Customer Reviews

Prodigal (Urban Christian)

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

 

 

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

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.

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!!!!

Prodigal was a very inspiring read. I loved the characters, even Phoebe. The family bond and their faith in God was simply amazing. I loved how they embraced each other during their trials and tribulations. Reading this book made me want to call some family members and forgive them for things they have done to me and things I have done to them.

Keep up the good work!

Wow, what a GREAT book! I read it in 2 days, excellent story line...the things twins can do to each other!

In PRODIGAL, Phoebe Cox has returned home to visit her sickly mother after being away for years, only to find the life she always wanted. Unfortunately for her, the life she's been longing for belongs to her twin sister, Phylicia Morgan.

Phylicia has the car, home, children and a husband that loves her. With Phoebe's return, Phylicia recognizes the disappearance of her husband, Rev. Gary Morgan, that seems to take place every time her sister is around. Now she has to deal with her suspicions about the reasons behind his disappearances.

Both Phoebe and Gary have a secret they've managed to keep for over 20 years. However, Phoebe is harboring another secret that if revealed could cause damage in everyone's life. With lies and secrets among them, will this family be able to forgive and forget?

Zaria Garrison's portrayal of the biblical classic of "The Prodigal Son" is full of drama and told with a modern flair. She's able to portray each character's emotions with a depth that you can feel. At the same time, she intertwines bible scriptures throughout the story to remind us of God's presence in daily life, even when a family is mending from betrayal and lies. While I enjoyed this read because it was able to hold my interest, there were times I felt the secrets and lies clouded the story. If you're into reading a fast-paced family drama mixed with some religion and modern flair, then this one is for you.

Reviewed by Jaime L. Lincoln
for the RAWSISTAZ(tm) Reviewers

DON'T SLEEP ON THIS ONE. IF YOU DO,YOU WILL HATE YOURSELF IN THE END.
THIS BOOK HELD MY ATTENTION FROM THE BEGINNING TO THE END.
I CAN ONLY SAY YOU HAVE TO READ THIS ONE FOR YOURSELF TO
GET THE FULL EFFECTS.I HIGHLY ADVISE YOU TO READ THIS ONE.
GREAT JOB ZARIA!!!
CAN'T WAIT FOR THE NEXT ONE!