Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Let Go and Let God, August 12, 2006
"If we release the pain of our past to God, He will give us the strength to recall our past without experiencing the anger or depression that was once associated with it." So says a wise woman to Cassidy, who has been keeping a secret for many years. A secret that affects her mental and physical well-being, as well as her relationship with Trevor. Trevor, a widower with two children, has his own secret, too. When Trevor meets Cassidy, he falls in love with her, and he does reveal his secret and releases his pain. However, all the love that Trevor has for Cassidy does not help Cassidy reveal and release her pain. Cassidy cannot do that which she needs to do--forgive others and ultimately, herself.
Elliott writes an engaging and emotional story on the difficulty of forgiving and forgetting. Cassidy's and Trevor's secrets are real and believable. Their difficulty to forgive and forget is very real. Other characters in the story add to the credibility and reality of the story. For example, the pastor and his wife are very sincere and caring folks who really try to counsel and help their members. Lena, Dunbar, and other long-term friends are just as sincere and caring. The women who want Trevor behave like women who will do just about anything to get a man. The events and plot in the story are well developed. However, for those of you who like action-driven stories instead of character-driven stories you may think Elliott drags the pacing of the story. For those of you who like character-driven stories, you will appreciate the character development. Elliott's effective use of the omniscient point of view gives us both Trevor's and Cassidy's thoughts and feelings, helping the reader identify with and understand their perspectives. The prayers and scriptures are appropriate and integrated well in the story. The Bible gives us many stories and scriptures to help us let go and let God. Elliott writes a good story that will help you, too.
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Forgetting is the hard part, July 26, 2006
Sometimes forgiveness is an easy thing to mete out especially if you don't mean it, but the true test is forgetting and moving on. We say we can forgive and move on, but most times, remembering is what keeps us stuck in one place unable to move. In FORGIVIN' AIN'T FORGETTIN', author Mata Elliott introduces us to Cassidy Beckett. She has a secret that has caused her to carry around a load of guilt making it impossible for her to enjoy love in her life. In order to massage her guilt-ridden circumstance, she has simply immersed herself in her job and her church, thinking they will eventually ease the burden. This changes when she meets Trevor Monroe and the wall she has maintained for so long starts to crumble.
Trevor is a handsome, virile man of God who has lost the center of his world. His beloved wife, Brenda, was suddenly taken from him and his children. He is now living as a single parent, trying to fend off the single sisters in the church, and living with a personal decision that has affected his relationship with his girls. When Cassidy's aunt Odessa offers them a safe haven after fire damaged their house, Trevor's life also takes an astonishing turn. He meets Cassidy and an immediate connection is felt. That connection has Trevor finally thinking about a woman other than his late wife. Unfortunately, before the two of them can come together, old wounds need to be healed. But, will either one be able to take the steps necessary to begin the healing process?
Elliott has written an eloquent story about forgiveness and where it all begins. She very nicely shows us through her writing and her characters that it begins with self. Forgetting may be hard to do, but once you learn to forgive yourself it becomes easier to handle. I enjoyed the cast of characters in this book, for each had a story that left an imprint on me. Elliott covers the full gamut of issues relating to forgiveness, relationships, and how God's miracle working power can work through each of us even when we least expect it. She really showed us that nothing is ever cut and dried when it comes to our spiritual lives. It takes a lot of soul-searching, prayer and constantly walking in step with God at all times. Thumbs up to Elliott.
Reviewed by Brenda M. Lisbon
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Truly Wonderful, Well-Written Read!, June 13, 2006
This debut novel is gentle and poignant, exploring intimate issues of the heart and dealing with pain from the past. There are many life-changing and thought-provoking messages in this story, which is brought to life by a richly developed cast of characters, and plots that turn and twist from beginning to end. I found myself falling in love with the writing itself, as Ms. Elliott brings much grace and eloquence to her craft. A discussion-worthy book, I did not want the story to end and can't wait for her next novel!
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