Customer Reviews

Samson

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

National bestselling author Jacquelin Thomas has hit it again with Samson, putting a modern spin on the biblical story of Samson and Delilah. It has all of the elements of the biblical tale--love, betrayal and redemption.

Despite major lifestyle differences, and against the wishes of his family, fifth generation pastor Samson Taylor marries beautiful Savannah Keys, the former girlfriend of his best friend. The union of Samson and Savannan brings 2 Corinthians 6:14 to modern times ("Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers"). Samson feels that Savannah is going through a phase, and will eventually come around to his way of thinking. Savannah, on the other hand, has made it clear from the beginning that she has no intentions of changing. Samson tries to make his marriage work, but the lifestyle differences are too much, and eventually the marriage succumbs.

Samson loves God, but is fighting his lust for beautiful women, a trait he inherited from his father. He fights hard not be like his father, because his father's love of women ultimately took the lives of both his parents, leaving Samson in the very capable hands of his aunt and uncle. The more Samson fights to be different from his father, the more like him he really is.

Ms. Thomas is featuring everyday people, facing everyday problems. Samson was very engaging and I was eager to see what was going to happen next. The book was very easy to read and the characters and situations were believable, especially Aunt Hazel. I would highly recommend that you add Samson at the top of your summer reading list.

Reviewed by Deniece C. Shelman
About the Reviewer
Deniece Shelman is a member of SistahFriend Book Club and the Site Leader for the Greenwood, SC branch of the club.

Charmingly handsome, Samson Taylor is trying to control his unhealthy desire for women in SAMSON by Jacquelin Thomas. He has just become the assistant pastor to his uncle's church. He wants nothing more than to live up to his aunt and uncle's expectations and be that man of God he has been called to be. But the temptation of women is so strong, Samson allows it to ruin his marriage, his relationship with his best friend, and ultimately his career in the pulpit.

Trying to get his life together after all of the deception and lies, Samson takes a sabbatical. It is short lived when there is an emergency at the church and he is called back home. Samson is determined to turn his life around and truly live for Christ. All is well until he meets Delinda who is an unhappily married to a basketball player. Samson's old self resurfaces and he once again finds himself intertwined in a web of deception. After a confrontation with Delilah's husband, Samson is left to deal with where his action have led him. Will he be able to forgive himself and finally walk in the light Christ has called him to?

Thomas carefully crafts a new-age story of Samson and Delilah. She places this story in modern times and it is totally relevant. She has lessons, bible verses, and snippets of sermons, but the book does not come off as preachy. I love how the story captures you from the very beginning. I highly recommend this book.

This book was provided courtesy of the publisher.

Donnica Copeland
APOOO BookClub
Sista Talk Book Club

Samson Taylor has accepted his calling into the ministry and installed as the assistant pastor at his uncle's church. He comes from a long line of ministers, including his father. His parents were tragically killed when he was young and Samson will never forget the argument that led to their deaths. His dad was a philanderer and his mother had taken all that she could stand. Samson loves women and has dated several throughout his teen and college years. His reputation as a ruthless player far surpasses him and he prays his lust will be an area that he will be able to suppress as a pastor.

When Samson meets Savannah Keys, she's dating his best friend, Trey. Unable to control the feelings she invokes in him, he pursues and wins her. He hastily marries her much to the surprise of his family considering she is not a Christian. The union creates a rift in his friendship with Trey and causes concerns for his aunt and uncle. The marriage is short-lived and subsequent decisions Samson makes, while driven by lust, only compounds the problems he has within himself and his ministry. A debilitating event occurs which causes Samson to rely on God, not his looks and his love of women, to get by.

SAMSON is a quick and engaging read that is similar to the story of Samson in the Bible. The character's flaws led him into situations which felt right to him but was weakening his spirit. He wasn't able to gain back his strength until he was totally dependent on God. Very well-written and very entertaining as it draws you into Samson's journey of spiritual maturity. This is a great book that I highly recommend.

Reviewed by Paula Henderson
of The RAWSISTAZ(tm) Reviewers

so much stuff going on in this book. not onkly did i read it but my co-worker who seen it in my drawer read it as well.

I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. It goes to show that as long as you have faith in God, you can make it through anything. Keep up the good work!

Jaquelin has done it again with this one. If you don't have it please do your self a favor and run out and get it. If you are a reader than this is a must have believe me when I say it took me awhile to get it but I regret waiting so long to get it. It's made for book clubs.

This is a good book. A great modern adaptation of the story of Samson and Delilah. It has a great message and story. This is a good book for a christian reader or for someone who likes to read good, clean stories. I would recommend this book to any reader who loves fiction.

Jacquelin Thomas has crafted another provocative story. While not riveting, it entices by its simplicity and truthfulness of circumstances. Unfortunately, Samson represents that which we are seeing too often in the body of Christ today . . . fallen leadership lacking self discipline and integrity. The numerous ungodly relationships were part of a cycle that had to end in tragedy for the pastor. It was expected. I loved the part of watching Samson's and Meagan's relationship develop, over a period of time. I see the book as a testament to how we can choose to sin, but we can't choose the consequences. Moreover, even when we repent and get tracked in serving the Lord again, we're often saddled with those same consequences. Let us all be warned!

This was a very good book. My second one of Jacquelin Thomas. It really brings reality home.

It wasn't what I expected. Too many relationships too fast. It had a moral but it wasn't one of my favorites. I like some of the the other books way better.