I meant to post this forever ago but got sidetracked by a slew of Tuesday interviews . . . so here she be now. =) And Ashley just left a comment with an offer for a free book to one lucky commenter, so woo hoo! for you! See her comment below for details.
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Ally is a marriage counselor and a lover of love, a woman who has found happiness with her romantic husband and their life together . . . until one morning she discovers his addiction staring at her from the computer screen. All these years, he’s lied to her about something he knew was important to her. All these years, the relationship she thought was perfect was just a veneer over his need to look at other women. How is she supposed to go on now? How is she supposed to help other people mend their marriages when she’s not sure she even believes in them anymore?
Taylor Adams is a young girl who just wants to be appreciated. When smooth-talking Andy convinces her she’s a born model . . . and then leads her a little farther than she wants to go . . . she follows along just to get a morsel of his affection. But before long she’s over her head in the porn industry, trying to be someone she’s not so that she doesn’t have to see the aching, bleeding holes that have pierced Taylor through. Is there anything better for her out there? Or will she be forever judged by the people supposed to offer her forgiveness?
When these two women’s lives cross, both have wounds to keep them from opening up to the other–but through the overwhelming love of the Father who never disappoints, they see that beauty comes after the rain.
Exposed is by no means an easy book. Ashley Weis depicts the porn industry in all its ugliness and brutality, exposing the glamorous side for the mask it is. Also faithfully she portrays the hurts that result from a marriage wrecked by pornography, and the difficult path it takes to renew a relationship. No, this book isn’t easy–but it’s necessary. In our world today, porn is so often joked about, assumed to be common and acceptable for men, taken for granted. It’s high time a novel tackle the issue and demonstrate the true cost of porn–both for the viewers and the women who make a life from it.
This is one of the few books that has made me tear up at the end, which is especially remarkable since I knew how it ended through a conversation with the author long before the book came out. But seeing the touch of the Lord through these two stories, and the way He wove Ally’s and Taylor’s lives together . . . wow. If porn has ever touched your life, or the life of someone dear to you, this is a must-read. Or if you just want an engaging women’s fiction of, forgiveness, grace, and the healing power of love, this is also a must-read.
There were times when I found Taylor’s story more engaging than Ally’s, and times when I had to put the book down to give myself a short break from the stark reality within the pages. Still, it’s a strong book, well written and intense. Overall, I’d say that reading this book is an experience–one you’ll never forget. Beware: this is a story that will open your eyes.
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Ashley Weis doesn’t just write fiction about this stuff–she also actively ministers to porn stars and encourages them in new lives, as well as encouraging those whose marriages have been affected by the industry and addiction on her blog, More Than Desire. A portion of all sales of Exposed goes to benefit the Pink Cross Foundation, XXXChurch.com, and Covenant Eyes.
Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award winning author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary.
I just wanted to say thanks so much for featuring this book and linking to the following websites. A few months ago me and my boyfriend had a big discussion about the porn industry and although he hadn't watched in much in the past, and definitely not during the time that he knew me, he said he didn't think it was dangerous at all and tried to convince me that most of the women in the industry enjoyed it and found it empowering. I told him about an article I'd read which showed how porn could destroy marriages and families but unfortunately I found it difficult to find anything online to back up my point as searching for anything in Goggle with "porn" in the search bar is impossible! So I wasn't able to back up my points and although he promised me he'd rarely watched porn and wouldn't look at it ever again (which I do believe) I was concerned that he'd gone away from the argument believing that his view was right when I know how dangerous porn is. So I'm really thankful to have these websites to try to show him the truth of the porn industry and why I'm so concerned for it ever hurting our relationship. I've emailed him the links and hope we can have a chat tomorrow about this. It's harrowing reading about these women who have been involved in pornography, and the women whose husbands have betrayed them with it but I'm so thankful that organisations are available to help them. I hope that my boyfriend can be touched by what he reads and sees and see the truth.
Rachel
individualityrules (at) hotmail (dot) co (dot) uk
This does sound like a very powerful book and probably one that is very important for all women to read and understand.
Blessings,
Jo
ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com
i have read many positive reviews of this book…thanks for the opportunity to read it…i think waking up every morning and appreciating the day to its fullest is very important.
karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com
This is a topic many won't approach. The destructive nature of porn is sometimes everlasting unless the victims call upon God for help. Those that have been through the experience of discovering their mate's addiction is sickening to the heart and soul of the one finding out. The aftermath ruins relationships, families, and the mental health of all caught up in it. The only real hope is through God and his love. The young girl caught up in the porn prison is a fear of all parents. I can attest to what I'm saying, because I've been through both situations with an ex-husband, and a daughter. It has also hovered over my second marriage. God healed this situation quickly. My present husband was not a believer when I discovered the problem; but he is totally now in spirit and belief. Praise God! The daughter, whose story is difficult to reveal is now safe and recovering from her imprisonment in that horrible industry as well as a drug addiction that was part of it. Thank you, Ashley for your courage and strength to write such a powerful story. I hope many read this and join the group of others that are aware of the devastating power this addiction can have. Thank you for the giveaway and the chance to win this important novel. I hope I do win.
Sharing Christ's Love,
Barb Shelton
barbjan10 at tx dot rr dot com
Ashley's book is a great fictional approach to the topic, Martha. And if you're looking for a non-fiction that deals with the issue and how to overcome it, guard one's thoughts, and grow closer to the Lord, I recommend another WhiteFire book (my pub), PURE FREEDOM by Bryce Perry. That one's by a now-pastor who battled with porn addiction years ago, and how it's this taboo subject within the church, yet so needs to be dealt with.
My unexpected dismissal from a private school let to my writing career. God took that awful experience and turned it into something really good when I had my first article printed and then a novella and then a series of historical romance.
We are experiencing the same problem as Ally in our family with one of our sons and it's tearing our family apart.
I think this post is so relevant. I went through a terrible divorce, but have come out a survivor on the other side. I thought I would not be able to do anything on my own and God has shown me the many things I can do with his love.
Deborah M.
debbiejeanm[at]gmail[dot]com
I would love to read this book. I love the gorgeous cover as well as the bold topic.
I am a Christian counselor and I would appreciate the opportunity to read this book.
Thanks for the opportunity to win this book.
edwina(dot)cowgill(at)yahoo(dot)com
I've lived through my parents divorce (bad) and ended up a stronger Christian because of it (good).
Would love to read this! I've head of xxxchurch and strongly support their mission.
ksmiley2[at]kent[dot]edu
You're worth a whole treasury (plus some), Molly! =)
Well, God took my marriage to my ex husband (which was full of awful events) and showed me that I can be a better person for that experience in my life. I turned to him during my divorce and overcame a drug habit AND realized that I am worth more than just a low life marriage. I am GOD'S DAUGHTER!!!
Thanks for this chance!
Mollydedwards AT yahoo DOT com
I'd LOVE to win Ashley's book. Sounds fascinating.
Ann_Lee_Miller@msn.com
Through 3 back surgeries, God has used this time to slow me down and work on issues that need addressing. Otherwise I worked myself too much. I love books that help me learn how to help others.
desertrose5173 at gmail dot com
I have heard great things about this book, I would love to be able to read it.
And of course I am drawing a blank at the moment, let's say it is cold induced, because it probably is! 🙂 So while I can't think of anything at the moment, I do know that He DOES do it. I use that a lot in the stories I write. How a bad decision or choice, turning it back to God and HE used it for good. Amen and amen!
caseymh18(@)gmail.com
Wow! Sounds powerful. Please enter me.
Blessings
Michelle V
lifeinreviewblog[at]yahoo[dot]com
Cool, Ashley!
Thanks, Roseanna! I'll give a free copy to a random winner. Just comment on this post and tell us how you've seen God use something bad for good. Romans 8:28. 🙂