Meant for Her

Intended For Her #1

by Joy Avery Melville

Had it all truly been ~ MEANT FOR HER?

Kidnapped, raped, brutally beaten, and left for dead, Candi Reynolds becomes a prisoner of fear. Faced also with the impact of the unexpected break-up with her fiancé, and an unwanted pregnancy resulting from the attacks, she believes God has forsaken her. Choosing to move back to the Michigan horse farm, owned by her older brother, Dr. Cam Reynolds, Candi essentially goes into seclusion.

Dr. Patrick (Mack) MacKevon, long-time friend of Cam’s, watches from the sidelines at the farm, w here his horses are stabled, while Candi struggles to regain a sense of normalcy. His own big-brother tendencies develop into a much deeper emotion over the months he prays for her.

Is it possible for Candi to put all of the pain and trauma behind her and renew her former relationship with the Lord? Will she allow her heart to open enough to discover authentic love, while making decisions of victory on her personal journey to joy?

Genres: Womens Fiction

352 pages, Paperback

Published November 14, 2019

About the author

Joy Avery Melville recognizes that she is called to be the author that God intended her to be, to share stories that will lead people to hope, healing, and an increased awareness of Jesus Christ. Her writing journey began in eighth grade in 1967 with a dream of writing historical romance novels.

Embracing a change in Genre, Joy was given a vision with eyes to see the hearts of people who silently suffer. Her stories have become a testament to redemption, restoration, trauma, faith, and the presence of God in the midst of life’s most challenging moments. Her books will be a haven to readers who seek stories that are genuine and based on grace and spiritual renewal.

Joy lives in the area just outside of Schoolcraft, Michigan, with her longtime husband. Her books have been inspired by the
community that she loves to call home. Joy was named ACFW’s 2015 Mentor of the Year, the 2020 and 2021 winner of the Angel Book
Award in Contemporary Fiction, and a finalist in the 2021 Selah Awards.

Joy enjoys connecting with readers and invites you to reach out to her through her website and newsletter.

Reviews

[Susan]

MEANT FOR HER is a contemporary fiction story that I was pulled in to from the very first page. To be honest, I fell in love with the cover the minute I saw it. I want to be walking down that road with all the leaves changing colors. I loved everything about this heart breaking story and I’m excited to recommend it to my reading friends. Joy Avery Melville has a way of grabbing her readers and she never lets us go.


MEANT FOR HER really takes a turn that will have you unable to put this beautiful but heart wrenching story down. My heart broke for Candi and what she went through. How could one person survive so much and not mentally lose it? Not to mention her fiance and what a selfish jerk he turned out to be. He made Candi feel guilty and ashamed and nothing could be further from the truth. How is she supposed to heal from that? My emotions were all over the place while reading! Keep the tissues close by!


MEANT FOR HER is filled with twists and turns and had me staying up way too late one night to finish! I had to know where Joy Avery Melville was taking us and what would happen to Candi and Mack . There is so much heart in Joy’s writing that I was left with a smile on my face and my heart very happy. I could totally see MEANT FOR HER becoming a Lifetime movie and I would love to see it. All of the characters are very interesting and believable, so much so that I felt as if I’ve known them for a long time.





I received a complimentary copy of this book from JustRead Publicity Tours. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Judith McNees]

Beautiful

This novel was full of tough topics, but they were all addressed in a sensitive way that spoke of grace. The heroine's road to healing was angry and raw but honest and beautiful.

One of my favorite parts about this story was the hero, Mack. I was worried about the brogue because of other reviews that said it was hard to read, but I didn't find it difficult at all. For a women's fiction story with a thread of romance, I found it to have a nice mix. It was heavy in places, but moments between Candi and Mack kept me wanting to keep turning pages rather than setting it down to take a break. Mack was super sweet, and he gave me those swoony sweet romance moments that made this novel so satisfying.

This was a clean read with no swearing and only kissing. The Christian thread was very strong, and those who appreciate actual Christian fiction as opposed to "clean" fiction will appreciate this novel.

Overall, I recommend this to anyone who enjoys women's fiction with a positive outcome and contemporary romances.

[Suzie]

Let me start by saying, assault and abuse are real issues, and I appreciate when authors tackle the difficult subject in an understanding and gentle manner without diminishing the horrors that victims go through or the internal struggle that goes on for sometimes years after the crime. In Meant for Her, Joy Avery Melville does exactly that. From Candi’s fear at sudden noises, her refusal to leave the property, and even her ex’s reaction to her trauma, Melville lovingly details the journey from brokenness to healing in a victim’s life.

Not only does she give the reader the victim’s perspective but also the perspective of the people around her. In this case, Candi’s brother and his best friend. Their helplessness in their ability to heal her, their pain at what this young woman had to suffer through, and their constant prayers for her are well documented.

That said, there was a lot of repetitive everyday detail in this story. In fact, it dragged the first half of the book. Sometimes less brings across the point better. This is also the case with Mack’s Irish accent. It’s heavy handed throughout the book, making all conversations involving him laborious to read (and it’s not explained at all until sixty percent of the way through the book).

Overall, Meant for Her is a book that’s, unfortunately, needed in today’s world. The journey Candi goes on is emotional, physical, and spiritual and ends with the promise of hope because friends and family loved her through her healing. There are a few hints at what’s to come in the next book too.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Linda Aldridge]

This was a hard book to read because of the subject matter it dealt with. I almost stopped reading it in the beginning cause I was so heartbroken for Candi-girl. But I got really involved in the story and the characters and really wanted to see things change for her. Loved both Cam and Mack and really hope Cam gets his happy ending in the next book. In the end I couldn't put this book down.

[Joy]

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
I was very impressed with this debut author. Her writing skills worked great as Candi's story unfolds. My heart actually hurt for Candi because of everthing she was going through. And her fiancé, what a jerk he was, to put it nicely. I was glad to see him go! She had a strong support group in her brother and friend Max. I just loved Dr. Max. He always new just the right things to say to make anyone comfortable especially Candi.

I really like the way Joy Avery Melville deals with really difficult issues that are so real today. If you know someone that has had to deal with the horrible issues like rape, beaten, kidnapped, or all of these things, this would be a really good book to give them to read. Though it is a fiction story, the author gives so many things, so much advice, that it can be a comfort. For those with a hurting heart beyound repair, or so think, they will find the love, comfort, healing and hope in Jesus. I'm so glad I could review this special book.

I would like to thank the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review. The opinions here in this review are totally mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Ebosereme Nwamu]

Joy Avery Melville is a new to me author and in this book Meany For Her she handled tough real life situations that is hardly handled.

A must read tale of a young woman returning home to her LORD, moving past her pain to opening her heart to the Divine love of her Father and every good thing He has for her.

Candi's and Patrick is a wonderful read for anyone who loved deep stories of love and redemption.

I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.

[Erin]

Please be aware that this book covers very sensitive topics, which I will mention in this review.

Candi Reynolds has gone through what no woman should have to face. Kidnapped for weeks, she suffered multiple beatings and rapes, and finally was abandoned to bleed out on a snowy November day. By God's grace, she was found and rescued, and our story begins with her recovery.

Although Candi is still alive, everything about her life has changed. She no longer wants to live by herself, so she moves back in with her brother Cam, who had raised her after their parents' deaths. Her engagement is broken when her fiance cannot deal with her attacks. Weeks later, Candi discovers she is pregnant. How could God have allowed her to go through so much, and now burdened her with this on top of everything?

As Candi wrestles with PTSD and morning sickness, decisions loom ahead. Should she abort the baby? It goes against her brother's faith, but he's not the one having to deal with everything. If she doesn't choose abortion, it seems overwhelming to think of either keeping the child or putting it up for adoption. Perhaps dealing with it sooner rather than later would save her some pain.

All along her journey, God places just the right people in Candi's life. Not only her compassionate brother and his best friend Mack, but the family of her 10-year-old rescuer also play a huge role in helping her through everything.

This is a very gripping read. Although it deals with intense issues, none of them are presented in a graphic way. Candi's assaults are not detailed, even when she suffers flashbacks and nightmares. There are some medical situations discussed very factually, but it is never explicit or edgy. Dealing with such heavy topics, you might think this would be a dark read, but while it is momentous, it is also a page-turner. I actually sped-read through the book the first time I read it, because I had to find out what would happen. Even when I tried to go back and read it slowly the second time, I still had to read the final 150 pages in one sitting. It's that good. That captivating.

This blend of women's fiction and romance is not for everyone, but it could be life-changing in the hands of the right reader. I enjoy deep contemporary stories, and if you do too I would suggest you look into this novel. I can't wait for Joy Avery Melville's next release!

This review originated at http://reviewsbyerin.dreamwidth.org

[Randi Sampson]

If you're looking for a lighthearted read, you may want to keep on looking because this one isn't an easy read by any means! It deals with some very serious topics such as rape and unwanted pregnancy. This could certainly be a trigger for some, and in general these aren't the most enjoyable of topics to read about, are they? Still despite the subject matter at hand, it truly was a story of healing and of hope that is so necessary.

I must admit at first I struggled to get into the story...finding the dialog a bit hard to follow. After some thought I realized that this is nothing in the story or writing itself. Instead, I believe it had to do with the formatting in the advanced copy that I received for consideration... this will be a nonissue for those reading the finished copy. Still, it did keep me from really getting into the story as much as I would have liked in the beginning... once I adjusted to the formatting, it was easier to connect with the characters and the story itself.

And oh what great characters they were! We meet Candi in the aftermath of her attack. The story follows her journey of healing both physically and emotionally. Again, not an easy topic, but one that I feel was handled both realistically (not sugar coated) and respectfully. There was a romance story in there as well with the perfect novel hero Mack, but more than anything it was the story of healing that stood out to me most. I loved this beautiful reminder that while tragic events aren't what God wants for us, He can and DOES bring good things from those intended for evil.

While this might not be the type of book that I would normally read as far as subject matter, it did have a fantastic message that I believe we can all use a reminder of now and again.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for consideration. All thoughts are 100% my own.

[Schuyler]

I'm so excited to see Joy's very first debut novel in print. Her heart and encouragement have been a huge blessing to my life and the Christian writing community. This book tackles tough life situations with heart, the grace of God, and the importance of community.

[Stacy]

Meant for Her is the debut novel written by Joy Avery Melville. It is the first in the Intended For Her series, and after finishing this beautiful story, I'm looking forward to reading the novels to come.

This story pulled me into the pages as Candi Reynolds overcomes some heart-wrenching obstacles to claim back her life and strengthen her faith. Both her brother Cam, and a friend, Mack, seek to bring her out of the shadows of fear. Throughout the story, there are places where you giggle from the funny things the characters say, wipe a tear or two as you read some heart-wrenching moments, and grin as love blossoms between two memorable characters.

Kudos, to Joy Avery Melville as the gifted author, her novel will delight her readers with this captivating story of faith, moving your personal mountains, and love.

[Marie]

Thank you in advance to the publisher and JustRead Publicity Tours for providing a complimentary review. A positive review was not required. All words and thoughts are my own.

I had been putting off reading this as long as possible as I knew the subject material was going to be disturbing. Though it has a VERY strong Christian Faith element, and there is a lot of scripture and prayer – there are trigger warnings:

* Rape
* Rape Pregnancy
* Abortion
* Kidnapping
* Physical Assault
* Victim Shaming
* Psychological Trauma
* Potential PTSD

If this content bothers the reader, or they have had some of the experiences in their life, I would take caution as to reading this.

I was drawn to this story to see how it would play out. Pregnancy and abortion are hot topics as of the last few years. I wanted to see how this would play out in a Christian themed book.

Yes, it was an extremely rough book to get into. Then again there are times when you want a challenging read.

I was alternately mad, sad, devastated, and frustrated by what was going on. There is a gritty realism and the author doesn’t back down from the subjects. She tempers it with a strong element of faith, scripture, and references to God; even having “conversations” between the characters and God. Yet, there is a comforting hope to be found in it.

The reader begins with Candice having been “found”, almost near-death after being kidnapped, raped (repeatedly), and beaten after answering a knock at the door some six (6) weeks earlier.

It starts off a chain reaction with her fiancé calling off their engagement due to what happened to her. As of note, I REALLY detested the fiancé and wonder what their marriage would’ve been like had Candi not been attacked. Since his father was a Senator, the first concern was the campaign. In addition, this is where the “victim shaming” comes in.

While written in today’s time (the story came about in 2011/2012); the reader might think the attitude displayed by the fiancé and his family is outdated, though it does serve a purpose.

The main characters of Candi and her brother Cameron are well written, with a surprisingly realism. Mack, although his compassion due to being a pediatrician was believable, his thick Irish “brogue” was a bit hard to get through at times and it was hard to figure out what he was saying.

The title “Meant for Her” could be confusing. The author used it in a way to point that despite the bad things that happened; Candi does find some positives and a new perspective. Was this a trial solely “meant for her” to see the good that springs from bad? Was it “meant for her” to see who truly loved her?

After repeated fainting spells and her emotional outbursts, Candi reluctantly seeks therapy. The author doesn’t go into the details, but it is apparent that Candi does start seeing some changes in herself as the story progresses. This is a welcome change and changed the course of the story into a great and positive direction.

Over all, the author’s writing style made the story flow without being boring. The pacing was kept even without rushing, though there were times I felt it could’ve sped up. However, by chapter twenty, roughly more than half (½) way in, it did start moving along a bit faster, which I enjoyed.

I did enjoy the references to two authors whose work I have come to enjoy – Denise Hunter and Lynette Eason. These are made when Candi’s friend brings her some books to read.

The story has an interesting plot, and the message of the story is beautiful – faith in God, acceptance, hope and redemption. We don’t know why things happen, we have to accept that “his” way is the way things are going to be. His timing is NOT our timing.

But, as this is a positive review, there are a few glaring things stand out plot wise that were not answered –

** Why was Candi targeted for abduction?
** Why did the men grab her?
** Why did they hold on to her?
** Was Candi able to physically identify her attackers?

There is seemingly no investigation into her abduction, rape, torture and attempted murder. After the initial visit in the hospital, all aspects of the investigation disappear. These are, in most all states capital crimes that carry life sentences.

In Michigan these four crimes are punishable by up to a life imprisonment:

** Kidnapping [1]

** Rape[2]

** “Torture” [3]

** Attempted murder [4]

That’s where it loses a bit of believability for me.

I was surprised that even at chapter 29 (after a MAJOR event in Candi’s life), none of the police stopped by to update the family on the investigation, question Candice, or even check in on her as a crime victim. By this time it’d been eight (8) to nine (9) months after the attack.

I realize that the main theme wasn’t the investigation or the crime, but in the background it might’ve helped towards Candi’s recovery to know that the suspects had indeed been caught or at least that the police were still looking into it.

I would’ve also liked to know the election went and if the scandal even got to the senator or Candi’s fiancé. Did her fiancé find out about the other repercussion? How did he feel about it?

So, there was some “stuff” left out that could’ve been used in place of the day-to-day beginning filler.

Overall, it is a gut-wrenching, emotional read that the author tackled with respect and decency. This is a difficult subject matter that might shock some people; it could bring back traumatic events, though it could help some through a crisis.

As most systems don’t do “half” stars – this is upgraded to a four (4), but falls more like a 3.8. I liked how it ended and it had a beautiful, uplifting message.




References:

[1] 750.349 Michigan Penal Code
[2] 750.520b Michigan Penal Code
[3] 750.85 Michigan Penal Code
[4] 750.91 Michigan Penal Code

[Carole Jarvis]

Meant for Her by Joy Avery Melville is an inspirational story in the women’s fiction genre that I enjoy. With its focus on sensitive issues, this is not a light read – yet it’s hopeful rather than dark. I appreciated the story’s focus on events that tend to be slighted in Christian fiction.

After weeks of enduring what no one should ever have to experience – kidnapping, assault, abuse, rape – Candi embarks on a slow and painful healing process. The victim’s trauma, PTSD, flashbacks, fears and self-doubt all seemed very realistic, as was her questioning of God’s goodness. Difficult topics and scenes are handled with sensitivity.

Meant for Her captures Candi’s journey of healing – physical, emotional and spiritual. Friends and family want to help, but often feel helpless. The Michigan horse farm belonging to Candi’s brother, Cam, is a great setting for this healing process. Readers will also enjoy the relationship between Candi and Cam’s friend, Mack. I love a character’s Irish accent, but Mack’s brogue was somewhat hard to follow in this narrative filled with lots of dialogue. And while I often complain when books have too much inner thoughts and retrospection, a little more of that would have helped me know the characters better.

The faith-filled support of those who God surrounded Candi with brings Meant for Her to a satisfying and fulfilling conclusion, with the promise of more to follow.

I received a copy of this book through JustRead Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

[Erin]

My Thoughts on Meant For Her:
Talk about a lot of hard subjects all at once! I have never read any books by this author before. In fact, it looks like this is her debut novel. It is compelling and full of hard topics but does them with such grace and compassion.

All of us would love to have a Mack in our lives. Strong and steady, constant and protective, he stands by you no matter what. Add to that horses and it’s a match made in heaven! Except Candi has a lot of issues and baggage that she needs to walk out of before she can open her eyes to the world around her.

Fear is powerful. And the more we give in to fear the more power it has over us. It’s a horrible cycle that is hard to break. But it can be done with the help of God and friends. Can Candi go back to asking God to help her?

Definitely a book I can recommend. I can’t say that you won’t cry or become invested in the characters though. And I really can’t say you won’t be begging for the sequel as soon as you finish the last sentence in this book.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from JustRead Publicity Tours. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

[Marilyn]

This book is a debut novel by Joy Avery Melville but the story is complex with sensitive topics in society today and dimensional characters. Candi-girl suffered loss at an early age, and then later in life was kidnapped, beaten and sexually assaulted for a period of time before she was left to die in the snow. The discovery of her body brought loving Christian people into her life along with her brother Dr. Cam and friend Dr. Mack. The issues that were faced by Candi and others were written in a loving, caring and Christian spirit that gave way to the beauty of God’s inner healing of the heart with finding forgiveness for the offenders.

The hero, heroine and secondary characters had depth and flaws with their strong and trusting faith in God. I appreciated the Irish brogue of Dr. Mack and ten year old Jamie’s pure faith to have a “live horse.” There is romance interwoven even with the delicate topics. This book is not for faint hearted readers with the unimaginable and horrendous traumas characters experienced. However, there is a beautiful thread of God’s unconditional love, forgiveness, peace, hope and grace for all.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author as a winner on a blog giveaway. I was under no obligation to write a review, but have expressed my own opinion. I look forward to reading the next book Kept for Her when it is released.

[Kendra Neal]

Meant for Her is the Debut novel of Author Joy Avery Melville. I was "reeled" into the storyline from the very first few pages. The book is Fiction, but it deals with real life situations.

Candi Reynolds was kidnapped, raped and left for dead. She is rescued and goes through many weeks of recovery to heal. She suffers from many after effects and loses her faith in God. She moves back to the Farm that she grew up on. She hopes that being in 'hermit mode" she will be able to seek the Lord and learn to trust him and have her Faith restored. Her long time friend, Mack, has horses bordered on her farm. He takes more of an interest in her as time goes on. Candi and Mack have a GREAT friendship, can it develop into a relationship.

The hard core topics of this book maybe a little difficult for some to read through, but it truly is a GREAT book about Recovering, moving forward and of Trusting others. I recommend this book!!

[Robin Mason]

The opening scene of this book grabs the reader’s attention to be sure. Immediately immersed in the victim’s trauma, I became invested in seeing her recovery. Ms. Melville conveyed Candi’s journey powerfully and realistically, her paranoia, her panic attacks, her resistance to outside counseling.
Cam and Mack supported her unequivocally, if too readily, walking a fine line between not pushing her too hard and not pushing hard enough. (This reader is more prone to not pushing hard enough… )
I enjoyed Mack’s brogue, but found it difficult to follow in the dialogue at times. I love good dialogue and seeing the characters’ thoughts, and especially witnessing their internal dialogue with God. But I felt that it was overdone; it was hard to follow the story that was nearly exclusively via dialogue. For me, it would have been a greater benefit to read with more telling and descriptive scenes.
Though I’ve not experienced the violence Candi did, this reader can very much relate to surviving physical violation, and the feelings of self-doubt and worthlessness. I appreciated how Ms. Melville surrounded Candi with Godly people who cared about her, and guided her to healing and restoration.

ROBIN’S FEATHERS
THREE FEATHERS

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.

#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day-on-Saturday, #TRD, Book Review, Meant for Her, Joy Avery Melville, JustRead Publicity

[Candy Smith]

This is a Debut Novel by Author Joy Avery Melville. I think she did a fabulous job with developing the characters and the story. It's not easy to write a story with sensitive issues but she did it flawlessly! The story combines hardship,trauma,overcoming, and forgiveness all tied in with faith. Candi experiences a traumatic event then is abandoned by her fiance who blames her for being a victim of an act of atrocity. She finds solace in her brother and friend at a ranch where horses become therapeutic during her time of loss,heartache,and doubts. Through these she finds her way back. I received a complimentary copy of the book from JustReads which had no influence on the outcome of my review.

[Mimi]

Do you ever feel like there are topics just never discussed in Christian writing? "Meant For Her" covers several extremely difficult ones, and in a very well thought out way.

If something bad can happen to any one person, Candi Reynolds seems to be a moving target for it. Not only is she raped and left for dead, she has to live with the trauma that comes with it. I felt like the author wrote about Candi's experience in a way that seemed as close to being a real experience while being a fictional story. The terror that follows Candi is palpable. You jump when she jumps. She hears a noice and wonders what it is, so do you!

There is a LOT that goes into Candi's recovery, and her backstory plays into how she's affected by it all. Her brother, Cam, along with his Irish best friend, Mack, surround her with as much love and caring as they can. Along with those two, other people come into her life at just the right time.

I absolutely loved, loved, loved how faith played a role completely throughout the book. It wasn't just hinted at. It wasn't just mentioned occasionally. It was there a hundredfold. Whether it was a character struggling, questioning, learning, growing, etc, God was there in the midst of it. This was probably the piece that I appreciated most about this story.

Now, I will say this. There's a part to this story, about 80% of the way through (I read the Kindle version) that had me cringing. I would've taken a different approach to who was in the scene. I don't want to give anything away, but with all of the other people who could possibly be available, I felt like the choice made was kind of an uncomfortable one. I know, totally cryptic, but to say any more would be to give away too much information. This was honestly the only part of the book I wasn't a fan of.

I'm already looking forward to book 2! I have an idea of who it'll involve, but I guess we'll have to wait and see.

*I received this book from JustRead Tours. This is my opinion and I wasn't asked to give a positive review.

[Christina]

Thank you to @justreadtours for the review copy. All opinions are my own.

Meant For Her had my attention from the very first page. The difficult subject it spoke of, it's heart breaking.
Candi has suffered so much. After being kidnapped, beaten and raped she is found in the woods left for dead. Returning back to her life is harder than she expected. The one person she thought would be there for her turns out to be the biggest ass. But she has two people that love her and will help her get through the horrible and difficult times.
The story flows smoothly it was just hard to keep up with our character Mack's dialogue.

[Lori]

My heart really hurt for Candi-girl. No one should have to go through what she did.
I think the author has handled this subject quite well and she has pulled this off in making the characters realistic.
As often in real life this does happen leaving the victim feeling ashamed, afraid, and looking over your shoulder at any little noise.
Fear will hold you captive. Once it grabs you it will stay as long as you let it.
It's why we need God. We need His Grace. All we need to do is ask.
I liked it that forgiveness is added in here too. Even though it's hard, we need to do it for our peace of mind.
My emotions were all over the place. My advice to you as a reader please have some tissue by your side.
You'll find yourself rooting for the main character as the author puts her through whatever life throws at her.
In my opinion Candi-girl came out the better person for it.
She was truly amazing and I loved her for it.
She also has a pretty special brother Cam. I loved that he supported his sister.
The best part about this book was the horses for me. I love horses ever since I was little.
Such gorgeous horses too!
I really enjoyed this book after I got into it. It starts out slow but then it gets better. You'll not want to put this book down until you see how Candis' story ends. Let me tell you you be thinking about her long after the book ends.
I might add the cover of the book has all of my favorite colors on it. The path on the cover will call to you too.
My thanks to Just Reads Tours. NO compensations were received and all opinions are my own. I was NOT required to write a review.

[Leslie McKee]

The author crafted a story that does have potential triggers for some readers, but the faith message is powerful. Melville tackled some difficult subject manners in a sensitive way. Characters and scenarios were realistic and relatable. I had a hard time liking Harper, but even his character was spot-on for how some people would react in his position, unfortunately. Cam is the dedicated and loving big brother even woman would long to have. I was thrilled with the ending, and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

One of my favorite quotes:

"God has our journeys mapped out in such a way that whatever detours we're forced to take, He gets us to the best possible destination of joy at the end.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.

[Heidi]

I recently finished reading an Advanced Reader Copy of Meant For Her, and I am deeply impressed by this debut author’s skill in creating a novel where appealing characters, active and expanding Christian faith, and society-shaping issues all combine so smoothly while remaining a Story. I definitely will want to see how the sequels follow this first book.

[Barbara Fox]

A deeply touching story

This is a wonderful story about healing. It is well written with just the right sensitivity. And Mack is every girl’s hero

[Anneliese Dalaba]

This novel pulls you into the story right from the first sentence. Candi has just been rescued from a horrifying situation: kidnap, rape, as well as physical and emotional abuse. The book doesn’t go into every gory detail of the attack, but rather into the emotional turmoil Candi now finds herself in. The faithful support of a loving, older brother who steadfastly and patiently, without judgment, stands beside her and encourages her helps Candi to feel secure. But he can’t be with her all of the time. Through the friendship of a pastor’s wife and the help of a counselor, things Candi had suppressed come to light and allow her to begin to heal.

The author handles a very terrifying trauma with sensitivity. Meant for Her is not a page-turner that you can’t put down. But the PTSD would have to be glossed over to keep the action moving at such a pace. Instead, the author takes the reader on a realistic journey from start to finish. Step by agonizing step, Candi begins to heal. However, no one ever gets over such a thing completely. Time, counsel, prayer, and patient friends/family help the victim to return to a new-normal life. But the pain of such a past would leave its scars.

Candi was a kind-hearted young lady whose personality becomes stifled and changed after her kidnapping. Which men can she trust? And will those horrible men show up again? Dr. Cam, Candi's brother, is a wonderful support and place of safety for Candi to run to. His friend (and hers), Dr. Patrick (Mack) MacKevon is considerate and compassionate when she suddenly fears him although he has been a part of her life since she was a young girl. He stays at a distance but consistently prays for Candi. His heart is more involved than he ever realized and feelings of friendship for his friend’s little sister turn into something much deeper. But he knows Candi isn’t ready for any kind of romance. She needs to heal. He silently waits and watches from the sideline for any clue that Candi is becoming more comfortable around him.

The story is both heart-wrenching and heartwarming. The characters are well developed. I loved Mack’s Irish brogue and did not find it at all difficult to understand. The accent became a natural part of his character. Accents can be tricky, but I feel the author handled it well. It fit his personality and nickname for her, Candi-girl. The romance between Mack and Candi develops slowly over time, but how could it be otherwise? Mack is a swoon-worthy, wonderfully attentive hero. This is a beautiful contemporary Christian romance.

[Trudy Cordle]

Oh, wow!! This book takes you on a roller coaster ride of emotions! From the first page, I was caught up in Candi's story. Kidnapped, beaten, raped, and left for dead in the snow. Found by a minister and his daughter, reunited with her brother and his best friend. Candi's journey to wellness, health, and wholeness mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, is riveting!! As much as I wanted to keep reading, there were times when I needed to walk away. I love the way Cam and, especially Mack, were willing to pray for Candi, yet walk away when Candi wanted them to. When finds out there's also to be a baby thrown into the mix, Cam and Mack really had their work of accepting whatever might happen cut out for them. This story shows how God CAN and WILL bring good from evil, and how He DOES work ALL things to good for those that love Him. I can't wait to read the next book!! I really loved Mack's Christmas gift to Candi. As she states in the book, Mack is definitely one of the best hero's EVER!!!!

I actually won a copy of this book from the author!! I was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.

[Bethany Cox]

This book touched my heart in so many ways.
There were a lot of really difficult and intense topics in this novel, but Joy handled them with such Grace and the love of Christ that it made the book tender and hard to put down. The characters in this book were so relatable and dealing with real trauma and heartbreak, but hope and redemption ring true in the novel and I felt touched by the words and scripture threaded throughout the entirety of it.
It's a page turner, for sure, you won't be able to put it down, and when you finish, you'll be thankful that it was brought full circle and sad because it ended too quickly.
If there is a part 2 for this novel, then sign me up!
I'm thankful to Joy for writing a book Meant for Her, but written for someone like me who struggles with very similar incidents in this book and my faith and relationship with God. The why's of why it all happened, but the beauty He is making from the ashes.

[Craig]

From the first page, you will be pulled into this well-developed story. The hardship Candi has endured is more than most of us could imagine, and yet she has relied on her faith. Going to the Michigan horse farm belonging to Candi’s brother, Cam, seems to be the best place for Candi to heal.
As Dr. Patrick (Mack) MacKevon, a long-time friend of Cam’s, watches Candi as she works at regaining a sense of normal, his feelings develop as he prays for her. Will Candi be able to trust again? Read as this couple leans on God and prays together. This is Author Joy Avery Melville’s debut novel. Her characters are well developed. The story is tough at times as she heals, but she weaves in some humor, prayer, and focuses on Candi’s recovery.

[Catherine Richmond]

Meant for Her is the story of Candi's recovery from kidnapping, assault, and rape. Even though she has a great support system, she struggles to recover from the trauma.

I enjoyed so many aspects of this story. First of all, the hero is patient, romantic, and Irish. Candi's brother is kind and gentle. Both have an amazing prayer life. The story's focus was on recovery, not on the crime - although I'm curious as to why the kidnappers brought her almost home and why they didn't hit Harper up for ransom. I attended WMU, so it was fun to read a story set in southwest Michigan. Horses and a dog were the frosting on the cake! Looking forward to the next book in this series!

[Linda Siebold]

Review of Meant For Her

I gave Meant For Her five stars. I was immediately drawn to the characters and the plot was well written and very realistic on this serious topic of the conception of a child through rape, the emotional aftermath, the consideration of abortion, and life after forgiveness. I look forward to reading about Cam and George as the saga continues. Well done!!!!!!

[Connie Cortright]

I totally enjoyed the story of Candi Reynolds, who lives through the horror of an abduction and recovers with the help of her brother and others. Melville brings the reader into the head and heart of the heroine as she faces and overcomes her fears after her rape and kidnapping. The author brings a discussion of abortion and adoption in the light of God's Word into the story so easily that the reader doesn't even realize how much she is affected by it.