Redemption of the Heart

Worth the read
The plot generates thought “what would you do in a similar situation”. It highlights the complexities of life. The characters were well developed with strengths and weaknesses. Each character feels three dimensional filled with hopes and dreams as well as regrets. In essence this story is a testament to the strength of love. So glad they got their happily ever after.

A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review.

I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The cover of the book was what drew me to it initially. I am a fan of BWWM stories and the description of the storyline was intriguing. While the story as a whole was predictable and everything was wrapped up in a nice neat package, the main point I wondered about what how the impending conflict was going to be handled. How was Alex going to react when he found out that Gemma had killed his wife? It left me wondering what I would do if I was in this situation. Would I be able to fight the hurt and anger and be able to forgive?

There were segments of the book that were a touch long and the pace could have been picked up to keep the story flowing. That said, overall, I enjoyed the book. I would love to hear an audiobook version of the story where the story could come to life more.

This is the author's first novel and what an impression as a debut novel. Gemma has been handed a rough life from since birth. Many foster homes and abuse later she ends up marrying a man who continued her abuse by beating her and raping her. One night she decided to leave him after he beat her and rape her for the last time. While driving intoxicated she hits another car and the woman is pronounced dead. She is charged with manslaughter and is sent to prison for only three years after the doctor pleads her case to court about her abuse. The novel flashes three years later as she comes out of jail and goes to leave in a halfway house. She is immediately referred by the probation officer to a waitress job. Unbeknownst to her and the owner(Alex) she was responsible for her his wife's death. It is immediately noted that Gemma and Alex are attracted to each other. Alex hasn't been involved with any woman since his wife died and Gemma has made a vow to stay away from men. I love how the author shows the slow process of them getting enamored with each other and both especially Gemma feeling fearful of starting a relationship. Of course its eventually revealed to them both who she killed and they part ways(only for a moment). The author realistic process of the break up of the couple and the time spent apart is very believable as each individual comes to term with what happened. This novel although romance is very current in that life throws us some hard blows at times but with some love and persevering you can overcome. Review on goodreads and amazon.

Redemption of the Heart is an emotional journey. Author Moni Boyce does an amazing job of telling the tale of heartbreak, forgiveness, and love. I highly recommend this book.

Starting with page one, the author pulls you into the story. Gemma, the heroine, is drunk and causes an accident in which the other driver is killed. I immediately started to question how I was supposed to be rooting for Gemma to find love. How was the author going to change my views of this character? Let me tell you, Boyce does it so wonderfully, that I began to internally scold myself for being so judgemental. Gemma’s life leading up to the night of the accident is full of hardship. Upon her release, she meets Alex. Alex is the owner of the restaurant where Gemma will be working. This begins the start of Gemma’s next chapter in her life.

Alex is a wounded man. He is dealing with the loss of his wife and is not open to being vulnerable in a relationship. Alex has poured all of his effort and energy into making his restaurant a success. Until he meets Gemma. Gemma awakens something in Alex. He tries to avoid her but is continually drawn back to Gemma. Once he realizes that the attraction won’t go away, Alex begins to show Gemma love and help her find her confidence.

After Alex’s father shares information with Alex, regarding Gemma, things hit a sour note between the two. Both Gemma and Alex must reconcile their pasts before they can progress with their future. The emotions that each must experience before finding their happily ever after results in a beautiful tale for the reader.

Gemma Payton has a good opportunity start again. She was fortunate to survive an abusive relationship, but ended up in a situation that resulted in her going to prison. Alex Chambers offers her a job in his restaurant. He cares not one whit about her past, but is is concerned that he is so drawn to her. After his wife died a few years ago, he was just not interested in any relationship. Why things have changed now, he has no idea.

The hardest battle they have ahead of them is that there is an incident from their past, something absolutely horrible, that they share and will no doubt test the bounds of their newfound love of another. Gemma and Alex unknowingly enter a difficult relationship to begin with. Now, when facts are revealed, it is very hard to imagine them finding a happy future together.

Despite it all, Alex's sister Rachel plays the long-suffering matchmaker. She is bound and determined that Alex and Gemma are just perfect for one another. One person not so happy about them is Alex's father Thomas. There is just something bothering Thomas and just cannot let it go.

What a wonderful story of accepting someone despite impossible circumstances. This was a great debut novel by Moni Boyce and I look forward to reading more from her in the future.

Many thanks to BooksGoSocial and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.

I loved this book. It made me laugh and cry. I would highly recommend this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a review.

What a tortured story, its hard not to feel empathy for Gemma, and the situation and consequences. Making a choice born of sheer desperation and panic that has more far reaching implications than she could ever have imagined.
Then theres Alex with his own issues and deep rooted pain thats balanced a bit in fantasy.
With its familial ties and romance the story is a great romance read depicting the pain of abuse and its repercusions, the story flowed nicely with a few litle reality unadequacies that are hardly worth mentioning.
I didn't quite understand Shelby in tge story at one time feeling like an overanxious mother, then at times a disapproving professional.

True to the title of the book, this is a story of redemption of two hearts. Gemme and Alex both victims of circumstances of life try to find their footing. True Love redeems everything is the message. A good read. The author was able to capture the heart break and sorrow of both Alex and Gemme.