Redemption

Redemption

Jacqueline Thomas

**** ( 4/5)

Redemption introduces us to two unforgettable characters- Pastor Warner Brice and hot Hollywood actress Marin Alexander and what happens when these two from different world, find love and get married- uniting not only themselves but their two worlds together.

Soon after their idealistic courtship and marriage Marin discovers that something is missing and goes in search. She tries returning to her old career, but soon finds herself fulfilling her life with a dangerous passion that threatens everything she has and has worked hard to build.

Unable to beat this “passion” she soon fall victim to it. Her husband, children and parents struggle with watching her downfall. The person it hits the hardest is God- fearing Warner Brice who doesn’t question “Why?” but keeps in mind the promise that God made him and that he vowed before God. When everyone else looses hope in Marin, Warner doesn’t and stand up to the test- no matter how difficult it becomes, Warner will not fail.

Like the title, the overall theme in the book is redemption and the costs of forgiveness. Ms. Thomas weaves between the two world- Hollywood and the church which such ease and I loved how she though to bring them together in this book. Many times, we look down on Hollywood, but as Warner mentions in the book- it’s a battlefield that must be one as well. Jesus never committed something as a lost cause and turned his back.

Another by Ms. Thomas is that this book is not too preachy, when can often happen in the genre. She weaves the lessons between the bible and experience and it flows throughout the book.

Although I found a little of the book to unrealistic, Ms. Thomas portrayed the drug world with frightening reality, experienced only by someone who has watched a loved one fall down that trap ( or even been there themselves).

Redemption is an enjoyable read and would make a great book club read to discuss many of the issues it brings up (drugs, Hollywood, marriage, making marriage works, relationships (especially mother and daughter, forgiveness and most importantly REDEMPTION