Rating: 
Summary: More than Jordan
Review: This novel was excellent. I am so glad that she took the time to express that there are still some individuals in this world that still maintain integrity. Not all people are out for themselves. For me it was well written, kept me wanting to read more.
Rating: 
Summary: Where Did Our Love Go
Review: Vanessa Davis Griggs is one of BET's newest inspirational fiction writers. In her debut novel, Promises Beyond Jordan, the character Pastor George Landris asks his fiance Theresa Jordan the question "Have you ever loved someone that you never had?". This question sets off intense responses and consequences for the characters in this novel. Theresa Jordan is due to marry Pastor George Landris in just ten days when he goes running off to Alabama to see about a friend, Johnnie Mae Taylor. Theresa understands that Johnnie's husband and child are seriously injured in an auto accident, but what she does not understand is why her fiancee is spending all his time at Johnnie's side, when their wedding is just days away. Because of his concern for Johnnie and her situation, Pastor Landris forfeits preaching the Christmas Eve sermon at his own church, while he stays in Alabama to comfort Johnnie. Christmas celebration with the family turns out to be a disaster. Lena, her "play" mother is invited to the festivities and the wedding much to Theresa's dismay. She is horrified by the thought that Lena will be a part of her special day and directs unnecessary cruel statements towards Lena. As Theresa's conduct spirals out of control, she leaves the family gathering and finds comfort among friends. Her behavior shocks Pastor Landris so much that the second thoughts he had about their upcoming nuptials intensifies. Many times so much is expected from a Pastor, and therefore the First Lady of a church has to be a special type of woman. Unresolved issues in both Pastor Landris and Theresa's lives jeopardize the harmony needed to be the couple blessed by God to lead their church. They have to learn to deal with issues involving trust, deceit and honesty. Vanessa Davis Griggs does a good job in bringing out these issues for both and neither character is without fault. I know I had issues with both of them. There are a few twists and turns that may surprise the reader. Overall this is a good book I would recommend for the reader who enjoys inspirational or romance reads. Jeanette
APOOO BookClub
Motown Review Book Club
Rating:
Summary: Promises Beyond Jordan had me burning the mid-night oil.
Review: Vanessa Davis Griggs wrote a very powerful and meaningful novel highlighting the essence of being truthful first to yourself before committing to someone else. Pastor George Landris opened his heart to his fiance', Terease Jordon, but had never stopped loving his female friend, Johnnie Mae, from his past. Pastor Landris candidately used his role as a minister to further explore his feelings about his friend, Johnnie Mae, and as an opportunity to see her, again. My favorite character in Promises Beyond Jordan was Theresa Jordan. I cried many times while reading this book knowing that her character could be easily misunderstood, especially in how she interacted with a woman whom she believed was just a friend. Theresa had to re-live painful memories and issues from her past. She was faced with learning about family secrets that influenced how she coped with her relationships with not only Pastor Landris, but with those whom she allowed into her life. Theresa's past affected her as an adult and impacted how she handled difficult situations in her life. I was emotionally surprised and felt a sense of comfort and relief at how Vanessa Davis Griggs brillantly allowed her characters to rise to another level without giving up on the ability to love again.
Rating:
Summary: Promises, promises...
Review: What happens when your one true love slips beyond your reach? Can you move on and enjoy a happy and fulfilling relationship with your second choice or will part of your heart ache forever for the love you lost? These are some of the questions addressed in the book Promise Beyond Jordan. Pastor George Landris and Theresa Jordan are set to be married just a few days after Christmas. This wedding is sure to be the event of the year for many of the over 3000 members of Pastor Jordan's church. However, a tragic event sends George out of town to check on an "old friend" from his past and her husband and daughter, after reading in the paper that they had been involved in a car accident. Although he tells Theresa about the trip before hand, she is less than thrilled about her fiancé's sudden need to take a road trip, especially to see a woman. After George returns from this trip, his relationship with Theresa becomes strained. After a series of confrontations and a major blow up at a family Christmas dinner, it becomes clear to both Theresa and George that they need to re-examine their relationship. Both of them are seeing new aspects of the other's personality and are beginning to wonder if they REALLY know each other at all. Will the wedding actually take place? What will all the church members think if the wedding is called off? George struggles to understand his own feelings towards his fiancé and to understand his past. Theresa has many issues of her own most of which stem from her childhood. What will it take for her to deal with them? In a surprising climax, George and Theresa are both forced to choose between their commitment to God and doing what's right and their own reputations. This is a well written and enjoyable read that tackles some really tough spiritual questions. Griggs does an excellent job of weaving spiritual messages into the story without coming across as preachy. The story inspires, touches the heart, and reminds you to be appreciative for the love we have in our lives. You will come away from this book with a new and clearer understanding of the meaning of love. Reviewed by Stacey Seay
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