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The Forgiving Hearts Trilogy #1
Finding the Way Back
A sweet, inspirational romance.
Laurel thought life had dealt her its worst blow when her marriage fell apart. For almost a year, she worked to put herself back together. These efforts culminated in a new job in a new place. Away from all the reminders of pain and humiliation, she can begin again. But what if her attempt to escape doesn't take her away from Colton, but brings her to him instead?
Colton is reaping the sorrow and misery he deserves. For the worst of reasons, he hurt the woman he loves. Laurel's heart won't heal easily or ever without God's help. Will she give him the chance to regain her trust? Or will he be forced to live the rest of his life alone?
Laurel thought life had dealt her its worst blow when her marriage fell apart. For almost a year, she worked to put herself back together. These efforts culminated in a new job in a new place. Away from all the reminders of pain and humiliation, she can begin again. But what if her attempt to escape doesn't take her away from Colton, but brings her to him instead?
Colton is reaping the sorrow and misery he deserves. For the worst of reasons, he hurt the woman he loves. Laurel's heart won't heal easily or ever without God's help. Will she give him the chance to regain her trust? Or will he be forced to live the rest of his life alone?
179 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 5, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
September 29, 2019
Omg. Why did I read this? There is no excuse for cheating and this guy who loves his wife does it at the drop of a hat. Just gross. And she found them. In the book you see what happens leading up to it and then you read about the heroine surprising him in bed with the OW. But it made no sense why he did it and he basically says evil lured him but now that he has found God again she has to forgive him. They were separated a year and he was celibate for that year but I still found this book plot just too much to hard to read. I remorseful and I don't know that I could forgive or forget. This happened to me 40 years ago and while I forgave, (or did i?) I can't trust him very well (and I have tried) and I have never forgotten. This book was just another disappointing take on Infidelity. I kept hoping that he hadn't really had sex with her but he did and that just is unforgivable.
March 11, 2020
This is everything I dreaded a Christian cheating spouse romance would be. I want to point out it was my fourth read in this highly specific subgenre. The others, in order:
1. Devotion - In retrospect, I realize the message of this book is that functioning in the secular world is too dangerous and Christians should, whenever possible, isolate themselves in a Christian-themed bubble. So...eek. But the marital infidelity portion of the plot was bog-standard, with the marriage bond being weakened by spouses too busy to spend time together and the couple reconciling after counselling and (I think) a surprise pregnancy.
2. Redemption - Nothing on the cheater's contrition tour will ever equal Redemption for sheer wtfery.
3. The Scarlet Thread - I actually enjoyed this one, raising it to my short list of cheating spouse romances with a premise that makes the pain worthwhile.
After these three very different books, I had grown past my assumptions about what a Christian-themed cheater's story would look like. When I read Finding the Way Back, I crashed straight into them.
Our protagonists had been married for less than two years with no sign of any marital troubles when the doctor husband has sex with a coworker during a business trip. The OW had been coming onto him for a while, and he had been attracted to her:
Ironically, the OW succeeds in seducing him by playing on the imminent separation that was supposed to save him from sin: "This is our last chance to be together. Please don't send me home."
Sadly, the wife decides to surprise her husband in romantic Myrtle Beach, and she arrives to find the fornicators in bed together. In the wake of their separation, the wife's faith wavers while the husband grows closer to God. Both moved away from the city they had lived in together, and the book starts with them running into each other at a hospital in the new community where they had each independently relocated.
Here's what I dreaded that this book delivered:
* The explanation for the infidelity? A break in his relationship with God, rather than his relationship with his wife: "He'd become wrapped up in himself and grown away from God." Where the heck is his wife in this? (It's not you, honey. It's God.)
* As a corollary, "Only God could repair the damage and restore their relationship." Or, you know, YOU could put some effort in, cheater.
* Christianity is weaponized against the betrayed wife. When she shows no interest in repairing their marriage at their surprise hospital reunion, he taunts, "You don't believe in forgiveness? That's a strange admission for someone who calls herself a Christian." Oh, eff you.
Do they get back together? Yes.
Do I care? No. Because the cheating didn't surface an issue in their relationship, it surfaced an undefined issue in his relationship with God and the wife was nothing but collateral damage.
1. Devotion - In retrospect, I realize the message of this book is that functioning in the secular world is too dangerous and Christians should, whenever possible, isolate themselves in a Christian-themed bubble. So...eek. But the marital infidelity portion of the plot was bog-standard, with the marriage bond being weakened by spouses too busy to spend time together and the couple reconciling after counselling and (I think) a surprise pregnancy.
2. Redemption - Nothing on the cheater's contrition tour will ever equal Redemption for sheer wtfery.
3. The Scarlet Thread - I actually enjoyed this one, raising it to my short list of cheating spouse romances with a premise that makes the pain worthwhile.
After these three very different books, I had grown past my assumptions about what a Christian-themed cheater's story would look like. When I read Finding the Way Back, I crashed straight into them.
Our protagonists had been married for less than two years with no sign of any marital troubles when the doctor husband has sex with a coworker during a business trip. The OW had been coming onto him for a while, and he had been attracted to her:
Colton had rationalized his growing interest in Leslie as harmless. He had no intention of carrying out any of the wild ideas floating around in his head. She would return to Maryland [at the end of her internship at his hospital], and this situation would die a natural death.
Ironically, the OW succeeds in seducing him by playing on the imminent separation that was supposed to save him from sin: "This is our last chance to be together. Please don't send me home."
Sadly, the wife decides to surprise her husband in romantic Myrtle Beach, and she arrives to find the fornicators in bed together. In the wake of their separation, the wife's faith wavers while the husband grows closer to God. Both moved away from the city they had lived in together, and the book starts with them running into each other at a hospital in the new community where they had each independently relocated.
Here's what I dreaded that this book delivered:
* The explanation for the infidelity? A break in his relationship with God, rather than his relationship with his wife: "He'd become wrapped up in himself and grown away from God." Where the heck is his wife in this? (It's not you, honey. It's God.)
* As a corollary, "Only God could repair the damage and restore their relationship." Or, you know, YOU could put some effort in, cheater.
* Christianity is weaponized against the betrayed wife. When she shows no interest in repairing their marriage at their surprise hospital reunion, he taunts, "You don't believe in forgiveness? That's a strange admission for someone who calls herself a Christian." Oh, eff you.
Do they get back together? Yes.
Do I care? No. Because the cheating didn't surface an issue in their relationship, it surfaced an undefined issue in his relationship with God and the wife was nothing but collateral damage.
April 24, 2021
Reread 4/23/2021--there was a discussion about this book recently on a FB page I follow, and I thought to give a reread.
Originally I rated this 2 stars, but the reread has left me in a mini rage.
No, cheating can't be blamed on a separation from God. This doesn't work. The husband travels a slippery slope with someone he works with and when his wife walks in he realizes a separation from God allowed this to happen.
If we're going down the faith trail, this isn't the right path. God gives us free will. What we do with that free will is on us. Sir, you chose to cheat. God and your relationship with him had nothing to do with it. You knew exactly what you were doing, when you did it--your choice, your mistake.
And for crying out loud, please, please, please, forgiveness does not equal trust or reconciliation.
Forgiveness is given, trust is earned and reconciliation is a choice.
Originally I rated this 2 stars, but the reread has left me in a mini rage.
No, cheating can't be blamed on a separation from God. This doesn't work. The husband travels a slippery slope with someone he works with and when his wife walks in he realizes a separation from God allowed this to happen.
If we're going down the faith trail, this isn't the right path. God gives us free will. What we do with that free will is on us. Sir, you chose to cheat. God and your relationship with him had nothing to do with it. You knew exactly what you were doing, when you did it--your choice, your mistake.
And for crying out loud, please, please, please, forgiveness does not equal trust or reconciliation.
Forgiveness is given, trust is earned and reconciliation is a choice.
January 26, 2018
He cheats when they have barely been married five minutes, with little resistance! Heroine seemed strong when she left, but forgives too easily. Hero never really redeems himself to me, never fought for heroine, just says all the right things.
March 21, 2020
2 ⭐⭐ - Meh!
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He was still there - the husband she hadn’t seen in almost a year.
Laurel grimaced in distaste. “My husband? That’s a role you put aside easily enough when it suited you.”
“Don’t throw my beliefs in my face. Can you honestly stand there and tell me that if our situations were reversed, you’d feel any differently than I do?”
Didn’t she have any self-respect? This man had taken her love and tossed it aside like a piece of garbage.
“It’s bad enough knowing I couldn’t manage to keep my husband happy;
Her mouth twisted into a cynical smile. “Error in judgment? That doesn’t begin to cover it. What would have happened if I hadn’t arrived when I did? How long would I have lived in happy ignorance of what you were doing?”
“You dated Kayla?” “Sure did. Do you know her?” “I met her at the couple’s shower. She’s stunning. How’d you let her get away?” “I’m still trying to figure that out. She broke up with me.”
He hadn’t met a woman he wanted to spend more than an evening with since Kayla and that had been two years ago.
It wasn’t until a few hours later that he found out who the ‘someone’ was. He took the box of papers from Leslie with an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry you got dragged into this. Have you had dinner? The least I can do is feed you before you drive back.”
Colton didn’t take Leslie to the hotel restaurant as he’d originally planned. Instead, he drove to a place situated on the ocean. Her delight in the view from their tableside window drew a reluctant smile from him. “You can look at the beach later. Right now, we need to order.”
He reached out and tucked the loose strands of dark hair behind her ear. “You’re worse than a child.” “I know, but admit it, you’re having fun.” “It would be difficult not to have fun with you around,” he conceded reluctantly.
Leslie moved closer and slipped her arm through his. “You know I like you, don’t you, Colton?”
The problem was he hadn’t discouraged them when he had a chance. It had been amusing at first; then it had become something else. Colton had rationalized his growing interest in Leslie as harmless.
This is our last chance to be together. Please don’t send me home, Colton.”
All she could see was Colton’s ravaged face and the shadow of a woman in his arms. Over the loud ringing in her ears, someone had called her name.
For the worst of reasons, he betrayed the woman he promised to love and honor.
Colton’s unfaithfulness robbed her of more than a husband; it destroyed her ability to trust. She’d believed him to be a man of integrity and conscience; there hadn’t been anyone she loved and respected more. All of that ended on rainy evening when he showed so clearly his lack of love and respect for her as his wife.
You had an affair with one of your interns. You of all people should have known the risk you were taking not only to your marriage, but to your job as well. I hope she was worth it.”
His betrayal made me question everything I ever believed about love. Not only was his behavior a rejection of me physically, but it was also a reflection of how little he valued me as a person.
August 22, 2023
2.5 Stars
It dragged. Perhaps too much filler distracting from the main characters’ issues. I don’t think those were fleshed out well. It was disappointing because I never felt any strong emotions. I needed significantly more angst considering the betrayal/infidelity theme. At least the heroine had an abundance of self-respect. They were separated for a little over a year. The grovel part was too short, like less than a page long and told from memory. He should have been desperately begging for pages and pages, for chapters, for what he did. Yes, he was regretful and wanted her back but it was in a rather passive way. Ugh, beta heroes. I did appreciate that at least in his inner monologues he was desperate for a second chance. He was celibate during the separation and he claimed he’d never move on without her.
Since his reason for the infidelity was some super lame excuse, I couldn’t get past it. I didn’t find it satisfying or convincing, so I was left thinking he’d be tempted to cheat again.
It dragged. Perhaps too much filler distracting from the main characters’ issues. I don’t think those were fleshed out well. It was disappointing because I never felt any strong emotions. I needed significantly more angst considering the betrayal/infidelity theme. At least the heroine had an abundance of self-respect. They were separated for a little over a year. The grovel part was too short, like less than a page long and told from memory. He should have been desperately begging for pages and pages, for chapters, for what he did. Yes, he was regretful and wanted her back but it was in a rather passive way. Ugh, beta heroes. I did appreciate that at least in his inner monologues he was desperate for a second chance. He was celibate during the separation and he claimed he’d never move on without her.
Since his reason for the infidelity was some super lame excuse, I couldn’t get past it. I didn’t find it satisfying or convincing, so I was left thinking he’d be tempted to cheat again.
March 28, 2016
Oh, I hate a cheater!
This book, written with a Christian perspective, tells the story of Colton and Laurel. Colton cheated on his wife while away at a conference and is caught in the act. He and his wife separate for a year. Colton's humility and grief over his own actions won me back over, and I love how Laurel gave her heart over to God for healing after figuring out she couldn't do it on her own. Nothing is glossed over, there's no magic forgiveness or righting of wrongs. You feel the pain and struggle of both characters as they try to figure out what to do about their marriage. Recommend!
This book, written with a Christian perspective, tells the story of Colton and Laurel. Colton cheated on his wife while away at a conference and is caught in the act. He and his wife separate for a year. Colton's humility and grief over his own actions won me back over, and I love how Laurel gave her heart over to God for healing after figuring out she couldn't do it on her own. Nothing is glossed over, there's no magic forgiveness or righting of wrongs. You feel the pain and struggle of both characters as they try to figure out what to do about their marriage. Recommend!
June 25, 2024
This is a cheating book but I read it anyway... in a way like a train wreak in that I just had to know what happened.
It’s not a bad book, in fact the main characters are good, decent people so what went wrong? In the end I liked that the husband was just so remorseful and repentant and really worked hard to apologise to his wife and ask for a second chance.
Many marriages have survived cheating which is why I was curious about this book. As is pointed out in the story, there has to be true remorse and repentance before a spouse can open her heart to forgiveness. It’s a Christian themed book so there are a lot of religious references and the author shows how the husband was able to change his life by turning back to God.
This is where it lost a star... because husband is such a nice, decent guy, with Christian values who truly loves his wife! She even asks him in the book, how he could have acted so out of character! In my opinion, the author failed to truly answer this. The husband makes some remark that he fell to temptation, but it’s so unbelievable especially since she drew the husband as a very upright honourable and conscientious guy. Maybe she should have expounded more on how he led up to his fall from grace, but she missed out on this.
What we get in the story is a nice honest guys who is so in love with his wife of one year! He wasn’t a douche or a player before his marriage. The marriage is fine, no problems then BAM suddenly he cheats!
So... 2 stars
It’s not a bad book, in fact the main characters are good, decent people so what went wrong? In the end I liked that the husband was just so remorseful and repentant and really worked hard to apologise to his wife and ask for a second chance.
Many marriages have survived cheating which is why I was curious about this book. As is pointed out in the story, there has to be true remorse and repentance before a spouse can open her heart to forgiveness. It’s a Christian themed book so there are a lot of religious references and the author shows how the husband was able to change his life by turning back to God.
This is where it lost a star... because husband is such a nice, decent guy, with Christian values who truly loves his wife! She even asks him in the book, how he could have acted so out of character! In my opinion, the author failed to truly answer this. The husband makes some remark that he fell to temptation, but it’s so unbelievable especially since she drew the husband as a very upright honourable and conscientious guy. Maybe she should have expounded more on how he led up to his fall from grace, but she missed out on this.
What we get in the story is a nice honest guys who is so in love with his wife of one year! He wasn’t a douche or a player before his marriage. The marriage is fine, no problems then BAM suddenly he cheats!
So... 2 stars
February 6, 2019
2.5-3 for writing only. Read this years ago, I'm just cleaning out my tbr piles and reviewing for future reference. Not a book I would read again, bc I thought it was well written, but boring. Freebie from kindle. If your interested, just ask and I can give you more details.
October 26, 2025
Well this was boring...never thought I would say that about a cheating reconciliation book and his reasoning for cheating was laaaammmmmmeeee
January 25, 2019
This is an easy read about a couple separated after the wife catches him having a one night stand with his intern.
The writing is fine and the story moves at a reasonable pace. However, very little explanation was provided to explain why the H, who was allegedly so in love with his wife, would have sex with the OW. They’d only been married a year or so and we’re not experiencing any marital problems.
He basically blames it on opportunity and cites bible passages.
Since this is an inspirational romance I only expect token resistance to the H’s efforts to reconcile. This heroine required more effort than anticipated and I certainly respect that.
The writing is fine and the story moves at a reasonable pace. However, very little explanation was provided to explain why the H, who was allegedly so in love with his wife, would have sex with the OW. They’d only been married a year or so and we’re not experiencing any marital problems.
He basically blames it on opportunity and cites bible passages.
Since this is an inspirational romance I only expect token resistance to the H’s efforts to reconcile. This heroine required more effort than anticipated and I certainly respect that.
December 27, 2018
This was an interesting book. I liked the premise of restoring their marriage, but the writing style was choppy and told the readers things that should have been shown. As far as the Christian element goes, the faith was awkwardly inserted into the story in my opinion. There would be direct scripture quotes in areas that a paraphrase would have been better, and it tended to get preachy (for example, on the topic of social media, in a very pointed conversation Colton goes off on how he used to be on it, but he is disgusted by how many hours he wasted on there and doesn't miss it at all).
September 28, 2019
Husband cheats.
Flashbacks to how they met.
No huge explanation round circumstances of cheating, other than he was tempted and he thought he could handle it and that was a mistake.
Too much Christian influence for me, prayers to God and quotes from scripture.
Its not a deep probing emotional investigation of cheating affecting a marriage.
They 're split up but not divorced and they hadn t kept tabs on where they were living working etc which was a bit odd.
Flashbacks to how they met.
No huge explanation round circumstances of cheating, other than he was tempted and he thought he could handle it and that was a mistake.
Too much Christian influence for me, prayers to God and quotes from scripture.
Its not a deep probing emotional investigation of cheating affecting a marriage.
They 're split up but not divorced and they hadn t kept tabs on where they were living working etc which was a bit odd.
March 2, 2016
Lauel and Colton's marriage unraveled when he was caught in another woman's arms. She made him leave. Now a year later they are being put back together thru the loving guidance of God. Yes this is a Christian romance, it's also about forgiving. Both were hurt. But with the love of God and giving up all hurt unto Him they slowly can move on. Erin Landy's way of writing made this story line feel real. Not just for reading entertainment but with thoughtful insight on how to reach deep down and let go of the hurt so that trust could be rebuilt. This book will be reread again and again.
November 14, 2018
Finding the Way Back (The Forgiving Hearts Trilogy #1) - PG
Violence: none
Language: nothing offensive
Sex: intimated. There were a couple kisses.
I like Christian-based romance, but truthfully, didn't love reading their prayers. It's too personal. Also, IMO, if you're married, you're married until you divorce, regardless of the situation. I didn't understand the separation business where the married parties are supposed to look elsewhere. Not cool for me. I'll read the next one.
Violence: none
Language: nothing offensive
Sex: intimated. There were a couple kisses.
I like Christian-based romance, but truthfully, didn't love reading their prayers. It's too personal. Also, IMO, if you're married, you're married until you divorce, regardless of the situation. I didn't understand the separation business where the married parties are supposed to look elsewhere. Not cool for me. I'll read the next one.
July 28, 2020
This was an ok read for me. I don’t think Christian books are for me. It was like she forgave him because that is what God would want instead of what she wants :/
March 22, 2017
Loved this book
September 12, 2017
Very good book about forgiveness and love
I sincerely enjoyed this book. It was clean and very real. I felt a connection to both of the main characters and enjoyed their journey back to each other.
I sincerely enjoyed this book. It was clean and very real. I felt a connection to both of the main characters and enjoyed their journey back to each other.
October 16, 2025
Chapter 3 - “You don’t believe in forgiveness? That’s an odd admission for someone who calls herself a Christian.”
I do not like books that demand forgiveness because someone is a Christian.
I do not like books that demand forgiveness because someone is a Christian.
March 17, 2017
This is an honest look at a heartbreaking situation. Told through past and present events, newly married Colton and Laurel Samuels have their love tested in one fateful night. “His mistake destroyed her trust in him and only God could repair the damage and restore their marriage.” He turned toward God while she turned away. After being separated almost a year, they are reunited unexpectedly. He had faced his sin immediately with regret and remorse, yet respected her wishes and “loved her enough to stay away.” Her “failure to forgive” had only brought her misery, bitterness, and anger. “She’d allowed one incident to define her happiness.” I was entranced by this “love the sinner, hate the sin” romance. Colton is caring, kind, thoughtful, humble, and patient. Laurel is sympathetically portrayed. Her heartache is real and devastating. Her inability to forgive hurts her more than the betrayal itself. I love second chance romances. Wonderful elements of faith, love, and forgiveness.
May 21, 2018
I enjoy a good married romance story, especially when it involves forgiveness.
This one, there was one key point that fell a little flat for me, I had to re-read a portion three times to avoid missing what caused the issue in their marriage. I understand not wanting to go into detail, but this was so minor, it was easy to miss.
(Possible Spoiler alert- although this is on the back cover)
I felt that while it had many good points, it made a little light of the issues of infidelity and pushed reconciliation as one of the only options. I was grateful to see that the male character did not do that though and repentance was a part of the equation.
Overall, it had many good points, with a few that I wished could have been stressed a bit more.
This one, there was one key point that fell a little flat for me, I had to re-read a portion three times to avoid missing what caused the issue in their marriage. I understand not wanting to go into detail, but this was so minor, it was easy to miss.
(Possible Spoiler alert- although this is on the back cover)
I felt that while it had many good points, it made a little light of the issues of infidelity and pushed reconciliation as one of the only options. I was grateful to see that the male character did not do that though and repentance was a part of the equation.
Overall, it had many good points, with a few that I wished could have been stressed a bit more.
March 25, 2017
I liked this thought provoking book. I despise what Colton did and cannot imagine catching your husband in the act. How can you get that mental image out of your mind and move on? Laurel had no contact with him for a full year. Good for her! Then after accidentally running into him, she finds it in her heart to work toward forgiveness. Yes, we are to forgive but we are not required to remain married to someone who has committed sexual immorality. Colton however truly sought to follow God and turned his life around. Laurel also sought to follow God and together they worked to repair their marriage. The author crafted inspirational and realistic characters within an engrossing story.
May 30, 2018
Couldn't Finish
Characters not believable, not developed. Author has some good phrases and sweet idea, but ... Instead of telling the reader what happened, show how events developed.
Characters not believable, not developed. Author has some good phrases and sweet idea, but ... Instead of telling the reader what happened, show how events developed.
October 23, 2025
This book reminded me of one of the many reasons whyI have trouble with the Christian redemption arc. I had to DNF at 43 % despite being engaged with their story .
I kept waiting for this story to go DEEPER and really explore the nitty gritty of the emotional and physical betrayal.
To my suprise. When the cheating husband finally gets his much sought-after chance to sit with his estranged wife and explain himself ( halfway through the book anr thirteen whole months after the long term emotional affair culminated in a physical one that ended with him caught him in the act.) his reasoning is some of the most asinine ive ever read.
What is the self reflection he has managed to do at this point?
It was simple. The bible explains it. "men's hearts are deceitful and sinful," and the subtext reads that he is by his nature prone to always being attracted to and interested in other women. He just let it "go too far" and "fell into the trap" of infidelity....because he wasn't close enough to God, I guess?
So, in other words. He has no moral compass of his own. His love and respect for his wife and her feeling dont even cross his mind as a reason not to flirt and fuck other woman. He never even puts a full thought together regarding that. It's that foreign to him, apparently.
To him, only staying accountable with daddy God can stop him! Because he's a MAN, after all!
Smh
Give me a break! I can't believe how calmly the wife reacted to that excuse. Like, it was any sort of explanation, lol
When he looks back and questions how he 'gave into temptation' ( meaning activly flirted and lusted after his very first intern after only 2 years of marriage - to the eventual conclusion of taking her out to dinner when away for a work conference, walking her along the beach while fully besotted with her and then bringing her back to his condo to sleep with her. A physical affair that only ends there BTW - because he's immediately caught)
God and the knowledge of the lustful nature of man alone is all he needs to explain his actions and absolve them to himself!
Oops, he forgot about god! not his wife 😬
To quote:
" Why hadn’t he been able to resist temptation? Colton had asked himself those questions over and over. The answer was always the same. He’d become focused on himself—his needs and his desires—instead of God."
It's wild to me that that last sentence ends with GOD and not HIS WIFE!?
I mean jeez even after disregarding her feelings for his own and her leaving him for it... he still can't manage to make his own damn wife a priority in all this.
Gotta love the old Christian patriarchal mindset. 🤍
Couldnt possibly actually love and care for a woman enough to manage not fucking other women on your own 🙄. Thats just crazy.
He continues to speak of the infidelity like he is a victim of the flesh. "Falling into a trap of his own making." By what sounds like actively and consciously crossing boundaries with a woman at work for months on end.
I have no issue with (fictional) infidelity stories. But im sorry, I need REAL character growth and reflection. I need an H who can be held accountable to both himself and the woman he claims he loves. As well as actual emotional maturity in the relationship between husband and wife. NOT just husband and GOD.
If he finds a deeper connection with his faith along the way - super. But that can't be his only moral backbone.
Oh, well. It had potential. 3 stars i guess. readable and well written enough. just completely lacking in any heart or romance. lol
I hear they do counciling later but its probs through the church and just more of the same bullshit.
I kept waiting for this story to go DEEPER and really explore the nitty gritty of the emotional and physical betrayal.
To my suprise. When the cheating husband finally gets his much sought-after chance to sit with his estranged wife and explain himself ( halfway through the book anr thirteen whole months after the long term emotional affair culminated in a physical one that ended with him caught him in the act.) his reasoning is some of the most asinine ive ever read.
What is the self reflection he has managed to do at this point?
It was simple. The bible explains it. "men's hearts are deceitful and sinful," and the subtext reads that he is by his nature prone to always being attracted to and interested in other women. He just let it "go too far" and "fell into the trap" of infidelity....because he wasn't close enough to God, I guess?
So, in other words. He has no moral compass of his own. His love and respect for his wife and her feeling dont even cross his mind as a reason not to flirt and fuck other woman. He never even puts a full thought together regarding that. It's that foreign to him, apparently.
To him, only staying accountable with daddy God can stop him! Because he's a MAN, after all!
Smh
Give me a break! I can't believe how calmly the wife reacted to that excuse. Like, it was any sort of explanation, lol
When he looks back and questions how he 'gave into temptation' ( meaning activly flirted and lusted after his very first intern after only 2 years of marriage - to the eventual conclusion of taking her out to dinner when away for a work conference, walking her along the beach while fully besotted with her and then bringing her back to his condo to sleep with her. A physical affair that only ends there BTW - because he's immediately caught)
God and the knowledge of the lustful nature of man alone is all he needs to explain his actions and absolve them to himself!
Oops, he forgot about god! not his wife 😬
To quote:
" Why hadn’t he been able to resist temptation? Colton had asked himself those questions over and over. The answer was always the same. He’d become focused on himself—his needs and his desires—instead of God."
It's wild to me that that last sentence ends with GOD and not HIS WIFE!?
I mean jeez even after disregarding her feelings for his own and her leaving him for it... he still can't manage to make his own damn wife a priority in all this.
Gotta love the old Christian patriarchal mindset. 🤍
Couldnt possibly actually love and care for a woman enough to manage not fucking other women on your own 🙄. Thats just crazy.
He continues to speak of the infidelity like he is a victim of the flesh. "Falling into a trap of his own making." By what sounds like actively and consciously crossing boundaries with a woman at work for months on end.
I have no issue with (fictional) infidelity stories. But im sorry, I need REAL character growth and reflection. I need an H who can be held accountable to both himself and the woman he claims he loves. As well as actual emotional maturity in the relationship between husband and wife. NOT just husband and GOD.
If he finds a deeper connection with his faith along the way - super. But that can't be his only moral backbone.
Oh, well. It had potential. 3 stars i guess. readable and well written enough. just completely lacking in any heart or romance. lol
I hear they do counciling later but its probs through the church and just more of the same bullshit.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2018
It's been a while since I've stumbled upon a book that I could not put down until I discover the ending. Such was the case with this story.
I really liked the situation behind the conflict. In most of the contemporary romance books that I read, it is rare that I read a story of people that are already married, and to top it off, a story that involves infidelity. I have to say that is probably what glued me to Laurel and Colton's fictional life. I commend the writer for her ability to paint the picture of pain and hardships for this couple without cussing or even the 'bed' scenes that most of society would associate with these kinds of stories. But she keeps it clean and focuses instead on the journey that both characters had to take in order to forgive and seek redemption from the One that can truly give that to us.
As I was reading it, I kept on putting myself in the characters' shoes and wondered myself what I would do if I was put in that situation. Would I react the same way Laurel did? Or would I not even give the guy a second look/chance?
Even though this book tugged at my heart strings, there are a few things that I wished were a bit different.
The first one was the way the "background" story was set. I wished it was spread apart a bit so that there's a mixture of present and past. I like being able to guess why people are reacting in the present based on what happened in the past. Although from the very beginning, Laurel and Colton's meeting at the ER kind of gave way to their conflict, I would have still liked to have kept on the edge of my seat as to the whole detail of their isssue.
The second one was the ending, before the epilogue. I felt it was anticlimactic. As a reader, I anticipated a major event that would bring them back together. And at times it felt like there was this major scene, but then there wasn't. I felt kind of let down on that. Although the epilogue was cute and somewhat satifsying, I had wished the reconciliation scene was better.
And finally, I wished that there were continuation to some of the other couples' stories presented in this book. Like with Taryn and Phillip or with Amber and Tony. There might have not been enough conflict or drama for their own stories, but I've grown accustomed to meeting a bunch of characters in a series wherein I get to learn more about each of them, in a deepr context, in their own seperate books.
I really liked the situation behind the conflict. In most of the contemporary romance books that I read, it is rare that I read a story of people that are already married, and to top it off, a story that involves infidelity. I have to say that is probably what glued me to Laurel and Colton's fictional life. I commend the writer for her ability to paint the picture of pain and hardships for this couple without cussing or even the 'bed' scenes that most of society would associate with these kinds of stories. But she keeps it clean and focuses instead on the journey that both characters had to take in order to forgive and seek redemption from the One that can truly give that to us.
As I was reading it, I kept on putting myself in the characters' shoes and wondered myself what I would do if I was put in that situation. Would I react the same way Laurel did? Or would I not even give the guy a second look/chance?
Even though this book tugged at my heart strings, there are a few things that I wished were a bit different.
The first one was the way the "background" story was set. I wished it was spread apart a bit so that there's a mixture of present and past. I like being able to guess why people are reacting in the present based on what happened in the past. Although from the very beginning, Laurel and Colton's meeting at the ER kind of gave way to their conflict, I would have still liked to have kept on the edge of my seat as to the whole detail of their isssue.
The second one was the ending, before the epilogue. I felt it was anticlimactic. As a reader, I anticipated a major event that would bring them back together. And at times it felt like there was this major scene, but then there wasn't. I felt kind of let down on that. Although the epilogue was cute and somewhat satifsying, I had wished the reconciliation scene was better.
And finally, I wished that there were continuation to some of the other couples' stories presented in this book. Like with Taryn and Phillip or with Amber and Tony. There might have not been enough conflict or drama for their own stories, but I've grown accustomed to meeting a bunch of characters in a series wherein I get to learn more about each of them, in a deepr context, in their own seperate books.
October 14, 2025
Colton and Laurel are an established married couple when the story begins. He's a doctor. He's going to present something at a medical conference in Daytona, Florida, and his intern, Stacy, is there, too.
Colton is very tempted to sleep with Stacy. But he has been fighting temptation the entire time, and now her internship is almost over. He's counting down the days, trying not to fuck her. When they spend time together on the beach in Daytona, he can't resist anymore.
Unknown to him, his wife Laurel got time off work to surprise him. When she arrives at his hotel, she catches him fucking Stacy. When he gets back home, she immediately kicks him out, and hasn't had any contact with him for a year. But she also hasn't divorced him yet.
Here is the problem I have with Colton. There isn't a reason for why he cheated. He says he wasn't unhappy with Laurel. It was nothing she did. It was just "Temptation" that was put in front of him, that only God could have given him a way out of. He literally tells her he was "unable" to not fuck this woman. Like Stacy is some mythological creature (Temptation) that Colton needed something supernatural (God) to resist. It was bonkers!
Laurel moves to Brunswick, Georgia. Her sister lives there, or something. She ends up in the ER, and Colton's there. He had moved to Brunswick with his brother (or something), 6 months ago. It shouldn't make any difference because they lived in the same town before, now they still live in the same town, nothing has really changed. But for some reason, everyone sees this as a "sign." The most unfortunate thing about this is, Colton doesn't believe in chance, he believes that God made Laurel move to Brunswick so that they could get back together. (No free will? You don't need it when God has plans for you!)
So basically she takes back a man who admits it's just in his sinful nature to cheat, and the only reason he's not cheating now is because the Bible told him not to. It just wasn't the book for me, because I thought that sounded absolutely toxic and sick.
Colton is very tempted to sleep with Stacy. But he has been fighting temptation the entire time, and now her internship is almost over. He's counting down the days, trying not to fuck her. When they spend time together on the beach in Daytona, he can't resist anymore.
Unknown to him, his wife Laurel got time off work to surprise him. When she arrives at his hotel, she catches him fucking Stacy. When he gets back home, she immediately kicks him out, and hasn't had any contact with him for a year. But she also hasn't divorced him yet.
Here is the problem I have with Colton. There isn't a reason for why he cheated. He says he wasn't unhappy with Laurel. It was nothing she did. It was just "Temptation" that was put in front of him, that only God could have given him a way out of. He literally tells her he was "unable" to not fuck this woman. Like Stacy is some mythological creature (Temptation) that Colton needed something supernatural (God) to resist. It was bonkers!
Laurel moves to Brunswick, Georgia. Her sister lives there, or something. She ends up in the ER, and Colton's there. He had moved to Brunswick with his brother (or something), 6 months ago. It shouldn't make any difference because they lived in the same town before, now they still live in the same town, nothing has really changed. But for some reason, everyone sees this as a "sign." The most unfortunate thing about this is, Colton doesn't believe in chance, he believes that God made Laurel move to Brunswick so that they could get back together. (No free will? You don't need it when God has plans for you!)
So basically she takes back a man who admits it's just in his sinful nature to cheat, and the only reason he's not cheating now is because the Bible told him not to. It just wasn't the book for me, because I thought that sounded absolutely toxic and sick.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2018
This is a good story that emphasizes how important it is to listen to God every day. I especially like that the two characters realize that each of them has fault and flaws, guilt and redemption in this episode of their lives...and in all our lives. This might be a book for engaged couples to discuss...from how we get into conditions where the result could be infidelity to development of the faith and maturity to forgive one who is sincerely repentant. We all are imperfect and God commands us to love each other, put up with each other in love, and forgive from the heart an infinite number of times. If we imitate God and Jesus in this way, we will not only find our way to each other, but also to God, which is His intent since he commanded us to love. I am done with this review. 3 John and Jude are 1 Chapter each because that's enough. Too bad this review process doesn't recognize when enough is enough. The book was better.
How am I supposed to give a review when Submit icon is not active? I have NO IDEA what this section is for since I can't see anything, but placing the cursor there must signify that I am to write something. I protest. Write WHAT? Now the Submit icon is on. I have no IDEA why it is now on. Here Amazon. Have your review--both of the book and Amazon's redundant process.
How am I supposed to give a review when Submit icon is not active? I have NO IDEA what this section is for since I can't see anything, but placing the cursor there must signify that I am to write something. I protest. Write WHAT? Now the Submit icon is on. I have no IDEA why it is now on. Here Amazon. Have your review--both of the book and Amazon's redundant process.
June 9, 2022
I think some of the low reviews are missing the point of this book and underestimating the impact God can have in one's life. They wanted an explanation for why he cheated, but there doesn't always need to be one and honestly there shouldn't be. There shouldn't be anything that a partner does that warrants being cheated on. It really is on the actual cheater, their self control, and morals. I think it is entirely realistic to believe he got caught up with this OW, even with a happy marriage at home. No matter how happy we are in life it feels good to be complimented and admired, that's our basic inner selfishness. He spent at least 40 hours a week if not more with this OW and built a friendship. It probably felt good and then he did lose control. It is not Laurels fault and biblically she had every right to leave him, but what I love about this book is Coltons response and that warrants him forgiveness. He does not respond with defensiveness, ever blame her, and is genuinely repentant. He never speaks with the OW again. Mistakes happen, but it's how one responds that should determine whether we accept someone back into our lives. Great book and very healing to read as someone who has gone through similar.
November 22, 2025
Lacking in introspection
I loved that Colton found God and lay everything at His hands however there is a missing.
1. The cheating has been underplayed.
There is a broad reason of ego and claiming ownership of power that led to it but there is no clear path of how he got there.
2. Laurel has no self care or real love for herself. Her journey back to herself first before she heads back into the marriage. Forgiving him ..yes....but moving to being together again ? It is missing her true surrender to God, her discovery of herself...what is important for her.
She states that she has always loved him even after the adultery but she sees that she is lacking somehow.
3. The family interaction is not shown. Sorry a happy marriage in a christian household brings real openness and being responsible. Hidden away us his cheating because his mother did not want him to disappoint others. How does the wife live with that?
I think the author needs to do more exploring on the subject. It may be based on real events but the heart of the story is missing and I feel like it is a surface story with no depth.
I loved that Colton found God and lay everything at His hands however there is a missing.
1. The cheating has been underplayed.
There is a broad reason of ego and claiming ownership of power that led to it but there is no clear path of how he got there.
2. Laurel has no self care or real love for herself. Her journey back to herself first before she heads back into the marriage. Forgiving him ..yes....but moving to being together again ? It is missing her true surrender to God, her discovery of herself...what is important for her.
She states that she has always loved him even after the adultery but she sees that she is lacking somehow.
3. The family interaction is not shown. Sorry a happy marriage in a christian household brings real openness and being responsible. Hidden away us his cheating because his mother did not want him to disappoint others. How does the wife live with that?
I think the author needs to do more exploring on the subject. It may be based on real events but the heart of the story is missing and I feel like it is a surface story with no depth.
March 2, 2018
No excuses
Spoilers Possibly
The author did a good job with the reason behind the hero's major mess up. I hate when authors take a situation like this and lessen the cheater's role to focus on the other spouse's role, often soft soaping the infidelity and throwing the spouse under the bus. The most common reason for why a man OR woman cheats is given in this novel. No excuses.
The way a marriage can be healed is also given in this novel. No magic formula. I did think some things were covered lightly, and more information on how the couple would handle future trips apart, etc, would have been interesting, but overall, there was a lot of thought-provoking material and a romance to keep the story interesting. I liked both main characters, and that was a plus. I am not sure I could be as forgiving as the heroine in the same circumstances, and I thought her rebound was a bit quick once the story began, but that is just me. I'm of Celtic descent. We Celtic ladies suffer fools lightly.
Spoilers Possibly
The author did a good job with the reason behind the hero's major mess up. I hate when authors take a situation like this and lessen the cheater's role to focus on the other spouse's role, often soft soaping the infidelity and throwing the spouse under the bus. The most common reason for why a man OR woman cheats is given in this novel. No excuses.
The way a marriage can be healed is also given in this novel. No magic formula. I did think some things were covered lightly, and more information on how the couple would handle future trips apart, etc, would have been interesting, but overall, there was a lot of thought-provoking material and a romance to keep the story interesting. I liked both main characters, and that was a plus. I am not sure I could be as forgiving as the heroine in the same circumstances, and I thought her rebound was a bit quick once the story began, but that is just me. I'm of Celtic descent. We Celtic ladies suffer fools lightly.
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