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Restoration #1
The Winter Reunion
Everyone knows the woman in the "viral” video that hit two million views on YouTube. Humiliated, Tamar Johnson changed her name and disappeared behind the embarrassing video that captured her losing her virginity on prom night. But who was the guy?
NFL Running Back Stephen Pierce is football’s darling. He’s spent his entire career doing community service work with at-risk kids, and endeared fans as a devoted Christian, even claiming celibacy. It’s time for his high school reunion. Stephen is determined to get his EX, Tamar, to come out of hiding, even going as far as posting their prom picture on Instagram in hopes that she would accept the challenge to show up.
Tamar isn’t interested in the reunion, but her boss is. She writes for a small magazine. Stephen Pierce is a BIG story.
With reunion activity in full swing, the tension between Tamar and Stephen reaches an unbearable level. Before it’s over will the world find out who the real Stephen Pierce is? And will Tamar survive spending time with the only man who’s ever had her heart?
NFL Running Back Stephen Pierce is football’s darling. He’s spent his entire career doing community service work with at-risk kids, and endeared fans as a devoted Christian, even claiming celibacy. It’s time for his high school reunion. Stephen is determined to get his EX, Tamar, to come out of hiding, even going as far as posting their prom picture on Instagram in hopes that she would accept the challenge to show up.
Tamar isn’t interested in the reunion, but her boss is. She writes for a small magazine. Stephen Pierce is a BIG story.
With reunion activity in full swing, the tension between Tamar and Stephen reaches an unbearable level. Before it’s over will the world find out who the real Stephen Pierce is? And will Tamar survive spending time with the only man who’s ever had her heart?
120 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 14, 2016
170 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
Rhonda McKnight
42 books817 followersEven as she pursued degrees in Textile Technology, Organizational Leadership and finally, Adult Education, Rhonda McKnight’s love for books and desire to write stories was always in the back of her mind and in the forefront of her heart. Rhonda loves reading and writing stories that touch the heart of women through complex plots and interesting characters in crisis. She writes from the comfort of her South Carolina home with black tea, potato chips and chocolate on hand. At her feet sits a snappy mixed breed dog. She can be reached at her website at www.rhondamcknight.com and on social media at www.facebook.com/booksbyrhonda www.twitter.com/rhondamcknight www.instagram.com/authorrhondamcknight
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
January 6, 2017
Forgiveness
The Winter Reunion was a good short story about love and forgiveness. What man made for evil , God has made for good. Though this story was short and sweet it was powerful and filled with the word of god.
The Winter Reunion was a good short story about love and forgiveness. What man made for evil , God has made for good. Though this story was short and sweet it was powerful and filled with the word of god.
December 10, 2024
Rhonda just knows how to captivate you as a reader from the jump. This book was soo good. It was so timely in this season of my life. Every scripture that was woven in to the story was good to my soul. I look forward to beginning book #2. Read this. It's good to your soul & spirit while being a quick read.
July 13, 2024
Wow! Just Wow!
It was bad enough that a video of Tamar and her mystery partner was posted on the Internet, while 2 million followers watched. Naked, embarrassed, then humiliated is not the way to lose your virginity on Prom Night. How do you bounce back from that? You don't. You disappear.
Now 12 years later, Tamar's horrible boss is forcing her to return to her school reunion and face the same people who called Tamar a slut and a whore. While her partner got away unscathed.
The Bible says forgive those who hurt you, yet Tamar is the only one who had to change her name, her home and her job while her then boyfriend got off scot free.
Currently, a famous NFL champion, Stephen Pierce, creates and runs charities and helps out his town. His faith in GOD is making him feel guilty for not admitting he was the man in the video.
But the biggest shocker is who actually posted the video and the real reason why it was done!
It was bad enough that a video of Tamar and her mystery partner was posted on the Internet, while 2 million followers watched. Naked, embarrassed, then humiliated is not the way to lose your virginity on Prom Night. How do you bounce back from that? You don't. You disappear.
Now 12 years later, Tamar's horrible boss is forcing her to return to her school reunion and face the same people who called Tamar a slut and a whore. While her partner got away unscathed.
The Bible says forgive those who hurt you, yet Tamar is the only one who had to change her name, her home and her job while her then boyfriend got off scot free.
Currently, a famous NFL champion, Stephen Pierce, creates and runs charities and helps out his town. His faith in GOD is making him feel guilty for not admitting he was the man in the video.
But the biggest shocker is who actually posted the video and the real reason why it was done!
December 15, 2016
I read The Winter Reunion in less than an hour and it was time well spent. Once I began, I was pulled into the storyline. It was clear this story would live up to the beautiful cover! I found the plot intriguing. Anne and Stephen's reunion and love story shows us the enduring power of love and the blessing that comes with forgiveness. It also clearly shows the hand of God and if we open ourselves to listen to Him, we will find peace... and in this case, true love. Everything in this read has meaning. The dialogue was seamless and the scripture references made the story authentic. Another amazing job by Rhonda McKnight. Loved it.
*** I was given a galley copy in exchange for an honest review.
*** I was given a galley copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 28, 2016
FORGIVENESS! Is a hard and powerful thing to do. How do you forgive someone that you think has messed up your life. That is something Tamar Jackson has to come to grips with. This was an excellent story.
I love her friend and beautician Kim. I think everyone needs some like Kim in their life.
Great job Rhonda McKnight on another awesome read.
I love her friend and beautician Kim. I think everyone needs some like Kim in their life.
Great job Rhonda McKnight on another awesome read.
January 9, 2023
Really quick light surface reading. It was good enough that I'll finish the series but because these are novellas it's not that deep or involved. Still good reading though to pass the time.
February 11, 2021
This was a great read about forgiveness and reunited love between a NFL star and a journalist. I really enjoyed the faith themes and I want to know what happens next between Stephen and Tamar, the love interests in the story. On to Book 2!
January 2, 2017
Good read
I really enjoyed this book. It a story about someone holding on to anger and learning how to forgive and let go. The story was very inspirational.
I really enjoyed this book. It a story about someone holding on to anger and learning how to forgive and let go. The story was very inspirational.
January 21, 2019
A story of what can happen when private things go viral. I am so glad social media was not as popular when I was in High School as it is now. Ms. McKnight always delivers a great story.
February 20, 2017
Restoration (spoilers and maybe trigger warning)
I liked it. I really, really did. I want to say that first. Tamar was a complex character and I honestly enjoyed her. I don't regret buying the book and will read more from this author. Stephen took a little bit more to grow on me but I liked him in the end.
But, my problem was with the secondary characters specifically Kim and her father. Rape culture infantilizes men in a way that is unfair and damaging to women. It reduces the feelings of victims to nothing and I felt that both Kim and Tamar's father did that to her under the guise of Christianity.
There was nothing Christian about Stephen's lies and abandonment but so many of the critiques from Tamar's loved ones were about how "bitter" SHE was being. Rape culture. Men can go to jail now for releasing nudes for a reason. It's a violation. It might not BE rape but it's close. And for Tamar's supposed friend to downplay how Tamar was violated and her life forever changed with "that's old" and her father to just say "it was a prank" is insulting not just to Tamar but any potential survivors who read that. Her supposed friend, knowing what Stephen might have done waxed way too poetic and way too soon about how hot Stephen was, ignoring much of the real damage that happened to Tamar.
Tamar had two men who were supposed to be her safe spaces prove themselves to be the opposite, but she needed to "let go of the bitterness." Her father was wishing when he could have repented and reached out to her first. He was wrong. No matter if she had sex before marriage, she was violated and his first thought should have been protecting her. She had a right to be upset and she wasn't less of a Christian for that. She had to change her name. She couldn't go to school. She had to leave the country. She was seen naked by strangers. She was violated. And her father, her Daddy called her a whore. Then, after he wronged her, he waited for her to come to him first. He acknowledged his fault but he should have come hat in his hand to do that before. And he shouldn't have downplayed what happened to her.
"That wasn't fair," he said about Stephen lying to flourish while she couldn't even go to school in peace. "He was eighteen." So was she. And, like she said he had many, many years between eighteen and thirty to come clean, but he waited. But she was supposed to do handstands because after he amassed the protection of wealth and reputation, he FINALLY comes clean. Nope. I liked Stephen but it was an "in spite of" like, not the like I'm used to feeling for heroes. So, I said all that to say I liked it but I wish we were more careful with how we treat survivors of sexual violation ESPECIALLY in Christian fiction.
I liked it. I really, really did. I want to say that first. Tamar was a complex character and I honestly enjoyed her. I don't regret buying the book and will read more from this author. Stephen took a little bit more to grow on me but I liked him in the end.
But, my problem was with the secondary characters specifically Kim and her father. Rape culture infantilizes men in a way that is unfair and damaging to women. It reduces the feelings of victims to nothing and I felt that both Kim and Tamar's father did that to her under the guise of Christianity.
There was nothing Christian about Stephen's lies and abandonment but so many of the critiques from Tamar's loved ones were about how "bitter" SHE was being. Rape culture. Men can go to jail now for releasing nudes for a reason. It's a violation. It might not BE rape but it's close. And for Tamar's supposed friend to downplay how Tamar was violated and her life forever changed with "that's old" and her father to just say "it was a prank" is insulting not just to Tamar but any potential survivors who read that. Her supposed friend, knowing what Stephen might have done waxed way too poetic and way too soon about how hot Stephen was, ignoring much of the real damage that happened to Tamar.
Tamar had two men who were supposed to be her safe spaces prove themselves to be the opposite, but she needed to "let go of the bitterness." Her father was wishing when he could have repented and reached out to her first. He was wrong. No matter if she had sex before marriage, she was violated and his first thought should have been protecting her. She had a right to be upset and she wasn't less of a Christian for that. She had to change her name. She couldn't go to school. She had to leave the country. She was seen naked by strangers. She was violated. And her father, her Daddy called her a whore. Then, after he wronged her, he waited for her to come to him first. He acknowledged his fault but he should have come hat in his hand to do that before. And he shouldn't have downplayed what happened to her.
"That wasn't fair," he said about Stephen lying to flourish while she couldn't even go to school in peace. "He was eighteen." So was she. And, like she said he had many, many years between eighteen and thirty to come clean, but he waited. But she was supposed to do handstands because after he amassed the protection of wealth and reputation, he FINALLY comes clean. Nope. I liked Stephen but it was an "in spite of" like, not the like I'm used to feeling for heroes. So, I said all that to say I liked it but I wish we were more careful with how we treat survivors of sexual violation ESPECIALLY in Christian fiction.
May 6, 2018
Everyone knows the woman in the "viral” video that hit two million views on YouTube. Humiliated, Tamar Johnson changed her name and disappeared behind the embarrassing video that captured her losing her virginity on prom night. But who was the guy? (NFL Running Back) Stephen Pierce is football’s darling. He’s spent his entire career doing community service work with at-risk kids, and endeared fans as a devoted Christian, even claiming celibacy. It’s time for his high school reunion. Stephen is determined to get his EX, Tamar, to come out of hiding, even going as far as posting their prom picture on Twitter and Instagram in hopes that she would accept the challenge to show up. Tamar isn’t interested in the reunion, but her boss is. She writes for a small magazine. Stephen Pierce is a BIG story. With reunion activity in full swing, the tension between Tamar and Stephen reaches an unbearable level. Before it’s over will the world find out who the real Stephen Pierce is? And will Tamar survive spending time with the only man who’s ever had her heart?
novella
novella
November 20, 2024
I really enjoyed this, however, I feel like for what happened, this book moved a bit too fast and was too short. I loved that Tamar realized what she needed to do, it just seemed like, everyone else’s voice was so loud and I just wanted to see more of her working through it, instead of so many people telling her what she needed to do.
I will say this book is a literal masterclass in building characters and plot. To have so many well rounded characters and such an intense plot, in this short space, is truly chef’s kiss. Overall the writing was fantastic and the scripture references were so nicely written in. I can’t wait to start the next book!
*I will say I could’ve done without the one characters reaction to the video. It just felt cringey.
I will say this book is a literal masterclass in building characters and plot. To have so many well rounded characters and such an intense plot, in this short space, is truly chef’s kiss. Overall the writing was fantastic and the scripture references were so nicely written in. I can’t wait to start the next book!
*I will say I could’ve done without the one characters reaction to the video. It just felt cringey.
December 30, 2019
Can you imagine a sex tape getting 2 million views on Youtube prior to social media craze? Let's say you were the star in that video, how would you feel? Tamar Johnson had to make some choices after this video was uploaded on YouTube of her losing her virginity. Whether being bullied in college or on the street, Tamar tried to outrun this viral video. One day, Tamar's boss, Eva asked her to take an reporter's assignment to cover Stephen Pierce, an NFL phenomenon at her high school reunion. She does not want this assignment due to bad memories. She has not been home in 13 years; is that enough time to forgive and forget? Stephen is her ex-boyfriend in the video and she has not spoken to her father after chastising her about the video. Can love reconcile hurt? Read to find out.
December 8, 2018
Forgiveness
We have all had a misunderstanding that has cost us heartache. Tamar and Stephen spent 12 years being mad about events that happened after attending the prom. It wasn’t until their past comes back to haunt them that they consider forgiving each other. This novella has rich character development and a surprising twist at the end. The scripture used throughout the story is directly reflected in the activities of the characters. Now I want to read the rest of Tamar and Stephen’s tale of romance.
We have all had a misunderstanding that has cost us heartache. Tamar and Stephen spent 12 years being mad about events that happened after attending the prom. It wasn’t until their past comes back to haunt them that they consider forgiving each other. This novella has rich character development and a surprising twist at the end. The scripture used throughout the story is directly reflected in the activities of the characters. Now I want to read the rest of Tamar and Stephen’s tale of romance.
January 7, 2019
Sometimes something happens to us that makes us feel life as we know it is over. Tamar Jackson has an experience like this and she knows just who did it... Stephen Pierce, her high school sweetheart and prom date. What happens when Tamar is forced to face Stephen and deal with this issue at her high school reunion?
I found this book to be short and sweet but intriguing. It deals with themes of love, forgiveness, and reconciliation. I was satisfied at the end of the book but would really like to know what happens with Stephen and Tamar after The Winter Reunion ends.
I found this book to be short and sweet but intriguing. It deals with themes of love, forgiveness, and reconciliation. I was satisfied at the end of the book but would really like to know what happens with Stephen and Tamar after The Winter Reunion ends.
November 10, 2023
Tamar Johnson receives an assignment to interview her high school boyfriend, NFL Running Back, Stephen Pierce. She's reluctant, because of a video that went viral many years ago.
From the minute Stephen set his eyes on Tamar, he was determined to get her back. Little by little, he begins to knock down her wall, with the help of a little prayer and a lot of faith.
This novella by @authorrhondamcknight is an excellent example of forgiveness, healing, faith and restoration. What is meant to be, will be.
From the minute Stephen set his eyes on Tamar, he was determined to get her back. Little by little, he begins to knock down her wall, with the help of a little prayer and a lot of faith.
This novella by @authorrhondamcknight is an excellent example of forgiveness, healing, faith and restoration. What is meant to be, will be.
November 26, 2023
What Man Meant For Bad!
This book was absolutely amazing! We often hear the saying "what man meant for bad, God can use for our good". In this book this was proven to be true as Tamar never imagined that all the hurt, heartache, and pain she endured would be used to be the path to restoration, forgiveness, love. I recommend this book to anyone that loves a good Christian romance novel. Take this journey with Stephen and Tamar and learn about true forgiveness and restoration.
This book was absolutely amazing! We often hear the saying "what man meant for bad, God can use for our good". In this book this was proven to be true as Tamar never imagined that all the hurt, heartache, and pain she endured would be used to be the path to restoration, forgiveness, love. I recommend this book to anyone that loves a good Christian romance novel. Take this journey with Stephen and Tamar and learn about true forgiveness and restoration.
July 4, 2019
This is a really good book! I read this one without reading the first book and trust me when I say I am already in love with the characters! I’m going back to read book 1 and waiting for book 3! The author did an amazing job with developing the characters and skillfully weaving God’s word throughout the book! The prayers were absolutely amazing! This is a must read! One I will read again! I felt like I was watching a movie!
January 11, 2020
Small Town Trouble
The Winter Reunion is just what I needed on this rain day in winter. Tamar, like any other human, was mad and rightly so. Was her anger aimed at the right person? Stephen is unlike the typical professional athlete. He’s doing a lot for the small town he grew up in, however, his biggest mission was getting Tamar to forgive him. Will he be able to prove to her his apology was genuine? Read to find out.
The Winter Reunion is just what I needed on this rain day in winter. Tamar, like any other human, was mad and rightly so. Was her anger aimed at the right person? Stephen is unlike the typical professional athlete. He’s doing a lot for the small town he grew up in, however, his biggest mission was getting Tamar to forgive him. Will he be able to prove to her his apology was genuine? Read to find out.
December 30, 2020
Taking back what the devil stole
At 18 Tamar Johnson dropped from the face of Pine, PA because she became known as the Video Virgin after prom night with her friend/boyfriend, Stephen Pierce, since the age of six. Going on to becoming an NFL superstar, Stephen denied being the male in the video and claims he didn’t post the video from day one. Now, twelve years later he is still in love with Tamar and wants to make things right. Is it to late?
The Winter Reunion is a quick, well written page turner.
At 18 Tamar Johnson dropped from the face of Pine, PA because she became known as the Video Virgin after prom night with her friend/boyfriend, Stephen Pierce, since the age of six. Going on to becoming an NFL superstar, Stephen denied being the male in the video and claims he didn’t post the video from day one. Now, twelve years later he is still in love with Tamar and wants to make things right. Is it to late?
The Winter Reunion is a quick, well written page turner.
December 30, 2018
Rhonda McKnight is a skillful storyteller and this book was no different. Tamar battled with forgiveness after an incident that changed her life and made her go into hiding, but she’s forced to face the issue head on and uncover truths she wasn’t expecting. Good, quick read. Looking forward to the sequel.
December 19, 2019
Perfect just perfect☺
Kept me on edge, first time I've read your books. Written from your heart. Forgiveness, sometimes very hard to do, but we must do it. Love unconditionally, forgive unconditionally also. Tamar, I love it. I'm going to read your next series book 2, can't wait. Be BLESSED
Kept me on edge, first time I've read your books. Written from your heart. Forgiveness, sometimes very hard to do, but we must do it. Love unconditionally, forgive unconditionally also. Tamar, I love it. I'm going to read your next series book 2, can't wait. Be BLESSED
May 14, 2022
winter reunion
A short story about reconnecting, forgiveness, and seeing the damage caused by unforgiveness. Tamar, has hidden herself and feelings for a long time, but these things have a way of revisiting us. Her past revisit and this time she has to deal with it, and it is the catalyst to move forward.
A short story about reconnecting, forgiveness, and seeing the damage caused by unforgiveness. Tamar, has hidden herself and feelings for a long time, but these things have a way of revisiting us. Her past revisit and this time she has to deal with it, and it is the catalyst to move forward.
December 16, 2018
Amazing
I can’t believe I waited so long to read this story. It was an excellent one, as always. Rhonda is one of the most gifted authors in the industry. Definitely recommend this one.
I can’t believe I waited so long to read this story. It was an excellent one, as always. Rhonda is one of the most gifted authors in the industry. Definitely recommend this one.
April 8, 2019
What us meant for evil
This was a true live story. I don't care to read love stories, but this one was not only a good read, but the scriptures were so on point and spoke to me and reminded me if Gods love. Another great book Rhonda McKnight!!!
This was a true live story. I don't care to read love stories, but this one was not only a good read, but the scriptures were so on point and spoke to me and reminded me if Gods love. Another great book Rhonda McKnight!!!
July 31, 2019
Faith and forgiveness!
This was a very good story of forgiveness and restoration! I really thought Tamar was being a little bratty and she should've tried to hear Stephen's side before she went to such extremes. In the end God restored the broken relationships.
This was a very good story of forgiveness and restoration! I really thought Tamar was being a little bratty and she should've tried to hear Stephen's side before she went to such extremes. In the end God restored the broken relationships.
December 18, 2019
This a must read
I'm so Glad she forgave him and broke the ice with her father. God always use what was meant evil for good to the author what a wonderful story and God centered grabbed my heart. Love the main characters.
I'm so Glad she forgave him and broke the ice with her father. God always use what was meant evil for good to the author what a wonderful story and God centered grabbed my heart. Love the main characters.
December 30, 2019
It's all there.
All the potential in the world, the developing storyline was interesting and had the makes of a wonderful novel; however, I never could become engaged with my attention fully invested. I will definitely have to give this story another try later on.
All the potential in the world, the developing storyline was interesting and had the makes of a wonderful novel; however, I never could become engaged with my attention fully invested. I will definitely have to give this story another try later on.
January 11, 2020
AWESOME
This is an outstanding book. It was one-off the best books I have read in a long time. Forgiveness and love! This book answers the age old question of whether love conquers all.
This is an outstanding book. It was one-off the best books I have read in a long time. Forgiveness and love! This book answers the age old question of whether love conquers all.
September 13, 2021
The Winter Reunion
Excellent story of forgiveness love and and anger .Tamar learned she would never be happy if she didn't forgive her father and let go of the anger she had for Pierce. She has learned her father has always loved her and Pierce never lied to her.
Excellent story of forgiveness love and and anger .Tamar learned she would never be happy if she didn't forgive her father and let go of the anger she had for Pierce. She has learned her father has always loved her and Pierce never lied to her.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews