Reviewed by phyllish on
An Unexpected Redemption is masterfully written! Not only is the story full of rich, interesting characters and an engaging plot, the author has a way with words. She knows just how many metaphors and similes to use before they are too much and her descriptions are insightful and lovely but not overused.
My favorite thing about the crafting of this book is the way the chapters end and begin. The start of each chapter contains a word or a phrase from the last sentence of the previous chapter. It is subtle – I didn’t notice it until somewhere around the seventh chapter. Then I started looking for it and found that no matter the topic, when I found the match, I would giggle. I occasionally found myself going back and forth between chapters to find the word, and I think those obscure links were more fun than the ones that were overt.
Betsy was ashamed about how she left town and the events that followed She allowed some misconceptions to go uncorrected and told some lies to cover her embarrassment. As is usually the case, there were consequences for that. Garrett had scars from his past that he tried to hide. Both discovered that the truth really does set you free.
The message of God’s forgiveness was strong and clear. I loved the way the lyrics of the hymn A Mighty Fortress is our God were sprinkled throughout the book. This hymn was the favorite of Betsy’s mom and the lyrics were used to speak the truth about God’s love to her.
We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us
This second book of the series stands by itself. There was a little hint about the events from the first book, but unlike some series that are like this, I had to look up the first book to see if my guess was right about who the main character was.
This review was originally posted on Among the Reads
I would like to thank Davalynn Spencer for giving me this item. This gift did not influence my opinion or review.
Reading updates
- Started reading
- Finished reading
- 16 April, 2018: Reviewed