Book Review of "The Ball's In Her Court", by Heather Justesen

Back Cover Blurb:

She's got a great job, a loving group of family and friends, and basketball skills like you wouldn't believe, but Denise DeWalt's life is far from perfect, and she's about to come face-to-face with a past she hoped to leave behind forever.

Twenty-six-year-old Denise thinks she's come to terms with her childhood in the foster care system, but when her old nightmares return, Denise realizes that she must deal with her past once and for all if she ever wants to move on to a brighter future with Rich, the only man who can see past her former life. As Denise's search leads her closer and closer to the one person she hoped she'd never have to face again, she begins to realize that her future depends on just one person--herself.

This emotional and inspirational love story proves that life is full of unexpected twists and turns--especially when it comes to facing your demons, fighting for love, and finding happiness for the future.

Heather Justesen really knows how to write a scene! I finished this book a week ago, and I can still hear the popping of the oil in the frying pan, smell the sautéed oinions, and feel my mouth watering for the homemade, garlic-rich tomato sauce just waiting to be poured over the pasta her heroine, Denise, has just cooked up with her would-be-suitor, Rich. Heather has definitely got that whole “show, don’t tell” writing technique down pat! The Ball’s In Her Court is filled with such vivid writing, as well as a compelling heroine in search of the truth of her past.

Denise DeWalt is one of the lucky ones…a foster care child who found a loving, adoptive home. But Denise still bears the scars, both physical and emotional, of her previous life with her abusive mother. Much as she loves her adoptive family, she feels increasingly driven to try to find out where she came from. What has become of her abusive birth mother? Who was her father? And might there be other birth relatives she has never met? Each layer of discovery leads to a new mystery to be solved. Will the answers lead to healing or greater heartache for Denise? And how will her search affect her still somewhat halting faith in the Lord?

To find the answers, you’ll have to read The Ball’s In Her Court, by Heather Justesen!

The Ball’s In Her Court falls into the category of Christian/Inspirational fiction. While it includes a strong romantic subplot, the real heart of the story for me was Denise’s search for her birth family. The author writes with great authenticity and compassion on this subject, having foster-parented fifteen children herself.

The Ball’s In Her Court is available in Deseret Bookstores and at CedarFort.com and Amazon.com. And you can check out Heather Justesen’s blog for more review links along The Ball’s In Her Court’s book blog tour!

You can read the first chapter of The Ball’s In Her Court here.

For a limited time, you can order an autographed copy of The Ball’s In Her Court here.