Ava's Blessing in Disguise

by Lorana Hoopes

What happens when pain takes control?

Five years after their marriage, Ava and Justin are enjoying life. They have a beautiful daughter and fulfilling careers, but when Ava wakes up with a mysterious pain in her neck, things begin to change.

As she tries to find out what is wrong with her, Ava learns a few other lessons along the way.

If you love clean short romance stories, you will love this new short story from best-selling author Lorana Hoopes, and if you love these characters, be sure to check out The Producer's Unlikely Bride.

88 pages, Paperback

Published May 22, 2019

About the author

Lorana Hoopes is an inspirational romance and children’s author originally from Texas. She now lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and three children. When not writing, she can be found singing or acting on stage or kickboxing at her gym. You can also find her hosting her show Write the World where she interviews authors and writers.

Reviews

[Judith McNees · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extraordinarily moving

This story, though short, was incredibly encouraging to me. It is worth the read, even if you haven't read The Producer's Unlikely Bride. The author's words in the last bit of the story capture the character of God in such a way I was moved to tears. That honestly doesn't happen to me often when reading fiction. I think because the story is based on a situation in the author's life, it makes it shine almost as though it is a testimony.

[writer... · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written contemporary short story features a MC enduring unusual pain with a positive attitude and outcome. An inspiriting audio listen.

Recording is clear and personable narration of the author, Loranna Hoopes, enhances the story as well as characters.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ava’s story was an interesting one. I have to say I believe sometimes we go through things to help us learn and to be able to help others. So I don’t disagree with the story. But I don’t like my books to be as preachy. To me this short story was not so much about telling a story but giving a lesson about God. Which for the right audience would have been perfect but just not my favorite type of book.

[Roger]

Ava's Blessing in Disguise: A Blushing Brides Short Story, my eighteenth incredible read from wonderful Christian author Lorana Hoopes. The author’s Texas roots show as her books are set in The Lonestar State. This is another amazing Christian read, God's hand is apparent throughout the book, if there's a flaw in this book it's that it's too short, After having read The Cowboy’s Reality Bride (Blushing Brides #1) and The Reality Bride’s Baby (Blushing Brides #2) I wanted to read more Blushing Brides series. I don't do spoilers though so you'll have to read it and find out for yourself! I was given an Audible copy of this book & am voluntarily reviewing. Lorana Hoopes’s talented self-narration & Texas accent/drawl adds to the well-written book's enjoyment as no one knows her characters like the creator. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).

[Timothy Hendricks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable read. It was a novella. However it was written well. At no time did it feel rushed. It was a while read. The main characters were Justin, Ava, and Kylie and they were very well developed. This story is a continuation of the previous love. This book was more about love of friends and love of family as they reach out to offer assistance to one in need. It is also about God’s love and his reaching out to one in order to communicate with others. It is also about God helping us to recognize and not take for granted our many blessings.

[Misty Goan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great short extended epilogue sort for Producer's Unlikely Bride. This well written short story was written 5 years later and takes you thru Ava's unexpected pain that appears. I love hearing how it reminds us how important God is to have in our lives. It was a great descriptive writing and includes great support and love in a truly powerful and inspirational extended read. I voluntarily reviewed and listened and thankful for such an amazing read. The narration was so beautifully done it really brought such an extra level of enjoyment. 

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

You always wonder what happens to a couple after we finish the book. This novella gives us a peek at Justin and Ava 5 years later. After experiencing debilitating pain, we see how faith, love and good advice helps to find the cause and how to deal with it. Add in their adorable daughter and this extended epilogue is a winner. I loved it! Loranna Hoopes narrates it with care and love, emanating it's true blessings.

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reality in the fact that sometimes we just wake up not feeling well. Thankfully, Ava realized something wasn't right in time for it to be taken care of before it became even more serious. Sometimes things happen because we just need to slow down a little, it seems that God used this time to speak to Ava and gave her a message to share with someone else. I am so thankful that I can read Lorana's books and feel good about reading them.

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ava's experience with pain drew her closer to God and proved to be a blessing in the long run. This is an inspirational story with a sweet conclusion. It was a fitting epilogue to The Producer's Unlikely Bride and illustrated their love endured, even though difficult circumstances. Ms. Hoopes always delivers a sweet, clean book that I never fail to enjoy.

The narration is so good. I'm glad Ms. Hoopes does her own narration which brings the characters to life.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

It always amazes me (it really shouldn't) how much the Lord teaches us through suffering. Ava is in pain and while she wants the pain to stop she learns so much. Her daughter was adorable and Justin was so supportive. I actually listened to this book and loved the narrator. I didn't realize it was the author until the end. Job well done.

[Cindy Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It's the follow up to Producers Unlikely Bride by Lorana Hoopes. We never know what God has in store for us. In Ava's case he used neck pain to show us that sometimes we forget to be thankful. Ava and Justin are happily married with a beautiful daughter. Then she's struck down by pain. But through it she leans on God. An enjoyable easy read. Blessings.

[Vibliophile · Rating 4 out of 5]

All things work for good for those who love God

God doesn't cause suffering, but He permits it when He can bring a greater good out of it. Ava undergoes a very painful and puzzling experience that leads to an unexpected spiritual witness. This story is a lovely reminder of how our trusting submission to God allows Him to work with us to reach others.

[Ashley Hedden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ava’s Blessing in Disguise: A Blushing Brides Short Story was a great read by Lorana Hoopes. Ava and Justin have been married for five years. THey havean adorable daughter who wakes up with a mysterious pain in her neck. They do everything they can to find out what is wrong, and in doing so they learn some lessons.

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 4 out of 5]

This epilogue wasn’t what I thought it would be. I feel bad for Ava and anyone who else who experiences debilitating pain. Her daughter Kylie was adorable and her husband Justin was sweet and supportive.

[Lori Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this audibook from the author in exchange for an honest review. The author is also the narrator and does a fantastic job. This is the fourth book I have read in this series and even though this is a short story it has a powerful message.

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

God works through people

This is a short story about faith and the power of God. Although it is written about the two characters from “The a Reality Star’s Bride”, the message is more about faith and how God works through people. Good story

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great follow-up story for Ava & Justin, who were introduced to us in book #6 (“The Producer’s Unlikely Bride”) of the Blushing Brides series. Inspiring story about health issues, faith & trusting your instincts.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved listening to this read by Lorana Hoopes on her YouTube channel. She shared that this was inspired by a real life experience. Ava learns so much from this and I love that she was willing to share with those she could reach. God really does use other people to help us learn.

[Sara Glancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a powerful and inspirational story! Spot on with the descriptive writing about the pain. A great story to add to your TBR list!

[Rebecca White · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story looking at the characters from the Producer's Bride, seeing them 5 years after their last story. Again another story with great lessons learned and a few seemingly scary moments.

[Maria Barbosa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Um belo livrinho que nos fala de como ter fé em Deus não se contradiz a ter fé na Ciência. Um excelente leitura para relaxar depois de algumas leituras difíceis.

[Sara Glancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a powerful and inspirational story! Spot on with the descriptive writing about the pain. A great story to add to your TBR list!