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A Reluctant Melody
Kit Barnes’ drinking ruined more lives than his own. Now sober, he wants to make amends by opening a mission for drunkards. The most suitable location belongs to Joanna Cranston Stewart, a love from his sordid past and the one person he hurt the most.
A pariah among her peers, Joanna is all too eager to sell her property and flee the rumors that she sent her late husband to an early grave. But she will let the gossips talk and the walls of her rundown property crumble around her before she’ll allow Kit back into her life.
When a blackmailer threatens to reveal her long-held secret, she must choose between trusting Kit or seeing her best friend trapped in an abusive marriage.
Will Joanna risk another betrayal? Or will she find a way through the pain of the past to love and trust again?
A pariah among her peers, Joanna is all too eager to sell her property and flee the rumors that she sent her late husband to an early grave. But she will let the gossips talk and the walls of her rundown property crumble around her before she’ll allow Kit back into her life.
When a blackmailer threatens to reveal her long-held secret, she must choose between trusting Kit or seeing her best friend trapped in an abusive marriage.
Will Joanna risk another betrayal? Or will she find a way through the pain of the past to love and trust again?
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 11, 2016
154 people are currently reading
470 people want to read
About the author
Sandra Ardoin
19 books158 followersSandra Ardoin engages readers with page-turning stories of love and faith. Rarely out of reach of a book, she's also an armchair sports enthusiast, country music listener, and seldom says no to eating out.
Visit her at www.sandraardoin.com. Subscribe to receive updates and specials. Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Pinterest, and BookBub.
Visit her at www.sandraardoin.com. Subscribe to receive updates and specials. Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Pinterest, and BookBub.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
August 17, 2017
Okay, this may sound bad, but I was surprised with how much I liked this book. I got it for free from a promo email from the publisher, and I downloaded it, but figured I probably wouldn't get far into it before deleting it.
Instead, I was drawn into the characters and the world right away. It takes place in North Carolina in 1892 and deals with a lot of difficult issues, but deals with them with grace. This book is one that could have very easily been an extremely dark book, and yet the overall feel was of hope. I wasn't expecting it to be a mystery when I started it, so that was a pleasant surprise.
I do recommend reader discretion and maturity because of the topics that are dealt with, but overall there wasn't what I considered too much detail.
The romance was a little stronger than I liked, but for the most part I thought it was well-balanced and not annoying. I suppose you could consider the book to have a love triangle, but it really didn't feel that way to me.
Instead, I was drawn into the characters and the world right away. It takes place in North Carolina in 1892 and deals with a lot of difficult issues, but deals with them with grace. This book is one that could have very easily been an extremely dark book, and yet the overall feel was of hope. I wasn't expecting it to be a mystery when I started it, so that was a pleasant surprise.
I do recommend reader discretion and maturity because of the topics that are dealt with, but overall there wasn't what I considered too much detail.
The romance was a little stronger than I liked, but for the most part I thought it was well-balanced and not annoying. I suppose you could consider the book to have a love triangle, but it really didn't feel that way to me.
May 8, 2016
Review Title: Don't Be Reluctant to Read! (review of A Reluctant Melody by Sandra Ardoin)
Reviewer: Janice S. Garey
This story is so well paced, and the kind of book you hate to see end because you get so attached to the characters. I loved seeing the contrast between those who are judgemental and those who follow God's way of giving grace.
The cast of characters contains young ladies who have been drawn into situations in which they became pregnant out of wedlock during a time when they were treated with disrespect and shame. Also, men who are reformed alcoholics set up a home to try to help men out of a life of alcoholism. Other characters include wealthy donors who need to be pleased, and a nontraditional suitor who has secrets to hide.
The story is complex yet easy to follow. I never felt confused by the presentation of the storyline. The plot has good romantic development along with the unraveling of a whodunit. I believe all Christians would appreciate this story. Someone who does not feel favorable toward Christianity might feel it has more references to the faith and God's word than they like in their reading. I appreciate how the story shows the benefits of a faith based program to defeat addictions.
Reviewer: Janice S. Garey
This story is so well paced, and the kind of book you hate to see end because you get so attached to the characters. I loved seeing the contrast between those who are judgemental and those who follow God's way of giving grace.
The cast of characters contains young ladies who have been drawn into situations in which they became pregnant out of wedlock during a time when they were treated with disrespect and shame. Also, men who are reformed alcoholics set up a home to try to help men out of a life of alcoholism. Other characters include wealthy donors who need to be pleased, and a nontraditional suitor who has secrets to hide.
The story is complex yet easy to follow. I never felt confused by the presentation of the storyline. The plot has good romantic development along with the unraveling of a whodunit. I believe all Christians would appreciate this story. Someone who does not feel favorable toward Christianity might feel it has more references to the faith and God's word than they like in their reading. I appreciate how the story shows the benefits of a faith based program to defeat addictions.
January 15, 2019
I'm blown away by the quality in every element of A Reluctant Melody by Sandra Ardoin. I was swept into the story from the opening paragraphs. Without a single extraneous occurrence or character, the Christian themes became paramount to the characters (Joanna Stewart and Christopher "Kit" Barnes). Ms. Ardoin deals with difficult and true-to-life challenges with all their ugliness and handled all that truth with grace and dignity. The Christian elements are deep, significant, and essential to the story, arising naturally from the circumstances and the characters. This story deserves Goodreads' "It was amazing" level of five stars.
I quickly headed to purchase the related story, The Yuletide Angel, and was pleased to discover I'd purchased it some time ago. Can't wait to read it!
This novel is one of the very few that I'll reread for the pleasure of immersing myself in well-crafted and historically accurate fiction... and for my never-ending craving to learn from authors who inspire me to reach beyond my current capacities.
I quickly headed to purchase the related story, The Yuletide Angel, and was pleased to discover I'd purchased it some time ago. Can't wait to read it!
This novel is one of the very few that I'll reread for the pleasure of immersing myself in well-crafted and historically accurate fiction... and for my never-ending craving to learn from authors who inspire me to reach beyond my current capacities.
January 14, 2016
Beautiful Joanna Stewart, twenty-six and widowed, has inherited a rundown mansion in 1892 North Carolina. Gossip follows her as townspeople suspect she had something to do with her husband’s sudden death. Her friend, Rose McCall, and her daughter, Annie, remain at her side through it all—as well as Perry Stewart, her thirty-two-year-old stepson who runs the family business—a broom factory. But Perry wants more from Joanna than a friendship. Joanna, trying to move on with her life, decides to sell her home.
Christopher (Kit) Barnes, now a reformed alcoholic, is looking for a building where he and his friend, a former pastor, can help men who want to break their dependence on alcohol. Kit must open up the house before a given deadline, or they’ll lose their financial support. Kit wants to buy Joanna’s mansion, and after years of not seeing each other, they’re thrown together again, bringing painful memories of a past they once shared.
Joanna has kept a secret from Kit, and although she still loves him, she’s afraid of getting hurt. Kit, ashamed of how he treated her in the past, wants to prove he’s changed. I enjoyed the gentle ways Kit tried to patiently show he cared for Joanna. The author also did a wonderful job of revealing Joanna’s kind heart and protectiveness toward others, as well as a slow softening toward accepting God’s view of her as opposed to what she’d been raised to believe.
A Reluctant Melody is a wonderful historical romance, but it’s more than that. It’s filled with mystery and suspense as one challenge after another leaves Joanna and Kit wondering who they can trust. The plot is well written with twists that surprised me more than once. It’s also a story of grace and second chances. I highly recommend!
Christopher (Kit) Barnes, now a reformed alcoholic, is looking for a building where he and his friend, a former pastor, can help men who want to break their dependence on alcohol. Kit must open up the house before a given deadline, or they’ll lose their financial support. Kit wants to buy Joanna’s mansion, and after years of not seeing each other, they’re thrown together again, bringing painful memories of a past they once shared.
Joanna has kept a secret from Kit, and although she still loves him, she’s afraid of getting hurt. Kit, ashamed of how he treated her in the past, wants to prove he’s changed. I enjoyed the gentle ways Kit tried to patiently show he cared for Joanna. The author also did a wonderful job of revealing Joanna’s kind heart and protectiveness toward others, as well as a slow softening toward accepting God’s view of her as opposed to what she’d been raised to believe.
A Reluctant Melody is a wonderful historical romance, but it’s more than that. It’s filled with mystery and suspense as one challenge after another leaves Joanna and Kit wondering who they can trust. The plot is well written with twists that surprised me more than once. It’s also a story of grace and second chances. I highly recommend!
November 15, 2016
The author writes well, tells a good story, and creates interesting characters, both major and secondary. Kit, the hero, and Joanna, the heroine, have a past together. They have both, especially Kit, made some very serious mistakes in that past. However, the book is about redemption and second chances, and both Kit and Joanna have suffered, grown, and matured. Kit, a recovering alcoholic, now devotes his life to helping other men dealing with alcoholism. Joanna, who's lived under a cloud since her husband's death (many in her town think she killed him), just wants to make a decent life for herself, her dear friend Rose, and Rose's young daughter. Joanna also has to deal with her step-son, who's in love with her, and is constantly proposing marriage. His attentions to her don't help her reputation.
I would ordinarily give this book 4 stars because it's an interesting story that's well written and engaged my interest. However, it was just too preachy and proselytizing. It probably wasn't written for a secular reader like me, but I felt bludgeoned by all the preaching. I like to read about fictional characters doing meaningful things with their lives and helping others, but not at the expense of being preached to. You can have a believable story about people of faith just living their lives without the sermons and extensive biblical references.
I would ordinarily give this book 4 stars because it's an interesting story that's well written and engaged my interest. However, it was just too preachy and proselytizing. It probably wasn't written for a secular reader like me, but I felt bludgeoned by all the preaching. I like to read about fictional characters doing meaningful things with their lives and helping others, but not at the expense of being preached to. You can have a believable story about people of faith just living their lives without the sermons and extensive biblical references.
March 11, 2019
A Reluctant Melody by Sandra Ardoin is set in North Carolina in 1892.
This storyline was somewhat involved but the facts were interesting and it didn’t slow down.
The history between Joanna Stewart and Christopher “Kit” Barnes is best forgotten. Circumstances bring them together and force them to deal with old hurts. Can they work along side eachother for a new venture to help those in need, or is it just too much to handle. Can Joanna truly believe that Kit is a new man in Christ or are there obstacles on each side yet to overcome? And to make matters more complicated, someone is trying to thwart their plans.
Ms. Ardoin realistically shows the struggles that befall even the redeemed. She also gives us a sense of the early organizations that sought to help alcoholics, abusers and those fallen on hard times.
*I received this ebook in a giveaway contest. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
This storyline was somewhat involved but the facts were interesting and it didn’t slow down.
The history between Joanna Stewart and Christopher “Kit” Barnes is best forgotten. Circumstances bring them together and force them to deal with old hurts. Can they work along side eachother for a new venture to help those in need, or is it just too much to handle. Can Joanna truly believe that Kit is a new man in Christ or are there obstacles on each side yet to overcome? And to make matters more complicated, someone is trying to thwart their plans.
Ms. Ardoin realistically shows the struggles that befall even the redeemed. She also gives us a sense of the early organizations that sought to help alcoholics, abusers and those fallen on hard times.
*I received this ebook in a giveaway contest. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
October 11, 2017
A Reluctant Melody was a well-crafted work that was both romance and women's fiction. I liked that the author wrote about characters who already had a past together, and that their past had been a troubling one filled with shame and secrets. This was a welcome twist. Thankfully, more and more Christian Fiction is taking on realistic issues such as those facing these protagonists and the other characters in the story: troubled relationships, unplanned pregnancy, alcoholism, abuse, and so on.
The romance was developed realistically, and there were several scenes that the author really did well. The scene of Kit's personal inner battle near the end, and well... that kiss the hero and heroine finally shared... that was good. With novel after novel having to craft that "big romantic moment", it can be hard to find one that spells it out a little differently. Nice fire, Ms. Ardoin!
The romance was developed realistically, and there were several scenes that the author really did well. The scene of Kit's personal inner battle near the end, and well... that kiss the hero and heroine finally shared... that was good. With novel after novel having to craft that "big romantic moment", it can be hard to find one that spells it out a little differently. Nice fire, Ms. Ardoin!
July 30, 2018
I enjoyed reading this book.
The setting of this story was during a time when drunkards and unmarried pregnant women were ostracized and thrown out on the streets, even by their own families. This book highlights the plight of men and women who made these mistakes, and the dire circumstances they encountered.
On the other hand, it also reveals how strong Christian men and women answered God's call to help these outcasts of society. They fought hard to restore faith in God in each person under their care. It was very touching to see how much they loved the men and women they were trying to help.
Another thing I loved about the story was the complete and earnest forgiveness the main characters displayed for each other, even when there was so much to forgive.
Over all, I give this book five stars and recommend it to anyone who loves stories written during this era of our history.
The setting of this story was during a time when drunkards and unmarried pregnant women were ostracized and thrown out on the streets, even by their own families. This book highlights the plight of men and women who made these mistakes, and the dire circumstances they encountered.
On the other hand, it also reveals how strong Christian men and women answered God's call to help these outcasts of society. They fought hard to restore faith in God in each person under their care. It was very touching to see how much they loved the men and women they were trying to help.
Another thing I loved about the story was the complete and earnest forgiveness the main characters displayed for each other, even when there was so much to forgive.
Over all, I give this book five stars and recommend it to anyone who loves stories written during this era of our history.
May 11, 2019
A beautiful story of God's Mercy
Conversion, healing, forgiveness - major fruits of God's unfathomable Mercy - are the themes of this explicitly Christian story.
Poor Joanna is so wounded, & ironically, ends up on the receiving end of Kit's self-righteous judgment - which is hard to watch unfold.
Thankfully, Kit is eventually made aware of his Matthew 18:21-35 heart (parable of the unforgiving debtor) and seeks reconciliation & healing with & for her.
It's well written and beautifully done. My one criticism is that, unfortunately, it did end up feeling a little longer than it needed to be.
The conclusion wraps things up quickly, and the ending is exciting & gratifying. I really enjoyed it and heartily recommend it.
Clean romance level: sweet kisses, discreet references to premarital intimacy & children born outside of marriage
Conversion, healing, forgiveness - major fruits of God's unfathomable Mercy - are the themes of this explicitly Christian story.
Poor Joanna is so wounded, & ironically, ends up on the receiving end of Kit's self-righteous judgment - which is hard to watch unfold.
Thankfully, Kit is eventually made aware of his Matthew 18:21-35 heart (parable of the unforgiving debtor) and seeks reconciliation & healing with & for her.
It's well written and beautifully done. My one criticism is that, unfortunately, it did end up feeling a little longer than it needed to be.
The conclusion wraps things up quickly, and the ending is exciting & gratifying. I really enjoyed it and heartily recommend it.
Clean romance level: sweet kisses, discreet references to premarital intimacy & children born outside of marriage
July 21, 2017
Great story!
This story had the best of elements: relationships, broken hearts and lives getting healed, insight into motives and thought processes, and watching the change happen. Ok, maybe it could have had some more detail as the main couple transitioned from a truce to daily walks so we could enjoy more of the pleasure of that unfolding. And maybe I don't understand her reluctance to tell the truth about something in the past, and I also don't like villains, but the the story was logical and there was a believable reason for all of that happened, and I like believable stories. And not only was there a story, but there were sweet sub-stories! And most importantly, the reader is left built of in there faith and understanding of God's mercy and acceptance.
This story had the best of elements: relationships, broken hearts and lives getting healed, insight into motives and thought processes, and watching the change happen. Ok, maybe it could have had some more detail as the main couple transitioned from a truce to daily walks so we could enjoy more of the pleasure of that unfolding. And maybe I don't understand her reluctance to tell the truth about something in the past, and I also don't like villains, but the the story was logical and there was a believable reason for all of that happened, and I like believable stories. And not only was there a story, but there were sweet sub-stories! And most importantly, the reader is left built of in there faith and understanding of God's mercy and acceptance.
September 23, 2017
This first novel I read by Ms. Ardoin was so enjoyable. She weaves an interesting story about a young minister's daughter who only knew her father's side of what the Bible told about the wrath of God. She had not felt drawn to God any more than she was drawn to a strict and unloving father. Becoming a flirt leads her down the wrong road and she eventually finds herself leaving home and trying to start over in a new city. But God has a special plan that she could never have imagined a few years later after the death of her older husband. As he grows her spiritually he provides an opportunity to teach her forgiveness, grace and hospitality. The characters seem very real and Ms. Ardoin does a good job in her descriptions. I hope to read more of her writing soon.
January 26, 2020
I figured this book would be pretty preachy, and it is... but the story is engaging and the dialogue that brings God into the story is far less awkward than in some other religious fiction I’ve read.
Honestly, I’m pretty sure I received this book for free, and based on my free-book experiences to date I expected I’d read a few chapters, get tired of being preached at, and just skim to the end. As it turns out, I found a story that intrigued me and kept me guessing for quite a while. And though I caught on to where the conclusion was heading, I was still interested to read every word of the last few chapters rather than skim to the end. Solid three stars.
Honestly, I’m pretty sure I received this book for free, and based on my free-book experiences to date I expected I’d read a few chapters, get tired of being preached at, and just skim to the end. As it turns out, I found a story that intrigued me and kept me guessing for quite a while. And though I caught on to where the conclusion was heading, I was still interested to read every word of the last few chapters rather than skim to the end. Solid three stars.
October 19, 2021
Very sweet,interesting story of two people who knew each other years ago and it didn't end well. Kit was a drunk but has reformed his life, turned to God, and now helps others in the same situation. Joanne had a very hard time after Kit abandoned her and her father threw her out of the house. Her father was a harsh preacher, a fire and brimstone one who basically tells her God won't forgive her. Joanne married, but her husband pretty much ignores her after she tells him about her past. Perry, who was the husband's son really wants Joanne despite her not wanting him, basically seems to be obsessed with her. Thankfully, Joanne finds mercy and forgiveness.
September 7, 2021
Redemption for Kit
According to Kit, a former drunk, explained to Joanne that God forgave him and changed him. After all the agony she has suffered because of his past behavior, she certainly doesn't believe him for one minute. At the same time, she's fascinated. Her father preached only about God's judgment about her sin before he threw her out forever. Could he possibly be wrong? Of course, it would be totally foolish to believe Kit might be telling the truth. This is a story not to be missed!
According to Kit, a former drunk, explained to Joanne that God forgave him and changed him. After all the agony she has suffered because of his past behavior, she certainly doesn't believe him for one minute. At the same time, she's fascinated. Her father preached only about God's judgment about her sin before he threw her out forever. Could he possibly be wrong? Of course, it would be totally foolish to believe Kit might be telling the truth. This is a story not to be missed!
July 15, 2017
Forgiveness
The mercy of Gods grace is found in this novel. Kit and Joanne were probably always meant to be, but they were young and foolish, and never could be together they way they were before salvation. They needed to mature and change their ways before they could have a true relationship.
The mercy of Gods grace is found in this novel. Kit and Joanne were probably always meant to be, but they were young and foolish, and never could be together they way they were before salvation. They needed to mature and change their ways before they could have a true relationship.
July 10, 2019
I wasn't expecting this to turn out to be a bit of a mystery. I did enjoy this book more than I initially thought that I would. The characters were well crafted and the plot was well paced and felt complete. It does deal with some heavy topics (i.e. alcoholism) but the story is not dark and focuses on hope. An enjoyable read.
November 10, 2017
A Reluctant Melody
I recommend this book to readers who enjoy good Christian fiction along with mystery. I gave it a five star rating because it was a page turner from the beginning of the book to the end. This is a new author to me, and I plan to read more.
I recommend this book to readers who enjoy good Christian fiction along with mystery. I gave it a five star rating because it was a page turner from the beginning of the book to the end. This is a new author to me, and I plan to read more.
January 23, 2018
Clean Christian historical novel
I loved the outcomes of each situation on how Christ was central and the hero. It was great to read how so many sacrificed for those worse off than them. I recommend the book &the author.
I loved the outcomes of each situation on how Christ was central and the hero. It was great to read how so many sacrificed for those worse off than them. I recommend the book &the author.
June 14, 2019
I don't understand the high ratings in this book. It was too busy. I had to stop reading more often than normal. Between disgust and info overload, given the time period, it was just too much of nothing.
June 18, 2019
Complications in so many lives
Every character faced serious issues which the author cleverly resolved . I appreciated the godly influence without being overdone or preachy. There was plenty of conflict and uncertainty that kept me reading past- way past my bedtime!
Every character faced serious issues which the author cleverly resolved . I appreciated the godly influence without being overdone or preachy. There was plenty of conflict and uncertainty that kept me reading past- way past my bedtime!
January 22, 2020
Wow, the cover here on GR looks nothing like the cover I have, and it makes it look like something other than what it is.
As for what it is, it's a nice story. A nice break in between other heavier stuff I am reading.
As for what it is, it's a nice story. A nice break in between other heavier stuff I am reading.
June 17, 2024
Who doesn't love a good redemption story? Not me. I love it, especially when it's done right and Sandra did it right with this book. The redemption didn't come easily, the backstory was so great. I loved every aspect of it.
June 9, 2019
Everyone has something in their past. Will their secrets and history draw them together or keep them apart?
January 12, 2020
A wonderful book. With deep Christian truths
An excellent read in many ways. Christ honoring
Wholesome and spiritually uplifting
Well written and keeps you turning the pages
An excellent read in many ways. Christ honoring
Wholesome and spiritually uplifting
Well written and keeps you turning the pages
July 11, 2020
Loved it!
My first book by Sandra Ardoin and I definitely look forward to reading more! A beautifully written Christian love story, filled with twists and turns.
My first book by Sandra Ardoin and I definitely look forward to reading more! A beautifully written Christian love story, filled with twists and turns.
October 7, 2024
Reluctant Melody by Sandra Ardoin is a wonderful story of redemption and second-chance love. I recommend it
September 25, 2019
I love redemption stories! Ms. Ardoin has crafted a beautiful story of tragedy becoming triumph! I highly recommend this book.
I borrowed this book through the Kindle Unlimited program.
I borrowed this book through the Kindle Unlimited program.
July 12, 2016
Joanna Stewart finds solace playing the piano. Kit Barnes used to find comfort in a bottle, but now his faith guides his life and work. Along with a pastor partner, Kit plans to buy and renovate a house to accommodate other recovering alcoholics. Joanna’s house is perfect for their mission, and Kit might have convinced Joanna to sell her property, except for this…
She would pay into eternity for her lapse in judgment, for loving a man who used her and tossed her aside. Hadn’t her father said as much before he cast her out of his house? If Papa were her this minute, he would remind her again of the sin she’d committed, and the mercy she would never find from the almighty and judgment-prone Creator.
Whoa! You can imagine Joanna’s reaction upon seeing Kit again and the conflict that oozed from the pages! With a benefactor holding a ticking clock, though, Kit had no choice but to convince Joanna to sell. Her continued refusals made him wonder if he hadn’t ran ahead of the Lord’s will. Often, I worry the same thing in my own life.
Favorite quote: “God doesn’t demand perfection from us first, Jo. He perfects us through our faith in Christ.”
A sprinkling of historical tidbits, a trail of intrigue, and the abundance of spiritual nuggets pulled me in every chance I got to read. While I suspected some elements, a few twists surprised me. I appreciated the real battle Kit waged over his addiction, even after being saved, and how his struggle wasn’t easy or glossed over. I generally prefer more sizzle in my romance reads, but because of their disastrous past and the constraints of the time period, I understand the restraint. Overall, though, A Reluctant Melody is a book I will keep in my library, just to reread and savor those spiritual goodies all over again.
TO PONDER: When someone I know struggles with consequences of poor choices, do I extend grace or judgment? Do I offer a listening ear or a cold heart? Am I a help or a hindrance?
DISCLAIMER: I PURCHASED MY OWN COPY OF A RELUCTANT MELODY. THIS REVIEW IS MY FAIR AND UNBIASED OPINION, AND I WAS IN NO WAY COMPENSATED.
She would pay into eternity for her lapse in judgment, for loving a man who used her and tossed her aside. Hadn’t her father said as much before he cast her out of his house? If Papa were her this minute, he would remind her again of the sin she’d committed, and the mercy she would never find from the almighty and judgment-prone Creator.
Whoa! You can imagine Joanna’s reaction upon seeing Kit again and the conflict that oozed from the pages! With a benefactor holding a ticking clock, though, Kit had no choice but to convince Joanna to sell. Her continued refusals made him wonder if he hadn’t ran ahead of the Lord’s will. Often, I worry the same thing in my own life.
Favorite quote: “God doesn’t demand perfection from us first, Jo. He perfects us through our faith in Christ.”
A sprinkling of historical tidbits, a trail of intrigue, and the abundance of spiritual nuggets pulled me in every chance I got to read. While I suspected some elements, a few twists surprised me. I appreciated the real battle Kit waged over his addiction, even after being saved, and how his struggle wasn’t easy or glossed over. I generally prefer more sizzle in my romance reads, but because of their disastrous past and the constraints of the time period, I understand the restraint. Overall, though, A Reluctant Melody is a book I will keep in my library, just to reread and savor those spiritual goodies all over again.
TO PONDER: When someone I know struggles with consequences of poor choices, do I extend grace or judgment? Do I offer a listening ear or a cold heart? Am I a help or a hindrance?
DISCLAIMER: I PURCHASED MY OWN COPY OF A RELUCTANT MELODY. THIS REVIEW IS MY FAIR AND UNBIASED OPINION, AND I WAS IN NO WAY COMPENSATED.
January 14, 2016
“Help thou my unbelief,” has always been a one of my favorite quotes from the Gospels as well as a repeated prayer. Not only is it quoted in Ardoin’s latest release, but it serves as one of the main themes of the novel. Sandra has done a remarkable job of showing both redemption and the struggle to trust again in the same story. I was greatly impressed by the way she wove solid and needed truths into a well developed and entertaining novel.
This story of redemption begins when Jo and Kit, after a sinful past together, reluctantly cross paths again six years later. When Jo discovers Kit’s desire to help men forsake alcohol, she says, “Kit, you couldn’t pass a bottle of whiskey without it following you home.” With such a history, there’s little wonder that she would doubt this new creature Kit has become.
“Don’t miss this opportunity to clear up the past. What if it’s the only one God gives you?” Kit’s mission is clear. Not only is he trying to help men find freedom from sin, but he needs to fix the wrongs of his past. But there just might be more than one person working against him in this new endeavor.
I loved how Ardoin was able to bring to life real lessons on temptation, redemption, forgiveness, mercy, and trust in a story meant to entertain. The beauty of well done Christian fiction is that you walk away with both, and Sandra Ardoin is an author that knows how to handle both flawlessly.
I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys seeing the bad guy turn good, reading historical fiction, looking for a good new author, or searching for a solid Christian read.
~I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own and I was not required to give a favorable review.
This story of redemption begins when Jo and Kit, after a sinful past together, reluctantly cross paths again six years later. When Jo discovers Kit’s desire to help men forsake alcohol, she says, “Kit, you couldn’t pass a bottle of whiskey without it following you home.” With such a history, there’s little wonder that she would doubt this new creature Kit has become.
“Don’t miss this opportunity to clear up the past. What if it’s the only one God gives you?” Kit’s mission is clear. Not only is he trying to help men find freedom from sin, but he needs to fix the wrongs of his past. But there just might be more than one person working against him in this new endeavor.
I loved how Ardoin was able to bring to life real lessons on temptation, redemption, forgiveness, mercy, and trust in a story meant to entertain. The beauty of well done Christian fiction is that you walk away with both, and Sandra Ardoin is an author that knows how to handle both flawlessly.
I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys seeing the bad guy turn good, reading historical fiction, looking for a good new author, or searching for a solid Christian read.
~I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own and I was not required to give a favorable review.
January 11, 2016
For such a complex novel filled with twists and turns, the storyline of “A Reluctant Melody” remains clear, easy to follow, and captures your attention throughout.
It’s 1892 and Joanna Stewart is a young widow of twenty-six, but the circumstances and bad decisions she has made in her past have brought enough tragedy and rejection to last a lifetime. All she wants to do now is sell her home bequeathed by her late husband and start a new life, far from the accusing eyes and castigating tongues of the town. These haughty neighbors only reinforce what she already knows: Her sins are unforgiveable.
Just as she finds a glimmer of hope when a buyer makes an offer on her house, she is instead forced to face the very man who ruined her life. Instead of running away, she must wrestle with her guilt all over again, as well as the feelings of attraction she has long repressed—feelings that sent her on a downward spiral so long ago.
The settings in “A Reluctant Melody” by Sandra Ardoin sweep you back in time to 1890’s North Carolina. Ms. Ardoin has done her research well, helping the reader feel the sights, sounds and pacing of the era. Every detail from clothing to hair styles to the stricter mores of the time transport a reader to another time and place.
Although the atmosphere fills your senses, it is the characters who truly shine in this complicated yet well developed story. Ms. Ardoin creates believable protagonists and antagonists who draw you into understanding the complexities of life, the ramifications of sin, and the redemption that is possible for all if they will accept it.
This is a historical I will be recommending for a long time. A five-star tale of intrigue, hope and romance. Well done!
It’s 1892 and Joanna Stewart is a young widow of twenty-six, but the circumstances and bad decisions she has made in her past have brought enough tragedy and rejection to last a lifetime. All she wants to do now is sell her home bequeathed by her late husband and start a new life, far from the accusing eyes and castigating tongues of the town. These haughty neighbors only reinforce what she already knows: Her sins are unforgiveable.
Just as she finds a glimmer of hope when a buyer makes an offer on her house, she is instead forced to face the very man who ruined her life. Instead of running away, she must wrestle with her guilt all over again, as well as the feelings of attraction she has long repressed—feelings that sent her on a downward spiral so long ago.
The settings in “A Reluctant Melody” by Sandra Ardoin sweep you back in time to 1890’s North Carolina. Ms. Ardoin has done her research well, helping the reader feel the sights, sounds and pacing of the era. Every detail from clothing to hair styles to the stricter mores of the time transport a reader to another time and place.
Although the atmosphere fills your senses, it is the characters who truly shine in this complicated yet well developed story. Ms. Ardoin creates believable protagonists and antagonists who draw you into understanding the complexities of life, the ramifications of sin, and the redemption that is possible for all if they will accept it.
This is a historical I will be recommending for a long time. A five-star tale of intrigue, hope and romance. Well done!
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