The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman

Title: The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman

Author: Carole Brown

Genre: Fiction

Publishing Date: Oct 1, 2013

Length: 322 Pages

About the Book:

How far would YOU go to avenge the murder of a daughter?

Caralynne Hayman is angry and bitter over the abuse and death of her eleven-year-old daughter from the hands of her religious group, The Children of Righteous Cain. When her husband suffers a sudden heart attack, she does nothing to help him. In her eyes someone needs to pay, and if that means all of the men in the group, then so be it.

Dayne MacFarland is sent away to college by the senior elder of the group to learn ministry. When he returns after finding salvation, determined to bring the truth to the people he’s known all his life, he rediscovers Cara and realizes the love he once felt for her is still deeply embedded within his heart.

Dayne faces men unwilling to turn their backs on the cult training he despises. Cara faces men who follow their leader in abuse toward their wives and the young girls of the group. Cara is considered rebellious and inappropriate to befriend. Dayne is the apple of Elder Simmons’ eye—until he takes a stand against their teachings.

Can Dayne’s love for Caralynne bridge the gulf of anger and bitterness that divides the community? Or will Caralynne’s deadly secrets prove too high a price for her redemption?

My Review:

I was not able to get through this one because it made me too uncomfortable. I was literally sick to my stomach from the content. The men beat and whip their wives to “discipline” them into submission. Young girls are molested and married off at very young ages. There were scenes that were uncomfortably descriptive and unnecessary. Cara was also essentially responsible for more than one murder without feeling any remorse. I understand that her situation was unimaginable, but she was too tainted for a heroine. Also, Dayne’s character was too unrealistic. I don’t believe a cult would send a member to seminary to learn more about Christianity because the leaders don’t want people to know the truth. His inaction and confusion angered me and only further tainted the Christian witness in this. I’m sorry but I honestly can’t recommend this one.

*I received a copy of this book through CelebrateLit. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.