Violets for Vanessa (The Crystal Falls Series)

Crystal Falls #3

by Dianne Miley

Struggling to be free of her abusive father, Vanessa Gallagher maintains her independence by managing a tea shop and begs her mother to join her safe haven in small town Crystal Falls. Although determined not to let another man control her, she cannot resist the comforting kindness of handsome contractor Chad James. Then her father meets his doom at the bottom of a cliff, and police suspect Vanessa's mother. When Chad uncovers the truth in an unexpected turn of events, will Vanessa choose love over independence?

Genres: Romance

254 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

I’m a Christian author, wife, mom, Gigi, reader, gardener, tea drinker, and beach lover. My husband and I live in a 75-year-old house with a wrap-around porch and a clawfoot tub. We met on a blind date when I was 16 and have been married over 40 years! We have two married children, two grandchildren, and four grand-dogs.

Writing has been my passion since I learned to create letters on paper. My books feature flowers and gardens—and like real-world gardens, the characters and their stories are messy! This isn't inspirational fiction for perfect people; it's about messing up, and being loved anyway. Because God loves you no matter what!

Happy reading, friends.

Reviews

[Paula Phillips]

Violets for Vanessa can be read as a stand-alone and is a prime example of going into a book blind as I too be honest couldn't even remember exactly when I picked this book up or what I was in for. Even though this is Book #3, I was glad I was able to just jump in and read as I could catch the gist of this story. In Violets for Vanessa, we meet Vanessa who is 25 years old and lives at home with her parents. Her dad is an abuser and violent and hits her mother and has also sexually abused Vanessa and her older sister Layla who died a few years back. Vanessa has caught the eye of one of the bachelors in town - Chad James. He has been praying for God to deliver him a wife and he feels that God is telling him that Vanessa is the one for him. It's going to be a bit more work on his side as Vanessa is loyal to her family and protecting her mother and despite the horrible things her father does - she hates to rock the boat and also prides herself on not accepting help as though Chad wants to help her where he can - she views it as controlling and wishes to be independent. I do have to admit despite enjoying this story, there were moments when I wanted to strangle Vanessa and be like "Open your eyes, woman, this guy loves you and he is not your freaking dad, and also stop protecting your dad, he hurt you". I found her character quite naive which even though you live a sheltered life like I did - we aren't all that naive as in my case - I read books and watched movies and read Girl's and Women Magazines and learned most things from them. I might not have gone to parties or experienced drugs, or teenage boyfriends but I still lived and wasn't a naive gullible girl like Vanessa. If you love Women's Fiction with an Edge and a hint of Christianity, then check out Violets for Vanessa by Diann Miley.

[Rosemary Althoff]

My favorite in the Crystal Falls series

Visually and tactilely this story of Vanessa and Chad appealed to my senses. Author Dianne Miley writes the physical sensations of romance so vividly that I experience them as I read them. Plus the tension of the severe abuse and malice Vanessa’s family endured kept me eager for a resolution.
This was a passionate novel of true love—in many dimensions (God, man, and nature)—and I loved it. I’m looking forward to the followup books in Dianne Miley’s UNWANTED series.

[Joy]

Overcomer

Can a girl from the wrong side of the tracks attract a handsome man from the right side of life? This is a book about that very question. Some of the most revolting things one can endure didn't stop Vanessa from dreaming. Planning her way out of the nightmare her life was included saving her mother from her own nightmare. This is a story about survival and determination, healing and love.

[Harriett Hardin]

Great book!

This is a really good book.
The author is very good at telling a wonderful story.
I totally had the wrong person picked for "who done it" it is a Christian book but not at all preachy. She shows Christian folks for what they are, not perfect, just perfectly forgiven.
Looking forward to see what happens with Vanessa's best friend....

[Kelly]

independence and love

It is good to be independent. However, sometimes we need other people and it’s important to realize when it’s OK to ask for help or whatever is needed. Dependence on God is always important. This story shows this very well.

[Renee Cryer]

Fantastic

This book is full of trauma, love, and glory to God. God prevails even when we don't see or hear Him. The story showed how He was always there. The details to complete the story was beautifully written and the story was complete.

[Melissa Henderson]

Powerful story.

[Val Pearson]

Without a doubt, Violets for Vanessa is an exceptional and inspirational read that I simply could not put down. This sweet romance pairs up Vanessa, a woman who feels like she can never trust a man again with Chad, a man who is determined to show Vanessa that not every man is like her father. Vanessa's character is a strong willed woman who struggles for her independence. She questions why God hasn't been there for her when she truly needed him. Chad's character is a strong man of God and is deeply rooted in his faith. The chemistry between Vanessa and Chad was off the charts and I was impressed at how Chad held himself together. Sometimes it's very difficult to stand by your convictions but because Chad loved Vanessa, he was determined to do things the right way. Ms. Miley shows us that although a person may be a Christian, it does not mean that they don't face every day problems with emotions such as anger, hopelessness, doubt and temptation. Because of this, I felt as though I bonded more with these well rounded characters.

Ms. Miley has portrayed very real characters and not shied away from controversial topics. Sexual abuse is a continuing problem in our society and through Vanessa, Ms. Miley is able to show that although it "seems" as though God was not there, he's been there all along. Darla's character dealt with domestic abuse and her reaction after Clyde is found dead was disturbing and very realistic.

Violets for Vanessa is the perfect read for anyone who is a fan of sweet romance. It has good guys, bad guys, gossips, God and an outstanding plot line. A fast paced read, this book is about lessons learned, struggling through the hard times and finding a relationship with God, all the while the story is not "too preachy". I enjoyed this book from the first page to the very last and had a hard time putting it down. I hated to see this story end. Thank goodness this book is part of the Crystal Falls series. Anyone who knows me knows that I am a series nut. The first book in the series is Lilacs for Laura, the second is Roses for Rachel and the third is Violets for Vanessa. Although each story can be read on it's own, I know you will want to read the entire Crystal Falls series. I look forward to reading more of Ms. Miley's work. A talented writer, Ms. Miley is now one of my favorites.

[Alicia Kronick]

2nd book in the series was just as wonderful as the first!