Tragedy sent Holden Armstrong to the bottom of a liquor bottle. He spent a year there before coming to his senses and has been fighting the addiction since. But giving up alcohol is easier than forgiving the man who took his family away from him. And then there’s Izzy. She calls him every time she needs a designated driver. He’s happy to pick her up any time she needs a ride, but the alcohol causes her to cross the line every time. It’s obvious that she needs help, but he can’t be her solution. God is the only one who can fix Izzy Tanner, if only she’d let him. Izzy Tanner does whatever she wants, says whatever she thinks, dates whomever she wishes. There is nothing wrong with her casual way of living—at least, that’s what she tries to convince herself and others. Only one man could tempt her into something more serious, but nothing will ever come of it. Holden Armstrong is too good for the likes of her. When a date goes terribly wrong, it changes everything. Unwanted memories from the past resurface, leaving her broken and ashamed. She begins to question her life and the choices she has made. What will it take for Izzy to accept God’s calling?
Let’s talk about Izzy Tanner. I don’t know how it is for other authors, but I don’t plan out how things will go for my characters. For me, characters march through my mind telling me their own story. I first wrote Izzy into existence as Vivian Emerson’s sister in Irresistibly Yours. Right from the beginning, I knew there was something different about Izzy. She had the same parents, the same upbringing, so what caused her obvious brokenness? Then she whispered it to me. My initial response—God, please no, I don’t want to write about that. Izzy’s story is not my story, but that thing that happened to her, it happened to me too. I won’t spoil the story, but it involves a #metoo #churchtoo situation. I had healed from the ordeal, but I avoided reading about it. I certainly never planned to write about it. But above everything God knows my heart. He knows my greatest desire is for his will to be done, not mine. Right after this, every book I picked up had something to say about the subject. I knew what God was up to, so I powered through. There was a lack of hope and of healing in some of these stories. It became clear to me why God meant for me to write Izzy’s story. And let me tell you, this wasn’t an easy story to write. I’ve never cried so much over a book, ever. There were some parts where God would give me the words and tell me, “Write it just like this.” He used this story to minister to me and my hope is it does the same for you.
"You mighta turned your back on God but He didn't forget about you."
"I've been such a fool" . . . . . . . could have been Izzy Tanner's epitaph. Tumbling down the bottomless tunnel of alcohol dependency, one night flings, and erratic behavior, Izzy is a mere breath away from hitting rock bottom. When a trip to the emergency room pushes her deep, dark secrets out of the shadows, her friend and restaurant employee Holden Armstrong comes to her aid. Taking one step at a time and obeying the Holy Spirit's constant nudging, Holden and their mutual friend Sheba, begin the long, tenuous journey of walking Izzy out of the darkness and into the marvelous light.
Will Izzy ever feel like she is truly forgiven? Just how redeeming can love become?
An authentic story of soul restoration.
I received a copy of this book from author. The opinions stated are entirely my own.
This is probably my favorite Andrea Boyd novel thus far. Izzy has a heartache that's made her prickly on the outside and deeply troubled on the inside. I loved how Ms. Body slowly unveiled the pieces of Izzy. Love's Redemption is a worthy read.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. The review was not required nor influenced.
This book...….wow.....completely grabbed me from the get go and never let go!
I couldn't put it down, seriously, and get a good supply of tissues before you get ready to read! I have been waiting for Izzy's story since Irresistibly Yours, and this was so worth the wait!
I cried, I screamed, I smiled, I laughed....and most of all I found understanding once more just how lucky we are to have a Lord and Savior who does not count our faults, but always welcomes us with open arms as soon as we are ready! THANK YOU, Andrea Boyd!!
I love how this author doesn't shy away from the hard or sensitive subjects and this book is no exception. Well developed characters, reacting naturally to realistic situations make this a good read.
Izzy Tanner has been bathing her deepest hurt in alcohol and men for 27 years. When a date goes horribly wrong and she ends up in the ER, she finally begins to take stock of where her lifestyle has led her. She has many on her side, willing to walk with her out of her darkness, but until she is willing to see the destruction, she can't begin to rebuild. What will it take for Izzy to see God's hand at work in her life, and to accept that His love for her didn't stop in her childhood?
Holden Armstrong lost his corporate job to his drinking. Now that he's sober again, he's working as a restaurant manager for Izzy Tanner. He draws the line at helping out in the bar she puts in. He doesn't need that temptation. As Izzy begins calling him to be her driver when she's too drunk to get herself home safely, can he also ignore the temptation of Izzy?
Wow! Izzy's story packs a wallop! I don't want to spoil the story so I won't say anything about it except to say, when she starts to unravel, be sure your Kleenex are close by. I looked my judgmental self in the eye, and thought, "Everybody has a story. Maybe you need to learn those stories BEFORE you pass judgement."
This is the third book in Andrea Boyd's Walden Beach series, and I'm sure it was the hardest for her to write. It is also the one that spoke to me most deeply. Romance readers will enjoy seeing Izzy and Holden as they take steps toward one another. If you are sensitive to "triggers", be warned. This book has a few. Izzy lives most of her life in defiance of everything to do with church - to the point where she's afraid attending her sister's wedding in a church will cause the church to burn around her - and in so doing, encounters some of the worst life has to offer. BUT, as the title says, redemption is coming. Read Love's Redemption to find out how!
I knew prior to starting this series that there was a direct connection between Izzy, #metoo, and #churchtoo in this book. Yet, from the very 1st book I could tell what a devestated character Izzy was. Andrea Boyd gives depth to both social movements and all those that carry their banners, as well as the ones who haven't reached that place yet. The respect that the entire situation was handled was so nice to see. It was tastefully done.
Andrea Boyd quite literally blew me away! The way Izzy was written from the very beginning sparked in my mind that she was the one to watch. I recognized a kindred spirit. I felt like there were scenes snapped from my life and words pulled from my mind. It was scary and kind of freeing at the same time.
Character reactions to the bomb being dropped were so gentle, loving, and supportive. They were also very raw and life-like. The only negative reaction was from her grandma, which was rough as it set the stage. I pray that everyone else who goes through something like this has a support group/family/friends that are just like that.
It was also great to continue reading about a group of people that I feel like I already know. Granted I definitely got to know Izzy & Holden a lot better. These 2 -- wow! You could feel the tension & chemistry between these two. Both had their own struggles throughout the book. Yet, they pulled it all together, following God's will the whole way.
I really loved this book. I am super happy I pushed myself to start and finish this series. I want to thank Andrea Boyd for the way she handled the situations found in this book. Respectful is the one word that keeps coming to me. I really loved getting to know the characters and to get to know Walden Beach.
'When had God ever been fair to her? When had He ever been there when she needed Him?'
Holden Armstrong found himself in the bottom of a bottle after tragedy struck his life. Clean now, Holden still finds it impossible to forgive the man who took his family.
Izzy Tanner suffered her own tragedy as a child and she copes with her pain by staying drunk as much as possible. Her lifestyle is as casual as it gets, because Izzy needs to forget. Holden is used to getting her calls when she's too drunk to get home. He doesn't mind helping her and picking up the pieces. He prays for her and wishes she could realize the life God wants to give her. Izzy just can't face life without alcohol because then her brain must acknowledge and deal with the hurt.
This novel deeply touched me. It was heartbreaking and full of pain. Izzy's struggle was so real. These characters are well fleshed out and caused this reader to pull for them, to receive what God has in store for them and to give them true, lasting happiness.
Love's Redemption is a novel of the great and powerful grace, forgiveness and redemption of God! Deeply moving and powerful, this one will not be forgotten and is one for the keeper shelf. Highly recommended.
This romance story has been much more than just a romance. Tough issues are dealt with and not glossed over. Holden’s life was tough when he lost his wife and daughter but he had pushed through a lot to get where he was. He also still had things that needed to be took care of in his heart. Izzy’s life had become more than she could handle from alcohol and a heartache from something that had weighted her down since childhood. Can Holden and Izzy help each other? I love the way the author takes us down that road to forgiveness and redemption. This author handles the tough situation very well. If you like an emotional heart touching read you will like this book.
I love a well written story. The anxiety, confusion and anger came across clearly while the story of redemption from the ashes of life's tragedies shown through. I would encourage anyone who needs to heal from horrible life events to read and take away their next step in the healing process.
This is a book you will remember long after you finish the last page! This book shows the power of God in changing peoples life for the better. Have a box of tissue handy, you're going to need them!
This was another great read by author, Andrea Boyd. The reader first meets the protagonist Izzy in book one in the series, Irresistibly Yours as the sister of Vivian Emerson. While a wonderful story, it was an emotional story to read. Both the main characters, Izzy and Holden are dealing with tragedies in their pasts that have led them to depend on alcohol for comfort. While Holden has conquered his alcoholism, Izz,y at first, doesn't even see there is a problem. We learn that Izzy has suffered through a horrific circumstance that has left her emotionally scarred and angry with God. Without giving any spoilers, we see how the Holy Spirit is able to work in both of their lives to bring about healing. Andrea Boyd does an excellent job of tackling some very serious subjects without writing a depressing book but instead showing the reader through the characters that with God, there is a hope of healing and restoration, and the Lord truly can take what the devil meant to destroy us and turn the circumstances into something to bring honor to Him and show His goodness. I look forward to many more works by this talented author.
An incredibly beautiful handling of a difficult subject. Izzy is such a real character I almost expect to meet her on the street. She’s hard and fierce, but most of that’s covering a hurt so deep she’s never been able to grow past it. And that’s where the true beauty of the story begins—Izzy revealing her hidden trauma, which leads to not only her closest allies seeing her differently, but seeing herself and God differently. What I love most about this book is its authenticity and hope for healing. Definitely recommend.
I know this is probably not your normal review but it is what’s in my heart. This has got to be one of the best books ever, it has touched me deeply. There is one part about what you have done in your past and telling God what you’ve done and asking for forgiveness and then leave it at God’s feet and walk away. I have been having the most difficult time wondering how God could love me or forgive me for what all I have done in my past and this part just smacked me in the face. How could I have not known how easy it was for God to love and forgive me. I don’t know, I have been struggling with this for so long and then reading it like that was like a huge weight just lifted off of my shoulders. Another part in this book that really helped me was when Holden said you only have to ask for forgiveness once and you are forgiven. You don’t have to keep asking for forgiveness for the same sin in your past, which I was doing. I honestly don’t think these Christian authors really know just how much they help people with their books. I have loved every book that I have read by Andrea Boyd. I can’t honestly say which is my favorite book but my heart devours a little out of each book and makes me a better person and helps me to strive to learn more about my Lord and Savior. Thank you so much for all that you do Andrea, I am forever grateful. Your books are just amazing.
I’ve always had a strong burden to pray for those who’ve been abused. It’s hard to think about a person abusing another, especially a child and especially sexually. But Andrea deals with the story very well. Izzy is a typical example of the wreckage these victims lives often become and the process required for healing is very lengthy and heart wrenching. But oh how glorious when the victory comes!
I started this book and put it aside because I didn't really like the main character. Then I read the earlier books in this series. I enjoyed them and decided to give this one another chance. I am glad that I did. This book is full of hard things and forgiveness. I am really glad that I never had to live Izzie's life, but also glad that I could experience her growth and change in this book.
What a great way to end the Waldron Beach, give Izzy a happy ending. I love a story where a bad girl realizes that God restores bad girls and makes them a new creation Christ. Always excited to see scripture used in books. Thanks, Ms. Boyd.
Loved the book. Love's Redemption drew me in from the beginning and did not let go. It's an amazing read, I think I'll be pondering over this novel for quite a while.