The Patron Saint of Holy Sinners

by Kristin Marzullo, Laurel Holly (illustrator)

In the quaint town of Stowe, Vermont, Tanner conceals the fractures of his heart behind armor that’s slowly cracking. Haunted by the loss of his wife and the misconceptions about him floating around town, he struggles to get his life back to normal while raising his daughter on his own.

Shadows and scars follow Charlie to Stowe as she flees a past she can’t bear to think about. Fighting to break free from the memories that bind her, she stumbles upon Tanner. When he offers her unexpected kindness, Charlie fiercely protects her heart, weary of what lurks beneath his striking gaze.

As fate forces them together through Leah, Tanner's daughter, Charlie's walls give way to an irresistible attraction. But the dance between their dark pasts and the promise of a brighter future leaves Tanner with more questions than answers.

Secrets unravel, leaving their journey to healing full of heartache and hope. In this riveting story of redemption and resilience, love finds a way to bloom from darkness, proving that even in the face of adversity, a new beginning awaits those brave enough to embrace it.

352 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 27, 2024

Reviews

[Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, I am beyond honored to have been chosen to be an ARC reader for this book. The Patron Saint of Holy Sinners by Kristin Marzullo was one of the best romance novels I’ve read in a long time. This book is most certainly not for everyone as it contains themes that may be triggering. Please read and understand the trigger warnings before deciding to read.

Following a small town romance, Charlie and Tanner help each other grow through their pain and loss becoming vibrant people filled with joy and light. Brought together by a combination of chance, a higher power, and a pink and purple adoring toddler.

It was an honor to be able to see Charlie and Tanner grow as characters. The character development was unmatched, I really feel like I know them now. As a reader, you will get to know these characters to the point when they stop becoming characters and start becoming friends. I feel their pain, their love, their joy, their fears, their heartache, and their happiness.

The alternating POVs added so much dimension to the story, leaving the reader to guess about the timeline and contexts while feeling giddy that they know things the characters don’t know yet, wondering when they’ll find out. Marzullo’s ability to time the switch of POV so the reader was always left on the edge of their seat, was inspiring. This book had me feeling all of the emotions, I could barely put it down. It is a romance about growth, healing, and trust.

If reading this book wouldn’t cause you pain because of the triggers, I highly recommend reading it.

[Kristen Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need to collect myself before I write a review on this one. I am truly speechless.

[Trista · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tanner is a grieving widow trying valiantly to navigate life as a single father to his daughter, Leah when he finds himself directly in the path of Charlie who’s new to his small town in Vermont and running from her own painful past.


Kristin’s characters always have an intense vulnerability to them and Tanner & Charlie are no different. The beauty in their shared brokenness laid the groundwork for an amazing novel written on the heels of the overture of Roe v Wade by the US Supreme Court in 2022 and explored the grief and trauma one experiences when everything in your world makes you feel as though you’re drowning with no shore in sight.


I wish everyone, 𝐦𝐲𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐝, could read this book and not know the pain of an abusive relationship or the failure of a society to protect the autonomy of its women, the grief of a loved one lost from cancer, or the crippling anxiety of letting someone new in after an unspeakable situation…but that’s just not the world we live in.


This book is one I will remember and recommend for years to come. Please take care of yourself during and after reading it. The world needs you 💚

I received an ARC for my honest review.


⚠️ 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 ⚠️

⚠️ Domestic abuse
⚠️ Sexual assault (on the page)
⚠️ Physical assault
⚠️ Abortion
⚠️ Death of a spouse (cancer)
⚠️ Anxiety
⚠️ PTSD


𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐞. 𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩:

𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐕𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞:
𝟖𝟎𝟎-𝟕𝟗𝟗-𝟕𝟐𝟑𝟑

[Ida-Marie Andersen · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Tropes:
- Single dad
- Small town romance
- Dual POV
- Dual timeline

In this story we follow the two main characters Tanner and Charlie.
Tanner is a single dad, who is trying to navigate life without his wife.

Charlie is a school teacher, who happens to teach Tanners daughter. But Charlie is hiding her past as a newcomer to this small town.

As readers we’re introduced to Tanner in the present time and we’re introduced to Charlie in the past. Charlie’s timeline does catch up to Tanners timeline throughout the book.
Normally I’m not a big fan of dual timeline, but I’ll eat my words. The dual timeline is done to perfection in this way. We learn the trauma that both Charlie and Tanner is dealing with, while watching them get to know each other and find their way in this new relationship.

Even though their relationship, their past traumas and experiences play a big role and it clearly shows the nuances that life brings to a real relationship. And that is what I would call their relationship. A real relationship. Not a book relationship.

I did find the start to be a bit slow, but when I reached around page 50/60 ish the pace started to pick up quickly. And before I knew it, the book was over halfway done, which caused me to panic because I didn’t want it to end.

The pace in the start is also why the book is not 5/5 stars.
Nevertheless, I would recommend this book to anyone who would listen!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book of Kristin’s that I’ve ever read, but it certainly won’t be the last. I applied to be an ARC reader a while ago, and I was accepted right as I hit my reading slump as I go through my own grief journey. This book was absolutely amazing, touching on so many different aspects of grief and personal growth. I honestly felt like I was healing right along with Tanner and Charlie. I loved how Tanner’s story started in the now and Charlie’s started in the past until they caught up to each other and they finally fell into synch in every way. The writing is beautiful, and the way she incorporated a woman’s right to choose what’s best for her body was so well done. I cannot recommend this book enough!

“Grief is like that. One moment, it’s treacherous waters, thrashing you around and forcing you to swim for your life. And then, one day, seemingly out of nowhere, you find yourself wading in a shallow pool, floating in memories that no longer scare you but rather fill you with joy.”

[Ashley Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into this book knowing very little about it. After I was done I was left with so many feelings in my heart and thoughts in my mind. This book is an absolutely beautiful love story between two people who have gone through hell and back. They struggle, they argue, they push each other away, but they have the tough conversations. This is part of why I loved this book. The relationship just felt so real and I connected with the characters because of how they were written. The story also incorporates a lot of family dynamics that I think will be super relatable. I haven't read a romance that has made me feel this much in a long time. I teared up multiple times, even reading the authors note at the end! Just beautifully done Kristin. I can't wait to read more of your work. 

It touches on very heavy topics so check trigger warnings before reading. However, I think said triggers were handled beautifully.

Thank you Kristin Marzullo for an advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Morgan Hopkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kristin can never write anything bad. Every time i think i can't love her books more, she proves me wrong

OMG, this book was absolutely amazing. I cried so much, but the banter in this 🤩 the growth they go through is amazing. I can't say enough good things. Definitely check the trigger warnings, but please pick this book up!

[Deidra Angelas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish there was a 4.5 star option because that’s my rating— it was slightly hard to get into the first few chapters but it got SO good once you got into the story. Highly recommend, very good story with some trigger warnings.

[Catarina Lopes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am beyond blessed that Kristin chose me to be a part of the (extraordinary) ARC group to read TPSOHS before the general public. I had already read Remember Me fore, and it was as amazing as one could imagine.
However, The Patron Saint of Holy Sinners is so much better.
My God.
It was so amazing that words are even hard to get out of me.
This book takes us through Tanner and Charlotte's lives, as two people whose hearts were broken by life. We walk trough their shoes ans see their loves. "Yes, Cat, we can do that in every book." But not every book is worth the seconds and minutes and hours you put into them. Charlotte's complicated relationships and Tanner's extreme care with his daughter are the base of this story. And then we see two people hurting meeting each other and everything that happens in the following moments. We see heartache and hope and tears and frustration and determination - and love. Not just the romantic love; Tanner's family is so loving and sweet that I could only wish for everyone to be able to set foot in their house and enjoy the warmness and receptivity. And then Charlotte and her beliefs; the way she puts herself together even after she thinks that there is no way she'll ever be able to. And then Leah - how could I ever review this book without talking about sweet, hurting, unicorn-lover Leah?! It is simply impossible to love a child as much as I loved this sunshine.
The only way I can describe Kristin's book is by saying she must have fairy dust on her fingers - it is literally impossible to write a book this good without being a magical creature (Kristin, are you a unicorn?).
This is easily the best book I've read in 2024, and will probably stay that way. I find it really hard that any book might take the #1 spot from TPSOHS because it's just too hard to compete with sheer perfection.

[Ally Chism · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was lucky enough to receive an ARC for this heartwarming novel - can’t wait for this book to be released in May!
…..

This novel follows the story of Charlie (Charlotte), who moves away to escape her abusive ex-fiancé (Peter). Charlie, a young teacher, has grown up in a devout Catholic household with the understanding that it is her duty as a woman/future wife to stand by Peter despite his flaws and abusive traits.

In her new town, Charlie runs into a charming, kind-hearted, single-dad (Tanner), who’s wife had passed away about one year prior. Tanner is left alone to navigate raising their 6-year old daughter, Leah.

After finding each other in their own times of need, Charlie and Tanner work together to face and overcome their battles with domestic violence and grief.

I really enjoyed reading this page-turning romance! The main characters in this story work overcome the unseen battles that so many people face every day.

[Deanna Keri · Rating 4 out of 5]

OMG…. Talk about with raw impact on a women, the rawness of talking about all the feeling know to the human body….. this book has been healing to me, taught me so much about life and that struggle isn’t what’s makes but what it can help you become a better version of yourself if you learn to get through the battle.. its also taught me to not let your struggles turn you evil….

You want a book that brings you to tears but really truly makes you think about life this is the book for you. If you like books that makes have a different perspectives on life this will do it for you.

Triggers warning: rap, grief, adoration, Domestic abuse/violence, cancer but if you handle those type of triggers and want something that will get you emotionally good and bad…. READ this book….

Tanner - can teach men in today’s world somethings.
Charlie - real definition of a True Survivor.

[Aly · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off I apologize ahead of time for the ‘word vomit’. I am so deeply thankful that I stumbled upon Kristin and met her through social media. Kristin is absolutely one of the most wonderful human beings I’ve come to know and she creates such a wonderful and safe space within her community, who doesn’t need a safe space?

With that being said I am a pretty die hard Kristin fan and own all of her published works so far. If you’re familiar with Kristin and her work you’ll know that she is a massive advocate for mental health and woman’s empowerment which are also evident themes within her works.

Within this book there are a couple triggers warnings:
•Abortion
•Anxiety/PTSD
•Death of a family member — to cancer
•Domestic Abuse
•Sexual Assault

Tropes:
•Small town romance
•Single dad

Through this book you get to experience with our main characters learning how to grow from their past traumas and become a better and more healed version of themselves.

I honestly adored this story and our main characters. Especially their awkward meet cute? I guess you can kinda say that. Another thing I really enjoyed was the dual POV since I’m a sucker for that, I love being able to see both sides it gives the story more depth imo. Being able to read/watch two different kinds of people with broken pieces pick each other back up and make each other better just really feels good to the soul. Our MC’s deserve every right to find love again after all their heartache. To w able to find it especially when you’re not looking is just magic. A good quote for this would be “Falling is scary. It happens all at once, and you can’t stop it once it starts,” probably one of my favorite lines.

If you’re looking for a book to relate to in the aspects of a single parent tackling how to be in a relationship again, learning how over come the loss of a loved one, or learning to love/trust again due to an abusive relationship. This is your book.

To those of you having survived abusive relationships and to those having experienced the loss of a loved one I am so sorry, and you are so loved.

Reach out if you or anyone you know is ever in need of help. National Domestic Violence Hotline:
800-799-7233


Lastly, to Kristin, Thank you for giving us this book. As always you’ve knocked it out of the park. I can’t wait for the next one and thank you for allowing me the pleasure of being one of your ARC readers🥰

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off, I would absolutely love to thank Kristin Marzullo for accepting me onto her ARC Team, I so enjoyed reading your hard work.

Rating: 4.5 stars

"You're not Jesus. You don't have to forgive his sins."
I read this whole book in 2 days, not even really, 2 sittings. When I set it down all I thought about was wanting to pick it back up again. In the beginning I wondered what the title meant The Patron Saint of Holy Sinners, by the end I knew.

The Patron Saint of Holy Sinners follows two main characters. Our first, Charlotte, a young woman escaping from a horrible life to the town of Stowe. Her chapters started several months before the rest of the book takes place, following right up to the present day. Our second, Tanner, a young man who recently lost his wife to cancer, and feels stuck as he has to figure out how to raise their daughter Leah alone. In his chapters there are brief journal entries to read through; his wife's notes to him, telling him how to move on after she's gone. The story brings them together through fate when Charlotte, now going by Charlie, starts working at Leah's school.

This is a book about grief, loss of loved ones sure but also loss of self. Learning how to cope with not being the same person anymore due to your trauma, and moving through it to become a better and healed person. It's about learning how to help yourself through helping others and learning to trust and rebuild again. I recommended this book to my friend because I feel she can benefit from the quotes in this story, can be healed by Charlie's healing. I'm grateful and lucky to say I've never been in quite that situation, similar for sure, but not the same. My heart goes out to all the women who identify with Charlie's situation and storyline. I also urge everyone to read the authors note, it has a lot of insight and explanation into why the author wrote the topics she did and how she chose to write about the catholic faith as well.

I think the book will be so important for every woman who needs healing, I cannot stress that enough.

Trigger Warnings I Gathered: domestic abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, religious bigotry, rape, cancer, loss of spouse, alcoholism, ptsd, anxiety, abortion, pregnancy

[Carmen M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so very much to Kristin for the opportunity of receiving an advanced copy of The Patron Saint of Holy Sinners in exchange of an honest review.
"In 'The Patron Saint of Holy Sinners,' Kristin Marzullo weaves a beautifully written tale that delves into the lives of Charlie and Tanner, two individuals grappling with the aftermath of abuse and grief. The story follows Charlie's journey as she escapes her abusive ex-fiancé, Peter, and finds solace in a new town. Through a chance encounter, she crosses paths with Tanner, a single dad mourning the loss of his wife. As they navigate their own trials and tribulations, they forge a deep connection, ultimately helping each other heal and find hope.

Marzullo handles the sensitive themes of domestic violence and grief with utmost care, highlighting the emotional complexity of these experiences. The characters are portrayed with depth and authenticity, allowing readers to empathize with their struggles and celebrate their triumphs. I particularly appreciated the way the author sheds light on the unseen battles that many individuals face, offering a poignant reflection of the strength and resilience that can emerge from such challenges.

While the story offers a compelling exploration of Charlie and Tanner's journey, I wished for more insight into Peter's life and the aftermath of the breakup. Expanding on this aspect could have provided additional layers to the narrative, deepening the readers' understanding of the characters and their motivations.

Overall, 'The Patron Saint of Holy Sinners' is a page-turning romance that captivates with its nuanced storytelling and tackles important themes. Marzullo's careful crafting of the narrative ensures that readers are both entertained and moved by the characters' journeys. It serves as a reminder that healing is possible, even in the face of the darkest of circumstances". This was a solid 4.75 read for me!

[Martina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read every one of Kristin's books and let me tell you, this is her best work yet! It is different from her previous books but it is a much-needed story. This book has some intense themes and trigger warnings but it is written so beautifully. While it is a romance, at its core it is an inspiring story that deals with domestic violence, unlearning religious teachings, grief, and mental health. This was a book my younger self needed. Religious trauma is real and I think a lot of people, especially young women, struggle with the same things Charlie does. (Kristin wrote this in response to the overturning of Roe v. Wade.) While her situation is horrible, the strength within her, to trust herself above all else is inspiring. The story is told in dual POVs, Tanner in the present and Charlotte (Charlie) leading up to moving to Stowe and then we get her present. I liked the way the story was told, getting to see Tanner's side and then getting to understand why Charlie was acting the way she was. It really helped keep the pace of the book up and break up some of the darker parts. This is a book you want to take your time with but also devour in one sitting. This is easily one of my top reads of 2024 so far, after reading almost 60 books already this year. I was a sobbing mess by the end and just want to thank Kristin for telling this story and sharing it with the world. This book is going to change lives and hopefully heal some broken hearts. I'm so glad I get to be a part of hyping both the book and Kristin up.
 
Thank you to the author for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Aaliyah🖤 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Patron Saint of Holy Sinners by Kristin Marzullo, is a very emotional and beautiful book. Kristin is an author who doesn’t just write books for romance but also to teach her readers lessons and awareness about mental health. This book expresses the reality in life with going though pass trauma and grief. It shows how trauma doesn’t define a person and their flaws isn’t weakness but strength. Tanner and Charlie are two people who have been though a lot with their pass relationships and trying to heal, while coming together. I definitely recommend this book but please be warned!! Please check the Tigger warning and take as much time as you need to read this book. This book isn’t an easy read but is written in a beautiful way to bring awareness to everyone who feels their alone in their struggles.




RATING:


Spicy: NO SPICY!!
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️


Tropes:

-Strangers to lovers
- Teacher x construction worker
-slow burn ( a little )
- Past and present
- please check TW!! (grief, loss, abuse, SA, violence, abortion, etc)
- mental health awareness!!
- single dad
-dual pov ( two points of views)

[Sali Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifull lovestory with heartache, loss, pain and grief. Just like real life.

We follow Tanner and Charlie who both have to overcome and heal from traumatic events in their past. They have to deal with things life threw at them and come to terms with it.

Tanner is a single father trying to build a life for himself and his daughter in a small town. Charlie walzes in that town and in his life fleeing her own troubled past. As they both try to make the most of their new normal they keep getting drawn to eachother. As they work through their own trauma's they find solace in eachother.
A beautifull and realistic lovestory about two broken hearts that find comfort and a new trust in life by helping the other one to mend the pieces back together.

I liked how the author writes Tanner's pov in the present and Charlie's in the past. As the story progresses present and past get closer untill both POV's are in the present. If you're looking for a lovestory with spice, this isn't the one for you. But if you enjoy a lovestory with real people, real problems, can handle the trigger warnings and trauma's and love a happy ending you should definitely read this book.

[Brandy McCoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do I even start to write this review…First, this is the first book I have ever read by this author and will not be the last. This book had me from get go!
This book is a single dad, small town romance with so many important topics that are touched on in this book. Make sure to check triggering warnings before reading please. I related so much to Charlie (FMC) and her story of escaping domestic violence and making some of the most hard decisions of her life. Tanner (MMC) is a newly single dad just trying to stay afloat mentally after the loss of his wife.
The book is written in dual POV and dual timelines. Tanners POV begins when he sees Charlie for the first time, Charlie’s POV begins in the past. When their timeline finally coincides….wow!
This book delves into grief, personal growth, healing, trust, DV, SA and much more. In the author’s note at the end of the book she says this book was inspired by the overturning of Roe V Wade. This book represents a women’s right to choose and I love that so much. I had all the emotions reading this book! I would recommend this book for sure! I can’t wait to read more from this indie author!!!

[Kianna K · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so. crazy. good. But also very heavy. Definitely check the trigger warnings. This book was written so insanely well. The topics were heavy, and I really felt the struggles and emotions. The way both sides of things were described was perfect.

The things Charlie went through, and the reasons she stayed through it when she did, it all just made sense, even though it was hard to grasp and understand at the same time. I am a Christian, although a different religion than in the book. I found it hard and sad to read about what she went through, knowing that those behaviors do exist but I wish they didn't.

The pain Tanner went through is a pain I fear in my own life daily. That one day it could just change. His sadness and all his emotions were described so perfectly. I actually loved how he still talked to his wife. He had such big feelings, which I can relate to, and I loved how he was introspective enough to know that and take control of situations and big emotions.

At first, it didn't click to me that Charlotte (Charlie)'s chapters were in the past, so that was a little confusing. Eventually it made sense, and they slowly started to intersect into the present, which was a cool way of writing. It truly helped the story come together seeing how it all happened.

I think this book is a must read for everyone. At it's core, it's a romance book, but there's so much more to their lives. It has a HEA and I loved the epilogue several years later.

Triggers:
DV/SA
Abortion
Loss of partner
Religion

Arc review 🤍 all opinions are my own

[Tristan Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some stories just HAVE to be told and this is one of those stories.
While it touches on tough topics like women’s rights, DV, assault, religious trauma and toxic masculinity, it’s a beautiful story about grieving losses of all kinds and coming to terms with what your new life looks like in spite of all you’ve had to overcome.
I love how Kristin Marzullo writes and evokes so much emotion from her books. I know this story wasn’t easy for her to write, but I bet it felt so good to release her own traumas by melding them into this beautiful outcome.
I love that we have Tanner’s POV from present tense and Charlie’s POV from the past up to present. We get to see all she’s gone through and her side of the encounters without muddying what she had to go through to get there.
I love how both characters have growth and depth and trials and quirks and yet they really are just two people who happened to be in the right place at the right time. Their love story isn’t perfect, but its imperfections are what make it relatable and enjoyable to read about.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

RATING: 4.75/5
SPICE: 0/5

**read trigger warnings**

I’m unsure what I was expecting from this book exactly, but I didn’t get it. And I was NOT DISAPPOINTED.

To be honest, from the title, I thought this would be spicy, a la Sierra Simone’s “Priest.” Instead, I got a slow-burn, zero-spice romance that felt more like literary fiction that absolutely destroyed me.

Reading Charlie and Tanner’s stories, the things that they’d been through and how those experiences shaped them and brought them to the same small town, absolutely shattered me. No spoilers, but absolutely read the trigger warnings, because this book hits on a lot of hard topics.

Despite that, it was done with tact and taste, unlike a very popular BookTok book handling some similar issues (I’m looking at you, CoHo). Her books made me physically ill - this one, I devoured in a day. I couldn’t put it down.

A huge thank you to Kristin Marzullo for picking me to read an ARC copy of this!

[Vicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Before considering reading this, please understand that this book can be very triggering for some. This book is supposed to be a statement on Roe v Wade. This book follows Tanner, a struggling single dad and Charlie, a woman who has recently escaped an abusive relationship.

It is dual point of view but not in the traditional sense because while Tanner's chapters are present day, Charlie's focus on the past and her previous relationship. This can be a little frustrating as a reader because you spend most of the story not really getting the second point of view you were expecting. Instead it feels like you're reading a different story completely.

Tanner did not feel real to me. It was like the author was trying so hard to make him accepting and relatable that instead, he just felt fake to me. Men usually don't notice other men's eye color, let alone every detail this man was picking up on with everyone around him, I get he would be very in tune with the person he has feelings for, he would be able to connect with those emotions. But to pick up so many details in passing from brief encounters with people barely important to the story, it was unrealistic.

The book seemed like it dragged a bit for the most part until it got closer to the ending, and then it flew by trying to wrap things up very quickly. I would still recommend this book because I think it is an important read, and it does cover the topic of grief well.

[Tishana Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a book that I went into blind, and Kristin really blew all expectations for it out of the water.

She did a beautiful job writing this storyline while entwining dark subjects like domestic violence, trauma, abuse, grief, and finding happiness after going through a dark storm. This was the only book all summer that I've read twice just because Kristin's writing style was something that really resonated with me. She really wrote such a raw and organic story in a beautiful sense that did the characters justice. Charlie and Tanner couldn't be a more perfect couple if she tried. They both found each other during a dark time in their lives, helped each other to grow and be open to healing and creating the love and healthy relationship that they deserved. For my introduction into Kristin, it was one of the best reads of my summer and one that will be a trophy book on my bookshelf. I can't wait to see the beautiful stories she writes in the future.

[Rebecca Middleton · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a small town romance revolving around a single dad trying to get his barring after losing his wife and a young lady trying to escape domestic violence.

I can appreciate the storyline and how the author delicately touched on difficult topics. However this was not the book for me. I found it difficult to read with how each chapter switched from Tanner to Charlie. All of Tanner’s chapters were from the start of the book and from when he met Charlie moving forward. Yet Charlie’s chapters were from her life back in Texas and did not have her point of view of being in Stowe until the end of the book. I felt like I was reading parallel books. I thought that there would be more written of the two main characters together but the majority of the book was them describing, reminiscing and working to move on from their trauma.

[Samantha Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5 —> good reads really needs an option for .5 stars

This book simply ripped my heart out and then had me smiling like a complete idiot.

I had the pleasure of reading this book as an ARC and I am so thankful. Kristin’s writing was so inspiring. In her authors note she explained truly how this story came to her after the overturn of Roe V Wade and it all just made perfect sense.

The story line follows Charlie and Tanner on their journey of finding true love after experiencing trauma that no one should ever experience. Following their love story and watching them grow and let one another in was honestly beautiful. I cried so many times while reading this because you just felt like you were there, especially as someone who has experienced one of these said tragedies.

I loved the happy ending, they deserved it 🤍

[Vyerna Kwakkel ( Vyreads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book was incredible. I experienced a whirlwind of emotions while reading it. It was beautifully written, heartfelt, crushing, and empowering all at once. It felt like finding a new therapist who truly understands you, and you understand them & realizing that therapy is providing you with the tools you need.

The FMC and MMC weren't two halves that magically became whole. That would have been too cliché for this book. Instead, they were like shards, trying to piece themselves back together and figuring out how they could ever be complete again. As they glued themselves back together, they found each other and recognized a kindred spirit.

And let me tell you, when they finally find each other, you're in for a ride.

I absolutely adored this book and wholeheartedly recommend it.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I was built from the ashes of my challenges, bursting through the soil like a rose reborn.” 🥀🌹
.
.
The Patron Saint of Holy Sinners
🥀🌹🥀🌹🥀/5
Pub date: 5/27
.
Kristin’s writing is always phenomenal. She is a master storyteller of emotions, which makes her stories stand out. There are some triggers in this story. Just something to be mindful about. This story is a story of healing in its’ own right. I took my time reading this as I feel everything very deeply and knew that would be best for me. This one made me very emotional. I cried right along with Charlie during her turmoil. Tanner also went through so much and I felt myself grieving right along with him too. This is Kristin’s best work yet.🌹

[Tiffany Grimes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by this author and I am hooked. The writing style is so smooth and easy to read, and the story keeps your attention the whole time! A battered woman seeks solace in a small town while a young dad deals with his unruly daughter and his own grief. Who doesn't love a dual POV? It's giving Safe Haven but with more triggers and a crazy twist or two! This is also the first book I've read that highlights the importance of women's rights with a story that unfortunately could be true for many women. The authors note will make you cry. Highly recommend this one, such a strong story!

[mia.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky to receive an arc of this wonderful book-

I liked it so much and recommend it a lot!! It’s not an easy read and you should definitely be aware of the trigger warnings!

The writing is soo good and I was into it from page one!
And the POV’s are so well done and creative, it took me some time to figure it all out. But wow I the characters were all so well written and I rooted so much for them.

Definitely worth to read/buy, I am so excited for the release. :)

[Jalesa Kraus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved reading this book! Tanner and Charlie’s story was the most amazing, when you least expect it type of love story and kept me hooked through the whole thing! One of my favorite parts was how Tanner’s point of view was them in the present, while Charlie’s starts with her past and gets to the present. They both had so much pain from their past that made them put up walls, but as their story went on those walls came down and led to the most beautiful love story!