Customer Reviews

An Inconvenient Friend (Urban Christian)

5 star:		(25)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Even the best-laid plans can go awry. In Rhonda McKnight's An Inconvenient Friend, Samaria Jacobs planned on getting her happily ever after with Gregory Preston, no matter the cost. However, Gregory was not a single man. He had already pledged his life to his wife, Angelina. Samaria came up with a foolproof scheme, but who would be the fool in the end?

Samaria, as much as she fought it, was a dutiful daughter. Even with her tough exterior, saying no to her mother was not easy. Her mother was the one person she was able to say yes to all the while regretting it, but everyone else in Samaria's life better watch out. She is a sharp, sassy, beautiful, smart woman. But somewhere she is missing something. It was not until she entered Angelina Preston's life, that she realized exactly what it was.

I enjoyed this book from cover to cover. For a moment, I had a look into the mind and life of "the other woman." Even though I do not condone another person coming between a husband and wife, I understood the reason Samaria did what she was doing. I recommend An Inconvenient Friend to readers of Christian fiction or inspirational fiction.

The author provided a copy of the book for review purposes.

Jennifer Coissiere
APOOO BookClub

Samaria Jacobs is a scheming backstabbing sista. She is only looking out for self and will do whatever necessary to make it happen. She never thought that Angelina would be her friend (her first and only friend) but her plan was already in motion. Samaria's past catches up to her - addict mother, loving ex-boyfriend and crime - but she finds Jesus in the process. Forgiveness is the center of this relationship drama. The action is fast and the ending will make you say with "friends like these you don't need enemies". Must read!

Deltareviewer
Real Page Turners

I hope this isn't a sequel, because if so, there's something missing.
The story took an abrupt ending, and I was left wanting more!!! Don't get me wrong, it was a good story,characters were well developed, realistic,and storyline was unpredictable, transitions between characters were good(minor glitch), but I felt the ending left 'too' many unanswered questions.

Does Angelina and Greg's marriage survive? Will Katrice find a stable home? What about Samaria and Mekhi? Her mother?

I'm looking to purchase more from this author because I think she's a great writer, but I'm baffled!

*Edit to add---I got a 'little' confused toward the ending between Samaria and Angelina characters, I didn't know who was speaking.*

Overall rating: If book is a sequel-3.5 stars.
If book isn't a sequel- 4.5 stars.

I enjoyed this book! I would tell people to read it because sometimes things are not what they seem, but it is too late. You live and you learn. I enjoyed this book.

In Rhonda McKnight's AN INCOVENIENT FRIEND we are introduced to characters who are so busy living their lives that they are unprepared when something dangerous invades their space and threatens what they have worked for.

Samaria Jacobs knows what she wants and is one of those who is not afraid to do what's needed to get it. When it comes to Gregory Preston her least concern is his Christian wife,but she becomes fascinated with what not only brought them together but what might be the best way to break them apart.

Angelina, Gregory's wife, is trying everything she can to make thing work between her husband and her---and not allow the thoughts of what he might do cripple her. With friends putting doubts in her mind and Samaria showing attention in the relationship, it causes Angelina to act like the very woman she had struggled not to become.

I love this book mainly because it shows that sometimes it takes a reality check and a near disasterous situation to bring people back to their senses. The author gives us characters that are realistic and are living with crisis of faith that most of us can relate to.

This one is a literary masterpiece tha is definitely worth your time.

Samaria was a snake in the grass. Samaria is having an affair with Greg and she decided to befriend his wife, Angelina to become more like her before she steals Greg away. Samaria went as far as using a bogus name and pretending to be interested in becoming a christian. Samaria is shocked that during her conniving she truly feels that Angelina has become a friend. As Samaria's life spins downhill and she must face the wrongs that she has done. This is a good story and I am waiting for the sequel, What Kind of Fool whenever it is released.

Samaria Jacobs is back and wicked and conniving as ever in Rhonda McKnight's second novel, "An Inconvenient Friend." We were introduced to Samaria in "Secrets and Lies" so this latest novel is a look at just how twisted Jacobs is. She pulls no punches in trying to become a 'younger model' of Dr. Greg Preston's wife, Angelina. The characters are rich in character and peel back their own weakness and strengths to reveal what goes on behind church doors and the congregation's homes. I thoroughly enjoyed "An Inconvenient Friend" just as much as "Secrets and Lies"(which you HAVE to read first before "A Inconvenient Friend"). McKnight is a natural in urban Christian fiction, blending the Bible and those who live it...or not...into a manuscript fit for movies. We should all be so lucky to see the characters on the big screen.

After reading `Secrets and Lies,' readers already know how low-down and conniving Samaria Jacobs can be when she wants something bad enough. Deciding to play for keeps this time, Samaria has set her sights on Dr. Greg Preston, a highly-respected surgeon that just so happens to be someone else's husband. Maybe a woman with morals would let that deter her, but for Samaria, she's already plotting and planning.

Angelina Preston was no one's trophy wife. A board member with the DFYS, her life is hectic as she is faced with the death of a child, a misplaced child and the media causing a frenzy. It doesn't help that her home life is on shaky ground and her gut is telling her that husband of hers is making appointments elsewhere.

When Angelia is introduced to Rae Burns, a new Christian at the church, the two women bond as Angelina agrees to mentor a sister. Though Rae deceptive plans appear simple enough, she'd never actually planned to like the woman. Soon the women discover, though different, they have a lot in common. As they reveal parts of their painful past, the mentor-mentee relationship easily transforms into sister-friends. Will revelations quell this kinship?

`An Inconvenient Friend' is a clever and positive read. I love the way the characters play off of one another and how the intensity slowly builds. Even better is the way in which readers get to witness a non-believer learning that God loves us regardless of what we've done. My only issues are that the book ended and I feel as if the story is still semi-open.


Reviewed by: Crystal
4.5

I believe Mahatma Ghandi once said I would've been a Christian had I never met one.

When it comes to men Samaria Jacobs was taught by her mother to get hers and keep it moving. So with bills mounting, demands for financial assistance from her mom she comes up with a plan to get paid, a plan called "Operation Steal Greg" the problem? Greg Preston is married to Angelina.
Samaria aka Rae Burns pulls out all the stops to get close to Angelina Preston in hopes of becoming the next Mrs. Preston. She went so far as to buy, well I'm not going to tell you that you will have to read the book. But Rae Burns had me shaking my head throughout this entire book. What I enjoyed about this character was she remained true to the end, we all fall short of the glory of God and it is never too late to be redeemed.

As you become accquainted with the characters Angelina Preston and Samaria Jacobs, they are a contrast good girl bad girl. But you better believe my God is conflict capable and He does an excellent job of using Angelina for His good in Samaria's life. I kept wondering early on will Samaria hear the voice of God and give up her scheme to steal.

Along with wonderful characterization McKnight does an incredible job of introducing the readers to several different topics that plagues all of us; believers and non-believers, SIDS, infidelity, forgiveness, infertility, addiction, family loyalties and child welfare laws to name a few. Each issue is handled with sensitivity and the right amount of finesse. Sometimes an author can take the preachy-ness and scripture lessons a little over the top. What you find in An Inconvenient Friend is a great balance of rights and wrongs splashed with a heaping of God grace and mercy.

You have to be careful playing around on God's turf, because the very thing you have been saying no to might have you saying yes (I will obey). McKnight shows the reader the power and grace of God throughout An Inconvenient Friend. I absolutely enjoyed this story and I cannot wait for my book club to discuss it on January 14th.

Missy
Readers Paradise
4 book marks

THIS REVIEW IS WRITTEN BY AUTHOR, MINNIE DIX AKA LEIGH MCKNIGHT

AN INCONVENIENT FRIEND by author, Rhonda McKnight, is a great story--it captures your attention from the first paragraph and does not release you until it ends. Not only are Ms. McKnight's characters realistic, they are also well developed.

Samaria Jacobs is the conniving, scheming, backstabbing mistress of Dr. Greg Preston. Greg is married to Angelina, who is a good person; caring about the welfare of others, compassionate, well-liked by all, churchgoing, protective, not to mention classy, elegant, sophisticated and successful. In order to worm her way deeper into the heart of Greg, her lover and steal him away from his wife, Samaria goes on a secret mission and sets her plan, Operation Steal Greg, in motion. Brazen Samaria seeks Angelina out in church, befriends her, studies her, lies to her and deceives her in an attempt to become a more appealing woman to Angelina's husband. In physical appearance, Samaria is a somewhat younger version of Angelina, and in order to endear herself to her lover and Angelina's husband, not only does Samaria buys clothing items that are Greg's favorite color, she begins to wear the same fragrance as his wife.

Samaria Jacobs didn't realize when she entered God's house to deceive one of His own, that not only would she find herself, but she'd find God as well. This is a beautifully well written story that will appeal to the masses....And, little Katrice is certain to steal your heart--she did mine.

So many issues are raised in this story; SIDS, secrets, lies, betrayal, infidelity, deception, rejection, abandonment, drug addition, drug abuse, drug dealing, child neglect, disappointments, theft, loyalties, forgiveness. Rhonda McKnight gave us a taste of the sequel, What Kind of Fool. I can hardly wait to read it.