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Never Say Never
In this emotionally charged and inspiring novel, a passionate and dangerous love affair threatens to destroy both a marriage and a friendship.
When Miriam’s fireman husband, Chauncey, dies in a school fire, Miriam feels like her life is over. How is she going to raise her three children all by herself? How will she survive without the love of her life? Luckily, Miriam’s sister-friend Emily—and Emily’s husband, Jamal—are there to comfort her. As Chauncey’s best friend, Jamal is happy to step in and help Miriam with the funeral and her children, and he gives her hope that she has a future. But all the time that they spend together—grieving, sharing, and reminiscing—brings the two closer in ways they never planned, and they soon find themselves in the middle of a heated affair.
Lost in the fog of grief and lust, neither is even sure if their passionate affair is real. While Jamal is filled with guilt, sure that this new relationship is all about loss, Miriam believes that she is in love. But then, Emily finds out, and Emily and Jamal have to deal with this woman scorned—and her hunger for revenge. In this tangle of love, longing, and loyalty, can any of the relationships survive?
When Miriam’s fireman husband, Chauncey, dies in a school fire, Miriam feels like her life is over. How is she going to raise her three children all by herself? How will she survive without the love of her life? Luckily, Miriam’s sister-friend Emily—and Emily’s husband, Jamal—are there to comfort her. As Chauncey’s best friend, Jamal is happy to step in and help Miriam with the funeral and her children, and he gives her hope that she has a future. But all the time that they spend together—grieving, sharing, and reminiscing—brings the two closer in ways they never planned, and they soon find themselves in the middle of a heated affair.
Lost in the fog of grief and lust, neither is even sure if their passionate affair is real. While Jamal is filled with guilt, sure that this new relationship is all about loss, Miriam believes that she is in love. But then, Emily finds out, and Emily and Jamal have to deal with this woman scorned—and her hunger for revenge. In this tangle of love, longing, and loyalty, can any of the relationships survive?
384 pages, Paperback
First published June 4, 2013
31 people are currently reading
618 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Christopher Murray
68 books2,366 followersVictoria Christopher Murray is the author of nine Essence bestselling novels, including The Ex Files; Too Little, Too Late; and Lady Jasmine. Winner of the African American Literary Award for Fiction and Author of the Year (Female).
She has received numerous awards including the Golden Pen Award for Best Inspirational Fiction and the Phyllis Wheatley Trailblazer Award for being a pioneer in African American Fiction. Since 2007, Victoria has won nine African American Literary Awards for best novel, best Christian fiction and Author of the Year — Female. After four nominations, Victoria finally won an NAACP Image Award in Outstanding Literary Work for her social commentary novel, Stand Your Ground.
Victoria splits her time between Los Angeles and Washington DC.
She has received numerous awards including the Golden Pen Award for Best Inspirational Fiction and the Phyllis Wheatley Trailblazer Award for being a pioneer in African American Fiction. Since 2007, Victoria has won nine African American Literary Awards for best novel, best Christian fiction and Author of the Year — Female. After four nominations, Victoria finally won an NAACP Image Award in Outstanding Literary Work for her social commentary novel, Stand Your Ground.
Victoria splits her time between Los Angeles and Washington DC.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
September 21, 2021
This book really makes you think...
In reading the notes at the end, I appreciate VCM for stepping outside of her comfort zone and penning a character from a different race. She will go on to do this again in "Stand your Ground", another book centered on race relations.
This novel makes a good book club read because the topic itself is hotly debatable. Is there ever a "good" time to have an affair? How are the different ways to deal with grief?
In reading the notes at the end, I appreciate VCM for stepping outside of her comfort zone and penning a character from a different race. She will go on to do this again in "Stand your Ground", another book centered on race relations.
This novel makes a good book club read because the topic itself is hotly debatable. Is there ever a "good" time to have an affair? How are the different ways to deal with grief?
June 2, 2013
Complex Loss
Miriam and Emily have been best friends since college, where what started as a roommate situation turned into something more like sisterhood. Marriage, children, careers and years later their friendship is as strong as ever. That bond is tested when Miriam’s husband Chauncey, a fireman, loses his life in a fire and Miriam and Emily’s husband, Jamal who is also a fireman and Chauncey’s best friend, turn to each other for comfort and understanding.
In Victoria Christopher Murray’s “Never Say Never,” loyalties are tested. The inevitability of change is examined. The harsh realities of life are faced. From start to finish, it maintains an emotional tone swinging from the joys of friendship to its aches and pains. Murray’s characters do not live in a world of simple choices and answers. The storyline unearths the gray area.
Murray weaves a moving tale as each woman tells her story. Readers can’t help but become emotionally invested and divided with their empathy. While written in simple and concise language, it’s the events and people that make this story a complicated and layered one.
Engrossing, compelling and memorable, “Never Say Never” is one of the best books of the year so far.
Reviewed by: Toni
Miriam and Emily have been best friends since college, where what started as a roommate situation turned into something more like sisterhood. Marriage, children, careers and years later their friendship is as strong as ever. That bond is tested when Miriam’s husband Chauncey, a fireman, loses his life in a fire and Miriam and Emily’s husband, Jamal who is also a fireman and Chauncey’s best friend, turn to each other for comfort and understanding.
In Victoria Christopher Murray’s “Never Say Never,” loyalties are tested. The inevitability of change is examined. The harsh realities of life are faced. From start to finish, it maintains an emotional tone swinging from the joys of friendship to its aches and pains. Murray’s characters do not live in a world of simple choices and answers. The storyline unearths the gray area.
Murray weaves a moving tale as each woman tells her story. Readers can’t help but become emotionally invested and divided with their empathy. While written in simple and concise language, it’s the events and people that make this story a complicated and layered one.
Engrossing, compelling and memorable, “Never Say Never” is one of the best books of the year so far.
Reviewed by: Toni
June 4, 2013
Chauncey and Jamal are best friends who share the same profession of being firefighters and happen to have wives that have been best friends (more like sisters) since their college days. This foursome has a strong bond and friendship that is quite solid until Chauncey dies in a school fire. Miriam, Chauncey's widow, turns more towards Jamal for comfort than her girlfriend Emily and the issues begin.
"Michellelee asked me if were sleeping together and I didn't tell her anything. She asked if you were the one who was here the other day and I told her no, but she didn't believe me and I think she knows. She knows it was you and..."
Obviously as a reader, I already knew that Miriam and Jamal were having an affair but to read this is how Emily finds out still brought emotion out of me. Can you imagine you're riding in the car with your husband, you see your best's friend name come across the Bluetooth screen so you answer, and she immediately starts saying these things??? Boy, oh boy! And, I will leave it at that!
Never Say Never by Victoria Christopher Murray truly makes you think is there a time/situation when adultery, infidelity, and deceit are acceptable. Is there sometimes a justified explanation for our behavior and choices? Or, is it right and wrong without the possibility of wrong but I really have a good reason?
Victoria Christopher Murray is one of my most favorite authors because she consistently makes the reader think and there is always an element of Christian principles to her writing. Her characters are always memorable and will stay with you long after putting the book down. And, she does not disappoint with Never Say Never as it is one of the BEST books I have read so far in 2013!!!
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of Never Say Never from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
See full post including interview with author at: http://tiffanytalksbooks.com/book-rev...
"Michellelee asked me if were sleeping together and I didn't tell her anything. She asked if you were the one who was here the other day and I told her no, but she didn't believe me and I think she knows. She knows it was you and..."
Obviously as a reader, I already knew that Miriam and Jamal were having an affair but to read this is how Emily finds out still brought emotion out of me. Can you imagine you're riding in the car with your husband, you see your best's friend name come across the Bluetooth screen so you answer, and she immediately starts saying these things??? Boy, oh boy! And, I will leave it at that!
Never Say Never by Victoria Christopher Murray truly makes you think is there a time/situation when adultery, infidelity, and deceit are acceptable. Is there sometimes a justified explanation for our behavior and choices? Or, is it right and wrong without the possibility of wrong but I really have a good reason?
Victoria Christopher Murray is one of my most favorite authors because she consistently makes the reader think and there is always an element of Christian principles to her writing. Her characters are always memorable and will stay with you long after putting the book down. And, she does not disappoint with Never Say Never as it is one of the BEST books I have read so far in 2013!!!
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of Never Say Never from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
See full post including interview with author at: http://tiffanytalksbooks.com/book-rev...
June 22, 2013
Never Say Never by Victoria Christopher Murray - 5 Stars
Three friends - Miriam, Emily, and MichelleLee - met in college and have a sisterly bond that seems unbreakable. So who are they? Miriam is living her dream life in love with her soulmate (Chauncey, a fire man) and stay-at-home mother of three boys. Emily is a well-known child psychologist that gave up her wealthy family connection when she married Jamal (Chauncey's best friend and also a fire fighter). MichelleLee is living it up as a single award winning TV journalist living large in LA. They were enjoying their weekly lunch when MichelleLee got a breaking news call that would change their lives forever.
Murray has outdone herself with this multicultural storyline. This story has it all - romance, sorrow, love, friendship, and deep connections with family. The flashbacks offer background to the story illustrating how they came to enjoy the lives they live. The initial drama happens in the first few pages and left me next to tears throughout the entire novel. I believe the idea of dealing with the death of a spouse is overwhelming and you can "Never Say" what you wouldn't do. This is a must read for anyone with a heart. Thanks VCM for sharing your love of writing with the world.
Three friends - Miriam, Emily, and MichelleLee - met in college and have a sisterly bond that seems unbreakable. So who are they? Miriam is living her dream life in love with her soulmate (Chauncey, a fire man) and stay-at-home mother of three boys. Emily is a well-known child psychologist that gave up her wealthy family connection when she married Jamal (Chauncey's best friend and also a fire fighter). MichelleLee is living it up as a single award winning TV journalist living large in LA. They were enjoying their weekly lunch when MichelleLee got a breaking news call that would change their lives forever.
Murray has outdone herself with this multicultural storyline. This story has it all - romance, sorrow, love, friendship, and deep connections with family. The flashbacks offer background to the story illustrating how they came to enjoy the lives they live. The initial drama happens in the first few pages and left me next to tears throughout the entire novel. I believe the idea of dealing with the death of a spouse is overwhelming and you can "Never Say" what you wouldn't do. This is a must read for anyone with a heart. Thanks VCM for sharing your love of writing with the world.
October 19, 2015
VCM's books keeps getting better and better. If you like VCM's writing, then you will love this book. I highly recommend it and see if you would say....."Never Say Never".
December 8, 2013
2.5 In her author's note at the end of the book, author Victoria Christopher Murray writes that the novel's roots lie in the real-life post-9/11 phenomenon of firefighters leaving their wives for the widows of their friends who had been killed during the the horrific events of that day. What Murray writes, though, is the story of two best woman friends whose relationship falls apart after one's husband dies in a fire at a school and who then ends up in an affair with her friend's husband out of shared grief. Complicating matters is the fact that the cheated-on friend is white, while the widow and both husbands are black.
Murray's writing style is straightforward, with alternating chapters from each of the two women's POV. Her characters are flat, without distinct personalities. They have backstories, but those backstories seem not to influence their present action very much (for example, one character's childhood sexual abuse is mentioned in one brief sentence, then never referred to again). The lack of distinct personality allows the characters serve as placeholders for the reader, allowing the reader to imagine herself in each woman's position. This seems to be Murray's purpose, as the opening and closing chapters, written from the widow's POV, addresses readers directly, asking them not to judge, asking if they would have done the same thing that Miriam, the widow, had done.
SPOILERS:
The plot struck me as predictable, and overly determined; actions stem not from character, but from plot needs. All the plot events inevitably lead Miriam and Jamal into each other's arms, particularly psychologist Emily's need to always be away from her husband in order to help the grieving children affected by the fire. The narrative is clear, though, that the cheating is NOT Emily's fault, which I appreciated. Although for a psychologist, she seemed utterly unsympathetic to her friend and her husband's actions, unable to think about it in terms of psychological processes.
I'm certainly not the audience for the book's inspirational/religious messages, either. Emily wants to dump Jamal after the affair comes to light (through plot contrivance, of course): "I will never be one of those women who allows herself to be walked over by a man" (315), she declares, as if her unwillingness to attempt to understand the pain that led her husband to turn to Miriam is a feminist move rather than an immature turning away from pain. Through the intervention of her pastor, she eventually comes to grieve her own loss, and accepts Jamal back. Miriam and her children move away, banished from the scene of the crime, while Jamal gets to remain, implying that we should forgive straying husbands but not straying friends: not a message I appreciated.
Murray's writing style is straightforward, with alternating chapters from each of the two women's POV. Her characters are flat, without distinct personalities. They have backstories, but those backstories seem not to influence their present action very much (for example, one character's childhood sexual abuse is mentioned in one brief sentence, then never referred to again). The lack of distinct personality allows the characters serve as placeholders for the reader, allowing the reader to imagine herself in each woman's position. This seems to be Murray's purpose, as the opening and closing chapters, written from the widow's POV, addresses readers directly, asking them not to judge, asking if they would have done the same thing that Miriam, the widow, had done.
SPOILERS:
The plot struck me as predictable, and overly determined; actions stem not from character, but from plot needs. All the plot events inevitably lead Miriam and Jamal into each other's arms, particularly psychologist Emily's need to always be away from her husband in order to help the grieving children affected by the fire. The narrative is clear, though, that the cheating is NOT Emily's fault, which I appreciated. Although for a psychologist, she seemed utterly unsympathetic to her friend and her husband's actions, unable to think about it in terms of psychological processes.
I'm certainly not the audience for the book's inspirational/religious messages, either. Emily wants to dump Jamal after the affair comes to light (through plot contrivance, of course): "I will never be one of those women who allows herself to be walked over by a man" (315), she declares, as if her unwillingness to attempt to understand the pain that led her husband to turn to Miriam is a feminist move rather than an immature turning away from pain. Through the intervention of her pastor, she eventually comes to grieve her own loss, and accepts Jamal back. Miriam and her children move away, banished from the scene of the crime, while Jamal gets to remain, implying that we should forgive straying husbands but not straying friends: not a message I appreciated.
July 2, 2013
Victoria Christopher Murray's thought provoking book, Never Say Never, had me riveted from the very first page. It takes a very unfortunate incident, and wraps it up in an extenuating circumstance. It had my mind whirling so fast, I didn't know what hit me. We're always saying, "I would NEVER do this, that, or the other!" But, unless we're in that exact situation, at that point in time, who are we to say what we would or won't do? It's always easy to be on the outside looking in, but when you're the one trying to look out, it's not as easy then.
At first I really wanted to be angry with Miriam and Jamal for what happened, but as I got deeper into the book, I could understand why and how it happened. My anger became dissipated with understanding; although I don't condone what happened, I now see that they were victims of their circumstance.
This book had me smiling, crying, angry, and cheering at the end; it picked me up, engaged me, and when it was done with me, threw me back in my chair exhausted yet deep in thought. The book guide questions were also very thought provoking, and will make a great topic of discussion!
Victoria, you've done it yet again; this is why I'm such a fan! *Great job!*
At first I really wanted to be angry with Miriam and Jamal for what happened, but as I got deeper into the book, I could understand why and how it happened. My anger became dissipated with understanding; although I don't condone what happened, I now see that they were victims of their circumstance.
This book had me smiling, crying, angry, and cheering at the end; it picked me up, engaged me, and when it was done with me, threw me back in my chair exhausted yet deep in thought. The book guide questions were also very thought provoking, and will make a great topic of discussion!
Victoria, you've done it yet again; this is why I'm such a fan! *Great job!*
December 4, 2013
This is a non-spoiler review. I don't know where to start. I did not want to like this book. I heard about it and had an idea of the topic but came to the book kicking, screaming and full of anxiety. I do not handle infidelity well at all, on TV, in songs and yes in my books. Yes I judged it before reading it. I was making up reviews in my head and ranting silently and out loud to myself saying I would not like it and there is no way I will ever recommend this book. and I was so so WRONG. This is Victoria's best book thus far. The development of the characters endears you to all of them and you feel the pain, the grief, the exhaution, the love, the betrayal in this book. You become one with them. Its hard to find fault, place blame and yes I ended up saying I don't condone it but I understand. The writing comes across so effortlessly, I doubt another writer would have been able to pen the same topic and get the the same effect. VCM is one of kind and a genius in how this story unfolded. I couldn't wait to get to the end and now I'm so sad I rushed there. OMG This book is Exceptional.
June 30, 2014
This was a very good read. I enjoy all of Victoria Christopher Murray's books. The story is sad but interesting at the same time. I think that Miriam's character was a true depiction of what can happen during grief. Many people don't believe in counseling and I am glad that Emily's character was a doctor of psychology and promoted the use of counseling to deal with a variety emotions presented in this book.
October 10, 2014
Oh did this book pull at my heart strings from the beginning or what?? Wonderfully written story of love, loss, friendship and betrayal. Usually there's a character that's deemed bad guy but the way these characters were written I found it hard. You were disappointed and felt bad for them but anger wasn't a high emotion for me. I've been a Victoria Christopher Murray fan so this was just added to seal the deal even more. Definite recommend!
September 8, 2021
Interesting👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
The book had me captivated, but the outcome gets the side 👀 from me. It's nice to believe that all people are rational beings, full of love, empathy and forgiveness, but the opposite is the real truth
Buy it, read it and enjoy.👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥
The book had me captivated, but the outcome gets the side 👀 from me. It's nice to believe that all people are rational beings, full of love, empathy and forgiveness, but the opposite is the real truth
Buy it, read it and enjoy.👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥
October 1, 2014
I am a huge fan of Victoria Murray's. Never say Never was a book club selection. I was excited to read the novel from the great reviews and previous work of the author. I think Never Say Never is a good story overall. However, I think there were some stereotypical/cliche moments that I could have done without. I felt diluted with so much back story that some moments I had to put the book down. I wanted a little more action and instead I got slow to medium build up. By chapter thirty-two I wanted to strangle Emily and slap Miriam and Jamal. Midway through the book I could already predict the ending. I felt sorry for the protagonist and I could empathize with her grief of losing your spouse. However, I felt like the flashbacks were a bit over kill. I felt like the author rushed the intimacy between Miriam and Jamal. Like her husband is still fresh in the ground and already you're sleeping in the same bed with his best friend in a matter of weeks. I didn't feel the connection between them. Like did Miriam like Jamal all along? I felt like the author was trying to reference the 9/11 tragedy and friendship with a diverse group of women. In my opinion it didn't feel natural. Michellelee. Who? She was very annoying. Emily is this well respected psychologist yet you can't save your husband from his grief so you pour yourself into a six year old girl. I felt like the girl could've been a little bit older. Also, I felt like Emily was blind to the way her husband and friend felt and kind of blindly forced them together. The only enjoyable thing I loved about this book was Pastor Ford and the fact that Jamal and Emily salvage there marriage. I've read Murray's books before...this one is probably among one of my least favorites. Maybe grief makes you do some unthinkable things. Definitely something to think about. Note: Never trust another woman around your man, know matter how close she is to you.
September 6, 2017
I think this was meant more as a story about the ups and downs of friendship and not cheating. It switches pov from Emily the wife and Mirian the widow other woman. They are a group of friends, Emily married to Jamap and Miriam married to Chauncey. Jamal and C are best friends and firemen. When C doesnt survive a fire and Emily needs to help the survivors get over their loss of their loved one, she cant really be there for either Mirian or Jamal to help them get over their loss. She thinks that Jamal is strong enough to wait for her and she thinks Miriam has enough support in Jamal and Cs family. It is sad, she gave up so much to be with Jamal and for him to do this. I understood the reasons the affair happend but still no. Likee they said, thr first time i could get but the times after that was a choice althe choice to have an affair. I get that its a christian book, i knew that going in but i can still not imagine having a pastor THAT involved in my life or marriage. There is a happy ending for Emily and Jamal but again this is more about the woman than the men so it doesnt really show you the grovel Jamal has to do. It was a comfort affair. They were grieving and he was helping her cope with the loss of her husband and things happen. This part i did not like. Repackaging shit in a nice paper does not take away that its still shit. An affair is still an affair even if you did it because you were depressed, grieving or worst yet you fell on love.
I did like it more than i expected so thats good.
I did like it more than i expected so thats good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2013
Be prepared to check your emotions at the door! This is a very emotional, thought provoking, drama filled, realistic story! I have to say it took awhile for me to really get into the book. It was so sad and heart wrenching in the very first few chapters and I struggled with my emotions! It felt so real and it had me questioning what would I do? Would I be able to go on? and if so, how? After pushing myself to read I got caught up in Miriam and Jamal's deceit and couldn't put the book down! Chapter s 17-25 will have you on the edge of your seat! The pages that follow will leave you speechless and take you on profound thought provoking journey.
At times this book was mentally challenging because I couldn't desperate fact from fiction and as a married woman it was so hard! I could relate to both Miriam and Emily and to see both sides of the story unfold was like watching an intense tennis match. Victoria Christopher Murray told a beautiful story of how three women became best friends, sister friends, the story of two men who were bonded like brothers, the union of four friends whose lives were torn apart by a horrible tragedy! This book was very well written and I wouldn't be a bit surprised if this were turned into a movie!
At times this book was mentally challenging because I couldn't desperate fact from fiction and as a married woman it was so hard! I could relate to both Miriam and Emily and to see both sides of the story unfold was like watching an intense tennis match. Victoria Christopher Murray told a beautiful story of how three women became best friends, sister friends, the story of two men who were bonded like brothers, the union of four friends whose lives were torn apart by a horrible tragedy! This book was very well written and I wouldn't be a bit surprised if this were turned into a movie!
May 16, 2014
This book is about a man repeatedly lying, manipulating and completely disrespecting his wife and marriage, with the wife's 'best friend' doing the same. This was an ongoing affair, one involving the heart, mind, and body, of each of the two people involved. It was not a 'one night stand', that maybe could be called a 'mistake'. The callousness of the husband when he tells his wife that he is sure she will understand once he explains, blew my mind. The way in which the spiritual leaders blamed the betrayed wife, and wanted her to forgive, right away, struck me as cold and unrealistic. There can be no true redemption, without personal accountability, and the only person in this book who took responsibility, was the wronged wife, and she took too much!
September 2, 2019
It was a different type of story by the writer, Victoria Christopher Murray, but I liked it enough to finish listening to the audible version. I really noticed the difference in the narrator's voices and appreciated that at least one did a good job. The other did not, IMO, because I couldn't visualize the younger characters with that strain in the narrator's voice...too high pitched. So unlike a child's voice or the language a youngster would use. I gave it a 3*** rating.
March 3, 2015
This was a true book about forgiveness, I know they say Never Say Never , but I am not sure if I could forgive that easily, I might could have understood the first time a little more easier than several times. But this was a very good book.
October 9, 2013
This review was originally posted: Traveling With T
Would you or wouldn’t you?
That is the question that is asked in Never Say Never. It’s an interesting question because most people have very definite views on cheating. However, Victoria Christopher Murray takes this question and runs with it. She writes a story- told from the viewpoints of Miriam and Emily- and writes a tale that is emotional. It’s not an easy story to read- Never Say Never can make you question everything or reaffirm your beliefs.
The Red, White and Blue- Michellelee, Miriam, and Emily, have been friends since college. Each of them have a connection that they never thought would fail. Until the day of the fire- and the aftermath that followed. The ladies are having a get together that day- then Michellelee gets a phone call about a fire. Miriam and Emily are immediately worried as both of their husbands are firefighters. Shortly, they hear the news- Miriam’s husband, Chauncey, died in the fire.
All of the ladies, plus Jamal, Emily’s husband, are devastated. Jamal and Chauncey are close friends- and Jamal is taking it very hard. Emily keeps telling Miriam that she and Jamal will help Miriam with everything- the funeral, being there for her, the children. However, Emily is a child psychologist- and in the aftermath of the fire, she finds herself having to devote time to a child who becomes a client. Jamal makes good on his word, though. He visits, hangs out with the kids, and tells Miriam stories about Chauncey from days past.
During their time of grief, Miriam and Jamal begin sleeping together. And slowly, each person finds out- and the world that the Red, White and Blue had- the world of sister-friends begins crumbling.
Told from viewpoints of Emily and Miriam, the tale begins with Miriam telling the readers about her affair with Jamal. The rest of the book is the lead-up to the affair and the aftermath. Forgiveness, faith, fidelity, love, and more are themes of this book. After reading Never Say Never- I had very definite feelings and ideas about Miriam and Emily- however, this is a book that could lead to an excellent discussion amongst book clubs or even just girlfriends.
This book was provided by Touchstone Publishing in exchange for an honest review. All opinions above expressed are mine alone.
June 2, 2013
Miriam and Emily are friends. Their two husbands work together as firefighters. A fire breaks out at a school. Miriam and Emily hear that some firefighters have been rushed to the hospital. They go to the hospital only to learn that Miriam’s husband did not make it.
Now faced with having to raise three sons alone Miriam finds support in Jamal, Emily’s husband. Things started out innocent but they soon heat up.
Never Say Never is the newest book from author, Victoria Christopher Murray. This is about my fourth book that I have read from this author. I have enjoyed every single one of the books I have read. Even though I have liked all the books I have read thus far from this author for some reason I did have my reservations about this one and how much I would like it. I should not have worried. This book was a good one.
There was an instantaneous connection with Miriam, Emily and their friend, Michellelee. I liked all three women for various reasons. Emily for being so kindhearted, Michellelee for being the best friend, and Miriam for being a good mother. I was going to say something else about Miriam but after seeing what she and Jamal did together, my mind was changed about her.
I really like the title for this book…Never Say Never. Because in a situation like this you should never say never. You don’t know if you will ever find yourself in this situation and if you do how will you react? You can say one thing now but it is a different predicament when you find yourself having to face the one you love and their actions. Don’t let the title of this book be deceiving as you should read this book. It is worth your time and money and it will have you hooked on Ms. Murray.
Now faced with having to raise three sons alone Miriam finds support in Jamal, Emily’s husband. Things started out innocent but they soon heat up.
Never Say Never is the newest book from author, Victoria Christopher Murray. This is about my fourth book that I have read from this author. I have enjoyed every single one of the books I have read. Even though I have liked all the books I have read thus far from this author for some reason I did have my reservations about this one and how much I would like it. I should not have worried. This book was a good one.
There was an instantaneous connection with Miriam, Emily and their friend, Michellelee. I liked all three women for various reasons. Emily for being so kindhearted, Michellelee for being the best friend, and Miriam for being a good mother. I was going to say something else about Miriam but after seeing what she and Jamal did together, my mind was changed about her.
I really like the title for this book…Never Say Never. Because in a situation like this you should never say never. You don’t know if you will ever find yourself in this situation and if you do how will you react? You can say one thing now but it is a different predicament when you find yourself having to face the one you love and their actions. Don’t let the title of this book be deceiving as you should read this book. It is worth your time and money and it will have you hooked on Ms. Murray.
September 26, 2013
One Tragic event brings four friends closer than ever but how close is to close?
Miriam Has always dream of being a housewife and with the help of her husband her dream came true. With her husband Chauncey have dreams of his own as being a fireman They life seem together. After a tragic event has striked Miriam now has to face life living alone and having to pull it together for the sake of her sons. In steps her best friend Emily and her husband Jamal (Chauncey best friend) to help her get through. Both are grieving and they depend on each other to help each day get better. Certain lines will be crossed and different situations will be brought. In the end will you be left say these true words never say never?
As usual Victoria brings that fire and have everything that is needed to have a great read on your hands. In these pages you will go on a roller coaster ride with these characters that will have you on the edge of your seat Filled with so much emotion. Although it was a bit predictable it didn't take away from the story. I enjoyed this book and the message behind it.
Miriam Has always dream of being a housewife and with the help of her husband her dream came true. With her husband Chauncey have dreams of his own as being a fireman They life seem together. After a tragic event has striked Miriam now has to face life living alone and having to pull it together for the sake of her sons. In steps her best friend Emily and her husband Jamal (Chauncey best friend) to help her get through. Both are grieving and they depend on each other to help each day get better. Certain lines will be crossed and different situations will be brought. In the end will you be left say these true words never say never?
As usual Victoria brings that fire and have everything that is needed to have a great read on your hands. In these pages you will go on a roller coaster ride with these characters that will have you on the edge of your seat Filled with so much emotion. Although it was a bit predictable it didn't take away from the story. I enjoyed this book and the message behind it.
September 12, 2013
I have always enjoyed Victoria Christopher Murray's writing. This book was a bit more edgier in its writing and the subject matter a bit more challenging because of the complexity of the subject matters it addressed. With that being said....WOW! I don't know, it was a whole lot going on. My emotions were being pulled in many different directions. Miriam violated the girl code...I know, and I don't care. This is a touchy dangerous topic, then there's the subject of faith interspersed in the storyline. I found myself along with Charlie, Mama Cee, and Pastor Ford seeing the handwriting on the wall, getting the unction, discernment, or how ever you want to phrase it. I saw this coming a mile away. Even with seeing it coming, I did not expect all the twists and turns and the final mindset of Miriam in the end. I really enjoyed the book though and I am glad that Emily wrestled with God and got the victory and her husband back...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2013
OMG OMG OMG….Even though I complained & whined throughout the entire book I still have to give it 5 stars. It captured my attention and made me realized some thing about my way of thinking. I would never consider myself as a racist, but no matter how much love Jamal & Emily has for each other I COULD NOT celebrate their marriage union, because of the color of their skin and her background. My heart hurt so much for Miriam that through all her wrong I found ways to justify that is was right.
I have always been a person who said I would NEVER condemn 2 people who love each other because of the ethnicity….
I would NEVER condone adultery,
I would NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER…but like the book just stated NEVER SAY NEVER
I have always been a person who said I would NEVER condemn 2 people who love each other because of the ethnicity….
I would NEVER condone adultery,
I would NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER…but like the book just stated NEVER SAY NEVER
June 15, 2013
Never Say Never by Victoria Christopher Murray, another great job. This book was very emotional for me. Emily, Miriam, and Michellelee started out as friends in college. They became sisters and were known as Red, White, and Blue. Miriam’s husband Chauncey died in a fire while trying to save a child. Jamal was Chauncey’s best friend and Miriam’s best friend husband. Chauncey and Jamal was like brothers so Chauncey’s death affected Jamal also. Jamal was there to support Miriam and her children through their grief. Jamal and Miriam began to spend so much time together and things began to happen. I suggest you check it out great book.
December 2, 2013
All I can say is wow! This book was amazing because it was thought provoking. While I am usually mad at anyone who commits adultery, I found this affair to be understandable and I ended up sympathizing with both women leaving me wondering what I would do in a situation like this one. I think Victoria Christopher Murray's writing ability is amazing which creates a nail-biting page turner every time. I highly recommend this book.
October 12, 2018
This was book was really good. It took more time than usual to read because of the devastation that came immediately. Reading about this woman losing her husband made me think a lot about my mom although the way the loss of husbands happened was very different. However it brought me a lot of pain because the loss of my amazing dad is still so very fresh. However I read the whole thing and enjoyed reading it through till the end. A great showing or grief, compassion and forgiveness.
July 30, 2019
VCM's natural skills just have a manner of grabbing you up in the collar, shoving you against the wall and making your heart hurt as she captivates you with taboo subjects and dynamic characters that will leave you with mixed emotions and an ending that you hate to see coming. VCM is simplistically AMAZING!!!!
July 8, 2015
This story told from two different points plies was well written.Victoria Murray has a way of taking characters and stories to make books very relatable. The last book I read by her was joy, but I am going to have to read some more of her books.This story deals with grief and friendship.
March 17, 2019
Getting through this book was such a total act of commitment to “finishing a book”. The writing wasn’t bad but I found the story trying just to hard to justify inappropriate behavior and destructive choices.
November 30, 2013
This book was just ok for me. I think it's one of Victoria's weakest books.
August 26, 2013
Wow, amazing story from beginning to end. It's easy to say, that would never be you....but like they say Never Say Never!
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