Practicing What You Preach (Paperback)

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Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Marcus Peeples seems like the perfect man for aspiring wedding planner Melissa Anderson. Marcus, a tall, handsome pharmaceutical salesperson, finally talks her into a date. Much to Melissa’s surprise, he doesn’t balk when she insists their first date will be at her Bible study class at Followers of Jesus Faith Worship Center. As time goes by, Melissa feels more and more drawn to Marcus. However, he’s divorced, and her beliefs won’t allow her to continue their relationship. Griggs has written a novel about African Americans trying their best to follow a faith-based life. Each of the 47 short chapters begins with a Bible verse, and questions for book-discussion groups are included. This is a romance for readers who like their books enhanced with religious teachings, and it will surely appeal to fans of Felicia Mason and Stacy Hawkins Adams. --Shelley Mosley

Product Description

Is it a sin to let a good man get away?

The wedding between Angela Gabriel and Brent Underwood promises to be the Birmingham event of the year--and aspiring event planner Melissa Anderson has been working feverishly to make it happen. During this hectic time, she even agrees to go out on a date with a most unlikely prospect: Marcus Peeples. When it came to Marcus, it definitely wasn't love at first sight. But after a lovely evening together of Bible study at Followers of Jesus Faith Worship Center, Melissa has a change of heart. She learns that Marcus is divorced, a fact she can't reconcile with scripture even though she knows he's a good man and father. But when Marcus's diva ex-wife decides she wants him back, Melissa soon discovers love, divorce, and faith have quite a bit in common.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 300 pages
• Publisher: Dafina; 1 edition (June 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0758232225
• ISBN-13: 978-0758232229
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #89,495 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Living as He Would, June 30, 2009

By	Jennifer Coissiere (Georgia) - See all my reviews

When growing up we would hear from the adults in our lives to do as they say not as they do. It was more the norm to do as they did than what they said. Some would say as Christians, we tend to follow the word of God while in the church itself. But once we are out, often the premise of the preaching is gone and we act like the rest of the community. Vanessa Davis Griggs used her main characters, Melissa Anderson and Marcus Peeples, along with her secondary characters, in Practicing What You Preach to show the abundant blessings and sheer joy a person can have if they walked the talk they shared with others.

Melissa, like many, has sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. But once she has rededicated her life to God, she prays for the things that she would like to have in her life including the man that should be her lifelong partner. When Marcus, a business acquaintance of her boss, shows interest in her Melissa tries to scare him off with a first date at Bible study. After having what was a great time, Melissa is the one trying to get away. What could Marcus have possibly said or done to make her not want to go out on a second date? Will Marcus be able to make it right?

When people believe wholeheartedly in something or someone, it is hard for them to let go of their belief. But sometimes if you stop trying so hard the thing you believe in will reveal itself in its true entirety. Melissa has a strong belief in what she thinks various scriptures in the Bible are referring to. However, if she is not willing to listen to the teachings of the word and live as God would have she will miss her blessings. I really enjoyed Practicing What You Preach. I read it in one day because I needed to know what was going to happen in the end, but also due to it being an easy and fast-paced story. It gets a little preachy at times, but to fully understand the message that Ms. Griggs offered through the characters the story had to be that way. I recommend Practicing What You Preach to readers who enjoy God's wisdom and words, wrapped around a good story.

Jennifer Coissiere
APOOO BookClub

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This Book Will Make You Do Your Research!, June 8, 2009

By	Million Dollar Book Reviews - See all my reviews

Reviewed by: Leandus Poe
CEO/Author/Critic
Titles: Strawberries and Blackberry Cheesecake
-Diminishing Love
Companies: Million Dollar Book Reviews
-Million Dollar Boys Cub, LLC

Practice What You Preach by Vanessa Davis Griggs receives
4.5 Diamonds <> <> <> <> <

First and foremost it was a very distinct pleasure meeting such an accomplished writer right here on Myspace. Vanessa Davis Griggs is an author and motivational speaker who adores the power of words both written and spoken. At the end of 1996, this former Bell South employee left 18 years of service and stepped out on faith. She left to pursue a life long dream of writing and motivational speaking. Her hard work and dedication has earned her numerous accomplishments as an author. In 2007 she was awarded the Arts and Letters Award from Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Birmingham Alabama Chapter. Additionally, in 2006 she was also the recipient of The Greater Birmingham Millennium Section National Counsel of Negro Women Inspiration Award, and 2004-2005 Jasper Outstanding Achievement Award.

Her most recent novel entitled "Practice What You Preach" was an exceptional read that demanded my attention and took me to church all at the same time. This novel took me on a biblical journey of understanding the many "misconceptions" of divorce.

Melissa Anderson, an aspiring event planner, try's her best to steer clear of men that just haven't measured up in the past. She is more into her career at this point but deep down inside secretly longs to meet Mr. Right. In the middle of planning a wedding for a popular couple in the city she meets Marcus Peeples, a gifted minister.

Melissa is torn between the strong feelings developing inside for Marcus but is also more spiritually compelled to live in accordance with God's will concerning the issue of divorce. She refuses to get serious with Marcus because she considers it adultery, fooling around with a divorced man.

Marcus being the gifted minister that he truly is, eventually breaks through the many barriers and false perceptions of divorce by holding a one on one bible class with Melissa. Not only did it clear up the misconception at the one on one bible study but it also began the connection of two souls destine to be together.

This novel has a variety of social issues to talk about in addition to the main story line. I found myself deeply connected to the content and inspired to find out and research more. This book will make you want to pick up your bible along with Marcus and Melissa and follow along.

Author's words to her fans...

"I can only hope you know how much I not only appreciate you, but respect you. You make what I do have greater meaning. Otherwise it's like a tree that falls in the forest---does it really make a sound? So I thank you from the bottom, top, and sides of my heart!"

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Breaking Generational Curses, May 28, 2009

By	Dream 4 More Book Reviews "Adrienna Turner" (Milwaukee, WI United States) - See all my reviews

Vanessa Davis Griggs has a blend of characters with social issues, baby mama drama, and unveiling faith. Characters are well-written that interweaves some generational curses that need to be broken, religiosity, judgmental believers, and genuine angels that step out of the norm. There are some characters you cannot help but love, and others question their motives when they realize they lost something good! Do not jump to other people opinions of you, do not be quick to anger, and loose what God brought in your life (divine connections, job, people, divine relationships and marriages, etc.).

Do not loose on the blessings God has for you! Break those generational curses, strongholds, and negativity in your life. This book lays it all out. It is a must-read. Practice what you Preach!

Thank you for entrusting us with your advance copy! Favorite characters are Marcus Peeples, his daughter Aaliyah, and these characters grew on me at the very end: Angela "Angel" Underwood and Arletha Brown (Black).

Dream 4 More Book Reviews,
Adrienna Turner