The Rose

The Redemption Duet #1

by Sheritta Bitikofer

Belle lives her life from day to day, nearly crippled by her social anxiety. But if you ask anyone in Levi about it, they'd say she's a sweet, quiet girl who works hard to keep up her family's small ranch while holding down a job at the bookstore. No one knows that beneath her smiles lay a shy introvert who wants nothing more than to stay at home. It was easier to stay alone, stay isolated. That's when she was the happiest. But during one thunderstorm, all of that changed and she met the first man she ever actually wanted to spend time with.
Leo made a habit of avoiding people when at all possible. Getting tied down, making friends, having a life only meant suffering. The darkness that followed him since his adolescent years never left, not really. It'd show up and ruin any hint of happiness that came his way. Running from his past and the brother that cursed him with this demon, Leo never expected to find something like home in the little country town of Levi. And he didn't expect one storm to bring him to the barn of a girl with fire in her eyes and a face as beautiful as a sunrise. A sunrise that could chase away all the shadows.

280 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 25, 2019

About the author

An author of paranormal and urban fantasy fiction, Sheritta Bitikofer lives for the deep, engaging stories that enthrall readers from cover to cover. As a wife and fur-mama of eclectic tastes, she can be found roaming Civil War battlefields, perusing the romance section of the bookstore, or relaxing with a plate of chili cheese fries.

Take a look at the books she has available and stay tuned for new releases.

Also visit her official author website at: www.sherittabitikofer.com and her writing blog at www.moonstruckwriting.wordpress.com

Reviews

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

What do you do when you just want to stay in your house and forget the world . After wearing a mask for the day Belle battles with social anxiety but she hides it very well behind a mask of happy smiles . But that all changes one night while during a thunderstorm she finds a man in her barn trying to stay out of the rain . That night changes everything for Belle and the man she found Leo. A man who has been on the run for so long , he never expected to be met by a sweet girl that took his breath away . But with the demons of his past will they be able to have their happily ever after .
The characters are well written and complex . Belle is such a sweet girl but she hides a secret that cripples her . Social anxiety is such a hard thing to deal with . She has a mask that she slips on that has her saying yes and trying to be a people pleaser when she is at work and out . You really want to wrap her up in a blanket and tell her that everything will be ok and we can work through it together. She does really grow in the story and it seems like she starts to come out of her shell and when with Leo , she is a fiery independant woman . She still battles but it seems like she is starting to fight instead of just coping .
Leo well he is such a mystery, he is a loner and there is so much more to him . He is fighting his own demon since he has been a teen . He is sweet and well kind of sexy and is attracted to Belle. He seems to be a calming influence to Belle and actually really doesn't sugar coat anything with her . He seems to bring her out of her shell and they are really good together , such a sweet couple . But when i say that you must remember that they are two damaged people surviving .
I settled down to read this book and was so sucked in by the end of chapter one , The characters are so well written . I really loved Belle she just kind of struck a nerve with me, she kind of reminds me of a couple of people i know . Even myself a bit . The story will have you laughing and crying . I did ugly cry in parts of this book trust me you will ugly cry too. Just so you know this is a clean read but it so doesn't distract from the story or the characters . There are a couple of spots where i did feel like the story did kind of dragged but over all the story kept me reading all night long and on the edge of my seat most of the time . Leo and Belle will worm their way into your heart , the book does end on a cliff hanger and i can't wait to see how it all works out for them . So if you want a sweet book check it out .

[Angelina Kerner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Title: The Rose (The Redemption Duet Book 1)
Book Author: Sheritta Bitikofer
Rating: 5 stars

This book makes you wonder about the masks that people wear. We meet Belle, a girl with social anxiety and just anxiety in general and Leo, a depressed soul. Sheritta wanted to show real mental problems through this story to show people that anxiety and depression are real. She did an amazing job.

This book may have some triggers but it’s pretty light when it comes to Belle, Leo is a darker soul. It’s a Christian romance novel.

What I kept questioning through reading it was if the DARKNESS was something that was in Leo’s head or it was real making the book supernatural Christian. Confused. And, it could very well be both. However, it is specified that it’s contemporary.

Sheritta’s chapters are long (took about 20 minutes per chapter) but they are so worth it. Very well written emotions and thoughts. Very real building of a relationship and friendship. Relatable events. Her writing pulls you in and has you walking side by side with Belle and Leo. I felt their sadness, their anxiety, and their happiness. I understood where they were coming from and it’s a beautiful thing.

There is book 2 that’s coming out at the end of the April month.

Due to complexities of the novel and what it brings to the table, I recommend this to 18 of age and older.

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this from this author. I mean yeah she does clean reads all the time but this?? It's so easy to get lost in the characters, I was snagged from the first to the last. Belle suffers from social anxiety, afraid she will say or do the wrong thing. I feel this so strong. Afraid of not being the Christian upstanding woman. Sometimes we just make it all worse than it is worried about things we can't change, in her case allowing it to govern and dictate everything!! While Leo is the complete opposite. They teach and learn from each other. Growing closer and stronger at the same time. Something is using them, him the evil spirit that's attached; her the power of God, in prayer and actions. There's so much going on and so much more to learn. It's an amazing read that will inspire and encourage, while it teaches. I can't wait to find out more about these two and the battle they are fighting. To see God turn what was meant for evil into good. For God to turn things around.

[Maura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book as part of "Quirky Blind Date With a Book" and began the story with the preconceived notion that it was a retelling of Beauty and the Beast. This was solely based on the cover art and the characters names of Belle and Leo (I thought Leo was a play on the lion which could be a beast??). It took me a little bit to realize that this is not what the story was about HOWEVER, it kind of could be and I'd love to know if that's how the author intended it to be.

The characters in the story are very complex. Each has issues from their past that they are overcoming and each helps the other to heal as the story goes on. The story is told with a certain cadence and at I'm still not 100% sure if certain things are real or perceived. It was an interesting way to read this story.

This is the first time I've read anything by this author and I will definitely be checking out the other books written.

[Abbie Riddle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new take on Beauty and the Beast that will leave you broken and remade. I absolutely loved this new and unique take on an old and beloved fairy tale of what love can do when it comes to making people new....to be seen and loved with all your flaws and demons is something to be treasured.

Belle battles social anxiety, she dutifully slips on a mask of smiles and sweetness to make it through the day; simply becoming what others need, want or expect her to be. But the weight of such a mask wears on her.

Leo is a man on the run with demons to hide (and battle) and secrets that weigh him down. He's been on the run so long he has forgotten the touch of true kindness and gentleness.

Will the two, together, be able to change eachother and forge a new fate for themselves?

[Kitty Elder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this story engrossing. As an introvert who masks as an extrovert, I could empathize with Belle although I am not nearly as severely affected. But I love the fact that despite all her struggles Belle never loses her faith...and that despite his demons driving him, Leo winds up at just the right place and time to connect with Belle. The story is a duet, but this first book does not end in a cliffhanger situation. Instead, the story pauses at a wonderful point....leaving me eager to read the second book but not complaining as I typically do with cliffhangers. And I am still eager to read the second book!

[Chrissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed this story. It has a good vs. evil quality that has kept me wondering which side will win and how the battle will play out. But there is also a beautiful love that has developed between the two main characters. Leo knows about Belle's good nature and that is what he is most drawn to. Unfortunately, Belle isn't aware of the evil that surrounds Leo. She suspects there is something in his past that he is running from, but she has no idea how deeply involved Leo is with the darkness. I can't wait to read the conclusion to this story in the second part of this duet.

[Kristine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting book. I was drawn to Belle and Leo and felt for them. Both Belle and Leo are complex, intriguing characters. There is a lot more to this story than just a romance, I don’t want to give anything away by saying too much. I’ll be interested to see where the author takes these characters.

[Ashley Martinez (ilovebooksandstuffblog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Rose

Loved it! A haunting story of pain, sacrifice, fears, redemption and hope! So much emotion packed in this story. I really enjoyed the concept and the characters. I loved how the characters found strength within themselves and each other to overcome their fears and anxiety.

[Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

A poignant novel of two damaged individuals, Belle and Leo. They find each other in an unconventional manner and start an even more atypical romance. The pain of their mental states as their relationship plays out over the pages is compassionate and made for a real page-turner. I highly recommend this to all romance lovers who love unique, clean stories.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love when a book has great characters and an even better story to go with it. Even Leo and Belle are opposites they learn from each other making themselves stronger and closer. This book shows that with the power of God amazing things can be done

[Staci Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two damaged pasts collide.

It seems so easy even with the troubles they face to see. Yet it hurts to think so few find this. It's as it should be. Kindness first help each other. It leaves ripples of kindness in our paths.

[Ruth Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leo and Belle's story touched a cord with me as I have a family member that's an introvert. It's hard to wear that mask very day to cover your feelings. Reading about how the two found each other was a roller coaster ride. I don't want to spoil anything though. I can't wait to see what happens nex

[Samantha Vickery · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written. Good characters. Nice representation of dealing with anxiety and depression. Finding love in family and friends. Learning your worth and strength.

[Kim · Rating 1 out of 5]

Did not finish...not my cup of tea.