About the Book:

Book: An Unpresentable Glory

Author: Eleanor K. Gustafson

Genre: Christian, contemporary, literary fiction

Release Date: July, 2018

“I trusted you, and some day, you may know just how much you hold in your hands.”

Linda Jensen leads a relatively quiet life in Westchester County, New York, as the owner of a highly acclaimed garden. Inherited from her parents, the garden is her pride and joy. It is not so joyful finding a strange man sprawled near her delphiniums! The mysterious man is sick, unable to do anything more than drink water—and beg for secrecy. Ignoring all alarm bells, Linda sees to his needs, but her caring act takes on unexpected significance, and unpresentable glory.

Seeds of trust, and perhaps love, are planted in Linda’s garden haven. But as secrets are revealed and scandal hits the headlines, the act of caring for this man threatens to tarnish both of their reputations. Like weeds in Linda’s garden, circumstances threaten to choke out their fledgling relationship, and small moments prove to be the biggest influencers—on a national scale.

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About the Author

Ellie grew up in Branchville NJ, in a county with more cows than people. She attended Wheaton College in Illinois as a music major, then married a pastor/college professor/tree farmer/organist and writer. Together, they have three children and eight grandchildren.

Music was Ellie’s first love until she tried on the cloak of writing and found it a comfortable fit. However, early writing attempts saw friends—and even her mother—advising her to stick to music as a career. She pushed manfully along, though, and An Unpresentable Glory is her sixth novel.

“God first touched me through story,” Ellie says, “and made the bigger Story come alive. I love Him passionately!”

More from Ellie

What’s An Unpresentable Glory about? Here’s Linda’s point of view: Linda Jensen, a noted gardener, finds a stranger sprawled near her delphiniums, obviously ill. She gets him into her house and puts him to bed, deciding that water is the only safe thing to give him. Water in, however, must come out. He is helpless; she must serve him; but in doing this unpresentable task, she feels the presence of angels. [See the book Preface for my personal experience with this.]

Jay’s point of view: Jay finds himself ill and helpless on the lawn of a wealthy but caring gardener. He can’t even reveal his real name. When he leaves at week’s end, he sees the relationship as hopeless because of who he is and enormous repercussions if the hidden week comes to light. Tragedy and disaster haunt him, but a dual set of mentors leads him through churning waters. Will he ever get back to the garden?

* * *

Linda’s sun tea was “mostly Darjeeling with lemon and a sprig of mint.” After reading her description, I tried it and found it tasty, indeed!

This story reminds me of a package that you unpack anxiously awaiting the gift that is buried under piles of paper. You have to remove each layer until the gift appears. It is like getting rid of unwanted weeds in a garden so you can see the beauty that God has provided.  Each time I think about the book, I realize just how precious the words are that filled my soul with a deep love I have never felt. 

Linda is a gifted gardener who takes flowers and makes them works of glory. The gardens provide peace and comfort. When she discovers a man one day in her garden, she didn't know that that one moment would change her life forever. I loved how she took the man in even though he was a stranger. She saw this man as Jesus did. He was in need of kindness and to be shown the love of God. It would be hard to welcome a stranger into my home, but I know I couldn't turn away someone in need. Though their time together was brief, it set the stage for a story that will leave a lasting mark on many.

Lawrie is a senator that has been under tremendous pressure. As he takes time to get his energy back, he senses a kindred spirit with Linda. She is kind, caring and asks nothing from him. Did God bring Lawrie to this woman? Will he find what he has been looking for to heal his broken heart?  I loved the time they spent together and how they respected each other without crossing the line. After all Lawrie is a married man and the thought of being unfaithful is not why he was there. 

The story does have a political aspect to it and I did enjoy the part about Native Americans. It did show how even today they still have to fight for what was theirs. It really was a great addition to the story and allowed us to see inside the political world. Lawrie is torn when he has to make a big decision about his political career. His life will take a dark turn as rumors mount against him. Can he protect Linda from the medial? What will his wife beleive when she starts to hear the murmurs in Washington about her husband? 

There is a lot happening in the story but don't overlook the presence of God in every decision, every word and every unexplained moment that reminds us He will never leave us. Lawrie does seem to go through many hard moments; almost like Job in the Bible. I began to worry that Lawrie would give up and miss out on the most precious gift awaiting him. 

The story is also about the love between two people who feel they can't be together but never forget the brief time they spent together. There is some difficult subjects in the book that may be triggers for some such as suicide and depression. The author handles both subjects with grace and compassion.  This is not your typical love story but a much deeper story of finding peace, happiness and hope. 

I finished the book and sat for a moment soaking in the presence of God. I felt it throughout the book and the message was clear to me. When you need it most, God in his wisdom will send at just the right time, "An Unpresentable Glory.'

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 23

Pause for Tales, March 24

Godly Book Reviews, March 25

Creating Romance, March 26

Girls Living For God’s Glory, March 27

Inklings and notions, March 27

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 28

2014 an Beyond!, March 29

The Becca Files, March 29

Blogging With Carol, March 30

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 30

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 31

Texas Book-aholic, April 1

janicesbookreviews, April 2

Bigreadersite, April 3

Real World Bible Study, April 3

A Reader’s Brain, April 4

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, April 5

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Ellie is giving away a grand prize of a $25 Butpee Flower gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/ddb4/an-unpresentable-glory-celebration-tour-giveway