AWAKENED LOVE by Regina Tittel

Tara Holden's life is not how she envisioned it to be.  Although she loves being a beautician, she struggles with a husband whose gone a lot and the fact she's not been able to get pregnant.   Her life feels empty and her attitude reflects her dissatisfaction.  Her husband just doesn't seem to care.  But one man seems to be around just when she needs someone and especially when Justin is out of town.  Justin Holden hates being away from home and his wife but his boss has him working way too much.  He knows Tara isn't happy but he's working hard to save money so he can quit.  Creating beautiful furniture to sell is what he'd like to do which would allow him to stay home and still provide income.  He loves Tara but doesn't know how to express what's in his heart.  They just can't seem to talk anymore without fighting.

This story was so good and so inspirational and definitely encouraging!  I have a real heart for hurting marriages so this was a must read for me and I loved it from beginning to end.  I think the author did a wonderful job of showing 'real' people with 'real' struggles.  You could understand and sympathize with both Tara and Justin.  I particularly liked Tara's father and how he used his garden to explain a principle to Justin.  I also appreciated that though Tara and Justin had faith, they still had struggles.  After all, we all have things we deal with.  What really stood out to me was the importance of communication and what can happen when you don't communicate.  It's also really important to do what the Lord wants you to do regardless of what the world is telling you.  Awakened Love is a story I would highly recommend.  It will encourage and inspire you whether you're in a troubled marriage, healthy marriage or even thinking about getting married.

*This complimentary copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*

Some of my favorite quotes:

"Tara, don't let Satan win.  You're in the midst of a battle, and what you decide to do from here will affect you for the rest of your life."

"Tara, I know your pain is very real..." Tara blinked to cool her eyes.  "And so does God.  But you need to understand that trials are given to us for growth and the more we fight against them, the longer it takes to move on."

"Christ's sacrificial death on the cross was a gift to us.  Your forgiveness to others is a gift to them.  And like Christ's gift, it's even greater if the one who's done wrong hasn't asked for it."