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Samantha Church Mystery #2
Revenge is Sweet
Revenge is a dish best served with blood...In Revenge is Sweet, the sequel to The Friday Edition, Samantha Church is back and the stakes are higher than ever. In a sinister quest to settle the score, the drug dealers she thwarted are no longer motivated by money or politics, they want one thing and one thing Revenge.Snow swirls on a cold February night when reporter Samantha Church and her publisher Wilson Cole Jr. are kidnapped.Days following the kidnapping, Sam wakes up in a hospital bed, dazed, bruised and confused. Why did they let her go? It makes no sense. It is only when the kidnappers make their next move does she realize why they let her go.The kidnappers want to hurt Sam by harming those she loves most, her best friend and coworker, Wilson Cole Jr., and worse, her daughter, April. They taunt Sam, wanting to break her down mentally, physically and emotionally—pretty little April, watch her bleed, pretty little April, now we'll have some fun. Say bye-bye, pretty little April will die before your eyes.Revenge doesn't come any sweeter. Or does it? Is all hope seemingly lost? Or is revenge a two-way street? Does Sam have a plan of her own for the kidnappers—one that will finally settle the score?
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 10, 2013
492 people are currently reading
1964 people want to read
About the author
Betta Ferrendelli
12 books123 followersI have been an award-winning journalist since 1989, having worked at newspapers and magazines in Denver, Seattle and Albuquerque, New Mexico.
I am the author of the award-winning and Amazon best-selling Samantha Church Mystery Series, featuring The Friday Edition (named one of the best books of 2013 by Kirkus and a Readers' Favorite gold medal winner), Revenge is Sweet, Dead Wrong, Cold Case No. 99-5219 (a Readers' Favorite gold medal winner), On the Border, The Long Way Home and Point of Origin. Dusk, the eighth book in the mystery series, will publish in late 2026.
I have also written two award-winning books in contemporary women's fiction: Last Things and An Invincible Summer.
Be sure to follow me on BookBub for the latest on all my books and to download a free copy of The Friday Edition: https://bit.ly/3JztNtx
I am the author of the award-winning and Amazon best-selling Samantha Church Mystery Series, featuring The Friday Edition (named one of the best books of 2013 by Kirkus and a Readers' Favorite gold medal winner), Revenge is Sweet, Dead Wrong, Cold Case No. 99-5219 (a Readers' Favorite gold medal winner), On the Border, The Long Way Home and Point of Origin. Dusk, the eighth book in the mystery series, will publish in late 2026.
I have also written two award-winning books in contemporary women's fiction: Last Things and An Invincible Summer.
Be sure to follow me on BookBub for the latest on all my books and to download a free copy of The Friday Edition: https://bit.ly/3JztNtx
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
March 23, 2014
I received a copy of "Revenge is Sweet", (A Samantha Church Mystery), the sequel to "The Friday Edition", by Betta Ferrendelli, in exchange for an honest review. While I feel that this mystery suspense thriller novel can be read as a standalone, the reader would have a better understanding of the protagonist, Samantha Church, and the struggles she endures by reading these novels in sequence.
In "The Friday Edition", Robin, Sam's sister, a Assistant DA, had been working to expose a drug smuggling operation, and had died during the process, and Sam, a reporter for Grandview Perspective, in Denver, Colorado, had finished the business her sister started. She had ruined the drug smuggling operation...and for that she would pay!
The drug dealers want only one thing...REVENGE, and on a cold February night Sam and her publisher, Wilson Cole Jr. are kidnapped, as they left work. In the parking lot, Sam had sensed that someone was watching them. They were brought to an undisclosed location, but after a few days Sam was released. But Why just her?
The kidnappers want to destroy Sam, by harming everything that she loved; her daughter, April, her best friend, Wilson Cole Jr., who was her best friend, that had always been there for her, with her struggle with alcohol abuse.
This was a fast-paced mystery, with believable characters, that had me totally gripped to the ending. Another super novel and well worth reading.
In "The Friday Edition", Robin, Sam's sister, a Assistant DA, had been working to expose a drug smuggling operation, and had died during the process, and Sam, a reporter for Grandview Perspective, in Denver, Colorado, had finished the business her sister started. She had ruined the drug smuggling operation...and for that she would pay!
The drug dealers want only one thing...REVENGE, and on a cold February night Sam and her publisher, Wilson Cole Jr. are kidnapped, as they left work. In the parking lot, Sam had sensed that someone was watching them. They were brought to an undisclosed location, but after a few days Sam was released. But Why just her?
The kidnappers want to destroy Sam, by harming everything that she loved; her daughter, April, her best friend, Wilson Cole Jr., who was her best friend, that had always been there for her, with her struggle with alcohol abuse.
This was a fast-paced mystery, with believable characters, that had me totally gripped to the ending. Another super novel and well worth reading.
September 23, 2014
Stone Cold – A review of the novel ‘Revenge is Sweet’
“Revenge proves its own executioner” - John Ford
As much as everyone would like to distance themselves from this apparent ‘primitive’ notion, everyone enjoys a good revenge tale. Something about it is hard wired into our brains, a psychological impulse that says tit for tat is just and necessary under the right circumstances.
Author Betta Ferrendelli returns with the second book in the Samantha Church Mystery series, titled ‘Revenge is Sweet’. Starting off from where the last book ended, the characters of Samantha Church, her daughter April and her friend and co worker Wilson Cole Jr have to reap the consequences of her actions in the previous outing. After Sam successfully unearths a massive illegal drug operation and helps put the people behind it in bars in Friday Edition, this time around she has to deal with some sinister people who are out for revenge and indulge in kidnapping and torture to make their point. This thriller isn’t just about solving the mystery behind the kidnappings but also showing how the main protagonist deals with her inner demons through this extremely difficult and trying period.
In a space dominated by crime fighting solitary male wolves, Samantha Church is a welcome change and a refreshing distraction. After a slow start that sets up the scenario of the grave situation to the readers, the novel then goes into overdrive and you will find yourself turning the pages anxiously trying to find out what is going to happen to Sam and her daughter April. The pacing has always been one of the biggest strengths of this series and it continues in this book as well. Betta takes care to describe even snowflakes and the wattage of power bulbs as she does with the complex emotions of her characters and yet the pages fly by quickly.
There are a lot of key points that are worth mentioning here. The bad guys she has created for example, Betta’s Juan, the twins and Fuzz face are a bunch of nicely written villainous characters, the evilness especially of Juan is menacing and dark and the accompanying violence is necessary to mark them out as the bad people and make you further empathize with the characters of Sam, Wilson and April. The chemistry between David and Howard provides some airy refreshment when compared to the dark mood in the background, the way they come to Sam’s and Wilson’s rescue at the end is a nicely written pulse raising fight scene. Sam’s letter to April deserves a couple of rereads for its lyrical prose and heart tugging raw emotions portrayed in it.
Revenge is Sweet is a more emotional and intimate story when compared to the previous book. The story is easy to follow, well written, true to life, and spell binding. Even though the characters have many twists and turns in their emotional baggage, they are all well developed. One of the book's main strengths is that even the secondary characters are fully etched out, they are some interesting characters and you become deeply involved with what is happening to them as well. Also praiseworthy is the way she gets inside the head of each of her characters and creates a unique and distinct voice for them.
Next book in the series is Dead Wrong and if Betta Ferrendelli’s previous works are any indication then you can be dead sure that it too will be a winner!
“Revenge proves its own executioner” - John Ford
As much as everyone would like to distance themselves from this apparent ‘primitive’ notion, everyone enjoys a good revenge tale. Something about it is hard wired into our brains, a psychological impulse that says tit for tat is just and necessary under the right circumstances.
Author Betta Ferrendelli returns with the second book in the Samantha Church Mystery series, titled ‘Revenge is Sweet’. Starting off from where the last book ended, the characters of Samantha Church, her daughter April and her friend and co worker Wilson Cole Jr have to reap the consequences of her actions in the previous outing. After Sam successfully unearths a massive illegal drug operation and helps put the people behind it in bars in Friday Edition, this time around she has to deal with some sinister people who are out for revenge and indulge in kidnapping and torture to make their point. This thriller isn’t just about solving the mystery behind the kidnappings but also showing how the main protagonist deals with her inner demons through this extremely difficult and trying period.
In a space dominated by crime fighting solitary male wolves, Samantha Church is a welcome change and a refreshing distraction. After a slow start that sets up the scenario of the grave situation to the readers, the novel then goes into overdrive and you will find yourself turning the pages anxiously trying to find out what is going to happen to Sam and her daughter April. The pacing has always been one of the biggest strengths of this series and it continues in this book as well. Betta takes care to describe even snowflakes and the wattage of power bulbs as she does with the complex emotions of her characters and yet the pages fly by quickly.
There are a lot of key points that are worth mentioning here. The bad guys she has created for example, Betta’s Juan, the twins and Fuzz face are a bunch of nicely written villainous characters, the evilness especially of Juan is menacing and dark and the accompanying violence is necessary to mark them out as the bad people and make you further empathize with the characters of Sam, Wilson and April. The chemistry between David and Howard provides some airy refreshment when compared to the dark mood in the background, the way they come to Sam’s and Wilson’s rescue at the end is a nicely written pulse raising fight scene. Sam’s letter to April deserves a couple of rereads for its lyrical prose and heart tugging raw emotions portrayed in it.
Revenge is Sweet is a more emotional and intimate story when compared to the previous book. The story is easy to follow, well written, true to life, and spell binding. Even though the characters have many twists and turns in their emotional baggage, they are all well developed. One of the book's main strengths is that even the secondary characters are fully etched out, they are some interesting characters and you become deeply involved with what is happening to them as well. Also praiseworthy is the way she gets inside the head of each of her characters and creates a unique and distinct voice for them.
Next book in the series is Dead Wrong and if Betta Ferrendelli’s previous works are any indication then you can be dead sure that it too will be a winner!
March 23, 2019
Sam with Wilson giving her a ride home, now that her car is unrepairable.
He was always there for her , his kindness, even being alive, having a job.
She mention that someone is watching them, then a car comes, Kidnapping them. Awakening he spots Sam, wrists so tightly bound the rope cutting into her, trying to get her awake.Sam now waking up, in the hospital Howard and her grandmother were there.Police found her slumped in Wilson car, but he is still missing. Why were they keeping him, she wrote the stories, she was the one they wanted to kidnap. Revenge, inflicting pain on those she loved, was their motive. Broken, bruised,,life changes for these that she loves. Powerful story of finishing what Robin had uncovered. And others pained the price dearly.
He was always there for her , his kindness, even being alive, having a job.
She mention that someone is watching them, then a car comes, Kidnapping them. Awakening he spots Sam, wrists so tightly bound the rope cutting into her, trying to get her awake.Sam now waking up, in the hospital Howard and her grandmother were there.Police found her slumped in Wilson car, but he is still missing. Why were they keeping him, she wrote the stories, she was the one they wanted to kidnap. Revenge, inflicting pain on those she loved, was their motive. Broken, bruised,,life changes for these that she loves. Powerful story of finishing what Robin had uncovered. And others pained the price dearly.
September 13, 2015
I suggest you read book one (The Friday Edition) before you read Revenge is Sweet.
This book had me on edge several time and had me holding my breath. The characters and story come to life in Ms Ferrendelli's wonderful writing. Her writing gives you a good feeling of the characters and what they are like.
I loved book one with all the surprising turns and twists. Book two was more gut wrenching moments that made it very hard to put down. (who needs sleep)
I can not wait to start book three.
This book had me on edge several time and had me holding my breath. The characters and story come to life in Ms Ferrendelli's wonderful writing. Her writing gives you a good feeling of the characters and what they are like.
I loved book one with all the surprising turns and twists. Book two was more gut wrenching moments that made it very hard to put down. (who needs sleep)
I can not wait to start book three.
March 15, 2014
I had won this autographed book. I must say, I didn't want to put it down. I enjoyed the way the story was told and the thrilling turn of events. I was so interested in what was going to happen next, that I stayed up late to finish it. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I am going to get The Friday Edition by Betta Ferrendelli too!
May 14, 2014
Good book. Picks up exactly where The Friday Edition ended and continues following Samantha on her adventure with the drug dealers. I enjoyed the book, but I liked the first one more. Definitely need to pick this one up if you read the first one.
February 6, 2015
It is hard to critique this book without including spoilers. Essentially, the entire plot requires virtually the entire cast of characters to made dumb decisions and keep making them.
October 30, 2022
Book 2 Revenge is Sweet by Betta Ferrendelli, picks up where Book 1 ended. You need to read book 1 NOW. Sam published the story revealing the corrupt police department and the drug gang active in their local area. But….as we know, her daughter is the most important thing to her and she is now living with her deceased husband’s mother in Seattle. The story opens with Sam and her boss, getting kidnapped from the parking lot of the newspaper he owns. The drug dealer is making a point that he took care of her sister and she’s next. As it unfolds, Sam is released but told to not tell the police or anyone. Sam is also an alcoholic who has quit drinking but continues to have cravings for the drink. She is a mess but someone relatable.
Her boss is held and threatened. Sam desperately needs to see her daughter so she flies to Seattle for a long weekend. Obviously, she doesn’t think anyone is watching her. She is wrong. It is an intense story and you can’t count on happy endings although no one dies. I am starting Book 3.
Her boss is held and threatened. Sam desperately needs to see her daughter so she flies to Seattle for a long weekend. Obviously, she doesn’t think anyone is watching her. She is wrong. It is an intense story and you can’t count on happy endings although no one dies. I am starting Book 3.
January 9, 2021
Stayed up all night reading!
The story of Samantha Church had me completely engrossed! I couldn't wait to see how the story would turn out, so I ended up reading all night so I could reach the end. The plot was excellent, the characters believable, and the suspense was intense. I liked how the main character, Sam, wasn't perfect. She struggled to overcome her addiction to alcohol, low self esteem, and a cruel mother in law who constantly criticized and berated her. I hope to be able to read more of this author's books.
The story of Samantha Church had me completely engrossed! I couldn't wait to see how the story would turn out, so I ended up reading all night so I could reach the end. The plot was excellent, the characters believable, and the suspense was intense. I liked how the main character, Sam, wasn't perfect. She struggled to overcome her addiction to alcohol, low self esteem, and a cruel mother in law who constantly criticized and berated her. I hope to be able to read more of this author's books.
July 3, 2024
This is a deep dark thriller with lots of twists and turns, along with violence. Sam is a reporter who has written a story that exposed drug dealers. The drug dealers want revenge, and take their anger out on Sam's boss and her child. Interesting story, although I think if I was her I would have taken it the the FBI as people are hurt along the way. Good descriptions and characters. It probably would have helped if I had read the first book before reading this one, so now I will probably read it too.
January 17, 2026
another great mystery !
Intense life and death situations all while battling her alcohol addiction SamChurch sets her sights on on doing the right thing and succeeds with assistance from coworkers and family . Lots of twists and turns keep the reader engaged. Add in-love for family and friends and it’s not hard to see where her determination stems from. The series just keeps on getting better with each books plot unique.
Intense life and death situations all while battling her alcohol addiction SamChurch sets her sights on on doing the right thing and succeeds with assistance from coworkers and family . Lots of twists and turns keep the reader engaged. Add in-love for family and friends and it’s not hard to see where her determination stems from. The series just keeps on getting better with each books plot unique.
April 19, 2021
I have a policy of sticking with a book until the end and getting it finished. This book tried hard for me to break that policy. I haven’t read the first book but I certainly won’t be. The storyline made little sense and was juvenile. Characters were believable but made stupid and just unbelievable decisions one after the other.
November 2, 2017
Enjoyable
I thought it was a well written book that kept my attention. There was a lot of violence. I liked Sam, the main character. She has the physical and emotional scars that we all have
I thought it was a well written book that kept my attention. There was a lot of violence. I liked Sam, the main character. She has the physical and emotional scars that we all have
July 6, 2018
Good book!
Full of mystery, suspense, evil head games and loving tenderness. Wilson, Sam and Anna become much closer when all three are stressed out by a psychopathic drug dealer Sam and Robin put out of business.
Full of mystery, suspense, evil head games and loving tenderness. Wilson, Sam and Anna become much closer when all three are stressed out by a psychopathic drug dealer Sam and Robin put out of business.
April 23, 2020
Maybe my view is tainted because I read book 2 before book 1 and missed prior activities. I felt it began slow (probably because she was giving background information). It wasn't until April was kidnapped that things began to pick up and the story got interesting.
Read
May 24, 2021Riveting and enlightening
This author kept me on the edge of my seat and holding my breath. I felt that the intimacy regarding alcoholism was true and right. It added much humanity to the story. Looking forward to the next in series.
This author kept me on the edge of my seat and holding my breath. I felt that the intimacy regarding alcoholism was true and right. It added much humanity to the story. Looking forward to the next in series.
December 1, 2023
fast-paced with believable characters but i would advise reading "the friday edition" first -- it sets up the plot for this novel. some rather graphic violence may put some readers off, but the storyline is worth the gore.
June 12, 2024
Enjoyable
At first I went sure about REVENGE IS SWEET. It took me a long time to get into the story. The story was a bit choppy and fragmented. I stuck with it and ended up really enjoying this book. Thank you.
At first I went sure about REVENGE IS SWEET. It took me a long time to get into the story. The story was a bit choppy and fragmented. I stuck with it and ended up really enjoying this book. Thank you.
June 24, 2025
This took my breath away.
Betta Ferrendelli knows how to take you on the journey through the story.
You almost feel as best up as the actors in the story.
I have to rest before starting the next story. Almost too much information.
Betta Ferrendelli knows how to take you on the journey through the story.
You almost feel as best up as the actors in the story.
I have to rest before starting the next story. Almost too much information.
February 14, 2018
Good Read
This is the first book in the series that I read. I enjoyed it and it covered enough of what happened before.
This is the first book in the series that I read. I enjoyed it and it covered enough of what happened before.
February 24, 2019
There wasn't one belevable moment in this disappointing follow-up in the Samantha Church series
April 8, 2019
This is a very deep dark intense thriller and I could not put it down. It’s fast paced and emotional too. I enjoy this series.
April 19, 2019
Revenge
This story was chilling in that it could happen to anyone. Sam wrote a story exposing drug dealers. They then came after her family.
This story was chilling in that it could happen to anyone. Sam wrote a story exposing drug dealers. They then came after her family.
January 1, 2020
Outstanding
High energy and enough action to power a jet. Loved the scenario of evil vs good. Great plots of danger!
High energy and enough action to power a jet. Loved the scenario of evil vs good. Great plots of danger!
May 20, 2021
A real breathe holding thriller!
Reading is the only way you can experience this novel. Compelling, heart pounding, it's as though you were right in the middle of the terror.
Reading is the only way you can experience this novel. Compelling, heart pounding, it's as though you were right in the middle of the terror.
October 17, 2021
Very sweet
What a great storyline an air of sociopath drops off the the three baddies and the human problems of main characters recommend it completely
What a great storyline an air of sociopath drops off the the three baddies and the human problems of main characters recommend it completely
August 23, 2022
great ending, good book
September 23, 2022
So far, this is my favorite of the series. So much emotion. So much adventure. So much action.
October 2, 2022
Wow Samantha is wicked again as she continues from book one . Full of intrigue and suspense
August 23, 2023
Excellent
Wow what a finishing story love Sam and April will continue to read all their stories. Love this author !
Wow what a finishing story love Sam and April will continue to read all their stories. Love this author !
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews