Saturday, March 23, 2019

Review, Guest Post, and Giveaway: An Unpresentable Glory by Eleanor K. Gustafson


About the Book:



Book: An Unpresentable Glory  
Author: Eleanor K. Gustafson  
Genre: Christian, contemporary, literary fiction  
Release Date: July, 2018

“I trusted you, and some day, you may know just how much you hold in your hands.” 

Linda Jensen leads a relatively quiet life in Westchester County, New York, as the owner of a highly acclaimed garden. Inherited from her parents, the garden is her pride and joy. It is not so joyful finding a strange man sprawled near her delphiniums! The mysterious man is sick, unable to do anything more than drink water—and beg for secrecy. Ignoring all alarm bells, Linda sees to his needs, but her caring act takes on unexpected significance, and unpresentable glory.

Seeds of trust, and perhaps love, are planted in Linda’s garden haven. But as secrets are revealed and scandal hits the headlines, the act of caring for this man threatens to tarnish both of their reputations. Like weeds in Linda’s garden, circumstances threaten to choke out their fledgling relationship, and small moments prove to be the biggest influencers—on a national scale.  

Click here to purchase your copy.  


My Review:


This was quite an unexpected novel for me. The back blurb only gives an inkling of what you may expect in the book. This was a story that really deals with a lot of topics that affect us in today’s culture. Some parts of this book were like watching the news, because it was so relevant the story felt all the more real, especially the role social media can play in destroying people and how the culture would rather believe lies than the truth.

This story is a journey of two souls who briefly have come in contact but have changed each other’s lives forever. There was some interesting learning parts, especially the behind the scenes of certain jobs. This story really focused on how the world judges, even when no sin was committed. I do not want to say much more about the plot as it was an experience to read it not knowing anything about it except for the back blurb.

I will certainly be thinking about this book for a while.


I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author



Ellie grew up in Branchville NJ, in a county with more cows than people. She attended Wheaton College in Illinois as a music major, then married a pastor/college professor/tree farmer/organist and writer. Together, they have three children and eight grandchildren. 

Music was Ellie’s first love until she tried on the cloak of writing and found it a comfortable fit. However, early writing attempts saw friends—and even her mother—advising her to stick to music as a career. She pushed manfully along, though, and An Unpresentable Glory is her sixth novel.

“God first touched me through story,” Ellie says, “and made the bigger Story come alive. I love Him passionately!”  

More from Ellie

What’s An Unpresentable Glory about? Here’s Linda’s point of view: Linda Jensen, a noted gardener, finds a stranger sprawled near her delphiniums, obviously ill. She gets him into her house and puts him to bed, deciding that water is the only safe thing to give him. Water in, however, must come out. He is helpless; she must serve him; but in doing this unpresentable task, she feels the presence of angels. [See the book Preface for my personal experience with this.]   

Jay’s point of view: Jay finds himself ill and helpless on the lawn of a wealthy but caring gardener. He can’t even reveal his real name. When he leaves at week’s end, he sees the relationship as hopeless because of who he is and enormous repercussions if the hidden week comes to light. Tragedy and disaster haunt him, but a dual set of mentors leads him through churning waters. Will he ever get back to the garden? 

* * * 

Linda’s sun tea was “mostly Darjeeling with lemon and a sprig of mint.” After reading her description, I tried it and found it tasty, indeed!  

Blog Stops

Giveaway


 
To celebrate her tour, Ellie is giving away a grand prize of a $25 Butpee Flower gift card!!
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/ddb4/an-unpresentable-glory-celebration-tour-giveway


8 comments:

  1. Looks like a very interesting book. I have always liked plants. I have houseplants and a container garden.

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  2. Thanks, Linda, for commenting! If you're a gardener, I think you will enjoy exploring Linda's garden--especially the arched bridge to the gazebo island. Then there's the swing in one of her garden "rooms" that can put you to sleep....... I would be pleased to add your email address to my blog notification list. Just email me at egus@me.com. : )

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  3. Thanks so much, "Boos Mum", for your wonderful review. You grasped the essence of the novel and obviously LIKED it! I am pleased. That the book made you think is like a taste of honey. And thank you for not adding spoilers. This has been a tough book for me to say anything about! : )

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  4. This looks like a great story. The cover is beautiful. I look forward to reading this one.

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    1. Thanks so much, Melissa! Please let me know if/when you finish reading it. My email is egus@me.com, and with your permission, I'd love to add your name to my blog-notification list. My posts are short, well spaced, and easy reading. :)

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  5. I love that the back blurb didn't give away too much. It bothers me to know too much about the story before I even open the book!

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