Kara G. reviewed on 4/10/2013 + 82 more book reviews

I soooo enjoyed how the book starts out with the OConnor family together again with Collin and Faith properly engaged and life is looking good for this beloved family. However, Redeemed is Charitys story and she was a challenging character for me to like.

Most of the story is in Ireland where Charity has made a life for herself with her grandmother and great grandmother. She has plans to own a shop and somehow get Mitch to propose to her. Charity GENUINELY loves Mitch, but the ways she goes about trying to capture his heart in return were both foolish and unthinkable for me to read about. *shaking my head* Theres one scene where Charity goes to meet the family of her suitor and the whole atmosphere was creepy! This family used their dysfunctionality as every day common manners and despite Charitys worldly ways, even she was utterly uncomfortable about how she would fit into such a family.

Issues that are dealt with in this story are: physical abuse, sexual abuse, rape, infidelity, deception and forgiveness (both for others and for self). Nothing is detailed within the book, but discussed in conversations, implied, or prayed about. Lessman does a stand up job developing characters that are impacted by each of these issues. Despite this book NOT being a light read, it successfully tackles what many Christians face within their own families or in their loved ones and how they can be overcome with Gods love and devotion.

The real enjoyment of this story is seeing how Charity FINALLY submits to God, allows her family to FINALLY love her as she heals, and once and for all learning to forgive HERSELF and the breakthrough that follows these revelations. I had trouble throughout the story liking this girl, but my heart broke for her more than once as she trusts the wrong man to help her, she believes lies from the enemy that tell her shes worthless without her seductive ways and looks, she doesnt realize how LOVED she is from her family and God until almost the end of the book, and she constantly looks to men to ease her loneliness. I was deeply touched by the OConnors love and support of Charity and it was wonderful to see her blossom and grow up even though she does so the hard way.

I couldnt stand how she constantly deceives Mitch and her family to get her own way, but Charity is such a good example of what not to do. And for anyone who can relate to Charity directly or indirectly, her journey is a wonderful lesson of hope. This story deeply illustrates how God works relentlessly to win over those who struggle with lonely and insecure hearts going to the wrong people/places to fill that empty void. Even though Redeemed is not my favorite book in this series, it is a necessary and profound lesson of how love in Christ conquers all. Im also grateful for the men in this story who have self-control and seek God in their weak moments. One of my favorite parts of the story is when Charity is healing and she seeks out her parents one night as she has trouble falling asleep.

This is their response to her: Charity smiled. How in the world had she been blessed with such parents? Yes. Good. Then well do that. But first, I want you to know something. Never in one breath of your life have we ever been ashamed of you, Charity OConnor. Befuddled, perhaps, sometimes angry, and occasionally frustrated, but neverI repeat neverhave you brought shame to your fathers heart or mine. You have been a joy to our souls, and I dont think that deep down you ever really knew that. Know it now, daughter, and know it well. God isnt the only one who loves you with a depth beyond your apprehension. Charity clutched her mother in a joyous sob. She felt Marcys gentle stroking while her fathers strong hand kneaded her back. That part of the story was healing for my soul.

Im looking forward to reading the last book in this series and Im so grateful to see how the OConnors have endured.

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