Gabriel’s Redemption by Sylvain Reynard Review and Giveaway

Posted December 9, 2013 by Karen in Book Reviews / 0 Comments


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Title: Gabriel’s Redemption (Book #3 in the Gabriel Trilogy)

Author: Sylvain Reynard

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publication Date: December 3, 2013

Publisher: Berkley Romance

Rating: 5/5

Synopsis:

From the author of the New York Times bestsellers Gabriel’s Rapture and Gabriel’s Inferno comes the epic conclusion to the captivating romantic trilogy.

Professor Gabriel Emerson has left his position at the University of Toronto to embark on a new life with his beloved Julianne. Together, he’s confident that they can face any challenge.  And he’s eager to become a father.

But Julianne’s graduate program threatens Gabriel’s plans, as the pressures of being a student become all consuming. When she is given the honor of presenting an academic lecture at Oxford, Gabriel is forced to confront her about the subject of her presentation – research that conflicts with his own. And in Oxford, several individuals from their past appear, including an old nemesis intent on humiliating Julia and exposing one of Gabriel’s darkest secrets.

In an effort to confront his remaining demons, Gabriel begins a quest to discover more about his biological parents, beginning a chain of events that has startling repercussions for himself, Julianne, and his hope of having a family.

Rosette’s Review

Coming to the end of a series is always a sad thing, especially when it’s a series beloved by so many.   The characters become almost like a secondary family whose lives are so much more exciting than our own.  And so we immerse ourselves in the novel and find ourselves still reading in the early hours of the morning (let it be noted that the this author has contributed to this reader’s already troublesome fits of insomnia).

I was so excited to hear that there was to be a third installment of Gabriel and Julia’s story. I was instantaneously attracted to Julia’s and Gabriel’s poignant history, their on-again-off again relationship, their seemingly never ending hardships, and of course their breathtaking love and desire for one another.

But all good things must come to an end. However, not once was I despondent of the fact that this would be the last book because it was a great book with a fitting ending. While reading their story for the last time, it was again like visiting old friends and family.  You were able to see the point of view of many of the characters, and in their own chapters, giving the readers insight to their own lives.  It filled the in between parts very nicely, taking a break from Gabriel and Julia’s lives.

I was always a little bit in love with Paul. In some instances, more so than I was with Gabriel.  So it was touching to see him in the pages.  I would have liked the author to expand more on his story, perhaps even write a separate book or novella about him, but I don’t believe that will happen (parenthetically, if the author would happen to stumble onto this review, the reader would be ecstatic if he would take this into consideration.  I believe that Ali and Paul are deserving of a story).

Christa and Simon are also back in the picture, as well as a few new characters who have not previously been mentioned.  I did enjoy the many other relationships mentioned in the book and felt that it kept the book from being too overwhelmed with Gabriel and Julia. New readers may wonder what else could happen after our infamous couple ended with a happily-ever-after ending in the second book.  But there are still many complications that need resolving for Gabriel and Julia who are still newly married.  Marital bliss is not always blissful when secrets remain ensconced in their past. Their attributes never waiver and remain true to their character. Gabriel remains stubborn and overprotective, clearly the dominant figure in the relationship.  But Julia’s virtue and her constant reminder that Gabriel is in fact a worthy individual is endearing, despite his past debauchery, and in this way she is just as dominant a figure in their relationship.

Aside from the Emersons, my other favorite character would be Professor Katherine Picton.  A ballsy, speak your mind, don’t mess with me sort of lady. Petite of stature, she does not let that get in the way of telling her peers and those below her what she thinks. She is intimidating as she is kind. Quirky as she is wise. She is someone I would gladly imitate in real life (let it be noted that that the reader already has the petite stature and quirkiness down pat; she just needs to work on her ballsy-ness and wisdom).

There were issues though that I did not seem to agree with that I can’t place in this review for fear of spoiling the story for other readers. But I believe redemption should be extended to characters beyond Gabriel and that if he were able to remove himself from selfishness and depravity, then surely others characters can as well.

It was a lot of fun writing this review and interspersed within it are imitations of the writing in the book. Those of you who have read it know what I mean. (It should be noted that imitation is the best form of flattery.)

I’m sure that many will agree that the author’s style of writing, his dedication to researching, and his ability to produce such accomplished novels have earned him many respected admirers in the literary world.  He has certainly earned mine and has been placed upon my shelf of published authors I dearly admire.

There really was no need to write this review, aside from my declaration of love for Gabriel and Julia. I know that many will have already written their own 5-star reviews and mine will add to the ever-growing list.  Quite the admirer of all things paranormal, I am anxiously awaiting the author’s travels down this new, hopefully dark, venture.

Fin.

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 Purchase Links 

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

About Sylvain Reynard 

I’m interested in the way literature can help us explore aspects of the human condition – particularly suffering, sex, love, faith, and redemption. My favourite stories are those in which a character takes a journey, either a physical journey to a new and exciting place, or a personal journey in which he or she learns something about himself/herself.

I’m also interested in how aesthetic elements such as art, architecture, and music can be used to tell a story or to illuminate the traits of a particular character. In my writing, I combine all of these elements with the themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the transformative power of goodness.

I try to use my platform as an author to raise awareness about the following charities: Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Foundation, WorldVision, Alex’s Lemonade Stand, and Covenant House.

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** Enter to win a pair of Christian Louboutins (Gabriel’s Favorite)

AND 1 of 15 signed sets of Gabriel’s Trilogy **

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