PRESS
Redeemed, Eric Hoffer Award: Honorable Mention, 2023 (Read)
Storycomic Presents: Pollyanna Porter, Author, Redeemed (Podcast/Video)
Pollyanna Porter’s Second Novel, Redeemed, Getting Good Reviews, by Larry Kraft, Springfield Reporter (Read)
Redeemed, The US Review of Books, 2022, book review by Kat Kennedy (Read)
Rectified, Eric Hoffer Award: Da Vinci Eye Finalist, 2022 (Read)
“Rectified: A romance/suspense novel by local author,” VTDigger, April 2021 (Read)
“A bright journey to telling a dark tale, local author unveils Rectified,” Eagle Times, Keith Whitcomb Jr., April 2021 (Read)
Rectified, The US Review of Books, 2021, book review by Michelle Jacobs (Read)
PRAISE FOR REDEEMED
RECOMMENDED by the US Review of Books
“Told through the points of view of the major characters, this book moves at a mesmerizing fast pace. David discovers that his grandparents were involved in returning stolen art from the Nazis to its rightful owners. History buffs are sure to enjoy the connection to the Monuments Men, and the author includes historical information about their endeavors. This moving story follows David and the Dunne family through upheaval and tragedy. The author hits just the right balance of fascinating historical details and romantic intrigue. The characters are well-rounded, and the dialogue flows smoothly throughout the work. Porter’s novel is exceptionally well-written with beautiful descriptive language. Her book is a must-read for history buffs and romantics.” — RECOMMENDED, U.S. Review of Books, Book Review by Kat Kennedy
“This compelling family saga starts with a bang and keeps exploding like a string of fireworks. We’re swept along from the tranquil confines of a Vermont barn to the sordid secrets of WW2 Nazis, by way of New York’s art world. There is insightful depth of character and emotion but never at the expense of suspense, mystery…and just a touch of the supernatural.” — Joseph A. Citro, author of Loose Ends, Passing Strange, and Shadow Child
PRAISE FOR RECTIFIED
RECOMMENDED by the US Review of Books
Eric Hoffer Award: Da Vinci Eye Finalist
“This deep exploration of family and truth and one woman’s reckoning with an ethical quandary is beautifully constructed and filled with profound insight into choices and consequences. The inner life of Sara is rich and fertile terrain that offers up complexity and wisdom about fulfillment in marriage and motherhood. Porter writes incisively about one woman’s desire to do the right thing and eventually find her path when her life veers off course in unexpected ways. The past and present timelines flow seamlessly together, creating tension and authenticity along the way. Porter deftly explores the question of what price one is willing to pay to do the right thing. Ultimately, Sara will answer this question, altering her life forever and the ties that bind her to her family and community. With nuance and honesty, Porter develops a strong female protagonist with imperfections, independence, and the determination to right a horrific wrong.” — RECOMMENDED, U.S. Review of Books, Book Review by Michelle Jacobs
“A story of heartache and loss. A mother’s struggle to right the wrongs of a crime against children that causes her to lose the love and respect of her own son. Written from the heart, this story may arouse your anger, and shock you in parts, but it will keep you reading as you experience hope, crave redemption and trust that there’s a good outcome.” — Kitty Boyes, The Arina Perry Series
“This is a solid debut novel by a local Vermont author. It is thought provoking as well as heartfelt and heartbreaking. How far and how much would you be willing to lose in the face of right and wrong? One woman puts it to the test and personally I was on her side the entire way.” – Vicki Thornton, Blair Books & More (Chester, VT)
What Readers
Are Saying
RECTIFIED
I could not put this book down! I ran through a gamut of emotions: anger, horror, shock, hope and redemption, when reading this book. I wanted to shake Sara, and then I wanted to hug her. Sara could be you or me, caught up in something she never saw coming, and never could have imagined. How she handled it is amazing. What she learned, and lost , is heartbreaking. Or is it? You decide. I hope to read more books by this promising new author.
A compelling read offering the possibility – but not the promise – of reconciliation, with characters I cared about and the full range of human behavior enacted. Raises challenging questions for each of us about the choices we make, and how we rely on connection in order to seek or to provide essential help.
As the drama unfolded I could envision a very strong actress in the lead role of Sara, a fully-dimensional character who is on a quest for personal meaning and interpersonal truth, and reckoning with the passage of time. Well worth reading.
Porter’s breakout novel had me glued to my seat from the start. Sara’s story immediately drew me in and kept me wondering what was coming next as I was asking myself what I would have done if I were in her shoes. Porter did an incredible job portraying small town life and the ripple effect one chance encounter can have while tackling an incredibly difficult subject. In a perfect world, every adult would step up, like Sara did, to keep children safe. A week after finishing, I’m still questioning what I would do and wondering how many children are suffering in silence. Kudos, Pollyanna!! I can’t wait to read your next one!
This book is strong enough to alter sleep patterns. Rectified gripped me from page one and next I knew, bedtime was long past. Main story, parallel story, and sub stories all captive, defining what community, family and truth are worth.
What a complex layered story! It was deeply unsettling at times leaving the reader feeling uncomfortable and disgusted, and yet the humanity of the heroine made her approachable and real, making you want to continue along on her journey. I liked the rawness of this story. But there were also many moments of gentle romance, and an honest reflection of the complexity and intensity of love between a mother and son, and the complicated love between spouses. After a catalyst event the heroine is forced to make a life changing decision that affects not only herself, but everyone around her. It begs the question to the reader, “What would you do?”
pollyannaporter.com 