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The Essence of Shade
Shade’s life-altering vow to God leads to mysterious decisions that cause her to forfeit the man she loves.
Shade Doe believes her prayers are answered when she meets an older Christian man who offers her marriage and a name for her newborn child. Despite his overbearing nature, Shade delights in her new role as wife and mother. When her husband suddenly dies years later, she uncovers secrets from his past—secrets so profound they derail the lives of both her and her daughter.
After tragedy strikes, thirty-six-year-old Shade gains custody of her young grandson, Tyler, and moves to a small Michigan beach town where she becomes the owner of a successful bakery and café. Shade meets and falls in love with Tyler’s baseball coach, but their love for one another is doomed. Shade’s internal struggle to honor her vow to God, while denying her own desires, throws her on a path of painful redemption.
Shade Doe believes her prayers are answered when she meets an older Christian man who offers her marriage and a name for her newborn child. Despite his overbearing nature, Shade delights in her new role as wife and mother. When her husband suddenly dies years later, she uncovers secrets from his past—secrets so profound they derail the lives of both her and her daughter.
After tragedy strikes, thirty-six-year-old Shade gains custody of her young grandson, Tyler, and moves to a small Michigan beach town where she becomes the owner of a successful bakery and café. Shade meets and falls in love with Tyler’s baseball coach, but their love for one another is doomed. Shade’s internal struggle to honor her vow to God, while denying her own desires, throws her on a path of painful redemption.
- GenresFiction
378 pages, Paperback
Published January 18, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
December 21, 2019
The Essence Of Shade by Deborah Jean Miller is an epic contemporary Christian novel that will consume your heart and soul. The handprint of God runs throughout.
The novel is about sacrificial love. It is a love that is trying to atone for past sins. “Suffering was her penalty for the sins of her past.” Guilt weighs heavy but it is a burden we were never meant to carry. Confession is good for the soul and brings peace. We need to receive the grace and forgiveness of God. It is important to forgive the face in the mirror too.
There is loss within the tale. It is a loss that unleashes a terrible hidden secret life. Guilt that a hurt went unseen weighs heavy as a character rails at God. “You don’t even care… Where are You? Do You even exist?” In our hurt and pain, it is all too easy to direct our anger at God. God stands firmly beside us in our suffering. He was there in the hurt and pain. He never leaves us but we cannot always see Him.
The sins of the fathers seem destined to be repeated. Somehow the cycle of sin must be broken, but at what cost?
We witness love in action as a character shows a pure love for the lost, the lonely and the vulnerable.
Life may be hard. This advice is given, “Keep God at your side, and He’ll walk you through.” Sometimes we cannot see the road ahead. We need to put our hand in God’s and trust Him to guide us through. “You can’t do without God. Don’t push God away.” Whatever we are facing, it is far better to face it with God. Do not walk alone through life.
Every chapter started with scripture reminding the reader of the importance of the Word in our lives.
Deborah Jean Miller has created a marvellous novel. I hope my review has done it justice as it was packed full of godly themes and advice that it is difficult to cover them all. The whole novel is permeated with the fragrance of God’s love. Pure love conquers all.
”Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7.NIV.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
The novel is about sacrificial love. It is a love that is trying to atone for past sins. “Suffering was her penalty for the sins of her past.” Guilt weighs heavy but it is a burden we were never meant to carry. Confession is good for the soul and brings peace. We need to receive the grace and forgiveness of God. It is important to forgive the face in the mirror too.
There is loss within the tale. It is a loss that unleashes a terrible hidden secret life. Guilt that a hurt went unseen weighs heavy as a character rails at God. “You don’t even care… Where are You? Do You even exist?” In our hurt and pain, it is all too easy to direct our anger at God. God stands firmly beside us in our suffering. He was there in the hurt and pain. He never leaves us but we cannot always see Him.
The sins of the fathers seem destined to be repeated. Somehow the cycle of sin must be broken, but at what cost?
We witness love in action as a character shows a pure love for the lost, the lonely and the vulnerable.
Life may be hard. This advice is given, “Keep God at your side, and He’ll walk you through.” Sometimes we cannot see the road ahead. We need to put our hand in God’s and trust Him to guide us through. “You can’t do without God. Don’t push God away.” Whatever we are facing, it is far better to face it with God. Do not walk alone through life.
Every chapter started with scripture reminding the reader of the importance of the Word in our lives.
Deborah Jean Miller has created a marvellous novel. I hope my review has done it justice as it was packed full of godly themes and advice that it is difficult to cover them all. The whole novel is permeated with the fragrance of God’s love. Pure love conquers all.
”Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7.NIV.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
November 24, 2019
Good story telling with unexpected ending!
October 10, 2021
I loved it! Such faith, such dedication, such devotion, self-sacrifice, such unfailing love!
May 3, 2020
Best Christian book I’ve read in a long time!
I can’t say enough good things about this book. It’s all about redemption, love, dedication and God’s love for His children. We all sin and at times feel we have done something even we can’t forgive ourselves for. But God! I don’t cry often but this book had me in tears. You won’t regret reading this great book!
I can’t say enough good things about this book. It’s all about redemption, love, dedication and God’s love for His children. We all sin and at times feel we have done something even we can’t forgive ourselves for. But God! I don’t cry often but this book had me in tears. You won’t regret reading this great book!
April 29, 2019
A wonderful book! Intriguing, informative with a hidden secret .. just soooo good!!
Shade has a rough start in life; raised in the foster system, she finds herself pregnant at 15 and left in a mother and baby home. When she meets an older man at church she seizes the chance of marriage and the opportunity to keep her child. Many years later when he dies suddenly, Shade begins to blossom and makes contact with her estranged daughter, revelling in the delights of her grandson Tyler. When unforeseen tragedy occurs, Shade finds herself with custody of the boy and vows to put him first, bringing him up with a strong Christian faith.
This is simply a terrific read; the story is eloquent, beautifully structured and provides plenty of food for thought. The religious element isn't pompous and overbearing (as some are) but rather shows that faith is a big part of Shade's life. Then comes the shock - a shocking revelation is dropped into the story with shocking results!
The characters are varied, and there is a healthy dose of humour between the pages; I laughed along with the story many times. Shade came alive for me, and I felt quite privileged to know all the details of how she dealt with the hand God gave her. A truly endearing read, and one I enjoyed very much. I can't fault this one - author Deborah Miller has created a beautiful, satisfying read, fully deserving of the five shining stars I'm happy to give it.
Shade has a rough start in life; raised in the foster system, she finds herself pregnant at 15 and left in a mother and baby home. When she meets an older man at church she seizes the chance of marriage and the opportunity to keep her child. Many years later when he dies suddenly, Shade begins to blossom and makes contact with her estranged daughter, revelling in the delights of her grandson Tyler. When unforeseen tragedy occurs, Shade finds herself with custody of the boy and vows to put him first, bringing him up with a strong Christian faith.
This is simply a terrific read; the story is eloquent, beautifully structured and provides plenty of food for thought. The religious element isn't pompous and overbearing (as some are) but rather shows that faith is a big part of Shade's life. Then comes the shock - a shocking revelation is dropped into the story with shocking results!
The characters are varied, and there is a healthy dose of humour between the pages; I laughed along with the story many times. Shade came alive for me, and I felt quite privileged to know all the details of how she dealt with the hand God gave her. A truly endearing read, and one I enjoyed very much. I can't fault this one - author Deborah Miller has created a beautiful, satisfying read, fully deserving of the five shining stars I'm happy to give it.
October 9, 2019
I have to admit, this isn’t normally the kind of book I would choose (I’m usually a straight crime drama girl), but there was something about the combination of love and tragedy that intrigued me.
To my pleasant surprise, there was more mystery to the story than I was originally expecting, so the book definitely satisfied my craving for drama. And I totally got into the love story - so much so I felt like I was living it along with Shade!
It’s hard to imagine that an individual can go through so much trauma and keep bouncing back and staying true to her beliefs. The character development is so deep, I felt that I formed a relationship with every person and felt so much empathy and emotion for them throughout the story.
I wanted SO badly to know there was a happy ending, I caught myself several times flipping to the back of the book for some confirmation, and had to stop myself each time! I couldn’t wait to find out what happened! The anticipation was quite literally driving me crazy.
The author is so talented to be able to link together so many emotional experiences that pull at the heart strings and keep the reader turning the page. And there were so many unexpected developments that I didn’t see coming at all - it just kept getting better and better with every page!
To my pleasant surprise, there was more mystery to the story than I was originally expecting, so the book definitely satisfied my craving for drama. And I totally got into the love story - so much so I felt like I was living it along with Shade!
It’s hard to imagine that an individual can go through so much trauma and keep bouncing back and staying true to her beliefs. The character development is so deep, I felt that I formed a relationship with every person and felt so much empathy and emotion for them throughout the story.
I wanted SO badly to know there was a happy ending, I caught myself several times flipping to the back of the book for some confirmation, and had to stop myself each time! I couldn’t wait to find out what happened! The anticipation was quite literally driving me crazy.
The author is so talented to be able to link together so many emotional experiences that pull at the heart strings and keep the reader turning the page. And there were so many unexpected developments that I didn’t see coming at all - it just kept getting better and better with every page!
April 17, 2019
The essence of shade is a Christian woman’s fiction about Shade who is happily married to a Christian man and has a child. Things go wrong when her husband passes away as he leaves behind breadcrumbs of secrets and unhappy things happen that affect her. After moving to Michigan, she meets another man, and that is when the story begins to take an exciting turn.
I found the story to be religious based but not too domineering to overpower the plot line. I particularly enjoyed Shade’s personality. Her character was very human-like consistent with many mixed emotions, and this made her decisions to be very realistic.
The literature was simple to read and to follow. The pace of the story was consistent and due to its twists and turns, keeping the reader intrigued. I believe anyone that enjoys books prominently revolving around faith and God would enjoy the book. I say this not to suggest that this is a religious book but mention this due to the ethical dilemma the protagonist had in making certain decisions.
I look forward to reading more from this author.
I found the story to be religious based but not too domineering to overpower the plot line. I particularly enjoyed Shade’s personality. Her character was very human-like consistent with many mixed emotions, and this made her decisions to be very realistic.
The literature was simple to read and to follow. The pace of the story was consistent and due to its twists and turns, keeping the reader intrigued. I believe anyone that enjoys books prominently revolving around faith and God would enjoy the book. I say this not to suggest that this is a religious book but mention this due to the ethical dilemma the protagonist had in making certain decisions.
I look forward to reading more from this author.
June 5, 2019
In the realm of Christian fiction, this was truly a breath of fresh air. Miller did an amazing job with really reeling you in by the first page of this book. By the end of Chapter 1, I was already highly invested in the characters. I mean, she named her character Shade...I'm already down with that!
This is really out of the box for me, because Christian Fiction is always a category I struggle with. It always seems incredibly watered down and fake, but Miller managed to really pull at my heart strings and produce a solid novel.
If you're tired of the really lame and cheesy Christian novels, you should give this one a go. No cheese. All substance and well fleshed out characters.
This is really out of the box for me, because Christian Fiction is always a category I struggle with. It always seems incredibly watered down and fake, but Miller managed to really pull at my heart strings and produce a solid novel.
If you're tired of the really lame and cheesy Christian novels, you should give this one a go. No cheese. All substance and well fleshed out characters.
May 24, 2020
A bit slow...
This is a difficult review to write. I had a hard time getting into the story because the author tends to tell not show. Conversations at times are stilted and unnatural. Never once did a character say "want to," only " wanna. " That got old. But beyond minor errors, the story is interesting and different from most Christian novels. The author deals with some difficult subject matter that made me wonder what I would do in the same situation. I do think it's too long, but the build up to the end took me by surprise. That's a good thing. I'm glad I read it and can recommend it to others as mildly entertaining and thought-provoking.
This is a difficult review to write. I had a hard time getting into the story because the author tends to tell not show. Conversations at times are stilted and unnatural. Never once did a character say "want to," only " wanna. " That got old. But beyond minor errors, the story is interesting and different from most Christian novels. The author deals with some difficult subject matter that made me wonder what I would do in the same situation. I do think it's too long, but the build up to the end took me by surprise. That's a good thing. I'm glad I read it and can recommend it to others as mildly entertaining and thought-provoking.
March 6, 2019
I loved this book. While the character is of a strong Christian faith, I never felt it was preachy or in any way pushing a Christian agenda. As a matter of fact, the characters were very real and humble...with real problems. The book hooks you fast into the lives of its characters. Then it takes you on twists and turns that you don't see coming. I was truly shocked at the pivotal turn in the story, something that never entered my mind during the entire book! That does not happen to me often (or almost ever). Great read!
March 17, 2019
This was a very enjoyable read! The characters were interesting and relatable, there were surprises in the plot that were unexpected, and I was a bit sad to have the story end. I loved the setting, especially as I live in Northern Michigan. It was thought-provoking, and though it is Christian-based, it isn’t preachy at all. It’s more of a story of the struggle to do the right thing, even in difficult times. I recommend the book...it would make a great beach read the spring break or this summer!
May 30, 2020
Sad but genuine pleasure reading
An amazing story of love for her grandson but that lifelong care she gave him is amazing considering the heavy load she carried of guilt and longing for the love of this special man.
I understand sexual abuse and the anger she felt when she found out that she had been married to A predator.
Please mom’s and dad’s be wise and watchful of your childrens behavior and countenance
An amazing story of love for her grandson but that lifelong care she gave him is amazing considering the heavy load she carried of guilt and longing for the love of this special man.
I understand sexual abuse and the anger she felt when she found out that she had been married to A predator.
Please mom’s and dad’s be wise and watchful of your childrens behavior and countenance
February 3, 2020
Loved this book! Although it was fiction, it's a book that has so many relatable facets: breaking generational cycles, childhood pain/trauma, shame and hypersensitivity and the need for grace. I read this book in a single day as my first book of 2020 and was so glad I came across it in the library. I bought a copy to have in my home collection :).
February 13, 2020
Please don't waste your time on this book. I loved the story line but the writing was dull and boring. I never felt like I could get lost in the story which is what I love to do with a good book. I found myself skimming through the last 1/4 of the book just to find out the ending and get it over with. The ending was a surprise to me which was nice but I really didn't enjoy reading it.
March 27, 2023
Shade is a loving caring woman who gives tirelessly of herself for those she loves. Coming from a devastatingly heartbreaking background, you watch Shade as she loves, gives, but denies herself joy in return. Why? You won't see the answer to this question coming! A must read, and allot yourself time be cause you won't be able to put it down.
October 7, 2019
I think this is my new favorite book, I never saw the ending coming, wow is all I can say. I pray you have another book in the works! I don’t know where you got your storyline from, again all I can say is wow!
May 5, 2020
Am amazing story
This is a story that one will long remember. Unforgettable characters who weather horrific trials, with unseen twists and turns as the plot thickens and unfolds . . . and God’s amazing grace shining through it all. Bravo to the author for an excellent read!
This is a story that one will long remember. Unforgettable characters who weather horrific trials, with unseen twists and turns as the plot thickens and unfolds . . . and God’s amazing grace shining through it all. Bravo to the author for an excellent read!
September 2, 2020
Beautiful family story
This is one of those books that keep you intrigued to the end. A story with lots of love and heartache .Very down to earth and really sad episodes. But God's grace love and forgiveness is all there interwoven in a really interesting story.
This is one of those books that keep you intrigued to the end. A story with lots of love and heartache .Very down to earth and really sad episodes. But God's grace love and forgiveness is all there interwoven in a really interesting story.
November 8, 2019
I did not expect the ending.
I enjoyed this book and loved the way lives intertwined. I struggled with Shade and Brent's relationship but all made sense in the end.
I enjoyed this book and loved the way lives intertwined. I struggled with Shade and Brent's relationship but all made sense in the end.
January 11, 2020
Interesting book. It was very long almost too long. The ending was definitely a twist. Enjoyed
April 21, 2020
A true love story
A story of sacrifice and love of a grand son and a man. A real surprise at the end. Great story.
A story of sacrifice and love of a grand son and a man. A real surprise at the end. Great story.
May 10, 2020
A story of faith
I loved the characters and the whole plot line. The meandering threw me but the ending made up for it and tied it all together.
I loved the characters and the whole plot line. The meandering threw me but the ending made up for it and tied it all together.
May 29, 2020
Read three chapters and gave up. It was flat and boring. There was no life to anything I read. I can’t believe the high ratings.
September 28, 2020
Unbelievable good book.
This book was a great read from start to finish. God is so to us all of the time. I can’t wait to read another one of her books.
This book was a great read from start to finish. God is so to us all of the time. I can’t wait to read another one of her books.
August 27, 2021
Surprise ending. Good story and characters.
April 5, 2021
I thought the twist at the end was really well done, totally didn't see that coming.
Read
September 17, 2019Publisher's Weekly Review - "A woman wrestles with her faith while trying to move on from a complicated relationship in Miller's elegant, penetrating debut. Shade Doe's life is turned upside down when her husband, Stan, dies suddenly from a heart attack. Shade, who met and married Stan when she was a pregnant teenager, idolized her husband for the entirety of their 20-year marriage. Now 36, she is shocked when she discovers that the man she married was a monster who had been abusing her daughter, Addy. Moving to the coast of Michigan, Shade attempts to repair the broken relationship between herself and Addy, who struggles with substance abuse and who also became a mother as a teen, to two-year-old Tyler. Shade fears that her daughter's addiction has created a home unfit for Tyler, and when she is suddenly left with the responsibility of taking care of him, she must double her efforts at the bakery where she works. As Tyler grows up, she meets Brent, Tyler's baseball coach, and she feel herself opening up to romance for the first time in years. Only a renewed faith in God's love is able to bring Shade out of her self-loathing. Fans of Karen Kingsbury will love this affecting tale of redemption." - Copyright (c) 2019 Publishers Weekly PWxyz LLC. Used by permission.
Midwest Book Review -“All the more impressive when considering that “The Essence of Shade” is author Deborah Jean Miller’s debut as a novelist, this deftly crafted story showcases her distinctive and entertaining narrative style that will hold her reader’s fully engaged attention from first page to last.”
Midwest Book Review -“All the more impressive when considering that “The Essence of Shade” is author Deborah Jean Miller’s debut as a novelist, this deftly crafted story showcases her distinctive and entertaining narrative style that will hold her reader’s fully engaged attention from first page to last.”
August 19, 2019
This book is quite delightful - much like stepping into a sweet romance story. It reminded me in some ways of a Hallmark movie, but with more substance.
I would have loved to have seen some more scene and secondary character development throughout the book (sometimes it felt like I was jumping from one scene to the next before fully getting to immerse myself in one scene).
Overall, a sweet read.
I would have loved to have seen some more scene and secondary character development throughout the book (sometimes it felt like I was jumping from one scene to the next before fully getting to immerse myself in one scene).
Overall, a sweet read.
November 1, 2019
Great book
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was very interesting and I couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait to read your next book.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was very interesting and I couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait to read your next book.
May 2, 2019
The Essence of Shade by Deborah Jean Miller is my newest must-read recommendation. It has all the requirements of a great story.
Love- love is prevalent throughout the book.
Conflict- every great story has multiple degrees of conflict.
Mystery- life is full of secrets just like this book. Many are inconsequential, some are huge and life altering.
Romance- enduring unrequited love.
Food- I love the addition of deliciously described food.
Shock- a bombshell from out of the blue.
Add all this together and you get a thought-provoking page turner full of life and it’s ups & downs, humor, great characters, wonderful recipes, beautifully described settings, and so much more. The generational relationships are especially poignant in this book.
I can confidently recommend The Essence of Shade to readers of women’s fiction, faith based fiction, and even cozy mysteries.
Love- love is prevalent throughout the book.
Conflict- every great story has multiple degrees of conflict.
Mystery- life is full of secrets just like this book. Many are inconsequential, some are huge and life altering.
Romance- enduring unrequited love.
Food- I love the addition of deliciously described food.
Shock- a bombshell from out of the blue.
Add all this together and you get a thought-provoking page turner full of life and it’s ups & downs, humor, great characters, wonderful recipes, beautifully described settings, and so much more. The generational relationships are especially poignant in this book.
I can confidently recommend The Essence of Shade to readers of women’s fiction, faith based fiction, and even cozy mysteries.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews