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Grace Sufficient #4
Unforgiven
Redemption isn't free.
Guilty of countless crimes, Vladislav Genkin is desperate to find forgiveness. Violence has long scarred his soul, and his sins push him to Grace Baptist Church to confront Nikolai Alexandrov, one of his victims. Yet Nikolai's forgiveness brings Vlad no peace, and against Vlad's will, he's drawn into the circle of the church and Nikolai's dangerous past.
Katya Voronova rebuilt her life from the shambles of a long-ago divorce, and Vlad's appearance leaves her shaken and besieged by memories better left untouched. Yet she is drawn into the rising danger, and Vlad's past becomes more apparent—and unforgivable.
As the past finally catches up to Vlad and Katya, will they find the forgiveness they crave—and will they discover that grace has already accomplished it?
Guilty of countless crimes, Vladislav Genkin is desperate to find forgiveness. Violence has long scarred his soul, and his sins push him to Grace Baptist Church to confront Nikolai Alexandrov, one of his victims. Yet Nikolai's forgiveness brings Vlad no peace, and against Vlad's will, he's drawn into the circle of the church and Nikolai's dangerous past.
Katya Voronova rebuilt her life from the shambles of a long-ago divorce, and Vlad's appearance leaves her shaken and besieged by memories better left untouched. Yet she is drawn into the rising danger, and Vlad's past becomes more apparent—and unforgivable.
As the past finally catches up to Vlad and Katya, will they find the forgiveness they crave—and will they discover that grace has already accomplished it?
- GenresChristian Fiction
427 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 25, 2024
3 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
About the author
Vanessa Hall
6 books160 followersVanessa Hall is an author, teacher, musician, and homeschool graduate. Her debut novel, Unknown, was published in 2021. Outside of writing, she spends her time teaching music, playing music, and working out. Above all else, though, she is a sinner saved and held fast by the abounding grace of Jesus Christ.
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July 23, 2024Launch team signups!
If you'd like me to share the news about Unforgiven's release (coming August 1st), please sign up here: https://forms.gle/ZPozz9u23BnrKbba8
Thank you all. :)
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July Update: Cover Reveal 7/8 and ARC Copy Signups!
It's almost time for the cover reveal - it's happening next Monday! I am so excited to share this beautiful cover with you.
I'm also opening up slots for ARC signups. If you are interested, please fill out this form: https://forms.gle/u4MZtmqdVJkv4JXb7. Content and description are in the form.
2 Corinthians 12:9
“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
June Update: Cover Reveal!
Edits are coming along, thank the Lord, and the next step in this process is revealing the beautiful cover of this book! If you'd like to help me with this, please sign up here: https://forms.gle/qope1o15DTJwkswX8.
I am more thank thankful for each of you all!
Unforgiven Release Updates!
At one point, I thought I was going to publish this book in 2023, but the Lord has different and far better plans. I'm excited to announce that, Lord willing, Unforgiven will be published this summer. A blurb and cover are to come, and I'm so thankful and honored to be able to share this story of God's abounding and sufficient grace with you!
1 Timothy 1:15
“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.”
If you'd like me to share the news about Unforgiven's release (coming August 1st), please sign up here: https://forms.gle/ZPozz9u23BnrKbba8
Thank you all. :)
----
July Update: Cover Reveal 7/8 and ARC Copy Signups!
It's almost time for the cover reveal - it's happening next Monday! I am so excited to share this beautiful cover with you.
I'm also opening up slots for ARC signups. If you are interested, please fill out this form: https://forms.gle/u4MZtmqdVJkv4JXb7. Content and description are in the form.
2 Corinthians 12:9
“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
June Update: Cover Reveal!
Edits are coming along, thank the Lord, and the next step in this process is revealing the beautiful cover of this book! If you'd like to help me with this, please sign up here: https://forms.gle/qope1o15DTJwkswX8.
I am more thank thankful for each of you all!
Unforgiven Release Updates!
At one point, I thought I was going to publish this book in 2023, but the Lord has different and far better plans. I'm excited to announce that, Lord willing, Unforgiven will be published this summer. A blurb and cover are to come, and I'm so thankful and honored to be able to share this story of God's abounding and sufficient grace with you!
1 Timothy 1:15
“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.”
July 31, 2024
Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher/author. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
An excellent continuation to the Grace Sufficient series!
Vlad and Katya ... their shared past and extremely rocky present added another layer to this book. I may or may not have wanted to strangle Vlad a few times during the first half of this book, but that's one of the things that made his character arc so good. He was very well-developed, and his motivations made sense. And how much he changed and grew over the course of the book was epic. Katya was great. I loved her snarky thoughts, and she was such a brave, caring person in general (except where Vlad was concerned for a good part of the book). Both Vlad and Katya had realistic struggles. They just felt like real people. And of course I loved catching up with all my other friends from the first three books in the series.
Plenty of high stakes, sweet romance, character growth, conflict, and suspenseful moments moved this book along at a fast pace. I appreciated, as always, that Vanessa Hall kept both the language and romance clean. And I loved the characters' faith. It's rare to find a book that is so Christ-centered. I'm looking forward to reading whatever Vanessa writes next!
Overall, Unforgiven was a thrilling, thought-provoking read that I'd recommend to those who enjoy Christian fiction and romantic suspense.
An excellent continuation to the Grace Sufficient series!
Vlad and Katya ... their shared past and extremely rocky present added another layer to this book. I may or may not have wanted to strangle Vlad a few times during the first half of this book, but that's one of the things that made his character arc so good. He was very well-developed, and his motivations made sense. And how much he changed and grew over the course of the book was epic. Katya was great. I loved her snarky thoughts, and she was such a brave, caring person in general (except where Vlad was concerned for a good part of the book). Both Vlad and Katya had realistic struggles. They just felt like real people. And of course I loved catching up with all my other friends from the first three books in the series.
Plenty of high stakes, sweet romance, character growth, conflict, and suspenseful moments moved this book along at a fast pace. I appreciated, as always, that Vanessa Hall kept both the language and romance clean. And I loved the characters' faith. It's rare to find a book that is so Christ-centered. I'm looking forward to reading whatever Vanessa writes next!
Overall, Unforgiven was a thrilling, thought-provoking read that I'd recommend to those who enjoy Christian fiction and romantic suspense.
July 18, 2024
What a ride and what an awesome redemption arch! This story...just wow!
Characters:
Katya was sweet and a dear thing, helping everyone around her. Her fire when it came to keeping others safe was so endearing!
Vlad my goodness that arch! He was gruff and broken, trying to act unfeeling and then....that arch! That's all I can say...just wow! Beautiful!
It was great to see other characters from the series especially my boy Nikolai...though I wish his circumstances didn't have to be so complicated...my poor baby!
Themes:
That no one, no matter what, is beyond God's forgiveness! Nothing can keep us from the Lord...beautiful! He can change and save anyone!
Romance:
A few mentions of attraction and a few kisses nothing detailed.
Language:
N/A
Overall:
This book was so good! Another great installment in the Grace Sufficient Series!
This book has plenty of action, suspense, and even kidnapping to keep readers turning the pages!
*I received a free copy from the author and was not required to leave a good review. Thoughts expressed above are my honest opinion
Characters:
Katya was sweet and a dear thing, helping everyone around her. Her fire when it came to keeping others safe was so endearing!
Vlad my goodness that arch! He was gruff and broken, trying to act unfeeling and then....that arch! That's all I can say...just wow! Beautiful!
It was great to see other characters from the series especially my boy Nikolai...though I wish his circumstances didn't have to be so complicated...my poor baby!
Themes:
That no one, no matter what, is beyond God's forgiveness! Nothing can keep us from the Lord...beautiful! He can change and save anyone!
Romance:
A few mentions of attraction and a few kisses nothing detailed.
Language:
N/A
Overall:
This book was so good! Another great installment in the Grace Sufficient Series!
This book has plenty of action, suspense, and even kidnapping to keep readers turning the pages!
*I received a free copy from the author and was not required to leave a good review. Thoughts expressed above are my honest opinion
March 8, 2025
Solid addition to the series. I feel like I enjoyed the other ones more overall just because I connected with the characters more, but I liked that the MC was a nurse. I think the ending was almost more powerful for the contrast with the characters' pasts. My one annoyance that kept bugging me as I got through the book is I just could not get my brain to consistently picture the MC as being as old as the book said. Maybe the cover just looked younger to me or the inner monologue felt like someone in their 20s, maaaybe early 30s, but I just kept reverting to my initial impressive of the MC being much younger than she was. Maybe it was just me and my stubborn brain...if I look long enough at the cover I can make myself picture her in her 40s or whatever it is like it's supposed to, I just had to keep manually correcting my mental image.
August 10, 2024
I absolutely loved this book. What an incredible story of brokenness, love, and redemption. Every element of this book was so well written.
The Russian setting which I haven’t seen often in books with CIA and government agencies involved it definitely made for a fast paced action packed book.
The dynamic, relatable, and well rounded characters were also wonderful. I could see myself in both the main characters. Obviously I’m not in their situation and pray I never am. But still I’m saved by grace just as they and daily must walk in the Spirit to the very best I can. I especially saw myself in Katya which I admit definitely has challenged me in my walk in a few areas. Vlad and Katya’s story reminded me of a beauty and the Beast sort of story. But a very real version without fairytale magic and bliss. No, here where despair, guilt, and hate have reigned hope, love, and restoration come from the only place they can ever truly come. Through Christ.
This lesson and others ring clear through the whole book. That no one is too far gone to remain unforgiven. God’s love embraces all who repent and willingly come to Him. He brings the change in lives that seem irredeemable. Makes a fortress of Beauty where a prison once stood. I simply MUST go back and read all the previous books in this series.
Thank you to the author for the copy of this book and God bless
*i received an ARC copy from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The Russian setting which I haven’t seen often in books with CIA and government agencies involved it definitely made for a fast paced action packed book.
The dynamic, relatable, and well rounded characters were also wonderful. I could see myself in both the main characters. Obviously I’m not in their situation and pray I never am. But still I’m saved by grace just as they and daily must walk in the Spirit to the very best I can. I especially saw myself in Katya which I admit definitely has challenged me in my walk in a few areas. Vlad and Katya’s story reminded me of a beauty and the Beast sort of story. But a very real version without fairytale magic and bliss. No, here where despair, guilt, and hate have reigned hope, love, and restoration come from the only place they can ever truly come. Through Christ.
This lesson and others ring clear through the whole book. That no one is too far gone to remain unforgiven. God’s love embraces all who repent and willingly come to Him. He brings the change in lives that seem irredeemable. Makes a fortress of Beauty where a prison once stood. I simply MUST go back and read all the previous books in this series.
Thank you to the author for the copy of this book and God bless
*i received an ARC copy from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 5, 2024
Unforgiven by Vanessa Hall is the 4th book in her Grace Sufficient series. I loved the way she showed how God’s love and grace can cover a multitude of sins. Even the most vile offender can find grace in Jesus if they truly ask forgiveness. Pure and simple. The story was rich with the author’s prose and made me feel as if I had a front row seat for the action. I highly recommend this book!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The opinions expressed are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The opinions expressed are completely my own.
August 8, 2024
3.5-4⭐️ Well I have really been looking forward to this book, because I LOVED the first three. It was wonderful to see many “familiar faces” though there were a lot of names to keep track of. It’s been a while since I read 1-3 (or the bonus novella), but I was able to keep up. I still would definitely recommend reading this series in order. You’ll appreciate the people more.
This wasn’t my favorite of the four, not because it was bad at all. It was just a lot of sadness/grief/bitterness/addiction for the first half of the story or so. I also got a bit annoyed at Katya and some of the other Christian’s responses to unsaved people… though to be fair these were tough situations and knowing what happened in them previous books…I can give Grace 😉
As usual in this series, the spiritual content was 5 ⭐️ quality! Loved all the references to Scripture, the story of redemption (when we finally got there), and the victory over sin/lesson on forgiveness.
Highly recommend this entire series, and I hope that, as the author hinted, she will add another book in the future… maybe one with some of these former friend’s perspectives sprinkled in. That would be nice to hear from them Again!
*I received a free ARC copy of this book but was not required to give a positive review (or any review at all!). All opinions above are my own ❤️
This wasn’t my favorite of the four, not because it was bad at all. It was just a lot of sadness/grief/bitterness/addiction for the first half of the story or so. I also got a bit annoyed at Katya and some of the other Christian’s responses to unsaved people… though to be fair these were tough situations and knowing what happened in them previous books…I can give Grace 😉
As usual in this series, the spiritual content was 5 ⭐️ quality! Loved all the references to Scripture, the story of redemption (when we finally got there), and the victory over sin/lesson on forgiveness.
Highly recommend this entire series, and I hope that, as the author hinted, she will add another book in the future… maybe one with some of these former friend’s perspectives sprinkled in. That would be nice to hear from them Again!
*I received a free ARC copy of this book but was not required to give a positive review (or any review at all!). All opinions above are my own ❤️
September 13, 2024
If you know me, you know I don't read a lot of contemporary, suspense / thriller, or romance. But just because I don't read a whole lot of a genre doesn't mean that I won't enjoy it if it's written well. And all four books have been written well in this series. (Though I was reminded why I don't read a lot of suspense / thriller, if the suspense is done well like these books, it's pretty hard to tear myself away. While at the same time being quite afraid for the characters, so I want to look away, haha. It's an interesting tension I can only stand so much of in my reading.)
Well, here we are. At the end of this series, for now. I can remember reading Untold, the third book in this series, and seeing that there was going to be a 4th book featuring Vlad and Katya. The unexpected pairing caught my attention and I was intrigued. So, I had to wait for a bit, but I finally got the story ;) And the pairing definitely made things interesting in multiple ways.
I think, in the end, Untold was my favorite out of the series. I found Molly the most relatable and Nick my favorite male main character. Man, he's been through so much- But I still enjoyed Vlad and Katya's story, and we did get to see life for Molly and Nick after they're married ;) That is one of my favorite things about this series is, you still get to see the characters from other books in the background and be happy for them.
Vlad is a hard case, but of course he is. Despite that, I still liked him. It was good to see how, as he spent more time around the Grace Baptist people, they began to chip away at his resistance, even though he couldn't hardly stand them in the beginning. How little thoughts wove through his doubts and eventually broke his walls down. How Nick's very much undeserved kindness to him modeled Christ's grace and forgiveness <3 That might've been my favorite part, honestly. His distaste for American ways was amusing to me, haha.
Interestingly enough, I didn't like Katya as much as Vlad. She hates him in the beginning because she still loves him, does that make sense? She's just as stubborn, maybe more so than him, and it takes her longer to realize where she's gone wrong. But she's so full of spunk and fire, and cares fiercely for those she loves. (Including Vlad, though she won't admit it for like, 3/4's of the book and resents him all that time, though one could maybe argue she has good cause.) I enjoyed the banter between them, and Katya's fondness of ice cream.
Vlad's (and Nick's) past was cause for plenty of suspense, action, and mystery. It's pretty intense at times, so if you like that sort of thing, this is for you. The plot was good, but the ending had to be my favorite part.
Also, this book was interesting in that it dealt with two older people with regrets and a past between them, rather than two young people just starting out life. But I liked the different twist, the different element it added. How they had to forgive and reconcile to each other, and discover the love they could still share.
The different setting of these books is fun to me. It's not a safe western country, this is Russia, and it makes for a different feel. While I wouldn't want to move to Russia at all, I enjoyed that the setting was someplace different than America.
In summary, if action and suspense, romance with a twist, and redemption is something you enjoy in a story, then this series could be a good match for you. I've really enjoyed reading this series all the way through and getting to see these character change, grow, and fall in love with each other.
(I've reviewed a lot of books on my website and on Goodreads by Kristina and Vanessa Hall. They've both written really good Christian suspense and thriller romance, so check them out if that's your thing.)
Thank you so much for giving me an ARC copy of this book to read and review, Vanessa! It was a pleasure.
Until the next review, may you be blessed,
Abby
Well, here we are. At the end of this series, for now. I can remember reading Untold, the third book in this series, and seeing that there was going to be a 4th book featuring Vlad and Katya. The unexpected pairing caught my attention and I was intrigued. So, I had to wait for a bit, but I finally got the story ;) And the pairing definitely made things interesting in multiple ways.
I think, in the end, Untold was my favorite out of the series. I found Molly the most relatable and Nick my favorite male main character. Man, he's been through so much- But I still enjoyed Vlad and Katya's story, and we did get to see life for Molly and Nick after they're married ;) That is one of my favorite things about this series is, you still get to see the characters from other books in the background and be happy for them.
Vlad is a hard case, but of course he is. Despite that, I still liked him. It was good to see how, as he spent more time around the Grace Baptist people, they began to chip away at his resistance, even though he couldn't hardly stand them in the beginning. How little thoughts wove through his doubts and eventually broke his walls down. How Nick's very much undeserved kindness to him modeled Christ's grace and forgiveness <3 That might've been my favorite part, honestly. His distaste for American ways was amusing to me, haha.
Interestingly enough, I didn't like Katya as much as Vlad. She hates him in the beginning because she still loves him, does that make sense? She's just as stubborn, maybe more so than him, and it takes her longer to realize where she's gone wrong. But she's so full of spunk and fire, and cares fiercely for those she loves. (Including Vlad, though she won't admit it for like, 3/4's of the book and resents him all that time, though one could maybe argue she has good cause.) I enjoyed the banter between them, and Katya's fondness of ice cream.
Vlad's (and Nick's) past was cause for plenty of suspense, action, and mystery. It's pretty intense at times, so if you like that sort of thing, this is for you. The plot was good, but the ending had to be my favorite part.
Also, this book was interesting in that it dealt with two older people with regrets and a past between them, rather than two young people just starting out life. But I liked the different twist, the different element it added. How they had to forgive and reconcile to each other, and discover the love they could still share.
The different setting of these books is fun to me. It's not a safe western country, this is Russia, and it makes for a different feel. While I wouldn't want to move to Russia at all, I enjoyed that the setting was someplace different than America.
In summary, if action and suspense, romance with a twist, and redemption is something you enjoy in a story, then this series could be a good match for you. I've really enjoyed reading this series all the way through and getting to see these character change, grow, and fall in love with each other.
(I've reviewed a lot of books on my website and on Goodreads by Kristina and Vanessa Hall. They've both written really good Christian suspense and thriller romance, so check them out if that's your thing.)
Thank you so much for giving me an ARC copy of this book to read and review, Vanessa! It was a pleasure.
Until the next review, may you be blessed,
Abby
August 1, 2024
“Unforgiven” is the second Vanessa Hall novel I’ve had the pleasure to read. It’s the final installment in her romantic suspense series. Though Vanessa’s storytelling skills and characterization have always been strong, I felt she has taken a definite step forward here with Vladimir and Katya’s story.
Her ability to craft a convincing suspense scenario remains weak, but if you’re reading Vanessa Hall, you’re not reading for the predictable, logical action sequences and “true to life” crises. You’re reading for the characters, and the internal journeys she portrays so vividly and well. Rather than marching them robot-like from growth point to growth point, she allows her characters to develop organically, even cyclically, as they gradually deepen their understanding of God, themselves, and each other through each revolution of their emotional stories.
That being said, spending so much time in Vlad’s head was not pleasant reading—it’s hard to accept that someone could keep living through so much unmitigated, self-inflicted misery—but unfortunately, it’s pretty obvious many people do. His deepening understanding of forgiveness and the relationship between forgiveness and atonement was portrayed well. His obsession with being shot in the head by everyone he met, including the local Baptist pastor, was perhaps unintentionally humorous, but somehow it didn’t feel entirely out of character. Russian humor is nothing if not dark...
Katya was, in my opinion, a much stronger and more believable heroine than Molly in the previous book. I think the author took a risk with Molly, and it didn’t quite work, but Katya, despite her occasional excessive self-analysis was a very satisfactory heroine indeed. The plot required her to be a bit more of the “damsel in distress” than I would have liked, and honestly, than she deserved, but it gave the necessary opening for an otherwise un-shiny character to shine, so I’ll let it slide.
Overall, I’m giving Unforgiven 3.5 stars rounded to 4 on Goodreads.
Thanks to Vanessa Hall for a complimentary review copy. I was not required to leave a positive review.
Her ability to craft a convincing suspense scenario remains weak, but if you’re reading Vanessa Hall, you’re not reading for the predictable, logical action sequences and “true to life” crises. You’re reading for the characters, and the internal journeys she portrays so vividly and well. Rather than marching them robot-like from growth point to growth point, she allows her characters to develop organically, even cyclically, as they gradually deepen their understanding of God, themselves, and each other through each revolution of their emotional stories.
That being said, spending so much time in Vlad’s head was not pleasant reading—it’s hard to accept that someone could keep living through so much unmitigated, self-inflicted misery—but unfortunately, it’s pretty obvious many people do. His deepening understanding of forgiveness and the relationship between forgiveness and atonement was portrayed well. His obsession with being shot in the head by everyone he met, including the local Baptist pastor, was perhaps unintentionally humorous, but somehow it didn’t feel entirely out of character. Russian humor is nothing if not dark...
Katya was, in my opinion, a much stronger and more believable heroine than Molly in the previous book. I think the author took a risk with Molly, and it didn’t quite work, but Katya, despite her occasional excessive self-analysis was a very satisfactory heroine indeed. The plot required her to be a bit more of the “damsel in distress” than I would have liked, and honestly, than she deserved, but it gave the necessary opening for an otherwise un-shiny character to shine, so I’ll let it slide.
Overall, I’m giving Unforgiven 3.5 stars rounded to 4 on Goodreads.
Thanks to Vanessa Hall for a complimentary review copy. I was not required to leave a positive review.
March 23, 2025
10/10
I stopped my backlog when this released & tucked it near the front of the line. I’m a sucker for this series.
Well done! This redemption story was beautiful & both Vlad & Katya were portrayed so perfectly. We all see ourselves way above or below everyone else until we discover how we are being used in His Will. I already love a good salvation story & any good redemptive character arc. I may have cried a few times in this one.
Of course, seeing the previous main characters all throughout the story was a big bonus too. It made it extra fun to see how far this cute little fictional congregation has come in their turbulent circumstances.
Whatever literary project lies ahead for Ms. Hall I look forward to! Otherwise Grace Sufficient will easily earn a hard copy place on my shelves someday or a reread at least!
I stopped my backlog when this released & tucked it near the front of the line. I’m a sucker for this series.
Well done! This redemption story was beautiful & both Vlad & Katya were portrayed so perfectly. We all see ourselves way above or below everyone else until we discover how we are being used in His Will. I already love a good salvation story & any good redemptive character arc. I may have cried a few times in this one.
Of course, seeing the previous main characters all throughout the story was a big bonus too. It made it extra fun to see how far this cute little fictional congregation has come in their turbulent circumstances.
Whatever literary project lies ahead for Ms. Hall I look forward to! Otherwise Grace Sufficient will easily earn a hard copy place on my shelves someday or a reread at least!
August 5, 2024
Wow! Wow wow wow!! This totally reminds me of Paul’s story, in a way. It was intense!!! Yet, I believe it really truly reveals how much Jesus Christ loves us, sinners, to forgive us, no matter what we’ve done!!
I’m so thankful I was given the opportunity to read this! And the entire series! I could’ve just read this one but Vanessa was kind enough to give me the first free to read one exchange for reviews!!! I highly recommend her books!!!!!
This review is completely my own thoughts and opinions.
I’m so thankful I was given the opportunity to read this! And the entire series! I could’ve just read this one but Vanessa was kind enough to give me the first free to read one exchange for reviews!!! I highly recommend her books!!!!!
This review is completely my own thoughts and opinions.
August 13, 2024
*I was given an early ecopy from the author. This does not affect my review. This review is voluntary.*
I loved this one! I had a feeling that I would, but to actually get to experience a story I love so much...Such a wonderful gift. This one was the perfect culmination of what makes this series special, and while selfishly (or maybe not, since I'm sure I'm not alone in this...haha) I really would love to see another book or two in this series. But, if it must end here, this is a good one to finish with.
I enjoyed getting to see Vlad's story as he goes through quite the endeavor, but I also really liked getting to see others we've met and watch grow and come to Christ throughout the series as well. I was somewhat surprised that we didn't get a bit more of one grumpy old mobster in particular, especially since I imagine by the end of the story him and Vlad could have some interesting conversations! Of that I have no doubt! But I also understand the choice in a way, since he does get a rather large part in some of the previous books.
I also really loved that Katya was part of this one! We see her around, and at church, in the previous books, but this was the first time we really get the chance to know her. I felt like we even knew Vlad slightly more than Katya, at least in a small way, until now. So, getting to see them both, and seeing them both getting a chance to finally catch a glimpse of Hope was a pleasant surprise! The messages of healing, hope, forgiveness, and the beautiful love of Jesus made for a refreshing story, and one I thoroughly enjoyed!
I loved this one! I had a feeling that I would, but to actually get to experience a story I love so much...Such a wonderful gift. This one was the perfect culmination of what makes this series special, and while selfishly (or maybe not, since I'm sure I'm not alone in this...haha) I really would love to see another book or two in this series. But, if it must end here, this is a good one to finish with.
I enjoyed getting to see Vlad's story as he goes through quite the endeavor, but I also really liked getting to see others we've met and watch grow and come to Christ throughout the series as well. I was somewhat surprised that we didn't get a bit more of one grumpy old mobster in particular, especially since I imagine by the end of the story him and Vlad could have some interesting conversations! Of that I have no doubt! But I also understand the choice in a way, since he does get a rather large part in some of the previous books.
I also really loved that Katya was part of this one! We see her around, and at church, in the previous books, but this was the first time we really get the chance to know her. I felt like we even knew Vlad slightly more than Katya, at least in a small way, until now. So, getting to see them both, and seeing them both getting a chance to finally catch a glimpse of Hope was a pleasant surprise! The messages of healing, hope, forgiveness, and the beautiful love of Jesus made for a refreshing story, and one I thoroughly enjoyed!
July 24, 2024
I just finished it this evening, which I'm sad about because I never wanted that beautiful story to end!!! 😭💔 All I can say is Vanessa Hall has done it again!
RTC!
RTC!
December 14, 2024
5 stars. It’s been a long time since
Untold
came out, and to be honest I forgot LOTS of the characters and plot. So I had some relearning to do, plus I probably missed connections and plot points. However, I was quickly sucked in and boy did I ever love it.
I found Katya + Vlad enjoyable MCs. I didn’t hugely relate to either but they were super interesting and entertaining. At first I had some difficulties getting into the story because of Vlad’s utter brokenness but after about 4/5 chapters I got on a roll and couldn’t put the book down, no matter how it got.
The plot was quite the rollercoaster, especially at the end. I love how Nick’s story came in a lot, and Egveny’s a bit too. I thought Vlad’s conversion was SO well done + paced. I loved the climax, and I absolutely loved the messages. Not just Vlad’s about forgiveness and freedom, but also (maybe mostly) Katya’s about finding satisfaction in Jesus and not idolizing family or romance. This was such a fascinating finish to the series (even if I wish Daniil was getting a story!) and I cannot wait to reread all these books.
Content: medium (semi-detailed) violence—beatings, kidnappings, hostage-holding, attempted murders. Vlad is addicted to alcohol and pills. Katya, divorced, flirts with Stanislav in spite of being convicted that she can’t marry him.
A Favourite Quote: Yet in the end—what was left? Only Him…. Everything else would all be gone in short hours, leaving only an all-sufficient Savior Who loved her…. Vlad would be gone. Stanislav, too—then why had she dreamed and hoped over him? Every child would be gone, too—the dreams of those she’d never had and those she loved so deeply. Then why had she thought Stanislav—or Vlad—could love her as Jesus did? That a man would make her happier than the very King of all the earth? Had she truly believed a baby was better than the Lord of all and would bring her more fulfillment than the path He had chosen for her? Lies. Lies that had led her into unforgiveness and covetousness—into sin abounding…. Oh, Vlad was a sinner—yet so was she.
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “Do you ... do you want to talk about it? … If you don’t want to, please don’t. I never really like talking when I’m upset, either.” Molly drew a shaky breath. “Would you like some tea, maybe? That always helps. At least most of the time, for me.”
Molly would never make a good counselor.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
I found Katya + Vlad enjoyable MCs. I didn’t hugely relate to either but they were super interesting and entertaining. At first I had some difficulties getting into the story because of Vlad’s utter brokenness but after about 4/5 chapters I got on a roll and couldn’t put the book down, no matter how it got.
The plot was quite the rollercoaster, especially at the end. I love how Nick’s story came in a lot, and Egveny’s a bit too. I thought Vlad’s conversion was SO well done + paced. I loved the climax, and I absolutely loved the messages. Not just Vlad’s about forgiveness and freedom, but also (maybe mostly) Katya’s about finding satisfaction in Jesus and not idolizing family or romance. This was such a fascinating finish to the series (even if I wish Daniil was getting a story!) and I cannot wait to reread all these books.
Content: medium (semi-detailed) violence—beatings, kidnappings, hostage-holding, attempted murders. Vlad is addicted to alcohol and pills. Katya, divorced, flirts with Stanislav in spite of being convicted that she can’t marry him.
A Favourite Quote: Yet in the end—what was left? Only Him…. Everything else would all be gone in short hours, leaving only an all-sufficient Savior Who loved her…. Vlad would be gone. Stanislav, too—then why had she dreamed and hoped over him? Every child would be gone, too—the dreams of those she’d never had and those she loved so deeply. Then why had she thought Stanislav—or Vlad—could love her as Jesus did? That a man would make her happier than the very King of all the earth? Had she truly believed a baby was better than the Lord of all and would bring her more fulfillment than the path He had chosen for her? Lies. Lies that had led her into unforgiveness and covetousness—into sin abounding…. Oh, Vlad was a sinner—yet so was she.
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “Do you ... do you want to talk about it? … If you don’t want to, please don’t. I never really like talking when I’m upset, either.” Molly drew a shaky breath. “Would you like some tea, maybe? That always helps. At least most of the time, for me.”
Molly would never make a good counselor.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
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