About the Book

 


Book: Finding Joy

Author: J.C. Lafler

Genre: Christian Fiction, Generational Fiction

Release Date: November, 2019

No matter what complications life throws your way, search until you find something to be joyful for.”

Elisabeth Davis has lived by these words for most of her eighty years. Through good times and bad, this mindset has served her well, and she hopes and prays that her grandchildren will carry this sentiment forward when she is gone.

But Max has heard his grandmother say this so many times, he is almost oblivious. And while he understands her point, putting it into action is not always easy.

When his girlfriend demands he make a choice between her and his best friend—in the same week his grandmother has a stroke!—Max struggles to find joy anywhere. He is forced to reexamine his life, his relationships, and even his faith in this heartwarming story of coming of age and leaving a lasting legacy.



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About the Author

 


J.C. Lafler has always enjoyed writing and dreamed of being published, but it wasn’t until she retired in 2015 that she realized her dream. J. C. and her husband, David, live in Battle Creek, Michigan—except in winter, when they escape to sunny Texas. Along with writing, she enjoys public speaking, reading, puzzles, traveling, and spending time with her children and grandchildren.
 
Finding Joy is J. C.’s fifth novel to date. Her other books, also released through Redemption Press, include Lost and Found, Amazing Grace, Hope Everlasting, and Leap of Faith.

More from J.C.

 

“Finding Joy” by J.C. Lafler is a story about the challenge of finding joy in life’s most trying circumstances, and corresponding verses in the Bible that lead us to choose joy. This story came about because of a comment made by one of my children, who’s middle name just happens to be Joy. She (Lynsey) made the comment to me one day that her middle name reminded her that every day it is up to her to choose joy. Jokingly telling her that “Choosing Joy” would be a great title for my next novel, I let it go for a couple of months. While preparing to began said novel, I wrote “Choose Joy” at the top of the page and started writing. During editing I changed the title to “Finding Joy,” but the whole story developed around the idea of choosing to find a bit of joy every day, no matter what is happening in your life.
 

My Review

 

At first glance, J.C. Lafler’s “Finding Joy” looks as if it might be a work of nonfiction, but it is in fact a novella. The unassuming cover design piqued my curiosity because it leaves so much to the imagination, and I was somewhat apprehensive that the story itself would be too plain. After reading it, however, I instead think that the cover highlights the main theme of the story: seeking joy at all times, as Paul exhorts in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” The cover may not be elaborate, but I appreciate what I interpret to be the subtle nod to meekness and prioritizing simplicity, lessons that emerge from the pages within.

“Finding Joy” has all of the components of a Hallmark movie, with an upbeat viewpoint tinged with poignant moments. Because of its short length, there are gaps in the narrative timeline, setting a brisk pace, and in some cases I felt that more details would have enhanced the story. However, the advantage is that this book can be read in one sitting. As for the characters, they are predictable but endearing. Max serves as the main protagonist, but Gram is the focal point around which everything revolves. She is the character with the most depth, and her life experiences have molded her into a sagacious woman. I most appreciated her perceptive nature and how she lives out her faith and dispenses important advice with clarity: “Just be yourself, dear, and keep God in your lives.” Lafler keeps the narrative relevant, in one case pointing out the dilemma of a dating relationship between two people who are unequally yoked: “Julia always says that me being a Christian isn’t a problem for her, but maybe her not being a Christian should be a problem for me.” Also, Lafler intersperses Scripture verses pertaining to joy throughout the narrative, lending a sermonic aspect that encourages. As Gram counsels, “Choose to find the joy. There is a bit of joy in almost every situation, if you just look for it. Learn to be happy right now, because life is short and otherwise you might run out of time. Trust God. He will never let you down…no matter what happens.”

For those who enjoy generational stories, thoughts about the legacy that we leave behind for posterity, or short books with happy endings, “Finding Joy” will inspire you to search for the joy in every circumstance and maintain an attitude of praise for our Savior, the One who “for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2).

I received a complimentary copy of this book through CelebrateLit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.


Blog Stops

 

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, December 9

Inklings and notions, December 10

A Reader’s Brain, December 11

Reading Is My SuperPower, December 12

janicesbookreviews, December 13

Texas Book-aholic, December 14

Artistic Nobody, December 15 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, December 15

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 16

Lighthouse Academy, December 17 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

For the Love of Literature, December 18

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 19

Aryn the Libraryan, December 20

CarpeDiem, December 21

Simple Harvest Reads, December 22 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, December 22

 

Giveaway

 

 
To celebrate her tour, J.C. is giving away the grand prize package of a signed copy of her book with a matching mug!!
 
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.