What do you think?
Rate this book
Grace Revealed #2
Red Rose Bouquet
The dark places in life have taught her this much—some things simply cannot be forgiven.
Cheryl Thompson learned over a decade ago to guard her shattered heart with a veil of cold indifference. Life since that day has been an endless cycle of detachment and loneliness, followed by superficial relationships. Break up, rinse, and repeat. Until something in her snaps. This life…she can't do it anymore. She returns to her childhood home in the Colorado Rockies to help her nana, only to discover a man capable of thawing her iced-over emotions—a man she knows she doesn’t deserve, so she pushes him away. But he keeps coming back.
Brock Kelly lived high as King of the Slopes in the world of snowboard cross racing. Medals. Money. Fame. But after a visit to an orphanage in Mexico, he gave up his adrenaline-packed lifestyle to follow a calling from God he didn’t know he had—helping kids who’d been damaged emotionally. When his best friend's baby sister returns to town, he recognizes the hollow look in her eyes and sees the pain beneath her icy armor. It seems God has issued new call on his life. One he is not prepared for.
Falling in love with a woman who keeps secrets is dangerous all on its own. But when Cheryl finally tells Brock what she's never told anyone else...no wonder she is the way she is. It would take a miracle to heal that wound, and a love bigger than Brock had ever imagined to walk with her through the process.
Cheryl Thompson learned over a decade ago to guard her shattered heart with a veil of cold indifference. Life since that day has been an endless cycle of detachment and loneliness, followed by superficial relationships. Break up, rinse, and repeat. Until something in her snaps. This life…she can't do it anymore. She returns to her childhood home in the Colorado Rockies to help her nana, only to discover a man capable of thawing her iced-over emotions—a man she knows she doesn’t deserve, so she pushes him away. But he keeps coming back.
Brock Kelly lived high as King of the Slopes in the world of snowboard cross racing. Medals. Money. Fame. But after a visit to an orphanage in Mexico, he gave up his adrenaline-packed lifestyle to follow a calling from God he didn’t know he had—helping kids who’d been damaged emotionally. When his best friend's baby sister returns to town, he recognizes the hollow look in her eyes and sees the pain beneath her icy armor. It seems God has issued new call on his life. One he is not prepared for.
Falling in love with a woman who keeps secrets is dangerous all on its own. But when Cheryl finally tells Brock what she's never told anyone else...no wonder she is the way she is. It would take a miracle to heal that wound, and a love bigger than Brock had ever imagined to walk with her through the process.
279 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2016
713 people are currently reading
756 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Rodewald
41 books405 followersJennifer Rodewald is passionate about the Word of God and the powerful vehicle of story. Four kids and her own personal superman make her home in southwestern Nebraska delightfully chaotic.
Born in Colorado, she experienced both the seclusion of rugged mountain living and the busy streets of a Denver suburb during her growing up years. Somewhere in the middle of college, she married a Husker and found her way back to the quiet lifestyle of a rural area, which suits just fine.
Blessed with a robust curiosity, Jen loves to research. Whether she’s investigating the history of a given area, the biography of a Christian icon, or how nature declares the glory of God, her daily goal is to learn something new. Aiming to live with boundless enthusiasm, her creed is vision, pursuit, and excellence.
Jen lives and writes in a lovely speck of a town where she watches with amazement while her children grow up way too fast, gardens, and marvels at God’s mighty hand in everyday life.
Born in Colorado, she experienced both the seclusion of rugged mountain living and the busy streets of a Denver suburb during her growing up years. Somewhere in the middle of college, she married a Husker and found her way back to the quiet lifestyle of a rural area, which suits just fine.
Blessed with a robust curiosity, Jen loves to research. Whether she’s investigating the history of a given area, the biography of a Christian icon, or how nature declares the glory of God, her daily goal is to learn something new. Aiming to live with boundless enthusiasm, her creed is vision, pursuit, and excellence.
Jen lives and writes in a lovely speck of a town where she watches with amazement while her children grow up way too fast, gardens, and marvels at God’s mighty hand in everyday life.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
December 26, 2016
I'm not sure how it's possible to combine such soul-piercing agony, and such heart-swelling beauty in one novel, but that is exactly what Jennifer Rodewald has done in Red Rose Bouquet. It seems trite to try and put my feelings into words - 'squeezing words out of feelings' is how a friend recently phrased it - but hopefully this review will in some way convey the magnitude of deeply reverent 'wow' I feel for this story.
First of all, this may be classified as a 'romance', but that is a dreadfully pale word for the depth of love shown in this story. It is a relentless, unmerited love; the kind of love that willingly endures heartache for the sake of another's healing. It was such a beautiful picture of Christ's love for us, and yet, at the same time, eminently human in its imperfection.
Brock doesn't know what has happened to turn the Cheryl he remembers into an ice princess, but he recognises a wounded soul when he sees one. His pursuit of first her friendship, then her love, is one of the most tender and beautiful I have ever read, and I found myself wiping my eyes on more than one occasion. He doesn't always get it right, but he has such a teachable spirit, and a willingness to humble himself; to put aside his own pain in order to be what Cheryl needs. It was... Oh, there just aren't words!
And Cheryl. She's not an easy character to like in the early stages of the novel but, like Brock, I was stirred to compassion for her, which deepened throughout the novel. And her story chastised my soul. As an adamant pro-lifer, I'm passionate about saving babies, but how often do we consider what condemnation our efforts heap on women who have already made their choice and are now suffering for it. How often do we reach out to post-abortive women and show them Christ's healing love?
In many ways, reading this book means being prepared to have your own heart broken along with the characters. I felt Cheryl's pain as she worked through her guilt, her belief that she had committed the unforgivable. I felt her very real fear that sharing her pain would mean losing the one person who had taken the time to melt the wall of ice she had built around her heart. But I also felt the gradual softening as she began to respond to Brock. There are so many beautiful, even light-hearted moments amidst the pain, I know this is a novel I will come back to more than once.
Tying this all together is the beauty of Jennifer Rodewald's writing. It's not just the story she tells, but the way she expresses it. Each word, each sentence is perfectly weighted, and the result is exquisite, in a completely natural and unpretentious way.
In short, I cannot recommend this novel highly enough. May there be many more novels to come from Jennifer Rodewald in the future.
First of all, this may be classified as a 'romance', but that is a dreadfully pale word for the depth of love shown in this story. It is a relentless, unmerited love; the kind of love that willingly endures heartache for the sake of another's healing. It was such a beautiful picture of Christ's love for us, and yet, at the same time, eminently human in its imperfection.
Brock doesn't know what has happened to turn the Cheryl he remembers into an ice princess, but he recognises a wounded soul when he sees one. His pursuit of first her friendship, then her love, is one of the most tender and beautiful I have ever read, and I found myself wiping my eyes on more than one occasion. He doesn't always get it right, but he has such a teachable spirit, and a willingness to humble himself; to put aside his own pain in order to be what Cheryl needs. It was... Oh, there just aren't words!
And Cheryl. She's not an easy character to like in the early stages of the novel but, like Brock, I was stirred to compassion for her, which deepened throughout the novel. And her story chastised my soul. As an adamant pro-lifer, I'm passionate about saving babies, but how often do we consider what condemnation our efforts heap on women who have already made their choice and are now suffering for it. How often do we reach out to post-abortive women and show them Christ's healing love?
In many ways, reading this book means being prepared to have your own heart broken along with the characters. I felt Cheryl's pain as she worked through her guilt, her belief that she had committed the unforgivable. I felt her very real fear that sharing her pain would mean losing the one person who had taken the time to melt the wall of ice she had built around her heart. But I also felt the gradual softening as she began to respond to Brock. There are so many beautiful, even light-hearted moments amidst the pain, I know this is a novel I will come back to more than once.
Tying this all together is the beauty of Jennifer Rodewald's writing. It's not just the story she tells, but the way she expresses it. Each word, each sentence is perfectly weighted, and the result is exquisite, in a completely natural and unpretentious way.
In short, I cannot recommend this novel highly enough. May there be many more novels to come from Jennifer Rodewald in the future.
February 9, 2017
I'm conflicted about this book. On the one had side this is a story about relentless unconditional love towards a very undeserving woman - she's so cold and harsh and Brock, the guy giving her love, has really nothing to work with except childhood memories and a beautiful face. He is a lot like a Jesus figure loving the fallen human race. She rebuffs him quite well quite often but he persists because he realises she is broken and wounded and he wants to see her restored. So far so good.
It would be remiss of me to not mention that this is an issues book that deals with a very very sensitive issue in a loving way. I like how this book encourages the universal church assess how this topic is approached and how the women post-procedure are engaged with. An important message.
However I did not like how Brock believed that God's command to love Cheryl meant he had to romantically pursue her and propose marriage to her. She is definitely not a Christian, so God would not say that. Also the emphasis seemed very much to be on Brock's love saving her. He seemed focussed on showing her his love not bringing her to Christ.
Also there was a lot of kissing and touching in the book (pre any kind of commitment - Cheryl is very clear she is not interested in a relationship) and yet it got fairly steamy there at one point. Boundaries Brock????
So I wouldn't recommend this as a blueprint for how to conduct a romantic relationship but I liked the redemption elements and the last letter at the end.
Incidentally I have not read the first book in the series but this stood alone well enough.
It would be remiss of me to not mention that this is an issues book that deals with a very very sensitive issue in a loving way. I like how this book encourages the universal church assess how this topic is approached and how the women post-procedure are engaged with. An important message.
However I did not like how Brock believed that God's command to love Cheryl meant he had to romantically pursue her and propose marriage to her. She is definitely not a Christian, so God would not say that. Also the emphasis seemed very much to be on Brock's love saving her. He seemed focussed on showing her his love not bringing her to Christ.
Also there was a lot of kissing and touching in the book (pre any kind of commitment - Cheryl is very clear she is not interested in a relationship) and yet it got fairly steamy there at one point. Boundaries Brock????
So I wouldn't recommend this as a blueprint for how to conduct a romantic relationship but I liked the redemption elements and the last letter at the end.
Incidentally I have not read the first book in the series but this stood alone well enough.
February 5, 2017
There are tears in my eyes still as I sit here, staring at the screen, trying to put into words the beauty and grace that flow from Red Rose Bouquet. Jennifer Rodewald has a gifting, perhaps like no other, at taking the ugly of life and transforming it into an exquisite story of redemption that brims with mercy and hope. The kind of story that hits you in the feels, even if you think to yourself (as I may have done when I started reading this particular book) “I’ve never dealt with that so at least I won’t cry in this one.” Uh… wrong. Because Jennifer gives you characters in whom your heart fully invests and she teaches you by example to be “willing to look at [their] brokenness, listen to the pain, and let it break [your] heart.”
Cheryl is broken, some by her own choices and some by lies fed to her. What she needs is the reminder that, as Corrie Ten Boom said, there is no pit so deep that God’s love is not deeper still. Even when she refuses to listen. Even when she doesn’t dare believe. Or love. Or trust. He’s there. With forgiveness and grace and a love that won’t let go.
Enter Brock. The love he shows Cheryl – a love that defies expectations or anticipations – is so touching that I still can barely breathe around the beauty of it all. His part of her story is exquisitely gentle and wildly romantic and bravely determined. He’s not perfect at it, but he’s a beautiful (sorry, Brock!) reflection of the One who is.
Bottom Line: Red Rose Bouquet by Jennifer Rodewald is a powerful novel of healing and hope. It takes a raw look at the human side of a hot-button political and religious topic, and it coats every word with mercy and grace and Love. There are no easy answers on these pages, only the redemptive embrace where “mercy and truth have met together [and] righteousness and peace have kissed.” (Psalm 85:10)
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book via Kindle Unlimited.)
See my full review at Reading Is My SuperPower
Cheryl is broken, some by her own choices and some by lies fed to her. What she needs is the reminder that, as Corrie Ten Boom said, there is no pit so deep that God’s love is not deeper still. Even when she refuses to listen. Even when she doesn’t dare believe. Or love. Or trust. He’s there. With forgiveness and grace and a love that won’t let go.
Enter Brock. The love he shows Cheryl – a love that defies expectations or anticipations – is so touching that I still can barely breathe around the beauty of it all. His part of her story is exquisitely gentle and wildly romantic and bravely determined. He’s not perfect at it, but he’s a beautiful (sorry, Brock!) reflection of the One who is.
Bottom Line: Red Rose Bouquet by Jennifer Rodewald is a powerful novel of healing and hope. It takes a raw look at the human side of a hot-button political and religious topic, and it coats every word with mercy and grace and Love. There are no easy answers on these pages, only the redemptive embrace where “mercy and truth have met together [and] righteousness and peace have kissed.” (Psalm 85:10)
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book via Kindle Unlimited.)
See my full review at Reading Is My SuperPower
August 22, 2016
“Red Rose Bouquet” is exquisite; equally breathtaking and heartbreaking in intensity; a romance between two souls desperate to follow the path of the redeemed; while desperately afraid that the journey will destroy them. It’s a story of unconditional love, even when it hurts; it’s a story of forgiveness, waiting to be claimed, even by one who views her sin as unforgivable; it’s a testimony to a God who is relentless in His ability to bring beauty out of brokenness.
Cheryl Thompson is practically a shadow of her former self, her stunning beauty only surface deep, disguising a heart filled with rage, bitterness, and hopelessness. Returning home to the Colorado Rockies at the request of her brother, she uses a short en route lay- over to confront a former lover regarding his curious letter of apology. Subsequently, Cheryl Thompson begins to unravel.
Soon after her arrival back home, Cheryl is reacquainted with a childhood friend, a former Olympian snowboard cross racer, now managing a ranch style camp for foster children, his lifestyle radically different following a spiritual conversion. Who or what could have persuaded Brock Kelly to give up the spotlight?
Brock Kelly is shocked by his best friend’s sister, though her appearance exudes confidence and sensuality, her eyes illuminate a soul of pain and suffering. When the Holy Spirit nudges Brock to “love her”, he has no way of knowing what lies beneath the shiny veneer, and when he does, he can only cry out, “God, help me. “
Jennifer Rodewald has added another stunning story to her already outstanding collection of books. “Red Rose Bouquet” is a story of hope and healing, rich with spiritual truth, reminding its readers that God can heal the deepest of wounds with His everlasting love.
I am grateful to the author who gifted me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Cheryl Thompson is practically a shadow of her former self, her stunning beauty only surface deep, disguising a heart filled with rage, bitterness, and hopelessness. Returning home to the Colorado Rockies at the request of her brother, she uses a short en route lay- over to confront a former lover regarding his curious letter of apology. Subsequently, Cheryl Thompson begins to unravel.
Soon after her arrival back home, Cheryl is reacquainted with a childhood friend, a former Olympian snowboard cross racer, now managing a ranch style camp for foster children, his lifestyle radically different following a spiritual conversion. Who or what could have persuaded Brock Kelly to give up the spotlight?
Brock Kelly is shocked by his best friend’s sister, though her appearance exudes confidence and sensuality, her eyes illuminate a soul of pain and suffering. When the Holy Spirit nudges Brock to “love her”, he has no way of knowing what lies beneath the shiny veneer, and when he does, he can only cry out, “God, help me. “
Jennifer Rodewald has added another stunning story to her already outstanding collection of books. “Red Rose Bouquet” is a story of hope and healing, rich with spiritual truth, reminding its readers that God can heal the deepest of wounds with His everlasting love.
I am grateful to the author who gifted me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
September 24, 2019
A powerful story of redeeming love
When an author creates a character who says and does things that would normally cause me to dislike them and yet shows me their motivation so strongly that I have compassion for them instead, I know this is great writing. Jennifer Rodewald has certainly done this in Red Rose Bouquet with Cheryl's character.
While I was uncomfortable with her as the story began to unfold, I didn't dislike her completely. It was obvious that she had a deep secret pain that caused her to shut herself off from others. To create a shield that would protect her from more pain. Not many were able to see beyond that and some of the characters, including her brother, referred to her as the Ice Queen. Ouch!
I liked that Brock didn't like Cheryl at first. It would have been unreasonable with the way she behaved to have him fall in love immediately. While he had given up a life of fame and fortune to help needy kids, he wasn't perfect, though he seemed a little like he was at first.
Here are some things I loved about the story:
Brock's compassionate heart and the way he saw Cheryl's brokenness and sought to help
Brock's willingness to listen to God even when He told Brock to do things he didn't want to do
The roses and the significance behind them
The way the author made me care about Cheryl and see past her ugly persona. I felt like I understood her in a unique way
The message of healing and hope
There were some things I didn't like as well:
Cheryl, at first. This was by design yet it doesn't change the fact
There were sections at the beginning of the chapters that sounded like poetry perhaps from Cheryl's journal. It was never explained what they were.
The story seemed to have a rough start. Perhaps because I didn't care for Cheryl and partly because of the ugliness I could tell was coming
While I don't often read other reviews before writing mine, there were some things I wanted other's thoughts on. I did see some reviewers question Brock's interpretation of the Lord's urging to love Cheryl, saying he shouldn't have interpreted it as romantic love. Some commented on the fact that Brock was attracted to her and kissed her even when she wasn't walking with the Lord. Um. While it shouldn't be encouraged, it isn't something that doesn't happen in real life. Brock is human (well, in the story he is!) and does make mistakes. While reading this, the story of Hosea came to mind, how the Lord commanded him to marry a woman he knew would be unfaithful to him. So Brock's interpretation wasn't necessarily out of place.
While I have enjoyed other books by Jennifer Rodewald more than Red Rose Bouquet and while there are some hard and ugly things Cheryl and Brock both had to deal with, they were handled with compassion and tact. The subject matter is mature yet without being graphic or describing things that it "shouldn't". I don't recommend it for teenagers though, but do recommend it for women who are looking for a story of hope and redemption.
Read my full review at Among the Reads
When an author creates a character who says and does things that would normally cause me to dislike them and yet shows me their motivation so strongly that I have compassion for them instead, I know this is great writing. Jennifer Rodewald has certainly done this in Red Rose Bouquet with Cheryl's character.
While I was uncomfortable with her as the story began to unfold, I didn't dislike her completely. It was obvious that she had a deep secret pain that caused her to shut herself off from others. To create a shield that would protect her from more pain. Not many were able to see beyond that and some of the characters, including her brother, referred to her as the Ice Queen. Ouch!
I liked that Brock didn't like Cheryl at first. It would have been unreasonable with the way she behaved to have him fall in love immediately. While he had given up a life of fame and fortune to help needy kids, he wasn't perfect, though he seemed a little like he was at first.
Here are some things I loved about the story:
Brock's compassionate heart and the way he saw Cheryl's brokenness and sought to help
Brock's willingness to listen to God even when He told Brock to do things he didn't want to do
The roses and the significance behind them
The way the author made me care about Cheryl and see past her ugly persona. I felt like I understood her in a unique way
The message of healing and hope
There were some things I didn't like as well:
Cheryl, at first. This was by design yet it doesn't change the fact
There were sections at the beginning of the chapters that sounded like poetry perhaps from Cheryl's journal. It was never explained what they were.
The story seemed to have a rough start. Perhaps because I didn't care for Cheryl and partly because of the ugliness I could tell was coming
While I don't often read other reviews before writing mine, there were some things I wanted other's thoughts on. I did see some reviewers question Brock's interpretation of the Lord's urging to love Cheryl, saying he shouldn't have interpreted it as romantic love. Some commented on the fact that Brock was attracted to her and kissed her even when she wasn't walking with the Lord. Um. While it shouldn't be encouraged, it isn't something that doesn't happen in real life. Brock is human (well, in the story he is!) and does make mistakes. While reading this, the story of Hosea came to mind, how the Lord commanded him to marry a woman he knew would be unfaithful to him. So Brock's interpretation wasn't necessarily out of place.
While I have enjoyed other books by Jennifer Rodewald more than Red Rose Bouquet and while there are some hard and ugly things Cheryl and Brock both had to deal with, they were handled with compassion and tact. The subject matter is mature yet without being graphic or describing things that it "shouldn't". I don't recommend it for teenagers though, but do recommend it for women who are looking for a story of hope and redemption.
Read my full review at Among the Reads
February 3, 2018
Cheryl had a minor part in Blue Columbine. She is the main character in the second book of the Grace Revealed Series. Red Rose Bouquet is a beautiful story of redemption.
September 9, 2016
Sometimes you read a book that is so powerful you have a hard time wrapping your mind around how to craft a good review, a review that will do it justice. This was such a book. It was recommended to me by an author and I bought it. Now I recommend it highly to anyone.
Cheryl Thompson has lived with guilt and pain of the most horrible sort for over a decade and she is certain that she absolutely cannot be forgiven. The holy cannot be in the presence of such sin as hers. She has filled her life with such things that defy description just to try and get this unending guilt out of her heart and mind. Nothing she does works. Then her brother calls her back to their hometown in Colorado to help with their grandmother, who has dementia. She tries not to go, doesn't want to go, but goes anyway. Cheryl is barely functioning, suffering blinding migraines and horrific nightmares that refuse to leave her alone.
Brock Kelly, former snowboarder and friend of her brother, notices Cheryl and hears a small voice from God telling him to love her. But how can anyone love a woman that closes herself off to everyone and has a demeanor that drives all away from her?
This is a novel of forgiveness, grace, and redemption. The power of God to redeem that which seems unredeemable is to amazing here. I find it very difficult to put into words what I am feeling about this book. God is so very good. He runs after those that need Him. He never gives up. Ever. He loves us. He created us and wants us to live in the light of His love. But Cheryl doesn't believe that. All she sees is her sin.
Brock is willing to be obedient to God and love Cheryl. But her secrets threaten to undo them both. And the enemy of Cheryl's soul is not willing to let go without a fight. You see, satan wants to keep us all bound up so that we can't see or feel God's grace and mercy.
Oh, I loved this book! It was hard to read at times and I wept through sections of it. Jennifer Rodewald has written this book so that the reader actually feels like she is inside the characters' heads. You FEEL their pain, you hope with them that this situation can be resolved. You want to hug them and pray with them, telling them that God is on their side and that He will bring about restoration! Truly.
The writing is top notch, the message is astounding and I wouldn't have missed this for the world! Just powerfully amazing. God CAN heal! God CAN redeem. And He WILL!
Do not miss this book. Just do not miss it. The good thing for me is that I have discovered I had already bought Jennifer's other books and they are just sitting on my Kindle. Now I must find the time to read them all. This is a writer you will want to add to your favorites list.
Cheryl Thompson has lived with guilt and pain of the most horrible sort for over a decade and she is certain that she absolutely cannot be forgiven. The holy cannot be in the presence of such sin as hers. She has filled her life with such things that defy description just to try and get this unending guilt out of her heart and mind. Nothing she does works. Then her brother calls her back to their hometown in Colorado to help with their grandmother, who has dementia. She tries not to go, doesn't want to go, but goes anyway. Cheryl is barely functioning, suffering blinding migraines and horrific nightmares that refuse to leave her alone.
Brock Kelly, former snowboarder and friend of her brother, notices Cheryl and hears a small voice from God telling him to love her. But how can anyone love a woman that closes herself off to everyone and has a demeanor that drives all away from her?
This is a novel of forgiveness, grace, and redemption. The power of God to redeem that which seems unredeemable is to amazing here. I find it very difficult to put into words what I am feeling about this book. God is so very good. He runs after those that need Him. He never gives up. Ever. He loves us. He created us and wants us to live in the light of His love. But Cheryl doesn't believe that. All she sees is her sin.
Brock is willing to be obedient to God and love Cheryl. But her secrets threaten to undo them both. And the enemy of Cheryl's soul is not willing to let go without a fight. You see, satan wants to keep us all bound up so that we can't see or feel God's grace and mercy.
Oh, I loved this book! It was hard to read at times and I wept through sections of it. Jennifer Rodewald has written this book so that the reader actually feels like she is inside the characters' heads. You FEEL their pain, you hope with them that this situation can be resolved. You want to hug them and pray with them, telling them that God is on their side and that He will bring about restoration! Truly.
The writing is top notch, the message is astounding and I wouldn't have missed this for the world! Just powerfully amazing. God CAN heal! God CAN redeem. And He WILL!
Do not miss this book. Just do not miss it. The good thing for me is that I have discovered I had already bought Jennifer's other books and they are just sitting on my Kindle. Now I must find the time to read them all. This is a writer you will want to add to your favorites list.
August 18, 2016
This book carries the important message that we, as flawed humans forget too often. NOTHING WE CAN DO, CAN MAKE GOD LOVE US LESS.
MS. Rodewald does it once again. She tackles a heartbreaking incident and uses it to show God's love.
Shattered dreams, disastrous decisions, and broken promises scatters the heroine, Cheryl Thompson's life. But they're not bigger than God. And God has the perfect vessel to teach Cheryl that she's not as unlovable as she prefers to believe. Brock Kelly is the steadfast hero that God uses to thaw Cheryl's frozen heart.
September 4, 2016
An amazing, hard story to tell. Thanks for telling it.
This story battled some incredibly hard truths but was told through love and forgiveness. I was moved and changed. I am amazed that the author told it with such emotion and truly captured what goes through the mind of someone with this secret. What was great about this book was that it was written with such love that it doesn't set up a mood of deep depression. The "choice" does that all on it's own. Thank you for writing this amazing story.
This story battled some incredibly hard truths but was told through love and forgiveness. I was moved and changed. I am amazed that the author told it with such emotion and truly captured what goes through the mind of someone with this secret. What was great about this book was that it was written with such love that it doesn't set up a mood of deep depression. The "choice" does that all on it's own. Thank you for writing this amazing story.
August 18, 2016
This book is so achingly beautiful. Like a gorgeous violin solo, the writing and message will pull on your heart strings. This book will stick with you even after the last page and has the ability to change your life.
March 26, 2017
4.5 Stars!
Wow, I am a little overwhelmed with emotion, as I have just finished reading this novel. Rodewald took a delicate and controversial subject and brought it to life in an honest, heartfelt and redeeming way. I do not want to give away too much here, but understand that going into this novel there are subjects that may be hard for some to read, but also may be good for them to read at the same time. This is most definitely not a light hearted novel. This novel, has a message and it is a good one; but it will bring tears and work on your heart.
We first meet Cheryl in Book 1, Blue Columbine. Cheryl is abrasive and not a warm and fuzzy character, but you get to the heart of why that is in this novel. I enjoyed Blue Columbine, which dealt with one of the main characters being an alcoholic. In that novel too, I felt like Rodewald did a wonderful job of conveying the struggles of the person in need of help, as well as those who are there trying to help. However, in this story I felt like Rosewald really took it up a notch. She powerfully brought to life the struggles and truths in this situation, in a way that was both moving and transformative.
There are no perfect people, but there is a perfect Savior. While our love is not perfect, His absolutely is. Christ offers grace and He can and does redeem anything. There is no sin that is too great for God to redeem. This is the beauty that this story portrays.
Definitely worth the read!
Wow, I am a little overwhelmed with emotion, as I have just finished reading this novel. Rodewald took a delicate and controversial subject and brought it to life in an honest, heartfelt and redeeming way. I do not want to give away too much here, but understand that going into this novel there are subjects that may be hard for some to read, but also may be good for them to read at the same time. This is most definitely not a light hearted novel. This novel, has a message and it is a good one; but it will bring tears and work on your heart.
We first meet Cheryl in Book 1, Blue Columbine. Cheryl is abrasive and not a warm and fuzzy character, but you get to the heart of why that is in this novel. I enjoyed Blue Columbine, which dealt with one of the main characters being an alcoholic. In that novel too, I felt like Rodewald did a wonderful job of conveying the struggles of the person in need of help, as well as those who are there trying to help. However, in this story I felt like Rosewald really took it up a notch. She powerfully brought to life the struggles and truths in this situation, in a way that was both moving and transformative.
There are no perfect people, but there is a perfect Savior. While our love is not perfect, His absolutely is. Christ offers grace and He can and does redeem anything. There is no sin that is too great for God to redeem. This is the beauty that this story portrays.
Definitely worth the read!
March 28, 2018
This series doesn't hold anything back: the messiness of life, the dark depths of pain, the imperfections of each character, or even the true joys and peace found in a merciful Savior. I have found this to be true of Jennifer Rodewald's writing whether she's penning a light rom-com, a layered YA dystopian series, or emotionally gripping character-driven fiction such as this "Grace Revealed" series.
Red Rose Bouquet chronicles a journey of healing, forgiveness, and unconditional love found in an unlikely way. Cheryl's character especially portrays the depths of hurt and self-doubt that can be redeemed through the relentless pursuit of a Savior. And, this wonderfully plays out through the tangible pursuit of Brock, his growing compassion and answer to a call to love being the story catalyst.
Red Rose Bouquet chronicles a journey of healing, forgiveness, and unconditional love found in an unlikely way. Cheryl's character especially portrays the depths of hurt and self-doubt that can be redeemed through the relentless pursuit of a Savior. And, this wonderfully plays out through the tangible pursuit of Brock, his growing compassion and answer to a call to love being the story catalyst.
tbr-2
June 7, 2022Free on Amazon (6.6.22)!
April 25, 2018
full series review on Faithfully Bookish
What a beautiful story of second chances! Breaking down Cheryl’s frigid walls to understand the wounded woman within is a feat of patience for Brock and readers alike. Her raw pain and aching need for love and forgiveness had my heartstrings all tied in knots. For me, Red Rose Bouquet served as a timely reminder to love those who display unlovely behavior because we never know what secret struggles are just below the surface. I highly recommend this story and appreciate the author’s willingness to approach and embrace difficult topics.
I purchased this title. The opinions expressed are my own.
What a beautiful story of second chances! Breaking down Cheryl’s frigid walls to understand the wounded woman within is a feat of patience for Brock and readers alike. Her raw pain and aching need for love and forgiveness had my heartstrings all tied in knots. For me, Red Rose Bouquet served as a timely reminder to love those who display unlovely behavior because we never know what secret struggles are just below the surface. I highly recommend this story and appreciate the author’s willingness to approach and embrace difficult topics.
I purchased this title. The opinions expressed are my own.
March 15, 2017
Loved it. I cried and laughed. It is so true that we put limits on God. He has no limits. He is a loving and forgiving God. Thank you Jennifer for reminding me of that.
August 24, 2016
Red Rose Bouquet, written by Jennifer Rodewald, is book two in the Grace Revealing Series. Book one of this series was about Andy. We get to peek in on Andy for a moment in book two, but this story is about his ex-girlfriend, Cheryl.
Wow! I’m amazed at how deep this story goes…each page pours with deep emotional wounds that only Christ could possibly redeem. Red Rose Bouquet is a story of redemption…forgiveness from God, self and the thoughts that others might have…about value in God’s eyes and others…about the Grace that only Jesus can provide…about hope…and then about, Love, unconditional, selfless, without strings attached.
My favorite character(s)…well, I have to say first it would be Cheryl because she is such a wounded person and needs to see past her past to have a future. She is the “Ice Princess” who needs to be thawed with love and forgiveness. My other favorite character is Brock. He’s just a guy who has a past who has already found forgiveness from Christ and now is trying to show others that same grace that he learned through his experiences.
Rodewald has taken a tough storyline and opened it up to us with feelings that just ooze from each page. There are times you just want to weep with these characters. Other times, you’re praising God that He is such a Big God that sent His only Son to cover ALL sin. I don’t usually go past the third chapter in books in reviews, but there is just one tiny quote that I just have to add. “You who are without sin, cast the first stone… No one did. Because you can’t grasp a stone while keeping a grip on grace.” What a great analogy! Rodewald shows us how wonderful grace is throughout this story over and over. If you are carrying wounds, have carried wounds, will carry wounds…this book will open your eyes and heart up to forgiveness and hope is possible. I totally recommend this beautiful read!
I was gifted this book in exchange for my honest review.
Wow! I’m amazed at how deep this story goes…each page pours with deep emotional wounds that only Christ could possibly redeem. Red Rose Bouquet is a story of redemption…forgiveness from God, self and the thoughts that others might have…about value in God’s eyes and others…about the Grace that only Jesus can provide…about hope…and then about, Love, unconditional, selfless, without strings attached.
My favorite character(s)…well, I have to say first it would be Cheryl because she is such a wounded person and needs to see past her past to have a future. She is the “Ice Princess” who needs to be thawed with love and forgiveness. My other favorite character is Brock. He’s just a guy who has a past who has already found forgiveness from Christ and now is trying to show others that same grace that he learned through his experiences.
Rodewald has taken a tough storyline and opened it up to us with feelings that just ooze from each page. There are times you just want to weep with these characters. Other times, you’re praising God that He is such a Big God that sent His only Son to cover ALL sin. I don’t usually go past the third chapter in books in reviews, but there is just one tiny quote that I just have to add. “You who are without sin, cast the first stone… No one did. Because you can’t grasp a stone while keeping a grip on grace.” What a great analogy! Rodewald shows us how wonderful grace is throughout this story over and over. If you are carrying wounds, have carried wounds, will carry wounds…this book will open your eyes and heart up to forgiveness and hope is possible. I totally recommend this beautiful read!
I was gifted this book in exchange for my honest review.
September 6, 2016
Cheryl Thompson is very beautiful in her outward appearance but she feels anything but beautiful on the inside. She has experienced damaged relationships and tremendous hurts and she feels very ugly and unworthy. Brock Kelly has experienced glory days as a former Olympian but his real glory days began when he received forgiveness and became a child of God. When Cheryl returns to her hometown after many years away Brock recognizes that his best friend's baby sister needs to feel that she also is worthy of forgiveness.
Red Rose Bouquet is the beautiful story of Cheryl's long, hard journey back to redemption. It reminds us that God's love is unconditional and that He is always waiting to forgive. We are also reminded that any and all hurts can be healed through His great love.
This is the first time that I have read any of Jennifer's books and she certainly knows how to involve her readers. She took me deep into Cheryl's anguish, she carried me through her struggle to accept and believe, and she let me witness her ultimate joy of redemption!
I was provided a Kindle copy of this book for my honest review.
Red Rose Bouquet is the beautiful story of Cheryl's long, hard journey back to redemption. It reminds us that God's love is unconditional and that He is always waiting to forgive. We are also reminded that any and all hurts can be healed through His great love.
This is the first time that I have read any of Jennifer's books and she certainly knows how to involve her readers. She took me deep into Cheryl's anguish, she carried me through her struggle to accept and believe, and she let me witness her ultimate joy of redemption!
I was provided a Kindle copy of this book for my honest review.
September 5, 2016
Red Rose Bouquet
I love Jen Rodewald's books because she writes about real life subject matter in an honest true life way. She describes the struggles the characters go through that touches the readers' heart and makes you think.
In Red Rose Bouquet the author tackles tough subject matter in a way that even if you never went through it personally, you can still understand the pain Cheryl is feeling. I'm trying my best not to give away spoilers because this is an awesome read. When reading the book, I felt like I was going through the process with Cheryl. I was cheering her on and encouraging her. I was crushing on Brock. I loved the book completely. The author has a gift. Highly recommended.
I love Jen Rodewald's books because she writes about real life subject matter in an honest true life way. She describes the struggles the characters go through that touches the readers' heart and makes you think.
In Red Rose Bouquet the author tackles tough subject matter in a way that even if you never went through it personally, you can still understand the pain Cheryl is feeling. I'm trying my best not to give away spoilers because this is an awesome read. When reading the book, I felt like I was going through the process with Cheryl. I was cheering her on and encouraging her. I was crushing on Brock. I loved the book completely. The author has a gift. Highly recommended.
September 6, 2016
Jennifer has done what not many authors can do with her books, and that is gently change how I feel in my own spiritual walk. Her stories are beautifully written, but it's so much more than that. There's a spirit about them that feels heaven-breathed. In this book, she tackles a tough subject through the lens of both sides of a divisive issue, and in the process my heart was stretched for those on both ends of the spectrum. That takes talent, and this author has that in spades. Every time I read one of her books, I'm left proud of them in the end, even though they aren't mine to claim. So, so good.
September 5, 2016
Oh my!!!
There are not adequate words to express my feelings for this book. Although I have not experienced what Cheryl did in life, the healing, no matter what the sin is, can still be found. Thank you so much for such a beautiful book, Jennifer. It was heart wrenching and at times so very hard to read. You write such beautiful books of redemption, other books pale in comparison. You write with such compassion and love. Everyone needs to read this book!
There are not adequate words to express my feelings for this book. Although I have not experienced what Cheryl did in life, the healing, no matter what the sin is, can still be found. Thank you so much for such a beautiful book, Jennifer. It was heart wrenching and at times so very hard to read. You write such beautiful books of redemption, other books pale in comparison. You write with such compassion and love. Everyone needs to read this book!
September 7, 2016
This is a book that will last with you for a very long time! The message is one that everyone needs, but it really reaches those who's souls are hurting and who need to know God is there waiting to forgive and redeem us. We just have to ask. Though that seems easy, it's probably a very hard thing to do. However, God will walk with you through the rough times and He will be there through it all.
This is an excellent book and I can't wait for future books in this series!
This is an excellent book and I can't wait for future books in this series!
November 29, 2017
Excellent book
This book touches on a real life struggle, one that many women deal with. The way that Jennifer Rodewald handle this life changing, life altering event is beautiful, full of forgiveness and hope. As you read it you will find yourself crying, as Cheryl and Brock deal with life. This book has a strong Christian references to the bible which only make this book more endearing to the reader. I highly recommend it.
This book touches on a real life struggle, one that many women deal with. The way that Jennifer Rodewald handle this life changing, life altering event is beautiful, full of forgiveness and hope. As you read it you will find yourself crying, as Cheryl and Brock deal with life. This book has a strong Christian references to the bible which only make this book more endearing to the reader. I highly recommend it.
September 7, 2016
This story was told with such love and grace that I pray it heals all who are in need. I found that this book is healing no matter what your issue is; God forgives!
This is an emotional read and many times I cried, but just as many times I smiled with joy when God's love came through.
This is an excellent book!
This is an emotional read and many times I cried, but just as many times I smiled with joy when God's love came through.
This is an excellent book!
October 22, 2016
Let me just get this out of the way first - every woman needs a Brock Kelly in her life. Every. Woman.
Now to Cheryl. This is the most relatable character I have ever read. You don't have to go through the aftermath of an abortion to be angry, to feel undeserving, to cause yourself harm.
Jennifer Rodewald is my new favorite. Her writing style has won me over and keeps me coming back for more.
Now to Cheryl. This is the most relatable character I have ever read. You don't have to go through the aftermath of an abortion to be angry, to feel undeserving, to cause yourself harm.
Jennifer Rodewald is my new favorite. Her writing style has won me over and keeps me coming back for more.
October 24, 2016
I loved this story. I love the title and how it ties into the stories. Cheryl hides her hurt and shame under an ice façade. Brock senses that had determines to break free. Great characters. Fantastic story. Read it. :)
April 11, 2017
Hard book to get over. A bit slow and difficult to follow in the beginning. After the two lead characters finally made contact, the story took off and continued at a rapid, though more complicated pace until the end. This story will remain in my memory for a long time.
Reread not any better now
Reread not any better now
September 4, 2016
Loved it
Loved it. Broke my heart, made me cry, laugh and more. I like it when an author writes with depth about issues people may face
Loved it. Broke my heart, made me cry, laugh and more. I like it when an author writes with depth about issues people may face
May 29, 2018
What a beautiful and moving story! Cheryl is broken because of her guilt over what she considers her unforgivable sin. She knows no one, not even God, can love her after what she did, but when Brock loves her after her confession, she begins to see God's love for her. Her redemption story brought me to tears.
The story also made me think about my own words and actions. I am passionately prolife, and sometimes in our zeal for unborn children we can forget the pain of post-abortive women. Our well-intentioned stand for life can be a knife in the heart of a broken woman who is burdened with guilt. We must never avoid protecting vulnerable babies' lives, but we need to remember damaged mothers as well. They need healing and redemption--as all us sinners do.
The story also made me think about my own words and actions. I am passionately prolife, and sometimes in our zeal for unborn children we can forget the pain of post-abortive women. Our well-intentioned stand for life can be a knife in the heart of a broken woman who is burdened with guilt. We must never avoid protecting vulnerable babies' lives, but we need to remember damaged mothers as well. They need healing and redemption--as all us sinners do.
March 24, 2024
My Rating System:
⭐️Didn't like it
⭐️⭐️I only finished reading it because I felt obligated.
⭐️⭐️⭐️It was good in the moment and I'm glad I finished reading it, but I probably wont re-visit it except for maybe a few quotes. Would probably recommend it for others who are looking for something good to read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Great read, I'll probably keep thinking about it for a couple days or weeks. I saved a lot of quotes. Worth a re-read. Highly recommend.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ One of the best books I have ever read and I will continue thinking about for life. I saved lots of quotes and I’ll come back to this book again and again. Definitely recommend wholeheartedly!
I loved this powerful story! I appreciate the author’s approach to serious issues including addiction, faith, and the complications of expecting the unexpected.
May 28, 2018
I don't want to give anything away, so I won't be specific, but I will say this book deals with some pretty tough issues in an engaging and captivating story. This is where Christian fiction excels: redemption and hope in the wake of sin and tragedy.
The story wanders into fairy tale territory at times but for me it doesn't really detract from the story or the redemptive message.
The story wanders into fairy tale territory at times but for me it doesn't really detract from the story or the redemptive message.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews