Customer Reviews

Awakening: A Christian Romance Novel (The Lewis Legacy Series, Book One)

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Awakening is a well thought out story. The descriptions and depth of the characters and the events in their lives makes one feel as though you are there in Texas with them. Sam and Lexa's emotions and struggles are real emotions and struggles that every Christian faces, and the author handles them in a compassionate and in-depth way that is missing in most Christian romance novels. I'm greatly looking forward to reading more of Sam and Lexa's adventures in JoAnn Durgin's next novel.

JoAnn Durgin has done the impossible. She has written a romance that is even appealing to those who tend to opt out of reading romances. She accomplishes this through her expert skill at drawing the reader into the reality that she has so meticulously created; she keeps her reader engaged in the developing relationship between Sam and Lexa.

She weaves her deep faith into her story with great levity. The playfulness between her two main characters extends from the beginning of her story to the last sentence. This refreshing love story is inspiring to the seeker as it is to the veteran in the faith. This is a must read for all of those local reading groups that seem to be springing up like mushrooms all across the English speaking world. JoAnn Durgin, I can hardly wait for your second novel in this inspiring series.

JoAnn Durgin brings us an excellent love story in her novel Awakening. Her well-written prose and dialogue draw the reader into the story of Sam and Lexa. Sam Lewis and Lexa Clarke entertain readers with enjoyable banter and charming wit. As they work together on a TeamWork mission, rebuilding homes destroyed by floods, unexpected adventures draw them together as their attraction and love for each other grows. This series of events bring challenges and danger for the work crew while deepening Sam's skills as a leader and spiritual mentor.

Durgin doesn't neglect the spiritual aspect of growth as Lexa and Sam develop a deeper relationship with God. They learn to forgive, experience healing from painful pasts, and gain faith to meet the difficulties they face.

A touch of intrigue keeps readers turning pages in Durgin's Contemporary Romance set in San Antonio, TX.

If you like well-written Christian romance that's character driven and action packed, yet takes you on deepening spiritual journeys with the hero and heroine, you'll love JoAnn Durgin's debut novel, Awakening, published by Canadian publisher, Torn Veil.

Ms. Durgin's fresh voice sets her novel in Texas at a TeamWork Missions camp directed by handsome cowboy, Sam Lewis, who's confident, flawed yet humble. The workers build houses, but volunteer Lexa Clarke looks dressed more for a style show. Lewis finds her arrival hurls the two of them into intriguing twists and turns. These make for satisfying reading.

The banter and repartee between Lewis and Clarke amuses and bewilders, but when both realize they have fallen in love with one another, dealing with those emotions brings some surprises. Durgin does a great job with her first book and this is a love story not to be forgotten, making the reader more than ready for the next Lewis and Clarke adventure!

I enjoyed reading this book on my new Kindle.

Jude Urbanski, author

Finally! A contemporary romance that not only takes the pulse of love in the 21st century--it races it! Kudos to JoAnn Durgin for her debut novel, Awakening, which confronts real problems encountered by real Christians -- such as letting go of a painful past, forgiveness and even sexual pressures and spousal abuse -- countering them with a message of hope and faith that is so vital for Christians today.

Quite frankly, it's hard to believe this is a debut novel because Ms. Durgin has penned a compelling story with flesh-and-blood characters so real, they could live next door and a page-turning plot where the pages fly. Which is a good thing since you'll need a bit of breeze to cool you off when love "awakens" between Sam and Lexa, hooking you in with a tender love story that will make your heart sing. Can't wait for the next one!

JoAnn Durgin has an absolute winner in her first published novel, "Awakenings."

This book has it all: characters you will love, and perhaps identify with, remarkable setting, and a plot that keeps you engrossed from beginning to end and leaves you wanting to read more about Lexa and Sam.

Lexa Clarke signs up for a TeamWork Missions summer assignment, dreaming of adventure in a far away, exotic country. However, she's sent to San Antonio where TeamWork Director Sam Lewis is not sure what to think of or what to do with his newest volunteer.

From the back cover:

"A God-fearing man. A God-seeking woman. For Sam Lewis and Lexa Clarke, it proves a combustible combination.

During their weeks together in the TeamWork camp, Sam and Lexa learn the power of forgiveness and healing. Enduring a chain of incidents which challenge their faith, trust and growing relationship, they look to the Lord for guidance as together they discover a love greater than either could ever imagine."

Ms. Durgin has done a marvelous job of communicating the principle of forgiveness--and from forgiveness--healing in "Awakening." It is a vital point many people need to hear and this book is a wonderful way for that message to be delivered to them.

But the book is not condemning or preachy. Rather it is full of love with some very humorous scenes and intrigue thrown in for good measure.

You will want to purchase this book for your library. It is a book that you will read over and over again.

I thought the Sam and Lexa story was wonderful and a good read! It was witty, cute and romantic with a little suspense thrown in the mix! The banter that goes on between the two characters was fun. The end left me wanting to hear more 'Lewis and Clarke expeditions'! I'm looking forward to reading the next chapter in their lives.

I absolutely loved this book! I've been searching for a true love story, and I've finally found one. In this novel, Mrs. Durgin illustrates how wonderful a relationship between a man and a woman can be when God is at it's center. The characters are fun-loving yet spunky and imperfect yet forgiven. This book renewed my hope and just made me smile. I fell in love with the characters, and Mrs. Durgin left me wanting to hear more from them. I recently read the second book of the series Second Time Around which I could hardly put down. Now, I'm just anxiously awaiting book three!

All I had to do was read the blurb for "Awakening" to know that it was going in my must-read pile. I finished this book rather quickly, as I was unable to put it down. The plot is fantastic, the characters memorable, and the scenarios realistic. I could easily see why this has become one of the most popular books in contemporary Christian fiction.

JoAnn Durgin takes the reader inside the thoughts, emotions, and lives of Lexa Clarke and Sam Lewis in a way that made me care about the characters and the struggles they faced. She added doses of humor at just the right time, and I loved how she did a play on the last names of Lewis and Clarke.

Just when I thought I knew what was going to happen next, the book took another twist and turn, which made "Awakening" an enjoyable read and anything but predictable.

I can't say enough good things about this book, and I highly recommend readers to pick it up and savor the well-written words found on each page. I am eagerly looking forward to JoAnn Durgin's next book, "Second Time Around."

Reviewed by Penny Zeller, Author of the historical romance novel "McKenzie."

I really enjoyed reading this book. I don't read a lot of romance novels anymore but this book was like talking with a friend. The meeting of Sam & Lexa and their clashing hard heads....the other guys that appear and bring jealousy...the friends Lexa wants to help and protect and the intrigue that I never guessed. I am waiting for the next books so I can know what is going on in my "friends" life.....are they still in Texas? Yellow roses..are my fav too!
After reading this book....the author JoAnn Dugin came to our book club meeting. She was very interesting and explained some of the storyline and how she came up with it. She is a very warm, caring individual and becomes an instant friend. I just hope she is writing fast and getting those story plots out of her head!