A Broken Kind of Beautiful by Katie Ganshert

Overview: Sometimes everything you ever learned about yourself is wrong.

Fashion is a fickle industry, a frightening fact for twenty-four year old model Ivy Clark. Ten years in and she’s learned a sacred truth—appearance is everything. Nobody cares about her broken past as long as she looks beautiful for the camera. This is the only life Ivy knows—so when it starts to unravel, she’ll do anything to hold on. Even if that means moving to the quaint island town of Greenbrier, South Carolina, to be the new face of her stepmother’s bridal wear line—an irony too rich for words, since Ivy is far from the pure bride in white.

If only her tenuous future didn’t rest in the hands of Davis Knight, her mysterious new photographer. Not only did he walk away from the kind of success Ivy longs for to work maintenance at a local church, he treats her differently than any man ever has. Somehow, Davis sees through the façade she works so hard to maintain. He, along with a cast of other characters, challenges everything Ivy has come to believe about beauty and worth. Is it possible that God sees her—a woman stained and broken by the world—yet wants her still?

Release date: April 15, 2014
Publisher: Waterbrook Press 
ISBN-10:  1601425902
ISBN-13: 978-1601425904

B&N | Amazon | CBD

My Review: I honestly don't even know where to begin. This book was such a fantastic book. I think Denise Hunter, author of Dancing with Fireflies, says is best: "Both beautifully written and honestly told, A Broken Kind of Beautiful is captivating! Faith is the resounding heartbeat of this poignant story, but Ganshert also breathes to life a tender romantic tale and a powerful inner journey as soothing as sweet tea on a hot summer day." I think every girls of every age should read this book as Ganshert challenges the worlds idea of what is beautiful in a gripping and powerful way.


Ivy Clark is a model. That's all she's known since she was 14. Now that her career is lagging, she is lost. She doesn't know what to do with her life anymore because she believes what she's been told for years - you won't amount to more than being a beautiful face and gorgeous body. Davis Knight has a gift. He sees things that others miss. God has given him the ability to see, through the lense of a camera, the beauty that people take for granted. The only problem is, he hasn't picked up a camera in two years. 

When his path and Ivy's cross, they both begin a journey to God's healing grace and mercy. Davis feels drawn to Ivy because of her brokenness. There are times I wanted to strangle Ivy for her attitude and actions, but I couldn't. I've been broken before, I know what that's like. I wanted for Ivy what Davis and Sara and Marylin wanted for her, which kept me rooting for her the entire book. The author did a great job of weaving in the message of the book: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine" - Isaiah 43:1.

For someone who has been broken by the world, this story was poignant and well written. Everyone can benefit from the message that the author is trying to get across. Beauty is not what's on the outside. It's what's inside that makes us beautiful. Overall, I can't say enough great things about this story, and my review really doesn't do it justice. I just can't put into words how great this story is. Go pick up your copy today!

**I received a complimentary ARC of this book from the publisher, through the Blogging for Books program, in exchange for my honest review which I have given.**

About the Author: Christy Award finalist and Carol Award winner, Katie Ganshert, graduated from the University of Wisconsin in Madison with a degree in education, and worked as a fifth grade teacher for several years before staying home to write full-time. She was born and raised in the Midwest, where she lives with her husband, their young son, and their goofy black lab, Bubba. When she’s not busy writing or playing or reading or snuggling, she is obsessing over the paperwork and the waiting that comes with adoption. You can learn more about Katie and her books by visiting her website or author Facebook page.


After reading this book, I was reminded of the song "A More Beautiful You." I think it fits well with what the author is trying to get across. Listen to the song and let me know what you think!