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Violation of Faith
Lynea Kreig has spent the past three years being invisible. After running with her little sister halfway across the country–away from her abusive cult leader husband–she seeks nothing but safety and anonymity.
When she’s offered a job which would keep her close to her sister, Lynea can’t refuse. But the job puts her in close quarters with Professor Brennan Gage, a man bent on exposing cult leaders to the public. If he discovers her secret, he could destroy the life she’s worked so hard to build. Over time, she finds herself drawn to Brennan’s klutzy kindness. He tells her he loves her, but happiness for Lynea could never be so simple–especially once her husband appears at the front door…
When she’s offered a job which would keep her close to her sister, Lynea can’t refuse. But the job puts her in close quarters with Professor Brennan Gage, a man bent on exposing cult leaders to the public. If he discovers her secret, he could destroy the life she’s worked so hard to build. Over time, she finds herself drawn to Brennan’s klutzy kindness. He tells her he loves her, but happiness for Lynea could never be so simple–especially once her husband appears at the front door…
316 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 2, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
February 20, 2016
Jeannie Hall's debut novel takes readers on a chilling thrill ride, detailing one woman's harrowing escape from the clutches of a megalomaniacal cult leader.
The book begins with Lynea and her sister Cori literally running for their lives to escape the Oklahoma cult they were raised in, but the story starts three years later in Virginia. The girls have settled in a college town and made friends with their elderly neighbors, but Lynea still fears repercussions. After all, the crazed cult leader claimed her for his wife, and doesn't give up easily.
She's determined to keep alert for danger, so falling for the professor she works with is totally a bad idea and not in her game plan. Especially a professor who specializes in debunking cult mythology. How could he ever understand that she'd been an unwilling participant in it all? And what if her husband ever finds her? Because judging by the cover, he's not happy and he's gonna find her!
Jeannie Hall kept me on the edge of my seat through some gripping scenes, staying up way too late while trying and find a break in the tension where I could safely put the book down to get some rest.
Engaging writing and believable characters make this a thoroughly interesting read, with a ton of insight into the minds of both cult followers and former victims. My heart ached for Lynea, hoping against hope that she'd be able to find peace and happiness, but the author kept me guessing right up until the end whether this was a romance or a tragedy.
Want to know which? Read it for yourself.
If you like edge-of-your-seat romantic suspense, you won't be disappointed.
The book begins with Lynea and her sister Cori literally running for their lives to escape the Oklahoma cult they were raised in, but the story starts three years later in Virginia. The girls have settled in a college town and made friends with their elderly neighbors, but Lynea still fears repercussions. After all, the crazed cult leader claimed her for his wife, and doesn't give up easily.
She's determined to keep alert for danger, so falling for the professor she works with is totally a bad idea and not in her game plan. Especially a professor who specializes in debunking cult mythology. How could he ever understand that she'd been an unwilling participant in it all? And what if her husband ever finds her? Because judging by the cover, he's not happy and he's gonna find her!
Jeannie Hall kept me on the edge of my seat through some gripping scenes, staying up way too late while trying and find a break in the tension where I could safely put the book down to get some rest.
Engaging writing and believable characters make this a thoroughly interesting read, with a ton of insight into the minds of both cult followers and former victims. My heart ached for Lynea, hoping against hope that she'd be able to find peace and happiness, but the author kept me guessing right up until the end whether this was a romance or a tragedy.
Want to know which? Read it for yourself.
If you like edge-of-your-seat romantic suspense, you won't be disappointed.
February 29, 2016
Excellent, excellent read.
April 23, 2016
Lynea and Corinne have been living in fear for the last 3 years after they escaped from the Reverend, a murderous cult leader who after killing the girl's parents, forced Lynea to marry him at the age of 12. They are finally beginning to settle in to life in a small-town where Corinne has been granted a scholarship to the local college. With a little help, Lynea gets a job working at the college’s library where she is assigned to work with the gorgeous Brennan Gage. Brennan also happens to be an expert in religious cults. The two are drawn to each other, neither realizing the danger they will soon be in. The Reverend has found his errant wife and is plotting his revenge.
I found this book really engaging. The story kept bringing thrills and danger and the romance side was not overdone or predictable. The characters have great personalities and the evil Reverend is expertly drawn. I think the religious cult aspect and the tragedy within the story gives this romance an edge over its peers.
I found this book really engaging. The story kept bringing thrills and danger and the romance side was not overdone or predictable. The characters have great personalities and the evil Reverend is expertly drawn. I think the religious cult aspect and the tragedy within the story gives this romance an edge over its peers.
April 18, 2016
A thoroughly enjoyable read!
While I liked Lynea and was impressed by her resilience, the real star of the book for me was Professor Brennan Gage.
He reminded me of the nerdy professor from Gilligan’s Island with the crush on Ginger.:)
Brennan’s character is klutzy and loveable. Jeannie does a good job making him three dimensional due to a horrific death in his past.
It isn’t long before the reader will be rooting for these two to get together.
The antagonist, her ex-husband, a cult leader, is well done and kept me glued to the page.
A great debut by Jeannie Hall!
I give Violation of Faith 5 lovely kisses
First posted http://jacqbiggar.com
While I liked Lynea and was impressed by her resilience, the real star of the book for me was Professor Brennan Gage.
He reminded me of the nerdy professor from Gilligan’s Island with the crush on Ginger.:)
Brennan’s character is klutzy and loveable. Jeannie does a good job making him three dimensional due to a horrific death in his past.
It isn’t long before the reader will be rooting for these two to get together.
The antagonist, her ex-husband, a cult leader, is well done and kept me glued to the page.
A great debut by Jeannie Hall!
I give Violation of Faith 5 lovely kisses
First posted http://jacqbiggar.com
November 18, 2016
A brilliantly written thriller that will keep you guessing right until the end/ 100% recommend!
August 30, 2016
From the start of this romance novel, Jeannie Hall lets you know you’re in for a tumultuous, sometimes scary ride—which will lead to that happily-ever-after romance readers seek, of course! But this novel is not a bit of fluff. It’s a well-crafted novel depicting the dangers of cults even in today’s modern society, while also bringing home the message that innocence and naïveté does not equal weakness. Strength of character and love can and do conquer evil.
Lynea, the heroine of Violation of Faith, together with her younger sister, Corey, escape the clutches of Lynea’s husband, an abusive cult leader with a Christ-complex. From the time of their escape, the two are constantly wary of any person or place which could lead the cult to them. But as time passes, they grow a little bolder as they seek out living full lives.
Readers, these characters aren’t cookie cutter. The hero is an absent minded professor sort—exactly the type of male a woman repelled by controlling alphas would want. The side characters are endearing and add to the story. Again, not cookie cutter characters. They seem like a couple who could actually live next door, however, and it is through her characters and a believable plot Miss Hall draws her readers in.
You will enjoy the sweet romance, the heroes passion (he’s a cult hating professor). When things take a dark turn, you won’t see it coming and you just might shed a few tears! But do not worry. In the end, love will triumph; Violation of Faith is a romance after all! It’s also a well-written, thoughtful novel I highly recommend for the serious-minded reader and romance reader alike.
Lynea, the heroine of Violation of Faith, together with her younger sister, Corey, escape the clutches of Lynea’s husband, an abusive cult leader with a Christ-complex. From the time of their escape, the two are constantly wary of any person or place which could lead the cult to them. But as time passes, they grow a little bolder as they seek out living full lives.
Readers, these characters aren’t cookie cutter. The hero is an absent minded professor sort—exactly the type of male a woman repelled by controlling alphas would want. The side characters are endearing and add to the story. Again, not cookie cutter characters. They seem like a couple who could actually live next door, however, and it is through her characters and a believable plot Miss Hall draws her readers in.
You will enjoy the sweet romance, the heroes passion (he’s a cult hating professor). When things take a dark turn, you won’t see it coming and you just might shed a few tears! But do not worry. In the end, love will triumph; Violation of Faith is a romance after all! It’s also a well-written, thoughtful novel I highly recommend for the serious-minded reader and romance reader alike.
April 29, 2016
***Review copy provided via Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.***
May contain spoilers
Watch your back…your past could *FIND* you in any moment…
Yes, that was what I was feeling all the time.
Lynea and Cori went through the worse, especially Lynea, and after running from the compound and her husband, whose happen to be the cult leader, and moving constantly across the country, she finally built her life for both of them.
But a few years after, when she gets a job and maybe the opportunity of her life to study and maybe allow herself to find love in Brennan’s arms, would their past (hers in the compound and his from his own sister’s death) let them be happy?
I felt nervous, trapped, tracked, watched and spied, like the heroin. I couldn’t help but feel the fatality of what was about to come *back* to her.
We’ve got lovely moments with Brennan too, but this book’s got you edgy till the nearly end, It’s almost claustrophobic sometimes, learning about those cults and all the tragedies we hear from in the news.
All in all, the pace was great: anguish, anxiety, love, hope, action and a good and realistic denouement.
Great job.
May contain spoilers
Watch your back…your past could *FIND* you in any moment…
Yes, that was what I was feeling all the time.
Lynea and Cori went through the worse, especially Lynea, and after running from the compound and her husband, whose happen to be the cult leader, and moving constantly across the country, she finally built her life for both of them.
But a few years after, when she gets a job and maybe the opportunity of her life to study and maybe allow herself to find love in Brennan’s arms, would their past (hers in the compound and his from his own sister’s death) let them be happy?
I felt nervous, trapped, tracked, watched and spied, like the heroin. I couldn’t help but feel the fatality of what was about to come *back* to her.
We’ve got lovely moments with Brennan too, but this book’s got you edgy till the nearly end, It’s almost claustrophobic sometimes, learning about those cults and all the tragedies we hear from in the news.
All in all, the pace was great: anguish, anxiety, love, hope, action and a good and realistic denouement.
Great job.
November 29, 2016
This was a truly chilling book to read. It is truly horrific what Lynea had to endure while in the clutches of these people. I suspect that this scenario is sometimes too close to the truth. This book was masterfully written. All the characters were so real in every way.
The premise is that of a young girl, Lynea, and her sister, Cori, who escape a cult. But this book is also so much more. It shows the best and worst that humanity has to offer. From the psychopathic cult leader who uses the Bible and religion to indoctrinate his followers, to the pure selfless love of a sister who will put her own life on hold to help her sister achieve her dreams.
I literally could not put this book down once I started. There are so many twists and turns, unexpected and unwanted happenings. It had me in tears at one stage. It is one of those books that stays with you even after you have read the last page.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with the opportunity to read this book.
The premise is that of a young girl, Lynea, and her sister, Cori, who escape a cult. But this book is also so much more. It shows the best and worst that humanity has to offer. From the psychopathic cult leader who uses the Bible and religion to indoctrinate his followers, to the pure selfless love of a sister who will put her own life on hold to help her sister achieve her dreams.
I literally could not put this book down once I started. There are so many twists and turns, unexpected and unwanted happenings. It had me in tears at one stage. It is one of those books that stays with you even after you have read the last page.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with the opportunity to read this book.
April 13, 2016
Great read! I highly recommend this book. It's characters are endearing and likable, the story pulls you in from the very beginning, and the unpredictable story line keeps you wanting more!
It has action, mystery, romance, and humor!
I look forward to reading more from Jeannie Hall!
Merged review:
READ THIS BOOK! I have no idea why the other person rated it a 3???? It is great! It has mystery, romance, action, and the characters are well developed and likable.
The loving bond between two sisters is so touching, and Lynea is a strong female character! I look forward to reading more from Jeannie Hall!
It has action, mystery, romance, and humor!
I look forward to reading more from Jeannie Hall!
Merged review:
READ THIS BOOK! I have no idea why the other person rated it a 3???? It is great! It has mystery, romance, action, and the characters are well developed and likable.
The loving bond between two sisters is so touching, and Lynea is a strong female character! I look forward to reading more from Jeannie Hall!
June 19, 2016
A great read and a sincere reminder that almost all monsters come in human form. Definitely recommended!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews