In Rebecca Morrow's novel, Corinne, she captures the depicts the life of those who follow a strict Christian faith while managing to chip away at its weaknesses and shortcomings. She uses Corinne as a way to illustrate how actions and choices affect the lives of everyone around.

In this novel, Morrow effectively utilizes repetition to enhance the feelings throughout the novel. As a reader we constantly see the words "Enoch. Enoch. Enoch." and we know that this scene is emotionally charged for the characters themselves, and for us as readers. Other instances of repetition also occur through phrases the characters use. Most often, these phrases are thought, rather than spoken, to give the reader a greater insight to the motivations and feelings of the character.

Morrow's greatest strength with this novel was the pace she set. It starts with our characters young and confused and wanting more out of life and each other. Then, the novel shifts transitions to our characters in their thirties in the midst of undertaking the struggles of adulthood, jobs, relationships, and family. Corinne is desperately trying to find a way back into her family's life, and learning how her new life can coexist with theirs. Morrow illustrates a phenomenon not uncommon to many adults who grow up, move out, and find their own paths to go down. Corinne becomes an example of how to balance the life you want to lead while also taking part in the lives of those you love.

Thank you Netgalley for sending me an arc in exchange for my honest review.

As teenagers Corinne and Enoch share the same fundamentalist Christian religion, but are on two very different sides of the metaphorical track. After a transgression, Corinne is cut off from her religion and family. Fifteen years later she is slowly finding her way back into her family and awkwardly runs into Enoch.

I’m very torn about whether this book was a good read for me, because it seems like 2 different genres were kind of smashed together. The teenage years felt very much like literary fiction akin to Sally Rooney’s Normal People, but the adult years became a smutty second chance romance. I’m not saying that in an insulting way. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with smutty second chance romances. But I didn’t think that’s what this would be and even though it’s still dealing with all the same issues around religion the change in genre and tone really makes it hard for me to love this book. I see what it could have been (amazing) and what it isn’t (amazing).

Additionally, there was a lot of repetition of phrases and character movements/actions that became distracting for me. How many times do 2 characters need to say “I love you” to each other? Like I get it and I’m not sure it needs to be said 4 times in a single sex scene. It really had me skimming the later sex scenes and I have to say that is *unusual* for me 😂

Despite the clunky aspects of the novel, I did basically read it in one sitting. I was invested in this relationship even while simultaneously being a bit annoyed at times with the writing. It just really felt like this book didn’t know what it wanted to be and the marrying of these 2 genres fell a bit flat for me.

So well written drew me right in kept me reading late into the night.I was so involved with the characters the story line.A book that will make you emotional and sorry to see it end.#netgalley #st.Martinsbooks

Morrow is a pseudonym for a "New Year Times Best-Selling Author" and that's such a cop-out to me. I need to know who this person is and how they captured so many aspects of fundamentalism and romance so well. I can seriously see myself so often. The stolen kisses in my father's garage with one of the more "secular" members of our church. The fascination with boys in the church, even though they weren't always the cutest, but to me they were BOYS so yeah.

The head coverings, the authority of all males in the church over me (a female). The strict adherence to dress codes, the training of how to answer questions about our faith, the judgmental training - oh my judgement was sky-high. I waver between massive anxiety attacks and fear during the reading of this book and just awe at seeing it placed on a page. I've seen reviews where it seems unbelievable about how these characters are so child-like in nature or say too many "I love you's."

But that's what happens when you are raised in a church that refuses to discuss these things in an open, listening manner. When even saying "I love you" is portrayed as a sin unless sanctioned by the church.

If you struggle to understand the impact of fundamentalism on those who have managed to escape it, read this book. Many of the things both Enoch and Corinne struggled with mentally and physically are a part of our daily lives.

Thank you to Net Galley, the author, and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Gonna be honest here: I'm rounding up. This is not a 4-star book all the way through. In fact, it is 432 pages, which I would argue is longer than most books ever need to be. Definitely longer than this book, specifically, needs to be. And yet, I thoroughly enjoyed so many different aspects of reading this. Can confidently say it is unlike anything I've ever read.

The story begins in 1992, as a near-adult Corinne finds herself living under the same roof as Enoch Miller, a boy she knows from the fundamentalist church their families both attend. It is there that a budding romance begins between the two of them, ultimately to Corinne's detriment. After news of their shared "scandal" surfaces, she finds herself essentially disowned by her family, friends, and church community.

Jumping over a decade forward in time, we find Corinne back in the community that banished her. After her mother experiences a health scare, she moves closer to home to be with her family. Yet, she is never fully welcomed back into the fold. She doesn't attend church. Enoch Miller is a taboo topic. However, inevitably, the two of them cross paths again and, from there, are forced to reconcile with what happened in the past and how they plan to move forward with their feelings in the future.

The first section of the book (the 1992 portion) was excellent. In fact, I felt like I had a 5-star read on my hands. There was something so incredibly sad, yet precious about the way their relationship developed. And the author's writing was so engaging that I practically flew through the pages. Some of that magic remained when they were reacquainted. Using religion as a point of contention between them was very interesting. I didn't expect to find myself as invested as I was, but it really worked for this story.

My main grievances are that it became gratuitously sexual, to the point where I no longer felt it contributed to the story. I also felt like some of the momentum was lost towards the end. It was ultimately too long for my liking. But I would definitely check out this author again in the future. Her writing style is very much my vibe. I really cared about these characters. And I think that with just some slight changes, I would have enjoyed this even more.

The cover is absolutely beautiful and to be honest, the main reason I requested it on Netgalley.

I flew through this book! The inner-workings of a strict, fundamentalist Christian church intertwined with the forbidden relationship of Corrine and Enoch had me flying through the pages.

I loved that the characters felt very real and authentic. Their bodies were not picture-perfect, petite and six-pack romcom ready. The dialogue was written the way people actually talk. Many romcoms (which I love) have whip-smart banter but it was refreshing to read dialogue that felt more familiar.

Corrine and Enoch's journey in finding themselves and what they want out of life after growing up in a repressed and authoritative upbringing was heart wrenching. Part of this self-discovery and exploring their relationship was A LOT of sex. I was here for it. 🌶 I appreciated that in this kind of situation, they would very well be exploring their forbidden bodies. And again, I appreciated that the steamy scenes were less romanticized and felt very authentic. The results were propulsive. I had to keep reading to see how their relationship would work with the church and their families against it.

Some critiques: I felt that it was a little repetitive. Some of the scenarios were repeated and I would be thinking, wait, didn't I read this part already? With less repetition, it wouldn't have been so long as this was pretty lengthy for a romance.

Overall, It was an interesting romance with a social twist and I would recommend it to friends that aren't opposed to steam. Thank you to Netgalley, St. Martin's Press and Rebecca Morrow for the advanced copy!

*REVIEW WILL BE PUBLISED ON MY INSTAGRAM @K_LIBRARY722 IN JUNE 2022

Before I get into the plot of the book itself, one of the things I loved the most about this novel was the author's style. Something about the cadence of the writing was oddly comforting-- perhaps because there was a steady repetition of specific words and phrases throughout the book that seemed to lull me from one page to another. I felt like I was a part of the relationship that the book was centered on, finding comfort in the rhythms and routines the two main characters built for themselves as they worked to navigate a life together.

In high school, Corinne and Enoch weren't meant to be compatible. Their parents threw them together over and over never once thinking there would be chemistry. Or, for their strict fundamentalist church, any kind of attraction that would lead to to sin. He was a future Elder in the church, a servant of Christ, the god fearing future husband of the prettiest girl in their congregation. Corinne was perpetually on the outside looking in, always too "worldly" to ever be accepted by the youth in her church.

But Enoch saw something in Corinne that no one else could. After they risk it all, he's drawn back into the fold. She's cast out. They try not to fixate on the past, but thirteen years later, their paths cross again. There's a lot of pain to work past - and what they want from one another is still forbidden in a way that carries heavy consequence- but something still draws both of them in.

I think that anyone that's had a difficult experience with a religious community, or lost someone because they weren't seen as faithful enough, will be able to connect to the themes in this book (regardless of denomination).

I usually don't address other reviews in my own, but there's one thing I think should be pointed out. I've seen several readers say that this book is too explicit. Yes, there are copious sex scenes in this book, but they aren't written to be salacious or tawdry. They're there because two adults are trying to figure out how to have a healthy relationship (with all that goes with it) after being taught for years that their love was a sin and something to be repressed. The sex scenes are a part of a larger conversation around human connection and intimacy.

I don't think this is a book for everyone, but I'd recommend it.

Feedback for Corínne

Typos and Errors: Digital Galley 1120 pages

Chapter 1
Page 5
Daniel’? And Jacob’? And Issac’? (Correction: the question mark should be before the quotation mark, even if you end up with three in a row. Ex: “Can’t we name him ‘Daniel?’” However, I think the single quotation would just be better off removed and the sentenced reworked.

Chapter 2
Page 16
“…you’d think about a what a nice place this must be.”

Chapter 5
Page 41
“Do your friends at school know you’re one of God’s people?” her mother would ask her. (Correction: Her mother would ask her, “Do your friends at school know…” The ‘H’ should be capitalized anyway, but the sentence looks cleaner in the arrangement I suggest.)

Chapter 41
Page 444
“‘What kind of face.’” (Correction: replace with question mark.)

Page 449
“It’s still weird for me to see sisters with short hair…” (Correction: my sisters?)

Chapter 44
Page 495
“What does that leave us?” he asked finally. (Correction: He finally asked, “What does that leave us?”)

Chapter 54
Page 596
“…stuffed meat rolls that that you could get all over Wichita…” (Correction: remove double word)

Chapter 74
Page 880
“You’ve very bad at eating ice cream.” (Correction: *you’re)

I make no claim that the typos I have recorded are in any way complete and care should be taken in editing for the final copy to make sure the book is perfect.

The Review:

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for the advance reader’s copy, in return, I present my honest review.

Every part of the narrative and the character of Corinne drips with humour and self-awareness. The writing style is positively magnificent.

This is a great book for someone who grew up in religion and has left, or even someone who doesn’t have an idea about the inner working of Christianity, you certainly do not need prior knowledge to enjoy it.

This story is about a girl who gets swept up in a strict religion when her mother joins a new church. She knows that she doesn’t really belong, but she tries her best. She falls in love and disgraces herself in the eyes of the church.

“Falling in love hadn’t led to any of her finest moments. Historically.”

The rest of the story is about Corinne learning how to come to terms with what happened, and find some way to love her lover in a way that doesn’t damage his place in the church.

I find it a little funny that this is compared to Romeo and Juliet because of it’s “forbidden romance,” but it’s only forbidden because of some arbitrary, strict church rule, and even then, it’s not that forbidden. You have two consenting 30 year-old who want to be together but are just unwilling to make it work. And I don’t think Corinne should have to make it work. Imagine being a 31 year-old man crying because you want to be with a woman romantic styles but she won’t marry you so you can’t. That’s so wild to me. Like fella, you’ve been married and divorced, you have a free pass to have an adult romance, and you’re holding yourself to these arbitrary rules. My rulebook says, “you’re 30 years old, do what you want.”

You could say, it’s frustrating. And the novel really draws you in because of that.

Sharp, witty, honest. Complicated and convoluted.

This book was truly a joy to read. It’s very wholesome in some ways, but quite spicy in others, the characters share a very intense sexual relationship. I’m rooting for them.

I really loved this book. It’s not Romeo and Juliet and it’s not tragic like I was expecting, and I’m not even a romance girl, but these characters were just crafted to be meant for each other. Both of the romantic leads are so detailed, it feels like I know them, and even though I don’t like the ending, I’m happy for them.

I highly recommend this book, and I’m so excited for it’s release date. July 12, 2022.

First off, thank you so much to Netgalley for giving me opportunity to read this book! I was drawn in by the cover and was really excited to read the book after reading the synopsis. I enjoyed the book for the most part, but it was definitely not my favorite. I really like Rebecca Morrow’s style of writing and how she tied the story together, but I think the story itself was just not for me. I think that I definitely understand why some people would love this book, but it was not particularly what I was expecting. I enjoyed reading about the relationship between Corinne and Enoch and how it grew over the course of the book.
I think a big part of why I didn’t enjoy this book very much was just that I couldn’t relate to it and understand what the characters were feeling and going through. I would like to read more from Rebecca Morrow because I think her writing flows very well and it was very easy to read even though I was not very into the story. Overall, I think that the book was nice, it just wasn’t what I was expecting or am used to reading.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s press for this ARC.

Corinne is the story of a woman who grows up in a fundamentalist Christian church. By the time she hits her teens, it is clear that she is emotionally checked out of the church, but semi-trapped because of its legalistic structure. Pretty early on, her family loses their home and they move in with another family from the congregation. There, Corinne starts falling for the 18 year old son of the family, Enoch. The book then fast forwards to several years in the future, and picks back up on the story between Corinne and Enoch, a seemingly cursed love story.

I’ve seen this book described as a modern day Romeo and Juliet — from a star crossed lovers perspective, I’d agree, but beyond that it’s completely different. I really enjoyed this book until about 70 percent of the way through, then the book kind of lagged for me. It’s a really interesting love story because of the intersection of fundamental religion and “worldly” love. However, at about the latter mid-point it turned very steamy and focused a bit less on the story. That may not be a downside to some readers, but it just wasn’t my cup of tea. I felt that some of the descriptions were redundant. With that, though, the book was mostly a page turner and once I got into it, I did want to keep reading to find out what was going to happen. I honestly think this book could have a sequel. I’m so curious what will happen next! In sum, I’d recommend this book to those who enjoy the romance genre.

To be perfectly honest, my expectations after the first few pages were low. I kind of put it off and read another book after the beginning didn’t immediately grab me. Then, oh my, did it grab me! I was immersed in this story and I consumed it like a woman on fire.

Corrine and Enoch were so incredibly real to me. They were flawed and human and their love story was just beautiful. Their arguments and their passion was so genuine and organic. I cannot rave enough about their love story.

The examination of the church, faith, and conscience matters stroke close to home for me and made me love the story even more. I didn’t want to see either of the characters compromise on their beliefs, but I desperately wanted a happy ending. You’ll have to read the book to find out if they get it, though!

My single, barely even a gripe, was the amount of parentheses used. At first, it was endearing, but during some scenes it was way too much and hard to keep up with. But, if that’s the only fault I can find then this is still 5/5 for me.

I was very much surprised how much I ended up liking this book, given the summary and big focus on church relations and excommunication from the church. (Not a religious person in the least).

Morrow did a fantastic job of making the characters feel very much real with the simplicities of a budding/reconnecting relationship over years apart.

Also, gorgeous cover.

3.25 – 3.5 STARS

Due to its intriguing premise, I was excited to delve between the pages of Rebecca Morrow’s novel, “Corrine.” Upon finishing the book, however, I’m not exactly sure how I feel about it. While I found the story’s religious dichotomy very thought-provoking, the push and pull romance between Corrine and Enoch felt a bit flat. Sure, there are plenty of sexual scenes that play out, but I didn’t feel any real depth of emotion or true passion, despite the often repeated “I love you’s.” This made it very difficult for me to connect with the characters in any meaningful way. Still, this slow-burn, second-chance romance that’s set against a strict, fundamentalist backdrop, pulled me in from beginning to end. The repetitiveness and slow pacing, however, did make it difficult for me to remain 100% engaged at all times. But, overall, there are more positives than negatives, including writing that is both clever and unique.

“That had never seemed fair—it wasn’t fair, she’d paid so much for so little.”

Wow. I devoured this. By the end of the first chapter, I was hooked. I loved the romantic build-up in their initial flirtation, and can definitely relate to the fumblings of teenage love. As a love interest, I liked Enoch (despite my inability to pronounce his name) and I loved Corinne.
If I were to critique any part of this book, it would probably be the middle. Some of it dragged a little bit, it felt a lot like the way Corinne described her senior year — a lot of blur as she waited for Enoch to come see her. Either way, this book definitely captured my attention.

(☆ ☆ ☆. 5 stars)

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for honest review from NetGalley.

Corinne by Rebecca Morrow, begins with a young teen named Corinne Callahan, who is cast out from her fundamentalist church due to a relations with Enoch Miller, another teen who also attends the same church. The story continues after 13 years pass, and after achieving and creating a good life for herself, Corinne chooses to move back home after family circumstances take place. Soon, she meets Enoch again.

This was a wonderful Romeo and Juliet retelling, the story flowed beautifully and made sure to tug heartstrings along the way. I enjoyed the journey of the characters trying to find themselves while pursuing their love for each other, despite the worry of if their families will be accepting after past events in their youth.

I for one, can't wait to get ahold of the physical copy of this book once publishing day comes!

I adore unique fiction, and this is such an interesting premise. I recommend because of the story itself, writing style, and its ability to transport you into a different world.

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: July 12, 2022
As a teenager, Corinne Callahan was excommunicated from her church and cut off from her family. Forced to start over, Corinne is able to build a good life for herself, with a great job, great friends in a great city with people she loves. But when her mother suffers a heart attack, Corinne returns to the family home and is happy to be welcomed back with open arms. Although her mother and siblings are still active in their church, Corinne refuses to return to the one place who told her she wasn’t good enough. Until the reason for her excommunication, and her true love, forces Corinne to re-evaluate what she is willing to give up……again.
The first one third of “Corinne” by Rebecca Morrow started off hot- I was pulled into the angsty teenage romance of Enoch and Corinne, and the strict religious upbringings of both youth that led to constant challenges in every facet of their young lives. Corinne’s treatment by the church (especially as a woman) and the double standards of their practices, was reprehensible and yet completely accurate and believable. I wanted more of Corinne and Enoch growing up under the dark cloud of the Church, most of the intense religious scrutiny both families faced, and more of the difficult journey faced by Corinne’s family when their father left.
What I got instead, for the majority of the rest of the novel, is a lot of sex. First sex, forbidden sex, awkward sex, passionate sex….just a lot of sex. Human reproductive organs and human sex acts being labeled every name possible, constant touching, groping and fondling- it got to be a bit much. Although Enoch and Corinne are a great couple, they seemed to mesh well only when in the bedroom. Fundamentally, they were both entirely different people and I wondered if the sacrifice was worth it?
The writing itself was clever, with the novel being narrated in the third person. Short sentences and short chapters made the novel easy to read, but I would’ve loved another perspective (something from Enoch perhaps?). Morrow is a gifted storyteller, but the story itself was lacking. I am not a fan of erotic novels (I’ve said this before), so maybe it’s just not the right story for me.

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC. This is the story about leaving the life you know behind. It's about moving on, but not truly being able to let go of the one you've always loved. This is the story of Corinne and the life she's left, which has been built around the fundamentalist church. Even as she leaves, she cannot stop loving Enoch, who is a part of her old life. What is the right answer. There were many things in Corinne's life and thoughts that I could understand, however as a whole I didn't love this book.

A tale as old as time... two people longing to be together when there are many things in their way. Corrine delves into strict religion, oppression, double standards, basing one's worth in connection to the apporval of others, a lasting desire, plenty of what if's and what will be's. It was a great read fully of some lusty twists. I felt for Corrine. She left The Church but her heart was still inside it longing to be with her old love. A decade and some years later, she runs into her past and it presents some challenges. I was rooting for them and was pleased with the ending.

This book was.... a lot. Many of the reviews I read mentioned the graphic nature of the book, but I have to be honest and say that I did not see it that way at all. It WAS an open door romance, but not distasteful or graphic IMO.
I have conflicting feelings over Corinne (the book and the character). While I think the book was very well written and they storyline was interesting, the content of the book within the context of "the church" were difficult for me to reconcile. Corinne was raised in The Church and held to a strict legalistic set of do's and don'ts. Enoch was also raised in the church, but being a male meant different rules applied to him.

Corinne and Enoch essentially grow up together, but after a marking event in their lives, Enoch moves towards a life within The Church and Corinne moves away from it. When they are reunited ten plus years later, they have to decide how (or if) they fit into each others' lives as adults. Enoch is still committed to the church and Corinne is still.... not.

The book, Corinne is a tough look at love, absolution, religion, and forgiveness. There were times Enoch and Corinne seemed very childish even though they were in their 30's, but then again they grew up extremely sheltered and protected from the outside world, so it made sense that their emotional growth was a bit stunted. Overall it was a book that seemed realistic even though parts were extreme. It shows how easy it is to be dragged down or made to believe your worth is based on others' perceptions.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.