Customer Reviews

The Things We Do for Love

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If I had to give a one-line summation of Xavier Knight's The Things We Do For Love it would be "What we do in the dark will definitely come to light." With his re-entry to the literary game, C. Kelly Robinson, under pen Xavier Knight, delights readers with this uncloaked story of two couples, Jesse and Dionne Law and Coleman and Suzette Hill. Knight introduces readers to the playboy, Jesse, who eventually turns his life over to God after having lived a whirlwind, fast lane life in the secular music industry; innocent church girl, Dionne; perfect husband, Coleman and wife, Suzette. The seemingly happily married couples, at surface, have dark secrets that lie beneath. Through primary supporting characters, Vanessa, Adrian and Earl, readers are taken on a reading rollercoaster as they discover "the things people do for love."

As a member of a successful gospel singing group, a secret from Coleman's past threatens to destroy his livelihood, as well as the lives of fellow group members, one of which includes Jesse Law. After admitting his sin as well his convictions publicly, Coleman and Suzette's marriage is strained and tested in the worst way any woman can imagine. As for Jesse and Dionne, Dionne allows her emotional imbalance to drive her husband away. The separation proves to be a blessing and a curse. As the storyline develops, issues of homosexuality, infertility, infidelity and blackmail are introduced.
This book is a very good read and delves deep into the emotions of the characters and the attitudes of Christians and other support groups pertaining to the aforementioned issues. It was a very interesting, yet realistic novel. I recommend this novel and would consider other titles from this author.
Book Description

Ten years ago, Jesse Law was a twenty-year-old with the world at his feet. After surviving a painful, often lonely childhood as the youngest child in a music dynasty, he forged a high-profile career, blazing a path on the charts later followed by the likes of Usher and Justin Timberlake. Those heady times are far in the past now, and Jesse's life is far richer thanks to his emerging values, the love of his wife, Dionne, and a lower-key but fulfilling career as lead singer of the gospel group. As far as he has come, though, Jesse's days are burdened by a shameful reality.

The Things We Do for Love by Xavier Knight is an inside look at what goes on in the gospel music industry, marriages and families. Jesse Law was born into a well-known family of gospel singers, The Laws. As a rebellious youngster, he decided to take a different path becoming a rhythm and blues singer. For several years, he was only interested in sex and rock and roll. However, a couple of chance encounters with spiritual, beautiful, chaste Dionne Favors just might change his life.

Dionne Favors spent her life studying and following God's word as closely as she could. She always knew her life would lead her to the ministry, to spread God's word. A couple of meetings with the infamous musician, Jesse Law, prove that life does not always work out as planned. After meeting him a third time by chance, she finds herself falling in love with him, and he with her. After marrying, they spend several years in wedded bliss. Jesse becomes saved, a moderately successful gospel musician and Dionne becomes a minister. There is one major thing standing in the way of their happiness. Dionne is unable to conceive and several adoptions fall through. Their inability to have a child affects Dionne's mental health and the stability of their marriage. When they finally find a child to adopt, there are secrets surrounding the identity of the child that could ruin their lives.

While the Laws are going through family trials, Jesse's singing group is also facing storms. A reporter has been working on writing a tribute to the group. However, she is uncovering secrets and rumors that could potentially ruin everything the quartet worked so hard to achieve.

The Things We Do for Love is a well-written, multi-layered novel about family, faith, friendship and forgiveness. I recommend this novel to all readers who enjoy novels that will have them thinking for hours after they are done reading.

Angelia Menchan
APOOO BookClub

This is a twisted tale about individuals who consider themselves Christian, yet are involved in infidelity and homosexual relations. What is really thought provoking is the self righteousness that is expressed by some of the characters in the tale and how people like to rank sin.
It is really a topic for discussion and really helps one understand how individuals process the same information differently. what is remarkable about the characters is that after their initial reaction to the issues they seem to be able to work through them and develop a level of understanding through dialog and consideration for the others point of view. The story is well written with a lot of intrigue and mystery.
Definately a good conversation piece.

THE THINGS WE DO FOR LOVE takes readers on a ride into the lives of two couples whose Christian beliefs are tested as the secrets in their relationships are revealed. The secrets will cause heartache and it is going to take faith for them to overcome the trials they must face. And the result of these secrets has far-reaching implications.

Jesse Law is a former R&B singer who has found his way back to gospel music and is married to Dionne, who is a minister and was influential in guiding him back to the covenant of God. However, their marriage has had its ups and downs, one being infertility, but God has now blessed them with a child to adopt. It is this child who will test the Law's marriage.

Coleman Hill is one part of the gospel group he helped build with Jesse. His life has been inspirational and his marriage and three lovely children is enviable. However, his past harbors a secret, that even his wife, Suzette, may not be able to move past. Being the devoted husband and father may not be enough when Coleman's secret is revealed.

With the scriptures as part of the justifications and implemented throughout this story, readers will be forced to examine their own beliefs in regards to homosexuality, adultery, judgment of others and religion. The characters were realistic, even if I found them to be judgmental at times. The arguments presented will engage readers and will continue to grab their attention until the final chapter. Learning to separate the sin from the person seemed to be an overall theme, but knowing it may take time to move past the issues was real. Although the story began slowly, the questions asked increased the pacing. Xavier Knight has penned a novel that will be perfect for any book club discussion. Those familiar with his writing as C. Kelly Robinson, will be in for a surprise at the new direction for this author in THE THINGS WE DO FOR LOVE.

Reviewed by Cashana Seals
of The RAWSISTAZ(tm) Reviewers

Jesse Law grew up lonely as the youngest sibling in the first family of music. He became the most famous member of the Law brood with many hits by the time he turned twenty-year-old.

A decade later, his rise to the top is in his past. Yet he feels the happiest he ever has been due to his beloved wife Minister Dionne Favor and performing as lead singer of a gospel group. The both want a child, but she has not been able to conceive so they decide to adopt, but by doing so a skeleton hidden in his closet threatens their relationship as do secrets the media reveals about his friend and teammate Coleman Hill, the perfect husband and father. The media threatens to destroy everyone he cherishes.

This is a profound Christian drama in which devoted pious people face personal and family crisis. The key characters are fully developed so that fans will wonder whether Dionne can live up to the first half of the mantra to forgive is human; because she is human , to forget is divine seems out of reach once she knows Jesse's secret, but also realizes the child should not be the victim. A secondary subplot involving homosexuality and Christianity needs to be required reading for those who demonize sexual preference. Throughout the well written character driven story line is the underlying message that people make mistakes, but God is forgiving so why can't we forgive ourselves, our loved ones, and even strangers.

Harriet Klausner

In The Things We Do For Love, Xavier Knight takes us into the lives of two married couples, the husbands, both members of a gospel group.

Jesse and Dionne Law have endured a lot as a married couple. Jesse is trying to put his past life as a successful R&B singer behind him. As the lead singer of a hot gospel group, Jesse appears to have his life on track. Can he maintain the steady road while keeping secrets that could rock the success of his group and destroy the very core of his marriage to Dionne.

Dionne has landed a job in the ministry that she believes will allow her a platform to better spread the word. Will Dionne be able to maintain her new job while trying to save her best friend Suzette's marriage, and dealing with the real story behind her adopted son.

Suzzette is married to Coleman, a member of Gospel sensation, Men with a Message, along with Jesse. Their perfect life is shattered by a secret that rocks the very core of what their marriage is based on. Coleman tries to come to grips with his exposed secret and the madness that begins to unfold as the layers of his secret are exposed. Suzette is busy questioning what she knows about herself and what the future holds for her marriage.

The Things We Do for Love is thought provoking novel , tackling issues of homosexuality, infidelity and the prejudice. Addressing the stances that the church, friends, family and the media may takes on during scandal, it is sure to have you wondering what you would do if faced with such situations. The story line is captivating. I recommend this book to Christian Fiction fans willing to think outside of the box on very controversial subject matters. This would also be a great book club read as the story and conclusion make for great debate.

Contemporary reader fans will enjoy this book. This page turner is a quick read. Looking for a little drama, this book fits the bill.

Reviewed by Lashonda
For Sexy Ebony Book Club Reviews

I don't have much to say about this book, I thought that it was going to be very interesting, but not so. I tried so hard to finish it, but I just couldn't. I haven't read any of previous books, I believe this is his first urban christian fiction, and maybe I'm just not a fan of this type of fiction..oh well

"The Things We Do For Love" by Xavier Knight is an inside look at what goes on behind the closed doors of the church. We delve into the lives of Jesse who has turned his life around and lives his life according to the word of God, or so we think. Dionne Favors spends her life as a good Christian woman. She knew she was going to be a vessel to teach and help others in their walk in life. Dionne and Jesse have what appears to be a perfect life to those looking at them from the outside. Will the skeletons in the closet be too much for this couple to overcome? And can God forgive us for our mistakes?

Hold onto your seats as readers are taken through a tale of lies, infidelity, friendship and forgiveness. "The Things We Do For Love" is a very good read that will have you taking a hard look at yourself in the mirror. It carries a strong message about the art of forgiveness versus the human flesh.



Reviewed by: Nikki

Jesse Law was at the top of the R&B music charts and enjoyed the fruits of a successful career. It is now ten years later and Jesse is now married to his loving wife Dionne. He is now enjoying a second music career as the lead singer of a gospel group. But Jesse's past comes back to haunt him when he tries to adopt a baby with his wife. Jesse is not the only person in this story with skeletons in their closet. Jesse's friend and fellow lead singer Coleman Hill is being outed for having a homosexual past. Coleman now has to find a way to save his marriage and his career. Will Jesse and Coleman be able to rise above their past and still come out on top?

The Things We Do For Love is a thought-provoking novel by Xavier Knight (a.k.a. C. Kelly Robinson). Knight shows the transformation of an R&B music star entering into the world of gospel music. You will see how Jesse and Dionne's sometimes rocky relationship has evolved over the years. You will also feel the uncertainty in Coleman and Suzette's marriage. With both of these marriages in obvious turmoil, it will have you questioning what you would do in their situations. Knight also properly addressed the topic of gay Christians and how churches need to have open dialogue about this. The Things We Do For Love is spiritually enlightening and awe-inspiring. This is a good start to Xavier Knight's Christian fiction career.

Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert
for Urban Reviews

I *thoroughly* enjoyed this book, and would wholeheartedly recommend it. It is a rare book that hooks you at the very beginning, keeps you engaged throughout, and finishes with an ending that's realistic and believable, but not expected or obvious.

I especially appreciated that the book strikes the perfect balance of thought-provoking themes with a moving plot. So many novels are one or the other -- great ideas that make you ponder, but with action so slow you can't bring yourself to read through the end, or at the other extreme, an amazing plot that entertains but doesn't really engage you as a reader. This book struck a great balance -- your thoughts will linger long after you've put down the book for the night, but you're eager to pick it up again the next day since you're completely drawn in to the plot.

All in all, it's a great read addressing thought-provoking issues. I highly recommend it.