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Shattered Vows
Annie and Stuart Rayburn have loved each other since high school. Their life is idyllic until their baby dies of SIDS, and Annie falls into a deep depression. Months of therapy help her recover, and they look forward to another child sometime in their future.Despite his own grief Stuart tries to comfort Annie, yet when he reaches for her in the night, his advances are rebuffed. In a moment of weakness, he turns to another woman. Stu learns his night of infidelity produced a baby girl. The mother died in a car crash, and her will gives Stu custody. Stu can’t deny the child is his, and he’s determined to raise her. He begs Annie’s forgiveness. Hurt and angry, Annie must face her demons, decide if she can forgive Stu, and love the innocent child, or divorce him and move on without the only man she’s likely to love.
190 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 11, 2014
52 people are currently reading
383 people want to read
About the author
Linda LaRoque
25 books64 followersLinda LaRoque grew up in an average sized Texas town and participated in the usual school activities. She owes her love of reading to Miss Mayfield, her 6th grade teacher. Every day after lunch she read to the class introducing her students to a world of adventures. From the Bobbsie Twins, Little Women, and Nancy Drew Mysteries, Linda moved on to Gwen Bristow, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Anya Seton and Philippa Gregory, Barbara Michaels, Phyllis Whitney, and Victoria Holt. After high school she obtained a BS degree in Home Economics Education and later earned a MS degree.
Linda is a retired teacher who loves Texas, its flora and fauna, and its people. Her stories paint pictures of life, love, and learning set against the raw landscape of ranches and rural communities in Texas.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
nope-not-today-satan
September 2, 2018Moral of the story, do not deny sex to your husband when you mourn the loss of your baby because he will cheat on you and in the end you will have to raise the child as a result of betrayal.
read-when-i-am-brainless
September 21, 2016I am so over this second chance romance.
So NOT For me.
Cheaters don't deserve forgiveness they deserve REVENGE!
THIS WOULD BE ME IF MY MAN CHEATED ON ME
So NOT For me.
Cheaters don't deserve forgiveness they deserve REVENGE!
THIS WOULD BE ME IF MY MAN CHEATED ON ME
August 15, 2018
My face when reading the book is captured perfectly in the cover lol.
Moral of the story: do not turn down your husband when he wants sex (for any reason, including grieving your dead baby) or risk him cheating on you.
Bonus Moral: if your husband apologizes for cheating on you (and don't forget that it was probably your fault that he had to stray), forgive him as quickly as possible or risk him leaving you for another woman permanently.
I don't even know where to begin with this book.
The story starts with the husband at his lawyers office where he's asked if he knows a woman named Josie. Why yes, he does. Josie is the woman he was forced to f*ck when his grumpy wife turned him down for sex when she was grieving after their baby died. When husband hears Josie's name, his first thought is: "Oh sh*t! Did she give me an STD that I transferred to my innocent wife Annie??" ....which makes me scream: "you mean you had drunk unprotected sex outside of your marriage and you didn't get yourself tested before f*cking your wife???"
Luckily for our hero, the news is not about an STD (although he never did get tested to find out for sure). Turns out, his one night drunken fling had his baby! She died in a car accident and left the baby under his sole custody because he is the father. Ok, I get that he's the biological dad (although, said dad refused to get a DNA test done because the baby is a ginger just like he is), but what I don't understand is why would a woman just leave him with sole custody after having met this guy once! He's the biological father so he would have rights but it seemed crazy to just leave the baby in his lap without knowing anything about this guy, except that he had a drunken fling with her. He could be an alcoholic or unfit parent for all she knew.
Moving on, our hero returns home to his wife to tell her that he was unfaithful and that it resulted in a baby which he is now the sole custodian of. The heroine is rightfully pissed off (although the dialog was ridiculously hilarious with her yelling "adulterer!" at him lol) about the hero breaking his vows but he kindly reminds her that it was really her fault because she turned him down for sex while she was grieving. What else was he supposed to do?
Anyways, the heroine kicks the hero out of the house (they live in Las Vegas) and then a few days later uproots herself and moves to Texas to stay with her mother in a small town where everyone knows her business before she does (that's an exaggeration but just barely).
The hero's mother stays with the hero for a while to help him with the baby. The hero tells his mother that he still loves his wife and he'll do anything to get her back. Anything, except actually make an effort to earn her trust back because that's too much work and it was her fault anyway (Ok, the hero doesn't actually blame the heroine that much but she blames herself and so does everyone else when they find out). The hero is feeling sh*tty about himself and that he failed his marriage but he doesn't do anything for months to try to make it work.
My favourite conversation was when the hero calls the heroine to ask if she can ever forgive him. She said she's unsure because he broke her trust. He tells her that, even though it's hard, he's working on forgiving himself and that he's moving on with his life because what else can he do? He told her that he will leave the ball in her court and she can call him when she's ready to forgive him. That's the effort he put in - telling her to call him when she's over it.
Then we have the heroine agonizing for months (the separation lasted about 5-6 months) that if she doesn't forgive him soon, he's gonna leave her and marry someone else. Her mother and best friend essentially tell her the same thing. Forgive him or lose him forever. Never mind that he's not doing a single thing to earn her forgiveness.
We also get a great side story (which serves as a moral for the heroine) where her best friend found out that her husband had an affair during their marriage (not a one night stand like our heroine has to deal with, but a full blown affair). When said friend confronts her cheating husband, he begs for forgiveness for one month. When she didn't forgive him after one month, he moved out and started seeing the woman he cheated with. Fast forward a year - they're divorced and he's still dating the woman he cheated with but he makes sad puppy dog eyes at his ex-wife because he'd really rather be with her. The best friend admits that she wished that she forgave her cheating ex during that month when he asked for forgiveness but her pride stopped her. This leads to our heroine having the realization that if she doesn't forgive the hero soon, she might lose him....for good!
What no one talks about is the fact that these faithless husbands don't do anything to earn forgiveness or trust. I'm not saying that the women should endlessly string them along, but the men have to show that they're willing to do whatever it takes to earn forgiveness but they don't, not even close. It is simply up to the women to forgive the man or risk losing him.
Long story short, our hero and heroine get back together and our heroine learns to love the baby that resulted from the one night stand. The end.
Moral of the story: do not turn down your husband when he wants sex (for any reason, including grieving your dead baby) or risk him cheating on you.
Bonus Moral: if your husband apologizes for cheating on you (and don't forget that it was probably your fault that he had to stray), forgive him as quickly as possible or risk him leaving you for another woman permanently.
I don't even know where to begin with this book.
The story starts with the husband at his lawyers office where he's asked if he knows a woman named Josie. Why yes, he does. Josie is the woman he was forced to f*ck when his grumpy wife turned him down for sex when she was grieving after their baby died. When husband hears Josie's name, his first thought is: "Oh sh*t! Did she give me an STD that I transferred to my innocent wife Annie??" ....which makes me scream: "you mean you had drunk unprotected sex outside of your marriage and you didn't get yourself tested before f*cking your wife???"
Luckily for our hero, the news is not about an STD (although he never did get tested to find out for sure). Turns out, his one night drunken fling had his baby! She died in a car accident and left the baby under his sole custody because he is the father. Ok, I get that he's the biological dad (although, said dad refused to get a DNA test done because the baby is a ginger just like he is), but what I don't understand is why would a woman just leave him with sole custody after having met this guy once! He's the biological father so he would have rights but it seemed crazy to just leave the baby in his lap without knowing anything about this guy, except that he had a drunken fling with her. He could be an alcoholic or unfit parent for all she knew.
Moving on, our hero returns home to his wife to tell her that he was unfaithful and that it resulted in a baby which he is now the sole custodian of. The heroine is rightfully pissed off (although the dialog was ridiculously hilarious with her yelling "adulterer!" at him lol) about the hero breaking his vows but he kindly reminds her that it was really her fault because she turned him down for sex while she was grieving. What else was he supposed to do?
Anyways, the heroine kicks the hero out of the house (they live in Las Vegas) and then a few days later uproots herself and moves to Texas to stay with her mother in a small town where everyone knows her business before she does (that's an exaggeration but just barely).
The hero's mother stays with the hero for a while to help him with the baby. The hero tells his mother that he still loves his wife and he'll do anything to get her back. Anything, except actually make an effort to earn her trust back because that's too much work and it was her fault anyway (Ok, the hero doesn't actually blame the heroine that much but she blames herself and so does everyone else when they find out). The hero is feeling sh*tty about himself and that he failed his marriage but he doesn't do anything for months to try to make it work.
My favourite conversation was when the hero calls the heroine to ask if she can ever forgive him. She said she's unsure because he broke her trust. He tells her that, even though it's hard, he's working on forgiving himself and that he's moving on with his life because what else can he do? He told her that he will leave the ball in her court and she can call him when she's ready to forgive him. That's the effort he put in - telling her to call him when she's over it.
Then we have the heroine agonizing for months (the separation lasted about 5-6 months) that if she doesn't forgive him soon, he's gonna leave her and marry someone else. Her mother and best friend essentially tell her the same thing. Forgive him or lose him forever. Never mind that he's not doing a single thing to earn her forgiveness.
We also get a great side story (which serves as a moral for the heroine) where her best friend found out that her husband had an affair during their marriage (not a one night stand like our heroine has to deal with, but a full blown affair). When said friend confronts her cheating husband, he begs for forgiveness for one month. When she didn't forgive him after one month, he moved out and started seeing the woman he cheated with. Fast forward a year - they're divorced and he's still dating the woman he cheated with but he makes sad puppy dog eyes at his ex-wife because he'd really rather be with her. The best friend admits that she wished that she forgave her cheating ex during that month when he asked for forgiveness but her pride stopped her. This leads to our heroine having the realization that if she doesn't forgive the hero soon, she might lose him....for good!
What no one talks about is the fact that these faithless husbands don't do anything to earn forgiveness or trust. I'm not saying that the women should endlessly string them along, but the men have to show that they're willing to do whatever it takes to earn forgiveness but they don't, not even close. It is simply up to the women to forgive the man or risk losing him.
Long story short, our hero and heroine get back together and our heroine learns to love the baby that resulted from the one night stand. The end.
October 15, 2021
Faith based cheating husband story.
I’m a big believer in forgiveness, and that’s the driving point of this story. But, forgiveness doesn’t equate to acceptance and reconciliation, and that’s what’s lost here.
Not one person truly supported the wife, everyone was loving but not one person told her it was okay to not immediately forgive, everyone pushed her towards reconciliation and ultimately that’s what makes this book a fail.
And, honestly could the author include anymore heartache for the heroine? A child lost to SIDS, a child that results from the husbands ONS, her mother dying of brain cancer, and a car accident that results in the premature delivery of their son and the loss of her ability to have more children.
2 stars is generous.
I’m a big believer in forgiveness, and that’s the driving point of this story. But, forgiveness doesn’t equate to acceptance and reconciliation, and that’s what’s lost here.
Not one person truly supported the wife, everyone was loving but not one person told her it was okay to not immediately forgive, everyone pushed her towards reconciliation and ultimately that’s what makes this book a fail.
And, honestly could the author include anymore heartache for the heroine? A child lost to SIDS, a child that results from the husbands ONS, her mother dying of brain cancer, and a car accident that results in the premature delivery of their son and the loss of her ability to have more children.
2 stars is generous.
avoid
June 8, 2022Self note
Worst plot ever.🙄
Reviewer Lu and Aprils has details.
Worst plot ever.🙄
Reviewer Lu and Aprils has details.
January 17, 2019
Just no!!!!
How was it her fault she was healing and didn't want to have sex??? Did no one who was supposed to love her besides Nancy have a brain and see Stu was worthless??? He was never going to tell her until the accident but it was glossed over, just kept expecting her to forgive and accept this new child in replacement of theirs. Quite a few references about how she was like their dead daughter because of anything is going to get your wife to accept your love child and betrayal it's reminding her you already have an replacement with someone else like the one you had together meant nothing.....insert sarcastic face..... I'd have told him to take his child and shove it. He didn't earn forgiveness in my eyes. What did he do besides blame her and then pray she accepted his love child and act like a possessive monkey? He didn't woo her back he just made demands in the guise of space and even her mom didn't have her side. My mom would have chopped his nads off. I was hoping Brett was going to get a chance to be with her and show her what a real man was like. I'm all cool with faith but I'm certain Faith wouldn't blame the woman for healing and turning her husband away for sex because he needs to get some. In the vows it says forsake all others, in sickness and health......
How was it her fault she was healing and didn't want to have sex??? Did no one who was supposed to love her besides Nancy have a brain and see Stu was worthless??? He was never going to tell her until the accident but it was glossed over, just kept expecting her to forgive and accept this new child in replacement of theirs. Quite a few references about how she was like their dead daughter because of anything is going to get your wife to accept your love child and betrayal it's reminding her you already have an replacement with someone else like the one you had together meant nothing.....insert sarcastic face..... I'd have told him to take his child and shove it. He didn't earn forgiveness in my eyes. What did he do besides blame her and then pray she accepted his love child and act like a possessive monkey? He didn't woo her back he just made demands in the guise of space and even her mom didn't have her side. My mom would have chopped his nads off. I was hoping Brett was going to get a chance to be with her and show her what a real man was like. I'm all cool with faith but I'm certain Faith wouldn't blame the woman for healing and turning her husband away for sex because he needs to get some. In the vows it says forsake all others, in sickness and health......
October 15, 2017
Cheating isn't a deal breaker for me--if it's handled in the right way.....
SPOILERS.....
This H was awful. I think the worst I've read. He cheats, discovers he has a child, and tells the wife that he's sorry, but please still be his wife and raise this child as her own. Yeah, that's about the entire book. He tells her that when he moves back into the house, he IS going to share the bed with her, but he won't force her to be with him. What a knight in shining armor.
The heroine is a doormat of the first/worst order. Of course after their own daughter died of SIDS, she shouldn't have rebuffed her husband's sexual advances. How callous of her. This affair/one night stand, MUST be her fault. She didn't want to have sex with him after their daughter died. She's a bad wife. What total misogyny. I know this was written with a religious bent, but it teaches women that everything is their fault.
Why?
SPOILERS.....
This H was awful. I think the worst I've read. He cheats, discovers he has a child, and tells the wife that he's sorry, but please still be his wife and raise this child as her own. Yeah, that's about the entire book. He tells her that when he moves back into the house, he IS going to share the bed with her, but he won't force her to be with him. What a knight in shining armor.
The heroine is a doormat of the first/worst order. Of course after their own daughter died of SIDS, she shouldn't have rebuffed her husband's sexual advances. How callous of her. This affair/one night stand, MUST be her fault. She didn't want to have sex with him after their daughter died. She's a bad wife. What total misogyny. I know this was written with a religious bent, but it teaches women that everything is their fault.
Why?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2024
Forgiveness
I fought back and forth with the rating. I thought it was good but some parts I was not happy about.
The Author compared his child Bailey from infidelity to the child they lost to SIDS way to much. It was always they look so much alike. Why not shove that knife into Annie a little deeper.
Okay so I'm sorry but the Author also had Bailey who was 8 or 9 months saying around 30 words and complete sentences??? Yeah no.
The other thing was him blaming her depression for his drunken one night stand. I'm she lost her baby, HELLO!
Annie faced so much pain just to move home and find out her mother was dying. Let me tell you I went through some serious tissues as this hit home. Especially with her mother asking her to say it was ok to go. Brought memories of my mom's passing.
I'm glad with the help of the faith, friends and forgiveness they were able to become a family again.
I fought back and forth with the rating. I thought it was good but some parts I was not happy about.
The Author compared his child Bailey from infidelity to the child they lost to SIDS way to much. It was always they look so much alike. Why not shove that knife into Annie a little deeper.
Okay so I'm sorry but the Author also had Bailey who was 8 or 9 months saying around 30 words and complete sentences??? Yeah no.
The other thing was him blaming her depression for his drunken one night stand. I'm she lost her baby, HELLO!
Annie faced so much pain just to move home and find out her mother was dying. Let me tell you I went through some serious tissues as this hit home. Especially with her mother asking her to say it was ok to go. Brought memories of my mom's passing.
I'm glad with the help of the faith, friends and forgiveness they were able to become a family again.
February 26, 2015
I received a complimentary copy of this book as a part of a book tour for a fair and honest review and rated it 4 out of 5 Stars.
What does it take to have a successful marriage? Is love enough or does marriage require more? In Linda LaRoque’s debut inspirational romance, Shattered Vows, we see a marriage tested by infidelity and the child resulting from the incident. Reminding us that marriage is hard, that real love requires continual forgiveness and that regardless of where we are in life, God’s grace is sufficient, Ms. LaRoque gives us a story of love and redemption which had me shedding a few tears and rooting for her characters.
Emotionally overwhelmed and hurting after the loss of their child to SIDS, Annie Rayburn is distant and emotionally withdrawn. Rejected by his wife, Stuart Rayburn turns to another woman for one night and then struggles with guilt over the betrayal of his marriage vows. When the woman he turned to dies in an accident, and Stuart discovers he has a daughter, he knows he must take responsibility for his child and confess to his wife. As Stuart confesses his infidelity, Annie struggles with her anger, her guilt over her inability to move on from their daughter’s death, and her inability to forgive Stuart for what he’s done. Will their love be enough to keep them together and will Annie be able to love a child who isn’t her own?
Ms. LaRoque does a good job developing both Stuart and Annie’s characters; their emotions are raw, gritty and easy to identify with. Especially the anger Annie feels toward Stuart over what he’s done. While I don’t believe there is ever a legitimate reason for a spouse to cheat; I do have to acknowledge that when we first meet Annie, she’s cold, somewhat distant and hasn’t really moved on from the loss of their daughter – even though she’s been gone for more than a year. It made it a little difficult to connect with her at first, but as the story develops it becomes apparent that Annie has always had problems dealing with emotional issues. It was easier to connect with Stuart, though there are times I wanted to smack him upside the head, because he so willingly accepts his new daughter and is determined to make the best of his situation; he’s very careful about how he deals with Annie and what she wants, even while hoping and praying that she’ll forgive him and give their marriage another try.
The secondary characters are also well developed and I really enjoyed getting to know Grace, Stuart’s mom, and Willie Lee, Annie’s mom. Both are strong women who want what’s best for their children and will do whatever it takes to help bring them back together because they know they’re still deeply in love. I also really liked “Bailey”, the baby who comes into their life through no fault of her own; she’s independent, sweet and easily adapts to all of the changes taking place in her life.
Will Annie let God help her forgive Stuart for his mistake and room in her heart for a child she didn’t give birth to? And will Annie deal with her anger towards God for letting people she loves die? Will Stuart be able to prove he’ll be faithful to Annie and never betray her again? You’ll have to read Shattered Vows to find out. I think it’s an enjoyable story and I look forward to reading more of this author’s work.
What does it take to have a successful marriage? Is love enough or does marriage require more? In Linda LaRoque’s debut inspirational romance, Shattered Vows, we see a marriage tested by infidelity and the child resulting from the incident. Reminding us that marriage is hard, that real love requires continual forgiveness and that regardless of where we are in life, God’s grace is sufficient, Ms. LaRoque gives us a story of love and redemption which had me shedding a few tears and rooting for her characters.
Emotionally overwhelmed and hurting after the loss of their child to SIDS, Annie Rayburn is distant and emotionally withdrawn. Rejected by his wife, Stuart Rayburn turns to another woman for one night and then struggles with guilt over the betrayal of his marriage vows. When the woman he turned to dies in an accident, and Stuart discovers he has a daughter, he knows he must take responsibility for his child and confess to his wife. As Stuart confesses his infidelity, Annie struggles with her anger, her guilt over her inability to move on from their daughter’s death, and her inability to forgive Stuart for what he’s done. Will their love be enough to keep them together and will Annie be able to love a child who isn’t her own?
Ms. LaRoque does a good job developing both Stuart and Annie’s characters; their emotions are raw, gritty and easy to identify with. Especially the anger Annie feels toward Stuart over what he’s done. While I don’t believe there is ever a legitimate reason for a spouse to cheat; I do have to acknowledge that when we first meet Annie, she’s cold, somewhat distant and hasn’t really moved on from the loss of their daughter – even though she’s been gone for more than a year. It made it a little difficult to connect with her at first, but as the story develops it becomes apparent that Annie has always had problems dealing with emotional issues. It was easier to connect with Stuart, though there are times I wanted to smack him upside the head, because he so willingly accepts his new daughter and is determined to make the best of his situation; he’s very careful about how he deals with Annie and what she wants, even while hoping and praying that she’ll forgive him and give their marriage another try.
The secondary characters are also well developed and I really enjoyed getting to know Grace, Stuart’s mom, and Willie Lee, Annie’s mom. Both are strong women who want what’s best for their children and will do whatever it takes to help bring them back together because they know they’re still deeply in love. I also really liked “Bailey”, the baby who comes into their life through no fault of her own; she’s independent, sweet and easily adapts to all of the changes taking place in her life.
Will Annie let God help her forgive Stuart for his mistake and room in her heart for a child she didn’t give birth to? And will Annie deal with her anger towards God for letting people she loves die? Will Stuart be able to prove he’ll be faithful to Annie and never betray her again? You’ll have to read Shattered Vows to find out. I think it’s an enjoyable story and I look forward to reading more of this author’s work.
February 13, 2015
Shattered Vows is an inspirational story that follows the emotional journey of a couple who face very serious and traumatic circumstances that shattered their vows, and test the strength and stability of their marriage.
Annie and Stuart Rayburn had the perfect marriage until traumatic circumstances causes cracks in their marriage. Devastated by the death of their baby to SIDS, the couple struggle with their grief and the ability to move forward in their marriage. Stuart becomes frustrated by Annie's inability to cope and withdrawal from him that he seeks comfort in the arms of another woman. Stuart's infidelity comes to light when the woman he had an affair with had his baby and dies in a car accident leaving him with custody of the baby. As Annie and Stuart struggle with the circumstances that arose in their marriage, they embark on an emotional journey to work together to save their marriage through faith, strength, and love.
Shattered Vows is a beautifully written story that easily draws the reader into Annie and Stuart's story. You can't help but feel compassion and empathy for this couple as they struggle to keep their marriage alive after tragic circumstances and crises causes enough cracks in their relationship that it could ultimately destroy their marriage. As Annie and Stuart embark on their journey to save their marriage, their choices and decisions will ultimately determine if their faith and love is strong enough to sustain life's hardships.
Author Linda LaRoque weaves an inspirational tale that is realistic and thoughtful. The emotional issues that the couple faced in their marriage is easy to relate to, and engages the reader to ponder what would they do if these circumstances occurred in their own marriage. As the couple struggles with heartbreak, grief, temptation, betrayal, and disappointment, they learn that the strength of their faith and love can instill enough forgiveness and hope for a reconciliation that could repair their shattered marriage vows.
Shattered Vows is an emotional story of one couple's journey to overcome the crises and challenges that test their love, faith, and strength of their marriage. This is a compelling story that will pull at your heartstrings, stir your soul, and resonate with you for a very long time.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book excerpt tour event hosted by Goddess Fish Promotions.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
Annie and Stuart Rayburn had the perfect marriage until traumatic circumstances causes cracks in their marriage. Devastated by the death of their baby to SIDS, the couple struggle with their grief and the ability to move forward in their marriage. Stuart becomes frustrated by Annie's inability to cope and withdrawal from him that he seeks comfort in the arms of another woman. Stuart's infidelity comes to light when the woman he had an affair with had his baby and dies in a car accident leaving him with custody of the baby. As Annie and Stuart struggle with the circumstances that arose in their marriage, they embark on an emotional journey to work together to save their marriage through faith, strength, and love.
Shattered Vows is a beautifully written story that easily draws the reader into Annie and Stuart's story. You can't help but feel compassion and empathy for this couple as they struggle to keep their marriage alive after tragic circumstances and crises causes enough cracks in their relationship that it could ultimately destroy their marriage. As Annie and Stuart embark on their journey to save their marriage, their choices and decisions will ultimately determine if their faith and love is strong enough to sustain life's hardships.
Author Linda LaRoque weaves an inspirational tale that is realistic and thoughtful. The emotional issues that the couple faced in their marriage is easy to relate to, and engages the reader to ponder what would they do if these circumstances occurred in their own marriage. As the couple struggles with heartbreak, grief, temptation, betrayal, and disappointment, they learn that the strength of their faith and love can instill enough forgiveness and hope for a reconciliation that could repair their shattered marriage vows.
Shattered Vows is an emotional story of one couple's journey to overcome the crises and challenges that test their love, faith, and strength of their marriage. This is a compelling story that will pull at your heartstrings, stir your soul, and resonate with you for a very long time.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book excerpt tour event hosted by Goddess Fish Promotions.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
February 12, 2015
Wow!!! This book will have you on a journey of emotions... Yes, I actually cry some with this book! The in dept feelings of the character are more real then I expected. The logic of the story line makes you ponder yourself of what you would do placed in this situation. Makes you think if you could actually forget and forgive. But it also shows up that not everything is what it's seemed behind closed doors. I have never read form this author before, and I will be from this point on. I am just in complete amazement with this book!
*Received for an honest review*
*Received for an honest review*
October 19, 2020
Made me angry
Spoiler, I do not like books were the wife takes the blame for the infidelity. He was pushy and a douche. Shoving the ow baby in her face. She ended up getting the talks from everyone about his wrongs.
Spoiler, I do not like books were the wife takes the blame for the infidelity. He was pushy and a douche. Shoving the ow baby in her face. She ended up getting the talks from everyone about his wrongs.
December 23, 2016
Hard to review without spoilers, so I'm going to say that if you don't like your H to be a cheater I'd leave it alone. This H is hard to forgive.
July 21, 2024
2.5 Stars
Boohoo, no grovel. He prayed for forgiveness and that was supposed to be enough. Spoiler alert: it was in this book. He called her a few a times and that was the extent of his grovel. Long story short, if you're cheated on by your spouse, the lesson is: you better hurry up and forgive before the cheater moves on with their life and you're too late.
The book wasn't terrible, it just wasn't what I was hoping for, though it had potential (it starts out angsty). He could have tried harder to earn her forgiveness; to understand and appreciate what he was asking of her: to not only forgive the betrayal but also accept the baby he had with another woman. He acted like it was easy. Men! Basically, he was off the hook and the ball was simply on her court. To be honest, I don't think what he did was unforgivable (he wasn't a bad guy); I do believe he was truly regretful. The problem is, he didn't fight for her at all. I'm not a fan of betas. I'm also not a fan of FMCs blaming themselves for being betrayed when they did not deserve it, which this FMC eventually ended up doing. I also wish the story hadn't been sidetracked by secondary characters--something I find annoying in romance books.
Boohoo, no grovel. He prayed for forgiveness and that was supposed to be enough. Spoiler alert: it was in this book. He called her a few a times and that was the extent of his grovel. Long story short, if you're cheated on by your spouse, the lesson is: you better hurry up and forgive before the cheater moves on with their life and you're too late.
The book wasn't terrible, it just wasn't what I was hoping for, though it had potential (it starts out angsty). He could have tried harder to earn her forgiveness; to understand and appreciate what he was asking of her: to not only forgive the betrayal but also accept the baby he had with another woman. He acted like it was easy. Men! Basically, he was off the hook and the ball was simply on her court. To be honest, I don't think what he did was unforgivable (he wasn't a bad guy); I do believe he was truly regretful. The problem is, he didn't fight for her at all. I'm not a fan of betas. I'm also not a fan of FMCs blaming themselves for being betrayed when they did not deserve it, which this FMC eventually ended up doing. I also wish the story hadn't been sidetracked by secondary characters--something I find annoying in romance books.
May 14, 2016
Genre: Contemporary, Inspirational, Romance
Length: Novel
Heat Level: Spicy
Reviewer: ReadingPatti
Annie and Stu are a regular couple who have gone through a tragic loss then they face another issue that causes them to separate. Can they find the way back to each other? That is the question.
I was hooked on this book from the first page. Stu moves out and Annie comes home to find her way. Does Annie love Stu enough to make their marriage work? Annie questions everything about their relationship, but Stu still loves her and Annie finally realizes that she loves Stu too. They work at reconnecting their relationship and stay together. With the love they have, can Annie and Stu find that they do belong together? Not just for themselves, but for their whole family.
I loved this book. This was so real that this story could happen to any couple today in real life. I loved how Annie and Stu worked though their issues to realize that they really do love each other and can come together. That their love was strong enough to go through these issues and become even stronger than before. I think we should all read this book. It shows how no matter what comes up in your relationship, if you remember that you love each other your relationship can survive and grow even stronger.
Length: Novel
Heat Level: Spicy
Reviewer: ReadingPatti
Annie and Stu are a regular couple who have gone through a tragic loss then they face another issue that causes them to separate. Can they find the way back to each other? That is the question.
I was hooked on this book from the first page. Stu moves out and Annie comes home to find her way. Does Annie love Stu enough to make their marriage work? Annie questions everything about their relationship, but Stu still loves her and Annie finally realizes that she loves Stu too. They work at reconnecting their relationship and stay together. With the love they have, can Annie and Stu find that they do belong together? Not just for themselves, but for their whole family.
I loved this book. This was so real that this story could happen to any couple today in real life. I loved how Annie and Stu worked though their issues to realize that they really do love each other and can come together. That their love was strong enough to go through these issues and become even stronger than before. I think we should all read this book. It shows how no matter what comes up in your relationship, if you remember that you love each other your relationship can survive and grow even stronger.
February 10, 2016
This was a really good book. It shows that no matter what you got through in a relationship, things can be overcome and love that survive and grow even stronger. This is a book of real relationhships and worth the read.
August 21, 2017
Overall, I enjoyed this book, but the baby's speech and understanding seemed well beyond her age. This made it a bit unbelievable.
June 25, 2021
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Despite the forbidding look on the face of the woman on the cover and the fact that I’m rating Shattered Vows by Linda LaRoque a “2,” this really is quite an enjoyable read. At least two of the points I deducted can be laid directly at the door of Prayers and Promises Publications (which is part of Prairie Rose Publications). The editorial values are so bad that I mistook this for an amateurishly self-published work. There really ought to be some kind of law…
The story, however, is a sensitive take on the “unfaithful husband” trope, one that gives serious thought to what it takes to forgive being deeply wronged and the painful road to recovery that a damaged marriage must travel. LaRoque’s characters are well developed and, mostly, believable. Other readers have quibbled about whether the author’s attitude towards women is Chauvinistic —the wife (Annie) is more or less expected to forgive her husband’s indiscretion — but LaRoque has the wife give sufficient due diligence to her decision, so I am satisfied on that score.
Since Shattered Vows is inspirational fiction, as opposed to Christian fiction, the main characters were a little worldly for my taste – do not be expecting To Forgive, Divine here – there is a bit of salty language, the husband manages a Las Vegas casino, and alcoholic beverages are sometimes consumed to excess (and are, in fact, the factor leading up to the marital infidelity). But, in true Small Southern Town style, friends, neighbors and fellow church members rally around to provide comfort, food and other assistance when even more trouble arises in Annie’s life. It’s fun to read about nice people once in a while, even if we can only see such behavior reflected in old “Andy Griffith” re-runs and novels like this.
Because of the events in Annie’s life, things will never be the same for her – but we never stand in the same river twice, do we? – so the end is bittersweet. But the message that forgiveness is the key ingredient in reconciliation and moving on with one’s life is a powerful and necessary one in our revenge-obsessed world. And Shattered Vows is just the book to deliver it.
Despite the forbidding look on the face of the woman on the cover and the fact that I’m rating Shattered Vows by Linda LaRoque a “2,” this really is quite an enjoyable read. At least two of the points I deducted can be laid directly at the door of Prayers and Promises Publications (which is part of Prairie Rose Publications). The editorial values are so bad that I mistook this for an amateurishly self-published work. There really ought to be some kind of law…
The story, however, is a sensitive take on the “unfaithful husband” trope, one that gives serious thought to what it takes to forgive being deeply wronged and the painful road to recovery that a damaged marriage must travel. LaRoque’s characters are well developed and, mostly, believable. Other readers have quibbled about whether the author’s attitude towards women is Chauvinistic —the wife (Annie) is more or less expected to forgive her husband’s indiscretion — but LaRoque has the wife give sufficient due diligence to her decision, so I am satisfied on that score.
Since Shattered Vows is inspirational fiction, as opposed to Christian fiction, the main characters were a little worldly for my taste – do not be expecting To Forgive, Divine here – there is a bit of salty language, the husband manages a Las Vegas casino, and alcoholic beverages are sometimes consumed to excess (and are, in fact, the factor leading up to the marital infidelity). But, in true Small Southern Town style, friends, neighbors and fellow church members rally around to provide comfort, food and other assistance when even more trouble arises in Annie’s life. It’s fun to read about nice people once in a while, even if we can only see such behavior reflected in old “Andy Griffith” re-runs and novels like this.
Because of the events in Annie’s life, things will never be the same for her – but we never stand in the same river twice, do we? – so the end is bittersweet. But the message that forgiveness is the key ingredient in reconciliation and moving on with one’s life is a powerful and necessary one in our revenge-obsessed world. And Shattered Vows is just the book to deliver it.
January 20, 2021
We are stronger together even stormy weather
This is a story of Annie and Stuart Rayburn they both are in love, but they lost their precious baby girl Emily Ann. They both had to deal with the lost of their only baby girl. But Stuart's had a one night stand and had a baby girl called Bailey she a baby look just like Emily Ann. Both people are upset, but a innocent child is caught in the middle. Then also she left her husband and his one night stand baby, to live with her mother in her parents home. She expecting a baby she wonder should she tell him, because of the hurt and pain. Stuart know he wrong in breaking his vows, hurting his wife, and he ashamed for all he caused his marriage, his wife, and messing up his life. But he don't regret love Annie his beautiful high school sweetheart, and hope he can fix what he broken.
This is a story of Annie and Stuart Rayburn they both are in love, but they lost their precious baby girl Emily Ann. They both had to deal with the lost of their only baby girl. But Stuart's had a one night stand and had a baby girl called Bailey she a baby look just like Emily Ann. Both people are upset, but a innocent child is caught in the middle. Then also she left her husband and his one night stand baby, to live with her mother in her parents home. She expecting a baby she wonder should she tell him, because of the hurt and pain. Stuart know he wrong in breaking his vows, hurting his wife, and he ashamed for all he caused his marriage, his wife, and messing up his life. But he don't regret love Annie his beautiful high school sweetheart, and hope he can fix what he broken.
August 11, 2020
Interesting...
Not a bad story line... very cliche to be honest... but I liked how all the characters had their own personality. I
**spoiler**
I didn’t like how Annie forgave Stu quickly in my opinion. He cheated on her a year ago and didn’t even tell her then had a whole baby and I felt like she forgave too quickly. I didn’t like how the supporting characters wanted her to get back with him. Doesn’t really happy in real life like that but I guess this is a book.. so..
Not a bad story line... very cliche to be honest... but I liked how all the characters had their own personality. I
**spoiler**
I didn’t like how Annie forgave Stu quickly in my opinion. He cheated on her a year ago and didn’t even tell her then had a whole baby and I felt like she forgave too quickly. I didn’t like how the supporting characters wanted her to get back with him. Doesn’t really happy in real life like that but I guess this is a book.. so..
August 13, 2021
Nope!
No women would act this nice about a affair that resulted in a baby special when said women lost her on baby! And as for the man he was just gave a free pass cause it was the wife's fault cause she wouldn't have sex with him cause she was still grieving her baby's death but it was okay he cheated cause a man needs sex what a fluting joke this was a horrible book that let a man off the hook and the wife took all the blame when she did nothing Wong!
No women would act this nice about a affair that resulted in a baby special when said women lost her on baby! And as for the man he was just gave a free pass cause it was the wife's fault cause she wouldn't have sex with him cause she was still grieving her baby's death but it was okay he cheated cause a man needs sex what a fluting joke this was a horrible book that let a man off the hook and the wife took all the blame when she did nothing Wong!
December 17, 2020
Loved every page.
A very good Christian read. Filled with forgiveness, love and greatfullnes. I like the story line straight to its ending. I cried and laughed and glorified for these characters. I recommend this read for anyone. Thanks to the author.👍
A very good Christian read. Filled with forgiveness, love and greatfullnes. I like the story line straight to its ending. I cried and laughed and glorified for these characters. I recommend this read for anyone. Thanks to the author.👍
December 26, 2017
4 Stars
I was invested in this book within the first 2 chapters. This is a religious book and the message was good. While reading this book have some tissues ready.
I was invested in this book within the first 2 chapters. This is a religious book and the message was good. While reading this book have some tissues ready.
August 7, 2020
A good story
I enjoyed this book. Some parts were a little extreme in the dialog, but overall the story was good. I will read it again!!
I enjoyed this book. Some parts were a little extreme in the dialog, but overall the story was good. I will read it again!!
September 18, 2021
Pleasantly Surprised
I loved and enjoyed this book. Very inspirational and heartfelt. I cried over and over again. The characters were believable and the story felt real.
I loved and enjoyed this book. Very inspirational and heartfelt. I cried over and over again. The characters were believable and the story felt real.
June 15, 2025
Nope! If the author was going to have her take this poor excuse for a husband back the least she could have done was let her have a ONS revenge.
Read
March 8, 2018This book is so cliche and so boring and so predictable. And so boring. Got to 25 long % and gave up.
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