dozen books and this is the first book in the Crafted with Love series.

A narrator can make or break an audio book. When I first started the book I was not happy with the narrator because she was reading so slow. Once I adjusted the speed that I was listening I was completely content to listen to her voice. I was able to listen to the entire book in the same day.

When the story begins Ember is driving into the driveway of her best friend's house. It almost felt like you were walking into the middle of the story. After a bit it makes sense, but from the introductory scene, there is a jump of eighteen months. This left me with questions that were never answered and I understand not wanting to linger in a sadder scene, but I felt there should have been more here. I don't want to say more because I don't want to spoil anything.

Ember is an admirable character. From her unique name to her willingness to care for her best friend's girls, to owning her own business, she just exudes professionalism and love. She is strong in her faith, yet is not perfect, making her completely relatable.

Kira and Kasey are also fascinating characters. I love how strong their voices are in the story. It adds another element and a sweetness level that you won't find in most books. I adore the humor they add as well. 

Quinn's life is rocked twice, once when he is sent to prison, and again when he is released. After being released and given a clean slate, he grabs hold of this opportunity and pursues it for all he is worth. I admire his tenacity and his faith.

I enjoyed this story but felt it was too short and there could have been more to it. Mostly at the beginning and the end. This is a story of second chances, love, loss, betrayal, forgiveness, with a strong faith element woven throughout.

I would recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys contemporary, second chance novels. Fans of Denise Hunter, Karen Kingsbury, and Lisa Wingate will enjoy this author as well.

I received a complimentary audio book code from the author. I was not required to provide a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

★★★★/5

Synopsis (from Goodreads): 

A DIFFERENT SORT OF LOVE:
At twenty-two, college student Ember Monroe thought she’d found her happily-ever-after in Quinn Abbott. All it took was one ill-fated night and the worst betrayal imaginable to rip those dreams to shreds. Now, almost a decade later, Ember’s happily-ever-after has a new look as she raises the two daughters of her deceased best friend. With a business she loves and a family she never expected, Ember has all she wants…until Quinn comes back into her life determined to break her heart a second time.

HE ONLY WANTS HIS FAMILY BACK:
Quinn went to prison for a crime he didn’t commit and it cost him every good thing in his life. When new evidence sets him free, all Quinn wants is a fresh chance with his children. Unfortunately the only way to repair his family is to tear Ember’s apart.

GOD HAS HIS WORK CUT OUT FOR HIM:
Can Ember find the forgiveness required to embrace the blessings God has for her? Can Quinn rebuild the family that was taken from him? It’ll take a miracle…Maybe God has one.