5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Not Double the Fun, November 24, 2009
This review is from: Prodigal (Urban Christian) (Paperback)
Zaria Garrison introduces us to Phylicia Morgan and Phoebe Cox, twin sisters with an estranged relationship. Phylicia is a stay-at-home, wife and mother to the Reverend Gary Morgan. Phylicia is financially stable and seems to be living the American dream. Phoebe, on the other hand, is a flighty diva, the go for broke type who loves to keep up with the Jones', or in this case, the Morgans.
The plot thickens when the twins' mother falls ill, taking a turn for the worse, and asks Phylicia to call Phoebe home. When Phoebe gets to Brown Bottom, painful feelings resurface for both of the twins. Phylicia can't help but sense that something is awry when mystery teen, Pharrah, shows up on her door step. Phoebe's jealousy overcomes her to the point where all she can do is think of how she can have the life her sister has, including her man, the Reverend Gary.
This selection has so many secrets and lies intertwined in the plot, I felt as if I was reading a soap opera. The reality though is that some people do live soap opera lives. Full of raw emotion that leaps from the pages, I found myself angry, empathetic and forgiving at one point or another with each of the main characters, Phoebe, Phylicia and Reverend Gary. This story had me thinking about how families either come together or grow apart after experiencing the loss of a loved one.
I enjoyed this selection. Just when I thought I had everything figured it, there was another twist. The author held my attention and this was a fast read for me. I recommend this selection to anyone who enjoys a fast-paced storyline that keeps you guessing. Although drama-filled, the author does a good job with Biblical references, reminding readers that there is always a source to turn toward for help, God. If you are interested in topics such as sibling rivalry, jealousy, competition, family turmoil, forgiveness and redemption, this will be a good read for you.
I would read another selection by Ms. Garrison.
Review by Tavares S. Carney
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Pulse...Recommended reading from EKG, November 2, 2009
This review is from: Prodigal (Urban Christian) (Paperback)
Phylicia and Phoebe are identical twins who have eyes for the same man. When Reverend Gary Morgan falls in love with and marries Phylicia, her conniving sister cuts all ties with her family and leaves town.
Twelve years later their mother falls gravely ill and the sisters come face to face again.
Prodigal, which is based on the biblical story The Prodigal Son, explores sibling rivalry at the highest level. This book is Christian fiction at it's finest.
Zaria Garrison does a wonderful job of drawing the reader into her story, without losing us with the twists and turns. From the first page the author peaks our interest and then holds it for the entirety of the book.
EKG Literary magazine highly recommends Prodigal for any book club wanting to read an exciting novel with a Christian message that teaches us there is no scandal, obstacle, or hurt that the Lord can't pull us through.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
What a intriguing, moving tale!!!, November 24, 2009
This review is from: Prodigal (Urban Christian) (Paperback)
Ms. Garrison has written one most intriguing and intricately woven tale, which even in an "Urban Christian" genre, sparks major interest in readers even geared to more "telling, sordid" tales! With a fine pen, Zaria Garrison has painted a most moving portrait of both betrayal AND redemption! The "twins" are two different coins, and the author certainly did a grand job of characterization...of two sisters who it would seem would have been so alike, are vastly different in personalities, though the similar appearances, early on in life, make for the gist of this most moving story. PROPS to Zaria Garrison!!! Look for more from this author.
And an AMEN!!!!
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