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The Sacred Scarred #1
The Beauty in their Scars
She's braving the unknown. He's what waits in the dark.
Even true love's kiss cannot break his cursed heart.
Brendan Ashthorn was perfection — brilliance, beauty, power — until a stranger's prayer shattered his soul. Cursed into a beast and exiled to a remote villa, he hides from the world and from himself. Only one can save him, and she's someone he loathes.
Life punishes Calysta Daniels for choosing what’s right. When offered a desperate deal to save her father, she finds herself in a forgotten mansion, face to face with a man who wants nothing to do with her.
Will the rose that never withers die when she gives up on him? Or bloom at last when he realizes someone can love the man within?
The Beauty in their Scars is a fiercely human contemporary Christian retelling of Beauty and the Beast — a love story that dares to find glory in the deepest wounds and beauty in the bearer of scars.
Even true love's kiss cannot break his cursed heart.
Brendan Ashthorn was perfection — brilliance, beauty, power — until a stranger's prayer shattered his soul. Cursed into a beast and exiled to a remote villa, he hides from the world and from himself. Only one can save him, and she's someone he loathes.
Life punishes Calysta Daniels for choosing what’s right. When offered a desperate deal to save her father, she finds herself in a forgotten mansion, face to face with a man who wants nothing to do with her.
Will the rose that never withers die when she gives up on him? Or bloom at last when he realizes someone can love the man within?
The Beauty in their Scars is a fiercely human contemporary Christian retelling of Beauty and the Beast — a love story that dares to find glory in the deepest wounds and beauty in the bearer of scars.
Unknown Binding
First published November 21, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
October 29, 2017
A unique twist on a Beauty and Beast retelling!
The modern aspects of this book were such a wonderful breathe of fresh air and makes this story unique in so many ways. It deals with cutting, pressures of life, disappointments, blended family's, family loss, scars in our life on the outside and on the inside, struggles with our own will, school, work, forgiveness, finding love or being loved, a relationship with Christ and so much more.
I felt like the book was split in two.
67% of the way in, you start to get the feel for how this story turns into the iconic Beauty and the Beast story.
I really enjoyed the moral message and Christian basis in this story.
Though some of the "realisms" of the sinner - saved aspects were fleshed out a little too well. Be for-warned there is some mild sexual content in this book. If that is at ALL a besetting issue for you, do NOT read this book! It doesn't give graphic details at all. But can be an issue. So, please keep that in mind going into this book. It is still clean and the author did a good job at revealing the struggles of Brenden on many levels.
Overall a great book and done with such a fresh take!
Recommended as a Christian Contemporary Fairytale retelling
17+
The modern aspects of this book were such a wonderful breathe of fresh air and makes this story unique in so many ways. It deals with cutting, pressures of life, disappointments, blended family's, family loss, scars in our life on the outside and on the inside, struggles with our own will, school, work, forgiveness, finding love or being loved, a relationship with Christ and so much more.
I felt like the book was split in two.
67% of the way in, you start to get the feel for how this story turns into the iconic Beauty and the Beast story.
I really enjoyed the moral message and Christian basis in this story.
Though some of the "realisms" of the sinner - saved aspects were fleshed out a little too well. Be for-warned there is some mild sexual content in this book. If that is at ALL a besetting issue for you, do NOT read this book! It doesn't give graphic details at all. But can be an issue. So, please keep that in mind going into this book. It is still clean and the author did a good job at revealing the struggles of Brenden on many levels.
Overall a great book and done with such a fresh take!
Recommended as a Christian Contemporary Fairytale retelling
17+
July 21, 2017
"The Sacred Scarred: A Modern-Day Christian Twist on Beauty and the Beast" by Joanna Alonzo is a great fairy tale retelling with a beautiful Gospel message! I love the parallels in the story between this book and the original Beauty and the Beast fairy tale, not just the Disney version. Ms. Alonzo also puts her own unique spin on the tale with a very strong faith element. The first half of the story is more like a modern young adult novel, whereas in the second half, the writing seems to change and the story takes on more of a fantasy aspect (which I personally enjoy more). Aside from the fact that the first and the second halves of the book feel slightly disjointed in their style, I think this first novel of Ms. Alonzo’s is very well written. The end is so beautiful it brought tears to my eyes.
The characters are one of my favorite parts of the story, especially the change that takes place in our main characters. The heroine, Calysta, is not beautiful or perfect in the beginning of the story, but is very broken, as is Brendan, our beast character. The characters strive to make Christ first in their lives as the story progresses, even before pursuing a romantic relationship. This story also has some very well done side characters. The characters’ relationships with God inspired me in my walk with Christ to be more passionate for Him.
This book has an amazing message of God making the broken beautiful and bringing beauty from the ashes!
Content and Rating: I give this book four stars. It is definitely more on the edgy side, as far as being a clean read. There is a lot of this edgy content in the beginning to show how messed up our main characters’ lives are before they transform and find Christ (e.g. making out, talk about cutting oneself--with detailed description).
I want to thank Joanna Alonzo and Almond Tree Publications for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255.
The characters are one of my favorite parts of the story, especially the change that takes place in our main characters. The heroine, Calysta, is not beautiful or perfect in the beginning of the story, but is very broken, as is Brendan, our beast character. The characters strive to make Christ first in their lives as the story progresses, even before pursuing a romantic relationship. This story also has some very well done side characters. The characters’ relationships with God inspired me in my walk with Christ to be more passionate for Him.
This book has an amazing message of God making the broken beautiful and bringing beauty from the ashes!
Content and Rating: I give this book four stars. It is definitely more on the edgy side, as far as being a clean read. There is a lot of this edgy content in the beginning to show how messed up our main characters’ lives are before they transform and find Christ (e.g. making out, talk about cutting oneself--with detailed description).
I want to thank Joanna Alonzo and Almond Tree Publications for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255.
May 5, 2017
I really enjoyed this modern day, Christian retelling of Beauty and the Beast. I was captivated by the brokenness in both of our main characters and the different ways they allowed the dysfunction of their family to affect them. I loved the themes of beauty from ashes, forgiveness, and love. The main characters, Calysta and Brenden, grew and changed quite a bit as the story progressed and I felt connected to each of them.
Calysta begins the story very insecure and struggling with her self worth. Her family is falling apart in many ways and while she seems like the most stable, she is experiencing a lot of hidden pain. Throughout the book she learns what beauty is and finds peace and love in friendships and in a growing knowledge of God. As she begins to trust Him she learns more and more about beauty and gains confidence in herself.
Brenden is the opposite. From the outside he seems like he has it all. He strives for perfection in everything. But his arrogance and selfishness are his downfall and he quite literally becomes a beast.
I found it interesting how these two characters' paths cross eventually and how their relationship develops. I especially enjoyed the nods to both the traditional fairy tale as well as the animated movie in the latter part of the book. I really enjoyed this story and look forward to more from Joanna Alonzo.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I will be posting a video on my youtube channel and will add the link here once it is up. All opinions are my own.
Calysta begins the story very insecure and struggling with her self worth. Her family is falling apart in many ways and while she seems like the most stable, she is experiencing a lot of hidden pain. Throughout the book she learns what beauty is and finds peace and love in friendships and in a growing knowledge of God. As she begins to trust Him she learns more and more about beauty and gains confidence in herself.
Brenden is the opposite. From the outside he seems like he has it all. He strives for perfection in everything. But his arrogance and selfishness are his downfall and he quite literally becomes a beast.
I found it interesting how these two characters' paths cross eventually and how their relationship develops. I especially enjoyed the nods to both the traditional fairy tale as well as the animated movie in the latter part of the book. I really enjoyed this story and look forward to more from Joanna Alonzo.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I will be posting a video on my youtube channel and will add the link here once it is up. All opinions are my own.
December 2, 2016
Loved it! I love fairy tales, and I love Christian fiction. This was a combination! Just when you think you know what happens because the story is familiar, you don’t. And then when you are expecting to read the boring parts of the story you already know, you get so excited that you want it to just keep going and going! Joanna Alonzo has done some fantastic writing, and her rendition is absolutely beautiful. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who likes to read, lol.
I was given an advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
I was given an advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 8, 2017
Here is my full video review
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6WOV...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6WOV...
April 12, 2017
With all the buzz surrounding the release of Disney’s newest imagining of The Beauty And The Beast (my favorite childhood fairy tale) comes the advent of various retellings of the story in novel form. Joanna Alonzo, author of The Sacred Scarred, has written a contemporary version with a Christian twist. She takes very messy lives and weaves them into a modern-day fairy tale with the power of God at the center. The result is an edgy YA novel.
Both Calysta and Brendan are the products of very dysfunctional families. Yet the paths they find themselves on are very different. One chooses hope in God; the other the pursuit of perfection. Their self-inflicted scars mar their lives, but God’s healing is there for them if they will just accept it.
The Sacred Scarred, with its characters and situations, definitely has a YA vibe to it. Readers in the targeted audience (older high school to young adult) will identify with the struggles the characters face. The dysfunction of the families was at times difficult to read (there is a lot of abandonment by important women in the main characters’ lives). The book takes a while to come to the familiar Beauty/Beast storyline as it sets the stage for the action. I felt the book dragged at times, and I became impatient for the real story to begin. The real story, to me, is the transformation of Brendan and his beastly attitudes and expectations. There are magical elements for those who love that about fairy tales. The theme of God’s love is very strong and prominent throughout the book. And the happily-ever-after is achieved for most involved.
While The Sacred Scarred wasn’t really a hit for me, it is an interesting spin on the Beauty/Beast story.
Audience: older teens to young adults.
(Thanks to the author for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
Both Calysta and Brendan are the products of very dysfunctional families. Yet the paths they find themselves on are very different. One chooses hope in God; the other the pursuit of perfection. Their self-inflicted scars mar their lives, but God’s healing is there for them if they will just accept it.
The Sacred Scarred, with its characters and situations, definitely has a YA vibe to it. Readers in the targeted audience (older high school to young adult) will identify with the struggles the characters face. The dysfunction of the families was at times difficult to read (there is a lot of abandonment by important women in the main characters’ lives). The book takes a while to come to the familiar Beauty/Beast storyline as it sets the stage for the action. I felt the book dragged at times, and I became impatient for the real story to begin. The real story, to me, is the transformation of Brendan and his beastly attitudes and expectations. There are magical elements for those who love that about fairy tales. The theme of God’s love is very strong and prominent throughout the book. And the happily-ever-after is achieved for most involved.
While The Sacred Scarred wasn’t really a hit for me, it is an interesting spin on the Beauty/Beast story.
Audience: older teens to young adults.
(Thanks to the author for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
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March 13, 2024This book was born out of my love for fairy tales, for the youth, and for missions. I pray that those who read this modern-day Christian retelling of Beauty and the Beast will find God in these pages and maybe even in their own brokenness.
He is faithful and good even when we don't understand the circumstances He allows us to be in.
That being said, I wrote this "review" to let you know that the book is free from May 15-16, 2018, PST.
He is faithful and good even when we don't understand the circumstances He allows us to be in.
That being said, I wrote this "review" to let you know that the book is free from May 15-16, 2018, PST.
Want to read
March 3, 2018💝 FREE on Amazon today (1/3/2018)!💝
Blurb:
Life yanks Calysta Daniels out of her comfort zone when an odd request from a stranger becomes the only option to keep her father out of jail. The request? She has to live four years under the roof of a beast.
Brendan Keefe is perfection-turned-beast. The last thing he wants is to grovel at the feet of this imperfect young woman, who happens to be the only way out of the curse he got himself into.
Will Calysta's history and brokenness help reach out to a beast who considers himself beyond redemption? Or will Brendan's stubbornness deprive him of the love he so desperately longs for?
Both beautiful, both broken, this beauty and this beast embark on a journey to discover a love greater than themselves, a love powerful enough to heal all scars and give beauty for ashes. If only they would believe.
Blurb:
Life yanks Calysta Daniels out of her comfort zone when an odd request from a stranger becomes the only option to keep her father out of jail. The request? She has to live four years under the roof of a beast.
Brendan Keefe is perfection-turned-beast. The last thing he wants is to grovel at the feet of this imperfect young woman, who happens to be the only way out of the curse he got himself into.
Will Calysta's history and brokenness help reach out to a beast who considers himself beyond redemption? Or will Brendan's stubbornness deprive him of the love he so desperately longs for?
Both beautiful, both broken, this beauty and this beast embark on a journey to discover a love greater than themselves, a love powerful enough to heal all scars and give beauty for ashes. If only they would believe.
December 26, 2016
This book was wonderful. While I am a fan of fantasy, I don't usually gravitate toward Young or New Adult literature which I would personally classify this particular book. That said, I still enjoyed it immensely and will look forward to future books in this series. The characters and plot were well developed and the story line moved along well with surprises at every turn. It had just enough fantasy to bring the fairy tale to life but not so much to make it unbelievable or unrelatable. The story begins while the main characters are in high school but they face challenges and responsibilities of adults in a believable way that kept this 30-something engaged and interested. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys imaginative Christian fiction, fantasy, or fairy tales!
I received a free ebook version of this book for my honest review but all thoughts and opinions are mine.
I received a free ebook version of this book for my honest review but all thoughts and opinions are mine.
June 28, 2018
There is so much to like about this story. It's a wonderful story of repentance and forgiveness and coming out of the darkness into the light. I kept reading the story because I saw where it was going and wanted to see that transformation.
There were things that I didn't like about the story. I don't like stories that go back and forth in time. This one did that a lot. I just start getting into the story and suddenly I'm into a new chapter 5 years in the past. I understand that this is supposed to help me understand the character better and why they do the things they do, but suddenly I'm not in the story any more. Now I have to get into a new story - when suddenly I am transported into another year. Then I meet the hero! Oh dear, now I have two main characters and am jumping back and forth between the years of both of their lives. Often I would just quit reading the story on one of the jumps and go to another of the books I am reading (I often read three to five books at a time - especially if I am not enthralled with one story).
The other thing that bothered me was the very loose morals of the male character, Brendan. It got to the point I was skipping past his flash backs because I wasn't really interested in reading about his sleeping habits and who with, although nothing was specific, it was simply he slept with so and so - again!
As I neared the 70% mark of the story and the "Beast" started to see how "beastly" he was in his heart and that he truly did want to change. Then the story took a much more positive change too.
This was a clean read in that there were no cuss words, although the author said they cursed a lot, and there were no explicitly written sexual scenes, but much was said about sleeping around.
There were things that I didn't like about the story. I don't like stories that go back and forth in time. This one did that a lot. I just start getting into the story and suddenly I'm into a new chapter 5 years in the past. I understand that this is supposed to help me understand the character better and why they do the things they do, but suddenly I'm not in the story any more. Now I have to get into a new story - when suddenly I am transported into another year. Then I meet the hero! Oh dear, now I have two main characters and am jumping back and forth between the years of both of their lives. Often I would just quit reading the story on one of the jumps and go to another of the books I am reading (I often read three to five books at a time - especially if I am not enthralled with one story).
The other thing that bothered me was the very loose morals of the male character, Brendan. It got to the point I was skipping past his flash backs because I wasn't really interested in reading about his sleeping habits and who with, although nothing was specific, it was simply he slept with so and so - again!
As I neared the 70% mark of the story and the "Beast" started to see how "beastly" he was in his heart and that he truly did want to change. Then the story took a much more positive change too.
This was a clean read in that there were no cuss words, although the author said they cursed a lot, and there were no explicitly written sexual scenes, but much was said about sleeping around.
July 7, 2018
A beautiful and incredibly heartfelt story of a classic age old tale. This modern day retelling of Beauty and the Beast was immensely moving and emotionally charged with positive impact. The author's way of presenting the characters she created in this incredibly beautiful story filled with the brokenness and the struggles of both Beast and Calysta's story showed the readers that even in the mist of pain and suffering God is with us. This was one of the best books I have read today. It's wonderful to see that good literature is beeing written today for people who want more than the usual romantic stories with no soul to the characters created or their stories. Five Star quality writing.
July 7, 2017
I really enjoyed reading The Sacred Scarred by Joanna Alonzo
I have always loved the story of Beauty and the Beast and fairytales in general and I was really curious at how this would play out with Christian themes and in a modern setting and it worked really well! There were a few twists that I wasn't expecting which I loved and I also loved the set up (part 1) of both of main characters with their personal and familial history.
This was a book that I read until the early hours of the morning because I couldn't put it down and I am very much looking forward to the next books in this series.
I have always loved the story of Beauty and the Beast and fairytales in general and I was really curious at how this would play out with Christian themes and in a modern setting and it worked really well! There were a few twists that I wasn't expecting which I loved and I also loved the set up (part 1) of both of main characters with their personal and familial history.
This was a book that I read until the early hours of the morning because I couldn't put it down and I am very much looking forward to the next books in this series.
March 14, 2018
I enjoyed the book overall. I don’t typically read fantasy or YA, but I was intrigued by the description and pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Some grammatical errors had me reading a few places a second time, but did not take away from my overall enjoyment of the book. I loved the theme running through it of how God can take any of us in our brokenness and use us to help others while He makes us whole as well.
March 7, 2018
I loved it!! I want to keep this one on my shelf and have my daughter read it when she is of age.
I loved the honesty and how real the characters and story felt, and as a Christian this book ministered to me and answered questions and even helped and inspired me in my own writing.
I went into it sceptically because I've seen Christian authors just fail at making the story and characters believable and I get bored at all the preaching. But Joanna is gifted at reaching the heart and ministering to the readers but also making the story itself so captivating.
Big thumbs up from me.
I loved the honesty and how real the characters and story felt, and as a Christian this book ministered to me and answered questions and even helped and inspired me in my own writing.
I went into it sceptically because I've seen Christian authors just fail at making the story and characters believable and I get bored at all the preaching. But Joanna is gifted at reaching the heart and ministering to the readers but also making the story itself so captivating.
Big thumbs up from me.
February 17, 2018
It took me a while to get into the book; I had a hard time keeping the dates straight, as it jumped between 2004 and a few years later (I forget the exact date) - 2009-ish? - both for Calysta, in the first half of the book, and Brendan, in the second half of the book. There were a lot of characters in Calysta's story, too.
But, midway through, something switched for me and I got hooked on the story. Very clever retelling of the Beauty and the Beast story! I enjoyed and would go back and re-read (especially now that I know how everything wraps up). I'm sure I'd pick up more and connect the dots more easily.
I received a free e-copy of the book from the author. All opinions are my own.
But, midway through, something switched for me and I got hooked on the story. Very clever retelling of the Beauty and the Beast story! I enjoyed and would go back and re-read (especially now that I know how everything wraps up). I'm sure I'd pick up more and connect the dots more easily.
I received a free e-copy of the book from the author. All opinions are my own.
February 12, 2018
Enjoyed this contemporary fairy tale retelling that tackles tough issues and reminds that Love is always the answer.
June 3, 2025
4.5 stars
After finishing its prequel The Making of a Beauty, I was excited to read The Beauty in Their Scars, and it didn’t disappoint me. This contemporary fairy tale retelling drew me in from the beginning with its immersive setting and story of redemption. Eager to see what would happen next to Calysta and Brendan, I ended up finishing all nearly-500-pages of it in only a few days.
I definitely recommend reading The Making of a Beauty before starting this one. (It’s free, so why not?) Not only does the prequel familiarize the reader with the setting and characters, it also helps to establish Calysta’s character and backstory. I don’t think I would have understood—and maybe even liked—her character without reading The Making of a Beauty first.
It took some time for me to accept Brendan—he definitely embodies the beast archetype—but I eventually came to like him. I especially appreciated that his redemption was sparked by more than just his love for Calysta.
The setting also deserves a mention, since it’s one of my favorite things about this series. These books are set across a few fictional countries, with fictional languages, landmarks, and brands to match. It’s a creative approach to a saga that otherwise feels mostly contemporary.
While none of the side characters were outstanding, I enjoyed seeing how their lives progressed over the course of the novel—what happened to Paige and Karina throughout the course of the book and how Calysta’s friendship with Lance and Malaya changed. I know I’ve touched on this before, but I like this book much better as a sequel to The Making of a Beauty than I would’ve had I read it as a standalone because the characters are familiar to me.
The Beauty in Their Scars is sure to appeal to fans of Christian fairy tale retellings and contemporary romances with a touch of fantasy.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and was not required to write a positive review.
After finishing its prequel The Making of a Beauty, I was excited to read The Beauty in Their Scars, and it didn’t disappoint me. This contemporary fairy tale retelling drew me in from the beginning with its immersive setting and story of redemption. Eager to see what would happen next to Calysta and Brendan, I ended up finishing all nearly-500-pages of it in only a few days.
I definitely recommend reading The Making of a Beauty before starting this one. (It’s free, so why not?) Not only does the prequel familiarize the reader with the setting and characters, it also helps to establish Calysta’s character and backstory. I don’t think I would have understood—and maybe even liked—her character without reading The Making of a Beauty first.
It took some time for me to accept Brendan—he definitely embodies the beast archetype—but I eventually came to like him. I especially appreciated that his redemption was sparked by more than just his love for Calysta.
The setting also deserves a mention, since it’s one of my favorite things about this series. These books are set across a few fictional countries, with fictional languages, landmarks, and brands to match. It’s a creative approach to a saga that otherwise feels mostly contemporary.
While none of the side characters were outstanding, I enjoyed seeing how their lives progressed over the course of the novel—what happened to Paige and Karina throughout the course of the book and how Calysta’s friendship with Lance and Malaya changed. I know I’ve touched on this before, but I like this book much better as a sequel to The Making of a Beauty than I would’ve had I read it as a standalone because the characters are familiar to me.
The Beauty in Their Scars is sure to appeal to fans of Christian fairy tale retellings and contemporary romances with a touch of fantasy.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and was not required to write a positive review.
February 12, 2018
I enjoyed the story of Calysta and Brendan. It had a strong Christian message of forgiveness and redemption. I’m not familiar with the original story of The Beauty and the Beast except for the basic premise of it, so I don’t know how similar the two stories are. It was hard for me to accept the believability of this story in the context it was set in. I tried to get past that and I think I was successful. For me, the story was disjointed by the way it kept jumping back and forth between time frames, mainly 2004 and 2008. I don’t normally have difficulty with this and I can’t pinpoint why it bothered me here. Perhaps it was overused? I’m not sure, but it didn’t transition well for me. I received an Advance Review Copy from the author. Hopefully before it’s released, it will receive better editing. There were numerous issues, especially inconsistent verb tenses, typos, and seemingly random uses of italics. A Jaguar also magically turned into a pickup. In my opinion, the author will improve with time and a good editor.
December 19, 2016
Absolutely loved this modern Christian retellingof the beauty and the beast! And not only was the story a compelling read that drew me into the story bu entertained in the story is the gospel message along with lessons about love, forgiveness, and beauty within. Highly recommend!
I love how the reader gets to know Brendan and Clysta first and the things in theit backgrounds that left them broken and hurting in their own ways. Then in part 2 where they officially meet and began to get to know one another as their romance blossoms, the idea that love conquers all gives hope and light as they face challenges along the way. However the most beautiful part of the story is that they find healing in a relationship with God who heals their hurting while showing us the reader that we too can be healed from the hurts of our past.
I love how the reader gets to know Brendan and Clysta first and the things in theit backgrounds that left them broken and hurting in their own ways. Then in part 2 where they officially meet and began to get to know one another as their romance blossoms, the idea that love conquers all gives hope and light as they face challenges along the way. However the most beautiful part of the story is that they find healing in a relationship with God who heals their hurting while showing us the reader that we too can be healed from the hurts of our past.
March 16, 2018
He makes all things beautiful in His time Ecclesiastes 3:11
I can sum Calysta and the Beast up in one word. Wow! There is so much depth to this story. The theme of Beauty and the Beast appears in so many places in this story, not just in the main plot. The verse from Ecclesiastes describes this book’s theme so well.
Calysta has always felt that she didn’t compare favorably to her older half-sisters. They were so beautiful and she was just herself, the illegitimate daughter. Driven to cutting herself to attempt numb the pain, nothing seems to be quite right in her life until she discovers the love of a God who will never fail her.
Brendan’s arrogance and self-centeredness lead to him lashing out at those around him. His thoughts about others are just about how they can fill his needs. Until he is cursed to become on the outside the beast he has been on the inside.
I have read many retellings of this classic tale. This one is quite different. The fantasy aspect of it is just in the way that Brendan really does end up cursed with the appearance of a beast. Every other aspect of the book takes place without magic or fantasy, in the world we know.
The focus of the book is on redemption, specifically the redemption that can only come from God. While the story deals with some hard subjects, such as cutting and human trafficking, it does so in such a way that it is not heavy or painful to read. There is so much hope woven throughout the story.
I am looking forward to reading more books by this author.
This review was originally posted on Among the Reads
I would like to thank Joanna Alonzo for giving me this item. My opinion and review were not influenced by this gift.
I can sum Calysta and the Beast up in one word. Wow! There is so much depth to this story. The theme of Beauty and the Beast appears in so many places in this story, not just in the main plot. The verse from Ecclesiastes describes this book’s theme so well.
Calysta has always felt that she didn’t compare favorably to her older half-sisters. They were so beautiful and she was just herself, the illegitimate daughter. Driven to cutting herself to attempt numb the pain, nothing seems to be quite right in her life until she discovers the love of a God who will never fail her.
Brendan’s arrogance and self-centeredness lead to him lashing out at those around him. His thoughts about others are just about how they can fill his needs. Until he is cursed to become on the outside the beast he has been on the inside.
I have read many retellings of this classic tale. This one is quite different. The fantasy aspect of it is just in the way that Brendan really does end up cursed with the appearance of a beast. Every other aspect of the book takes place without magic or fantasy, in the world we know.
The focus of the book is on redemption, specifically the redemption that can only come from God. While the story deals with some hard subjects, such as cutting and human trafficking, it does so in such a way that it is not heavy or painful to read. There is so much hope woven throughout the story.
I am looking forward to reading more books by this author.
This review was originally posted on Among the Reads
I would like to thank Joanna Alonzo for giving me this item. My opinion and review were not influenced by this gift.
May 28, 2018
This is the second book i m reading by Joanna Alonzo and she didn't disappoint!
The book is kinda a remix of the fairy tale "Beauty and the Beast". Brendan a selfish rich young man basically turns into what he is on the inside, ugly, a beast. Calysta, a beautiful young lady who comes from a messed up background and issues of her own is but who has been redeemed and saved by HIS Grace is his "Beauty". In the end its not only her love that transforms him, but LOVE Himself. GOD. The lesson, it doesn't matter what you look like on the outside, its who you are on the inside that matters. No matter how much of a "good" person you are, its only God that can make you truly beautiful, inside and out.
Beautifully written, i cried and i laughed with the characters . i didn't want to put it down until the very end.
The book is kinda a remix of the fairy tale "Beauty and the Beast". Brendan a selfish rich young man basically turns into what he is on the inside, ugly, a beast. Calysta, a beautiful young lady who comes from a messed up background and issues of her own is but who has been redeemed and saved by HIS Grace is his "Beauty". In the end its not only her love that transforms him, but LOVE Himself. GOD. The lesson, it doesn't matter what you look like on the outside, its who you are on the inside that matters. No matter how much of a "good" person you are, its only God that can make you truly beautiful, inside and out.
Beautifully written, i cried and i laughed with the characters . i didn't want to put it down until the very end.
June 27, 2018
Calysta and the Beast is a modern day retelling of Beauty and the Beast. All characters are realistic, except for the one character who is turned into a beast to reflect the condition of his heart. It is a dual timeline book, which at times, I found hard to follow. I completely understand the need for the multiple timelines, as it provides a lot of necessary background information.
The book deals with a lot of real life struggles - broken families, an illegitimate child, cutting, self medicating, etc. Like another reviewer and the author stated, "We all have beastly tendencies until we follow our Savior." God truly does make all things beautiful in his time, and is faithful to redeem each and every one of us is we just accept Jesus.
I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review
The book deals with a lot of real life struggles - broken families, an illegitimate child, cutting, self medicating, etc. Like another reviewer and the author stated, "We all have beastly tendencies until we follow our Savior." God truly does make all things beautiful in his time, and is faithful to redeem each and every one of us is we just accept Jesus.
I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review
May 25, 2018
An excellent twisted, modern retelling
Beauty and the Beast is a frequently retold, timeless story, and yet this one is completely unique. I liked how this tale was told through both reflections and present time, back and forth so that as current events unfold we also gain a deeper understanding of how they came to be. While Brendan may be a scarred beast, Calysta is not unscarred herself. Nor does she seem much of a Beauty at first. As both of these character grow, we also see God working in their lives and how He has brought things to this point. I loved that it isn’t so much about her love setting him free, but God’s love and how all of it comes together. Great character development and spiritual truths all woven together in a way that captured me from the start.
Beauty and the Beast is a frequently retold, timeless story, and yet this one is completely unique. I liked how this tale was told through both reflections and present time, back and forth so that as current events unfold we also gain a deeper understanding of how they came to be. While Brendan may be a scarred beast, Calysta is not unscarred herself. Nor does she seem much of a Beauty at first. As both of these character grow, we also see God working in their lives and how He has brought things to this point. I loved that it isn’t so much about her love setting him free, but God’s love and how all of it comes together. Great character development and spiritual truths all woven together in a way that captured me from the start.
April 14, 2022
A wonderful spin on an old fairytale!
I have to say that I began to read Calysta and the Beast with big reservations. I don’t like to mix God with the super natural. However, I continued to read the book and realized that even though in real life, this would not happen, (unless your name is Nebuchadnezzar), but God does use experiences to draw us to him. We live in a war zone between good and evil. We don’t want to wait for God’s answers, we want to jump ahead of Him.
Whomever reads this book will be extremely blessed to have read it and will have enjoyed the fairytale of Beauty and the Beast in a Christian perspective.
I have to say that I began to read Calysta and the Beast with big reservations. I don’t like to mix God with the super natural. However, I continued to read the book and realized that even though in real life, this would not happen, (unless your name is Nebuchadnezzar), but God does use experiences to draw us to him. We live in a war zone between good and evil. We don’t want to wait for God’s answers, we want to jump ahead of Him.
Whomever reads this book will be extremely blessed to have read it and will have enjoyed the fairytale of Beauty and the Beast in a Christian perspective.
January 31, 2024
Calysta and the Beast is the first book in the Sacred Scarred series. Alonzo’s written a retelling of Beauty and the Beast with a powerful thread of grace revealing God’s desire and ability to make the broken beautiful. Alonzo’s storyline shows how God can take the ugly broken parts of us and use them for His glory, to bring healing to the lost and redemption to those who are suffering. What a great name she has chosen for this series: The Sacred Scarred! Quote: “First of all, Calysta, you are fearfully and wonderfully made. Whenever God looks at you, He smiles. You are His masterpiece and you are precious to Him. A Master Artist created you, and you are beautiful. Never doubt that.”
May 27, 2018
I received this book for free from a special promotion. I am now giving my honest review of the book. This book was breath-taking. I was hooked in right from the start. How great is our Savior and King who can take away all our ugliness when we look to Him alone. The story is told with what is currently happening and then flashbacks interspersed. With the first one I was confused but then I got the rhythm of it. So much beauty is in this book and it continually fights the beast. I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more books by this author.
February 4, 2020
Enjoyed this contemporary fanciful Christian-version of the "Beauty and the Beast" that will relate to both young and older readers in presentation and dialogue. However, the story had multiple themes going on among various family members, all emphasizing how the need for total control over one's self-centered life can lead to one's downfall, instead of allowing God to be the director. Maintained my attention throughout, despite seeming a bit disjointed particularly in flipping between the past to present experiences. Yet, it all came together at the end.
February 19, 2020
With thanks to the author for my free copy.
A story of change and redemption, but mostly about love; how love can mould people, support them, raise them, and make them better... yet also how damaging twisted or warped love can be.
A modern re-telling of “Beauty and the Beast”, with a Christian focus, this is a compelling read.
The only requirement to improve the reader’s experience would be some further editing to improve the grammar and typesetting.
3 1/2 stars - 4 with grammatical errors resolved.
A story of change and redemption, but mostly about love; how love can mould people, support them, raise them, and make them better... yet also how damaging twisted or warped love can be.
A modern re-telling of “Beauty and the Beast”, with a Christian focus, this is a compelling read.
The only requirement to improve the reader’s experience would be some further editing to improve the grammar and typesetting.
3 1/2 stars - 4 with grammatical errors resolved.
September 11, 2021
I am not a huge fan of the Beauty and the Beast but The way this book was written made it so enjoyable and relatable. The way it approached the topic of self harm and loving others purely based on the inside (Attitudes, intentions, character) was truly fascinating. And also how God can change someone whose like a beast to a beautiful one. I never thought of reading this one because just as what i have said, i wasn't a fan of the beauty and the beast but i am really glad i had the chance to read this awesome retelling of it.
August 19, 2023
Redemption and love
This was a wonderfully written story of a modern day beauty and the beast. A favourite fairytale of mine, I wasn't sure how it would translate into a modern christian romance. I needn't have worried. The story moved at a good pace and kept me turning the pages wondering what would happen to the wonderful characters. We look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. Recommended for everyone.
This was a wonderfully written story of a modern day beauty and the beast. A favourite fairytale of mine, I wasn't sure how it would translate into a modern christian romance. I needn't have worried. The story moved at a good pace and kept me turning the pages wondering what would happen to the wonderful characters. We look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. Recommended for everyone.
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