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Atonement for Emily Adams
Grace Awards Winner for Faith Based Fiction
When Emily Adams hits and kills ten-year-old Isaiah Nelson with her car, she is overwhelmed with remorse. Knowing she cannot undo this tragedy, Emily hopes to atone for Isaiah’s death by good deeds and community service. However, the more she does, the more her life falls apart. With her job on the line, her volunteer efforts fruitless, and her marriage in jeopardy, the final blow comes when Isaiah’s grieving parents file a wrongful death suit. For them, this will be justice and closure, but for Emily this is final proof she will never be forgiven. Not by Isaiah’s parents—not by God. Where do you turn when “I’m sorry” isn’t enough?
When Emily Adams hits and kills ten-year-old Isaiah Nelson with her car, she is overwhelmed with remorse. Knowing she cannot undo this tragedy, Emily hopes to atone for Isaiah’s death by good deeds and community service. However, the more she does, the more her life falls apart. With her job on the line, her volunteer efforts fruitless, and her marriage in jeopardy, the final blow comes when Isaiah’s grieving parents file a wrongful death suit. For them, this will be justice and closure, but for Emily this is final proof she will never be forgiven. Not by Isaiah’s parents—not by God. Where do you turn when “I’m sorry” isn’t enough?
265 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 10, 2014
38 people are currently reading
819 people want to read
About the author
Susan R. Lawrence
12 books22 followersSusan Lawrence has been writing stories since she could first hold a pencil. After 27 years of teaching elementary school, she retired and dove into writing novels.
Her fiction includes contemporary and historical faith-based drama. She has four books for middle grade readers including two books in the Hank, the Rescue Dog series, a humorous tale narrated by the dog.
She also has four devotionals and a picture book.
Susan lives in Iowa with her husband of over fifty years and her own rescue dog, Maggie.
Her fiction includes contemporary and historical faith-based drama. She has four books for middle grade readers including two books in the Hank, the Rescue Dog series, a humorous tale narrated by the dog.
She also has four devotionals and a picture book.
Susan lives in Iowa with her husband of over fifty years and her own rescue dog, Maggie.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 25, 2017
This review is very overdue. After all, this is December and I read this six months ago. However, I still remember it vividly. That is just one of the reasons it is going on my top ten list for 2017.
I picked this book up for free, and it sat on my kindle for a while. This year, I sorted my books on my Kindle by title and started working my way starting with the A's. This was one of the books I read and I was blown away. I didn't expect much and I got a powerful story of hope, redemption, and faith.
In the first chapter, a little boy is killed in a tragic accident. The rest of the book follows both Emily (the women who hit the boy) and the boy's parents as they struggle to grieve and cope with what happens. The parents are hurting and angry. Emily is feeling guilty and has no idea how to make things right.
This book doesn't give simple answers or philosophical answers to the deep pain that the characters are experiencing. This isn't a preachy book. In fact, I started worrying I wouldn't like the end because the story unfolded with real pain, no easy or quick answers. The best part was that the author let the message come out naturally which means it had a bigger impact.
I highly recommend this book for those who like books that delve into real pain and give real answers.
I picked this book up for free, and it sat on my kindle for a while. This year, I sorted my books on my Kindle by title and started working my way starting with the A's. This was one of the books I read and I was blown away. I didn't expect much and I got a powerful story of hope, redemption, and faith.
In the first chapter, a little boy is killed in a tragic accident. The rest of the book follows both Emily (the women who hit the boy) and the boy's parents as they struggle to grieve and cope with what happens. The parents are hurting and angry. Emily is feeling guilty and has no idea how to make things right.
This book doesn't give simple answers or philosophical answers to the deep pain that the characters are experiencing. This isn't a preachy book. In fact, I started worrying I wouldn't like the end because the story unfolded with real pain, no easy or quick answers. The best part was that the author let the message come out naturally which means it had a bigger impact.
I highly recommend this book for those who like books that delve into real pain and give real answers.
June 29, 2016
I enjoyed Susan Lawrence's book because it's a wonderful story. Beyond that, it indirectly offered a way for me me to consider how I process circumstances beyond my control. A good read and one I would recommend.
September 29, 2017
This is a powerful story filled with believable, relatable characters faced with great tragedy. Two families are devastated when a young boy dashes into the street on his skateboard and a young woman hits and kills him. His family faces almost unendurable grief, pain, and even anger at God. Even though the police clear her of any wrongdoing, the driver is overcome with guilt and tries to atone for her mistake by doing good deeds. Her husband can't understand her reaction and leaves her. No one can bring peace, reconciliation, forgiveness, atonement--except the One who has already paid the price for all our sins and mistakes. The road to forgiveness is long and hard, but these families make it through. An emotional and compelling story of atonement and faith, newly found and restored.
June 28, 2018
Atonement for Emily
A wonderfully developed heart felt story of love, sorrow, forgiveness, atonement, and reconciliation.
Love between husband and wife, tried and true, between parents and children, siblings. An Accident that takes a life can bring sadness and destruction to many in different ways.
The pain and sadness that comes into our lives and the sovereign love of our Lord and Savior who is the only one who can heal broken hearts and minds no matter the trial as well as the joy that only the Lord can bring when one gives Him a place in their life.
A wonderfully developed heart felt story of love, sorrow, forgiveness, atonement, and reconciliation.
Love between husband and wife, tried and true, between parents and children, siblings. An Accident that takes a life can bring sadness and destruction to many in different ways.
The pain and sadness that comes into our lives and the sovereign love of our Lord and Savior who is the only one who can heal broken hearts and minds no matter the trial as well as the joy that only the Lord can bring when one gives Him a place in their life.
May 30, 2018
Forgiveness Who Benefits From It
This is a great story on forgiving ourselves and others, also in knowing that God sees us. The characters and the plot can very well be a page out of any of our lives. Great storyline thanks to this author for crafting this wonderful story.
This is a great story on forgiving ourselves and others, also in knowing that God sees us. The characters and the plot can very well be a page out of any of our lives. Great storyline thanks to this author for crafting this wonderful story.
February 10, 2024
Wonderfully written. Would recommend this book and author.
July 25, 2014
Atonement For Emily Adams by Susan Lawrence is a powerful story of what happens when one tries to take control of your own destiny, instead of surrendering your life to God. Emily Adams has a great life...a husband Nate who loves her and a job within a school...but one fateful day, 10 year old Isaiah, dashes out on his skateboard in front of her car, and she kills him. The police conclude it is just a terrible accident, but the lives of both families begin to spiral out of control.
Emily does not know God, and decides that she can atone for her wrong by doing good deeds, but with each good deed, she feels the compulsion to do more. Neglecting her husband, and poor concentration at her job, Emily's life falls apart until a chance meeting with a small helpless kitten leads Emily to Donna, Isaiah's grandmother and committed Christian.
In contrast to Emily, Isaiah's family knows God, and has always led lives directed by Him. However Josh, Isaiah's father, finds himself not only devastated by his son's death but increasingly angry with God and those around him. He needs someone to blame and cannot find peace.
Two families are being destroyed by the worst tragedy imaginable. There can be no atonement in this world, no amount of good deeds can help. To find peace, reconciliation and forgiveness, both families must turn to and rely on Jesus. But will all the members of the families be able to put the past aside and walk towards a future with hope?
Atonement For Emily Adams was an incredibly powerful book, and one that I just could not put down. All the characters were written in such a way that I could empathise with them all...from Josh's anger at God, to Emily's trying to work her way to forgiveness. The love of God for all His people was evident throughout, and clearly showed that no-one is ever too bad to receive God's love.
Emily does not know God, and decides that she can atone for her wrong by doing good deeds, but with each good deed, she feels the compulsion to do more. Neglecting her husband, and poor concentration at her job, Emily's life falls apart until a chance meeting with a small helpless kitten leads Emily to Donna, Isaiah's grandmother and committed Christian.
In contrast to Emily, Isaiah's family knows God, and has always led lives directed by Him. However Josh, Isaiah's father, finds himself not only devastated by his son's death but increasingly angry with God and those around him. He needs someone to blame and cannot find peace.
Two families are being destroyed by the worst tragedy imaginable. There can be no atonement in this world, no amount of good deeds can help. To find peace, reconciliation and forgiveness, both families must turn to and rely on Jesus. But will all the members of the families be able to put the past aside and walk towards a future with hope?
Atonement For Emily Adams was an incredibly powerful book, and one that I just could not put down. All the characters were written in such a way that I could empathise with them all...from Josh's anger at God, to Emily's trying to work her way to forgiveness. The love of God for all His people was evident throughout, and clearly showed that no-one is ever too bad to receive God's love.
August 12, 2014
Atonement for Emily Adams is a wonderfully written inspirational read that focuses primarily on Emily Adam's life after she hits and kills 10 year old Isaiah who skateboards in front of her car. Two families lives are changed forever. First Emily Adams is devastated; she and her young husband Nate are trying to start a family; both are good ambitious people who are living the dream, but without God in their lives. Emily in her guilt and shame pulls away from her husband emotionally and physically and fills her life with activity: her work, running , good deeds. He separates from her. And, secondly, the family of the child killed, who are totally devastated as well, his dad Josh and mother Stephanie, grandmother Donna, two aunts, two young cousins who are all believers in Christ. I loved loved this book. It had a story line from beginning to end in which each character's personality was clearly defined . The characters were real, displaying the good, the bad and the ugly thoughts and actions that all of us can have, wild imaginations, wrong perceptions, overwhelming emotions, especially in times of extreme stress. And God still loves us! The flow and rhythm of this novel made this novel easy and enjoyable to read. At the same time, the message of the gospel, Gods grace, the concepts of receiving forgiveness and giving forgiveness is beautifully illustrated by the author. I highly recommend this book for nonbelievers and Christians.
July 17, 2014
This is a novel that most can relate to: An unexpected event with lasting and tragic consequences.
Emily Adams is a young, conscientious woman involved in hitting a child while driving home from work. The resulting scenarios for her and the family who loses their child are realistically portrayed and gut-wrenching. The reader can see the pain from both sides of the tragedy and the author, Susan Lawrence, shows this clearly with well-written passages that draw you into the agony of both families.
I wish I could have seen more of the emotional contemplation of a few of the characters, such as the missionary daughter and the grandmother.
But overall, this journey of atonement for Emily Adams becomes an example of everyone's need for atonement—that none of us can make up for our failings. It is a novel of hope when there seems to be none.
Emily Adams is a young, conscientious woman involved in hitting a child while driving home from work. The resulting scenarios for her and the family who loses their child are realistically portrayed and gut-wrenching. The reader can see the pain from both sides of the tragedy and the author, Susan Lawrence, shows this clearly with well-written passages that draw you into the agony of both families.
I wish I could have seen more of the emotional contemplation of a few of the characters, such as the missionary daughter and the grandmother.
But overall, this journey of atonement for Emily Adams becomes an example of everyone's need for atonement—that none of us can make up for our failings. It is a novel of hope when there seems to be none.
September 13, 2018
Two stars: completely predictable / too many points of view / perpetuates a wrong belief of forgiveness/ painfully immature characters
This book would have been so much better if told only from the perspective of Emily’s mother in law. The parallel storyline of Emily’s sister in law was unnecessary and unrealistic. Also I found the response to trauma absolutely horrifying.
The main characters are so shallow and their constant assumptions about each other were juvenile.
I know that Christian novels are often criticized for being “preachy”, this one could have used some sound biblical teaching. Emily’s conversion was painfully awkward, her sister was little help. I found the whole “you need to forgive” so off putting; people need time to grieve and deal with anger, constantly telling them to forgive does not help them resolve their pain and disappointment.
This book would have been so much better if told only from the perspective of Emily’s mother in law. The parallel storyline of Emily’s sister in law was unnecessary and unrealistic. Also I found the response to trauma absolutely horrifying.
The main characters are so shallow and their constant assumptions about each other were juvenile.
I know that Christian novels are often criticized for being “preachy”, this one could have used some sound biblical teaching. Emily’s conversion was painfully awkward, her sister was little help. I found the whole “you need to forgive” so off putting; people need time to grieve and deal with anger, constantly telling them to forgive does not help them resolve their pain and disappointment.
June 16, 2014
I love this book! The story of Emily Adams and the tragedy that struck her and her family was heart-wrenching, but so hopeful at the same time. I could not stop reading this one...I finished it in one day. The tears were always close as I experienced these events in the book as it unfolded. The shock, numbness, unbelief, the fear and the anger were the emotions different people went through. The hope and blessed gift of forgiveness flowed through the lives as I read of them. I really recommend this book...atonement is interwoven in the story. Thanks to goodreads and the author for the gift of the book for a review. I can't do it justice, but know that you will enjoy the book and be glad you read it.
May 10, 2014
Emily Adams loves her husband, her job, and her rosy future. But then, in one irretrievable instant, her world turns upside-down. With one tragedy touching the lives of many, anguish spreads like a stain—but a far greater grace stands ready to heal.
In a gentle, straightforward style, the author touches sensitive places with tender compassion. She takes an unflinching look at painful situations, not for the sake of inserting drama, but to offer hope for those who might be able to relate to a character’s plight a bit too much.
I reserve five-star ratings for books that make me say “Wow” or that give me a sense of deep satisfaction. This one earned its stars.
In a gentle, straightforward style, the author touches sensitive places with tender compassion. She takes an unflinching look at painful situations, not for the sake of inserting drama, but to offer hope for those who might be able to relate to a character’s plight a bit too much.
I reserve five-star ratings for books that make me say “Wow” or that give me a sense of deep satisfaction. This one earned its stars.
July 3, 2016
MUCH TOO GOOD TO PASS!
This book didn't seem to be something of would enjoy right now but I was very wrong. I wanted to feel good-I do and even inspired. I wanted the story and the characters to grab me and I became so involved with them I could read more about their lives and trials. I wanted a book so good that it drew me in. Well-I didn't put it down and thank heavens it's a holiday weekend because I had to read it in one sitting.
This story is so very much more than the 'about this book's led mmn e to believe. Yes, get this book and read it. What a keeper! :)
HIGHLY RECOMMEND! :)
This book didn't seem to be something of would enjoy right now but I was very wrong. I wanted to feel good-I do and even inspired. I wanted the story and the characters to grab me and I became so involved with them I could read more about their lives and trials. I wanted a book so good that it drew me in. Well-I didn't put it down and thank heavens it's a holiday weekend because I had to read it in one sitting.
This story is so very much more than the 'about this book's led mmn e to believe. Yes, get this book and read it. What a keeper! :)
HIGHLY RECOMMEND! :)
May 19, 2014
I just finished "Atonement for Emily Adams". Wow...what an amazing and inspiring story! Throughout the book, I would find myself saying "I wish I could forgive this easily" and "How great is our God for always knowing our needs before we do!" ( as he knew Emily would need the kitten.) I literally cried my eyes out on page 252 as the words tugged at my heart! I loved this book and will definitely recommend it to others!
June 10, 2015
Emily Adams is on her way home from work when a young boy dashes out in front of her car on a skateboard. He doesn't survive the accident and Emily blames herself. The remainder of the book is about how she and the boys parents deal with this tragedy. A fast, easy read with very likeable characters. I enjoyed the book very much.
June 5, 2014
Good read
the author had me from the beginning. I read it in two days. I loved the characters and could relate with their pain. it seemed real. God is good. it is nice to read a clean book.
the author had me from the beginning. I read it in two days. I loved the characters and could relate with their pain. it seemed real. God is good. it is nice to read a clean book.
November 18, 2016
This book is better suited to a very new Christian. If you've ever hurt someone in an accident and need help with forgiveness this would be a good book to read.
I personally felt it was a short story made way too long.
I personally felt it was a short story made way too long.
July 26, 2016
Outstanding!
This is my first read from this author. Absolutely beautiful and emotional story. I'm looking so forward to the next novel.
This is my first read from this author. Absolutely beautiful and emotional story. I'm looking so forward to the next novel.
March 31, 2018
I narrated this book (now available on audible, amazon, and iTunes!) so I became very familiar with all of the characters and story. It’s a wonderful journey of healing, and finding Christ.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews