reviewsbyerin

Fashion model Ivy Clark has never felt loved for herself. The product of a long-running affair, Ivy's father chose to stay with his wife, and her mother spiraled into depression until things were so bad that Ivy was removed from her care. Although her father's wife tried to make a a loving home for Ivy, her father remained cold and distant, and at age 14 Ivy struck out into the world to model under the management of her uncle. Finally receiving the kind of male attention she's always craved, Ivy believes her physical beauty is all there really is to her. Her soul is an empty shell.

The story opens when Ivy's father dies, and Ivy finds herself being reminded of all the ways he ignored her and made her feel inadequate. It doesn't help that she's nearing her 25th birthday and modeling contracts are now few and far between. She is not thrilled when her uncle sends her back to South Carolina to model for her step-mother's wedding dress boutique. To cope with all the bad memories, Ivy decides to turn to her drug of choice - men - and sets her sights on the one who will photograph the ad campaign, Davis Knight.

Davis vowed he would never pick up a camera again after his disastrous foray into fashion photography, but his family convinces him that this shoot for Marilyn will help make up for past wrongs. He doesn't exactly enjoy being paired up with Ivy, especially because she makes her intentions quite clear towards him. God has gifted Davis with the ability to look past the seductive pouts and the long legs and be able to see the hurting, lost woman inside. He longs to help Ivy find God's love and to be able to understand where her true value lies.

Impressed with Davis's camera skills, Ivy begins a long con to convince him to return to New York City and resurrect both their careers. But as Ivy gets involved with the South Carolina community, her heart begins shifting. Will she be able to soften her heart and open it to God, or will it shatter into sharp pieces that bring pain to herself and others?

I found this to be a very touching story. I ached for Ivy's lack of love and the various forms of abuse she had suffered in childhood and as a model. Finding acceptance is something we all long for, and I could see how easily she allowed herself to become lost in the industry to fill that void. Davis was a strong character, but he also had some strong flaws which were very real. Overall this is a book I would recommend to everyone who loves introspective stories or who struggles to find worth inside themselves. We are all on a journey, and may we each find those who truly love and accept us along the way.

My copy of the book was provided by the publisher in exchange for this honest review. All opinions are my own.