Fifteen Years

by Kendra Norman-Bellamy

Josiah (JT) Tucker, the son of a substance-dependent and neglectful mother, spent most of his childhood years in the custody of the State, living in foster homes throughout Atlanta, Georgia. At the age of fourteen, he was taken from the foster family that he had grown to love the Smiths, and returned to his negligent birth mother. Enduring the hardships faced while living with his birth mother, JT manages to makes something of his life.

However, fifteen years after being taken from the Smiths and at the peak of success, he finds himself feeling empty and at his lowest. When he decides to reconnect with the Smiths, JT finds his faith in God renewed and discovers his attraction to his foster sister.

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

With multi-book deals with the highly esteemed publishers of Harlequin's Kimani Press (New Spirit imprint), Moody Publishing (Lift Every Voice imprint) and Urban Books (Urban Christian imprint), Kendra has risen to become one of the most acclaimed voices in Christian fiction.

Among other honors, Kendra has been named a bestselling author on the Black Expressions Bestsellers List, the Walmart Bestsellers List and the Essence Bestsellers List, where her novel, "Crossing Jhordan's River" peaked at #1 for paperback fiction. Most recently, Kendra was presented (by the African American Literary Awards Show) with the 2008 awards for Best Christian Fiction of the Year (for "Battle of Jericho") and Best Anthology of the year (for "This Far By Faith").

Reviews

[Pauline · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve never read this author before and thoroughly enjoyed the story line and these characters. Foster children and Christian foster parents. Lose touch. Fifteen years passes. Things aren’t always pretty and good in life, but the truth of Romans 8:28 works it’s way out in the lives of these characters and reminds us that He gives beauty for ashes. Well-written and well-told story on a topic I have rarely seen covered. I’ll would like to read more of Ms Norman-Bellamy’s books.

[snapnics · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got this from a booksale!

[Britni · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fifteen Years is Kendra Norman-Bellamy's fifteenth published book. She is a national best-selling author and the founder of KNB Publications LLC. She is the organizer of Visions in Print, an Atlanta-based national organization for faith-based writers, and The Writer’s Hut, an online fellowship for African American Writers. She is the founder of Cruisin’ For Christ, a groundbreaking at-sea ministry that celebrates writing, gospel music and other God-glorifying arts, and also serves as a motivational speaker.

Fifteen Years follows Josiah Tucker, a boy with an extremely tough childhood, as he works through his pain fifteen years after leaving his favorite foster family. In the book, he decides to reconnect with his foster family, The Smiths, and you'll have to read the book to find out what else happens. The book has great religious themes throughout as well as plays up the idea that there are things in life that you just can't change and then there are others that you can - you need to take those things you can change and change them. From what I read, the writing was good and the storyline intriguing. I can see why Kendra has won multiple awards and sold so many books.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fifteen Years 15 by Kendra Norman-Bellamy. A story about a young man named Josiah (JT) Tucker. JT was a young man that had a rough life, a mother strung out on drugs, alcohol, and men. JT was taken from his mom and placed in a foster home, The Smith Family. While staying with the Smith family they introduced JT to Christ. JT goes on to become a very educated man, that lands a wonderful job, but he can’t stop thinking about his pass. He kept faith in God….Awesome story. In order to move forward in our life there are times when we must go back.

[Rhonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! Just read it recently and it's the first of Kendra Norman-Bellamy's books that I have read in a long time. It's well written, and the story is quite compelling. The story is a good one, very interesting, and refreshingly devoid of the run-of-the mill drama that has been crowding recent offerings on the AA fiction market. I definitely recommend it!

[Kimmylou · Rating 2 out of 5]

Way too slow and preachy,don't get me wrong there is nothing wrong with scripture and religious teachings in books, BUT it's the presentation that makes a reader want to continue reading while possibly learning a thing or two!!

[Rhonda M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very nice and well-written story. I especially loved the fact that two heterosexual men could so strongly stand by their vows to save sex for marriage.

[Danita Lawrence · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Good read, yet it was kind of predictable. The storyline was well thought out. No matter the level of success, everyone has a past.