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Devotion
From This Day Forward
Christian Music agent Kellen Rossiter has everything he ever wanted: A-list clients from coast to coast, a loving wife who honors and respects him, and a faith life that’s never wavered—until now.
Juliet Rossiter has the perfect life: a rewarding schedule serving the underprivileged, a husband who loves her as Christ loved the church, and a blessed future as a mother—at least that's what she thinks.
For Better or Worse
But what happens when their rock-solid marriage begins to crumble under the weight of an unexpected and powerful temptation? How does love survive when its foundation is shaken?
'Til Death Do Us Part
When human frailty and the allure of sin deal a harsh blow to their relationship, it will take more than love to mend the shattered trust and heartbreak. It will take a lifetime of devotion.
Christian Music agent Kellen Rossiter has everything he ever wanted: A-list clients from coast to coast, a loving wife who honors and respects him, and a faith life that’s never wavered—until now.
Juliet Rossiter has the perfect life: a rewarding schedule serving the underprivileged, a husband who loves her as Christ loved the church, and a blessed future as a mother—at least that's what she thinks.
For Better or Worse
But what happens when their rock-solid marriage begins to crumble under the weight of an unexpected and powerful temptation? How does love survive when its foundation is shaken?
'Til Death Do Us Part
When human frailty and the allure of sin deal a harsh blow to their relationship, it will take more than love to mend the shattered trust and heartbreak. It will take a lifetime of devotion.
300 pages, Paperback
First published October 15, 2012
114 people are currently reading
765 people want to read
About the author
Marianne Evans
52 books87 followersMarianne Evans is an award-winning author of Christian romance and fiction. Her hope is to spread the faith-affirming message of God’s love through the stories He prompts her to create.
Her Christian women’s fiction debut, Devotion, earned the prestigious Bookseller’s Best Award as well as the Heart of Excellence Award. Hearts Communion earned a win for Best Romance from the Christian Small Publisher's Association. She is also a two-time recipient of the Selah Award for her books Then & Now and Finding Home.
Marianne is a lifelong resident of Michigan and an active member of Romance Writers of America, most notably the Greater Detroit Chapter where she served two terms as President.
Her Christian women’s fiction debut, Devotion, earned the prestigious Bookseller’s Best Award as well as the Heart of Excellence Award. Hearts Communion earned a win for Best Romance from the Christian Small Publisher's Association. She is also a two-time recipient of the Selah Award for her books Then & Now and Finding Home.
Marianne is a lifelong resident of Michigan and an active member of Romance Writers of America, most notably the Greater Detroit Chapter where she served two terms as President.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
October 5, 2023
Kellen and Juliet, a couple in their early thirties, have been married for 8 years and been madly in love with each other.
Juliet was beautiful inside out and was involved with charity and humanitarian work. Kellen, a very handsome man was a talent scout and successful music agent in Nashville Tennessee.
They both were devout Christians.
For the last 2 years they've been trying for a baby unsuccessfully.
On Saturday nights they would usually be invited to night clubs for Kellen to scout around for talented singers.
That particular night Juliet decided to stay home as she was feeling tired. She told Kellen she'll wait up for him with the promise of more.
Little did they both know that this night was going to be fateful and change their lives.
The night club manager wanted Kellen to suss out a young singer named Chloe. As the singer got on stage and started singing, Kellen was stunned. He couldn't take his eyes of her. Her music was perfect, her presentation and physical appearance flawless.
As they got introduced a lightning bolt of attraction hit him. Chloe had always admired him and was impressed meeting him. They'd agreed to become agent and client.
He found her exquisite and he was enthralled by her.
Back home that night, he'd made love to his beautiful wife whom he loved dearly and knew that whatever gotten into him tonight with Chloe, Juliet was the antidote.
The sureness of their relationship would soothe away anything else.
As Kellen started associating with Chloe professionally the next few weeks, he'd tried to establish distance but it backfired. Each meeting left him with a disquieting hunger.
He'd found her guileless, charming, warm, just amazing. She'll fill him up with joy and excitement.
Kellen knew she was enamoured with him too. Her appeal was way too strong for him to fight off.
More than a month went by and Juliet had noticed that Kellen had grown increasingly remote, he was busy and distracted and wound up, so she gave him what seemed like some necessary space.
The last time they've made love was weeks ago and Juliet was buffled by his distance.
Kellen and Chloe had continued to see each other even on a non so professional way. Their conversation would stray from work boundaries to personal and they started bonding.
Kellen was increasingly feeling desperate on the fact that he was a happily married man, a devout Christian, yet utterly magnetized towards this woman and he had never been looking to feel this way about anyone other than his wife. In his job he was always associating with beautiful women that left him cold and uninterested. Until now.
Chloe was letting him know that even though she knew he was married, she was still interested in him.
Removed from the influence of Chloe's presence a sense of remorse and shame would wash through him. He knew he should be better than what he was reduced to be.
Arriving home one evening, he'd found Juliet ready for an outing. She looked gorgeous and breathtaking and no one he had ever met possessed such sweetness and light. Kellen realised nothing and no one, not even Chloe, captured him like his wife.
He had been a fool.
He had forgotten that tonight was the gala for the completion of his wife's humanitarian project. Guilty, rushed off to get ready.
Juliet was beginning to feel like she didn't matter anymore.
Kellen's phone had received messages. Juliet saw they were from Chloe. Kellen had been talking about this Chloe woman a lot lately and now she knew from the messages that lunch was coming up.
She never worried about such women before, why would she worry now about Chloe?
Because Kellen was different...
She knew Kellen was trying to hide the fact that something was going on but Juliet wasn't fooled.
It had been too long since Juliet and him made love. A need for connection, for intimacy swirled around him but he was finding it difficult to handle physicality with his wife right now.
His heart was leading him to a place where he felt unworthy of sharing her body and spirit in such a sacred way.
His wife was a remarkable woman, she was precious to him.
All along he had figured he could work with Chloe in a professional setting and walk away from her each day. He had grossly underestimated her impact. He was confused and transfixed by a compelling woman.
He knew he was falling in love with her.
Juliet happened to overheard him sweet talk to Chloe on the phone. She saw in his eyes the desire that he had only ever directed toward one person. Herself.
He'd quickly hang up once he'd spotted Juliet and she detected shame on his face. He said he was only trying to calm down a nervous client.
Juliet did not buy it and asked him why he no longer talk to her with the same degree of tenderness she'd heard in his voice just now? What did Chloe meant to him?
He said he was only offering guidance to her, one that she was paying him to do.
He knew Juliet had sense what was happening to him.
Chloe told Kellen she was falling in love with him and that she knew he'd felt the same. She wanted more from him.
Consumed with passion, Kellen, started kissing her but at some point the passion turned to revulsion, nausea and horror.
When he jerked away he'd realised they were no longer alone. His colleague had witnessed the scene. The colleague apologised for interrupting and left.
Chloe told Kellen they needed to face their feelings for each other.
He told her no, he'd made an enormous mistake.
Her features hardened and Kellen realised that she'd morphed from a sweet-natured ingenue to a driven and determined woman on a quest.
She told him she knew it was easier to stay married than go through the mess of a divorce but avoiding her wasn't going to make him happy and neither was living his life out of a sense of obligation to wedding vows that grown stale.
Kellen had discovered that in no way was he enamoured by her any longer. Chloe's hold over him had vanished. The kiss had awakened him to the evil of errant desire.
But Juliet was about to find out about his transgression through gossip as she was also about to find out about her pregnancy.
The couple had a long, uphill and arduous road towards recovery and healing.
Juliet was beautiful inside out and was involved with charity and humanitarian work. Kellen, a very handsome man was a talent scout and successful music agent in Nashville Tennessee.
They both were devout Christians.
For the last 2 years they've been trying for a baby unsuccessfully.
On Saturday nights they would usually be invited to night clubs for Kellen to scout around for talented singers.
That particular night Juliet decided to stay home as she was feeling tired. She told Kellen she'll wait up for him with the promise of more.
Little did they both know that this night was going to be fateful and change their lives.
The night club manager wanted Kellen to suss out a young singer named Chloe. As the singer got on stage and started singing, Kellen was stunned. He couldn't take his eyes of her. Her music was perfect, her presentation and physical appearance flawless.
As they got introduced a lightning bolt of attraction hit him. Chloe had always admired him and was impressed meeting him. They'd agreed to become agent and client.
He found her exquisite and he was enthralled by her.
Back home that night, he'd made love to his beautiful wife whom he loved dearly and knew that whatever gotten into him tonight with Chloe, Juliet was the antidote.
The sureness of their relationship would soothe away anything else.
As Kellen started associating with Chloe professionally the next few weeks, he'd tried to establish distance but it backfired. Each meeting left him with a disquieting hunger.
He'd found her guileless, charming, warm, just amazing. She'll fill him up with joy and excitement.
Kellen knew she was enamoured with him too. Her appeal was way too strong for him to fight off.
More than a month went by and Juliet had noticed that Kellen had grown increasingly remote, he was busy and distracted and wound up, so she gave him what seemed like some necessary space.
The last time they've made love was weeks ago and Juliet was buffled by his distance.
Kellen and Chloe had continued to see each other even on a non so professional way. Their conversation would stray from work boundaries to personal and they started bonding.
Kellen was increasingly feeling desperate on the fact that he was a happily married man, a devout Christian, yet utterly magnetized towards this woman and he had never been looking to feel this way about anyone other than his wife. In his job he was always associating with beautiful women that left him cold and uninterested. Until now.
Chloe was letting him know that even though she knew he was married, she was still interested in him.
Removed from the influence of Chloe's presence a sense of remorse and shame would wash through him. He knew he should be better than what he was reduced to be.
Arriving home one evening, he'd found Juliet ready for an outing. She looked gorgeous and breathtaking and no one he had ever met possessed such sweetness and light. Kellen realised nothing and no one, not even Chloe, captured him like his wife.
He had been a fool.
He had forgotten that tonight was the gala for the completion of his wife's humanitarian project. Guilty, rushed off to get ready.
Juliet was beginning to feel like she didn't matter anymore.
Kellen's phone had received messages. Juliet saw they were from Chloe. Kellen had been talking about this Chloe woman a lot lately and now she knew from the messages that lunch was coming up.
She never worried about such women before, why would she worry now about Chloe?
Because Kellen was different...
She knew Kellen was trying to hide the fact that something was going on but Juliet wasn't fooled.
It had been too long since Juliet and him made love. A need for connection, for intimacy swirled around him but he was finding it difficult to handle physicality with his wife right now.
His heart was leading him to a place where he felt unworthy of sharing her body and spirit in such a sacred way.
His wife was a remarkable woman, she was precious to him.
All along he had figured he could work with Chloe in a professional setting and walk away from her each day. He had grossly underestimated her impact. He was confused and transfixed by a compelling woman.
He knew he was falling in love with her.
Juliet happened to overheard him sweet talk to Chloe on the phone. She saw in his eyes the desire that he had only ever directed toward one person. Herself.
He'd quickly hang up once he'd spotted Juliet and she detected shame on his face. He said he was only trying to calm down a nervous client.
Juliet did not buy it and asked him why he no longer talk to her with the same degree of tenderness she'd heard in his voice just now? What did Chloe meant to him?
He said he was only offering guidance to her, one that she was paying him to do.
He knew Juliet had sense what was happening to him.
Chloe told Kellen she was falling in love with him and that she knew he'd felt the same. She wanted more from him.
Consumed with passion, Kellen, started kissing her but at some point the passion turned to revulsion, nausea and horror.
When he jerked away he'd realised they were no longer alone. His colleague had witnessed the scene. The colleague apologised for interrupting and left.
Chloe told Kellen they needed to face their feelings for each other.
He told her no, he'd made an enormous mistake.
Her features hardened and Kellen realised that she'd morphed from a sweet-natured ingenue to a driven and determined woman on a quest.
She told him she knew it was easier to stay married than go through the mess of a divorce but avoiding her wasn't going to make him happy and neither was living his life out of a sense of obligation to wedding vows that grown stale.
Kellen had discovered that in no way was he enamoured by her any longer. Chloe's hold over him had vanished. The kiss had awakened him to the evil of errant desire.
But Juliet was about to find out about his transgression through gossip as she was also about to find out about her pregnancy.
The couple had a long, uphill and arduous road towards recovery and healing.
July 9, 2022
Apparently I went from a BdSM romance to Christian fiction.
I must be schizophrenic.
And o found out another great truth.
Be him Italian, Texan, Greek, Arab or British, be him Muslim or devoted Christian as in this book, a cheating asshole is always a cheating asshole.
Oh yeah, I feel better now.
He has the Bible under his pillow and talks with god while driving to work, but he’s the same old sob cheater as in older Hp that have us modern women cringe in rejection for their utter chauvinism and shitty narcissism.
Nothing change.
It’s nice to have certainties in life, like when you learn at school that if you change the position of addends the sum remains the same.
So if you change qualifiers to a bastard cheater, the cheater remains the same.
Sad but true.
The book is really good, the introspection of feelings is very deep and accurate, the description of the heroine’s angst and of the hero’s feelings for ow first and for his wife afterwards is powerful and strong.
This author is very gifted with emotions and has a good talent for understanding how human mind works.
She one of the best in this field IMO.
The heroine and the hero are a married couple that should be happy, they are Christian and very involved in their church.
She’s involved with many charities.
He works for a music label as a producer and talent scout.
Then he meets a young woman, a very talented singer and basically falls in love with her.
The whole thing is described very detailed and is also very painful to read, because every single touch and look is examined with its emotional consequences for the hero and ow.
He know it’s wrong but still he goes on until he kisses ow.
Just as he’s kissing her he feels disgust and shame and decides to break things with her.
Seems that the kiss made him realize that he loves his wife and the thing with ow was only a silly infatuation for a young woman who worshipped him.
He hopes his wife never finds out and decides he will spend his whole life making up with her.
But of course the poor wife finds out and she’s shattered and hurt.
Cherry on the top: she’s pregnant.
The second half of the book is the hero groveling and trying to win his wife back.
Yes, she takes him back. Grrrrrr.
Things I liked:
- the angst. It was really very angsty because all the phases of their crisis are completely described with many details and we know how the characters are feelings all the way. It was very good.
- the heroine doesn’t forgive him immediately. He grovels for months. And she doesn’t trust him soon. Even if Christian spouses should forgive and take the cheater back she makes him pay. I like this because the heroine was basically an angel, perfect and compassionate and her behavior was ideal. Their relationship was maybe too comfortable but she didn’t stray and never allowed om inside her marriage.
- the hero never blamed her for what happened. He took all the blame and every time the heroine rejected him he blamed himself and his behavior. Thank god for small mercies.
- I liked how the Christian community supported the heroine, without blaming her or trying to persuade her to take the cheater back.
There are many things I didn’t like too:
- the hero. Usual weak narcissist man who must have all the attention on himself otherwise he feels neglected. He thinks his marriage was not so exciting as in the early years so he fell hard for a younger model. And he was conscious that he was feeling things for ow that he shouldn’t have, Christian, Muslim or atheist no matter what, he shouldn’t have flirted with ow for so long. It was wrong. Any person could have told him, no need of bible here.
- he cheated on his wife. He didn’t have sex but he was completely enthralled with ow, he felt excited and thought of her constantly. Worse than a ONS.
- the kiss part. He kissed ow and is in lust with her but when he kisses her he feels disgust and shame and immediately afterward he can’t feel anything for her. Nothing. Not a twitch down there. This was not realistic. For weeks he was so into ow he couldn’t even have sex with his wife, then suddenly he kisses her and pof- all the lust disappears. Why? Because he is afraid that his wife finds out?
- The reason for his cheating was lack of thrills. Really? The man is shallow, I wouldn’t trust him again. Of course after some years the couple doesn’t have all the dopamine and adrenaline as in early years, but there is much endorphins and oxytocin that should bind the couple more securely, chemistry speaking! So his reason is flimsy. I think the reason is in the weakness of his character. And it’s worse because he is Christian and should be stronger in his beliefs, but he chooses to betray a wife who’s basically perfect. The heroine was really perfect and I liked her strength of character, her compassionate behavior and her sweetness. She deserved better.
-I didn’t like that the heroine apologizes in the end. She didn’t have anything to apologize. Not to the hero. It’s not true that if a marriage is in peril the blame is on both. It may be but it may be one sided. The other only blame sometimes is that he or she doesn’t realize that the partner is behaving badly.
In this case what could have she done? Giving him more head? Sky diving? Stripping on the table of the kitchen?
She was devoted and loving and careful. She was beautiful and loved all people around her. She was supportive with her husband. If a woman can’t be safe when she’s behaving like this heroine I just don’t know what is necessary to make a marriage work.
The hero has all the blame. Reckless Peter Pan who needs attentions and younger women.
Whatever.
The book is good, the Christian beliefs are everywhere but I wasn’t bothered because you can enjoy the story even if you’re not a believer.
I must be schizophrenic.
And o found out another great truth.
Be him Italian, Texan, Greek, Arab or British, be him Muslim or devoted Christian as in this book, a cheating asshole is always a cheating asshole.
Oh yeah, I feel better now.
He has the Bible under his pillow and talks with god while driving to work, but he’s the same old sob cheater as in older Hp that have us modern women cringe in rejection for their utter chauvinism and shitty narcissism.
Nothing change.
It’s nice to have certainties in life, like when you learn at school that if you change the position of addends the sum remains the same.
So if you change qualifiers to a bastard cheater, the cheater remains the same.
Sad but true.
The book is really good, the introspection of feelings is very deep and accurate, the description of the heroine’s angst and of the hero’s feelings for ow first and for his wife afterwards is powerful and strong.
This author is very gifted with emotions and has a good talent for understanding how human mind works.
She one of the best in this field IMO.
The heroine and the hero are a married couple that should be happy, they are Christian and very involved in their church.
She’s involved with many charities.
He works for a music label as a producer and talent scout.
Then he meets a young woman, a very talented singer and basically falls in love with her.
The whole thing is described very detailed and is also very painful to read, because every single touch and look is examined with its emotional consequences for the hero and ow.
He know it’s wrong but still he goes on until he kisses ow.
Just as he’s kissing her he feels disgust and shame and decides to break things with her.
Seems that the kiss made him realize that he loves his wife and the thing with ow was only a silly infatuation for a young woman who worshipped him.
He hopes his wife never finds out and decides he will spend his whole life making up with her.
But of course the poor wife finds out and she’s shattered and hurt.
Cherry on the top: she’s pregnant.
The second half of the book is the hero groveling and trying to win his wife back.
Yes, she takes him back. Grrrrrr.
Things I liked:
- the angst. It was really very angsty because all the phases of their crisis are completely described with many details and we know how the characters are feelings all the way. It was very good.
- the heroine doesn’t forgive him immediately. He grovels for months. And she doesn’t trust him soon. Even if Christian spouses should forgive and take the cheater back she makes him pay. I like this because the heroine was basically an angel, perfect and compassionate and her behavior was ideal. Their relationship was maybe too comfortable but she didn’t stray and never allowed om inside her marriage.
- the hero never blamed her for what happened. He took all the blame and every time the heroine rejected him he blamed himself and his behavior. Thank god for small mercies.
- I liked how the Christian community supported the heroine, without blaming her or trying to persuade her to take the cheater back.
There are many things I didn’t like too:
- the hero. Usual weak narcissist man who must have all the attention on himself otherwise he feels neglected. He thinks his marriage was not so exciting as in the early years so he fell hard for a younger model. And he was conscious that he was feeling things for ow that he shouldn’t have, Christian, Muslim or atheist no matter what, he shouldn’t have flirted with ow for so long. It was wrong. Any person could have told him, no need of bible here.
- he cheated on his wife. He didn’t have sex but he was completely enthralled with ow, he felt excited and thought of her constantly. Worse than a ONS.
- the kiss part. He kissed ow and is in lust with her but when he kisses her he feels disgust and shame and immediately afterward he can’t feel anything for her. Nothing. Not a twitch down there. This was not realistic. For weeks he was so into ow he couldn’t even have sex with his wife, then suddenly he kisses her and pof- all the lust disappears. Why? Because he is afraid that his wife finds out?
- The reason for his cheating was lack of thrills. Really? The man is shallow, I wouldn’t trust him again. Of course after some years the couple doesn’t have all the dopamine and adrenaline as in early years, but there is much endorphins and oxytocin that should bind the couple more securely, chemistry speaking! So his reason is flimsy. I think the reason is in the weakness of his character. And it’s worse because he is Christian and should be stronger in his beliefs, but he chooses to betray a wife who’s basically perfect. The heroine was really perfect and I liked her strength of character, her compassionate behavior and her sweetness. She deserved better.
-I didn’t like that the heroine apologizes in the end. She didn’t have anything to apologize. Not to the hero. It’s not true that if a marriage is in peril the blame is on both. It may be but it may be one sided. The other only blame sometimes is that he or she doesn’t realize that the partner is behaving badly.
In this case what could have she done? Giving him more head? Sky diving? Stripping on the table of the kitchen?
She was devoted and loving and careful. She was beautiful and loved all people around her. She was supportive with her husband. If a woman can’t be safe when she’s behaving like this heroine I just don’t know what is necessary to make a marriage work.
The hero has all the blame. Reckless Peter Pan who needs attentions and younger women.
Whatever.
The book is good, the Christian beliefs are everywhere but I wasn’t bothered because you can enjoy the story even if you’re not a believer.
September 27, 2022
Praise be, bitches, I read a Christian Romance.
Yeah, I can't believe it myself, either. But I came for the angsty theme and it was amazing. Beyond my expectations. It's been a while since I read something this gut-wrenchingly angsty. I experienced it physically, emotionally, viscerally. Everything Kellen and Juliet thought and felt--all their anguish!--was incredibly well-written. I completely connected with these characters. (Thanks, Cindy, for the rec!)
**Check out Tmstprc's review.**
Besides the angsty feels, I also loved that the heroine wasn't a doormat. She didn't hold back from putting Kellen in his place, from making him grovel for a while. Despite being constantly reminded to forgive, she rebelled against the pressure to do so, especially on someone else's timetable. She stood up for herself. What's more important than forgiveness? Self-respect!
"Forgive me, Juliet… Kellen’s words came back to haunt her. So did his plaintive tone. She kicked them away. No, Kellen. You need to suffer. I want you to suffer. Badly."
Thank Gawd.
There were a few things I didn't like or agreed with AT ALL, but I don't have the time to hash out these issues. Towards the end of the book, the story started to lose steam. My interest nosedived. Strictly based on my enjoyment, this went from 5 Stars to 4. This book was still a winner 🙌🏻
About the religious preaching and bible scriptures...
For most of the book, it didn't bother me. In fact, some of Kellen and Juliet's heartfelt prayers made me emotional and teary-eyed. But eventually the scriptures and the God-talk did wear on me. It became a bit much. Side note: The belief that being a devout Christian--or religious, period--is the only way to be a "good" and decent person...well, I call bullshit on that. Obviously, I realize I'm not the target audience for this book. Nevertheless, I enjoyed it. I got what I wanted from it. It was worth it! I'd read it again for all that angsty goodness. Blessed be the Fruit *LOL* (I'm a huge fan of The Handmaid's Tale tv series.)
HEA: Yes :)
Epilogue: No :(
Sexy Times: Fade to black :(
Yeah, I can't believe it myself, either. But I came for the angsty theme and it was amazing. Beyond my expectations. It's been a while since I read something this gut-wrenchingly angsty. I experienced it physically, emotionally, viscerally. Everything Kellen and Juliet thought and felt--all their anguish!--was incredibly well-written. I completely connected with these characters. (Thanks, Cindy, for the rec!)
**Check out Tmstprc's review.**
Besides the angsty feels, I also loved that the heroine wasn't a doormat. She didn't hold back from putting Kellen in his place, from making him grovel for a while. Despite being constantly reminded to forgive, she rebelled against the pressure to do so, especially on someone else's timetable. She stood up for herself. What's more important than forgiveness? Self-respect!
"Forgive me, Juliet… Kellen’s words came back to haunt her. So did his plaintive tone. She kicked them away. No, Kellen. You need to suffer. I want you to suffer. Badly."
Thank Gawd.
There were a few things I didn't like or agreed with AT ALL, but I don't have the time to hash out these issues. Towards the end of the book, the story started to lose steam. My interest nosedived. Strictly based on my enjoyment, this went from 5 Stars to 4. This book was still a winner 🙌🏻
About the religious preaching and bible scriptures...
For most of the book, it didn't bother me. In fact, some of Kellen and Juliet's heartfelt prayers made me emotional and teary-eyed. But eventually the scriptures and the God-talk did wear on me. It became a bit much. Side note: The belief that being a devout Christian--or religious, period--is the only way to be a "good" and decent person...well, I call bullshit on that. Obviously, I realize I'm not the target audience for this book. Nevertheless, I enjoyed it. I got what I wanted from it. It was worth it! I'd read it again for all that angsty goodness. Blessed be the Fruit *LOL* (I'm a huge fan of The Handmaid's Tale tv series.)
HEA: Yes :)
Epilogue: No :(
Sexy Times: Fade to black :(
May 28, 2024
I don’t really do Christian romances. I might’ve read one other by accident, but I do love cheaty/marriage in trouble books. There’re numerous musings, conversations, prayers, and counseling discussing Scripture and God speak, so if you have low patience for that sort of stuff… I’d skip it. But if you’re in it for angst and that feeling you get in the pit of your stomach while reading two people fight for their marriage… give it a shot.
July 12, 2023
A discussion of this book popped up on a FB page, and I realized I’d never actually reviewed it. I’m leaving it at 3 stars, having said that if I were strictly a faith based reader, I would probably kick it up a star.
It’s really geared for a Christian audience.
An emotionally cheating husband story, he’s a talent agent that specializes in Christian music but also has traditional music clients and he has an instantaneous attraction to a new client. And he goes down that slippery slope. We get all of this from his perspective and it’s tough to read. Riddled with guilt when he’s out of the OW’s range, it doesn’t stop him from risking his marriage. I think the author does a good job with this, it’s uncomfortable, it’s supposed to be.
Their one kiss, the kiss that is his reality check, is witnessed by someone else, and is the cause of his ruin. He realizes he can’t and won’t let it happen again, he removes himself from any situation that involves the OW, but before he can figure out how to deal with telling his wife, she finds out on her own. They are at a music function and she hears about all of this via gossip in the ladies room. Obviously, this implodes their relationship.
She’s pregnant, confirmed the day of their confrontation, which is well done and in church. She already knows something isn’t right with him and his new client, but is praying he's not cheating.
Most of the book is dealing with forgiveness and focusing on God. It’s done well; but if you aren’t a Christian and you’re reading for the cheating aspect of the story, reading the cheating from his perspective maybe too hard to come back from.
I thought he earned his forgiveness and trust would eventually follow, so the story worked for me.
It’s really geared for a Christian audience.
An emotionally cheating husband story, he’s a talent agent that specializes in Christian music but also has traditional music clients and he has an instantaneous attraction to a new client. And he goes down that slippery slope. We get all of this from his perspective and it’s tough to read. Riddled with guilt when he’s out of the OW’s range, it doesn’t stop him from risking his marriage. I think the author does a good job with this, it’s uncomfortable, it’s supposed to be.
Their one kiss, the kiss that is his reality check, is witnessed by someone else, and is the cause of his ruin. He realizes he can’t and won’t let it happen again, he removes himself from any situation that involves the OW, but before he can figure out how to deal with telling his wife, she finds out on her own. They are at a music function and she hears about all of this via gossip in the ladies room. Obviously, this implodes their relationship.
She’s pregnant, confirmed the day of their confrontation, which is well done and in church. She already knows something isn’t right with him and his new client, but is praying he's not cheating.
Most of the book is dealing with forgiveness and focusing on God. It’s done well; but if you aren’t a Christian and you’re reading for the cheating aspect of the story, reading the cheating from his perspective maybe too hard to come back from.
I thought he earned his forgiveness and trust would eventually follow, so the story worked for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2019
Heartbreaking read and I still cried big time! I had read this before but forgot I had and then it clicked and I really wanted to throw the kindle against the wall. No he didn't cheat per se but he did emotionally and he did Kiss her too. I was scared he would take but farther but he didn't. It still killed me to read about it and it was done very well but I have to go take a dose of old school Garwood to get over it. Not because the book was bad but because I hate the cheating trope. I am trying to understand the allure of it since so many readers love it but the gut wrenching pain and sobbing really doesn't appeal to me. And my husband hates it too. For many reasons but mostly the drywall repairs! Lol. Just have to stop reading these but it's like I can't walk away from this trope. It's a disease.
October 15, 2023
Yuck. No thanks. This book kinda implies being a Christian woman means taking back cheating pigs 🙄
Another book where the author made the FMC pregnant to make it easy to accept her fugly husband.🤮
Plots like this (unplanned pregnancy) are horrible and disgusting that tend to force women to lock themselves up to undeserving and asshole men and in this book’s case, they glorify them using Christian verses 🙃. Because I’m sure if the roles were reversed the MMC would divorce her faster than he can say “I am a pig.”
“I’m at the end of it all. There’s nothing I can say anymore, and nothing I can do to make things right again.” He continued to shovel and toss, never meeting her eyes. “How much more can I repent? I’ve tried everything I know to make my way back to you.”
—> Asshole acting like an entitled piece of shit. He didn’t think all of this when he was cheating and having nasty thoughts about OW. What a clown.
Another book where the author made the FMC pregnant to make it easy to accept her fugly husband.🤮
Plots like this (unplanned pregnancy) are horrible and disgusting that tend to force women to lock themselves up to undeserving and asshole men and in this book’s case, they glorify them using Christian verses 🙃. Because I’m sure if the roles were reversed the MMC would divorce her faster than he can say “I am a pig.”
“I’m at the end of it all. There’s nothing I can say anymore, and nothing I can do to make things right again.” He continued to shovel and toss, never meeting her eyes. “How much more can I repent? I’ve tried everything I know to make my way back to you.”
—> Asshole acting like an entitled piece of shit. He didn’t think all of this when he was cheating and having nasty thoughts about OW. What a clown.
November 17, 2022
Faith inspired books are not my thing especially the marriage in trouble ones as the cheater is always forgiven and taken back whether he deserves it or not. Redemption, grovel taking the back seat.
Very frustrating and unsatisfying.
The guy goes out, cheats on a loving faithful wife and then he's taken back. So, he does what he wants, has his fun without any repercussions. Not that things doesn't pan out similarly in non-Inspired books too but here Faith backing the guy as he's forgiven makes me antsy.
Very frustrating and unsatisfying.
The guy goes out, cheats on a loving faithful wife and then he's taken back. So, he does what he wants, has his fun without any repercussions. Not that things doesn't pan out similarly in non-Inspired books too but here Faith backing the guy as he's forgiven makes me antsy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2024
Powerful
To me, an emotional affair is often more destructive that a sexual one. The hurt and pain can be felt to your soul. This story did an excellent job of describing the influences and consequences of emotional betrayal. The road back strengthened them, their relationship and their faith.
To me, an emotional affair is often more destructive that a sexual one. The hurt and pain can be felt to your soul. This story did an excellent job of describing the influences and consequences of emotional betrayal. The road back strengthened them, their relationship and their faith.
April 8, 2013
"Devotion" by Marianne Evans is a 5 stars book. I would give this story more than 5 if I could. This story had me captivated from page. Even through it was fiction it could have been written about a real life couple and a troubled marriage. This story teaches us that just because we are God's children we are not safe from temptation and that we need to be aware that only listening to His voice will save us.
Kellen Rossiter was a married man and a Christian and a successful business man. He had A-lists clients in the music industry. His wife Juliet had the perfect life and was able to spend time and money helping the underprivileged. But their life wasn't what it seemed. They both spend time perusing their own interests. Then one fateful night Kellen wants Juliet to go to meet a client with him but she refused and Kellen meets Chloe. The attraction is felt by both Chloe and Kellen and Kellen ignores all the whispers in his soul by God till one day he makes a terrible mistake and Juliet learns about it at a big party for her grand opening of a center for the underprivileged. They have been married for 9 years and their biggest dream is starting a family and Juliet founds out she is pregnant about the time she learns of Kellen's betrayal. How can Juliet forgive Kellen and learn to trust him again? But then again is it all Kellen's fault or most Juliet bear some of the blame for the weakened state of their marriage? I believe this book is one that could be read time and time again to get points on how to keep your own marriages from being in such a state as it teaches Biblical points from different Scriptures! This book is one that I would recommend and if I am invited to a bridal shower and the bride-to be likes to read this book might be one of the presents in her bag of gifts from me. Yes I loved the story that well.
Kellen Rossiter was a married man and a Christian and a successful business man. He had A-lists clients in the music industry. His wife Juliet had the perfect life and was able to spend time and money helping the underprivileged. But their life wasn't what it seemed. They both spend time perusing their own interests. Then one fateful night Kellen wants Juliet to go to meet a client with him but she refused and Kellen meets Chloe. The attraction is felt by both Chloe and Kellen and Kellen ignores all the whispers in his soul by God till one day he makes a terrible mistake and Juliet learns about it at a big party for her grand opening of a center for the underprivileged. They have been married for 9 years and their biggest dream is starting a family and Juliet founds out she is pregnant about the time she learns of Kellen's betrayal. How can Juliet forgive Kellen and learn to trust him again? But then again is it all Kellen's fault or most Juliet bear some of the blame for the weakened state of their marriage? I believe this book is one that could be read time and time again to get points on how to keep your own marriages from being in such a state as it teaches Biblical points from different Scriptures! This book is one that I would recommend and if I am invited to a bridal shower and the bride-to be likes to read this book might be one of the presents in her bag of gifts from me. Yes I loved the story that well.
April 21, 2022
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Liked it!
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A long, silver dress dotted by sequins, flowed like water over a lithe body that was graceful and fluid. Spaghetti straps revealed toned arms, a long, slender neck. A straight column of black hair moved against her shoulders. He was positioned close enough to see that her large, wide-set eyes were violet. Violet.
Her voice became the only thing he could hear.
The longer he listened, and watched, the more he stared. Captured.
That’s when it hit him—a lightning bolt of attraction. A primitive male response to undiluted sweetness and a beguiling manner
Kellen watched. Oh, he couldn’t wait to work with this woman.
Full of undisguised awe, her reply stirred a second rush of attraction that wasn’t entirely welcome.
Before he knew it, it was almost one o’clock in the morning, and the spell shattered. I’ll wait up for you.
What had gotten into him tonight with Chloe?
He sank into a mix of emotions—pure, loving desire, then a longing that possessed two very distinct and potent layers. One belonged to his wife; the other belonged to the echo of a lightning strike—to a woman named Chloe Havermill.
For nearly two years she and Kellen had been trying to conceive, but with no success.
The night spent in Juliet’s arms nearly purged Kellen’s mind of the specter of Chloe Havermill.
Chloe hadn’t done anything inappropriate or out of line. Neither had he. Somehow, though, this vibration of need was stirring him up and unsettling a foundation he trusted implicitly. His body hadn’t betrayed him, but his heart was straying into territory that was absolutely forbidden—and signing Chloe as a client would bring them together on a continual and intense basis.
Additionally, the longer he waited to see her again, the itchier he became.
They conversed every couple days over the phone, or via e-mail. Each instance left him with a disquieting hunger, rooted deep in a foreign and increasingly powerful part of his psyche.
That something was desire.
So, he thought, she’s not quite as cool and composed as she looks. That makes two of us.
When their hands slid together, he received a jolt.
The expression on her face, its mix of joy and excitement, spoke to Kellen’s recognition of what was lacking in his life and slid against that empty spot he had just discovered.
Chloe Victoria Havermill. Everything about the woman struck Kellen like perfectly timed, beautifully blended music.
Kellen felt the craziest urge to reach out and stroke her cheek.
The simple act of watching her take a drink worked on his senses.
Her face glowed, and she shook her head, genuinely dazzled, and, yes, he recognized the signs: she was enamored, too.
Juliet had gotten into the habit of covering for Kellen and burying her own needs in the work she did through Trinity Christian.
A lack of God’s presence within their relationship was making a bad situation worse. Kellen had grown increasingly remote during the past several weeks, his distance intensifying to the point that only recently had she realized the blissful, passionate interlude of a month ago marked the last time they had made love.
She wore blue jeans, a white tank top and an open oxford shirt of purple that drew his focus to her amazing, violet eyes.
Awareness spread through his limbs in a flood when Chloe wheeled close.
Kellen didn’t particularly like the rise of need her attention gave him, nor the fact that he had been somewhat revealed in his infatuation, but he couldn’t refuse or stop the sensation either.
What would it feel like? Chloe’s infatuation, her openness…it tasted delicious.
Kellen’s throat went parched. Chloe’s hands slid against his, which remained in a tight clutch of the legal pad.
“Would you interested in lunch sometime next week? It’d probably be a good idea for us to review the—” “I’d love it.” She hadn’t even let him finish the thought.
What was he thinking, dallying with a woman—and the sanctity of his marriage—this way?
He remembered now, and he felt miserable for forgetting. Juliet’s defeat and sorrow hit him far worse than her anger ever could have.
He had forgotten about tonight, and that took a bite straight out of her heart.
The person’s name, whom Kellen had obviously included in his contact list, was Chloe Havermill.
Kellen had been talking about this Chloe woman a lot lately.
Kellen’s mood, his focus, had changed lately. Increasingly intense and withdrawn, he seemed overwhelmed, and that was completely out of character.
He tried to hide the fact that something was going on, but Juliet wasn’t fooled. And that something, she feared, was not going to be good. For either one of them.
A need for connection, for intimacy, swirled around them, but Kellen was finding it difficult to handle physicality with his wife right now. His heart was leading him to a place where he felt unworthy of sharing her body and spirit in such a sacred way.
Had he been too disconnected from her to realize the seamless way she had pulled this entire venture together?
He couldn’t reply. Instead, thoughts of Chloe crowded in. Images of her moved through his mind and slayed his conscience.
He was slipping away from God, his faith, and his marriage.
All along, he had figured he could work with Chloe in a professional setting and walk away from her each day.
All of a sudden, he was grateful he hadn’t cancelled lunch with Chloe. He couldn’t wait to tell her the news.
The more they relaxed over a delicious, leisurely meal, the more they laughed. The more they laughed, the closer they became.
Despite his convictions, he was in danger here, and he knew it, because in her eyes he detected a new and even more powerful level of emotion.
He wanted to take hold of her hand, draw her closer—and closer still…
Do not regard a woman lustfully, lest you commit adultery in your heart…
Chloe reached a spot of his heart that he had closed in a willing resolution to any other woman but his wife.
A simple electronic communication from Chloe had left him aroused at every level and completely engulfed in his feelings for her.
Why, recently, did Kellen seem so removed from their relationship?
What she saw in his eyes hit her with the impact of hammer blows. In his eyes was a desire that she had only ever seen directed toward one person. Her.
Why don’t you talk to me anymore with the same degree of tenderness I heard in your voice with her just now? What does she mean to you?”
Instead of affirmation, a thought occurred to her: Kellen hadn’t really answered her question about Chloe and what she truly meant to him.
He tried to fight the attraction he felt for Chloe, but time and again, his mind returned to the woman. Time and again, he stepped across one emotional boundary, then another and another until the rules of what he knew to be right and wrong became smeared and indiscernible.
He stretched an arm along the back of Chloe’s chair. The gesture looked casual, but felt anything but. His fingertips nearly brushed her shoulder. The skin there beckoned, covered only by the fabric of a pale blue silk shell. He inched just a bit closer…
Once the door closed behind Jason, Kellen stood, and so did Chloe. Their eyes met. A silence, redolent with charged electricity, filled the room.
Desire rammed home, knocking Kellen completely away from everything but Chloe.
But I wasn’t prepared for you, Kellen. Not at all. I can’t even think straight around you; you have that profound of an effect on me. You’re all I can think about. I know that’s wrong. I’m not the kind of girl who goes after married men. I’m not the kind of woman who…who…”
“I think what drives me crazy is the fact that I know you feel it, too. I feed off every look and every touch you give. You kiss my cheek, making it appear so casual, or help guide my step, and it thrills me. I love the simple act of talking to you on the phone, and the much more profound act of sharing all of this incredible forward progress with you.”
He took her arms, and then drew her in for a long, tight hug. Her heart thundered against his chest.
But I’ve never felt this way before, Kellen. What I feel for you takes me over.”
“Those are all the words I can give.” She tilted her head, opening herself to him like an offering. “I want more from you.”
Suddenly he couldn’t remember where time ended and began, where passion transformed into a primitive, elemental urgency of purpose. He only knew he needed this woman. He needed her open reception. He needed to know what she tasted like. He needed to know her textures. And none of it would be denied. Not this time.
His lips touched hers and a strangled sound bubbled upward from the depths of his chest. An instant later, he sank into a kiss that sent him tumbling and spinning. The world swirled into mind-dizzying flashes of color.
The kiss began with the giddy rush he had fully expected. The flavors and scents and feelings he had pined for now filled him. Her breath mixed with his, foreign and intriguing, pushing him on. Desire opened a floodgate, and he fell willingly beneath a deluge of passion that fed and intensified their connection.
“Kellen,” she whispered, “we needed that. We did. We needed to stop the tap dance.”
“Selfishly, I’m glad to discover you’re as affected by your feelings as I am.”
Her features hardened slightly, going intense. “Whether you’re ready to face the truth right now or not, you feel the same way about me.” She gathered a deep breath and then blew out through pursed lips. “Despite that, you’ll deny yourself by walking away from me?”
No, he prayed in fervor, Juliet can’t ever know about this. It was only a kiss—and I swear to You that it’s over. I’ve truly and honestly learned, God. You know that without question, because You know my heart…and my heart resides with You, and Juliet…
Nothing but fragments clicked into place-- unfaithfulness, betrayal, Juliet. Chloe turned and exited the studio.
“He saw them together! He actually caught them—kissing.” Juliet’s neighbor turned fully toward her friend, apparently enjoying the moment of revelation. “He said it was pretty steamy, too. Kicker is Jay tells me the guy is married! And a Christian!” “Wow.”
“Yeah, amazing, huh? I mean, can you believe that? Getting caught in the act?”
“Clandestine trysts aside, the one I feel sorry for is his wife. I wonder if she’s with him tonight. Seriously, the poor thing.”
“Yeah—I mean, once a cheater, always a cheater, you know?”
Being completely honest with herself, she had to admit: she had known something was wrong all along. She had known since that dinner at her parents’ house.
A cheater. Betrayer.
She had no idea what to do about Kellen’s infidelity.
“I’m sure you’ll remember the night it happened.” Juliet cut him off once more. “It was spontaneous and heated and wonderful. Remember? There were no thoughts of anything else but each other. Or so I had believed. But if you do the math, you’ll realize we conceived the night you met Chloe Havermill.” She sneered at him. “After all, it’s not like there’s been a ton of times that we’ve made love since then.”
“Ironic, isn’t it, that I’d get pregnant the night you came home from Iridescence—and her. I gave myself to you freely, Kellen. Like I always have. At the time, I had no idea the man I love—the man I’ve loved with all my heart—had most likely been riled up by dancing sensual circles around another woman.”
You’re looking at this pregnancy as a beginning. It’s not. To me, it marks the end.
“I can’t. I can’t, and I won’t, believe anything you say to me right now. You’ve been caught. That’s all your remorse is about. And, not to be cliché and all, but your actions speak much louder than your words.”
“Over the past few months, ever since you started working with Chloe, our relationship nose-dived. We’ve drifted and existed. I know that, and I admit I was too complacent to make changes. Still, you let her in! You found your way to a woman who is…is…”
Worse by far, however, Chloe fed a need in Kellen’s heart that Juliet obviously couldn’t.
“Frankly, I don’t know if we’re worth it, Kellen. Not anymore. What you’ve done speaks loud and clear about what you feel for me now.”
“Let me ask you something. Do you regret betraying our marriage, or do you regret getting caught in the act?”
“I don’t know what I’m going to do, and I don’t know what’s going to happen. I’ve landed smack-dab in the middle of hell, and you’ve ripped my heart out.”
Husband. Father. Christian leader. He had utterly failed…on all counts.
“I feel like such a failure. I feel like something…or someone…who’s cheap and easily replaced. I wanted to be the one for you. To be your wife was a gift to me. Something I revered. I vowed to be the woman who would share your life, and know everything about you—all the best and all the worst. You vowed that to me, too, but you came upon someone else.”
You’ll never have the same degree of trust, and that’s my fault.
“She never had my heart, Juliet. What she stirred in me is an emotion I can only define as overly-excited lust. There was physical desire, but beyond that was an energy, a chemical that ran rampant when we were together…I don’t know how else to explain it...
I know right from wrong. I never should have let her in. You’re the most precious part of my life.”
Like a form of acid, the deterioration of his values had eaten away at everything he knew to be most important.
January 10, 2013
Are You Devoted To Your Marriage?
Devotion is a book that shows you just how much satan plays a hand in trying to destroy marriages. Even though this book is fiction it could very well be a true story and I have no doubt in my mind that a few readers can relate. I know it hit home for me.
I have never cried so much while reading a book. My emotions went through it all. Laughter, joy, happiness, disbelief, anger, sorrow, and hopelessness. When a Christian couple has a marriage devoted to each other that is when satan attacks; and attack he did.
The main characters in this book Kellen and Juliet Rossiter both possessed strong Christian values and seemed to have it all. They had a strong marriage, they were active in their church and they both loved God.
I related quite well to Juliet as I have walked in her shoes. Raw emotions took over while I was reading this book. It was an emotional ride for me.
This book will show you that God allows us to make choices, right or wrong. It is about learning to let go and let God. It is about earning trust again. Most importantly, it is about forgiveness.
Please pick up a copy of this book. It could change your marriage! Thank you Marianne Evans for writing Devotion.
Devotion is a book that shows you just how much satan plays a hand in trying to destroy marriages. Even though this book is fiction it could very well be a true story and I have no doubt in my mind that a few readers can relate. I know it hit home for me.
I have never cried so much while reading a book. My emotions went through it all. Laughter, joy, happiness, disbelief, anger, sorrow, and hopelessness. When a Christian couple has a marriage devoted to each other that is when satan attacks; and attack he did.
The main characters in this book Kellen and Juliet Rossiter both possessed strong Christian values and seemed to have it all. They had a strong marriage, they were active in their church and they both loved God.
I related quite well to Juliet as I have walked in her shoes. Raw emotions took over while I was reading this book. It was an emotional ride for me.
This book will show you that God allows us to make choices, right or wrong. It is about learning to let go and let God. It is about earning trust again. Most importantly, it is about forgiveness.
Please pick up a copy of this book. It could change your marriage! Thank you Marianne Evans for writing Devotion.
November 11, 2025
Really, really heavy on the religious side, not for me
June 6, 2012
Kellen Rossiter is at the top of his game, representing an elite roster of recording artists, many of whom share his Christian faith. Married to the love of his life, Juliet, he gives 110% to his job, never suspecting he's about to give more than he ever bargained for.
Juliet Rossiter adores her husband and is his number-one supporter, but attending the continual stream of evening social events required by his job is exhausting, especially considering her involvement at the local homeless center, and she has begun to stay home rather than accompany Kellen to the numerous gatherings.
When a fresh young talent with an amazing voice is presented to Kellen, he knows she has just what it takes to make it big. He is mesmerized by her compelling, unaffected personality and unmatched voice but though drawn to her, he has no intention of betraying his wedding vows.
Reading this book was a bit like watching an accident happen in slow motion. You know what's about to happen and can't look away, but you are powerless to change the course of events. Marianne Evans has written a story that is the song of too many marriages today which are stuck in the same refrain.
Evans effectively shows the pricks of conscience/nudges of the Holy Spirit that Kellen experiences and ignores as he edges closer to forbidden territory. For those concerned about the degree to which adultery is portrayed in a Christian novel, nothing occurs beyond a kiss. Yet it is clear by the fallout, both within Kellen spiritually and emotionally as well as within the marriage, that this is indeed a serious betrayal.
While God's forgiveness and redemption are immediately received upon repentance, the consequences are not so quickly repaired, and Kellen and Juliet must decide whether and how to repair their marriage and what Devotion truly means.
Devotion is not an easy read but an important one. Those who have suffered the pain of infidelity may either find it hits too close to home or find encouragement and help in healing within its pages. For those who have not been scarred or flippantly think "I would never," this is a cautionary tale and should be considered a wake-up call to place boundaries and nurture their marriages.
(The Wordsmith Journal strives to guide readers to books of personal interest, with the understanding and respect that what appeals to some may not appeal to others. Therefore we attempt to keep our reviews focused on content, genre and style. The rating is necessary to make use of Goodreads and Amazon. It reflects the reviewer’s own level of enjoyment, but the review is intended to be informative for the benefit of all readers.)
Juliet Rossiter adores her husband and is his number-one supporter, but attending the continual stream of evening social events required by his job is exhausting, especially considering her involvement at the local homeless center, and she has begun to stay home rather than accompany Kellen to the numerous gatherings.
When a fresh young talent with an amazing voice is presented to Kellen, he knows she has just what it takes to make it big. He is mesmerized by her compelling, unaffected personality and unmatched voice but though drawn to her, he has no intention of betraying his wedding vows.
Reading this book was a bit like watching an accident happen in slow motion. You know what's about to happen and can't look away, but you are powerless to change the course of events. Marianne Evans has written a story that is the song of too many marriages today which are stuck in the same refrain.
Evans effectively shows the pricks of conscience/nudges of the Holy Spirit that Kellen experiences and ignores as he edges closer to forbidden territory. For those concerned about the degree to which adultery is portrayed in a Christian novel, nothing occurs beyond a kiss. Yet it is clear by the fallout, both within Kellen spiritually and emotionally as well as within the marriage, that this is indeed a serious betrayal.
While God's forgiveness and redemption are immediately received upon repentance, the consequences are not so quickly repaired, and Kellen and Juliet must decide whether and how to repair their marriage and what Devotion truly means.
Devotion is not an easy read but an important one. Those who have suffered the pain of infidelity may either find it hits too close to home or find encouragement and help in healing within its pages. For those who have not been scarred or flippantly think "I would never," this is a cautionary tale and should be considered a wake-up call to place boundaries and nurture their marriages.
(The Wordsmith Journal strives to guide readers to books of personal interest, with the understanding and respect that what appeals to some may not appeal to others. Therefore we attempt to keep our reviews focused on content, genre and style. The rating is necessary to make use of Goodreads and Amazon. It reflects the reviewer’s own level of enjoyment, but the review is intended to be informative for the benefit of all readers.)
January 3, 2013
How can I review this book in words that aren’t stale, over-used “standard fare”? I desperately want to do that, because DEVOTION is NOT standard fare. It reaches deep, deep into the reader’s emotions and touches the most sensitive places in the soul. Perhaps because I had read the author’s Woodland series, I already felt a bond with Kellen and Juliet—and loved their obvious devotion to one another. When the back cover text made it obvious that beautiful relationship would be shadowed by infidelity, my heart broke…my spirit rebelled. I wasn’t sure I even wanted to read the book.
I’m glad I did.
Because the truth is, even the strongest of relationships endure temptation and whether through infidelity or some other “bump in the road,” all go through difficult times and must find a way to forgiveness and triumph if they are to succeed. Evans portrayed Kellen and Juliet’s trial by fire in vivid brushstrokes that leave a lasting imprint on the reader’s mind. Their path to recovery becomes difficult to endure at times because the characters are so real that the reader’s heart beats in perfect synch…she suffers through each wrench of the emotions and feels the dampness of every tear on her own face.
DEVOTION is a deeply emotional experience…a shining example of stellar writing, and of God’s unparalleled finesse in mending a damaged masterpiece to make it even better, even more beautiful than before. Bravo, Ms. Evans!
I’m glad I did.
Because the truth is, even the strongest of relationships endure temptation and whether through infidelity or some other “bump in the road,” all go through difficult times and must find a way to forgiveness and triumph if they are to succeed. Evans portrayed Kellen and Juliet’s trial by fire in vivid brushstrokes that leave a lasting imprint on the reader’s mind. Their path to recovery becomes difficult to endure at times because the characters are so real that the reader’s heart beats in perfect synch…she suffers through each wrench of the emotions and feels the dampness of every tear on her own face.
DEVOTION is a deeply emotional experience…a shining example of stellar writing, and of God’s unparalleled finesse in mending a damaged masterpiece to make it even better, even more beautiful than before. Bravo, Ms. Evans!
March 12, 2012
Creating this book spoke to my heart, and forced me to take an unvarnished look at the idea of Christian marriage, and how our alignment to God is expected to persevere when we've been betrayed, and trust has been shattered. I pray this book will bless those who seek affirmation of God's grace, forgiveness, and who enjoy stories reflecting the beauty of authentic reform and love's unending power.
January 4, 2024
Even though the physical cheating was just a kiss I just couldn’t forgive the H.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2024
(DNF) Homeboy was weak.
January 21, 2013
Music agent Kellen Lassiter has been dedicated to his career, and has achieved success and the advantages that accompany it. His wife Juliet is vigorously involved in Christian volunteer work through their church. They represent a perfect couple, full of love and devotion to one another, and committed to Christ-centered lives. Only their dream of a home filled with children hasn't come to fruition. Both Kellen and Juliet have become more involved in their outside commitments which has imposed some constraints in their personal lives. Kellen is intensely involved in the music agency, but less involved in church activities. Juliet fills her days with a concentrated drive to accomplish her goals of reaching out to the needy through her church efforts. In an unsuspecting moment Kellen succombs to temptation by a beautiful and flirtatious new client. Juliet's entire world is rocked by the discovery that Kellen has disgraced their relationship through an incident that drives a painful wedge in their otherwise flawless marriage. Juliet's knowledge of the incident is so painful that she can see no way to overcome and forgive Kellen's deceit. The road to forgiveness and healing becomes encumbered by countless incidents that invade Juliet's broken heart. This story of a beautiful marriage that meets with a painful stumbling block could be an event that any married couple could encounter. It's a lesson in heeding God's warnings and keeping the sanctity of marriage holy.
Marianne Evans creates a distinct realism in her fictional characterizations, so descriptively and agonizingly painful that the reader aches from the events that evolve from a moment of inappropriate passion. Devotion is written with limitless Christian passion and poignancy. Ms. Evans pulls out all the stops when it comes to revealing the pain and heartache that are the result of bad judgment in her characters. The road to forgiveness, acceptance and unrestrained love is written in painfully descriptive moments in time between Kellen and Juliet. Marianne Evans is a very gifted author whose writing flows like streams of water, over the boulders of life, and along fragrant pastures filled with life and growth. I highly recommend this work of art to all who enjoy Christian fiction, and for those who seek improved relationships in their marriage. This is a rare revelation into the workings of acceptance, forgiveness and total devotion.
Disclaimer: A PDF copy of "Devotion" was given to me as a gift from the author in return for my honest and unbiased review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Marianne Evans creates a distinct realism in her fictional characterizations, so descriptively and agonizingly painful that the reader aches from the events that evolve from a moment of inappropriate passion. Devotion is written with limitless Christian passion and poignancy. Ms. Evans pulls out all the stops when it comes to revealing the pain and heartache that are the result of bad judgment in her characters. The road to forgiveness, acceptance and unrestrained love is written in painfully descriptive moments in time between Kellen and Juliet. Marianne Evans is a very gifted author whose writing flows like streams of water, over the boulders of life, and along fragrant pastures filled with life and growth. I highly recommend this work of art to all who enjoy Christian fiction, and for those who seek improved relationships in their marriage. This is a rare revelation into the workings of acceptance, forgiveness and total devotion.
Disclaimer: A PDF copy of "Devotion" was given to me as a gift from the author in return for my honest and unbiased review. All opinions expressed are my own.
April 24, 2013
"Devotion" was such a powerful book! It truly tells the real life story of a couple going through infidelity: the pain, the hurt, and the healing.
I was blown away at how accurately and descriptively Marianne wrote this novel. I have not been through infidelity, but I did read the real life story of Mona and Gary Shriver in their novel "Unfaithful: Hope and Healing After Infidelity" (I strongly recommend that book).
This book spoke volumes to me in how easy it is to find yourself potentially walk down the path of infidelity even though we tell ourselves "I would never do that" or "That would never happen to me because I'm bigger than that." However as we can see with Kellen, when we don't guard our heats and let our marriage fall into a routine of complacency then we can very easily walk down that same path he did.
One of the things that really stood out to me throughout the novel as the Rossiters are going through their journey is not to take your spouse for granted and the things they do for you. I realized that my husband does so many things for me and makes little comments that I don't truly show appreciation for. I couldn't imagine having those things taken away from me and I want to show gratitude now because no way do I want our marriage to go through what the Rossiters did! I also realized how important accountability is between spouses. Juliet realized changes in her husband that were unlike him, but didn't say anything or keep him accountable. I do not want to be like that.
Overall, Devotion was such a hard book to read only because the journey was so painful, but once you complete the novel you can see the joy of healing (well really after halfway through the book)! I would recommend for every couple just simply to remind us that we need to guard our hearts and not let complacency define our marriage! God created marriage for so such more!
I received this book for free from bookfun.org in exchange for an honest review!
I was blown away at how accurately and descriptively Marianne wrote this novel. I have not been through infidelity, but I did read the real life story of Mona and Gary Shriver in their novel "Unfaithful: Hope and Healing After Infidelity" (I strongly recommend that book).
This book spoke volumes to me in how easy it is to find yourself potentially walk down the path of infidelity even though we tell ourselves "I would never do that" or "That would never happen to me because I'm bigger than that." However as we can see with Kellen, when we don't guard our heats and let our marriage fall into a routine of complacency then we can very easily walk down that same path he did.
One of the things that really stood out to me throughout the novel as the Rossiters are going through their journey is not to take your spouse for granted and the things they do for you. I realized that my husband does so many things for me and makes little comments that I don't truly show appreciation for. I couldn't imagine having those things taken away from me and I want to show gratitude now because no way do I want our marriage to go through what the Rossiters did! I also realized how important accountability is between spouses. Juliet realized changes in her husband that were unlike him, but didn't say anything or keep him accountable. I do not want to be like that.
Overall, Devotion was such a hard book to read only because the journey was so painful, but once you complete the novel you can see the joy of healing (well really after halfway through the book)! I would recommend for every couple just simply to remind us that we need to guard our hearts and not let complacency define our marriage! God created marriage for so such more!
I received this book for free from bookfun.org in exchange for an honest review!
April 13, 2020
Not for me. Too Christian
July 20, 2013
Devotion by Marianne Evans
The review for Devotion is going to be a little different from most of my reviews in that I am interjecting more personal observations than I normally do.
In my mind, infidelity has always equaled adultery, therefore when I read the blurb above the title:
A SINGLE ACT OF INFIDELITY
A LIFETIME OF FORGIVENESS
I thought the book would focus on the effects of adultery. For that reason, I was surprised to find out it was about a married man kissing someone other than his wife.
OK, so I looked up infidelity and most of the dictionary definitions agreed with me. However, I found the best description, I felt, based on the logic of Devotion, on Wikipedia. Their definition was:
Infidelity (also referred to as cheating, adultery, or having an affair) is the subjective feeling that one's partner has violated a set of rules or relationship norms and this violation results in feelings of sexual jealousy and rivalry (Leeker & Carlozzi, 2012). The violation can be sexual in nature, for example, involving kissing, sexual fondling, or sex with another individual outside of the relationship.
What constitutes an act of infidelity is dependent upon the exclusivity expectations within the relationship (Barta & Kiene, 2005). In marital relationships, exclusivity expectations are commonly assumed although they are not always met. When they are not met, research has found that particular psychological damage including feelings of rage and betrayal, lowering of sexual and personal confidence, and damage to self-image can occur (Leeker et al., 2012).
So, for the most part, Wikipedia agrees with me, but does go on to say it could just be a kiss.
With that caveat in mind, I continued reading. But, please somebody-GIVE ME A BREAK! All the angst anger and outrage over a kiss in a public place, that albeit was interrupted, but was never followed through on nor did the husband WANT to follow through. In a moment of weakness and curiosity, he kissed her-GET OVER IT.
I feel the book is a real slap in the face to women who have been victims of adultery and not just a betrayal as this book portrays.
I felt like the wife, Julie, was a spoiled, whiny brat that made sure her husband, Kellen, knew what a cad he was and was not ever going to let him forget.
She moves out of their house and in with her sister, then changes her mind and moves back home but will not be around her husband adjusting her schedule to be away when he is home and home when he is away!
She is petty, waspish and cruel while he is constantly asking for forgiveness and trying to atone for what he has done. She even, before and after The Kiss, accepted and returned affection from a single friend at her church.
I decided to pretend it was not just a kiss and the book flowed much better for me.
I could see how the wife felt and why she was acting as the severely injured party. I could see why the husband felt so apologetic and contrite. Moreover, that little tweak in my mind made for a much, much improved feel to the story.
Devotion is very well written and thought out book. If the book were truly about adultery, you would be able to feel the anger, betrayal and sadness as befitting the crime. You would also rejoice in the forgiveness and love after a reconciliation.
The Book Club Network @ http://www.bookfun.org/ provided this book to me in exchange for an honest opinion.
Disclaimer: I realize this book is marketed to and for a Christian audience.
The review for Devotion is going to be a little different from most of my reviews in that I am interjecting more personal observations than I normally do.
In my mind, infidelity has always equaled adultery, therefore when I read the blurb above the title:
A SINGLE ACT OF INFIDELITY
A LIFETIME OF FORGIVENESS
I thought the book would focus on the effects of adultery. For that reason, I was surprised to find out it was about a married man kissing someone other than his wife.
OK, so I looked up infidelity and most of the dictionary definitions agreed with me. However, I found the best description, I felt, based on the logic of Devotion, on Wikipedia. Their definition was:
Infidelity (also referred to as cheating, adultery, or having an affair) is the subjective feeling that one's partner has violated a set of rules or relationship norms and this violation results in feelings of sexual jealousy and rivalry (Leeker & Carlozzi, 2012). The violation can be sexual in nature, for example, involving kissing, sexual fondling, or sex with another individual outside of the relationship.
What constitutes an act of infidelity is dependent upon the exclusivity expectations within the relationship (Barta & Kiene, 2005). In marital relationships, exclusivity expectations are commonly assumed although they are not always met. When they are not met, research has found that particular psychological damage including feelings of rage and betrayal, lowering of sexual and personal confidence, and damage to self-image can occur (Leeker et al., 2012).
So, for the most part, Wikipedia agrees with me, but does go on to say it could just be a kiss.
With that caveat in mind, I continued reading. But, please somebody-GIVE ME A BREAK! All the angst anger and outrage over a kiss in a public place, that albeit was interrupted, but was never followed through on nor did the husband WANT to follow through. In a moment of weakness and curiosity, he kissed her-GET OVER IT.
I feel the book is a real slap in the face to women who have been victims of adultery and not just a betrayal as this book portrays.
I felt like the wife, Julie, was a spoiled, whiny brat that made sure her husband, Kellen, knew what a cad he was and was not ever going to let him forget.
She moves out of their house and in with her sister, then changes her mind and moves back home but will not be around her husband adjusting her schedule to be away when he is home and home when he is away!
She is petty, waspish and cruel while he is constantly asking for forgiveness and trying to atone for what he has done. She even, before and after The Kiss, accepted and returned affection from a single friend at her church.
I decided to pretend it was not just a kiss and the book flowed much better for me.
I could see how the wife felt and why she was acting as the severely injured party. I could see why the husband felt so apologetic and contrite. Moreover, that little tweak in my mind made for a much, much improved feel to the story.
Devotion is very well written and thought out book. If the book were truly about adultery, you would be able to feel the anger, betrayal and sadness as befitting the crime. You would also rejoice in the forgiveness and love after a reconciliation.
The Book Club Network @ http://www.bookfun.org/ provided this book to me in exchange for an honest opinion.
Disclaimer: I realize this book is marketed to and for a Christian audience.
October 20, 2012
This story revolves around a married Christian couple, Kellen and Juliet. Happily married and deeply in love, they are both devout Christians.
Kellen is a musical talent scout and spends a lot of time in the evenings going out to listen to potential clients. Juliette really doesn't care for that type atmosphere and would rather spend time at her church and local shelters.
When Kellen goes to a club to listen to a young singer, Chloe, he is deeply attracted to her for some reason. He loves his wife, but can't seem to get Chloe out of his mind. He tries to avoid spending much time with her, but fate seems to keep throwing her in his path. He knows it is wrong, but enjoys the feeling he gets when he is around her.
Meanwhile, Juliet is lonely, and although she spends a lot of time at the church, she misses her husband. There is a man, Tim, who attends the church who is attracted to her. She however, doesn't want anything to do with him.
Kellen struggles with his attraction to Chloe, which becomes more and more difficult. Eventually, in a moment of weakness, he leans over and kisses her. Unfortunately, someone in the office sees this and the word gets out. Eventually; while attending a party, Juliette overhears two women talking about it.
Thus begins a very difficult time in their relationship. Kellen is extremely sorry over the entire thing, and is not seeing Chloe at all anymore, even in a working relationship. Juliet, however, feels betrayed and is not willing to forgive him.
How this young couple tries to discover how to resolve their situation is something every couple should read about. They must first find out why they were so easily susceptible to temptation in the first place. The rest of the story tells of their search for peace, forgiveness and the ability to restore their marriage. They work with their pastor and with God to find all the answers.
This author has much insight into many of the causes of misunderstanding and problems that face so many couples today. She shows each step in their new understanding of each other and how they finally come together in love and harmony and make a marriage that is much stronger than it ever was before.
Kellen is a musical talent scout and spends a lot of time in the evenings going out to listen to potential clients. Juliette really doesn't care for that type atmosphere and would rather spend time at her church and local shelters.
When Kellen goes to a club to listen to a young singer, Chloe, he is deeply attracted to her for some reason. He loves his wife, but can't seem to get Chloe out of his mind. He tries to avoid spending much time with her, but fate seems to keep throwing her in his path. He knows it is wrong, but enjoys the feeling he gets when he is around her.
Meanwhile, Juliet is lonely, and although she spends a lot of time at the church, she misses her husband. There is a man, Tim, who attends the church who is attracted to her. She however, doesn't want anything to do with him.
Kellen struggles with his attraction to Chloe, which becomes more and more difficult. Eventually, in a moment of weakness, he leans over and kisses her. Unfortunately, someone in the office sees this and the word gets out. Eventually; while attending a party, Juliette overhears two women talking about it.
Thus begins a very difficult time in their relationship. Kellen is extremely sorry over the entire thing, and is not seeing Chloe at all anymore, even in a working relationship. Juliet, however, feels betrayed and is not willing to forgive him.
How this young couple tries to discover how to resolve their situation is something every couple should read about. They must first find out why they were so easily susceptible to temptation in the first place. The rest of the story tells of their search for peace, forgiveness and the ability to restore their marriage. They work with their pastor and with God to find all the answers.
This author has much insight into many of the causes of misunderstanding and problems that face so many couples today. She shows each step in their new understanding of each other and how they finally come together in love and harmony and make a marriage that is much stronger than it ever was before.
May 14, 2012
Powerful. Emotional. Moving. Touching. Awakening. These are just a few of the words that come to mind when I reflect on Devotion. Throughout this very true-to-life story, master story-teller, Marianne Evans, creates a believable and relatable situation between a husband and wife who have naturally become comfortable in their marriage . . . and the consequences of allowing the temptation of new passion to burn brighter than the flames of true love.
What struck me while reading this book is that while everyone enters a marriage with the best of intentions, no one is immune or above the throws of temptation. In fact, it’s usually in the area where we Christians are the strongest that Satan will try to sneak in and destroy us. Satan loves division, loves to tear the family apart, and too often he is successful.
However, this book also beautifully illustrates what restoration can occur when the mistakes and failures in our lives are completely turned over to Jesus. Through Him, true forgiveness happens and where families were once broken true healing occurs. Marianne Evans illustrates this truth so eloquently.
I recommend this book to anyone who is hungering for an amazing story of redemption from human weaknesses and the restoration of relationships that mean the most. I highly recommend this story to married couples to read together as a reminder of what is most important in life and how one moment of weakness can put it in jeopardy. But Devotion is a MUST READ for every couple struggling with the pain and betrayal of infidelity. Through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, THERE IS HOPE. Thank you, Ms. Evans, for sharing this hope with everyone who reads Devotion and for reminding your readers of the truth that true love really can conquer all.
~Jen Stephens, author of The Heart’s Journey Home (February 2010) and The Heart’s Lullaby (coming in October 2012)
What struck me while reading this book is that while everyone enters a marriage with the best of intentions, no one is immune or above the throws of temptation. In fact, it’s usually in the area where we Christians are the strongest that Satan will try to sneak in and destroy us. Satan loves division, loves to tear the family apart, and too often he is successful.
However, this book also beautifully illustrates what restoration can occur when the mistakes and failures in our lives are completely turned over to Jesus. Through Him, true forgiveness happens and where families were once broken true healing occurs. Marianne Evans illustrates this truth so eloquently.
I recommend this book to anyone who is hungering for an amazing story of redemption from human weaknesses and the restoration of relationships that mean the most. I highly recommend this story to married couples to read together as a reminder of what is most important in life and how one moment of weakness can put it in jeopardy. But Devotion is a MUST READ for every couple struggling with the pain and betrayal of infidelity. Through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, THERE IS HOPE. Thank you, Ms. Evans, for sharing this hope with everyone who reads Devotion and for reminding your readers of the truth that true love really can conquer all.
~Jen Stephens, author of The Heart’s Journey Home (February 2010) and The Heart’s Lullaby (coming in October 2012)
October 7, 2012
From all outward indications, Kellen and Juliet appeared to have the perfect marriage. Both Christians, they share the same values and long to complete their family with children. A successful music agent, Kellen falls into a pattern of skipping worship services, choosing instead to worship at home. Juliet, active in church and various outreach opportunities, loves her husband and her life. When Kellen signs a rising star, he struggles with desire and temptation for a woman other than his wife for the first time in his marriage.
What a powerful reminder that no marriage is immune to temptation and that we engage in spiritual warfare for our families on a daily basis. It's so easy to let life get in the way, to allow relationships to take a back-burner to jobs and responsibilities, and to slip into convenient routines. Kellen and Juliet battled realistic emotions, with plenty of angst and heavy drama you'd expect for a story line centered around temptation and broken trust. This is a story of re-commitment, renewal, and devotion to God and each other. It's also a gem of a romance. If you're looking for a book to squeeze in a couple hours on a lazy Sunday afternoon, Devotion probably isn't the book you should reach for. Don't expect to read it in one sitting, and be sure to have a box of tissues handy. Great job tackling such a tough topic, Ms. Evans!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from BTS in exchange for a fair and honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
What a powerful reminder that no marriage is immune to temptation and that we engage in spiritual warfare for our families on a daily basis. It's so easy to let life get in the way, to allow relationships to take a back-burner to jobs and responsibilities, and to slip into convenient routines. Kellen and Juliet battled realistic emotions, with plenty of angst and heavy drama you'd expect for a story line centered around temptation and broken trust. This is a story of re-commitment, renewal, and devotion to God and each other. It's also a gem of a romance. If you're looking for a book to squeeze in a couple hours on a lazy Sunday afternoon, Devotion probably isn't the book you should reach for. Don't expect to read it in one sitting, and be sure to have a box of tissues handy. Great job tackling such a tough topic, Ms. Evans!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from BTS in exchange for a fair and honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
January 2, 2017
https://bookishdevices.com/2016/11/14...
What would you do if your spouse cheated on you?
Music agent Kellen Rossiter has everything he ever wanted: A-list clients, a loving wife and a faith that’s never wavered—until now. Juliet Rossiter has the perfect life: a rewarding schedule serving the underprivileged, a husband who loves her and a future as a mother—at least that’s what she thinks. But what happens when their rock-solid marriage begins to crumble under the weight of an unexpected and powerful temptation?
Devotion is the story of what a marriage should be but most often isn’t. Yes, there was trouble in Kellen and Juliet’s marriage but I think a lot of couples often give up too easily on their relationships. Don’t they? It seems to me that divorce is the answer to most relationship problems these days. But in Devotion Evans paints a picture of a couple working hard to make their marriage work. She does a great job of making us feel the hurt endured by Kellen and Juliet but she also paints a wonderful picture of their road to redemption. The road is tough; it isn’t easy but I found myself rooting for this couple to find their way back together. The only thing I wished I had was an epilogue. Just a brief look at the couple a few months or years down the road. I feel like they successfully put their marriage back together but sometimes I just need to see it in writing to settle my heart
What would you do if your spouse cheated on you?
Music agent Kellen Rossiter has everything he ever wanted: A-list clients, a loving wife and a faith that’s never wavered—until now. Juliet Rossiter has the perfect life: a rewarding schedule serving the underprivileged, a husband who loves her and a future as a mother—at least that’s what she thinks. But what happens when their rock-solid marriage begins to crumble under the weight of an unexpected and powerful temptation?
Devotion is the story of what a marriage should be but most often isn’t. Yes, there was trouble in Kellen and Juliet’s marriage but I think a lot of couples often give up too easily on their relationships. Don’t they? It seems to me that divorce is the answer to most relationship problems these days. But in Devotion Evans paints a picture of a couple working hard to make their marriage work. She does a great job of making us feel the hurt endured by Kellen and Juliet but she also paints a wonderful picture of their road to redemption. The road is tough; it isn’t easy but I found myself rooting for this couple to find their way back together. The only thing I wished I had was an epilogue. Just a brief look at the couple a few months or years down the road. I feel like they successfully put their marriage back together but sometimes I just need to see it in writing to settle my heart
February 5, 2015
My Review:
Christian music agent, Kellen Rossiter has a wonderfully blessed life. A loving wife that is willing to anything for him. His faith in God is solid or at least he thinks it is. Juliet Rossiter finds joy in helping the underprivileged. She believes as well that her marriage with Kellen was rock solid. Soon she starts seeing her husband grow closer to his new client and she starts to question things between them.
Kellen didn't expect to become quite attracted to his new client and he starts to question his marriage as a result of his new found friendship. A friendship that becomes dangerously close to something neither of them expect. Juliet receives news that they have waited years to hear but when she finds out devastating news, she isn't sure she wants to even involve her husband anymore.
When you find out that your spouse has committed something truly forbidden, do you forgive him and try to move past it or do you move on with your life without your spouse? What would God have you to do? In Devotion, you will learn what it really means to forgive the unforgivable. Juliet's life is played out before our eyes and we learn right along with her how to move past the grievousness of a broken heart into a place of true freedom.
Excellent writing by Marianne Evans!!
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from CFBA.
Christian music agent, Kellen Rossiter has a wonderfully blessed life. A loving wife that is willing to anything for him. His faith in God is solid or at least he thinks it is. Juliet Rossiter finds joy in helping the underprivileged. She believes as well that her marriage with Kellen was rock solid. Soon she starts seeing her husband grow closer to his new client and she starts to question things between them.
Kellen didn't expect to become quite attracted to his new client and he starts to question his marriage as a result of his new found friendship. A friendship that becomes dangerously close to something neither of them expect. Juliet receives news that they have waited years to hear but when she finds out devastating news, she isn't sure she wants to even involve her husband anymore.
When you find out that your spouse has committed something truly forbidden, do you forgive him and try to move past it or do you move on with your life without your spouse? What would God have you to do? In Devotion, you will learn what it really means to forgive the unforgivable. Juliet's life is played out before our eyes and we learn right along with her how to move past the grievousness of a broken heart into a place of true freedom.
Excellent writing by Marianne Evans!!
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from CFBA.
March 14, 2013
This is the first book I have read by Marianne Evans. I really like the book well written. Devotion to me is giving my all to someone I love. Once trust is broken in a marriage it is very hard to rebuild it. The main characters in the story found this out by looking upon someone and one out of line kissed cost there marriage. Both the wife Juliet and Husband are Christians. Which no one is safe from this, but if your eyes are where they are suppose to be this should not happen. We need to keep our focus on God and our vessels pure. The story was sad to me though.
Merged review:
This is the first book I have read by Marianne Evans. I really like the book well written. Devotion to me is giving my all to someone I love. Once trust is broken in a marriage it is very hard to rebuild it. The main characters in the story found this out by looking upon someone and one out of line kissed cost there marriage. Both the wife Juliet and Husband are Christians. Which no one is safe from this, but if your eyes are where they are suppose to be this should not happen. We need to keep our focus on God and our vessels pure. The story was sad to me though.
Merged review:
This is the first book I have read by Marianne Evans. I really like the book well written. Devotion to me is giving my all to someone I love. Once trust is broken in a marriage it is very hard to rebuild it. The main characters in the story found this out by looking upon someone and one out of line kissed cost there marriage. Both the wife Juliet and Husband are Christians. Which no one is safe from this, but if your eyes are where they are suppose to be this should not happen. We need to keep our focus on God and our vessels pure. The story was sad to me though.
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