In a world where beauty is synonymous with sexy and physical appearance is valued more than a soul’s depth comes a novel that challenges these superficial societal standards. A Broken Kind of Beautiful by Katie Ganshert offers the reader insight into the innocence-stealing world of modeling.
Ivy Clark has spent the last ten years of life learning that appearance is everything. At the sweet age of 14 she was whisked away into a life of clothes, cameras, and compromise. Not long after signing with a modeling agent, she was coerced into giving away her innocence. Soon she realized that her beauty and sexuality could control the men in her life.
Now she’s 24-years-old and faces the end of her modeling career. In desperation, she returns to her South Carolina home to model for her stepmother’s bridal wear, a job that daily reminds her innocence lost. Davis Knight, a former New York Fashion photographer, is tasked with capturing the beauty of each bridal gown. In spite of his success, Davis left the fashion world abruptly, and Ivy cannot figure out his story. She can’t control him with her allure, and she can’t reconcile his disdain for the world of fashion. Her developing relationship with Davis forces Ivy to face her broken past, including her broken relationship with her father and stepmother. All along God calls her to exchange her ashes for His beauty, but it might be too costly gift for Ivy to accept.
In her third novel, Katie Ganshert manages to gently weave the truth of God’s word into the daily struggles of a woman. Even though Ivy is a high-fashion model — something most women can’t relate to –readers easily identify with Ivy’s feelings of inadequacy. The media constantly reminds women that we are pretty enough, skinny enough, or sexy enough to be valued. Katie pokes holes in those lies through Ivy’s story allowing female readers to learn that God values us and hand-designed us perfectly. He has called us by name and redeemed us – no matter our past.
A Broken Kind of Beautiful is a perfect read for women of any age. In fact, I highly recommended it for teen girls who will be tempted to identify themselves by their outward appearance. This book will serve as a powerful reminder that lasting beauty always comes from the inside out. In the end Ivy teaches us a lesson we can all learn: Love yourself no matter your appearance or past choices.
Note: Katie’s newest book The Art of Losing Yourself debuts in April 21st. I’m currently reading an ARC and cannot wait to tell you all about it. Look for it’s review soon!