Love Lifted Me

Hymnary Friends,

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His wife Jade goes with him, and learns to trust her husband again after his addiction and infidelity. There were moments that reminded me of the Friday Night Lights se I wanted to like this book, and for the most part, I did. There were moments that reminded me of the Friday Night Lights series of which I am a huge fan and though I am not a huge football fan, I couldn't help but root for Max's team to win some games.

This book also reminded me somewhat of Jan Karon's Mitford series, with it's hometown feel and lovable characters. The reason for the 3-star review is because there were two major plot climaxes in this book, and both of them were executed poorly. I would have like this novel more if they had simply been removed. What I mean is, right when the tension was the highest, the author sort of fades to black and you open the next chapter with everything resolved neatly without really knowing why the "bad guy" had a change of heart, or what compelled the person on the fence to act differently.

This happened twice in the story! I will explain more in my comment section so as not to spoil the book for anyone There were many characters that I came to love in this book, and I did not have trouble remember who was who, which is always a good sign.

I think that the author just did not do a very good job writing the two conflicted characters well, and right when the story became intense, the writing sort of stopped. I don't regret reading this book, and I did think it was very cute. I received this book from the booksneeze blogger program. The opinions are all mine I just cannot give it a higher rating because of the holes in the storyline. May 13, Rambling Readers rated it really liked it. Each novel in Sara Evans' and Rachel Hauck's Songbird series has been as touching and melodic as a country song.

A chorus of love, pain, healing, and faith flows through the series and into the third novel, Love Lifted Me. The conclusion of Softly and Tenderly left me with a lingering anticipation of what the plot of Love Lifted Me would hold for Jade and Max. Throughout the course of three novels, Jade and Max have been through a multitude of hardships. They have led imperfect lives, which makes them realistic individuals, not just characters in a book. In the previous two stories, Max's personality annoyed me. Love Lifted Me redeems his character and introduces a stronger and less self-centered side of Max Benson.

True to the trend if the Songbird series, secrets threaten the tenuous relationship between Jade and Max. The change in setting from Whisper Hollow, Tennessee to Colby, Texas introduces new characters and new challenges that keep the plot fresh and interesting. There is a focus on football, which I found less engaging.

As a reader who knows very little about the game, the football scenes were ones that I skimmed.

Since my first introduction to Jade, I have hoped for a happy ending to her story. Love Lifted Me is a heart-warming conclusion that flows with a steady tempo. I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from NetGalley, courtesy of Thomas Nelson.

I was sinking deep in sin

I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. Dec 22, Autum rated it really liked it. This was an excellent read, I was pulled in right from the first chapter. It starts out with Jade taking care of little Asa while Max is away at rehab.

She has just made an important decision in selling her second shop. She burdens Jade with a secret she is really lear I just read the most recent book from the Songbird novels by Sara Evans with Rachel Hauck. She burdens Jade with a secret she is really leary of telling Max. She would rather have some proof first. Also Max is suspended from his law firm due to his rehab and past addiction. So he is a little bitter, but when he really realizes the truth he knows. He really is not all that upset, then he is asked to join the coaching staff at a school in Texas.

After much thought and prayer Jade decides this may be best for her family, At first it is not so very easy, but they still stayed and tried. When a jealous athletic director accuses Max of popping pills again. Jade knows he has not and she defends her husband to all. Being in Texas helped nurture their marriage and their hearts. Max is a little upset with Jade for not being forthcoming but it all ends well.

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Even their relationship with the grandparents. Then the lord blesses them with a child which later turns out to be twins. All in all it was a beautiful told story of trusting in God to lead you on the right path. Dec 20, Krazybooklady rated it it was amazing. Jade is worried that she cannot trust her husband, Max, when he returns from rehab due to an addiction to pain pills. She has concerns that he will begin using again, and she is still recovering from finding out he had a baby with another woman. A baby that was supposedly conceived just one week before their marriage.

Jade has fallen in love with the baby, Asa, now almost 2 years old and has been caring for him while Max was away at rehab, but a newly discovered secret may take Asa away from the Jade is worried that she cannot trust her husband, Max, when he returns from rehab due to an addiction to pain pills. Jade has fallen in love with the baby, Asa, now almost 2 years old and has been caring for him while Max was away at rehab, but a newly discovered secret may take Asa away from them.

Max is also turning their world upside down when he decides he wants to leave his family's law firm in Tennessee and move to Texas, where he was in rehab, to coach the failing high school football team. Jade puts her faith in the Lord while learning to trust Max again and while they forge a new life in the face of secrets and adversity. This book is beautifully written, and I really enjoyed reading it. It is very inspiring and touching, and it brought tears to my eyes.

The main idea is simply about always putting your faith in the Lord and let Him lead you in the decisions you make. Not just during the easy times, but also when you are struggling, experiencing adversity, or following your dreams against all odds. Sometimes the right choice isn't always the easy choice. I would highly recommend this book. I now have the other books in this series and other books by Rachel on by TBR list.

A copy was provided by the publisher for review. I was not required to post a positive review. This review is a reprint from my blog Krazy Book Lady. Dec 22, Nikole Hahn rated it really liked it. Jade and Max had a rough beginning to their marriage. He cheated and out of that union came Asa, a son. Max goes to work in Texas as part of his rehabilitation after getting confronted with his prescription drug addiction. After months of being clean and working with boys from broken pasts play football, he returns to his life in Tennessee.

Jade and Max begin to work on their marriage and what it means to have faith in God in a whole new way, challenged also by the calling to return to Texas and coach a high school football team. Rachel Hauck and Sara Evans did a great job in putting together this story. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and impatiently got to the end; not because it was bad, but because all the plot twists and turns kept me hooked.

I gave this book four stars. If Goodreads allowed it, I would give it four and a half, but four stars is a great score. Book given by publisher to review. Jan 11, Erika rated it liked it.

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It's a story about new mom of a toddler Asa and vintage-shop owner, Jade Benson, wanting to trust her formerly pain-pill-addicted husband again, after he's been away at rehab for 3 months. At rehab, Jade's hubby, Max, supposedly got his heart changed by Jesus, and from that now he wants to change their lives dramatically and in every way. This story was romantic and sweet, but quite predictable.

I did enjoy the loving characters. Most were willing to ask forgiveness after a wrong-doing; I liked that although challenges and problems arose in the story, the authors quickly moved along, not dwelling too much on a negative subject. I also liked that Jade loved vintage clothes. Unfortunately, it seemed like every other Christian romance I've ever read; it gave me little that I didn't see coming. The book entertained me in a very easy-reading sort of way. I felt the love that flowed through the story, and the authors definitely pointed to Christ, which is always great.

I loved reading a book co-written by Sara Evans, as I remember her from years ago on Dancing with the Stars. I would recommend this book to the people who enjoy the genre of easy, predictable and sweet Christian fiction reading. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Oct 04, Corley Elizabeth rated it really liked it. This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Directly following Softly and Tenderly , the third Songbird novel covers a new stage in Jade's life: Trying to save her marriage with Max after she discovered he had a son with his old fiance during Book Two, Jade's trust in him shattered; but not her love.

Now, she is becoming a little bit stronger and learning just how great God's mercy is. This was me on first learning the plot of this book: Let's just say I was very happy to see it coming out. I took my time with this book, an Directly following Softly and Tenderly , the third Songbird novel covers a new stage in Jade's life: I took my time with this book, and over the course of my reading, it made me think of Friday Night Lights, what with all the football.

He was too concerned with his own self to admit to his mistakes and fix them. But he finally pulled through, and I was happy to see another side of him. It's also great to have seen Jade's progress into the still fragile yet beautifully strong woman she now is. Max transformed the boys he began coaching; not just as a football team, but as people, and I liked that aspect. And, of course, Jade finally getting pregnant again and not miscarrying! One of my favorite aspects, though, is Sara Evans and Rachel Hauck's ability to describe those good ol' Southern days I love so much: It's sad to see this series end, but I think the Benson family might just be getting the happily ever after they've been searching for.

Apr 18, Julie McComas rated it really liked it. The third book in the Songbird Series definitely snagged my attention.

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This is a really well written story with lots of lessons woven into each and every chapter. I found myself hoping I co The third book in the Songbird Series definitely snagged my attention. I found myself hoping I could reflect these lessons in my life, and wanting to be more like Jade. I loved the lessons of putting your trust in God, remembering to go to Him in prayer, and listening when He guides you.

I hope that I can be like Max, and realize when God leads me to something. This is a very contemporary realistic series, and this book fell right into place. You will find yourself cheering for the football team, Jade, Asa, and Max. Hope oozes off of these pages. I highly recommend this book. In fact, I highly recommend this series.

Dec 18, Nancy rated it really liked it. In this sequel to Softly and Tenderly, Jade is trying to heal from Max's betrayal. She still doesn't trust him, but she's fallen in love with Asa his two-year-old illegitimate son. Max returns from the Outpost Rehab Ranch in Texas where he has been coaching football for the Randall County rec center team. Now Jade and Max have to figure out how to become a family again or whether it's still possible. This sequel is a good follow on to Softly and Tenderly.

Jade and Max now have to face the proble In this sequel to Softly and Tenderly, Jade is trying to heal from Max's betrayal. Jade and Max now have to face the problems that drove them apart. The book handles this well, although I still find Jade's inability to let go of her hurt a bit juvenile.

Max still comes across so understanding it's hard to believe he's for real. I missed the interchanges between Jade's mama and her mother-in-law, June. Mama is dead, but June is pretty much out of the action. I was disappointed in her major scene. In my opinion, it was too dramatic to be realistic. I thought the theme of letting go was handled very well. Even when we know we have to move on, it's hard to leave our things, our homes, and our familiar routine.

We feel that we're losing so much, it's hard to see the gain. I recommend this book if you're struggling with change, and particularly if you enjoyed Softly and Tenderly. Feb 27, Rachel rated it really liked it Shelves: This book added a couple of major twists, and still managed a happy ending! Jade is completely in love with Asa. When Max returns from rehab, he is put on probation from his family's law firm. An opportunity to coach high school football is presented; a chance for a fresh start in Texas.

It is around this time that Jade discovers the Max may not be Asa's biological father after all. Jade keeps this secret from Max, worried that such news will upset him and his recovery. Life in Texas is not as perfect as it seemed on paper. Something is very wrong with the high-school program. People of Colby are less than welcoming to the new coach's family. This was a good conclusion to the series.

I really enjoyed how the characters relationships really grew throughout the series; with each other, their families and with God. Jan 24, Kristin Kritters Ramblings rated it it was amazing Shelves: The third in a series of heart wrenching stories that have an air of Christian fiction, but do not shove their religious views in your face. Written together with country singer, Sara Evans, and well seasoned fiction author, Rachel Hauck - this series hits straight to the heart with each flip of the page.

With a gap in time between reading the second book and this third and final in the trilogy, it was still so easy to get back into Jade's life and be swept away by her struggles and extreme faith The third in a series of heart wrenching stories that have an air of Christian fiction, but do not shove their religious views in your face. With a gap in time between reading the second book and this third and final in the trilogy, it was still so easy to get back into Jade's life and be swept away by her struggles and extreme faith and forgiveness.

As this is the third in the series, I can't talk too much about the specifics of this book because you must go read the first two before you dive into this one. Jade and Max are a couple that have real emotions and real experiences that help make this book enjoyable. This couple has trials and tribulations just as another other couple. A job change, a big move, and the struggle to start a family are themes in this book that almost anyone who is reading can relate to, I felt Jade's struggle as she moves for Max to follow his dreams.

Whether you are a fan of chick lit or women's fiction, this series would be a perfect start to a cold winter weekend. At a very young age I wanted to dedicate my life to God. But I first needed to know that He was real. I had a talk with the Lord, and I told him that I could listen to everyone else speaking about him, but I knew that I would make a better witness if I knew him for myself.

I needed to know that God was real. That same week I decided to go swimming, thinking nothing else about the conversation I had with God. When I got to the swimming pool, I was very shy. I flapped around in the water. I splashed and splashed, pretending to swim. While in the water, I noticed a guy from my class staring at me. He was playful and asked how I was doing. I thought he was handsome and liked his attention. I got out of the pool for the fifteen-minute break the lifeguards had announced, and sat talking to friends and my next-door neighbor.

When it was time to get back into the pool, the guy from class told me that he noticed I was a very good swimmer. He said that he saw me dive off the deep end of the pool. He smiled at me as if I was joking, picked me up over his head, and threw me into the deep end of the pool. The water seemed to grab me. It was cool and warm at the same time.

The more I reached for something, anything to grab, the more I realized nothing was there to grasp. All of a sudden I knew, without a shadow of a doubt, that I was drowning. I struggled and I fought that water until I was too exhausted to fight any more. I kept swallowing the chlorinated water. I drank so much water that I could not feel it going down my throat anymore.

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