(Warning
– this is a VERY long review!!)
This
review is for “Nolan Trilogy: Box Set (Temptation, Confession,
Grace)” by Selena Kitt. This is a three part collection that can
be read separately or as the box set. (I recommend the box set so
that you can enjoy non-stop!!)
Here
is the official description:
TEMPTATION
(book1)
What happens when you fall in love with your best friend's father?
Leah is a good, Catholic girl, and she and Erica have been best friends since their first communion. Sure, Erica's father is handsome and charming, but Leah spends so much time at the Nolan's--just Erica and her famous, photographer father now, since Erica's mother died--that she's practically part of the family.
Both girls have led privileged, sheltered lives and are on the "good girl" track at St. Mary Magdalene's Preparatory College, Leah pursuing her love of dance and Erica sating her endless curiosity as editor of the newspaper. Neither of them could have ever imagined that one fateful discovery will not only push the boundaries of their strict, repressive upbringing, but the bonds of their friendship as well.
Leah certainly never could have imagined finding herself torn between her best friend and her best friend's father. Sure, Leah's mother had always talked about Mr. Nolan as "a catch," but Leah herself had never thought of him as anything other than just Erica's dad--until the girls discover something darkly erotic under Mr. Nolan's bed, a deep, shameful secret that will not only lead them into temptation, but will deliver them into a far greater revelation than any of them could ever have imagined.
If you read the original Under Mr. Nolan's Bed, you will find this retelling a richer experience with deeper secrets to reveal.
CONFESSION (book 2)
The shocking discovery best friends Leah and Erica have made under Mr. Nolan's bed has them down the wicked path of temptation, both girls veering far from the narrow path dictated by their strict Catholic upbringing, and their sexual transgressions have had unintended consequences.
Erica finds her life turned upside down when Leah falls for Erica's father, but just as Erica is beginning to accept their love for each other, Leah disappears. Bewildered and abandoned, Erica and Mr. Nolan are faced with sadness and confusion at their loss, but while Mr. Nolan spirals into mourning, Erica is determined to find her friend.
Erica can't possibly know why Leah has vanished, but when she enlists the help of Father Michael, her search and the real reason for Leah's disappearance intersect to uncover a multitude of shocking confessions and a secret that will shake not only the foundation of their faith, but the entire institution of the Catholic Church itself.
GRACE (book 3)
Childhood friends Leah and Erica have been sacrificial lambs at the altar of a scandalous corruption within the Catholic Church, violated by those who have, in their lust for power, turned the sacred profane.
The mystery of Leah's disappearance results in a long-awaited reunion, but it is tainted by both their loss of innocence and a deep, unfathomable sorrow, which only leads to more secrets that have yet
What happens when you fall in love with your best friend's father?
Leah is a good, Catholic girl, and she and Erica have been best friends since their first communion. Sure, Erica's father is handsome and charming, but Leah spends so much time at the Nolan's--just Erica and her famous, photographer father now, since Erica's mother died--that she's practically part of the family.
Both girls have led privileged, sheltered lives and are on the "good girl" track at St. Mary Magdalene's Preparatory College, Leah pursuing her love of dance and Erica sating her endless curiosity as editor of the newspaper. Neither of them could have ever imagined that one fateful discovery will not only push the boundaries of their strict, repressive upbringing, but the bonds of their friendship as well.
Leah certainly never could have imagined finding herself torn between her best friend and her best friend's father. Sure, Leah's mother had always talked about Mr. Nolan as "a catch," but Leah herself had never thought of him as anything other than just Erica's dad--until the girls discover something darkly erotic under Mr. Nolan's bed, a deep, shameful secret that will not only lead them into temptation, but will deliver them into a far greater revelation than any of them could ever have imagined.
If you read the original Under Mr. Nolan's Bed, you will find this retelling a richer experience with deeper secrets to reveal.
CONFESSION (book 2)
The shocking discovery best friends Leah and Erica have made under Mr. Nolan's bed has them down the wicked path of temptation, both girls veering far from the narrow path dictated by their strict Catholic upbringing, and their sexual transgressions have had unintended consequences.
Erica finds her life turned upside down when Leah falls for Erica's father, but just as Erica is beginning to accept their love for each other, Leah disappears. Bewildered and abandoned, Erica and Mr. Nolan are faced with sadness and confusion at their loss, but while Mr. Nolan spirals into mourning, Erica is determined to find her friend.
Erica can't possibly know why Leah has vanished, but when she enlists the help of Father Michael, her search and the real reason for Leah's disappearance intersect to uncover a multitude of shocking confessions and a secret that will shake not only the foundation of their faith, but the entire institution of the Catholic Church itself.
GRACE (book 3)
Childhood friends Leah and Erica have been sacrificial lambs at the altar of a scandalous corruption within the Catholic Church, violated by those who have, in their lust for power, turned the sacred profane.
The mystery of Leah's disappearance results in a long-awaited reunion, but it is tainted by both their loss of innocence and a deep, unfathomable sorrow, which only leads to more secrets that have yet
*
MY SPOILER *
In
the first book we are introduced to two young college girls who have
been raised in the Catholic faith. Very reserved and sheltered lives
UNTIL Erica discovers what is under Mr. Nolan's bed. (Mr Nolan is
Erica's father.) He is a photographer and highly respected in the
world of art. What they discover is that he also takes photographs of
a more intimate human nature. This leads the young Ladies on a path
of learning that the Nuns will never teach! Leah is very open to this
new path and is discovering much. Including the love for an older
man...Mr. Nolan himself! When she discovers that he also lusts after
her...what else is she to do but ask for forgiveness on her knees?
And to ask for lessons from an experienced person such as Mr. Nolan.
<wink>
In
book two – Leah has run away but where? Erica is looking for any
clues and turns to her friend Father Micheal. Meanwhile Mr. Nolan has
lost the second love of his life and searches everywhere for Leah. He
heard that she was in New York – he traveled there but couldn't
find her. He is lost but tries to continue on for Erica's sake.
Leah's mother is no help at all. In fact she ignores both Erica &
Mr. Nolan. Erica finds out that there is a secret society within the
church and has been invited to participate. During a ritual, she sees
Leah in the audience. She lets it slip to Father Micheal that she
knows Leah is pregnant. He admits to knowing where she is located and
why she went into hiding. Between them a plan is formed to get the
evidence to prove that Leah doesn't have to be in hiding. Will they
arrive in time? Will Leah's baby be safe??
In
book three – Leah's baby has been stolen from the hospital by the
social worker. Mr. Nolan has proposed to Leah and they have seen a
lawyer to get Grace back. During this time, Erica is coming to terms
with the idea that she will never be able to have a child, loving a
man that she can't have, not knowing who her real parents are,
finding out that her best friend is really her twin, what to do about
the secret society, and a new boyfriend. Oh and getting her best
friend/twin married to her father/who's not really her dad. <smile>
Here
is my honest review of this book:
I
really am glad that these three books have been grouped together so
that I could continue reading and reading.
Book
1 – Selena did a great job introducing us to the characters and
making their world come alive. I felt that I really could see the
warehouse/home of the Nolan's. The discovery the Ladies made in the
dark darkroom plus within themselves. The joy of discovering their
own sexuality was very well described. Leah falling in love with Rob
was so beautiful. I totally was able to see her becoming pregnant but
did NOT see the coming shocker that her mother dropped on Rob!! Well
done!
Book
2 – I understand why Leah felt that she had to hide. Personally, I
would have confronted my mother for her lie from all those years. BUT
Leah was raised in the Catholic faith to respect your elders and
believe that they never lie to you. So she goes into hiding like any
other unmarried mother until the baby is born. She also believes that
her mother will give Rob the note explaining where she is. Though we
are a reader know that will not happen! I feel bad that Erica and Rob
have no idea why or where Leah has gone. They are left searching and
trying to go on. But both are mourning for her. Erica has discovered
that there is a secret society and being the detective type person
that she is...she has to investigate it. She is asked to join and
does so with the idea that she will expose them. Until she learns
that it will be harder to do because of the others who are also
involved. While on this path, Erica falls in love with Father Micheal
but nothing can come from that. Selena does a wonderful job getting
the readers emotions involved with the characters!
Book
3 – Grace has been born and taken away. Leah is heartbroken that
she doesn't have her baby. But she is back in Rob's arms. Rob tells
her that he will find their baby and bring her home. In the meantime,
he wants to get married so that they will never be apart again.
Father Patrick will not allow them to be married in the Catholic
Church but that will not stop their love for each other! Erica &
her new boyfriend come up with a plan. I feel for Erica – not
knowing who her real parents are, finding out who her mom really is &
that she has a twin!, falling in love with two men, working the
system to get rid of the secret society...she has a lot on her plate!
I
would recommend getting this box set because you will want to see
what happens next. Setup a crock pot so that you don't have to stop
to make lunch or dinner! I read this entire set over a three day time
frame and loved every moment of it! Thank you Selena for writing
this wonderful story!!
You can pick these books up at the following links:
Goodreads
has the links to all the various online stores that you can purchase
from.
Stay tuned for my next book review!
If you have a book that you would like for me to read, please send me an email at cherish.robinson@gmail.com with the book in mobi format.
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