Blurb:

How far would YOU go to avenge the murder of a daughter?

 

Caralynne Hayman is angry and bitter over the abuse and death of her eleven-year-old daughter from the hands of her religious group, The Children of Righteous Cain. When her husband suffers a sudden heart attack, she does nothing to help him. In her eyes someone needs to pay, and if that means all of the men in the group, then so be it.

Dayne MacFarland is sent away to college by the senior elder of the group to learn ministry. When he returns after finding salvation, determined to bring the truth to the people he’s known all his life, he rediscovers Cara and realizes the love he once felt for her is still deeply embedded within his heart.

 

Dayne faces men unwilling to turn their backs on the cult training he despises. Cara faces men who follow their leader in abuse toward their wives and the young girls of the group. Cara is considered rebellious and inappropriate to befriend. Dayne is the apple of Elder Simmons’ eye—until he takes a stand against their teachings.

 

Can Dayne's love for Caralynne bridge the gulf of anger and bitterness that divides the community? Or will Caralynne's deadly secrets prove too high a price for her redemption?

 

Purchase Link:

https://amzn.to/2IQk3i2

 

About the Author:

Besides being a member and active participant of many writing groups, Carole Brown enjoys mentoring beginning writers. An author of ten books, she loves to weave suspense and tough topics into her books, along with a touch of romance and whimsy, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons?

 

 

 

Social Media Links:

 

Personal blog: http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaroleBrown.author

Amazon Author Page:  http://www.amazon.com/Carole-Brown/e/B00EZV4RFY/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1427898838&sr=8-1

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/browncarole212

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/carole-brown

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/browncarole212/?hl=en

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sunnywrtr/boards/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5237997-carole-brown

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carole-brown-79b6951a/

Stitches Thru Time:  http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/

 

 

My Review:

“Who am I? What have I become besides a mother who adores her daughters?”

 



Thrusting the reader immediately into the world of The Children of Righteous Cain, a radical religious cult that exists in its own self-contained world, “The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman” is both eye-opening and heartbreaking, but with a whisper of hope that beckons throughout. Skeptical as I was when I started reading this story, I am glad that I took a chance on it. With a jarring prologue that begins to make more sense as the novel winds down, Carole Brown establishes a steady pace interjected with occasional moments of serenity that allow the reader to catch their breath. Once I stepped into the story, I had a difficult time putting it down, and it reminded me somewhat of a Lifetime movie. There is the requisite romance, and a forbidden one at that, and plenty of drama. Exposing the cornerstone of the cult, Brown manages to evoke revulsion but also sympathy, and she does so in a non-gratuitous manner that makes readers aware of the abuse and unpalatable issues without including graphic details or profanity.

 



As the narrative unfolds, the characters remain the most prominent aspect, even above the situations. They are my favorite part of the book because of the complexities woven into them by the author. When writing about cults, it can be easy to fall into stereotypes and characters who are either good or evil, with no middle ground. “The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman” offers a more authentic study of human behavior by demonstrating the conflicts within the cult members themselves, and the effects of brainwashing. While there is true evil, it comes through the sin resulting from twisting or denying God’s Word, and the consequences thereof. Indoctrinated with a false religion, the followers are expected to be subservient to whatever the leader proclaims, and anyone who challenges the modus vivendi is a threat. Due to her oldest daughter’s death, Caralynne defies the status quo: “All she wanted was for her girls to have a chance at a good and happy life. Whatever it took, she would do it. Right or wrong.” Ultimately, what causes the cult’s theology to fall apart is its lack of love. 1 John 4:18 encapsulates this missing element: “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” Thankfully, we have a Savior who does love us with a perfect love, and as this story demonstrates, it is Him we need to listen to and follow.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through CelebrateLit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

 

 

Tweets:

 

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