Mary's Redemption | Devoted Hope

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ABOUT THE BOOK

Book: Mary's Redemption

Series: McKenna Sisters, Book 2
Author: Lena Nelson Dooley

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: March 11, 2025

Her childhood friend wants to rescue her from her responsibilities, but she can’t abandon her grieving family.

Despite being adopted, Mary Lenora Caine was always “God’s Blessing” to her mother. But after her mother passes, and her father can barely cope, Mary bears the burden of running the home on her own. Her drudgery hides any blessings for her future, until her childhood friend, Daniel, begins courting Mary with promises to take care of her.

For years, Daniel Winthrop has carried a torch for Mary, but his vision for their future together clashes with her duty to her family. Can’t she see he’s offering a better life? But when Mary’s faced with her worst possible scenario, Daniel isn’t sure he can handle the burden.

Mary and Daniel seem set on a path that will test their dreams and the boundaries of their love. Can they trust God’s plan for them and overcome the obstacles between them and their future together?

DEVOTED TO HOPE'S REVIEW OF MARY'S REDEMPTION

There’s something special about a story that brings you face-to-face with the beauty of redemption—and Mary’s Redemption does exactly that. From the first pages, I could see God’s hand moving in the characters’ lives, even when they couldn’t. The struggles felt real, the choices were heavy, and yet, woven through it all was the steady reminder of God’s love and sovereignty. If you love stories where faith isn’t just mentioned but lived—in the waiting, the heartbreak, and the everyday moments—this one will bless you like it did me.

What stayed with me most wasn’t just the spot-on pacing or vivid setting. It was the way Lena Nelson Dooley truthfully shows what it means to walk with Jesus—when it's messy, when it's tested, and when His faithfulness holds steady beneath it all.

This story is soaked in redemption—the kind that comes through surrender, not striving. Mary’s path is marked by obedience, sacrifice, and those seasons where blessings feel buried under burdens. And yet, God’s gentle leading through it all felt both convicting and comforting.

Daniel’s uncle shares a line that I’ll keep with me: “Jesus said He came to serve, not to rule... You treat a woman with this kind of respect, and you’ll have a firm foundation for your marriage.” That’s Christian love—not control, but humility and servant-hearted leadership.

Isaiah 44:3 is the heartbeat of this story. It reminded me again and again that even in the hardest seasons, God still pours out His Spirit, still brings life, still leads us forward.

Lena Nelson Dooley doesn’t just tell stories—she shares truth through fiction. Mary’s Redemption is book two in the McKenna Sisters series, and while it stands alone beautifully, I’d gently encourage you not to miss the other two. Each book offers a glimpse of God’s grace and sovereignty, and taken together, they’re a journey worth taking.

This so much more than a sweet historical story—it’s a faith-filled reminder of the God who redeems, restores, and walks with us every step.

I received a digital ARC of this book from Celebrate Lit Publicity Group. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on writing and story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Multi-published, award-winning author Lena Nelson Dooley has had more than 1,000,000 copies of her 50+ books sold. Her books have appeared on the CBA, Publisher’s Weekly, and ECPA bestseller lists, as well as Amazon bestseller lists. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and the local chapter, ACFW – DFW. She’s a member of Christian Authors’ Network. She likes to create characters and stories that grip her readers hearts.

MORE FROM LENA

My mother died when I was 7 years old. Back in my growing up years, grown-ups didn’t tell children a lot of things. My aunt, who was living with my mother and father and older brother when I was born, gave me some surprising information when I was in my 30s. After my mother came home from the hospital with me, she had to go back in a little while later. She had surgery to remove a mass of bones and tissue they believed was my twin that didn’t develop.

I found that interesting, because there had been times over the years when I felt as if part of me was missing. I became fascinated with the connections between twins and other multiple births. This fascination planted the seed that became the stories of the McKenna Sisters series.

At one time, there was a lot of discussion about which influenced people more—heredity or environment. These discussions added depth for the story of the triplets. I prayed a lot when writing these books, and God helped me see how to connect the girls when they didn’t know about their other sisters.

They were definitely reared in totally different environments, and Mary’s was the hardest. It was difficult for me to put her through so much anguish.