Honor Redeemed

Keys of Promise #2

by Christine Johnson

Two years ago, Prosperity Jones waved farewell to her beloved David as the army sent him to faraway Key West. Now with her parents gone, she has but one prospect for the future: make the dangerous journey from Nantucket to Key West to reunite with David and secure a happier life. Arriving penniless in the South, Prosperity is dismayed to find David married to someone else. Scrambling to survive and nursing a broken heart, she gains the friendship—and the affection—of a kind doctor. Could he be the answer to her loneliness? Or will her life be upended by circumstance yet again?

With a deft hand, Christine Johnson fills the reader's senses with the sights, sounds, and smells of Key West in this heartwarming story of honor lost, honor redeemed, and a love forged in adversity.

Genres: Romance, Christian Fiction, Historical, Historical Romance, Christian, Historical Fiction, Christian Historical Fiction

352 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2016

About the author

Christine Johnson grew up in small-town Michigan, where tales rise taller than old-growth forest. God blessed her with a love of story, which led to publication with Love Inspired Historical and Revell. When not at the computer keyboard, she loves to quilt and explore God’s majestic creation.

Reviews

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an utterly satisfying read!

I loved the story in many ways. I connected deeply with what Prosperity is going through and found sympathy for both David and the doctor. It is pretty romantic for my usual tastes, but it has a real depth to it, and I loved every minute. Right up to the end the suspense keeps up with what is going to happen for Prosperity and her future.

It was great to have many appearances by Elizabeth and Rourke from book one, too.

... I only bought this last night and have already read the entire thing!

[Shantelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honor Redeemed, book two in the KEYS OF PROMISE series by Christine Johnson, was a thought-provoking story set in the Key West, 1852. It was a bit different from the first book, Love's Rescue, but I still liked it!

Prosperity Jones is now an orphan. Determined to reunite with her beloved David, she sets sail alone to the Key West, where he's stationed. But when she arrives, she shocked to find that things between her and David were obviously not as she had thought. Now married and a father, will David ever have his honor restored? What will Prosperity do now that the man she staked all her hopes on has hugely disappointed her?

It was more focused on the romance and emotions concerning that - rather than adventure, action, daring escapades, drama, and forbidden love as was in Love's Rescue. I was a little bit let down, and not sure what to think of the unusual, messy (emotion/relationship-wise) storyline. But then I did get into it and came to like it by the end! *smiles* It was interesting, thoughtful, painful ... and ultimately, heartfelt.

A little more mature than Love's Rescue perhaps, as there's a theme concerning hasty weddings due to women pregnant out of wedlock.

Overall, a good book. I look forward to more by Christine Johnson!

I received a copy of Honor Redeemed from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honor Redeemed was such a beautiful story! Book two in the series, this novel does stand alone for those who have not read book one.

After perusing the back cover copy, I thought I had a pretty good idea of the direction that the story would take. However, I was wrong! I liked that the author kept the story fresh for me by surprising me with a few turns that I did not see coming.

Honor Redeemed was also packed full of interesting characters. Sometimes I grew frustrated with Prosperity for not truly stopping to listen to explanations, however, this woman was deeply hurt and heartbroken which made her actions completely understandable. She was still a character that I liked a lot. Honor Redeemed dealt with the brokeness of human nature, the unwillingness to forgive, and the need to look below the surface before making judgments about others.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

You can read this review on my blog at:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

[Sam B · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, I want to thank the author for the complimentary copy of this book!

This is another great book by Christine Johnson! I have to say that I am enjoying this series a lot and, once again, am really looking forward to the next installment!
I loved learning more about the Keys and the history of Florida.

The characters were touching and the story was very moving. A lot of heartache throughout the book, but still filled with hope!
It was also nice to see Elizabeth and Rourke again. I hope the next book will also include characters from the previous 2 stories.

Highly recommended read!

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes a book comes along that totally surprises me. I am expecting one thing and discover something completely different. That's the way this book was for me -- and I mean that in a good way. Honor Redeemed took me on a surprise journey and I loved every word.

The redeeming hope that forgiveness brings is at the heart of this story as Johnson's characters are refined by adversity. Prosperity (love her name!) faces insurmountable obstacles as she tries to make her way in a world hostile to impoverished single women. At times I felt like Prosperity was set adrift in the midst of change but then she'd rally and take control again. Loved her fortitude, the innate goodness that sees her through to the other side of trying times. But she struggles too, with resentment and anger and hurt. Fans of the first book in the Keys of Promise series will be thrilled to catch more than a glimpse of Elizabeth and Rourke as they help Prosperity navigate the strange circumstances she finds herself in.

Frustrating and heart-wrenching and impossibly romantic, Honor Redeemed ultimately celebrates the rich blessings that comes from living in faith.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was really excited to read this one. I enjoyed book one and was looking forward to book 2. This one did not disappoint me. I loved the setting of the story, and I loved how Prosperity tried to move on. I also loved David. I loved how he did the right thing, no matter the cost. This was one I read rather quickly. I look forward to more from this author.

I received this book for free from the publisher for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of: historical fiction, Jody Hedlund

Rating - 4 stars

[Jacoline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mooi tweede deel van de serie die zich in Key West afspeelt. Personages van deel 1 komen in dit deel ook weer voor, wat erg leuk is.

Het boek gaat over Prosperity, die na de dood van haar ouders haar verloofde David Latham opzoekt. Hij is als kolonel gestationeerd op het exotische eiland Key West. Als ze aankomt ontdekt ze de schokkende waarheid dat David met een ander is getrouwd.

Een mooi boek met onverwachte wendingen. Over hoop en vergeving.

[Leonie · Rating 3 out of 5]

In het begin stagneerde ik omdat ik het zo hard vond. Verloofd en dan trouwen met een ander.

Na een tijdje boek weer opgepakt, bleef toch benieuwd naar het verhaal, en toen vond ik het wel een mooi verhaal

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet story of a young woman with no remaining family and a fiancée that broke his promise. Honor is truly redeemed within the pages.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't see that coming - that was my thought through most of this book. Just when I would think all the story lines were wrapping up and the characters were getting settled, something would happen to throw everything off balance again. With all the unexpected events, this book was able to hold my attention until the very last page. A great read with a great story and wonderful characters. Worth a read. *I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.*

[Prairie Sky Book Reviews · Rating 2 out of 5]

After reading book #1 in the “Keys of Promise” series by Christine Johnson, I had very high expectations for book #2, “Honor Redeemed”. Were those expectations met? Well, not exactly...

“Honor Redeemed” was published by Revell in the later summer of 2016, and is the sequel to “Love’s Rescue” published the year before. Although the hero and heroine of this second story are newly introduced characters, several recurring characters also play important secondary roles. This gives readers a chance to be reacquainted with “old friends”.

Without question, the plot of “Honor Redeemed” is unusual - but not always in the best of ways. Although it contains huge potential for inappropriate scenes and conversations, it generally remains mild. Not always, but generally. You see, David is an engaged man who is forced to marry a “woman of low regard” after a horrible debacle for which he blames himself. Prosperity, the woman David had been engaged to for several years, travels to his army posting in the Florida Keys after the death of her mother, expecting to be welcomed by and quickly wed to the man she loves. Instead, she finds him already married! The following 3/4 of the book consists of the back and forth misunderstandings between the two. At first this interaction was interesting, but it quickly became repetitive, going over the same emotions again and again. The story slogged, the dialogue faltered, and the internal revelations grew stale. It became all I could do to finish the book!

One redeeming factor of the story was the fact that (for a couple of chapters at least!) I wasn’t sure how it all would turn out. Although the answer quickly becomes apparent, it did create a little bit of tension in between all of the “Does she forgive me?” and “Can I trust him?” repetitiveness. Overall, though, I was disappointed by this book. Compared to “Love’s Rescue” it fell flat and did not inspire me to continue with the series.

I am grateful to have received a copy of this book from Revell Reads, free of charge, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This books starts on Nantucket Island in 1852 and Prosperity Jones has just lost her mother, and is now on her own, except she is engaged, a rather long one, to David Latham. He was sent by the Army to Key West Florida to rebuild after a hurricane, and now she feels she must join him.
Unbeknownst to Prosperity David did write with his devastating news that he has married, and when penniless she arrives he is not waiting for her. This is where our Elizabeth comes to the rescue, she and Rourke now live here with their little son, and it is great to reunite with these familiar people.
What a journey you are about to begin following our Prosperity around this Island, she is used to Island life, but this is an entirely different area in our country, and she needs to survive. It doesn’t take long and men take notice of her, but will her heart mend and allow her to move on? Circumstances are about to change her young life in the form of a new baby, he needs a mother and she needs the comfort this little one offers.
Now I can’t wait for the next book in this series!
I received this book through Revell Book Blogger Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.

[Kathryn Bochman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christine Johnson's Honor Redeemed is the second book in the Keys of Promise series. I found this book to be an entertaining read as well as an uplifting message of forgiveness.
Featuring the characters of Prosperity Jones and David Lantham, Jones delivered an exceptional tale full of plot twists. It was refreshing to enter a book without a predictable plot; I did not know how the relationships would turn out until well into the book! I also enjoyed how Johnson brought to life the setting of the Florida Keys in the 1850's. Johnson certainly delivered a plot that kept me turning page after page.
Another facet of Johnson's writing that I enjoyed was her book's presentation from both the hero and heroine's perspectives, which allowed for greater character development and reader rapport. Through this, I felt a connection to her characters, and their stories held much more depth.
I really enjoyed this book and am anxiously awaiting Johnson's next in the series.

I received this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Candice · Rating 4 out of 5]

After losing both her parents, Prosperity Jones uses what little money she has left to sail to Key West, seeking refuge in her fiance Lt. David Latham. Upon arrival, she finds David only to discover he's already married. To a woman of ill repute no less. Without money to return home to Nantucket, she secures a laundress position at the local hospital to support herself.

David can't stand his wife. She's vile, lazy, and demanding. Living in the same town with Prosperity, the woman he truly loves, is torture. But he must accept the consequences of his sin, a child conceived from a night he can't recall.

As changing as the sea, David and Prosperity's lives shift with every lie exposed, challenge rendered, and threat to their happiness.

This is the first book I've read of Christine Johnson's and it won't be my last. Book one in this series is not required reading before this one. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good, steady historical romance. I gave this book 4 stars!

[Kelly Bridgewater · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have never read anything by Christine Johnson because I'm not a fan of historical fiction that takes place that long ago. I enjoy reading stories that happen in the late nineteenth century through the twentieth century. But, I truly enjoyed the Revell covers for Johnson books. When I received a review copy of this book to review, I placed it on the shelf, knowing I would get to it eventually. And I did. With a memorable story that hit close to home and an unique plot, I was drawn into the story right away. I figured out what happened to David pretty early on, but it was a joy to watch him and Prosperity learn to live with the past and move on together. The romance wasn't rushed into but Johnson threw enough conflicts to make them prove their love for one another. I haven't read the first book in this series, but I think I might see if my local library has a copy, so I can read it. I recommend this book to fans of historical fiction.

I received a complimentary copy of Honor Redeemed from Revell Publishing and the opinions stated are all my own.

[A.M. Heath · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I Loved: I love a novel with a sticky problem and Honor Redeemed certainly fit that bill. I found it so refreshing to read about characters who valued morality at such a high level. The majority of Christian Fiction tends to deal with at least one character who isn’t saved in the beginning, but that wasn’t the case here and yet the story was FAR from boring. Righteousness might guide Prosperity and David but it didn’t eliminate their problems.
The story moved and flowed at a steady rate. I connected easily with both characters and sympathized with them from beginning to end.

Rating and Recommendation: I’m gladly giving Honor Redeemed 5 stars and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys Christian Fiction or Christian Historical Fiction.

~I received a copy from Revell in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honor Redeemed is book two from the Keys of Promise series. Like the first book, I found this book to be an intriguing read. I enjoyed the setting, characters, and history.
Highly recommended.
5 plus stars.

[Yvette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Themes of love, patience, trust, race, and constancy are woven throughout this story of a young woman's journey from impoverished orphan with no prospects in 1852 Nantucket Island to open possibilities in Key West, Florida.

Faced with betrayal, Prosperity Jones seeks employment, finds friendship, and an unexpected suitor. Her new life is not without it's trials, however, as she is pressed into a situation that leads her to come to the assistance of the woman who usurped her place in marrying David Latham.

While I don't seek out stories with love triangles, I occasionally come across a novel that involves multiple romantic possibilities, of which this is one. While events surrounding the circumstances and relationships in this story were predictable at times, it was an enjoyable and satisfying read that left me wondering what would have happened if certain aspects had unfolded differently.

If you enjoy Historical Romance with a healthy emphasis on the faith aspect of the characters' journeys, this series is definitely worth a look.

I voluntarily received a finished copy for review from the publisher's Revell Reads blogger program. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Alyssa Tillett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honor Redeemed written by Christine Johnson is a wonderful book, and one that was not easy to put down (so I didn't and didn't get anything done all day). The story is about a woman named Prosperity Jones, who has seen heartache. She goes to Key West after her dear Mother passes away to be near her beloved David. Prosperity takes the long trip from Nantucket to Key West only to find out that David is married to someone else. Heart broken and lonely she sets out to make a place for herself in Key West. A Kind doctor befriends her, and he could be the answer to Prosperity's loneliness.

But the truth about Davids marriage slowly comes out. Could Prosperity trust the one she has loved, or will she choose another more safer option?

Christine Johnson wrote Honor Redeemed very nicely. The characters were great, even the second characters were well thought out and well rounded. The plot of the book was intriguing and sometimes suspenseful. With the way she writes, you will feel as if you are in Key West right by Prosperity's side. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. There were parts that were predictable, and to be honest I have read a book with a similar plot. But it was still enjoyable to read.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything I have read by Christine I have really enjoyed. I had to wait a year for this book, but it was worth that wait.
She has created a wonderful story filled with tension, confusion and love.
The whole time I was reading this I kept wondering how things could possibly work out. Just when it looked like it could something new happened to cause another obstacle.
This book has a great message of forgiveness, something I believe we all struggle with in some way.
If you read the first book in this series you will happy to see Elizabeth and Rourke again and even if you didn’t read that book you will adore them in this book.
Another wonderful story by Christine.

A copy of this book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first half of the book was slow, but the last half was interesting and shared in the story how the BIBLE fits into the lives of Prosperity Jones forgiveness of David broken promise.

[helen feagles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

Loved book 2 of this series. Fast moving and great characters. Cant wait to read book three in this series

[Sarah Harden · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will post my review here once it has been published on my blog -- sarahruut.com.

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was good but...I would have set this aside half way through but kept reading to find out what happened.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, could NOT put it down. The first time I had ever read a book by this author but it definitely will not be my last.

[Lorraine Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another very good book.

[M · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just okay.

[Melissa H · Rating 4 out of 5]

I cannot help but admire Christine Johnson’s characters or their moral stand and efforts to do what is kind, loving and ethical.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Christine Johnson’s book Honor Redeemed is set on Nantucket Island and the town of Key West during the middle of the 1800’s. The story follows Prosperity Jones as she travels from Nantucket to Key West in search of her betrothed. Her mother has just died, and her father has passed away sometime before that, so she hopes to start a new life with David. He is her last hope in regards to her happiness and wellbeing, and since he is a soldier, she must move to where he is. Against the better judgment of friends around her, Prosperity makes the trip alone to a place she knows nothing about. Her only comfort is that David will be waiting for her on the other side.

David’s heart is broken. He cannot believe what he has done—not only to himself but also to the woman he loves. Images of Prosperity flash through his mind as he writes a letter to her. What can he say? He does not anticipate that she will ever forgive him; therefore, dread and despair fill his heart. But he must do what is right despite the consequences. He never dreamed his life would discover such turmoil. How could he have been so blind? How could he have made so many mistakes? David was so grateful to know that Prosperity lived far enough away, so that in time she would forget him.

As Property enters this new town that is to now become her home, she feels optimistic about the future. She cannot wait to see David—it has been so long since she felt his arms around her. Yet Prosperity could never have foreseen the upcoming devastation that would take place in her life. New friends and a kind doctor will fill her days and thoughts, since David’s presence will not be by her side. After Prosperity leaves one dark chapter in her life, she finds herself entering another one. Will life ever be good to her? When will this storm pass? Will it ever pass? Slowly, Prosperity starts to understand that her life will not be the happily every after she hoped for regarding herself and David.

This novel is the second book in the Keys of Promise series. Johnson tells this story from the very heartbeat of Prosperity, because at the close of each chapter, the reader ultimately feels every joy and sorrow that comes Prosperity’s way. As Prosperity learns to live in this new land, it is clear readers could easily identify with her struggles, because most have felt and endured the various trials she goes through. As a bystander, one believes life will eventually fulfill her dreams—even if the outcome is unlike what one initially supposed. Yet there are still many unknowns to consider, and it is not clear if Prosperity will receive the desires of her heart or if David’s world will ever be repaired.

There are definite twists to the plot of this story followed by many moments of surprise and questions. But there are also times when the story seems to repeat itself, because the reader is consistently reminded of events that are already known and understood. Yet each event that takes place delivers an important connection to the main purpose of the text. Overall, this is a delightful read, and if you enjoy historical literature—you will love this book.

Make sure to read the “Note to the Reader” at the end of the novel, because Johnson explains how the town and the soldier’s fort, where David lived, actually existed. In fact, Johnson’s research inspires her to include a character that is based off an actual soldier who helped build the fort so many years ago.

This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to Revell Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group, for my copy.

[Mardell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honor Redeemed, by Christine Johnson is Book 2 in the Keys of Promise Series. Our story begins when our heroine, Prosperity Jones has lost her mother after a long illness. Having lost her father years before, she has no other family, no home and just enough money to book passage from Nantucket Island to Key West. Her betrothed, Lt. David Latham, an engineer with the U.S. Army left her two years before our story begins. They plan to marry and when his tour of duty in Key West is complete he will come for her. He has been hard at work with his men building Fort Zachary Taylor, a major project. She is determined that he will be glad to see her. Once he knows about the loss of her mother he will ask her to marry him. All her troubles will be over.

However, even the best of plans or dreams must be laid to rest if fate intervenes. Upon arrival, she discovers that he hadn't waited six years for her as he said they must, but he was married to someone else! Brokenhearted and with no funds to return home, she finds work as the laundress in a hospital. Determined to support herself, she finds lodgings and friendship within the home of Elizabeth and Rourke O'Malley. She had also found friendship and protection under a Dr. Goodenow, a kindly gentleman who sees her as much more than a helpless young woman.

Her friendship with Dr. Goodenow brought her face to face with David and his wife when he enlisted her help as a nurse. David's wife struggles giving birth and the doctor is their only hope. Just as Prosperity hoped to put her past behind her, she can't seem to avoid the handsome Lieutenant who had so long ago captured her heart.

Product DetailsDavid has troubles of his own without facing Prosperity. He is ashamed that he had married another woman after pledging his heart to her. He was set on making the marriage work even though he did not love his wife. His project at the fort was also beset with problems. Work was not progressing as scheduled and building materials were coming up missing. His honor comes into question as the problems escalate. Prosperity loved him through it all and by chance learned the truth of the whole matter.

As the story progresses Prosperity grows into a strong woman who seems to face everything dealt to her. Her strong faith and the support of her good friends help her face her bitterness toward David and learn forgiveness.

The setting in Key West gives us a glimpse into 1852 when our country was still young and undeveloped. Building that historical fort in those days was very challenging in so many ways and Christine Johnson illustrates the life on the fort very well.