Love Or Lies
Inspirational Fiction - from Pen It Publications
When El’s prestigious position in the company she helped to build is eliminated, she loses both her boyfriend and her place to live. Facing an uncertain future, she agrees to return home to settle her deceased aunt’s estate. But her trip down memory lane comes with a few surprises.
Her high school sweetheart turned pastor is officiating the funeral. Her antisocial aunt regularly hosted a rowdy church youth group. And mysteries hide not just in several letters stashed away in a safe deposit box but also in the very pages of her aunt’s novels.
As the secrets and lies unravel, El must confront the ghosts of her past relationships, the distance between her and God, and the truth about real love. But will she give any type of love a chance?
In Love or Lies, El takes an emotional journey of self-discovery and faith to make sense of her past and look beyond the lies she’s been told. This touching Christian Romance explores what it means to rediscover a connection with God and to unlock the true power of love.
Reviews
5 Star Amazon Review, Anita D.
Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2024
When Elizabeth (El) loses her job in the company she helped build, is dumped by her boyfriend, and has two weeks to pack up and get out, she finds herself thinking things can't possibly get worse. She was wrong. A call from an attorney sends her back to New Mexico to deal with her deceased aunt's estate. At the funeral, she realizes the officiating minister is the town's bad boy, someone she once cared for--until he didn't show up for their date to the prom and disappeared from her life. Now, all these years later, El must uncover secrets from the past before she can plan for her future.
The interweaving of secrets from the past begins to unravel, and El is shocked to discover her aunt was not the person everyone thought she was. Everything El thought she knew is now a confusing mess, causing El to wonder how many of her life experiences and the family secrets were done out of love, or whether everything was just one huge deception.
Characters are realistic and relatable. As the story progresses, Pastor Robert (formerly "her Bobby") helps El navigate her way through the emotions and doubts that threaten to cause her to lose hope. What I found most inspirational about this fictional story is the profound insights about God's love and mercy that encourage the reader to pause and think about personal applications. His love is constant and does not fail. This beautiful message is a natural part of the story and does not come across as "religious" or "preachy." When I'd finished reading, I was quite satisfied with the story and its characters, but I was also appreciative of the reminders about trusting God for the future.
Wonderful story, excellent writing, thought-provoking. A great read I can highly recommend!
5 stars eBookFairs Review Jenn Bailey
This Christian romance novel does a great job of incorporating faith without being overly preachy, and the characters are relatable and realistic. The author's writing on God's love and mercy is insightful and inspiring, making it a meaningful read for those looking for a deeper relationship in a novel.
5 stars eBookFairs Review Kennedy Odindo
This book follows El as she navigates a journey of self-discovery after being fired and receiving a call from Raton, New Mexico. With well-developed characters and an interesting plot, this Christian romance novel is a great read for anyone looking for a clean and enjoyable story. While the reviewer does have some minor criticisms, they still highly recommend this book to nearly everyone, especially romance fans.
5 stars eBookFairs Review Israel Ereofoluwa
Love or Lies by Craig Hastings is a romantic fiction that explores themes of faith, familial love, and a supreme love. Through the protagonist, El Rawlings, the reader is taken on an emotional journey as she loses everything and faces a devastating loss. This book beautifully portrays the complexity of life and the existence of a higher power.
5 stars eBookFairs Review Sele Emmy
Love and Lies by Craig Hastings is an engaging Christian romance that follows Elizabeth as she discovers the true nature of love and her faith in God. The book is well-written and free from errors, making it a compelling read for anyone looking for a meaningful and inspiring story.
5 stars eBookFairs Review Rukayya Nasidi
Elizabeth, a successful businesswoman, faces a series of challenges that leave her feeling lost and alone. However, a trip to Raton, New Mexico, brings unexpected reunions and revelations that ultimately lead to a hopeful future. While the book's exploration of different forms of love is a highlight, the focus on spiritual and familial love may disappoint readers expecting a strong romantic storyline. Overall, the book offers a satisfying and heartwarming read.