Soiled Dove explains Clara's story of survival after being bound into human trafficking. It also expatiated on the gruesome reality of human trafficking as well as Christian faith-based elements.  Soiled Dove, as the name implies, refers directly to females who have had their rights taken away from them and sold out to earn money through engaging in disgusting acts. They were once innocent as “Doves,” but are now tainted, leaving them “Soiled.”

Sold to a cruel man named Clyde, Clara is portrayed as one of many women who had been stripped of their pride and innocence just to be used as sex objects and commodities in exchange for money. This act conveyed an emotionally-charged story to readers.  April Timms' story about Clara's life was raw; the emotions used created a deep connection between the character Clara, and me, the reader, allowing me to feel Clara's suffering and experiences rather than simply reading about it. Such emotional depths are very difficult to find in short novels, but the author made use of the length to direct a powerful narrative to readers.

While Clara's experiences were painful, her power of resilience and stubbornness began to change her. It shaped her, not just into survival but into a world where she refuses to let her light get dimmed and one where she learns to live again. This way, she was able to strengthen not only herself, but those around her.  Though the story was about Clara, her transformative power is what binds the story together. She changed from being a weak and violated victim to a lady with strong faith. This was made possible not by miracles, but by the combination of her struggles, choices, and faith in herself.

One major theme of this book is that it is a Christian novel. However, even though it was sectioned in this category, the author did not allow spirituality to overshadow the story. Bible verses were quoted at the start of each chapter, but it did not sound preachy or full of sermons. This makes the book suitable for both Christian and non-Christian readers. Clara's faith development was also not limited to religious faith but to faith in general, which she had to instill in herself and those around her.

My final thought on this novel is that it was an emotionally-filled story that revolves around faith, survival, and transformation. Fiction readers of stories with such themes will find this novel to be a very compelling one. Aside from that, lovers of Christian faith-based books and mature young readers can also benefit from the novel. Human rights advocates and women's fiction readers can really benefit from reading the book as it raises awareness about abuse, human trafficking, and sex trafficking.  Lastly, various Christian book stores and book clubs can find this to be a great read.