Amy Inspired by Bethany Pierce
Summary (from Goodreads): Amy Gallagher is an aspiring writer who, after countless rejections, has settled for a career as an English professor in small-town Ohio just to pay the bills. All her dreams suddenly start to unravel as rejections pile up–both from publishers and her boyfriend. But just as Amy fears her life is stuck in a holding pattern, she meets the mysterious, attractive, and unavailable Eli. She struggles to walk the fine line between friendship and something more with Eli, even as staying true to her faith becomes unexpectedly complicated. When secrets, tragedy, and poor decisions cause rifts in Amy’s relationships, she must come to terms with who she’s become, her unrealized aspirations for her life, and the state of her faith.
My Thoughts: This was an enjoyable read. It reminded me of a tamer version of a Jennifer Weiner book – a Christian variety, I suppose. Amy is an aspiring writer who struggles with finding inspiration. While her housemate can write and write and write, Amy almost constantly battles writer’s block. Her frustration is palpable, and her feelings while watching Zoe achieve success in writing are quite understandable. She’s happy for her friend, but trying not to be jealous. So believable, and so something I could relate to. Most of us can in some way or another, I am sure.
Eli was quite the interesting character. I had a hard time picturing him in my mind. I am not sure why. And I wasn’t quite sure what the tattoo looks like. I’m not sure that it’s explained very well, or if the problem is that I didn’t fully understand the description. Not that it’s an integral piece of information, though. I think the tattoo just works as a reminder of where he’d been.
The Christian references were very light throughout the book. It’s only the last part (the book has three parts) of the book that has stronger mention of faith and God. And that’s fine. Many of us go a portion of our lives almost forgetting our faith. There were several insights Amy gets into God’s person that really resonate with me. Here’s one example:
Now I clearly understood my real offense against heaven: the stubborn refusal to recognize that every failing I had – from the first – had been forgiven. ~ page 293
That is one of many that I found myself nodding my head in agreement with. I also really liked Amy’s pastor’s sermon. Or at least the snippet of it that’s part of the book.
The Eli and Amy angle was a fun thing to read, and really the part that most reminded me of Jennifer Weiner books. Not quite as dramatic, and definitely not scandalous in any way, though. But, it was what really kept me reading as quickly as I was toward the end.
Overall, this was a great book. I found myself able to relate to Amy in many ways, and the story had me smiling and even occasionally giggling. That’s fun, and books like this are always welcome on my shelves. The Christianity interlaced throughout was the icing on the cake for me.
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: Sent by Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. (If you are a book blogger and would like to receive review copies of their books, sign up HERE.)
Read It: Get your own copy HERE.
FTC Disclosure: All items reviewed were either obtained by me for my own enjoyment or sent (from the author, publisher, publicist, via tour sites, etc.) in exchange for an honest review. I receive no monetary compensation for my posts. All opinions expressed are my own.
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