Wednesday 6 October 2010

Facelift by Leanna Ellis ~ Tracy's Take with giveaways

Publisher’s Synopsis:

Kaye Redmond, a "can do" kind of woman, has the magical touch when it comes to staging houses to attract buyers. Her ability to make things "perfect" has served her well in her career. If only it could transform her personal life as well. With a failed marriage, an angry teenage daughter, and an ex-mother-in-law who is no fairy godmother, Kaye's life is about as imperfect as it gets.

But sometimes blessings come in the strangest packages. Like her ex-mother-in-law landing on Kaye's doorstep after a botched facelift. Could caring for the impossible woman help Kaye get what she wants most: her husband back? Isn't that what God would want? And what her daughter needs? But no fairy princess ever faced such obstacles: an ex-husband's surgically enhanced mistress, hormonal teenagers, and--worst of all--an extra handsome prince! How's a woman supposed to find happily-ever-after with all that going on?

What I thought:

Leanna Ellis has once again delivered in fine style, with her sassy humour, quick wit and pithy one-liners. “Facelift” was everything I expected from this brilliant author, who skillfully weaves lightheartedness with deeper truths to produce a superb work of art.

‘Facelift’ is overflowing with strong characters that make this book the success that it is. Kaye views herself as an emotional weakling, and yet finds herself in a war zone in her own home. Only a woman of strength could cope when caught between Marla, the ex-mother-in-law who has declared Kaye mortal enemy number one, and Isabel, the moody, rebellious teenage daughter. Add that to an ex-husband who still expects Kaye to clean up his substantial messes and a new client who is far too attractive and Kaye is destined to discover the strength she had all along.

Whilst never having experienced any of Kaye’s turmoils, I related to her and the way she felt that she needed to keep everything together. Her ability to rebuild her life out of the ashes of a broken marriage is inspiring. I was also inspired by the way Isabel begins to grow into herself and acts upon things that are important to her, becoming a young woman who chooses to “act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with her God”.

Amidst the layers of craziness and difficulty in Kaye’s life is Cousin It. This monster-dog provides more than her fair share of frustration for Kaye with shovelfuls of comic relief, adding to the story in a way that only a boisterous, energetic canine can.

Leanna strongly brings home the message that living an authentic life means we must step out from the façade we try to hide behind. Hiding who we really are deprives us and those around us from the full abundance of God’s blessing in our lives. Choosing authenticity takes a great deal of courage, yet brings unsurpassed rewards.

With thanks to Wynn~Wynn Media & B&H Fiction for Tracy's review copy


Guest reviewer: My friend Tracy from Beyond My Picket Fence


Relz Reviewz Extras

Character spotlight on Cousin It

View the trailer

Character spotlight on Bryn Seymour

Reviews of Elvis Takes a Back Seat, Lookin' Back, Texas and Once in a Blue Moon

Interview with Leanna

Visit Leanna's website and blog

Buy Leanna's books at Amazon and Koorong



1 comments:

Holly (2 Kids and Tired) said...

This one sounds so good. I've been wanting to read it. Thanks for offering it as a giveaway!

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