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The Prodigal Ones #3
The One Who Wrote Away
CALEB
In search for the man who created his favorite superhero, he found a damsel who would never admit her distress.
When Caleb Grant gets promoted to agent, his main goal is to find the author of the manuscript that captivated him from the first line. When Nova Stone walks into his office wearing a superhero costume, he is left undone by her beauty and the revelation that the writer he was searching for was not a man and is instead the woman he now can't stop thinking about. Once he gets over the shock, he pursues her. The only problem is she is dead set on avoiding him at all costs.
NOVA
She didn't want to get to know him, so he could remain in her head as the hero who could never disappoint her.
One stupid bet she can't back out of drives Nova Stone into an unwanted meeting with the man she had tried to avoid her entire life. Afraid that Caleb Grant will turn out to be nothing like the great man she built him up to be, Nova didn't prepare herself for the possibility that he will turn out to be much better than she imagined. Will she let him in and allow him to rescue her or will she continue to build a fortress around herself to keep him from ever hurting her?
In search for the man who created his favorite superhero, he found a damsel who would never admit her distress.
When Caleb Grant gets promoted to agent, his main goal is to find the author of the manuscript that captivated him from the first line. When Nova Stone walks into his office wearing a superhero costume, he is left undone by her beauty and the revelation that the writer he was searching for was not a man and is instead the woman he now can't stop thinking about. Once he gets over the shock, he pursues her. The only problem is she is dead set on avoiding him at all costs.
NOVA
She didn't want to get to know him, so he could remain in her head as the hero who could never disappoint her.
One stupid bet she can't back out of drives Nova Stone into an unwanted meeting with the man she had tried to avoid her entire life. Afraid that Caleb Grant will turn out to be nothing like the great man she built him up to be, Nova didn't prepare herself for the possibility that he will turn out to be much better than she imagined. Will she let him in and allow him to rescue her or will she continue to build a fortress around herself to keep him from ever hurting her?
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 21, 2021
239 people are currently reading
315 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
July 6, 2025
A sweet faith-based romance. I wish there was more of the story with them together and falling in love. I felt like a lot of it was them separate and their thoughts and their love was rushed towards the end.
November 15, 2024
I was pleasantly surprised by this story. Behind the cheesy AI-generated cover art, this book is actually a well-written and enjoyable contemporary romance. I didn't expect the timeline to jump back to the characters' childhood and chronicle their (mostly separate) upbringings, but I liked the effect. It deepened the character development beyond what one would expect from a contemporary romance novel. Nova and Caleb's love story was sweet, and Caleb especially was an admirable character. I also liked the bookish aspects of the story, though I wished Nova's experience as an author had been fleshed out more. By the time I finished the book, I was convinced of the author’s ability and I would like to read more in the series.
September 13, 2021
After spending a so many years with men who were abusive and awful to those they loved, could Nova really forgive easily another who had hurt her in the past? Would she be able to experience love from a man? Only through God's grace can any of us forgive and even love. Caleb didn't want to be a hero in the play, but just maybe he was in real life. This is a very realistic story of people learning to heal from so many hurts. It also shows us that it's easy to say we want to be saved, but that learning to live as one who truly has accepted Jesus is quite different. When one truly accepts Jesus, He can change them from the inside out. She came from a legacy of abuse and fear, but God can give us a legacy of victory and strength. Very well done!!!
September 21, 2021
This book is a wonderful inspirational read that will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. It was an absolute joy to read. I highly recommend this book.
I received a complimentary copy and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I received a complimentary copy and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
July 3, 2025
This book had great messages throughout. I loved seeing representation of Christians and how we think, but a better example of how we ought to go into relationships with God in mind.
I definitely think this book could’ve been a lot better. Some of the characters felt a little flat to me. I think what would’ve astronomically boosted this book would be first person narratives and actually feeling what the characters are feeling in the moment. And also possibly a constantly past and present timeline, and a more fleshed out story.
I do love the theme of how men should be protectors of women, and to not harm them. It was good.
I will try the rest of this series out because I loved having a book where the main characters valued purity while being outside of marriage.
I definitely think this book could’ve been a lot better. Some of the characters felt a little flat to me. I think what would’ve astronomically boosted this book would be first person narratives and actually feeling what the characters are feeling in the moment. And also possibly a constantly past and present timeline, and a more fleshed out story.
I do love the theme of how men should be protectors of women, and to not harm them. It was good.
I will try the rest of this series out because I loved having a book where the main characters valued purity while being outside of marriage.
September 26, 2021
All the twists and turns from this book, especially the life journeys that Nova and Caleb were on had me hooked right from the beginning. I love seeing the main character overcoming past hurts and traumas to finally being able to experience the goodness and faithfulness of a Father who has always loved her, even when she wasn't able to see it. What a true testament to who God really is. Now, I'm so curious to find out about Vienna's and Mile's respective stories. I think they made awesome side characters to Nova's story. Loved the book! Excited to read the next one in the series :)
September 17, 2021
Beautiful story of love, redemption, and completeness. Nova had a painful childhood witnessing her Father abuse his wife and eldest son, so she vowed to protect her younger brother and herself from the same fate. Caleb kept his head in a book letting real life pass him by. Then when he did look up, he let his fantasy dictate who he would pursue for his wife. Unfortunately for him it wasn't God's choice. It took a small boy and a Superhero to restore his heart back to God's will and not let passed mistakes botch his future. I laughed and gasped and cheered Nova and Caleb on in their journey discovering God was a good good Father that only wants the best for their lives. If you like clean, inspiring stories that keep you glued to the pages, you can't go wrong with, ' The One Who Wrote Away'. I highly recommend. I received this book from the publisher. The thoughts and comments are my own.
September 21, 2021
Really love the story of Caleb and Nova, but no spoilers here. It's sweet, sad, a bit scary, and real-to-life. This storyline is so well-written that we experience their pain, hope, fun, and joy. I also found many quotes to keep handy throughout Ms. Alonzo's book. It's my first time reading this series, now I must read book one! I cannot wait to find out what happens to the others in these families.
September 20, 2021
Enjoyed reading this one because the lead man is a reader! Ha ha
I want to say that this book is an easy read for me, but the main character did not have an easy past.
I did not expect that I'd be wanting more of Knox character. Hopefully he'll have a story of his own. 😊
So happy to hear (read) pinoy phrases! Yay for adobo! 😂
Looking forward for more of the author's books.
I want to say that this book is an easy read for me, but the main character did not have an easy past.
I did not expect that I'd be wanting more of Knox character. Hopefully he'll have a story of his own. 😊
So happy to hear (read) pinoy phrases! Yay for adobo! 😂
Looking forward for more of the author's books.
September 15, 2021
I promise once you start reading you will NOT want to stop until the last word! I totally connected with Nova and felt like I was right there with her each step of the story! You will laugh, cry and sometimes both as the time. The story just draws you in. Joanna Alonzo is an amazing author and is not afraid to touch on the hard parts of life that we all deal with but don't always talk about. This entire series has become one of my favorites!!! You don't want to miss it!!!
September 11, 2021
If I have to give a theme for this story I would say: hope. A message sorely needed today! We meet Nova and Caleb and experience their life from a child to where they are today. And boy what a journey they had! Definitely worth reading!
Not my normal genre but I am hooked on Joanna Alonzo.
Not my normal genre but I am hooked on Joanna Alonzo.
May 4, 2024
Nova has spent her life dodging violence and disappearing men and protecting her little brother Nolan from her father and big brother. Eventually, both the older brother, who wants to prove he is a more talented musician than his father and can become famous on his own, and later the father, whose desire to be a rock star makes him see his family as a millstone around his neck, die of drug overdoses. Broken by this, she befriends bad boy Knox, who decides friendship is no longer enough for him and that he will beat her into loving him if it's the last thing he ever does. At one point, in desperation, she begs God for help when he attacks her and he suddenly leaves, and she doesn't see him for a long time. She takes self defense classes, and she manages to push him away when he comes back, but by the time he comes back when Caleb is dating Nova in the early stages, Caleb follows his gut feeling that something is wrong with Nova, and between them they are able to get Knox away from her and press charges, and she gets a restraining order. But just after the rescue, Knox is crying as Pastor Sam is praying over him, so is there hope Knox will respond to Christ's call on his life and become a new creature in Christ, or will he fake it or turn back to his old self?
Nova has written a book under the pseeudonym Alex Orwell, amd she has lost a bet to her 2 friends. Now, she has to dress in a catsuit and mask, and go to every agent to pitch her book. The last one is her boss, Caleb Grant, and by the time she gets there, she just leaves the balloon with her number inside and runs out of his office. While she was paying for the balloons, a little kid had stolen them and run, but Nova's parkour skills and speed had allowed her to retrieve the balloons. As the kid has a fit about having his stolen balloons taken from him and restored to their rightful owner, Caleb, around whose favorite park bench this had occurred, works out a compromise. From that day on and as he reads her manuscript - printed out and left on his desk by her betting friends - Nova intrigues him and he soon finds himself falling for her and wondering why he has never seen her in church when they attend the same one.
Caleb's sister Hannah warns him that Nova has had a difficult life, and he needs to take it easy and get to know her.
Will the relationship-an author whose potential boyfriend is also her literary agent-work out when she is a temp and a subordinate to said potential boyfriend? Will Caleb still want anything to do with her when Knox is stalking her and he has seen Knox around, or will her past be offputting to someone who grew up in a wholesome family?
Nova has written a book under the pseeudonym Alex Orwell, amd she has lost a bet to her 2 friends. Now, she has to dress in a catsuit and mask, and go to every agent to pitch her book. The last one is her boss, Caleb Grant, and by the time she gets there, she just leaves the balloon with her number inside and runs out of his office. While she was paying for the balloons, a little kid had stolen them and run, but Nova's parkour skills and speed had allowed her to retrieve the balloons. As the kid has a fit about having his stolen balloons taken from him and restored to their rightful owner, Caleb, around whose favorite park bench this had occurred, works out a compromise. From that day on and as he reads her manuscript - printed out and left on his desk by her betting friends - Nova intrigues him and he soon finds himself falling for her and wondering why he has never seen her in church when they attend the same one.
Caleb's sister Hannah warns him that Nova has had a difficult life, and he needs to take it easy and get to know her.
Will the relationship-an author whose potential boyfriend is also her literary agent-work out when she is a temp and a subordinate to said potential boyfriend? Will Caleb still want anything to do with her when Knox is stalking her and he has seen Knox around, or will her past be offputting to someone who grew up in a wholesome family?
July 18, 2025
3.5 stars for my own enjoyment, rounded up in recognition that I'm not the primary audience for this story. I picked this up because I usually enjoy heartwarming romances and I was curious about a new-to-me author with Filipino heritage. Ultimately, I don't think this series is for me, but I know people who I would likely recommend this to.
This feels much more Christian fiction than romance, so how much you'll enjoy it will depend on what you feel about the Christian faith. (And not even just like in a belief in a Christian God kinda way, but in an evangelical, Christianity is the main energy running through this story way.) I'm personally not very religious, so I would have preferred less of the religious stuff and more of the romance, but I think readers who are devout Christians will enjoy seeing their faith be so deeply embedded throughout this story.
My past experiences with romances with Christian elements are usually with Harlequin Heartwarming romances and Harlequin Amish romances, where the religious stuff is there, but the focus of the story is much more on the romance. I enjoy reading those kinds of novels along with much spicier romances, and it's really all about my mood at any given time.
In contrast, with this novel, the main plot of two main characters falling in love is there, but it seems almost secondary to the stories of how both main characters fell in love with God and their Christian faith. There's also a lot about secondary characters finding redemption through religion, and about the two main characters finding their happiness through faith (and through faith, to each other). So again, how much you enjoy reading this novel will likely depend on how much you enjoy reading that kind of thing.
Beyond that, I like the depiction of Nova's childhood, and how hard she tried to protect her younger brother from seeing their father physically abuse their mother and older brother. I found that relatable, and can understand how it made her wary of falling in love with a man herself. I could also see how her experiences could make her long for Caleb, not so much because of who he is, but because of how ideal his family seemed in comparison.
I'm side-eyeing Caleb quite a bit for never noticing Nova at all, considering that she was around enough that all of his siblings apparently knew her well, but fine, I'll give him a pass for being that oblivious.
CW: domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault
This feels much more Christian fiction than romance, so how much you'll enjoy it will depend on what you feel about the Christian faith. (And not even just like in a belief in a Christian God kinda way, but in an evangelical, Christianity is the main energy running through this story way.) I'm personally not very religious, so I would have preferred less of the religious stuff and more of the romance, but I think readers who are devout Christians will enjoy seeing their faith be so deeply embedded throughout this story.
My past experiences with romances with Christian elements are usually with Harlequin Heartwarming romances and Harlequin Amish romances, where the religious stuff is there, but the focus of the story is much more on the romance. I enjoy reading those kinds of novels along with much spicier romances, and it's really all about my mood at any given time.
In contrast, with this novel, the main plot of two main characters falling in love is there, but it seems almost secondary to the stories of how both main characters fell in love with God and their Christian faith. There's also a lot about secondary characters finding redemption through religion, and about the two main characters finding their happiness through faith (and through faith, to each other). So again, how much you enjoy reading this novel will likely depend on how much you enjoy reading that kind of thing.
Beyond that, I like the depiction of Nova's childhood, and how hard she tried to protect her younger brother from seeing their father physically abuse their mother and older brother. I found that relatable, and can understand how it made her wary of falling in love with a man herself. I could also see how her experiences could make her long for Caleb, not so much because of who he is, but because of how ideal his family seemed in comparison.
I'm side-eyeing Caleb quite a bit for never noticing Nova at all, considering that she was around enough that all of his siblings apparently knew her well, but fine, I'll give him a pass for being that oblivious.
CW: domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault
May 5, 2022
LOVE!!
Okay, so every time I read a new book from The Prodigal Ones series, I go "Ah! this is now my fave in this series!" so I'm not going to say that now, because I'll probably be swooning over the next one haha.
but seriously... this one was soooooo relatable, it's crazy. The relationship between the two leads was so similar to my experience with my husband. lol anyway... before I go down THAT rabbit hole...
I loved the vibe between Caleb and Nova- it felt so real. it was just the right amount of cozy, romcom-- oh gosh, that water melon bit with Caleb's sister had me laughing way too hard! guys, when a book makes you laugh out loud. (*sniffles* Thats the one.)
And then the story! wow. My heart!! NOVA! What I appreciated, is how many can relate to the emotions she felt- it was very real and honest. (I feel like I always say that in a Joanna review, but it's one of the things I adore about her books!)
and Caleb swooping into the rescue... *swooooon!!* he's my new book crush.
Watching his character grow was so interesting, and his own heartbreak story was so so so good, Joanna dealt with such a sensitive matter so beautifully! I mean, Caleb asked the hard questions; questions I've heard people ask, and then be so ashamed for thinking that... but this book told us that GOD IS HERE! and it's okay to ask those questions! it's okay if you made a mistake, it's okay if you got it wrong, because God's grace is enough! Through the heartache, and the trauma, and the fears- God is right here, and He's waiting to heal us, so we can live in the fullness of His grace and plan for us. (yaaaasss, preach it girl!)
Also, can we take a moment to appreciate how everyone gets a story? No one is just a side character, or an NPC, they've all got substance!
On a more serious note, I just want to say that though I received an ARC, this book came at a time where I wasn't in the best space, and this was the only way God was spoken into my life, and I truly appreciate that.
Are these not the best kind of books? an amazing story, amazing writing, and a real message about the real God.
Okay, so every time I read a new book from The Prodigal Ones series, I go "Ah! this is now my fave in this series!" so I'm not going to say that now, because I'll probably be swooning over the next one haha.
but seriously... this one was soooooo relatable, it's crazy. The relationship between the two leads was so similar to my experience with my husband. lol anyway... before I go down THAT rabbit hole...
I loved the vibe between Caleb and Nova- it felt so real. it was just the right amount of cozy, romcom-- oh gosh, that water melon bit with Caleb's sister had me laughing way too hard! guys, when a book makes you laugh out loud. (*sniffles* Thats the one.)
And then the story! wow. My heart!! NOVA! What I appreciated, is how many can relate to the emotions she felt- it was very real and honest. (I feel like I always say that in a Joanna review, but it's one of the things I adore about her books!)
and Caleb swooping into the rescue... *swooooon!!* he's my new book crush.
Watching his character grow was so interesting, and his own heartbreak story was so so so good, Joanna dealt with such a sensitive matter so beautifully! I mean, Caleb asked the hard questions; questions I've heard people ask, and then be so ashamed for thinking that... but this book told us that GOD IS HERE! and it's okay to ask those questions! it's okay if you made a mistake, it's okay if you got it wrong, because God's grace is enough! Through the heartache, and the trauma, and the fears- God is right here, and He's waiting to heal us, so we can live in the fullness of His grace and plan for us. (yaaaasss, preach it girl!)
Also, can we take a moment to appreciate how everyone gets a story? No one is just a side character, or an NPC, they've all got substance!
On a more serious note, I just want to say that though I received an ARC, this book came at a time where I wasn't in the best space, and this was the only way God was spoken into my life, and I truly appreciate that.
Are these not the best kind of books? an amazing story, amazing writing, and a real message about the real God.
February 15, 2025
4 rounded up to 4.5 stars! Ahh this book!!! I’ll start by saying the first third hooked me, the middle slowed this down for me a bit, but the last third!! I couldn’t put the book down. I was obsessed with Caleb and Nova. They had me smiling and silent screaming, with Nova’s reserved adorable nature and Caleb’s straight-forward confidence.
This book tackles some hard topics but there was Christian applicability that I found helpful and relatable. The conversations and thought processes they had about God and godly relationships were something I really enjoyed reading. There are a lot of side characters as well as this is the start of a series and that really created the sense of community and nuances that entails, which I found realistic and added dimension. The bookish parts of the story were some of my favorite as well. The author has a hero motif that she ties together really nicely in a Christian context about not idolizing other people while still looking up to others and admiring them as examples.
This was a unique and helpful story. This also takes place prior to 2010 so there was a subtle yet cozy nostalgia about it for me. The romance was ADORABLE. I loved the ending. And if you’re a Christian who has ever prayed to find their person I feel like you’re guaranteed to love this.
In this book: she falls first but he falls harder, secret crush, opposites attract, who hurt you?, literary agent MMC, writer FMC, godly relationships, re-meet-cute, slow burn, dual pov
content guide: clean for romance and language, off-page/past non-descriptive and brief for violence, heavy amount for faith content
content warnings: brief references to DV and stalking
This book tackles some hard topics but there was Christian applicability that I found helpful and relatable. The conversations and thought processes they had about God and godly relationships were something I really enjoyed reading. There are a lot of side characters as well as this is the start of a series and that really created the sense of community and nuances that entails, which I found realistic and added dimension. The bookish parts of the story were some of my favorite as well. The author has a hero motif that she ties together really nicely in a Christian context about not idolizing other people while still looking up to others and admiring them as examples.
This was a unique and helpful story. This also takes place prior to 2010 so there was a subtle yet cozy nostalgia about it for me. The romance was ADORABLE. I loved the ending. And if you’re a Christian who has ever prayed to find their person I feel like you’re guaranteed to love this.
In this book: she falls first but he falls harder, secret crush, opposites attract, who hurt you?, literary agent MMC, writer FMC, godly relationships, re-meet-cute, slow burn, dual pov
content guide: clean for romance and language, off-page/past non-descriptive and brief for violence, heavy amount for faith content
content warnings: brief references to DV and stalking
October 12, 2025
goodness gracious these are amazing stories!
There is so much depth to the characters and their character arcs are AMAZING! I love the 3 act format that is used. I love the harsh but realistic thoughts that go through the minds of the brokenhearted at their low points. I love the protective but empowering leads. I love hearing about this book within a book! This is actually my third book i read of the series and I love seeing the stories intersect. My heart breaks for the girl in a broken home wanting to find safety and love in her family. I empathize with the boy just trying to find love and having to learn how to be a good brother. I adore the encouraging bffs that push her out of her comfort zone and how miscommunications don’t drag on forever.
I appreciate how squeaky clean this is in language and romance.. you have characters “swear” but the author doesn’t tell you which curse word just a flinch from a character that hears the words. It is AWESOME! It conveys the worldliness of the rough characters while allowing my reading to remain pure. It is so nice!
There is so much depth to the characters and their character arcs are AMAZING! I love the 3 act format that is used. I love the harsh but realistic thoughts that go through the minds of the brokenhearted at their low points. I love the protective but empowering leads. I love hearing about this book within a book! This is actually my third book i read of the series and I love seeing the stories intersect. My heart breaks for the girl in a broken home wanting to find safety and love in her family. I empathize with the boy just trying to find love and having to learn how to be a good brother. I adore the encouraging bffs that push her out of her comfort zone and how miscommunications don’t drag on forever.
I appreciate how squeaky clean this is in language and romance.. you have characters “swear” but the author doesn’t tell you which curse word just a flinch from a character that hears the words. It is AWESOME! It conveys the worldliness of the rough characters while allowing my reading to remain pure. It is so nice!
September 23, 2021
Beautiful story about finding healing in God from the pains of this life. All of us will have seasons of pain while living n this broken world and just like the characters in this story, Nova and Caleb, we have the choose to be angry and blame God or to forgive and find healing in God. It all comes down to whether we will trust that Gods plans for our life are for our ultimate good even when the timing may not be lining up with our plans. In Nova’s story we see her dealing with hurts, heartache and longing as she seems to find her way in life. Her outlet is writing. Is a book deal in her future or is that wishful thinking. And is there hope for her dreams of a family. “Sometimes, His blessings look nothing like we think they should”. This book inspired me, encouraged me and challenged me. I absolutely love the continuation of this story line with a broadened focus by giving the spotlight to precious sideline characters.
July 9, 2025
I normally try not to read romances, and to be honest, I feel that Chriatian Romace can be too fluffy with no depth.
But The One Who Wrote Away captured me from the first page.
First, because I loved that it was a story about a writer, and as one myself, I instantly connected to those struggles. But this story truly made me laugh, and swoon and even to get teary-eyed as a character, once filled with pain, found healing, and love.
I loved how the story backtracked in the FMC and MMC lives, so we fully understood their history and what brought them together.
The redemption arc was not trite but simple in its power, and I found myself wanting to read the "villains" story by the end of the book.
I love books that surprises me, and this book truly did.
Do yourself a favor and read this book!
But The One Who Wrote Away captured me from the first page.
First, because I loved that it was a story about a writer, and as one myself, I instantly connected to those struggles. But this story truly made me laugh, and swoon and even to get teary-eyed as a character, once filled with pain, found healing, and love.
I loved how the story backtracked in the FMC and MMC lives, so we fully understood their history and what brought them together.
The redemption arc was not trite but simple in its power, and I found myself wanting to read the "villains" story by the end of the book.
I love books that surprises me, and this book truly did.
Do yourself a favor and read this book!
July 18, 2024
This was a nice story about growth and forgiveness. I'm not sure how often I would recommend this book but it worked for me at the time I was reading it. It was definitely a Christian Fiction book which usually puts me off with how the authors incorporate God into the story. But this one was ok even though it was pretty much talking about God the whole time. I didn't necessarily agree with a lot of the religious decisions but I could feel the heart that the author put into the story. I thought the writing was good and it made me appreciate well written Christian fiction. But also, waiting over a year of dating someone before you kiss, not really that believable 🙄
February 27, 2025
Wholesome
I loved the journey that this book took me on. It read like a testimony and I loved the fact that we were given historical context to the characters and the impact that the past can have on a relationship. The characters for me felt flat however and if it wasn't for the fact that it was Christian, I don't know if I would've liked it. The writing at the beginning for me felt forced and sometimes the dialogue wasn't believable. I often found myself thinking that people don't talk like that.
Other than that, it was a quick read that was wholesome even with the darker themes in the background. It was enjoyable even with it's flaws.
I loved the journey that this book took me on. It read like a testimony and I loved the fact that we were given historical context to the characters and the impact that the past can have on a relationship. The characters for me felt flat however and if it wasn't for the fact that it was Christian, I don't know if I would've liked it. The writing at the beginning for me felt forced and sometimes the dialogue wasn't believable. I often found myself thinking that people don't talk like that.
Other than that, it was a quick read that was wholesome even with the darker themes in the background. It was enjoyable even with it's flaws.
August 6, 2025
A guy who has an encounter with God at a very young age. I remember the Bible verse that says "Train up a child in the way he should go, when he is old, he will not depart from it" Caleb's parent train hom gave him everything he needed but that does not expect him from making mistakes or error but we have a father that will correct us with love and redirect our part to his own will.
A very bad background, abusive father, abandoned by both her father and brother who died the same way, a stalker friend and she deside to fall to the background until she met Jesus and Jesus started bring her out of her shadow.
Thank you, Joanna Alonzo 💖 😘 💓
A very bad background, abusive father, abandoned by both her father and brother who died the same way, a stalker friend and she deside to fall to the background until she met Jesus and Jesus started bring her out of her shadow.
Thank you, Joanna Alonzo 💖 😘 💓
January 29, 2024
The One Who Wrote Away is a deep, gritty, romantic story about the journey of Caleb, the beautiful soul raised in a loving Christian home and Nolan’s sister, Nova, a gracious, strong woman raised in an abusive household. Alonzo has written a book with prodigals and redemption with moments of humour, meaningful encounters and messy situations. Quote: "And for the first time in her life, Nova said a prayer to a God she had never known, but somehow still felt familiar to her — like a magnificent ancient Force Who had known her since the day He had formed her in her mother’s womb."
May 6, 2025
One word that comes to mind as I reflect on this book is: Finally.
I have so longed for Christian romance that makes faith explicit, where people pray and go to church and grapple with the Bible and have testimonies! I have longed for gritty stories that explore the brokenness of living in a fallen world. I have longed for BIPOC representation in Christian romance.
I got all of that and more in this book!
The writing was beautiful, the characters realistic and the story compelling.
I loved it.
Read this book, ASAP.
I have so longed for Christian romance that makes faith explicit, where people pray and go to church and grapple with the Bible and have testimonies! I have longed for gritty stories that explore the brokenness of living in a fallen world. I have longed for BIPOC representation in Christian romance.
I got all of that and more in this book!
The writing was beautiful, the characters realistic and the story compelling.
I loved it.
Read this book, ASAP.
July 30, 2025
My sister read this book and wanted me to read it to talk with someone about it. I didn't particularly enjoy this book. It had some good themes, like how to enter a relationship God's way, but this was not a book about their love story. This was a book about their past making them who they were in the present, which then affects their (seemingly rushed) love story in the end. (It felt very insta-love.) I didn't know this beforehand and had different expectations going into it. The timelines were weird to me, and I would have enjoyed this book better from a first person POV, as well.
September 29, 2021
Lovely inspirational romance with twists and turns for the characters as they navigate past hurts and for Nova abuse in her past which makes it difficult for her to trust anyone. Forgiveness, building trust again, learning how to love all because of God's grace and forgiveness is key to the plot of the story as well. Enjoyable read and the author kept me wondering how these two would actually get together in the present.
November 25, 2021
I couldn’t put this down…LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this story! God centred, the story shows how God can take broken things, like the characters lives and hearts, and make everything beautiful in His Time.
Loved the insertion of the backgrounds to Nova and Caleb’s childhoods so we can see how the jigsaw pieces fit together to complete the picture!
Really enjoyed this and highly recommend it!
Received this as an Advanced Reader Copy and this opinion is completely my own.
Loved the insertion of the backgrounds to Nova and Caleb’s childhoods so we can see how the jigsaw pieces fit together to complete the picture!
Really enjoyed this and highly recommend it!
Received this as an Advanced Reader Copy and this opinion is completely my own.
September 16, 2021
Well if i was asked, i would say that the concept is entirely how God is Faithful and how He can fix different kinds of brokenness. This book is just absolutely amazing and inspiring. You will not regret reading it and maybe while reading, you'll be able to recognize some things that God has been wanting you to realize for awhile now, like me.
January 12, 2025
This book was so cute!! I really enjoyed it! I like Nova and Caleb and I thought how Part 2 was back in their childhood was super interesting.
You don’t need to have read the other books in this series for this book :) I didn’t and didn’t feel like I was missing anything. I am now going back through the others though, because I enjoyed this one.
Highly recommend!!
You don’t need to have read the other books in this series for this book :) I didn’t and didn’t feel like I was missing anything. I am now going back through the others though, because I enjoyed this one.
Highly recommend!!
September 15, 2021
I loved this story! A writer and a book agent that loves to read!? We get to watch them grow and develop, following them each through their hurts and God’s redemption in their lives. I loved both Caleb and Nova so much! Also - their meet cute. ❤️❤️
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