Review: The One Who Rocked Away

Review: The One Who Rocked Away - Prodigals #1

The One Who Rocked Away book cover on blue background

The One Who Rocked Away by Joanna Alonzo explores the stories of believers who grew up in the church, fell away, and have come back again. After reading King of the Crown Imperials and being blown away by it, I was definitely keen to read another book by such a talented author.

Book Synopsis

SERENE

If she loses herself loving him, is it love at all?

Growing up with Nolan, Serene Sinclair stands witness to the rise and fall of his faith. When his talent shoots them both to fame, Serene’s love for him makes her stay. However, as he drifts further from the faith and pulls her along with him, Serene has to ask herself if he is worth losing it all.

NOLAN

He gains it all to lose it all, so he can find his way back to love.

Nolan Stone was born for the stage. Judged and rejected by the church, the only reason he has to keep the faith is Serene. When she abandons him, his faith goes with her. When circumstances intertwine their lives back together, he wrestles with the urge to be someone he’s not just to get her back.

Will they get past the question standing as a hurdle between their love: Is he using God to get to her or is God using her to get to him?

Source: Amazon

Book Thoughts

This series has long been on my TBR, and I'm grateful that I finally had the opportunity to read the first Prodigals book. This is definitely more on the grittier side of Christian fiction and does not shy away from referencing sin. Told using a series of flashbacks, readers are able to better understand the decisions made by Nolan Stone and Serene Sinclair in this rock star romance. The scenes are raw, and the emotions conveyed are effective at showing just how much love can bless and hurt. There were multiple chapters where my heart went out to Serene and her struggle in handing everything over to God, including her relationship with Nolan.

I would say that based on the writing and the gripping depth of the story expressed by the author, it is certainly a five-star read. I only struggled a little bit because I’m more sensitive to reading accounts of sexual sin, but for anyone else, I can easily see how this is a top-notch book that explores forgiveness and God’s perfect timing in a delicate manner. I appreciate that sin is not glorified in this book as Joanna Alonzo does an excellent job of showing the ramifications of this behaviour and the effects it can have on others. Readers wanting more of an edge to their books that are more realistic and redemptive will find it here.

Book Summary

Format of book: 📱
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommendation: 👍

Comments

Review: A Heart to Treasure - Searching Hearts #1

There can be a genteelness to Regency books that allows for reflection while reading about the hardships that people faced during this time in history. A Heart to Treasure by Dienece Darling probes both the heart and the mind, allowing readers to be immersed in an era where trust in God is required when circumstances appear bleak. Many thanks to the author for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis The vicar’s son and the draper’s daughter have fought against all odds to be together, but a storm is coming. One that will shatter everything. Life hasn’t been easy for Obadiah Howard, especially after that misstep at Oxford which nearly obliterated his chances of joining the church. Added to that, he fell in love with the draper’s daughter. But a miracle revived his dreams of having a curacy and his strict father allowed his betrothal to Miss Hill. Only, what if there was no miracle? What if all of Obadiah’s br...

Review: The Biblio Diet

Over the years, I've had the joy of reading many books on health and nutrition, partly a product of some studies I've done on it and also due to personal interest. As a result, I'm always intrigued when there is a Christian perspective on this subject. I'm grateful that I learnt about The Biblio Diet by Jordan Rubin and Dr. Josh Axe after having previously read Eat Dirt by Dr. Josh Axe. Many thanks to Worthy Books for providing a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis In this breakthrough book, New York Times bestselling authors and nutrition experts Jordan Rubin and Dr. Josh Axe offer a simple and holistic plan for building strength, health, and longevity. Based on the ancient wisdom of the Bible and confirmed by modern science, The Biblio Diet’s intuitive and easy-to-follow plan invites you to experience a breakthrough in the health of your entire family by learning to eat and live God’s way. In this book, you’ll receive powerful in...

Review: The Road Unveiled - Bicycle Adventures #2

If you've had the opportunity to read The Persistent Road by Tim Bishop , The Road Unveiled is the second book in the Bicycle Adventures series where you can follow along for an up-close look at trekking across America with nothing but the wind and the open road. It's a book that will keep you guessing until the end as you get to enjoy the scenic beauty of American national parks. Many thanks to the author for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Content to be aware of : violence, assault, kidnapping Book Synopsis Two wounded hearts. Long, winding roads. And second chances neither saw coming. Lauren Baumgartner pedals toward Yellowstone National Park, anticipating a grand celebration when she reaches the Atlantic Ocean. But when her wedding plans collapse, old wounds resurface—and a haunting secret still holds her heart hostage. Traveling alone with bear spray and a one-woman tent, she shares the highway with...