Customer Reviews

Heaven Forbid

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

At the request of Reverend Stanly Lee, Reverend Doctor Bishop Obadiah Meshach Brook, Jr. (Dr. O) comes out of retirement to restore order at the Gospel Truth Church. They are in much need of some reorganization because of Pastor Nathaniel Thicke. When trying to restore order, some of the congregation are not happy with the direction the leadership of the church is heading and decides to leave. Dr O. is not so sure that he wants to go back into ministry. That is, until a blast from the past appears. Will he decide to head the church, or head into the arms of someone that has not let him go?

While all of this is going on, Princess Brook (Dr O's granddaughter) has decided to give her life back to Christ and write a book about her college experience. There's just one problem...she has not talked to her parents about writing the book, and she has not come to terms with her destructive relationship with Kelvin Peterson. Soon she bumps into Kelvin, who still has feelings for her and does not want to let her go this time. Will Princess be able to hold steadfast to her faith in Christ or back peddle into a life that was spiraling out of control?

Heaven Forbid is the sixth and final book in this series by Lutishia Lovely. I have read all six books, and I can say that Ms. Lovely stayed on the same path. She gives you enough detail on each character that makes you want to know more about them. She has always given good narration in her stories. Heaven Forbid contains drama, love, and redemption. I like how the author does not come off as trying to preach throughout the book, but she does hit on some key points about infidelity and forgiveness. It saddens me that the series has come to an end. But all good things must come to an end, and Heaven Forbid ends on a high note.

Reviewed by Jackie for Urban Reviews

Yep this takes us on another ride of a lifetime. I knew something wasn't right w/Stanley but I couldnt' put my finger on it. Heaven Forbid shows us that not only adults deal w/sexual issues but children do as well. We are only human and we make mistakes. Good luck trying to figure out who is in the most mess at the end of the book!

The parishioners of Gospel Truth Church are healing from the disgraceful departure of their former pastor; even so Reverend Brook's return to the pulpit after retiring years earlier is not welcomed by all. They find his rules and mandates harsh, intolerable and many leave the congregation. Maxine Brook, affectionately known as Mama Max to her family and friends, thinks her husband's return to the pulpit is what he needs. However, they both are dealing with their own secrets and issues which escalate, forcing them to make some decisions.

Passion Lee loves her husband and family, but her spirit is warning her something is amiss in her marriage to Reverend Stanley Lee. She tries to ignore the warning signs, but when his past returns to the present, she's forced to face the facts and has to decide what to do next.

Princess Brook is mending from her tumultuous affair with Kelvin Peterson thanks to the help of her family, friends and high school sweetheart. She's rededicated her life to the Lord, is busy working on her first novel, when her paths cross with Kelvin again. She's determined not to let him back into her heart and more importantly in her bed. Her high school sweetheart gives her something else to consider, and she has to resolve what's best for her.

HEAVEN FORBID by Lutishia Lovely is the sixth and final book in the Hallelujah Love series. I've read all in the series and have grown to love, appreciate and anticipate Lovely's storytelling. She vividly tells stories with drama, passion and flair; causing me to become one of the characters as I read. This time around, I was somewhat displeased, because in my opinion some of the characters' stories were better left untold.

Reviewed by Jaime L. Lincoln
of The RAWSISTAZ(tm) Reviewers

" I thought that this book was a good read. I sure that anyone who has grew up in the church can relate to some of the issues that plague the Black Church. The characters were real, almost to real at times..

Each character had their share of drama and scandal! This, like the other books in the series, did not let me down. Each chapter brought more suspense and twists. Heaven Forbid is the perfect title. Between the issues going on with Stan Lee and his wife Passion or the issues with Obadiah Brook and his wife Mama Max, I don't know which one was worse! I have to say it was great to see Princess Brook again and how much she matured and bounced back from her drama a few books ago. I can't wait for the next series that she introduced at the end of this book with the restaurant business. Lovely is moving from the church to the kitchen and I can't wait!

From the pulpit to the pews, Heaven Forbid is filled with drama. Ms. Lovely showed that drama comes in all forms and all ages because no matter how old or how young the characters were, they were dealing with issues. This was another great addition to the series. There were a few surprises in the end.

Wow, is this #6 in this series already? So this installment focuses attention on Passion and Stanley; Rev. Dr. Pastor, Overseer, Obadiah and Mama Max and a more mature Princess and Kelvin. Stan's a real piece of work and Passion has her hands full with this cat, lol! And I say this inspite of the direction the author takes his character at the end of the book. I won't say too much here because I want other readers to enjoy the book but i'm sure most of us know someone like ole Stan Lee, someone that has been (and still is) dealing with his sort of issues and at his age are deep-rooted. I'm sure we will hear more this 'couple' in future followups.

Obadiah and Mama Max have been together for half a century.........alot longer than most marriages these days but the author failed to really address the WHAT and WHY's of Mama Max's hangups with being intimate with her husband. Enough said on that.

And finally Princess and Kelvin are back in the storyline. Both characters have matured in some aspects but for Kelvin so habits are hard to break. The author did an awesome job of showing that even a guy of Kelvin's stature has a heart. Princess' character was about what I expected as the story went on but the end kinda threw me so i look forward to seeing where Lutishia plans on taking her character in subsequent followups.

All in all, depending on what side of the fence the characters are standing on, it's either a happy ending full of promise or a devastating turn of fate full of heartache and depression. It all remains to be seen. Looking forward to hearing more about the goings of Hope and Cy; Darius and Bo; Jack and Millicent; Derrick and Vivian; Tai; Shabach; Melody; Nate Thicke. Keep it going Lutishia!

It took me about 4 days to finish this book and that is surprising being that I usually read Lustiha's books in one day. This one just didn't grasp me like the other ones in the series. It was an ok read but I was expecting so much more.

This series focus on 3 couples, Rev. Obadiah (Dr. O) who's hiding a secret from his congregation but more importantly his long-time wife Mama Max, who's counseled many parishners and mended many marriages including her own son. Seems like she should've been working on her when she finds out her husbands secret life. Will she take the advice that's she's handed down to so many other? Then there's Dr. Stan Lee who is a devout Man of God that firmly believes all sin is wrong and has trouble showing even the smallest of affections to anyone including his wife Passion. If he only had trouble showing a long lost love that resistance, he'd be ok. Then there's Princess, daughter of mega church leader King who has turned back the The Lord after leaving her professional sports playing boyfriend Kelvin, who can give her everthings she wants except monogomy. Will she be swayed by the love she still feels for him or will her calling be the victor? Ms. Lovely is an obvious great storysteller and I really like her style of writing. I'd recommend.

This was a good book I really enjoyed reading it. I finished it within 24 hours of starting. It's amazing things that were revealed about these men of God. That's all I 'll say because I don't want to give anything away. It's a page turner and it will keep you interested.

Since the passing of E. Lynne Harris last year(he took a lot of people with him) I've started to dislike series books. In this case I know Ms. Lovely is starting a new series but I hope this isn't the end of this one. I hope there is at least no more book especially with some of you discussion questions.