Customer Reviews

Falling for Lies

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

 

 

APOOO Rating: 3

Amazon Rating: 3

Can the Pulpit Shield the Heart?

In FALLING FOR LIES, author Barbara Joe-Williams takes on every single woman's journey of dating. This time the dating game takes place in the pulpit. The author offers the reader a glance into the complicated world of dating through the eyes of Reverend Karema Wright. Reverend Wright is the Head Pastor at Noah's Ark Missionary Baptist Church, the church she founded. Her mission in life has been to spread the Word of God to her congregation and to serve a higher purpose in life. Reverend Wright believed that serving God would be enough for her, but what she failed to realize is that she could not forget the fact that she is a woman first. A woman that has earthly needs, such as love, that too must be fulfilled.

Entering on cue to this call is Deacon Mitchell Pye, a new member of the church and the deacon board. From day one, he saw the need for companionship in Reverend Wright's eyes and made it his mission to get next to her. Deacon Pye is every woman's dream come true - tall, handsome, charming and an entrepreneur. The question then becomes, is he Reverend Wright's dream man? Or is Deacon Pye a snake trying to slither his way into her heart, mind and soul?

Barbara Joe-Williams has taken the initiative to offer a view of looking and finding love from a different perspective. It is not often that readers have the point-of-view of a female pastor seeking what the everyday woman is also in search of - companionship. Joe-Williams does an excellent job of making sure that the sequence of events flows well. The storyline, however, does lack drama and suspense. The reader might be disappointed in the fact that the storyline is too predictable at times. Anyone who has had the blinders on when falling in love will relate to this tale of not taking the blinders off sooner to see what lies beneath (the truth).

Reviewed by Sharon Russ

APOOO BookClub

In the tradition of Victoria Christopher Murray and Kimberla Lawson Roby, Barbara Joe Williams gives readers a look into the life of Karema Wright, a female pastor and friend to someo of the characters from her first two novels. The church drama opens as Deacon Pye, a new board member from Alabama, attends his first deacon board meeting. He has all the right lines and knows just how to treat a woman of God? Or does he? It sure seems like it. Within six months, Karema is swept off her feet by the handsome contractor and finds herself going against the advice of even her best friends in the name of love. After all, doesn't the Bible say a couple should cleave unto one another? Another deacon and others in the church watch and wonder as Deacon Pye doesn't seem to be "as sweet as Pie" the way the pastor thinks. Watching Deacon Pye in action was a little hard as I don't know any Christians like him or the woman he was involved in. The good thing is that there is always redemption and forgiveness as Noah's Ark Baptist Church is quick to offer. Don't be confused though, Miss Pastor is nobody to be fooled with. When the truth comes out, humble, quiet Karema reaches up to God and down wihin herself for a strength and fire that will keep the pages turning. There is anger though too, so much that even Karema is surprised. Any woman or man who has fallen for lies will both understand and enjoy this novel's true look at what goes on even behind church doors. The conclusion is satisfying as well with a surprise twist that almost made me scream!

Pastor Karema Wright has it all. Her church's membership is steadily rising, she has great friends and a devoted fiancée, or does she?

Falling for Lies is quite an interesting story. The characters are well-developed, and I love how Karema handles herself in good times and bad.

Barbara Joe-Williams has reached into the corners of the church and exposed the numerous skeletons hanging out there.

In FALLING FOR LIES, author Barbara Joe-Williams takes on the often taboo and sometimes controversial subject of dating in the pulpit. Reverend Karema Wright, a single woman, has been the Head Pastor at Noah's Ark Missionary Baptist Church since she founded it seven years ago. Her life has been kept busy as she has devoted all of her time to ministering to her flock. But, her life takes an abrupt change when Deacon Mitchell Pye joins the church and the Deacon Board. Deacon Pye sets his sights on Pastor Wright for reasons that have nothing to do with love. Pastor Wright, on the other hand, enjoys the attention and love Deacon Pye seemingly showers on her. She misses all the forewarnings that has been divinely given. Deacon Pye is on a mission and he'll do and say anything to get what he wants.

Williams has done a very tasteful and awesome job of telling a story about a position we look at as sacred. The Pastor is one who is looked upon as being all-knowing, very spiritual, and untouchable, but the absolute truth is, they are human too. They have feelings and needs just like regular people.

I was thoroughly moved by Williams' presentation of the human side of ministering. Through her writing and the voice of Pastor Wright, I was able to see that even when we deem ourselves Holy, we can still miss the obvious tricks and ploys of Satan. I also enjoyed her depiction of the members of Noah's Ark Missionary Baptist Church; they were a true joy to spend time with. Although this was an advance copy of FALLING FOR LIES, I can't wait to see the response it generates with the final printing.

Reviewed by Brenda M. Lisbon

of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

Minister Karema Wright of Noah's Ark Missionary Baptist church in Tallahassee, Florida has a steadily flourishing membership. Karema is nice looking, educated, level headed and always willing to help anyone. Unfortunately, she has not been able to find a man because most are a little intimidated and uncertain as to how to approach her.

Deacon Mitchell Pye joins Noah's Ark Missionary Baptist church. He is EVERY woman's dream. He owns his own contracting business. He's tall and handsome.

Mitchell is the type of man that knows what he wants and goes after it.

Has Pastor Wright's prayers been answered? Is Deacon Pye indeed the man that God has designed for her?

Author Barbara Joe Williams does an excellent job with FALLING FOR LIES and I look forward to reading more from her.

Reviewed by: Carmen