Reviewed: Soon After

Book Specs: Soon After (Urban Christian) September 2010

Author: Sherryle Kiser Jackson

Summary:  Someone set fire to Harvest Baptist Church on Easter Sunday, according to Chief Herbert Rich, the fire chief and reporter Alexis Montgomery. The suspected arsonists are even more surprising: Pastor Abe Townsend, the new pastor and former Pastor Willie Green, who left the church  and took some of the congregation with him when he married and merged with Pastor Vanessa Green of  formerly Pleasant Baptist Church. The church has been renamed Pleasant Harvest Baptist Church, and there’s the rub. Did this name change and loss of flock set two churches against one another? Or is someone else, seeking to harm them both, the culprit?

Rating Breakdown: My rating is derived from 5 elements-in my opinion- make up a great story. Each element gets 1 point regulated to them. If the story satisfies all elements it will receive 5 choirs.

On to Soon After Review…

1. Character  .75

Alexis point of view began this story. However, it ended with Willie’s. So I wondered was the prologue necessary, since the story arc wasn’t revolved around her, but Willie.

Willie’s story arc is quite nice. He is a transitioning pastor into a new church, a new husband. There are many new things happening to him. How he navigates it all, while dealing with his past at Harvest Baptist makes him a believable and likeable character. I immediately like him, which is very good. Readers will continue reading a story and the series, if the main character has their heart. Kudos to Jackson for Pastor Willie Green.

Vanessa and Willie’s point of view showed why in Jackson’s first novel of the series(Soon and Very Soon) that they were meant to be together.

2. Plot .5

Alexis’ zeal to meet with Willie at the story opener challenges the plot of this story, and thus, the credibility it. A phone interview with him would have sufficed. I did like how Jackson tried to update new readers of this series with Alexis’ questioning. However, again, this added more plot challenges. Alexis request to embargo Green’s story. Unfortunately, in this current news climate of social media  citizen journalism  news stations rarely make embargo agreements on this type of story.

On another note, the first novel in the series wasn’t a mystery. It was a romance.  This is the first time I read a series, whereby the genre changed. Although I love to read both romance and romantic suspense, I  prefer the entire series to be one genre. (i didn’t deduct any points from plot because of this preference.)

The romcom subplot wasn’t necessary. It unbalanced the romance and suspense elements.

The red herrings were understandable, but the arsonist found at the end, weakened the plot. All the clues should come together here, but more importantly the story theme arc should meet here, but it does not. There is no clear resolution to the Willie’s conflict with his past here.

3. Setting/Theme Relevance .5

Very little setting to ground the reader.  Setting is important in a mystery novel.  I did enjoy learning about the Pleasant Harvest Baptist Church pastor’s study and its relevance and richness to Vanessa’s life. With a story centered around church arson I was hoping for more conversations about church iconography and African-American church architectural history. Southern Black Baptist  Church masons have a rich history.  BTW It would have been a great plot devise to hide clues.

4. Style/Grammar .5

There were a few awkward sentence structures, dead paragraphs, a lot of passive voice for a mystery novel, and tense shifts within sentences that caused me to pause and re-read. When a reader has to step out of the story to get the story then you have style elements that need to be addressed.

5. Voice & Dialogue .75

Jackson did a balanced job of creating dialogue. Unfortunately, there was one line of conversation between Alexis and Willie that didn’t sit with me, because of my own experience as a journalist, which was more a plot issue. 

However, overall, I’m still waiting for Jackson’s voice to shine in this story.  What is the big message of this story? The takeaway wasn’t big enough to haunt or change me long after.

Total Rating  3 Choirs

Who is this book suited for? Christian fiction readers, church book clubs, african-american, romantic suspense readers, readers who like to read clean fiction.

Tyler Perry's For Colored Girls & Oprah’s Very Possible Book Club Pick

Directed by Tyler Perry, the film stars: Janet Jackson, Loretta Devine, Kimberly Elise, Thandie Newton, Phylicia Rashad, Anika Noni Rose, Kerry Washington, Whoopi Goldberg, Macy Gray, Michael Ealy, Hill Harper, Khalil Kain, Omari Hardwick and Richard Lawson. Based on Ntozake Shange's award-winning 1975 play of the same name, 'For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf'

Shange’s latest book, Some Sing Some Cry release this month, which is in high contention to be Oprah’s Final Season  and 64th Book Club Pick. I selfishly hope that it is and I hope this movie delivers what the play successfully did.

Related Posts:

• Tyler Perry’s New Cast Announced
• Recognizing Oprah Book Club Picks Before She Does with Lists
• Add your Special Face to Christian Fiction Blog on Facebook

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Reading for Review: Soon After & Christian Fiction Call for Submissions

This week I am reading Sherryle Kiser Jackson’s Soon After for review here at Christian Fiction Blog. This feature is an old feature that I haven’t did in a while and so I’m looking forward to it. I use a 5 point review system, whereby each point is regulated to what I consider important story elements: plot, character arc, theme, style/grammar, voice, and setting.

If you would like your book considered for review at Christian Fiction Blog, please review my book submission policy. Also be advised I will post reviews with ratings between 1 and 5. These reviews will also be posted on GoodReads, Amazon, Facebook and my 50+ book review channels. However, they will not be posted in RT Book Reviews Magazine. You must go through their own submissions process for that and I advise you to do so. It is a wonderful mag.

Soon After’s review will post here on Friday. Please consider adding your special face to our Facebook Fan Page to receive this review in your email addy.

Move On Up a Little Higher in Your Writing

Realizing Our Greatness in Our Writing Part 3

I’m going home and tell my story…-Mahalia Jackson

Last week I learned the release date for my new novel, but instead of myself filling up with joy, I felt profound sadness and familiar bad thoughts. It reminded of my feelings one night a week after I had given birth to Selah. Fear. Loss. Weakness. I had held her in my arms watching her looking at me, so soft, bright eyed and beautiful and then asking God. Who am I now? Can I do this, be a mother? Can I really do this? I thank God for that moment. Because as I sat at my desk feeling the same way all over again, I knew I was at a new moment time for me. And because God answered me then, I didn't have to ask Him this time. I just had to prepare myself for what I also know I need to prepare some of you for. Your move to a higher place for The Master.

Read More Click here

Honoring Dr. Malinda Sapp & Women with CRC Tonight Live

 

While watching an episode of Dr. Oz this week my sister and I debated the percentages of African American women dying of colon cancer(CRC.) Based on her education [her associate degree in medical administration] and experience she didn’t think black women had a heavy concern about this cancer.  While I, a full-time patient with ten years experience in and out of hospitals and labs, meeting all types of other female patients, I begged to differ.

Moreover, our grandmother survived colorectal cancer. Yet, she was adamant that we stay on top of our colons until her death. She passed four years ago of malnutrition.

Yesterday we were both saddened to hear the news of Gospel singer Marvin Sapp, mourning the death of his wife and manager, Dr. MaLinda Sapp. She passed of colorectal cancer.

CRC isn’t a glamorous cancer, as if there is such a thing. It’s hard on both the patient and her family. My grandmom lived with colostomy bag.  

And there are also some competing messages about this cancer’s probability among women that needs to be changed, ergo our old debate. Below are some stats about this disease that should stick with you:

• Despite having the greatest risk of developing and dying from colorectal cancer (CRC) of any gender, race or ethnicity, an astounding 96 percent of African American women do not consider themselves to be at high risk for the disease. Source: African American Women Bearing Unequal Burden of Colorectal Cancer
• African-American Women have a mortality rate 40% higher than White CRC patients
• Beginning at age 45 African American women should get these test to check for  polyps and cancer
  • Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years*, or 
  • Colonoscopy every 10 years, or
  • Double-contrast barium enema every 5 years*, or
  • CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) every 5 years*

To learn more about this Cancer and to support Cancer Research & Initiatives watch Stand Up for Cancer tonight 8PM on all major networks.

Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) one-hour, commercial-free telecast will air on Friday, September 10, 2010 at 8PM EST & PST / 7PM CT on ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, Discovery Health, E!, G4, HBO, HBO Latino, MLB Network, Showtime, The Style Network and TV One and over 30 online streaming partners like AOL, Yahoo! and YouTube.

The SU2C broadcast is dedicated to the 12 million U.S. cancer survivors illustrating how groundbreaking research can change the tide in the fight against the disease. Updates will be provided on the work of the five Stand Up To Cancer Dream Teams, and Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN’s Chief Medical Correspondent, will also report on other new medical developments.

Stand Up To Cancer raises funds to hasten the pace of groundbreaking translational research that can get new therapies to patients quickly and save lives. Donations can be made via telephone during the show, anytime online at www.su2c.org or Text STAND to 40202 to give $10 now. 100% of the funds received from the public go to research.

Stand Up To Cancer has raised more than $100 million for cancer research since 2008. Thank you for your support and please join us on September 10th, 2010 with a spectacular line-up of talent – many who will be on hand in the celebrity phone bank.

You can send condolences to the Sapp Family on Their Official Facebook Fan Page here.

Related articles by Zemanta

• Stand Up To Cancer Telethon: Stars Unite For Fundraiser (Live Stream) (huffingtonpost.com)
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International Literacy Day & Atlanta’s Lanier Tech’s Free Program

September 8 was International Literacy Day by UNESCO on November 17, 1965. It was first celebrated in 1966. Its aim is to highlight the importance of literacy to individuals, communities and societies. On International Literacy Day each year, UNESCO reminds the international community of the status of literacy and adult learning globally. Celebrations take place around the world.

Some 774 million adults lack minimum literacy skills; one in five adults is still not literate and two-thirds of them are women; 72.1 million children are out-of-school and many more attend irregularly or drop out.

Today I want to spotlight a local Adult Education Program that can help end adult illiteracy here.

Lanier Technical College’s Adult Education Program is specifically designed for adults who have different needs, backgrounds, and skills. For that reason, a flexible program has been created which meets their needs.

Each of the eight counties that serve Lanier Technical College have locations to assist adult learners in obtaining skills which make students more successful and confident in the workplace and in society.

GED and English Literacy classes taught at Lanier Technical College are free of charge.

GED instruction includes beginning reading, writing, and math all the way to high school completion through the General Education Development (GED) Program.

The following GED services are offered at no cost:

Assessment of skills

Personal attention from students and tutors

Use of textbooks and computers

Individualized instruction

A comprehensive educational plan for each student

Life skills instruction

Materials to utilize while studying at home

English Literacy classes for non-English speakers are also a part of the curriculum. Besides the above GED services, additional support is offered for English Literacy classes at no cost:

Classes for all levels of learners

Awareness of the responsibilities and rights of citizens

Improved speaking, writing, and listening skills

Pronunciation and usage of the English language.

By taking the step to continue studying at Lanier Technical College, you can:

Set your own goals

Have a schedule that fits your needs

Study in a location close to home or work

Receive instruction from experienced instructors

Use textbooks, computers, and software that are provided for your study.

 

To learn more about this program and how you can enroll a loved one, click here.

 

 

2010 Fall Read-In Faithful

My interview with Women of Faith Author, Kimberly Cash Tate

 

Fall is in the air and so is the urge to fall back into reading. This month I kick off my 2010 Read-In Challenge with Kim Cash Tate’s Faithful (Thomas Nelson/Women of Faith, 2010). Kim joins the fun with us at Christian Fiction Online Magazine this month to share her journey back onto our bookshelves as one of the few multicultural novelists with Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Kim, where have you been? Why the long break between books?

I guess it’s been a little while, huh? It’ll be two and a half years since Heavenly Places released. When I finished the manuscript for Faithful, I sent it to my publisher, Denise Stinson of Walk Worthy Press, and found out that she would be getting out of the publishing business. Thankfully, I’d just gotten an agent. It took a few months to land in a new publishing home, Thomas Nelson, but it was well worth the wait. God’s timing is perfect.

To read more of my interview with Kim and how her novel was selected to be a 2010 Women of Faith Book and in the Recommended Reads section of over 900 Target click the pick.

 

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