Emily Conrad

In the second book of the Rhythms of Redemption Romances series, the men of the rock bank Awestruck continue to face wounds of the past. John Kennedy, the drummer for the band, finds himself captivated by spunky mechanic Erin Hirsh. But hurts from his past, and her dad’s decline into dementia make it difficult for the two to come together.

I love how the author weaved this story together. Including the other members of their families and members of the rock band and their families, along with people from the community kept my interest. I believe I have not read the first book in this series, but that did not diminish my enjoyment of this story. I definitely want to read more books in this series. I also suggest reading the books in order. So check out this book for yourself.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.… (mer)

This is one of those stories that is a perfect example of opposites attract. I love how the author shows two characters from different lifestyles try to form a relationship. Erin is my favorite character because she is strong, independent and loves her family. As a woman who works on cars for a living she has this stigma placed on her. She was always helping her dad work on cars so it seemed natural that she would do it as a profession. Not everyone accepts her but she knows her dad supports her. As she faces him becoming less of himself due to dementia the memories are more precious to her now. Adding to her worry is the realization that her parents may lose the home they have lived in for so long. How can she find a way to save their home and keep her dad in the place he feels most connected to?

John has one of those professions that others envy. Being in a famous band as a drummer has skyrocketed his fame and he finds it hard to not be noticed in public. I did chuckle when he brought his car in for service at the shop Erin works out. She has no idea who he is and that may have shocked his ego a bit. One thing the author illustrates with John is the turmoil going on with John and his sister. His faith for some reason doesn’t sit well with his sister and their relationship holds on by a thread. I sympathized with John as he is removed as a groomsman in his sister’s wedding. The bitterness she has towards him makes me wonder what she holds against him.

The story is very emotional as Erin and John try to fit in. They each have doubts that they are accepted by others and this causes a problem between the two of them. I see pride peeking through their relationship as well as trust issues and communication. If only they could see that God loves them and is accepted by Him. How many of us have this need to feel accepted? Do we have problems expressing how we feel? Do we feel unwanted and not worthy? The word rejection plays a big part in Erin and John’s life. They both are afraid of rejection so they find reasons why relationships go wrong. They don’t want to open their heart because fear keeps them in chains.

I loved how the author gives readers an inside look at the struggles people face with insecurity and trust. We get so caught up in what other people think about us, we forget that God loves us unconditionally.

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

Examining some tough topics including suicide and drug use, the author creates a powerful story of redemption and transformation. Adeline creates a safe life for herself away from her past. Gannon, a rock star with the band Awestruck recognizes his love for Adeline and attempts to convince her he has changed.

This story illustrates the power of redemption. So check this book out for yourself.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.… (mer)

The book tackles some sensitive issues like suicide, depression, drugs and domestic abuse which may be a trigger for some. The author does look at these issues with an honesty at how these topics can affect someone. We get some background on the characters and how their lives interacted with each other. Fitz is a focal point between Adeline and Gannon. There may have been signs of Fitz’s depression when they were in high school together, but it was overlooked because fame was knocking at their door. Adeline didn’t follow the group and stopped playing all together. It has been years since the tragedy happened yet she still blames herself. I found it interesting that she volunteered for everything maybe to not feel guilty about what happened or maybe she thought if she did all this volunteer work people would think she was a good person. Her shame has caused her not to face the truth and carries her burden deep so no one will ever know.

Gannon showing up after all these years unsettles Adeline. Over the years the band that Gannon is in has become famous. I liked the look at what a band goes through as they start to get popular. It reminded me of bands today who break into the Christian genre. They have to find the right songs that reflect their beliefs and a label that will stand with them. Gannon is very determined to get Adeline to deal with her past and learn to forgive herself. I will say he never gave up and that is just what she needs.

The book examines two people who share a past and how they each coped with what happened. The honest look at struggles that we face when we don’t feel deserving of grace is well represented by Adeline and her constant battle with forgiveness. In a way she seemed upset that Gannon has moved on and hasn’t paid for his sin. I wonder if we do that to people ? We get upset when someone is forgiven when we don’t think they deserve it. The bottom line is we are not to question God’s ways.

With characters that struggle with the past this book is a great lesson in redemption. I loved how much Gannon wanted to help Adeline and his genuine compassion for her to regain her faith is unquestionable. The author slowly restores their friendship to a point where they can be real with other. Putting aside the tabloids and flurry of paparazzi, they can finally open up and heal wounds that have prevented both of them to be free.

Get ready for a journey where two people seek redemption and forgiveness. The road is not easy as one tries to play hero over and over again. Gannon thinks his worth is always being there when someone is in trouble. He can’t let them down for fear of failure. Adeline can’t find her way to where God is waiting to comfort her. Her journey will take her to a place where healing is and freedom is felt. It’s an emotional story that opens the door to grace and a real relationship with the One who loves unconditionally.

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