Credence Book Summary

Credence Book Summary

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Have you ever wondered what it’s like to live in the middle of nowhere with people you barely know? What if those people turn out to be more than just strangers—they become your everything?

That’s what happens in Credence by Penelope Douglas, a story full of surprises, secrets, and big feelings.

This book is wild, emotional, and sometimes confusing—but it’s hard to put down. In this blog post, I’ll tell you all about the story, the characters, and what happens from start to finish. Let’s dive in!

What’s Credence About?

Credence is a romance novel, but it’s not your usual love story. It’s about a girl named Tiernan who goes to live with her step-uncle and his two sons in the mountains of Colorado. Her life changes fast, and she has to figure out who she is while dealing with these three intense guys. The book mixes love, family drama, and some dark twists. It’s about finding a place to belong, even when everything feels messy.

The author, Penelope Douglas, is known for writing books with strong emotions and complicated relationships. Credence came out in 2020, and people either love it or hate it because it’s bold and different. If you like stories that push boundaries, this one’s for you.

Meet the Main Characters

Before I tell you the story, let’s meet the people in it:

  • Tiernan de Haas: She’s 17, quiet, and sad. Her rich parents just died, and she feels lost. She’s the main character who tells the story.
  • Jake Van der Berg: Tiernan’s step-uncle. He’s 38, tough, and lives in the mountains. He’s like a dad figure but also complicated.
  • Kaleb Van der Berg: Jake’s oldest son. He’s 20, wild, and doesn’t talk much. He’s mysterious and kind of scary.
  • Noah Van der Berg: Jake’s younger son. He’s 19, funny, and dreams of leaving the mountains. He’s the friendliest of the group.

These four live together in a cabin far from other people. That’s where all the drama happens!

The Story Begins: Tiernan’s Big Change

The book starts with a punch: Tiernan’s parents kill themselves. Yep, both of them, on the same night. Tiernan finds them dead in their fancy California house. She’s rich, but she’s never felt loved. Her parents were cold and busy, so she’s used to being alone. Now, with them gone, she doesn’t know what to do.

She gets a letter saying she can go live with Jake, her dad’s stepbrother, until she’s 18. Jake lives in Colorado, in a cabin with no neighbors, no internet, and lots of snow. Tiernan doesn’t want to stay in California with fake friends, so she packs a bag and goes. She’s not excited—she’s just numb.

When she gets to the mountains, Jake picks her up. He’s big, strong, and a little grumpy. His sons, Kaleb and Noah, are there too. Kaleb stares at her like she’s an alien, and Noah smiles like they’re already buddies. The cabin is small and old, and Tiernan realizes she’s stuck there for months because winter is coming. No roads, no leaving—just her and these three guys.

Life in the Cabin

At first, Tiernan feels out of place. The guys have rules: everyone works, no complaining. Jake teaches her how to chop wood and cook. Noah shows her around and makes jokes. Kaleb… well, he just watches her and says nothing. It’s weird, but Tiernan starts to like the quiet. Back home, people talked too much and never cared. Here, it’s different.

But things get messy fast. Tiernan isn’t just a guest—she’s a girl in a house full of guys who haven’t seen many people in a while. Jake acts like her protector, but sometimes he looks at her too long. Noah flirts with her and makes her laugh. Kaleb is rough and unpredictable, but there’s something about him that pulls her in. Tiernan starts feeling things she’s never felt before—wanting to be close to them, even though it’s confusing.

The cabin feels small with all these big feelings. Tiernan’s 17, so she’s not a kid, but she’s not totally grown up either. Jake’s old enough to be her dad, and Kaleb and Noah are like cousins, sort of. The lines get blurry, and that’s where the story gets wild.

Love and Trouble

Here’s where Credence gets crazy: Tiernan starts falling for all three of them. Yep, you read that right. It’s not a normal love story where she picks one guy. Each of them gives her something she’s been missing:

  • Jake: He’s steady and strong. He makes her feel safe, but he’s also strict. One night, they get too close, and it’s not just a hug. Tiernan knows it’s wrong—he’s her uncle, kind of—but she doesn’t stop it.
  • Noah: He’s fun and sweet. He kisses her one day while they’re playing around, and it feels easy. She likes how he makes her smile, but he wants to leave the mountains, and she’s not sure she does.
  • Kaleb: He’s the hardest to understand. He doesn’t talk, but he’s intense. One time, he grabs her and kisses her out of nowhere. It’s rough and scary, but Tiernan likes it. Kaleb’s a mystery—she wants to know him, but he keeps pushing her away.

The guys start fighting over her, but they also share her in a way. It’s not simple or sweet—it’s messy and raw. Tiernan’s never had love before, so she takes it where she can get it. The book doesn’t hold back: there are steamy scenes, arguments, and moments that make you wonder what’s right or wrong.

Secrets Come Out

As winter goes on, secrets spill out. Jake admits he’s always felt alone, even with his sons. Noah says he hates the mountains and wants to race motocross somewhere else. Kaleb’s past is the darkest—he’s been hurt and doesn’t trust anyone. Tiernan starts seeing them as real people, not just tough mountain guys.

She has her own secret too: she’s not sure who she is without her parents’ money or rules. Living in the cabin makes her stronger. She learns to fix things, stand up for herself, and feel alive. But the closer she gets to Jake, Noah, and Kaleb, the more complicated it gets. People in town start talking when they go for supplies—rumors about a girl living with three men. Tiernan doesn’t care, but it makes her wonder what happens when winter ends.

The Big Twist

Just when you think you know where the story’s going, there’s a twist. Tiernan finds out her parents didn’t just die—they left her a letter. It says they never wanted her, and their suicide was planned for years. It breaks her heart all over again. She runs into the woods, crying and lost. Kaleb finds her, and for once, he’s gentle. They connect in a big way, and it’s a turning point.

But then Noah gets mad—he feels left out. Jake tries to fix everything, but he’s torn between being a dad figure and wanting Tiernan for himself. The cabin turns into a mess of yelling and jealousy. Tiernan has to decide: does she stay with these guys who’ve become her family, or does she leave when spring comes?

The Ending

Spring arrives, and the roads open. Noah decides to leave for his racing dreams. He asks Tiernan to come, but she says no—she’s not ready to go. Jake and Kaleb stay with her in the cabin. The book ends with Tiernan choosing to build a life there, with both of them. It’s not a normal happy ending—Jake and Kaleb are still part of her world, and the love stuff doesn’t stop. She’s 18 now, and she feels like she belongs.

The last page shows Tiernan smiling, watching the snow melt. She’s not the sad, quiet girl anymore. She’s found her place, even if it’s weird to everyone else.

What Makes Credence Special?

Credence isn’t for everyone. Some people love how bold it is—Tiernan’s relationships with Jake, Kaleb, and Noah are messy and real. Others think it’s too much, especially the age gaps and family ties. But that’s what makes it stand out: it’s not afraid to be different.

The mountains are a big part of the story too. They’re lonely and beautiful, just like the characters. Penelope Douglas writes in a way that makes you feel the cold air and hear the wind. It’s like you’re there with Tiernan, figuring things out.

Final Thoughts

So, that’s Credence—a story about a girl who loses everything and finds something new in the wild. It’s full of love, fights, and growing up. If you like books that make you think and feel a lot, give it a try. Just know it’s not a light, fluffy read—it’s heavy and intense.

Have you read Credence? What did you think? Let me know! I’d love to hear if you liked Tiernan’s journey or if it was too crazy for you. Thanks for reading this summary—I hope it made the story clear and fun!

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