Amy Inspired by Bethany Pierce

Amy Gallagher is approaching 30 years of age – the time of life when she expected to have a decent start on a chosen career, a spouse, and possibly children. Amy has none of those things. She's an aspiring author who works as an adjunct professor. Her writing has hit a slump and the publishers' rejection letters are steadily increasing. Adding insult to injury, her roommate, Zoe, has managed to have some publishing success. When Eli, boyfriend of one of Zoe's prior roommates, moves in temporarily, things become even more complicated for Amy. Eli is attractive, but definitely unavailable. When tragedy occurs, Amy must examine her life, her dreams, and her faith.

Amy Inspired is more fiction than romance, but still fun to read. I appreciated the engaging and witty tone that the author gave to the narrator. The characters were wonderfully unique and authentic. What stood out to me most about this book was the honest perspective it gave on writing. Some writers (like Zoe) have a flow of creativity and can write constantly. Other writers (like Amy) take longer because they need some sort of inspiration. As someone who loves to read, but only writes when inspired, I could identify with the characters' experiences and passions.

I should warn that there is some ambiguity regarding the moral message of this book. Supposedly, it is targeted for the Christian market. While various characters express their perspectives on situations, there doesn't appear to be a particular message that the author is trying to convey. Only the author knows whether this is intentional or not. Perhaps it is intended to make the reader think? Or perhaps it is simply that the author doesn't want to offend anyone. As someone who comes from a conservative viewpoint, I was still able to enjoy the book and I will keep it for my permanent library.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."