Scarlet Tears: Making a Fresh Start Book 1

by Laura Hervey

Caught in a romantic triangle with her brother's best friend and a charming pastor, former call girl Carly Lawrence struggles to start a new life. To escape her past, she must learn to forgive herself and Alan Rutledge, her sometimes-boyfriend and owner of Rutledge Escort Services.

Abandoned as a child, Joe Callahan, Carly's former neighbor and now a Buffalo police officer, must forgive his mother before he can fully forgive Carly her past and earn her trust.

When Carly meets Ryan Edgar, a young minister pastoring his first church, she finds his attraction to her amusing. Surely, he must realize she could never make a suitable pastor's wife.

Does her attraction to these two men mean she hasn't changed at all?

414 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 16, 2018

Reviews

[Jeanne Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been waiting for this book by first-time author Laura Hervey. It sucked me into the story from the first page and did not let go until the very end! I read it in 8 hours! A redemption Christian novel about a woman named Carly Lawrence who is trying to start a new life from the one she leads as a high-class prostitute named Elise. Begrudgingly, she reconnects with her old friend and now policeman Joe Callahan. He takes her to a safe place with his Aunt Sarah. Carly works on recovering from her injuries both mentally and physically sustained by her former boss/boyfriend with God's help and presence. While staying with Sarah she meets Minister Ryan Edgar while attending mass at her local church. Torn between the two men who represent her past and present, Carly leans on God to now guide her life. I will let you figure out for yourself how it ends. This book does not disappoint. I think this new author has a long writing career ahead of her!!!! What a great first book!! Keep up the great writing!! I cannot wait to see what is next!! All my female friends are getting this for birthday and Christmas gifts!

[Suzanne Kirwan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laura Hervey is a genius. This story is a tearjerker. Laura is a literary wordsmith. This beautifully written book was a priority of my time. I'm a very slow reader, but I couldn't put this story down. I didn't do much except read. This book is a masterpiece that would make a great movie. I'm looking forward to a sequel.

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every change begins with a single step in the right direction. So it begins for Carly after years of poor choices going even more wrong.

A great story of redemption and change. Laura Hervey shows through a former escort extraordinaire how God's grace always meets us where we stand (or sit or crawl in sobs). God's love always outshines our sin and wins in Christ.

Then, Carly must decide if she is brave enough to live the new life God is providing for her.

The writing is clean and clear, the characters empathetic in their emotions, and the story engages from beginning to end. A journey worthy of taking.

[Susan Sapetko · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. I have been wanting to read it for awhile now. Found out a few years ago the author is my cousin. Long story as my mom was adopted. Laura told the family about her first book at a family reunion. It is a tear jerker and hard to put down once you start it. I can’t wait to start her second book.

[Helen V Fik · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the book. Although I think she referred to her fallen condition to many times, but I don't think it took away from the wonderful story and it's purpose in writing it. Very well done.