REVIEW: A Search for Redemption by Jo Ann Brown

A Search for Redemption by Jo Ann Brown: Joel Beachy was part of the Amish community but he jumped the fence 10 years ago. After a series of mistakes that ended him being six years in prison, Joel is back to Bliss Valley to start a new life. He wasn’t welcomed with open arms by his family and the people in town. Well, not everybody. When a dangerous storm hits town, he gets temporary refuge in Amish Quilts Emporium, where he meets Grace Coffman, its sales clerk. Unlike everybody else, she’s kind with him, even when she knows who he is and his past life. His family’s version of Joel’s past, in fact, and that’s not a good one. But as he helps her the day of the storm and after, a strong friendship starts between them, leading to a deeper connection. Then, some secrets came to light, challenging them, especially Joel’s new chance of redemption. Could these two would overcome the obstacles and find happiness?

Grace was supposed to be married by now. But her fiancée died in an accident and left her alone, taking care of her parents—both with very poor health—since her siblings already married and moved from Pennsylvania. She works in a store but her paycheck isn’t enough to cover all her responsibilities for her and her parents. As plain woman, she shouldn’t have any confrontation with her boss. Also, she has the sad news: her brother and sister-in-law died, leaving two nephews that will be livibg with her and her parents, so she has a lot on her shoulders.

The whole town thinks Joel is a bad boy. Even his parole is waiting for him to make another mistake to put him in jail again. But he’s not that bad actually. His childhood with a violent father makes him run away from his home and his Amish traditions. Why coming back to Bliss Valley? Because he doesn’t have nowhere to go. Of course, you could see him as some kind of a prodigal son, seeking for another chance in life after all his bad decisions and its consequences, without the loving father welcoming him with open arms. His complicated relationship with his family—especially his father—makes things challenging. He will face everything he left behind as a teen to finally have peace and redemption. More than redemption (sorry if I use this word too much, but its necessary here), he seeks love. And love he will find.

 “Don’t quote me some Bible verse about the importance of being kind to a stranger.”
“You mean like the second verse of Hebrews 13. ‘Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby—’”
He interrupted her again. “‘—some have entertained angels unawares.’Trust me, Grace. I’m no angel.”
“None of us are.”

As an Amish story part of Harlequin Love Inspired, this is a clean, slow-burn romance that shows us the power of forgiveness and second chances. And Grace and Joel are really made for each other. Their emotions are credible and intense in such a sensitive way.

Since this book is part of the Secrets of Bliss Valley series (note to self: buy book 1 and 2, yesterday!!), there are a lot of secondary characters from previous books (or that was my impression) that helps developing the plot, among new ones. The dynamics in Grace’s family were great and touching, with Grace’s nephews unexpected arrival as a highlight. Joel’s, on the other hand, were more complicated but that was the way it should be, right? Also, I really disliked Grace’s boss Tiffany, while ADORING liberal Mennonite Pepper and her no-filter tongue. And Joel’s reconnected with his two best fiends from his teenage days was organic.

When I saw this book, I was in a mood to push my boundaries. Although I’ve been familiar with Love Inspired books, I never read an Amish story before. And this book—from an author who as new for me as the topic—excelled my expectations. Even with a beginning that I couldn’t get attached, as we explore Joel’s evolution and Grace’s blossoming through the story I got more involved with its plot. As from the Amish perspective, Ms. Brown did a great job with this book by showing this lifestyle and I enjoyed each second of Grace and Joel’s story. A story full of emotion and a lot of lessons that can be wrapped in one simple word: LOVE. Because God is LOVE.

Book Info:

Publication: August 23, 2022 | Harlequin Love Inspired | Secrets of Bliss Valley #3

“Brown is a gifted writer who makes unforgettable characters that invite the reader to join them on their journey.” —Publishers Weekly bestselling author Marie E. Bast

Bestselling author Jo Ann Brown returns to the Amish community of Bliss Valley, where finding a new beginning means facing the past…

After losing both her fiancé and the happy life she anticipated, Amish maedel Grace Coffman is still stitching the pieces of her life back together. But between working in a quilting shop with an unscrupulous Englisch boss and caring for her ill parents, her threads keep unraveling. At first, the arrival of a kind, attractive stranger feels like a coincidence. But the more Grace learns about Joel Beachy and his story, the more their meeting seems like providence…

Joel’s return to Bliss Valley—and the Plain people—is his last chance to redeem a life filled with missteps. Yet in Grace, Joel finds something he never imagined: trust, courage and even the possibility of hope. When Grace suddenly finds herself the guardian of her nephews, Joel sees an opportunity to keep two wayward boys from repeating his mistakes. But Joel’s dark past isn’t quite finished with him. And now he must pray that his new life is strong enough to withstand the pending storm of trouble…and secrets.

SECRETS OF BLISS VALLEY

Secrets of Bliss Valley

Book 1: A Wish for Home
Book 2: A Promise of Forgiveness
Book 3: A Search for Redemption
Book 4: A Hope for Healing