Litfuse blog tour for Love in the Balance by Regina Jennings (with review)

Regina Jennings is celebrating the release of Love in the Balance with a Kindle Fire Giveaway and a Facebook Author Chat Party on 4/4!

One "lovely" winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire 
• A copy of Regina's Sixty Acres and a Bride and Love in the Balance

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 3rd. Winner will be announced at the "Love in the Balance" Author Chat Party on April 4th. Connect with Regina, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at a trivia contest, and chat with readers just like you. There will also be many fun giveaways -- gift certificates, books, and more!

So grab your copy of Love in the Balance and join Regina on the evening of April 4th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 4th!

Now for my review:

I'd have to say the best part of the book was at the very end, though I enjoyed reading the whole thing. But the ending was sigh-worthy. Plus, it had a lot of spiritual depth to it. I've not read any historical novels where the man pointed out to some of the critics that it was easier to blame the woman, when often the man was at fault as well. I loved Bailey's honesty and how he shared that just because his sins were hidden didn't mean they weren't as bad. Then, of course, there is the sin of pride, and we all know how ugly that one can be.

I had a love-hate relationship with Molly's parents. I won't say a word about Edward beyond the fact that he was a heartless snake. Okay, I didn't like him either. I won't even elaborate on the reasons I didn't care for him, but would rather let the readers discover that for themselves.

Anyway, many of us have made poor choices to please others only to discover that we should have listened to our hearts, and prayed about our motivations, rather than caving into the pressure around us. I loved the way this book addressed second chances and how despite our flaws and the stupid things we do, Jesus still wants to have a relationship with us. Bailey's love made me think of that. Only Bailey had manly desires that were refreshingly shown. When it came to the spiritual analogy, Bailey's love expressed God's love for us.

Maybe I am over-spiritualizing things a bit, but when I read about the smile on Bailey's face, I thought about how the Lord is waiting for us like a man waits expectantly for his bride. It made tears fill my eyes. And the cleansing of the past (in the river) and new starts that happen when we confess our sins... well, they are removed as far as the east is from the west. That was a beautiful illustration.

Throughout most of the book I felt Molly's pain, and her shame, but I also sensed the healing and maturity that took place in both of their lives. The Lord worked in their hearts during those difficult times. That's was beautifully shown over time and through the progression of their characters arcs. Nicely done!