A Search for Redemption by Jo Ann Brown is the third novel in the Secrets of Bliss Valley. I thought A Search for Redemption was well-written with developed, realistic characters. I enjoyed getting to know Joel and Grace along with their families. I felt for Joel. He made his own choices, but a different upbringing would have made a world of difference. Joel returns to Bliss Valley after getting out of jail. He is not welcomed with open arms. Grace Coffman treats him kindly. We get to see how these two help each other. There are various storylines that all work together for one heartwarming book. Relationships are complicated and fraught with misunderstandings. Assumptions and lack of communication lead to trouble. It is important to have faith and trust. We can always count on God to get us through the rough times. Redemption, second chances, and forgiveness are themes in A Search for Redemption. While A Search for Redemption can be read as a standalone, I believe it would be beneficial to read the series in order. I like that we get to catch up with the characters from the first two stories in the series. I just loved how everything came together at the end of A Search for Redemption. I was hoping for this special conclusion. I liked that the characters had flaws (none of us are perfect). The author dealt with some tough subjects. We get to follow along to see how the characters deal with the issues. You can never run away from your secrets or your past as we see in this story. How we deal with them will determine what path we follow. There are good life lessons in this book. A Search for Redemption is a sweet, emotional story. I am eager for the next novel in the Secrets of Bliss Valley. A Search for Redemption is a touching Amish tale with a stingy supervisor, poorly parents, an imperfect past, sorrowful sons, a bewildering revelation, and a glorious God. ( )

This is the third book in this series, and yes, it can be read alone. The author does a wonderful job of bringing everything up to date.
This is Grace and Joel's story, and it is very heartwarming, but so many obstacles are thrown in their path. Yes, there is a bit of sweet romance, but there is also some family drama, and a lot of needed forgiveness.
You can't get to comfortable, because there is always something happening around the next corner. Some sad, and others very heart warming. There is a strong theme of forgiveness, and some of it is so hard, especially when the secrets really start to fall, and there are a lot of surprises.
I have read all three books in this series and they are all good, you won't be disappointed with any of them, and I love how they all fit together, and there is one more to come!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Harlequin, and was not required to give a positive review. ( )

I seriously love this series so, so much and A Search for Redemption helped that love grow deeper and wider!

This novel focuses on Joel and Grace, two people that start out this story about as opposite as you can imagine. Joel has just gotten out of a six year prison sentence, and Grace is a mild-mannered Plain woman that is trying to do all she can to help her ailing parents, while also trying to hold down a job at a local quilt shop that is run by a woman that, crazy enough, reminds me of a nightmare boss that I had once upon a time. The parallels were so uncanny that I think I had a little PTSD while reading some of those scenes and that’s not the only place I felt a personal connection to this story.

Joel grappled with his past sins throughout the novel, and this is something I have first hand knowledge of, and can relate on so many levels, as I’m sure many of us can. Because I could sympathize, it made it hard for me to read his plight. I wanted to scream “forgive yourself!” and “accept God’s grace!” just like I do when I think about my own past. Getting trapped in your head like this, and not letting go, is utterly crippling, and the author does a wonderful job of showing this portrait of grace and forgiveness, not only accepting forgiveness from others but being able to forgive yourself as well.

I absolutely adored Joel and Grace together! Not only do they have a simmering chemistry that builds throughout the story, but each of them being able to be themselves with each other brings about personal growth and change in both of them for the better. Their relationship is able to elevate both of their lives in ways they’d only dreamt of and it was truly a beauty to behold this transformation.

Reading all the Amish fiction I’ve read in my lifetime I haven’t read much about the Asians that settled with the Mennonites, and really appreciated getting to learn more about the Hmong. It was just one more gem to make this read absolutely stellar. The majority of the novel was pretty predictable, but there were a few moments at the end that threw in quite the curveball. I had guessed part of it early on, but man when truths are revealed it changes everything!

Jo Ann Brown is such an immensely talented author that truly paints masterpieces with her words. Though there’s not a lot of drama, and heavily character driven, this was a novel that I could not put down, and hope that this will not be the end of this wonderful series.

**I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own. ( )