Book Review and Giveaway - When Hearts Collide By Sara Beth Williams On Tour with Celebrate Lit

 

About the Book

Book:  When Hearts Collide

Author: Sara Beth Williams

Genre:  Contemporary Christian Romance

Release Date: September 10, 2018

A reckless mistake landed Jacob “Jay” Mathews behind bars, but it was his inescapable guilt that led him to God. Upon his release, with the help of a spiritual mentor and friend, he strives to move forward with his life. Determined to graduate college, get a job, and follow God’s word, the last thing Jay needs or wants is a girlfriend. Until he meets Lacey Bennett.

 

When fervent prayers for reconciliation between her divorced parents go unanswered, and her older sister tragically dies, Lacey questions how God could allow such tragedies to befall her family. Turning her back on her past and God, she focuses on her future. College and theater are her ultimate goals; falling for the one type of guy she swore to avoid—a Christian—is not. No matter how much she wants to resist, Jay is irresistible.

 

As their relationship deepens, Jay struggles with Lacey’s unresolved anger and her unwillingness to even discuss faith. All he wants to do is reveal how God changed his life, but doing so would mean revealing his status as an ex convict. Finally, as she begins to rekindle her faith, past secrets collide, threatening to destroy everything they’ve built. Now, Jay must rely on his faith more than he ever has before. Can they learn to forgive—or is their relationship fractured beyond repair?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Sara Beth Williams is a wife, mother of two daughters, and temporary caretaker of a lovable old lady pit and a spunky Pomeranian-Shih Tzu mix. She lives in Northern California. When she’s not held hostage by the keyboard, she enjoys music, teaching, reading and spending time with her family. She is all about connecting with readers! Find her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Goodreads, Bookbub and AllAuthor.

 

More from Sara Beth

I’d had the beginnings of the story that is When Hearts Collide, in my mind for many years after I graduated high school. There are a number of personal experiences both from high school and after, which have influenced this story. Attending a memorial service for a fellow high school student who died in a car accident heavily influenced the early drafts of my novel; however, over time the accident itself, and the surrounding circumstances morphed into something else entirely.

The more books I read, no matter the genre, the more I am drawn to authentic, broken characters, who long for (and hopefully achieve) a second chance – both in love and in life. This is the essence of When Hearts Collide.  Both Lacey and Jay long for a second chance in many aspects of their lives. 

 

One of the key components in my writing and storytelling is creating authentic characters who experience real life challenges while embarking on a journey of faith.

I hope you truly enjoy this story of romance, faith, forgiveness, and second chances. 

My Thoughts

When hearts collide is the first book that I have read by the author, Sara Beth Williams. This is also the first book in the Second Chance series. This book was full of romance, faith, forgiveness, second chances, and shows what damage to a relationship can be caused by keeping secrets. In this story we meet two very interesting characters. 

We meet Jacob "Jay" Mathews who has a past. He has gotten himself into some trouble and is now forever labeled as a ex convict. The time he spent in prison was important time - it led him to God. He met Jesus - and was forgiven for all of his past mistakes. (I always tear up when characters accept Jesus..... I don't know why) Jay knows one thing - he wants to use the talents that God has given him, and serve the Lord wholeheartedly. 

The other character we meet in this book is Lacey Bennett. Lacey has had a rough few years. She blames God for a lot of the negativity in her life. Her older sister has passed, her parents are divorced, and she feels that she can do better without God's help. Once they meet, the attraction is there. They grow deeper in their relationship and then the road blocks come up. 

Jay doesn't want to share the whole experience that led him to God - and Lacey does not want to turn back to HIM. What will happen with their instant attraction?

This book is a book filled with the reminder of God's forgiveness. We should never beat ourselves up after God has cast it as far as the east is to the west. This book was well written and had a great storyline. 

I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit blogging program, all thoughts are my own. 

Blog Stops

Inklings and notions, September 9

Remembrancy, September 10

Simple Harvest Reads, September 11 (Author Interview)

Godly Book Reviews, September 12

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 13

Artistic Nobody, September 14 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Texas Book-aholic, September 15

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, September 16

A Baker’s Perspective, September 17 (Author Interview)

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, September 17

For Him and My Family, September 18

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 19

Sara Jane Jacobs, September 20

Blossoms and Blessings, September 21 (Author Interview)

Cultivating Us, September 21

Ashley’s Bookshelf, September 22

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Sara is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a signed copy of the winner’s choice of one of Sara’s books!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/10096/when-hearts-collide-celebration-tour-giveaway