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Worthy of Redemption
(White Lake Romance #1)
By Krystina Renae Rankin
Christian Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 149 Pages
October 5, 2021 by Quirky Bullpen Press
Summary
Ashlynn Wilson left the small town of White Lake, Texas after tragedy struck on graduation night, taking the life of her best friend Victoria. Now, ten years later, she returns to help her parents after her father is diagnosed with cancer. When she arrives she finds herself having to face more than just memories after she discovers that the doctor treating her father is Victoria’s former boyfriend Heath Lancaster, the man Ashlynn holds responsible for her death. Even more surprising is that she is beginning to see him as a compassionate man of faith caring for her ill father; not the teenage boy who made poor decisions.
Heath Lancaster has never really forgiven himself for his girlfriend’s death so he isn’t surprised that his former classmate hasn’t either. Now that Ashlynn is back in town, he hopes their interactions can be minimal. However, when a situation arises that she is uniquely qualified for, he realizes they are going to be spending far more time together than either one of them had planned. What’s more, he realizes he enjoys her company. As old hurts turn into friendship, and maybe even love, can Heath prove to them both that he’s a man worthy of redemption?
My Review
WORTHY OF REDEMPTION is a story about a woman who is coming back home ten years after her best friend's death and the man she blames for that death. There's a bit of small-town charm, two wonderful families, a group of friends, and a slowly-building romance. However, it's mostly a story about faith, accepting Christ and forgiveness.
I really liked the excerpt I read for this book a while back and the premise, since I enjoy enemies-to-more stories. These two characters definitely start out as enemies. They never got along in high school when they felt pinned against each other in sharing Ashlynn's best friend's time who was also Heath's girlfriend. Then the best friend dies with plenty of blame between these two. Ten years later, Ashlynn comes back home and finds that some things have changed, including Heath.
I really wanted to like this story. I can say that I really liked Heath's and Ashlynn's families and friends. I also really liked Heath. Ashlynn was great sometimes and not at all at others. I always struggle liking stories when I don't like the main characters, so that was an issue for me. The small-town charm was minor and I thought that could have been developed more so I would have felt more immersed in this setting. I also had issues with random or weird parts of the story, such as phrases or ways the characters reacted that felt odd. I also didn't like the back and forth with Ashlynn. She doesn't like Heath, then she's okay with him, then she forgives him, but never mind she really doesn't. I could see that the author was trying to have her characters work through some things, but it didn't feel genuine or realistic. It honestly felt a bit jerky in how it was all put together. I think it needed a good critique group and editing to develop and refine the story to a point where I would have enjoyed it. I think there is potential here. I can see other stories that could be told, which I'm assuming will happen as this is the first book in the series.
Also a note to those who like their stories on the lighter religious side... there was a lot of religious context. Lots of prayers and talking about coming to Jesus before death as Ashlynn's dad was ill and wasn't a Christian. I think if you like stories heavy on the faith aspect and you agree with things then you'll be okay with all this. It definitely isn't for those who like a lighter touch or the faith element weaved through the story.
In the end, was it what I wished for? This one wasn't for me, but other Christian romance readers may enjoy it.
Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy from JustRead Tours, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.
About the Author
Krystina Renae Rankin is an author who writes about love, friendship, and what it looks like to walk with God daily. She is also passionate about Christian friendship, spiritual family, and the special needs community. She is an optician by trade and honestly couldn’t tell you how many pairs of glasses she owns. When she is not writing or working her day job, you can probably find her reading, watching baseball, or hanging out with family and friends.
Tour Schedule
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