The Thornbearer (Penned in Time Book 1) by Pepper Basham

Book Description:
BRONZE MEDAL—CHRISTIAN FICTION—READERS FAVORITE BOOK AWARDS 
FINALIST—2015 GRACE AWARDS 
SHORT-LISTED—2015 INSPY AWARDS 

From the decks of the ill-fated Lusitania to the smoke-filled trenches of France, Ashleigh must choose between the forgiveness of her past, life in the present, and a Savior who can rescue her from them all. 

When her fiancé leaves her eight months before their wedding, the unexpected blow ignites a battalion of insecurities stemming from her father’s intimate betrayal. Her worst fears are confirmed – who could ever love a soiled woman? 

In an attempt to escape the shame and disappointment of her past, Ashleigh boards the ill-fated Lusitania to cross the war-torn waters of Europe. Much to her dismay, she isn’t traveling alone. 

Sam Miller is always making up for his best friend’s mistakes. Determined to help Ashleigh, he offers his compassion and protection as she ventures across a perilous sea. With the faint hope of renewing his lost love for Ashleigh’s sister, Sam never expects to find the woman of his dreams in his best friend’s former fiancé and his own childhood companion. 

As they travel across the Atlantic, neither is prepared for the life-altering and heart-breaking journey of their friendship. 

When the truth of Ashleigh’s past explodes in the middle of war and Sam rejects her, Ashleigh must decide if God is enough – or if the double weight of her betrayal and past will crush her life forever.

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As Basham's bio states, her novels are truly romances peppered with grace and humor! The Thornbearer has a good deal of family drama, there are some dark secrets and deep wounds. While Basham covers the topic of abuse, and more specifically sexual abuse, she handles it well. The reader is made aware of the situation and its' repercussions but without all the gory details. This story is focused more on grace, love, redemption and forgiveness.  There are so many truths shining through this novel; the lies we believe, the shame that binds, pride, prejudice, learning to accept grace and give it, as well as forgivness, for not only others but oneself.

This story has many layers and I thoroughly enjoyed pealing my way through every one, until I reached the heart of the story. The romance was sweet, the characters engaging and the novel engrossing.

Looking forward to Book 2!