Jennifer Sienes

There is a lot of emotional turmoil in this book which you may think is hard to read. However I found it helpful and easy to relate to the characters. Forgiveness is definitely a big topic in the story and how we all struggle with that at times. I found the story to be a realistic look at how people deal with grief, forgiveness and second chances.

Kim is ready for the holidays and just enjoying some quiet time. She has had a hard time the last few years helping her dad overcome drinking. Things seem to be going well for both of them until someone unexpectedly shows up. . Kim can’t seem to let go that her mother abandoned her and left her alone with her dad.

Jax is a great character who has been through so much after losing his wife. He tries to do the best he can raising their children while working long hours. He and Kim have been friends for a long time and some people hope that they will get together. Two lonely hurting people looking for hope at Christmastime makes this story so special.

The author makes a good point of how we hold on to things. In order to move on we need to deal with them straight on. If you are having a problem with someone, talk to them and allow God to restore the relationship. We allow the enemy to separate us when we get hurt or offended. Kim must face her past and allow forgiveness to set her free. Kim’s friend tells her, “You push people away like you gotta reject them before they can reject you.” Well I can relate to that as well. It is a defense mechanism that I use to protect myself. Kim oh how I know your pain of feeling alone.

I did get a surprise in the story when Kim finds out the real reason her mother left. It was very emotional and could be a trigger for some readers. The topic is one that the author handles very well. It illustrates how we never know what someone has been through. It also shows that when we allow ourselves to forgive and ask forgiveness we can finally be free. The ending is beautiful and shares that family is important.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.… (mere)

Tangles and Tinsel, by Jennifer Sienes, is part of the Bedford County Novel series. This story is about Kim and Jax. Thirty-five and unmarried, Kimberly has devoted her life to taking care of her father since her mother left, when Kim was a young child. Now two years after her father has gotten his life in order, her mother comes back.

I find this authors stories to be very realistic and have deep meaning. This one was no different. This is a well written and easy to read story that touches on alcoholism and mental health issues. Just as Kim begins to have her own life, it is turned upside down. Jax is there with a listening ear and is very helpful. I found his young daughter to be my favorite character in this story. She is so curious and honest. This is an enjoyable story to read as it has a wide range of emotions. It also has great family devotions and shows the danger of not being totally honest with each other.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this story, this is my honest review.… (mere)

Tangles & Tinsel by Jennifer Sienes is a Christian Contemporary Romance with Christmas Fiction, Women’s Fiction, and Southern Fiction elements. Compared to most books I have read by Jennifer Sienes, I found this one a bit harder to get into the storyline. Kimberly Saint John carries around the pain and hurt from the past like a badge of honor. When her mother returns after a twenty-year absence, she has to decide whether to forgive and move on to a brighter future or stay in the world of hurt and pain.

Jax Jenson, a childhood friend of Kim’s, along with his two children, have their own pain to deal with after being abandoned by his wife and their mother. Yet, Jax finds himself being pulled towards Kim as more than friends.

The two must learn to trust God and His Sovereign plan for their lives. They have to overcome the hurts and disappointments of their past to find the future God wants them to have.

So, if you enjoy Christian Contemporary Romance with elements of Christmas Fiction, Women’s Fiction, and Southern Fiction, check out Tangles & Tinsel by Jennifer Sienes for yourself. I definitely recommend it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.… (mere)

“The real dream is the people we have in our lives, you know? And of course, the love of the Lord is the glue that holds it all together.”

Kimberley (Kim) has watched her life dream pass her by, as she has been her father’s support since his wife and her mother left when Kim was 15. Going to school, working, taking care of the house, and trying to keep track of her rarely sober father has exhausted Kim. She feels she has missed her life’s purpose, and anyone who tries to get close is shut out, until Jax, the last few years.

Jax is a close family friend, a widower, with two children who adore Kimberley.
Just when it seems Jax and Kimberley might take s chance on each other, major upheaval hits Kimberley’s life.

Many of Kimberley’s friends offer godly advice. Kim has just been starting to think about returning to her Heavenly Father. But now?

I loved this book for its southern flare mixed with simplicity. The faith challenges Kimberley and Jax face are very real. So much emotional trauma, balanced out by wonderful, healing humor. You won’t get very far before you are roaring out loud. One example: Jax says of his office full of women, all looking out for him, “had me more mamas than a blended family twice removed.”

I highly recommend Tangles and Tinsel by Jennifer Sienes if you want a contemporary Christmas romance chock-full of suppressed emotions that need healing and laughter that will help you remember the story for a long time to come.

I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. I also bought my own ebook. No positive review is required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“regret’s not gonna get you very far.”

“It was a powerful thing, being touched. For healing. For comfort. For loving.”

“Mistakes could be redeemed if we were willing to learn from them and let go.”… (mere)