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Redeeming Claire (The Marrying Kind Series #2)
Redeeming Claire by Cynthia Rutledge released on Sep 24, 2001 is available now for purchase.
256 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 1, 2001
About the author
Cynthia Rutledge
34 books20 followersCynthia Rutledge started writing after taking a class at a local community college. But her interest in the written word started years earlier when she was in her teens. At sixteen she wrote in her diary, "I don't know what I would do if I couldn't be a writer."
It took Cindy years to return to her first love---writing. Unlike some writers, Cindy wasn't interested in shorter works of fiction. She jumped feet first into book length fiction. She loves reading and writing romance because she believes in the power of love and in happily ever after. An incurable romantic, Cindy loves seeing her characters grow and learn from their mistakes and, in the process, achieve a happy ending.
Cindy hopes that once you read her books you'll be able to tell she is an eternal optimist, one who truly believes in the power of love. She invites you to kick off your shoes, pick up one of her books and get to know her.
She now writes for Harlequin Special Edition and Montlake Romance under Cindy Kirk. Check out her website www.cindykirk.com, friend her on Facebook and follow her on twitter @cindykirkauthor
It took Cindy years to return to her first love---writing. Unlike some writers, Cindy wasn't interested in shorter works of fiction. She jumped feet first into book length fiction. She loves reading and writing romance because she believes in the power of love and in happily ever after. An incurable romantic, Cindy loves seeing her characters grow and learn from their mistakes and, in the process, achieve a happy ending.
Cindy hopes that once you read her books you'll be able to tell she is an eternal optimist, one who truly believes in the power of love. She invites you to kick off your shoes, pick up one of her books and get to know her.
She now writes for Harlequin Special Edition and Montlake Romance under Cindy Kirk. Check out her website www.cindykirk.com, friend her on Facebook and follow her on twitter @cindykirkauthor
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
March 9, 2025
I really enjoyed this story as well! In the first book, we were introduced to Claire and Tony, who were working together to help break up Taylor and Nick. In this one, however, they team up for a different purpose, to pretend they're engaged. Claire is at odds with her father and decides to spend time with Tony. What she doesn’t expect is to get caught up in a lie that he’s engaged to her. The people who hired Tony as their pastor mistakenly believe he's engaged to her, confusing him with another candidate. So, when Claire shows up, she helps him out by pretending to be his fiancée. Initially, her plan is to stay for just a few weeks, long enough to stage a breakup and prove to her father that she can be serious about a relationship. But as time goes on, she starts to fall for Tony, and for the town. Tony, on the other hand, is attracted to Claire, but he never imagined she would leave her busy, privileged life to be a small-town pastor's wife. So, he decides to enjoy what they have for as long as it lasts. As their relationship grows, just when they think they might be ready to admit their feelings for each other, a misunderstanding causes them both to pull away, realizing how different they are. But can they look past those differences and take a chance on love?
I saw some reviews where readers weren’t too happy about the situation Claire finds herself in. Here’s my take on it: Claire gets into a tough spot trying to protect a friend from some men who were hitting on her. She uses a poker game as a distraction to buy time until the cops arrive. While Claire does have a sultry side and sometimes speaks with innuendo, the story clearly shows that she’s saving herself for marriage. The poker game is just a trick to give her and her friend some breathing room. It may seem random, but it fits with the story. And don’t forget, this book is about Claire’s "redemption" as she makes changes in her life, so while her past sometimes comes up, she’s slowly leaving it behind her. Overall, this was a great and unique story, and I'm so glad I picked it up.
I’d rate this book 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5!
I saw some reviews where readers weren’t too happy about the situation Claire finds herself in. Here’s my take on it: Claire gets into a tough spot trying to protect a friend from some men who were hitting on her. She uses a poker game as a distraction to buy time until the cops arrive. While Claire does have a sultry side and sometimes speaks with innuendo, the story clearly shows that she’s saving herself for marriage. The poker game is just a trick to give her and her friend some breathing room. It may seem random, but it fits with the story. And don’t forget, this book is about Claire’s "redemption" as she makes changes in her life, so while her past sometimes comes up, she’s slowly leaving it behind her. Overall, this was a great and unique story, and I'm so glad I picked it up.
I’d rate this book 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5!
July 14, 2017
This book storyline seem a little contrived and not realistic for Christian story. The main character is the new minister in town. The other character is a spoiled, selfish rich girl looking for a place and someone to hang out with till daddy got over his mad. Their initial behavior, especially the minister's did not seem realistic to me. After she showed up and people thought she was the fiancé, (He learned that they hired him because they thought he was engaged to be married) he didn't correct anyone's assumptions. of course they had a HEA in the end.
July 27, 2021
A Pastor who curses?! And who gives into lust?! Also seems like he is just doing a job. No passion for Jesus.
She is redeemed by the pastor and the town -- not by God?! No giving God the glory.
Two scenarios do not make sense.
The ending is good, though.
However, lesson here: 1) do NOT flirt; and 2) be VERY CAREFUL what you say even if it is in a teasing voice. WORDS HAVE POWER!
She is redeemed by the pastor and the town -- not by God?! No giving God the glory.
Two scenarios do not make sense.
The ending is good, though.
However, lesson here: 1) do NOT flirt; and 2) be VERY CAREFUL what you say even if it is in a teasing voice. WORDS HAVE POWER!
January 29, 2021
Didnt really like. Characters seemed shallow.
February 9, 2008
My Take:
I am completely enamored with this book!
That being said, let me point out that I am an atheist. For me to still be crazy about this book means there must be some incredibly “redeeming” quality about it, and it certainly lives up to the title (get it? Redeeming Claire? Ok, I’ll stop with the bad jokes).
This was my first Christian romance, and I wasn’t sure how I was going to handle the whole God-as-part-of-my-life as a driving force in romance. I think normally it might have turned me off to the book. However, I found the themes of religious and romantic love seamlessly intertwined. The character’s personal views on God and religion enhanced their characters and revealed their motivations, rather than deliver a moral message.
The other factor which had turned me off to Christian romance is the chastity thing. What’s a romance without the passion? While Tony and Claire stick to their values, there is still passion in this book, even if it’s just the PG kind. Things were good enough to get me wondering how many hot, young ministers there are in rural Iowa…
I finished this book feeling warm and fuzzy and wanting more. Claire was redeemed, she and Tony were happy and my toes were tingling thinking about the many fat, happy, attractive babies they would have in the future.
Though Rutledge has not made me find religion, she has managed an incredible feat, opening me up to the world Christian romance.
What To Watch Out For:
My only warning is that the climax which ultimately pushes Tony and Claire apart before bringing them together is fairly contrived. First off, large, drunk, aggressive, dominate, hormonal males are not going to remain complacent while losing a game of strip poker. They’re going to do what they want, whether or not you want it. It was a good message though- be careful what situations you get yourself into. Second, it was completely unclear why the incident was covered up to the sheriff. He was a supposedly helpful and understanding guy.
That being said, I still didn’t mind that much because of the lingering warm and fuzzy feeling I had once I finished the book.
I am completely enamored with this book!
That being said, let me point out that I am an atheist. For me to still be crazy about this book means there must be some incredibly “redeeming” quality about it, and it certainly lives up to the title (get it? Redeeming Claire? Ok, I’ll stop with the bad jokes).
This was my first Christian romance, and I wasn’t sure how I was going to handle the whole God-as-part-of-my-life as a driving force in romance. I think normally it might have turned me off to the book. However, I found the themes of religious and romantic love seamlessly intertwined. The character’s personal views on God and religion enhanced their characters and revealed their motivations, rather than deliver a moral message.
The other factor which had turned me off to Christian romance is the chastity thing. What’s a romance without the passion? While Tony and Claire stick to their values, there is still passion in this book, even if it’s just the PG kind. Things were good enough to get me wondering how many hot, young ministers there are in rural Iowa…
I finished this book feeling warm and fuzzy and wanting more. Claire was redeemed, she and Tony were happy and my toes were tingling thinking about the many fat, happy, attractive babies they would have in the future.
Though Rutledge has not made me find religion, she has managed an incredible feat, opening me up to the world Christian romance.
What To Watch Out For:
My only warning is that the climax which ultimately pushes Tony and Claire apart before bringing them together is fairly contrived. First off, large, drunk, aggressive, dominate, hormonal males are not going to remain complacent while losing a game of strip poker. They’re going to do what they want, whether or not you want it. It was a good message though- be careful what situations you get yourself into. Second, it was completely unclear why the incident was covered up to the sheriff. He was a supposedly helpful and understanding guy.
That being said, I still didn’t mind that much because of the lingering warm and fuzzy feeling I had once I finished the book.
January 3, 2018
One of my favorite Love Inspired books, and not just because the main character shares my name! She is a beautiful sassy woman, who has her shields around her heart so thick that it takes a man who doesn't always know what to do next to break through. She is a character that one can relate to, and really enjoy reading about. Her story is just as fun as she is!
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January 12, 2009YAI-Rut
February 17, 2015
Typical Christian romance. Quick read.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews