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The Syrian Virgin #2
Anissa's Redemption
Anissa Toma fled war-torn Syria after narrowly escaping the massacre of her Christian family by Islamists. Fortunate enough to rebuild her shattered life in New York City, the young refugee gained admission to an elite college, where she excelled. Her beauty, brains, and purity soon captured the interest of two powerful men: Michael, an activist working to establish Antioch, the first Mideast Christian state, and Julien, her professor and one of the city’s wealthiest bachelors.
As Anissa's saga continues, the refugee-turned-rising-star must navigate between Michael and Julien, while trying to help her surviving relatives and other vulnerable Christians in Syria. As she gets closer to both men in a complex and evolving love triangle, can she unlock Julien's traumatic childhood to open up his heart? Or will Julien find greater solace from his nightmares and other demons in the sessions with his intriguing therapist? What will Michael do for Antioch and for Anissa, and what will Julien's role be? How far will each person go to help Anissa's remaining family and other persecuted Christians at risk in Syria? Find out in this stunning sequel to "The Syrian Virgin."
As Anissa's saga continues, the refugee-turned-rising-star must navigate between Michael and Julien, while trying to help her surviving relatives and other vulnerable Christians in Syria. As she gets closer to both men in a complex and evolving love triangle, can she unlock Julien's traumatic childhood to open up his heart? Or will Julien find greater solace from his nightmares and other demons in the sessions with his intriguing therapist? What will Michael do for Antioch and for Anissa, and what will Julien's role be? How far will each person go to help Anissa's remaining family and other persecuted Christians at risk in Syria? Find out in this stunning sequel to "The Syrian Virgin."
211 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 27, 2015
10 people are currently reading
597 people want to read
About the author
Zack Love
8 books1,102 followersPardon the minimal content here. You're more likely to find new stuff on my author site: http://zacklove.com
And here's my bio:
Zack Love graduated from Harvard College, where he studied mostly literature, psychology, philosophy, and film. After college, he moved to New York City and took a corporate consulting job that had absolutely nothing to do with his studies. The attacks of September 11, 2001 inspired him to write a novelette titled “The Doorman" (http://tinyurl.com/TheDoormanAmazon), and heightened his interest in the Middle East. A decade later, that interest extended to the Syrian Civil war, which provided the backdrop for his latest work. In late 2013, Zack began releasing his unpublished works of fiction and became a full-time author. He has published comedy, psychological and philosophical fiction, and romance. Zack enjoys confining himself to one genre about as much as he likes trying to sum up his existence in one paragraph.
And here's my bio:
Zack Love graduated from Harvard College, where he studied mostly literature, psychology, philosophy, and film. After college, he moved to New York City and took a corporate consulting job that had absolutely nothing to do with his studies. The attacks of September 11, 2001 inspired him to write a novelette titled “The Doorman" (http://tinyurl.com/TheDoormanAmazon), and heightened his interest in the Middle East. A decade later, that interest extended to the Syrian Civil war, which provided the backdrop for his latest work. In late 2013, Zack began releasing his unpublished works of fiction and became a full-time author. He has published comedy, psychological and philosophical fiction, and romance. Zack enjoys confining himself to one genre about as much as he likes trying to sum up his existence in one paragraph.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
November 5, 2015
This book is the conclusion to The Syrian Virgin Series, and though it has a thorough summary of book one included in book two, PLEASE do yourself a favor and read The Syrian Virgin first. You won't get the brilliance of the entire series without doing so. I'm an avid reader, averaging 1 book every 1-2 days, and I can say without a doubt that this is one of the BEST written series and least predictable (in a good way) that I've ever read. Not only is this a love story, this is a story about how a Syrian Christian Refugee was able to deal with the demons of her past and transform into a beautiful woman through healing, the love of those around her, and her journal entries, through which she communicates with the reader. But if that wasn't enough to draw you in, this series includes real life current events of what is going on in the Middle East right now with Isis and their persecution of religious minorities. It brings together current events and weaves them flawlessly into this fictional love story, bringing together romance and educating us on what is going on with so many people in the world today. It has to be nearly impossible to come up with an HEA love story when it includes the many horrors and rising threat of ISIS in the book and yet author Zack has done exactly that. This is not a Christian book, and it's not an anti-Muslim book, yet it details what is going on around us currently and gives a voice to those who are persecuted. I think this is one of those "Must Read" books that EVERYONE should read, and I feel it will forever change you for the better. Don't miss this Masterpiece!
April 9, 2015
** Beta reader - ARC provided by the Author of an honest review.**
After a first thrilling book, Zack Love succeeded to gave us an EPIC story, that leave you stuck to your seat!
We follow Anissa’s journey through the heal of her traumatizing past, as a Syrian refugee, and the discovery of herself but also finding love and torn between two men.
Yeah Zack Love didn’t chose the easy way to tell us her story and it was very challenging.
The writing about Anissa’s situation was well researched, so effectively translated into reality.
Reading her diary, how excruciating and demanding her life was, totally ripped my heart.
Each day, her diary was a testimony of her healing through a bright future, helping her to embrace her past. The way things were exposed was powerful, her words were poignant, as a reminder that she escaped a life of hell, for a new one when she had to discover herself as well, without her relatives, on her own.For her young age, she went through a lot.
Her beauty, classy behavior, brains attracted two different men : Michael, a man who risk daily his life for what he believed, passionate and Julien, the opposite, wealthy bachelor, having issues from past that kept haunting him.
The romance part was more developed on this one, with Anissa’s struggling between the future leader of Antioch and a man who can completely understand her, more alike the he seemed to be.
Michael continued his fight for the creation of Antioch. This guy was definitely a hero here, risking his life everyday for his convictions. He was passionate and his connection with Anissa was obviously natural but things were blurred, between friendship and love.
Julien was definitely a wonderful surprise! His character was so interesting and reading his journals with his honesty, pragmatism, and with no filter was mesmerizing.
The part of psychology was also great to read, like we were into their minds and experience their feelings. Through his relationship with Anissa, we could sense his evolution to a darkness place to a brighter one, when he could see a future. He was really opened up and Anissa’s was the trigger to his salvation but also to this downfall.
Besides the romance part, the reminder of the safety of Anissa’s family and the horrible situation in the Middle East was gut-wrenching. Reading how she felt about being helpless and how things went there, was moving and described in a realistic way. It was tough, sometimes even bearable.
But you were facing the reality of the word, where minorities were tortured and innocent people died.
It was relevant and insightful. The author showed us how to see things in a bigger picture.
This story was such a whirlwind of emotions, melting love, passion, lust, with the atrocities and trauma from war.
On their path for recovery and grieving, Anissa and Julien bared their souls into their diary and journals, and the threat of revealing their true colors was maintained until the end. And again it was brilliant, absolutely suspenseful, and a hell of shock for the big revelation!!!
Trust was a huge issue and their relationship was strained so many times that I was so relieved that this story ended with HEA, because after all these characters put up with, they deserved it.
I highly recommend this series, which is for me a beautiful masterpiece, written in a very, very smart way. It was just OUTSTANDING!
For the record, for those who don’t read the first book, and even if there is a summary in the beginning of Anissa’s Redemption, you should read The Syrian Virgin before, to get the full experience.
So take a time for one click and read it, you won’t regret it! A MUST READ!
After a first thrilling book, Zack Love succeeded to gave us an EPIC story, that leave you stuck to your seat!
We follow Anissa’s journey through the heal of her traumatizing past, as a Syrian refugee, and the discovery of herself but also finding love and torn between two men.
Yeah Zack Love didn’t chose the easy way to tell us her story and it was very challenging.
The writing about Anissa’s situation was well researched, so effectively translated into reality.
Reading her diary, how excruciating and demanding her life was, totally ripped my heart.
Each day, her diary was a testimony of her healing through a bright future, helping her to embrace her past. The way things were exposed was powerful, her words were poignant, as a reminder that she escaped a life of hell, for a new one when she had to discover herself as well, without her relatives, on her own.For her young age, she went through a lot.
Her beauty, classy behavior, brains attracted two different men : Michael, a man who risk daily his life for what he believed, passionate and Julien, the opposite, wealthy bachelor, having issues from past that kept haunting him.
The romance part was more developed on this one, with Anissa’s struggling between the future leader of Antioch and a man who can completely understand her, more alike the he seemed to be.
Michael continued his fight for the creation of Antioch. This guy was definitely a hero here, risking his life everyday for his convictions. He was passionate and his connection with Anissa was obviously natural but things were blurred, between friendship and love.
Julien was definitely a wonderful surprise! His character was so interesting and reading his journals with his honesty, pragmatism, and with no filter was mesmerizing.
The part of psychology was also great to read, like we were into their minds and experience their feelings. Through his relationship with Anissa, we could sense his evolution to a darkness place to a brighter one, when he could see a future. He was really opened up and Anissa’s was the trigger to his salvation but also to this downfall.
Besides the romance part, the reminder of the safety of Anissa’s family and the horrible situation in the Middle East was gut-wrenching. Reading how she felt about being helpless and how things went there, was moving and described in a realistic way. It was tough, sometimes even bearable.
But you were facing the reality of the word, where minorities were tortured and innocent people died.
It was relevant and insightful. The author showed us how to see things in a bigger picture.
This story was such a whirlwind of emotions, melting love, passion, lust, with the atrocities and trauma from war.
On their path for recovery and grieving, Anissa and Julien bared their souls into their diary and journals, and the threat of revealing their true colors was maintained until the end. And again it was brilliant, absolutely suspenseful, and a hell of shock for the big revelation!!!
Trust was a huge issue and their relationship was strained so many times that I was so relieved that this story ended with HEA, because after all these characters put up with, they deserved it.
I highly recommend this series, which is for me a beautiful masterpiece, written in a very, very smart way. It was just OUTSTANDING!
For the record, for those who don’t read the first book, and even if there is a summary in the beginning of Anissa’s Redemption, you should read The Syrian Virgin before, to get the full experience.
So take a time for one click and read it, you won’t regret it! A MUST READ!
March 23, 2015
The story takes over from where The Syrian Virgin left off. Anissa is dealing with her feelings about Julien and Michael, while also dealing with moving forward with her college education, as well as worrying about the fate of her family who are in Raqqa.
Some of the issues? Julien's past, which he does not wish to speak to anyone about, including his therapist - specifically, after Anissa finally reveals the truth of her past to him. While he knows that the relationship he has with Anissa is special, Julien's past is one that he wants to open up to Anissa about, slowly. The two of them work on ways that Julien can show that he trusts Anissa while not opening up completely (at first), but their effort backfires and causes even more turmoil between the two of them.
Further, Anissa's sister ends up in a very dangerous situation - and Anissa needs the help of both Julien and Michael in order to assist Maria.
It is hard for me to express how much I enjoyed these two books. Not only are you getting the love story, but you are also being educated about the turmoil in the Middle East, and the atrocities that are happening there. What some people have to endure there, in their home towns, is frightening. You cannot help but want to be like the characters in the book, and find a way to educate people about what is happening. Without wanting to find ways yourself to help in any way possible.
Once again, I found it hard to put the book down. I was drawn into the story, which had a few twists I really did not see coming. I enjoy the characters and like them - and I am totally #teamJulien. There, I said it - I picked a side. Really, I picked that side while reading the first book.
I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys a good, entertaining, interesting story. I recommend it for those who simply want to learn more about our world as well.
Some of the issues? Julien's past, which he does not wish to speak to anyone about, including his therapist - specifically, after Anissa finally reveals the truth of her past to him. While he knows that the relationship he has with Anissa is special, Julien's past is one that he wants to open up to Anissa about, slowly. The two of them work on ways that Julien can show that he trusts Anissa while not opening up completely (at first), but their effort backfires and causes even more turmoil between the two of them.
Further, Anissa's sister ends up in a very dangerous situation - and Anissa needs the help of both Julien and Michael in order to assist Maria.
It is hard for me to express how much I enjoyed these two books. Not only are you getting the love story, but you are also being educated about the turmoil in the Middle East, and the atrocities that are happening there. What some people have to endure there, in their home towns, is frightening. You cannot help but want to be like the characters in the book, and find a way to educate people about what is happening. Without wanting to find ways yourself to help in any way possible.
Once again, I found it hard to put the book down. I was drawn into the story, which had a few twists I really did not see coming. I enjoy the characters and like them - and I am totally #teamJulien. There, I said it - I picked a side. Really, I picked that side while reading the first book.
I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys a good, entertaining, interesting story. I recommend it for those who simply want to learn more about our world as well.
March 26, 2015
The sequel to The Syrian Virgin is as excellent and well-written as the first book. Continuing with Anissa’s story, we are once again thrown into the midst of her religious conflict as well as her feelings for Michael and Julien.
There is a very detailed summary of The Syrian Virgin at the beginning of this book, but I would suggest reading Book One to get the full effect of this magnificent story. It will take you deeper into Anissa’s ordeal and make this second book more enjoyable. The subject is still difficult, but you will understand it better.
Zack Love throws us once again into Anissa’s life, where she continues to work towards the completion of her college studies while keeping her involvement with the MCA to help her family in Syria. She finds herself getting closer to Julien as they each struggle to keep their demons at bay, fighting to overcome those nightmares. When Michael returns from Syria, complications and trust issues arise, intensifying the love triangle.
Twists and turns which I definitely didn’t see coming kept me glued to my chair as I read to figure out what was happening. When Julien finally decides to reveal his sordid past to Anissa, that was one very intense moment where I found myself holding my breath. That was one unexpected shocker.
Anissa’s Redemption is beautifully written, with so much passion and emotion. The insight into the current terrors in Syria is done so well, weaving itself into the story so as to avoid being a documentary. Although so much history is put into this book, it is ultimately a love story where characters help each other overcome their fears. It shows how love can help us see the world with different eyes and still be able to see the horrors of the world and work at finding ways to fix them.
Do yourself a favor and pick up this book, and if you haven’t yet, read The Syrian Virgin as well. It is definitely one of my favorites of 2015.
There is a very detailed summary of The Syrian Virgin at the beginning of this book, but I would suggest reading Book One to get the full effect of this magnificent story. It will take you deeper into Anissa’s ordeal and make this second book more enjoyable. The subject is still difficult, but you will understand it better.
Zack Love throws us once again into Anissa’s life, where she continues to work towards the completion of her college studies while keeping her involvement with the MCA to help her family in Syria. She finds herself getting closer to Julien as they each struggle to keep their demons at bay, fighting to overcome those nightmares. When Michael returns from Syria, complications and trust issues arise, intensifying the love triangle.
Twists and turns which I definitely didn’t see coming kept me glued to my chair as I read to figure out what was happening. When Julien finally decides to reveal his sordid past to Anissa, that was one very intense moment where I found myself holding my breath. That was one unexpected shocker.
Anissa’s Redemption is beautifully written, with so much passion and emotion. The insight into the current terrors in Syria is done so well, weaving itself into the story so as to avoid being a documentary. Although so much history is put into this book, it is ultimately a love story where characters help each other overcome their fears. It shows how love can help us see the world with different eyes and still be able to see the horrors of the world and work at finding ways to fix them.
Do yourself a favor and pick up this book, and if you haven’t yet, read The Syrian Virgin as well. It is definitely one of my favorites of 2015.
March 25, 2015
How do I put into words how much a story affected me that it left me speechless.
I got this as a ARC. Needless to say I couldn't put it down. Some wise person compared this as a roller coaster ride and I really have to agree. It had me holding on at moments and raising my hands feeling the wind in others.
Mr. Love has taken present day news of the Middle East and educated readers with terrifying actions and mix in a love story. He keeps you interested with historical events while keeping in tune with the lives of his characters.
To me this is not only about suffering but it is also about love and trust. How far would anyone go to lay it all on the line knowing it could all be taken away? Could we trust someone with the knowledge that could destroy your life? And could you live with yourself knowing something so terrifying that you question who that person really was? Well this is what these characters faced. And Mr. Love wrote with such feeling that you lived each moment along the way.
In the first book I didn't like the character Michael but at the end of AR I really learned to like and respect him..... Thank you very much Mr. Love....
At the beginning I told you this book left me speechless and here I have run my mouth. But I had to share how this book touched me. It is the best so far. This series will remain with me. And i highly recommend it to you.
I got this as a ARC. Needless to say I couldn't put it down. Some wise person compared this as a roller coaster ride and I really have to agree. It had me holding on at moments and raising my hands feeling the wind in others.
Mr. Love has taken present day news of the Middle East and educated readers with terrifying actions and mix in a love story. He keeps you interested with historical events while keeping in tune with the lives of his characters.
To me this is not only about suffering but it is also about love and trust. How far would anyone go to lay it all on the line knowing it could all be taken away? Could we trust someone with the knowledge that could destroy your life? And could you live with yourself knowing something so terrifying that you question who that person really was? Well this is what these characters faced. And Mr. Love wrote with such feeling that you lived each moment along the way.
In the first book I didn't like the character Michael but at the end of AR I really learned to like and respect him..... Thank you very much Mr. Love....
At the beginning I told you this book left me speechless and here I have run my mouth. But I had to share how this book touched me. It is the best so far. This series will remain with me. And i highly recommend it to you.
March 25, 2015
This is a book most Americans should read. We often complain of our country taking care of foreign countries but after you read this book, you won't feel the same. Anissa is able to escape the horror of war that her country is currently battling. How would you find your strength to escape while your very own family is being tortured while you are alone but free? Most have no clue what foreign countries go through daily just to survive. Anissa is free to go to college and help spread the word of the horror that takes place in her country but the costs are high and whom to trust with her secrets are higher. Annissa finds it hard to trust but has found two men who want to help her, one is a very good friend with foreign connections and the other is a billionaire but also her college professor. Secrets must be told in order to gain trust but which man should she trust and which one does she need the most to help her in freeing her country from death and destruction.
This book touches a lot of topics and a lot of emotions. The topics are real life for many. This author has done an amazing job in researching the accuracy of the information within this book.
This book touches a lot of topics and a lot of emotions. The topics are real life for many. This author has done an amazing job in researching the accuracy of the information within this book.
March 29, 2015
I was asked by the author Zack Love to Beta Read this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This is Mismousey’s very honest opinion of his MASTER PIECE OF CREATIVITY!! OMG- I DO MEAN THAT THIS IS A PURE WORK GENIUS AND VERY DETAILED AND SO WELL DESCRIBED . Anissa’s Redemption takes up right where his first book leaves off. However, it can be read as a stand alone.
Mr Love has such a creative way with his writing skills – he can take something that would come out of todays head lines of the paper and turn it into something extraordinary !! Anissa Redemption The story in this book is truly a remarkable one. One that is filled with tragedy and love for her family. What Anissa went through to get from Syrian to America. What she witness that last night her parents were alive – an what the terrorists put her through that night.
We have our same 3 loveable characters that we had in our first book- Julien, Anissa and Michael. In Anissa Redemption we add a few more favorite characters to our group. Maria ( who is Anissa’s big sister) then we have Juliens shrink, and several little minor characters.
Anissa is torn between Julien and Michael although she is seeing Julien. Michael it seems had taken back up with his former girlfriend. Now as far as Anissa was concerned she considered Julien her professor and did not want to over step the boundaries.
As for Julian he has a horrible secrete that he is hiding and has been since he was a young child. He hasn’t even told his shrink its that bad. As for Anissa she also is hiding something. A secrete that only her shrink knows. will she be able to finally tell someone?? And what about Julian- will be able to come clean with his??
What happens to Maria and the rest of the family overseas?? Are they able to reach safety?? This story has so many twist and turns in it. You never know which way to turn. It keeps you on the edge of your seat reading it. Or rather it keeps you on the edge of the page reading it!. I would not doubt that Mr Love’s book Anissa’s Redemption makes the top 10 Amazon Best Seller List this Year. That is how amaZing- terrific- fantastic- eagerly awaited this book is !!!!
I recommend this book for readers over the age of 16 due to the graphic scenes in it. Mis mousey also gives it a rating of rating of 50 out 5 stars!! NOW WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR ?? RUN AND GET YOUR COPY TODAY!! THIS IS THE NEXT BEST SELLER BY ZACK LOVE AND YOU HAVE TO READ IT !!
March 26, 2015
As a follow up to The Syrian Virgin, this book is a powerful statement of the struggles people from other countries experience while we live our lives ignorant or distanced from their plight. I found myself feeling woefully inadequate as a human being. We take the freedoms we enjoy as just how folks live, when, in fact, many do not have these luxuries. Anissa's journey from hell to happiness is a formidable distance to travel, yet she does so with a loving heart and a zeal we could all strive for. For any christian, I think it can be said that this tale shows what real faith is. Being so secure in your beliefs that you would pay the ultimate price instead of bowing to pressure from outside. What we see of the Syrian's plight, and more so Anissa's family's fight to be safe is awe inspiring. This book doesn't focus on debating one religion over another. Instead, it focuses on the fight for right vs wrong. No one should be murdered because they don't share the same views. And harming another person because you think your view is the only right view needs to be stopped. This is a must read for anyone who loves human interest centered stories. While the political, economic, and religious fight is going on, this book follows Anissa as she struggles to find herself and fall in love, while she fights to support saving her family and her people. She is just one young refugee who makes a huge difference while losing so much more than one person should. She is also just a college student, studying to fulfill a promise to her father. The love triangle between Anissa, Michael and Julien is really well done. There is no way you could even have predicted how it turns out. That is my favorite part of a well done sequel. There are so many oh my gosh moments as we get to know more about the characters. I think there are many things to be learned from this book that anyone could find something gained from reading this. Bravo, Zack. You did the story proud. I will definitely be looking forward to what this author writes next.
March 27, 2015
Just when I thought that Zack Love had written his most impressive novel to date when he wrote "The Syrian Virgin", he pleasantly surprises me with “Anissa’s Redemption!” I had such a book hangover afterward that it took awhile for me to come out of my literary fog.
Many times when a book I really love ends with a cliffhanger, I find myself hanging onto those last few words and images in hopes that the sequel will be written soon after so that I won’t forget all of its excitement and the feelings the writer has evoked. I worry, too, that with all the anticipation and expectation leading up to the sequel, in the end, it will fall short and leave me disappointed with the series.
This was DEFINITELY not the case with Zack Love’s sequel to “The Syrian Virgin” called “Anissa’s Redemption.” In fact, it was so much better than I ever imagined it would be and it did NOT disappoint!
In “Anissa’s Redemption”, I loved how (seemingly) effortless it was for Zack to pick up where he ended in “The Syrian Virgin” and how from the very beginning, the plot and all his characters continued to evolve and develop throughout. Zack’s intelligent writing and extensive research also continued to paint an accurate and compelling portrayal of the religious struggles caused by Syrian Civil War. But what I loved most about “Anissa’s Redemption was his brilliant ability to peel away more and more of Anissa, Michael and Julien’s "layers" to reveal their true selves and their darkest secrets before the readers’ eyes and not only make them appear more human, but more endearing as well.
In writing "Anissa’s Redemption", Zack created an exciting and quite an emotional roller coaster ride and with every twist and turn of events, he takes his readers through many surprising developments and defining moments!
Definitely a must read!
Many times when a book I really love ends with a cliffhanger, I find myself hanging onto those last few words and images in hopes that the sequel will be written soon after so that I won’t forget all of its excitement and the feelings the writer has evoked. I worry, too, that with all the anticipation and expectation leading up to the sequel, in the end, it will fall short and leave me disappointed with the series.
This was DEFINITELY not the case with Zack Love’s sequel to “The Syrian Virgin” called “Anissa’s Redemption.” In fact, it was so much better than I ever imagined it would be and it did NOT disappoint!
In “Anissa’s Redemption”, I loved how (seemingly) effortless it was for Zack to pick up where he ended in “The Syrian Virgin” and how from the very beginning, the plot and all his characters continued to evolve and develop throughout. Zack’s intelligent writing and extensive research also continued to paint an accurate and compelling portrayal of the religious struggles caused by Syrian Civil War. But what I loved most about “Anissa’s Redemption was his brilliant ability to peel away more and more of Anissa, Michael and Julien’s "layers" to reveal their true selves and their darkest secrets before the readers’ eyes and not only make them appear more human, but more endearing as well.
In writing "Anissa’s Redemption", Zack created an exciting and quite an emotional roller coaster ride and with every twist and turn of events, he takes his readers through many surprising developments and defining moments!
Definitely a must read!
March 13, 2016
Anissa’s Redemption is the second and concluding part of Zack Love’s Syrian Virgin series. In the first book we were introduced to 16-year old Anissa, living with her family in the Syrian city of Homs at the start of the civil war. Being Christians, they became targets for the Islamist extremists and Anissa was forced to flee from her home. She must now build a new life for herself in New York as she comes to terms with the tragic loss of her family.
In this sequel, Anissa must make some difficult decisions about her relationships and finally come to terms with the secrets of her past she kept hidden from everyone, including herself.
But she is not the only one hiding deep and troubling secrets.
Through her letters we see Anissa’s struggle with her feelings for the two men in her life: fellow student Michael who leads the Mideast Christian Association, working to help fellow Christians in war-torn Syria; and Julien, her wealthy and charismatic college lecturer whose own secrets threaten their growing relationship.
Anissa’s Redemption, told through letters and journal entries takes the reader on a roller-coaster journey. Written with a sympathetic understanding of the realities of the situation in the Middle East and its affect on the people involved, this book presents both a touching and romantic story combined with stark reality and a glimpse of the darker side of the human soul.
In Anissa, Zack Love has created a strong but vulnerable character who I found myself wishing was real. It is much more common these days to find strong female characters, both in books and in film. As she fights her demons and builds a better life for herself, Anissa is one of the most captivating of this new breed of leading ladies.
An excellent conclusion to a moving and well written story.
In this sequel, Anissa must make some difficult decisions about her relationships and finally come to terms with the secrets of her past she kept hidden from everyone, including herself.
But she is not the only one hiding deep and troubling secrets.
Through her letters we see Anissa’s struggle with her feelings for the two men in her life: fellow student Michael who leads the Mideast Christian Association, working to help fellow Christians in war-torn Syria; and Julien, her wealthy and charismatic college lecturer whose own secrets threaten their growing relationship.
Anissa’s Redemption, told through letters and journal entries takes the reader on a roller-coaster journey. Written with a sympathetic understanding of the realities of the situation in the Middle East and its affect on the people involved, this book presents both a touching and romantic story combined with stark reality and a glimpse of the darker side of the human soul.
In Anissa, Zack Love has created a strong but vulnerable character who I found myself wishing was real. It is much more common these days to find strong female characters, both in books and in film. As she fights her demons and builds a better life for herself, Anissa is one of the most captivating of this new breed of leading ladies.
An excellent conclusion to a moving and well written story.
May 31, 2015
If The Syrian Virgin was super, this book surpasses it to be superb. The tag phrase "Life shattered her,love empowered her" says it all. Dealing with the struggles of a teenage girl in unknown land, carrying the burden of her traumatic past and yet dealing with it to start life afresh with a cause, surges in waves of inspiration into all readers.
This book starts exactly from where the Syrian Virgin had ended (& though the sequel gives a detailed synopsis of the first part, however an actual reading is recommended to catch the true essence of the thoughts portrayed) and carries it on further where rather than seeking a refuge in the men she is drawn to, she rises up to be an asylum for them.
Also, this book is a must read for anyone and everyone interested in current politics and empathising with the plight of the religious minorities in the Middle East. The beauty of Zack Love's writing lies in the fact that he doesn't criticise or propogate any religious views, rather leaves it to our human self to decide. And that, according to me, needs not only talent but great insight and immense maturity of understanding.
This book starts exactly from where the Syrian Virgin had ended (& though the sequel gives a detailed synopsis of the first part, however an actual reading is recommended to catch the true essence of the thoughts portrayed) and carries it on further where rather than seeking a refuge in the men she is drawn to, she rises up to be an asylum for them.
Also, this book is a must read for anyone and everyone interested in current politics and empathising with the plight of the religious minorities in the Middle East. The beauty of Zack Love's writing lies in the fact that he doesn't criticise or propogate any religious views, rather leaves it to our human self to decide. And that, according to me, needs not only talent but great insight and immense maturity of understanding.
April 17, 2015
This is the continuation of book one, following Anissa's journey through her life in NYC after fleeing Syria. It picks right up where book one left off and we get to experience the highs and lows of what falling in love, getting your heart broken, and finding hope and happiness....even when the rest of the world seems to be falling apart around you. Anissa finds things to hold onto hope for and revelations are made in regards to her personal and family life that you would have never considered before. So many answers, so much suspense...and yet hope.
I enjoy this author's writing style and the flow of the book. The attention to details is remarkable and makes this story seem more than just a writers fantasy. If you like a mix of reality with your fantasy, then this series is one to grab. I recommended it to any political action lovers, romantics, and over all any one who likes a bit of drama with their story.
Look forward to seeing more from this author as always....definitely a #oneclick worthy read, every time!
I enjoy this author's writing style and the flow of the book. The attention to details is remarkable and makes this story seem more than just a writers fantasy. If you like a mix of reality with your fantasy, then this series is one to grab. I recommended it to any political action lovers, romantics, and over all any one who likes a bit of drama with their story.
Look forward to seeing more from this author as always....definitely a #oneclick worthy read, every time!
March 26, 2015
I was really looking forward to reading this book and I was very happy to receive an ARC of it. This is a continuation of Anissa's story that began in The Syrian Virgin.
Anissa has suffered a lot as shown in The Syrian Virgin. She got out of Syria, but she still has family there. She lives in New York City and goes to college. She also is torn between two men: Michael, an activist who is working to establish the first Mideast Christian state and Julien, a wealthy bachelor who also happens to be Anissa's professor.
There are trust issues between Anissa and Julien. Anissa has secrets and Julien has secrets. Some are very surprising and shocking. Also, Anissa worries about her family that is still in Syria.
I love this book! Zack Love is such a great writer. He pulls you into his book with interesting characters and a story that is very relevant in today's world. I couldn't stop reading this book once I started. I highly recommend this series. It is a must-read! Make sure you read The Syrian Virgin before you read this book.
Anissa has suffered a lot as shown in The Syrian Virgin. She got out of Syria, but she still has family there. She lives in New York City and goes to college. She also is torn between two men: Michael, an activist who is working to establish the first Mideast Christian state and Julien, a wealthy bachelor who also happens to be Anissa's professor.
There are trust issues between Anissa and Julien. Anissa has secrets and Julien has secrets. Some are very surprising and shocking. Also, Anissa worries about her family that is still in Syria.
I love this book! Zack Love is such a great writer. He pulls you into his book with interesting characters and a story that is very relevant in today's world. I couldn't stop reading this book once I started. I highly recommend this series. It is a must-read! Make sure you read The Syrian Virgin before you read this book.
April 1, 2015
Anissa's Redemption by Zack Love
This is the stunning conclusion to The Syrian Virgin. While this book includes a detailed synopsis of book one, I strongly urge you to actually read that book in its entirety before turning to Anissa's Redemption. Not only will you get a thorough understanding of the main characters and their circumstances, but The Syrian Virgin is an outstanding novel, in and of itself.
This book (obviously) continues right where we left off and we learn so much more about these dynamic characters. We learn truths that hadn't previously come to light and there are some hugely surprising twists that I just didn't see coming. Balancing on a thin veil of love, relationships are rocked once huge secrets are revealed and trust is pushed to the absolute limit in this phenomenal read. Powerful and captivating. I don't hesitate to recommend.
Reviewed for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.
This is the stunning conclusion to The Syrian Virgin. While this book includes a detailed synopsis of book one, I strongly urge you to actually read that book in its entirety before turning to Anissa's Redemption. Not only will you get a thorough understanding of the main characters and their circumstances, but The Syrian Virgin is an outstanding novel, in and of itself.
This book (obviously) continues right where we left off and we learn so much more about these dynamic characters. We learn truths that hadn't previously come to light and there are some hugely surprising twists that I just didn't see coming. Balancing on a thin veil of love, relationships are rocked once huge secrets are revealed and trust is pushed to the absolute limit in this phenomenal read. Powerful and captivating. I don't hesitate to recommend.
Reviewed for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.
January 11, 2016
I have been waiting for this book since Zack left us on that cliff a few months ago. Well the wait is over and it was well worth it.
In book 2 the story continues with Anissa, Julien and Michael and to say things get a bit more complicated would be a understatement. You learn more about Anissa's tragic past and see her grow into a confident young women. You also get to learn about Julien and his nightmares and all I can say is...I DIDN'T SEE THAT COMING AT ALL!!!! Zack really throws you for a loop when revealing Julien's past. I didn't care for Michael in the first book and in Anissa's Redemption I like him a bit more but he is still not my favorite person.
I love how Zack brings real life issues to the forefront and opens your eyes a bit more to the world around you while still providing you with an EPIC story full of suspense, heart break and romance.
In book 2 the story continues with Anissa, Julien and Michael and to say things get a bit more complicated would be a understatement. You learn more about Anissa's tragic past and see her grow into a confident young women. You also get to learn about Julien and his nightmares and all I can say is...I DIDN'T SEE THAT COMING AT ALL!!!! Zack really throws you for a loop when revealing Julien's past. I didn't care for Michael in the first book and in Anissa's Redemption I like him a bit more but he is still not my favorite person.
I love how Zack brings real life issues to the forefront and opens your eyes a bit more to the world around you while still providing you with an EPIC story full of suspense, heart break and romance.
March 25, 2015
*ARC received in exchange for honest review *
Zack is back with the second part to Syrian Virgin. Anissa's story continues here in Anissa's Redemption, where she becomes more deeply involved in the MCA, mideastern Christian activist's, and helps with the war brought to Syria by ISIS. Anissa goes through turmoil and despair when news from home crashes all her hopes. She also finds out Julien, her psychology and marketing professor's, sordid past. Will it scare her away or is fate on herself with at least one thing?
Zack Love has done it again! With further insight into the terror and destruction or Syria as well as analysing his characters. So beautifully written, with emotion and such passion that you feel drawn in and captured by the heart. I feel a book hangover coming from reading this remarkable 5* read!
Highly recommend this series!
Zack is back with the second part to Syrian Virgin. Anissa's story continues here in Anissa's Redemption, where she becomes more deeply involved in the MCA, mideastern Christian activist's, and helps with the war brought to Syria by ISIS. Anissa goes through turmoil and despair when news from home crashes all her hopes. She also finds out Julien, her psychology and marketing professor's, sordid past. Will it scare her away or is fate on herself with at least one thing?
Zack Love has done it again! With further insight into the terror and destruction or Syria as well as analysing his characters. So beautifully written, with emotion and such passion that you feel drawn in and captured by the heart. I feel a book hangover coming from reading this remarkable 5* read!
Highly recommend this series!
May 14, 2015
Zack has done it again. I honestly believe that I loved this book even more than the first. It picks up where book 1 left off. Anissa’s journey continues in this amazing sequel to The Syrian Virgin. This book had plenty of suspense and angst and the relationship between Anissa and Julien will continue to enthrall you and thirsting for more. This book seemed to focus more on the individual characters and their relationships without as much of the politically informative elements than the first. If you are looking for something different than your typical billionaire meets young attractive intern, then I highly recommend that you step outside the box and one click this series. You will become so invested in these characters and enchanted by their stories that you will have to remind yourself that this is indeed fiction when you finish.
May 22, 2015
Zack Love has done it again with another great book. This is the conclusion to the Syrian Virgin book. You will feel like you are going up and down with feeling, just like a roller coaster ride and you will enjoy it.
Anissa is still having problem with Michael and Julian who will not fully open up to her and is hiding something. Anissa everyday feels the pain that her family and people are going through in Syria with the conflict. We meet some new characters to the story that bring out the story so much more. The curves and twist that Zack Love brings to his story, just want you finish the story in one sitting. You have to read to see what Anissa happy ending has become?
OVERALL IMPRESSION OF THE BOOK This book was full of surprise and roller-coaster ride of feelings. I highly recommends this book to be read
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review *
Anissa is still having problem with Michael and Julian who will not fully open up to her and is hiding something. Anissa everyday feels the pain that her family and people are going through in Syria with the conflict. We meet some new characters to the story that bring out the story so much more. The curves and twist that Zack Love brings to his story, just want you finish the story in one sitting. You have to read to see what Anissa happy ending has become?
OVERALL IMPRESSION OF THE BOOK This book was full of surprise and roller-coaster ride of feelings. I highly recommends this book to be read
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review *
December 25, 2015
Zack Love's "Anissa's Redemption" can be read as a standalone novel or as the sequel to "The Syrian Virgin." It's an innovative love story that's different from anything on the regular romance shelves. The characters are beautiful and flawed. They struggle to survive their brokenness. I've read a lot by this author, and I think this is his finest work in the romance field so far. Lots of plot twists and turns, but without jumping the shark and I really just love how it all works out in the end.
April 8, 2015
As much as I loved the Syrian Virgin, I loved this one more. Without giving away too much of the plot, I will say that this one ended exactly how I wanted it to, and the story was told perfectly.
April 25, 2015
I read The Syrian Virgin and thought it was amazing and thought-provoking. It was a journey and the romance involving Anissa, Julien and Michael just drew me in even further. I will say that I would recommend reading it before Anissa's Redemption to get to know the characters on a deeper level but it is not necessary, in the beginning, Zack has written a wonderful summary of book one. Now onto Anissa's Redemption...
It starts where book one ended. Anissa is not sure where she stands with Julien, her professor or with Michael, her Christian Hero and sometimes boyfriend. She is drawn to both men for different reasons. She also needs to concentrate on her academics and working along side Michael in his efforts to help the Christians in the Middle East which includes her family. To say she has a lot going on is an understatement.
Julien is now looking at his life more closely. He has been working with his therapist, Lily but needs to dig deeper if he wants a future with Anissa. He wants to continue their friendship and ultimately move forward with her. She intrigues him. She is very passionate with her efforts to support her cause and he can talk to her more freely then anyone else but there are still things hidden underneath the surface that he is afraid will tear them apart. He wants her to trust him with her past demons but can he trust her with his?
And then there is Michael. He is very passionate about bringing attention to the issues in the Middle East and goes there often to work in any way he can and with the donations that Julien had sent, he is able to do more including helping Anissa's family. She is very grateful to him but is that enough to keep a relationship going?
Julien and Anissa do get closer in this book and it awesome to see the developments in their relationship but it is not always easy for them. It really comes down to trust. I will say that there are some sexy times between these two but that is not the most meaningful part of there story. I will also say that there is no cheating! She is torn between the two in her mind but not in her body. She is upfront with both men. Who will win her heart in the end?
I loved this story for many reasons. One, it is once again thought-provoking. Zack is brilliant when it comes to his writing and I can tell he is passionate about it and does his research. Two, it is a romance. The story is different than the others and I love different. Third, I have said it in other reviews...I am a Christian Armenian and I like that it is talked about in the book. You don't read about it much. I do not follow the news as much as I should and even I was hooked into the story about the politics and religious parts of the book. It was the perfect amount for me. There are more but lastly, it has seriousness it in but there is also some humor.
Overall...I loved it! The writing was awesome and hooked me in. I read it in one sitting and hoping for more to the series. I really enjoyed in both books that it was in Julien and Anissa's POVs in journal entries. There were also some twists that surprised me and I so love twists...
Quotes:
Our faces flush with desire, we embraced each other like two lost souls who had finally found one another after a lifetime of searching.
“When he’s fully healed and I can set him free, it won’t be easy to find a replacement.” I caressed her spine downward, and then around to her hip, where I rested my hand.
But it haunts me, and she will always want to know about it, just as you do, and my refusal to discuss it will drive a wedge between us.
It starts where book one ended. Anissa is not sure where she stands with Julien, her professor or with Michael, her Christian Hero and sometimes boyfriend. She is drawn to both men for different reasons. She also needs to concentrate on her academics and working along side Michael in his efforts to help the Christians in the Middle East which includes her family. To say she has a lot going on is an understatement.
Julien is now looking at his life more closely. He has been working with his therapist, Lily but needs to dig deeper if he wants a future with Anissa. He wants to continue their friendship and ultimately move forward with her. She intrigues him. She is very passionate with her efforts to support her cause and he can talk to her more freely then anyone else but there are still things hidden underneath the surface that he is afraid will tear them apart. He wants her to trust him with her past demons but can he trust her with his?
And then there is Michael. He is very passionate about bringing attention to the issues in the Middle East and goes there often to work in any way he can and with the donations that Julien had sent, he is able to do more including helping Anissa's family. She is very grateful to him but is that enough to keep a relationship going?
Julien and Anissa do get closer in this book and it awesome to see the developments in their relationship but it is not always easy for them. It really comes down to trust. I will say that there are some sexy times between these two but that is not the most meaningful part of there story. I will also say that there is no cheating! She is torn between the two in her mind but not in her body. She is upfront with both men. Who will win her heart in the end?
I loved this story for many reasons. One, it is once again thought-provoking. Zack is brilliant when it comes to his writing and I can tell he is passionate about it and does his research. Two, it is a romance. The story is different than the others and I love different. Third, I have said it in other reviews...I am a Christian Armenian and I like that it is talked about in the book. You don't read about it much. I do not follow the news as much as I should and even I was hooked into the story about the politics and religious parts of the book. It was the perfect amount for me. There are more but lastly, it has seriousness it in but there is also some humor.
Overall...I loved it! The writing was awesome and hooked me in. I read it in one sitting and hoping for more to the series. I really enjoyed in both books that it was in Julien and Anissa's POVs in journal entries. There were also some twists that surprised me and I so love twists...
Quotes:
Our faces flush with desire, we embraced each other like two lost souls who had finally found one another after a lifetime of searching.
“When he’s fully healed and I can set him free, it won’t be easy to find a replacement.” I caressed her spine downward, and then around to her hip, where I rested my hand.
But it haunts me, and she will always want to know about it, just as you do, and my refusal to discuss it will drive a wedge between us.
July 8, 2015
I sat down one evening and started reading this book thinking I would get a few chapters in before I had to go to bed. Before I knew it, it was 3 am. I was sucked in to Anissa's world.
Anissa is by far, one of my favorite heroines. She has all the vulnerability of the 18 year old that she is, with the strength of someone who has fought through hell to overcome the worst that fate can deal her. Zack Love does a beautiful job at capturing Anissa in such a way that you see all sides of her. You see the 18 year old that is naive in all things having to do with love, you see the woman who escaped Syria with her life to begin anew, you feel her emotions as if you are going through everything with her.
Julien even had me second guessing him for a bit, I will be honest. He has built up so many walls to protect himself that he has no choice now but to play the game he forced himself in to. I truly feel that without Anissa, Julien would have been just another billionaire playboy, content in the life he was accustomed to, without a care in the world.
And let's not forget Michael. Noble Michael. He became a character that I really enjoyed. All the misgivings that I had for him in the first book quickly fell by the wayside. He's ok in my book.
I adore this series. I've said it before and I'll say it again, it is well researched, well vetted, and beautifully written. I have followed the plight of the Syrian Christians, and frankly all Christians in the Middle East, very closely. The atrocities that are happening are like none that we as Americans can begin to imagine. When you watch it on the news, you almost feel detached. While you empathize with them, you weep for them, you only hear what the media has in their 1 minute segments. Reading it, and though while this is a fiction book, Zack Love puts a very human face to very horrifying events and gets you thinking, gets you to really feel what those people have endured. You understand Anissa much better, you understand why Michael is doing what he is doing, and you finally understand Julien. And let me say I did NOT see that one coming. My hat off to you, Zack, for one of the most surprising plot twists I have ever read.
Complex characters, a beautifully romantic story, and twists and turns abound make Anissa's Redemption a definite 5 star read for me.
Anissa is by far, one of my favorite heroines. She has all the vulnerability of the 18 year old that she is, with the strength of someone who has fought through hell to overcome the worst that fate can deal her. Zack Love does a beautiful job at capturing Anissa in such a way that you see all sides of her. You see the 18 year old that is naive in all things having to do with love, you see the woman who escaped Syria with her life to begin anew, you feel her emotions as if you are going through everything with her.
Julien even had me second guessing him for a bit, I will be honest. He has built up so many walls to protect himself that he has no choice now but to play the game he forced himself in to. I truly feel that without Anissa, Julien would have been just another billionaire playboy, content in the life he was accustomed to, without a care in the world.
And let's not forget Michael. Noble Michael. He became a character that I really enjoyed. All the misgivings that I had for him in the first book quickly fell by the wayside. He's ok in my book.
I adore this series. I've said it before and I'll say it again, it is well researched, well vetted, and beautifully written. I have followed the plight of the Syrian Christians, and frankly all Christians in the Middle East, very closely. The atrocities that are happening are like none that we as Americans can begin to imagine. When you watch it on the news, you almost feel detached. While you empathize with them, you weep for them, you only hear what the media has in their 1 minute segments. Reading it, and though while this is a fiction book, Zack Love puts a very human face to very horrifying events and gets you thinking, gets you to really feel what those people have endured. You understand Anissa much better, you understand why Michael is doing what he is doing, and you finally understand Julien. And let me say I did NOT see that one coming. My hat off to you, Zack, for one of the most surprising plot twists I have ever read.
Complex characters, a beautifully romantic story, and twists and turns abound make Anissa's Redemption a definite 5 star read for me.
July 26, 2015
I have read an alternate to this book which is basically the same story but just a romance novel, with no swearing etc, so suitable for all.
Based at the beginning with a family in Syria a mostly Muslim country where Christians fight to be able to live by their faith and been faced daily battle to live as Christians in a Muslim country.
Anissa's father makes plans for her to leave the country and go to America to complete her education, and tell the world her families daily struggle to live as Christians. Plans are foiled when her father is forced to sack an employee of the hospital where he works, but the extremists find out and catastrophic events follow.
Escaping is hard but she manages to get to America with the help of her families connections in Canada and America.
She sets out to complete her education and to tell America and the world of the plight of Christians in Syria.
Her father had seen her potential for this and while studying in America she meets other likeminded people who campaign to tell the world about the struggle and oppression of Christians within Syria, and like all young adults (being just 17) she faces the internal battle to remain pure and not give in to the ways of the modern world she finds herself in.
She must remember the words her parents said to stay pure for her husband, even battling her internal daemons as all teenagers must face growing up in a liberated world.
Brilliant book, giving more insight to persecuted people and the horrors they face daily. Gives amazing story of the struggles this young woman faces, first to leave her country and then to stay pure in mind.
Left on a knife edge and desperate to find out in the next book as the story unfolds.
Based at the beginning with a family in Syria a mostly Muslim country where Christians fight to be able to live by their faith and been faced daily battle to live as Christians in a Muslim country.
Anissa's father makes plans for her to leave the country and go to America to complete her education, and tell the world her families daily struggle to live as Christians. Plans are foiled when her father is forced to sack an employee of the hospital where he works, but the extremists find out and catastrophic events follow.
Escaping is hard but she manages to get to America with the help of her families connections in Canada and America.
She sets out to complete her education and to tell America and the world of the plight of Christians in Syria.
Her father had seen her potential for this and while studying in America she meets other likeminded people who campaign to tell the world about the struggle and oppression of Christians within Syria, and like all young adults (being just 17) she faces the internal battle to remain pure and not give in to the ways of the modern world she finds herself in.
She must remember the words her parents said to stay pure for her husband, even battling her internal daemons as all teenagers must face growing up in a liberated world.
Brilliant book, giving more insight to persecuted people and the horrors they face daily. Gives amazing story of the struggles this young woman faces, first to leave her country and then to stay pure in mind.
Left on a knife edge and desperate to find out in the next book as the story unfolds.
April 19, 2015
Anissa's Redemption is the perfect and superb conclusion to Zack Love's, The Syrian Virgin. The story picks up right where the Syrian Virgin left off. After the first book, I needed to know what was going to happen between Anissa, Michael, and Julien. Let me just say so much happens that I was left saying "what?" more than a few times. Zack Love effortlessly tells this story and it's beautifully done. You finally find out about Julien and nothing will prepare you for that revelation. It's been a few weeks and I'm still thinking about it. I loved seeing the different sides of Anissa, Julien, and Michael, and how they grew in this second book. Michael, a character I was a little unsure about in the beginning, become a favorite.
One of the things that made this a standout story, was the fact that Zack keeps you on the edge of your seat with this book. I love when books are not predictable and you don't know what's going to happen next. When an author can take you on a journey that makes you anxious as you turn the page, you know you're reading something special. Zack Love has given us a story an exceptional story, that is smart, thought provoking, witty, heartbreaking, and hopeful. Anissa's journey from the Syrian Virgin to Anissa's Redemption, is remarkable. It's not every day you read a contemporary romance with part of its setting centered around the persecution of Christians in Syria. Above all that, it's the message about love and the power it has to heal. It's about finding the strength to move forward and live. Simply put, this is a refreshing contemporary romance, that breaks the mold. Anissa's Redemption by Zack Love is one book you have to read.
February 4, 2016
5 Stars!!!
I was given this book to read in turn for an honest review!!!
Anissa’s mission is to help her surviving relatives and fellow Christians in Syria; she has formed two strong yet romantically complex relationships with both Michael and Julien. As Anissa comes to terms with her haunting past and reveals her secrets will she discover more about Julien than she imagined possible? When Michael helps Anissa’s family, will he in turn break her heart?
This book sent me on a journey of love, hate, heartache and frustration! Zack Love did not disappoint in the conclusion to Anissa’s story. The twists and turns in this book are compelling and well written. The emotions I went through as I read this book were crazy; I found myself more than once getting frustrated at where the story was heading yet I still had this urge of needing to know what was going to happen next; I truly found it hard to put this book down. Zack Love delivered the sensitive issues of this story in a delicate and considerate way; it’s also clear to what lengths Zack has gone to for his research for this series. I felt this book helped readers to think about what they can do to encourage our countries to help end the civil war currently happening in Syria.
If you have read the first book in The Syrian Virgin series you won’t want to miss the concluding part in Anissa’s Redemption. If you enjoy reading suspenseful, contemporary romances and fancy something a little different, I highly recommend this series by Zack Love, you will not be disappointed!
I was given this book to read in turn for an honest review!!!
Anissa’s mission is to help her surviving relatives and fellow Christians in Syria; she has formed two strong yet romantically complex relationships with both Michael and Julien. As Anissa comes to terms with her haunting past and reveals her secrets will she discover more about Julien than she imagined possible? When Michael helps Anissa’s family, will he in turn break her heart?
This book sent me on a journey of love, hate, heartache and frustration! Zack Love did not disappoint in the conclusion to Anissa’s story. The twists and turns in this book are compelling and well written. The emotions I went through as I read this book were crazy; I found myself more than once getting frustrated at where the story was heading yet I still had this urge of needing to know what was going to happen next; I truly found it hard to put this book down. Zack Love delivered the sensitive issues of this story in a delicate and considerate way; it’s also clear to what lengths Zack has gone to for his research for this series. I felt this book helped readers to think about what they can do to encourage our countries to help end the civil war currently happening in Syria.
If you have read the first book in The Syrian Virgin series you won’t want to miss the concluding part in Anissa’s Redemption. If you enjoy reading suspenseful, contemporary romances and fancy something a little different, I highly recommend this series by Zack Love, you will not be disappointed!
May 1, 2015
A great conclusion
This book begins where The Syrian Virgin Leaves off with a pretty big cliffhanger. There is a synopsis of the first book included in this book, but I would still recommend reading the first book. That being said this can be read as a standalone. I just feel that you would be missing out on a lot starting with this book. Anissa is trying to keep up with her college education, while worrying about what is happening to her parents back home, and trying to sort out her feelings about Julian and Michael. Anissa is keeping a very big secret, but Julian is keeping a whopper of a secret himself. This book is definitely not one where you are easily able to predict the next move. It I'd full of twists and turns and surprises. As I read I felt myself running through a gambit of emotions, there were some laughs, and some tears, frustration and moments of sheer horror, you can't help but to really think. The subjects in this series aren't just fiction, they deal with things that are happening in out world right now. This read will grab you and keep you attention the whole way through. What will happen when the secrets that Anissa and Julian have been keeping come to light, as secrets have the reputation of doing? This book as the first is do well written, it will keep you turning pages until the last word. Even then I just sat back, letting everything soak in. I highly recommend this book, and it's predecessor. I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book begins where The Syrian Virgin Leaves off with a pretty big cliffhanger. There is a synopsis of the first book included in this book, but I would still recommend reading the first book. That being said this can be read as a standalone. I just feel that you would be missing out on a lot starting with this book. Anissa is trying to keep up with her college education, while worrying about what is happening to her parents back home, and trying to sort out her feelings about Julian and Michael. Anissa is keeping a very big secret, but Julian is keeping a whopper of a secret himself. This book is definitely not one where you are easily able to predict the next move. It I'd full of twists and turns and surprises. As I read I felt myself running through a gambit of emotions, there were some laughs, and some tears, frustration and moments of sheer horror, you can't help but to really think. The subjects in this series aren't just fiction, they deal with things that are happening in out world right now. This read will grab you and keep you attention the whole way through. What will happen when the secrets that Anissa and Julian have been keeping come to light, as secrets have the reputation of doing? This book as the first is do well written, it will keep you turning pages until the last word. Even then I just sat back, letting everything soak in. I highly recommend this book, and it's predecessor. I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 11, 2015
After reading the first book in the series, THE SYRIAN VIRGIN, I eagerly awaited the sequel that would wind up the compelling story of Anissa and her two loves, Michael the radical and Julien the billionaire professor. I was not disappointed.
Taking up right where THE SYRIAN VIRGIN leaves off, ANISSA’S REDEMPTION gives Anissa and Julien closure as they navigate the turmoil that is their private and public lives. We discover the secrets that have been kept so well that have caused so much damage in their lives. As before, Anissa is torn between two different and charismatic men from two different worlds. She’s forced to choose between them to find her happiness.
The story is written in diary form as was THE SYRIAN VIRGIN, from the viewpoints of Anissa and Julien. The diaries, we discover, are both facilitators and sanctuaries for them as they work through their tragic pasts. The details are vivid and compelling, telling the story as none other can. Supporting characters are well written and do not overpower the story but add to its richness. We discover details that we didn’t know about everyone as the story twists in new ways. The ending will surprise anyone; it’s so unexpected.
While ANISSA’S REDEMPTION does have a brief synopsis of THE SYRIAN VIRGIN at the beginning, I would highly recommend reading the first book to fully experience this marvelous tale.
Taking up right where THE SYRIAN VIRGIN leaves off, ANISSA’S REDEMPTION gives Anissa and Julien closure as they navigate the turmoil that is their private and public lives. We discover the secrets that have been kept so well that have caused so much damage in their lives. As before, Anissa is torn between two different and charismatic men from two different worlds. She’s forced to choose between them to find her happiness.
The story is written in diary form as was THE SYRIAN VIRGIN, from the viewpoints of Anissa and Julien. The diaries, we discover, are both facilitators and sanctuaries for them as they work through their tragic pasts. The details are vivid and compelling, telling the story as none other can. Supporting characters are well written and do not overpower the story but add to its richness. We discover details that we didn’t know about everyone as the story twists in new ways. The ending will surprise anyone; it’s so unexpected.
While ANISSA’S REDEMPTION does have a brief synopsis of THE SYRIAN VIRGIN at the beginning, I would highly recommend reading the first book to fully experience this marvelous tale.
May 5, 2024
This was one powerful, emotional read for me. I know that this story will stick with me for a long time.
This book is the second book in the series and has a short re telling of "The Syrian Virgin" and can be read as a stand alone.
Let me just tell you that I LOVED this continuation of the story. It picks right back up where the first book left off. I don't want to reveal to much for those who haven't read the first book. But in this second book you get to see more of Julien's background and what has been haunting him all this time. I wasn't expecting all that he was hiding.
This is not just a story about the struggles of a Syrian Christian refugee it is so much more it's about healing, trust, and love.
"In a dark world, love is all that illuminates the path forward."
This quote was in both books so I feel like sharing it.
When a bleeding man comes to the hospital, I ask which wounds to suture - not what God he prays to, or whose war he fights. And when a pregnant woman arrives, I ask whether a natural birth or a C-section is preferable, not who her prophet is"
"I am a Christian. And as a doctor, I heal everyone. And nothing you can do will change that."
This book is the second book in the series and has a short re telling of "The Syrian Virgin" and can be read as a stand alone.
Let me just tell you that I LOVED this continuation of the story. It picks right back up where the first book left off. I don't want to reveal to much for those who haven't read the first book. But in this second book you get to see more of Julien's background and what has been haunting him all this time. I wasn't expecting all that he was hiding.
This is not just a story about the struggles of a Syrian Christian refugee it is so much more it's about healing, trust, and love.
"In a dark world, love is all that illuminates the path forward."
This quote was in both books so I feel like sharing it.
When a bleeding man comes to the hospital, I ask which wounds to suture - not what God he prays to, or whose war he fights. And when a pregnant woman arrives, I ask whether a natural birth or a C-section is preferable, not who her prophet is"
"I am a Christian. And as a doctor, I heal everyone. And nothing you can do will change that."
October 22, 2015
The exciting conclusion to Zack Love's The Syrian Virgin, picks up exactly where The Syrian Virgin ends!
After nagging poor Zack and sending him messages WHYYYYYYYYY and just pure frustration regarding the mentally and emotionally head case read this story is......*slumps back in my bed and sighs*
Two men, decisions.....hard decisions having to be made! Julien Playboy Billionaire unreachable and all alphaish.....or dodgy sounding Michael ready to die for you, being the hero of the story? (Myself and a girlfriend discussed at lengths The Syrian Virgin and whose team we were for.....TEAM JULIEN!)! *coughs*
In all seriousness, its not just about Anissa's decision to choose but BIGGEST emphasis of the story is the three main characters and their struggles with not only helping whats left of Anissa's family flee Syria but Christian oppression in Syria as well.
It covers tough subjects psychologically and traumatic and I guess love triangle that is both complex and highly frustrating emotionally every page turn!
I was getting so frustrated with the emotional roller coaster I was yelling at my kindle!
LOVE LOVE this series! Its brilliantly written, highly charged and defintely once you start....you'll read it non-stop! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!!!
After nagging poor Zack and sending him messages WHYYYYYYYYY and just pure frustration regarding the mentally and emotionally head case read this story is......*slumps back in my bed and sighs*
Two men, decisions.....hard decisions having to be made! Julien Playboy Billionaire unreachable and all alphaish.....or dodgy sounding Michael ready to die for you, being the hero of the story? (Myself and a girlfriend discussed at lengths The Syrian Virgin and whose team we were for.....TEAM JULIEN!)! *coughs*
In all seriousness, its not just about Anissa's decision to choose but BIGGEST emphasis of the story is the three main characters and their struggles with not only helping whats left of Anissa's family flee Syria but Christian oppression in Syria as well.
It covers tough subjects psychologically and traumatic and I guess love triangle that is both complex and highly frustrating emotionally every page turn!
I was getting so frustrated with the emotional roller coaster I was yelling at my kindle!
LOVE LOVE this series! Its brilliantly written, highly charged and defintely once you start....you'll read it non-stop! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!!!
April 20, 2015
* * * * * 5 Star Review
When life hands you a horrible hand, you will try to make the best out of those horrible situations. That is what Annisa did when she was lucky enough to escape Syria where her family was massacred. Fate had a new game plan for her. She was handed two incredible, handsome, intelligent, strong men in her, life now it was up to her to decide who will be the man she will be spending the rest of her life with.
Anissa's predicament got a little bit more complicated since it seems Michael had been seeing his ex-girlfriend and Anissa's feelings were growing stronger for Julien since he was the one that donated the Five Million Dollars to their foundation.
Things not always seems what they are and like always demons are lurking in the shadows, but what will happen when those demons are brought to the light.
Will Anissa and Julien be able to be happy after they each know the horrible past of one another?
Or will Anissa go back and stay with Michael?
This book was full of surprises, loved how it kept you on your toes the whole time. I know this book shines a light on the present inhumane issues Christians are facing in this century.
I recommend for you to read The Syrian Virgin Series.
When life hands you a horrible hand, you will try to make the best out of those horrible situations. That is what Annisa did when she was lucky enough to escape Syria where her family was massacred. Fate had a new game plan for her. She was handed two incredible, handsome, intelligent, strong men in her, life now it was up to her to decide who will be the man she will be spending the rest of her life with.
Anissa's predicament got a little bit more complicated since it seems Michael had been seeing his ex-girlfriend and Anissa's feelings were growing stronger for Julien since he was the one that donated the Five Million Dollars to their foundation.
Things not always seems what they are and like always demons are lurking in the shadows, but what will happen when those demons are brought to the light.
Will Anissa and Julien be able to be happy after they each know the horrible past of one another?
Or will Anissa go back and stay with Michael?
This book was full of surprises, loved how it kept you on your toes the whole time. I know this book shines a light on the present inhumane issues Christians are facing in this century.
I recommend for you to read The Syrian Virgin Series.
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