Simon's Shame

Hers to Redeem

By: Janice Cole Hopkins

Narrated by: Adam Skousen

Simon Carlson couldn’t learn to read and therefore failed at school. Thanks to his bitter father, most people see him as a simpleton or worse. When a new schoolteacher comes to Flagstaff, she treats him as a normal person, even after she finds out that he can’t read or write. She soon has problems of her own, however. Who could be trying to run her off, and can Simon protect his new friend while still protecting his heart?

©2023 Janice Cole Hopkins (P)2023 Janice Cole Hopkins

Great Story

Caroline and Simon were meant to be together. I felt bad for his lack of confidence in himself with his inability to read. I loved how Caroline didn't judge him, took time to get to know him and helped him. A pure love story of selflessness. I really enjoy this author and her style of writing. I love the Christian elements to her books.

Lovely Love Story

Enjoyed this one! With modern sensibilities, I came up with several explanations of the hero's reading disability (such as dyslexia), then kicked myself. Recognition of, and treatment for, many things we now take for granted as modifiable didn't happen until quite recently. One hundred and fifty years earlier, the un-Christian, but common, approach would have been to label a child who couldn't do schoolwork a dummy and, generally, look down upon him and treat him badly. The narrator for this well-told tale has an exceptionally flexible voice, bringing to life each of the characters.

Shows Christian Character

A great audiobook that I really enjoyed. I loved that Caroline took Simon for who he was and didn’t treat him different than other people. He had such good qualities in a man that there was no way he couldn’t be liked. I loved the way the author showed that you need to learn someone before you decided to just judge them for what’s on the outside.
Someone wanted Caroline to leave so all kinds of things started happening. The question is…will Caroline stay or will she decide to leave?
A beautiful audiobook that shows Christian characters and some not so Christian. You don’t want to miss this one.
I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook but was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Great topic not usually dealt with in romance nove

Although the author didn't specifically mention dyslexia, It seems that is the nature of Simon's condition. Dyslexia wasn't widely known until late in the last century, so it is understandable how confused people were in the 19th century. It was nice to see Caroline deal appropriately with Simon who was a good and caring man. This is a story worth reading or listening to.

Overcoming Prejudice

Wonderful story and a great narrator. Simon has always been considered stupid, since he had difficulty with reading and writing. His Father was no help. When Caroline comes to town, to be the new school teacher, Simon hopes there could be a chance for them, but everyone thinks him dumb and being a teacher, Caroline can't marry. A number of incidents occur, scaring them, but they will persevere in becoming close friends and maybe more. Totally enjoyed listening to this book.
I was given a copy of this audiobook by the author for an honest review.