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Heavenly #2
Penitence
Book Two. Seeing good and evil spirits is a gift Zoe guards with her life. Despite her guardian angel's disappearance, Zoe forces herself to accept that she still has a purpose-but how does she carry the weight of her brother's drug abuse, the hardship of living with an autistic sister, and a best friend who's obsessed with a guy who only wants Zoe? She's never felt more alone. When a mysterious spirit appears, Zoe thinks she has a new guardian angel. Instead, her brother's addiction worsens, her parents are on the brink of separation, and her best friend tries to kill her. The spirit she thinks is her new guardian isn't there to protect her: he's out to destroy her family and seize Zoe's soul. . . for Hell. Will Matthias' return mean that he is Zoe's guardian angel again? Or is their love the reason the jaws of Hell now gape open?
320 pages, Paperback
First published April 29, 2010
11 people are currently reading
1513 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Laurens
16 books1,048 followersJennifer, aka JM Warwick was born and raised in Southern California and her hometown of Palos Verdes Estates flavors her books: A Season of Eden and An Open Vein. She doesn't limit herself to writing one genre, and was the first to author four romance novels centered around the popular sport of ballroom dancing.She has YA novels published under her YA romance name of Jennifer Laurens: Falling for Romeo, Magic Hands, Nailed and the Heavenly series: Heavenly ( 2009) Penitence (2010) and Absolution (2010) A Season of Eden (2011) and Overprotected ( 2011 ) Grace Doll ( 2012 ) .An Open Vein is under her JM Warwick pen name. Jennifer lives in Utah and has 6 children, one of whom has autism. Jennifer doesn't put stock in reviews - in fact she never reads them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
June 29, 2011
I just finished Penitence a few days ago and had to give myself some time to reflect and absorb the contents of this book. Let me just start by saying if you haven’t heard of this book or you have been considering it, add it to you list of series to read now. As I mentioned in my review of Heavenly this series is excellent. I am currently reading the last of the books Absolution. I find myself wanting to slow down because I don’t want the story to end. Completing the last book will be like breaking up with a family I have grown to love like my own.
Jennifer Laurens is an amazing author and this book has been beautifully crafted. Zoe, the heroine and narrator of this story really shines. In the first part of the book I was a little leary about the direction things might go however Zoe is nothing less than amazing. She encounters good and evil spirits, as well as looks after her friends and family. I am not saying anything more, you have to read it and you will understand how she looks after others. She is brave, loving, and above all else has such a pure heart. Although she has a hiccup or two in Heavenly and in this book she is truly the type of friend anyone would want in their lives.
As in Heavenly, there still is a romantic theme to this story. This time Jennifer Laurens has spiced things up with a love triangle. Although most readers see it as a triangle, my feelings are different. Now let me explain…….. Although Zoe and Matthius are in love their relationship can’t go anywhere it is completely unrealistic. Truly, come on people, you can’t have a relationship with a guardian angel; what are you going to do get married and ask God to be the Priest. I dunno I guess I should realize that is why this is called fiction. Now don’t get me wrong I love and adore Matthius however I just see him for who he is – Guardian Angel. The new love interest in this book, I won’t say names, took me by surprise. I would have never guessed, in my wildest dreams, he would be so amazing and lovable. He is good for Zoe and, well, I am rooting for him. Now I won’t lie at first I was very angry with the author for allowing this to happen, I was like I can’t like him stop, however my heart has been won over.
The family….. I don’t know where to begin…. All I know is I feel like I am a part of the family and know each of them so well. Simple said they are real. This family is your next door neighbors, your friends, your relatives they are life. The Dodd’s have been through major tragedy, dealt with a member who has an addiction and a daughter who is autistic. The author doesn’t paint a perfect picture and her words perfectly illustrate their struggles. Despite the most difficult times, what I treasure is their constant love and continued support of one another.
If you haven’t picked up a copy of this book you should. It is a great read and one you will be thinking about long after you have finished read the last words of the page.
Jennifer Laurens is an amazing author and this book has been beautifully crafted. Zoe, the heroine and narrator of this story really shines. In the first part of the book I was a little leary about the direction things might go however Zoe is nothing less than amazing. She encounters good and evil spirits, as well as looks after her friends and family. I am not saying anything more, you have to read it and you will understand how she looks after others. She is brave, loving, and above all else has such a pure heart. Although she has a hiccup or two in Heavenly and in this book she is truly the type of friend anyone would want in their lives.
As in Heavenly, there still is a romantic theme to this story. This time Jennifer Laurens has spiced things up with a love triangle. Although most readers see it as a triangle, my feelings are different. Now let me explain…….. Although Zoe and Matthius are in love their relationship can’t go anywhere it is completely unrealistic. Truly, come on people, you can’t have a relationship with a guardian angel; what are you going to do get married and ask God to be the Priest. I dunno I guess I should realize that is why this is called fiction. Now don’t get me wrong I love and adore Matthius however I just see him for who he is – Guardian Angel. The new love interest in this book, I won’t say names, took me by surprise. I would have never guessed, in my wildest dreams, he would be so amazing and lovable. He is good for Zoe and, well, I am rooting for him. Now I won’t lie at first I was very angry with the author for allowing this to happen, I was like I can’t like him stop, however my heart has been won over.
The family….. I don’t know where to begin…. All I know is I feel like I am a part of the family and know each of them so well. Simple said they are real. This family is your next door neighbors, your friends, your relatives they are life. The Dodd’s have been through major tragedy, dealt with a member who has an addiction and a daughter who is autistic. The author doesn’t paint a perfect picture and her words perfectly illustrate their struggles. Despite the most difficult times, what I treasure is their constant love and continued support of one another.
If you haven’t picked up a copy of this book you should. It is a great read and one you will be thinking about long after you have finished read the last words of the page.
June 16, 2010
Rating 3.5 stars
Hmm... again I seem to be having trouble writing a review for this book like the first one. I liked this book but I don't think I was in the mood for it. It the whole its me not you thing . I found it to be a fast moving, emotional story filled with suprises but I think my trouble is it didn't have enough make me smile moments. The ending of course was a big cliffhanger leaving so many unanswered questions arghh!!! Despite my confused feelings I do want to read Absolution. I hope it has the happy ending I need.
Hmm... again I seem to be having trouble writing a review for this book like the first one. I liked this book but I don't think I was in the mood for it. It the whole its me not you thing . I found it to be a fast moving, emotional story filled with suprises but I think my trouble is it didn't have enough make me smile moments. The ending of course was a big cliffhanger leaving so many unanswered questions arghh!!! Despite my confused feelings I do want to read Absolution. I hope it has the happy ending I need.
November 10, 2010
The first book in the series started started ok. This book however was a drag for me to finish. I have to admit, I find the lead character a bit annoying. I get that she is in love with this guardian angel, Matthias, but sometimes I find her a bit whiny. And although I know that their love is impossible, there's a point in the book that I kinda wish that she would make a choice already. You see, she also spends her time with Weston, who is the ex-boyfriend of her BFF Britt.
It's frustrating to read Zoe profess her love to Matthias and yet at the same time make-out/flirt with Weston. Both guys are in love with her.
Matthias has said that he's in love with Zoe, which makes Zoe happy coz her love is requited. Weston has professed his love for Zoe too, but she can't exactly return the sentiment. She likes him though. A lot. There is even an awkward scene where Zoe and Weston were making out in her bedroom and Matthias tried to interrupt them. It made me cringe. The funny/weird thing is Matthias is very understanding about what happened.
And I totally don't get why they didn't get professional help to her pothead brother. Instead, they expected him to get himself out of the problem he entered. I mean duhh! He has an addiction. He needs help. Preferably from a professional. But no...They just nag him to get his act together, ground him(which totally didn't work coz he get his stash from his friends and they see each other at school) and give him disappointed glances his way when he's stoned. Ya, who can see this failing big time, raise your hand.
I hear the third book of the series, Absolution, is out already. I'm not in a hurry to read it though, hopefully someday soon.
It's frustrating to read Zoe profess her love to Matthias and yet at the same time make-out/flirt with Weston. Both guys are in love with her.
Matthias has said that he's in love with Zoe, which makes Zoe happy coz her love is requited. Weston has professed his love for Zoe too, but she can't exactly return the sentiment. She likes him though. A lot. There is even an awkward scene where Zoe and Weston were making out in her bedroom and Matthias tried to interrupt them. It made me cringe. The funny/weird thing is Matthias is very understanding about what happened.
And I totally don't get why they didn't get professional help to her pothead brother. Instead, they expected him to get himself out of the problem he entered. I mean duhh! He has an addiction. He needs help. Preferably from a professional. But no...They just nag him to get his act together, ground him(which totally didn't work coz he get his stash from his friends and they see each other at school) and give him disappointed glances his way when he's stoned. Ya, who can see this failing big time, raise your hand.
I hear the third book of the series, Absolution, is out already. I'm not in a hurry to read it though, hopefully someday soon.
did-not-finish
August 8, 2017DNF @ 27%
This book is by no means a bad book. I'm not putting it down because I can't stand the characters, or I think the plot is nonsensical.
I got this book years ago. Since then my reading tastes have changed a lot. This is a case of "it's not you, it's me" , book edition.
Maybe someday I'll get back into the guardian angel thing, and I'll get a copy of this book off Amazon again or from the library. But for now, I'll bring it to a used bookstore so someone who will really really enjoy it can find it and love the story that I did years ago .
This book is by no means a bad book. I'm not putting it down because I can't stand the characters, or I think the plot is nonsensical.
I got this book years ago. Since then my reading tastes have changed a lot. This is a case of "it's not you, it's me" , book edition.
Maybe someday I'll get back into the guardian angel thing, and I'll get a copy of this book off Amazon again or from the library. But for now, I'll bring it to a used bookstore so someone who will really really enjoy it can find it and love the story that I did years ago .
September 22, 2011
Penitience is the second book in the Heavenly series, picking up right where we left Zoe in Heavenly.
Jennifer Laurens eases us back into the story effortlessly, reminding us where the story ended in the last book without sounding repetitive.
When Zoe re-enters her body after experience perfection in Paradise, it’s clear she doesn’t want to be there. She wants to be back in the loving arms of Matthias where there is no pain, only love and absolute certainty of what she craves.
Matthias doesn’t appear like Zoe expects him to. She pleads and prays for him to come to her…and his absence cuts deeper than the glass wounds from her accident. Zoe’s aunt steps in as Abria’s guardian, only confirming Zoe’s worst fears that something has happened to the love of her life.
Even though life without Matthias doesn’t feel like living, Zoe knows she must pick herself up and move through life regardless. If not for her sake, than her family’s, which is hanging together by a thread. Zoe’s stoner brother, Luke, falls off the wagon and hits the booze and weed heavier than ever before. Her parents are arguing more and more, and the students of Pleasant Grove High School are getting increasingly out of control. Especially best friend Britt…and Zoe’s worst nightmare, Brody.
The opening pages of Penitence are stark and brutal to read. Zoe’s raw agony radiates off the page and sinks deep under the skin of the reader. While it is uncomfortable, it is not off-putting, and only draws the reader further into Zoe’s world…making it come alive around them.
There wasn’t a point in this book where I wanted to put it down. It quickly became one of my ‘just one more chapter’ kind of reads. You know, where you tell yourself just one more chapter before doing the dishes. Just one more chapter before turning out the light at bedtime. Just one more chapter before I get off my butt and go to work.
The characters of Penitence were outstanding. Usually, secondary characters can get lost in the story, become under developed and uninteresting. Never with Jennifer Laurens. I enjoyed wondering where their characters would go, what they would do next…who would fall victim to the evil spirits lurking around Zoe’s friends and family.
As always, I adore Jennifer Lauren’s style of writing. Many authors, YA ones in particular, stay away from harsh topics, sugar coat things rather than tell it like it is. Jennifer Laurens isn’t afraid to look beneath the surface, write about real problems and how teenagers actually act. A lot of people could benefit from her writing – teens and parents alike. Especially with the Heavenly series.
Penitence ends on a cliffhanger that will leave readers gasping for more. As for me? I’m way more than eager for the final part of the Heavenly series – Absolution.
Jennifer Laurens eases us back into the story effortlessly, reminding us where the story ended in the last book without sounding repetitive.
When Zoe re-enters her body after experience perfection in Paradise, it’s clear she doesn’t want to be there. She wants to be back in the loving arms of Matthias where there is no pain, only love and absolute certainty of what she craves.
Matthias doesn’t appear like Zoe expects him to. She pleads and prays for him to come to her…and his absence cuts deeper than the glass wounds from her accident. Zoe’s aunt steps in as Abria’s guardian, only confirming Zoe’s worst fears that something has happened to the love of her life.
Even though life without Matthias doesn’t feel like living, Zoe knows she must pick herself up and move through life regardless. If not for her sake, than her family’s, which is hanging together by a thread. Zoe’s stoner brother, Luke, falls off the wagon and hits the booze and weed heavier than ever before. Her parents are arguing more and more, and the students of Pleasant Grove High School are getting increasingly out of control. Especially best friend Britt…and Zoe’s worst nightmare, Brody.
The opening pages of Penitence are stark and brutal to read. Zoe’s raw agony radiates off the page and sinks deep under the skin of the reader. While it is uncomfortable, it is not off-putting, and only draws the reader further into Zoe’s world…making it come alive around them.
There wasn’t a point in this book where I wanted to put it down. It quickly became one of my ‘just one more chapter’ kind of reads. You know, where you tell yourself just one more chapter before doing the dishes. Just one more chapter before turning out the light at bedtime. Just one more chapter before I get off my butt and go to work.
The characters of Penitence were outstanding. Usually, secondary characters can get lost in the story, become under developed and uninteresting. Never with Jennifer Laurens. I enjoyed wondering where their characters would go, what they would do next…who would fall victim to the evil spirits lurking around Zoe’s friends and family.
As always, I adore Jennifer Lauren’s style of writing. Many authors, YA ones in particular, stay away from harsh topics, sugar coat things rather than tell it like it is. Jennifer Laurens isn’t afraid to look beneath the surface, write about real problems and how teenagers actually act. A lot of people could benefit from her writing – teens and parents alike. Especially with the Heavenly series.
Penitence ends on a cliffhanger that will leave readers gasping for more. As for me? I’m way more than eager for the final part of the Heavenly series – Absolution.
May 10, 2010
(Insert Satisfied Sigh) This book was amazing. Lucky, lucky me, I won this book in the giveaway contest. As the second book in the series, following the book, Heavenly, it took the continuing story in a surprising and gratifying direction. When we last left Zoe, she had been in a car crash and her spirit was happy and content in the arms of Matthias in Paradise. Apparently, however, she still has work to do on earth, and on page 1 we find her back in her hospital bed, back with her mortal life problems, and without a guardian angel. And everything you thought was black and white about the plot and characters in the first book is about get really really gray. And I must admit, I love gray.
We remember Weston and Brady - Bad Boys who got their satisfying comeuppance in the end. Well, just like in real life, comeuppance can change people..... for good or bad. I loved this shocking plot twist!
This series has real depth. Jennifer Laurens has a gift. We read about a teenage girl who is more real and believable as a character than almost any other I have read in this genre. Zoe is so far from perfect and yet so strong. While the story doesn't necessarily set out to be spiritual, it nevertheless compels the reader to dig a little deeper.
But of course, for me, some of the very best parts of the book could be described as amorous. And let me say, this is the kind of romance that gets my heart pounding! Jennifer Laurens perfectly captures the right mixture of tension, caring, longing, and thrill. I just have to insert, I am so Team Weston.
One thing I can't go without saying: Laurens is so skilled and unique in her descriptive writing. I love being able to savor single sentences, rolling them around in my head for a few moments before moving on to the next. Here are some good ones: "Crazed, wild, vicious, they leapt, slid, then floated in whirring circles, stirring invisible tentacles of rage that snapped out in my direction, pulling my bones with a gravitational draw so strong, I knew I'd never be able to fight." Or "Weston Larson, playboy, hottie, football playing woman-eater, looked at me with abstemious brown eyes." And I love this one section where they are going to lunch and she describes everything in food terms: "She jumped out like popcorn popping." "...once I stood, (he) blocked the pizza-slice sized opening with his body. His dark hair tousled on a french-fry breeze." She just keeps 'em coming.
I really loved this book. I'm so glad I own it because it will be one I'll read again and again. I'm not so glad I have to wait for the next one in the series since there is quite a bit left up in the air. But I do know it will be worth the wait.
We remember Weston and Brady - Bad Boys who got their satisfying comeuppance in the end. Well, just like in real life, comeuppance can change people..... for good or bad. I loved this shocking plot twist!
This series has real depth. Jennifer Laurens has a gift. We read about a teenage girl who is more real and believable as a character than almost any other I have read in this genre. Zoe is so far from perfect and yet so strong. While the story doesn't necessarily set out to be spiritual, it nevertheless compels the reader to dig a little deeper.
But of course, for me, some of the very best parts of the book could be described as amorous. And let me say, this is the kind of romance that gets my heart pounding! Jennifer Laurens perfectly captures the right mixture of tension, caring, longing, and thrill. I just have to insert, I am so Team Weston.
One thing I can't go without saying: Laurens is so skilled and unique in her descriptive writing. I love being able to savor single sentences, rolling them around in my head for a few moments before moving on to the next. Here are some good ones: "Crazed, wild, vicious, they leapt, slid, then floated in whirring circles, stirring invisible tentacles of rage that snapped out in my direction, pulling my bones with a gravitational draw so strong, I knew I'd never be able to fight." Or "Weston Larson, playboy, hottie, football playing woman-eater, looked at me with abstemious brown eyes." And I love this one section where they are going to lunch and she describes everything in food terms: "She jumped out like popcorn popping." "...once I stood, (he) blocked the pizza-slice sized opening with his body. His dark hair tousled on a french-fry breeze." She just keeps 'em coming.
I really loved this book. I'm so glad I own it because it will be one I'll read again and again. I'm not so glad I have to wait for the next one in the series since there is quite a bit left up in the air. But I do know it will be worth the wait.
August 20, 2010
At the end of Heavenly I was left sobbing (mostly for joy at the fact Zoe and Matthias are together...then BAM!!!! All that is RIPPED AWAY!!!!... I had put Heavenly down and picked Penitence up straight away to start reading... then by page 5.. I put it down and picked up Heavenly and went back to paradise!! I wanted to go back!!!
Zoe was in Paradise... with the man/person/angel that she loved... But then she was back with her family... the family that missed her...wanted her just as much!! That loved her just as much!!! Jennifer Laurens makes you feel soo torn... you want Zoe with her family,... but then it’s at the sacrifice of being with the one she truly loves.... or to be with her true love....she sacrifices being with her family!!!.... So then there we are... you have Zoe who is in heartbreaking pain to be away from the love of her life! You have her family who love her as much as life...grateful to have her back. You have a ‘best friend’ Britt that is soo self-absorbed I want to hit her...seriously!!! Then you have Weston a person shown not to be a good character in Heavenly ... Chase that has a huge crush on her... A brother who is slipping again... And then Weston is shown in a different light.. I like Weston... all of a sudden I want Zoe to be with Weston!!!! To the point that when Matthias came back I was, ‘No leave Zoe with Weston – they were just about to!..’ ... This was becoming THE WORST love triangle!! Because I fell in love with Weston!! He was so sweet! He REALLY loves her!! She has to be with Matthias!!
Then throw in some black dark evil spirits... a manipulating father (in Albert, Matthias’ father) a vengeful ex-best friend in Chase...a stalker looser, best friend in Britt... Some want-to-be popular friends in Chase and Krissy.....
But still I am so torn between Matthias and Weston!!!
So where does this leave me in the end.. Well you just know Krissy has done something.. What do I think will happen... Well Matthias is a sprit... so unless that changes... I think Zoe might end up with Weston! Which I am completely happy about... but at the same time I was still chanting for her to be with Matthias again at the end of book 2.
Jennifer is VERY crafty! She has written a series that now leading up to book 3 I don’t know which team I am on (Weston or Matthias)
And I series that leaves me wanting...no NEEDING more!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 11, 2011
The sequel to Heavenly is just as exciting as the first one...except that this book has MORE.
MORE characters, MORE problems, MORE complications, MORE lessons, MORE heart-warming (kilig) scenes.
I like Zoe's character because whether you believe me or not, she's different from the usually read about female protagonist. Her character is not the goody good girl. Yes, she's good, but what's ironic is that she still parties, and has this desires in her heart that you can't really say is pure. However, we can clearly see how she changed from the first book to this one, and that can be influenced by her experience of the accident. She treasures her family more, and thinks clearly before acting. She doesn't party like before.
What confuses me though is her relationship with Matthias. It's so weird that she's allowed to have relationships with guys then she also has this special something with Matthias. That's what tears me apart. I like Weston for Zoe because they're both here and human. Both of them has the same experience that changed their whole personality and life. I like that they chose to be honest to each other,etc. But, I just ask, what happens in the future? that's the only question.
The whole charade of black spirits and Albert creeps the hell out of me. I am as helpless as Zoey whenever they come! hopefully that doesn't happen to me in real life....Finally, the ending surprised me because it just ended without any warning. Thank God I have the third book in hand, and I'm going to read it now.(: bye!
MORE characters, MORE problems, MORE complications, MORE lessons, MORE heart-warming (kilig) scenes.
I like Zoe's character because whether you believe me or not, she's different from the usually read about female protagonist. Her character is not the goody good girl. Yes, she's good, but what's ironic is that she still parties, and has this desires in her heart that you can't really say is pure. However, we can clearly see how she changed from the first book to this one, and that can be influenced by her experience of the accident. She treasures her family more, and thinks clearly before acting. She doesn't party like before.
What confuses me though is her relationship with Matthias. It's so weird that she's allowed to have relationships with guys then she also has this special something with Matthias. That's what tears me apart. I like Weston for Zoe because they're both here and human. Both of them has the same experience that changed their whole personality and life. I like that they chose to be honest to each other,etc. But, I just ask, what happens in the future? that's the only question.
The whole charade of black spirits and Albert creeps the hell out of me. I am as helpless as Zoey whenever they come! hopefully that doesn't happen to me in real life....Finally, the ending surprised me because it just ended without any warning. Thank God I have the third book in hand, and I'm going to read it now.(: bye!
April 25, 2010
Penitence, wow what can I say.. I read this book in one night, It was fantastic, the storyline, the twists..
Despite Zoe not wanting to be on Earth she decides she has to accept she was sent back to Earth for a reason a purpose. Her love for her brother- she still tries to help him with his abuse, the hardship of living with her autistic sister and her best friend who is obsessed with a guy who has eyes for only Zoe.
and - A love triangle Im sure you will enjoy.
Then this mysterious spirit enters Zoes life and she thinks he is there to replace Matthias,, but life is turned upside down by this mysterious spirit and things get worse. Without giving to much away, Im sure all readers will be kept on there edge of there seat in sheer anticipation of Absolution..
The love triangle Im sure will surprise all But I rather enjoyed the twist,, so Now Im mind boggling as to what Jennifer has install for us readers in the next book.
I must say that I love the way Jennifer has such warmth in this heavenly series the characters being as honest as they can there feelings and thoughts.. I loved Heavenly and this was definelty a must read on your list you wont be dissapointed.
Despite Zoe not wanting to be on Earth she decides she has to accept she was sent back to Earth for a reason a purpose. Her love for her brother- she still tries to help him with his abuse, the hardship of living with her autistic sister and her best friend who is obsessed with a guy who has eyes for only Zoe.
and - A love triangle Im sure you will enjoy.
Then this mysterious spirit enters Zoes life and she thinks he is there to replace Matthias,, but life is turned upside down by this mysterious spirit and things get worse. Without giving to much away, Im sure all readers will be kept on there edge of there seat in sheer anticipation of Absolution..
The love triangle Im sure will surprise all But I rather enjoyed the twist,, so Now Im mind boggling as to what Jennifer has install for us readers in the next book.
I must say that I love the way Jennifer has such warmth in this heavenly series the characters being as honest as they can there feelings and thoughts.. I loved Heavenly and this was definelty a must read on your list you wont be dissapointed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 19, 2010
First of all let me say that Penitence is not as good as Heavenly.This book has no plot.Really.And the characters??Oh yeah,totally flat except Zoe's.Brittany was being jealous and selfish as always and ah I forgot,with no brain at all.What about Weston??(Zoe's new "love interest").He was only capable of three things: professing his love for Zoey ,being protective of her and constantly asking her about her "secret".Nothing more and nothing less.About Albert the big threat in this book,well he wasn't so big in my opinion. Zoe's brother Luke has problem with drugs but no one is helping him recover.I can't understand why,maybe his problem will be solved by itself.Also,I can't understand why Zoe isn't listening to Matthias.In the first book she ignored his advice and she nearly got raped.In Penitence she ignored again Matthias' advice not to go the party and she found herself regretting this and blaiming herself why she hadn't listen him..I hope the next book Absolution will be better.
March 1, 2011
Such a thrilling ride. Weston is just a hunk, and I just adore his character. The one thing I loved about this book was how Zoe really comes to know her true self, and when that happened, she really knows what she's meant to do in her life and make the most of it. It's such a great story, and it has really opened my eyes to being a better person.
Jennifer Laurens is a fantastic author and I look forward to seeing more books from her!
Jennifer Laurens is a fantastic author and I look forward to seeing more books from her!
October 27, 2010
THIS REVIEW IS FOR BOTH BOOK 1 (HEAVENLY) AND BOOK 2 (PENITENCE)
I LOVE these books!!! They became so addicting to me, that when I finished the second one I was so annoyed I didn't have the 3rd right away to finish the series!
The characters are well fleshed out and rich. There are plenty to work with on this canvas.
Here's a look at who is who.
Zoe- She is the main character, and it's through her eyes we experience everything. In the beginning you won't like her very much. She says and does things that seem really selfish and immature given her situation. (She has an autistic younger sister named Abria that takes up a lot of her family's time, and her younger brother named Luke by a couple of years is dabbling in drugs). She does whatever she can to escape including partying and hooking up with random guys. She sometimes wishes her sister were "normal," and thinks of her brother as a loser. One day while at the park with her sister, she turns one minute and her sister goes missing. She's found my a young man named Matthias.
Matthias- He is Abria's guardian angel. He's tall, has blonde hair and blue eyes, and has a striking presence. I call him "Edward Cullenish." He is able to calm people simply by being there (think of Jasper from Twilight.) He cannot touch anyone who is not his "charge," (someone he's not a guardian of.) It's a "law" from up above and he follows them without question. This bothers Zoe as she gets to know Matthias better and begins to like him. He eventually tells Zoe of when he died and how, what his life was like, about his family, etc(very interesting flashbacks!) Eventaully Matthias' father named Albert will become a bigger character in the second book. At some point Matthias and Zoe accidently touch each other and things change for them. He then becomes her guardian too, and a much more intimate relationship begins.
Britt- Short for Brittney, she's Zoe's best friend. She's all about the partying scene as well and finally finds a hot guy to go out with named Westin. Sooner or later this relationship consumes her and she forms a new bad attitude. That attidude and other supernatural occurances begin to unravel the two girls friendship.
Westin- Went out with Britt and then made a bad choice at a party with his best friend Brady. It involved Zoe, and Matthias had to intervene. Because of this incident, Westin was very repentent, and he and Zoe began spending more time together. Westin is shown to a be a good, stand up guy. He has Zoe's best interest at heart. He eventually falls in love with her. She's not exactly on the same page as him. She's very attracted to him, but has undying love for Matthias. You may be thinking it's another E/B/J Twilight situaltion, but it's not. Main reason being you will like Westin and even, in a small way, root for the two, but then come back to your senses.
Chase- One of Zoe's friends who is in her Newspaper (journalism) class. Like Zoe, Chase can see Guardians as well. They bond over this and discuss what they see. Chase begins to have a crush on Zoe, but does not really verbalize it. Instead his actions show how he feels. He also seems a little "too interested" at times in Mathians and what he says to her about himself. He even mentions once about writing about the gaurdians so people can know about them, and Zoe becomes very distressed at this. She knows how important it is to keep the secret of the guardians.
Krissy- An unpopular girl from school who Zoe helps by befriending her. She shows up in the second book and we only get a glimpse toward the end at what may make her the way she is. She is extremely depressed and desperate to be liked.
Other Aspects:
Zoe's Gifts- In book 1 Zoe's only gift is that she can see guardian angels, no matter who or where they are. Due to events that occue by book's end, in Book 2 she can not only see guardians, but she can see black spirits (evil spirits), the spirits that promopt people to do bad things. Guardians cannot be anywhere where evil is as a rule of thumb in these novels, so this presents a challenge for Zoe when the black spirits are crawling over her friends and she cannot get any help from Matthias or anyone like him.
Why I Gave It 4.5:
There were 2 things that I found a bit juvenile that I thought my audience (you guys) might too:
- The books are both cockblocked (which I know will bother some) although there is plenty of kissing between both Zoe and Matthias and Zoe and Westin. I would not expect anything from Zoe and Matthias because he's like Edward in that he's "from another time" plus he's an otherworldly being. At one point Zoe and Westin are making out on her bed, but are interrupted- however this is a GREAT SCENE!!!
- The Author tends to be a bit conservative not just about sex, but when it comes to drugs and alcohol. I don't expect these two things to be painted in a good light, don't get me wrong, however it seems that when Zoe's brother Luke is found with pot, her Mother and Father both react as if someone died. I'm glad the author added in that he also began doing Lortabs (Hydocodone) because that's a worse thing in my opinion. I guess I'm projecting my own experience here. My brother did pot and pills too and my parents (although not happy at all), didn't react that way. The author also constatly mentions "addiction" as if it's not possible you could do these drugs a few times and stop. I know my brother did, and he's not an addict. But luckily, this does not dominate the book, it was just a small part, it just irked me.
VERDICT
I only barely touched the surface here. There's so much I could not tell you. Both books are quick, fast, easy reads, jam packed with addicting story. I would not go far as to say they are better than Fallen, that's on another playing field. But these are great entertainment nonetheless!
I LOVE these books!!! They became so addicting to me, that when I finished the second one I was so annoyed I didn't have the 3rd right away to finish the series!
The characters are well fleshed out and rich. There are plenty to work with on this canvas.
Here's a look at who is who.
Zoe- She is the main character, and it's through her eyes we experience everything. In the beginning you won't like her very much. She says and does things that seem really selfish and immature given her situation. (She has an autistic younger sister named Abria that takes up a lot of her family's time, and her younger brother named Luke by a couple of years is dabbling in drugs). She does whatever she can to escape including partying and hooking up with random guys. She sometimes wishes her sister were "normal," and thinks of her brother as a loser. One day while at the park with her sister, she turns one minute and her sister goes missing. She's found my a young man named Matthias.
Matthias- He is Abria's guardian angel. He's tall, has blonde hair and blue eyes, and has a striking presence. I call him "Edward Cullenish." He is able to calm people simply by being there (think of Jasper from Twilight.) He cannot touch anyone who is not his "charge," (someone he's not a guardian of.) It's a "law" from up above and he follows them without question. This bothers Zoe as she gets to know Matthias better and begins to like him. He eventually tells Zoe of when he died and how, what his life was like, about his family, etc(very interesting flashbacks!) Eventaully Matthias' father named Albert will become a bigger character in the second book. At some point Matthias and Zoe accidently touch each other and things change for them. He then becomes her guardian too, and a much more intimate relationship begins.
Britt- Short for Brittney, she's Zoe's best friend. She's all about the partying scene as well and finally finds a hot guy to go out with named Westin. Sooner or later this relationship consumes her and she forms a new bad attitude. That attidude and other supernatural occurances begin to unravel the two girls friendship.
Westin- Went out with Britt and then made a bad choice at a party with his best friend Brady. It involved Zoe, and Matthias had to intervene. Because of this incident, Westin was very repentent, and he and Zoe began spending more time together. Westin is shown to a be a good, stand up guy. He has Zoe's best interest at heart. He eventually falls in love with her. She's not exactly on the same page as him. She's very attracted to him, but has undying love for Matthias. You may be thinking it's another E/B/J Twilight situaltion, but it's not. Main reason being you will like Westin and even, in a small way, root for the two, but then come back to your senses.
Chase- One of Zoe's friends who is in her Newspaper (journalism) class. Like Zoe, Chase can see Guardians as well. They bond over this and discuss what they see. Chase begins to have a crush on Zoe, but does not really verbalize it. Instead his actions show how he feels. He also seems a little "too interested" at times in Mathians and what he says to her about himself. He even mentions once about writing about the gaurdians so people can know about them, and Zoe becomes very distressed at this. She knows how important it is to keep the secret of the guardians.
Krissy- An unpopular girl from school who Zoe helps by befriending her. She shows up in the second book and we only get a glimpse toward the end at what may make her the way she is. She is extremely depressed and desperate to be liked.
Other Aspects:
Zoe's Gifts- In book 1 Zoe's only gift is that she can see guardian angels, no matter who or where they are. Due to events that occue by book's end, in Book 2 she can not only see guardians, but she can see black spirits (evil spirits), the spirits that promopt people to do bad things. Guardians cannot be anywhere where evil is as a rule of thumb in these novels, so this presents a challenge for Zoe when the black spirits are crawling over her friends and she cannot get any help from Matthias or anyone like him.
Why I Gave It 4.5:
There were 2 things that I found a bit juvenile that I thought my audience (you guys) might too:
- The books are both cockblocked (which I know will bother some) although there is plenty of kissing between both Zoe and Matthias and Zoe and Westin. I would not expect anything from Zoe and Matthias because he's like Edward in that he's "from another time" plus he's an otherworldly being. At one point Zoe and Westin are making out on her bed, but are interrupted- however this is a GREAT SCENE!!!
- The Author tends to be a bit conservative not just about sex, but when it comes to drugs and alcohol. I don't expect these two things to be painted in a good light, don't get me wrong, however it seems that when Zoe's brother Luke is found with pot, her Mother and Father both react as if someone died. I'm glad the author added in that he also began doing Lortabs (Hydocodone) because that's a worse thing in my opinion. I guess I'm projecting my own experience here. My brother did pot and pills too and my parents (although not happy at all), didn't react that way. The author also constatly mentions "addiction" as if it's not possible you could do these drugs a few times and stop. I know my brother did, and he's not an addict. But luckily, this does not dominate the book, it was just a small part, it just irked me.
VERDICT
I only barely touched the surface here. There's so much I could not tell you. Both books are quick, fast, easy reads, jam packed with addicting story. I would not go far as to say they are better than Fallen, that's on another playing field. But these are great entertainment nonetheless!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2017
While the story had more substance than the first book in this series (still not much), the main character, Zoe, became someone who is even more incredibly irritating. She is selfish and egotistical and the whole book is basically her doing these 3 things:
1) talking about how she loves Mattais so much, but then going to Weston 2 seconds later.
2) talking about how almost all the other characters are such losers and social outcasts
3) saying how she cares so much about her friends and family but then not helping them until she really has to.
For someone who's supposed to apparently "have a pure heart" she sure as hell doesn't act like it.
1) talking about how she loves Mattais so much, but then going to Weston 2 seconds later.
2) talking about how almost all the other characters are such losers and social outcasts
3) saying how she cares so much about her friends and family but then not helping them until she really has to.
For someone who's supposed to apparently "have a pure heart" she sure as hell doesn't act like it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 13, 2010
To give this book any less then five stars would be a lie, actually five stars does not even begin to cover just how amazing Penitence was to me. I started reading this book at...10:10 PM last night and ended it at 3:33 AM. I devoured this book for the simple reason that it is addictive. It is just such powerful writing that you CANNOT put it down!! This is going to be long, but totally worth it, especially since it actually makes Heavenly look like a chump compared to it. Jennifer Laurens is an AMAZING writer, she is so good that while you want Zoe whole-heartedly to be with Matthias, whenever Weston comes into the picture, you actually start to forget about Matthias, until she reminds you that he is the one she truly loves. Honestly, at the beginning of the book you cannot stop crying, partially because Matthias is not there, partially because you are overjoyed to be reading it, well if you're me you are. This book deals with powerful things, such as autism, drug abuse, and so much else, including a war between good and evil, who happen to be father and son, and also happen to be Matthias (who DOES eventually show up!!) and his father Albert. I cannot WAIT to read the third book and I can only hope that it will be as good as the first two. When I started reading this, I had high expectations, thanks to the first book, but they were all surpassed ten-fold over and over again as I got deeper into the story. This is a book that makes you feel like you are there with Zoe, feeling the love that Matthias has for her, and she for him. I thought this book would be so different and I'm so glad that I could NOT in a MILLION years guess how this book was going to end up. I loved how Jennifer Laurens is able to make such a compelling story and get you hooked right back into the story from the first sentence you read. One of the best parts is that she never overdoes scenes and her recaps are never over-exaggerated or too drawn out the way some writers do. One of my favorite parts (besides the ENTIRE story!!) has to be how she describes the bad spirits, though every once in a while she may make a mention of Heaven or God, most of the time it's pretty straight forward and you can interpret and take the religious aspects pretty much any way. I loved that. It actually made the story better to me, since some authors try to kind of force their belief on you in their writing, while it seems that Jennifer Laurens does exactly the opposite, it almost feels as though she is giving you a choice on what to believe, and it's great how she actually puts that in her book with Weston and Luke. I also loved how Luke's characters got to grow such much from just the drugged out brother to someone who truly cared for Zoe and definitely has her back. Weston is also a character that I wasn't sure I was going to like at first, but I quickly grew to care and enjoy him as Zoe grew closer to him. He may be no Matthias, but he definitely has his charms. The one person I'm REALLY starting to dislike is Chase, he NEEDS to start listening to Zoe!! He needs to put his jealousy aside and get over himself. The only other character that I have always disliked was Britt. She just is such a shallow vapid creature that I know has to be in the book, but you still want her gone. She takes obsession, and jealousy to a new level of crazy I've NEVER seen before (thank goodness for that!) And speaking of jealousy, I LOVED seeing Matthias become jealous and protective over Zoe, In Heavenly you saw him love her, pretty much unconditionally, but in this book you get to see so much more from him and I LOVED it!!!I especially loved the way he would act whenever Albert was around, acting all big and powerful protecting Zoe!! It brought out this new side of him that you couldn't help but loving. The one part I can't stand about this series is that I always end up crying my eyes out. When I finished Heavenly, I was crying tears of joy, the spoiler for Penitence however...tears of rage. This book brought tears too, in the beginning when I was as worried as Zoe that Matthias wouldn't show up, and again in the middle anytime Matthias couldn't touch her, and of course at the end, though this time, purely because the book ended and I NEED MORE!!!!! I've had bad cliffhangers before, but this is SOOOO much worse!!! I just cannot STAND not knowing what's going to happen, who Zoe is going to pick!! (Though it BETTER be Matthias!!) I love this love story so much partially because Matthias is willing to let her go and live her life, still loving her unconditionally, and even if she turned evil he would still love her just that same!! Then partially because they aren't instantly thrown together and everything is solved, Matthias is trying to step back, not take over her life, and you respect his decision not only because you have to, but also because if you were in the same position, you would want to have the choice be yours and not his to make about being together. I loved this book and I think that anyone else who read it would as well. I cannot wait to read Absolution, and the MOMENT it comes out I will be on Amazon ordering it!!! I know you can only give this book five stars, but to me, in my mind, I give it TEN out of five!! (Like when rating someone 1-10 and you give them an 11.) So, without further ado, READ IT READ IT READ IT!!! you will NOT be sorry (except when it ends!!)
March 16, 2019
Oh how I love this series. What would you do if you fell in love with a guardian angel? So many emotions to think about on that subject. In this second installment to the series, Zoe falls deeper in love with Matthias and uncovers an enemy in his father Albert, all while juggling friendships and her love life.
March 19, 2018
El primer libro se me hizo bastante entretenido, pero en este segundo libro la protagonista me desespera.
March 11, 2019
Can't believe it ended that way can't wait to start book 3
lost-interest
April 8, 2024ni idea del primero
May 4, 2010
Review taken from my blog. It is a bit of an essay, I hope you enjoy :)
Where do I start, you all know how much I loved Heavenly and this sequel just adds to my adoration of Jennifer Laurens. Remember how I said I thought the book was written for me, well I realised for the first time that Zoe's surname is Dodd, you won't believe it but my maternal grandparents surname was DODD. How much of a coincidence is that.
Penitence starts at the exact point that Heavenly ends, there is a nice recap of the events within the first couple of chapters. Although I do think that you need to read Heavenly to fully appreciate the relationship dynamics and interactions, the recap is not overdone, refreshing the memory and emotions tied to it.
I have to say that the storyline didn't go the way I was thinking it would, *no spoilers* it is nevertheless a powerful, emotional and thought provoking book. The emotions were like a tidal wave from the very beginning.
Following on from Zoe's near death experience and time spent in paradise with Matthias. I could completely relate to how Zoe was feeling, the adage 'Death is easy it is living that is hard', popped into my head. Not only does Zoe have to cope with nearly dying, having some horrific injuries but also being dragged away from Matthias and paradise. How awful must that feel, thrown back into a world of pain and confusion.
As a parent myself, I could also relate to how Zoe's parents must have felt seeing their daughter lying on a hospital bed on the verge of death. Talk about my worst nightmare.
The idea that the spirits of loved ones are there waiting for us to cross-over when we die brought tears to my eyes. The writing is emotionally charged, I cry, laugh and despair right along with Zoe.
Zoe's return to health gives her a new appreciation for life. Her inner strength is something I envy. I found myself wondering whether Zoe herself gained some 'heavenly' (no pun intended) powers upon her return. Again the religious references are non-denominational and open to your own beliefs/faith. I think the most important ideal in this series is that having faith in something beyond ourselves can help us cope with whatever life throws at us. A karma sort of thing, everything happens for a reason.
Zoe's ability to forgive can only be described as 'divine' and again made me wonder if she had gained some sort of special powers. Forgiveness can be one of the hardest things to give, even if it is supposed to unshackle our souls, so to speak.
All of the characters develop further. I found my dislike for Britt increasing and seriously wondered how Zoe could be friends to someone so shallow, vapid and self-centred. Brady actually gave me chills. Abria, although autistic, brings such entertainment with her antics. The image of a naked 5 year old eating oreos is hysterical. I can just picture my nearly 5 year old getting up to the same things Abria does given half the chance, drawing on walls with a marker (she has done that) and making angel shapes in snack crumbs is just adorable. The only one I couldn't understand was Luke, Zoe's brother, I honestly thought that after Heavenly, he was really going to give up doing drugs and couldn't quite understand why he has gone back to them or am I missing something about the nature of addiction here.
The realism within the writing makes the book so easy to relate to. Even, Matthias, a guardian angel has emotions such as jealousy that have to be dealt with and make him more accessible. The introduction of Albert, Matthias's father, added another element to the story. Developing Matthias's background story and being truly terrifying in the process. I don't have a good relationship with my father and I found this quite difficult to read. Reading Heavenly and Penitence have been cathartic experiences for me.
I could really go on and on about this book but if I give anymore away, it might spoil your enjoyment of it and I wouldn't want to do that. There are a few shocks and surprises in store :) The last thing I will say is that the evil spirits just get more terrifying and every time I have an argument now I picture evil, black spirits crawling over me. It certainly puts an end to an argument quickly :)
I would recommend everyone to read this book as I have already said it is powerful, emotional and thought provoking. It really stays with you long after you have turned the last page. I can't wait for Absolution even though I am sure to cry buckets of tears again :)
Where do I start, you all know how much I loved Heavenly and this sequel just adds to my adoration of Jennifer Laurens. Remember how I said I thought the book was written for me, well I realised for the first time that Zoe's surname is Dodd, you won't believe it but my maternal grandparents surname was DODD. How much of a coincidence is that.
Penitence starts at the exact point that Heavenly ends, there is a nice recap of the events within the first couple of chapters. Although I do think that you need to read Heavenly to fully appreciate the relationship dynamics and interactions, the recap is not overdone, refreshing the memory and emotions tied to it.
I have to say that the storyline didn't go the way I was thinking it would, *no spoilers* it is nevertheless a powerful, emotional and thought provoking book. The emotions were like a tidal wave from the very beginning.
Following on from Zoe's near death experience and time spent in paradise with Matthias. I could completely relate to how Zoe was feeling, the adage 'Death is easy it is living that is hard', popped into my head. Not only does Zoe have to cope with nearly dying, having some horrific injuries but also being dragged away from Matthias and paradise. How awful must that feel, thrown back into a world of pain and confusion.
As a parent myself, I could also relate to how Zoe's parents must have felt seeing their daughter lying on a hospital bed on the verge of death. Talk about my worst nightmare.
The idea that the spirits of loved ones are there waiting for us to cross-over when we die brought tears to my eyes. The writing is emotionally charged, I cry, laugh and despair right along with Zoe.
Zoe's return to health gives her a new appreciation for life. Her inner strength is something I envy. I found myself wondering whether Zoe herself gained some 'heavenly' (no pun intended) powers upon her return. Again the religious references are non-denominational and open to your own beliefs/faith. I think the most important ideal in this series is that having faith in something beyond ourselves can help us cope with whatever life throws at us. A karma sort of thing, everything happens for a reason.
Zoe's ability to forgive can only be described as 'divine' and again made me wonder if she had gained some sort of special powers. Forgiveness can be one of the hardest things to give, even if it is supposed to unshackle our souls, so to speak.
All of the characters develop further. I found my dislike for Britt increasing and seriously wondered how Zoe could be friends to someone so shallow, vapid and self-centred. Brady actually gave me chills. Abria, although autistic, brings such entertainment with her antics. The image of a naked 5 year old eating oreos is hysterical. I can just picture my nearly 5 year old getting up to the same things Abria does given half the chance, drawing on walls with a marker (she has done that) and making angel shapes in snack crumbs is just adorable. The only one I couldn't understand was Luke, Zoe's brother, I honestly thought that after Heavenly, he was really going to give up doing drugs and couldn't quite understand why he has gone back to them or am I missing something about the nature of addiction here.
The realism within the writing makes the book so easy to relate to. Even, Matthias, a guardian angel has emotions such as jealousy that have to be dealt with and make him more accessible. The introduction of Albert, Matthias's father, added another element to the story. Developing Matthias's background story and being truly terrifying in the process. I don't have a good relationship with my father and I found this quite difficult to read. Reading Heavenly and Penitence have been cathartic experiences for me.
I could really go on and on about this book but if I give anymore away, it might spoil your enjoyment of it and I wouldn't want to do that. There are a few shocks and surprises in store :) The last thing I will say is that the evil spirits just get more terrifying and every time I have an argument now I picture evil, black spirits crawling over me. It certainly puts an end to an argument quickly :)
I would recommend everyone to read this book as I have already said it is powerful, emotional and thought provoking. It really stays with you long after you have turned the last page. I can't wait for Absolution even though I am sure to cry buckets of tears again :)
June 28, 2010
Penitence is the sequel to Heavenly, one of my favourite books of all time written by the very lovely Jennifer Laurens. I kept on entering Jennifer’s weekly contests but never won any so one day I posted that I didn’t care about the other prizes, I just wanted the book! To my complete joy and surprise, Grove Creek Publishing agreed to send me a review copy and I was elated!! HUGE thanks to Grove Creek Publishing and their random act of kindness.
So you should all know by now that I’m a HUGE fan of Jennifer Laurens and I LOVED Heavenly (click here for my review). So what do you think I’m going to say about Penitence? Well, you’re right. I LOVED it just as much as Heavenly. Let me just post a reminder that if you haven’t read Heavenly, you should stop right here and go and read it before you look at this review. I don’t want to spoil it for you.
Ok?
Are only readers left that have read Heavenly?
Then I shall begin. Penitence picks up right where we left off in Heavenly. At the end of Heavenly, Zoe finally got a chance to be with Matthias properly as she was in between heaven and earth whilst her life still hung in the balance following a car accident. Penitence begins with Zoe waking up in a hospital room, having been dragged back down to earth with a bump. And now Matthias, her guardian angel has disappeared. As her family situation worsens, Zoe feels more alone than ever.
However, all is not lost as Zoe begins to see other spirits and meets a mysterious man who she thinks is her new guardian angel. Only there is something not quite right about him. He’s definitely there for Zoe. But not to protect her. Zoe needs Matthias now more than ever. But where is he and will he show up in time?
I love the Heavenly series and this book is just as good as the first one. I loved the fact that I was about a third of the way into the book and I still couldn’t figure out what was going on. I had trust in Jennifer’s writing though that all would become clear eventually.
I love Zoe as the narrator and I’m in love with Matthias (obviously) but you know what? One of my favourite characters in this story was Weston and I absolutely love what Jennifer did with his character. You may remember that Weston was with Brady when they tried to rape Zoe in Heavenly. Weston finds his conscience and is desperate to talk to Zoe about what happened that night. Quite rightly, Zoe is reluctant (to say the least) but eventually hears him out. Their relationship grows and the reader goes from hating him to liking him, learning to trust him and then lusting after him! I couldn’t believe it when I realised my change in feelings for him! I’m practically in love with him at this point but I also love Matthias and feel a sense of loyalty towards him. As difficult as the situation is, you still understand why Zoe has a relationship with both characters.
So yes, Weston’s character definitely grew on me which left me torn because if Zoe stays with Weston then she gets the human experience but then what about Matthias? Does she actually have a chance with Weston or is it a doomed relationship? I have an awful feeling that Matthias is going to try and say goodbye in the third one and to be honest, I’m not sure a) how it’s going to go and b) who I want her to choose. I just KNOW that whatever happens, I’m going to be in floods of tears!
I’m super impressed with Jennifer’s writing style and clever portrayal of the characters. Penitence ends on a cliff-hanger which has left me practically chomping at the bit for the final book in the series, Absolution. I would sell a kidney to get my hands on this book (hey, you only need one right?)
So you should all know by now that I’m a HUGE fan of Jennifer Laurens and I LOVED Heavenly (click here for my review). So what do you think I’m going to say about Penitence? Well, you’re right. I LOVED it just as much as Heavenly. Let me just post a reminder that if you haven’t read Heavenly, you should stop right here and go and read it before you look at this review. I don’t want to spoil it for you.
Ok?
Are only readers left that have read Heavenly?
Then I shall begin. Penitence picks up right where we left off in Heavenly. At the end of Heavenly, Zoe finally got a chance to be with Matthias properly as she was in between heaven and earth whilst her life still hung in the balance following a car accident. Penitence begins with Zoe waking up in a hospital room, having been dragged back down to earth with a bump. And now Matthias, her guardian angel has disappeared. As her family situation worsens, Zoe feels more alone than ever.
However, all is not lost as Zoe begins to see other spirits and meets a mysterious man who she thinks is her new guardian angel. Only there is something not quite right about him. He’s definitely there for Zoe. But not to protect her. Zoe needs Matthias now more than ever. But where is he and will he show up in time?
I love the Heavenly series and this book is just as good as the first one. I loved the fact that I was about a third of the way into the book and I still couldn’t figure out what was going on. I had trust in Jennifer’s writing though that all would become clear eventually.
I love Zoe as the narrator and I’m in love with Matthias (obviously) but you know what? One of my favourite characters in this story was Weston and I absolutely love what Jennifer did with his character. You may remember that Weston was with Brady when they tried to rape Zoe in Heavenly. Weston finds his conscience and is desperate to talk to Zoe about what happened that night. Quite rightly, Zoe is reluctant (to say the least) but eventually hears him out. Their relationship grows and the reader goes from hating him to liking him, learning to trust him and then lusting after him! I couldn’t believe it when I realised my change in feelings for him! I’m practically in love with him at this point but I also love Matthias and feel a sense of loyalty towards him. As difficult as the situation is, you still understand why Zoe has a relationship with both characters.
So yes, Weston’s character definitely grew on me which left me torn because if Zoe stays with Weston then she gets the human experience but then what about Matthias? Does she actually have a chance with Weston or is it a doomed relationship? I have an awful feeling that Matthias is going to try and say goodbye in the third one and to be honest, I’m not sure a) how it’s going to go and b) who I want her to choose. I just KNOW that whatever happens, I’m going to be in floods of tears!
I’m super impressed with Jennifer’s writing style and clever portrayal of the characters. Penitence ends on a cliff-hanger which has left me practically chomping at the bit for the final book in the series, Absolution. I would sell a kidney to get my hands on this book (hey, you only need one right?)
October 8, 2010
Heavenly ends with Zoe dying, and being in a paradise type place with her beloved Matthias. But as Penitence begins we find out that Zoe was not meant to die yet, and therefore gets sent back to life....without Matthias.
Zoe awakens in a hospital room, her memory of the accident and afterlife a little hazy. Her first reaction is to look around the room for Matthias, but he's nowhere in sight. Though she is surrounded by her caring family, her heart and soul aches for Matthias.
Once she is released from the hospital, Zoe goes home and tries to make sense of it all. Thoughts flood her head...Where is Matthias? Is he still her guardian angel? Why did she come back from death? Is Matthias being punished for falling in love with her? Will she ever see him again?
When Matthias does finally appear, he doesn't have many answers for Zoe. Not only does he tell her that he can't be her guardian anymore, but they also can't touch, at all.
Now Zoe is more confused then ever, and after a few weeks of rest, returns to school. While walking to her locker she passes Weston, her best friend's ex-boyfriend. Weeks ago, Weston had every intention of raping her at a party. If Matthias hadn't saved her at the last minute, he probably would have. When Weston approaches Zoe and asks if they can talk, she tells him to stay away from her. Though he apologizes and assures her that he would not have gone through with it, Zoe is skeptical. But time passes, and Matthias isn't around as much. Zoe starts spending time with Weston, and gets to know the real him. After redeeming himself in Zoe's eyes, Weston proclaims his love for her.
As much as Zoe is drawn to Weston, she is still completely in love and devoted to Matthias. She would give anything to be with Matthias forever, but how can that happen when it feels like they are being pulled apart? One of those forces being Matthias' father Albert, who unlike his angelic son, has gone to the dark side. It's good versus evil, love versus hate.
Is Zoe meant to be with Matthias, or must she make a difficult choice and walk away for the sake of her own heart? How long can she hold onto someone who is not human?
Just like with Heavenly, I loved this book! Seriously could not get enough of it! With every page it got better and better. I laughed, I cried, I did both at the same time. In the beginning of the book I kept thinking, "Where is my Matthias? Where is he? Where is he?" The hole Zoe felt inside, when she didn't know where he was, was so intense I felt it too. Then he returned, and I breathed a sigh of relief!
But things for Zoe and Matthias are different now, more complicated. And as much as I love Matthias, I felt myself liking Weston a lot too. In Heavenly he was such a superficial jerk, but in Penitence we really get to see his true self, his good heart. Zoe becomes a stronger person in this book. She no longer uses alcohol as a crutch, instead she just deals with things head on. Also, trying to help her brother kick his addiction, was very admirable.
All in all it was a great read. I can't talk about this book without smiling! Anyone who has read Heavenly will become just as absorbed in Penitence. It was utterly fabulous, five star perfection! As for me, I'll be waiting with baited breath for the release of book three, Absolution!
Zoe awakens in a hospital room, her memory of the accident and afterlife a little hazy. Her first reaction is to look around the room for Matthias, but he's nowhere in sight. Though she is surrounded by her caring family, her heart and soul aches for Matthias.
Once she is released from the hospital, Zoe goes home and tries to make sense of it all. Thoughts flood her head...Where is Matthias? Is he still her guardian angel? Why did she come back from death? Is Matthias being punished for falling in love with her? Will she ever see him again?
When Matthias does finally appear, he doesn't have many answers for Zoe. Not only does he tell her that he can't be her guardian anymore, but they also can't touch, at all.
Now Zoe is more confused then ever, and after a few weeks of rest, returns to school. While walking to her locker she passes Weston, her best friend's ex-boyfriend. Weeks ago, Weston had every intention of raping her at a party. If Matthias hadn't saved her at the last minute, he probably would have. When Weston approaches Zoe and asks if they can talk, she tells him to stay away from her. Though he apologizes and assures her that he would not have gone through with it, Zoe is skeptical. But time passes, and Matthias isn't around as much. Zoe starts spending time with Weston, and gets to know the real him. After redeeming himself in Zoe's eyes, Weston proclaims his love for her.
As much as Zoe is drawn to Weston, she is still completely in love and devoted to Matthias. She would give anything to be with Matthias forever, but how can that happen when it feels like they are being pulled apart? One of those forces being Matthias' father Albert, who unlike his angelic son, has gone to the dark side. It's good versus evil, love versus hate.
Is Zoe meant to be with Matthias, or must she make a difficult choice and walk away for the sake of her own heart? How long can she hold onto someone who is not human?
Just like with Heavenly, I loved this book! Seriously could not get enough of it! With every page it got better and better. I laughed, I cried, I did both at the same time. In the beginning of the book I kept thinking, "Where is my Matthias? Where is he? Where is he?" The hole Zoe felt inside, when she didn't know where he was, was so intense I felt it too. Then he returned, and I breathed a sigh of relief!
But things for Zoe and Matthias are different now, more complicated. And as much as I love Matthias, I felt myself liking Weston a lot too. In Heavenly he was such a superficial jerk, but in Penitence we really get to see his true self, his good heart. Zoe becomes a stronger person in this book. She no longer uses alcohol as a crutch, instead she just deals with things head on. Also, trying to help her brother kick his addiction, was very admirable.
All in all it was a great read. I can't talk about this book without smiling! Anyone who has read Heavenly will become just as absorbed in Penitence. It was utterly fabulous, five star perfection! As for me, I'll be waiting with baited breath for the release of book three, Absolution!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2010
This book blew me away... I loved it even more than the first! Penitence was a fast-paced journey that I could not keep my eyes from. I started this book late last night and I finished it a little while ago. What a story. I just loved it.
We pick up right where we left off in book one. (I'm going to try to be spoiler-free here for the people who haven't read heavenly) Matthias is gone and Zoe hasn't seen him in weeks. Just as she thinks things are playing out how they should, she starts seeing evil spirits more and more now. Luke, even though Zoe thought he was sober, is slipping back into his old habits and Abria is still the same hyper-energy, stress causing sister. As the dark forces start to target Zoe and Matthias isn't her guardian angel anymore, Zoe starts to take comfort in a new friend. Will Matthias be able to help her defeat evil?
I can't even put into words how much I liked this book. You know how you fly through an amazing book and then you're depressed it's over? That's how I feel. I'm so sad it's over... I want "Absolution" now! It doesn't come out until October though :(. Only a month and a half to go! Hah!
So the characters in this book? WHOOP. Every character in this book plays an important role. There is no one I hated or was like 'what are they doing?'. Britt was fierce. Krissy was misled. Chase was Chase. Weston was OMG HOT and ADORABLE, I loved him. Matthias was amazing as always! Albert was intense and evil. Brady was just plain evil. Luke was caring but misguided. And Zoe, she was strong and caring and I believe she did everything right in this book. I was so content with everyone.
So boys.... well I LOVE both of them. Going into the book I was MATTHIAS all the way. And honestly during "Heavenly" I thought Chase was the only competition, but boy was I wrong. WESTON. Oh my Weston. About half through the book I was completely Weston. I was just like 'Huh, Matthias who?'. But, as the book played on I loved Matthias again. So honestly I love them both, and would be happy for Zoe if she ended up with either. I don't know how Absolution is going to play out, but I'm leaning a little more to the Weston side.
Well Penitence was amazing! If you've read Heavenly, you better go get Penitence because it was ten times as amazing. And, if you haven't even read Heavenly.. well go read my review then go out and buy it, order it, whatever! I'm sure you'll like it just as much as I did. 5 stars!!!! :)
FYI - Yes, there are drinking and drugs references. And some steamy make-out scenes (nothing over the top).
We pick up right where we left off in book one. (I'm going to try to be spoiler-free here for the people who haven't read heavenly) Matthias is gone and Zoe hasn't seen him in weeks. Just as she thinks things are playing out how they should, she starts seeing evil spirits more and more now. Luke, even though Zoe thought he was sober, is slipping back into his old habits and Abria is still the same hyper-energy, stress causing sister. As the dark forces start to target Zoe and Matthias isn't her guardian angel anymore, Zoe starts to take comfort in a new friend. Will Matthias be able to help her defeat evil?
I can't even put into words how much I liked this book. You know how you fly through an amazing book and then you're depressed it's over? That's how I feel. I'm so sad it's over... I want "Absolution" now! It doesn't come out until October though :(. Only a month and a half to go! Hah!
So the characters in this book? WHOOP. Every character in this book plays an important role. There is no one I hated or was like 'what are they doing?'. Britt was fierce. Krissy was misled. Chase was Chase. Weston was OMG HOT and ADORABLE, I loved him. Matthias was amazing as always! Albert was intense and evil. Brady was just plain evil. Luke was caring but misguided. And Zoe, she was strong and caring and I believe she did everything right in this book. I was so content with everyone.
So boys.... well I LOVE both of them. Going into the book I was MATTHIAS all the way. And honestly during "Heavenly" I thought Chase was the only competition, but boy was I wrong. WESTON. Oh my Weston. About half through the book I was completely Weston. I was just like 'Huh, Matthias who?'. But, as the book played on I loved Matthias again. So honestly I love them both, and would be happy for Zoe if she ended up with either. I don't know how Absolution is going to play out, but I'm leaning a little more to the Weston side.
Well Penitence was amazing! If you've read Heavenly, you better go get Penitence because it was ten times as amazing. And, if you haven't even read Heavenly.. well go read my review then go out and buy it, order it, whatever! I'm sure you'll like it just as much as I did. 5 stars!!!! :)
FYI - Yes, there are drinking and drugs references. And some steamy make-out scenes (nothing over the top).
Read
June 24, 2011I throughly enjoyed the follow up to HEAVENLY and yet again my tissues came in handy while I was reading.
With the ending of HEAVENLY you are left wondering what happens to Zoe, did she die or was she brought back to the world of living or was her soul taken hell? PENITENCE answers most of your questions that you had at the end of HEAVENLY but I'm still hanging onto some unanswered questions.
We watched Zoe grow as a person in HEAVENLY but after her accident in PENITENCE she takes a huge growth spurt and learns to love the people around her no matter what and one of the lessons I was able to take away from the book that forgiveness can help the healing process. For example, Zoe forgave the Hank for the accident even though she was badly injured she felt that she was alive and what was the point of carrying anger when he might be feeling the feeling the guilt of his actions and if he wasn't it didn't phase her one bit.
I know from personal experience that sometimes forgiving can be hard but if it helps lift some of the weight off your shoulders why shouldn't we try it?
I also noticed a tiny change in Luke on how he was more present in the family life but still had his problems with drugs that he seemed to be trying to quit for the best of himself and his family. There wassomething that Jennifer pointed out to us in the book that when stress is present in an addict's life it's pretty easy to relapse to feel that slight release from the drama of their world and we see how Luke is trying to win the battle and how Zoe understands it but still wishes that her brother could stop for the sake ofhimself firstly and for the rest of the family considering what they have been through.
We also get to see a dark side to the story, that Jennifer mentioned in HEAVENLY and I found pretty fascinating how the evil was portrayed by a character we where slighly intoduced to in HEAVENLY and I must say he scared me. From the moment he came onto the scene i didn't trust him but Zoe seemed to at first but things clicked in her head with the help of Matthias :) We see how evil plays apart in all our lives but what I liked about the storyline is that Jennifer was able to makeit both frightening and realistic at the same time-I hope I don't sound crazy.
With the ending of HEAVENLY you are left wondering what happens to Zoe, did she die or was she brought back to the world of living or was her soul taken hell? PENITENCE answers most of your questions that you had at the end of HEAVENLY but I'm still hanging onto some unanswered questions.
We watched Zoe grow as a person in HEAVENLY but after her accident in PENITENCE she takes a huge growth spurt and learns to love the people around her no matter what and one of the lessons I was able to take away from the book that forgiveness can help the healing process. For example, Zoe forgave the Hank for the accident even though she was badly injured she felt that she was alive and what was the point of carrying anger when he might be feeling the feeling the guilt of his actions and if he wasn't it didn't phase her one bit.
I know from personal experience that sometimes forgiving can be hard but if it helps lift some of the weight off your shoulders why shouldn't we try it?
I also noticed a tiny change in Luke on how he was more present in the family life but still had his problems with drugs that he seemed to be trying to quit for the best of himself and his family. There wassomething that Jennifer pointed out to us in the book that when stress is present in an addict's life it's pretty easy to relapse to feel that slight release from the drama of their world and we see how Luke is trying to win the battle and how Zoe understands it but still wishes that her brother could stop for the sake ofhimself firstly and for the rest of the family considering what they have been through.
We also get to see a dark side to the story, that Jennifer mentioned in HEAVENLY and I found pretty fascinating how the evil was portrayed by a character we where slighly intoduced to in HEAVENLY and I must say he scared me. From the moment he came onto the scene i didn't trust him but Zoe seemed to at first but things clicked in her head with the help of Matthias :) We see how evil plays apart in all our lives but what I liked about the storyline is that Jennifer was able to makeit both frightening and realistic at the same time-I hope I don't sound crazy.
January 20, 2011
Posted at http://oh-my-books.blogspot.com/2011/...
After reading Heavenly, the first book of this series, I was very excited to read Penitence.
I just began reading it and things I wasn't excepting were happening. Zoe is taken from Matthias's arms to start over again, with lots of suffering. But pain isn't the worse part, Matthias is gone.
Personally, this part of the story was very important to me. I started reading it after being in an accident (not exactly as Zoe's) and I thought the author did a great job writing about it. The feelings, the pain, the people around you.
It was awful to read Zoe missing Matthias. In these moments she needed him the most, and he wasn't there. And then she understands Matthias isn't going to be her guardian angel anymore. But I was glad that even when being so sad, she understood that she still had to live, and they will see again when it is time.
But Zoe's problems doesn't end here. Albert is visiting her. He seems good, but he's causing pain to her family and Matthias comes back to protect her.
was loving the book. Zoe was a much better person than in Heavenly, although she was always sad. But then Weston came.
If you read the first book, you know Weston is the bad guy. He wants Zoe to forgive him, but I don't understand how she starts spending more and more time with him until suddenly, there is a love triangle!
I'm not a fan of love triangles, and I really don't like them when there is someone as Weston, that I really hate. He tried to hurt her in the first book, and now being with him is making worse her relationship with her "best friend".
I was really mad about this, because Zoe has grown up and matured, and I don't understand why she is attracted to him. I understand she missed Matthias, but she kept saying she was so in love with him but then desired another one?
Anyway, I'm curious about what is going to happen in the next book, Absolution. I want to know more about her brother and parents, and I really hope Matthias and Zoe can find a way yo be together.
After reading Heavenly, the first book of this series, I was very excited to read Penitence.
I just began reading it and things I wasn't excepting were happening. Zoe is taken from Matthias's arms to start over again, with lots of suffering. But pain isn't the worse part, Matthias is gone.
Personally, this part of the story was very important to me. I started reading it after being in an accident (not exactly as Zoe's) and I thought the author did a great job writing about it. The feelings, the pain, the people around you.
It was awful to read Zoe missing Matthias. In these moments she needed him the most, and he wasn't there. And then she understands Matthias isn't going to be her guardian angel anymore. But I was glad that even when being so sad, she understood that she still had to live, and they will see again when it is time.
But Zoe's problems doesn't end here. Albert is visiting her. He seems good, but he's causing pain to her family and Matthias comes back to protect her.
was loving the book. Zoe was a much better person than in Heavenly, although she was always sad. But then Weston came.
If you read the first book, you know Weston is the bad guy. He wants Zoe to forgive him, but I don't understand how she starts spending more and more time with him until suddenly, there is a love triangle!
I'm not a fan of love triangles, and I really don't like them when there is someone as Weston, that I really hate. He tried to hurt her in the first book, and now being with him is making worse her relationship with her "best friend".
I was really mad about this, because Zoe has grown up and matured, and I don't understand why she is attracted to him. I understand she missed Matthias, but she kept saying she was so in love with him but then desired another one?
Anyway, I'm curious about what is going to happen in the next book, Absolution. I want to know more about her brother and parents, and I really hope Matthias and Zoe can find a way yo be together.
August 31, 2010
READ THIS BOOK, please, you will never regret about that!
This book totally fill out all my expectative: the love, the pain, the new guy ;) , a new lovely family, all kind of experience that made me read this book as quickly as the first book!
The first pages were... a little bit depressive; you know, an angel and a girl: bad combination. Tragic love. Impossible love.
I had never read about such an innocent character as Matthias. But don't get me wrong: I was in complete shock when I read the couple of pages when Matthias shows us more human feelings than heavenly =). It was so hilarious, I just can't stop laughing and smiling at all (think these were my favorite pages!).
Like I was saying, I couldn't get used to ashamed myself for having a dirty mind and thoughts; it could be Matthias I was reading, but I just wanted to throw at him. I love him, that's all.
The new addition on this book: Weston. I hate him for what he might does (who wouldn't), but my interesting in him grew more and more through the pages, and I found me kind of loving him! I don't know when that happens: There was the time when you could understand that you are reading a book from an EXCELLENT, WONDERFUL author.
2 books of 2: the last pages put you on the edge of your bed/chair/whatever. I am impressed how Jennifer Laurens writes a book with so many topics, and each of them as interesting as the other ones. I just don't know how to explain the feeling about this series, because I took me out of place that I read a book that I can hardly find something wrong on it.
Now I'll have to wait like a million years for "Absolution", the third book (October 2010).
(Estoy fascinada con este libro. Trata sobre amor prohibido, una familia disfuncional en proceso de sanación, un hermano que le cuesta encontrar el camino del bien, un mundo lleno de mentiras, de amistades falsas, de grandes provocaciones... definitivamente no querrás perderte un libro tan completo y de excelente calidad. Jennifer Laurens es mi revelación del año).
This book totally fill out all my expectative: the love, the pain, the new guy ;) , a new lovely family, all kind of experience that made me read this book as quickly as the first book!
The first pages were... a little bit depressive; you know, an angel and a girl: bad combination. Tragic love. Impossible love.
I had never read about such an innocent character as Matthias. But don't get me wrong: I was in complete shock when I read the couple of pages when Matthias shows us more human feelings than heavenly =). It was so hilarious, I just can't stop laughing and smiling at all (think these were my favorite pages!).
Like I was saying, I couldn't get used to ashamed myself for having a dirty mind and thoughts; it could be Matthias I was reading, but I just wanted to throw at him. I love him, that's all.
The new addition on this book: Weston. I hate him for what he might does (who wouldn't), but my interesting in him grew more and more through the pages, and I found me kind of loving him! I don't know when that happens: There was the time when you could understand that you are reading a book from an EXCELLENT, WONDERFUL author.
2 books of 2: the last pages put you on the edge of your bed/chair/whatever. I am impressed how Jennifer Laurens writes a book with so many topics, and each of them as interesting as the other ones. I just don't know how to explain the feeling about this series, because I took me out of place that I read a book that I can hardly find something wrong on it.
Now I'll have to wait like a million years for "Absolution", the third book (October 2010).
(Estoy fascinada con este libro. Trata sobre amor prohibido, una familia disfuncional en proceso de sanación, un hermano que le cuesta encontrar el camino del bien, un mundo lleno de mentiras, de amistades falsas, de grandes provocaciones... definitivamente no querrás perderte un libro tan completo y de excelente calidad. Jennifer Laurens es mi revelación del año).
April 6, 2011
jennifer laurens, you made me believe again! this was way better than the first one! not to worry i love the first one as well.
in this zoe is torn between heaven and earth (as the video would say). heaven for matthias and earth for weston. yep you got it right! its weston...brits ex boyfriend who allegedly along with brady attempted to rape zoe at a party (good thing matthias saved her). i thought at first WTH (oops sorry matthias!) weston and zoe? too good to be true. but in the end i came to like weston as well. the intense feelings he has for zoe, how he feels safe with her, how he wanted to do good just for her. but in the end i guess he just couldnt measure up with matthias with his divinity and purity and all things good about him. i felt sorry for him because he just cant have zoe, though he is mortal and with zoe on earth he just cant get to her heart, it has always been matthias. i understand zoe what she feels about weston, the thrill of it, she feels overwhelmed that someone like weston loves her but there's no one like matthias, though he left her in the earlier part of the story she just had this faith in him that never wavers. there has been a lot of things happening in this book:
1. yep i mentioned about weston and zoe. and of course there's psycho brit still obsessed with weston and will do anything to get him back.
2. zoe thought she had a new guardian angel since matthias is MIA, in which in the end she learns is a bad one (he is matthias' father anyway) which brings havoc to all and all people zoe cares about. wanting to get back at matthias and steal her soul.
3. zoe has a new friend krissy and of course there's chase
4. and the shocker brady's death!!! whoa never saw it coming! and teaming up with albert (mattthias' father)
this series never fails to amaze me. and im loving it more and more...of course there's princess abria which i totally adore. i cant seem to wait to read the last book absolution....please please let it be available here in the philippines!!!
in this zoe is torn between heaven and earth (as the video would say). heaven for matthias and earth for weston. yep you got it right! its weston...brits ex boyfriend who allegedly along with brady attempted to rape zoe at a party (good thing matthias saved her). i thought at first WTH (oops sorry matthias!) weston and zoe? too good to be true. but in the end i came to like weston as well. the intense feelings he has for zoe, how he feels safe with her, how he wanted to do good just for her. but in the end i guess he just couldnt measure up with matthias with his divinity and purity and all things good about him. i felt sorry for him because he just cant have zoe, though he is mortal and with zoe on earth he just cant get to her heart, it has always been matthias. i understand zoe what she feels about weston, the thrill of it, she feels overwhelmed that someone like weston loves her but there's no one like matthias, though he left her in the earlier part of the story she just had this faith in him that never wavers. there has been a lot of things happening in this book:
1. yep i mentioned about weston and zoe. and of course there's psycho brit still obsessed with weston and will do anything to get him back.
2. zoe thought she had a new guardian angel since matthias is MIA, in which in the end she learns is a bad one (he is matthias' father anyway) which brings havoc to all and all people zoe cares about. wanting to get back at matthias and steal her soul.
3. zoe has a new friend krissy and of course there's chase
4. and the shocker brady's death!!! whoa never saw it coming! and teaming up with albert (mattthias' father)
this series never fails to amaze me. and im loving it more and more...of course there's princess abria which i totally adore. i cant seem to wait to read the last book absolution....please please let it be available here in the philippines!!!
March 22, 2011
Anyone else notice a trend in YA series? First book; intro to story. We meet characters, meet the love interest, get to know the plot and problems, climax, then we finish with resolution (not necessarily true for every YA series book, but bare with me). What typically happens in book two? There’s some more problems (ex: forbidden love, dram, hurt feelings) and the main love interest disappears for a while. Soooo, now what?... Yep, you guessed it; a new love interest is introduced. Typically this bugs the hell out of me! (Remember reading New Moon? I wanted to throw the book across the room after chapter 3)… And although Penitence tends to fellow this YA series trend, I absolutely loved it!
Mrs. Lauren’s sure knows how to make you doubt your feelings. I was in love, swooning over, 100 % Team Matthias… but after reading Penitence, Weston now holds a part of my heart, and I mean BIG! While Matthias continues to be a caring, witty, and loving angel- Weston is… Well, he’s real. He’s the young man who knows he did wrong by Zoe but he’s paying for it. He’s trying to make things right because, from the bottom of his heart, he truly is sorry for what he did. Penitence couldn’t have been a better title; Matthias, Weston and Zoe are all paying the consequences to their actions. We’re also introduced to a new character; Albert. He goes around messing with Zoe’s family and making life a living hell. Every scene w/Albert tore my heart. Poor Zoe, she’s trying so hard to turn over a new leaf and help her family…. *sigh* Albert= grrrr!
Overall, Penitence was beautifully written. The story will have you hooked from the prologue. This book had some crazy chapter cliffhangers, I was nervous I’d turn the page at that would be the end of the book. If you’ve never heard or having picked up this series, you should REALLY consider it! I feel like an obsessed fan girl, I recommend this series to everyone! Anyone else out there reading, or have read the Heavenly Series? Share your links with me, PLEASE! :)
Mrs. Lauren’s sure knows how to make you doubt your feelings. I was in love, swooning over, 100 % Team Matthias… but after reading Penitence, Weston now holds a part of my heart, and I mean BIG! While Matthias continues to be a caring, witty, and loving angel- Weston is… Well, he’s real. He’s the young man who knows he did wrong by Zoe but he’s paying for it. He’s trying to make things right because, from the bottom of his heart, he truly is sorry for what he did. Penitence couldn’t have been a better title; Matthias, Weston and Zoe are all paying the consequences to their actions. We’re also introduced to a new character; Albert. He goes around messing with Zoe’s family and making life a living hell. Every scene w/Albert tore my heart. Poor Zoe, she’s trying so hard to turn over a new leaf and help her family…. *sigh* Albert= grrrr!
Overall, Penitence was beautifully written. The story will have you hooked from the prologue. This book had some crazy chapter cliffhangers, I was nervous I’d turn the page at that would be the end of the book. If you’ve never heard or having picked up this series, you should REALLY consider it! I feel like an obsessed fan girl, I recommend this series to everyone! Anyone else out there reading, or have read the Heavenly Series? Share your links with me, PLEASE! :)
April 2, 2010
Let me start by saying I love anything and everything written by Jennifer Laurens. She masterfully crafts love stories that are believable and leaves you hungering for more. Her characters are usually well-developed and you can’t wait to know what happens next.
Penitence is book 2 in the Heavenly Series and I admit I couldn’t put it down. It begins with Zoe at the hospital. She just came back from the dead, literally yanked from the arms of the angel she loves, her Guardian Angel-Matthias. She is in so much pain, but soon realizes the worst is yet to come—Matthias is longer her Guardian.
Instead two men enter Zoe’s life—Weston, her friend’s ex boyfriend who pursues her until she agrees to go out with him, and Albert, a being she believes is her new Guardian Angel. Albert turns out to be the devil’s spawn, a demon after her soul. Finally, Matthias returns but not to be her guardian. He warns her about Albert, who just happens to be his very evil father.
Soon Zoe is fighting off Albert’s evil intention and his tendency to use her friends and family against her. We watch her grow and become stronger as a person. She’s also caught in a love triangle with Matthias and Weston. I’m definitely Team Matthias!!!
It takes skills to make a reader get lost in a character and Ms. Laurens has it. I felt Zoe’s pain as she struggled with Matthias’ absence at the beginning of the book and later as she fought off Albert and his evil agenda, felt Zoe’s awkwardness as she went back to school and faced gawking students, the stress of dealing with autistic sister and her pothead brother, a jealous ex-BFF and even the death of a student. This book has everything, romance, mystery, teen angst….
Lauren is a fabulous writer, and I found find myself staying up late to finish the book. My ultimate disappointment is I must wait for the third installment to come out. If you haven’t bought your copy of Penitence, do so now. It was worth the wait.
Penitence is book 2 in the Heavenly Series and I admit I couldn’t put it down. It begins with Zoe at the hospital. She just came back from the dead, literally yanked from the arms of the angel she loves, her Guardian Angel-Matthias. She is in so much pain, but soon realizes the worst is yet to come—Matthias is longer her Guardian.
Instead two men enter Zoe’s life—Weston, her friend’s ex boyfriend who pursues her until she agrees to go out with him, and Albert, a being she believes is her new Guardian Angel. Albert turns out to be the devil’s spawn, a demon after her soul. Finally, Matthias returns but not to be her guardian. He warns her about Albert, who just happens to be his very evil father.
Soon Zoe is fighting off Albert’s evil intention and his tendency to use her friends and family against her. We watch her grow and become stronger as a person. She’s also caught in a love triangle with Matthias and Weston. I’m definitely Team Matthias!!!
It takes skills to make a reader get lost in a character and Ms. Laurens has it. I felt Zoe’s pain as she struggled with Matthias’ absence at the beginning of the book and later as she fought off Albert and his evil agenda, felt Zoe’s awkwardness as she went back to school and faced gawking students, the stress of dealing with autistic sister and her pothead brother, a jealous ex-BFF and even the death of a student. This book has everything, romance, mystery, teen angst….
Lauren is a fabulous writer, and I found find myself staying up late to finish the book. My ultimate disappointment is I must wait for the third installment to come out. If you haven’t bought your copy of Penitence, do so now. It was worth the wait.
February 25, 2023
After spending about two weeks recovering in the hospital after a terrible accident, Zoe Dodd decides to start life with a different approach. When her previous guardian angel disappears, she's left more confused than ever. Keeping up with the surroundings happening in her current life take a back seat to the thoughts and sights that Zoe now experiences with a new view. Getting a new guardian angel is the last thing she expects, and when she knows who and what he really is she's gets more questions than answers. As she contemplates what this new "angel" might bring upon her world, she slowly sees signs of her life becoming more dangerous by the minute.
In this sequel of Zoe's life touched by the spiritual, Penitence brings more background on it's cast of characters, and adds a new one that's yet to be dealt with. More somber than Heavenly, Penitence digs deeper into Matthias' past, and progresses in Zoe's friendships and blossoming relationships.
Having tasted an entrancing debut with Heavenly, Penitence was just made to add to the growing suspense of future actions in Zoe's life. Dealing with her family and friends intermingles with her daily dose of dealing with the spiritual. I loved the way Laurens really developed the cast of characters in this book. She was able to explain through voices and actions the reasons for some past occurrences and build up to the present challenging events. What was deeply unexpected was Zoe's internal chaos of sensations that was the result when she slowly realized there's more to the people around her than she originally thought. It was a refreshing wave of something new in an already deeply touching tale. Leaving off on a cliffhanger just added to the thrill of waiting for the third installment in the Heavenly series, Absolution.
Quotes:
"You're the first girl who's had the guts to touch my controls." --pg. 234
Grade: A
In this sequel of Zoe's life touched by the spiritual, Penitence brings more background on it's cast of characters, and adds a new one that's yet to be dealt with. More somber than Heavenly, Penitence digs deeper into Matthias' past, and progresses in Zoe's friendships and blossoming relationships.
Having tasted an entrancing debut with Heavenly, Penitence was just made to add to the growing suspense of future actions in Zoe's life. Dealing with her family and friends intermingles with her daily dose of dealing with the spiritual. I loved the way Laurens really developed the cast of characters in this book. She was able to explain through voices and actions the reasons for some past occurrences and build up to the present challenging events. What was deeply unexpected was Zoe's internal chaos of sensations that was the result when she slowly realized there's more to the people around her than she originally thought. It was a refreshing wave of something new in an already deeply touching tale. Leaving off on a cliffhanger just added to the thrill of waiting for the third installment in the Heavenly series, Absolution.
Quotes:
"You're the first girl who's had the guts to touch my controls." --pg. 234
Grade: A
July 7, 2015
In this stunning sequel to Heavenly, Zoe’s true love and guardian angel, Matthias, has disappeared, and in his place, an evil spirit has appeared who is trying to capture her soul and destroy those around her. Her family still faces their normal difficulties with her brother’s drug abuse and her sister’s autism, and her best friend, Britt hates her now too, since her old boyfriend has fallen in love with Zoe and a relationship has ensued. When Matthias finally returns, will things go back to the way they were, or will the evil spirit destroy them all?
Wow, what a great sequel! I loved delving back into the story of Zoe and Matthias whose unearthly love first captivated me in Heavenly. If you haven’t read Heavenly, I highly recommend you do, and on that note, Penitence is not really a standalone novel. You should certainly read its predecessor first in order to fully understand this one. This story was really gripping with lots of excitement. While the love between Zoe and Matthias is so intriguing, I think it was really cool that the author added a whole new aspect in this book, in that the main storyline was the evil spirit who was essentially stalking Zoe around, trying to capture her soul and force her into evilness (and wait until you find out who he is!). I also thought it was a great twist that she added another love interest into the story, in that Zoe begins dating another guy, but feels conflicted because of her love for Matthias. This book definitely kept me turning the pages, and I’m looking forward to the next one in the series!
A really great sequel! Angels, spirits, romance! I think you should check this series out if you’re looking for something a little different.
Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Wow, what a great sequel! I loved delving back into the story of Zoe and Matthias whose unearthly love first captivated me in Heavenly. If you haven’t read Heavenly, I highly recommend you do, and on that note, Penitence is not really a standalone novel. You should certainly read its predecessor first in order to fully understand this one. This story was really gripping with lots of excitement. While the love between Zoe and Matthias is so intriguing, I think it was really cool that the author added a whole new aspect in this book, in that the main storyline was the evil spirit who was essentially stalking Zoe around, trying to capture her soul and force her into evilness (and wait until you find out who he is!). I also thought it was a great twist that she added another love interest into the story, in that Zoe begins dating another guy, but feels conflicted because of her love for Matthias. This book definitely kept me turning the pages, and I’m looking forward to the next one in the series!
A really great sequel! Angels, spirits, romance! I think you should check this series out if you’re looking for something a little different.
Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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