About the Book

Book: Rose’s Redemption

Author: Donna L. H. Smith

Genre: Christian Western

Release Date: November, 2018

A Former Dance Hall Girl. A Handsome Young Doctor. Can Rose overcome her past? That’s Rose’s Redemption

Rose Rhodes changed not only her name after the tornado; she changed her outward appearance. No more was she Rosalie O’Roarke, former dance hall girl. She loves her new work as a nurse-in-training to handsome Doctor Scott Allison. As Scott and Rose’s relationship begins to change from professional to personal, they must deal with figures from Rose’s past who make life anything but easy. Rose is concerned that the town will discover her dance hall girl past, especially when Jake Thomas, the man who viciously beat her, asks all over town where Rosalie O’Roarke went. But both Rose and Scott are in for surprise encounters with Christ that will change their lives forever and help them see His plan for them. In fact, they will see God at work all over New Boston.

Rose’s Redemption won second place in the 2017 Golden Leaf Award at the Advance Novelist Retreat and was a finalist in the American Christian Fiction Writers’ Phoenix Rattler Contest.

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About the Author

Donna L.H. Smith is a Kansas prairie girl transplanted to Lancaster County, PA. She is a graduate of Christian Writer’s Guild Craftsman program and holds two college degrees, both B.S. and M.A. in Mass Communication. She’s been married to a wonderful man named Kirby for thirty years. Her debut novel, Meghan’s Choice, made the finals of both the Selah and Will Rogers Medallion Awards. Rose’s Redemption, the sequel, also made the Selah Award finals in 2019. She blogs, speaks at workshops and holds inner healing retreats. Although she is at an age where many begin slowing down, she wouldn’t think of it. She served as Managing Editor of www.almostanauthor.com, an award-winning website for writers. She continues to serve as ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) Mid-Atlantic Zone Director. She is also a member of AWSA’s Protégé program (Advanced Writers & Speaker’s Association).

More from Donna

Rose’s Redemption is the second book in the Known by Heart series. There were interesting challenges to this book.

First, how to change a rascal of an antagonist from Meghan’s Choice, to the romantic hero of Rose’s Redemption.

Second, I serve a supernatural God, so I wanted to include a little something different. It’s not spec-fic, but I hope people will enjoy Rafe. Answer the question for yourself whether or not he is an angel.

Third, I included in Rose’s history a bombshell from her mother. That was personal to me, only I didn’t discover it until two years ago.

The point of Rose’s Redemption is that our faith or our change cannot just be external, as Rose tried to do by changing her name, her appearance, and her profession—but an internal change of heart, too.

God is in the business of change

I have been anxiously awaiting the next book in this series and am excited to tell you how much I loved it. The author takes a character that is tarnished, lets us witness her transformation and along the way give us a lesson in forgiveness and acceptance. I can't say enough good things about Rose. She had a background that was shall we say not ladylike and is determined to change her life. It is very difficult for her to accept the friendship of Meghan and I loved how Meghan looked past Rose's sins and showed her friendship. There is a lot to learn from this story of redemption. I can think of a few times I thought I would never be forgiven for things I had done.

There are a few graphic scenes where I wanted to cry as Rose was being beaten. I think in a way she felt like she deserved it because she was tainted as a woman. Jake is a nasty character and has no respect for women. His character is well written and gives us a look at what rage, jealousy and pride can do to a person. I admire the author for not sugar coating the story but be able to do it in a clean respectful manner.

Scott is a changed man from the first book and I loved his experiences he had with Rafe. They are very emotional and worth reading to find out what happens when Scott is faced with trying to forgive himself for his past.

There are eventful things happening in the book that deals with the railroad, an almost tragedy with Rose and faith that is felt throughout the book. I don't want to give the story away because it is one that needs to be experienced on your own. The author is gifted in showing characters that take a journey through forgiveness that was eye opening for me. Rose is the highlight of the story and she reminded me of the story in the bible about the woman that was accused of something. Jesus spoke up and said, "Ye without sin cast the first stone." It such a powerful statement and is very relevant to this story.

The author does leave a cliffhanger which entices me to anxiously anticipate the next book in the series.I highly recommend this series to everyone looking for a story strong in faith and shares how forgiveness is a choice and what happens when you open your heart to God.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.