Customer Reviews

In the Midst of It All

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At 17 years old, Zenovia Sinclair's life is a lot different from other teens. With a schizophrenic mother, Audrey, Zenovia is forced to do more of the parenting, making it necessary to scrutinize everything in order to ward of any possible embarrassing attacks. When members of the Brethren of the Sacrifice Church show up and offer Audrey a chance to start over, she is excited and ready to sign up. Fortunately for Zenovia, she finds that the children involved in the Brethren are friendly and easy to deal with, making it easy for her to finally have a semblance of a normal life with friends and hanging out while not having to monitor her mother's every single move.

Both falling into comfortable roles within the Brethren, Audrey's finally found the husband that she dreamed of 17 years prior. Unfortunately for Zenovia, Phillip, her mother's dream man, is dead set against medication and Zenovia is afraid of how her new life will deteriorate with a non medicated Audrey on the prowl.

Invested in her own drama, Zenovia is dating Emil, considered a rebel with the Brethren, and crushing on two brothers, Tristan and Justin, superstars in the Brethren. When her relationship with Emil goes further, Zenovia is treated like an outcast and is soon out of the perch. It hurts, but what hurts her more is the fact that even Audrey appears against her.

Four years later, Zenovia bumps into Justin Batiste at church. Despite his intense pursuit, Zenovia is still uncertain about them moving towards a future together. When she learns that he's cast out of the Brethren, they both must take a walk of faith and learn to get past the betrayal, hurt and pain associated with their families.

IN THE MIDST OF IT ALL by Tiffany L. Warren caught me completely off guard. I'd never read the synopsis and was just intent on reading it because of who the author was. A good story, with great characters and a different choice of religion was just the right mixture that pulled it all together for me. I loved that you felt the uncertainty, the doubt and the forgiveness throughout the entire story. God can do anything but fail!

Reviewed by Crystal

Alexander Hamilton and Malcolm X are quoted for saying "Those Who Stand for Nothing, Fall for Anything." That almost describes Zenovia except she did have a relationship with God and she knew the bible for herself. So when Charlotte and her daughter Alyssa from Brethren of the Sacrifice knocked on her door claiming to have "good news," why did Zenovia ignore her gift and decide to join along with her mother? Was it because of her mom, or the excitement of being back in church?

In search of good news, Audrey's excited about joining a new church. Zenovia has missed the choir and the preaching at their church First Gethsemane; however, what they find at Brethren of the Sacrifice Devotion Center leaves Audrey mentally unstable and Zenovia with unanswered questions and a broken spirit.

I enjoyed the cast of characters, their story, and how they were redeemed. We see Zenovia's mother Audrey, though straddled with schizophrenia, eager to find a husband and a church. What I absolutely loved about this character was that side of her which had me laughing out loud throughout the book. As quick as she would crack a joke, she would cut you smooth if you crossed her.

We met Zenovia at age seventeen, mentally older than her years, waiting for that next thing, whatever that was and looked like. I would assume that it's because she's cared for her mom for as long as she can remember. With no friends or a boy to call her own, Zenovia's grace is longer than her suffering.

Tiffany Warren opens the doors on religious rhetoric and issues in the church that don't line up with what the bible says. I believe this is the perfect time for Christian authors to shed light on non-biblical doctrine being taught and preached in the church. In the Midst of It All could help the readers answer or feel empowered enough to challenge their church belief system, ask questions or seek the bible for answers. The title of this book was befitting of the challenges represented. In the midst of all that's going on and all that's being said to you, keep your focus on the Lord because His love will always be there.

Reviewed by Missy for Urban Reviews

Teenager Zenovia has spent her entire young life caring for her schizophrenic mother. Tired and seeing a foreboding future of always being there for her mentally troubled mom, Zenovia does her best. When members of the Brethren of the Sacrifice Church arrive, Zenovia feels welcomed by them and though skeptical knows adding God into their lives will help them especially with her mom's excitement re the bible.

Seventeen years ago, Audrey saw her future husband in a vision; now she sees her one day spouse Phillip in person at the church. They marry, but instead of Zenovia's life improving, it turns nasty as her stepfather and the rest of the flock want Audrey to stop taking her schizophrenic medication that prevents her mom turning violent, but the congregation insists she is suffering from demonic possession. With the help of church peers, Zenovia works hard at school and obtains a college scholarship to escape; knowing one day the call she dreads will come.

This is a timely inspirational tale with a strong message that people should look closely at who interprets God's words; sort of a historiographer evaluating the history writer's background. Profound, Tiffany L. Warren provides a thought provoking exhilarating story line with a deep message encouraging people to apply the free will God has granted us to make your own interpretation and decision; as those who conveniently let others do so may be led by false profiteering prophets.

Harriet Klausner

"In the Midst of It All" is Christian general fiction with a good dose of romance. The novel was a quick read, and the pacing was very good. However, the world-building lacked consistent depth. The scenes involving the Brethren meetings were clearly detailed, but the details surrounding the rest of Zenovia's life and the "outside" lives of the other characters were usually vague to nonexistent.

The characters were realistic and likable. I sometimes felt like they didn't have a lot of depth, though, as usually only surface motivations were explained. I did care about what happened to Zenovia and sped through the heavy foreboding of the first two-thirds of the novel to discover what happened next.

Audrey and Zenovia had visions. Audrey thought they were from God, Zenovia wasn't certain, and the issue was never clearly resolved. Religious beliefs were a main focus of the novel, though mainly the obey-the-rules beliefs of the cult rather than the teachings of traditional Christianity. The author assumed the reader was familiar with what the Bible really teaches on the topics covered as she generally didn't clarify the differences between that and what the cult taught. I don't think most non-Christians would find the novel preachy, but I suspect they might be confused by parts of it.

There was a very minor amount of explicit bad language. There was premarital sex, but it wasn't graphic. Overall, I'd recommend this novel to Christians as good, fairly clean reading.


This book was a free review copy (ARC) provided by the publisher.

Reviewed by Debbie from Genre Reviews
(genrereviews. blogspot. com)

At one time or other we all find ourselves standing in the midst of it all; all
that we love, all that we hate, all that we control and finally all the things
we can't control. Zenovia finds herself in that place daily, as she not only
struggles with living a teenager's life, taking care of Audrey, her
schizophrenic mother, and last but not least the visions. Zenovia aka Zee, as
well as her mother, both have visions about their lives and others. Audrey
embraces this ability; Zee does not. After years of doing everything alone,
Zee thinks God is finally giving her some help, when two members of the
Brethren of the Sacrifice show up at their door and welcome them into their
church family. The Brethren of the Sacrifice preach an uncommon version of the
Bible but that's ok with Audrey, and whatever is ok with Audrey is ok with Zee
as long as it keeps Audrey's mental state on the right track.

In the beginning, things with the Brethren was good, Zee finally has friends to
hang out with and even develops her first crush, and Audrey's vision from years
ago has come true. Things quickly change for Zee as she learns more about the
Brethren's views on everything from what school you attend, who your friends
are, future education plans, and the Brethren's views on schizophrenia.
Eventually, it's all too much for Zee and she leaves home and the Brethren with
plans on never returning. How will Zee and Audrey deal with this decision?
Will their relationship ever be the same? Will Zee ever step foot in a church
again, after her experience with the Brethren?

Once again, Tiffany L. Warren has written a thought-provoking book that puts
you in the character's shoes and lives. Throughout the book, I wondered what
my reaction would be in the various situations in which Zee found herself. I
also wondered if I would be patient and strong like Zee in taking care of her
mother. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick and
reflective read.

Reviewed by Tawana Price
of The RAWSISTAZ(tm) Reviewers

In The Midst of It All by Tiffany L Warren is about a young teen named Zenovia. There was not a time that Zenovia could remember when she did not have to care for her mother, Audrey. Audrey was a schizophrenic and Zenovia did all she could to help maintain some kind of sanity in their home. Knowing that they needed God in their life, Audrey and Zenovia welcomed some members of the Brethren of the Sacrifice into their home to learn more about this new church. Zenovia was skeptical at first, but Audrey was so excited at the new outlook on the Bible. Zenovia and Audrey had visions of the future and of the past. Audrey had a vision of her husband 17 years earlier; and she sees him at the Brethren of the Sacrifice. That solidifies their membership there. Audrey goes on to marry and Zenovia's life takes a turn for the worse. Audrey's husband, Phillip, and the other members of the Brethren believe that Audrey should stop taking her medication. Zenovia knows that it is only a matter of time before Audrey will become violent.

Had it not been for the younger generation at the church, Zenovia might have lost her mind as well. Knowing that she wanted to go to college, Zenovia focused on getting great grades so she could get a scholarship and move away. Years pass and Zenovia has graduated from college, when the dreadful call comes about her mother. Before Zenovia can truly move on with her life and learn to love someone else, she must deal with her past.

Warren tells the story of a taboo subject in the African-American community. The situations are believable yet unbelievable at the same time. Warren has you question your beliefs in the Word and what some of the characters try to make you believe the Word to mean. I enjoyed routing for Zenovia to do what she knew was right. It is not a preachy book. Even if you are not into Christian fiction, I highly suggest this book for an interesting read.

This book was provided courtesy of the publisher.

Donnica Copeland
APOOO BookClub

Tiffany Warren's expertly drawn characters climb into your heart and take hold of your spirit.

We meet Zenovia Batiste, a fifteen year old whose life has been burdened with the load of caring for her schizophrenic mother, and whose spirit has been pillaged by a church that has distorted the essential doctrines of Christianity. Readers follow Zenovia from high school, to college and into her late twenties as she finds and loses love and faith over and over again in her quest for a little happiness and a lot of peace.

Warren does not handle the problem of false teaching with kid's gloves in this novel, or the complex issues around mental illness. Zenovia's life is no cakewalk. She's forced to deal with a lot of bad stuff, thus her very cynical outlook on life and the church. The beauty of the book is that through various subplots the reader watches the underworld of a cult-nous religion unfold in front of them. The story is filled with page after page of the poison that infects the minds of those who earnestly want to serve in the Christian church, but are enslaved by a gospel twisted by men. There was also a healthy dose of romance, which had me on the edge of my seat. I found myself dying to know will they, or won't they; I really didn't know which way it would go. Great writing.

In the Midst of It All is a timely novel, a worthwhile journey and an amorous read. Warren touches the reader's emotions on all levels and had me thinking about the characters way past the ending. It will easily be one of my favorites for 2010.

A review copy was provided by Grand Central.

Author Tiffany L. Warren has "wowed" me yet again. In the Midst of it All was a story that made me laugh and cry while being both amazed and shocked all at the same time. As Warren weaved together intricate details of Zenovia's coming of age during her experience with the Brethren of Sacrifice, we are reminded that its not about religion, but relationship. Religion is based upon man's interpretation of laws, while relationship is connecting intimately with the Lord to learn his ways and his will for our lives. As Zenovia's tale unfolds, you will be surprised at what she has to go through and amazed at the decisions she has to make at such a young, tender age. Dealing with the issues of mental illness, the prophetic, and cults are just a few of the taboo subjects Warren tackles with skill and expertise. The book club discussion questions at the end were an added treat as they are sure to spark conversation that will be beneficial to each and every reader.

I absolutely loved this book. Tiffany L. Warren writes a wonderful story about mistakes and consequences, finding and losing yourself; In the Midst of It All reminds us that some relationships are not meant to span our lifetimes, but we can gain tremendous wisdom from them.

Zenovia "Zee" Sinclair isn't a typical teenager. For one, she's smart as a whip, wise beyond her years and quick to speak her mind. And she's taking care of her schizophrenic mother in secret. When some members of a local church--they call themselves "The Brethern"--come by and convince Zee and her mother Audrey to visit, Zee's life changes. Audrey is quickly wrapped up in the strange church and its even strange-r members and, of course, Zee is along for the ride.

Instantly, Zee is attracted to the smart, handsome Tristan but flirts with his older brother Justin, an emotional triangle she'll only understand years later. After being hurt by Tristan, Zee finds solace in the hip, experienced and vivacious Emil. But Zee learns that when you play with fire, you get burned. Her indiscretions with Emil may cost Zee a cherished friendship with Tristan and to top it off, her mother marries another Brethren and stops taking her medication, waiting for God to heal her of her mental illness.

Eventually, Zee leaves for college and graduates with much success.

But God sometimes has a funny way of working out His plan, and though it takes Zee a moment to embrace it, she does so fully and the ending is better than she could have imagined.

A feel-good story with a compelling plot, Tiffany L. Warren carves out a small place in your heart for each of these characters and their struggles, and manages to aid you in completely understanding them all.

A must read!

17-year-old Zenovia has had a hard life thus far- born to a single schizophrenic mother in the 'hood and prone to prophetic visions on top of her surroundings. Her mother Audrey has visions too- this shared gift bonds them even as Audrey's mental illness keeps a wedge between them.

After visiting many churches, the mother/daughter team falls in with a cult, The Brethren Of The Sacrifice. Audrey loves it, but Zenovia can't stop questioning The Brethren's beliefs, which have room for many rules and regulations, but none for mercy or forgiveness. Zenovia's challenge is to not lose her dreams in order to keep her place among the Brethren, the one place where she and Audrey found acceptance.

I enjoyed watching Zenovia's walk of faith as she questioned the doctrine of The Brethren and sought to be who she was born to be instead of who they wanted to make her into. Warren does a great job of tackling two controversial issues: mental health and cults vs. true Christian faith.