The Other Side of Goodness

Blessed Trinity #7

by Vanessa Davis Griggs

After seven years of marriage, Paris Simmons-Holyfield and her husband, Andrew, are still childless. Now Paris is determined to adopt orphaned nine-year-old Jasmine Noble. Trouble is, Jasmine's in the custody of ex-stripper Gabrielle Mercedes. Worse, Andrew is vehemently against the idea--and he's not alone. Paris's father, Lawrence Simmons, a powerful politician, has vowed to shut his daughter down. The only man to even dare be on Paris's side is shady Darius Connors. Unemployed and not quite out of the dog house with his wife, Darius is more than happy to help the beautiful, vulnerable, yet undeterred Paris. . .


Paris has her suspicions about why her husband and her father are so opposed to the adoption. But the reality is far more scandalous than she imagines. To get to the bottom of it, she'll have to deal with blackmail from the last person she ever expected--and battle Gabrielle, who'll fight with everything she's got--including the truth. Soon, all involved will learn just what's on the other side of dare. . .

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian, Fiction

296 pages, Paperback

First published July 31, 2012

About the author

Vanessa Davis Griggs is the author of novels: DESTINY UNLIMITED, THE ROSE OF JERICHO, PROMISES BEYOND JORDAN, WINGS OF GRACE, BLESSED TRINITY, STRONGHOLDS, IF MEMORY SERVES and PRACTICING WHAT YOU PREACH, GOODNESS AND MERCY, THE TRUTH IS THE LIGHT, RAY OF HOPE,, REDEEMING WATERS, FOREVER SOUL TIES, THE OTHER SIDE OF GOODNESS, THE OTHER SIDE OF DARE, THE OTHER SIDE OF DIVINE, STEELY GRAY and COUNTLESS BLESSINGS.

Visit my Web site at: www.VanessaDavisGriggs.com"

Reviews

[Arlena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author: Vanessa Davis Griggs
Published By: Kensington Books
Age Recommended: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 5


Review:

"The Other Side Of Goodness" by Vanessa Davis Griggs never ceases to amaze me. Ms. Griggs' novel seem to really be right what you need to hear...about trust, love, divorce, politics, health issues....'bone marrow transplant,' breast cancer and above all the love of God. Definitely this was a Christian fiction that gets right to the heart. To see how Ms. Gabrielle has given her heart to the Lord was simply wonderful. Just seeing how she handles all that is going on around her was just beautiful in how this author has Gabrielle so well focused on doing the right thing.


The characters... from Gabrielle.. Zachary, Pastor Landris, Johnnie Mae Landris,Congressman Lawrence Simmons, Malachi, Paris, Imani, Dedra, William, Jessica to Jasmine and many others... made this novel such a wonderful read.


From the Author..."It’s been eight years since Gabrielle Mercedes gave up her baby for adoption. But when she learns the child desperately needs a bone marrow transplant, she doesn’t hesitate to contact the congressman. Like Lawrence, Gabrielle will fight for what she wants, even if it means the truth could ruin someone else’s life and career…." Now, I know that makes you want to pick up this wonderful read to see just what it is all about. You will not be disappointed!


"The Other Side of Goodness" was truly a enjoyable ride that you will not be able to put down until the end... definitely showing how God can take a sinner and put them on the other side of 'goodness.'


I recommend this book to all who would like to see how one can change and truly be of help to those in need.

[Alana · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Book received for free from GoodReads First Reads*

I did not realize this was the 7th in a series when I won it (it wasn't advertised that way or I would not have entered) so I felt like I was jumping in to the middle of a story. Thankfully, the kind of storytelling that normally annoys me in a series, the constantly referring to events that took place in the earlier novels, really helped explain things. But it is obvious that the story will continue after this installment, so I did not really have closure for a big portion of the story, so my thoughts on it are not complete.

I was surprised that an author that has published so many books and seems to have such a following would have such poor writing. Every character is introduced with full first, middle and last names and ages. That is writing I would expect from a middle-school student or books written for young adults, at best. The main plot is certainly an interesting idea, and when the focus was on that part of the story, the book flowed along very quickly. I had a difficult time getting into it in the beginning, and after the first 90 pages was really struggling. I enjoyed the story much more as the plot began to finally move along and I found myself getting caught up in the outcome of these characters. It was a little on the overly preachy side, although I by no means mind having Christian morals and biblical concepts portrayed in books. Some of it just got overwhelming. I did particularly like, however, the portrayal of the church group, the love shown to people of less-than-upright backgrounds. Griggs clearly shows that all of us have a past of one sort or another and to continue to judge us on the past is unfair and silly, considering all of us have something we are not proud of. Her honest portrayal of the less than perfect "Christians" attending many churches was also remarkably refreshing, as many times Christian literature shies away from showing flawed church members, trying to show themselves as better than the average person. The honesty of faults within all humans is refreshing and true.

I will probably not be reading any more of Ms. Griggs novels, just because the writing is really irritating, but the story concepts themselves are true to life and very engaging.

[Sheena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book from a First Reads giveaway on Goodreads. I'm not typically a Christian Fiction reader, but the storyline sounded great, so I decided to enter and won! This book was such a fast read for me. I was so interested from the very beginning, I could not put it down!! Gabrielle was such an inspirational character. She had been through so much in her lifetime. When the daughter she gave up for adoption 8 years ago ends up needing a bone marrow transplant, she tries to do whatever possible to get the biological father to get tested. Lawrence, the father, is a jerk politician who is up for re-election. If this comes out, it could hurt his campaign and he doesn't want his wife and kids to find out either.

This book tells a wonderful story and shows how people's faith in God can bring them through some tough times no matter the outcome. The ending of this book is abrupt, so I assume there will be another in the series. I highly recommend this book and author and I cannot wait to check out some of her other books. After I read this, I discovered there is a book before this one with another part of Gabrielle's story that you'd want to read first. That book is called Goodness and Mercy. Check them out!

http://www.hoteatsandcoolreads.com/20...

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book for free from the Goodread's First Reads giveaway.

I rated the book 3/5 on this website; if the website would allow I would of given it a 3.5/5.

"The Other Side of Goodness" is a Christian fiction book which is book number 7 of "The Trinity Series". The book was not advertised that way when I entered the contest. This is my first book that I read by the author; usually I like to start at the beginning of a series instead of jumping into the middle of a series.

Overall the book was good; some parts were well written, there were interesting characters and a great plot. I have no problem with books that show people's different perspectives on religion, politics, etc.

This book did mention the word God/Lord way too many times in it. There is nothing wrong with having religion in a book but when it is too repetitive it becomes a little uninteresting and boring. I believe in Chapter 10 the word God/Lord was used 25 times. Other things in the novel were a little repetitive as well and the book was a little slow moving.

But besides all that it was overall a good read. I am curious to see what happens in the next book of the series. I recommend this book to people that enjoy a relaxing slow-moving read with a good plot!

[Pearl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the story the Author did an amazing job with character description, the flow of the storyline kept you engaged the entire time. There were compelling moments, laughter, anger, tears, death and life given. Great story.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoyable read. This book touches on so many relevant topics in our society today from politics to bone marrow transplants.

[Tonya]

Great Book!!! I Love it..

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this novel as I have all the others. They are very spiritual and uplifting.
Gabrielle found out about her daughter needing a transplants, but she wasn't a match so she went to the biological father, and asked for his help but he didn't believe he was the father.
So Gabrielle told him that it could help his campaign and he was all for it then, but after he got tested he found out that he would not be a good match but he was definitely the father.
Down in the novel it did get sad and will have you crying.
People look at Christians these days and they're not seeing us exemplifying the love of Christ like we should be doing..
"The other side of goodness is the Lord fighting your battle"
Praise the Lord.

[Donna Campbell-Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting

I just can not get enough of Ms. Davis-Griggs. This series is awesome and reading it from the start has drawn me in. I found myself feeling for the characters especially Gabrielle Mercedes and how her relationship with God has been the foundation for her life as a whole.
You will not be disappointed

[Lorri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok I liked this book, but honestly could it be the end and not the beginning of another book.

After reading the whole thing I was so disappointed there was no ending. Great story of redeeming your life. Just wish the author would have finished the story

[JayBee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Plot and characterization is not credible. Author needs to complete more research on issues of adoption and statutory rape as they relate to various counties in the U.S.

[Natasha Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ending was definitely a cliffhanger that made you want to read more to find out what happened next!

[Sarita Napoleon-Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Vanessa has outdone herself. I can’t wait to get to the next book in the series.

[Lillie Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read like all the other books of Vanessa Davis Griggs. She is a very good writer.

[Nicole Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like the story. When I got to the end I realized it was a series. This is #7. I've got some catching up to do. Love the characters.

[Kimberly Mcwhite]

this is book 8 in the series. enjoyed to the fullest

[Candace · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this up really hoping it was good so I could have a good African American Christian fiction author to enjoy. That didn't really happen. I enjoyed the story initially; the premise was really engaging. I was happy when I picked up the book initially because it seemed to be a stand alone novel. While I realized this wasn't the case, I didn't feel like I missed any vital info by not reading the previous books The middle of the initial plot was a little weird for me; Lawrence's hesitation on involving his kids and his resulting actions didn't seem totally consistent. The next plot or part of the main plot I did not see coming and didn't really like. It was too much drama after the bone marrow donor part of the plot. The ending was terrible because a huge problem was started but the readers are left until the next book to see what happens. Aside from the fact that the problem doesn't make sense in the first place, I don't like the cliffhanger. I now have to read the following book to see what happens but I don't want to get sucked into another subplot or cliffhanger ending. The characters were goood, except for Paris and her brother. There was nothing likable about her. I can appreciate her struggle to have kids but she was a terrible person. Lawrence's actions were typical of someone in his position and situation. I loved Imani and Zachary. The writing style was okay. There were some random trips down memory lane in the middle of a conversation, happening in the character's mind, that were disconcerting because it took away from the present moment. The writing is also unnecessarily descriptive. The first time Paris is introduced, there are oddly specific details about her hair color and length and so on. When I read an excerpt of the prequel to this novel, the description of Gabrielle's car was about four details too long, given its lack of importance. I might read the next book, if she has written it.

[Adrienna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading only a third of the book, I surely get the reason for the title. We get to see another side of "Goodness" which is a former stripper name of Gabrielle Mercedes Booker. Even if you have not read the previous books in the series, you still will be able to know what is going on. This is one thing I love about this author. However, I have read the previous books and loved "Goodness and Mercy" then read "The Truth is the Light" now this book that follows "Other Side of Dare".

I am surely hoping for the best for Jasmine (which is also my cat's name that I love so dearly). She is an innocent vessel and a nearly nine-year-old child who needs a bone marrow transplant. She needs a donor fast but her biological mother, Gabrielle, isn't a match. She goes to the man who is responsible for the conception, and wondering if he is more concerned about his name/reputation, politics to get a place in office, or more so what others will think in the long run.

I also still want the best for dear Gabby, get the prince in the doctor's office, Dr. Zack. (Have much more to bit into and read to see....)

Leisure read, 2014. 3.5 stars. (Not easy to rate this one for me, some touchy moments and happy ending).

Adrienna Turner
Author of God is in the Equation
www.dream4more.org

[Cynthia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my second reading of a book by this author. Previously I rated the first book in the series and then, in this book, jumped to book seven. I share this because the minor concerns that I had with the first book were resolved in this offering. Gabrielle is a recently saved woman on a mission. She is desperately trying to convince an unscrupulous, powerful man to own up to the fact that he fathered a child 9 years earlier who now needs a stem cell transplant to survive. We learn the full story as these two characters think back on their initial meeting and all that has happened in the ensuing years. The characters are well defined and while you can tell that this story is part of a series, enough detail is interwoven into the story so that you do not feel lost. This is Christian fiction at its best and this time not too heavy handed. I appreciated the scriptural references. There are some choppy parts with various characters that are intriguing enough that I will probably go back and read the other books in the series. This story however, is nicely told. The book has a satisfying ending with a mildly annoying tease of a cliffhanger. A good book club read with questions included.

[Rebecca Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Goodreads for this book! I love reading inspirational Christian fiction and this book delivers. Gabrielle realizes that the baby she gave up so many years ago needs her help. The birth father, who may be a donor match, is worried that his current family and that the public might find out about their illegitimate child. He is a politician who is less than thrilled to get involved. Gabrielle is only trying to do what is right. This book is an emotional roller coaster, but worth the read. It reminds us that God is with us. He loves us. He is always near to see us through our struggles. We just need to have faith in him. I look forward to reading more books by this author, especially in this series.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another GREAT Book. This is an interesting book and I am so glad I have the next book in the series already. Paris is a trip and I cant wait to see what she is going to do next...The truth is truly going to come to light. I'm starting the next book..."The Other Side of Dare" today! Vanessa Davis Griggs is a disciple on a mission, READ HER BOOKS!!!

[Loretta · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book seems to end before the story is finished so I'm wondering if there is a followup. I think it is part of a series and I just jumped into this one without realizing it. A story of power, coverups, extreme selfishness and the opposite story of a changed life, selfless giving.

[Monica White · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a bit disappointed to find that this is in the middle, or so, of a series. I'm thinking I may never know how the story actually begins or ends.... I found that despite the twists in the plot, it is simply told.

[Nicole Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ooh lawd the Simmons family done got on my nerves! The only one I like is Imani. The other ones can kick rocks!

And, raggedy Darius is back! But he messing with the wrong folks. This is like a Christian soap opera!

Well, on the the next one... Lol

[Wanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by Vanessa Davis Grigg. I can't wait for her next release in December!

[Daphne James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Been a fan for years. Liked story BUT not a fan of the ending.

[Noreen Miller · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my preference for a good, Christian Romance. Too much politics and emphasis on indiscretion of a church official/politician.

[Carol Culver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

[LaJuana Jackson-Minnick]

I love it.

[Kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read