Beth Vogt recently switched from writing contemporary romances to penning women's fiction. She's talented at both genres, but I think she's found her niche. I guzzled her latest story, Things I Never Told You, in only three days.
Here's my review, as published on Goodreads. The pictures here are new for your benefit, friends. They include a few of my favorite quotes from the book. Stay tuned for the giveaway at the end.
FTC DISCLOSURE: I received a
complimentary copy of this book. A positive review was not required. What follows are my honest thoughts and opinions.
This five-star, page-flying book felt very much like a soul-deep, sister-love letter to Ms. Vogt's own sisters, which enhanced the emotional aspect of this story for me. Surprisingly, I only teared up a couple of times in this maiden read. I have a feeling that will change in future readings. This is an amazing and deeply emotional story.
One thing I really enjoyed about it was how the mood reminded me of one of my favorite movies: Collateral Beauty. Both that movie and this book feature journeys toward accepting the realities of loss and grief. That's a journey that's crucial to our existence, because nothing lasts forever here on Earth.
The pace of this story was super fast. I flew through over 400 pages in only three days. Three days, y'all! That's pretty epic for me and that many pages. The content of the story -- all the ups and downs, drama, misunderstandings, love, passion, and heart of the Thatcher sisters' lives -- wasn't always easy to read about, but the toughness of this story is handled with such exquisite grace and redemption and humor that I couldn't help but become completely immersed in the story world Ms. Vogt had created. Of course, her characters helped out a lot, because they were very realistic and, quite frankly, studies in human nature. I admire how Ms. Vogt was able to craft such true-to-life perspectives and draw out the inner thoughts that make familial relationships so tricky to navigate.
Another thing that well impressed me was how Ms. Vogt chose to use two third-person POVs as well as one first-person POV. Typically, this is not something I enjoy; either do them all in third or first, but definitely pick one. However, the author voice was so unique and well established, easily threading in Ms. Vogt's trademark sense of humor, that I found myself quickly falling in love with this style of writing. I'm not saying I'll love every book with a variety of POV styles in it, but this one was definitely a winner for me.
The perspective of a non-Christian POV character in a Christian book is something that's incredibly difficult to pull off well. This one was executed perfectly, with off-the-page sins, layers of conviction (of those sins), and the drawing of the soul toward God and Christianity. The characters were raw, real, and not always pretty. But the way they felt and expressed things not only showed where they were emotionally, but also where they were heading spiritually. It was a beautifully written journey that I am eager to reread as soon as my pre-ordered hardback copy comes in.
Right now, this book is tied with Wish You Were Here as my favorite Beth Vogt book. It has the potential to boot WYWH out of that top spot, but I need to read them back-to-back in order to tell for certain which one I like best. Either way it turns out, they're both fabulous books that I love and will be rereading multiple times over the years.
Added bonus to this story: Volleyball! I love playing and watching volleyball, and having it featured in an epic book was amazing and brought delight to my sports-loving heart.
This is my favorite book of 2018 so far, and I fully believe it deserves to be an award-winning best-seller.
Content:
* alcohol
* depression
* death
* drugs
* pre-marital sex
* cancer
(All of these things were handled with care and grace.)
Giveaway!
This giveaway has closed. The winner will be announced on Monday, May 21.
This giveaway has closed. The winner will be announced on Monday, May 21.
I will be giving away ONE (1) Kindle copy of Things I Never Told You by Beth K. Vogt. To enter, please answer one of the following questions AND include your e-mail address, so I may contact you if you win.
The contest will last through this coming Friday, and the winner will be alerted via e-mail on Saturday. The winner will be announced on next Monday's article.
The winner will be selected using Random.org's list randomizer.
What is your favorite Beth Vogt book?
What is your favorite women's fiction book?
What's one of your favorite moments you've shared with a sibling?
(If you're an only child, what's a favorite moment shared with a friend?)
What book are you reading right now?
Join the conversation!
I love hearing from you.
May's reading challenge is to Support Our Troops.
18 comments:
My favorite of Beth Vogt's books that I have read so far is "Wish You Were Here." I'm currently reading "Catch a Falling Star."
dawncox2000@yahoo.com
Hi, Dawn: Ah, Wish You Were Here -- where it all began for me as a novelist. You know there is an e-book sequel, right?
Andrea,
I meant to tell you... Beautiful pictures!!
Thanks, Beth!
Mom, Wish You Were Here has long been my favorite of Beth's books. I must say, though, that Things I Never Told You is giving it a run for its money.
Beth, I adored that e-book sequel and am planning on reading it again this month. Did you know you're the author of the month for May in the Goodreads group Christian Fiction Devourers? Lot of folks are reading your books this month. :)
Thank you! I had such fun pulling them together.
I've only read one of Beth K. Vogt's books so far. It was Catch a Falling Star and I loved it! I also recently purchased Can't Buy Me Love which I hope to read this month!
caitlynsantiauthor(at)gmail(dot)com
Hi, Caitlyn: Catch a Falling Star is a favorite of mine, too, because the catalyst of the story was a friend's life situation that got me thinking about the question, "Does life only begin after you say, 'I do?'" and "What do you do when life doesn't go according to your plans?" Also -- the vertigo that my hero struggled with? I took that from real life after battling vertigo on and off for 3 years! (Write what you know, right?) I believe in not wasting anything.
Caitlyn, thank you for entering the giveaway. I enjoyed both of those books too.
Beth, I love that you include real-life events in your books. That makes them even more unique and fun.
I'm answer .. What book are you reading right now?
I'm reading The Grapes of Wrath by Steinbeck (bleck!) as well as a book called The Memory Tree by John A. Heldt which is a time travel adventure thingy. xP
Kellyn, I hope the adventure book is better than "bleck!" :)
To be entered into the giveaway, please reply with your e-mail address, so I'll have a way to contact you if you win.
This story sounds so, so lovely! <3 I'm currently reading an ARC of Dagger's Sleep by Tricia Mingerink. :D
1p57biskit(at)gmail(dot)com
Intriguing title! I hope that book's enjoyable for you. Thank you for entering the giveaway.
Oh, sure! kellynroth@gmail.com
It’s hard to pick my favorite of the 6 books I’ve read by Ms. Vogt. I guess I’d pick Wish You Were Here. I’m currently reading Love’s Deadly Secrets by Mary Alford.
sdgodfrey926(at)gmail(dot)com
I just finished reading my first book by Beth Vogt, Somebody Like You. I am not a big contemporary fiction fan but really enjoyed this one. I will be starting Almost Like Being in Love in the next couple of days. I am currently reading Room on the Porch by Amy Clipston. Thanks for the giveaway.
lpertelt(at)aol(dot)com
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Sherri. WYWH is such a sweet romance! It's one of my favorites of Beth's books too. Happy reading!
Thank you for joining in on the giveaway, Loraine! I'm glad Beth's story was a good one for you. It's exciting to me when I discover a book I enjoy in a genre I normally don't. I hope it's the same for you. Happy reading!
Post a Comment