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Rising from the Ashes #2
Penance
I’m an imposter. Proof? No one in the small town of Benton Falls knows me—at least not really. They only see the side that I show them. The polished and professional side. The side that has it all together. And that’s how I wanted it to stay…but unfortunately, all it took was one misplaced cigarette, a mishap with a tree, and the off-limits fire chief saving me from said tree to burn the whole facade to the ground.
I’ve experienced a lot of embarrassing things in my life. Growing up with clothes that were rarely washed and never fit. The time my mom puked all over my prom date because she was drunk. But nothing will ever top the way I reacted after that fire. The desperate girl I tried to outrun reared her head, and now I’m paying the consequences, including working closely with the man who makes me face myself—my real self.
The problem with being an imposter is that, sooner or later, someone comes around and sees through it all, and you have to make a choice…comfort or authenticity.
I’ve experienced a lot of embarrassing things in my life. Growing up with clothes that were rarely washed and never fit. The time my mom puked all over my prom date because she was drunk. But nothing will ever top the way I reacted after that fire. The desperate girl I tried to outrun reared her head, and now I’m paying the consequences, including working closely with the man who makes me face myself—my real self.
The problem with being an imposter is that, sooner or later, someone comes around and sees through it all, and you have to make a choice…comfort or authenticity.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 16, 2025
71 people are currently reading
177 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
April 2, 2025
Penance by @authort.bell
Book 2 in Rising From the Ashes series
Release date 4/16
Theo + Lily
T. Bell’s books always blow me away and this was no exception. This one checked every box for me. I especially love how her characters have so much depth to them. There is always something so deep going on underneath the surface and I absolutely devour her books to find out. I loved reading about Theo & Lily. Lily really surprised me in the best way & Theo was something special. I am extra thankful for these books that can have you go through literally every emotion and still be a clean read. I don’t take that for granted. I love this series so much! 💚
Favorite quotes -
My hand falls to his arm—two magnets being pulled together. Even though I know I shouldn’t, the need to touch him, even in the simplest of ways, overrides my common sense. His hand covers mine, his fingers playing with my knuckles. It’s the closest thing to connection I’ve ever felt.
Now, I’m standing with my hands tucked into the pockets of my dress pants, searching for another hit of her. My eyes scan the crowd, and when they find her, my heart stops. Just the sight of her is detrimental to my health, but I’m too gone to care.
Theo’s grin could power the entire state of Texas. It’s beautiful. Because, of course, it is.
Content -
Alcohol/drug addiction
Strained parent relationship
Kissing only
No foul language
Book 2 in Rising From the Ashes series
Release date 4/16
Theo + Lily
T. Bell’s books always blow me away and this was no exception. This one checked every box for me. I especially love how her characters have so much depth to them. There is always something so deep going on underneath the surface and I absolutely devour her books to find out. I loved reading about Theo & Lily. Lily really surprised me in the best way & Theo was something special. I am extra thankful for these books that can have you go through literally every emotion and still be a clean read. I don’t take that for granted. I love this series so much! 💚
Favorite quotes -
My hand falls to his arm—two magnets being pulled together. Even though I know I shouldn’t, the need to touch him, even in the simplest of ways, overrides my common sense. His hand covers mine, his fingers playing with my knuckles. It’s the closest thing to connection I’ve ever felt.
Now, I’m standing with my hands tucked into the pockets of my dress pants, searching for another hit of her. My eyes scan the crowd, and when they find her, my heart stops. Just the sight of her is detrimental to my health, but I’m too gone to care.
Theo’s grin could power the entire state of Texas. It’s beautiful. Because, of course, it is.
Content -
Alcohol/drug addiction
Strained parent relationship
Kissing only
No foul language
June 3, 2025
“And along the way, I realized that love was never a penance I had to pay, but a beauty I get to experience.”
I loved the return of these characters. I love the small town. I love the friendships. & I love all the forgiveness.
This was such a good sequel to Redemption! Lily & Theo’s story was beautiful & broken in all the right ways.
Anxiously awaiting Salvation!
I loved the return of these characters. I love the small town. I love the friendships. & I love all the forgiveness.
This was such a good sequel to Redemption! Lily & Theo’s story was beautiful & broken in all the right ways.
Anxiously awaiting Salvation!
April 26, 2025
In the quiet town of Benton Falls, I lived behind a mask—polished, professional, and entirely fabricated. No one truly knew me. I had carefully built an image I thought would protect me. But that illusion unraveled in one unexpected moment—a stray cigarette, a tree, and a fire that forced my past into the light. In the aftermath, vulnerability became unavoidable, mainly when I worked alongside the town’s fire chief—the one man who saw straight through my disguise. The problem with pretending? Eventually, the truth demands to be seen. And when it does, you face a choice: stay comfortable in the lie, or risk everything to step into the light of who you truly are.
🌿 Highlights:
🦋 Benton Falls Feels Like Home: I wasn’t expecting to fall in love with this small town, but I did. The setting is vivid, and the community is filled with beautifully flawed and relatable characters. Even the side characters had depth and charm—I wanted stories for all of them.
🦋A Perfectly-Titled Plot: The title Penance fits this story so well. It isn’t just about atoning for past wrongs; it’s about how guilt can shape a person, and how healing doesn’t always come the way we expect. The plot was layered, emotional, and meaningful in all the right ways.
🦋Lily & Theo’s Journey: These two main characters have been through it. Their emotional arcs were raw and honest, and led them with care by the author's hand. You don’t just read their story—you feel it. I saw pieces of people I know in them—those who hide behind walls and wear masks to cope. It gave me so much empathy.
🦋Faith Themes That Go Deep: The story doesn’t shy away from the hard questions, especially around forgiveness. What I loved most is that it wasn’t about dismissing the pain or offering shallow clichés like “forgive and forget.” It was about releasing bitterness, grief, guilt, and even self-condemnation. It’s about freedom.
🦋All the Emotional Feels: T. Bell is so good at writing emotional depth. Her characters, themes, and prose pull at the heart genuinely and unforcedly. I’m happy I discovered her through Instagram—what a gem of an indie author!
💭 My Thoughts:
This is the kind of story that stays with you. I’ve been following this series, and Penance might be my favorite so far. I strongly recommend reading the books in order, as it gives you much richer context, not only for Lily and Theo, but also for the beloved side characters whose stories are woven throughout. I sincerely hope we get more books set in Benton Falls. I’d love to read about Tanner and Bella one day. It's a 4.5⭐️ for me.
💕 The Swoon Scale 💕
💍 Swoon-Worthy Sparks: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
💬 Dialogue & Banter: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
🦋 Emotional Depth: ★★★★★ (5/5)
📖 Re-Readability: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
🔍 Advisory Notes:
🌶️ Spice: None
💬 Language: Clean
💞 Romance: Emotionally deep with physical affection (kisses only)
ℹ️ Content Warnings:
* Parental neglect & abandonment
* Codependency
* Controlling parent
* Emotional abuse
* Substance abuse (alcohol & drugs)
* Teenage pregnancy
* Poverty
* Arson
Each of these topics is handled with sensitivity and care, with an emphasis on healing, grace, and redemption.
🌿 Highlights:
🦋 Benton Falls Feels Like Home: I wasn’t expecting to fall in love with this small town, but I did. The setting is vivid, and the community is filled with beautifully flawed and relatable characters. Even the side characters had depth and charm—I wanted stories for all of them.
🦋A Perfectly-Titled Plot: The title Penance fits this story so well. It isn’t just about atoning for past wrongs; it’s about how guilt can shape a person, and how healing doesn’t always come the way we expect. The plot was layered, emotional, and meaningful in all the right ways.
🦋Lily & Theo’s Journey: These two main characters have been through it. Their emotional arcs were raw and honest, and led them with care by the author's hand. You don’t just read their story—you feel it. I saw pieces of people I know in them—those who hide behind walls and wear masks to cope. It gave me so much empathy.
🦋Faith Themes That Go Deep: The story doesn’t shy away from the hard questions, especially around forgiveness. What I loved most is that it wasn’t about dismissing the pain or offering shallow clichés like “forgive and forget.” It was about releasing bitterness, grief, guilt, and even self-condemnation. It’s about freedom.
🦋All the Emotional Feels: T. Bell is so good at writing emotional depth. Her characters, themes, and prose pull at the heart genuinely and unforcedly. I’m happy I discovered her through Instagram—what a gem of an indie author!
💭 My Thoughts:
This is the kind of story that stays with you. I’ve been following this series, and Penance might be my favorite so far. I strongly recommend reading the books in order, as it gives you much richer context, not only for Lily and Theo, but also for the beloved side characters whose stories are woven throughout. I sincerely hope we get more books set in Benton Falls. I’d love to read about Tanner and Bella one day. It's a 4.5⭐️ for me.
💕 The Swoon Scale 💕
💍 Swoon-Worthy Sparks: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
💬 Dialogue & Banter: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
🦋 Emotional Depth: ★★★★★ (5/5)
📖 Re-Readability: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
🔍 Advisory Notes:
🌶️ Spice: None
💬 Language: Clean
💞 Romance: Emotionally deep with physical affection (kisses only)
ℹ️ Content Warnings:
* Parental neglect & abandonment
* Codependency
* Controlling parent
* Emotional abuse
* Substance abuse (alcohol & drugs)
* Teenage pregnancy
* Poverty
* Arson
Each of these topics is handled with sensitivity and care, with an emphasis on healing, grace, and redemption.
April 30, 2025
My rating is 4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars. And I have no problem rounding my rating up because this was very close to being a 5 star read for me. I loved this more than the first book, as the main characters resonated with me more. Honestly, my only critique is that I wish that some of the side characters had been more subtle. At times, they felt too theatrical for this angsty read, even if they were trying to provide comedic relief.
With that being said, I LOVED Lily and Theo. Man, do I LOVE an ice queen FMC. I will connect with her every. single. time. I enjoyed every vulnerable moment in this story. A ton of truth is spoken too. I appreciate the author's voice on such raw topics. I definitely got teary-eyed a few times. The romance was paced so naturally. I thought it felt real too. The author did a great job interweaving these characters' stories and the similarities in familial heartbreak they each had just overlapped so well, thematically. It presented Theo and Lily as super compatible in ways they discovered along the way. They were perfect for one another. I loved the short and sweet ending. The dual-timeline really worked for me in this as well. Very much looking forward to the next book!
In this book:
-firefighter MMC
-school principal FMC
-small town
-fire and ice
-age gap (7 years; not a prominent part of the story)
-single dad
-fake dating
-angst
-he falls first
-dual-timeline
-faith arc
Content:
romance - clean
language - clean
violence - very infrequent and non-descriptive
faith - light amount
CW:
panic attack/mental health, addiction/alcoholism, child neglect/parental abandonment, custody battle
all on-page as well as off
With that being said, I LOVED Lily and Theo. Man, do I LOVE an ice queen FMC. I will connect with her every. single. time. I enjoyed every vulnerable moment in this story. A ton of truth is spoken too. I appreciate the author's voice on such raw topics. I definitely got teary-eyed a few times. The romance was paced so naturally. I thought it felt real too. The author did a great job interweaving these characters' stories and the similarities in familial heartbreak they each had just overlapped so well, thematically. It presented Theo and Lily as super compatible in ways they discovered along the way. They were perfect for one another. I loved the short and sweet ending. The dual-timeline really worked for me in this as well. Very much looking forward to the next book!
In this book:
-firefighter MMC
-school principal FMC
-small town
-fire and ice
-age gap (7 years; not a prominent part of the story)
-single dad
-fake dating
-angst
-he falls first
-dual-timeline
-faith arc
Content:
romance - clean
language - clean
violence - very infrequent and non-descriptive
faith - light amount
CW:
panic attack/mental health, addiction/alcoholism, child neglect/parental abandonment, custody battle
all on-page as well as off
April 9, 2025
A Powerful Story of Penance, Grace, and Redemption
Penance by @authort.bell a deeply moving and beautifully written story about brokenness, healing, and the life-changing power of God’s grace. Bell does a fantastic job portraying characters who carry the weight of their past and live in the shadow of penance—but through it all, you see the light of forgiveness begin to shine.
We first met Lily and Theo in Redemption—Lily, the high school principal looking for a fresh start in a new town, and Theo, the new fire chief trying to build a relationship with his son. We didn’t know it yet, but their connection was instant, and their story was just beginning. T. Bell draws us deeper into their lives as they wrestle with the past and search for healing. It’s a beautifully written story about living with pain, learning to forgive, and discovering that grace is never out of reach.
Lily and Theo’s journey is emotional, honest, and unforgettable. Their struggles felt real, their growth was powerful, and their path toward faith and healing had me hooked. I devoured this book in two days. I couldn’t put it down. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions—heart-wrenching and heart-warming all at once.
Penance is a moving reminder that God’s love can redeem even the deepest wounds. This story will stay with you long after the last page.
Thank you for the ARC!
Penance by @authort.bell a deeply moving and beautifully written story about brokenness, healing, and the life-changing power of God’s grace. Bell does a fantastic job portraying characters who carry the weight of their past and live in the shadow of penance—but through it all, you see the light of forgiveness begin to shine.
We first met Lily and Theo in Redemption—Lily, the high school principal looking for a fresh start in a new town, and Theo, the new fire chief trying to build a relationship with his son. We didn’t know it yet, but their connection was instant, and their story was just beginning. T. Bell draws us deeper into their lives as they wrestle with the past and search for healing. It’s a beautifully written story about living with pain, learning to forgive, and discovering that grace is never out of reach.
Lily and Theo’s journey is emotional, honest, and unforgettable. Their struggles felt real, their growth was powerful, and their path toward faith and healing had me hooked. I devoured this book in two days. I couldn’t put it down. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions—heart-wrenching and heart-warming all at once.
Penance is a moving reminder that God’s love can redeem even the deepest wounds. This story will stay with you long after the last page.
Thank you for the ARC!
October 5, 2025
✨Fake Dating
🏡 Small Town Romance
✝️Christian Faith Elements
💔 Complicated Family Dynamics | Addiction
❤️🩹Faith, Forgiveness, Healing, Emotional
🚒Fire Chief | 👩💼School Principal
💕Strong Friendships & Community | Found Family
I told myself that I was going to take a break after reading book one in this series but I found myself being pulled right back into Benton Falls. I ended up binging this book in less than 24 hours and it worth every bit of sleep I sacrificed to do so.
For the second time this week I've found myself with tear stained cheeks explaining how emotional and powerful the Faith elements in this series are. The character's journeys are realistic, raw and full of heartbreaking moments. I loved Lily and Theo's storyline, the author did a fantastic job showing so much personal development and growth.
I'll definitely be continuing onto book three!
🏡 Small Town Romance
✝️Christian Faith Elements
💔 Complicated Family Dynamics | Addiction
❤️🩹Faith, Forgiveness, Healing, Emotional
🚒Fire Chief | 👩💼School Principal
💕Strong Friendships & Community | Found Family
I told myself that I was going to take a break after reading book one in this series but I found myself being pulled right back into Benton Falls. I ended up binging this book in less than 24 hours and it worth every bit of sleep I sacrificed to do so.
For the second time this week I've found myself with tear stained cheeks explaining how emotional and powerful the Faith elements in this series are. The character's journeys are realistic, raw and full of heartbreaking moments. I loved Lily and Theo's storyline, the author did a fantastic job showing so much personal development and growth.
I'll definitely be continuing onto book three!
April 6, 2025
This was not an easy read. But when has T Bell ever written an easy read? 😏😉
Theo and Lily’s story is a touching story involving brokenness, healing, forgiveness, and finding where you belong.
I loved seeing Hayes and MJ again, and MJ’s parents. Seeing the growth they’ve all done, and then seeing how they helped Theo and Lily brought out a picture of how the body of believers is supposed to be. As everyone in the Rising From the Ashes books has realized; forgiveness doesn’t come from us, we need God to truly be able to forgive.
T Bell does an amazing job of pointing the reader to Christ, but also giving us all the depth and swooniness of a perfectly imperfect romance.
Thank you for the chance to read and review early!
Theo and Lily’s story is a touching story involving brokenness, healing, forgiveness, and finding where you belong.
I loved seeing Hayes and MJ again, and MJ’s parents. Seeing the growth they’ve all done, and then seeing how they helped Theo and Lily brought out a picture of how the body of believers is supposed to be. As everyone in the Rising From the Ashes books has realized; forgiveness doesn’t come from us, we need God to truly be able to forgive.
T Bell does an amazing job of pointing the reader to Christ, but also giving us all the depth and swooniness of a perfectly imperfect romance.
Thank you for the chance to read and review early!
October 2, 2025
Whew! Another hard, but great read!!
Bell certainly knows how to intertwine HARD topics with Biblical truth without it being cringy and pushy! She is definitely tackling such hard issues that ppl truly deal with, but showing the process of the real, raw journey through fiction. I love seeing the apologies made, I love seeing the adults owning up to their wrongs, and also seeing the forgiveness and forgiving ppl found! Even though, fiction, still such real issues, with real actions we should be taking and allowing ppl to work through. I am intrigued til the end! I fell more in love with Campbell, he is hysterical! So, very interested in his story.
Bell certainly knows how to intertwine HARD topics with Biblical truth without it being cringy and pushy! She is definitely tackling such hard issues that ppl truly deal with, but showing the process of the real, raw journey through fiction. I love seeing the apologies made, I love seeing the adults owning up to their wrongs, and also seeing the forgiveness and forgiving ppl found! Even though, fiction, still such real issues, with real actions we should be taking and allowing ppl to work through. I am intrigued til the end! I fell more in love with Campbell, he is hysterical! So, very interested in his story.
April 22, 2025
Love and forgiveness.
Theo has made mistakes. Big ones. Lily’s mother made similar mistakes and scared Lily’s life. This story encourages each of us to look deep into our own hearts to evaluate forgiveness. When is it deserved? Earned? This is not only a story of the beginning of love between a couple but also the complexity of family love.
Theo has made mistakes. Big ones. Lily’s mother made similar mistakes and scared Lily’s life. This story encourages each of us to look deep into our own hearts to evaluate forgiveness. When is it deserved? Earned? This is not only a story of the beginning of love between a couple but also the complexity of family love.
May 2, 2025
T. Bell has done it again! This book approached subjects that many may deal with in a daily life but don't necessarily talk about. These characters are people you can relate with. You feel the pain, the hurt but also the joy and happiness.
June 30, 2025
Great book
Sometimes difficult to read, but addiction is never an easy subject. So heartwarming to have these characters experience the worst and manage to pull through.
The love story is awesome, too!
Sometimes difficult to read, but addiction is never an easy subject. So heartwarming to have these characters experience the worst and manage to pull through.
The love story is awesome, too!
August 26, 2025
Great emotional story
I really enjoyed this story. It was complex and emotional with characters that felt very human, struggling to find their way and heal.
I am really enjoying this gossiping town and its rich characters.
I really enjoyed this story. It was complex and emotional with characters that felt very human, struggling to find their way and heal.
I am really enjoying this gossiping town and its rich characters.
April 29, 2025
heartwarming ❤️
I think I like this one better than the first one. Went by quicker or something but yes it’s heart warming and works through the trauma of their pasts well.
I think I like this one better than the first one. Went by quicker or something but yes it’s heart warming and works through the trauma of their pasts well.
May 3, 2025
I LOVED Redemption, and Penance was also amazing. Another five star novel.
September 4, 2025
Just when I thought the first book was my favorite. This book SMACKS me right in the feels! I loved it! I officially will be reading anything T. bell comes out with. ❤️
September 24, 2025
This was a touching and heartfelt story that is a romance with personal growth and sentimental moments.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2025
Penance, book two in the Rising from the Ashes. While it is part of a series, it can easily be read as a standalone without having read Redemption first.
This series, like her Montgomery Brothers, is unapologetically Christian and doesn’t pull any punches when it comes to hard topics. I admire the author for her passion in writing stories that focus on faith and forgiveness, while never shying away from the effects of anger, addiction, bitterness, and poor choices.
Penance is a powerful contemporary Christian romance that focuses on second chances at meaningful love, second chances at parenting, and unending grace for those who might not deserve it, but are worthy of a love that can only come from knowing God and his mercy.
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy, all opinions are my own.
This series, like her Montgomery Brothers, is unapologetically Christian and doesn’t pull any punches when it comes to hard topics. I admire the author for her passion in writing stories that focus on faith and forgiveness, while never shying away from the effects of anger, addiction, bitterness, and poor choices.
Penance is a powerful contemporary Christian romance that focuses on second chances at meaningful love, second chances at parenting, and unending grace for those who might not deserve it, but are worthy of a love that can only come from knowing God and his mercy.
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy, all opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews