The Redemption Road

Sweet River Redemption #3

by Christa MacDonald

It’s redemption that he needs, and she’ll pay any price to help him find it. As the new game warden in Sweet River, Alex Moretti is focused on enforcing Maine’s wildlife laws and little else. Moving from tragedy to a fresh start, all he wants is a way to fix his life in the tranquility of the north woods. Until he meets Annie Caldwell at Coffee by the Book. But his own bitter, dark life is a threat to Annie’s sweetness and light. It’s better for him to stay away. Annie doesn’t know how to label her relationship with Alex, but she is determined to figure it out. After a few false starts and a kiss under the Christmas lights, their romance goes from fiction to fact. Annie has fallen hard. Then trouble shows up. Someone is stalking Alex, seeking to punish him for a mistake which ended in deadly consequences. When Annie becomes a target, he tries to push her away, but she won’t abandon him. Alex is desperate to keep Annie safe while he attempts to reconcile the past, but what he really needs is redemption. And she will risk her life to help him find it.

282 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2018

About the author

Christa MacDonald is a 2017 Carol Award finalist for contemporary Christian fiction. She began her writing career at the age of eleven, filling a sketchbook with poems and short stories. After publishing a few short pieces in her college's literary magazine she took a long hiatus during which she embarked on a few different careers, got married, had three kids, and renovated an old barn masquerading as a house. The Broken Trail, published by Mountain Brook Ink, was her debut novel. Her second novel, At The Crossroad, released in October, 2017.

When not working or writing Christa can be found ferrying her kids around, reading, or attempting something crafty. She and her family live along the coast of New England. Connect with Christa at www.christamacdonald.com

Reviews

[Laurie DelaCruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm sad to finish reading about my Sweet River friends! I hope this author continues to write more books, because she has a gift!

I loved the nuances of the main character in this story. A little broken, but determined to grow beyond her circumstances. Willing to push through barriers in order to have a happy, healthy life. Choosing forgiveness over bitterness.

I didn't feel quite the connection with her love interest. He annoyed me at times.

I loved the side stories, carrying on the lives of folks we've been introduced to in the previous books. Nice to see storylines carried through and resolved.

All in all, a nice ending to a sweet trilogy.

[Edward Arrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can a woman do when she sees someone that she cares about struggling with some deep-seated issues? Can she do anything when she has no clue what the issues are? Should she distance herself from him to protect her heart? Annie has felt drawn to Alex from the first day he set foot in Coffee by the Book. Does he feel the same way? Both of them are affected by circumstances and their pasts. What part does their faith in Christ play in each of their lives? Have they even sorted out what that faith truly means? I recommend that you read the first two books of the series and then read this one. Most of the characters initially appear in one of the previous books. Of all the characters in the series, I have been drawn to Pete. He seems like the type of man that a younger man could look to as a mentor. I would like to be like him when I grow up. Truth be told, I think I am already older than he is portrayed in the book. The man is full of wisdom and integrity, but also gets it wrong at times just like any other man. He was a good friend to Alex and Annie. Fortunately, Annie had several good lady friends in her corner. The truth of the Good News comes through loud and clear before the story concludes. I love that moment in a book when a person faces the truth and allows God to do His work. I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher. This is my honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful series

Anyone who's ever struggled to forgive themselves and others should be able to relate to the characters in these books, especially this one. Beautiful stories, beautiful characters, and beautiful wisdom.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Parts of this story were a bit over the top and a subplot seemed to be tied up a bit too neatly but overall it was a good conclusion to the trilogy.

And the trilogy is absolutely one of those “greater than the sum of its parts” situations.

As a whole, it shows a picture of a God-seeking community - in all its messiness, but made up of individuals willing to do the hard work of pushing through defenses and holding each other accountable and lifting each other up and reminding each other of who God is and who they are in Christ.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet River Redemption is an excellent series. The books are very well written and the characters are flawed, but with depth. Their struggles are real and each book drew me in from the first pages. Main characters from each book were included in the following books, so the reader has a chance to keep up with them and see how things have developed.

[Diane Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought Provoking

I have read all 3 books in this Sweet River Redemption set and was captivated by each one. I will look for other books by this author. The books are meatier than some books listed as Christian romance..not just fluffy HEA stories. Well defined characters grappling with real faith issues. Well worth reading.

[Zenobia N Jefferson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was disappointed in Alex initially.

Annie held onto her faith and belief in Alex. Eric had some healing to do. Annie had to accept the fact that her mother couldn't get the hang of mothering. It was gross neglect.