I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Four people defined by their past and reluctant to accept love find themselves drawn together and must discover if they can truly have a happily ever after in author Magdalena Stanhoff’s “The Flaws in Our Prayers: A Novel”. 

The Synopsis

Someone needs to save the savior. And someone has to protect the protector.

Years ago, Hana left her homeland with her little daughter, and she has steered clear of romance ever since. Sebastian graduated from a hard school of life, and he firmly believes love is a weakness. Neither plans to change their single status—but fate has a different idea.

One winter morning Hana saves a stranger’s life, setting off a chain of events that will thoroughly entangle their families. Sebastian won’t stop until he finds his elusive rescuer, and in his search, he unknowingly sends a young relative on a collision course with Hana’s darling girl…

Sori comes off as the epitome of composure and grace, but her childhood memories left her with zero tolerance for unkindness or cruelty. And Filip is like a shard of glass: beautiful, hard, jagged, and brittle. But oddly enough, the sun’s always shining when they get together, and every trouble can be reduced to a joke.

And thus, two parallel love stories unfold. But new feelings quickly awaken old demons, and soon it turns out conventions are against them as well. Neither Sebastian nor Filip will accept defeat, but can they both find—or fight—their way to a happily ever after?

The Review

This was a captivating and thrilling read. The balance of romance and character development the author found was greatly appreciated, as it felt like the world the author built in this story was realistic and heartfelt in its delivery. The setting taking place at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic was unique as well, as it didn’t really focus on this aspect of the narrative too much like many books in recent years have, but instead used it as a springboard for the situations that arise to bring these four people together in their own unique way.

The individuality and creative development of these characters made the story for me. Without it, the romance and relationships they built together would have felt forced, but instead, they appear to readers as a natural and relatable story. Each character feels unique to themselves and is very multi-dimensional. Rather than being stuck in a one-dimensional story where two people fall head over heels for one another instantly with little to no stakes, the author gives us flawed, emotional, and self-assured characters who own their pasts and strive to rise above them, even when it becomes too difficult to handle at times. The way these unique backstories bring these very different characters together made this a compelling romance and contemporary women’s fiction novel.

The Verdict

Memorable, heartfelt, and engaging, author Magdalena Stanhoff’s “The Flaws in Our Prayers: A Novel” is a must-read women’s fiction and romance novel. The heart and passion that the author touches upon while still remaining realistic and attainable in the world-building made this an enthralling read, and one that readers won’t want to put down until they turn that last page. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Magdalena Stanhoff writes contemporary novels about third-culture people. She loves traveling and is vividly interested in how diverse cultures coexist, clash, and mix, and how it influences people’s life. Her novels explore romantic love, family bonds, and friendship in their various forms and shades, and since the author is an incurable dreamer, they always end with the HEA.

Visit www.magdalenastanhoff.com