Expectations [Paperback]

Toni V. Lee (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 22, 2007

He who finds a wife finds a good thing . . . (Proverbs 18:22) When Michael Greer barges into Daria Simpson's home to avoid a belligerent ex-girlfriend, Daria is not impressed. Then Michael renews his relationship with Christ and begins attending her church. Suddenly, the atmosphere becomes electric, and despite her best intentions, Daria can't get her mind off that man. Soon they're having monster alerts that have nothing to do with ogres or dragons. Hilarious encounters, eccentric aunties, and a persistent ex-girlfriend give them plenty of action, but nothing prepares them for the arrival of a secret baby who reveals an awful secret. Will Michael walk away and fulfi ll Daria's fearful expectations, or will their attraction mature into a godly love that lasts a lifetime? Toni V. Lee is a former Sunday school teacher who loves to curl up with a good romance novel. She has a BSBA degree from the University of Central Florida and lives in Central Florida with her family. Toni loves to hear from her readers. Send all correspondence to P.O. Box 677212, Orlando, FL 32867-7212 or visit her web site, www.tonivlee.com.

Product Details

• Paperback: 248 pages
• Publisher: Pleasant Word-A Division of WinePress Publishing (March 22, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1414108923
• ISBN-13: 978-1414108926
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,505,664 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars "All Things Work Together for Good...", March 6, 2008

By 

Wanda B. Campbell "Author and Avid Reader" (San Francisco Bay Area) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Expectations (Paperback)

Daria Simpson is a strong devoted Christian with a rewarding career
and loving Aunt Lenore, who has reared her since age eight after the
death of her parents. Although content with her Christian walk,
Daria is restless with being single.

As a Black educated man with a lucrative job and no children,
Michael Greer would be considered a good catch if it weren't for
his "ghetto" ex-girlfriend and his quest to "hide" from God.

Fear and humor bring Daria and Michael together and sparks of a true
romance begin to burn, but only after Michael surrenders his life to
God.

In her debut novel, with the skill of a master storyteller, Toni V.
Lee conveys realistic Christian relationship issues with applicable
solutions. Ms. Lee teaches powerful lessons on Christian dating,
forgiveness, and family values without making you feel as if you're
being preached to. I loved the wisdom, directness, and hilarious
humor of the older women in this story. I hope Ms Lee's next novel is a
sequel.

I highly recommend this book to single Christians who are dating and
to those struggling with forgiveness.

Reviewed by Wanda B. Campbell
for The Culture Clique Book Club

3.0 out of 5 stars Characters!, July 12, 2007

By 

Kelly Klepfer (Iowa) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Expectations (Paperback)

Lovers of twist and turn romance, Chick-Lit fans, and collectors of quirky characters will likely find much to smile about in Toni V. Lee's Expectations.

The author includes some creative teaching opportunities through her fiction and weaves a charming blend of strong singles, tough situations and the grace and forgiveness of Christ throughout.

Though this book is not published through a traditional publisher, and lacks a bit of polish, the story is clever and sweet enough that any flaws can be overlooked on the strength of the storytelling.

4.0 out of 5 stars Sassy feel-at-home romance kick, June 28, 2007

By 

Grace Brigette Francis "Irish Kiwi" (Global Wanderer) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Expectations (Paperback)

This is a heart-warming romance firmly set in the Black American culture in Orlando, Florida. Family bonds feature strongly throughout, and also the honest battle to live the Christian life. Daria meets her new neighbor under somewhat unusual circumstances, sure to bring a laugh or two. The story follows them both as Michael leaves behind his past and Daria is faced with a new future. A number of unexpected developments reveal a connection the two never imagined they had, and a person they both know who changes their lives without having to be present. Gifts from this old friend bring the mysterious circumstance to light, but at first it just makes things harder for all concerned. Daria and Michael must struggle with the truth, with each other, and with their well-meaning yet meddlesome aunts if they want to get to their happy ending.

I particularly liked the portrayal of the couple's struggle to remain pure while dating. Guys `n' gals, there is a lot of wisdom hidden in these pages about the responsibility given in equal yet different measures to both partners. It's easy to see just how hard it really is - don't we all know it! - and how just one person deciding to say "Stop!" is enough to defuse the situation. Well done! I wish unmarried Christians everywhere would take this message to heart - whether single or dating.

I also enjoyed the multilayered aspects of supportive friends, relatives, and the church. These people talk straight to each other, and although mistakes are made and trust is broken, with God's help they muster the courage to make things right again. Michael's return to faith is shown as the end of a journey he's been on for some time already. The author never shies away from tough issues or the harshness of real life, yet there's always hope at the end of the tunnel. The conclusion of the story is very satisfying to a romantic heart, but also from practical points of view.

Romance with a difference - a unique perspective and memorable characters make this a very worthwhile read. Do yourself a favor and get it, particularly if you're unmarried...