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Imprisoned by greed – redeemed by love

Sally Richardson has it all. A devout, hard-working, well-respected husband, two great kids, a beautiful home, wonderful friends. Her life is perfect. Until it isn’t.

When Brad Richardson, accountant, business owner, and respected church member, is sentenced to five years in jail, Sally is shell-shocked. How had she not known about her husband’s fraudulent activity? And how, as an upstanding member of their tight-knit community, did he ever think he’d get away with it? He’s defrauded clients, friends, and fellow church members. She doubts she can ever trust him again.  

Locked up with murderers and armed robbers, Brad knows that the only way to survive his incarceration is to seek God with all his heart - something he should have done years ago. But how does he convince his family that his remorse is genuine? Will they ever forgive him?

He’s failed them. But most of all, he’s failed God. His poor decisions have ruined this once perfect family.

They’ve lost everything they once held dear. Will they lose each other as well?

Let this stand-alone Christian love story warm your heart and draw you close to the One who loves you without condition. Unchained is Book 8 of “The Potter’s House Books”, stories of love, hope, redemption, and second chances.

All books can stand alone and can be read in any order. The first eight are:

Juliette Duncan: The Homecoming
T.K. Chapin: When it Rains
Alexa Verde: Heart Unbroken
Brenda S Anderson: Long Way Home
Mary Manners: Promises Renewed 
Kristen M. Fraser: A Vow Redeemed
Marion Ueckermann: Restoring Faith
Juliette Duncan: Unchained

Check the PottersHouseBooks website for release dates

179 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 10, 2018

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About the author

Juliette Duncan

100 books339 followers
Juliette Duncan is a USA Today bestselling author of Christian romance stories that ‘touch the heart and soul’. She lives in Brisbane, Australia and writes Christian fiction that encourages a deeper faith in a world that seems to have lost its way. Most of her stories include an element of romance, but the main love story in each of her books is always God's amazing, unconditional love for His wayward children.

Juliette and her husband enjoy spending time with their five adult children and eleven grandchildren, When not writing, Juliette and her husband I love exploring the wonderful world we live in.

Please feel free to contact Juliette by email (author@julietteduncan.com) or via Facebook.

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5 stars
144 (70%)
4 stars
44 (21%)
3 stars
13 (6%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
2,223 reviews12 followers
October 19, 2020
4 stars
I have purchased the 10 book Australian based clean boxset titled The True Love and Precious Love Series Boxset: A Christian Romance by Juliette Duncan and this review was given freely.
The 10 part saga of the Williams family touches on many serious topics that challenge ones faith and health but also provides a picture of the growth, love and comfort that can be found when walking with God. Vivid descriptions are interwoven between heartfelt prayers, family drama and portions of scripture. Includes the titles Tender Love,Tested Love,Tormented Love,Triumphant Love, Forever Cherished,Forever Faithful,Forever His,Unchained,True Love at Christmas,Promises of Love, and A Time to Treasure: Prologue


**Unchained:
A poignant companion novel to the Williams family saga starting the day well to do stay at home mom Sally Richardson finds out she is penniless because of her accountant husband Brad's gambling addiction and embezzling. This is a prayer filled novella depicting a family's struggle with addiction, communication and self image as they build a closer relationship with both God and each other.
Can be read as a standalone but best if read in sequence.

**True Love at Christmas:
Taking place around the time Tessa and Ben go on their first mission trip, this is a Christmas companion novel to the Williams family saga featuring the true meaning of Christmas, a reaffirmation of Faith, veterinarian Harrison Smith's romance with Zoe Taylor and, the Christmas surprise he and his siblings give their parents.

**Promises of Love:
An emotion packed continuation of True Love at Christmas laced heavily with the theme of loss but ends happily. Promises of Love finds the newly engaged Zoe Taylor and Harrison Smith spending Christmas day with Zoe's extended family and her financially struggling parents, Harrison hoping for a short engagement while Zoe is torn trying to figure out how to make everyone happy while dealing with doubts concerning her relationship with the no-Christian Harrison, her grandmother's sudden illness and with the sudden return of her high school boyfriend Spencer.

**A Time to Treasure: Prologue: Not read
242 reviews
July 15, 2018
This book is a stand alone about Brad and Sally who appear in another of Juliette Duncan's series. I was very excited to read this story and it did not disappoint. It is probably one of, if not, my favorite of Juliette's books.
Brad has a gambling problem and has been stealing from his accounting clients. Sadly has been living blissfully unaware, redoing her dream home and vacationing. But that all comes crashing down when Brad gets caught. Now he has to tell Sally and their kids what he's done. He's going to jail, he's stolen two million dollars and they are losing everything.
Sally must continue on without Brad but it's so hard. Everywhere she goes people stare and make snide remarks. But God is faithful and provides help from a most unlikely source - a person Brad had wronged.
This is a story of forgiveness, redemption and transformation. Beautifully and realistically written. I loved this book and it left me thinking what would I do and how would I act in that situation. I love a book that spawns self examination and some good old fashioned soul searching. Well done, Juliette Duncan!
I was graciously given this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
182 reviews
July 2, 2018
the synopsis on this book is wrong. it’s a love story, but it’s different because Brad and Sally are separated for three years when he’s sent to jail. How can they possibly maintain any type of relationship under those circumstances? And what about their kids? Their son is 12 - we all know what pre-teens can be like!

Brad and Sally embark on a journey, not of their choosing, but God uses it to teach them so much about themselves and their relationship with each other and with Him. I truly hope you enjoy this book of “hope, redemption, and second chances”.

This is the correct synopsis.

I got a lot out of this book! So many lessons to be learned. Some of the main lessons are grace even though reap what you sow, & non judgmental attitudes. Good book to read again again to remember the lessons taught. Also how addictions can get out of hand if not dealt with. Scriptures throughout to focus on.
Profile Image for Becky.
176 reviews4 followers
July 11, 2018
A second chance, to do the right thing and grow in faith.
Wondering what seems to be bothering her husband, Sally tries to continue life as normally as she can, for her kids. One day, after her daughter’s netball game, she goes to get groceries and her card declines. Trying to find out information from the bank, she discovers their accounts are frozen. She goes to pick up her son, then heads home, ready to ask her husband, Brad, what is going on. Their lives are instantly changed, and they have to pick up the pieces, while her husband goes to jail. It is going to be a hard time ahead, but will they survive it? The story follows the family as they struggle, and learn to accept the changes necessary to survive, as well as staying in contact with visits to see Brad. I highly recommend this book, as it shows a family who grows closer through a really tough process of growing spiritually, as well as back together as a close, loving family. Something better than before, even!
140 reviews1 follower
November 10, 2018
What a beautiful story!! I loved it from start to finish. This book is filled with Scripture and prayers, hope and forgiveness, love and family. Brad's situation was grime but he took full responsibility, knowing he would lose everything, maybe even his wife and children. He showed true repentance and moved forward to what God had for him. Sally felt hurt and untrusting after learning of Brad's secret, but she remained loving and finally, forgiving. Cooper was bitter and hateful toward his father until a near death experience. Holly has the heart of an innocent child. Many pictures of Christ are depicted throughout the story, such as Brad's debt paid in full by an anonymous person and provision of a job, protection of a child, and presence of friends who never deserted them. The greatest things in life are not material possessions, but relationships.
I highly recommend this book. I received a free copy of this book and have chosen to write an honest review on my own.
29 reviews
November 10, 2018
I enjoyed reading this relevant modern day story of an imperfect christian family that learns to trust in God despite their circumstances. It is a great lesson of Romans 8:23 at work-- For we know that God works all things for the good of those who love Him and have been called according to His purpose. I appreciated the use of scripture throughout the book and the biblical themes of encouragement: regarding sin & its consequences; forgiveness & redemption; prayer & reliance on God for the answers; Grace & Mercy shown even from some of those who were offended. I also appreciated how even though it is listed in a series of books it can be read as a stand alone.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.
50 reviews
November 11, 2018
I wish I had this book when my children were preteens. It is so realistic in its portrayal of those difficult years and yet it is also optimistic. Also the strength it takes to turn your life around and how to do it was inspirational!
Some may be put off because it may be under the category of Christian Fiction. But it is well worth the read by any faith or non faith because of the multidimensional depth of characters. An added feature to me is that it is realistically set in Australia. I do hope that you read and enjoy this book, and more, by this wonderful author.
She did provide this book to me to read, but specified that you be told. That did not influence me, it is a Great book.
582 reviews3 followers
July 17, 2018
This is a wonderful story illustrating that Christians are not perfect, but are loved and forgiven and given a second chance by God to do right as they reconnect and grow in Him.
This all happened because Brad became addicted to gambling while trying to get more and more money to buy the "finer things" in life for himself and wife, Sally. But, to get more money, he began to secretly steal large sums of money from his clients. Only problem was, he got caught. Not only was everything they owned taken away, but he was sent to prison, and the rest of the family was almost destroyed.
I highly recommend this book. The plot, characters, and writing were very well done.
Profile Image for Michaela.
3,067 reviews32 followers
March 27, 2020
These main characters are ones from Forever His, and periphery characters who have a strong spot in this book are from the True Love - Precious Love series. This was a difficult book to read. The criminal aspect made it pretty unique among Duncan’s books. I put myself in the shoes of Sal and Hol and the clients...wow. We talk about God over all and Him being all we need and about forgiveness and second chances and redemption for everyone. This was a book that I feel would really pay any Christian open and force themselves to examine their inner selves. Really masterfully done.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Lois Martinez.
13 reviews
July 1, 2018
Unchained is an interesting story by Juliette Duncan of how a family has to deal with the results of the father becoming so enamored with providing his wife, son and daughter with all the things a family can want, he commits fraud in his accountancy business. Even though he and the family have been involved in attending church, it is only during his 3 years in jail do they really commit themselves to knowing God and how He works in their lives during this time of strife. Can they hold their family together and still love one another?
1,297 reviews6 followers
July 2, 2018
Brad has been hiding his problems from Sally for years. When the truth comes out can Sally and the kids forgive him. The way the kids and Sally have to change their lives is truly remarkable. Ben and Tessa are both truly amazing people. They go out of their way to help this small family through their struggling period. The characters in this book are all very special people. You will feel God working throughout this whole book. I had the honor to review this book for the author for a honest review. I would give this book a higher rating than a five star review if I could.
955 reviews21 followers
July 13, 2018
Unchained is a well-written story of love and forgiveness, of both God's and men's. It deals with addiction, deception, anger, betrayal, brokenness, forgiveness and redemption. I felt with the characters, the highs and the lows. I loved the reaction of Ben and Tessa and their church. The pacing of the story is good; it never drags. Juliette Duncan does a wonderful job of showing how God can use the worst things that have ever happened to us for our good and His kingdom. There's even a HEA. I plan to read more of Ms. Duncan's work.
Profile Image for SJ Garrison.
635 reviews
September 23, 2020
So good. Sal and Brad were living a dream in Sal's mind, but reality was about to hit the fan. I was shocked at what happened next. Brad had always been a perfect Husband and Father, then making one wrong decision, turned into another, then another until he was sitting in prison and his family had lost everything. If you like clean, inspirational stories of flawed human beings, you will love 'Unchained'. I highly recommend. I received this book from the publisher. The thoughts and comments are my own.
815 reviews6 followers
July 7, 2018
Wow! A sometimes difficult and realistic read that deeply touched me. When living life at its best suddenly turns upside down and NOTHING is the same. This book delves into the many lives that are affected when one member battles an addiction. We do reap what we sow, and even if we go to church and receive Christ, there are consequences of our sin. A testimony of love's redemption when lives are turned back to God. A clean read with a hea.
Profile Image for Barbara.
251 reviews2 followers
July 20, 2018
A Christian family on the outside - with spoiled children, an abundance of things, pride, and a time-bomb waiting to explode the whole package. When it happens, hardship, prosecution, and a total change of life affects them all. The author handles this hard situation with amazing skill. We are shown the journey this family takes through the tough times and how to survive. (I received an advance review copy of this book. The opinions expressed are my own.)
1,208 reviews10 followers
February 8, 2019
This is one of the Potter's House books.

It is a story of Brad and Sally who are married and have two children - Cooper and Holly.

Brad is charged with fraud and is sentence to three years in jail. The story tells of how
the family who once had everything (possessions) lost everything.

This is a story of learning to trust again, through seeking God first and learning to forgive.

Excellent story line.
Profile Image for Sandra.
1,017 reviews36 followers
May 13, 2022
This book pulled me in immediately at the beginning, and it's a great Christian read with lots of Scripture, characters who have made some serious mistakes, characters who forgive, and others who hold anger and bitterness. It has many examples of true kindness, graciousness and love.

It's a story of family, church, and community, and will touch your heart as you read how Sally and Brad and their two precious children, Cooper and Holly, had to make many adjustments in their life.
Profile Image for Joan Arning.
1,562 reviews24 followers
July 8, 2018
Unchained is a story of second chances! Sally is a wonderful protagonist who chooses to stand by her husband when he is charged with fraud. Sally & Brad learn to grow in God during the time Brad is in prison and Sally and their children have a huge lifestyle change. Unchained should appeal to any reader. I received a complimentary advance e-book from the author. This is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Martha.
1,857 reviews51 followers
August 21, 2018
This was another lighter read on a tough topic. Prison time is not reflected quite accurately, but it does talk about some of the harder things that children and spouses would face when crimes are committed.
It is hard to write about a tough topic and keep things light, but this author did that. I would have preferred a little more depth, but it was good for an evening read.
13 reviews
March 7, 2019
Outstanding!

Juliette has done it again with another outstanding book. It is amazing how she connects the characters through her stories. She brought Ben and Tessa back entwined with the main characters from this story so I felt like I was meeting with old friends.
I highly recommend this book and the way it keeps its focus on the Lord.
1,634 reviews3 followers
July 19, 2022
Unchainged

This is the story of a young man who scams people out of two million dollars over time and when found out he goes to jail for three years. His wife a children wait for him but they have to totally change their way of living. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
314 reviews
July 8, 2018
This story is a story of hope and redemption but also shows the loss and despair after a devastating choice by the husband and father lands him in prison. It shows the problems that each family member had to go through and was told in a very compassionate but cautionary way.
Profile Image for Linda Rainey.
2,347 reviews20 followers
July 11, 2018
What a Beautiful Book

What a beautiful book about forgiveness,God's love and redemption.
I loved the storyline and the amazing characters.
This book is recommended for those who love strong Christian fiction.
324 reviews3 followers
July 13, 2018
Wow this book is very inspirational!

For a subject that is so difficult Juliette Duncan found a way to show God's true redemption! Also how God can turn anything we do into good, by putting is right where he needs us.
Profile Image for Robin.
1,287 reviews12 followers
July 13, 2018
Oh my goodness what an emotional roller coaster ride. How will the family survive? How will the individual members survive? Such a very well written book. Forgiveness is sought throughout. Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Lenda Burns.
427 reviews6 followers
July 16, 2018
What a wonderful example of forgiveness and God"s blessing!
I love the story and the characters.
This book shows that with God's love and guidance anything is possible and having strong faith in God that there are numerous benefits.
Profile Image for Marta Aldrighetti.
469 reviews1 follower
July 16, 2018
Sally and Brad have 2 children, that go to a private schools, a beautiful big house in a rich place, what a wonderful life!
they have much and will much more, this could be dangerous.
nice sentences at the beginning of each chapter, they make me think about life, thanks.
975 reviews2 followers
July 16, 2018
Very interesting book

Reading the stories in The Potters House has been so refreshing. Each book had a different problem they dealt with. It is very helpful to read how these problems are worked out. I am looking forward to read the other books.
July 30, 2018
Inspirational

What can I say, Juliette Duncan has done it again. An inspiring story that had me gripped from beginning to end. Thank you for your writing. You never fail to encourage me.
387 reviews
May 9, 2020
A debt paid in full..

This is a story of a family in trouble. He has kept secret a gambling addiction and has stolen several million dollars from his clients. Can their marriage survive a three year prison sentence? This is a very good book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews

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