In a place that had been named for paradise, evil had come to call ...
Paradise Lost ... And Found?
Naomi Cross knew evil. She'd felt its presence when her daughter disappeared, years ago, and she felt it stalking her now. But this time, danger drove her into the strong, sheltering arms of the one man who could help her - Alex DeWitt. The man whose cherished daughter might be Naomi's child.
He was handsome as sin, and just as irresistible. And when he heard her desperate claim, Alex shocked Naomi with a wild proposal of his own. Naomi needed protection; Alex needed a wife. Together, they could uncover the dark secrets of the past - and start the long journey home to paradise.
Amanda Stevens is the award-winning author of over fifty novels, including the modern gothic series, The Graveyard Queen. Her books have been described as eerie and atmospheric, “a new take on the classic ghost story.” Born and raised in the rural south, she now resides in Houston, Texas, where she enjoys binge-watching, bike riding and the occasional Horror Night with friends.
Amanda Stevens brings the Eden's Children saga to a lovely close in "The Forgiven." Ten years after her daughter Sadie was kidnapped, Naomi Cross learns a secret that sends her to New Orleans--and Alex DeWitt. She believes Alex's daughter is hers. Alex has no intention of losing his daughter to this stranger. Can they dare to work together to unravel the truth about the daughter she believes they share?
Like book two, "The Tempted," "The Forgiven" is an engrossing emotional drama and a true page-turner. Everything that made that book good is present in "The Forgiven." This book stands with Ms. Stevens's strongest, a story with deep emotion and strong characters. The premise faced by the main characters is heartbreaking and Stevens fills their story with her usual moving prose. Naomi and Alex are instantly sympathetic. "The Forgiven" is less melodramatic and more emotional than "The Tempted," making this story that much more effective. This is the kind of book that shows you don't need lots of explosions and action scenes to make a fast-paced read. The story here is mystery and character oriented and flies by.
One weakness that's unusual for Ms. Stevens is the mystery. The intrigue is surprisingly weak for one of her book. The clues aren't dropped with Ms. Stevens's usual grace, and many readers may figure out the ending long before it comes. This is partly because there is really only one solution that makes much sense here. Stevens tries to keep the secret to the end. This results in scenes where we think the characters will catch on, only to have them jump to clearly wrong solutions instead of the more obvious true one. It can be very frustrating watching the characters miss the obvious truth time and again before it finally comes out. However, the romance and character drama are so strong that this flaw is a minor one.
Two words of warning: this book SHOULD NOT be read unless you've read Book Two in the series, "The Tempted." This book flows directly from that one, and the entire plot of "The Tempted" is summarized in the first few pages of "The Forgiven." It can be read on its own, but you won't be able to go back and read the other one later. Also, the back cover copywriter does the reader a disservice by once again revealing late developments in the book.
"The Forgiven" is a very nice end to another solid Stevens miniseries.
Stevens is one of my favorite authors and a dear friend! The Forgiven was a great read! I went in without reading the other 2 and didn't feel lost. Had good romance and suspense! Classics Amanda
Great trilogy with interwoven characters and completely (well, ALMOST completely) surprising elements and ending. Characters, plot, writing all excellent. Enjoyed the entire set, but the last one was full of hidden motives and whatnot. :)
Enjoyed all three stories. I was so into these books, that I even once missed my bus stop, while i was going to work. I was late 10 min :D really, it was everything I like. Drama, romance, mystery, love, crime and many other things at once :)
L'intrigue était chouette . Mais je trouve que la motivation a vouloir absolument en faire 1 romance principale à tout gâché. La fin est selon moi bâclé.