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​​A Beautiful Sin is a forbidden romance, but it encompasses so much more than that.  It’s a story about conquering one’s demons, healing, forgiveness, faith, and love.  A.M. Hargrove and Terri E. Laine’s collaborative writing has resulted in a seamless story that flows effortlessly between both of the characters’ perspectives, giving readers an insight into their thoughts and lives.

Canaan and Haven have both returned to the Chicago area, where they grew up.  Coming home has offered some opportunities for them in their respective fields of work, but it has also opened up some old wounds and memories that have plagued them both for years.

Canaan is a Catholic priest.  Being a priest was all he had ever wanted to be.  The church and his faith are woven deeply into every fiber of his being.  While Canaan had always looked to the church and his religion to ease the suffering in his mind and soul, Haven had turned her back on the church, deciding that faith and God had abandoned her long ago.  Canaan and Haven’s paths in life may be different, but they have crossed before. 

Canaan is the epitome of a good man.  He is kind, dedicated, caring, and sweet.  He takes his position in the church very seriously, wanting nothing more than to do the work of God.  But Canaan doesn’t believe that he is without sin, no human being is, but Canaan has shouldered more guilt in his life than any person should ever have to.  My heart broke repeatedly for this man.

Haven is an artist who has finally seen herself through the starving artist phase of her career.  Using her creativity as an outlet to unleash her emotions has not only helped her professionally, but it has also been able to soothe her emotionally.  But while she is able to express herself through her art, the painful memories of her past continue to haunt her, fueling her with resentment, hate, and fear for the years of torment that she was forced to endure.

As I mentioned above, this book is so much more than just a forbidden romance.  A Beautiful Sin is the emotional coming together of two tortured souls.  Their story broke my heart, put it back together again, and filled it with hope. 

*4 Stars