Eli's Redemption

by Paul Attaway

In Eli’s Redemption, Paul Attaway writes a novel that stands on its own but also picks up where he left off, at the exciting climax of Blood in the Low Country, his debut set in Charleston, S. C. in the 1970s.

In Blood in the Low Country, we meet Monty Atkins, a successful lawyer with a growing practice, a membership in a private country club and a summer home on Kiawah Island who, along with his wife, Rose, is raising two boys, Eli and Walker. Life is good until it isn’t. A brutal murder turns their lives upside down and their oldest son, Eli, flees Charleston to avoid facing murder charges, charges of which he is innocent.

In Eli’s Redemption, we catch up with Eli Atkins, betrayed and abandoned, and living in the Bahamas where he seeks refuge in a new identity. But angry, lonely, and adrift, he remains aloof, never allowing anyone close enough to hurt him.
When fate introduces Eli to ageing Scottish golf pro, Lach McGregor, he finds reason to hope. Lach too is burdened by an incalculable loss, and together, teacher and student, they are each a lifeline for the other. When Eli falls for a beautiful young girl, the pieces of a life he longs for fall into place.

But Eli’s hopes and dreams for a new life are continually dashed against the reality that no one can know who he really is. And when his dazzling skill on the golf course attracts the attention of a professional criminal and gambler, Bernard Lasko, Eli finds himself trapped in debt and out of options. If he is ever to break free and recover his identity, Eli must face his past, forgive, learn to trust, be willing to risk his life to save another’s, and face down Lasko which he does in a dramatic 18-hole match for the largest stakes imaginable.

Genres: Fiction

450 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 3, 2022

About the author

Paul was born and raised in the Atlanta, Georgia area. Paul and his wife, Lyn, met in college at Georgetown University and were married after Paul graduated from the University of Georgia School of Law. They moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1988 where Paul embarked on a thirty-year business career before retiring so he could write fiction. Paul and Lyn raised three children together in Phoenix and now split their time between Phoenix and Charleston, South Carolina.

"Blood in the Low Country" is Paul Attaway’s debut novel. Writing this book, along with the move to Charleston, is a coming home of sorts, a return to the South. The history and culture of America’s South is rich, complicated, at times comical, sad, tragic, uplifting, and inspiring. Paul hopes that his novels capture even a small bit of this tapestry.

Reviews

[Jillian Eversole · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading Blood in the Lowcountry, I thoroughly enjoyed this follow-up story about the Atkins family! One doesn't have to necessarily read Blood in the Lowcountry first to enjoy this novel (as it does serve as a stand alone novel in its own right) but I loved reading them in order. I was so happy to revisit the Atkins family and see what the future had in store for them after the surprising end to Blood in the Lowcountry. The characters developed so much and I really enjoyed being along for the ride as each character came into their own in new ways in this story - the character development was definitely a highlight for me!

I also loved the setting in the Bahamas and in Charleston. Two places I love so much so I was happy to be whisked away to these two rich in history locations every night when I sat down to read Eli's Redemption before bed! The twists and turns in the story did not disappoint and neither did my faith in the good guys to come out on top!

A great follow-up for Paul Attaway! I look forward to what he has in store for his next novel and to see where it takes his characters.

[Dee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really looking forward to reading this book because I loved Blood in the Low Country. Right off the bat, I’ll admit I’m not a golf fan, so while very important to the plot, I was turned off. Too many details, too much back story.
It finally started to get good when the “Moses’ basket” needed to be fixed. But then it was so important that Monty talk to Rose about the letters. How hard that was going to be. Well, two sentences later, she was fully on board. Huh?
Not to sound sexist but I think it would be a great male read.

[Linda Hartlaub · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disclosure: I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway.

Yawn.

This book could have done with another set of eyes other than family members. It's slow, plodding with a pretty boring storyline, which is unfortunate because the premise is good. There is a lot of discussion about the intricacies of golf: shots, lays, courses, history. I skimmed much of that. There is also the tendency to hit you over the head with the author's Christian beliefs. His beliefs are his, but I felt like he was trying to convert me to his belief system.

[Stacy Hawks]

For fans of character-driven suspense, emotional depth, and atmospheric storytelling—especially woven with Southern settings and golf metaphors—Eli’s Redemption delivers. Attaway’s layered narrative, empathetic characters, and evocative prose combine into an emotionally resonant and suspenseful journey. Even if the pacing drifts at times, the emotional arc and satisfying resolution make this a worthwhile follow-up to Blood in the Low Country. I would highly recommend this read!

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great plot line and terrific characters

Excellent read! This book has a great plot line and well-developed characters. I hope the series will continue with more books to come.