Title: Credence
Author: Penelope Douglas
First published January 13, 2020
470 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781660089055
Rating: 3.68
Overview
Credence by Penelope Douglas is a gripping new adult standalone novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Tiernan de Haas has never cared about anything before, having grown up in a world of wealth and privilege without any real love or guidance.
But when her parents suddenly pass away, Tiernan is forced to confront her loneliness and is sent to live with her father’s stepbrother, Jake Van der Berg, and his two sons, Noah and Kaleb, in the mountains of Colorado. As Tiernan adjusts to her new life, she realizes that these men have a say in what she chooses to care about and not care about anymore.
As they teach her to work and survive in the remote woods far away from the rest of the world, she slowly finds her place among them. But lines blur and rules become easy to break when no one else is watching.
One of them has her, the other one wants her, but he’s going to keep her. This is a story of love, family, and survival that is sure to capture your heart.
Credence is a must-read for fans of new adult romance. Suitable for readers 18+.
About the Author
Meet Penelope Douglas, a bestselling author whose captivating books have been translated into nineteen languages. She has written numerous series including The Fall Away Series, The Devil’s Night Series, and several stand-alone novels such as Misconduct, Punk 57, Birthday Girl, Credence, and Tryst Six Venom.
Be on the lookout for her upcoming series, The Hellbent Series and Motel.
When she’s not writing, Penelope resides in New England with her husband and daughter. Stay up-to-date with her latest releases by texting DOUGLAS to 474747 or by visiting her website.
Connect with her on social media through Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Amazon, and Instagram.
Editoral Review
In her latest novel, Credence, Penelope Douglas showcases her remarkable talent for crafting complex and emotionally charged stories that keep readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. First published on January 13, 2020, this gripping tale is a must-read for fans of romance, suspense, and drama.
Douglas is a bestselling author known for her unique ability to blend different genres seamlessly, and Credence is no exception. Set in the small town of Willow Creek, this novel tells the story of Tiernan de Haas, a troubled young woman who finds herself drawn to her former stepbrothers, Kaleb and Noah Turner.
Despite their complicated past and the disapproval of their families and friends, the three of them embark on a dangerous and passionate romance that threatens to destroy everything they know and love. As the plot unfolds, Douglas skillfully weaves together themes of family, betrayal, trauma, and healing, creating a rich and realistic world that is both captivating and heart-wrenching.
Her writing style is evocative and engaging, with vivid descriptions, strong dialogues, and a deep understanding of human emotions and motivations. The pacing of the story is excellent, with enough twists and turns to keep readers guessing without feeling overwhelmed.
One of the strengths of Credence is its complex and multi-layered characters. Tiernan, Kaleb, and Noah are all flawed and damaged in their own ways, but their struggles and desires are relatable and realistic.
Douglas does an excellent job of portraying their vulnerabilities, strengths, and growth, making them not just believable but also lovable. The secondary characters, including Tiernan’s family and friends, also add depth and complexity to the story, making it feel like a real community.
Another strength of the novel is its exploration of taboo topics such as incest, abuse, addiction, and mental illness. While these subjects are sensitive and controversial, Douglas handles them with care and sensitivity, avoiding sensationalism and judgment.
She shows how these issues can affect individuals and families in different ways, and how they can also be overcome with love, therapy, and support. However, one of the weaknesses of Credence is its lack of diversity.
The cast of characters is predominantly white, heterosexual, and able-bodied, which may limit the appeal of the book to a more diverse audience. Additionally, some readers may find the erotic scenes between the three main characters too graphic or uncomfortable.
Despite these limitations, Credence is a compelling and well-crafted novel that deserves to be read and discussed. It raises important questions about love, sacrifice, and identity, and challenges the reader to think beyond the norm.
It also showcases Penelope Douglas’s extraordinary talent as a storyteller and a world-builder, making her one of the most exciting authors in contemporary romance. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy steamy, angsty, and suspenseful stories with complex characters and engaging writing.
It may appeal to fans of authors like Tarryn Fisher, Colleen Hoover, or E.L. James, but also to readers who appreciate original and daring narratives. However, I would caution readers who are sensitive to themes of incest, abuse, and trauma to approach this book with care.
On a scale of 1 to 5, I would rate Credence a solid 4.5. It is a highly entertaining, thought-provoking, and emotionally satisfying read that will stay with you long after you finish it.