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Three Rivers #1

Private Sins

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Kelly was in deep trouble; her husband was a pastor and she his loyal first lady. Well she was…until she had an affair with Chris; the first elder of their church. And now she was pregnant with his child. Could she keep the secret from her husband and pretend that all was well? Or should she confess her private sin and let the chips fall where they may?

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First published November 4, 2012

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About the author

Brenda Barrett

111 books237 followers
Brenda Barrett is an award-winning and bestselling author who has a passion for writing real Jamaican romances.

When she's not weaving words that transport readers to exotic locales, you can find her nurturing her green thumb in the garden or doting on her beloved cats.

With an infectious zest for life, this author brings a unique perspective to her writing that is both relatable and thought-provoking.

Don't be surprised if you find yourself lost in the pages of her latest work, as she seamlessly blends romance with some drama, mystery, suspense, or even sci-fi, leaving readers wanting more.
https://www.brenalbar.com/newsletter

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5 stars
554 (49%)
4 stars
324 (29%)
3 stars
155 (13%)
2 stars
49 (4%)
1 star
30 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
2 reviews1 follower
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January 30, 2014
Good read

I like this book. So real, it brings into perspective that even a preacher's family us not immune to marriage problems....
23 reviews1 follower
March 9, 2014
Quick, engaging read ...

This story, though somewhat predictable, was really well told and filled with engaging, believable characters. I have met them all in real layout life.

Theo's character is, by far, most compelling ... he teaches us how cleansing and empowering honesty and forgiveness can be.

The only reason why I did not give the book five stars was because the Jamaican setting of the novel did not ring true - I felt a little more detail and authenticity in terms of dialogue and place description would have been nice. This said, I will read book 3 which seems to tell the rest of Chris' story.
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1,286 reviews14 followers
March 22, 2015
This was a really good read. It shows the Christians are human and are subject error. What I did not like about Kelly is that she tried to hide her sin. As a pastor's wife she should know what is done in the dark will come to light. She was well aware of her actions and what she was doing when she was with Chris. What I did not like is that she did not take any of the blame and tried to place it all on Chris. Which is one reason why a believe she broke as she did, first in order to heal she must first deal with her part in the destruction of no only her marriage but the lives of those connected to her.
Profile Image for Natasha McDaniel.
17 reviews
March 9, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. It was a simple read and very relaxing. I found myself loving all of the characters. I felt so sorry for Chris and sort of hoped he would end up with Kelly. Then I, of course, wanted her to work things out with her husband. I was just all over the place and rooting for everyone to win. I normally hate books that are part of a series but I think I will enjoy this series so I am definitely buying book 2. The reason I didn't give the book 5 stars is because it is a bit predictable and the book on Kindle had typos that irritated me.
Profile Image for Roxie.
61 reviews10 followers
February 8, 2014
Nice read, but a bit predictable. Surely worth checking out the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Cherie l brown.
795 reviews
May 25, 2022
Oh my gosh, this situation here….you will not want to put this novel down. The goings on were enough for me to pause and pray about such situations that folks in the church may be partaking of and having to endure. Kelly was so contrite that you couldn’t dislike her. Her heart of being godly sorry for her role was really felt. So much is at stake in such decisions. Family on the island was a wee bit wretched; and didn’t mind putting you on blast. The manner in which the pastor handled his little bombshell dropping was priceless. She had to walk away feeling less than ant poop. A story of love gained, experienced, lost, and redemption. As a believer, we all must be grateful for His willingness to redeem us from our own sins -regardless of what they were/are.
Profile Image for Ericka.
57 reviews
January 13, 2021
The main character caused so much damage and chaos, but had the nerve to be so whiny and have a breakdown when the truth came out...the audacity lol. However, I will say the story was well written and you felt and understood the emotions of all the characters. This story is about TRUE forgiveness and a marriage overcoming one's own stupidity and sins. I don't believe the author was trying to paint a picture perfect story, but challenge the reader to think "What would I really do in this situation? Would it be God's response or just my emotions?"
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Ann.
1,117 reviews19 followers
November 1, 2018
A story about a pastor and his wife. Kelly his wife was getting tired and lonely because she was always at home with the kids as her husband was doing church functions. Eventually she had an affair with the church elder , Chris a man who she had dated and known before she got married. She ended up with child but whos child was it her husbands or Chris's. Can you forgive and forget is your mate commits adultery? We jus never really know till we may have to deal with it.
Profile Image for Mestaw7.
158 reviews3 followers
October 13, 2020
I love this book. It really tells you what it is like when a spouse crosses the line to infidelity. It was amazing how the church and family put two and two together, but the husband was the last to know. So happy that no matter how bad it seems, things can get better. A must read. You won't be able to put it down. I read this book back in 2013 and re-read it again Oct 2020. Family secrets always have a way of coming out.
Profile Image for Tracee.
222 reviews2 followers
June 6, 2018
Great Book

A true depiction of how things are happening every day, in both the world and in the Christian arena as well. But it is also a reminder, God is still able to heal,deliver, and restore.

Nicely written, a most share for Christian women in relationships and marriages. Prayer & trusting in His Holy Word can change everything that tries to destroy us!!!!
Profile Image for Olamide Vera-Cruz.
58 reviews1 follower
June 10, 2018
Wow!

Kelly and Theo's story had me sitting at the edge of my seat. A true depiction of forgiveness in marriage after an affair, if you ask me. I would recommend it to anyone who is going through such a situation. Having an extra marital affair is not easy to get over, but when there is a child in the mix.... A must read.
Profile Image for Jeslyn.
24 reviews
June 18, 2019
I thought the book was a good read. I was a little upset with the ending at first because it 'just happened' to be the end. Then, I remembered this is the first install of 4 series book...(I think I wrote that right). This happens in the world all too often and one man's faith in God remained. I really enjoyed it. On to the next one...
1,250 reviews9 followers
March 1, 2022
Excellent read

Excellent read, I enjoyed the characters and storyline. Pastor Theo and his wife Kelly are a couple with issues and a lack of communication. Kelly was tempted by Chris and acted on it. The results was hurt and turmoil for all. This is a story of sins, consequences forgiveness and love.
Profile Image for Shawn Pinzon.
884 reviews6 followers
June 18, 2024
Theo and Estella

Private Sins was definitely an entertaining read. This was a good however Estella character made me so angry. When the story got close to the end I was glad the secret was out. I felt sorry for Theo. This is a book I would recommend you read. I'm curious about her sister so I will be reading the next book. This is a new author to me.
Profile Image for Mary Calton Gerard.
1,218 reviews7 followers
August 30, 2024
Good book!

The story could have occurred in real life. I enjoyed the theme of one of the ultimate occasions of forgiveness. Colossians 3:13 and Ephesians 4:32 are just a couple scriptures that I was remembering. Imitation of our Father! Please read and I cannot wait to read book 2 in the series.
205 reviews1 follower
November 10, 2025
Character Development

Interesting storyline. But in trying to develop two dimensional characters, we have multiple personality characters. You never know which personality will speak next. Almost made it to page 30 before I gave up. Maybe it gets better. I have over a hundred unread books so ...
Profile Image for Candice Perkins.
1 review1 follower
February 3, 2019
Couldn't put it down! I read it in one setting. I would recommend to my friend who is also a pastors wife. I gave it 5 stars because it kept my interest.

Very interesting throughout the entire book. No at all trashy like some other Christian novels I have read. A really good read.
197 reviews
January 29, 2021
A nice forgiving book

This book is all about what happens when you or your spouse do something outside of your marriage. Can you be forgiven or do you have a heart that cannot forgive. A beautiful written book thank you
Profile Image for Mariah Gray.
55 reviews
July 1, 2021
Omg

This book was so good i never read anything Hulu this author but I definitely will be. Kelly was pretty foolish and I felt bad for her situation I’m glad she didn’t lose her family in end!!
Profile Image for Samantha.
47 reviews1 follower
June 29, 2024
great read

I enjoyed this read. However, it will have one thinking how strong is your faith? Human emotions always can distract you and cause you to make certain choices rather good or bad.
Profile Image for Kenya Rainey.
1 review
June 29, 2017
Loves Win!

Great book....easy read. Truly enjoyed reading ...Especially when loves win!😊 Looking forward to the next story! Hoping "Erica" finds "Mr. Right"! LOL!
Profile Image for Caroline Haithcoath.
21 reviews
September 25, 2017
Loved it!

Very intriguing read-- kept my interest throughout; even had me in tears at different points. The love of God, trust and communication can most any situation.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
884 reviews14 followers
March 14, 2018
Enjoyable

This was a good book. I was highly irritated with Kelly. She did her marriage a serious disservice. I would recommend this book.
Profile Image for Carol Gibbs.
36 reviews
March 9, 2019
Great Book

This book was good it takes a good man to accept a baby that was conceived inside of the marriage and to love him as his own
Profile Image for Lisa.
14 reviews
December 31, 2019
Not surprising

It amazes me to find some many stories written by black people are written through a fairytale lens. This story was completely unrealistic.
5 reviews
February 26, 2023
Love and forgiveness

A very good story of love, forgiveness and redemption. God's love will always reign, even as man struggles through the mire.
4 reviews
September 18, 2023
Awesome

This was a great read! I’ll definitely be reading more from this author in the future. Another one for the books.
8 reviews
February 12, 2024
Loved it

Really enjoyed reading this book it made me cry but I was happy in the end can't wait to read another book by this author
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews

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