What do you think?
Rate this book
Home for Hope #1
Redeeming Hope
Fifteen years ago Elijah Langley’s world came to an abrupt halt with the death of his high school boyfriend. He keeps his past—and his sexual orientation—hidden until he attends a fundraiser for The Center for HOPE, an LGBT youth center, where he meets Adam Lancaster, HOPE’s infuriatingly stubborn and sexy founder.
A survivor of a turbulent childhood, Adam understands better than most the challenges his youth face. He’s drawn to Elijah’s baby blues and devilish smile but refuses to compromise his values and climb back into the closet for anyone—not even the man showering time and money on HOPE. Months of constant flirting wear down Adam’s resolve until he surrenders to his desires, but Elijah can’t shake his demons.
When a youth from the center is brutally assaulted, Elijah must find a way to confront the fears and memories that are starting to ruin his life, so he can stand strong for those he loves.
A survivor of a turbulent childhood, Adam understands better than most the challenges his youth face. He’s drawn to Elijah’s baby blues and devilish smile but refuses to compromise his values and climb back into the closet for anyone—not even the man showering time and money on HOPE. Months of constant flirting wear down Adam’s resolve until he surrenders to his desires, but Elijah can’t shake his demons.
When a youth from the center is brutally assaulted, Elijah must find a way to confront the fears and memories that are starting to ruin his life, so he can stand strong for those he loves.
205 pages, Paperback
First published October 5, 2015
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
October 7, 2015
I'm super shocked at how much I liked this story. A first for me by this author and I think she did a great job with the character development, she did a good job with them being Adults and talking things through.he made them adults and they didn't automatically assume terrible things. They actually worked things out.I'm not usually one for the slow burn books, but I liked that they became friends, fought like most friends do, broke up as friends and talked things through to become involved with each other.
Elijah is a good character with all these caring traits about himself, but he's closeted. I think him being in the closet more had to deal with the unresolved grief that he's suffered for the past 17 years. I get it, and I loved that he owned up to his mistakes. I liked that he did not make everything "whoa is me." I think he had to learn somethings about himself before he could be anything to Adam. One thing I like about Adam was his patience. He made a good speech almost towards the end about being patient enough to wait on Elijah.
I like that both of these complimented each other at the best and worst of times. I really enjoyed Kollin's point of view as well, and I think he showed Elijah another side of himself that he didn't even know existed. I'm so looking forward to book two, and I hope that these guys can continue to talk. Communication is the most important thing to me, and I'm happy to finally read about some ADULTS. I'd recommend to everyone.
Elijah is a good character with all these caring traits about himself, but he's closeted. I think him being in the closet more had to deal with the unresolved grief that he's suffered for the past 17 years. I get it, and I loved that he owned up to his mistakes. I liked that he did not make everything "whoa is me." I think he had to learn somethings about himself before he could be anything to Adam. One thing I like about Adam was his patience. He made a good speech almost towards the end about being patient enough to wait on Elijah.
I like that both of these complimented each other at the best and worst of times. I really enjoyed Kollin's point of view as well, and I think he showed Elijah another side of himself that he didn't even know existed. I'm so looking forward to book two, and I hope that these guys can continue to talk. Communication is the most important thing to me, and I'm happy to finally read about some ADULTS. I'd recommend to everyone.
June 16, 2016
This book really surprised me! New author, I expected either a shallow story at best, or a shallow, shoddily edited story at worst. I'm happy to report that this book was neither of those things. I did lose patience with Adam there for a bit, I felt he could have been more understanding of all Elijah had been through. I'm looking forward to starting the sequel, which continues these guys' story.
ETA 6/16/16: I just found out that this series started out as fanfic. Mad props to the author, because I didn't have a clue, didn't see the source characters or material ANYWHERE in these books!
ETA 6/16/16: I just found out that this series started out as fanfic. Mad props to the author, because I didn't have a clue, didn't see the source characters or material ANYWHERE in these books!
September 21, 2015
Redeeming Hope tells the story of Elijah, a tortured bisexual man whose attempts to bury his past seemed to be working for him—until the day a certain boy walks into his life and helps Elijah discover the man he truly wants to be. The friendship between Elijah and Kollin—their no-bullshit dialogue and the warmth and affection between the two—is one of the most endearing aspects of this book and absolutely worth the read on its own. But Shell Taylor gives us much more in her debut novel by introducing Elijah to the beautiful soul of Adam, an out and proud gay man whose life work is keeping LGBTQ+ kids safe from the harsh streets by providing shelter in every sense of the word. Adam falls hard for Elijah, even while realizing there can be no future for the two while Elijah remains tightly locked in his closet. As a reader, you feel Adam’s frustration of being caught in the storm of highs and lows while Elijah attempts to balance his public persona with his honest yearnings. The two men challenge each other in ways neither was ready for, with Kollin providing a tender counter note to their tumultuous love story. In the end, Shell brings us a most satisfying vision of redemption and hope for their shared future.
I had the great honor of meeting Adam, Elijah, and Kollin pre-release, and I can guarantee you all three characters will burrow deep into your heart. Lucky for us, Shell has already written Adam’s story (book two of the Home for Hope series) and book three, Kollin’s story, is in the works.
I had the great honor of meeting Adam, Elijah, and Kollin pre-release, and I can guarantee you all three characters will burrow deep into your heart. Lucky for us, Shell has already written Adam’s story (book two of the Home for Hope series) and book three, Kollin’s story, is in the works.
September 28, 2015
What a wonderful book. I truly adored it and not just because the writing was fantastic or the emotions were consuming me throughout my read. But, because the content is so close to my heart. This is a story about what happens to some of our most vulnerable people: kids. Kids who dare to be different and be themselves can do so at a risk. This story shows us the true costs and benefits of risk. I think the love story developing within all of this is also pretty great. Eli takes a risk he didn't think he'd ever take again. And we get to see a little of what that payoff is. So, yes. Read this. As soon as you can. Because it's emotional. And it's real. And it's hot. Also, there's tattoos and gingers. If you like that kinda stuff (I DO)
December 22, 2015
So I liked this book quite a bit but this review may not make it seem so. Mostly, I hav to get off my chest how PREACHY this book was. I felt like the author was trying to impress us vicariously through Adam with her understanding and tolerance. Adam... Sanctimonious prick. I kept wondering WHY Elijah even ended up with him. Adam never grew on me and he treated Elijah like shit.
But. I genuinely LOVED and felt so much for Elijah. And Kollin. I liked the writing in general, though, again, the story telling was on the overly didactic side at times. I understand a lot of that was the setting of the LGBT center. And I was pleased to see Elijah accept when he'd made a mistake and was humble. There was just something so endearing in him that made me want him to be so happy that I didn't even care if he was dumb and fell for High and Mighty. Adam did even out eventually so I'm being a little harsh.
That abrupt ending tho. Not that the HEA wasn't fine, just surprisingly succinct. Anywho...
That's that. Liked it, didn't love it, but did LOVE Eli soooo much. I'll still pick up the next book in the series, for sure.
But. I genuinely LOVED and felt so much for Elijah. And Kollin. I liked the writing in general, though, again, the story telling was on the overly didactic side at times. I understand a lot of that was the setting of the LGBT center. And I was pleased to see Elijah accept when he'd made a mistake and was humble. There was just something so endearing in him that made me want him to be so happy that I didn't even care if he was dumb and fell for High and Mighty. Adam did even out eventually so I'm being a little harsh.
That abrupt ending tho. Not that the HEA wasn't fine, just surprisingly succinct. Anywho...
That's that. Liked it, didn't love it, but did LOVE Eli soooo much. I'll still pick up the next book in the series, for sure.
October 6, 2015
I loved Redeeming Hope. Just like its title, it's a book about hope and love as seen through the eyes of two grown men and a teenaged boy. It revolves around a center for LGBT+ kids and the struggles that the staff and the kids deal with on a daily basis.
It is also the story of Elijah, a closeted bisexual man, Adam who runs the center called HOPE, and Kollin, one of the center's everyday kids. They are beautifully flawed characters, and you will sometimes rage at them at the same time you want to give them a hug and tell them it will be okay.
Shell's writing is terrific and she brings these characters to life in a way that is seldom seen, especially for a brand new writer. I highly recommend Redeeming Hope for everyone and I'm anxiously awaiting the sequel!
It is also the story of Elijah, a closeted bisexual man, Adam who runs the center called HOPE, and Kollin, one of the center's everyday kids. They are beautifully flawed characters, and you will sometimes rage at them at the same time you want to give them a hug and tell them it will be okay.
Shell's writing is terrific and she brings these characters to life in a way that is seldom seen, especially for a brand new writer. I highly recommend Redeeming Hope for everyone and I'm anxiously awaiting the sequel!
January 31, 2016
Amazeballs! What a wonderful book. Elijah was really frustrating at times as was Adam but their relationship seemed like it could actually be real. Nothing flowery or over top. Their problems weren't overlooked or solved right away, like real life and stuff. I think my favorite character in the book was Kollin though. That kid just stole my heart. This is the first book by this author and I am truly impressed. I will definitely be reading the next one.
In case you're wondering why not five stars, it was the lack of sex. It did have a couple scenes but I personally like me some dirty hotness.
In case you're wondering why not five stars, it was the lack of sex. It did have a couple scenes but I personally like me some dirty hotness.
December 7, 2015
Well, I bought this one because I don't think I've got a book which is set in an LGBT youth centre/safe house. Unfortunately, we didn't get to meet that many of the kids other than Kollin, Julie and Ri. Adam, the founder, and Elijah, major contributor to the expansion of Hope House feature front and centre.
Of course, both of the MC's have their own stories to tell BUT we don't get to discover Adam's problem-filled previous life until book 2, and then the story ends very abruptly at around 90%, and we get the beginning of book 2, which was really weird. Anyhoo, 4 stars from me, and book 2 comes out from Dreamspinner Press later this month.
September 10, 2016
DNF’d at 55% - I don’t know if it was because I did this as an audio book but I just couldn’t get into it. The Adam and Elijah dynamic just did not win me over. I might try to finish this on another day but for now I’m going to give up.
December 9, 2016
Great on audio - re-read Nov 2016
4.5 Stars
This came as a total surprise. It appeared in my GR timeline and is by an author I had never heard of. This came as a fantastic surprise!
Elijah Langley lost the most important person in his life at the young age of 17. He closed himself up, became a shell of man, and hid in his closet scared and alone for the years. When a young man handing pamphlets out about and LGBT safe house reminds him of his past he is compelled to get involved and help.
Adam Lancaster devotes all his time and energy into running the small safe house for LGBT youth. He has been in their position and knows what it feels like to have nowhere to go and no one to trust. He has grand plans to open a bigger place, with more beds and services and is currently fundraising for all he is worth.
The latest fundraiser is where these two men meet. It goes both well and not. Eli makes a very generous donation but by the end of the night he has ruffled Adam’s feathers in more ways than one. They are like chalk and cheese but something has sparked between them and they can’t seem to stay away from one another.
The story is full of angst, miscommunication and hurt and is not a puzzle easily solved. Elijah has hidden himself for so long and for so many reasons that honesty is not easy for him and he lives with fear and shame.
Some really good secondary characters and it would be wrong not to mention Kollin. He goes through a lot but he is one smart kid with a great sense of humour. It ends of kind of a cliff-hanger and I can’t wait for next book!
Only one question really....how long do we have to wait for the next one :-)
4.5 Stars
This came as a total surprise. It appeared in my GR timeline and is by an author I had never heard of. This came as a fantastic surprise!
Elijah Langley lost the most important person in his life at the young age of 17. He closed himself up, became a shell of man, and hid in his closet scared and alone for the years. When a young man handing pamphlets out about and LGBT safe house reminds him of his past he is compelled to get involved and help.
Adam Lancaster devotes all his time and energy into running the small safe house for LGBT youth. He has been in their position and knows what it feels like to have nowhere to go and no one to trust. He has grand plans to open a bigger place, with more beds and services and is currently fundraising for all he is worth.
The latest fundraiser is where these two men meet. It goes both well and not. Eli makes a very generous donation but by the end of the night he has ruffled Adam’s feathers in more ways than one. They are like chalk and cheese but something has sparked between them and they can’t seem to stay away from one another.
The story is full of angst, miscommunication and hurt and is not a puzzle easily solved. Elijah has hidden himself for so long and for so many reasons that honesty is not easy for him and he lives with fear and shame.
Some really good secondary characters and it would be wrong not to mention Kollin. He goes through a lot but he is one smart kid with a great sense of humour. It ends of kind of a cliff-hanger and I can’t wait for next book!
Only one question really....how long do we have to wait for the next one :-)
October 9, 2015
I really enjoyed this. It ended rather abrupt, but that's okay. No cliffie.
LOVED HOPE and H4H!
Would have liked to have seen more from Derek. He intrigued me for some reason.
But, yes, I adored Adam and Elijah (and Kollin). Can't wait for book 2.
LOVED HOPE and H4H!
Would have liked to have seen more from Derek. He intrigued me for some reason.
But, yes, I adored Adam and Elijah (and Kollin). Can't wait for book 2.
April 5, 2017
There were times during this book when I really wanted to knock Adam and Elijah's heads together. If only they communicated they would have saved a lot of angst.
Loved Kollin. I smiled when he was on the page.
I like how Elijah really got behind the Inn and made it happen along with dam and the fact that he was willing to take Kollin I after his father had beaten him up.
I will definitely read the next bo0ok and I would like to read Kolloin's book as well but it depends on how the trans story is handled.
Loved Kollin. I smiled when he was on the page.
I like how Elijah really got behind the Inn and made it happen along with dam and the fact that he was willing to take Kollin I after his father had beaten him up.
I will definitely read the next bo0ok and I would like to read Kolloin's book as well but it depends on how the trans story is handled.
October 12, 2015
*copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by author/publisher via Creative Minds in exchange for an honest review*
This was a really enjoyable read. It held me captivated from the first sentence, and I didn't want to put it down. I loved the story. It was very well written. Adam and Elijah while they were sometimes infuriating, both were likable characters. They had a good chemistry and passion. You just had to root for them to let go of their past hurts and let one another in.
Adam is open, loving and giving. He cares deeply for the youth at HOPE, the LGBT center he runs. He has big dreams along with a big heart and wants to help all the kids he can. He doesn't flaunt being gay, but he doesn't hide it either.
After a great loss at a young age, Elijah buried the hurt deep, becoming a workaholic. He hides the fact that he is attracted to men. He has been shut down and closed off, as well as closeted for years. When he meets 15 year old Kollin, one of the kids from the center they hit it off. Elijah attends a fundraiser for the center where he meets Adam. There is an instant attraction for both men. Elijah lights up and becomes a different person when he's around Adam and Kollin.
I loved the relationship and interactions between Adam, Elijah and Kollin. I adored Kollin's character. All three were extremely well developed and Kollin definitely lent some comic relief to this emotional story.
His book flowed well and was a pleasure to read. I'll be sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for Book two Resurrecting Hope, the continuation of Adam, Elijah and Kollin's story! Highly recommended!
This was a really enjoyable read. It held me captivated from the first sentence, and I didn't want to put it down. I loved the story. It was very well written. Adam and Elijah while they were sometimes infuriating, both were likable characters. They had a good chemistry and passion. You just had to root for them to let go of their past hurts and let one another in.
Adam is open, loving and giving. He cares deeply for the youth at HOPE, the LGBT center he runs. He has big dreams along with a big heart and wants to help all the kids he can. He doesn't flaunt being gay, but he doesn't hide it either.
After a great loss at a young age, Elijah buried the hurt deep, becoming a workaholic. He hides the fact that he is attracted to men. He has been shut down and closed off, as well as closeted for years. When he meets 15 year old Kollin, one of the kids from the center they hit it off. Elijah attends a fundraiser for the center where he meets Adam. There is an instant attraction for both men. Elijah lights up and becomes a different person when he's around Adam and Kollin.
I loved the relationship and interactions between Adam, Elijah and Kollin. I adored Kollin's character. All three were extremely well developed and Kollin definitely lent some comic relief to this emotional story.
His book flowed well and was a pleasure to read. I'll be sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for Book two Resurrecting Hope, the continuation of Adam, Elijah and Kollin's story! Highly recommended!
September 29, 2015
I had the pleasure of pre-reading this as it was written, and when the author sent the final copy as a thank you, I promised I wouldd give it a final reading before publication in case there were formatting issues.
In the interest of straightforward honesty, I must say that I was a bit reluctant to read it again: when you've read a book already a good five or six times in bits and pieces, you feel like you know the plot and the characters pretty well.
But I still downloaded it to my Kindle and dutifully started to read. And let me tell you, I was pulled into the storyline once again right from the first chapter. I was the first surprised by how much the story grabbed me. I cheered and awwed and got mad at the characters just like I had no idea what was going to happen to them. I cringed at their flaws and wanted to offer hugs as if I had never read their story before.
And to manage that after you have read the book several time already is the sign of a real great story and storytelling to me.
Shell Taylor has a real knack for natural dialogue. It always feels like the conversation's happening right in the room next door between real people, and scenes after scenes just play out in your mind like you were witnessing them.
A very very good read. It left me wanting more and looking forward to the sequel already.
In the interest of straightforward honesty, I must say that I was a bit reluctant to read it again: when you've read a book already a good five or six times in bits and pieces, you feel like you know the plot and the characters pretty well.
But I still downloaded it to my Kindle and dutifully started to read. And let me tell you, I was pulled into the storyline once again right from the first chapter. I was the first surprised by how much the story grabbed me. I cheered and awwed and got mad at the characters just like I had no idea what was going to happen to them. I cringed at their flaws and wanted to offer hugs as if I had never read their story before.
And to manage that after you have read the book several time already is the sign of a real great story and storytelling to me.
Shell Taylor has a real knack for natural dialogue. It always feels like the conversation's happening right in the room next door between real people, and scenes after scenes just play out in your mind like you were witnessing them.
A very very good read. It left me wanting more and looking forward to the sequel already.
September 3, 2016
4.5 stars
October 13, 2016
4.0 stars
This is a first read for me by this author. It was angsty, sweet, and heavy in the hurt/comfort. Yay for 1 and 2, meh for 3.
Bottom line: I dug it.
This is a first read for me by this author. It was angsty, sweet, and heavy in the hurt/comfort. Yay for 1 and 2, meh for 3.
Bottom line: I dug it.
January 30, 2016
When Elijah was 17 years old, something terrible happened, something for which he blames himself to this day, and he lost Brian, his best friend/boyfriend.
Many years later, Elijah is deeply in the closet, and has closed himself off to the prospect of ever finding love again. He has a difficult relationship with his parents, all born from that tragic loss. He came across as lonely, even if he has a woman hanging off his arm for whatever social event he's attending, and Sunday dinner with his parents, where the only talk allowed is either about the family business (where Elijah is the CEO) or his mother's desire to see him settling down with a nice girl.
I loved him immediately. I cried for him, for his pain and his grief, none of which he allowed himself to express and deal with, and for the empty life he led.
Then Elijah comes across a pamphlet for a local LGBT Youth center (HOPE), where he meets Adam, who runs the center.
Adam is out and proud, though he also has demons of the past, but he's not willing to go back into the closet for anyone - not even the gorgeous man who starts supporting the center with money, and hanging out.
There is much UST for a while, and the author did a great job with writing those emotions. The interactions between Adam and Elijah were well done, even if Adam wasn't always very nice to Elijah, understandably so due to his history.
When an almost-tragedy serves as a catalyst for a long-overdue discussion with his parents, I was spellbound and on the edge of my seat. And somewhat surprised at the reaction of Elijah's parents, when the truth comes out, and the healing can finally begin.
And Elijah, realizing maybe for the first time that there might just be redemption for him after all, comes clean to both Adam and Kollin. He makes promises he intends to keep, he can for the first time in many, many years see the light at the end of the tunnel and take a deep breath.
I cried like a baby. So there's that.
Elijah does an amazing thing for Kollin. It's... well, you'll see.
There's some almost drama with Adam's ex, but that's quickly squashed, thank goodness, and I really appreciated that the author didn't drag out that particular misunderstanding, when there were plenty of others in this book. I guess I can't fault her for doing it this way though, as it gets Adam to pull his head from his behind and get with the program.
In some instances, the book got a little preachy, especially when it came to Adam talk about the center. There are some really good supporting characters, though, and I would be remiss to not mention Kollin, a young gay teenager with a difficult home life who spends much time at the center. His character was wonderfully done, and I loved the relationship that develops between him and Eli, who possibly sees Kollin as a way to do for him what he wasn't able to do for Brian.
I didn't care for Adam as much as I cared for Eli, and that's primarily due to Adam's treatment of him. He was quick to judge, and a little pushy, and I hated that Adam didn't see Eli for who he was.
I might be a bit biased toward Eli. Sue me.
And I adored Kollin. His characterization was wonderfully done.
My first book by this author, and her debut novel, built around a topic that needs far more exposure - LGBTQ youth, and how badly many of these children are treated by their own families, the people who are supposed to love them and protect them, no matter what.
And while we don't get the grand HEA, we do get a lovely HFN, with the promise of more to come.
** I received a free copy of this book from its publisher. A positive review was not promised in return. **
Many years later, Elijah is deeply in the closet, and has closed himself off to the prospect of ever finding love again. He has a difficult relationship with his parents, all born from that tragic loss. He came across as lonely, even if he has a woman hanging off his arm for whatever social event he's attending, and Sunday dinner with his parents, where the only talk allowed is either about the family business (where Elijah is the CEO) or his mother's desire to see him settling down with a nice girl.
I loved him immediately. I cried for him, for his pain and his grief, none of which he allowed himself to express and deal with, and for the empty life he led.
Then Elijah comes across a pamphlet for a local LGBT Youth center (HOPE), where he meets Adam, who runs the center.
Adam is out and proud, though he also has demons of the past, but he's not willing to go back into the closet for anyone - not even the gorgeous man who starts supporting the center with money, and hanging out.
There is much UST for a while, and the author did a great job with writing those emotions. The interactions between Adam and Elijah were well done, even if Adam wasn't always very nice to Elijah, understandably so due to his history.
When an almost-tragedy serves as a catalyst for a long-overdue discussion with his parents, I was spellbound and on the edge of my seat. And somewhat surprised at the reaction of Elijah's parents, when the truth comes out, and the healing can finally begin.
And Elijah, realizing maybe for the first time that there might just be redemption for him after all, comes clean to both Adam and Kollin. He makes promises he intends to keep, he can for the first time in many, many years see the light at the end of the tunnel and take a deep breath.
I cried like a baby. So there's that.
Elijah does an amazing thing for Kollin. It's... well, you'll see.
There's some almost drama with Adam's ex, but that's quickly squashed, thank goodness, and I really appreciated that the author didn't drag out that particular misunderstanding, when there were plenty of others in this book. I guess I can't fault her for doing it this way though, as it gets Adam to pull his head from his behind and get with the program.
In some instances, the book got a little preachy, especially when it came to Adam talk about the center. There are some really good supporting characters, though, and I would be remiss to not mention Kollin, a young gay teenager with a difficult home life who spends much time at the center. His character was wonderfully done, and I loved the relationship that develops between him and Eli, who possibly sees Kollin as a way to do for him what he wasn't able to do for Brian.
I didn't care for Adam as much as I cared for Eli, and that's primarily due to Adam's treatment of him. He was quick to judge, and a little pushy, and I hated that Adam didn't see Eli for who he was.
I might be a bit biased toward Eli. Sue me.
And I adored Kollin. His characterization was wonderfully done.
My first book by this author, and her debut novel, built around a topic that needs far more exposure - LGBTQ youth, and how badly many of these children are treated by their own families, the people who are supposed to love them and protect them, no matter what.
And while we don't get the grand HEA, we do get a lovely HFN, with the promise of more to come.
** I received a free copy of this book from its publisher. A positive review was not promised in return. **
November 9, 2015
A Joyfully Jay review.
5 stars
This is the first book in a new series – and I am eagerly awaiting the second!
This book focuses primarily on Elijah, and I believe the second one, given the two chapter excerpt at the end of this book, is going to focus more on Adam and his issues. So while we do get a glimpse of Adam’s past, we never really know exactly what his life story is before, just what drives him to be who he is today.
Elijah has spent his entire adult life just going through the motions. As CEO of the family logging business, Elijah’s weekly dinners at his parents have always been used to discuss business and listen to his mother drone on about finding the right woman to settle down with. Elijah plays his part, always having the latest and greatest pedigreed wanna-be wife dangling off his arm at the functions he attends, but half the time he can’t remember the women’s names.
When Kollin, a gay youth who utilizes the Center for HOPE as a place to escape what is going on in his own life, comes strutting through the doors of his building as Elijah is heading out to grab a sandwich, Elijah is unprepared for the memories of his own teenage years to come flooding back. Drawn to the fundraiser, initially claiming it made good business sense, Elijah finds himself seated with Adam. Later, he finds himself seeking out Adam in the parking lot where they share a hot kiss before Adam shuts down Elijah’s proposal to take this up a notch. Angry and determined to just write the check he promised for the center and forget about it, Elijah can’t seem to walk away.
Read Wendy’s review in its entirety here.
5 stars
This is the first book in a new series – and I am eagerly awaiting the second!
This book focuses primarily on Elijah, and I believe the second one, given the two chapter excerpt at the end of this book, is going to focus more on Adam and his issues. So while we do get a glimpse of Adam’s past, we never really know exactly what his life story is before, just what drives him to be who he is today.
Elijah has spent his entire adult life just going through the motions. As CEO of the family logging business, Elijah’s weekly dinners at his parents have always been used to discuss business and listen to his mother drone on about finding the right woman to settle down with. Elijah plays his part, always having the latest and greatest pedigreed wanna-be wife dangling off his arm at the functions he attends, but half the time he can’t remember the women’s names.
When Kollin, a gay youth who utilizes the Center for HOPE as a place to escape what is going on in his own life, comes strutting through the doors of his building as Elijah is heading out to grab a sandwich, Elijah is unprepared for the memories of his own teenage years to come flooding back. Drawn to the fundraiser, initially claiming it made good business sense, Elijah finds himself seated with Adam. Later, he finds himself seeking out Adam in the parking lot where they share a hot kiss before Adam shuts down Elijah’s proposal to take this up a notch. Angry and determined to just write the check he promised for the center and forget about it, Elijah can’t seem to walk away.
Read Wendy’s review in its entirety here.
October 3, 2015
To start of the review I want say I really loved this book!
You get your sweet with Elijah and Adam but not too much. I know the Elijah makes mistakes in this book everyone in life does, no one is perfect so when everyone kept giving him attitude about it and at least this is the way I saw it.. Kicking him when he was down it really irritated me. Yes what he did was wrong but he apologized and admitted when he was wrong. At first I was not a fan of what he did but when he owned up to what he did I really felt bad for what he went through and how he really did not have anyone there at the time to support him. So yes that part really drove me nuts but other than that I really loved this book! I think there is just that fine line with a book for me when a MC will forgive too easy or when they don't forgive the other MC for the longest time, when you can't help thinking all right already forgive him lol. So if you can't tell the author really grabbed me and pulled me into this book were I could not put it down once I started.
I really loved Adam and Elijah together, they just fit so well together. I also really loved how much Elijah was there for Kollin and how much he really cared for him.
So with this book you get your angst and your sweet but not to much, the perfect amount.
So all together I really loved this book except for that one part that drove me nuts lol.
I would definitely recommend this book!
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review from Inked Rainbow Reads.
You get your sweet with Elijah and Adam but not too much. I know the Elijah makes mistakes in this book everyone in life does, no one is perfect so when everyone kept giving him attitude about it and at least this is the way I saw it.. Kicking him when he was down it really irritated me. Yes what he did was wrong but he apologized and admitted when he was wrong. At first I was not a fan of what he did but when he owned up to what he did I really felt bad for what he went through and how he really did not have anyone there at the time to support him. So yes that part really drove me nuts but other than that I really loved this book! I think there is just that fine line with a book for me when a MC will forgive too easy or when they don't forgive the other MC for the longest time, when you can't help thinking all right already forgive him lol. So if you can't tell the author really grabbed me and pulled me into this book were I could not put it down once I started.
I really loved Adam and Elijah together, they just fit so well together. I also really loved how much Elijah was there for Kollin and how much he really cared for him.
So with this book you get your angst and your sweet but not to much, the perfect amount.
So all together I really loved this book except for that one part that drove me nuts lol.
I would definitely recommend this book!
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review from Inked Rainbow Reads.
October 12, 2015
It’s an amazing thing when an author writes a book that is not only amazing, beautiful, and wonderfully written but also tackles major issues. Shell Taylor has wrapped all the characters in Redeeming Hope into a reality that is overlooked too often. Our LGBT youth. Or as I like to call them, a huge chunk of our future.
Elijah and Adam are the MCs in this book. Elijah is a closeted bisexual man harboring great heartbreak and it’s affected him more than I think even he knows. Adam runs HOPE the center for these troubled kids. Together they not only have an amazing love story brewing but they are powerful and detrimental to the future of the center.
Then Shell Taylor went and did something that made me love and hate her. Enter Kollin. I saw Kollin in this story as the voice of the kids of HOPE. I LOVED that she wrote him. Many times I felt he was an MC and not a secondary. He is a glue, he is hope.
The dialog was brilliant and the emotions come across like you are actually feeling them. Shell Taylor has started something here. A series that I feel will be a favorite of mine.
Mastering reality within fiction isn’t always easy, yet Shell Taylor makes it look effortless. I highly recommend this moving book.
Elijah and Adam are the MCs in this book. Elijah is a closeted bisexual man harboring great heartbreak and it’s affected him more than I think even he knows. Adam runs HOPE the center for these troubled kids. Together they not only have an amazing love story brewing but they are powerful and detrimental to the future of the center.
Then Shell Taylor went and did something that made me love and hate her. Enter Kollin. I saw Kollin in this story as the voice of the kids of HOPE. I LOVED that she wrote him. Many times I felt he was an MC and not a secondary. He is a glue, he is hope.
The dialog was brilliant and the emotions come across like you are actually feeling them. Shell Taylor has started something here. A series that I feel will be a favorite of mine.
Mastering reality within fiction isn’t always easy, yet Shell Taylor makes it look effortless. I highly recommend this moving book.
January 27, 2016
Reviewed for Prism Book Alliance
Redeeming Hope is one of those books that has hung around the Prism Book Alliance queue for a while. The blurb was enough to keep me from sending it back, but there just wasn't time in the reading schedule to fit it in. Then, book two was set for release and it was a must read... but we still hadn't reviewed book one.
For full review see Prism Book Alliance® http://www.prismbookalliance.com/?p=4...
May 29, 2016
This was a great read. I absolutely loved this story, but most of all, I adored Elijah. He is a character that really developed and although he made a lot of mistakes, he always showed why he is worth the trouble.
Adam was great as well and he is an amazing character. what he did is absolutely great.
both of them together are best because they bring the best out of each other.
the secondary characters are perfect and I loved Kollin.
a great story and one I will re-visit in the future
Adam was great as well and he is an amazing character. what he did is absolutely great.
both of them together are best because they bring the best out of each other.
the secondary characters are perfect and I loved Kollin.
a great story and one I will re-visit in the future
July 2, 2017
Very enjoyable book. There was lots of interaction with secondary characters that brought angst for our MC. There was a lot of depth to both character which was great. The ending was a tad abrupt but the author has since written a sequel.
I will definitely read more from this author, as her writing style had a smooth pace to it.
I will definitely read more from this author, as her writing style had a smooth pace to it.
October 24, 2015
Wonderfully written, poignant story, highly sympathetic characters, and a sweet and hot romance. That's what this lovely book gives us! I was engaged from start to finish with their lives. I care about these people and can't wait to see what happens next! Thanks, Shell, for this heartfelt story!
February 22, 2016
3.75*
Kollin stole this story for me!
Kollin stole this story for me!
October 26, 2015
2.5* it was nice, but nothing to write home about.
This is a first part of a series, no cliffhanger and I feel no desire to read more about this cupple.
July 5, 2017
DNF at 22%.
I'm just not feeling this. It's dragged out and the chemistry between the MCs is lacking.
I'm just not feeling this. It's dragged out and the chemistry between the MCs is lacking.
September 15, 2019
I went into this one not expecting much other than fitting a book challenge and found a great book. These two don't jump into bed together right away. Elijah has his problems and slowly through out the book realizes that they can be fix and worked through. At times I really wished that Elijah and Adam would just talk to one another but I enjoyed watching them finally figure things out together. Kollen was also a surprisingly enjoyable character that I hope gets his own book at some point.
October 22, 2017
great, I loved all the characters and Kollin is the best !!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews