Customer Reviews

Expectations

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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

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.

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...

Daria Simpson has been praying for the Lord to send her a man for the longest time. All she wanted was a nice Christian man that she could share her life with. Well, the Lord was about to answer her prayers, she just didn't know it at first.

Michael Greer was on his way home from work when he discovered a familiar person following him. Not knowing what else to do he began banging on his neighbors door for entrance before the stalker caught up with him. Yes, he realized it was a little silly to be hiding from his ex-girlfriend but she was seriously psycho.

Shaniqua was Michael's ex and just couldn't cope with the fact that he dumped her. She even vandalized his SUV and made a scene in the grocery store. Michael was beginning to think she would never leave him alone. Little did he know with Shaniqua's antics that she would actually be doing him a favor. Michael renewed his relationship with God and found the woman he has been longing for.

But let me tell you, this story is not all sugar coated. There are trials and tribulations the couple must endure. Even a few monsters here and there; not fuzzy scary creatures, but the monsters of Lust.
The death of Daria's longtime friend Peaches, opens up a whole can of worms. And with nosy Aunts in the picture no amount of privacy is in this story. Can Daria and Michael work through all the trials and tribulations in their relationship? They have prayed and prayed but will God see to answer their prayers accordingly?

I was captivated by Ms. Lee's enchanting story about Christian relationships. It shows the true power of God's will and what prayer can accomplish. Just when you think you have hit rock bottom there is always one person you can talk to, you just need to step up and ask Him to listen to your prayers and wait for all things to be set right in your world. I am awarding Ms. Lee 5 hearts for this uplifting story. This is sure to bring many laughs and even a few tears to your eyes.

This book is the best I read in a while. The characters come alive and you feel you're part of the scene. Once I started reading it, I could not put it down. I highly recommend this great book.

From the most beautiful cover, to the touching dedication, to the grateful acknowledgments to all the wonderful characters and the writing that is unbelievable. I loved every minute of reading this novel. I could hardly put it down. This author is a really fantastic writer and I especially love the detailed descriptions. I felt like I was a part of each segment.

The people in this book are believable and warm. I really enjoyed spending time with them.