Lachelle Jackson appears to have it all; a husband who adores her; a job that fulfills her and friends that love her unconditionally.When Lachelle learns that she is pregnant, what should be the best experiences of her life becomes one of the darkest times she ever endured.Facing a life-threatening pregnancy, in the midst of insurmountable grief, can Lachelle find the strength to fight for her life and that of her unborn baby? Can she overcome depression and move beyond memories of her past to accept God’s greatest gift…LOVE?
Most couples are excited to find out that they’re possibly expecting a little bundle. Not so for Brian and Lachelle Jackson. Twenty three years ago, Lachelle lost a baby because of preeclampsia and almost died herself. On the day it’s confirmed, the unthinkable happens. Brian, being a good Samaritan, is gunned down in the street. Not only is Lachelle forced to endure this pregnancy without her husband, Even though she has her two best friends Tracy and Vanessa, as well as her first child’s Father, John supporting her, She’s continually concerned about whether she or her baby will make it through this pregnancy alive.
The story is wonderfully descriptive. Reading it was like watching a movie in my head. This story will have you in your feelings, as I got emotional and cried at several parts of the story, Especially near the ending. But you will also feel the joy and the love of God. You will also look at a couple of the characters with a side eye, for example the ghetto sister of Brian, as well as the Pentecostal aunt who wants to catch the Holy Ghost at a baby shower (please don’t get me started on those two).
Another thing that came to mind while reading this book is that while people should be punished for the crimes they commit, but sometimes we have to extend grace (just like God does for us) to others because we all could be in the same situation after making a mistake. This was an amazing book for a first time author, and I am excited about the continuation.
An Edited Version is scheduled to appear in the next issue of the Naleighna Kai Literary Café Magazine.
Cover to cover this book was delightful! I am surprised at how quickly I flew threw it, but Johnson’s storytelling style read like a television movie. She takes you in the room and draws you into the story in such a way that you almost forget you’re reading. I got choked up a few times while reading this. Having experienced child loss myself and not having the opportunity to see my son born, this story touched me in a deeply personal way. I felt and know well the pain and ordeal Lachelle goes through over Christian. Tracy and Vanessa are friends I’d like to have. Lol! Their sisterhood bond is real. Truly genuine and they help to provide breaths of relief in humorous loving ways to get Lachelle through and in between some of the heavier scenes.
I was so not ready for the book to end - because John. Lol! Whew! Does he have any brothers? Uncles? Haha! Then just before I can wonder or allow my imagination to roam from thinking up my own ‘what happened with them’ scenarios... Johnson teases me with The Switch! Gurl! I am here for more-more-more! All I can say is this debut novel is a great read, does not disappoint and is not one to pass. Keyword: Great.
Terri Johnson is a new voice you’ll want to hear more from. Stay tuned...
I didn’t read the synopsis and had no idea where the story will take me. Just when a level of predictably settles the story charts it’s own course. I was pleasantly surprised. I am new to the writer’s work and her flawless writing and storytelling will have me returning for more.
This was a great read. I enjoyed the storyline of LaShalle. It show her true faith and to trust in faith. I loved how the author kept the suspense going throughout the book. It showed true friendship. The book flowed. Overall good read. I recommend others read this book by Terri Johnson. I Look forward to her next book.
Lachelle and her husband Brian are expecting a baby, but instead of being overjoyed, she is afraid of not being able to carry to full term. Then, the unthinkable happens and Lachelle is must travel this journey alone.
Only she's not!
Lachelle's had an amazing support system that is determined to be there for her. Through much prayer, her faith begins to restore.
This story is one of loss, restoration, sisterhood and of course…faith. It was beautifully written and pulled at my heartstrings. This was my introduction to @authorterriannjohnson's catalog, and I'm looking forward to reading more.
As someone who considers myself and avid reader and who is a Christian, I must say Terri Ann Johnson handled the subject of standing on Faith and walking in Faith well.
The pacing of the story at first seemed off or slower. But then it picked up so much so that you may want it to slow down. You see a lot has to take place with a novella in a short amount of time. Time that if not used wisely can be wasteful. Therefore, we have Brian, LaChelle, and John. Talk about a tragic set of circumstances that lead to the ultimate test of Faith.
Death has a way of making you put lots of things into perspective. After reading about Brian, you look at community and commitment different. You look at family and marriage differently. You recognize that love truly is an action. That standing on your Faith can and will get you through.
Then you have LaChelle who is tested, and shows the embodiment of your Faith in action. That even in your season of doubt and uncertainty, the test is won with Faith.
I love the importance of love and solid foundation. I love the friends and sisterhood that was woven throughout. Everyone needs good quality girlfriends.
Through it all the story had redemption and the will of God . I think you'll enjoy and want more after reading.
This book was a great read. The characters were well developed and you can feel the emotions that each character was going through. There was even one character that made you want to ring her neck. I love how the author used God scriptures to make you realize how much he loves, cares and wants the best for you. To have forgiveness for others when they have done something wrong to hurt you. Also the storyline helps make women understand what it means when you are diagnosed with eclampsia during pregnancy. I highly recommend this book to read and I look forward to reading more books by this author.
While dealing with the loss of her husband Brian, Lachelle must deal with a high risk pregnancy she thinks alone. But her village pulls together for her and her unborn child. There’s the issue of John there visiting the gravesite of their firstborn and closure is found but what about them? This was an very well written emotional read. Wow, I can’t wait to see what happens in part two. The music plugins were very appropriately selected! Kudos to the author on her first book! I look forward to more of her work!
Faith Alone was a great title for this book. You really have to have Faith with all that Lachelle went through. Lachelle and Brian just found out that are expecting a great gift from God, but do to Lachelle’s past she is not as happy about her new bundle of joy as her husband is.
This was a heart touching read there were several parts in the book that I identified with as a Christian and a mother. I cried several times while reading this book. Faith is a hard thing to have when you are going through and it just seems like nothing is going your way. I am looking forward to the next book.
Author, Terri Johnson, delivered a very emotional and inspirational message in this novel. She allowed the reader to follow the journey of Lachelle Jackson. Lachelle, a woman of God, had lost everything that she truly loved and more. This took her down a road of depression…physically and mentally. Lachelle’s prayers, unconditional love and support from her friends Tracey, Vanessa, and John gave her hope to keep pushing through the pain she endured after suffering another great lost. Confirmation and a special blessing from God gave Lachelle the faith to love and hold again. Great Read!
This was one of those reads that pulled at my heartstrings and kept me in anticipation of the outcome. First off all, I loved that the character was my namesake. It’s very rare. Lachelle suffered tragic losses that shook her faith, but thanks to the village of people that surrounded her, she never lost it. This was a great debut from this author.
I really enjoyed this book. I cried and laughed. It reminds you to stand true in your faith. Even through tragedy God has a plan as long as you believe. Lachelle had a great village around her to help through her trials and tribulations. I pray Lachelle and John find their son or at least closure and have a baby girl and name her Love. Then they would have Faith. Hope, and Love.
This was a tear jerker for me . I loved that man that Brian was & his Faith . My favorite quote was “ We worship GOD in Spirit & Truth , not in Perfection . Sometimes we allow the enemy to get us to focus on the imperfections . I wanted to slap Keisha at some points also . It’s so much to be said about John but I will wait for the sequel & please hurry lol
I had the new audio edition. Really enjoyed this book. The author worked with me at the bank. The book is set in DC and was centered on the city's number one crime - shooting deaths. It was interesting to travel the city and surrounding area with the character. Many cases of death by shooting in DC are not solved but this one is.
I won’t spoil the story, but it’s a roller coaster. The faith journey, love pain is so beautifully written throughout the story. It doesn’t necessarily have a happy ending, but more of a life will continue to go on, on Faith alone, kinda ending. I loved every chapter.
Lachelle Jackson wanted nothing more than to be a servant to the Lord and loving wife. But her world as she knew it was about to change. Onky her Faith would guide her.
Very well written novel and I loved that it talked about Christianity and the importance of faith. I also loved the friendships featured in this novel. I can't wait to read more works by Terri Ann Johnson.
This storey was such a fast paced clean read. I love a really good Christian fiction novel and this is definitely one. After the devastating lost of her first child years ago, Lachelle has to face the possibility that it may be happening again.
The story line was good and the characters were enjoyable. It seemed to short, but I see the story will continue in another book. It will be good to delve into the lives of the other characters. I would definitely recommend this book!
I think every woman would love to have a Brian in their life. This book exudes faith in many different levels. It shows/reminds us that God has a plan for our life. I do enjoyed this book.
I listened to the audiobook. I throughly enjoyed Lachelle’s story of love, loss and in the end she receives her Faith (literally). She had a lot of heartache but in the end things turned around and I think she might have a chance at love again. No spoilers it is a good quick read!
I laughed, cried and had praise and worship reading this story! So much faith and love throughout this book. God never fails! Loved the closeness of LaChelle, Tracey and Vanessa. Brian and John were both faithful and encouraging men.
Even though there was healing after the pain I thought this was a sad story. Especially since I have turned on the news to hear of this happening to a “Brian” and how much good this person has done
Wow, tears of joy! What a wonderful story. Faith in the Lord. Faith in His guidance. Faith in His blessings. He knows what you need, when you need it, and how you need to hear it. Many times while reading this book chills ran up and down my spine. He speaks in many ways and this story makes me sing Speak to my oh Lord! My Lord!