Customer Reviews

My Soul Cries Out (Urban Christian)

5 star:		(34)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

My Soul Cries Out is a powerful redemption story about Monica and Kevin that on more than one occasion moved me to tears. I loved how the author wasn't afraid to tell it like it is when it came to internal thoughts, especially the skank ho references to certain women. Hilarious! The author masterfully wrote about Monica's rage the way it might really happen and didn't soften the issues for fear of offending the reader. This is real life trauma and heartache! Monica was a very flawed character but the author did such a fantastic job of growing her in her relationship with the Lord and with others that I couldn't help but love her. I just can't say enough good things about this book.

Kevin's characterization was so well done that I can honestly say I haven't read any novel highlighting the pain that comes from childhood abuse that was better at showing it than this one. And I've read a lot of them. You can't help but have compassion on Kevin when he reveals his struggles and you see how even the church had betrayed him by not protecting him. The way Kevin and Monica's relationship developed throughout the story is proof that God can use anything--even the most horrible sin or mistake--to make us more like Him.

In addition to the main story, there were several subplots regarding redemption that were both believable and moving. The story of Alaysia's quest for peace and redemption was perfectly done and complimented the main theme of My Soul Cries Out. True-to-life, the comments made by an unbeliever can often be used to turn the struggling Christian's life around. Oh, and the ending gave me the happy shivers. I SO loved this story and can't wait to read the next book from this author, who is even more beautiful than the model on the cover.

Title: My Soul Cries Out
Author: Sherri Lewis
Genre: Urban Christian Fiction

APOOO Rating: 5
Amazon Rating: 5

Faith Healing

My Soul Cries Out by Sherri Lewis is not the typical Christian
novel. In this novel, faith is tested and the daily struggle a true
Christian faces is clearly illustrated. My Soul Cries Out tells the
tale of Monica, a woman who struggles with inner demons, and
Monica's husband, Kevin, a man that is torn between two worlds.
Monica is introduced to the "dark" world and second life that her
husband, Kevin, leads and must face the reality of it all. Monica
learns that to deal with the matter with Kevin that she must first
examine herself and put in perspective her beliefs and ideals that
have been formed by her church.

Sherri Lewis is a welcome addition to Christian literature and her
novel could not have been more beautifully written. I applaud her
for touching on subjects that sometimes the church may close their
eyes to. The characterization in the novel is phenomenal and brings
depth to each character that is introduced to the reader. Lewis was
able to strengthen the plot by bringing the Word of God to the
storyline without doing too much preaching. After reading this
book, an individual will walk away knowing that being a Christian
can be tough at times but strength is formed through the adversity
faced. The story of Monica shows that an individual grows daily as
a Christian and that their faith can only become deeper. I
recommend this book to anyone who may be on their own individual
search for personal spiritual fulfillment in their lives.

Reviewed by Sharon Russ
APOOO BookClub

"The worst day of my life was the day I caught my husband cheating on me."

That alone would be enough to throw even a strong woman into a tailspin. But the fact that Monica Harris-Day finds her worship-leader husband cheating with another man is an even greater shock. How could she have been so blind and not seen the signs? Should she divorce him on the spot? And why is their mega-church pastor so quick to look the other way?

Monica faces an emotional tempest in My Soul Cries Out. As a Christian woman she wants to do the right thing in God's eyes, but it's hard to know what that is in an age when Christians either pretend homosexuality doesn't exist or cast the first stone. Just how are we supposed to react to situations like Monica's? Should we make those caught in this sin leave our churches? Should we pretend we don't know?

This is an edgy novel that compassionately deals with the issue of homosexuality in the church. There are no easy answers here, but by following Monica's journey readers will start asking themselves the right questions. And that's the first step toward understanding God's point of view. Why is it that some sins are treated worse than others in the church? Why do we condemn gays to hell but allow gossip and envy? A relevant topic indeed.

Ms. Lewis doesn't condone homosexuality in this novel. Sin is sin, and she makes sure we realize that. However, we're also shown both sides of the issue through the pain of Monica's husband.

Granted, there are scenes and phrases in the book you probably won't find in your Mom's Christian fiction. Sex is talked about openly several times. But even in those few eyebrow raising moments, you can tell Lewis took care not to push the envelope just because she could. Let's be honest. Homosexuality DOES stretch the limits as a topic for Christian fiction.

It's a heavy subject, but there are many lighter moments too, like Monica's initial obsession with "Ben & Larry's" ice cream and her subsequent health and fitness makeover, something all females will relate to. Monica is the woman next door dealing with some very real issues. She struggles. She falls. She gets back up again because she wants to please God.

In the vein of Claudia Mair Burney and Marilynn Griffith, My Soul Cries Out will be a breath of fresh air to those longing for a little more grit in their stories. Lewis is a talented new author who's breaking ground that's needed breaking for quite some time.

--Reviewed by C.J. Darlington for TitleTrakk

Monica Harris-Day is a devout Christian woman who has been married to Kevin, the love of her life, for two years. She has a rspectable career as a registered nurse and enjoys teaching Sunday school at Love and Faith Christian Center, her place of worship. Life is grand and the future looks bright until Monica finds Kevin in bed with another man. Shocked, angry, disillusioned, and confused Monica decides to seek guidance from her pastor and Kevin's long-time mentor, Bishop Walker. If anyone, surely he would be able to provide advice that could help the coule begin to heal their broken relationship. Monica's expectations of Bishop Walker prove to be a bit extreme to say the least. It appears Bishop Walker has an ulterior motive in keeping the pair together. There are many theories for his suspicious handling of the shocking news. At the top of the list is the fear of a scandal for the high-profile church and Kevin's upcoming gospel album with the church choir.

But this novel is more than merely a tale of drama in the church. It addresses topics such as faith in religion, homosexuality & Christianity, the effects of childhood molestation, self healing, and forgiveness. Author Sherri Lewis incorporates these issues into a well-written, realistic, and recommendable novel. The sub-plots are engaging and readers are given a bird's eye view of Monica's struggle to maintain intimacy with God during a very turbulent period. I find this to be an excellent book for a group discussion and the enclosed reading guide adds even more for readers to consider. Kudos to you Ms. Lewis!

Englishruler
ARC Book Club Inc.
Star Rating: 5 Stars

As an avid reader of all types of books, I must say "WOW!" Sherri Lewis does an excellent job at capturing my heart. I could not give it 5 stars only because there were times when the book seemed to be moving a little too slow for my pace. However, when it had my attention (which it did) the pages kepta turning. I can't remember the last time a book made me cry, but this one was definitely a tear jerker. You become so attached to the characters and enthrawled in their lives. As you read you begin to feel for them....those are signs of an excellent author.

Also, I am not a "religious" person, and this was far from a "religious" book. This book touched out real life issues, and issues pertaining to the spirit. It did not scream hypocrisy or judgement or bias, it came from a spiritually sound place. The word says "love your neighbor...." not love your neighbor unless he is a homosexual. It does not condone homosexuality in any way, but it speaks "real talk" about it. It is Gods place to judge, not ours and I commend Ms. Lewis for approaching this novel from a spiritual (not religious) perspective.

I felt a spiritual connection as I read this book. IT WAS AWESOME!! I look forward to reading more of her books, and highly recommend this book to those who can appreciate good christian/spiritual fiction. Peace and Blessings:-)

I've read a dozen Urban Christian novels, and I have quite a few favorites. I just finished this book this right now is the best Urban Christian novel I've ever read!! From beginning to end, I was completely drawn to the characters and there were quite a few plot twists that kept me engaged the entire time. I recommend EVERY Christian (or soon to be Christian) to read this book. The author is truly anointed!!!

How would you react if you caught your husband cheating on you... with another man? The day Monica caught Kevin in bed with Trey, she lost her faith in God. She had prayed for a God-fearing man to come into her life and she thought that man was Kevin. What she didn't know was that when Kevin was 10-years-old, he was molested by a deacon in his church and never told anyone about it except his pastor, Bishop Walker. After two years, Kevin begs Monica to give him another chance. He told her that it was a one time mistake and would never be repeated. After all of his begging and pleading, Monica gives him another chance and they get counseling from Bishop Walker. In no time, Monica realizes that Bishop Walker knew about what happened to Kevin and never said a word. Bishop Walker wanted Monica to keep their marriage together because if the minister of music's secret got out, it could destroy the mega church he created. Monica soon finds out Bishop Walker was not trying to help them, but wanted to make sure his ministry would not be affected by this. Will Monica play the Bishop's game or will she face reality that her marriage is in trouble?

My Soul Cries Out does not fall into the category of the "usual" Christian fiction. This book deals with the struggles that some Christians face and are too ashamed to talk about. Sherri L. Lewis demonstrates how sometimes your faith is tested, and you have to go to God and tell Him about your problems no matter how big or small they are. The way that the author strengthens the plot by bringing in the Word of God was exceptional. Monica's story brings up the subject of how some churches do not want to deal with homosexuality, and would rather sweep the subject under the rug. I congratulate Ms. Lewis on a job well done.

Reviewed by Jackie
for Urban Reviews

Sherri L. Lewis did a fantastic job of highlighting a controversial issue--the Christian response to homosexuality--with a liberal dose of humor and realism.

My Soul Cries Out makes you examine your beliefs in God's redemptive and delivering power. Do Christians really believe that God is powerful enough to deliver a person from homosexuality and give them a new life? Do Christians really extend God's love and acceptance to individuals who leave that lifestyle and become born-again believers? Is homosexuality a worse sin than any other sin--lying, stealing, pre-marital sex, etc?

Christians tend to put on their God-hat and put weights on sin. The novel addresses this with one powerful statement: Sin is sin.

The hero (Kevin) and heroine (Monica) are well developed, and you empathized with their pain and struggle.

One other character stood out for me, Trina. Trina, Monica's best friend, had faced her own struggles with sin. Her struggle and eventual deliverance made her an empathetic and accepting Christian. This was another little nugget in My Soul Cries Out: Temper your judgments of others with total recall of where God brought you from.

My Soul Cries Out is edgy, funny, and REAL. It's not a story you'll soon forget.

All I can say is "Wow" and watch out for Sherri Lewis! What an awesome book. You know you've read a powerful story when the author can get you to change your thinking about something you so strongly held a position about. Sherri showed us the human being behind the pain and I appreciate her for helping me grow as a Christian about a very touchy subject in the church. I can't wait to see more by this very talented new addition to Christian Fiction.

Christians or Church Folks?

This story was well written and flowed along nicely making it easy to read. It captivated and held my attention from the first sentence.
Ms. Davis covered a lot of issues in this Christian Lit read. It made me wonder how many of the believers in my life are Christians...living and walking Christ like...or Church Folks...just going through the motions...to me there is a difference.

Believing, faithfulness, forgiveness, fornication, greed (Bishop Walker),honesty, redemption, repenting and most of all trusting were issues that she addressed. She even addressed different forms of believing and worshipping, not many Christian Lit books do that without bashing.

Monica and Kevin Day are a young Christian couple married for 2 years. Happy and enjoying each other they're the apple of each other's eyes. Life could not be better until Monica catches the love of her life in bed with another man. Shocking!

What I found more shocking was the reaction and the actions of Bishop Walker...how he knew about Kevin and what it deemed from and he failed to encourage Kevin to bring it up during the pre marital counseling he administered to Monica and Kevin...how he thought that he could "counsel" them and everything would be alright...Monica would get over this transgression and move along with their marriage. How he felt that image and in losing Kevin his membership and finances would suffer.

The wrongdoing of elders in the church scarred Kevin early in his life for life...believing he was healed and demons had been cast away because Bishop Walker said so Kevin ends up losing almost everything, even his life...

Bishop Walker's (Church Folk) counseling and Monica's (Christian) reasoning Kevin has to make a decision so he can get his life and wife back.

I always wondered what the difference was between Christians and Church Folks...this book gave me a great example and makes me think about who are what in my life.

3.75-4.00*s
Reviewed by G Lou for WDS Book Club.