A Bookish Escape: Blog Tour: Gabriel's Redemption By Sylvain Reynard

Title

Gabriel’s Redemption

(Gabriel’s Inferno Series #3)

Sylvain Reynard

Pub December 3rd 2013

By Penguin Berkley

ARC & Purchase for Review

Summary

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 Julianne 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.

Lindy's Thoughts

I must admit, that I wasn't a fan of Gabriel's Inferno by Sylvain Reynard. I thought it was extremely slow moving, bogged down in too much detail, and Julianne's passivity really irked me. However, I was determined to finish this trilogy, because it is one of my book bestie's, Ria's, favorite series of all time. Things really picked up in Gabriel's Rapture. The story got very interesting, as the plot thickened and I started to see the allure of this series. However, Gabriel's Redemption, the third, and final story in the trilogy, completely blew me away! It was by far, my favorite book in this series!

Julianne and the smokin' hot professor, Gabriel Emerson, are finally married! You would think this little fact makes for the typical "happily ever after," that most romance novels have. Instead, Gabriel and Julianne embark, on a new and challenging journey. Sylvain Reynard did something unique, when he chose to address the art of learning how to be a happily married couple. He gave Julianne and Gabriel very authentic and realistic challenges. Julianne, is a grad student at Harvard. She is determined to prove herself knowledgable on her own right, and stand on her own two feet in the world of Academia. Gabriel wants Julianne to think about having a baby. However, she is not ready, to be a mother. She wants to graduate with her PH.D first.

On top of that, both Julianne and Gabriel have to learn how to deal with their jealousies, and insecurities if they are going to have a successful marriage. Of course, this is difficult when you have others standing in the way. Paulina and Chrysta return!!! We also get to see all the awesome secondary characters that I have grown attached to in the first two segments of the series. One of my favorite's was Professor Picton! I love how she embodies power and respect. She is a very strong woman, a leader who is a great role model and friend to the Emerson's. There is one particular scene where she puts Chrysta in her place, and I was thinking, "Wow! I love this woman!."

Gabriel's Redemption is a long novel, just as the rest of the books in this series are. However, it is very fast paced, and never gets dull. Sylvain Reynard, improve's with each book written, and Gabriel's Redemption, was a true treasure. Julianne made a tremendous amount of character growth. She became stronger, more assertive, and independent. I loved watching her come in to her own, and she was a vastly different character from the scared little "rabbit" we were introduced to in Gabriel's Inferno.

Gabriel, also made a huge amount of growth. He learned how to forgive himself, and was finally at peace. Gone was the rude, brash, and bitter man. In his place we see a tender, loving, and more patient Gabriel. We also get more references to literature, art, music, and culture in this final installment. Julia and Gabriel continue to travel, have a deep and passionate love for one another, and learn how to work together as a couple through better communication and compromise. We are given a few plot surprises, that continue to make things interesting, as well as get glimpses into various other viewpoints, such as, Paulina's, Chrysta's, and Paul's. Gabriel's Redemption was a stellar and stunning conclusion to this trilogy. I look forward to reading more novels by Sylvain Reynard. On a side note, It is obvious to me the this author is highly intelligent. I always feel like I am learning a lot about the classics when I read his novels, and look forward to seeing where his writing career takes him.

My Rating

I give Gabriel's Redemption by Sylvain Reynard 5 Transcendent, Poetic, Heart Palpitating Stars! Gabriel will seduce you with his poetic verse, and tremendous, all encompassing love for Julianne. The plot will keep you entertained, but it's the amazing character development that will completely captivate you. This epic love story, will draw you in, and won't let you go until the final page. For all of you, Gabriel's Inferno fans out there, you will not be disappointed!!!!

My Favorite Quote

"Every morning when I wake up, my first thought is that I'm grateful she married me. I will never be worthy of her. But I spend every day trying my damnedest." (eARC, Loc. 1564)
~Gabriel

The Way Ria Sees It

I’m in a Glass Cage of Emotion!! I’m openly balling my eyes out. Yes, its in a good way, a good heart wrenching soul stripping way. What a MARVELOUS gift Reynard has given us? The magic is there. The intense story is there. I don’t even have to go into the beautiful poetic artistry. I am humbled by this beautiful piece of work. To me there are certain artists that can be recognized uniquely with their instrument. The signature sound unique to them, i.e. Santana, with his haunting guitar and Mozart with his passion on violin. What I’m trying to say is Sylvain Reynard captures something truly special a special unique style in these three novels. I felt the passion, the raw emotion, the beauty within the words, and most appreciatively the poetry and art. I hope it goes without saying this is one of the BEST series out there and I HIGHLY recommend it. There isn’t quite a love so profound as the one Mr. and Mrs. Emerson share. To miss it would be a great disservice to yourself.

G-abriel, enigmatic and so poised. A challenge from his wife will shock him and rattle his belief’s.
A-ccusation, a cruel and vicious woman continues to slander and harass throwing caution to the wind.
B-ride, a promise to reunite in the near future, Julia will soon be assured her father is happy.
R-eunion, Katherine Picton is a strong self-made woman. Seeing Julia will motivate her to further bond the friendship that is already growing.
I-nnocent, but strong Julia will not standby and face idle threats. Now more a Lion than a Mouse, Julia will confront vile lies with her head held high.
E-clipsed, the hard work Julia has put into her presentation overshadows any attempts to steer the audience another direction.
L-ove, Paul knows what must be done but not before confronting the man he blames for taking away what he does not deserve.
S-ecrets, Gabriel is haunted by demons he fears he is not strong enough to fight.

R-esigned, Julia must give Gabriel more time. The love they share cannot be measured. She will have to trust and push insecurities aside.
E-venings, as husbands and wives are, every wish came true for Julia. Gabriel is both kind and passionate with his wife.
D-ecision, both will visit their doctors in search of answers about health and their future as a loving family.
E-ase, moving on with an open conscience is liberating for both parties involved. We see the forgiveness granted to Gabriel as he finds fruition at last.
M-arried, everyones lives are changing. All still honor the woman who brought everyone together and blessed them with her presence, Grace.
P-lans, of revenge a crossed lover who was once a friend, will attempt to hurt Julia.
T-ruth, all demons and secrets laid bare. Julia will love and forgive her beloved because it's all she can do. Love.
I-nnocent, nothing that is formed out of love can ever be bad. Julia’s and Gabriel’s love knows no measure.
O-pen, everyones lives have been touched and we know where everyone stands.
N-arrative, a love so true has Graced us and shown us how powerful Hope can be.

GaHHHHHHH!!! I don’t want to say goodbye! I’m an utter floundering mess. Thank you Sylvain! Thank you for introducing your readers to a world full of beauty and passion unlike anything I’ve ever seen. This story is truly one of Redemption we are taken full circle and we see the whole story. There was resolution for everyone involved. People got what they deserved, both good and bad. I am so sad to say goodbye to this wonderful couple who have shown me a pure and beautiful type of love. It's what we should all strive for. If you haven’t read this trilogy then You.Are.Missing.Something.Grand. This is definitely a MUST READ. You will not be disappointed.

My Fav’s

Julia
How does she do it?! She is truly an angel that must be how! Julia shows us again that you don’t have to be physically strong to be powerful. She shows us what it is to love unconditionally without expectations. Julia is Beatrice and I fell in love with her all over again. I was so happy to see her stand on her own two feet and defend herself while maintaining that pure and innocent quality about her. Julia is truly a gift to all who know her.

Gabriel
My oh My! He is haunting and haunted. As is par for the course, we are witness to the lengths Mr. Emerson will go to for his wife. Everyday he lives for her, we can feel his love resonate through the pages. I admire him and his willingness to put his past demons at bay. Gabriel shows us the strength it takes to overcome the things life has presented to him. He loves with passion and conviction his heart knows no measure. Julia and Gabriel were destined for one and other not only do we see it, we can also feel it.

My Fav Quotes

“you don’t deserve her.”
“You think I don’t know that?” ...”Every night when I fall asleep with her in my arms, I thank God she’s mine.”...”I will never be worthy of her. But I spend everyday trying my damnedest.”
~Paul & Gabriel (nook pg.125)

“Within the bedroom as without, they followed the wisdom of St. Augustine: Love and do what you will.”
~Narrator (nook pg.136)

“Your love makes me brave.”
“That’s good, because I’ll keep loving you. Forever.”
~Julia & Gabriel (nook pg.174)

“Then be better. Accept the fact that God didn’t bring you this far only to abandon you. He isn’t that kind of father.”
~Julia (nook pg.262)

“home,” he whispered.
Julia didn’t try to blink back the tears. She let them fall. “I love you so much.”
~Gabriel & Julia (nook pg.397)

My Wish

Not so much a wish as just a *sigh* I am so glad to have met all of these wonderful characters who have touched my heart and will stay with me forever.

My Rating

5.Trillion Gazillion, Dante, Disagreement, Navy Suit, Cartier Watch, Pony Ride, Superman & Louis Lane, Little Brother, Argyle Nation, Marriage Proposal, Ripped-up-note-Revealed, Peggy Lee, Shaving Cream, Spring Roll, Pottery Barn, Hope, Forever After filled Stars!!!! Read this BOOK. YOU simply MUST!

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About the Author

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. For more information, see my Twitter account.