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Finding Forgiveness
In order to save her mother's life, Nichole killed her abusive father in self-defense.
Nichole and her mother Helen plan their escape from home, but it all goes wrong when they are discovered and attacked by Nichole's father.
Moments later he is dead, and Nichole is haunted by the memories.
Nichole and her mother Helen move from Brooklyn, New York, to a small town in Maine where Nichole is the new girl at school. Shy, unfashionable, and awkward, Nichole dreams of becoming a famous country singer. She uses playing the piano and singing to tune out her problems and memories.
She vows to never let anyone hurt her again, so she shuts everyone out.
Even though her father's death was an accident, Nichole feels guilty and is constantly tormented by memories. At school she meets twin siblings James and Janelle, two pastor’s kids who gradually break down her walls. They open her eyes to what a Christian life looks like as they start a band, bring her to church, and show her God's love.
Nichole wants to open her heart to God, but she feels like a fraud, unworthy of forgiveness.
As the three friends begin to bond, Nichole is blind to James' growing feelings for her. Feeling empty, she begins an online dating relationship with an anonymous boy from school, sharing her darkest secrets with him.
After escaping her abusive home in Brooklyn, she thought she was finally safe. What starts out as innocent messaging back and forth turns into Nichole's worst nightmare when Nichole agrees to meet this boy in person at the prom.
And she thought her abusive father had been dangerous.
If Nichole survives this deadly tryst, how will she ever learn to trust again? And most of all, how will she ever accept God's forgiveness and finally forgive herself?
Nichole and her mother Helen plan their escape from home, but it all goes wrong when they are discovered and attacked by Nichole's father.
Moments later he is dead, and Nichole is haunted by the memories.
Nichole and her mother Helen move from Brooklyn, New York, to a small town in Maine where Nichole is the new girl at school. Shy, unfashionable, and awkward, Nichole dreams of becoming a famous country singer. She uses playing the piano and singing to tune out her problems and memories.
She vows to never let anyone hurt her again, so she shuts everyone out.
Even though her father's death was an accident, Nichole feels guilty and is constantly tormented by memories. At school she meets twin siblings James and Janelle, two pastor’s kids who gradually break down her walls. They open her eyes to what a Christian life looks like as they start a band, bring her to church, and show her God's love.
Nichole wants to open her heart to God, but she feels like a fraud, unworthy of forgiveness.
As the three friends begin to bond, Nichole is blind to James' growing feelings for her. Feeling empty, she begins an online dating relationship with an anonymous boy from school, sharing her darkest secrets with him.
After escaping her abusive home in Brooklyn, she thought she was finally safe. What starts out as innocent messaging back and forth turns into Nichole's worst nightmare when Nichole agrees to meet this boy in person at the prom.
And she thought her abusive father had been dangerous.
If Nichole survives this deadly tryst, how will she ever learn to trust again? And most of all, how will she ever accept God's forgiveness and finally forgive herself?
186 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 25, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
May 10, 2018
Finding Forgiveness by Ashley Emma is a young-adult Christian novel. Nichole Carson lives with her mother and abusive father in Brooklyn. Her mother has decided it is time for them to flee and they make their escape plans. Unfortunately, he catches them sneaking out during the night and he is enraged. Nichole grabs a knife when she sees that he is going to kill her mother, there is a struggle and he falls onto the knife. The death is ruled self-defense, but Nichole still feels guilty and like a murderer. Helen, Nichole's mother, and Nichole head to Maine where they live with her Aunt Lynn and Uncle Dean. Nichole starts Montgomery High School where she meets twins, James and Janelle Johnson. They are Christians and the local pastor's children. It is a new experience for Nichole. Nichole's dream is to be singer and songwriter. The twins invite her to play with them and they are amazed by her talent. While Nichole is friendly with them, she does not feel she can share her deepest secret. After getting a laptop as a gift, Nichole begins chatting with a classmate online. As their online relationship progresses, Nichole feels comfortable sharing her secret. When the anonymous classmate asks her to the prom, she eagerly agrees and cannot wait to meet him. Nichole thought she left her nightmare life behind in Brooklyn, but a new one is awaiting her at the prom.
Finding Forgiveness is nicely written and it has a steady pace. There are good messages in the novel with my favorite that God forgives us of all of our sins. Nichole has not had an easy life with an abusive father and then his death weighs heavily on her conscience. Meeting James and Janelle opens up a new door for Nichole. The road to believing and redemption, though, is a bumpy one. I thought the characters were realistic as well as the situations they experience. The situation with the chat room is very real. Teenagers do not realize the dangers and they refuse to listen to adults and well-meaning friends (I know from experience). The ending will have you smiling. Finding Forgiveness is a lovely Christian novel that is perfect for the young adult audience.
Finding Forgiveness is nicely written and it has a steady pace. There are good messages in the novel with my favorite that God forgives us of all of our sins. Nichole has not had an easy life with an abusive father and then his death weighs heavily on her conscience. Meeting James and Janelle opens up a new door for Nichole. The road to believing and redemption, though, is a bumpy one. I thought the characters were realistic as well as the situations they experience. The situation with the chat room is very real. Teenagers do not realize the dangers and they refuse to listen to adults and well-meaning friends (I know from experience). The ending will have you smiling. Finding Forgiveness is a lovely Christian novel that is perfect for the young adult audience.
March 18, 2019
Great message of forgiveness
This is the first book I have read written by Ashley Emma that hasn't been about the Amish. It was still a quick read with no bedroom scenes. Although the context is probably not suitable for everyone. If you get triggered by violence then you might want to skip this book.
Nichole is a teen that has lived one heck of a life so far. Having an abusive alcoholic for a father can wreck havoc on a child's life. When she ends up moving in with her aunt & uncle she ends up becoming friends with Christian twin teens whose father is a Pastor. Nichole has a hard time believing that God even exists. Why would He let her own father beat her if He was real? Wouldn't God save her from something like that? But shame keeps Nichole silent about her past. Then something happens that shakes them all up. Especially when someone tells Nichole's secret to the entire school. It also draws them closer together. In the end Nichole has decisions to make that only she can.
While this wasn't one of Ashley Emma's books about the Amish - it did still have a Biblical message throughout. It was all about God's forgiveness. Even when we don't think we deserve it, we turn away from it, we doubt, we question....none of that matters. God has already forgiven us. We need to accept His forgiveness. And we need to forgive others. That message came through crystal clear in this book.
I really liked the characters and the story line. I couldn't put the book down because it had constant action. I had to see what was going to happen next. I found myself drawn to Nichole. I wanted to see her circumstances change. I wanted her to find God. I wanted her to experience that freedom. So I had to keep reading to find out what would happen. Glad I did!
This is the first book I have read written by Ashley Emma that hasn't been about the Amish. It was still a quick read with no bedroom scenes. Although the context is probably not suitable for everyone. If you get triggered by violence then you might want to skip this book.
Nichole is a teen that has lived one heck of a life so far. Having an abusive alcoholic for a father can wreck havoc on a child's life. When she ends up moving in with her aunt & uncle she ends up becoming friends with Christian twin teens whose father is a Pastor. Nichole has a hard time believing that God even exists. Why would He let her own father beat her if He was real? Wouldn't God save her from something like that? But shame keeps Nichole silent about her past. Then something happens that shakes them all up. Especially when someone tells Nichole's secret to the entire school. It also draws them closer together. In the end Nichole has decisions to make that only she can.
While this wasn't one of Ashley Emma's books about the Amish - it did still have a Biblical message throughout. It was all about God's forgiveness. Even when we don't think we deserve it, we turn away from it, we doubt, we question....none of that matters. God has already forgiven us. We need to accept His forgiveness. And we need to forgive others. That message came through crystal clear in this book.
I really liked the characters and the story line. I couldn't put the book down because it had constant action. I had to see what was going to happen next. I found myself drawn to Nichole. I wanted to see her circumstances change. I wanted her to find God. I wanted her to experience that freedom. So I had to keep reading to find out what would happen. Glad I did!
May 14, 2018
Finding Forgiveness by Ashley Emma is a stand-alone young-adult Christian novel.
Nichole Carson, a senior in high school, lives with her mother and abusive father in Brooklyn. When her mother decides it is time for them to leave, her father wakes up and in a drunken rage, attacks Nichole and her mother. When Nichole pulls a knife, trying to scare her father, he trips and falls on her and the knife. Although it is ruled self-defense, Nichole cannot forgive herself and feels that she is a murderer.
Nichole and her mom, Helen, decide that it is time for a move and head to Maine where her mother grew up. Living with Aunt Lynn and Uncle Dean, in a small country town, is a big change for Nichole. She starts a new school and quickly forms a friendship with the local pastor’s twins, James and Janelle Johnson. Nicole dreams of becoming a musician and forms a band with her new friends.
Nichole forms a new friendship online with an unknown classmate. She feels that she can share just about everything with him since she is anonymous. When the anonymous classmate asks her to the prom, she agrees and cannot wait to meet him. Nichole is not prepared for the nightmare that faces her once her online friend is revealed.
The book is well written and an easy read. I finished it in just a couple hours. The underlying message of forgiveness is strong.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in return for my honest opinion. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Nichole Carson, a senior in high school, lives with her mother and abusive father in Brooklyn. When her mother decides it is time for them to leave, her father wakes up and in a drunken rage, attacks Nichole and her mother. When Nichole pulls a knife, trying to scare her father, he trips and falls on her and the knife. Although it is ruled self-defense, Nichole cannot forgive herself and feels that she is a murderer.
Nichole and her mom, Helen, decide that it is time for a move and head to Maine where her mother grew up. Living with Aunt Lynn and Uncle Dean, in a small country town, is a big change for Nichole. She starts a new school and quickly forms a friendship with the local pastor’s twins, James and Janelle Johnson. Nicole dreams of becoming a musician and forms a band with her new friends.
Nichole forms a new friendship online with an unknown classmate. She feels that she can share just about everything with him since she is anonymous. When the anonymous classmate asks her to the prom, she agrees and cannot wait to meet him. Nichole is not prepared for the nightmare that faces her once her online friend is revealed.
The book is well written and an easy read. I finished it in just a couple hours. The underlying message of forgiveness is strong.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in return for my honest opinion. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 2, 2020
Nichole and James
Nichole and her mom are trying to secretly leave her father. They are going to her mom's sister and brother-in-law's in Maine to escape from her father's abuse! Only he drops his beer bottle in his sleep and wakes up and is enraged when he sees what they are doing! He tries to strangle her mom and Nichole tries to stop him. Only he turns on her for a moment before going back to her mom. So Nichole picks up a sharp knife to try to threaten him with which only infuriates him more. The next thing she knows he lunges for her and trips on the chair that he threw at her earlier and lands on Nichole. Only instead of trying to kill her as she was expecting he is dead weight on her. Then she sees the blood! Not only is her father dead, she has a gash on her forehead. Thankfully she and her mom are alive and now they don't have to walk on eggshells anymore! They are still going to Maine, only now to get away from the memories! What happens when they get there? Will Nichole find peace? Will the kids accept her? Since she only has a few months left till she graduates? Only one way to find out, read this great story by Ashley Emma. You wont want to put it down till the very last page and you will be cheering and fighting mad both at times!
Nichole and her mom are trying to secretly leave her father. They are going to her mom's sister and brother-in-law's in Maine to escape from her father's abuse! Only he drops his beer bottle in his sleep and wakes up and is enraged when he sees what they are doing! He tries to strangle her mom and Nichole tries to stop him. Only he turns on her for a moment before going back to her mom. So Nichole picks up a sharp knife to try to threaten him with which only infuriates him more. The next thing she knows he lunges for her and trips on the chair that he threw at her earlier and lands on Nichole. Only instead of trying to kill her as she was expecting he is dead weight on her. Then she sees the blood! Not only is her father dead, she has a gash on her forehead. Thankfully she and her mom are alive and now they don't have to walk on eggshells anymore! They are still going to Maine, only now to get away from the memories! What happens when they get there? Will Nichole find peace? Will the kids accept her? Since she only has a few months left till she graduates? Only one way to find out, read this great story by Ashley Emma. You wont want to put it down till the very last page and you will be cheering and fighting mad both at times!
September 20, 2021
Do dreams really come true?
For Nichole , life was no bed of roses. Both her and her mother decided to run away from an abusive situation. Unfortunately, something that would haunt her for a long time happened when he caught them trying to escape. I won't spoil it for the reader, but I will say that they ended up going to Maine, but trouble seemed to follow her. Although Nichole, who was in her final year at school , had been reluctant to go, she finally agreed. She was sure this would be the end of her dream for the future. The road ahead was rough, but God gave her two very loyal friends who helped her through some critical times and greatly impacted her life. Follow this story filled with danger, guilt, and disappointment. Also watch for God's intervention in it all.
Her abusive, alcoholic father
For Nichole , life was no bed of roses. Both her and her mother decided to run away from an abusive situation. Unfortunately, something that would haunt her for a long time happened when he caught them trying to escape. I won't spoil it for the reader, but I will say that they ended up going to Maine, but trouble seemed to follow her. Although Nichole, who was in her final year at school , had been reluctant to go, she finally agreed. She was sure this would be the end of her dream for the future. The road ahead was rough, but God gave her two very loyal friends who helped her through some critical times and greatly impacted her life. Follow this story filled with danger, guilt, and disappointment. Also watch for God's intervention in it all.
Her abusive, alcoholic father
May 7, 2018
Nichole and her mother leave Brooklyn, after her dad died.
New life with aunt and uncle, new school, news friends, new good and bad experiences, new faith and new plans for the future.
lovely book, I'm sure you enjoy reading it !
New life with aunt and uncle, new school, news friends, new good and bad experiences, new faith and new plans for the future.
lovely book, I'm sure you enjoy reading it !
December 29, 2019
This is an excellent book for young adults about forgiveness in a very good story that brings out a lot of issues, such as bullying, kidnapping, murder, drunk driving, abortion, theft etc. Great book.
April 8, 2020
This is an awesome novel!
I have this novel 5 stars because it held my interest! I didn't want to stop reading into I got to the end. I will recommend this book to ladies of all ages. Great story with the perfect ending.
I have this novel 5 stars because it held my interest! I didn't want to stop reading into I got to the end. I will recommend this book to ladies of all ages. Great story with the perfect ending.
January 21, 2021
Wonderful Message!
This book speaks a wonderful Message. It's definitely a book I would recommend. Although it is geared more towards teens. But, as an adult, I really enjoyed it as well.
This book speaks a wonderful Message. It's definitely a book I would recommend. Although it is geared more towards teens. But, as an adult, I really enjoyed it as well.
May 1, 2018
Once again I have found a good book in this story. I could not put it down until the end. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy.
July 23, 2021
Good book….
about mistakes (which we all have made) and forgiveness (which we all need). It may be directed to a teenage reader, but truth for all ages.
about mistakes (which we all have made) and forgiveness (which we all need). It may be directed to a teenage reader, but truth for all ages.
May 19, 2018
Another great read from Ashley Emma! As a fairly new reader to this author, I readily jumped at the chance to read another of her books since the last couple were so good. I was definitely not disappointed! This book with its characters and plot keep me turning pages to the very end!
I received a copy of this book from the author, but was not required to give a positive review. This is my honest opinion of this book.
I received a copy of this book from the author, but was not required to give a positive review. This is my honest opinion of this book.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews