Product Description

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #144992 in Books
• Published on: 2004-07-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 384 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780802468345
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

From Publishers Weekly
Although problems plague this novel of faith for the African-American market, a fresh twist on a tired plot helps salvage the story. Nicole and Bryan have a dream marriage with plenty of romantic passion. Both are happy in their careers—Nicole manages a successful day-care center with her best friend Sharon Gibbs, and Bryan works at a bonding company and spends his evenings counseling troubled teens. The only cloud on their horizon is Nicole's possible infertility. But when an abusive, evil woman claims Bryan fathered her 12-year-old son, Gerald, their lives become a living hell. Although "Christian couple discovers spouse had child out of wedlock" is a routine plot device in faith fiction, Norman-Bellamy admirably gives it a new spin. She also ably portrays the power of female friendship in the relationship between Nicole and Sharon. However, although Gerald is a dead ringer for Bryan, readers will wonder why no one insists on a paternity test, and unrelenting pages of dialogue and weak writing keep the story from really blossoming. Some readers may take issue with the character's views on "God's will" as they relate to Nicole's apparent inability to have children. There's not much available in African-American faith fiction, and despite the novel's troubles, it is an addition to a genre where more choices are needed.
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Customer Reviews

NO SOPHOMORE JINX, HERE!!!!
OH MY GOD, THIS BOOK WAS SO GOOD! A LOVE SO STRONG IS AN EASY READ, BUT IT WAS SO ENGAGING THAT FROM START TO FINISH, I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! I JUST LOVE THIS AUTHOR'S WRITING STYLE AND HER ABILITY TO MADE CHARACTERS SO BELIEVABLE. I READ HER FIRST BOOK (NUMEROUS TIMES) AND WHEN I SAW THAT SHE HAD ANOTHER COMING OUT, I JUST HAD TO PLACE MY ADVANCE ORDER. I FELL IN LOVE WITH GREG IN HER FIRST BOOK, BUT I THINK I JUST REPLACED HIM WITH BRYAN. I WON'T GIVE TOO MUCH INFO ON THE STORY AWAY (AND BELIEVE ME, YOU WILL BE SURPRISED AT THE TWISTS AND TURNS HERE...I GOT MOTION SICKNESS IT TOOK ME FOR SUCH A LOOP) BUT BRYAN'S STRENGHTH IN THE SITUATION THAT HE IS PUT INTO IS SO ADMIRABLE. I LIKE THE WAY SHE ALLOWED HIM TO SHOW EMOTIONS LIKE ANGER, FEAR, SADNESS, ALL OF IT. IF I COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT THIS BOOK, I'D MAKE BRYAN TOTALLY LOSE IT JUST ONE TIME AT LEAST TO BEAT THE SNOT OUT OF TRICIA. BUT BECAUSE THE AUTHOR ALLOWED HIM TO BE ANGRY AND NOT JUST TAKE EVERY THING THAT HAPPENED IN A "I'M A CHRISTIAN SO I CAN'T GET MAD" WAY, IT MADE THE STORY REALLY BELIEVABLE. OH, MAN! THIS WAS INCREDIBLE! IT WAS LIKE WATCHING A GOOD MOVIE WITH A BIG BOX OF BUTTERED POPCORN AND HANGING ON EVERY WORD. WHOEVER SAID AUTHORS COULDN'T WRITE A SECOND BOOK AS GOOD AS THE FIRST WAS WRONG!

A Love So Strong
A reader should never judge a book by its size, especially if it is of the caliber of A LOVE SO STRONG by Kendra Norman-Bellamy. In juggling my reading list around and trying to get to books as quickly as possible, I found myself a bit hesitant to jump into a 350+ page book simply because shorter reads are normally faster reads. After actually sitting down and forcing myself to stop worrying about the page count, I lost myself in the pages and in the lives of main characters, their friends, and family. It is a story which caused much reflection and retrospect and one in which readers can not only be entertained, but also enlightened and inspired.

Bryan and Nicole Walker are newlyweds, enjoying life and each other, surrounded by good friends, a great church home, and successful businesses. They're secure in their place in life and appreciative of the blessings God has bestowed upon them. However, there is one thing that could make their lives even more fulfilling, more of a symbol of their love -- a child. Unfortunately after repetitive tries and trips to the doctor, it isn't likely Nicole will ever be able to receive this ultimate gift. After convincing themselves they're okay with the situation, they proceed with loving each other and continuing to love life. Just as things seem fine, a woman from Bryan's past steps into their lives turning their world in a way in which it almost slides off its axis. She presents her 12-year old son, who is almost a replica of Bryan, and claims he is the father. With the strong resemblance of the child and her adamant claims of his parentage, Bryan and Nicole turn towards their Pastor, who is also Bryan's uncle, for guidance. As expected, their marriage goes through major upheavals and while it isn't a case of infidelity, Nicole is burdened with the weight of knowing her husband has a child with another woman. It tears her apart and places her emotionally and mentally out of Bryan's reach.

Though only a small part of what happens in this book, the above gives the reader a glimpse inside the pages of this story and shows the dynamics involved. Even though she is a newcomer to the literary scene, in this her second literary offering, Kendra Norman-Bellamy has created a wonderful, inspiring story of unconditional love and the effects the past can have on your present and future. Through the characters' faith, belief, and hope in not only each other and themselves, the reader is also shown the abundant range of God's blessings, love, and plan for each of our lives. I was picked up, put down, and tossed around while reading this novel, with each and every one of my emotions being attacked, caressed, or filled through the power of what the characters went through.

A few things I really enjoyed about this novel was the portrayal of a strong marriage, the view of Bryan handling his responsibilities and making steps to not only secure his son's future, and also to reach in his past and forgive his father for some of the shortcomings of their relationship. I also loved the humor between the friends, especially from Nicole's best friend Sharon, and the interaction between the two couples, the church members, and also seeing each of them help the others through their turmoil and also celebrating the joys. So often in situations of strife, we find ourselves alone and those we considered friends are nowhere to be found - that is, until the clouds clear and the sun shines again.

Overall, this is such an inspiring, positive read on so many levels I could continue to go on and on (as seen from the length of this review). Norman-Bellamy rounds out the book with a cast of well-developed characters, quite a few plot twists, and unexpected happenings. The author has succinctly captured the Christian Fiction genre in a way that isn't preachy, boring, or stifled, and gives a full view of relationships, friendships, and the bond between them. And to think I almost passed it up because of the size...what a treat I would've missed! (RAWSISTAZ Rating: 4.5)

Reviewed by Tee C. Royal
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

A Love So Strong can survive ANYTHING!
During a time when divorce rates are at an all time high, Kendra is anointed to write a story called A LOVE SO STRONG to remind readers that this kind of love (the strong kind) truly does exist and is possible (through Christ). I finished this novel several nights ago and had to take a few days to digest it.

It was an easy read with interesting messages throughout. One of the most profound messages in A LOVE SO STRONG is that there are MEN who absolutely love & adore their wives. I thank God that I have been blessed (like Nicole)with my knight in shining armor and I'm able to relate to the love and adoration she receives from Bryan.

Thank you Kendra for not making the characters "perfect", for we know that, none of us are exempt from having our own personal "issues". Thanks for bringing in real issues that most of us (if we tell the truth) can relate to. I found your book to be an encouraging read and it's at the top of my list of recommendation to other readers.

To my fellow readers, if you've not had the opportunity to read anything by Kendra, it's not too late, this is the 2nd novel....you have time to run out and get both of them and get caught up. Kendra, I am very proud of you for taking your writing career so seriously and for sticking with the storylines that God gives you. Keep writing my sistah!

A LOVE SO STRONG will be around for many years to come.