Short & Sweet Review | Forgiven by Rachel Morgan

 

Almost a year ago, Julia Henley ran away from her home and her family, leaving confusion and heartache in her wake.  But when a family event compels her back to South Africa, Julia’s forced to face the consequences of her actions and the demons that drove her away.

A prequel to the Trouble series, Forgiven gives a fantastic introduction to the series and provides a deeper backstory and character development for the Henley family as I believe all three sisters — Julia, Sarah and Sophie — will star in their own novels/novellas before the series is finished. Two things I’m continually impressed with in Morgan’s writing is her ability to give all her characters depth and dimension, and in a story with such a short page count (that could also be a standalone story) that’s saying something.  The other thing that I’ve appreciated, and continue to appreciate, in her stories is Rachel’s ability to keep the humor and positivity flowing even when dealing with heavy issues.  She’s got a fantastic skill for keeping that balance without making light of the seriousness of the topic at hand, and Rachel’s wonderful dialogue as well as her handling of the inevitable awkwardness of Julia’s return are great at breaking up some of the tension.

Also, the romance is super sweet.  And refreshingly so for a new adult novella.  Sometimes you never quite know what you’re in for with a new adult romance as it really can range the gamut from clean to absolutely eye-popping, but this is a story I’d have no qualms about recommending to young adult readers.  

Other things worth a mention:

–  Josh…Let me just say, “Yay!”

– The setting… I love that the book is set in South Africa (Yay for a different-from-the-norm locale!), and after having read this AND the first novel in this series, The Trouble With Flying, Rachel’s got me wanting to hop on the first plane to Durban.

Overall, an excellent taste of what’s to come in the Trouble series.

– Necessary? It provides a deeper back story, but you could enjoy the first Trouble novel without it.
– POV?  Julia Henley
– Where does it fit?  It’s a prequel to Rachel Morgan’s Trouble series
– Prior Knowledge needed?  Nope!