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Starting Over
BOOK III in the Withered Rose Trilogy
Christian romantic suspense
Mafia Romance
Amory Jager is now the Boss of the German mafia. He wears his father’s ring and leads the most powerful gang of New York City as the Jagermeister … and he hates every second of it. But what can you do when your life and the lives of everyone you love are on the line? Amory must become the monster he’s always hated if he wants to keep Rosa safe and make it out of this war in one piece. He prays he won’t lose himself in the waves of violence and darkness.
Rosa prays too … Each and every day she stands by and watches her husband drift away, but she hasn’t given up yet. God is still on Rosa’s side and she is determined to see His plans come to fruition. Sometimes it feels like the more she prays, the worse Amory gets, but there is a light in this dark tunnel. If they can survive this war, there is a chance of escape—a chance they can walk away and leave this life behind. A chance for them to start over. But when the dust settles, and the gangs of New York have finally found peace, will Amory want to leave?
Finish your favorite Christian mafia series with this last installment!
***WARNING***
This book is intended for mature audiences ages 17+
Themes such as gang violence, manipulation, etc... will be introduced throughout the book. Please read at your own discretion.
Series
Withered Rose
Clipping Thorns
Starting Over
Enjoy Fractured Diamond, a standalone Christian mafia romance coming Nov. 2022!
Christian romantic suspense
Mafia Romance
Amory Jager is now the Boss of the German mafia. He wears his father’s ring and leads the most powerful gang of New York City as the Jagermeister … and he hates every second of it. But what can you do when your life and the lives of everyone you love are on the line? Amory must become the monster he’s always hated if he wants to keep Rosa safe and make it out of this war in one piece. He prays he won’t lose himself in the waves of violence and darkness.
Rosa prays too … Each and every day she stands by and watches her husband drift away, but she hasn’t given up yet. God is still on Rosa’s side and she is determined to see His plans come to fruition. Sometimes it feels like the more she prays, the worse Amory gets, but there is a light in this dark tunnel. If they can survive this war, there is a chance of escape—a chance they can walk away and leave this life behind. A chance for them to start over. But when the dust settles, and the gangs of New York have finally found peace, will Amory want to leave?
Finish your favorite Christian mafia series with this last installment!
***WARNING***
This book is intended for mature audiences ages 17+
Themes such as gang violence, manipulation, etc... will be introduced throughout the book. Please read at your own discretion.
Series
Withered Rose
Clipping Thorns
Starting Over
Enjoy Fractured Diamond, a standalone Christian mafia romance coming Nov. 2022!
366 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 5, 2022
115 people are currently reading
322 people want to read
About the author
Valicity Elaine
36 books637 followersI love fantasy and magic and quirky high school stories. Writing is my passion, Jesus is my life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
January 8, 2024
Well I don't want to be that girl who picks out every flaws but ...the book became an INSTANT ick with that cheating card. I'm very disappointed with how the author made Amory look in this last novel. Even his THOUGHTS were not appropriate for a married man. Like what do you mean " Gisela is a hot sexy single mother"??? When you have a wife?? And the way he talks about his past love affair with Eliana...
I really like the ending though, how the events unfolded but the main character was unfortunately poorly written compared to the first two books.
I really like the ending though, how the events unfolded but the main character was unfortunately poorly written compared to the first two books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 26, 2023
Holy Love
Well, with a heavy heart I must say that I've finished this trilogy. You know that type of story that leaves you feeling numb and in the limbo once you finish it? Yeah, that's what I feel with this story. I was able to get myself inside the story and feel every single emotion from the MC's. This book ripped my heart apart. Between the spiritual battle Rosa had to go through, a process of forgiveness and true spiritual growth while trying to keep her marriage alive. And then we have Amory, this book was more centered in Amory's spiritual growth. We can see how much he failed during the beginning of the book, all the things he did to keep maintaining his life of crime, while loosing everything that was truly important. And most of all, this book has something that is heard for me to digest, it's hard in so many levels, I was torned between understanding his situation and feeling the pain Rosa went through, to make peace with the fact that as Christians, it is for our own personal and spiritual growth to forgive and let go, no matter how bad they hurt us. I don't want to give many details to no give spoilers, but having seen this same type of situations in my life, it's so hard to swallow, but I was amazed to see how Rosa found strength in the bible and how she was able to overcome everything. Amory's transition was magnificent and something I would love to see in real life. I won't say more, I don't want to spoil. I'll just say that this book touched me in so many ways, and I hope that if you give this story a chance, you get to see God's word in a new light, and it sparks the curiosity you need to study his word and get to meet him. Remember, this is a clean mafia romance but still has some dark themes, so check TW and enjoy reading!!!
Well, with a heavy heart I must say that I've finished this trilogy. You know that type of story that leaves you feeling numb and in the limbo once you finish it? Yeah, that's what I feel with this story. I was able to get myself inside the story and feel every single emotion from the MC's. This book ripped my heart apart. Between the spiritual battle Rosa had to go through, a process of forgiveness and true spiritual growth while trying to keep her marriage alive. And then we have Amory, this book was more centered in Amory's spiritual growth. We can see how much he failed during the beginning of the book, all the things he did to keep maintaining his life of crime, while loosing everything that was truly important. And most of all, this book has something that is heard for me to digest, it's hard in so many levels, I was torned between understanding his situation and feeling the pain Rosa went through, to make peace with the fact that as Christians, it is for our own personal and spiritual growth to forgive and let go, no matter how bad they hurt us. I don't want to give many details to no give spoilers, but having seen this same type of situations in my life, it's so hard to swallow, but I was amazed to see how Rosa found strength in the bible and how she was able to overcome everything. Amory's transition was magnificent and something I would love to see in real life. I won't say more, I don't want to spoil. I'll just say that this book touched me in so many ways, and I hope that if you give this story a chance, you get to see God's word in a new light, and it sparks the curiosity you need to study his word and get to meet him. Remember, this is a clean mafia romance but still has some dark themes, so check TW and enjoy reading!!!
December 21, 2023
If I could give this ZERO stars I would. Three books in and I’m so invested and then the author pulls a CHEATING TROPE. ABSOLUTELY NOT. What a way to ruin a series!!! This book was so awful. Especially because she described this as he made love to her. I don’t care about the circumstances, real men don’t cheat. Do NOT WASTE YOUR TIME ON THIS HORRID BOOK. I will never read from this author again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2023
so, this was 100% the best one out of the three. I feel like it might be because we finally got to see the consequences of God’s plans and it made me sooo excited!!! i mean, people, rosa’s been talking about it since book one!!! it’s time finally happen!!!! and also, amy and rosa’s relationship developed sooo much since the beginning that made me so proud 🥹 i loved this book and I’m not going to lie and say this didn’t made me wish for a Christian boyfriend who would love me and be devoted to me as much as amy is to rosa. i enjoyed the book soooo much. and also the growth of amy’s faith and belief?????? it made me have more hope about my own. i loved it. i totally recommend it 🫶🏻
February 27, 2025
I have many mixed emotions about this. I loved the series and the plot. Just a few actions I couldn't get past.
July 4, 2025
What an excellent way to end the series. I'll be honest, I've been blown away. This series has been too good to be true. I've been blessed, I've learnt, I've prayed, I've been disappointed, sad and angry at some point but everything sumed up to something beautiful. It's not often that I enjoy all the books in a series, but I did with this one. All three books were solid five stars for me. They were all interesting and engaging. A real page turner for sure. I just wanted more and more. It's like I was deeply attached to both the story and the characters. Rosa was my sister in Christ, and Amory was a lost friend. I felt their pain when the struggles and hardship came, and I rejoiced and smiled when they had clear skies and beautiful days. Now, that's not to say they didn't annoy me on different occasions😅 but I decided to extend some grace to them. I kept wondering how things would turn around as this was the last book, and the author does it so well. That ending was perfect. Even with everything that led to it, she still managed to turn everything around to give us a deserved ending.
It's so hard to say goodbye to these characters. I already miss them. It was so nice getting to know them and follow their journey.
One thing I know is that I won't forget about these books. I definitely want to re read them someday. I definitely want to enter into this world I fell in love with. To think I wasn't really interested in the first book when I found it, it was on my TBR for so long. So this is my wake up call to everyone that has come across these books and felt they won't be interesting or the wondering how Christian and mafia can make a good story or whatever prejudice you have, listen to me, drop all that and give yourself an experience that will leave you impressed, blessed, entertained and by God's grace transformed. Trust me, this is not one of those books you want to sleep on or not give a chance. The way I want everyone to read these books is on another level.
Valicity Elaine, take your flowers. You deserve some accolades. I've said it before and I'll say it again. These books are more than just books. They are tools God gave to you to bless and impact the lives of men. Oh, what a time to be alive and read books by such an author. Thank you for all the hard work and energy you put into these books. I can definitely see it, and for that, I'm grateful.
I do have some questions I would like to ask you, hopefully someday, if the Lord allows us to meet.
What an amazing experience. Goodbye Rosa and Amy❤️
It's so hard to say goodbye to these characters. I already miss them. It was so nice getting to know them and follow their journey.
One thing I know is that I won't forget about these books. I definitely want to re read them someday. I definitely want to enter into this world I fell in love with. To think I wasn't really interested in the first book when I found it, it was on my TBR for so long. So this is my wake up call to everyone that has come across these books and felt they won't be interesting or the wondering how Christian and mafia can make a good story or whatever prejudice you have, listen to me, drop all that and give yourself an experience that will leave you impressed, blessed, entertained and by God's grace transformed. Trust me, this is not one of those books you want to sleep on or not give a chance. The way I want everyone to read these books is on another level.
Valicity Elaine, take your flowers. You deserve some accolades. I've said it before and I'll say it again. These books are more than just books. They are tools God gave to you to bless and impact the lives of men. Oh, what a time to be alive and read books by such an author. Thank you for all the hard work and energy you put into these books. I can definitely see it, and for that, I'm grateful.
I do have some questions I would like to ask you, hopefully someday, if the Lord allows us to meet.
What an amazing experience. Goodbye Rosa and Amy❤️
January 4, 2025
I was just skipping scenes and skimming the whole book just to know what happens, and then DNF'ed it. This book is even worse than the other two books. There is a cheating trope and Amory claims that he did it to get some information from Eliana, but the way he talks about her, and makes love to her, was gentle with her, doesn't sit right as he always claims that he loves Rosa very much, but he does stupid shit like this and expects Rosa to understand him. He literally humiliates Rosa at The Ball by bringing Amana with him. Though it is for work, if Amory would have simply told Rosa about his plan, then it would've been much easier upon her. BUT NO, he doesn't want that for her because he "loves her so dearly", and especially because he wants others to see her raw emotions to believe he truly has a mistress (I swear this guy is so screwed up). Amory only does stupid things, and then acts like he is trying to save the whole world. Rosa and Amory have many unresolved problems, and they never try to resolve them. They're always covering them up. In the books, none of the conflicts between the MMC and FMC are ever dealt with, they're just not given much attention at all. The very main thing that is given the attention is the war, but the writing wasn't engaging at all. It was all telling and no showing. I would never recommend this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2025
I think this book was the perfect conclusion to this trilogy. It was fast-paced, dark yet hopeful, and so suspenseful! So much so that there were a few times that I was scared to turn the page! I love how the Christian themes of hope, forgiveness, and trusting in God perfectly balanced the darkness of the mafia war and all the other conflict. I'm not generally a fan of Christian fiction, but this whole trilogy, I think perfectly balances Christian messages with the rest of the story without being cringy or over-the-top preachy.
I love how Amory and Rosa's story developed and ended. Their character development, both individually and as a couple, was fantastic! And I love that they, and a lot of my favorite side characters, got their well-deserved happily ever after.
There is quite a bit of violence, as I mentioned earlier, due to the mafia being at war. And, while there are more spicy scenes than in the previous books in this series, I feel like there was even less description in this book. There was more focus on the character's thoughts and emotions than anything else during the spicy scenes.
Overall, I loved this book, and honestly, this whole trilogy! Definitely recommend!
I love how Amory and Rosa's story developed and ended. Their character development, both individually and as a couple, was fantastic! And I love that they, and a lot of my favorite side characters, got their well-deserved happily ever after.
There is quite a bit of violence, as I mentioned earlier, due to the mafia being at war. And, while there are more spicy scenes than in the previous books in this series, I feel like there was even less description in this book. There was more focus on the character's thoughts and emotions than anything else during the spicy scenes.
Overall, I loved this book, and honestly, this whole trilogy! Definitely recommend!
May 24, 2025
This was a beautiful and satisfying ending to this trilogy. I had never read any mafia books before, but I like mafia movies and love Christian romance books, so I wanted to give this a chance. I appreciate the realistic portrayal of faith struggles and being in an unequally yoked relationship. The mafia drama, action, and suspense kept the story interesting!
The sex scenes are not graphic in the series and are between a married couple, but the sensual descriptions are still more than I’m used to. It’s definitely not erotic though. Example: the MMC rips his wife’s underwear, “unzips his pants and leans over [her]”. There are mentions of her nails digging into his skin and groaning during sex.
Overall, I did enjoy the series and the very clear message that points to Jesus Christ, but I’ll stick to “cleaner” Christian fiction going forward.
The sex scenes are not graphic in the series and are between a married couple, but the sensual descriptions are still more than I’m used to. It’s definitely not erotic though. Example: the MMC rips his wife’s underwear, “unzips his pants and leans over [her]”. There are mentions of her nails digging into his skin and groaning during sex.
Overall, I did enjoy the series and the very clear message that points to Jesus Christ, but I’ll stick to “cleaner” Christian fiction going forward.
September 28, 2024
I’ve really enjoyed this series. It had everything I love in a Mafia Romance. It begins with an arranged marriage. There’s a betrayal which causes a war between the Mafia families. There’s the main couple who fall in love, face challenges but come back together stronger and more in love. Though this one has an unexpected ending.
BUT all of the main characters either have a relationship with God or they’re led to the Lord. There are plenty of scriptures in the book along with Biblical concepts but mostly their faith in Jesus and belief that he controls our lives is highlighted.
The final chapter in Amory and Rosa’s love story is full of challenges but they do get their HEA. I highly recommend this series that I borrowed from Kindle Unlimited.
BUT all of the main characters either have a relationship with God or they’re led to the Lord. There are plenty of scriptures in the book along with Biblical concepts but mostly their faith in Jesus and belief that he controls our lives is highlighted.
The final chapter in Amory and Rosa’s love story is full of challenges but they do get their HEA. I highly recommend this series that I borrowed from Kindle Unlimited.
July 6, 2025
I enjoyed this series a lot. I would recommend it to people. However, there were several things I had an issue with you. There is absolutely no communication between the two. I was convinced after a while the two main characters didn't even know anything about each other. Also, I'd like to point out the whole cheating due to needing information could have been done differently. As a Christian myself, I was a little irritated that Rosa barely talked about how hurt she was. She was upset for a totally of about a chapter then just forgave him. Christians are allowed to be hurt and tell people they are hurt. There should have been more of a conversation. If they had communicated more this series would have been a 5 out of 5 all around!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2025
As much as I have enjoyed this series due to the suspense and all, the cheating threw it off for me. I think cheating in all circumstances are unacceptable and I don’t think it should be even mentioned in books especially in “Christian romance book” now I know God can redeem a marriage but the intentionality with the cheating with Amory was just not it. I think this book would have been great if this would have not been mentioned. I will say I was in disagreement with some reviews that mentioned Amory and that he lacked character development. But I personally did see and felt some growth up until the part of the infidelity. Personally for me it completely destroyed it in my opinion. Overall, the ending was good I just was really thrown off by the cheating.
July 6, 2023
Soo GOOD
I Definitely liked this book more than the second as we had more scenes of Amy and Rosa together having fun ,conversations and actually connecting as we never saw that side of the relationship before. The story line was good and kept moving but I wish we saw Amy’s journey with God more while Rosa was away I don’t feel like there was a big turn in his spiritual life after he gave his life until the end where he thanks Jesus for everything after it’s done . Would of been nice to see him try more while he was alone but other than that good series glad I read I learnt a few things myself threw it !!
I Definitely liked this book more than the second as we had more scenes of Amy and Rosa together having fun ,conversations and actually connecting as we never saw that side of the relationship before. The story line was good and kept moving but I wish we saw Amy’s journey with God more while Rosa was away I don’t feel like there was a big turn in his spiritual life after he gave his life until the end where he thanks Jesus for everything after it’s done . Would of been nice to see him try more while he was alone but other than that good series glad I read I learnt a few things myself threw it !!
January 13, 2025
Helt ärligt så är denna bokserie fantastisk. Att se Amorys struggle med den Kristina tron var så realistiskt och man kunde se sina egna kamper inom honom. Rosas trofast het i Herren var så underbart att läsa om och det fick mig att vilja ha mer faith i Herren varje dag oavsett vad man går igenom. Att Amory var otrogen gjorde verkligen så ont😭 meeeen jag förstår varför det hände. Konflikten som Rosa fick ha visade mycket för mig och jag fick nya lärdomar. Jesus dog för våra synder så vi ska kunna bli förlåtna, vem är vi då att inte kunna förlåta andra? Superbra slut och ska definitivt läsa mer av denna författaren!!!!💞💞
March 31, 2025
I read the two books before this one and a liked them. Yet, this book genuinely angered me. Amory was great at first but it just got so repetitive. The cheating? Absolutely not. He never really seemed actually sorry. They’d cry and then move on. Rosa stronger than me because of my gosh. To me, Amory had no character development. It seems it went down then last minute came back up. The thinking behind any choice he made just made me so utterly confused. Anyways, no hate. I liked the first two but throwing the cheating trope in just made it bad. Especially since he really didn’t seem sorry.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2025
Great way to end the trilogy, I’m satisfied! Amory & Rosa what a couple, with a great number of supporting characters who aided their story! As a Christian you may have quite a few thoughts around the story and genre but the author clearly writes her disclaimer for each novel. Aside from the frequent references of intercourse (not explicit) this was an interesting story to follow, a mafia princess and her quest to leave the life she was born into, like Queen Esther, for such a time like this was Rosa born because it’s her love of God that leads to the salvation of many others in this world!
November 1, 2025
I finished this book in record time but I needed to process my emotions before writing my review.
Amory....what growth he has had since the beginning. Not only finding God but discovering he is capable of being so much more than he planned. His protectiveness over Rosa caused him to do horrible things I was not happy about, but Rosa forgave him as God does.
Rosa...her development was beyond exceptional. Her strength from God and her love, patience and guidance brought me to tears.
Such a wonderful ending! Sad that the series is over.
Amory....what growth he has had since the beginning. Not only finding God but discovering he is capable of being so much more than he planned. His protectiveness over Rosa caused him to do horrible things I was not happy about, but Rosa forgave him as God does.
Rosa...her development was beyond exceptional. Her strength from God and her love, patience and guidance brought me to tears.
Such a wonderful ending! Sad that the series is over.
December 21, 2025
Starting Over (Withered Rose Book 3)
This was a very interesting story, very dramatic, suspenseful and religious. The story about Mafia Armory and Christian girl rose. Rose live a Christian life from her mom was alive until dead her brother sold her to the mafia . She ended up in jail falsely accuse. Get freedom had a family of her own. Mafia husband became a Christian also. Validity Elaine I enjoyed this series good read. I love your work will continue to check out other books. Blessings
This was a very interesting story, very dramatic, suspenseful and religious. The story about Mafia Armory and Christian girl rose. Rose live a Christian life from her mom was alive until dead her brother sold her to the mafia . She ended up in jail falsely accuse. Get freedom had a family of her own. Mafia husband became a Christian also. Validity Elaine I enjoyed this series good read. I love your work will continue to check out other books. Blessings
October 20, 2025
This writer is really good at blending this crazy mafia world with Christianity without making it feel stupid and for that I give one thousand stars. That being said, I enjoyed this book but at the same time, I wouldn't read it again or recommend it, I don't know, it's my personal take on dark romance with Christian topics that don't sit right with me. I do want to read the I am man series from her so, I'll be checking something different and see how it goes with that
August 7, 2023
Couldn't put it down
I loved this series. It had everything you'd expect, the aggressive men, jealous women, murder, mayhem, and of course an awesome ending because of God. I give Rosa credit, not many of us could weather the storm graciously like her. This series really addressed many issues with great biblical insight.
I loved this series. It had everything you'd expect, the aggressive men, jealous women, murder, mayhem, and of course an awesome ending because of God. I give Rosa credit, not many of us could weather the storm graciously like her. This series really addressed many issues with great biblical insight.
December 3, 2024
woo
Man this book puts you through the wringer. The author doesn’t pull any punches. Definitely a book for mature adults. But so good. The growth in the both as they grow closer to the Lord. Don’t start it if you don’t have about 3-4 hours of uninterrupted time because once it starts it doesn’t stop rolling lol
Man this book puts you through the wringer. The author doesn’t pull any punches. Definitely a book for mature adults. But so good. The growth in the both as they grow closer to the Lord. Don’t start it if you don’t have about 3-4 hours of uninterrupted time because once it starts it doesn’t stop rolling lol
January 25, 2025
🤩WOW.
This entire series was so amazing and that ending was extremely satisfying. I enjoyed the twists and turns and the reality of it. It pulls at your heart. Yes the MMC made me want to go into the book and punch him a few times BUT his character growth was pure and necessary and it all was perfect✨
This entire series was so amazing and that ending was extremely satisfying. I enjoyed the twists and turns and the reality of it. It pulls at your heart. Yes the MMC made me want to go into the book and punch him a few times BUT his character growth was pure and necessary and it all was perfect✨
July 20, 2025
I’m so proud of Amory for finally choosing to let go and let God and his overall development through the series. This was such a beautiful story with such realism shown. I can tell there was a lot of research, work, effort and Jesus throughout this whole series. I can’t wait to read more from Valicity :)
July 25, 2025
It was ok I decided to read her books after I read , beautiful lies, and while that one was amazing I didn’t like starting over or any of the books in the trilogy it didn’t feel God centered and was diving way too much into the dark without a pull back into what the book was supposed to be about : God. While I do recommend her book Beautiful Lies I would not recommend this trilogy .
October 4, 2025
The ending to this trilogy wasn’t bad although yes there was a certain thing that happened that absolutely pissed everyone who read it off including me, not meaning that I wouldn’t recommend it tho. It was the mafia bruh like the people who are reading it and saying crap about it, I feel like they aren’t understanding that…so just like the warning says it’s not for a soft hearted person.
December 25, 2025
Good ending. I wish it had touched more on the morality of most of the characters getting off without consequences, but overall a nice close to the series. I appreciate how the main character couple is very different, two opposites of an extreme, and they are far from perfect. God is still center and sin isn’t excused in any of it. Still suggest for mature audiences.
January 4, 2026
Amazing!!
This was a page turner and had me sitting on edge so to speak. It had me in all my feels and I loved it all!! I know every story has to end and I kind of hated for it to, but it ended in such a joyful and peaceful way that no more is really needed ..well right now anyway!. Lol
This was a page turner and had me sitting on edge so to speak. It had me in all my feels and I loved it all!! I know every story has to end and I kind of hated for it to, but it ended in such a joyful and peaceful way that no more is really needed ..well right now anyway!. Lol
August 11, 2023
A good ending to a good series. Loved the twists and turns along the way and the future look given in the epilogue. This series I read in a couple days because I could not put them down. I give kudos to the author. One of the best series I have ever read from a Christian author.
September 22, 2023
Loved it
I loved the twists and turns of the storyline, but better than that was the inclusion of their faith journeys. This genre was one I missed, and Im happy to have found a Christian author who took on the challenge.
I loved the twists and turns of the storyline, but better than that was the inclusion of their faith journeys. This genre was one I missed, and Im happy to have found a Christian author who took on the challenge.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews