Life's Journey our Greatest Test: A Contemporary Christian Novel

by Marshalee Patterson

"Marshalee Patterson has quickly become one of my favourite authors. She stays true to the category of "Christian fiction" as her books revolve around God and his transforming power in the lives of her characters.

This book is quite riveting. I wasn't able to put it down until I was done! What a read it was. Each character faced a series of trials much like we do today. It reminded me that so many persons go through these and worst and I was encouraged to pause and pray for such persons. The novel focuses on some heavy issues like abuse, rape, spiritual warfare etc. Marshalee expresses each idea clearly and effectively so that one understands the lessons being taught. I was enlightened, educated and blessed by this book."
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When Brady lost his brother, John, he felt his entire world crumble. All their plans went up in smoke, and soon his life took a turn for the worst; one he had not seen coming. When his uncontrollable rage landed him in the Lexington Prison, he lost all will to live. However, his grandmother Ruth, being the devoted Christian woman that she was, never gave up on him and kept praying for him. Walking around town shortly after his release from Lexington, Brady was pleasantly surprised when he stumbled upon Sara in a partially burnt abandoned building. Thinking that being a good Samaritan to her, could help him make right with God for all the wrong he had done in his life, he later discovered Sara was more of a blessing to his tortured life than he was to her. Will this unlikely union bring them peace and seeing God’s promises fulfilled in their lives?

341 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 3, 2021

About the author

I was born in Kingston, Jamaica and always had a love for reading. It was while attending the Merl Grove High School that I discovered that I loved writing stories. Some of my favourite novels were written by Charles Dickens and Victor Hugo, as I found that I was drawn to stories that promoted good morals and values, which are great influences in building good character and qualities in us.

However, after leaving high school, I went on to pursue a career in banking as a Bank Teller and didn’t follow up on my writing. It wasn’t until I went to Italy in 2003; I started to relive the experiences and wanted to write about it. Being a Christian, I give credit to the Holy-Spirit who had greatly guided me in creating real stories that all can relate to.

I write Christian romance/adventure and family books, where my characters are created out of my own experiences, with a few exceptions and this has helped me write from the heart and with a lot of love.

I hope that through my writing I can reach people with the message of hope in Christ and help restore their faith in Him. This I feel is a blessed opportunity to be chosen to be a vessel to reach people with stories of love and upliftment from a spiritual point; showing that love isn't just about sex and hopefully help many to discover ways to watch over their marriages and families.


I am a lover of nature and the tranquility of it and find nature refreshing and peaceful. I enjoy different cultures especially the Spanish which I feels makes us learn to appreciate ours a little more in areas where we have been ungrateful or unappreciative. I also enjoy salsa music very much and dance it well too. I am a proud Jamaican.

Reviews

[Kelly-Ann ~ Sassy Bookish Mama · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by this author and I must say I'm glad she contacted me to review her book. I love meeting new authors and even more so when they have great books to be read. This author does a great job at drawing you into the story. Her characters are relatable and you can see yourself in them. You definitely feel what they are feeling and are completely immersed in their lives.

Brady and Sarah's story although tough showed us that God's grace transforms lives. It was great to see how they grow and transform throughout the story. The book definitely touches on some heavy subjects but I think the author does a great job at tackling each one of them and helps you understand the lessons being taught through her story.

Overall I thought the story was good. If you enjoy stories that are filled with a faith element and transforming lives sprinkled with some romance then I suggest grabbing this book!

I received a digital copy of this book from the author. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Anwesha RC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Note: I received a digital copy of Life’s Journey our Greatest Test: A Contemporary Christian Novel from the author, Marshalee Patterson, in exchange for my honest review.

Life’s Journey our Greatest Test: A Contemporary Christian Novel is a story about two broken souls — Brady and Sara, and how they navigate through the maze that is life, by putting their faith in God Almighty. We read about how they reconnect after years and help each other along the way to find themselves. The author, Marshalee Patterson, does a great job of painting the characters vividly with words. We get to feel empathy for the characters’ struggles and laugh and cry with them. Her character embodies the day-to-day happenings of many people and how having faith in a higher power can help you find directions in life. The entire novel showcases the power of faith in God and how believing in Him can bring us peace and give us the power to move along. I gave it a solid 5 stars!

[Tera L. Kirksey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two broken souls- Brady and Sara who through the power of God's redemptive love, built a love centered on God. It's so awesome to see lives transformed. Brady and Sara love story blossomed from this.
I can always count on Marshalee Patterson's books to speak of God's love and forgiveness. She always include Scriptures galore along with plenty of prayers infused on the pages of her novels.
I loved the song that Brady had shared with Sara that his mom wrote. It was so touching!

[Wall-to-wall books - wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very enjoyable read. This one had a nice strong Christian message. It did get a few great reviews saying that it was fast moving and riveting. Unfortunately, for me, it seemed slow and I didn't feel invested enough to want to find out what happens. It was a nice storyline with a sweet ending but it was more their terrible backstories that I found most interesting.

The characters were good, I didn't feel that I loved either Brady or Sara, but I liked them. They both had very terrible backstories. But again, it didn't make me feel for them. I don't know why, I just didn't feel connected.

So, my all-in-all - this was a "good" read. It was enjoyable enough and I did finish it. I liked it, but didn't love it.

If you like Christian reads with strong messages about faith with happy endings - this is a great book for you! I would kind of say this could be a YA book with a warning that there are some strong triggers in here, but for me, that's what kept me reading.

A thanks to the author for sending me this book for my honest review.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life's Journey our Greatest Test: A Contemporary Christian Novel is another fabulous piece of fiction by Marshalee Patterson. She has a way of drawing her readers in and make them see themselves in the characters. I loved Brady and Sara’s story so much. I could understand Brady’s struggles and was hoping he would find the the peace he so desperately needed in his life. Such a great tale to read.

I am giving Life's Journey our Greatest Test: A Contemporary Christian Novel a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading faith filled stories, as well as, clean romance with true to life characters. As always, I will be eagerly waiting for more books by Marshalee Patterson in the future.

I received a digital copy of Life's Journey our Greatest Test: A Contemporary Christian Novel from the publisher but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

[Amy Walker · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book I believe is now my favorite of this author. What compassion, love, spiritual warfare, Gods grace and mercy, real life situations, heart breaking scenarios and all around gripping book. All wrapped up in one book and so well written. I cried throughout the book, found myself cheering for the outcome, stopped and prayed several times while reading it and really felt The Holy Spirit touched my soul. Excellent book! Would definitely recommend this book to anyone and everyone. Worth every dime.

[Elizabeth Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Life’s Journey our Greatest Test: A Contemporary Christian Novel is a story about two broken souls — Brady and Sara, and how they overcome the past, transform, and build their trust in the Lord through the ups and downs of life. I found this read to be fast-paced, and it has relatable characters that you can relate to. I enjoyed reading it and thought it was a great reminder of the power of faith and putting our trust in our Savior Jesus Christ, who can change everything and is faithful.

Thank you to the author for having me on this tour and sending me a copy for review! 

[Margaret Josey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jesus I need you/Thank you for my life

@Marshaled Patterson out did her self. This book is heart-wrenching, fast moving, and shows how the power of Jesus love can move mountains for us when we believe and trust him. Also how God move us to different places and use different people in our lives to bring the unsaved to Jesus and prodigal son /daughter home with love and forgiveness

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author dives into difficult and painful topics in this story and points the reader toward the grace and forgiveness available through a relationship with God.

I, personally, struggled to connect to the characters in this book and felt as if I was was looking on as I was being told their story, rather than actually experiencing what they were going through.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Allyson Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good story. The characters experienced tough life issues in their lives but were able to overcome those issues. I enjoyed seeing how God transformed these characters and drew them to Him.
I received an advanced reader's copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.