What do you think?
Rate this book
Rising from the Ashes #1
Redemption
I’m a screw-up. Proof? On my first day back in town, I accidentally assaulted an officer, who also happens to be my brother’s best friend…and the only man I’ve ever loved.
The thing is, that’s only a blip on my record of mistakes. And believe me, the list is so long it could practically be two—one for all my usual screw-ups and the other for all my mistakes involving Hayes.
My tendency to make colossal mistakes around him is why I left town in the first place. He was like a jagged piece of glass pushing into all my open wounds. I needed time to heal.
Now I’m back, more broken than when I left, and clearly still making bad decisions.
The problem with being the screw-up is that someone is always bound to make you face your mistakes. My heart isn’t ready for him to be the one who makes me face my demons, though, especially when he refuses to confront his own.
The thing is, that’s only a blip on my record of mistakes. And believe me, the list is so long it could practically be two—one for all my usual screw-ups and the other for all my mistakes involving Hayes.
My tendency to make colossal mistakes around him is why I left town in the first place. He was like a jagged piece of glass pushing into all my open wounds. I needed time to heal.
Now I’m back, more broken than when I left, and clearly still making bad decisions.
The problem with being the screw-up is that someone is always bound to make you face your mistakes. My heart isn’t ready for him to be the one who makes me face my demons, though, especially when he refuses to confront his own.
446 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 28, 2023
343 people are currently reading
1019 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
November 5, 2025
Re-read Audiobook 2025:
I got the pleasure of doing a re-read of this book after reading it a year ago. It was great getting to experience this story, the characters, and T. Bell’s writing again. I love the themes of hope, forgiveness, and second chances.
I really enjoyed the audiobook. I loved that it was dual-narrated with a woman’s voice for MJ and a man’s voice for Hayes. It was easy to follow and listen. The only tiny thing was the couple of times the male narrator tried to do laughs for other characters; it came off a little goofy at times, but nothing at all to take away from the audiobook.
If you’ve wanted to read this book and prefer audio, I recommend checking this one out!
Thank you to the author for sending me a complimentary audiobook ARC to read and review. All thoughts are my own. 💛
Original review from 2024:
In this story, you will find:
🌷Brother’s best friend
✨Second Chances
🏘 Small Town
👮♂️Police Officer MMC
👩⚕️Fiesty nurse FMC
🌷Past/Present timeline
🏈Football
👨👩👧👦Family dynamics
✝️Faith elements
This was my first book by T. Bell, and I’m impressed with her writing and the way she created a story that will grab your heart, make you laugh, and connect with the beautiful themes of hope and the power of forgiveness. I loved the dynamic between MJ and Hayes, MJ’s feistiness, the blossoming friendship between Hayes, MJ, and a troubled teen, and Silas, an elderly man, with his meddling and wisdom. There is a great balance of grit and grace, witty banter, sarcasm, and laugh-out-loud moments.
When I do read romance, I prefer stories that are relatable and realistic, ones that don't shy away from deeper themes and showcase flawed characters while placing the spotlight on God. This book incorporated Christian themes and relatable characters in such a natural way, something I think can be difficult to do when writing Christian romances. I loved how the power of forgiveness, mending broken relationships, and finding redemption were themes in this book.
If you like stories with relatable and beautiful themes, a feisty nurse FMC, a swoony and flawed police officer MMC, angst and tension (with no spice), love, and second chances, I recommend you read this book!
Content Discretions: Kisses only, no language, grief, addiction, mental health (anxiety, panic attacks, guilt), death of a loved one, dysfunctional family, pressure/expectation related to sports, mentions of suicide, substance abuse (alcohol)
I got the pleasure of doing a re-read of this book after reading it a year ago. It was great getting to experience this story, the characters, and T. Bell’s writing again. I love the themes of hope, forgiveness, and second chances.
I really enjoyed the audiobook. I loved that it was dual-narrated with a woman’s voice for MJ and a man’s voice for Hayes. It was easy to follow and listen. The only tiny thing was the couple of times the male narrator tried to do laughs for other characters; it came off a little goofy at times, but nothing at all to take away from the audiobook.
If you’ve wanted to read this book and prefer audio, I recommend checking this one out!
Thank you to the author for sending me a complimentary audiobook ARC to read and review. All thoughts are my own. 💛
Original review from 2024:
In this story, you will find:
🌷Brother’s best friend
✨Second Chances
🏘 Small Town
👮♂️Police Officer MMC
👩⚕️Fiesty nurse FMC
🌷Past/Present timeline
🏈Football
👨👩👧👦Family dynamics
✝️Faith elements
This was my first book by T. Bell, and I’m impressed with her writing and the way she created a story that will grab your heart, make you laugh, and connect with the beautiful themes of hope and the power of forgiveness. I loved the dynamic between MJ and Hayes, MJ’s feistiness, the blossoming friendship between Hayes, MJ, and a troubled teen, and Silas, an elderly man, with his meddling and wisdom. There is a great balance of grit and grace, witty banter, sarcasm, and laugh-out-loud moments.
When I do read romance, I prefer stories that are relatable and realistic, ones that don't shy away from deeper themes and showcase flawed characters while placing the spotlight on God. This book incorporated Christian themes and relatable characters in such a natural way, something I think can be difficult to do when writing Christian romances. I loved how the power of forgiveness, mending broken relationships, and finding redemption were themes in this book.
If you like stories with relatable and beautiful themes, a feisty nurse FMC, a swoony and flawed police officer MMC, angst and tension (with no spice), love, and second chances, I recommend you read this book!
Content Discretions: Kisses only, no language, grief, addiction, mental health (anxiety, panic attacks, guilt), death of a loved one, dysfunctional family, pressure/expectation related to sports, mentions of suicide, substance abuse (alcohol)
April 30, 2024
Trigger warning: Grief, addiction, and sports parents
I won’t say this is my favorite but it’s in second of T. Bell’s books. I love the story. I love the two MCs. Their journey not only back together but back to God was beautifully done. I feel like she has more faith content in this book than in the others, but Letters of Grace will forever be my favorite.
Once I hit around the halfway point, I cried. I was in a glass case of emotions. I think I cried more in this one than Letters of Grace. Even the ending had me crying. The crying was due to good, bad, and ugly situations. Bell tugged at my heartstrings.
I also loved the side characters as much as I loved the two MCs. Tanner and Bella are super cute. I may or may not have messaged Bell saying if she writes a YA it needed to be Tanner and Bella.
I bet your wondering why I put sports parents as a trigger warning. Well that’s because both in the flashbacks and in the present day there are parents who care more about the sports than the child who is playing the sports. I put that up just incase anyone who has experienced parents like this, it will be a trigger.
There is so much I want to talk about but it would be a spoiler and I want to keep this a spoiler free review.
But if you need an incentive to read this book, MJ hits Hayes in the face with a tire iron when he scares her while changing a tire. That’s not a spoiler. It’s in the synopsis and on the author’s Instagram.
I won’t say this is my favorite but it’s in second of T. Bell’s books. I love the story. I love the two MCs. Their journey not only back together but back to God was beautifully done. I feel like she has more faith content in this book than in the others, but Letters of Grace will forever be my favorite.
Once I hit around the halfway point, I cried. I was in a glass case of emotions. I think I cried more in this one than Letters of Grace. Even the ending had me crying. The crying was due to good, bad, and ugly situations. Bell tugged at my heartstrings.
I also loved the side characters as much as I loved the two MCs. Tanner and Bella are super cute. I may or may not have messaged Bell saying if she writes a YA it needed to be Tanner and Bella.
I bet your wondering why I put sports parents as a trigger warning. Well that’s because both in the flashbacks and in the present day there are parents who care more about the sports than the child who is playing the sports. I put that up just incase anyone who has experienced parents like this, it will be a trigger.
There is so much I want to talk about but it would be a spoiler and I want to keep this a spoiler free review.
But if you need an incentive to read this book, MJ hits Hayes in the face with a tire iron when he scares her while changing a tire. That’s not a spoiler. It’s in the synopsis and on the author’s Instagram.
April 22, 2024
Wow, author T. Bell does it again! She is the queen of stories that take you through the fire. 🔥 It’s no secret I love a realistic, moving storyline so this book is definitely a must read for those that feel the same!
Told through alternating points of view and flashbacks — we learn the story of MJ and Hayes. Childhood friends who share a very complex history. Their tangled memories include happiness, budding romantic feelings, a deep love for a brother and friend who struggles with a secret addiction, and finally, shared burdens and pain.
Devastating loss tear MJ & Hayes miles apart… When they reunite, years later, the sparks are still there but there is a grief journey to be dealt with and it’s a wildly intense ride…their love is a love worth fighting for but it will take a raw determination to get there.
There was so much I loved about this story:
-The themes of forgiveness and healing
-God’s redemption story told through characters who had “been there” and received His grace and forgiveness
-a mentoring relationship between the older MJ/Hayes and a troubled youth— just beautiful!! 😭
-complicated family dynamics being worked out
-the chemistry and romance between MJ & Hayes was equal parts heartbreaking and heartwarming with lots of tension
Read this if you enjoy:
🦋 Brothers best friend
🦋Love and loss
🦋Forced proximity
🦋Flawed and broken characters
🦋Small town
🦋Second chance
🦋Hidden tattoo
🦋Police officer MMC
🦋Feisty, spirited MFC
🦋Emotional storyline
🦋Dual POV
🦋Milkshakes
🦋A cantankerous but wisdom-filled meddling elderly man
🦋Football
I was reminded of this quote while reading:
“Run to the hard, run to the hurt because it’s in the greatest hard that God’s gonna do the greatest work.” —Michal Christopher
Content: addiction, death of loved one, dysfunctional family, closed door, no language
Redemption is available to read this Wednesday! (4.24.24) Thank you to @authort.bell for an advanced readers copy!
Told through alternating points of view and flashbacks — we learn the story of MJ and Hayes. Childhood friends who share a very complex history. Their tangled memories include happiness, budding romantic feelings, a deep love for a brother and friend who struggles with a secret addiction, and finally, shared burdens and pain.
Devastating loss tear MJ & Hayes miles apart… When they reunite, years later, the sparks are still there but there is a grief journey to be dealt with and it’s a wildly intense ride…their love is a love worth fighting for but it will take a raw determination to get there.
There was so much I loved about this story:
-The themes of forgiveness and healing
-God’s redemption story told through characters who had “been there” and received His grace and forgiveness
-a mentoring relationship between the older MJ/Hayes and a troubled youth— just beautiful!! 😭
-complicated family dynamics being worked out
-the chemistry and romance between MJ & Hayes was equal parts heartbreaking and heartwarming with lots of tension
Read this if you enjoy:
🦋 Brothers best friend
🦋Love and loss
🦋Forced proximity
🦋Flawed and broken characters
🦋Small town
🦋Second chance
🦋Hidden tattoo
🦋Police officer MMC
🦋Feisty, spirited MFC
🦋Emotional storyline
🦋Dual POV
🦋Milkshakes
🦋A cantankerous but wisdom-filled meddling elderly man
🦋Football
I was reminded of this quote while reading:
“Run to the hard, run to the hurt because it’s in the greatest hard that God’s gonna do the greatest work.” —Michal Christopher
Content: addiction, death of loved one, dysfunctional family, closed door, no language
Redemption is available to read this Wednesday! (4.24.24) Thank you to @authort.bell for an advanced readers copy!
May 16, 2025
My bad. DNF
Saw a Facebook ad and seemed like an interesting idea, so I downloaded and started to read. I got about 150 pages into the book and started to get concerned with all the references to God. Went back on amazon to see the author, T. Bell is a Christian writer. So I see. Good for her. Meh, for me. I skimmed the rest of the story and wrote this review to let others know.
So... probably a decent story, but it would have been more my taste with less God (well...none would have been preferred). Just my opinion, though, keep on doing you.
Saw a Facebook ad and seemed like an interesting idea, so I downloaded and started to read. I got about 150 pages into the book and started to get concerned with all the references to God. Went back on amazon to see the author, T. Bell is a Christian writer. So I see. Good for her. Meh, for me. I skimmed the rest of the story and wrote this review to let others know.
So... probably a decent story, but it would have been more my taste with less God (well...none would have been preferred). Just my opinion, though, keep on doing you.
July 24, 2024
Great read! This book explores guilt, anxiety, alcoholism, depression, football, family dynamics and the power of forgiveness!
Being an educator and working with teenagers for 30+ years, this was so very relevant to what I have personally seen and experienced. T. Bell does a beautiful job bringing the characters to life and making you feel like you are truly walking with them through this journey!
Get you a copy and read this!!!!!
Being an educator and working with teenagers for 30+ years, this was so very relevant to what I have personally seen and experienced. T. Bell does a beautiful job bringing the characters to life and making you feel like you are truly walking with them through this journey!
Get you a copy and read this!!!!!
April 18, 2024
I have loved every book by this author 🫶🏼 I have been impatiently waiting on this book so I was super excited when I got the ARC. . This is a small town, second chance, Christian romance. The characters felt so relatable, they struggle with grief and guilt, not feeling worthy and trying to find their way back to God.
June 19, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
I got this on my kindle to read before going to sleep. I thought I would read a few chapters and put it down, but I had to finish it. This was such a great story.
I got this on my kindle to read before going to sleep. I thought I would read a few chapters and put it down, but I had to finish it. This was such a great story.
April 26, 2024
T. Bell really doesn't disappoint!!! I was drawn into the book from the beginning. I feel like I know MJ and Hayes. The story was well written and kept me interested.
November 6, 2025
Audiobook Review 🎧
*Re-read 11/2025
This story is just as beautiful as it was the first time I read it. I loved getting to experience it this way too!
I thought the Narrators did an amazing job with this book. I loved that it was dual-narrated with a male & a female’s voice.
This one is full of highs and lows. I experienced every single emotion while listening to this one. There were moments during the male narration that you felt like he was truly breaking. I felt like the female narrator was spot on to how I pictured MJ sounding in my head.
There’s forgiveness, grace, redemption, and love all wrapped up in this sweet second chance romance. Side note - brother’s best friend is my favorite trope!
I am so happy I got to listen to this one. Thank you T. Bell!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Original review - 02/2024
This is my second time reading Hayes + MJ’s story. It is actually my first re-read of any book!
I am undone by the beauty 😭 This still holds the place for my #1 read ever. This one has the perfect amount of everything. Such a beautiful story of true redemption, forgiveness, second chances, and healing. All the attention to details & all the big & small moments. Masterpiece. I cannot say enough good things about this book and about T Bell’s writing. How she manages to write faith themes combined with deep emotional hard hitting topics and still glorifies Jesus - it is a true gift!
Y’all go get this book now. I will never stop recommending this one!
Quotes
•She’s always beautiful, but man, it’s a different kind of beautiful when she’s ready to knock me down a peg.
•I didn’t realize I was only half living these past six years without her, but that’s exactly what I was doing. I’ve only let myself experience a diluted version of life because, without her, all the colors were dulled.
•“I would have rather ripped my own heart out than to have broken yours. I’m sorry I was so lost in my guilt and grief that I let you slip through my fingers.”
•There isn’t a lot that I’m afraid of, but I’m scared of Hayes because he has the power to crush me.
•Crossing my arms, I lean my shoulder on one of the walls we haven’t painted and take her in. She’s my favorite thing to look at—no sunset, sunrise, or mountain view could ever compare.
Content
No foul language
Kissing only
Grief/guilt
Strained parent relationship
Alcoholism
Panic attacks
Death of family member
*Re-read 11/2025
This story is just as beautiful as it was the first time I read it. I loved getting to experience it this way too!
I thought the Narrators did an amazing job with this book. I loved that it was dual-narrated with a male & a female’s voice.
This one is full of highs and lows. I experienced every single emotion while listening to this one. There were moments during the male narration that you felt like he was truly breaking. I felt like the female narrator was spot on to how I pictured MJ sounding in my head.
There’s forgiveness, grace, redemption, and love all wrapped up in this sweet second chance romance. Side note - brother’s best friend is my favorite trope!
I am so happy I got to listen to this one. Thank you T. Bell!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Original review - 02/2024
This is my second time reading Hayes + MJ’s story. It is actually my first re-read of any book!
I am undone by the beauty 😭 This still holds the place for my #1 read ever. This one has the perfect amount of everything. Such a beautiful story of true redemption, forgiveness, second chances, and healing. All the attention to details & all the big & small moments. Masterpiece. I cannot say enough good things about this book and about T Bell’s writing. How she manages to write faith themes combined with deep emotional hard hitting topics and still glorifies Jesus - it is a true gift!
Y’all go get this book now. I will never stop recommending this one!
Quotes
•She’s always beautiful, but man, it’s a different kind of beautiful when she’s ready to knock me down a peg.
•I didn’t realize I was only half living these past six years without her, but that’s exactly what I was doing. I’ve only let myself experience a diluted version of life because, without her, all the colors were dulled.
•“I would have rather ripped my own heart out than to have broken yours. I’m sorry I was so lost in my guilt and grief that I let you slip through my fingers.”
•There isn’t a lot that I’m afraid of, but I’m scared of Hayes because he has the power to crush me.
•Crossing my arms, I lean my shoulder on one of the walls we haven’t painted and take her in. She’s my favorite thing to look at—no sunset, sunrise, or mountain view could ever compare.
Content
No foul language
Kissing only
Grief/guilt
Strained parent relationship
Alcoholism
Panic attacks
Death of family member
February 16, 2025
I've been craving a read lately just like this one. A Christian small town romance with grit and heart, both of which this absolutely had. It was much more than a romance, with raw and real heartbreak, both familial and romantic. I loved the prodigal-daughter aspect to it. I'm such a fan of that in small town because it usually expresses in all the ways the FMC or MMC "prodigal child" gets a second chance with everyone who mattered to them in the small town. And this delivered on that realness.
I think the then&now chapters were done very well and I'm not usually a fan of that structure. I found myself looking forward to the "then" chapters because I think the author paced them throughout the story nicely and they were always the perfect length. I feel like this could be categorized as a sports romance too. Football was a big piece of the story for the FMC and MMC. The main characters were super consistent. I really like Hayes!! I thought the close proximity was smart too; the way the author brought them to spend more time together for the sake of the story. I appreciated how succinct the ending/epilogue was! I thought it was a great length after all that had happened.
Overall, I enjoyed everything fundamental to the story but wanted a little more from the writing, stylistically. There were definitely 5-star moments but I actually think it could have used more fluff and flourish. I am looking forward to the release of book 2!
In this book: small town, second chance, brother's best friend, grief/forgiveness, then & now, dual-POV
Content Guide: Romance and language are clean. The violence is infrequent/brief/non-descriptive. The faith content is a medium amount.
Content Warnings: underage alcohol abuse, off-page tragedy, brief mention of attempted suicide, on-page panic attack
I think the then&now chapters were done very well and I'm not usually a fan of that structure. I found myself looking forward to the "then" chapters because I think the author paced them throughout the story nicely and they were always the perfect length. I feel like this could be categorized as a sports romance too. Football was a big piece of the story for the FMC and MMC. The main characters were super consistent. I really like Hayes!! I thought the close proximity was smart too; the way the author brought them to spend more time together for the sake of the story. I appreciated how succinct the ending/epilogue was! I thought it was a great length after all that had happened.
Overall, I enjoyed everything fundamental to the story but wanted a little more from the writing, stylistically. There were definitely 5-star moments but I actually think it could have used more fluff and flourish. I am looking forward to the release of book 2!
In this book: small town, second chance, brother's best friend, grief/forgiveness, then & now, dual-POV
Content Guide: Romance and language are clean. The violence is infrequent/brief/non-descriptive. The faith content is a medium amount.
Content Warnings: underage alcohol abuse, off-page tragedy, brief mention of attempted suicide, on-page panic attack
October 13, 2024
Looking for a Christian romance with so much depth? Give this one a go!
MJ is a woman who was previously running from her life back home and all the small town symbolized. The expectations, memories, & guilt were too much. Though this is the case, she ends up returning to her hometown after another life changing event. When she returns home, her first encounter goes terribly wrong when she accidentally assaults a police officer, who also happens to be her brother’s best friend & someone she has a deep rooted past with. Though MJ knew her and Hayes would eventually run into each other in their small town, this was definitely not the first encounter she could have imagined. MJ & Hayes both have healing to do from their past both together and as individuals. Will they be able to heal old wounds and find forgiveness?
First, I loved the depth to this. There are so many different topics and issues touched on in the book and I loved the faith elements! I also loved the deep past between MJ & Hayes. It was so easy to feel their connection from their first interaction. But the dual timeline & POV was so beneficial for this story and I loved how it was done!
I have to say, I’ve never seen the topic of sports brought up the way it was in this book & the depth there. This was something I could relate to in some ways and I believe it isn’t talked or thought about as often as it should be. I can’t wait to talk more about this book in my monthly wrap up! I have to say when I first saw the characters for the second book in this series coming out in 2025 I was not thrilled, but after finishing the book, Im excited to see where that story goes!🤩
Please look up trigger warnings before diving in! There are many heavier & deep topics!
MJ is a woman who was previously running from her life back home and all the small town symbolized. The expectations, memories, & guilt were too much. Though this is the case, she ends up returning to her hometown after another life changing event. When she returns home, her first encounter goes terribly wrong when she accidentally assaults a police officer, who also happens to be her brother’s best friend & someone she has a deep rooted past with. Though MJ knew her and Hayes would eventually run into each other in their small town, this was definitely not the first encounter she could have imagined. MJ & Hayes both have healing to do from their past both together and as individuals. Will they be able to heal old wounds and find forgiveness?
First, I loved the depth to this. There are so many different topics and issues touched on in the book and I loved the faith elements! I also loved the deep past between MJ & Hayes. It was so easy to feel their connection from their first interaction. But the dual timeline & POV was so beneficial for this story and I loved how it was done!
I have to say, I’ve never seen the topic of sports brought up the way it was in this book & the depth there. This was something I could relate to in some ways and I believe it isn’t talked or thought about as often as it should be. I can’t wait to talk more about this book in my monthly wrap up! I have to say when I first saw the characters for the second book in this series coming out in 2025 I was not thrilled, but after finishing the book, Im excited to see where that story goes!🤩
Please look up trigger warnings before diving in! There are many heavier & deep topics!
January 25, 2025
When Mallory Jade Harrison returns to her home town of Benton Falls, it’s not to face her tragic past. Instead, Mallory Jade is still running. Hiding the new tragedy that sends her home again, Mallory Jade finds that the guilt and regret she feels follows her much too easily, and that the past, like the man who won’t leave her alone, find their own ways of confronting her.
Hayes Miller has a singular obsession, and when she gives him two black eyes with a tire iron, he’s ready to tackle the challenge of breaking down the walls Mallory Jade puts up between them. Unfortunately, to do that Hayes has to tear down his own walls first. Dealing with his regret is the only way to finally show the woman he loves that he has the strength to be the man she needs him to be.
Mallory Jade and Hayes’s love story isn’t the picture perfect fairytale. It’s better. From the start, they face the complication and messiness of a true, lasting love. Between the expectations of Mallory Jade’s parents and the battle they fight to save the hurting people in their lives, the couple make the tough choice to love when they see no hope. Their determination builds the foundation for a relationship that goes beyond the beauty and thrill of the romance they share.
Redemption unpacks the truth behind grief and the lies that so often come with it. As Mallory Jade and Hayes rekindle a passion for each other that never truly died, they have to face what their love cost them, and all the lies that have followed each of them since that day. Trying to outlive the shame of someone else’s choices, the pair fight to save teenager Tanner Sylas from the same fate. Together they learn that the ultimate redemption isn’t in a past they can’t change, but in God’s grace.
Hayes Miller has a singular obsession, and when she gives him two black eyes with a tire iron, he’s ready to tackle the challenge of breaking down the walls Mallory Jade puts up between them. Unfortunately, to do that Hayes has to tear down his own walls first. Dealing with his regret is the only way to finally show the woman he loves that he has the strength to be the man she needs him to be.
Mallory Jade and Hayes’s love story isn’t the picture perfect fairytale. It’s better. From the start, they face the complication and messiness of a true, lasting love. Between the expectations of Mallory Jade’s parents and the battle they fight to save the hurting people in their lives, the couple make the tough choice to love when they see no hope. Their determination builds the foundation for a relationship that goes beyond the beauty and thrill of the romance they share.
Redemption unpacks the truth behind grief and the lies that so often come with it. As Mallory Jade and Hayes rekindle a passion for each other that never truly died, they have to face what their love cost them, and all the lies that have followed each of them since that day. Trying to outlive the shame of someone else’s choices, the pair fight to save teenager Tanner Sylas from the same fate. Together they learn that the ultimate redemption isn’t in a past they can’t change, but in God’s grace.
April 15, 2024
This was the first book I've read by T. Bell, but it is definitely not going to be the last. If all her books are like this, she's going to my auto-buy author list. LOL I devoured this book in less than two days and immediately wanted to flip back through to all my favorite parts (and there are many).
This book had all the things I love: second chances, Christian romance that doesn't shy away from speaking truth, grit & grace, swoony but flawed hero, spunky FMC, small town, difficult family relationships, and the angstiest romance story. I love angsty books, but sadly, there are very few in the Christian market so I was so excited to find this one!
The characters are raw and real. I loved the flashbacks between the past and the present. I adored Silas (not the MMC, but he totally deserves his own HEA).
There's so much to love about this book, but I can't say too much or I'll give away spoilers. But if you love angsty books with grace and HEA, then you need to read this one ASAP! And you may want to have a milkshake while reading (IYKYK).
*I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
This book had all the things I love: second chances, Christian romance that doesn't shy away from speaking truth, grit & grace, swoony but flawed hero, spunky FMC, small town, difficult family relationships, and the angstiest romance story. I love angsty books, but sadly, there are very few in the Christian market so I was so excited to find this one!
The characters are raw and real. I loved the flashbacks between the past and the present. I adored Silas (not the MMC, but he totally deserves his own HEA).
There's so much to love about this book, but I can't say too much or I'll give away spoilers. But if you love angsty books with grace and HEA, then you need to read this one ASAP! And you may want to have a milkshake while reading (IYKYK).
*I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
July 11, 2024
Oh. My. Heart.
Grab a box of tissues when you read this one.
The character growth
The relatable-ness
The hand of God
You need to read this book. I don’t care where you are in life. You need this book.
We all have scars from our past. We might have something that we think might be unforgivable. Or maybe we think that we aren’t redeemable. That we aren’t worth it, even to God.
Hayes and MJ both have scars from their pasts. Wounds that connect them. They’ve tried to deal, I’m not going to say heal, because they’ve both tried to just hide the wounds, but they’ve tried to deal with the pain. But it hasn’t worked. The wounds are still there. The guilt, the blame that they feel.
I read this on kindle, but this book is one that I need on my shelf. It’s up at the top of my purchase list!
T. Bell, you did a phenomenal job. I cannot wait to read every other book you’ve written. Thank you so much for putting these words on the page. Don’t stop writing, the world needs these stories!
Grab a box of tissues when you read this one.
The character growth
The relatable-ness
The hand of God
You need to read this book. I don’t care where you are in life. You need this book.
We all have scars from our past. We might have something that we think might be unforgivable. Or maybe we think that we aren’t redeemable. That we aren’t worth it, even to God.
Hayes and MJ both have scars from their pasts. Wounds that connect them. They’ve tried to deal, I’m not going to say heal, because they’ve both tried to just hide the wounds, but they’ve tried to deal with the pain. But it hasn’t worked. The wounds are still there. The guilt, the blame that they feel.
I read this on kindle, but this book is one that I need on my shelf. It’s up at the top of my purchase list!
T. Bell, you did a phenomenal job. I cannot wait to read every other book you’ve written. Thank you so much for putting these words on the page. Don’t stop writing, the world needs these stories!
October 3, 2025
💕Second Chance
❤️Brother's Best Friend | Childhood Friends
🏡Small Town Romance
✝️ Christian Elements (God, Faith & Redemption)
💔 Grief | Loss | Complicated Family Dynamics
❤️🩹 Excellent Character Growth & Personal Development
It's been awhile since a book brought me to tears but this storyline broke my heart and slowly pieced it back together again. These characters will stick with me for quite awhile.
From start to finish the author grabbed a hold of my attention and I found myself immersed in this world. The leading characters are so realistic and raw, continually met with situations that tugged at my heartstrings. I felt like through the dual POVs and flashbacks I was able to fully experience their character growth and personal development. Excellent storytelling choice from the author!
I loved the Faith elements that were woven into the plot. I highlighted so many quotes that made me stop and think about my faith and personal journey with God and Christianity.
T. Bell is a new to me author and I can't wait to read more from her in the future!
❤️Brother's Best Friend | Childhood Friends
🏡Small Town Romance
✝️ Christian Elements (God, Faith & Redemption)
💔 Grief | Loss | Complicated Family Dynamics
❤️🩹 Excellent Character Growth & Personal Development
It's been awhile since a book brought me to tears but this storyline broke my heart and slowly pieced it back together again. These characters will stick with me for quite awhile.
From start to finish the author grabbed a hold of my attention and I found myself immersed in this world. The leading characters are so realistic and raw, continually met with situations that tugged at my heartstrings. I felt like through the dual POVs and flashbacks I was able to fully experience their character growth and personal development. Excellent storytelling choice from the author!
I loved the Faith elements that were woven into the plot. I highlighted so many quotes that made me stop and think about my faith and personal journey with God and Christianity.
T. Bell is a new to me author and I can't wait to read more from her in the future!
January 1, 2026
The first 3/4ths of this book had a chokehold on me. Zero complaints. Well-written, descriptive, banter that made me laugh, moments that had me squealing with delight. I love that the character's beliefs were woven in well, in a non-cheesy way. It was relatable too. The pacing of watching MJ's brother spiral and what that looked like - how Bell described everything and immersed you in the world. All great.
The only reason I gave it four stars is because of personal preference - I really like chasing the build up straight to the end of books. We had two drives to chase as a reader, the romance and the backstory of MJ's brother's death. The romance was pretty much HEA 3/4th's of the way through, and I finally figured out what happened to MJ's brother...so there was a little less emotional high to chase toward the end. Again, my personal preference.
Still waiting on Goodreads to add a 4.5 because that's what I officially give this fantastic book.
The only reason I gave it four stars is because of personal preference - I really like chasing the build up straight to the end of books. We had two drives to chase as a reader, the romance and the backstory of MJ's brother's death. The romance was pretty much HEA 3/4th's of the way through, and I finally figured out what happened to MJ's brother...so there was a little less emotional high to chase toward the end. Again, my personal preference.
Still waiting on Goodreads to add a 4.5 because that's what I officially give this fantastic book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2024
I was stunned (in the best way) by T’s last book, Letters of Faith. Here I am again, same reaction, but different story.
T. Bell knows how to work with some of the most difficult spaces of life,
Hayes and M.J. have a brief-filled, challenging past. New hardship brings MJ back to a place she never thought she’d return to, and quickly encounters lHayes again.
Both of the struggle with the weight of guilt and grief - but God has a journey for them and for the students entrusted to their care.
GREAT chemistry and super swoony scenes, but in the best way as they are fully authentic to the scene and not just bonus.
While their journey is difficult (as grief is), it is beautiful The healing, the REDEMPTION, are stunning and so worth a read.
I’ll be thinking about these characters (and even the students) for a while. I can’t wait for book 2.
I’m hoping for Theo’s story. ❤️
T. Bell knows how to work with some of the most difficult spaces of life,
Hayes and M.J. have a brief-filled, challenging past. New hardship brings MJ back to a place she never thought she’d return to, and quickly encounters lHayes again.
Both of the struggle with the weight of guilt and grief - but God has a journey for them and for the students entrusted to their care.
GREAT chemistry and super swoony scenes, but in the best way as they are fully authentic to the scene and not just bonus.
While their journey is difficult (as grief is), it is beautiful The healing, the REDEMPTION, are stunning and so worth a read.
I’ll be thinking about these characters (and even the students) for a while. I can’t wait for book 2.
I’m hoping for Theo’s story. ❤️
July 1, 2025
This story was one I couldn't put down! And the fact that there are two more in the series (interconnected standalones)?! I'm currently rejoicing.
Sometimes my soul craves a read that's emotional, and sweet, and hard, and beautiful, and this one did the trick.
Hands down a new beloved story that I can already tell is going to be revisited again.
This book is closed door with Christian elements.
There are some tough subjects broached in this book. Trigger warnings include: alcoholism, suicide, etc
**I will note, that my paperback copy had a good handful of typos (not sure if these have already been fixed or not.) If those types of things bother you, you've been warned. :)
For me however, it didn't disrupt things enough, and I loved the story so much that I'm choosing not to diminish my star rating.
Sometimes my soul craves a read that's emotional, and sweet, and hard, and beautiful, and this one did the trick.
Hands down a new beloved story that I can already tell is going to be revisited again.
This book is closed door with Christian elements.
There are some tough subjects broached in this book. Trigger warnings include: alcoholism, suicide, etc
**I will note, that my paperback copy had a good handful of typos (not sure if these have already been fixed or not.) If those types of things bother you, you've been warned. :)
For me however, it didn't disrupt things enough, and I loved the story so much that I'm choosing not to diminish my star rating.
April 24, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4/5 Stars
This was a great book with a great story! Hayes & MJ were wonderful MC’s that were easy to fall in love with! The story kept good pace throughout and the ending was phenomenal! It did feel a little heavy at times which was a little difficult for me, but that’s just a personal opinion! God, His goodness, & big faith elements were woven throughout and made the entire story even more beautiful!
🌶️Spice: None
🤐 Language: None
‼️ There is death & grief mentioned throughout this book
If you’re ok with some heaviness & watching characters walk through grief, this is the book for you! The overarching story was such a beautiful story of redemption and Gods Love. I bet the rest of the series is equally as beautiful! I loved T. Bells writing style!
4/5 Stars
This was a great book with a great story! Hayes & MJ were wonderful MC’s that were easy to fall in love with! The story kept good pace throughout and the ending was phenomenal! It did feel a little heavy at times which was a little difficult for me, but that’s just a personal opinion! God, His goodness, & big faith elements were woven throughout and made the entire story even more beautiful!
🌶️Spice: None
🤐 Language: None
‼️ There is death & grief mentioned throughout this book
If you’re ok with some heaviness & watching characters walk through grief, this is the book for you! The overarching story was such a beautiful story of redemption and Gods Love. I bet the rest of the series is equally as beautiful! I loved T. Bells writing style!
May 13, 2024
fantastic
T. Bell has quickly become a favorite author of mine.
Her stories always grab ahold of my heart. They're always so deep, yet have a lot of hope that keeps them from feeling too heavy. Redemption was no exception. I don't want to go too much into it because I think you should go into this blind (that's pretty much how I prefer starting a book). Just know that this is a beautiful story full of love, forgiveness, and second chances. I absolutely loved Hayes and MJ together.
Their banter was the best! All of the characters had so much depth and were written really well. I'm really looking forward to the next book in the Rising From the Ashes series.
T. Bell has quickly become a favorite author of mine.
Her stories always grab ahold of my heart. They're always so deep, yet have a lot of hope that keeps them from feeling too heavy. Redemption was no exception. I don't want to go too much into it because I think you should go into this blind (that's pretty much how I prefer starting a book). Just know that this is a beautiful story full of love, forgiveness, and second chances. I absolutely loved Hayes and MJ together.
Their banter was the best! All of the characters had so much depth and were written really well. I'm really looking forward to the next book in the Rising From the Ashes series.
April 26, 2025
Redemption by T. Bell was my first read by this author. I discovered her on Instagram, and I’m so glad I did! I honestly wasn’t expecting to cry, but this book completely wrecked me in the best way. It was a long read, but every page was worth it. I even stayed up way too late to finish, which says a lot about how hooked I was.
I loved the characters and the depth of the pain they carried. The author’s ability to write with such empathy, especially around themes like grief, survivor’s guilt, and healing, was awe-inspiring. The faith elements and the powerful redemption arc were significant to me. I couldn’t recommend this book highly enough. It's a 4.5 ⭐️ for me.
I loved the characters and the depth of the pain they carried. The author’s ability to write with such empathy, especially around themes like grief, survivor’s guilt, and healing, was awe-inspiring. The faith elements and the powerful redemption arc were significant to me. I couldn’t recommend this book highly enough. It's a 4.5 ⭐️ for me.
July 16, 2025
Overall a good read but I found the themes of faith to be quite low level I would have liked a deeper exploration of that for a Christian book. Perfect for those who perhaps are curious or indecisive about their faith. I found the flashback storyline to drag on quite a bit, could have had an earlier reveal and a deeper present day storyline, although overall I liked the character development. Unfortunately whilst it was a nice read it doesn’t make me want to go and read the others in the series.
November 12, 2025
3.75 ✨
I really enjoyed this and read it in one day. There were some deep topics here that had me in tears. I did enjoy the mmc & fmc’s chemistry. But I did feel like this did drag a bit. But overall it was a beautiful raw story that deals with grief & second chances.
This is a Christian romance which I truly enjoyed because it didn’t feel cheesy. I absolutely adored the moments the characters with their faith in God. Although life can hit us and we feel like we are alone…God’s grace is sufficient.
I really enjoyed this and read it in one day. There were some deep topics here that had me in tears. I did enjoy the mmc & fmc’s chemistry. But I did feel like this did drag a bit. But overall it was a beautiful raw story that deals with grief & second chances.
This is a Christian romance which I truly enjoyed because it didn’t feel cheesy. I absolutely adored the moments the characters with their faith in God. Although life can hit us and we feel like we are alone…God’s grace is sufficient.
October 1, 2025
What a journey!
Whew! This packs ALOT in it! It certainly isn’t an easy read, dealing with heavy issues. I love how it ain’t no quick redemption, not cuz GOD can’t do it, but it felt more real. I loved seeing GOD woven throughout the story. I will admit, some of the closed door Christian books with this length lose my interest, I feel it gets dragged out. However, with Bell, I felt she did well and held me to the end. I do love a HEA, though
Whew! This packs ALOT in it! It certainly isn’t an easy read, dealing with heavy issues. I love how it ain’t no quick redemption, not cuz GOD can’t do it, but it felt more real. I loved seeing GOD woven throughout the story. I will admit, some of the closed door Christian books with this length lose my interest, I feel it gets dragged out. However, with Bell, I felt she did well and held me to the end. I do love a HEA, though
December 6, 2025
Man this book!!!! I laughed out loud, I got angry, I was upset, and I cried my emotions were all over the map. If a book can make me feel all the emotions it’s definitely a 5⭐️ favorite. This is a Christian second chance, drama filled, slow burn romance. The growth these characters go through is amazing. There are some tough subjects (loss, grief, forgiveness…) in this book but man did T. Bell do it right! Already got the second one and can’t wait to see where we go from here.
April 28, 2024
One of my favorites
I loved the story and history between Hayes and MJ. Their chemistry and banter was filled with love and humor. But the words the author used to describe grief, healing and forgiveness were without a doubt some of the most sincere and concise ever carefully woven throughout the story of both characters finding their way home.
I loved the story and history between Hayes and MJ. Their chemistry and banter was filled with love and humor. But the words the author used to describe grief, healing and forgiveness were without a doubt some of the most sincere and concise ever carefully woven throughout the story of both characters finding their way home.
May 1, 2024
very well written and such a tender story line
Was such a good book, a lot of romance and heat without smut. A good book especially if your looking for a God honouring book to read that makes you think and is a feel good too
Just got a little long at some parts but still very very good.
Was such a good book, a lot of romance and heat without smut. A good book especially if your looking for a God honouring book to read that makes you think and is a feel good too
Just got a little long at some parts but still very very good.
December 24, 2024
loved it
This book is loaded with truths and relationships that keeps the reader intrigued. The story has many twists and turns. The author writes from a Christian viewpoint without even a hint of preachiness which is really nice. Good job on this very interesting story. I definitely recommend
This book is loaded with truths and relationships that keeps the reader intrigued. The story has many twists and turns. The author writes from a Christian viewpoint without even a hint of preachiness which is really nice. Good job on this very interesting story. I definitely recommend
June 1, 2025
The characters were entertaining, but it's a long book and it *felt* long, which made it harder to stay fully immersed in the story
Definitely got preachy there toward the end and became less about MJ and Hayes's romance and more about finding religion, but I knew that was likely when I saw the author was noted as a Christian Romance author.
Definitely got preachy there toward the end and became less about MJ and Hayes's romance and more about finding religion, but I knew that was likely when I saw the author was noted as a Christian Romance author.
August 21, 2025
Gripping
I enjoyed this very much. The characters were great. The dynamics were great. The suspense was deeply annoying but I kind of enjoyed that too. The way their history came out slowly added a little extra as you saw them begin to heal.
A lot of depth. Complex plot and relationships. Very good.
I enjoyed this very much. The characters were great. The dynamics were great. The suspense was deeply annoying but I kind of enjoyed that too. The way their history came out slowly added a little extra as you saw them begin to heal.
A lot of depth. Complex plot and relationships. Very good.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews