Joy [Mass Market Paperback]

Victoria Christopher Murray (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2005

This "Essence" bestselling novel shares the story about a successful black Christian woman who must make crucial life decisions.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Anya Mitchell seems to have it all: a thriving business, a large diamond on her left hand and a solid relationship with the Lord. But her life is not as perfect as it seems. Her hunky fianc‚, Braxton, turns out to be self-absorbed and faintly conniving. He files for custody of his son from a previous marriage without telling Anya, and then tries to persuade her to sell her business and be a stay-at-home mom once they wed. Adding to Anya's nagging doubts about Braxton is David, a charming (and single) financial whiz whom Anya has just hired. When Anya is attacked by a rapist who's been stalking her for months, she realizes she needs to rethink her life. Should she marry Braxton or pay attention to the inner voice that has been telling her for weeks that their relationship is unsalvageable? The plot is predictable; most readers will figure out the identity of the stalker pages before Anya is raped, just as most will predict that she'll dump Braxton for David. And the subplot a visit from Anya's recently divorced cousin Sasha doesn't add much. Anya spends most of the book trying to bring Sasha to faith, but Sasha's sudden conversion at the story's end manages to seem simultaneously inexplicable and predictable. Still, as the response to books like Sharon Ewell Foster's Passing by Samaria shows, there is a clear need for African-American Christian fiction; despite its flaws, it is likely many readers will savor this novel of romance, intrigue and faith.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Victoria Christopher Murray has a degree in communications from Hampton Institute and an MBA from New York University. Originally from New York, she currently lives in Los Angeles. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 512 pages
• Publisher: Walk Worthy Press (September 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446616508
• ISBN-13: 978-0446616508
• Product Dimensions: 4.1 x 1.1 x 6.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (70 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #356,930 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Victoria Christopher Murray is the Essence bestselling author of the novels Truth Be Told, Joy, and Temptation. Visit her at www.victoriachristophermurray.com. She lives with her family in Inglewood, California.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely Phenominal............, October 27, 2001

By 

Janeth C. Walker (VAFB, California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Joy (Hardcover)

As if we didn't know Ms. Murray's level of talent with her first novel, Temptation...........JOY absolutely grabs you from page one, as it commands your attention front and center stage.

Filled with such emotion and depth, JOY, is a story about Anya Mitchell and Braxton Vance, a young couple engaged to be married and walking by faith in God's hands. Soon, their faith is put to the test by something so imaginable, it leaves the reader wondering exactly what they would do given the same set of circumstances.

As the story unfolds, both Anya and Braxton begin to see that perhaps they each have varying degrees of faith and belief in what's right versus what's best and each must make some decisions that will ultimately affect the rest of their lives.

Breathtakingly suspenseful, bold yet heartfelt, Ms. Murray brings forth a story and characters so well developed and full of life, you'll always remember you've just read a work of art!

This one's a drama filled page turner at it's best.............

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars How is your love walk?, June 3, 2006

By 

Karlyn Leblanc (Chicago Native) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Joy (Hardcover)

Have you ever had to make a decision that would make you or break you? Read "Joy" and have your faith tested. Could you keep a baby by a rapist? Would you leave the man of your dreams if you questioned his Christianity? Be thrilled and tested as you dive into "Joy", a real Christian fiction novel that discusses today's issues! How is your love walk?~LeBlanc author of "Characters of Lust"

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars EXCEPTIONAL!!!!, November 7, 2001

By 

J.C. Wallington "jnettefrommi" (Detroit, MI) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Joy (Hardcover)

If you read Temptation by Ms Murray, then you already know how well she can incorporate a message of christianity into fiction and not be preachy.

In Joy, you will not be disappointed. From page one, you are captiviated by the plights, the trials and tribulations of Anya and Braxton. A Christian couple engaged to be married, but it appears they may be unequally yoked and that could affect their relationship.

Throw in a little mystery (stalker) and a few distractions (handsome co-worker), some family issues (Madear and Sasha) and you have a great novel that will keep you turning the pages, neglecting everything else you need to do.

Scriptures sprinkled throughout the book that Anya relied on, can help anyone overcome obstacles they find in their way during their walk with God.

This book I highly recommend.