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Five Points #3
Redemption's Road
Redemption's Road is best described by its main character.
My name is Rebekka Deklan, and I’m one of the most unconventional pastors you’ll ever meet.
I’m covered in tattoos and frequently can be found on a sawhorse at the local brewery with a 1956 Gibson on my knee. Grandpa taught me to play, and I use those gifts to share God’s grace at my non-denominational church, House of the Rising Son.
From the stage of an old opera house in Thomas West Virginia, this retired rock star turned spiritual leader, tries my best to imitate the pastoral style of my former
lover, Naomi Layman.
Years ago, when we were together, I broke her heart during a night I can’t remember. Sometimes, it’s hard to teach lessons of grace when I can’t find a way to forgive myself for the biggest mistake of my life.
Until then, my life is helping others find their path, while I wage war inside myself to balance the saint within the sinner as I make my way down Redemption’s Road.
My name is Rebekka Deklan, and I’m one of the most unconventional pastors you’ll ever meet.
I’m covered in tattoos and frequently can be found on a sawhorse at the local brewery with a 1956 Gibson on my knee. Grandpa taught me to play, and I use those gifts to share God’s grace at my non-denominational church, House of the Rising Son.
From the stage of an old opera house in Thomas West Virginia, this retired rock star turned spiritual leader, tries my best to imitate the pastoral style of my former
lover, Naomi Layman.
Years ago, when we were together, I broke her heart during a night I can’t remember. Sometimes, it’s hard to teach lessons of grace when I can’t find a way to forgive myself for the biggest mistake of my life.
Until then, my life is helping others find their path, while I wage war inside myself to balance the saint within the sinner as I make my way down Redemption’s Road.
- GenresLesbian
250 pages, ebook
First published April 2, 2020
46 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Murphy
10 books67 followersI grew up a voracious reader, feeding my imagination with books. I spent hours exploring the woods around my farm, pretending I was “Hawkeye”, surviving in the wilderness. I climbed into the hayloft of our barn, looking for “Charlotte” among the spider webs. Later, I looked in every wardrobe I could trying to find “Narnia and Aslan”. As an adult, I can still remember reading my first novel with a lesbian character and how it made me feel to finally identify in an entirely new way.
My adventure into writing came at the suggestion of my wife. Several years ago, she asked me to write her a story. I began crafting her personalized gifts for holidays and special occasions, by writing stories for her. I’d weave in pieces and parts of our life. My brain started asking “what if” after she mentioned forgetting I’d written the story until something sounded familiar.
My wife and I are part owners of an active produce farm and a U Pick strawberry operation on my wife’s family land all while I continue into my twenty fifth year as a full-time firefighter. On top of all that, we built our dream home in 2016, on property we’ve been clearing and preparing for fourteen years. Now we reside on 221 acres of woodland in the mountains of West Virginia, with three cats as I pine away for another promised Border Collie. We love to go watch our Mountaineers, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Steelers. We love leading our great niece and nephews on adventures to fuel their imagination and creativity as we watch them grow.
Librarian note: Multiple authors with the same name in the GR database; this author is entered with 2 spaces.
My adventure into writing came at the suggestion of my wife. Several years ago, she asked me to write her a story. I began crafting her personalized gifts for holidays and special occasions, by writing stories for her. I’d weave in pieces and parts of our life. My brain started asking “what if” after she mentioned forgetting I’d written the story until something sounded familiar.
My wife and I are part owners of an active produce farm and a U Pick strawberry operation on my wife’s family land all while I continue into my twenty fifth year as a full-time firefighter. On top of all that, we built our dream home in 2016, on property we’ve been clearing and preparing for fourteen years. Now we reside on 221 acres of woodland in the mountains of West Virginia, with three cats as I pine away for another promised Border Collie. We love to go watch our Mountaineers, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Steelers. We love leading our great niece and nephews on adventures to fuel their imagination and creativity as we watch them grow.
Librarian note: Multiple authors with the same name in the GR database; this author is entered with 2 spaces.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 24, 2020
I don't know what to say about this book other than.. Wow! What a story! It was deeply emotional and written from the heart. I fell in love with the fascinating characters and I was very touched by the deep bond they shared. Redemption Road is a truly inspiring, compassionate story of faith, trust, forgiveness and love. Highly recommended.
April 5, 2020
Amazing!
I will admit, I was a little hesitant about this book. (I have a complicated relationship with religion and am not a spiritual person on any level.) But I've read and absolutely loved all of CJ Murphy's books, so despite myself I was incredibly excited for this one! And it did not disappoint!
Murphy writes really amazing characters and having this book in first person showcased that incredibly well. I keep wanting to pick out one character I was drawn to more than the others, but I really can't because I loved them all equally. (A conundrum I seem to always have with Murphy's books! Though, Naomi may be a hair ahead of the rest.)
Despite the religious aspect being a big part of the characters' lives the book did well to not sound 'preachy'. As I mentioned above, I'm not a religious person, and I do tend to shut down when the 'god is great' stuff begins, but that didn't happen here. Murphy held that line really well and wove a really excellent story of faith, grace, and forgiveness. I was hooked from the first page, and I stayed on that hook the entire journey.
If I hadn't had to go to sleep for work the next day, I would've devoured the whole thing in one sitting! I really, really loved this book. It will eventually make it's way to my actual bookshelf with the rest of Murphy's books. The Five Points series is incredible, and I loved this one as much as I've loved the others. Though, this book still had plenty of exciting moments, it was a nice 'break' between all of the happenings with the sheriff and the other characters in this small town. I will be eagerly awaiting the next installment and hope Murphy continues to weave and share such intricate and amazing stories and characters with us for years and years to come!
I will admit, I was a little hesitant about this book. (I have a complicated relationship with religion and am not a spiritual person on any level.) But I've read and absolutely loved all of CJ Murphy's books, so despite myself I was incredibly excited for this one! And it did not disappoint!
Murphy writes really amazing characters and having this book in first person showcased that incredibly well. I keep wanting to pick out one character I was drawn to more than the others, but I really can't because I loved them all equally. (A conundrum I seem to always have with Murphy's books! Though, Naomi may be a hair ahead of the rest.)
Despite the religious aspect being a big part of the characters' lives the book did well to not sound 'preachy'. As I mentioned above, I'm not a religious person, and I do tend to shut down when the 'god is great' stuff begins, but that didn't happen here. Murphy held that line really well and wove a really excellent story of faith, grace, and forgiveness. I was hooked from the first page, and I stayed on that hook the entire journey.
If I hadn't had to go to sleep for work the next day, I would've devoured the whole thing in one sitting! I really, really loved this book. It will eventually make it's way to my actual bookshelf with the rest of Murphy's books. The Five Points series is incredible, and I loved this one as much as I've loved the others. Though, this book still had plenty of exciting moments, it was a nice 'break' between all of the happenings with the sheriff and the other characters in this small town. I will be eagerly awaiting the next installment and hope Murphy continues to weave and share such intricate and amazing stories and characters with us for years and years to come!
May 13, 2020
Staying true to the spirit of the previous books in the series, life and love in smalltown America, Redemption's Road is written from the perspective of Rhebekka, heavily tattooed, unconventional ex rock star turned Pastor. There are wonderfully written main characters and supporting cast, with appearances from Sheriff Chance Fitzsimmons and her wife Jax, the local vet. This book is steeped in music, religion, with themes of redemption, forgiveness, friendship and jealousy but most of all love. A heady blend that makes for a fantastic read. We even get a taster for the next book in the series, and I for one, can't wait.
April 4, 2020
Love Squared
Rebekka is a complex woman to say the least. She is the a pastor with her own non-denominational church, she is a the former lead singer of a well-loved band, an older sister who adores her sister Ellie, she is co-owner of a bar with her former security guard Tank, and she is recovering from the mistakes she made hurting the love of her life Naomi past and trying to heal from her abusive and despicable childhood. Like I said, complex. This story includes all of the women I mentioned as they navigate through their lives during this time.
I will admit, I didn’t really want to read this story. Rebekka and I have a similar religious upbringing and unlike her I want nothing to do with the bible and less than nothing to do with people who talk about it. But, after talking to the author I decided to give it a try with her blessing that I didn’t have to finish it if it was too much. (She is so sweet!!) Anyway, I did finish and while there was a lot of bible talk and praying, it wasn’t really preaching and I was surprisingly ok with it! Most of the books religious stuff had to do with love and forgiveness, no judgements or things that brought up painful memories, it was really well done. Rebekka faces a lot of challenges in this book, and somehow she faces it with grace even though there are really painful parts to the tale. She is so strong and brave even though she has a lot of guilt too. I really enjoyed the love interest parts of the book. Not only is Rebekka’s romance a part of the book but Tank, Ellie and another dear friend find love too. There is plenty of mushy goodness, steamy loving and sweet contented sighs to make me ever so happy. I hope you give this saga a try and enjoy it as much as I did.
P.S. I LOVED Rebekka and Naomi’s game of Play that Tune!
As of4/4/2020, paperback only at Amazon but e books are available at desertpalmpress DOT com
Rebekka is a complex woman to say the least. She is the a pastor with her own non-denominational church, she is a the former lead singer of a well-loved band, an older sister who adores her sister Ellie, she is co-owner of a bar with her former security guard Tank, and she is recovering from the mistakes she made hurting the love of her life Naomi past and trying to heal from her abusive and despicable childhood. Like I said, complex. This story includes all of the women I mentioned as they navigate through their lives during this time.
I will admit, I didn’t really want to read this story. Rebekka and I have a similar religious upbringing and unlike her I want nothing to do with the bible and less than nothing to do with people who talk about it. But, after talking to the author I decided to give it a try with her blessing that I didn’t have to finish it if it was too much. (She is so sweet!!) Anyway, I did finish and while there was a lot of bible talk and praying, it wasn’t really preaching and I was surprisingly ok with it! Most of the books religious stuff had to do with love and forgiveness, no judgements or things that brought up painful memories, it was really well done. Rebekka faces a lot of challenges in this book, and somehow she faces it with grace even though there are really painful parts to the tale. She is so strong and brave even though she has a lot of guilt too. I really enjoyed the love interest parts of the book. Not only is Rebekka’s romance a part of the book but Tank, Ellie and another dear friend find love too. There is plenty of mushy goodness, steamy loving and sweet contented sighs to make me ever so happy. I hope you give this saga a try and enjoy it as much as I did.
P.S. I LOVED Rebekka and Naomi’s game of Play that Tune!
As of4/4/2020, paperback only at Amazon but e books are available at desertpalmpress DOT com
May 26, 2025
This is part 3 of a quintet but the characters from books 1&2 (Chance and Jax) only appear very peripherally in this; so the story could be read as a standalone if you wished.
The style of this is a little unusual in that it includes a romance which started some time ago but was cut-off in its prime. The focus, Rhebekka (who married Chance and Jax in book 2) has given up her former Jehovah Witness and then rock star life and moved to the small town of Thomas, West Virginia. She’s become an unconventional Pastor (her devotion to tattoos becomes obvious) and set up a microbrewery under the name of the title of this, Redemption’s Road. The ‘love of her life’ Naomi, is also a talented musician and Reverend in Colorado and they were together for a time whilst Rhebekka was in a hugely successful star rock group she formed with her sister Ellie, Regal Crimson. It’s not clear initially why they aren’t together now but you eventually find out that Rhebekka made a mistake back then that she’s spent years trying to forgive herself for.
Things start slowly here but this picked up a lot once Rhebekka re-connected with Naomi, who isn’t the type to give up. The past events are largely left untold which makes the romance feel a bit ‘sudden’ but you need to remember that Rhebekka and Naomi have known each other for a long time. A family funeral ends up being the place where they find each other again and subsequently they are only rarely parted.
Apart from the hot romance, there’s a good measure of crises and drama involving various things: a fistfight, a medical issue for Ellie, a snowstorm which turns potentially deadly for Rhebekka and even a wedding. By the end of this I was thoroughly enjoying it and was sorry to leave the characters, as it appears book 4 is back to Chance and Jax…
The style of this is a little unusual in that it includes a romance which started some time ago but was cut-off in its prime. The focus, Rhebekka (who married Chance and Jax in book 2) has given up her former Jehovah Witness and then rock star life and moved to the small town of Thomas, West Virginia. She’s become an unconventional Pastor (her devotion to tattoos becomes obvious) and set up a microbrewery under the name of the title of this, Redemption’s Road. The ‘love of her life’ Naomi, is also a talented musician and Reverend in Colorado and they were together for a time whilst Rhebekka was in a hugely successful star rock group she formed with her sister Ellie, Regal Crimson. It’s not clear initially why they aren’t together now but you eventually find out that Rhebekka made a mistake back then that she’s spent years trying to forgive herself for.
Things start slowly here but this picked up a lot once Rhebekka re-connected with Naomi, who isn’t the type to give up. The past events are largely left untold which makes the romance feel a bit ‘sudden’ but you need to remember that Rhebekka and Naomi have known each other for a long time. A family funeral ends up being the place where they find each other again and subsequently they are only rarely parted.
Apart from the hot romance, there’s a good measure of crises and drama involving various things: a fistfight, a medical issue for Ellie, a snowstorm which turns potentially deadly for Rhebekka and even a wedding. By the end of this I was thoroughly enjoying it and was sorry to leave the characters, as it appears book 4 is back to Chance and Jax…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2021
Best of the Series
Wow. Somehow I ended up reading book 4 before this one, so I had to come back and get caught up. I'm so glad I did. This is definitely the best of the series.
Originally, my favorite author was Radclyffe because of how real her characters felt. Now, I'm blown away by the characters here. After the first two, I thought, Chance was the most awesome, but now, I have to say there's a tie between Chance and Pastor Rebekka.
Murphy is the first author I've found to seamlessly blend God's grace and salvation through Jesus' death on the cross with a lesbian pastor. I used to think this was a dichotomy that had no solution, and yet this story shows us that the two need not be at odds.
The characters are rich with real world problems and feelings that require real world solutions. Rebekka isn't preachy, and she knows her Bible.
Regardless of Murphy's personal beliefs, of which I know nothing, this doesn't come across as sacrilege or a token gesture to the God who loves all, sinners and saints alike.
This book gives me hope that the "church" can open its heart to all who believe, and that anyone can be saved, despite the differences in our path.
I also appreciate the more "secular" side of our characters, as it were. Written with class as a true expression of love for one another as an extension of our love for God and his love for us.
I can't wait to reread the series after book 5 comes out. My own struggles aside, I can't wait to see what's next for my favorite characters.
Wow. Somehow I ended up reading book 4 before this one, so I had to come back and get caught up. I'm so glad I did. This is definitely the best of the series.
Originally, my favorite author was Radclyffe because of how real her characters felt. Now, I'm blown away by the characters here. After the first two, I thought, Chance was the most awesome, but now, I have to say there's a tie between Chance and Pastor Rebekka.
Murphy is the first author I've found to seamlessly blend God's grace and salvation through Jesus' death on the cross with a lesbian pastor. I used to think this was a dichotomy that had no solution, and yet this story shows us that the two need not be at odds.
The characters are rich with real world problems and feelings that require real world solutions. Rebekka isn't preachy, and she knows her Bible.
Regardless of Murphy's personal beliefs, of which I know nothing, this doesn't come across as sacrilege or a token gesture to the God who loves all, sinners and saints alike.
This book gives me hope that the "church" can open its heart to all who believe, and that anyone can be saved, despite the differences in our path.
I also appreciate the more "secular" side of our characters, as it were. Written with class as a true expression of love for one another as an extension of our love for God and his love for us.
I can't wait to reread the series after book 5 comes out. My own struggles aside, I can't wait to see what's next for my favorite characters.
June 22, 2020
Another masterpiece!
I loved this book. I could not stop reading it. Having found myself wrapped up in Chances life, I was reluctant to get into a book that dealt with religion. Having been raised a Jehovah's Witness, I had sworn off of Christianity, but ended up becoming a non-denominational minister. So once again, I was drawn into this story, like a moth to a flame. Oh, and did I mention- for 20 years I was the lead singer in a Women's folk rock band, playing the bass guitar. NJ ow my favorite character is Bek. She reminds me of the struggles within my own family with a father who was not only an elder, but a pedophile with five daughters. Who denied everything. As did Bek and Ellie, I walked away at age 17.
This story of redemption is probably shared by so many other women AND men who endured the pain of an organized religious cult, one that had its beginnings on the Northside of Pittsburgh, my home town. There should be a national support group. Even after 50 years, I am still in recovery!
Please do not stop this series for a VERY LONG TIME!! I, and probably many others need this lifeline. Maybe you could help me write my story. It would a rocky Rollercoaster ride for sure! (Just think..Thunderbolt!)
I loved this book. I could not stop reading it. Having found myself wrapped up in Chances life, I was reluctant to get into a book that dealt with religion. Having been raised a Jehovah's Witness, I had sworn off of Christianity, but ended up becoming a non-denominational minister. So once again, I was drawn into this story, like a moth to a flame. Oh, and did I mention- for 20 years I was the lead singer in a Women's folk rock band, playing the bass guitar. NJ ow my favorite character is Bek. She reminds me of the struggles within my own family with a father who was not only an elder, but a pedophile with five daughters. Who denied everything. As did Bek and Ellie, I walked away at age 17.
This story of redemption is probably shared by so many other women AND men who endured the pain of an organized religious cult, one that had its beginnings on the Northside of Pittsburgh, my home town. There should be a national support group. Even after 50 years, I am still in recovery!
Please do not stop this series for a VERY LONG TIME!! I, and probably many others need this lifeline. Maybe you could help me write my story. It would a rocky Rollercoaster ride for sure! (Just think..Thunderbolt!)
Read
March 1, 2021Ok, so this novel wasn't for me. I'm not great with books that feature religious viewpoints or bible references, and these feature heavily in Redemption's Road. Additionally, I found the first person POV to be quite off-putting as it read like a journal entry - "I did this, then this happened, then this happened and then we did this". It was very much like the author was 'telling us' rather than showing throughout the novel. I didn't feel anything between our main characters and I think this might be due to the writing style and POV.
September 11, 2025
The third book in this series is a good one. It was slow going around the halfway point, but my patience paid off. There are some new and great characters in this book, and a couple from the first two.
The abuse and violence Rhebekka and Ellie endured as children was inexcusable. That they had the strength to survive and eventually become rock stars is a testament to that.
The love stories in this book only added to its’ depth. There’s a bit of angst and some nice spice here.
There’s a lot of religious and spiritual content that, in my opinion, only added more power to the story.
The abuse and violence Rhebekka and Ellie endured as children was inexcusable. That they had the strength to survive and eventually become rock stars is a testament to that.
The love stories in this book only added to its’ depth. There’s a bit of angst and some nice spice here.
There’s a lot of religious and spiritual content that, in my opinion, only added more power to the story.
July 2, 2020
Two horny pastors talking about God in between having sex.
I don't khow much about their denomination. But, I khow that pre-marital sex is frown upon by the Bible, and they do it so unregretably, I mean being pastor they should be aware of that right? I can't read no more because they remind me of hypocrites preaching about god as if they're "perfect".
But the author was talented. I just can't stand their ways and words altogether.
I don't khow much about their denomination. But, I khow that pre-marital sex is frown upon by the Bible, and they do it so unregretably, I mean being pastor they should be aware of that right? I can't read no more because they remind me of hypocrites preaching about god as if they're "perfect".
But the author was talented. I just can't stand their ways and words altogether.
April 6, 2021
Good story!
I really liked this story! The main characters Rebekah and Naomi were spot on demonstrating their love, devotion, and total commitment in their spiritual relationship in themselves, both being pastors for their community.
I also liked their supporting characters. Beck’s sister, Ellie was adorable. The high school kids she helps in her after hours program. Tank who was a very complex character. I enjoyed the complex plot line. Overall, a very good story!
I really liked this story! The main characters Rebekah and Naomi were spot on demonstrating their love, devotion, and total commitment in their spiritual relationship in themselves, both being pastors for their community.
I also liked their supporting characters. Beck’s sister, Ellie was adorable. The high school kids she helps in her after hours program. Tank who was a very complex character. I enjoyed the complex plot line. Overall, a very good story!
April 3, 2020
I am a fan of all of CJ Murphy’s books, but this is my favorite. The characters are so well developed, and the story is layered, pulling you in from the first page! I don’t have the words to describe how much I love this book, and I read a lot of them. So I will just use the one word that comes to mind.... perfection!
January 18, 2024
Very good!
One of the characters I have really enjoyed from the Five Point series is Pastor Rhebekka. Although, due to past experiences, I usually avoid stories steeped in religion, I really enjoyed Rhebekka’s story. Almost makes me wish I lived in Thomas. And I also enjoyed getting to know Naomi and the rest of the family as well. This is such a good story.
One of the characters I have really enjoyed from the Five Point series is Pastor Rhebekka. Although, due to past experiences, I usually avoid stories steeped in religion, I really enjoyed Rhebekka’s story. Almost makes me wish I lived in Thomas. And I also enjoyed getting to know Naomi and the rest of the family as well. This is such a good story.
July 5, 2020
Loved this
Loved loved this book. The concept of grace and a loving God has been so distorted in our world and I love the message here. We are ALL worthy of love, grace, and forgiveness.
Loved loved this book. The concept of grace and a loving God has been so distorted in our world and I love the message here. We are ALL worthy of love, grace, and forgiveness.
September 9, 2021
Finding Grace
Rhebekka and Naomi "s journey for love is through redemption road. As Bek finds through faith to forgive herself of a mistake she made. She realizes Naomi has always been there for her and is her one. Redemption's Road is about finding love and grace.
Rhebekka and Naomi "s journey for love is through redemption road. As Bek finds through faith to forgive herself of a mistake she made. She realizes Naomi has always been there for her and is her one. Redemption's Road is about finding love and grace.
April 21, 2020
I loved Redemption’s Road. What a beautiful story. Basically two women sharing their love of music and God. It moved me to tears.
January 25, 2021
Way too much religion for my taste and really not much in the way of a plot. This felt like more of a sequel (or extremely elongated epilogue) to the previous titles in the series.
May 4, 2021
I am not particularly religious but found this book fascinating & enlightening!
February 20, 2021
This is the third book in the series but it could be read by itself. While there are some character overlaps, the story is fairly well contained. This book varies from the first two in not only narrative style but also with who the MC is. The story follows Rebekka, the unconventional pastor that was introduced in Forever Chance, on her path to redemption. There was more religious scripture than I generally like, but I loved the characters and was hooked early on.
Another great read and I hope to see more of these characters into future books.
Another great read and I hope to see more of these characters into future books.
April 25, 2020
This is a really good book. This series is very good. Every book is a winner. The characters are very likeable and we'll developed. Thanks for another winner. Waiting for book four.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews