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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.
"Stelle su Firenze" an outtake from "Gabriel's Redemption"
By Sylvain Reynard
"I think if we sat here long enough, the whole world would walk by." Julia's voice was wistful as she rested her head on Gabriel's shoulder.
It was their last night in Florence. They'd spent the evening dining at a romantic restaurant overlooking the Arno River. Then they'd wandered the narrow streets before arriving at the Loggia dei Lanzi. From this vantage point, they could watch the Piazza della Signoria come to life after dark.
Tourists and locals milled about the Piazza or enjoyed a drink at one of the cafés. Nearby, a string quartet played Verdi, filling the square with a beautiful melancholy.
Julia watched in fascination as street vendors launched glowing cylinders into the air, the toys sparkling like firecrackers against the ink black sky. But always, the objects would fall to the ground, their brief foray into the heavens ended by gravity.
A strange sadness crept over her. "We try to touch the stars, but we always fall back to earth."
Gabriel drew her closer, wrapping his arm around her waist. "That's true, but it isn't like you to despair."
"I'm not in despair. I just don't want to go back. Not after —" Her voice trailed off.
"I don't want to go back either, but summer has to end eventually."
He brushed a light kiss against her dark hair before pulling her to her feet. As the music continued, he walked her to the center of the Piazza. Then he took her in his arms and began to sway to the music.
She closed her eyes, floating over the stone beneath their feet as he expertly moved them.
He tightened his grip on her waist. "I'm sorry we've been fighting."
Julia opened her eyes. "Me too."
"I promise I'll make it up to you."
"You brought me here."
"I'm the reason you're constantly falling back to earth." Gabriel's blue eyes were earnest and searching. "I drag you from the stars — from where you belong."
She gave him a sad smile. "It's the human condition. We're bound to fall."
He stopped dancing, his eyes boring into hers. "You should never have to fall, Julianne."
He kissed her gently and they continued dancing, stopping only when the last strains of Verdi no longer echoed through the night.
They returned to the Loggia, sitting side by side on the stone bench. His fingers traced the folds of her silk dress in what he hoped would be a comforting manner.
"I wish I could sit in this piazza forever." She gazed at the elaborate fountain nearby, and the elderly couple who were standing next to it, holding hands. "We could grow old here."
Gabriel followed her gaze, the edges of his lips turning up.
"If you remained in this piazza, you'd be cold when winter comes."
"Not if I had you to warm me."
A smile pulled at his mouth. "I'm glad you find me useful, if only as a warming device."
"You're also an excellent tour guide."
"Another way in which I'm useful."
"And since your Italian is better than mine, you're an effective translator."
He brought his mouth to within inches of hers. "Shall I translate my favorite words? Labbra? Lingua? Seno?"
She traced the fullness of his lower lip with her middle finger. "Lips. Tongue. Breast.You're very provocative this evening."
"You've forgotten the most important way in which I'm useful."
"And that is?"
His gaze grew heated and he lowered his voice. "As your lover."
He nipped at her finger slightly, before drawing it into his mouth. He toyed with her for a moment, laving her skin with his tongue, before releasing her.
"I'm afraid that if you persist in staying in this piazza, my capacity as a lover will be sorely diminished."
She lifted her eyebrows. "Diminished?"
"For example, I couldn't possibly do this in a piazza." He brought their lips together.
Julia hummed her appreciation and Gabriel deepened their connection, his tongue stroking hers.
His hands moved to her face as Julia's slid to his shoulders, pressing him closer.
"And I couldn't possibly do this." Gabriel spoke against her mouth as his thumb glided down the side of her breast.
She shivered.
"Or this." His hand slid over the curve of her waist and around to her lower back. He ran a single finger just above the waistband of her panties, almost as if he were contemplating their removal.
"Or this." His eyes suddenly alight, he covered her bare knee with his palm before coaxing her legs to part.
Julia's skin grew warm at his touch.
"Move your hand any higher and we're going to get arrested," she whispered.
His eyes appeared to darken. "It will be worth it."
She placed her hand over his, stopping the slow, teasing ascent.
"I think we've been the subject of enough scandals, Professor."
"Then you're going to have to leave this piazza before I slip my hand under your dress and show you what comes next."
"Where would we go?"
"I know a much quieter piazza nearby."
She stifled a laugh. "Is that the best you can do?"
"There's always the hotel. I have a view."
She cocked her head to one side. "A view?"
He lifted her hand and pressed a kiss to her palm.
"The only sight worth seeing in this city is you. But the view from my hotel room isn't entirely unfortunate."
She lowered her eyes and blushed.
He squeezed her hand. "Florence has exceptional architecture and art. But Brunelleschi's dome lacks your compassion. And no painting in the Uffizi could ever capture the beauty and warmth of your love."
She lifted her gaze to meet his.
"Are you flirting with me, Professor?"
Gabriel brought his mouth to her ear. "This isn't flirtation, Julianne. This is seduction. And I won't rest until I enjoy the wonder that is your body, lying underneath me again."
He kissed the shell of her ear, before moving down to the side of her neck. He pressed unhurried kisses against her skin, brushing against her collarbone.
"This is just the beginning," he whispered, his hand caressing her side. "Think of the delights that await you."
She hummed softly. "I'd like to hear more about that."
He stood, holding out his hand.
"I'll do more than tell you. But I'm afraid you'll have to leave this piazza."
Julia glanced over his shoulder at the fountain. She sighed.
"It's hard for me to leave, knowing what awaits us at home."
"But we'll be together." He tugged her into his arms. "Tonight I'll help you touch the stars. And when you fall back to earth, I promise to catch you."
She looked up him, at his tender, intense expression, and lightly cupped his angular jaw.
"What about you, Gabriel? Don't you want to touch the stars?"
He smiled his slow, sweet smile.
"You're the only star in my sky."
She kissed him fiercely, before taking his hand and walking hurriedly toward their hotel.
Fin.
Laurab68
Posted Tue Dec 03 00:00:00 EST 2013
I was able to read an early copy of this and although I devoured it, I found myself wanting. Reynard definitely wrote this with the fans in mind, but there was an element missing that we read in the two prior books. Sometimes, we have to allow our imaginations to take control of the story from when it originally ends.
There were some dangling threads and I'm very sure I know exactly who is in the new book. It's pretty easy to pick out.
A fun book, but definitely not of the caliber of the first two.
8 out of 9 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Wed Dec 25 00:00:00 EST 2013
I have mix feelings about this book. On one hand, it is like a long epilogue where we see Gabriel and Julianne as a married couple and finally having a future together in Boston. It also gives resolution to the secondary stories involving Christa, Paul, Simon, Natalie, Gabriel's adopted and biological family, and even Julianne's father. Unfortunately, the book was too fragmented, interspersing all the stories kind of randomly and lacking a solid storyline throughout. It affected the flow of the reading. I would start one chapter and think something exciting was finally about to start, just to drop it in the next chapter and move on to a completely different story and characterd. I also barely recognized the main characters. I did not remember them as so pessimistic and whiny. Gabriel, whose character I adored in the previous books, became this cheesy character that bored me in more than one occasion. Jules was either behaving like a martyr and lacking a backbone, or suddenly being strong and more mature than Gabriel. They were either having sex, or getting depressed and freaking out for nothing. I don't know... I appreciate that the author wrote this book to give us, the fans, more of Gabriel and really redeem him and Julianne. However, it did not reach the quality of the previous two books and it fell quite flat.
6 out of 8 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Tue Dec 10 00:00:00 EST 2013
This is probably one of the most gut-wrenchingly emotional books I’ve ever read. This story is the conclusion of Gabriel and Julia’s time with us readers. There are many triumphs and many dark times. There is happiness, despair, self-hatred, jealousy, anger, too many emotions to list. The road to redemption is never any easy one, but it’s certainly attainable.
The book was excellent, the writing, exquisite. I was immediately drawn into the story with total empathy for everything each character went through. I felt the story very karmic and as I finished the last page, I felt peace. The love between Gabriel and Julia was so fierce and all-consuming. They never, ever stopped fighting for each other and for their love. It is my hope that a love like this truly exists and that someday, I may be able to experience a piece of it.
Thank you, Mr. Reynard for giving us this beautiful journey of strength, perseverance, courage, love and hope.
***I received an ebook copy from the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. All conclusions reached are my own.
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Thu Jan 16 00:00:00 EST 2014
This is the best of the three books about Gabriel and Julia, in my opinion. When it comes to trilogies, I rate the first as my favorite and last as my least liked. Even if I still enjoy it, it seems to go down hill a little for me. Usually by the third book, an author is somewhat obviously milking a cash cow, trying to squeeze more out of a story that could have ended in the first book.
NOT THIS TIME.
Sylvain Reynard writes beautifully, and tells an even more beautiful story. While it is true, this story could have ended with the second novel, the author gives fans of Gabriel and Julia a gift with the third installment.
In Redemption, I saw Julia's growth from innocent girl into a woman who is capable of taking on Gabriel (a force to be reckoned with at times) and at the same time, mature enough to know when she should choose her battles.
The entire book is about how far these two have come as a couple and, more importantly, as individuals.
Gabriel allowed himself to be more vulnerable, while Julia took the role of providing strength.
Instead of devolving, as many trilogies seem to do, the third novel is as beautiful as the other two. Right now, having just read the last sentence a little over an hour ago, I cannot not say what it is exactly that makes me prefer this novel. Maybe with a little time and reflection I can come up with the description of what I am feeling.
I fell in love with these characters in Inferno, felt their pain in Rapture, and celebrated their triumphs in Redemption.
I've used the word beautiful a lot, but there really is no other word for it.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Fri Dec 13 00:00:00 EST 2013
Love the series! I love the ending for Julianne and Gabriel. I wish there was more, but everyone got their ending, although I wish there was an ending for Aaron and Rachel, but other than that, it was a good ending.
4 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Sat Dec 14 00:00:00 EST 2013
Would have like to read about Gabriel and Julianne. I was sick of reading about Dante and Beatrice. Boring lecture!!!!!
3 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Sun Dec 08 00:00:00 EST 2013
Loved the series and Gabriel is at the top of my list for book boyfriends. Sylvain Reynard did not dissapoint and I was very happy with the flow of the story and how it went back to and explained things from book 2.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Wed Dec 04 00:00:00 EST 2013
Gabriel's Redemption was a great conclusion for a beautiful series. It was fun seeing Gabriel and Julia again. I felt like I learned more about this couple and what makes them unique, but I also got to see them grow as a couple. I really enjoyed it.
What I think I enjoyed the most in this book was getting know more about Gabriel's past. As Gabriel and Julia begin the next chapter of their lives, the need to know more about his family history becomes necessary. At times, it was emotional to read, but I really loved when he gets to meet a particular family member. While he had a true family with the Clark's, I think it was really great that Gabriel was able to get some answers about where he came from. Gathering information about his past, made Gabriel face more truths about himself. I've really enjoyed watching his emotional growth throughout the series.
It's funny because Gabriel is portrayed as the "difficult" character and it's true, he's very complex, but Julia has possibly been more frustrating for me as a reader. Overall, I like her and I love that she helps to guide Gabriel into healthy paths. I appreciate her goals and her ambition in completing her program. I also understand that you have to be a bit selfish sometimes when you're focused on a goal like that. But, there were times I wanted to shake her again in this book. Gabriel is always so patient and understanding with her and I just felt she wasn't very flexible at times. In the end, some of the bigger decisions were taken out of her hands and she had no choice but to adapt and I was, eventually, pleased with how she handled it all. She's a good wife, friend, and daughter.
I loved getting updates on Clark family. It's nice to see where everyone is in their lives. I've always liked Rachel and was happy to see her in this book from time to time. She and Aaron are happily married and ready to move on to the next step in their lives. While in whole, they're happy, but they are struggling to have a baby and my heart hurt for her. Outside of the family, we get to see the other side plots come to a conclusion. The villain's, Simon and Christa, both get what's coming to them, which I was happy to see. Then there was Paul. I've always liked Paul and it takes him a awhile to recover from his broken heart, but I was glad to see him find happiness.
Overall, I enjoyed Gabriel's Redemption. I'll admit that I was a bit reluctant about reading it at first, because I adored Gabriel's Rapture and honestly didn't think we needed more. In all honesty, the first part of the book was a bit repetitious to me, but the last half was really great. Their story has wrapped up nicely and I'm thrilled to have experienced the next step of their journey. This is a gorgeous series and I highly recommend it.
Quotes:
~"I like your socks."
She looked down at her feet and flexed them.
"Argyle is sexy."
"Indeed. A friend once told me that argyle is the fabric of seduction."
"You have strange friends."-Loc 1815
~"Superman," she muttered. "I should have known you had magic in your genes."
"Why, yes, Mrs. Emerson, I do have magic in my jeans. I'd happily put on a magic show fro you at any time. All you need do is ask."-Loc 4725
~"And where did you become board certified in obstetrics, Mr. Emerson?"
"It's Professor Emerson, and I went to Harvard. Where did you go, an anti-oral sex college?"-Loc 4832
~"I love it when you talk grammar. It's sexy."-Loc 4892
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Thu Dec 26 00:00:00 EST 2013
Beautiful. Breathtaking. Perfect conclusion to this story.
Sylvain Raynard has done it again! He has written the most breathtaking, beautiful romance novel. When I didn’t think I could enjoy this series more, the epic conclusion surprises me. What a perfect way to end the most romantic series ever.
Gabriel and Julianne have been through a lot as a couple and as individuals. They fought circumstances, demons, their past, and just about everything else to be together. It is no surprise that their love and relationship is tested to a point where redemption doesn’t seem possible. However, with love and faith all things are possible. The story starts several months after their marriage. They discuss expanding their family, but both have reservations. Gabriel is hesitant because of his past and not sure if he is worthy of becoming a father, while Julianne wants to continue in her PhD program, but wants to make Gabriel happy as well. Other events occur that put a strain on their relationship. People from their past are back to wreak havoc. No surprise there!
“For you my love, I would endeavor to pluck the stars from the sky only to shower them at your feet”-Gabriel
Gabriel. Be still my beating heart. I didn’t think it was possible to love him anymore, but my love for him goes beyond words. In this book, he’s still the sexy, brooding professor but he has also become the ultimate romantic. Yes, even more so than the previous books. The way he loves Julianne is breathtakingly beautiful. His love for her knows no boundaries. He loves her even as he fights himself. There is so much growth between Gabriel and Julianne. I loved that we were able to see them grow as both individuals and a married couple.
Do you hear that? That’s my heart beating as I finished this book. The writing is so amazingly beautiful that I took my time to savor it. Every word in this book was written with a purpose. Every. Word. Reading is all about the journey and this is one I did not want to end. If you are a fan of the first two books in this series, your heart will do back flips as you read Gabriel’s Redemption. Love perseveres. Love always wins. In all things, choose love.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Mon Dec 09 00:00:00 EST 2013
I LOVED this series of books and was super excited for the third one. I built this book up in my head so much and was happy and unhappy with it. I love getting into their lives some more but it also felt to long and drawn out with little snippets of the other character's thrown in that didn't really matter. So in that aspect I was dissapointed but always love some Professor Emmerson!!!!!
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Sat Dec 07 00:00:00 EST 2013
Loved the series. I truly did. The amount of knowledge and background alone needed to put the story together is insane. I love that the author is well read and knows the subject of book as well as develops the characters in the story.
I am sad to see that alot of threads were left incomplete and hope that maybe will be continued at another time.
This could be another series like several others out there currently that someone could put into TV or movie format. It would work very well.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.This was a fantastic conclusion to a great series! I loved the characters and the story was a great extension of Gabriel and Julia’s story. I really enjoyed getting to read more about them and their next steps in their lives together.
Gabriel and Julia have grown a lot over the series as a couple and as individuals. There were plenty of ups and downs and they were just as real to me in this book. Gabriel is sexy as ever and its obvious he is so completely in love with Julia (even when they disagree). Julia is dealing with a lot but she grows to be a strong mature woman that I really liked. These 2 have been through a lot and learned a lot along the way and I really felt like I was in their world and easily immersed myself. It was nice to see the outcomes of the characters as well.
This series was a true favorite of mine and it has definitely made it onto my short list of books to be read again. I was drawn into the story from the very first sentence and couldn’t put it down. The characters were well written and had personality and dimension. The story line was well laid out and flowed nicely. I highly recommend this book and series. I’m giving this a 5 out of 5 stars!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Fri Dec 06 00:00:00 EST 2013
I was on the edge of my seat waiting for the release of "Gabriel's Redemption", and was never so excited when I finally had it in my hands. Sylvain Reynard is a master storyteller. He brings his three-book series to an end, (for now, he says). I cried, I laughed, I smiled and I cried again. I loved when Gabriel searched for information about his biological family. I loved Julianne's transformation from an insecure young woman to one of confidence. This is a love story that will stay with you forever. I look forward to Sylvain Reynard's next compelling series, "The Raven".
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Wed Dec 04 00:00:00 EST 2013
An Epic Love Story
Concluding the epic love story between Gabriel and Julia, Gabriel's Redemption is a testament of true love. It proves that through all obstacles, love conquers all. Mr. Reynard has poetically penned a beautiful series with a beautiful ending. It's full of passion, strength and companionship. The story is worthy of becoming a classic romance - felt deep within your heart.
Gabriel and Julia are truly real characters. Their struggles and victories are familiar, making them all the more emotional. With every moment, their love for one another gives you hope. The hope that an eternal love like their own is what you will find and the hope that these characters will live on forever in the world of literature - much like Dante and his Beatrice.
I will forever cherish the moments that I was able to spend with these wonderful characters, and want to thank Mr. Reynard for such an incredible story. His talents are simply extraordinary.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All conclusions are my own.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Tue Dec 03 00:00:00 EST 2013
A beautiful conclusion to a heart-wrenching and riveting series. I didn’t think I could fall in love any more than I already was with Professor Emerson, but Gabriel’s Redemption proved me wrong. Gabriel stole my heart over and over again in this story. With his naughty promises, possessiveness, and need to be Julia’s knight in shining armour, he became the ultimate book boyfriend. Julia and Gabriel’s story is one of truly unconditional love. This story takes you on an emotional roller coaster ride hoping that Gabriel and Julia will be strong enough to make it through all the obstacles that are placed in front of them in order to reach their happily ever after. Julia teaches us that true love is for better, and for worse, forsaking all others. She gives Gabriel all of her heart and makes me want to be a better person.
Gabriel’s redemption picks up where Gabriel’s Rapture left off with Julia attending Harvard in pursuit of her Ph.D. as a Dante Specialist and Gabriel teaching at Boston University. Julia is putting heart and soul into her studies leaving very little time for Gabriel and her family. Gabriel deliciously reminds her that they are newlyweds and often persuades her to break from her studies. I was pleasantly surprised to see Richard, Rachel & Aaron, Scott, Tammy & Quinn, along Tom & Diane reappear in this story. They celebrate the holidays with Gabriel and Julia and all have drama of their own to deal with. This book would not be complete without the reappearance of Christa and Paul. Paul will always have a place in my heart. He is a good guy that truly does deserve happiness. I would take him home to mom and dad in a heartbeat. I would love to see a spin off or short HEA for Paul. And yes Gabriel still hates Paul with all of his being. Christa on the other hand is the girl everyone loves to hate. She shows up at the worst possible time and bears her daggers once again. Still, in the end I feel sorry for Christa. It seems as if she will be doomed to a life of heartache and pain. There are a few other characters from the past that make appearances as well and cause all sorts of problems that I would have never expected.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Fri Jul 04 00:00:00 EDT 2014
Gabriel was an instant favorite of mine when I met him in "Gabriel's Inferno" and wiggled even further in to my heart in "Gabriel's Rapture". The Professor is the king of romantic quips and is probably one of the few men that can pull off wearing a bow tie with a beret.
This book was not really necessary, but I loved jumping in with the Emerson's one last time. I will be sad to see them go. Gabriel came in with the intense fire of an inferno and is going out with the redemption of his heart, his soul and his growing family. His journey from broken man to family man was beautiful.
I put this on the shelf of series that I not just loved, but adored. Top shelf for sure.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Sat Feb 08 00:00:00 EST 2014
To say that I absolutely loved this book in every aspect would be an understatement.
In my opinion Gabriel’s Redemption was not only a journey about, well… Redemption. To me this book is about love, charity and hope. However, ultimately I believe the emotion driving this book is love. The strength love gives us and the journey our lives take once we find it.
Gabriel went from being a man whose life’s devotion was to find pleasure with a different woman every night (in the beginning of Inferno), to becoming a married man to the woman he not only fell in love with, but also idolizes. The change we see in the Professor’s character from the first book is immeasurable, but he still did manage to remain the Gabriel we all know and love.
Love is what makes the world go round, it gives us hope. It makes us want to change into the person we believe we should be so we can be deserving of our blessings. That’s the shift I saw in Gabriel, not only in Redemption but throughout the series. Originally he never thought he was worthy of someone as good and pure as Julianne, but he hoped if he changed, then one day he would be. Despite him still having doubts that he will be able to keep Julianne forever, he never loses hope.
I enjoyed Julia’s growth in this book as well. Even though she is still the nicest female character I have ever come across with, in Redemption I felt like her character grew and she was able to stand up for herself in different scenarios where her character, as well as intellect were being questioned. Julianne handled her own in an admirable way altogether but especially in instances involving the Professor. Despite the fact that her love for Gabriel is infinite, she defended her opinion on the things she believed to be right on. She didn’t back down just because they didn’t share the same views on some things, and that to me was commendable. I have always enjoyed a strong female character, and while many wouldn’t probably see Julia as such, in my opinion, she was definitely a strong woman here.
Another enjoyable aspect of this book, was the way Sylvain Reynard depicted a married couple who still has insecurities to overcome, while getting to know each other. I loved the way Gabriel and Julianne went through countless trials but they remained together and managed to come out on top. Both characters grow, Julia into a more confident woman and Gabriel into the man he believed he should be, he realized everyone is worth the blessings God thrusts upon us as he was redeemed through hope, because hope is what makes us reach happiness.
The ending left me in tears, happy ones that is, because I wanted these characters to find happiness and I feel like all my dreams for them came true. Through hope and love Gabriel found redemption and there is no better feeling to a reader than when you see an author give you and the characters everything you expected and more.
should note that as a comic book nerd, I loved the comparison between Gabriel and Superman as well as Julianne and Lois Lane.
Ever since I read the beginning of Gabriel’s Inferno I kind of believed that Gabriel and Julianne were in fact the spirits of Dante and Beatrice. Did Sylvain Reynard write out for Gabriel and Julianne the life he believed Dante and Beatrice deserved?
Those of you who haven't read this series should drop what you’re doing and run to the nearest library, pick up these books and read them. You’ll thank me later.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Fri Jan 03 00:00:00 EST 2014
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.
GaHHHH!!! 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
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Posted Sun Dec 22 00:00:00 EST 2013
When I found out that this series had a book three coming I was like – why? The first two books were perfect and book two ended beautifully. I later found out that it was because the author was responding to his fans and wanted to give them what they wanted, a third book. That is true fan appreciation.
So onto my review, this book can be wrapped up in one word – karma. It was great to see the good karma come to those that earned it and the bad that really earned it. It brought a smile to my face actually. While I felt that it was a bit all over the place at times, it still made me smile.
This author is just talented, brilliant and shares his passion for the things in his life through his stories. I for one can’t wait for his new paranormal book to come out, it will be brilliantly written as his other works are.
Read this book, enjoy it after books 1 and 2 and walk away knowing unequivocally that what you indeed put out there will come back to you ten fold, so put out only good things!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Wed Dec 18 00:00:00 EST 2013
I Also Recommend:
“A great book should leave you with many experiences, and slightly exhausted at the end. You live several lives while reading.”
¿ William Styron, Conversations with William Styron atonement
Disclaimer –I went into the Gabriel’s Inferno series with a few preconceived notions. The main one being “this started out of Twilight fan fiction, it sure to be lacking in depth and substance”. I should have known better. My grandmother always taught me; never judge a book by its fan fiction roots. But I digress. I held on to this misconception all through book one. I just wasn’t ready to admit that this book got to me. I even wrote a somewhat disparaging review of Gabriel’s Inferno on my weblog. I never write negative reviews. It seems like bad karma.
As an aside the offending review is now gone with the proverbial wind.
I thought I was fighting the good literary fight. But in truth, I was only waging war with my stubborn bookish self. Now after having read book two and three, I have to be honest. This trilogy charmed its way into my heart, breaking down all my pretentious barriers. I’m mad for this series and having a serious case of reviewer remorse. I must atone to the Literary Gods and set things right.
OK. Here goes. I was wrong! People, this doesn’t happen often; unless you consider often a heck of a lot. I misjudged Sylvain Reynard. The man whoever he may be is a master storyteller. His deft use language, his passion for literature and the arts come alive on the pages. His characterization of Gabriel and Julianne, the empathy he feels for them is achingly beautiful. He crafted a story that kept this cynic coming back for more. The story of the professor and Julianne is chock full of tasteful eroticism, purpose and intensity; a story of romantic love- but also love itself, its power, its limitations, and its consequences. The themes of forgiveness and redemption should strike a chord with us all.
I grew to love Gabriel and Julianne and all their quirks and fragility. At first I despised them, especially Julianne. I found her too docile, her wild eye innocence grated. There were times when I wanted to shake her. In truth her character hit very close to home, too close. I remember being the naïve waif scared of my own shadow. However, I should have known that just like I blossomed and came into my own, so too would Julianne.
Sylvain Reynard, how could I have ever doubted you? Your style is dazzling. Your literary voice is haunting. You have created an original love story that will not soon be forgotten.
Which brings us to the final installment of the series, Gabriel’s Redemption.
Gabriel’s Redemption is by far my favorite of the three novels. I didn’t want it to end. I’m truly going to miss these characters. In the final installment, we find our beloved hero and heroine settling into wedded bliss. However, as Shakespeare will attest too, “the course of true love never runs smooth”. This is certainty the case with our beloved Gabriel and Julianne. No, their course is littered with ghosts from the past, jumping out and shouting “boo” at every corner. Then there are those pesky demons that reside in the mind, tempting and tormenting. On top of that, they have those normal issues that newlyweds must go through: learning to cohabit with another human being, debating if and when to start a family, etc.
Can Gabriel and Julianne put to rest to ghost from Christmas past? Will Satan get thee behind? Will a baby make three? Is museum’s sex all its crack up to be? Does true love really conquer all? You’ll just have to read and find out.
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Overview
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 ...