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 Brewed Awakening

With surnames like Austen and Dashwood, you know that the people of Wisteria, North Carolina are just itching for a romance to play out before their eyes. A Brewed Awakening by Pepper Basham is definitely a rude awakening for Daphne, and it's a fun journey that we get to go on as we see a small town band together to support old and new local businesses. Many thanks to Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Content to be aware of : several New Age references including séances, hauntings, and manifestation; symbols of luck; mentions of speaking to and praying to deceased family members; near conflation of deceased family members to deity Book Synopsis Daphne dreams of Mr. Darcy. Finn serves up pints and rock music. Can opposites attract when a tea shop princess meets her pub-owning rival? In the charming mountain town of Wisteria, North Carolina, Daphne Austen clings t...

Review: Beyond the Clouds - Women of Midtown #3

Am I ever excited to see Beyond the Clouds by Elizabeth Camden , the last book in the Women of Midtown series , release on January 20, 2026! I've appreciated the stories of heroism in this series, and what makes this book stand out is that Delia does not naturally have the traits to take risks or stand out. Her timid nature is relatable and shows that courage can come at a cost, making her adventure even more enthralling. Many thanks to Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis As teenagers, Delia Byrne and Finn Delaney fell in love while flying kites and dreaming of a future together—until betrayal tore them apart. Now, Delia, a pacifist and paralegal, and Finn, a decorated war hero, cross paths in famine-stricken WWI Belgium. As they navigate war's dangers, they face another risk—falling in love again. Source: Amazon Book Thoughts A thrilli...

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 for review consideration. 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, y...