I’m determined to review each book I read. I haven’t succeeded thus far, but it’s almost January 1st! What better New Year’s Resolution than to plan to gush about books? (Welcome to my rambling book journal!)

I wish I hadn’t waited a year to type out my thoughts about Gabriel’s Redemption. I’m left with fuzzy impressions. I initially waited to review the book because I wanted to ponder the fate of two of its villains. At first, it seems the vile Simon is semi-redeemed through his love for April, a senator’s daughter, but his past comes back to haunt him. It’s obvious he hasn’t changed. Christa Peterson, though? She’s raped by Professor Pacciani and dismissed from Columbia in disgrace. (The faculty learns about her accusations/lies and is afraid to work with her.) Her rape doesn’t sit well with me. It’s true some people can’t change, but no one deserves sexual assault as comeuppance! In Gabriel’s Redemption, we see some of what makes Christa tick: she’s calculating, vengeful, traumatized. I hold out hope she’ll be redeemed in a later book. I want her to recognize her faults and the pain she’s caused. Become a better person, Christa! I BELIEVE IN YOU! Make amends! Turn your life around!

Villains aside, Gabriel and Julianne’s love story is beautiful and still makes me sigh. In many ways, this series has transformed me.

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I can’t stop listening to this beautiful song from the film adaptation of Gabriel’s Redemption, Part III.