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A Scarlet Cord
In the four years since her husband’s death, Melanie LaSalle’s life has been consumed with managing the family design firm and caring for her five-year-old daughter, Jerica. The possibility of a new relationship is the last thing on her mind. But when Melanie meets Joel Ellington, a new staff member at her church, she is instantly attracted to his warm spirit.
As their friendship deepens, however, Melanie is troubled by something she can’t quite understand or explain. Joel seems to be hiding something–in fact, most areas of his past are off-limits, even to her. Because of her growing feelings for him, Melanie pushes her doubts away. But when unsettling facts come to light–and when Joel disappears, along with the contents of a church bank account–she can no longer ignore her fears.
Now, torn between her feelings for Joel and evidence mounting against him, Melanie faces a heart-wrenching decision: to forget the man who gave her reason to love again or to trust Joel enough to give him her heart.
Exploring the themes of the importance of truth, loyalty, and trust, A Scarlet Cord illustrates that who we are in Christ depends little on outward appearances and much on our relationship with him, and that through faith, we can find places of comfort, healing, and selfless love.
As their friendship deepens, however, Melanie is troubled by something she can’t quite understand or explain. Joel seems to be hiding something–in fact, most areas of his past are off-limits, even to her. Because of her growing feelings for him, Melanie pushes her doubts away. But when unsettling facts come to light–and when Joel disappears, along with the contents of a church bank account–she can no longer ignore her fears.
Now, torn between her feelings for Joel and evidence mounting against him, Melanie faces a heart-wrenching decision: to forget the man who gave her reason to love again or to trust Joel enough to give him her heart.
Exploring the themes of the importance of truth, loyalty, and trust, A Scarlet Cord illustrates that who we are in Christ depends little on outward appearances and much on our relationship with him, and that through faith, we can find places of comfort, healing, and selfless love.
320 pages, Paperback
Published June 17, 2003
653 people are currently reading
525 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Raney
77 books699 followersDEBORAH RANEY's first novel, A Vow to Cherish, inspired the World Wide Pictures film of the same title and launched Deb’s writing career. Twenty-five years, forty-plus books, and numerous awards later, she's still creating stories that touch hearts and lives. Her novels have won RWA's RITA Award, the ACFW Carol Award, the National Readers Choice Award, and the HOLT Medallion. She is also a three-time Christy Award finalist. Deb is a recent Missouri transplant, having moved with her husband, Ken Raney, from their native Kansas to be closer to kids and grandkids. They love road trips, Friday garage sale dates, and breakfast on the screened porch overlooking their wooded backyard. Visit Deb on the Web at www.deborahraney.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
April 22, 2018
Melanie is still grieving over her husband’s death. She’s left his clothes in his closet, never removing the items since his death. She finds comfort in seeing and smelling her deceased spouse’s clothing. She still thinks about him, too. However, things change when Joel Ellington moves to her town. A new church member/church employee, she finds that she’s attracted to him. But, Joel seems to have un-explainable secrets. Melanie also wonders about his strange reactions to certain events.
Joel moves to Melanie’s town to make a fresh start. Romance just can’t fit into his life right now. His life is plagued with pain and secrets, but his budding feelings for Melanie are so strong. Might it be possible for him to have a normal romantic relationship with Melanie in spite of being haunted by the past?
I enjoyed this book. It shows how hard it is to love somebody in spite of being haunted by tragic circumstances. Joel’s love for Melanie was strong, so strong that he hesitates about his decision about having a relationship with her. Melanie has deep feelings for Joel, too. But when things shift, Melanie is plagued with solving a mystery. She’s stubborn as she seeks answers to plaguing questions.
http://ceceliadowdy.com/blog/2018/04/...
March 20, 2018
Deborah Rainey’s books are always nice easy reads... another good story.
June 3, 2025
Widow Melanie falls in love with a new man in town. So does her small daughter. But he has a secret past, one he's not allowed to divulge, then is accused of a crime. He flees to save Melanie more grief, things become more tangled. An amazing story of God's faithfulness even when he seems far away.
July 17, 2017
Great story !!
Hard to wait until the end , even though I knew it would be a happy one ! Thank you for all your books .
Hard to wait until the end , even though I knew it would be a happy one ! Thank you for all your books .
June 30, 2017
Another great read by Deborah Raney. Every book I read by her, I know that it will be a great one! I am never disappointed.
June 26, 2024
A Scarlet Cord by Deborah Rainey is a contemporary Christian fiction with a bit of romance and mystery. Four years ago, Melanie LaSalle lost her husband and was left with a newborn daughter and a bleak future. With the help of her loving in-laws, she is now managing the family design firm and caring for her daughter, Jerica. Romance and falling in love again were the last things on her mind until he walked into her life. Joel Ellington is a new staff member at her church and draws Melanie with his warm and friendly demeanor. However, there is something troubling about Joel. Despite her doubts, the two become closer. Then Joel suddenly disappears, along with the church’s funds and she cannot ignore her doubts any longer. Torn between her feelings and the mounting evidence against Joel, Melanie must decide to forget Joel or find a reason to trust him with her heart.
Deborah Rainey is known for heartfelt stories with romance, inspiration and a bit of suspense. A Scarlet Cord starts off strong, then quickly loses its way and rushes to the end. The story is very slow moving with unbelievable plot points and overall, I was bored. I found myself not caring for Melanie and her dilemma. I did feel for her grief and her reluctance to love again. I loved that her in-laws were supportive and caring for Melanie and Jerica. Joel was likable with a hidden past that he was reluctant to share. The end reveals why and I rolled my eyes. Sadly, it was a let down. There was a plot line that involved Jerica that only added to the unbelievable turn of events. Overall, I did not enjoy A Scarlet Cord. However, if you are a fan of Deborah Rainey or contemporary Christian fiction, you may enjoy A Scarlet Cord.
A Scarlet Cord is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook
Deborah Rainey is known for heartfelt stories with romance, inspiration and a bit of suspense. A Scarlet Cord starts off strong, then quickly loses its way and rushes to the end. The story is very slow moving with unbelievable plot points and overall, I was bored. I found myself not caring for Melanie and her dilemma. I did feel for her grief and her reluctance to love again. I loved that her in-laws were supportive and caring for Melanie and Jerica. Joel was likable with a hidden past that he was reluctant to share. The end reveals why and I rolled my eyes. Sadly, it was a let down. There was a plot line that involved Jerica that only added to the unbelievable turn of events. Overall, I did not enjoy A Scarlet Cord. However, if you are a fan of Deborah Rainey or contemporary Christian fiction, you may enjoy A Scarlet Cord.
A Scarlet Cord is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook
June 26, 2019
Christian romance with a good bit of mystery and suspense. Five stars.
When you have loved deeply and that love is dead, it's very hard to let yourself ever love again. Busyness is the answer. Run so fast at your work that there's no time to reminisce. Leave only enough time to nurture your little girl. Let no other man into your life.
That works until God steps into the picture and causes you to run into a handsome mean with a mysterious past. It's obvious he loves God. He even seems to love her daughter. And her. Asks her to marry him. And then disappears, leaving her with a scarlet cord and a mysterious note..
Available from Amazon and Barnes and Noble, also from a lot of local bookstores. I think you'll love it.
When you have loved deeply and that love is dead, it's very hard to let yourself ever love again. Busyness is the answer. Run so fast at your work that there's no time to reminisce. Leave only enough time to nurture your little girl. Let no other man into your life.
That works until God steps into the picture and causes you to run into a handsome mean with a mysterious past. It's obvious he loves God. He even seems to love her daughter. And her. Asks her to marry him. And then disappears, leaving her with a scarlet cord and a mysterious note..
Available from Amazon and Barnes and Noble, also from a lot of local bookstores. I think you'll love it.
May 26, 2017
Another great story from Deborah Rainey excellent story
You are never disappointed in the author, Deborah Rainey. I have enjoyed several of her writing, and each one is better than the previous one.
A very good love story with a secret you would be surprised with the outcome. You will be pleasantly with this book and it was hard to put it down.
You are never disappointed in the author, Deborah Rainey. I have enjoyed several of her writing, and each one is better than the previous one.
A very good love story with a secret you would be surprised with the outcome. You will be pleasantly with this book and it was hard to put it down.
May 23, 2017
Intriguing
This was a fast paced book that I had to read in one day. What Joel had to give up to stay safe was so hard on him but in the end he found himself.
This was a fast paced book that I had to read in one day. What Joel had to give up to stay safe was so hard on him but in the end he found himself.
June 21, 2019
Griping Story of Grief on a Journey to Joy June 21, 2019
It appears that every character has a back story, most are connected to serious illness, death, loss, and loneliness, but they also cling to the hope and help they each find through their faith and in God’s Word. I was pulled into the lives of those who grieved, which included Melanie & her daughter Jerica and Jerry & Erika LaSalle. For them, life moved on, work pursued, but loss was still felt. No amount of success or money could replace that loss, the comfort the characters relied on came from the Lord.
When a new Pastor joins the staff at the LaSalle’s church and needs the help that the By Design team gives, specifically Melissa; you see Melissa, Jerica, and even the LaSalle’s change. What appears to be a simple love story, turns into much more with mystery, suspense, misunderstandings, and “flight” for the sake of love. You also see the effects of circumstances and choices on the broader family, like Melissa and also Joel’s brother.
Adding to the suspense is the slight hint we get from the Prologue, that Joel, as fantastic as he appears, is not as straightforward as a Christian professional would seem to be. Although we experience situational tension at various times with the main characters, we see that like life, that tension develops growth in each character. We see them grow in their relationship & trust of God’s plan for their lives and in God’s care. A Great book that can be used for discussions on a variety of topics.
It appears that every character has a back story, most are connected to serious illness, death, loss, and loneliness, but they also cling to the hope and help they each find through their faith and in God’s Word. I was pulled into the lives of those who grieved, which included Melanie & her daughter Jerica and Jerry & Erika LaSalle. For them, life moved on, work pursued, but loss was still felt. No amount of success or money could replace that loss, the comfort the characters relied on came from the Lord.
When a new Pastor joins the staff at the LaSalle’s church and needs the help that the By Design team gives, specifically Melissa; you see Melissa, Jerica, and even the LaSalle’s change. What appears to be a simple love story, turns into much more with mystery, suspense, misunderstandings, and “flight” for the sake of love. You also see the effects of circumstances and choices on the broader family, like Melissa and also Joel’s brother.
Adding to the suspense is the slight hint we get from the Prologue, that Joel, as fantastic as he appears, is not as straightforward as a Christian professional would seem to be. Although we experience situational tension at various times with the main characters, we see that like life, that tension develops growth in each character. We see them grow in their relationship & trust of God’s plan for their lives and in God’s care. A Great book that can be used for discussions on a variety of topics.
December 15, 2020
I loved this story. It had so much love and compassion mixed with the real fear of what it would be like to be in the WITSEC program. How Joel lost his true identity was a real eye opener. What would it be like to not be able to talk about your past because it has been erased so the bad people can't find you. But when true love strikes, it's hard to forget about the other person. Melanie and Joel's love for each other never waivered even though they were apart for a year. It was heart-wrenching to read about their loss when Joel left - especially for Jerica. But a great ending to the story. Joel is cleared from suspicion of taking the money from the church. Joel is the one to find Jerica when she runs away to look for him. Michael goes to Joel to find out his true story because he just wants to protect Melanie. But in the end, he is the one that sets up the meeting between Joel and Melanie so Melanie can hear from Joel the reasons he went away and how those reasons didn't matter anymore. The trial was over. The guy was sent to prison. Joel was free to live his life now - and Melanie just loved him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2025
he was going to propose to his girlfriend when shots rang out in the restaurant. a man was killed
witnesses to the mob hit
one man was found dead in the river
his girlfriend died in a house fire
he was put in witness protection
the trial resulted in mistrial
he changed his name and moved to small town far away
he was warned to tell no one
he got a job in a church and fell in love with a widow and her small daughter
they were going to get married
then they decided to try the mobster again
so he left them without ever telling them why
to protect them
he testified and was out of witness protection
he was wanted because the church thought he embezzled $15,000 but it was the secty , her mom needed cancer drugs, she got them but her mom died anyway
the little girl ran away to look for him
they tracked him down through his brother and he came to look for her
he found her
she was ok
he ended up telling the mom the whole story and they got back together
witnesses to the mob hit
one man was found dead in the river
his girlfriend died in a house fire
he was put in witness protection
the trial resulted in mistrial
he changed his name and moved to small town far away
he was warned to tell no one
he got a job in a church and fell in love with a widow and her small daughter
they were going to get married
then they decided to try the mobster again
so he left them without ever telling them why
to protect them
he testified and was out of witness protection
he was wanted because the church thought he embezzled $15,000 but it was the secty , her mom needed cancer drugs, she got them but her mom died anyway
the little girl ran away to look for him
they tracked him down through his brother and he came to look for her
he found her
she was ok
he ended up telling the mom the whole story and they got back together
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2018
As with the past Deborah Raney stories I've read, she has always kept me glued. She brings the characters to life & makes them all the type of people we can relate to one way or another.
This story about pain, trust, lost love, family & work all tossed together was wonderful. I loved the main character & her daughter..the new guy working at the Church..his secret life, etc... really enjoyed this book. Great referencing to God's love & mercy..His continued presence in our daily life & every decision we make..even good scripture reference.
The only reason I didn't issue 5 *****'s on this is the end...I won't ruin it and be a spoiler, but the last 2 pages were a huge disappointment. ALL I'LL say. I have another of her books to read in my Kindle Library of books..and I'll continue to read her stories. Truly..a great read for "A Scarlet Cord".
This story about pain, trust, lost love, family & work all tossed together was wonderful. I loved the main character & her daughter..the new guy working at the Church..his secret life, etc... really enjoyed this book. Great referencing to God's love & mercy..His continued presence in our daily life & every decision we make..even good scripture reference.
The only reason I didn't issue 5 *****'s on this is the end...I won't ruin it and be a spoiler, but the last 2 pages were a huge disappointment. ALL I'LL say. I have another of her books to read in my Kindle Library of books..and I'll continue to read her stories. Truly..a great read for "A Scarlet Cord".
February 13, 2025
Sadly, this one didn't work for me. Very little actually happened through most of the book. Secrecy in a relationship .
Then a manufactured crisis to make the book a little more interested in the last 15% of the book.
I couldn't connect, nor care, to be honest. Most of the time I enjoy this author, just not this book.
Then a manufactured crisis to make the book a little more interested in the last 15% of the book.
I couldn't connect, nor care, to be honest. Most of the time I enjoy this author, just not this book.
July 31, 2022
Another excellent Debra Raney book
Although I guessed almost immediately that Joel was in witness protection (I only say that because at least one person already put it in a review-there might be more, too) and I suppose others guessed it, too (I certainly don’t have time to read over 700 reviews!), this story with its twists and turns was really excellent. I like a good Christian story and Debra Raney has that in every one of hers that I have read so far. I only wish it had gone on a little more, including Jerica’s reaction and how the theft from the church was handled. But I guess it’s up to the reader to imagine those answers!
Although I guessed almost immediately that Joel was in witness protection (I only say that because at least one person already put it in a review-there might be more, too) and I suppose others guessed it, too (I certainly don’t have time to read over 700 reviews!), this story with its twists and turns was really excellent. I like a good Christian story and Debra Raney has that in every one of hers that I have read so far. I only wish it had gone on a little more, including Jerica’s reaction and how the theft from the church was handled. But I guess it’s up to the reader to imagine those answers!
February 16, 2024
Beautifully written story of love and losses. I wanted to yell, NO, NO, NO, this can't happen. A widow and her precious little girl have fallen in love with an handsome man who is involved with their home church, and who is single. Everything falls together so nicely, ....until it doesn't!
This is a fast moving story of love and loss and confusion on what could have gone wrong. Why would God let this happen to such good people, and why, oh why, the Scarlet Cord? What does it all mean?
I have read a lot of Deborah Raney's books and find them all enjoyable.
This is a fast moving story of love and loss and confusion on what could have gone wrong. Why would God let this happen to such good people, and why, oh why, the Scarlet Cord? What does it all mean?
I have read a lot of Deborah Raney's books and find them all enjoyable.
November 15, 2020
A Scarlet Cord
Everyone of Ms Rainey’s stories are excellent. The storyline has depth, each one gives examples of the true trials and tribulations the characters involved, and the consequences of our actions. This story of a successful lady, Melanie and her daughter, Jerrica. Her husband had died five years past with cancer. She met Joel Ellington through their church. This is a wonderful story and I encourage you to read it.
Everyone of Ms Rainey’s stories are excellent. The storyline has depth, each one gives examples of the true trials and tribulations the characters involved, and the consequences of our actions. This story of a successful lady, Melanie and her daughter, Jerrica. Her husband had died five years past with cancer. She met Joel Ellington through their church. This is a wonderful story and I encourage you to read it.
May 15, 2022
What an emotionally charged novel with complex characters and a unique plot. I loved the spiritual message in this story. Both the hero and heroine have pain of loss in their past. Joel has a tremendous amount of baggage to deal with and it puts him in a no win situation. I love how the author resolves his dilemma. I am so glad I found this one in the Audible Plus program. Happy reading and listening!
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March 18, 2025A life undone
Never would you expect one person to go through the heartache that Joe endured. Many would have buckled at the shir weight of them on their shoulders, but God gave Joe a special resilience. I doubt the hero would agree with my assessment! Somehow, he remains unnamed by the past and open to the new future God presents him with.
A story of courage on both hero and heroines parts and one that you'll never forget!
Never would you expect one person to go through the heartache that Joe endured. Many would have buckled at the shir weight of them on their shoulders, but God gave Joe a special resilience. I doubt the hero would agree with my assessment! Somehow, he remains unnamed by the past and open to the new future God presents him with.
A story of courage on both hero and heroines parts and one that you'll never forget!
May 21, 2017
Melanie LaSalle has had a lot of tragedy in her life. Tragedy she's ready to put behind her when she falls in love with Joel Ellington. Little does she know that Joel's past is going to be the source of another tragedy in her life--one she doesn't know if will be temporary or permanent.
Secrets cause division, even when you think you're keeping them for a good reason.
Secrets cause division, even when you think you're keeping them for a good reason.
January 1, 2018
Truth,honor, integrity, courage
I loved the characters- they came to life and even with their flaws, which we all have, they let God turn their lives around and accepted His grace as well as grace for each other. What was lost was found, literally, as a child listens and wants to do what she understood her mother to say. A great book, great plot and wonderful ending.
I loved the characters- they came to life and even with their flaws, which we all have, they let God turn their lives around and accepted His grace as well as grace for each other. What was lost was found, literally, as a child listens and wants to do what she understood her mother to say. A great book, great plot and wonderful ending.
January 8, 2018
Deborah Raney delivers again. A wonderful romance story with suspense thrown in to keep the reader turning the pages. Melanie has suffered loss already in her life, but when she opens her heart to love again, she suffers another loss. As she tries to discover what happened to Joel, she and her young daughter, Jerica, struggle to go on without him. An ending that won't disappoint you.
January 10, 2018
Mystery, heartache and romance.
Romance is nice, but oh so much better when there are also large doses of mystery and life changing challenges. A story with more food for thought than just a serving of sugary dessert. God grows us through our trials as we walk through them with Him.
Romance is nice, but oh so much better when there are also large doses of mystery and life changing challenges. A story with more food for thought than just a serving of sugary dessert. God grows us through our trials as we walk through them with Him.
January 20, 2018
I really enjoyed this Christian fiction novel. I enjoyed the dilemma of lying to protect someone else and the conflict this causes to a Christian. Well written and although I'm not much for romance novels, I did feel that this one was well written and not soppy (except maybe at the very end?). Anyway, if you like Jodie Pichet, you would very probably enjoy this.
January 19, 2019
So many questions
Deborah Ramey has done it again. I love her skill in writing. This is more of a mystery story than a love story. It’s so interesting how Mrs. Raney uses Biblical principles and scripture in her stories. It’s been very thought provoking and encouraging. I look forward to her next book.
Deborah Ramey has done it again. I love her skill in writing. This is more of a mystery story than a love story. It’s so interesting how Mrs. Raney uses Biblical principles and scripture in her stories. It’s been very thought provoking and encouraging. I look forward to her next book.
May 2, 2019
I haven't read one of Deborah Raney's books that I haven't enjoyed. She tackles tough topics (in this book, dealing with the death of loved ones and the life-long after-affects of witnessing violence) so carefully, showing so much emotion and truth through the eyes of her characters. I highly recommend this book and her others, as well.
May 3, 2019
A wonderful Christian romance,
This was a fantastic Christian novel. It involves,love,deciet, and the Power of God's love in a couple. Love is never a rose bed. Thorns will always grow, but with God in your life and relationship,things will work out. This book is a great example. Loved the book and the characters. Well written.
This was a fantastic Christian novel. It involves,love,deciet, and the Power of God's love in a couple. Love is never a rose bed. Thorns will always grow, but with God in your life and relationship,things will work out. This book is a great example. Loved the book and the characters. Well written.
May 17, 2019
Enjoyable and Warm Christian Story of love and Faith
This was a warm and well written Christian romance that reiterates letting God direct your steps. It also reminds that honesty, while sometimes hard, is still the easiest and less painful way to go. I enjoyed it very much and it was very easy reading.
This was a warm and well written Christian romance that reiterates letting God direct your steps. It also reminds that honesty, while sometimes hard, is still the easiest and less painful way to go. I enjoyed it very much and it was very easy reading.
May 22, 2019
Great book
One minute I am laughing and the next crying with these wonderful characters. I had to stop reading at night before bed because I got so caught up in the story that I was missing too much sleep. You know you are too entwined in the characters lives when you find yourself praying for them during the day! Ha
One minute I am laughing and the next crying with these wonderful characters. I had to stop reading at night before bed because I got so caught up in the story that I was missing too much sleep. You know you are too entwined in the characters lives when you find yourself praying for them during the day! Ha
June 7, 2019
A loving story
I really liked this book. It was a great a well executed story of a man caught in a seemingly impossible position and yet God intervened. I highly recommend this book. The Christian aspect of the story is not overwhelming but it is there. Even non Christian s will enjoy the heartwarming story.
I really liked this book. It was a great a well executed story of a man caught in a seemingly impossible position and yet God intervened. I highly recommend this book. The Christian aspect of the story is not overwhelming but it is there. Even non Christian s will enjoy the heartwarming story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews