Book: Amaryllis Journey
Author: Konnie Viner
Genre: Christian Fiction/Romance
Release Date: July 23, 2020

You’re worthless, Shannon. This marriage is worthless. I deserve to be happy. We’re done!
Andrew’s cruel words have haunted Shannon for months . . . through the divorce, a move to a new town, a new job, new friends. And then she meets Max, who just might be the antidote she needs to recover completely. Until Andrew shows up again, ready to reconcile. And Shannon feels obligated to give him another chance.

As Andrew’s attention becomes more demanding and more deceptive, Shannon’s new friend, Rose, speaks truth and peace into her broken life. But Rose has her own secrets, and they’re about to catch up with her.

When it all comes crashing down, can either of them trust God enough to let Him showcase the perfect imperfections of their lives?

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My Thoughts

This is a beautiful story about starting over and faith. We meet Shannon who has moved to town following a divorce from a very abusive relationship. My feelings for Andrew at times were less than holy. He is an absolute jerk to her and treats her like she is trash. Definitely a cause for warning readers as this my be a sensitive subject or a trigger. I mean at times you can feel the tension and it truly is heartbreaking.

You definitely will get caught into this story and not want to put it down. It is very captivating. Its raw and real. Its not your typical love story of happily ever after. Its definitely Shannon's journey in finding out who she really is. Definitely reminded me of the Bible verse in Isaiah 61:3 " He gives us beauty for ashes, strength for fear, gladness for mourning and peace for despair." That's what popped into my head when reading her story.

Another special character in this story is Rose... oh when you meet her! What a beautiful soul that helps and witnesses to Shannon. There is also a little mystery going on with Rose. But you'll have to read it to find out what it is!

My Rating: 4 Stars/ Really Liked it

About the Author

Konnie Viner writes with the goal of helping others find hope in the midst of brokenness and disappointment. She is also the author of Rested Soul, Resilient Heart (2017). Konnie holds a BS in Education from the University of Kansas and an MS in Business Management from the University of Redlands, CA. She is a former secondary education teacher and is currently self-employed.

More from Konnie

Amaryllis Journey is my second book, but first novel. It was written to bring to life one woman’s struggle to move out of the pain and insecurity of marital betrayal and divorce, into the light of God’s grace. Shannon Enright’s new life is facilitated by a wise friend, Rose Daniels, who has been where she is and knows that what is broken is not useless and what is bare can bloom again.
Reeling from the pain and rejection of a nasty divorce, Shannon decides to start life over—in a new town, with a new job, new home, new friends. It isn’t easy, but things are finally starting to come together for her. Secrets from her marriage are still unfolding, but she grits her teeth and moves on. Looking for diversion, Shannon volunteers at a local florist shop and tearoom. There she finds more than she ever imagined.
Rose owns and operates the Amaryllis, a unique gift shop in Shannon’s new town. She repurposes broken household items, turning them into beautifully useful works of art. But Rose’s real purpose is to help others find beauty in the brokenness of life. She counsels young women like Shannon, showing them the quiet love of a faithful God and teaching them to trust His plan.
When Shannon’s ex returns, at first to sweet-talk and then to demand, it’s Rose’s counsel that keeps Shannon safe and sane. But Rose has been hiding her own dark and dangerous secrets, and her past is about to catch up with her.
When things come crashing down around them, will either woman find the strength to let God showcase the perfect imperfections of their lives?
——
I went through my own divorce ten years ago. I’ve experienced many of the same emotions and insecurities that Shannon does. I wrote her story so others can know that the disappointments and failures of your past don’t have to dictate what’s to come. When I chose to have Rose rescue cracked and broken pots and make them into something beautiful, it was with deliberate intent.
I love Rose’s passion for bringing beauty from the broken. Her repurposed containers carry the beauty of God’s creation (flowers) into the world. Our lives are like her art. We are vehicles for God’s grace. Our chips and cracks do not diminish His glory. They showcase His power and His redeeming love.
Publication of Amaryllis Journey was bittersweet for me because the character Rose was modeled after my mother who was my mentor. I did not tell Mom I was writing this book because “my” plan was to dedicate it to her. But God had other plans, and He called her home to Heaven suddenly before the book was completed. It is now dedicated to her memory.
Konnie