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Love's Redemption
Sometimes a sacrifice is the purest form of love.
Rhea Daniels is a survivor. Just released from prison for the murder of her pedophile father, she is trying to put the past behind her and build a new life. When Rhea goes to work for Morgan Scott, an ex-priest with a big heart and a damaged soul, Rhea is challenged to face her wildest dreams and worst nightmares.
And Morgan isn’t without challenges of her own. When a man with a grudge comes to claim his revenge, she learns that, sometimes, there is no clear line between right and wrong. And sometimes redemption is about being willing to take a stand.
Rhea Daniels is a survivor. Just released from prison for the murder of her pedophile father, she is trying to put the past behind her and build a new life. When Rhea goes to work for Morgan Scott, an ex-priest with a big heart and a damaged soul, Rhea is challenged to face her wildest dreams and worst nightmares.
And Morgan isn’t without challenges of her own. When a man with a grudge comes to claim his revenge, she learns that, sometimes, there is no clear line between right and wrong. And sometimes redemption is about being willing to take a stand.
240 pages, Paperback
First published June 14, 2016
4 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
About the author
Donna K. Ford
8 books32 followersDonna K. Ford is a licensed professional counselor who spends her professional time assisting people in their recovery from substance addictions. She holds an associate degree in criminal justice, a BS in psychology, and an MS in community agency counseling. When not trying to save the world, she spends her time in the mountains of east Tennessee enjoying the lakes, rivers, and hiking trails near her home. Reading, writing, and enjoying conversation with good friends are the gifts that keep her grounded. Healing Hearts is her debut into the world of writing lesbian fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
August 10, 2017
This is my third book by Donna K. Ford, and her growing as an author and storyteller is unmistakable and a very pleasant surprise. Love's Redemption is a quite mature novel which, besides a tender slow-burn romance, also deals with some very serious life issues. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys dramatic and emotionally charged love stories.
4 stars
Dec 7, 2016
4 stars
Dec 7, 2016
August 3, 2017
This was pretty darn good. Love's Redemption is the first book I have read by Ford and I must say I was impressed with her writing. This story was engaging and sucked you in after the first few pages and didn't let go until the end.
This is the second book I have read lately about an ex-con. One of the ways this differs from Embracing the Dawn is that the character Rhea, is just getting out of prison, trying to find her place in life and adjusting to her new found freedom. Rhea went to prison at age 17 for 15 years, so in some ways shes still a kid trapped in an adults body. To me this is a great setup for a book and Ford didn't disappoint.
I really enjoyed both MC's, Morgan an ex-priest and now farmer/artist and or course Rhea. Both characters have a tough past and a lot of issues to deal with. I liked watching them grow and change as the book progressed.
The romance is slow moving, but it fit the story very well. With both characters having so many issues to overcome, a quick romance would have seemed forced and unrealistic. This was more of a slow building love story and I enjoyed every second of it.
The book also had a little action/excitement that kept the story going and the pages turning. I was not bored at all during this book.
I think it was Amanda, that said in her review, "why aren't more people reading this book?" And I have to agree, I hope it's only because it's still new and other people will eventually find this one. It was a well written, enjoyable book that I can easily and happily recommend to romance fans. Give this a try you won't regret it.
This is the second book I have read lately about an ex-con. One of the ways this differs from Embracing the Dawn is that the character Rhea, is just getting out of prison, trying to find her place in life and adjusting to her new found freedom. Rhea went to prison at age 17 for 15 years, so in some ways shes still a kid trapped in an adults body. To me this is a great setup for a book and Ford didn't disappoint.
I really enjoyed both MC's, Morgan an ex-priest and now farmer/artist and or course Rhea. Both characters have a tough past and a lot of issues to deal with. I liked watching them grow and change as the book progressed.
The romance is slow moving, but it fit the story very well. With both characters having so many issues to overcome, a quick romance would have seemed forced and unrealistic. This was more of a slow building love story and I enjoyed every second of it.
The book also had a little action/excitement that kept the story going and the pages turning. I was not bored at all during this book.
I think it was Amanda, that said in her review, "why aren't more people reading this book?" And I have to agree, I hope it's only because it's still new and other people will eventually find this one. It was a well written, enjoyable book that I can easily and happily recommend to romance fans. Give this a try you won't regret it.
July 11, 2016
Rhea Daniels has just been released from prison. Incarcerated from the age of 17, she is adjusting to life on the outside and working out how to manage life as an adult for the first time. She’s also dealing with a family who loathe her and a community afraid of her.
Her new boss, Morgan Scott, has her own challenges. An ex-minister run out of public life by her sexuality, Morgan hides away on her farm and creates her sculptures, which bring in enough money to pay the bills.
The two characters are very different, and yet both are running from themselves as much as from the outside world. The safe haven they create on the farm may not be enough to keep the outside world from intruding into their quiet connection.
Rhea is really well written as a character. Ford’s experience as a psychologist helps markedly with this, I have no doubt. Rhea is believable, and while troubled, is solid enough as a character to overcome some of the difficulties she faces, both internally and externally. Morgan is less well written, and this becomes a problem later in the book when her character seems to be a little too heroic and two-dimensional.
There is a decent amount of tension throughout the book, and Ford uses that to keep the story ticking over while she slowly brings the two main characters together. This is a romance, but it has a strong plotline of danger throughout, so if it is a gentle romance you’re after, this is not the book for you.
I really liked the depth of the characterisation of Rhea. It is the strongest part of the book, and obviously written from experience. The internal and external threats (without giving the plot away) are scary enough to give the book tension throughout and it is a tense book, without ever getting really nasty. I suspect that’s quite a narrow and tricky ledge to balance on as an author. The book had interesting characters and depth I wasn’t expecting. I’m looking forward to reading her next book.
Advanced reading copy provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
Her new boss, Morgan Scott, has her own challenges. An ex-minister run out of public life by her sexuality, Morgan hides away on her farm and creates her sculptures, which bring in enough money to pay the bills.
The two characters are very different, and yet both are running from themselves as much as from the outside world. The safe haven they create on the farm may not be enough to keep the outside world from intruding into their quiet connection.
Rhea is really well written as a character. Ford’s experience as a psychologist helps markedly with this, I have no doubt. Rhea is believable, and while troubled, is solid enough as a character to overcome some of the difficulties she faces, both internally and externally. Morgan is less well written, and this becomes a problem later in the book when her character seems to be a little too heroic and two-dimensional.
There is a decent amount of tension throughout the book, and Ford uses that to keep the story ticking over while she slowly brings the two main characters together. This is a romance, but it has a strong plotline of danger throughout, so if it is a gentle romance you’re after, this is not the book for you.
I really liked the depth of the characterisation of Rhea. It is the strongest part of the book, and obviously written from experience. The internal and external threats (without giving the plot away) are scary enough to give the book tension throughout and it is a tense book, without ever getting really nasty. I suspect that’s quite a narrow and tricky ledge to balance on as an author. The book had interesting characters and depth I wasn’t expecting. I’m looking forward to reading her next book.
Advanced reading copy provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
February 14, 2017
Man, I loved this. Hit all the right buttons for me. Flawed characters who grow and some much needed redemption. A well written slow burn romance with a nice dose of suspense just to keep things interesting. Realistic development of characters, love, and family life. Looking forward to reading more from Donna Ford.
NetGalley ARC received for an unbiased review.
NetGalley ARC received for an unbiased review.
April 30, 2017
A heartbreaking story, very well written.
June 3, 2016
I have rated this book 3.5 stars.
Rhea's story is heartbreaking and one that as I sit here in my sheltered life think that it couldn't be possible for people to turn their backs on a child like that. However the sad thing is I know that this is the story of many young children and it truly is heartbreaking and one that seems so far fetched for some of us.
You instantly are drawn to Rhea's story and what she went through hoping for her to start over again successfully. Morgan provides that perfect balance in character from Rhea. Where Rhea is distrustful and angry Morgan is trusting and forgiving. They provide the perfect balance for a couple in theory. I did unfortunately find the relationship chemistry somewhat forced. I'm not sure why it didn't work for me but I just didn't feel the chemistry and connection between the two.
The story is also very predictable. Which isn't always a bad thing but just don't expect some major twists. I struggled with the ending as well. It would have been good to have things tied up a bit more at the end.
I loved Solider he was a perfect character :)
So I gave this book 3.5 because even though the story had me interested and pulled in to the character journey to a certain degree it just missed the mark in some other areas.
I was given this book by NetGalley for an honest review.
Rhea's story is heartbreaking and one that as I sit here in my sheltered life think that it couldn't be possible for people to turn their backs on a child like that. However the sad thing is I know that this is the story of many young children and it truly is heartbreaking and one that seems so far fetched for some of us.
You instantly are drawn to Rhea's story and what she went through hoping for her to start over again successfully. Morgan provides that perfect balance in character from Rhea. Where Rhea is distrustful and angry Morgan is trusting and forgiving. They provide the perfect balance for a couple in theory. I did unfortunately find the relationship chemistry somewhat forced. I'm not sure why it didn't work for me but I just didn't feel the chemistry and connection between the two.
The story is also very predictable. Which isn't always a bad thing but just don't expect some major twists. I struggled with the ending as well. It would have been good to have things tied up a bit more at the end.
I loved Solider he was a perfect character :)
So I gave this book 3.5 because even though the story had me interested and pulled in to the character journey to a certain degree it just missed the mark in some other areas.
I was given this book by NetGalley for an honest review.
June 26, 2016
Rhea has spent a chunk of her life in prison for the murder of her abusive father. Once released she realises that she isn't welcome in her home town and has to find alternative arrangements. Morgan Scott an ex-priest with her own past issues opens her farm as a place of refugee for Rhea. Both women work together to overcome their demons but things are thrown when someone looking for revenge starts to make life difficult for them.
I enjoyed this book, it's somewhere between a 3.5 star and 4 star but I rounded it up. There were some things I would have like to have been answered but maybe there's a second book.
ARC received from publisher via NetGalley
I enjoyed this book, it's somewhere between a 3.5 star and 4 star but I rounded it up. There were some things I would have like to have been answered but maybe there's a second book.
ARC received from publisher via NetGalley
May 6, 2017
The audiobooks version is as enjoyable as reading the book version.
A wonderful story about forgiving oneself and finding the light at the end of the tunnel through hope and love.
A wonderful story about forgiving oneself and finding the light at the end of the tunnel through hope and love.
June 27, 2016
Review written & published on www.criticalwrit.com
Trigger warnings for off-page child abuse & pedophilia, lesbophobia, victim blaming and abuse enabling.
There are some books you just know are going to grip your heart the whole time you read them. There’s not many subjects that produce such strong emotions in me as much as victim blaming and abuse do, and this book immediately brought to mind the Jacqueline Sauvage case and the big headlines it had made here in France. Jacqueline was tried and sentenced earlier this year to ten years of prison for the murder of her husband after 47 years of abuse and the rape of her children. The story had brought the vilest and most disgusting victim blaming to the surface and it still stands as one of the most terrifying example of the utter failure of our justice & social systems.
Rhea Daniels has a similar story : she murdered her father after years and years of abuse, and she paid for it with fifteen long years of jail when everyone turned against her. She arrives back to her family’s farm— not quite home anymore— after her term, and she knows she has no place here. Her mother hates her, nobody in town believes her, and everyone thinks she’s a disgusting murderer. When her probation worker gets her a job in another town, she takes her chance at a new beginning away from her past. Morgan Scott, her new boss, doesn’t really like her at first. She’s a very private woman, and she thinks she knows Rhea's type— a murderer. A troublemaker. It takes work, but they soon learn to trust each other, and when both of them are targeted by an unknown assailant with a grudge, they’ll have to work together even if it takes facing their worst fears, because who would believe an ex-con?
It's impossible not to feel for Rhea— she has an utterly gut wrenching story. She was abused most of her childhood, and she’d learn to pretend that every thing was alright— all while silently counting the days until her freedom. But one day, when she was 18, she was faced with an impossible choice, one that would bring pain and disaster either way, and one that had no good option. Her choice cost her dearly : fifteen long years of jail, when everyone she knew turned against her and called her a liar. I cannot imagine what it must do to somebody to be wrenched away from childhood like this, and then sequestered in jail during the most important part of one’s life. Donna K. Ford uses her experience of abuse both as a counselor and a victim; she knows what abuse does to the mind. Rhea’s story brings every emotion to mind: anger, bitterness, fear, pity, desire to act against abuse. She’s a survivor— mistrustful, unsure, ignorant of a world that moved without her for half of her life, and her prison years taught her not to back down and to fight for her place... But at the same time she's still a child, vulnerable and with wonder in her eyes.
Morgan isn't without her own baggage either. She’s an ex-priest, expelled from the church when she had a relationship with another woman. That relationship ended the worst way it could have, and she’s still filled with guilt about it. She has a certain religious naiveté to her. In her world, there’s a clear line between right and wrong, and ex-cons like Rhea are often more in the wrong than in the right. Her relationship with Rhea, and the experiences they face together, will change them— will make them grow.
One particular and almost omnipresent element of the book is how claustrophobic and oppressive the setting feels. We know from the beginning that most people would rather hang than forget Rhea for what she’s done, because nobody believes that a "good man" like her father would be a pedophile rapist. And we know that homophobia runs rampant too, if Morgan’s fall from grace and the behavior of some of the town residents is any indication. Friendly secondary characters are very rare, and the police officers don’t hide their prejudice and hostility against Rhea. The threat they face is introduced later in the book, and its slow escalation in violence gears the book towards a gripping settling of scores.
This is not, however, a mystery novel. There aren’t a lot of possible suspects for our villain, and our main characters can do little more than stand their ground against the onslaught. Taking a step back, I felt that particular element of the novel could have used a little more work. The plot is somewhat predictable, and while the ending is suitably climactic in intensity, I felt our villain was… not very smart, to say the least. But it’s a minor issue, and while the setting of the ending is a classic of such fiction, the way both our characters handle it is powerful and perhaps a bit unusual. Holy Batwoman Morgan, you’re an complete badass when you put your heart to it.
This is Donna K. Ford’s third novel, and the first one I've read from her. While reviews for her previous works were a mixed bag, this particular book is to me a solid romance with thriller elements, and I’m certainly looking forward for what she’ll write in the future.
Trigger warnings for off-page child abuse & pedophilia, lesbophobia, victim blaming and abuse enabling.
There are some books you just know are going to grip your heart the whole time you read them. There’s not many subjects that produce such strong emotions in me as much as victim blaming and abuse do, and this book immediately brought to mind the Jacqueline Sauvage case and the big headlines it had made here in France. Jacqueline was tried and sentenced earlier this year to ten years of prison for the murder of her husband after 47 years of abuse and the rape of her children. The story had brought the vilest and most disgusting victim blaming to the surface and it still stands as one of the most terrifying example of the utter failure of our justice & social systems.
Rhea Daniels has a similar story : she murdered her father after years and years of abuse, and she paid for it with fifteen long years of jail when everyone turned against her. She arrives back to her family’s farm— not quite home anymore— after her term, and she knows she has no place here. Her mother hates her, nobody in town believes her, and everyone thinks she’s a disgusting murderer. When her probation worker gets her a job in another town, she takes her chance at a new beginning away from her past. Morgan Scott, her new boss, doesn’t really like her at first. She’s a very private woman, and she thinks she knows Rhea's type— a murderer. A troublemaker. It takes work, but they soon learn to trust each other, and when both of them are targeted by an unknown assailant with a grudge, they’ll have to work together even if it takes facing their worst fears, because who would believe an ex-con?
It's impossible not to feel for Rhea— she has an utterly gut wrenching story. She was abused most of her childhood, and she’d learn to pretend that every thing was alright— all while silently counting the days until her freedom. But one day, when she was 18, she was faced with an impossible choice, one that would bring pain and disaster either way, and one that had no good option. Her choice cost her dearly : fifteen long years of jail, when everyone she knew turned against her and called her a liar. I cannot imagine what it must do to somebody to be wrenched away from childhood like this, and then sequestered in jail during the most important part of one’s life. Donna K. Ford uses her experience of abuse both as a counselor and a victim; she knows what abuse does to the mind. Rhea’s story brings every emotion to mind: anger, bitterness, fear, pity, desire to act against abuse. She’s a survivor— mistrustful, unsure, ignorant of a world that moved without her for half of her life, and her prison years taught her not to back down and to fight for her place... But at the same time she's still a child, vulnerable and with wonder in her eyes.
Morgan isn't without her own baggage either. She’s an ex-priest, expelled from the church when she had a relationship with another woman. That relationship ended the worst way it could have, and she’s still filled with guilt about it. She has a certain religious naiveté to her. In her world, there’s a clear line between right and wrong, and ex-cons like Rhea are often more in the wrong than in the right. Her relationship with Rhea, and the experiences they face together, will change them— will make them grow.
One particular and almost omnipresent element of the book is how claustrophobic and oppressive the setting feels. We know from the beginning that most people would rather hang than forget Rhea for what she’s done, because nobody believes that a "good man" like her father would be a pedophile rapist. And we know that homophobia runs rampant too, if Morgan’s fall from grace and the behavior of some of the town residents is any indication. Friendly secondary characters are very rare, and the police officers don’t hide their prejudice and hostility against Rhea. The threat they face is introduced later in the book, and its slow escalation in violence gears the book towards a gripping settling of scores.
This is not, however, a mystery novel. There aren’t a lot of possible suspects for our villain, and our main characters can do little more than stand their ground against the onslaught. Taking a step back, I felt that particular element of the novel could have used a little more work. The plot is somewhat predictable, and while the ending is suitably climactic in intensity, I felt our villain was… not very smart, to say the least. But it’s a minor issue, and while the setting of the ending is a classic of such fiction, the way both our characters handle it is powerful and perhaps a bit unusual. Holy Batwoman Morgan, you’re an complete badass when you put your heart to it.
This is Donna K. Ford’s third novel, and the first one I've read from her. While reviews for her previous works were a mixed bag, this particular book is to me a solid romance with thriller elements, and I’m certainly looking forward for what she’ll write in the future.
February 19, 2023
There are a few books out similar to this one where a new ranch-hand/farm-helper comes to live with the property owner. One or both have a shady past etc. However, Rhea and Morgan are so fully realised as characters that, even though some of the book was familiar, it was wholly their story. I liked the shift of perspective between the two main characters. It was done well and fluidly without any of the jarring that can occur when using this narration style.
Through Rhea, we see Morgan as perfect. However, Morgan's internal dialogue shows us how flawed and human she is. Morgan is a very self-aware woman who works very hard at being who she is and I really enjoyed the author showing this.
Rhea is an incredibly complex character. We see every facet of her from fear to anger to love and everything in between. She is an important voice for survivors of abuse and violence as well as those struggling to adapt to life beyond incarceration. Essentially, we see her wavering between hope and doubt in a very emotional journey that is written beautifully.
I read this in two sittings, so it was a bit shorter than I would have liked, but only because I'm greedy when I'm enjoying a book. The pacing is very well done. There is drama and, again, this is written well. The final events are pretty obvious, yet never detracted from the story, instead were good vehicles for character development. Nothing was over-sensationalised.
A few other reviews mention loose ties at the end and, while I agree, I like that in a book (so long as it's not a cliffhanger!). There is room for a sequel - or not. Life is messy. Nothing is ever all tied nicely into a neat bow. There is always something else to do/work on/overcome. Too many romance novels end with epilogues that, no matter how well written, are fundamentally "and they lived happily ever after". I applaud the author for not rushing through life events to give the "perfect" ending. Instead, we get a realistic story of redemption and hope for the future.
4.5 stars.
Through Rhea, we see Morgan as perfect. However, Morgan's internal dialogue shows us how flawed and human she is. Morgan is a very self-aware woman who works very hard at being who she is and I really enjoyed the author showing this.
Rhea is an incredibly complex character. We see every facet of her from fear to anger to love and everything in between. She is an important voice for survivors of abuse and violence as well as those struggling to adapt to life beyond incarceration. Essentially, we see her wavering between hope and doubt in a very emotional journey that is written beautifully.
I read this in two sittings, so it was a bit shorter than I would have liked, but only because I'm greedy when I'm enjoying a book. The pacing is very well done. There is drama and, again, this is written well. The final events are pretty obvious, yet never detracted from the story, instead were good vehicles for character development. Nothing was over-sensationalised.
A few other reviews mention loose ties at the end and, while I agree, I like that in a book (so long as it's not a cliffhanger!). There is room for a sequel - or not. Life is messy. Nothing is ever all tied nicely into a neat bow. There is always something else to do/work on/overcome. Too many romance novels end with epilogues that, no matter how well written, are fundamentally "and they lived happily ever after". I applaud the author for not rushing through life events to give the "perfect" ending. Instead, we get a realistic story of redemption and hope for the future.
4.5 stars.
June 8, 2016
Actually a good book, lots of drama. I am missing more of their life after everything happened and how people get to know the real Rhea (this problem was not really solved).
November 15, 2023
A hard book to read but nothing out of place that took it beyond reality. I come away feeling sad - not at the story but at the way the world treats people who they don’t understand or don’t know.
May 10, 2016
Ok, I enjoyed this book until I got to the end with no tying up loose ends it seems for me. For instance what happens to Jeff he only got shoot but will he be facing charges, Rhea will her mother or sister ever accept her back, what about Sims the police officer he had it out for Rhea, Will the town accept her since she was working on fixing a tractor?. Maybe there's a second book in the maing that will tie up the loose ends or not.
Given book my NetGalley for a honest review
Given book my NetGalley for a honest review
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 23, 2017
Why are more people not reading this book? I thought this was one of the best books I have read all year. When I first started the book I was a bit worried, but I shouldn’t have given it a second thought. This book is a fantastic read. For me this is one of those books that will stick with me for a long time. As an author this is what I would really want my books to be able to accomplish. Ms. Ford should be very proud of this book. She writes about hard to discuss issues, and makes you really respect Rhea as a reader. When you first read the synopsis you may not get the full picture, this book is worth it. You should read it, you will not be sorry. This book really pulls at your heartstrings and makes you want that happy ending. I could read an entire other book about their future. ARC provided by NetGalley for honest review.
July 23, 2016
A great new novel from Donna K Ford, with all the usual elements of a traditional romance, a strong dose of suspense and her own unique twist.
Rhea has just been released from prison where she has served her sentence for killing her father. Scared of the world she left at 17, determined not to go let anyone near her and unwelcome to her family and neighbourhood, she finds herself dependent on her parole officer for a new start. Finding work and a home with her PO’s sister, Rhea is like skittish colt, always on the verge of bolting.
Morgan has a heart of gold and as an ex minister she instinctively takes in waifs and strays. But the cost of her past weighs heavy, and she is constantly trying not to let anyone one in. Between them they have enough trust issues to sink any chance of a relationship, despite the growing affection, but ultimately it is trust which will save them both.
The characters are interesting and their specific issues are unusual. Rhea is particularly well written and well developed. We watch her battle her own demons to overcome her childhood fears and fight her way into adulthood in the world. Having been incarcerated since 17 she has a lot of learning and adjusting to do and Ms Ford does an excellent job of describing her gradual change. Morgan is less defined, we know her issues, but don’t really explore them and aren’t made to empathise so strongly. My only complaint would be that we could have delved further into Morgan’s psyche and filled her out with more depth, I wanted to know more about her inner workings.. However as a foil to Rhea she is perfect.
There is a great tension throughout, on many levels. Will Rhea find a way to survive in the world is a question that permeates the whole? Will Rhea and Morgan allow themselves to open up, or stay in their shells built of fear? Will they survive the external threats to their happiness? Ms Ford balances all of these emotional intricacies extremely well and winds them into an intense and forceful backdrop to the Rheas growth.
Overall a very interesting combination of suspense, romance and character development, handled lightly despite the dark subject matter. Love’s Redemption is well written and thoughtfully plotted to use the storyline development and strands of emotional growth to create a sense of anticipation. I really enjoyed this one, and look forward to more of Ms Ford’s intriguing characters.
Rhea has just been released from prison where she has served her sentence for killing her father. Scared of the world she left at 17, determined not to go let anyone near her and unwelcome to her family and neighbourhood, she finds herself dependent on her parole officer for a new start. Finding work and a home with her PO’s sister, Rhea is like skittish colt, always on the verge of bolting.
Morgan has a heart of gold and as an ex minister she instinctively takes in waifs and strays. But the cost of her past weighs heavy, and she is constantly trying not to let anyone one in. Between them they have enough trust issues to sink any chance of a relationship, despite the growing affection, but ultimately it is trust which will save them both.
The characters are interesting and their specific issues are unusual. Rhea is particularly well written and well developed. We watch her battle her own demons to overcome her childhood fears and fight her way into adulthood in the world. Having been incarcerated since 17 she has a lot of learning and adjusting to do and Ms Ford does an excellent job of describing her gradual change. Morgan is less defined, we know her issues, but don’t really explore them and aren’t made to empathise so strongly. My only complaint would be that we could have delved further into Morgan’s psyche and filled her out with more depth, I wanted to know more about her inner workings.. However as a foil to Rhea she is perfect.
There is a great tension throughout, on many levels. Will Rhea find a way to survive in the world is a question that permeates the whole? Will Rhea and Morgan allow themselves to open up, or stay in their shells built of fear? Will they survive the external threats to their happiness? Ms Ford balances all of these emotional intricacies extremely well and winds them into an intense and forceful backdrop to the Rheas growth.
Overall a very interesting combination of suspense, romance and character development, handled lightly despite the dark subject matter. Love’s Redemption is well written and thoughtfully plotted to use the storyline development and strands of emotional growth to create a sense of anticipation. I really enjoyed this one, and look forward to more of Ms Ford’s intriguing characters.
December 5, 2020
Great book! Sometimes hard but exactly what I was looking for while searching for a story with a difficult situation where not everything is perfect, pink and full of unicorns. Rhea is very well written and Morgan is the perfect piece for a very broken puzzle.
The first form the author from me but not the last at all given how good her style is and how she is not scared of going to darker plots than your average romance.
The first form the author from me but not the last at all given how good her style is and how she is not scared of going to darker plots than your average romance.
March 12, 2017
Rhea Daniels was just released from prison for killing her father who sexually abused her. She goes to work for her parole officer's sister, Morgan Scott, and tries to put the past behind her.
Morgan was reluctant to have Rhea work for her but realizes that maybe Rhea was just what she needed in more ways than one.
I must say that I really enjoyed reading the story of Rhea and Morgan develop. The pacing was good and was a slow burn romance between the two leads.
My heart went out to Rhea with her troubled past and the difficulty of getting acclimated to life after prison. Although far-fetched, I would have liked to have read about Rhea reuniting with her sister or her sister's thought on the murder of their father.
The slight mystery aspect of Love's Redemption also kept it interesting.
Review also posted here: http://wp.me/p4Pp9O-yf
I was given a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Morgan was reluctant to have Rhea work for her but realizes that maybe Rhea was just what she needed in more ways than one.
I must say that I really enjoyed reading the story of Rhea and Morgan develop. The pacing was good and was a slow burn romance between the two leads.
My heart went out to Rhea with her troubled past and the difficulty of getting acclimated to life after prison. Although far-fetched, I would have liked to have read about Rhea reuniting with her sister or her sister's thought on the murder of their father.
The slight mystery aspect of Love's Redemption also kept it interesting.
Review also posted here: http://wp.me/p4Pp9O-yf
I was given a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 3, 2017
Love’s Redemption by Donna K. Ford is the story of an ex-con trying to get her life back together. The thing is that most people don’t want to give ex-con’s a chance to find a new start after prison and that is what Rhea faces. Thankfully she has a parole officer that is willing to help and she sets her up with Morgan. The story also has a mystery element in that we have a person with a grudge making our leads’ lives more difficult. I found Love’s Redemption by Donna K. Ford to be a sweet romance and our main character’s personal journeys is so enjoyable to read. This is my second read by Ford and I look forward to more.
August 2, 2016
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this book. The characters were well developed and engaging, the plot moved at a comfortable pace (engaging without moving too fast), and the combination of romance and suspense was well done. I found myself rooting for both Rhea and Morgan.
As a clergy woman, I thought that the Morgan's character was particularly well done. The story of betrayal is believable (although things are changing in the church). I'm always thrilled to see clergy women portrayed in fiction.
I loved this book. The characters were well developed and engaging, the plot moved at a comfortable pace (engaging without moving too fast), and the combination of romance and suspense was well done. I found myself rooting for both Rhea and Morgan.
As a clergy woman, I thought that the Morgan's character was particularly well done. The story of betrayal is believable (although things are changing in the church). I'm always thrilled to see clergy women portrayed in fiction.
June 2, 2016
Two women are damaged by their past actions. Rhea Daniels for killing her father and Morgan Scott for not being enough for her former lover. Their uneasy and then cautions approach to each other is a lesson in forgiving oneself for doing what seemed right, and then venturing on. This is a well written and engaging story.
June 21, 2016
A Ford kind of love.
I don't think there is anything to not like. I was hooked from page one. I liked how Morgan gave Rhea a chance at new life. But by the end of the book they both gave each a new chance. I would Definitely recommend this book.
I don't think there is anything to not like. I was hooked from page one. I liked how Morgan gave Rhea a chance at new life. But by the end of the book they both gave each a new chance. I would Definitely recommend this book.
September 28, 2016
2016 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: Love's Redemption by Donna K. Ford
OMG -- I loved this book. Genuinely. Engrossing, solid characters. Fabulous read. This one made me happy.
OMG -- I loved this book. Genuinely. Engrossing, solid characters. Fabulous read. This one made me happy.
December 5, 2017
Another heartwarming story of survival and finding what matters in life the most.
October 4, 2018
I met this author at Pride last weekend. She was very engaging when talking about her books and I was so excited to read something of hers. I will say that if you have any kind of trigger when reading about sexual assault you probably dont want to read this. While the assault isnt described in detail, it is most definitely a huge part of one of the lead characters past. That being said...I was pretty enthralled for the first half of this book. I couldn't put it down. When the "mystery" part of the story started I thought some of it was a little far fetched but I still enjoyed it none the less. I would have loved to have seen something happen with the little sister but hey there's always a sequel ;) This was my first book by Ms Ford and I will definitely check out the others. 4 stars.
December 14, 2016
Detailed score: 2.75
Sigh. The tell not show error strikes again. I found this story to be descriptions of tingly feelings that need to be resisted for various reasons interspersed with random acts of violence either in the present or from a characters back story.
When sexual violence is included in a work, it really needs to be done well or not at all. Unfortunately it was used here as little more than a plot device to try and give our ex prisoner lead extra depth.
I found this book irritatingly one note and unnecessarily violent. Did not enjoy much at all TBH
Sigh. The tell not show error strikes again. I found this story to be descriptions of tingly feelings that need to be resisted for various reasons interspersed with random acts of violence either in the present or from a characters back story.
When sexual violence is included in a work, it really needs to be done well or not at all. Unfortunately it was used here as little more than a plot device to try and give our ex prisoner lead extra depth.
I found this book irritatingly one note and unnecessarily violent. Did not enjoy much at all TBH
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2018
I got to meet Ford at the 2017 Knox Pride. Real cool lady. I was trying to decide which book of hers to read first. Love's Redemption it is! This was a great story. Made me angry & sad. There was action, mystery and, of course, an angonizingly slow burn romance! I loved how the story was told and written & could see this as a movie on Logo or even a Netflix original..j/s. I recently bought No Boundaries and cant wait to dive into that one! Donna K Ford, one of my new fav authors.
December 5, 2024
Holy hell this was awful. I listened to the audiobook and that only made it SO much worse. The narrator read this dark book with intonations like she was reading a fucking children's book by Disney. The eventual (and ridiculous) sex scene was narrated terribly. The bad guy (and the shitty cop) were so over the top it was laughable. Well it would have been laughable if I wasn't so disappointed with myself for actually finishing this POS.
September 29, 2020
This was a tough one to read. I just wanted to hold rhea and tell her everything is going to be ok. The way Morgan showed the a what unconditional love was is beautiful to watch and seeing both of them grow together was everything
January 25, 2020
Slow build up, due to the tough subject. I thought this subject matter was handled well.
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