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Summary: That Book, That Book, That Book!!!!
Review: Believe it or not, I had a hard time getting my hands on a copy of Jamellah Ellis' That Faith, That Trust, That Love. I had been hearing a lot of buzz about it for some time now, and once I got to read it for myself, I understand why everyone is talking about this book!Ms. Ellis is a gifted writer whose carefully-crafted characters come to life in her debut novel. At the heart of the story is Marley Shepherd, a young woman who seems to have it all -- a great career, a beautiful home, and a rich, handsome fiance. However, within the first few pages of the novel, it is painfully obvious that something is missing. From page one, I could easily identify with Marley, and quickly felt connected to the character. I laughed and cried with Marley as she faced various situations; she was just that real to me. That Faith, That Trust, That Love is filled with rich dialogue and description, making it easy for the reader to envision the characters and their interaction with each other. I'm so used to reading novels that are chock full of stilted dialogue that it was refreshing to read the colorful and realistic exchanges between the characters Ms. Ellis created. Moreover, Ms. Ellis does a fine job of giving the reader a glimpse of where this all takes place. I was so enraptured with her vivid descriptions that I all but forgot that I was in the hair salon and not in Atlanta! What made this book truly worth the read were the profound lessons that Marley, her mother Pam, and grandmother Ma Grand all faced. Each in her own way came to realize that they could not make it without God in their lives. While That Faith, That Trust, That Love is clearly Christian fiction, Ms. Ellis doesn't shove the Gospel down the reader's throat. In fact, she presents the book from a nonbeliever's point of view. It wasn't that Marley didn't believe in God, but that she didn't believe that she needed to have a closer relationship with Him until she realized that she couldn't solve her problems on her own. In That Faith, That Trust, That Love, Ms. Ellis delves into some deep topics -- trust, infidelity, rejection, mother-daughter relationships and even cancer -- and it's almost impossible to read this book and not see yourself in the characters' situations. Even if you do not identify with Marley, perhaps you may identify with one of the other characters, each one well-developed and written from a different perspective. While this book has a serious message, it is full of colorful and hilarious moments, too. I laughed almost uncontrollably while reading about the ghetto-fabulous wedding that Marley attended with girlfriends Ashley and Deanna! However, it was Ma Grand's no-holds-barred, quick-witted commentary that was absolutely humorous. If she wasn't fussing or snapping at Marley and Pam, she had some sage advice and words of wisdom. If there were a 10-star rating on Amazon.com, it would not be enough for this book. This was undoubtedly the best book I have read in quite some time. The writing, the characters, and most importantly, the message, makes this book one of the best books in the Christian fiction genre today. I just can't say enough about this book! Read it for yourself. Trust me, you will be glad you did!
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Summary: Faith, Trust, and Love all together in one novel
Review: I am not a fiction reader, but I had a friend recommend this book and a few others to me. When I saw this book at Wal-mart I decided to pick it up. I did not start reading it for awhile, but when I did, I had a real hard time continuing. Because I was going through relationship issues myself, the book was not good for my spirit in the first section. There was too much drama going on for me and it made me very emotional. However, I came back to this book when I healed over the situation and I couldn't put the book down. I love the second part of this book. It was great to see Marley get a real relationship with God, and for everything to work out. To see how faith was brought about in the characters, while trusting God in their tough circumstances. I definitely recommend this book.
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Summary: anxiously waiting for more
Review: I love this book!!!!!!!I've recommended it to several friends and relatives who now love it also.That Faith,That Trust,That Love is an excellent conversion tool because all women will be able to relate to the women in this story.We are looking forward to the next novel by this wonderful author!!!!!
Rating:
Summary: Simply a Good Read
Review: I truly enjoyed this book. It was so spritual, inspirational, and real. I truly was touched by the various challenges that the characters faced in this book. I recommend that all christians read this book. It will touch your hearts and having you thanking God for his mercy, grace, love and patience with us.
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Summary: True-to-Life Fiction with a Spiritual Twist
Review: If you have read and enjoyed Christian fiction by engaging authors such as Victoria Christopher Murray, Sharon Ewell Foster, Jacquelin Thomas and Michele Andrea Bowen, you won't want to miss out on reading That Faith, That Trust, That Love. Author Jamellah Ellis expertly tells the tale of twenty-something Marley Shepherd who appears to have it all: enviable good looks, an upcoming marriage to the man of her dreams, and close relationships with her family and friends. However, by the time the tale has been told, Marley learns to value what matters most. Jamellah Ellis' use of language is crisp, melodic, and vivid. There were instances where I laughed out loud and many times where I felt I could reach out and touch a character--to offer a hug, to administer a good shaking, to slap a high-five. That Faith, That Trust, That Love is truly Christian fiction at its finest!
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Summary: GOD is Good ALL the time. . .
Review: In this book you will see that things in the Shepherd womens' lives seem to be in an uproar, but then they began to trust God and stand on his word and everything worked out for the best. They put God first and He directed their path. All you have to do is trust the Lord and He will do the rest.
God is truly amazing. He is there even when we do not allow his presence to move in our lives. He said that, "He would never leave us nor forake us", and he continues to hold true to His promises everyday. We must always put God first even during the times when it seems the hardest. Those storms that seem to pass through don't last always and God would not give us more than we can bare. Knowing this we must stand strong against the enemy and rely on God's strength and guidance to sustain us. "We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us." In Porverbs, it tells us, that if we trust in the Lord with all our hearts and acknowledge Him, He will direct our path. This is true. Keep the faith and stand firm on God's word and promises. He is true to his word. Praise God, for He is more than Worthy!
Love, Peace, Joy, and Prosperity! (Remember God first, His will not ours)
God Bless and I hope that you enjoy, "That Faith, That Trust, That Love." by Jamellah Ellis
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Summary: Truly A Blessing
Review: Jamellah Ellis has hit the ground running with her debut novel That Faith, That Trust, That Love. Her comfortable writing style will make you want to laugh, cry and call a friend to recommend that they read it, all at the same time. Ellis deftly weaves together the stories of three generations of African-American women, each dealing with the same issues in their different ways. From Ma Grand's "never let 'em see you sweat" demeanor to Pam's "put on a happy face" attitude to Marley's determination to live life to the fullest but by her own rules, Ellis shows us that only God can bring true happiness, not the things we do or say to try and find it. Unlike some "sistagirl" books on the market, Ellis' male characters are vivid and true to life, showing the good, the bad and the ugly. Her female supporting characters (Marley's sistergirls Ashley, Deanna and Lynne) are strong enough to each carry a book by themselves. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I for one would love to see a sequel!
Rating:
Summary: Highly Recommended!
Review: Jamellah Ellis has raised the bar on African-American Christian fiction with her powerful and poignant debut, That Faith, That Trust, That Love. This novel has it all: laugh-out-loud humor, gripping drama, familial struggles, true-to-life characters and situations, and prose that dances off the page and dares the reader not to take note. And all the while God and His Son Jesus Christ are glorified in the process. Hallelujah! I am so proud of Jamellah that she is walking in her life's purpose and sharing her talent with the world. She is a literary icon in the making and That Faith, That Trust, That Love is the first of many novels to prove it. If you know like I know, you'll get this book quick, fast, and in a hurry. Don't block the blessing!
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Summary: Beautiful and Blessed Relationships
Review: Marley is the central character in this book and the central theme to me was family relationships and dynamics of the bond between mother and daughter and the ever-present greatness of God in healing bonds. How important bonds are and the nurturing it takes to make successes of these bonds made this Christian Fiction book, more real that the word "fiction" implies. Ma Grand and her daughter Pam had a strained relationship at best. Ma Grand was from the `old school' so to say, where it wasn't as important to say those three magical words `I love you' as it was to show them. She had inherited those traits from her parents so saw no need to give that type of attention to her daughter Pam. When Marley came along, Pam felt differently about that towards her daughter and willingly lavished not only positive words, but also influence and affection upon her. It is this relationship that propels Marley to experience the same in her relationship with Gerrard her fiancé. As the novel begins, we are transported to the engagement party of this socialite couple and while things appear bright from the heavy hitters on the invitation list, looks can be deceiving. As Marley soon finds out, her fiancé has other interests that don't place his relationship with her in the forefront of his decisions and this leads to their eventual demise. As Marley searches for strength in the midst of this pain, illness strikes home with her mother Pam. Shrouded in seemingly dark clouds, an invitation to join her secretary in church provides a ray of sunshine to Marley. As if God is speaking to her with every word that proceeds from the Minister's mouth, Marley has at last found solace - a resting place for her heart and soul. An added bonus is the introduction of Lazarus into her life a God Fearing Christian, upright man. Not many of them exist today and what a treasure when one is found. It is through this relationship, with this Godly man that Marley reconciles in her mind the relationship between Ma Grand and her mother, and the relationship between her mother and herself. God creates and nurtures bonds on an individual basis because of his omnipresence. Marley blossoms into a strong Christian woman through the love of a great man and the love of great family. Through That Faith, That Trust, That Love that Marley has for God, the manifestation is seen throughout her relationships others. This is a very inspirational read to those of us who want our lives to be used by God for his purpose.
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Summary: It was more than I expected!!
Review: Matthew 6:14 - For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: Forgiveness is one of the hardest things there is to do in life, especially when you don't really understand what it is that you are forgiving. Marley Shepard is blessed and highly favored. Living true to the scripture to whom much is given much is required she is a hardworking young woman. Engaged to Gerard, son of a huge real estate family all seems to be going well. She has great friends and a supportive family. Marley is truly living the charmed life. Unbeknownst to her, Marley is being tested and it causes her to be unsure of her life choices. Should she stay engaged? Why is her family at odds? Why isn't she happy? These are questions that are plaguing Marley's soul. Turning everywhere but to HIM it seems that her spirit is even more unsettled than ever. In the midst of all her trials Marley is lost. Marley crosses paths with Lazarus and her world instantly changes. Just being in the presence of this brother has a calming effect. Although there is an undeniable physical attraction, what holds her attention is something more. Lazarus is from the "old" church. He knows that God doesn't deal in coincidences and he prays for their situation. Slowly, there is a change. She is not just going to church, but she is seeking HIS face. Just by doing this and being steadfast in prayer her life begins to change. She is letting go of her hurts and asking God to change her. But the change in Marley is causing change in the people in her life and their situations. By the end of this novel Marley is on her way to receiving all that God has for her and claiming her just reward. Jamellah Ellis has written a wonderful debut novel. She has decided not to follow the norm and follow God. That Faith That Trust That Love is going to be one of those books to which others will be compared to. Angie Pickett-Henderson
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