A Blackguard's Redemption

The Caselli Family #3

by Ta`Mara Hanscom

Guiseppi and Rosa conspired, along with their daughter-in-law, Tara, to keep Noah’s identity a secret…but little did they know that Noah himself would reveal their deceptions to an unsuspecting Angel.

As Alex relocates his family to Rapid City, SD, Noah’s heart returns to the desire of a love he’s never forgotten. And while Alex grows in the limelight of politics, Angel’s heart softens to another man.
When tragedy strikes the Martins, Alex abandons his wife and family in their greatest hour of need. Guiseppi watches his planned marriage unravel and confesses his deceit to Noah.

And the Pretender is at last confronted…

“…I’ve watched you pretend our Christianity for years. Sure, you knew the Scriptures better than anyone else, and you followed the rules better than anyone else, but it didn’t make you one of us — and it didn’t make you one of the Lord’s. It’s your rotten fruit that gives you away…”

260 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2011

About the author

I was born and raised in South Dakota, and I love her people and rich history. For many years I’ve also had a deep love for Italy and her colorful chronology. I was fortunate enough to visit Italy on my 25th wedding anniversary, and I added some of the details of my travels to my fictional series The Caselli Family Series.

My favorite sport is baseball – Detroit Tigers – and I can’t wait until the next time I get to see them play in Comerica Park.

I live for the next family barbeque.

My husband and I currently reside in northwestern Iowa. We have three grown children and one grandson. We’ve rescued two cats and one Pomeranian.

I teach AWANA Cubbies and speak at women’s events.

To learn more about The Caselli Family Series, please visit us on the web at:
www.TaMaraHanscomBooks.com

Reviews

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book three in The Caselli Family Series and what a series it is . Unlike anything you’ve ever read. It makes you think and your heart and flesh want one thing to happen and following Christ means a different decision. Family secrets and lies come to light in this book and it is heartbreaking to see the characters suffer because of decisions that were made for them years ago. I cannot get these characters out of my head as I continue to digest what I have read. You will fall in love with Tillie and Noah in book one and you will invest your heart in their life stories. It is real and family dynamics play an important role. The written word is impressive and keeps you turning pages quickly. I wish I had the next book, as I do not want to wait for the rest of this story. This is a series that will hold a spot on my bookshelf to be read again, as you will take something away each time you read it.
I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.

[Elle Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is hard to swallow and it may very well put your morals and biblical beliefs to the test.There! I gave it to you up front. However, stick with me through this whole review before making any decisions about A Blackguard's Redemption. Don't forget, I rated this book 5 stars...and I don't hand those stars out freely.

While reading some parts, I cringed and wanted to change the words on the page to say something else. Change someone's masterpiece? By golly how rude! This goes to show how much I had invested myself into the story. It was no longer just effecting my emotions while I read, but my attitude as well! Several times I looked up with a scowl and sought out someone to unleash the monstrosities I had just read upon. I even interrupted whatever show was entertaining my family in the evening! A bigger deal than it sounds.

Now that I've gotten that out of the way, go buy this series of books! This book especially is dripping with goodies that make you think. Yes, it tests you. But who doesn't like using their noggin? Yes, it'll make you growl and frustrate you at points. But it wouldn't if it wasn't so well written! This book doesn't just make you think, it makes you think GOD. It gives you a wonderfully written story, holds your attention, and leads you to think about God...Without explicitly saying, "It's time to think about God now." Instead, it entangles Him in the story and as you read, your mind notices similarities, or your mind shouts, "I disagree!"

Hmm...But why do you disagree? That's food for thought...

As usual, I have much more to say about this book. Please click HERE to visit my blog and read more!

[Renee Knoblauch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was thrilled to get started with the third book in the “Caselli Family Series.” This book could be read as a standalone if you haven’t read the first two books in the series. The book does a good job filling in the gaps and summarizing events from the first two books. One thing you will miss if you don’t read in order is the depth of the characters. While you may get a glimpse at the series it just would lose its full flavor. It’s a continuing series that flows together nicely.

I just love this series. In book one I fell in love with Noah’s and Tillie’s characters. Then I met Tillie’s family. Then forget it, I was completely lost in the series.

Alex is relocating his family to Rapid City, SD so he can pursue his political career. Tillie will be away from her close nit family. Alex has promised her that he would always put her first in his life and he wouldn’t get sucked up in politics and his work again. Little did Alex know that in that very town his, Tillie gave away her heart to a young man some eleven years ago. The man happens to be one of Alex’s biggest clients and his best friend. Noah Hansen is a charming and a friendly guy. After all these years Noah didn’t know that his best friend’s wife was his Angel. The same Angel that made Noah get back on the straight and narrow path.

The book does read slowly at times. It didn’t bother me as I truly love the characters and well I’m hooked on the series!

Alex makes me mad and he is a complete knuckle head that can’t see the wonderful life he has been given. He has a beautiful compassionate wife and two charming children. Not to mention his extended family. He comes across as a selfish and prideful man to his family. To the rest of the world he is very compelling. The thought that he would do such hateful things while is wife is in the hospital seems unimaginable.

As much as I like Noah’s character. I felt he was ridicules with how he handles Angel. It reminded me of a school age kid who has no control of his feelings. He gets engaged to Melinda thinking it will solve all his problems. I don’t think his character has much common sense when it comes to his personal life. Still he’s completely charming and a great father.

While some parts of the book feel cheesy like how Noah has no control of his school boy antics when it comes to Angel. The thought that he’d just give Melinda a high dollar house seems unrealistic. Regardless, I’m hooked.

I really appreciated how the author had Tillie have a strong stance on the covenant of marriage. Not a common theme in Christian books today or in the church today. Her strong personality and convictions despite the odds is encouraging.

I love the family dynamics. All the brothers are unique and have different personalities along with their wives. Not to mentions the parents of Tillie and Alex. Then you have Noah’s brother and sister-in-law.

A book about faith, love, hurt and forgiveness that has the potential to destroy a family or bring them closer.

You are left with a cliff hanger. This series has been an all time favorite of mine. I read a lot of books and I have few that grab my heart like this series has. Thank you Ta’mara Hanscom for an amazing heartfelt story.

I received a free copy of this product from Reata Publishing

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Blackguard’s Redemption is the third book in the Caselli Family Series by Ta’Mara Hanscom. I have eagerly anticipated (not so patiently at times) this book’s release since discovering the series earlier this year. The book before this one ended with the main characters Noah and Angel on the brink of learning what happened in the past to keep them apart. Truths do come to light early in the book and secrets are gradually revealed. One would think that this would mean relief for all involved, but instead the lives of Angel and Noah become even more complicated as they struggle with the fact that they still mean so much to each other, but they are not in the position to be together. Angel is married and although she and her husband Alex are having problems, she does love him and her children and does not believe in divorce. She is committed to her marriage. There are several times in the book when various characters admit to thinking with their heart rather than their head. How often do all of us do that?! When we love someone, we may allow ourselves to forget that God is in control and try to do what we think is best even when it goes against everything we know we should do under the eyes of God. This book was eye opening in that it made me think about how often marriages are given up on so easily in this day and age. How often we give up on people too soon and let our anger guide our actions. At the end of the book, there are still some side stories from the previous books that have not been resolved and I have a feeling that even though things seem to have settled down, the story of Noah and Angel is not over. In conclusion, it should be said that although there is enough background given in the book for the reader to understand some of the lingering unresolved conflict from previous books, I recommend that they be read before this one and in order.

I was given a copy of A Blackguard’s Redemption by the publisher for review. A positive review was not required and my thoughts on this book are truly my own.

[Julie Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blackguards Redemption (Caselli Family Series Book 3) by Ta'Mara Hanscom
Book can be read as a standalone as you are brought up to date from previous books, just not so many details.
Comes with a list of the characters so you won't be too lost.
Scary start for me because Noah knows she's coming to live in the town where he lives. Alex is runnng for a political position in the state and that means less time with Tillie and the kids but he promised it wouldn't effect them.
Life goes on with the others in their families and their friends. Her father and sisterinlaw carry a secret that could destroy Tillie but he feels he has to alert Noah first and hear his side to what happened...
He had approved Alex marrying his daughter but he's having second thoughts now as she almost died delivering the kids...
Noah just wants to hear what happened, why she left him at the altar and he learns why she left him...
Noah is able to talk to Mona, his sister in law about Carrie and her mysteries and that he confronted Angel but she ddidn't believe a word he said. Angel is married to Alex for life.
Because they live in the same town their paths cross often: registering kids for school, church,
They come to mutual agreements about the past and live goes on..
So much happens to them during the years, some good some bad and how they handle the turmoil is what I like the best as they are problems that occur in our lives also.
Twists and turns, misunderstandings and so unpredictable, so much action and adventure, mysteries, romance, betrayal, travel and faith in God gets them all through the turmoil.
Can't wait to read the rest.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
A KEEPER!

[Lisa Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Noah has found his Angel is getting ready to see her after many years. Alex is moving them to the area where he will begin to start a political career. He promises not to make the same mistakes he has in the past. Tillie (Angel) is not aware of Noah until they attend Church where his brother is a preacher. He finds if difficult to keep his feelings a secret his face tells a story that cant be hidden. He is dating co- worker to keep himself away from his Angel. Alex does is not able to keep his promise and falls out of sight. Noah and Angel try to keep their relationship as normal as they can without crossing lines. Their families and friends see and feel the closeness between the 2 and pray they can control their feelings. Tillie decided to leave and stay with her brother in Italy because her husband will not change his ways. She is saying goodbye to Noah and is involved in a terrible accident. These events cause secrets to come out and makes changes for everyone. I cant wait to see what happens in the next book. I was given this book as an ARC for my honest review.

[Kelly (Simply Kelina) C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is no secret that I have really enjoyed the previous two books in the Caselli Family series. When I was given the chance to continue the series and received book three, A Blackguard’s Redemption I jumped on the opportunity.

Yes, this is the third book in the series. I really do recommend reading the series from book one though. I am sure you could read this as a standalone, but you really need to know the backstory of our characters to truly appreciate their story. Plus, you will fall in love with the story of Noah and Angel. It also had been a while since I had read the second book, so I had to skim the ending before jumping into book three.

I have been waiting for book three for so long to continue the story with Angel and Noah. They are my favorite part of this whole series, and I am just in love with their love story. This story starts to divulge the secrets to both about why they were kept apart during the first two books.

Overall, I just love this family and I am ready for book four.

[Joan Arning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Such a story! Book 3 of The Caselli Family continues with the great main characters of Noah and Tillie (Angel) and many secondary characters! I kept thinking "This is supposed to be a Christian book. How can this turn out!". But God is waiting with forgiveness to anyone who sincerely asks. I could hardly put A Blackguard's Redemption down and can't wait for the next book. The relationships are complicated so you will want to read all of the series to fully understand what is going on! I recommend A Blackguard's Redemption to anyone who enjoys contemporary fiction. I received a complimentary copy from the author. This is my honest opinion.

[Sam Pauley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow!! I don’t even know where to begin! I’m still trying to wrap my head around it. I laughed, I cried, I cheered and I yelled! So many different emotions when reading the book. The author knew how to draw the reader in and made the reader want to turn the page. The details that were given. And the fact that the author was not afraid to use real life situations, really made the book more relatable. The Casellis’ are a devout family, yet they are human. This book is a great reminder that we are all sinners and sin alike. We need God to forgive us those sins each and every day.

[Michelle]

A Blackguard's Redemption is book three of the Caselli Family series by author Ta`Mara Hanscom. Setting: Rapid City, South Dakota (1986) Book three is set over a decade after book two ended.

I appreciate how the author intertwines parts of the previous book so the reader can better understand the plot. Ta`Mara does not give a complete synopsis of what has transpired but just enough information to refresh the reader’s memory if it has been a while since they read books one and two. Or to help the reader who picked up this book and hasn’t read the earlier books.

In book three Noah is still looking for Tillie(Angel) Caselli the love of his life. He wants to know why she didn’t come back to him as she had promised in book two. I was so glad to get back in touch with the Caselli family. You could say I was a bit emotional because I had become attached to the characters in this series.

I became a tad bit queasy when Tillie picked up a live mouse, by its tail, and tossed it outside. However, I had to chuckle as she thought about throwing it at Melinda, who was a character I didn’t like (which actually makes her a good character because her parts are well written. I think she is to be unlikeable). But as Tillie thought, that wouldn’t be very Christian.

Dear reader, have you ever had a book touch you to the core? Well, this series has done that for me. I feel like the characters are my friends. I have grown to love them and will be forever attached to them. Now that is a good book that can do that! I hope you get a chance to read this series. I look forward to reading, and reviewing, the last two books in the series.

Disclaimer: I received this book complimentary the author and REATA Publishers and was under no obligation to post a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.