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

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