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Redemption River #1
Finding Her Way Home
Welcome To Redemption, Oklahoma
The idyllic little town Cheyenne Rhodes has chosen for her fresh start is almost too welcoming. After all, she's come here to hide from her past—not to make new friends.
But single dad Trace Bowman isn't about to let Cheyenne hide away her heart. He can't ignore the special way she has with his daughter, Zoey— or how she's reminded him of the power of real love. Now he needs to convince Cheyenne that Redemption is more than a place to hide—it's also a way to be found….
The idyllic little town Cheyenne Rhodes has chosen for her fresh start is almost too welcoming. After all, she's come here to hide from her past—not to make new friends.
But single dad Trace Bowman isn't about to let Cheyenne hide away her heart. He can't ignore the special way she has with his daughter, Zoey— or how she's reminded him of the power of real love. Now he needs to convince Cheyenne that Redemption is more than a place to hide—it's also a way to be found….
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
74 people are currently reading
424 people want to read
About the author
Linda Goodnight
222 books522 followersNY Times and USA Bestseller, Linda Goodnight writes novels of faith and family that point to hope through Christ. Her emotional stories have won the RITA , the Carol, the Reviewer’s Choice, and numerous other industry awards. Her two great passions are faith in Jesus and her large extended family. (And pie. she loves pie.)
Readers may connect with Linda through her website at www.lindagoodnight.com or on Facebook.
Readers may connect with Linda through her website at www.lindagoodnight.com or on Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
May 14, 2024
Good read and characters.
December 21, 2015
Welcome to Redemption, Oklahoma, a town where mercy, grace and healing can begin. Cheyenne Rhodes is running from her past. When she discovers a box with two sweet puppies on the side if the road she cannot squelch the need to stop and rescue them. Looking for a shelter to drop them at, she finds herself in the office of veterinarian, Trace Bowman. Something draws Cheyenne to stay, and she is offered a job as an assistant to the handsome Dr. Bowman. Still grieving the loss of his wife, Trace is not prepared for the impact Cheyenne has on his heart. But the events that Cheyenne is running from still haunt her. She feels unworthy of love and forgiveness. She is skittish and fearful, not allowing anyone to get too close. But the residents of Redemption slowly break down the barriers and lead Cheyenne to faith in God and hope for the future.
I liked that the author dealt with some difficult issues, making it more than a simple romance.
Really 3.5 stars.
I liked that the author dealt with some difficult issues, making it more than a simple romance.
Really 3.5 stars.
October 22, 2022
When I read my first book by Linda Goodnight, I was completely hooked! She is now a huge favorite. Her stories are so heart deep and well written. I highly recommend her work.
January 8, 2019
3.5 stars--I feel like I've heard part of the story before. Girl moves to town and gets a job with the local veterinarian and becomes involved with him and his young daughter.
After a while, there was more to the story. Cheyenne came to realize that she needed God in her life. (I thought that part happened a little too quickly for it to be realistic--but God works in mysterious ways, so I can't say that it isn't.) Then, she got spooked because she wasn't fully healed as she thought she was.
I liked the town and what it stood for. I liked the characters. Popbottle Jones and G. I. Jack were quite interesting: despite starting out as what looked like bums, they have rich lives and manage to repurpose many items most would consider trash. The town is a small one with many people knowing the business of others (even when they don't want them to).
I'm surprised that Emma's plight would go on that long without someone noticing or trying to get Emma away from Ray. Maybe they did and it just wasn't mentioned in the book--as many said, the abused has to want to get help before anything can happen--and it is common for the abused to go back with the abuser.
So the title has two meanings--a literal home in Redemption and a spiritual home with God.
After a while, there was more to the story. Cheyenne came to realize that she needed God in her life. (I thought that part happened a little too quickly for it to be realistic--but God works in mysterious ways, so I can't say that it isn't.) Then, she got spooked because she wasn't fully healed as she thought she was.
I liked the town and what it stood for. I liked the characters. Popbottle Jones and G. I. Jack were quite interesting: despite starting out as what looked like bums, they have rich lives and manage to repurpose many items most would consider trash. The town is a small one with many people knowing the business of others (even when they don't want them to).
I'm surprised that Emma's plight would go on that long without someone noticing or trying to get Emma away from Ray. Maybe they did and it just wasn't mentioned in the book--as many said, the abused has to want to get help before anything can happen--and it is common for the abused to go back with the abuser.
So the title has two meanings--a literal home in Redemption and a spiritual home with God.
March 14, 2019
The Redemption River books, of which this one is the first, are about imperfect people who are afraid to love, but love finds a way into your life whether you are ready or not.
If you want to fall for characters and root for them like family--even shed a tear here and there--this is a series you need to read.
If you want to fall for characters and root for them like family--even shed a tear here and there--this is a series you need to read.
October 7, 2014
Two-haiku review:
She moves to small town
Something really bad in past
Takes found pups to vet
Sweet Christian romance
Tough to get over trauma
It takes faith and prayer
She moves to small town
Something really bad in past
Takes found pups to vet
Sweet Christian romance
Tough to get over trauma
It takes faith and prayer
January 27, 2021
This is a lovely novel about hope, God's love, faith, and the love of a good person. Cheyenne lived through a horrible event, and believed she was broken because of it. The stigma surrounding her rape is all too typical of a rape survivor--and she spends a year blaming herself for everything that happened. When Cheyenne arrives in Redemption, she finds what she's been seeking: hope, love, God, faith, and healing. A good support system is crucial to recovering from trauma, and the people of Redemption give her that comfort. I recommend everyone read this novel.
February 16, 2023
This book was a prize in a promo Linda offered (thank you, Linda!) and I’m leaving a voluntary review.
What’s not to love? A clean romance, animals (2 puppies, but they aren’t the only ones), an appealing heroine, a handsome veterinarian/single dad with an adorable daughter. It’s a good story that combines a theme about how we as a society treat victims of sexual violence, broaching the topic in a careful, thoughtfully worded manner, as well as being a small town, Christian romance.
What’s not to love? A clean romance, animals (2 puppies, but they aren’t the only ones), an appealing heroine, a handsome veterinarian/single dad with an adorable daughter. It’s a good story that combines a theme about how we as a society treat victims of sexual violence, broaching the topic in a careful, thoughtfully worded manner, as well as being a small town, Christian romance.
May 17, 2021
Looking for Peace
Like all the books in the Redemption Series, Finding Her way Home, is another good. Cheyenne, Trace and Zoey would have many happy days together after God helps them heal from their hurts. The love that is shown in this book makes you want to get in your car and drive until you find the town of Redemption.
Like all the books in the Redemption Series, Finding Her way Home, is another good. Cheyenne, Trace and Zoey would have many happy days together after God helps them heal from their hurts. The love that is shown in this book makes you want to get in your car and drive until you find the town of Redemption.
November 20, 2024
Finding Her Way Home
Finding abandoned puppies on the side of the road required stopping in Redemption to find a solution but much more as she met the amazing handsome vet that .made her want to forget the tragedy she was trying to escape. I
Finding abandoned puppies on the side of the road required stopping in Redemption to find a solution but much more as she met the amazing handsome vet that .made her want to forget the tragedy she was trying to escape. I
March 3, 2020
A feel good romance novel. Zero sexual content too. The plot moved kind of fast but I loved it. Trigger warning for violence, rape and abuse though.
March 29, 2020
This was a page turner for me!!!
April 13, 2020
I loved it :)
October 5, 2020
The first Love Inspired book I ever read!
May 22, 2022
This was a beautiful story of redemption through God's love. It is also a wonderful romance between two people who need each other more than they know.
December 2, 2022
Great book loved the story line. Would like to read more from this author
April 27, 2025
Fantastic read.
January 2, 2012
Diabetics beware ... the sweetness content in this novel just might put you in a coma. To be fair, Christian Inspiration writer Linda Goodnight tackles difficult subjects like domestic abuse, rape and even murder. These may be difficult subjects to deal with in mainstream fiction, but they are usually forbidden in Christian fiction. It makes sense that the author would go overboard in trying to find some balance for these difficult subjects. Probably something her publisher required before they would even consider it for publication under Inspirational Fiction.
Even so, this novel "tries" too hard and winds up too preachy. From a town called Redemption with streets named Hope, and a Bible-verse scripted well in the middle of town square, the metaphors just keep on coming. There are two quirky characters that literally turn junk into treasure, a not too subtle metaphor to God's redeeming grace. In fact, this novel is about as subtle as a bear after honey.
Cheyenne Rhodes is a former cop fleeing from a troubled past. She winds up in the small town of Redemption, where God leads troubled souls. If it seems like everyone in town leads her to the handsome widowed town vet, that's because it's true. Cheyenne winds up working for him, the only job she can find in town. Trace, the vet, has an adorable young daughter who is sight-impaired. The author does a wonderful job of characterizing the child. The child winds up playing no small part in the romance between the two. However, eventually Cheyenne is forced to confront the demons of her past. Except this time, she will do so with the help of Trace, and a small community of believers.
This was the second book by this author that I have read. The first was A Very Special Delivery, which I highly recommend.
Even so, this novel "tries" too hard and winds up too preachy. From a town called Redemption with streets named Hope, and a Bible-verse scripted well in the middle of town square, the metaphors just keep on coming. There are two quirky characters that literally turn junk into treasure, a not too subtle metaphor to God's redeeming grace. In fact, this novel is about as subtle as a bear after honey.
Cheyenne Rhodes is a former cop fleeing from a troubled past. She winds up in the small town of Redemption, where God leads troubled souls. If it seems like everyone in town leads her to the handsome widowed town vet, that's because it's true. Cheyenne winds up working for him, the only job she can find in town. Trace, the vet, has an adorable young daughter who is sight-impaired. The author does a wonderful job of characterizing the child. The child winds up playing no small part in the romance between the two. However, eventually Cheyenne is forced to confront the demons of her past. Except this time, she will do so with the help of Trace, and a small community of believers.
This was the second book by this author that I have read. The first was A Very Special Delivery, which I highly recommend.
February 21, 2013
Reviewed on Clean Adult Fiction
This was a beautiful and deeply emotional book. Cheyenne was a victim of rape. The violent and brutal act was talked about in past tense without a lot of detail. I get attached and live through the characters I read so I don't like to read about rape because of the paranoia that comes with that knowledge. The author did a great job expressing the feelings of a woman who had been raped. Above the violence and trauma it was a story of hope and healing through God and faith.
Cheyenne was a tough woman who'd been a police officer before she moved away and found Redemption, Oklahoma. She soon met the local vet and single dad Trace. Trace was charming and kind and patient. Cheyenne first loved his daughter Zoey who was blind yet confident and joyful.
Finding Her Way Home was so heartwarming to read. I loved it! I think anyone who loves a romance full of deep emotion will love this book.
Content Ratings:
sexual: very mild
language: none
violence: mild
This was a beautiful and deeply emotional book. Cheyenne was a victim of rape. The violent and brutal act was talked about in past tense without a lot of detail. I get attached and live through the characters I read so I don't like to read about rape because of the paranoia that comes with that knowledge. The author did a great job expressing the feelings of a woman who had been raped. Above the violence and trauma it was a story of hope and healing through God and faith.
Cheyenne was a tough woman who'd been a police officer before she moved away and found Redemption, Oklahoma. She soon met the local vet and single dad Trace. Trace was charming and kind and patient. Cheyenne first loved his daughter Zoey who was blind yet confident and joyful.
Finding Her Way Home was so heartwarming to read. I loved it! I think anyone who loves a romance full of deep emotion will love this book.
Content Ratings:
sexual: very mild
language: none
violence: mild
August 22, 2013
Finding her Way Home by Linda Goodnight
If you like sweet and easy to read love stories this is it. I happen to be in the mood for one so I enjoyed this.
The main character is running from some painful experiences so she leaves family and job behind to start again in a new place - a small midwestern town called Redemption (a little pilgrim’s progress reference?) Almost everyone in the town has come from somewhere else with a past and found answers to life's big questions in this little town.
The characters are fairly well developed and the plot moves along - maybe a bit too pradictably - I still wanted to know what would happen next. God and faith are a large of this story. If that is something you accept then the experiences of the main character feel authentic. If you are strangers to God and faith then it could get you thinking about your spirituality or it may just be hard to connect with the feelings and motivations of many of the characters in this story.
If you like sweet and easy to read love stories this is it. I happen to be in the mood for one so I enjoyed this.
The main character is running from some painful experiences so she leaves family and job behind to start again in a new place - a small midwestern town called Redemption (a little pilgrim’s progress reference?) Almost everyone in the town has come from somewhere else with a past and found answers to life's big questions in this little town.
The characters are fairly well developed and the plot moves along - maybe a bit too pradictably - I still wanted to know what would happen next. God and faith are a large of this story. If that is something you accept then the experiences of the main character feel authentic. If you are strangers to God and faith then it could get you thinking about your spirituality or it may just be hard to connect with the feelings and motivations of many of the characters in this story.
July 9, 2011
My grade: B. I enjoyed this a lot. It tackled a difficult subject. I don't typically read inspirationals, but saw a review on this one. It was also a RITA nominee. There was a bit too much inspirational message for me. I would have liked to see more of Cheyenne and Trace's relationship after she revealed why she kept running from him.
June 28, 2013
I enjoyed Cheyenne Rhodes' character way more than I expected to. She was tough as nails and still vulnerable and wounded. She was dealing with very real problems and emotional turmoil and yet still found ways to help others around her, even using her bad experiences in ways that others could benefit from. I was very impressed with her character and with her story
August 19, 2013
One of the better ones. I'd read this before, but I don't remember when. It was worth a second read. Cheyenne had been a police officer in Colorado before she moved to Redemption, OK. Meeting the town vet the first day was a gift from God. Trace's blind daughter Zoey was just one of the other gifts.
December 24, 2013
As usual, Linda Goodnight, creates believable characters in the neatest backdrops. Few authors manage to take on such volatile subject matter with such tenderness, compassion and reality. Each character comes alive on the pages & their struggles and triumphs become your own as you "walk" the streets of Redemption River with them.
February 12, 2010
I like books with happy endings. There is no bad language. There is romance without be pornographic. Deals with abuse and traumatic stress. A book that believes in God. There are discussion questions at the end.
June 21, 2010
I loved it. I always know Linda will give a good read. Cheyenne is a wonderful picture of a woman who had the ultimate betrayal by a human being and still she reached for the Lord's healing. Trace is a strong and wonderful example of God's love.
March 22, 2016
Finding Her Way Home
Great story of finding redemption and love in a small town. Cheyenne Rhodes has come to Redemption, Oklahoma running from an incident that haunts her, but finds forgiveness, redemption, and love in this town.
Great story of finding redemption and love in a small town. Cheyenne Rhodes has come to Redemption, Oklahoma running from an incident that haunts her, but finds forgiveness, redemption, and love in this town.
Read
March 16, 2016I don't think it's really fair to rate this as I pretty much skimmed the 2nd half. I don't know Why it didn't really grab my interest. I know I didn't care for the main character too much and her constant reference to 2 characters as being "bums" really made me mad.
June 3, 2016
Redemption River Series #1. Cheyenne needs to put the past behind her and that leads her to Redemption River. She finds 2 puppies along the road, meets 2 characters in town who direct her to Dr. Trace Bowman, the town vet.
July 17, 2017
Do you like cheesy? Do you like fairy tales? Then Redemption is the perfect novel for you. The town lives up to it's name for everyone of it's members has come to escape a past and ended up staying through finding God's grace. Good read, predictable outcome.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews