Bobbi Molinsky’s comfortable life is shattered when a forwarded email from her husband’s account lands in her inbox. The email teases, “My whole evening is free again.” After an angry confrontation with Chuck, she is left with the broken remains of an eighteen year marriage. Bobbi agrees forgiving Chuck is the right thing, the God-honoring thing to do, but it leaves her empty and isolated. Teaching her second-graders is a burden. Taking care of her boys saps all her energy. It seems God Himself has walked away, leaving her to struggle alone. Bobbi can’t deny the transformation in Chuck, but genuine forgiveness requires trust, and trust is a risk she’s not willing to take. Can she let go of her deepest, most primal fears and save her marriage?
To get the first 12 chapters of Contingency, click HERE.
After working several years as research chemist, Paula Wiseman was blessed with the opportunity to stay home with her children and follow the writer’s path. She has been published in several Cup of Comfort devotional books and in Life Savors for Women. Contingency: Book One: Covenant of Trust Series, her debut novel, spent time on the Amazon.com Christian Fiction bestsellers list, and was also the #1 Hot New Release in Christian Fiction. Indemnity is her second novel. Paula blogs on matters of life and faith at www.paulawiseman.com.
My Impressions:
Contingency by Paula Wiseman reminded me of Fireproof, the movie put out by Sherwood Baptist Church a few years ago. It had the same feel — a marriage in trouble, Christian principles to put it back on track front and center, a lot of dialogue, not much character development. Contingency lands the reader right in the middle of a marriage destroyed by infidelity. Bobbi Molinsky learns through a chance email that Chuck, her husband of 18 years, has committed adultery with a co-worker. Devastated by the news, Bobbi begins a journey of forgiveness and reconciliation.
Paula Wiseman starts her novel at the end of a marriage. Through flashbacks we see the development and demise of Chuck and Bobbi’s relationship. At first I was frustrated by the lack of back story, but I came to appreciate the unfolding story told by these vignettes. They served as a good back drop to what the characters were going through in their search for reconciliation. I also appreciated the struggles Chuck’s character goes through learning who he was and who he could be in Christ. Set within a biblical model of restoration, Contingency explores the impact infidelity has on a marriage, the family and even friends and co-workers. It is often a painful journey, but Contingency feels real in its portrayal of a marriage on the brink of destruction brought back from the edge through God’s grace and mercy.
Recommended
(I received a copy of Contingency from Pump Up Your Book in return for an honest review. The opinions expressed are mine alone.)
Contingency Virtual Book Tour Schedule
Monday, May 2
Book reviewed at A Room Without Books is Empty
“This is the first in a series and I am looking forward to reading the next book. I would encourage you to pick up this book if you are looking for a well written, no holds barred book. If you aren’t sure, I would encourage you to read the excerpt at the link above and make up your mind then. The first chapter will have you wanting more.”
Tuesday, May 3
Interviewed at Beyond the Books
Wednesday, May 4
Interviewed and book giveaway at A Cozy Reader’s Corner Reviews
Thursday, May 5
Interviewed at Virginia Beach Publishing Examiner
Friday, May 6
Book reviewed at Rainy Day Reviews
“I would continue gushing about the book but I don’t want to give anything else away. I recommend this read to all:)”
Monday, May 9
Book reviewed at Life in Review
“I VERY highly recommend this book! It is beautifully written and the story is powerful and so realistic! I was hooked from the very start and I felt totally emotionally involved in their story! I felt their heartache and pain and emotions. I truly cared about the characters and was rooting so hard for them! I loved this book and Paula Wiseman’s writing and I am so happy this is the start of a new series and I cannot wait for the next book!”
Tuesday, May 10
Interviewed at Blogcritics
Wednesday, May 11
Guesting at Literarily Speaking’s May 2011 Book Panel
Thursday, May 12
Book reviewed at Lynn’s Corner
Friday, May 13
Book reviewed at Reviews From the Heart
Monday, May 16
Book reviewed at The Phantom Paragrapher
Tuesday, May 17
Book reviewed at Ashley’s Bookshelf
Wednesday, May 18
Guest blogging at The Book Faery Reviews
Thursday, May 19
Book reviewed at The Book Faery Reviews
Friday, May 20
Book reviewed at My Reading Room
Monday, May 23
Book reviewed at One Day at a Time
Tuesday, May 24
Book reviewed at By the Book
Wednesday, May 25
Book reviewed at Bookworm Lisa
Thursday, May 26
Interviewed at Literarily Speaking
Friday, May 27
Chat & Book Giveaway at Pump Up Your Book’s Authors on Tour May 2011 Facebook Party
Thank you for reading and reviewing Contingency.
Blessings,
Paula