Guest Author Post: Sorcha Mowbray and The Market Series *Contest*

re·deemtransitiveverb\ri-ˈdēm\ 1a) to buy back : repurchase 1b) to get or win back 2) to free from what distresses or harms: as 2a) to free from captivity by payment of ransom 2b) to extricate from or help to overcome something detrimental 2c) to release from blame or debt : clear 2d) to free from the consequences of sin 3) to change for the better : reform 4)repair, restore 5a) to free from a lien by payment of an amount secured thereby 5b) (1) to remove the obligation of by payment (2) to exchange for something of value 5c) to make good : fulfill 6a) to atone for : expiate 6b) (1) to offset the bad effect of (2) to make worthwhile :retrieve

Merriam-Webster.com

This is the theme of the second book of The Market Series. In Love Redeemed both the hero, Brennan Whitling, and heroine, Serena Freemont, are seeking redemption of one kind or another. 

Redemption can be very personal or a more public experience. On a personal level, we may violate a principle or hurt a close friend with our actions which requires some form of atonement. It can be as simple as an apology or may result in a close inspection of personal values and principles resulting in a change. For some it can be a lifestyle change, such as reforming oneself from illegal or amoral behavior. 

On a more public front, we see people in the limelight make mistakes and then attempt to correct or apologize for their misstep. Often times they take some action that is redemptive in nature, such as volunteering for a charity or filming a public service announcement. Maybe even write a check. 

Brennan is looking for help in escaping his solitude. He wants a woman in his life to save him from the loneliness of bachelorhood. He sees the relationship his sister has and longs for something similar. His need for redemption is subtle and on a deeply personal level. 

Serena on the other hand isn’t looking for redemption. She accepts her lot in life until she gets a taste of what it is like to be treated as a lady. Her experience highlights the chasm between her life and that of a proper lady. When Brennan finds her she feels unworthy of his attention and trapped by her circumstances. Fearful of wanting too much she struggles to stay grounded in reality while Brennan offers her everything. Her redemption comes on multiple levels, both personal and public (to a certain degree).

In this book love is an important part of both characters’ redemption. Oftentimes it is love that helps us see past mistakes or accept failings in those we care about. It is a powerful tool in both motivating someone to seek redemption and helping them to see that they are worthy of it as well. 

Is redemption an element you look for in a romance novel? Do you like a character who has gone down a bad path who is brought back to a better path? Or one who is saved from awful circumstances by the love of their other half?

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Love Redeemed Blog Tour & Giveaway:

At each stop of the blog tour I will give away a copy of Love Revealed (Book 1) of the series. At the end of the 11 day tour a grand prize of a $25 All Romance eBook (ARe) store gift card and one copy of my back list will be given away to one lucky winner. Leave a comment here by Monday 11/19 for your chance to win.

Rules (Cause you know there have to be rules!)
1. Winners of the individual blog stops will not be eligible to win the grand prize
2. One comment per stop will be eligible for the drawings (so be sure to answer my questions!)
3. The contest is open internationally
4. Commenters must include an email so they can be contacted
5. Any prize not claimed within 48hrs will be subject to forfeiture and a new winner drawn

Love Redeemed (Book 2, The Market Series)

Brennan Whitling wants for nothing but the love of a good woman. He has a close family, good friends, and a successful textiles import business. But, a beautiful and elusive young woman he has only seen from afar haunts him. Until a chance meeting leads to far more than dinner.

Serena Freemont has only ever known the life of a prostitute. When an invitation to dinner by a handsome gentleman provides her an opportunity to experience life as a young lady, it’s too tempting to pass up. Much like the man issuing it. After a night of passion she must disappear or face his reaction when the truth is revealed.

To find happiness Serena must shed her past long enough to realize she is worthy of a future. To win her heart, Brennan must show her the redemptive power of love.

Excerpt:

“Are you all right, Miss?”

For a moment, for this moment, she was a normal young woman experiencing the attentions of a handsome young man. Heat crept up her cheeks as he held herhatbox out, and the burning had nothing to do with the sun. “I-I— Yes, I am.Thank you.” His blue-gray eyes seemed to bore into her.

“I am so glad. I was sure you were a goner there for a moment.” He flashed a brilliant grin liquefying Serena’s insides instantly. “Please let me introduce myself. I’m Mr. Brennan Whitling of Whitling Textiles Importers and Wholesalers.”

“How do you do, Mr. Whitling?” Serena allowed her lips to curve up ever so slightly. “I am Miss Serena Freemont.”

“It is a pleasure. Might I interest you and your”—he glanced around the bustling street as his grin faded in confusion— “chaperone in a cup of tea?”

A wave of horror swept over Serena. Chaperone? Harlots did not require one of those. “Oh, Aunt Henrietta is in the bookstore, and I fear she will be in there avery long time. I am certain she won’t notice if we slip off for a quick spot of tea.”

“Excellent! There is a lovely little shop just up the street.” A beautiful smile spread across his face, causing her pulse to quicken.

He escorted her up the block where they stopped at a quaint little teashop. They settled in at a table and ordered a pot of tea.

“What has you on Bond Street today, Mr. Whitling?” They sat in semi privacy at the back of the shop.

“Oh, I was visiting some of my customers and taking new orders. I am very glad I was there to help you, and by virtue of said assistance make youracquaintance.” Did his already deep voice grow huskier? Their tea service arrived, dispelling the moment.

“As am I. Landing on my backside in the middle of the street would have been rather embarrassing. But in truth, thank you for your assistance today, and now the tea.” She lifted her freshly prepared cup to her lips and took a dainty sip from the delicate china. Through lowered lashes, she watched his graceful movements as he prepared his own.

“It is my pleasure on both accounts. You seem familiar to me. Have we met somewhere before? A ball perhaps?”