It Never Occurred to Her provides an intense look into the world of human trafficking, forgiveness, and redemption. When Lena finds herself taken captive and finds herself forced to endure things that take away her dignity and respect, she initially clings to the hope that her husband will find her. Eventually her captors break her will, and she believes she can never return home.

Throughout the entire time Lena is gone, her husband Gabriel leaves no stone unturned while searching for her. His faith, courage, and love shine through the pages of this book. It took so,e unexpected twists and turns that captured my attention. Jumping from times in the past to the present, I found it easy to determine where in time the author was exploring.

I loved seeing Lena and Gabriel make their way back to each other and the steps he is willing to take to love his wife as Jesus Christ loves us.

So if you like reading books with intense story lines that include second chances, redemption, and being reunited, check out this book for yourself. I definitely recommend it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own. ( )

It Never Occurred to Her provides an intense look into the world of human trafficking, forgiveness, and redemption. When Lena finds herself taken captive and finds herself forced to endure things that take away her dignity and respect, she initially clings to the hope that her husband will find her. Eventually her captors break her will, and she believes she can never return home.

Throughout the entire time Lena is gone, her husband Gabriel leaves no stone unturned while searching for her. His faith, courage, and love shine through the pages of this book. It took so,e unexpected twists and turns that captured my attention. Jumping from times in the past to the present, I found it easy to determine where in time the author was exploring.

I loved seeing Lena and Gabriel make their way back to each other and the steps he is willing to take to love his wife as Jesus Christ loves us.

So if you like reading books with intense story lines that include second chances, redemption, and being reunited, check out this book for yourself. I definitely recommend it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own. ( )

Before the story gets started the author gives a warning for those who may be triggered by sensitive topics like violence , rape and neglect. I appreciate this because it allows readers to know that the book contains subjects that could be hard to read. With this information readers can determine if they are able to read the story without having anything to cause them anxiety. I applaud the author for being up front and letting us know that this may not be an easy story to get through.

As I dove into the book I realized just how difficult this journey would be. The author is very diligent in describing the horror that Lena is in. The reality that she has been kidnapped sinks in and I could feel the terror she felt. In one brief moment in time her world has suddenly changed from peace into a nightmare that cannot be described without screaming.

Human trafficking is something that I can’t grasp. What makes a person take someone off the street and put them through acts of violence and unthinkable bodily harm? The author does an excellent job of giving us a look inside the world where humans are treated with disgrace and used as a way to make money for themselves. My skin crawled every time someone approached Lena. Her faith was strong and cried out to God to rescue her. In the midst of darkness, she forgave those who violated her. As time goes by and she is rescued by another group she begins to have hope again. Then her story only becomes darker when she is sent to The Camp. She is still a prisoner but within the group is someone very special who will make a difference during her captivity.

Gabriel has been looking for Lena since the day she was kidnapped. He has never given up hope that one day he will find her. The day she walks into the shelter for food you could feel his heart beat a little faster. I liked how gentle he was with her and never pushed her even though his heart was breaking. How would you feel seeing your loved one after two years knowing that they had been through something awful? Will she acknowledge that she recognizes him? With Lena now living on the streets it is hard for him to grasp but he sees the physical scars and knows that she has been through a nightmare. Will he ever find out from her what happened?

This book has a deep message about forgiveness, redemption and unconditional love. It is a powerful look at a woman’s journey from despair and hopelessness to finding hope. It also shows the undeniable faith that Gabriel had in finding his wife. He never gave up and when she was found, his gentle spirit drew her back slowly to him. His faithfulness is a testament to how much he loves his wife. He showed gentleness to her, prayed for her and helped her find her way home. I loved his character especially because it illustrates the deep love a husband has for his wife. Gabriel never made her feel used or unwanted. What he did show her was that she was loved. Her scars didn’t matter to him, because all he wanted was for her to be free from the past.

I cried at the end especially because in those last moments we hear two testimonies that clearly show how God can turn something that was meant to kill and destroy and change it to healing, hope and freedom. “He will bring good out of the bad in your life.”

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. ( )

It Never Occurred to Her was a deep emotional read! The writing is wonderful! The storyline is heartbreaking but at the same time thought provoking and beautiful. The pace and flow of the story flow well with the events. The fact that everything is so real and believable it makes the book even more emotional and compelling. I couldn't put it down! couldn't imagine going through what Lena dealt with. I couldn't help admiring her and feeling what she felt. It's an emotional ride but worth every minute!
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