When Sara Hardy inherits a cottage in the small town of Redemption, Connecticut, it is just the break she needs to draw a line under her past—to begin again, on her own.
Sara never thought she’d be starting over. She was married, successful, and the mother of a beautiful girl. But the life she thought was on the right path has taken a series of wrong turns…
Meanwhile Jake Mathieson has a lot on his plate. Still reeling from a tragedy for which he feels responsible, he finds himself unexpectedly caring for his six-year-old nephew. In desperation, he comes to Redemption to enlist the help of his Aunt Cilla, a widow with demons of her own.
Jake is intrigued by Cilla’s cautious new neighbor. Like him, Sara is desperate to put the past behind her but not quite sure how to begin. Can Redemption offer either of them a second chance to find hope and happiness—perhaps even to take a risk on new love?
USA TODAY bestselling and award-winning Australian author Nicola Marsh writes page-turning fiction to keep you up all night.
She has published 86 books across genres, including contemporary romance, women's fiction, domestic suspense, and fantasy.
She's a Waldenbooks, Bookscan, Amazon, iBooks and Barnes & Noble bestseller, a 2013 RBY and National Readers' Choice Award winner, and a multiple finalist for many other awards.
There is no better place for redemption than Redemption
There have been other books about people wounded by life and the healing power of love, but Nicola March has created a strong story with well developed characters, making Saving Sara a powerful read. Told from three distinct viewpoints, this book interweaves two love stories. I became totally wrapped up in this book and finished it only one day after receiving it in Goodreads giveaway. You should read it, too.
MoMo’s Book Diary loves the Redemption series of books from Nicola Marsh and eagerly recommends Saving Sarah, the first in the series, as a 5 star read.
I bought this book after reading some tweets about it and I loved it!
Sara is grieving for her three-year-old daughter Lucy and her marriage and doesn’t know how to carry on. When her grandmother passes, Sara inherits her old cottage in Redemption. This is just what she needs to begin her new life…
Jake is grieving after an airline tragedy for which he feels responsible until his sister, Rose, asks him to care for her son, Ollie, while she checks herself into rehab to deal with her reliance on alcohol. Jake agrees, but has no idea how to look after a six-year-old and in desperation calls on his estranged Aunt Cilla who was always there for him when he was young.
Cilla has her own problems but is delighted to welcome Jake and Ollie to Redemption.
The book introduces each character in a way that you really feel you know them and each one is likable. There are some real emotional twists for all involved but it is a very feel-good book that I very much enjoyed. A heartwarming story with each character discovering they can actually help each other to heal.
This the first in the Redemption Series by Nicola Marsh where we follow the romantic struggle between the two characters as they try to allow themselves a second chance at happiness. This uplifting story reminds us that we can all heal, love and learn to move on from our heart breaks and tragedies.
I am looking forward to reading the next in the series and would highly recommend this delightful book and this author to friends.
Saving Sara is a lovely read. Another book which has been waiting patiently on my kindle. I'm so glad I finally got around to reading it. When we first meet Sara, she is attending a funeral. The funeral is for her 3 year old daughter, Lucy, which is just heart-breaking. We don't find out what happened straight away, but as well as losing her daughter, Sara's marriage is falling apart and she finds herself in Redemption, in a house left to her by her grandmother, in an attempt to heal. Jake is also trying to heal. He still can't forgive himself for an accident he feels he caused, but he has to pull himself together to some degree when his sister asks him to take care of his nephew whilst she gets herself well. Jake also finds himself in Redemption when he enlists the help of his Aunt Cilla, who lives next door to Sara. Now, it is quite obvious that Sara and Jake are going to click, but it's far from straight forward and I thoroughly enjoyed their story. They are lovely characters and I was routing for them all the way through. Cilla too! This story is full of raw emotion, which I felt on every page. There is unimaginable loss and grief, but also learning to live again. It's a beautiful romance with the happiest of endings. I will be purchasing book 2 in this series.
Resenha em português e inglês - Review in Portuguese and English ------------------------------------------------------------ ARC via netgalley para resenha honesta - ARC via netgalley to honest review ------------------------------------------------------------ Eu simplesmente adorei a história. Os personagens enfrentam problemas e situações que alteraram suas vidas e os deixaram realmente muito desolados e sem saber como superar. Isolamento, depressão, vícios e até mesmo a apatia fazendo com que os problemas além de não serem resolvidos ainda se agravarem. Um grupo de pessoas que juntas conseguiram forças para superação e também reencontrar a alegria de viver. Cenas emocionantes e que nos deixam com o coração cheio de esperança e com o sentimento de que mesmo estando no fundo do poço encontramos forças para emergir com o auxílio de amigos e familiares. Sempre é tempo de recomeçar a vida e encontrar amor e amizade sem medo de se machucar novamente. Eu terminei a leitura com um sorriso no meu rosto e com uma sensação boa de esperança no meu coração. Recomendo muito a leitura.
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I just loved the story. The characters face problems and situations that have changed their lives and let them really desolate and without knowing how to overcome. Isolation, depression, addictions and even apathy causing the problems don't work out and still worsening. A group of people who together have achieved the strength to overcome and also rediscover the joy of living. Touching scenes and that leave us with a heart full of hope and the feeling that even arriving at our worst moment we found strength to emerge with the help of friends and family. It's always time to start a new life and find love and friendship without fear of getting hurt again. I finished reading with a smile on my face and with a good feeling of hope in my heart. I highly recommend reading.
----------------- Highlight: ----------------- "Sara realized why they all seemed to get on so well. A band of misfits in their own way, they were all craving a little affection and a lot of understanding. She fit right in."
When Sara's daughter, Lucy, died, Sara withdrew from everything and eventually moved to her recently deceased grandmother's house in Redemption. When five-year old Olly's mom went into rehab for alcoholism, her brother, Jake, took Olly in, Fortunately for Olly, Jake had no idea what to do with a five-year old, so Jake called his aunt, Cilla in Redemption and asks if they can come for a visit.
This is their story of how they all begin to heal from tragedy and circumstances beyond their control.
Olly is smart as a whip and you can't help but fall in love with him. All he wants is his mom and a family of his own. Sara, on the other hand, wants nothing to do with Olly or any child for that matter. She also does not want to get involved with Jake, who is maybe the most damaged of all of them after an accident he feels is his fault.
The author draws the reader into their lives by making them so real. I could feel Sara's pain from the very first page and could cheer for her as she took each step forward through the process of healing and beginning to live again. Olly bring all of the adults together as they try to help him deal with the temporary loss of the mother he adores, and as Jake learns to help Olly he begins to heal himself.
Great characters, several interesting plot lines, and a surprise ending. I highly recommend this book.
I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
A love story that read as real and not too sugary.......
A love story that read as real, to me, without all the over the top, sappy, sugary dialogue. It starts off terribly sad.....death of a toddler; end of one marriage; a mother with problems and entering rehab; a young and damaged 6 year old left with an Uncle who is also damaged by his childhood and a recent tragedy; a Great-Aunt who lived thru an abusive marriage but has been a widow for 20 years and whose daughter left for college about 25 years ago and who never came back home......all of these damaged people have a connection to each other. Instead of being depressing, it is actually an interesting book with 2 love stories that just adds even more flavor to the book. I thoroughly enjoyed this story (or in this case, multiple stories) and if this is any indication of the type of books this author writes (complex and entertaining), I hope she has more books already waiting for me to discover!
Title: Saving Sarah Author: Nicola Marsh Publisher: Lake Union Publishing Series: Redemption Series Book 1 Reviewed By: Arlena Dean Rating: Five Review:
"Saving Sarah" by Nicola Marsh
My Thoughts....
What I wonderful read! This emotional story will definitely pull at your heart. The characters from Sara, Jake, Aunt Cilla, Olly and Rose who will tough your heart and where they all will have to overcome something in their life and given a new chance at happiness. I found this read a beautiful story of 'healing, facing death and moving toward a new beginning.' I enjoyed this 'powerful read' being told from three different points of views that gives us two romance stories, interesting well written story with a surprising ending. Would I recommend? YES!
I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
A very predictable story, but one that I really enjoyed. It made a welcoming change to read a novel that is easy going. Admittedly I did struggle with the first few pages, as wasn't sure where this story was going, but soon found myself unable to put the book down until finished. It is the first time that I have read any books by this author and shall look forward to reading more.
I received this book via Netgalley and this is my honest review.
This was a lovely, heart warming story of love conquering all. The characters were adorable especially little Ollie. What a sweet, smart cheeky chappy he was! I really enjoyed this book and would definitely look out for further novels from this author. Thank you to netgalley for my copy in return for an honest review.
This is a wonderful book of love lost and love found again. There are many kinds of love; the loss of a child, friendship, romantic, family, romantic love....all hurt when lost and hard to get over. More difficult still to find it again. Saving Sara is truly about Redemption. Highly recommend.
This was a nice story, with heartwarming moments, teary emotional moments,romance, flirting and a fair bit of drama, oh and a cute little 6 year old boy who you can’t help but fall a little bit in love with.
Redemption what everyone wants. Redemption isn't just a small town but where people go to heal and find forgiveness. Sara's story sucked me right in and I finished this in a day. I needed to know what happened with her and Jake. What became of Olly did Rose come back for her son. Did Aunt Cilla and Bryce become a couple I loved how it was all thrown together. Bryce and Cilla not sure about the age difference but I sure like the story of these two. Happy Ending all around.
I hope to see Rose in the next book My thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Saving Sara is a tearjerker because of the subject matter regarding the hero and heroine. Both go through major losses, which they have to recover and heal from. There's also a great secondary May/December romance featuring the hero's aunt and a doctor almost twenty years younger then her, who once was friends with her daughter she barely talks to or sees. Contemporary Romance fans will mostly like enjoy this small town romance, but the romance between the main couple almost takes a back seat to the issues that have to face in order to move on from their emotional prisoners.
Sara has moved into her deceased grandmother's house. She is still mourning the death of her three year old daughter from almost 2 years ago. She divorced her workaholic husband who she blames for their daughter's death. Sara still has immense guilt and can barely find the will to go on. She has become a hermit who doesn't do much than go through her grandmother's things. But that changes when she meets her neighbor, Cilla, a widow of 20 years who loves to garden and paint. Sara was once a big painter but gave it up for a well paying job and a family. Cilla is friendly, but Sara keeps her distance. But Sara is in for more surprises when Cilla's nephew Jake comes to stay with her, including his 6 year old nephew Olly. Olly's mother is in rehab and Jake is his temporary guardian while his mother gets better.
Jake hasn't talked to his Aunt Cilla in 20 years. The reason is his abusive father cut our his aunt after his mother died. Cilla's dead husband was also emotionally abusive to her, which caused her daughter to leave and never come back. When jake's younger sister asks him to take care of his nephew, he does because he wants his sister to get better. Olly is a scared and angry little boy Jake can't seem to help. So he turns to Cilla who may have the magic touch. Cilla invited Jake and Olly to stay with her, which may help him and Olly bond.
Cilla loves having Jake and Olly stay with her because she has been so lonely, although she has the possibility of a romance with a much younger man (he's in his early 40s), and a doctor to boot. But Cilla has major reservations. She is almost like Sara in that aspect, haunted by her miserable marriage even 20 years later. Surprisingly Sara becomes a member of their ragtag family because of Olly who is the only one who can reach her self-imposed walls. And there's Jake who wants to be friends with Sara, and perhaps more if she's willing to accept his help and a shoulder to rely on.
Saving Sara is about saving Sara and her demons, but its also about forgiveness and redemption in the small town of Redemption. Sara, Jake, Cilla, and even Olly have a lot of emotional baggage. As the story is revealed, we see different sides to these characters, and how they do help each other find peace and eventually joy that surrounds them. There are some heartwarming scenes, combined with heartbreak. Watching these four learn to trust one another, and the world around them is the big HEA. As for an HEA I want in any romance I read, Saving Sara had that when it comes to Sara and Jake. You won't be disappointed, although I was more interested in Cilla and her back and forth with the young sexy doctor who has been in love with her for almost two decades.
The love scenes are adequate, but nothing too descriptive or emotional. The sensuality factor may not matter because the sex isn't an important factor to further the plot along.
Saving Sara is a sold romance with a great Women's Fiction tone, and a satisfactory summer or beach read.
Though not the breezy romance I expected having read other Nicola Marsh books, I very much enjoyed Saving Sara and the time I spent getting to know the characters in the book. In fact, by the end of the book I wondered in passing why it was called Saving Sara because so many of the characters were wounded or scarred and in need of healing. Appropriately enough, the book is set in the town of Redemption, Connecticut.
Sara Hardy has come to Redemption to regroup and heal a year after the death of her young daughter. She has inherited her recently deceased grandmother's house which is next door to Cilla Prescott's place. Cilla, while struggling with her own demons and baggage, offers her home and healing ways to her long-absent nephew, Jake Mathieson, and his own nephew, Olly, of whom he is a floundering temporary guardian. The characters evolve slowly, as do their relationships. The only false note to me was the suddenness and intensity of the ardor that Bryce Madden expresses for Cilla after not having seen her for probably 15 years or so, and not having any sort of real contact with her in closer to 25 years. That said, I enjoyed experiencing Cilla's emotional awakening.
I recommend this book for those who enjoy women's fiction. While this has romance in it, I personally don't consider it a romance novel.
I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions stated are my own.
This book starts with a very sad beginning. Sara is at the funeral of her 3 year old daughter. Her marriage has broken down and Sara's life is in a downward spiral. Sara doesn't know what to do and she doesn't know how to carry on.
If things couldn't get worse for Sara her grandmother dies and leaves her, her house in Redemption. Sara is in need of a clean break a new beginning and so decides to move into her grandmothers old house.
Meanwhile Jacks sister Rosie who is an alcoholic is wanting to go into Rehab but doesn't know who will be able to look after her son. With no one else to turn to Rosie calls Jack and begs him to come and look after Ollie.
Jack agrees and takes care of Ollie but he is lost and doesn't know how to take care of a six year old boy. He racks his brain for who could help him at this turbulent time and remembers his aunt Cilla who both Jack and Rosie loved when they were little. Jack hasn't seen Cilla for 16 years but is hoping and praying Cilla will help. Thankfully Cilla is kind and wonderful lady and agrees to help Jack and so Jack find himself back in Redemption.
The little town of Redemption seems the place to be if you have troubles and soon works its magic on Sara, Jack and Ollie.
Is there a happy ending to have in this story? Well that is for me to know and you to find out. If you like your romance stories a little different then you should read this book.
Sara Hardy lost her child and her future. Her pain is crippling that she comes to Redemption, Connecticut. Here her memories of time spent with her gran make her think of happy times. Can she face a future without her little girl? Jake comes to town to ask his Aunt Cilla for help. He wants to connect with Olly, his nephew. Jake's life is filled with grief and guilt. He blames himself for a plane crash that killed all on board. Can he put his pain aside and help Olly adjust while his mother is in rehab? Saving Sara is an emotional story that had me in tears. It was amazing to see how love and support helped these characters overcome tragedy and find a second chance at happiness. The healing peace of Redemption is the perfect backdrop for this uplifting story. I was taken by Cilla's story. She survived abuse and loneliness and is finally able to embrace a relationship with a younger man. Nicola Marsh wrote a story of healing, facing loss and moving forward to a new beginning. Saving Sara is a wonderful start to her new series. I loved these intertwined stories. Her characters are amazing. They touched my heart. I wanted them to find the peace and love that they deserved. I received a copy from Net Galley in exchange for an honest and unscripted review.
At the start of the book Sara is at the funeral of her beautiful three year old daughter Lucy - her marriage has broken down and she does not know how to carry on - then her Grandmother leaves her her house in Redemption and she decides to go there and make a new life for herself
Jake is still reeling from the aftermath of an accident that he cant forgive himself for when he gets a call from his sister Rosie begging for his help with her six year old son Ollie - Rosie has alcohol problems and wants to go into rehab and Jake is the only one that she can trust with her beloved son.
Jake is at a loss of how to deal with Ollie and so he phones an aunt, Cilla, that he hasn't seen for 18 years, she was the only person he and Rosie felt safe with in their turbulent childhood, and so he goes to stay with her in Redemption
Cilla is delighted to have Jake to stay and soon makes Ollie feel at ease, but Cilla has her own problems namely Bryce the new doctor locum who was a friend of her daughters and is now persuing Cilla. How can she possibly start a relationship with someone who is 18 years younger than she is!
A lovely heartwarming story with all of the relationships intertwining and everyone finding out how they can actually help each other to heal.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
It is very easy to give an honest review when the book is beautifully written and you can’t put it down. The characters pull you in and you share their heart aches with them.
It follows Sara Hardy who moves to Redemption after inheriting a cottage from her grandmother, this is her new beginning after what happened to her in the past. Sara never thought that she would start over. Introducing Jake Mathieson has a lot on his plate, dealing with his own demons, he unexpectedly has to care for his 6-year-old nephew.
All these stories intertwine with each other, and comes together tied in a neat bow.
It did take me a while to get into it, the story does take a while to kick off, but once it does, it hits it out of the park.
After the loss of her child Sara felt she could return the the safety and security of Redemption Conn. where she spent many hours and days with her sweet grandmother. Sara hoping to rest and reflect on where her life was going. What she didn't expect was Jake. Jake who had demons of his own and a life that needed mending. This is a very sweet love story that shows through hope and reflection a person can overcome what they believe to be the worst thing ever and how you can come out on the other side being a better stronger person thru trust and love. I loved this book and I plan on reading more Nicola Marsh!
quick entertaining, heartfelt novel. I hadn't read Marsh before and given some of the blips in the book (locum, nattered, veg) was not surprised that she's an Aussie- great to have her books published here in the US because I'll be looking for her again. I was rooting for Sara and Jake but then Delivery Boy threw a slight and momentary curveball to make things more interesting. The Bryce=Cilla relationship- thumbs up for that one! Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Recommend for a positive read with a little sizzle.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The title may be Saving Sarah, but she is not the only one who needs saving. We meet several interesting people, each with their own need for some form of redemption. The stories are not maudlin, nor do they get bogged down in the details. I found myself laughing, or at least grinning quite often. The characters are interesting enough to keep you cheering them on or occasionally wanting to slap one upside the head. The ending has me looking forward to future installments.
I really loved this story. Sara Hardy thought she had it all, a husband & a beautiful little girl. However, her life didn't go as planned so she went to Redemption Connecticut for a break, to rest.
Jake Mathieson is also battling some issues & goes to Redemption as he needs the help of his widowed Aunt Cilla who was battling her own demons.
These were characters that I could relate to & I enjoyed reading how they fought their demons & battles. Can't wait for the next book in this series.
I received a copy of this form goodreads in exchange for a n honest review...
This book is a perfect summer beach read - a young man and his nephew wind up in a small Connecticut town hoping to heal and cope with their grief. They find an older aunt who seems to have all the answers and a beautiful woman next door hiding from her own grief.
Predictable at times but overall nice characters that you want to see succeed.
Once I read the first three chapters of this book and got all of the characters squared away in my mind, I sat back and was anxious to see how the story would weave all of them together. This story is a great combination of overcoming sadness & despair, with seeing the hope and potential for new life & new love. This was a quick read that I found myself reading through more quickly than I expected.
Sara is starting a new life after a year of devastation and grief. Jake is feeling guilt and remorse as he and his nephew move to the small town of Redemption. Such a wonderful love story with lives intertwining and trust growing as they get to know each other and build their new lives. This series is a bright spot to enjoy and savor. Nicola Marsh has given us a series that I will look for and hope it's not too long between books.