Customer Reviews

Forgivin' Ain't Forgettin': A Novel

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"If we release the pain of our past to God, He will give us the strength to recall our past without experiencing the anger or depression that was once associated with it." So says a wise woman to Cassidy, who has been keeping a secret for many years. A secret that affects her mental and physical well-being, as well as her relationship with Trevor. Trevor, a widower with two children, has his own secret, too. When Trevor meets Cassidy, he falls in love with her, and he does reveal his secret and releases his pain. However, all the love that Trevor has for Cassidy does not help Cassidy reveal and release her pain. Cassidy cannot do that which she needs to do--forgive others and ultimately, herself.

Elliott writes an engaging and emotional story on the difficulty of forgiving and forgetting. Cassidy's and Trevor's secrets are real and believable. Their difficulty to forgive and forget is very real. Other characters in the story add to the credibility and reality of the story. For example, the pastor and his wife are very sincere and caring folks who really try to counsel and help their members. Lena, Dunbar, and other long-term friends are just as sincere and caring. The women who want Trevor behave like women who will do just about anything to get a man. The events and plot in the story are well developed. However, for those of you who like action-driven stories instead of character-driven stories you may think Elliott drags the pacing of the story. For those of you who like character-driven stories, you will appreciate the character development. Elliott's effective use of the omniscient point of view gives us both Trevor's and Cassidy's thoughts and feelings, helping the reader identify with and understand their perspectives. The prayers and scriptures are appropriate and integrated well in the story. The Bible gives us many stories and scriptures to help us let go and let God. Elliott writes a good story that will help you, too.

Sometimes forgiveness is an easy thing to mete out especially if you don't mean it, but the true test is forgetting and moving on. We say we can forgive and move on, but most times, remembering is what keeps us stuck in one place unable to move. In FORGIVIN' AIN'T FORGETTIN', author Mata Elliott introduces us to Cassidy Beckett. She has a secret that has caused her to carry around a load of guilt making it impossible for her to enjoy love in her life. In order to massage her guilt-ridden circumstance, she has simply immersed herself in her job and her church, thinking they will eventually ease the burden. This changes when she meets Trevor Monroe and the wall she has maintained for so long starts to crumble.

Trevor is a handsome, virile man of God who has lost the center of his world. His beloved wife, Brenda, was suddenly taken from him and his children. He is now living as a single parent, trying to fend off the single sisters in the church, and living with a personal decision that has affected his relationship with his girls. When Cassidy's aunt Odessa offers them a safe haven after fire damaged their house, Trevor's life also takes an astonishing turn. He meets Cassidy and an immediate connection is felt. That connection has Trevor finally thinking about a woman other than his late wife. Unfortunately, before the two of them can come together, old wounds need to be healed. But, will either one be able to take the steps necessary to begin the healing process?

Elliott has written an eloquent story about forgiveness and where it all begins. She very nicely shows us through her writing and her characters that it begins with self. Forgetting may be hard to do, but once you learn to forgive yourself it becomes easier to handle. I enjoyed the cast of characters in this book, for each had a story that left an imprint on me. Elliott covers the full gamut of issues relating to forgiveness, relationships, and how God's miracle working power can work through each of us even when we least expect it. She really showed us that nothing is ever cut and dried when it comes to our spiritual lives. It takes a lot of soul-searching, prayer and constantly walking in step with God at all times. Thumbs up to Elliott.

Reviewed by Brenda M. Lisbon
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

This debut novel is gentle and poignant, exploring intimate issues of the heart and dealing with pain from the past. There are many life-changing and thought-provoking messages in this story, which is brought to life by a richly developed cast of characters, and plots that turn and twist from beginning to end. I found myself falling in love with the writing itself, as Ms. Elliott brings much grace and eloquence to her craft. A discussion-worthy book, I did not want the story to end and can't wait for her next novel!

...Elliott throws you a curve. Just like life. There are enough lessons in this book to send almost every reader on a path toward healing. Forgivin' Ain't Forgettin' is full of unanswered questions and unexpected twists and turns. It forces a quick addiction. The characters are so well developed that I could practically see them.

I found this book both emotionally and spiritually engaging. Although the characters are fictional, the author has embedded truths that will enrich her reader's lives. Mata Elliott is an awesome talent. I'm glad that she chose to write in this genre and look forwarding to her next book!

Elliot skillfully weaves romance, drama, suspense and spirituality into this riveting debut novel, causing the reader only one disappointment, which is that the book has to eventually end!

The realness and sincerity of her characters causes you to connect with each of them on some level quite naturally, especially in the case of Cassidy and Trevor. Trevor's character is refreshing while Cassidy's mysterious past keeps the reader guessing.

As the story unfolds, the reader is subtly taken into Cassidy's internal struggle with forgiveness, which eventually becomes manifested in her physically. By the end of the novel, you can't help but ask yourself some very crucial questions about forgiveness and forgetting.

In closing, Elliott's mastery of language raises the bar for current and aspiring authors in her genre.

Mata, may God bless you for blessing others with this powerful novel!

Cassidy Beckett made a decision to forget the past and move on. She lives a comfortable peaceful life sharing a home with her elderly aunt, Odessa, teaching at the local school, running the reading program at church, and being a faithful member of Charity Community Church. Cassidy is not interested in recently widowed Trevor Monroe to whom Aunt Odessa has invited into their home along with his daughter, Brandi, because of a fire at their house. Just as Cassidy is about to demand that Trevor pack up and leave, tragedy brings them together. Trevor and Brandi help Cassidy through her crisis while she faces the demons that threaten to destroy her. But it will take a lot more than love to knock down the wall around Cassidy's heart and build a bridge between her and Trevor. Their faith is strong and God is a miracle worker.

Mata Elliott has captured the true essence of forgiveness in her debut novel. The love of God can be seen between every line of this incredible story of release, love, and the Spirit of God. The characters jump off the page and into your heart with clearly written descriptions that allow you to feel their pain and suffering. The surprise plot twists will leave your mouth wide open with seeming mistrust in men but in the wonders of God. Elliott is a raising star in the literary arena and an astounding storyteller for the Lord.

Reviewed by M. Bruner for www.looseleaves.org

I enjoyed this author's effort. Her style was somewhat difficult to get use to. There was a big problem with continuity and flow in the writing and FAR TOO MANY characters being introduced that didn't go anywhere. As an early effort, it is good. I expect the author will improve as her skills develop and mature. The one scene that I truly enjoyed was Trevor's pre-marriage party...Preach preacher! Too bad men don't read these books. While this is not the best inspirational romance I have read, it was interesting. I will give this author another try in the future.

This was a great read. I loved how the characters issues all seemed to flow together. The relationship between Cassidy and Trevor was very sweet
and realistic....I highly recommend this book.

Forgivin' Ain't Forgettin' is excellent! It shows how a story can be sexy and juicy without the profanity, graphics, and vulgarity.

This book has romance, drama, good times and bad. It deals with realistic issues such as sex, love, death, family unity, and of course unforgiveness. Forgivin' Ain't Forgettin' shows how the lack of communication can threaten to destroy a relationship; but it also demonstrates how God can give people love, trust, and patience to endure and overcome the hardships as well.

Mrs. Elliott is an excellent writer. Her novel is an inspiration to all!

Great job!

In Forgivin' Ain't Forgettin', Cassidy Beckett has had two abusive relationships that have left her an unforgiving woman with a well-kept secret. She privately and inwardly grieves over this secret and presents the perfect façade to the world, while she remains traumatized by the painful memories of her past. She continues to bury herself in the church ministry, where she soon meets Trevor Monroe. Trevor and Cassidy initially have a love-hate relationship. But with the passing of Cassidy's beloved Aunt Odessa, their bond grows stronger. As a widower, Trevor also is burdened by painful memories of his past and his loving wife. Soon, Cassidy's past rises up--causing her a great deal of internal pain and suffering! Trying times are ahead for the couple and only prayer and spiritual counseling seems to help, along with only the wisdom that God can provide. They soon find healing in the Word, forgetting, forgiveness--and each other. Mata Elliott has written a debut contemporary book gently intertwined with the Christian lifestyle.