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Eden Falls Academy #4
The Confidant
𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐔𝐒𝐀 𝐓𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫 𝐉𝐮𝐝𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐚 𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐬𝐭-𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫-𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭.
I’m trying very hard not to be in love with my best friend. After all, we’ve “been there, done that.”
Or rather, we dated for three amazing weeks last spring before Scarlett’s overprotective dad found out and made her break up with me.
And now that I’ve left her dad’s church, there’s no chance for us. I’m considered dangerous—a threat.
Though, it’s really the secrets I hold that scare Pastor Caldwell the most.
As long as I don’t talk about why I left The Fold, her dad won’t transfer Scarlett from our private boarding school before graduation.
But when Scarlett is set up with a college guy from their church, I know waiting on the sidelines is no longer an option. I need to break out of the friend zone. Fast.
If only doing that didn’t require telling her the secret I’ve been keeping for six months.
Because when Scarlett discovers the truth, I might just lose her forever.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐬𝐭𝐲 𝐘𝐀 𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐭 𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥. 𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝’𝐬 𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐞, 𝐢𝐭 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐮𝐦𝐚 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐫/𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫’𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤. (𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐬, 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫'𝐬 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞.) 𝐈𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬, 𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐤𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐚𝐰 𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬, 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐥𝐥 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐉𝐮𝐝𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐲’𝐬 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤.
I’m trying very hard not to be in love with my best friend. After all, we’ve “been there, done that.”
Or rather, we dated for three amazing weeks last spring before Scarlett’s overprotective dad found out and made her break up with me.
And now that I’ve left her dad’s church, there’s no chance for us. I’m considered dangerous—a threat.
Though, it’s really the secrets I hold that scare Pastor Caldwell the most.
As long as I don’t talk about why I left The Fold, her dad won’t transfer Scarlett from our private boarding school before graduation.
But when Scarlett is set up with a college guy from their church, I know waiting on the sidelines is no longer an option. I need to break out of the friend zone. Fast.
If only doing that didn’t require telling her the secret I’ve been keeping for six months.
Because when Scarlett discovers the truth, I might just lose her forever.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐬𝐭𝐲 𝐘𝐀 𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐭 𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥. 𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝’𝐬 𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐞, 𝐢𝐭 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐮𝐦𝐚 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐫/𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫’𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤. (𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐬, 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫'𝐬 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞.) 𝐈𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬, 𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐤𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐚𝐰 𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬, 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐥𝐥 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐉𝐮𝐝𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐲’𝐬 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤.
478 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 13, 2022
191 people are currently reading
1988 people want to read
About the author
Judy Corry
33 books1,398 followersJudy Corry is the USA Today Bestselling Author of YA and Contemporary Romance. She writes romance because she can't get enough of the feeling of falling in love. She's known for writing heart-pounding kisses, endearing characters, and hard-won happily ever afters.
She lives in Southern Utah with the boy who took her to Prom, their four amazing kids, and two dogs. She's addicted to love stories, chai latte's and dark chocolate.
She is represented by Lane Heymont at The Tobias Agency.
Keep updated with Judy and her books here ➜ https://subscribepage.com/judycorry
Find her on Instagram and TikTok: @authorjudycorry
She lives in Southern Utah with the boy who took her to Prom, their four amazing kids, and two dogs. She's addicted to love stories, chai latte's and dark chocolate.
She is represented by Lane Heymont at The Tobias Agency.
Keep updated with Judy and her books here ➜ https://subscribepage.com/judycorry
Find her on Instagram and TikTok: @authorjudycorry
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
October 13, 2022
I mean...I wrote the book so did you really expect me to give it anything but 5 stars? 😉
But really, I'm so proud of how this book turned out despite some of the trickier parts of the plot. The conflict was high, the pining was palpable and I got to add all kinds of emotions into this one which is one of my favorite things to do.
I hope readers will fall in love with Scarlett and Hunter's story just like I did.
But really, I'm so proud of how this book turned out despite some of the trickier parts of the plot. The conflict was high, the pining was palpable and I got to add all kinds of emotions into this one which is one of my favorite things to do.
I hope readers will fall in love with Scarlett and Hunter's story just like I did.
October 23, 2022
I'm not sure why the author would say that the organizations in the book were created in her imagination. She gives just enough detail about "The Fold" that it's easy to know which religion in real life she's alluding to and misrepresenting. Her "imagination" is used to twist things just enough to make anyone who believes in the religion she's mocking seem like complete buffoons who lack the intelligence to not be deceived. It's sad.
Too much of this book is about "The Fold." It's more of a diatribe than a romance. Of course, I quit at 60%, so maybe it gets better. It wasn't worth it to find out.
Too much of this book is about "The Fold." It's more of a diatribe than a romance. Of course, I quit at 60%, so maybe it gets better. It wasn't worth it to find out.
August 5, 2023
Gigiandi’s one-star review is spot on.
I actually read the entire book. I wanted to quit so many times, but kept going to see just what else the author would add. She includes a note at the end of the book saying that this book is based on her own “faith transition” and that she tried to create her own cult-like church for the book but that “it is likely that certain things unconsciously slipped through.” Did they ever. I could immediately tell what church the book was alluding to and it was disheartening to read. One of the worst lines in the book has to be when Hunter visits the church one Sunday after having left The Fold and a kid in the congregation whispers, “Look, Daddy. It’s the guy you said was on Satan’s team.” I rolled my eyes so hard. And don’t get me started on the prophecy concerning The Chosen One.
I think this is where the author and I part ways. Her Ridgewater High series was adorable, but I haven’t felt the same about her Eden Falls Academy books.
I actually read the entire book. I wanted to quit so many times, but kept going to see just what else the author would add. She includes a note at the end of the book saying that this book is based on her own “faith transition” and that she tried to create her own cult-like church for the book but that “it is likely that certain things unconsciously slipped through.” Did they ever. I could immediately tell what church the book was alluding to and it was disheartening to read. One of the worst lines in the book has to be when Hunter visits the church one Sunday after having left The Fold and a kid in the congregation whispers, “Look, Daddy. It’s the guy you said was on Satan’s team.” I rolled my eyes so hard. And don’t get me started on the prophecy concerning The Chosen One.
I think this is where the author and I part ways. Her Ridgewater High series was adorable, but I haven’t felt the same about her Eden Falls Academy books.
May 24, 2025
no longer an angry christian.
this book was amazing.
this book was amazing.
October 15, 2022
this book was AMAZING 🤩🤩
i had the privilege of being an ARC reader for The Confidant, and i have never felt so lucky!!
Scarlett and Hunter have the wholesomeness of a puppy but the chemistry of a nuclear reaction (lol). I loved their will-they-won’t-they dynamic, as well as the added forbidden lovers trope. I liked the way that the author wrote Scarlett’s relationship with her dad, the reader could feel Scarlett’s frustration with his strict rules but could also feel their genuine love for each other. The author kept it relatable without being cheesy. I feel like the “oppressive parents” trope is often overwritten and glossed over, and sometimes writers don’t really go into why the parents act the way they do, but I think that Judy Corry did that well in this book.
For the plot/triggering part of the book, can I just say: all applause to Miss Corry. You did absolutely wonderful. As a Nondenominational/Baptist Christian myself, I was a little bit scared to read this book, because often this type of plot paints the church in a bad light*. But I was proven so wrong because the battle between the cultish “church” in question and the characters was written so well. I loved how at the end, Scarlett’s father let her leave the church without blacklisting her. Maybe it’s a bit cliche, maybe it’s unrealistic, I don’t care. It was a happy ending that I was happy to read.
I also think that Corry wrote Hunter’s character amazingly (who DIDN’T fall in love with him over the course of this book??) and maybe a bit unrealistically, but that’s what books are for! I enjoyed how he was patient with Scarlett throughout her spiritual journey, and I applaud him for that (lol).
All in all, Judy Corry never ceases to amaze me. Each time she publishes a book and I read it, I’m like, “OMG, #newfavoritebookever”, and then she’ll release another that’s somehow even better. Never stop writing, cause you’ll always have this one loyal reader :D
*I am talking about specific books that demonize an entire group of church goers who do their best to serve God, and fail to show all of the true facts about the wonderful people borne from the church. I am not supporting people similar to the character Xander who call themselves Christians or any religious counterpart and act like cultists. Please don’t be offended, guys, cause I’m trying my best not to offend :))
i had the privilege of being an ARC reader for The Confidant, and i have never felt so lucky!!
Scarlett and Hunter have the wholesomeness of a puppy but the chemistry of a nuclear reaction (lol). I loved their will-they-won’t-they dynamic, as well as the added forbidden lovers trope. I liked the way that the author wrote Scarlett’s relationship with her dad, the reader could feel Scarlett’s frustration with his strict rules but could also feel their genuine love for each other. The author kept it relatable without being cheesy. I feel like the “oppressive parents” trope is often overwritten and glossed over, and sometimes writers don’t really go into why the parents act the way they do, but I think that Judy Corry did that well in this book.
For the plot/triggering part of the book, can I just say: all applause to Miss Corry. You did absolutely wonderful. As a Nondenominational/Baptist Christian myself, I was a little bit scared to read this book, because often this type of plot paints the church in a bad light*. But I was proven so wrong because the battle between the cultish “church” in question and the characters was written so well. I loved how at the end, Scarlett’s father let her leave the church without blacklisting her. Maybe it’s a bit cliche, maybe it’s unrealistic, I don’t care. It was a happy ending that I was happy to read.
I also think that Corry wrote Hunter’s character amazingly (who DIDN’T fall in love with him over the course of this book??) and maybe a bit unrealistically, but that’s what books are for! I enjoyed how he was patient with Scarlett throughout her spiritual journey, and I applaud him for that (lol).
All in all, Judy Corry never ceases to amaze me. Each time she publishes a book and I read it, I’m like, “OMG, #newfavoritebookever”, and then she’ll release another that’s somehow even better. Never stop writing, cause you’ll always have this one loyal reader :D
*I am talking about specific books that demonize an entire group of church goers who do their best to serve God, and fail to show all of the true facts about the wonderful people borne from the church. I am not supporting people similar to the character Xander who call themselves Christians or any religious counterpart and act like cultists. Please don’t be offended, guys, cause I’m trying my best not to offend :))
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2022
Wow this book is actually an emotional read. I loved the way the author took such a difficult topic of religion and cult and did such a great job dealing with it. Scarlett and Hunter are best friends and have always crossed that line between friends and lovers. I like that their romance deals with a lot of parental issues. The love they have for each other is genuine. It isn't a puppy kind of love, but a deep and healthy romance. Hunter's love for Scarlett is awesome. I appreciate that he respected her. He also cared deeply and it showed. Yeah, he is a 17 year old kid, but he did everything in his power to give her space. Scarlett is a very well written character. Her trauma and issues are valid. Personally, I know many people who have gone through the same issues Scarlett has been through and its really amazing to see how she deals with the issues.
The romance in this book is amazing. I loved how healthy and mature it is. The obssessive parental trope is overdone, but this book really does it justice. Additionally, the pacing is awesome. I like there is a lot of steam for YA. The book doesn't feature any sex scenes, but I do like how it is sex positive. The characters explore their limits without being stupid.
In summary, you have to check out this book. However, please read the warning before picking it up.
The romance in this book is amazing. I loved how healthy and mature it is. The obssessive parental trope is overdone, but this book really does it justice. Additionally, the pacing is awesome. I like there is a lot of steam for YA. The book doesn't feature any sex scenes, but I do like how it is sex positive. The characters explore their limits without being stupid.
In summary, you have to check out this book. However, please read the warning before picking it up.
October 22, 2022
Okay so 3 stars!! This book is definitely “heavier” than the other three books in the series. I respect the author for tactfully going about the whole topic of a cult while maintaining the romance. Though, this book didn’t resonate with me the way the others did I am sure there are people out there that will appreciate it. What I can say for sure is that I’m SUPER excited for Nash’s book!!! That epilogue really made me giddy and I can’t wait for it to come out.
January 2, 2024
I don’t even know why I finished this book. It was sooooo cringy. This series was already so blah, I should have just quit.
February 26, 2023
The Confidant
r e v i e w
Tropes:
* friends to lovers
* religious themes
* sunny boy
* good girl/good boy
The books I‘ve read about cults before (and I‘ll admit there weren‘t that many) point out the dangers of cults in a rather extreme way. An example for this would be Hades Hangmen by Tillie Cole: I think, for all who know the series, I don‘t need to say how disturbing the pictures were Tillie Cole painted in my mind. From the outside it was clear as day: this is a cult, this is so damn wrong. The religion Scarlett is a part of (and Hunter was a part of) isn‘t that extreme from the outside. Well, the more you learn about it, the more the rules they have to follow were (at least to me) strange. Though this whole religious commune becomes a cult when we see how they talk about the people on the outside or the people who left them.
However, I think it‘s amazing how sensitive Judy Corry deals with this topic. While Hunter decided to cut ties with the cult, Scarlett is completely loyal to the cause. He could’ve tried to convince her to follow his path, but instead he kept to himself. He is patient and respects her feelings. Towards Scarlett I had mixed feelings. I get where she is coming from, but when Hunter is respectful and does everything he can to not pressure her, while she doesn’t even let him explain a thing, that‘s just not the right thing to do when he‘s your best friend. But she definitely redeemed herself, so let’s not dwell on that.
I am not that much of a fan of the storyline with Xander. First of all, she lets her father controll her love life – wtf? Partly this can be explained with the cult – but no one can tell me she couldn’t have kept Hunter and her relationship a secret🤷♀️ I get the purpose of this storyline with Xander – though in the end it was a little…too much for my liking.
3–3.5/5⭐️
r e v i e w
Tropes:
* friends to lovers
* religious themes
* sunny boy
* good girl/good boy
The books I‘ve read about cults before (and I‘ll admit there weren‘t that many) point out the dangers of cults in a rather extreme way. An example for this would be Hades Hangmen by Tillie Cole: I think, for all who know the series, I don‘t need to say how disturbing the pictures were Tillie Cole painted in my mind. From the outside it was clear as day: this is a cult, this is so damn wrong. The religion Scarlett is a part of (and Hunter was a part of) isn‘t that extreme from the outside. Well, the more you learn about it, the more the rules they have to follow were (at least to me) strange. Though this whole religious commune becomes a cult when we see how they talk about the people on the outside or the people who left them.
However, I think it‘s amazing how sensitive Judy Corry deals with this topic. While Hunter decided to cut ties with the cult, Scarlett is completely loyal to the cause. He could’ve tried to convince her to follow his path, but instead he kept to himself. He is patient and respects her feelings. Towards Scarlett I had mixed feelings. I get where she is coming from, but when Hunter is respectful and does everything he can to not pressure her, while she doesn’t even let him explain a thing, that‘s just not the right thing to do when he‘s your best friend. But she definitely redeemed herself, so let’s not dwell on that.
I am not that much of a fan of the storyline with Xander. First of all, she lets her father controll her love life – wtf? Partly this can be explained with the cult – but no one can tell me she couldn’t have kept Hunter and her relationship a secret🤷♀️ I get the purpose of this storyline with Xander – though in the end it was a little…too much for my liking.
3–3.5/5⭐️
October 26, 2022
4.25⭐
Scarlett and Hunter are best friends who dated last spring, but broke up due to her father who is a pastor not approving of their relationship. Their feelings are still there but Hunter doesn't want her dad transferring her to keep them apart. However Scarlett is set up with a guy from her church which leaves time limited and secrets unraveled.
This was such a good read! I found this so unpredictable; there was only one thing I sussed out but didn't know where it was going. The romance between Scarlett and Hunter was so adorable! The other characters aren't really mentioned in this book which is a shame! Nonetheless this was such an interesting, gripping read!
Scarlett and Hunter are best friends who dated last spring, but broke up due to her father who is a pastor not approving of their relationship. Their feelings are still there but Hunter doesn't want her dad transferring her to keep them apart. However Scarlett is set up with a guy from her church which leaves time limited and secrets unraveled.
This was such a good read! I found this so unpredictable; there was only one thing I sussed out but didn't know where it was going. The romance between Scarlett and Hunter was so adorable! The other characters aren't really mentioned in this book which is a shame! Nonetheless this was such an interesting, gripping read!
December 10, 2023
Audiobook. YA
This book talks a lot about how we are raised and the growing process to determine if we hold those same truths as we grow into our adult selves. Even as an adult I related to the characters. Heavy topics handled well in a YA romance.
This book talks a lot about how we are raised and the growing process to determine if we hold those same truths as we grow into our adult selves. Even as an adult I related to the characters. Heavy topics handled well in a YA romance.
December 21, 2023
Quick Summary: A very serious matters YA-T/NA
My Review: The Confidant by Judy Corry is book #4 in the Eden Falls Academy series. It features the relationship between Scarlett and Hunter.
About the Book: Scarlett and Hunter are best friends who just so happen to be in love with each other. The problem is that they cannot be together. Her father forbids it, due to his religious convictions. They can be friends in passing. They can hang out with the same friend group at school. They can occasionally have secret meet ups. Unfortunately, a "prophecy," a chameleon's unholy intentions, several familial and religious expectations, and important issues regarding integrity and truth are a part of their complicated love story.
My Final Say: This fourth EFA book was heavy. It came across entirely different than the other books I've read in the series. It's due to the subjects that were addressed. Because it was so much more involved, it was challenging, in a sense, to get through. This was not as a result of the writing, rather it was associated with the hot button aspects. I was completely captivated by what was happening in these young peoples lives.
Other: Going in, readers need to know that there are quite a few triggers. I would encourage those who are interested in reading this novel to refer to the author's notes. I would certainly recommend this book, yet due to the nature of what is revealed, I would caution that YA readers proceed after due diligence.
Rating: 4.5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: YA-T (Older)/NA
Series: Yes
Status: Clean
Level: 🚨
#libraryread
My Review: The Confidant by Judy Corry is book #4 in the Eden Falls Academy series. It features the relationship between Scarlett and Hunter.
About the Book: Scarlett and Hunter are best friends who just so happen to be in love with each other. The problem is that they cannot be together. Her father forbids it, due to his religious convictions. They can be friends in passing. They can hang out with the same friend group at school. They can occasionally have secret meet ups. Unfortunately, a "prophecy," a chameleon's unholy intentions, several familial and religious expectations, and important issues regarding integrity and truth are a part of their complicated love story.
My Final Say: This fourth EFA book was heavy. It came across entirely different than the other books I've read in the series. It's due to the subjects that were addressed. Because it was so much more involved, it was challenging, in a sense, to get through. This was not as a result of the writing, rather it was associated with the hot button aspects. I was completely captivated by what was happening in these young peoples lives.
Other: Going in, readers need to know that there are quite a few triggers. I would encourage those who are interested in reading this novel to refer to the author's notes. I would certainly recommend this book, yet due to the nature of what is revealed, I would caution that YA readers proceed after due diligence.
Rating: 4.5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: YA-T (Older)/NA
Series: Yes
Status: Clean
Level: 🚨
#libraryread
October 13, 2022
The Eden Falls Academy series makes me so happy! I love seeing all the characters in ever single story but all of them are so different. I was lucky enough to read the ARC of The Confidant which is book 4 of the series and it’s Scarlett and Hunters story. I love both characters so much. Scarlett and Hunter have been best friends for so long and decided to finally date. Scarlett’s family is very religious and when her over protective Pastor dad found out he made them breakup. Hunter was also part of the church as was his family. Truths come out and decisions were made that could potentially ruin their friendship forever. This book is HEAVY!! I personally don’t like religion in my books and this touches on it A LOT. Even though I’m not I fan I still appreciate the way the author added it in and explained everything. The turn it takes with Xander I wasn’t expecting and that had me back to being super invested. The book took a turn about 76% in that I was not expecting and my mind was 🤯. Up until that point it was a solid 4⭐️ but then everything happened and let me tell you friends it won me over 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 My favorite scene by far has to be when Hunter is doing a presentation in class with his iPad and Scarlett is texting him and making him blush. That was absolutely adorable! This book had way more kissing than the other books and the epilogue was perfection!
November 13, 2025
2.5⭐️’s
Oh lord… what do I even say about this book. I don’t want to offend anyone because this one hits hard on the realities of growing up in a very strict religion, and honestly….I hated it. But I also think that was kind of the point. The book is meant to stir up emotions and make you uncomfortable with certain beliefs and expectations, so I’m not even sure if my reaction means it was good or bad.
It definitely took a very different direction than the earlier books in the series. I will say though, I loved Hunter. He was such a sweet, caring, understanding, patient young man, and his character really balanced out the heaviness of the story. Still not sure how I fully feel about it… 🤷♀️
Oh lord… what do I even say about this book. I don’t want to offend anyone because this one hits hard on the realities of growing up in a very strict religion, and honestly….I hated it. But I also think that was kind of the point. The book is meant to stir up emotions and make you uncomfortable with certain beliefs and expectations, so I’m not even sure if my reaction means it was good or bad.
It definitely took a very different direction than the earlier books in the series. I will say though, I loved Hunter. He was such a sweet, caring, understanding, patient young man, and his character really balanced out the heaviness of the story. Still not sure how I fully feel about it… 🤷♀️
December 28, 2024
so freaking good!! I know this book was heavily inspired by the author's own experiences with leaving the LDS church and it REALLY shows. the book felt so personal and close to her heart.
The Confidant is definitely heavier than other books I've read by her (and more than I expected from how it started) but it was such a great book about religious trauma--while still having a very YA and romantic feel, which is incredibly hard to pull off--and I could definitely see myself re-reading it
The Confidant is definitely heavier than other books I've read by her (and more than I expected from how it started) but it was such a great book about religious trauma--while still having a very YA and romantic feel, which is incredibly hard to pull off--and I could definitely see myself re-reading it
January 30, 2023
I loved the first book in this series so much, but I think this one topped it. Hunter is such a sweetheart and the plot 😐😐😐😐 so good that it had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. I knew something extremely fishy was going on. I LOVED this.
November 29, 2024
Different Mormon story. Innocent but real live story with historical reality of sister wives
January 21, 2025
I was disappointed with this book. I’ve really liked the other books I’ve read by this author but I wasn’t expecting this one to be so religion heavy.
November 7, 2022
Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐
This book was INCREDIBLE. I loved the back-and-forth between the characters, the crazy off-the-charts chemistry and the entire story. The way the characters grew up and became better versions of themselves was just so wonderfully written. And my gosh, Hunter is just one of the best book boyfriends ever. I also loved how the story wasn’t purely romantic. There were aspects of family, honour and responsibility with individual subplots of their own that made this story the perfect blend. It was a bit different to what Judy Corry has written before and I admit, some of the things in this story made me feel a bit uncomfortable but it just added to the overall feel of the book. It’s very good and I recommend reading it right away.
I received a review copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book was INCREDIBLE. I loved the back-and-forth between the characters, the crazy off-the-charts chemistry and the entire story. The way the characters grew up and became better versions of themselves was just so wonderfully written. And my gosh, Hunter is just one of the best book boyfriends ever. I also loved how the story wasn’t purely romantic. There were aspects of family, honour and responsibility with individual subplots of their own that made this story the perfect blend. It was a bit different to what Judy Corry has written before and I admit, some of the things in this story made me feel a bit uncomfortable but it just added to the overall feel of the book. It’s very good and I recommend reading it right away.
I received a review copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 9, 2022
I’ve read this book three times since it came out! It’s soooo good! The chemistry between Scarlett and Hunter is off the charts. There was so much pining and angst and wanting it was palpable. I felt everything. I laughed, I cried. It broke my heart and put me back together.
The stolen glances at the dance. The steamy-clean kisses. The texts during Hunter’s presentation. The most heartbreaking exclamation of love that I’ve ever read.
This book really had it all and even though it dealt with a somewhat polarizing subject—leaving a once beloved religion and moving to a place that was healthier for these characters—it was magnificently done.
I adore this book and these characters. It is such an important story to tell and something that so many people in my own life have dealt with. I think the book really gets better with each read because you can just relax and enjoy since the first time through was intense and such a rollercoaster ride. (In the best way of course!)
I will read anything Judy Corry ever writes. She can’t do wrong in my opinion!
The stolen glances at the dance. The steamy-clean kisses. The texts during Hunter’s presentation. The most heartbreaking exclamation of love that I’ve ever read.
This book really had it all and even though it dealt with a somewhat polarizing subject—leaving a once beloved religion and moving to a place that was healthier for these characters—it was magnificently done.
I adore this book and these characters. It is such an important story to tell and something that so many people in my own life have dealt with. I think the book really gets better with each read because you can just relax and enjoy since the first time through was intense and such a rollercoaster ride. (In the best way of course!)
I will read anything Judy Corry ever writes. She can’t do wrong in my opinion!
October 16, 2022
This book was absolutely fantastic and perfect! It had a religious factor which I was personally okay with. I don’t like to be biased against other peoples beliefs. I have struggled with my faith as well, so seeing other people that have believed so hard actually learn to accept themselves, accept it’s okay to take a step back and look at the bigger picture, and that they are human so they make mistakes makes me feel better about myself.
I was extremely happy to receive an ARC copy. I loved Scarlett and Hunter’s characters from the previous books and couldn’t wait to read this book. There was a few moments I put down the book from being flabbergasted by the amount of surprise that went on and the surprising turns of the story. And I fell in love with Hunter’s character more than Carter, Mack, or Asher.
I hope people don’t take offense or hesitate to read this book since there is a religious belief that the author puts a lot of emphasis on. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute and can’t wait to get the next book!
I was extremely happy to receive an ARC copy. I loved Scarlett and Hunter’s characters from the previous books and couldn’t wait to read this book. There was a few moments I put down the book from being flabbergasted by the amount of surprise that went on and the surprising turns of the story. And I fell in love with Hunter’s character more than Carter, Mack, or Asher.
I hope people don’t take offense or hesitate to read this book since there is a religious belief that the author puts a lot of emphasis on. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute and can’t wait to get the next book!
February 6, 2025
I think this book only deserve 2/5 stars and here’s why:
The romantic part of the confidant and how they get together is cute. But all the stuff about religion I feel is so negative. They are instantly dissing this one religion called the fold and they rarely have anything good to say about it. There are some disturbing things that happen because of their religion or because they aren’t a part of this specific religion. (Sorry for so little details, trying not to spoil) Although she gets saved from a scary situation by the man of her dreams the situation I feel like is too harsh. They could have made it so this situation was not so intense and have it be just as interesting.
The way she is so distant with her dad and is constantly lying to him is a little sad. Although I get that some of us are in those situations and don’t have that connection with their father. I feel like it is saying how if we are distant with our parents and lie to them it will still be fine and all work. It like have been more positive and tried to uplift how having a good relationship with your parents is good instead of being distant and lying is good.
Although this book was not my favorite the way Judy Corry writes her books is great and I really enjoy some of her books!
The romantic part of the confidant and how they get together is cute. But all the stuff about religion I feel is so negative. They are instantly dissing this one religion called the fold and they rarely have anything good to say about it. There are some disturbing things that happen because of their religion or because they aren’t a part of this specific religion. (Sorry for so little details, trying not to spoil) Although she gets saved from a scary situation by the man of her dreams the situation I feel like is too harsh. They could have made it so this situation was not so intense and have it be just as interesting.
The way she is so distant with her dad and is constantly lying to him is a little sad. Although I get that some of us are in those situations and don’t have that connection with their father. I feel like it is saying how if we are distant with our parents and lie to them it will still be fine and all work. It like have been more positive and tried to uplift how having a good relationship with your parents is good instead of being distant and lying is good.
Although this book was not my favorite the way Judy Corry writes her books is great and I really enjoy some of her books!
Read
July 31, 2023dnf because this completely goes against all i believe in, inaccurately portrays it, is extremely offensive and that pretty much overweighed any sparks flying between the two of them. loved the previous books but this really isnt for me.
October 21, 2022
Reader’s Notes:
– this is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone
– this is told from Scarlett & Hunter’s points of view
– Be sure to read the author’s note. This book focuses on the strict/high demand religion Scarlet follows & that Hunter once followed as well as their paths in it throughout the entire book (including religious trauma). It can be difficult to read (in terms of topic/practices/history of the religion).
– one of their kissing scenes includes them removing each other’s blazers, Hunter’s shirt having a few buttons undone, and a brief mention of them kissing with tongue
– another of their kisses has Scarlet’s hands roaming under Hunter’s shirt, Hunter’s shirt being removed, more mentions of kissing with tongue, & Hunter’s hands touching her stomach under her shirt
– there was an attempted rape
Review:
I took off a star because of how heavy/difficult it was for me to read through the different things happening with Scarlett’s church and their practices/history. It made it a bit harder for me to focus on the romance aspect of the story as well (plus the last 3 things mentioned above was a bit too much for me). As a Christian, I know that there are some churches with some similar mindsets/practices around the world as what was portrayed in this story. It really reminded me of how lucky I am to have a good church that knows and teaches the Truth (that God is love and would never steer away from His word – the Bible-). And I feel heartbroken that not everyone is able to have the same experience with churches/people at church as me but instead might have an experience like Hunter or Scarlett did.
As for the rest of the story, I really enjoyed the development it took for Scarlett and Hunter to get back together! I loved the scenes where their friends assumed that they’d still be as close as a couple or thinking about getting back together despite being exes. I especially liked seeing and hearing more from Asher who was Hunter’s roommate and almost always around them. I loved the mutual pining between Scarlett and Hunter and how they’d assume that if the other person seemed to be having a good time, then they must have been feeling the same way as it looked. But in the end they’d do something little to regain their attention and go in the opposite thought direction (to maybe they do still like me like I do them). I loved how that happened at the dance and with the playlist of songs Hunter gathered and shared with Scarlett. I also loved that Hunter respected Scarlett’s boundaries despite not being sure if he wanted to keep those boundaries for himself anymore if someone else had decided to push them with him. And I really liked that Judy Corry showed how different their views were and gradually explained why Hunter’s had changed from Scarlett’s. It was almost as if we were getting to know Hunter as if we just met him, unlike Scarlett who had known him for a long time and had to figure out why he was different than she originally knew him. Some of the other scenes/thing I enjoyed in this story were: Hunter’s presentation, the epilogue, the group date prior to the dance, the dance itself, the mystery of the Confidant and Scarlett’s assumptions on them, their movie hangout at Hunter’s place, and how real Scarlett and Hunter seemed to me (both in changing of views as well as Scarlett’s tendency to add more things to her plate than she necessarily had time for). I’m also excited now for Nash’s story! I’m excited because we got a sneak peek at his story from the view of his heroine and I’m curious to see how she’s going to end up catching his eye as well as what kind of person he really is.
Summary:
Scarlett didn’t want to break up with her best and closest friend Hunter, but she respected her dad’s wishes and did it anyways. But she can’t let go of the love she has for Hunter either and makes a deal that could alter the future she hopes for. In order to go to one last dance with Hunter as her date, she must agree to go with her father’s mentee to the Valentine’s Dance. But how is she going to explain to Hunter that she will be bringing someone else? Especially since they have been going to the dances together even before they started dating?
Hunter hasn’t let go of the love he has for Scarlett. If anything, it has intensified since hearing that she’s going to the dance with someone else. Though he feels the need to let her know that his feelings haven’t gone away, Hunter also knows that he holds a secret that could change the way Scarlett sees him. The secret of why Hunter no longer attends The Fold, her father’s church. And though he promised her father that he wouldn’t tell Scarlett the reason, Hunter knows that he’s going to have to tell her if they are going to have any hope of getting back together. If only it didn’t also come with the risk of losing her in his life forever…
– this is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone
– this is told from Scarlett & Hunter’s points of view
– Be sure to read the author’s note. This book focuses on the strict/high demand religion Scarlet follows & that Hunter once followed as well as their paths in it throughout the entire book (including religious trauma). It can be difficult to read (in terms of topic/practices/history of the religion).
– one of their kissing scenes includes them removing each other’s blazers, Hunter’s shirt having a few buttons undone, and a brief mention of them kissing with tongue
– another of their kisses has Scarlet’s hands roaming under Hunter’s shirt, Hunter’s shirt being removed, more mentions of kissing with tongue, & Hunter’s hands touching her stomach under her shirt
– there was an attempted rape
Review:
I took off a star because of how heavy/difficult it was for me to read through the different things happening with Scarlett’s church and their practices/history. It made it a bit harder for me to focus on the romance aspect of the story as well (plus the last 3 things mentioned above was a bit too much for me). As a Christian, I know that there are some churches with some similar mindsets/practices around the world as what was portrayed in this story. It really reminded me of how lucky I am to have a good church that knows and teaches the Truth (that God is love and would never steer away from His word – the Bible-). And I feel heartbroken that not everyone is able to have the same experience with churches/people at church as me but instead might have an experience like Hunter or Scarlett did.
As for the rest of the story, I really enjoyed the development it took for Scarlett and Hunter to get back together! I loved the scenes where their friends assumed that they’d still be as close as a couple or thinking about getting back together despite being exes. I especially liked seeing and hearing more from Asher who was Hunter’s roommate and almost always around them. I loved the mutual pining between Scarlett and Hunter and how they’d assume that if the other person seemed to be having a good time, then they must have been feeling the same way as it looked. But in the end they’d do something little to regain their attention and go in the opposite thought direction (to maybe they do still like me like I do them). I loved how that happened at the dance and with the playlist of songs Hunter gathered and shared with Scarlett. I also loved that Hunter respected Scarlett’s boundaries despite not being sure if he wanted to keep those boundaries for himself anymore if someone else had decided to push them with him. And I really liked that Judy Corry showed how different their views were and gradually explained why Hunter’s had changed from Scarlett’s. It was almost as if we were getting to know Hunter as if we just met him, unlike Scarlett who had known him for a long time and had to figure out why he was different than she originally knew him. Some of the other scenes/thing I enjoyed in this story were: Hunter’s presentation, the epilogue, the group date prior to the dance, the dance itself, the mystery of the Confidant and Scarlett’s assumptions on them, their movie hangout at Hunter’s place, and how real Scarlett and Hunter seemed to me (both in changing of views as well as Scarlett’s tendency to add more things to her plate than she necessarily had time for). I’m also excited now for Nash’s story! I’m excited because we got a sneak peek at his story from the view of his heroine and I’m curious to see how she’s going to end up catching his eye as well as what kind of person he really is.
Summary:
Scarlett didn’t want to break up with her best and closest friend Hunter, but she respected her dad’s wishes and did it anyways. But she can’t let go of the love she has for Hunter either and makes a deal that could alter the future she hopes for. In order to go to one last dance with Hunter as her date, she must agree to go with her father’s mentee to the Valentine’s Dance. But how is she going to explain to Hunter that she will be bringing someone else? Especially since they have been going to the dances together even before they started dating?
Hunter hasn’t let go of the love he has for Scarlett. If anything, it has intensified since hearing that she’s going to the dance with someone else. Though he feels the need to let her know that his feelings haven’t gone away, Hunter also knows that he holds a secret that could change the way Scarlett sees him. The secret of why Hunter no longer attends The Fold, her father’s church. And though he promised her father that he wouldn’t tell Scarlett the reason, Hunter knows that he’s going to have to tell her if they are going to have any hope of getting back together. If only it didn’t also come with the risk of losing her in his life forever…
October 15, 2022
4.5 stars
Wow this was a heavy book. I have read the other books in the series and loved them. So I was definitely excited about this one. The Confidant is the fourth book in Judy Corry’s Eden Falls Academy series. The Confidant is a closed door contemporary YA romance.
Scarlett was a complicated character. I am honestly not sure how I feel about her. She was deeply religious and it ruled most of her life. However Scarlett was also trying to figure out her life and what it meant to fall for her best friend. She was struggling to figure out how to overcome the obstacles before them because of her religion and the realities of life.
I loved Hunter! He was a great character and I felt so bad for him at times. I was able to understand him and I was rooting for him the whole time. He had stepped away from a religion that had ruled his life. I love how Hunter stood up for himself and he stuck true to his beliefs. He was kind and such a sweet character.
Hunter and Scarlett’s relationship was sweet. I liked how they were friends first and then grew to more. They understood each other. The romance part was sweet, it is a closed door book though. I do have to admit that I had a harder time with the religious parts of this book. It was such a good book, however there were a lot of religious, cultish things in this book. I think that Corry did a good job with how she presented it and I like how she made up her own religion for it. However I am a religious person myself so I was unable to connect to that part as well. I think that she created a religion that was evil but that is not always how religion is in real life.
Overall this is a good book and I would recommend it to those who enjoy Corry’s other books. I am also really excited for the next book. But I would give the content warnings of religious/cult abuse, a bit of depression, and the experience of leaving a religion that consumes a person’s life. I would recommend The Confidant to those who are at least 16 up because of the content and because it is a closed door romance.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
Wow this was a heavy book. I have read the other books in the series and loved them. So I was definitely excited about this one. The Confidant is the fourth book in Judy Corry’s Eden Falls Academy series. The Confidant is a closed door contemporary YA romance.
Scarlett was a complicated character. I am honestly not sure how I feel about her. She was deeply religious and it ruled most of her life. However Scarlett was also trying to figure out her life and what it meant to fall for her best friend. She was struggling to figure out how to overcome the obstacles before them because of her religion and the realities of life.
I loved Hunter! He was a great character and I felt so bad for him at times. I was able to understand him and I was rooting for him the whole time. He had stepped away from a religion that had ruled his life. I love how Hunter stood up for himself and he stuck true to his beliefs. He was kind and such a sweet character.
Hunter and Scarlett’s relationship was sweet. I liked how they were friends first and then grew to more. They understood each other. The romance part was sweet, it is a closed door book though. I do have to admit that I had a harder time with the religious parts of this book. It was such a good book, however there were a lot of religious, cultish things in this book. I think that Corry did a good job with how she presented it and I like how she made up her own religion for it. However I am a religious person myself so I was unable to connect to that part as well. I think that she created a religion that was evil but that is not always how religion is in real life.
Overall this is a good book and I would recommend it to those who enjoy Corry’s other books. I am also really excited for the next book. But I would give the content warnings of religious/cult abuse, a bit of depression, and the experience of leaving a religion that consumes a person’s life. I would recommend The Confidant to those who are at least 16 up because of the content and because it is a closed door romance.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
Read
October 19, 2022-The Cult-
This story talks about the friction between friends and the forced breakup of a relationship due to being involved in a cult. The guy (Hunter) finds out that there are some pretty awful things that happened in the founding of the cult/religion he has been a member of all of his life, so he leaves the church and his religious beliefs behind. As a result, the girl’s father, who is the pastor of said church, forces her (Scarlett) to break up with him and encourages her to date a guy he finds “suitable” for her. Hunter is afraid to tell Scarlett the real reason he left the church because her beliefs are so deep rooted that she may end their friendship completely and he can’t take that chance. Eventually, they will have to decide whether they can be together or if the religion of “The Fold” and Scarlett’s father will keep them apart forever.
This is part of a series of characters who go to an exclusive private high school. It can be read as a stand-alone and the author does a good job of filling in the blanks as to who the characters are and who their significant others are but, as always, it’s best to read all the books in the series, in order.
(The “confidant” is one of the students who has an anonymous advice column. No one knows who the confidant is but he/she gives excellent advice.)
*This book can be triggering or uncomfortable for some people due to the religious beliefs that are portrayed (although it is a made up religion). Some people might be offended by the message that is implied and by some of the situations. I didn’t find it directly offensive but the nature of “The Fold” made me uncomfortable, indicating that the author did a good job writing it. I thought it was well written, but I was not able to finish reading it as it did cause me great anxiety. I received an early digital copy of the book and was not obligated to review it. These are my honest views and opinions.
I am not rating this book since I am finding it too challenging to give it a star rating and I don’t want to be unfair to the author. It is well written. It is just me who is uncomfortable with the storyline.
December 30, 2023
When you start a novel with a warning you know there’s going to be some tough subjects tackled and The Confidant takes a taboo subject and hits it full on. This read definitely has a feeling of foreboding as you’re reading, which is unusual for a Judy Corry novel, but I don’t hate it, as the change up is quite refreshing. This is a touchy subject to be sure, but the author handles it perfectly.
Best friend romances are not one of my favorite troupes so that was already against this novel for me, but I did love the characters, as I have come to know both Hunter and Scarlett in previous books, and it was a joy to see them finally get their happy ending, even if it took a darker road to get there.
The one thing that I am never a fan of when I read a Judy Corry novel are the heavy makeup sessions. I feel like they’re unnecessary to the narrative and really wish there was a version of the book where those parts are shortened or cut out completely. Like I always do I skimmed these parts so I could get back to the story, but this always brings my opinion of the novel down quite a bit.
One thing that really took me by surprise was the climactic scene with Scarlett. It truly had my heart pounding the entire time I read and took me back to moments where I was trapped against my will. I saw myself there with Scarlett and this was very powerful. It was truly terrifying for me as I know it was for the character and the author did a masterful job of putting the reader right there in that moment.
Overall, this wasn’t my favorite of the Eden Falls Academy series, but I still enjoyed it nonetheless. Like I said previously, I am vested in this series and these characters and craved to see where the story would take them. I have no regrets about reading it and do recommend it even with the darker subject matter.
Best friend romances are not one of my favorite troupes so that was already against this novel for me, but I did love the characters, as I have come to know both Hunter and Scarlett in previous books, and it was a joy to see them finally get their happy ending, even if it took a darker road to get there.
The one thing that I am never a fan of when I read a Judy Corry novel are the heavy makeup sessions. I feel like they’re unnecessary to the narrative and really wish there was a version of the book where those parts are shortened or cut out completely. Like I always do I skimmed these parts so I could get back to the story, but this always brings my opinion of the novel down quite a bit.
One thing that really took me by surprise was the climactic scene with Scarlett. It truly had my heart pounding the entire time I read and took me back to moments where I was trapped against my will. I saw myself there with Scarlett and this was very powerful. It was truly terrifying for me as I know it was for the character and the author did a masterful job of putting the reader right there in that moment.
Overall, this wasn’t my favorite of the Eden Falls Academy series, but I still enjoyed it nonetheless. Like I said previously, I am vested in this series and these characters and craved to see where the story would take them. I have no regrets about reading it and do recommend it even with the darker subject matter.
April 10, 2023
an incredibly nuanced observation about indoctrination and its effects. it accurately describes the stages of withdrawal from a religion that a person that has strongly believed in. I have never read a book like this, and with this touchy subject, so it was quite interesting.
onto the characters:
hunter owns my heart. he's a 10 out of 10. and we know that because he:
1. keeps hair ties in his travel bags
2. knows how to braid hair
3. is incredibly in touch with his emotions, to the point where he can operate an advice column
4. is sensible and understanding towards scarlett
5. plays matchmaker in the upcoming novel
6. is an extremely mature character
as for scarlett...
I thought she was pretty whiney and 'preach-ey' at the beginning of the story, because she's highly upset about the fact that hunter has left the church, yet she keeps preaching to him to come back. like just let it go. stop trying to push your beliefs onto someone else. we all have the freedom to believe what we want.
but I guess it's on point for a follower in that religion. although, her being whiney - that's part of the reason i gave the book four stars. anyhow, I still empathize with her, because being brought up in that environment dictated her beliefs and basically indoctrinated her. she didn't know any better because she wasn't exposed to anything other than that.
onto the plot:
I loved how both characters are willing to work out their differences and try out their relationship even before scarlett encountered that experience in the church. I feel like it was a mature thing to do, for both of the characters. because at least they tried.
onto the characters:
hunter owns my heart. he's a 10 out of 10. and we know that because he:
1. keeps hair ties in his travel bags
2. knows how to braid hair
3. is incredibly in touch with his emotions, to the point where he can operate an advice column
4. is sensible and understanding towards scarlett
5. plays matchmaker in the upcoming novel
6. is an extremely mature character
as for scarlett...
I thought she was pretty whiney and 'preach-ey' at the beginning of the story, because she's highly upset about the fact that hunter has left the church, yet she keeps preaching to him to come back. like just let it go. stop trying to push your beliefs onto someone else. we all have the freedom to believe what we want.
but I guess it's on point for a follower in that religion. although, her being whiney - that's part of the reason i gave the book four stars. anyhow, I still empathize with her, because being brought up in that environment dictated her beliefs and basically indoctrinated her. she didn't know any better because she wasn't exposed to anything other than that.
onto the plot:
I loved how both characters are willing to work out their differences and try out their relationship even before scarlett encountered that experience in the church. I feel like it was a mature thing to do, for both of the characters. because at least they tried.
July 2, 2025
I recently read The Confidant from the Eden Falls Academy series. Truthfully, it was an amazing book, and I was really interested in how it would turn out. However, there was one thing that I wanted to point out. One of the main focuses in the book was the church – named The Fold. Hunter and his family were opposed to it and put it in bad light, when they found out the churches history. The thing that I didn’t like, is that, because The Fold church was discredited, it made it seem like all churches were unfavourable, strict and abusive. I think the author should have emphasized that The Fold was a Jehovah Witness church, and that it is not, in fact, a Christian church but a sect, and it wasn’t classified a part of the Catholic Church but a separate religion. I just wanted to highlight – to those people who might have read the book – that you shouldn’t give up your chance of being in a religion or a church because of how the Jehovah church is presented in The Confidant. I would also like to point out that the history of the church doesn’t have to take you anyway from its true meaning. For example the Catholic church also has a bad – almost horrendous – history, but what is happening in the present is most important, and you can still share the main beliefs of the church. Lastly, I would like to point out that I am not discrediting The Confidant – because I myself immensely enjoyed the book and found it intriguing and captivating- I only pointed out an important detail in my effort to bring people back in and assure them – especially if your a young person – that you can still find the church or religion that is most suited for you. 😊
October 18, 2022
Eden Falls is one of my all time favorite series. It’s perfection! *chef’s kiss* Each book deals with serious issues, some issues not so popular to write about, and I am here for it! Not to mention, you get all the lovey dovey feels without the details. I am loving this new branch Judy’s on. Eden Falls is nothing like her other books, in the absolute best way possible. If she wants to continue Eden Falls and add the kid’s uncle twice removed’s story, I will be here for it!
Now to The Confidant…I will admit I was very hesitant going in knowing this was going to have strong feelings towards religion & not in a good way. I think it was handled very well.( I actually googled what religion The Fold was, come to find out it’s a fictional religion. Obviously missed that memo🫠 but I think that was a smart move.)
It honestly makes my heart hurt that so many people get hurt by “the church” in real life & completely give up on all & any religion plus have to go through the things that Hunter & Scarlett fictionally go through. Hunter is a perfect boyfriend. He didn’t shove what he had learned down her throat & force her to see his way. He was caring & let her get to where she got in her time, in her way, all while being a supportive best friend. I always wondered what their deal was in the other books since everyone knew they were meant to be but never got together. I’m glad it was finally written. I would definitely recommend
PS: I am a little disappointed, I wanted Addison/Evan’s story next but I guess I’ll have to be as patient as Nash has.
Now to The Confidant…I will admit I was very hesitant going in knowing this was going to have strong feelings towards religion & not in a good way. I think it was handled very well.( I actually googled what religion The Fold was, come to find out it’s a fictional religion. Obviously missed that memo🫠 but I think that was a smart move.)
It honestly makes my heart hurt that so many people get hurt by “the church” in real life & completely give up on all & any religion plus have to go through the things that Hunter & Scarlett fictionally go through. Hunter is a perfect boyfriend. He didn’t shove what he had learned down her throat & force her to see his way. He was caring & let her get to where she got in her time, in her way, all while being a supportive best friend. I always wondered what their deal was in the other books since everyone knew they were meant to be but never got together. I’m glad it was finally written. I would definitely recommend
PS: I am a little disappointed, I wanted Addison/Evan’s story next but I guess I’ll have to be as patient as Nash has.
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