Simon's Shame: Hers to Redeem

Hers To Redeem

by Janice Cole Hopkins

Simon Carlson couldn’t learn to read and therefore failed at school. Thanks to his bitter father, most people see him as a simpleton or worse. When a new schoolteacher comes to Flagstaff, she treats him as a normal person, even after she finds out that he can’t read or write. She soon has problems of her own, however. Who could be trying to run her off, and can Simon protect his new friend while still protecting his heart?

Audible Audio

Published March 7, 2023

About the author

Janice Cole Hopkins grew up in rural Wilkes County, North Carolina, with an Appalachian heritage. She loved stories and learned to read when she was five. She graduated from Appalachian State University with degrees in history and reading, and she also taught school, wrote and published in magazines, and dreamed of someday publishing a historical novel. Janice has always attended church and has done short and long term mission work. All the profits from her books go to a scholarship fund for missionary children. Sown in Dark Soil is a stand alone novel and is the second book in her Appalachian Roots series.

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Reviews

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Caroline is like a breath of fresh air

I love that she makes no judgement of people from gossip or opinions of others, but prefers to make her own judgements and in doing so she sees the real Simon. The strong, independent, proud but abused man that so many put down and judge. He has real skills and talents that the town don't see or dismiss because of preconceived ideas planted by others. It is beautiful to watch him grow in confidence and in eagerness to learn more about the world, God and life in general as Caroline works her magic on him. He goes from being withdrawn and hermit-like to being a confident and core member of the town, people may not respect him fully but they no longer avoid him or look down on him.
A heartbreaking and frustrating but ultimately sweet historical romance which I read on Kindle Unlimited.

[Elissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely Love Story!

Enjoyed this one! With modern sensibilities, I came up with several explanations of the hero's reading disability (such as dyslexia), then kicked myself. Recognition of, and treatment for, many things we now take for granted as modifiable didn't happen until quite recently. One hundred and fifty years earlier, the un-Christian, but common, approach would have been to label a child who couldn't do schoolwork a dummy and, generally, look down upon him and treat him badly. The narrator for this well-told tale has an exceptionally flexible voice, bringing to life each of the characters.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simon's Shame
Hers to Redeem
By: Janice Cole Hopkins
Narrated by: Adam Skousen

There is something to be said about not judging a person before you get to know them. When Caroline moves to Flagstaff to become the new teacher, she knows the boundaries. Simon is a great man, but they can only be friends. But even their friendship is questioned, putting her job on the line. Simon has difficulty with academics, but his mechanical skills are incredible. While not able to read, he takes in everything around him and knows much more than given credit for. Caroline sees Simon for who he is. When the town questions her intentions though, is she willing to give up her job for the budding love she feels? This is the kind of book that hits the heart! At times I was angry, others falling in love. It's a wonderful listen of being true to yourself and your heart.

Adam Skousen brings this gem to life with a fabulous performance. He can tell all sides of a story with voices perfectly suited for each person and each identifiable so it's easy to know who is speaking. I enjoyed his narration and the story.

[Phyllis Rundell · Rating 5 out of 5]

As she always does, Janice Cole Hopkins has brought us a story that will pull at your heartstrings and yet make you stop and wonder if we individually are guilty of the same type of judgment of others as the town's people were of Simon. Simon could not learn to read or write and his abusive father labeled him an imbecile and, of course, the towns people went along with it. Then along came Caroline, the new school teacher who saw the goodness and kindness in Simon and worked to help him overcome his insecurities. At some point, feelings begin to blossom but Caroline had to work hard to make Simon see he was worthy. Will she be successful and will there be a HEA in their future? As Simon gains confidence in himself, will the towns people begin to see him differently? Be sure and read this outstanding story; it is a real page turner and I know you will enjoy it.

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a sweet story. It illustrates that God has a plan and purpose for everyone. Simon has lived under the shame of not being able to learn to read and write. The people in the town think Simon is stupid. But Caroline, a teacher, and new in town, still wants to befriend him. The story of her acceptance of Simon is so inspiring. She convinces Simon he has worth in God's eyes and is not stupid. Through all the trials that they face they remain friends. Simon finally realizes he is worthy in God's eyes and in Caroline's as well.

The narration is very good and enhances the characters and story.

I requested this audiobook from the author and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.

[BrendaLee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great audiobook that I really enjoyed. I loved that Caroline took Simon for who he was and didn’t treat him different than other people. He had such good qualities in a man that there was no way he couldn’t be liked. I loved the way the author showed that you need to learn someone before you decided to just judge them for what’s on the outside.
Someone wanted Caroline to leave so all kinds of things started happening. The question is…will Caroline stay or will she decide to leave?
A beautiful audiobook that shows Christian characters and some not so Christian. You don’t want to miss this one.
I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook but was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the mother of a dyslexic child (now an adult just retired from teaching) this story breaks my heart. I know the pain of feeling “dumb” because reading is almost impossible. Thankfully learning disabilities are better understood now, but Simon’s pain was real and realistic for the times. Everyone paid the price for his father’s failure to understand he had more to offer than the ability to read. Actually, Janice Cole Hopkins also included my next pet peeve of the era, the ridiculous rules for teachers. This book contains romance, humor, sadness, conflict and a happily ever after. What more could you want?

[ReadingWench · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by Janice Cole Hopkins. I love how this author writes. It's an easy flow that makes you feel like you are there and have known these characters forever. I loved this book. We all have things we don't want others to know because we know we will be judged. This book tells one of those stories.

[Christine Pak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simon's Shame: Hers to Redeem Book 6

Excellent story. The only shame was the abuse Simon's father subjected him to. The death of his father and the arrival of Caroline turned his life around.

[Jessie Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful

This was one of the best stories so far in this series. I've enjoyed them all but, Simon's and Caroline's love story was so sweet and pure. A little mystery thrown in was a bonus. Truly a enjoyable story.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Caroline and Simon

Enjoyable story, but I was a bit dismayed after it ended. I don’t know why the author didn’t have Caroline work with Simon to help him overcome his struggle with reading.

[J.L. Dawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

a heartwarming story

This was so hard to put down. I found myself wanting Simon to develop confidence in himself and I love how the pair brought out the best in each other as love should. A wonderful story with wonderful characters.

[Tracy Forrest · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book…with one exception.

The use of “however” was too often. The plot was good. I like the fact that from the moment of attraction to actual love happened over a normal time period.

[Lea & Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simon's talents

Simon is callously referred to as simple because a learning problem hindered his ability to read. Caroline recognizes his intelligence but there are those who object to any display of friendship. Well written story!

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook of this story. Narrator was great. Simon has always been considered stupid, since he had difficulty with reading and writing. His Father was no help. When Caroline comes to town, to be the new school teacher, Simon hopes there could be a chance for them. Everyone thinks him dumb and being a school teacher, Caroline cannot marry. A number of incidents have occurred, scaring them, but they will persevere in becoming close friends and maybe more. Totally enjoyed listening to the audiobook.
I was given a copy of this audiobook by the author for an honest review.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caroline and Simon were meant to be together. I felt bad for his lack of confidence in himself with his inability to read. I loved how Caroline didn't judge him, took time to get to know him and helped him. A pure love story of selflessness. I really enjoy this author and her style of writing. I love the Christian elements to her books.

I listened to the audiobook and I thought the narration was very well done.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christian Historical Romance

This was a wonderfully interesting and entertaining story! I loved the narrator, the storyline, and the characters. I loved Simon's growth as a believer and as a man worthy of love, with purpose and something to offer the community. I do wish he could have had his education desires fulfilled though.