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One choice changed everything, setting them on a path to devastation. Is there any way to redeem what might be the worst decision either of them has ever made?

Brayden Murphy has one simple goal: to live his dream life. He’s watched his six older brothers find ultimate happiness, so why should it be any different for him? But his path to satisfaction and bliss becomes impassible rubble when his longtime girlfriend marries someone else. Brayden’s pain is eclipsed only by his resentment—until he meets Audrey Smith, a sweet, smart young woman who seems to adore him for nothing more than the fact that he’s a Murphy.

Good-girl Audrey Smith has spent her life in the long shadow of her lifelong best friend (and rival), Megan Alexander. As the daughter of the Alexanders’ hired help, Audrey has always felt insignificant, so when Megan’s soon-to-be brother-in-law arrives and turns his attention to Audrey, she is easily swept away. The Murphy boys come with an honorable reputation, and if Megan Alexander is getting a Murphy, then why shouldn’t Audrey have a Murphy of her own?

Brayden eagerly pursues the comfort of Audrey’s admiration, and despite a warning to protect her heart, Audrey falls hard and fast. All is bliss … until things between them go too far. One evening, one choice, and Brayden and Audrey land in a crisis. Marriage is the obvious solution—done in secret to protect their other secret—and when two become one, all seems well again. But then the past catches up with Brayden and is complicated by a heart-shattering event neither ever imagined.
Can their cover-up marriage survive these painful blows? Or will Brayden and Audrey separate, two broken, unreconcilable hearts who will forever regret the choices they made?

After All is a tender love story, though heartbreakingly hard at times, of redemption and second chances.

Meet the Murphy brothers! Seven boys, forging their way through life and love, gripping faith, and learning to walk with God through all things. Theirs are stories of romance, but also of redemption.

Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2021

132 people are currently reading
90 people want to read

About the author

Jennifer Rodewald

40 books409 followers
Jennifer Rodewald is passionate about the Word of God and the powerful vehicle of story. Four kids and her own personal superman make her home in southwestern Nebraska delightfully chaotic.

Born in Colorado, she experienced both the seclusion of rugged mountain living and the busy streets of a Denver suburb during her growing up years. Somewhere in the middle of college, she married a Husker and found her way back to the quiet lifestyle of a rural area, which suits just fine.

Blessed with a robust curiosity, Jen loves to research. Whether she’s investigating the history of a given area, the biography of a Christian icon, or how nature declares the glory of God, her daily goal is to learn something new. Aiming to live with boundless enthusiasm, her creed is vision, pursuit, and excellence.

Jen lives and writes in a lovely speck of a town where she watches with amazement while her children grow up way too fast, gardens, and marvels at God’s mighty hand in everyday life.

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5 stars
564 (78%)
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116 (16%)
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28 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
Profile Image for Debbie DiFiore.
2,771 reviews321 followers
December 5, 2021
Very emotional read

I definitely cried a lot during this one. I never liked Brayden though and that is why I only have it three stars. Maybe reading his thoughts during the book prejudiced me about him because he was not a nice person. He was self centered and frankly quite hateful. I just never felt anything good about him. Audrey was too good for him. And when they had the big tragedy I just about died. It was so sad. He tried to get back into her graces after she finds him with Leah, his ex, but he never groveled enough for me. He didn't physically cheat, but he emotionally came perilously close to it. I didn't like Leah at all. She was as selfish and manipulative as Brayden. They deserved each other. Yes there is an HEA but I just wish I believed in him more.
Profile Image for Emilee.
567 reviews120 followers
December 2, 2021
I love this series so much! Although I definitely resonated with some books more than others in the series. This one is one of my favorites! The characters come to life for the reader! This author always points to Jesus through the lives of her characters. They come to an end of self and realize they can't do life without the Savior and that's everything. The romance is tender and raw yet heady and tantalizing. The young Audrey was totally realistic. Although her dilemma is not really what most would call shameful in 2021 America. Most flaunt their sin even among "Christian circles". The Murphy brothers each have unique personalities and each book in the series has its own personality. I was so happy to find out that there will be another book in the series coming mid-2022!
Profile Image for Susan Snodgrass.
2,002 reviews275 followers
November 30, 2021
'God isn't afraid of your hard places. Your messes don't scare Him.'

The Murphy Brothers series by Jennifer Rodewald is a stunning that I highly and without reservation recommend. The seventh offering here had me shedding more thana few tears. Rodewald is extremely adept at writing characters with real-life issues and the depth of their emotions she brings out in their stories is powerful.

These folks do not lead perfect lives. Far from it. They mess up, sometimes big time and finding their way back is not easy. But each time, they realize that the grace of God is rich indeed. The spiritual depth of these books is exceptional. Truly. This series is heart-deep.

My thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book. The opinion here in this review is expressly my own.
Profile Image for Tamara.
906 reviews11 followers
December 6, 2021
After All was a sweet story about turning yourself, namely Brayden around after having a situation turn itself on its head. Even though Audrey was in no way perfect, she wanted what everyone else had, and she was willing to risk her happiness to gain that with Brayden, who in the beginning was incredibly undeserving of her love. As time went by, Brayden was able to clearly see how he had really messed things up. After all, is a great conclusion to the Murphy Brothers series. Well, one more on the way, and then...
Profile Image for Ashley.
1,183 reviews45 followers
November 29, 2021
I loved this book so much! Every book in this series has been stellar, and this one is no different. It definitely tugged at my heartstrings and had me ugly crying on multiple occasions. The characters are faced with some serious issues. It's a bumpy road, for sure, but seeing them tackle it all with God's grace was inspiring.

Brayden is the youngest Murphy brother. He's the heartbroken wild child who's become more reckless and disenchanted with life. And with God. Not gonna lie, he wasn't very likable in the beginning. He seemed to be doing things for selfish purposes and was dragging Audrey along with him with no thought of the damage he was causing along the way. I couldn't see a way for things to work out. But anything is possible with God.

I say this every time I read a Jennifer Rodewald book, but I think it bears repeating, there's something so refreshingly authentic about the way she writes. Her characters really come to life and jump right off the page. It's real people dealing with real problems. And there's always a strong spiritual message wrapped up in there too that I appreciate so much.

I received and early copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Tmstprc.
1,312 reviews170 followers
December 8, 2021
This one surprised me…

1. It’s NA and I normally avoid these, usually immature characters with too much drama and angst. I get enough of that in real life with a 20 year old son and his GF.

2. Relatable characters, making mistakes, making poor choices to hide their mistakes.

3. Faith-based, but no one is throwing bible verses at them and their internal praying feels very organic and honest.
Profile Image for Carolyn.
Author 19 books266 followers
December 20, 2021
After All is a challenging story to read. Brayden has a lot of work to do. A lot. You may want to take him by the shoulders and give him a good shake. Audrey has her faults too. But this story's place in the Murphy series (and among the Murphy brothers) is just right. After seeing the transformation Jennifer Rodewald has worked in the other brothers and their wives, you know she can use this story to show the power of God to transform hearts, minds, and souls too.

What's left is a perfect example of God making all things new. A story of heartbreak, trust, honor, and honesty. Bittersweet and true to life.
Profile Image for Staci.
2,320 reviews674 followers
October 5, 2023
Well that was a rough start for a marriage! At 19 Audrey is idealistic about what the future holds. Braydon is selfish and out to prove he is worthy of the Murphy name. Lots of growth for both of them in the pages.
Profile Image for Ann.
4 reviews1 follower
December 7, 2021
Brayden and Audrey discover Gods forever and forgiving love

Even though this is sometimes hard reading, it’s a true story of God’s grace and mercy. It was hard to put the book down, it was always to see how things are going next!
Profile Image for MaryEllen.
2,953 reviews30 followers
December 4, 2021
​This is a hard and painful read. These kids go through some serious heartbreak.

The characters are wonderful and the story so realistic, I found myself crying more than once. These kids!
Brayden is so full of pride and he needed a hard fall to shake him... and he took Audrey with him. But, of course, it's sometimes at rock bottom that we finally look up, ask for help and forgiveness. THAT part was wonderful. Seeing his growth was precious. ​
Profile Image for Megan Besing.
Author 10 books158 followers
December 2, 2021
Well worth it!!!

I love when a story takes ahold and makes me forget it's a book. There were times I wanted to send the characters packing for their plans, but the redemption and hope sprinkled throughout made it totally worth the read. Such a beautiful story. Loved. Keep them coming!
Profile Image for Deepeabee .
78 reviews1 follower
December 1, 2021
Brilliant! I was up until 2.30 am reading this. I loved it as much as the rest of the series.
Profile Image for Brittany .
2,908 reviews208 followers
June 10, 2022
The Murphy Brothers series is one of my all time favorite contemporary romance series around. I finally picked up After All through Kindle Unlimited and read it in preparation for book eight, which is releasing soon. I had hesitated to read Brayden’s story because he was a very unlikable character in book six, Who You Are, and I was afraid that I wouldn’t be able to handle the repercussions that were coming in this story from decisions made by Brayden and Audrey. I ended up being pulled into an absolutely compelling tale that I could not set down!

One of the things that this author excels at is writing stories of redemption. And Brayden’s story was definitely that. He and Audrey made mistakes on top of mistakes on top of mistakes. Even Brayden’s solutions on how to handle things were made with selfish motives. And Audrey followed right along, knowing Brayden didn’t love her, but she was desperately in love with him.

These two had to have their lives completely fall apart in order to find the One that they needed to rely on. I was completely impressed with Brayden’s growth in this story. It took him awhile, but he gained the wisdom and perspective he needed and discovered that he deeply loved his wife. But all of this wisdom might have come too late and at too high a cost!

I did not want this story to end and am looking forward to the last book in the series, even though it also covers some painful topics. After All could be enjoyed as a stand alone story, however, it is better understood as part of the over all series. Even reading Who You Are directly before After All would be a good idea, as Brayden and Audrey have some significant moments in that book, too, and will make this story even more meaningful.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
1,019 reviews33 followers
November 26, 2021
As the youngest of seven brothers, Brayden has always felt inferior to the rest, while trying to present himself as at least as good. His friendship with Audrey was never meant to go anywhere, but her adoration of him does wonders for his ego. Audrey loves Brayden but is all too well aware that he is still pining over the girl who dumped him to marry someone else. When things go too far and there are consequences, the pair decide to marry in a hurry while hiding their reasons. But building a marriage on lies doesn't make for strength. When hard times come, Brayden has to decide whether his marriage is worth the effort to step up to the plate and become the man he's always tried to present himself as - but even if he does, has he left it too late?

I approached this book with slightly mixed feelings - I was eager to see Brayden get his happily ever after, but sad at the idea of having to say goodbye to the Murphy family. That being the case, I was thrilled when I got to the end to find that there's an eighth book planned! Anyway, that's beside the point. This book itself was not always an easy read because Brayden and Audrey have a lot to go through, but it's very well written and held my attention from start to finish. Despite the problems, it was great to see the way that Brayden in particular grew over the course of the year - very inspiring. The result is a difficult-to-put-down story of true love developing out of difficulties, a standalone story though with shared characters through the series. Highly recommended.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
309 reviews4 followers
November 30, 2021
Oh my, what a rollercoaster! Brayden is the unrepentant Murphy. He’s lived for himself alone, taking what he wanted, manipulating others for what isn’t freely given. He’s a biblical Jacob in modern skin. Audrey is naive but willful. The warnings were given but she wanted what she wanted. Living in the results of blatant sin but expecting joy is a recipe for pain, and boy did these two feel the devastation of their choices. Doubt, fear, hurt, heartache and the devious machinations of the past have the power to divide when building a life on sinking sand. It is at this point that Ms. Rodewald brings to bear the full power of her novels: the hope of Jesus. This isn’t preaching in a negative fashion. Rather, it is the olive branch of hope wrapped in grace and mercy found in repentance and then faith in the Savior. Loved it. I received an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Samantha Ball.
Author 6 books21 followers
December 5, 2021
Heartwarming, raw, and real

I definitely experienced a rollercoaster ride of emotions during this Murphy brothers story! Brandon was a cocky guy while Audrey was an adoring innocent, and their love story is anything but easy. I got so immersed in the characters feelings and thoughts that my heart ached and I couldn't put the book down. Full of raw emotion, heavy topics, and real forgiveness and redemption, I highly recommend this book.
37 reviews2 followers
November 26, 2021
Have you met the Murphy Brothers yet? You know, Matt, Jacob, Jackson, Connor, Tyler, Brandon and Braydon Murphy? Well, if you haven't you should meet them and this book is about baby brother Braydon, who simply likes to live life on the edge and wants to live up to his perception of what a Murphy brother should be. And then life happens when he and Audrey take things too far and now Braydon is forced to deal with life- his life and the mess he has made. Loved this series and the brothers. They are real and deal with real life issues. Jennifer Rodewald writes a great story and the series had been so much fun to read.
Profile Image for Ann.
2,652 reviews3 followers
December 1, 2021
This book is full of emotions and you can feel every one of them. This book will touch your heart and soul and is full of God's love, grace and forgiveness. Audrey and Brayden's story reads true to life and will bring you to tears. I highly recommend this book and the entire Murphy Brothers series. I loved each and every book!
1,846 reviews24 followers
November 30, 2021
Sometimes people make choices that can have costly consequences. Brayden and Audrey found this out the hard way. Will their love be able to survive past these costs and consequences? With God, all things are possible. Very well done!
17 reviews
December 1, 2021
A wonderful story of Gods continuing love for us.

It was a tearful read. Just like life. It always amazes me how God takes our mistakes and turns them into something better. . Sheila Embrick
1 review1 follower
December 4, 2021
Loved

Such a wonderful series. Loved the realness of the characters with all their flaws and mess and redemption and love ... and most of all the humor ... what a crazy fun bunch!
11 reviews4 followers
December 31, 2021
Murphy brothers series

I have really enjoyed all of the Murphy brothers books. Jennifer knows how to keep the story moving and interesting. After All the story of the youngest brother Brayden was especially good. His story of not wanting to be like the rest of his brothers; through his life struggles; helped him to realize that each one of them had struggles. Each struggle lead them to realize their need to rely on the Lord and finally Brayden found the same true in his life!
Profile Image for Dana Michael.
1,419 reviews187 followers
December 6, 2021
My favorite Book in Series

In my humble opinion this book is the best one in the Murphy Brothers series. Even though Brayden was a scoundrel, he was still a likeable character. Sweet Audrey won my heart even though I worried about some or her decisions as well. I rooted for them as tears clogged my vision and wondered how this would all pan out. In this author's fashion she had a wonderful message of redemption and forgiveness and a happily ever after. So yay!! I'm also excited there will be another book in the series out next year.

If you are a fan of Karen Kingsbury then I think you'd like this author as well.

This book can be read as a stand alone, but I encourage you to read them all in order.. You'll be so glad you did.
Profile Image for Rhiannon Hinton.
440 reviews8 followers
February 23, 2025
Loved it

Great book and a great way to finish the series. Every Murphy brother had a hard row to plow but each truly learned what it means to lean on God. Some of Brayden and Audrey's story so closely resembles my own so I understand much of their heartbreak.




Content warning, possible spoiler: infant loss
66 reviews
January 8, 2022
They made it and so did I.

I cried years and felt the pain even though it is fictional.Jennifer has written these books making the Murphy family come alive and for many hours real.I'd encourage anyone to read and fall in love with her story and the people she painted through words.
52 reviews
January 21, 2022
Have your Kleenex handy.

This is another well written book. It is real and raw. It makes you cry and keeps you rooting for them and the rest of their family. I was very devastated and crying at a certain point (I won't give any spoilers), but it truly loved it!
Profile Image for Barbara Campbell.
1,822 reviews44 followers
May 14, 2024
Another beautiful story of love and faith by Jennifer Rodewald. we meet Brayden and Audrey in the previous book and while I’m sure you could pick this up and start reading and catch up easily, knowing the story of how they meet and what was happening in Brandon and Megan’s life at the time really adds to Brayden and Audrey’s story.

As with her other books, this story is raw and real. Rodewald tackles difficult life circumstances with Grace. I will say there are many parts of this one that are heavy and tense and sad. All of that is very realistic and what should be happening as the story progresses.

And again, this could be a bit of a spoiler, but is necessary as a trigger warning… miscarriage/stillbirth is part of this story. Again, it is handled with grace, but also with a transparency that shows the pain that comes with an experience. It’s not sugarcoated. It’s not something the characters to get over easily. It is real and it raw.
Profile Image for MeReadRomance.
16 reviews
May 14, 2025
This was such a hard read. It broke my heart several times. Even though they’re fictional, it's just sad when you know someone is losing their way in life. Thankfully Brayden found the thing he's been searching for that eventually led to the healing of his relationships and marriage.

Honestly I wasn't expecting Brandon's (from the 6th Murphy brother series book) reaction and response towards Brayden's trouble in this book, but I can imagine that's exactly what Jesus would do, and I'm glad it came to that, because I can learn a thing or two about being more like Jesus.

I'm also glad they didn't even entertain the thought of ‘divorce’ and chose forgiveness and healing instead. Just as Audrey’s mom said, ‘marriage is sacred to God.’ And when we ask for God’s help, He will help us, because His power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Cor 12:9).
Profile Image for Linda.
1,188 reviews25 followers
March 20, 2022
This is the first book of the series that I have read but based on its impact, will be going back for the others. The H is flawed, egotistical, narcissistic and has feelings of inferiority. He definitely lacks emotional depth and seeks for a controlled, smooth life which he guides. The h lets him lead her, guide her and manipulate her. As you can guess, they crash big time.

The crisis forces the H to reflect and repent and seek redemption. Up until this point, I had a hard time feeling any sympathy for him; he was unlikable. The crisis also wakes the h up and forces her to take responsibility for her own actions; she has an inner strength that is rarely used.

Together they heal and forgive and are forgiven.
2,703 reviews20 followers
December 1, 2021
I was not sure if I was going to like this story but as the characters grew so did my feelings toward the story.  It was a realistic, painful, emotional story of Brayden and Audrey and how they made mistakes, tried to fix them, and sometimes they could not fix them. I liked how both characters eventually turned to God and their families and finally to each other too.  I also liked that their love grew and they were eventually able to forgive each other.  I received an advance copy of this wonderful book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
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