Redemption: A Father’s Fatal Decision by Gwen M. Plano

Redemption: A Father’s Fatal Decision by Gwen M. Plano
Series: a standalone book
Publisher: Fresh Ink Group on February 21, 2023

REVIEW BY VERA DAY

Redemption is a Christian suspense novel featuring adult sister and brother, Lisa and Trace. Their hateful father has died. The siblings must untangle the mystery surrounding Dad’s life because the bad guys in Dad’s life are coming after the rest of the family.

Lisa and Trace and their friend Ryan are likable characters. I enjoyed rooting for them. Lisa’s childhood doll also plays a fun role.

Lisa has a unique spiritual gift. Her dreams guide her, and she can sense things about some people. The interactions between Lisa and her therapist were fascinating, and scenes in which her gift surfaces are tense.

 …The doorbell rings and sends an eerie chill down Lisa’s spine. She drops her suitcase and shouts to her father, “Don’t answer the door, Dad.”

Gwen M. Plano, Redemption

There are gunfights (off page) and flashbacks of domestic violence (told rather than experienced, so it’s not very traumatic to the reader) and secrets to uncover and car chases. The mystery aspect is like a scavenger hunt, very intriguing. The action is exciting and makes for a fast-paced plot.

The quieter scenes are when Plano drives home the themes of redemption and forgiveness, and these are the scenes where Christian messaging comes through. I liked how Lisa and Trace learn the difference between redemption and forgiveness, and how the characters’ gained wisdom plays out in the story.

Although there are lovely descriptions of the cottage and a particular garden, Plano’s prose tends to be lean in this suspense novel… as it should be for the genre, so more of heads-up than a criticism.

Overall, a fabulous read, four-and-a-half suspenseful fish!

I purchased the Kindle version of Redemption.