The Redemption Of Bobby Love: A Story of Faith, Family, and Justice – A Dramatic Account of Prison Escape, Secret Life, and Marriage Confronted by the FBI

by Bobby Love, Cheryl Love

The inspiring, dramatic, and heartwarming true account of an escaped convict and his wife of thirty-five plus years who never knew his secret, which captured the imaginations of millions on Humans of New York.

Bobby and Cheryl Love were living in Brooklyn, happily married for decades, when the FBI and NYPD appeared at their door and demanded to know from Bobby, in front of his shocked wife and children: “What is your name? No, what’s your real name?”

Bobby’s thirty-eight-year secret was out. As a Black child in the Jim Crow South, Bobby found himself in legal trouble before his 14th birthday. Sparked by the desperation he felt in the face of limited options and the pull of the streets, Bobby became a master thief. He soon found himself facing a thirty-year prison sentence. But Bobby was smarter than his jailers. He escaped, fled to New York, changed his name, and started a new life as “Bobby Love.” During that time, he worked multiple jobs to support his wife and their growing family, coached Little League, attended church, took his kids to Disneyland, and led an otherwise normal life. Then it all came crashing down.

With the drama of a jailbreak story and the incredible tension of a life lived in hiding, The Redemption of Bobby Love is an unbelievable but true account of building a life from scratch, the pain of festering secrets in marriage, and the unbreakable bonds of faith and love that keep a family together.

 

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction, Biography, Audiobook, Biography Memoir

288 pages, Hardcover

First published October 5, 2021

About the author

Bobby Love, born Walter Miller, escaped from prison at a young age and lived under an assumed name for decades with his wife Cheryl and four children before being apprehended and then released a year later. His story was popularized on the photo blog Humans of New York.

Reviews

[Nicole Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

All stories are inspired by lived experience. We commune our humanity through their telling. This is simply a story of one real family's specific experience.

It would be easy to describe Bobby Love's life as "incredible", because the drama in some of the events described in this memoir would be fitting for a film or Netflix audience. For the authors and their family, it was just what they went through. They "put their pants on one leg at a time every day", as Cheryl Love concludes, but their story is still riveting to read.

I bet we all have enough drama in our lives to write our own memoirs. When my Dad mentions casually some of the things he's experienced, the "engaged audience" section of my brain lights right up. My own Dad has lived an absolutely incredible life, and when I read about the incredible lives of other people, like Bobby Love, I connect to a shared humanity that grounds me.

I was struck by how conscious the Loves are about exactly what is and is not in their realm of control. These folks have a growth mindset that has put them in the path of blessings and opportunities. They get better, not bitter. Their children are fortunate indeed.

[Book Reviews by Tara aka Queen of Memoirs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ladies, picture this…You’re married to a man for over 35 years with 4 children. During your 35 years of marriage, you’ve built a happy, stable home. Then one day you get a knock at your door. It’s the police and FBI😱! They hold you at gun point and take your husband out in handcuffs. You have absolutely no idea why. After doing some research you learn that your husband is a convict that escaped from prison 40 years ago. Everything he has ever told you about his identity is a lie. Now that his secret is out, you must decide if you will stand by his side as he is hauled back to prison to serve the remainder of his time🤯, or will you leave him?
⠀
That was Cheryl Love’s dilemma. Ultimately, she chose to stand by her man.
⠀
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐨𝐛𝐛𝐲 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 is the headlining love story of Bobby & Cheryl Love. This memoir is filled with ups and downs. Their story is the ultimate display of loyalty and unwavering faith. I enjoyed reading each and every moment of it.
⠀
But I must admit, there were times I wanted to shake some sense into Bobby Love aka Walter Miller. As a young boy he was rebellious, mischievous and down right hard headed. But he eventually turned his life around and became a law abiding citizen. However, that didn’t stop him from going back to prison at 65 years old.
⠀
I found the way in which Bobby and Cheryl told their story very engaging. Sharing their individual perspectives made for very good reading. Cheryl’s loyalty to her husband was heartwarming. I’m glad I took this journey with them.
⠀
Thank you @marinerbooks for gifting me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
⠀
5/5⭐️s

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

This woman was married to this man for 20+ years and didn’t know he was a “gangster” back in the day. I really enjoyed this book. This goes to show you that you really don’t know a person. (Even though he tried to tell her many times and she didn’t want to listen). Don’t let the cover Bobby Love keep you from reading this because I passed by it several times.

[Deep Frey · Rating 4 out of 5]

My wife found this book in the library, so I had no real expectations. I ended up reading the entire 260+ pages in a single day!

A truly remarkable story. I found myself frustrated by the author's choices, but I pressed on because I wanted to see how his journey unfolded. The book was very readable, and the alternating perspectives was effective. I would have been curious for more reflections on the conclusion of the events. The author talked about his faith, but I would have been interested in more details about how his view of God changed based on his circumstances. At some point his faith changed from praying out of desperation to a personal relationship with his God.

[Allena · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars - this was such a fascinating story and really well-written. I was engaged from the first words and it held my interest through the whole book!

[Katherine Whitworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fascinating story that led to a great discussion at my ward’s book club! As I read about Bobby’s young adult years, I was torn between feeling sorry for him and disappointed or frustrated with him. Then I was shocked to learn about what life in prison was like. Then I was on the edge of my seat the whole time as he escaped prison and started his life over again in NYC. Then I was inspired by the way he reinvented himself to become an honest, hardworking husband and father. And I was inspired again by the way his wife stood by him when the truth eventually came out and he had to face the consequences. It’s such a crazy story!

I really enjoyed reading about their marriage and, in the end, his redemption. I cried so many times! This book will make you think a whole lot about justice, mercy, and forgiveness.

[Elizabeth Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book more than I did. I see it as a great story of love and family. It was told honestly and clearly.

I don't think Cheryl's portions added much except when she talked about her husband. I wish they did, but they don't.

[Camellia Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was like listening to your aunt and uncle telling their love story.

[Bogens Liv · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first, I would like to thank Netgalley and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for allowing me to review this book. Keep in mind that my review, however, is my true opinion on this book.

“The Redemption of Bobby Love - A Story of Faith, Family, and Justice” by Bobby Love and Cheryl Love is the lovely book I will be reviewing today! This is such an inspiring book, and I would definitely recommend you reading it.

This is a crazy story! And it is a true story! It is completely based on how Bobby Love and Cheryl Love remember their time and this crazy story from their life.

One day, Cheryl Love woke up and heard a knock on the door. And this knock on the door was about to change a lot of things for her and her family. It was the police and FBI-agents. And Bobby Love was arrested.


This is truly a story about faith, family and friendships. This is a story on misunderstandings, it is about secrets, and it is indeed about love.

The book is well written, and you can feel the passion from the two writers as you read the book. They are very personal in this book and tell their story. And you can truly feel the love between them as you read the book. Even with the ups and downs.

This book is very inspiring!

I was blown away by this true story of the Love family.

[Tiffani · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm thankful to publisher Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for mailing me an Advanced Reader Copy of this book! This was an enjoyable read about the long kept secret of "Bobby Love" as told by Bobby and his wife Cheryl. Growing up in the south, when reaching his teenage years, Bobby found himself having interactions with law enforcement. Sometimes it was justified - Bobby did things he should not have done. And sometimes it was not justified - Bobby did not have white skin. How he navigates through these encounters, ultimately deciding to flee from the system via escape from prison, and going on to set up an entirely new life was interesting. As was the story of Cheryl and how her path eventually crossed with Bobby's. Bobby became a positive contributor to society, stopped his criminal behavior, and went on to have a loving family. And then...his escape caught up with him. A great story about self-rehabilitation.

[Hildie Johnson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand, yes, I felt bad that he (Walter/Bobby) grew up in the Jim Crow South, and his childhood was terrible. On the other hand, though, it has to be said, he made his (bad) choices, and by the time he was a full-time, armed bank robber, he was an adult. After escaping from prison, he took the name of a friend's dead son (horrible!) to create a whole new identity! And the lies he told for the next 30-40 years are astonishing! While I get this tale was one of forgiveness, I still can't get over that he was ultimately paroled. Almost any other fugitive, or jail-breaker, would have had to face the law and serve their time, regardless of the normalcy of the "new" life they created!

So, while it was at times, a nice story, I didn't like the whole tale overall. It was a unique memoir, I'll say that! It just wasn't my cup of tea.

[Denise Plank · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good memoir of faith, forgiveness, strength and tenacity. When your whole "imaginary" life comes crashing down around your ears 38yrs later, that's tough. Why they needed a whole army of police and FBI agents to take in a 65yo man with broken down health at 6:30AM is really overkill, to say the least

I'm glad it ended the way it did, for all of their sakes. My understanding is that they were featured in Humans of New York, also, and that was what piqued my interest and caused me to read the book.

Would I read it again? I don't think so. It's pretty straightforward, and I don't feel that I really missed anything in the first reading. For those who ask: it's pretty clean. Enjoy!

[Dylan Nunes · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is about redemption, as said in the title. It is a true story about a man who turned his life around after escaping from prison. It wouldn't last forever, eventually, his past would catch up to him.

The writing switches between the two main characters (Bobby and Cheryl), giving their perspectives. You're kept in the dark with one perspective, and with the other, more of the story is revealed to you. This style of writing works extremely well in this instance. The book also has many different themes that all intertwine with one another, one of which is disproportionate incarceration.

The book was very inspiring and I'd recommend it to others. It's definitely worth a read.

[Kim Fox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow!! Bobby's story is amazing! Yes, a lot of his pain was self inflicted, but Bobby shows that with determination, grit, and love that you can pull yourself up and be worthy of a second chance.

Bobby's wife Cheryl is just as amazing!! She believes in Bobby, even when Bobby doesn't believe in himself. She pushes and pulls... She makes sure she is doing everything in her power to fight for her family and her grief and despair flow off the page.

Thank you to Netgalley, Mariner Books and most of all Bobby and Cheryl Love for the copy of this book. All opinions are mine.

[Sharyn Berg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a nicely written, conversational toned book about one man who was rightfully accused of a crime and then escaped prison and turned his life around. It is written by both Bobby and his wife Cheryl and tells their life stories individually. It was an interesting look into a life and lifestyle that I have never lived and gave me a great reminder that we never know what might be going on with other people and we should always choose to be kind.

[Librarian Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you follow Humans of New York, then you know who this couple is! I was so excited to learn that there was a book about this riveting, lovely couple and quickly devoured it! I enjoyed learning more about the Loves and their lives before and after they met and married as well as what happened when Bobby had been caught. It was also an uplifting story that reflects the love and resilience that this family have for each other. Can't highly recommend this book enough!

[Bobbe · Rating 3 out of 5]

3+ This is an intriguing story (and fast read) about a young man who chose all kinds of illegal shortcuts to try to make it, ended up in jail, and escaped--for almost 40 years. When the law finally caught up to him, he had become a new man in many ways. Nonetheless, he had to serve more time and this time allowed him to come clean with his entire family and with God. An even fresher start. I liked the format--sections by Bobby alternating with sections by his wife.

[Abby Lindsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ *audio book. I didn’t know anything about this story before reading it. But it definitely goes to show that you can build a whole life with someone, have children with them, and 40 years later you find out you had no idea who they really were. I did enjoy the dual narration with Bobby and Cheryl and how Bobby really did redeem himself by living a hardworking, stand up life. It got a little too religious-y for me at the end but that’s just a personal preference.

[Parkway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much respect to this family. In most cases, it is unlikely you know absolutely EVERYTHING about someone’s past when you enter a new relationship. Most of us are someone else’s “ ex/has been” for a reason. Personally, my past might make the saints butt hairs itch. But, I’m alright with myself. Well written!!!

[Justin Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I almost don't want to tell you anything about this book because that's how I went into it and I really love how it unfolded. Let's just say wrongs we're done, amends were made and justice somehow came through for the Love family. Thanks to Marinerbooks for getting this book into my hands for an honest review :) Books like this need to be shared.
📘📗📔📕📓/5 books!

[Dhakirah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book! I was hooked from the beginning. I first heard about the Loves on a Today segment on Youtube. I enjoyed reading about their contrasting childhoods and the life experiences of both Cheryl and Bobby. Their last name (love) and faith are what brought them through the whole ordeal of Bobby. I found their story intriguing and inspiring.

[dana brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is quite a story and reads very quickly. It focuses on Bobby and Cheryl’s individual accounts of their lives with less focus on Bobby’s experiences while incarcerated. It’s a good approach, in my opinion. How two people came together and lived for 30 years with this secret between them is what I was wanting to learn.

[Patti · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story of the life of Bobby Love and his wife, Cheryl. It tells what happens when someone redeems himself after a life of crime but it also shows there is hope in changing your life around when you make up your mind to do so. It was an interesting book that would be good reading for young adults.

[Kristi Powers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a random book reader. I went to our library of a million books and went to the genre of true crime stories and randomly picked up this book.

I knew NOTHING of this story. Just read the first three pages and thought, " Wow, this sounds interesting!"

And it was.

It's a great story, redeeming story, and very well written.

Now i am going to go google more about this story!

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very inspirational story. It shows that anyone who works hard enough can rise above a bad childhood. Throughout most of the book, however, it seemed like the fact that he hurt other people in his youthful days was ignored.

[Tori Riches · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved listening to this book and was completely enthralled with the story. He went to prison after many encounters with the law, escapes, and creates a new identify and a new life. His past does eventually catch up with him and he must confront decades of secrets.

[Emily Pulham · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a Jean Valjean story, what is not to like about that? This is a great, fairly quick read that I think would especially appeal to those who believe in God and the importance of turning to God. I want to read more stories like this.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second selection fora my "ladiez " book club and another solid choice. I enjoyed reading the very interesting story from the perspective of Bobby and Cheryl love and never cease to be amazed by the determination of the human spirit and how lives can be changed by faith.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible story. I loved how the audio book changed voices. This book made me think about the goal of prison. Is it rehabilitation or punishment? If one has shown the are rehabilitated, even by unconventional means, should they still have serve their "punishment?"

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring story, it shows you can turn your life around.