*South of the Border Suspense* *Christian Undertone*
Who will save her from herself?
After helping another girl escape, Mercedes Nobles suffers unspeakable abuse at the Jericho saloon. So when a familiar cowboy rides into town, she jumps at the opportunity to start a new life... even though she carries a secret that could destroy any chance of happiness for either of them.
John Durbin may have turned in his badge, but he still lives by a certain code of honor. That includes returning to a seedy Mexican cantina to rescue a woman who helped his friends escape. However, the tables turn and he finds himself getting married "in name only."
Struggling with cultural differences, they question how the marriage can survive. Will John sacrifice his faith to make his new wife happy? How will Mercedes redeem herself when John learns of the secret she's hiding?
*Authentic Mexican recipes found at the end of the book.*
Mimi Milan is a Latin American poet and author. She received the MFA in Creative Writing at Queens University of Charlotte, where she currently serves as the Social Media Manager for the MFA Department. When she isn't sharing her love for her alma mater, she can be found entertaining children, a menagerie of pets and imaginary friends.
This second in the trilogy is about salvation. It's about rescuing someone but also rescuing oneself into believing. Belief in oneself is saving oneself from doubt and regret. So John and Mercedes story is about letting God taking over and having faith in the results. Again Mimi Milan is such a talented author who layers her characters with emotions, passions and awesome writing- you are swept into a story that embraces you forever.
This is the second book in what I hope is a seies of several books in the Jericho Resistance series. I recommend reading A Rebel in Jericho first so that you understand who Mercedes is and how she met John. It is referenced several times in Twice Redeemed, but no details are given. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and believe the characters are well-developed and relatable. There are a few surprises sprinkled throughout the story and lots of action to keep you turning the pages. The inclusion of the topic of human trafficking is handled well. I look forward to reading the next book. I received a copy of this book from the author. This review is completely my own.
With its World War 2 era setting in Mexico, “Twice Redeemed” is a more modern than usual tale that still has the feel of the old west. The heroine of this story is Mercedes, a saloon girl who is essentially a slave to the obviously evil owner of the establishment. Because she helped another of his “girls” escape (in Book 1 of the Jericho Resistance series), Mercedes is punished in various ways, including physical abuse. If only the American cowboy who offered to take her with him would come back Mercedes would not refuse his offer again. Fortunately for Mercedes, John Durbin did return to take her to the United States with him but doing so would be easier said than done.
Overall, I enjoyed “Twice Redeemed”. The characters were well developed and I could easily relate to their difficulties. I particularly liked reading about the old woman who helped Mercedes and John and would have liked to learn more about her. I was also intrigued by the group who called themselves the Jericho Resistance and felt like there is a story there that I would love to know more about. The plot contained enough action, danger, and suspense to keep me reading and included a few twists that surprised me which is always fun. The story was resolved well at the end although there were a few questions left in the air that I hope will be answered in Book 3.
Although the second book in a series, “Twice Redeemed” easily stood alone but it did leave me with enough curiosity about the first book that I will probably go back and read it also when I find the time.
A digital copy of this book was provided by Celebrate Lit in exchange for my honest review .
"Twice Redeemed" by Mimi Milan is book 2 in (The Jericho Resistance Series) and is a great story of redemption. But I have to be honest and say that I am glad I read book 1 "A Rebel In Jericho" first because I don't think I wouldn't have enjoyed this story as well without having that background. Yes, "A Rebel In Jericho" is really Catalina's story and "Twice Redeemed" is Mercedes's story, they really ( in my opinion) should be read in order.
Through "Twice Redeemed" was a great read I liked "A Rebel in Jericho" better.
"Twice Redeemed" is a story that shows love can conquer all. There are a few tense scenes in both of these books and they do keep you on the edge of your seat. These books have violence and alcohol. And the subject material is human trafficking, but there no explicit scenes but I really don't recommend young teens read them.
I love the ending, there is a surprise. In fact, there are a few surprises in this book and that is why I say reading "A Rebel In Jericho" first is better. The ending also leaves me wondering if there is going to be a third book in this series. I certainly hope so as I have questions that need answers like what happened to -- and --- . I put the lines in because to fill them in it might be a spoiled alert.
Yes, I recommend these books to Christians and non Christians alike. There are references to God and Bible reading but these books are not preachy.
I was given a copy of "Twice Redeemed" by the author and Celebrate Lit for my honest review as part of the book tour.
First off, Twice Redeemed is book two in The Jericho Resistance series, so if you can, start with that book first. Now that that's out of the way -- on to the book! Twice Redeemed is a quick read that blends historical fiction with Christian romance. It's certainly not the best story I've ever read, but I so appreciated the fact that the author didn't go the typical cowboy/western romance route. I can honestly say this is the first romance I've read set in Mexico during the early days of the first world war. That said, I would have loved to have had the history play a larger role in the book. Even though my iPad says this book is well over 300 pages, I read it in less than two hours. This book could have been a big, juicy saga. I love a well-researched historical and am saddened by the fact that such a unique time period and setting wasn't expanded upon. Mercedes and John are a likeable pair, but I felt just as I was getting to know them both, their story was over. Maybe book three goes into further detail. All told, still, Twice Redeemed is a sweet novella -type story that would make a good lunch break diversion or poolside treat.
~ My Rating: 3 out of 5 stars ~
*I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.*
"Twice Redeemed" is a sensitively written, fictional account about the "soiled doves" of the Old West. Set in 1918, when relations between Mexico and the U.S. were at odds with each other because of the killing of an innocent man at the border, the story captures the uneasiness and danger of the time. Through the effective use of Spanish phrases and vivid description, I was drawn into the dry, dusty, hot locale of Mexico. There are few characters in the book, affording Ms. Milan plenty of space to fully develop them. Secular writers could learn a lot from this author about crafting a villain without using profanity or cheap theatrics. Bits of history and geography woven through the story educated me without seeming like a lecture. In addition to the obvious theme of redemption, the concept of dependence on God is also evident throughout the story. Suspenseful and well-written this is the second in a series that was easily read as a stand-alone.
I received this book for free in exchange for my honest review.
I found this to be a well written story and easy to read. I stumbled over a little bit of the Spanish phrases, but figured it out the more I read. I felt the author was true to this particular time period and touched on some topics that others try to dance around. I actually appreciated that. I think it's easy for a Christian author to ignore a topic because the issue is unChristian, however we live in a fallen world. I think it's great to see how Christians, or hopefully Christians may react to that scenario.
My favorite character was John, but not because he was the hero perse, but because of his quick wit, intelligence and ability to get through some tough situations. I loved his bargaining powers!!
Overall I thought this was a good read, especially for those who like historical reads. I especially loved the recipes in the back and can't wait to try to them!! I received a complimentary copy of this book from CelebrateLit in exchange for an honest review which I have given.
Twice Redeemed is Book Two in The Jericho Resistance series by Mimi Milan. This is the first book by Ms. Milan that I have had the privilege to read and I can say I thoroughly enjoyed it. Mercedes Nobles has helped another girl escape but suffers unspeakable abuse at Jericho. John Durbin, an American cowboy, returns to a seedy Mexican saloon to rescue the woman who helped his friends escape. He finds himself married to her. Mercedes has secrets that could destroy any chance of happiness and John is struggling with the cultural differences. Will their marriage survive? Can they learn to love each other amidst the secrets and differences.
I really enjoyed reading Twice Redeemed, this is a great book that I didn’t have a problem getting into even though it is book two. I do plan to go back and read book one. I give this book 5 out 5 stars.
Thank you to Celebrate Lit, the publisher and the Author for providing me with a copy of this book for my honest review.
Twice Redeemed is the second novel in the Jericho series, but you absolutely don’t need to read the first in order to get this one and you don’t have to wait for the next for the ending, though there is an overarching story-line that will make you want to continue reading. It will not leave you feeling dissatisfied. This novel is a look into a historical brothel across the border. I don’t like rehashing the story to ruin it for future readers, but I liked the way the hero and heroine dance around each other, but I was shocked by the ending of this book. I simply have to read the next book so that I know what happens! I highly recommend this book for readers of Christian fiction, romance, and those looking for diversity of characters in their reading. This is a sweet romance but does have adult themes, they are handled well and I appreciated the way the author did not skirt actual issues. I received this book free in exchange for an honest review which I have given.
"Twice Redeemed" is the second book in the Jericho Resistance series and I did not read the first book. I didn't feel totally lost, so it isn't necessary to read the first book first, but it would probably be better to meet the characters in the first book. The book had twists I did not expect it, which makes it fun that I was surprised by things. I liked watching Mercedes' journey to God and acceptance of her worth. John never told Mercedes whatever his past had been. I'm not sure if I would have learned more about him if I'd read the first book, but it would have been nice to know a little more about him. I just realized I have the first book, so I am definitely going to be reading it!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review as part of the Celebrate Lit book tour. All thoughts and opinions are my own and no other compensation was received.
I am the first to always put a book down if the man acts as though he is the only one to be the hero. I love a girl that can be strong. Mercedes is strong, yet she is so caught up in feeling tarnished that she does need John. I loved that he was a cautious strong character, and a man that cared for his horse! I loved that even though John was rescuing her, Mercedes was growing stronger in her confidence. They were truly a meant to be couple.
This is a well written western historical romance. I enjoyed Mercedes and John's stories. I felt so sorry for all the women in the bordello since most of them were bought from their families. That is horrible. There were some twists and turns in this story. I look forward to the next book in the series. This was the second book in the series but I was able to understand all that was going on. I received this ebook from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion.
If you want a book that is full of love, faith, heartache, pain and taking chances than this is the book for you. Mimi Milam will draw you right into her book. Her passion comes through in these characters making the story come to life. Be sure to order your copy of Twice Redeemed by Mimi Milam today. 5 stars! I received a copy of this book for my honest review.
I really liked this story that takes place in Mexico. A rescue mission turns into a rescue by wedding. Interesting characters, secrets and some hard times give us a lot of action and and all around good story!
Mimi Milan tells a beautiful story of redemption. No only in the physical sense but also spiritual. I have to admit some parts made me squemish. I can't stand the thought of anyone being treated less than God intened. All in all it was worth the squemish parts to experience the wonderful story.