"...as he looked into her face, he found a glimmer of trust." (9)
Title: Martin HospitalitySeries: Martin Generations, Book 1
Author: Abigayle Claire
Publisher: CreateSpace (self-published)
Release Date: February 4, 2017
Genre: Inspirational Contemporary Fiction
Gemma Ebworthy is eighteen, pregnant, and alone. Now that she’s been evicted, she spends the night in a barn, never dreaming that tomorrow could bring kindness of a life-changing magnitude.
The Martins aren’t a typical family—even for rural Kansas. With more kids than can be counted on one hand and a full-time farm, Gemma must make a lot of adjustments to fit in. But despite their many differences, Gemma finds herself drawn to this family and their radical Christian faith.
When Gemma’s past collides with her yet again, she must begin revealing her colorful history. With every detail Gemma concedes, she fears she will lose the Martins’ trust and the stable environment she desires for herself and her unborn child. Just how far can the Martins’ love and God’s forgiveness go?
The Martins aren’t a typical family—even for rural Kansas. With more kids than can be counted on one hand and a full-time farm, Gemma must make a lot of adjustments to fit in. But despite their many differences, Gemma finds herself drawn to this family and their radical Christian faith.
When Gemma’s past collides with her yet again, she must begin revealing her colorful history. With every detail Gemma concedes, she fears she will lose the Martins’ trust and the stable environment she desires for herself and her unborn child. Just how far can the Martins’ love and God’s forgiveness go?
"...as he looked into her face, he found a glimmer of trust." (9)
Trust it is. Trust me when I say Martin Hospitality by Abigayle Claire will have you eager to tell someone about it the moment you finished the book. It's that special. I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked up this book, but I was blown away by the message there. The underlying message of "pay it forward", topped with grace have truly left me speechless. Starting from the beginning, the cover caught my attention, to a point that I wanted to take a pretty picture of it. What do you think? Then the first page when our main character, Gemma thought, "No one deserves to live like this." I kept reading to a troublesome nail that gave Gemma a reason to leave. Then a cornfield to a barn to the quoted text in my opening. I kept reading and reading.
Hospitality. What does it mean? What does the Bible say about it? According to Dictionary.com, "hospitality is the friendly reception and treatment of guests and strangers." In the Bible, there are multiple verses about hospitality. One that stood out to me as I've read Martin Hospitality is Leviticus 19:34, "The stranger who dwells among you shall be to you as one born among you, and you shall love him as yourself; for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God." (NKJV) The action of the Martins' hospitality, mainly the matriarch of the family, Joy have been humbling to say the least, and it was so good to read about the grace and love so freely given, yet not always so innocently accepted. This is not a story that doesn't make sense or unrealistic. The author, in her debut gave us a story that's not only authentic, but ties in the many life's challenges, and people's faithlessness - not only in God, but in others as well. On the flip side, there are people like the Martins, collectively or individually. Speaking of which, the family dynamics of the Martins connected with me since I also have a big family. It made me laugh and smile within.
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| from Abigayle Claire |
In all, if you are looking for a book on real life challenges, Martin Hospitality is it. If you are looking for a story for new believers that's clean and poses the right questions, Martin Hospitality. If you are looking for a book for a teen that loves to read, Martin Hospitality. If you are looking for a book that will still be on your mind a year later, I think this one will be one, and I can be pretty sure, it'll be on my year-end top debut list for sure. That's how I feel about Martin Hospitality and I hope you will too.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.
TO PURCHASE A COPY
Abigayle has been inspired to write since she could spell her own name. Her passion wasn’t completing the stories (she did that twice and decided it wasn’t for her), it was jotting down the ideas.But in 2015, a story grabbed her—one she had to finish. Inspired by a crazy dream in a genre she no longer reads, Abigayle set off on a journey to write her first novel and she hasn’t looked back since.
Writing is her ministry, freelance editing her job, and reading her pastime—all of which prove that God really does know what He’s doing when He inspires a 6-year-old with a pencil in her left hand.
Goodreads Book Giveaway
Martin Hospitality
by Abigayle Claire
Giveaway ends February 28, 2017.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.
I really need to read this book right now. I am at a turning poit in my faith and seeking ways to strengthen my faith in my life-long journey ahead.
ReplyDeleteThis would be a great reminder. Praying that you'll find insight to your personal journey. God bless you. Thank you for sharing.
DeleteGreat review, my friend! I entered the Goodreads giveaway! :)
ReplyDeleteGood luck! Let me know what you think of it when you get the chance!
DeleteSounds really good. Thanks for introducing us to Abigayle
ReplyDeleteThanks Connie for stopping by! Happy weekend!
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