Tangled Violets

A Novel of Redemption

By: Denise-Marie Martin

Narrated by: Joana Garcia

What happens when the deepest longing of the human heart—to belong, to be known, and to be loved—leads someone tragically astray?

Lizzie Schmidt appears to have everything: intelligence, professional success, and hard-won independence. Yet beneath the surface lies a lifelong ache no achievement has quieted—the unanswered questions surrounding her identity and biological family.

Long before internet searches and consumer DNA testing, Lizzie embarks on a deeply personal search for her roots, armed with incomplete information and a heart hungry for connection.

What she discovers alters her life in ways she never imagined.

As unresolved wounds, emotional vulnerability, and profoundly disordered longing converge, Lizzie makes devastating choices leading to heartbreak, spiritual darkness, and consequences that reverberate for years. Yet even after profound failure, God’s grace pursues her.

Listener Advisory: This novel deals candidly with psychologically complex and morally disturbing relationship dynamics arising from family identity trauma, including themes associated with Genetic Sexual Attraction (GSA). Deeply Christian in its message that no one is beyond God's mercy, it is intended for listeners seeking serious, thought-provoking fiction.

©2022 Denise-Marie Martin (P)2023 Misericordia Publishing

Critic reviews

Award-Winning Finalist in the Christian Inspirational category of the 2022 American Fiction Awards

“... an uplifting story of realistic struggle, a desperate drive for connection, and ultimately Christian redemption.” — BookLife Reviews

“... a moving novel, crackling with emotional intelligence. An engrossing emotional drama, both shocking and thoughtful... a provocative subplot handled without a hint of prurient sensationalism.” — Kirkus Reviews

Captivating

I love this book! Kept me interested to see where it was going to go. Heart warming, captivating.

Riveting

Wow! What a beautifully written story. I purposely decided to go with the audible version because I love to take my daily walks and listen to something interesting. I found myself bummed when my walk was over and would continue listening when puttering around the house. I really was riveted. I think what I was so impressed with was the skillful writing style but more importantly, the redemptive piece. My eyes were opened to many things and I have a new found grace and deep compassion for adoptees. It is a book that I would want in my arsenal to share with anyone searching for peace, answers, identity and deep shame. I would also recommend this book if you like to hear about people’s unique experiences and testimony’s of God’s incredibly grace.