Customer Reviews

The Lovechild (Urban Christian)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Ashea Goldson has written a very interesting story of secrets, family, and faith in The Lovechild. Makaeli is a successful fashion designer who lives in Italy. As she struggled to decide whether to accept her boyfriend's wedding proposal, she received a call from her sister, Lisa, with tragic news and she must go home. Makaeli had not been in the States for six years and dreads having to return. In a week, Makaeli's world turned upside down. She had to face her mother, who suffered a breakdown; a brother, whom she believed abandoned her; a controlling sister and another sister that abused her. Makaeli learned secrets that kept her family apart; yet, she watched as they struggled to stay together. After a visit from a long time friend, she learned to forgive unconditionally and to make amends with her family.

Goldson's story was a page-turner and a pleasure to read. The reader will cry and yell along with Makaeli as she discovers the secrets that pulled her family apart. Goldson did a wonderful job of inserting biblical scriptures to make the reader think and draw their own conclusions. Once I started the book I could not put it down. This book is highly recommended for everyone.

Reviewed by: Priscilla C. Johnson
APOOO BookClub

This book was a pleasant surprise. I saw it my local library as a librians pick and said "Hey Why Not". I really did not think I would have enjoyed it, but I really did. There are definately parts that are a little drawn out, but if you like book that are grounded in faith, but at the same time doesn't push it down your throat pick this one up.

Every family has a few secrets and the Cambell/Hunt family is good a hiding them. Makaeli is the baby of the family and has always felt like an outsider. She is the light-skinned daughter with European features and has a father of the same background that she has never met. As soon as she could, Makaeli left the states to pursue her dreams of becoming an elite fashion designer. After receiving a coded late afternoon message from her oldest sister, Lisa, she hopped on the first flight back to the United States.

Walking off the plane, the memories flooded back. It has been six years since she saw her family. She lived half way across the world trying to suppress the harsh memories of her childhood. Makaeli endured countless years of torture - physically, emotionally, and spirituality. Her mother had a severe mental breakdown when she was eight and has spent all these years in a mental hospital. Lisa always made her feel less than adequate because she was their mothers "mulatto daughter". Matt, her brother, abandoned her once when he went to prison and again as he moved to get his life together upon his release. Racquel, her evil sister, tormented her physically on a daily basis growing up. Makaeli knew sometime was drawing to a head and since she traveled half way across the world to see a sister she despised - now is the time to ask about the deep dark secret.

What is done in the dark always comes to the light - at least that is what my grandmother used to say. Goldson has creatively penned a story of uncovering family secrets while finding the love of God. The characters are well developed and the family dynamic is easy to identify with. As the storyline unfolds, the reference to scripture becomes stronger intensifying the drama. If you have a family secret or something not discussed, this book will help breakdown the walls of communication and open your eyes to the redeeming grace and mercy of God. Take the time to read the book and realize that nothing can separate you from God.

Deltareviewer
Reviewing for Real Page Turners

THE LOVE CHILD by Ashea Goldson gives the story of Makaeli, a successful fashion designer in Italy, who learns that her older sister, Raquel, is in a coma back in the States. She knows she must go back to be with her family at this time, even though she doesn't want to. Raquel was unpleasant to her while she was growing up, doing all sorts of mean things to her - even beating her. Their mother is in a mental institution and her other sister, Lisa, is pleading with her to come. Lisa tends to be a bit on the controlling side.

When Makaeli arrives and sees her sister unable to respond to anything and Lisa still telling everyone what to do, she knows she did well by keeping her secret stashed in Italy. Then, one day, unexpectedly, the secret presents itself and she goes out of her way to keep it hidden. As time moves on, the family realizes that they cannot continue to go at each other the way they have done all their lives. Will they learn forgiveness? Will Makaeli finally be able to admit her secret?

THE LOVE CHILD is an interesting story of how families work with forgiveness and love. The characters were well-developed and it was easily understandable why they behaved the way they did. The entire family is keeping secrets and eventually, in order for there to be peace, those secrets must be told. But do they have the courage? It was an interesting story from start to finish. There was plenty of suspense and tension. I would recommend it.

Reviewed by Alice Holman
of The RAWSISTAZ(tm) Reviewers

Deception in the name of protection. A family is held together by the facade of loyalty and ripped apart by the shame of unspoken truth. Makaeli Hunt ran from New Jersey to Italy in attempts to leave the pain of her abusive past behind. A family emergency brings her back home to the United States and the restoring love of Christ. A definite must read for any woman battling with demons from her past.

The Lovechild is a representation of what far too many families share - secrets.

Six years away from her dysfunctional family is not enough time to prepare Makaeli Hunt for what awaits her homecoming.

Coming home reveals that not much has changed in terms of the fragile state of her mother, an estranged brother, one abusive and one domineering sister. What will change will be the uncovering of secrets that are at the root of their fears and inability to move forward. Most of all Makaeli will come to understand the power of forgiveness.

Ashea Goldson has written a novel with a fresh voice and a strong message. That voice, aided by biblical truths, has the ability to open the eyes, ears and spirit of understanding to those who will listen. The message boldly pronounces that when you choose to move beyond painful pasts, you will find that the present and the future is worth living in and striving for, fully healed.

Reviewed by Dr. Linda F. Beed
On Assignment Reviews
[....]

I bought this novel because the plot seemed interesting, and premise was different from other Christian Fiction I've read in the past. This book did not disappoint. It was well-written and fast paced, with vivid characters and a well-developed storyline. It addressed timeless issues like dysfunctional families, mental illness, drug abuse, domestic violence, and interracial romance. The heroine was someone I could sympathize with right away, and I rooted for Makaeli until the last page.
Ashea S. Goldson has a lyrical writing style that draws me into the story and makes me never want to put the book down. This novel is perfect for anyone who likes a good story, not just fans of Christian Fiction.

Ashea Goldson is a talent to be watched. The Lovechild is a very different story that challenges the reader to go with the main character into a world filled with pain and past hurts. Definitely not preachy Christian Fiction. Well done.

I just finished reading the book and it was WONDERFUL!! A total page turner and I loved the fact that I was reminded to pray and look to God for the answers to my problems.

Is there going to be a sequel? I love this family and I want to see how Makaeli and Antonio get along and Lisa with the new baby. For the longest time I thought Raquel had been molested by Oliver until she confirmed the father was someone else. I also want to know what will happen when Makaeli finds Todd. Stay Blessed!!!