The Ex Files

by Victoria Christopher Murray

"There are four ways a woman can handle heartbreak. She can fall apart, seek revenge, turn cold, or move on. The Ex Files is the story of these four women:

When Kendall Stewart finds her husband and her sister in bed together, she vows to never let anyone get that close again. But when she is faced with saving the life of the woman who destroyed hers, will she be able able to forgive?

When an NBA superstar tells his mistress, Asia Ingrum, that he's decided to honor his marriage vows, her shook quickly gives way to revenge... but her decision may come back to haunt their five-year-old daughter.

Every night Vanessa Martin wonders why her husband committed suicide. Even worst, she contemplates joining him in eternity. Will Vanessa be able to gather the strength to live again?

Sheridan Hart is finally finding her way after a lie destroyed her seventeen years of marriage. Her new love is ready to get married, but will she commit to this younger man or is her ex-husband taking up too much space in her heart?

When their pastor asks Kendall, Asia, Vanessa and Sheridan to meet weekly for prayer, they can't imagine they will have anything in common. But then a devastating tragedy strikes and these strangers are forced to re-examine their choices. Will they find true friendship, or will prayer-and their union-fail them?

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Christian, African American

388 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Victoria 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.

Reviews

[Camille · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this!

The second installment in what I am not considering a series is another excellent work by VCM.
Four women, opposite in nature but alike in circumstances, forge a bond through fervent prayer and belief.

[Brooklyn Darkchild · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is what I've always wished Christian fiction was like, so I guess it really didn't surprise me to find that Ms Murray never really thought of herself as a "Christian Fiction" author.
"My work is too edgy," she said in an interview at the back of the book.
Life is "edgy," and the things we, even as Christians, go through are not always pretty. As much as we long to follow God's edicts, and to please Him in all our ways, it is extremely difficult to live a Godly life in an UnGodly world. These four ladies were all going through a break up, even though one woman: Vanessa, lost her husband through suicide.
Asia was in a long term relationship with a married Baller when out of the blue he decides to leave her, and the daughter they have together, and concentrate on his marriage.
Sheridan's husband left her for another man but now that she's moved on her ex has decided he misses her and wants their old life back. (Don't they always???)
And poor Kendall came home from work one day to find her husband of one year in bed with...
Her sister.
Not all of these characters considered themselves to be Good Christians. Kendall even got so mad at God she told Him off, and now that her sister is dying from leukemia, Kendall steadfastly refuses to Do The Right Thing.
I think that's what I enjoyed the most about this book:
Even though these women went to church they did not always follow a Godly path. They didn't even always WANT to: none of that The Spirit Is Willing But The Flesh Is Weak crap for Asia or Kendall, them chicks was just Down Right Wrong.
And the most Christian woman of all, Vanessa, who always had an encouraging Bible quote for her fellow group members, succumbed to the Less Than Godly forces around her.
Good doesn't always triumph over Evil in real life. Each of these women must find her own way back to the right path, and not all of them make it. Their journey is told in a manner that is well written, never preachy or smarmy, and always remains true-to-life.
That was the nicest surprise of all.

[DeTerrius Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hell Hath No Fury Like A Woman Scorned!

This was my second read by Victoria Christopher Murray and I must admit that I'm impressed. After reading the appealing "Stand Your Ground," I knew I had to check out some more of this author's work, and I have to admit that I was hesitant after noticing that her books were categorized as Christian Fiction...thank God I gave it a chance anyways.This novel was packed with drama. I somewhat noticed the non-existence of sex and explicit language but that was okay because V. Murray's compelling writing made me not care.

As for most books that I've read these past few years, I didn't care too much about the characters, but I loved reading about three of them; Sheridan and her mixed feelings for her husband, Kendall's lack of wanting to help her dying sister after finding out about the betrayal, and Vanessa's troubling thoughts of connecting back with her husband after he committed suicide. Those three were very intriguing plots. Asia on the other hand...I wanted the skip her chapters. Her plot of revenge by adding her daughter to the mix pissed me off so badly. I was completely disgusted at how low down and dirty she went just to make a man--that was never really hers in the first place--hurt because he wanted to do right by his wife. I'm not saying I couldn't understand her frustrations...after years of the glamorous life, good sex, and only giving herself to him, I would feel some kind of way about him deadened most of that as well. Although I wasn't quite fond of her storyline, I must admit that I did love her character development. She was the most developed in my eyes. (Kendall would somewhat be second.)

If the rest of the Christian Fiction genre is anything like this author's books, I might delve into a few more authors, but I'm most certainly reading the continuation of this novel and the rest in her portfolio. I HIGHLY recommend this book!

[India Jones-Tanner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Four women who appear to have nothing in common are put together by their pastor. They all have their reservations about being forced together, to pray, but maybe Pastor Ford was on to something.

Sheridan is still dealing with the revelation that her former husband is gay. She thinks she has moved on with Brock, but something is holding her back from truly making a commitment to the man se "loves"?

Asia's main goal is to marry a baller! She thinks she has it all when Bobby Johnson sweeps her off her feet. She really feels that her plan is coming to fruition when she has their daughter Angel. But wait, one problem, Bobby Johnson is already married and he just told Asia that he is about to give his marriage a real chance at surviving. How far will Asia go to keep her dream alive?

Kendall is a woman scorned. She comes homes to find her husband in a very compromising situation with her sister. Kendall's heart immediately hardens. But, will a death scare thaw some of the ice? Or will Kendall let her hatred and anger consume her and sentence a love one to death?

Vanessa is trying hard to piece her life back together after her husband commits suicide. But, she is having a tug of war with her heart and brain. One is saying take yourself out of your misery and go and met your husband. The other is telling her everything is going to be okay. Which will Vanessa listen to?

After a major situation hits the group, will prayer be enough to sustain the ladies, or will their faith crumble?

I really enjoyed re-reading this book. After being a little bit older and wiser, I realized the author was trying to convey that God's grace is sufficient. I recommend this book if you haven't read it.

[Metris · Rating 5 out of 5]

EXHALING… The Ex Files had me holding my breath…I wanted to strangle some folks, slap a daddy, hug some people & tell them it will be okay…. OMG.. I wanted tell somebody to back back cause u missed your opportunity & I wanted to shake a couple of ladies & tell them to wake up & open your eyes. Ex Files is a story of 4 ladies with some type of EX-Men issues coming together and creating a bond through a prayer group.
You never know why God bring people into your life, but I have to say it's always for a reason whether good or bad, but he does it for a reason.
Once again Victoria has brought to my attention some issues that I have within me.

[Aja]

I read this on a bet from my son. I had mentioned a while ago that there is only one book that I’ve never finished. It was The Jungle by Upton Sinclair. He bet me that he could find a book that I would not finish. The terms were that it had to be a fiction novel that was under 500 pages. He and I visited Half-Price Books and his first selection was a geography travel guide and, when I said no to that because it wasn’t a fiction novel, he tried to give me a Spanish dictionary. After a lot of back-and-forth, he finally found this book in the Christian Fiction clearance section of the bookstore.

I am happy to report that I won the bet, but he gave me a good run. I came very close several times to giving up as this book was terrible. There was so much terribleness in it that it’s hard to even describe why it’s so awful. The writing is immature. The plot was just like ‘what, you’ve got to be kidding me?!?’ Really unnecessarily over the top drama with truly unlikeable women. I was left at times shaking my head, at times just saying out loud “this is awful”… really I’m just glad it’s over. I’m not giving it stars because I read this for a bet and don’t want to skew the ratings as this is not a book I would ever read on my own.

Even though he lost the bet, he found the whole experience hilarious. So I guess that makes it worth it.

[Kim Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve always been a fan of Victoria’s writing but this book had me hot as fish grease with some of these characters. I’ve read quite a few of Victoria’s books and had to double back to this as it’s one I’d missed reading. The book was great and the narrating superb. I can’t say more as it will spoil it for someone that hasn’t read it but this book will make you emotional. Loved it!!

[Adrienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The beginning of the book was captivating and kept my attention. I loved the writing style, although there were some not so happy moments that could potentially be “triggering” for some. I enjoyed this book. It had just enough spiciness and such a vast difference in each character’s life/story. I would recommend this book.

[Sammy · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 really:

A few months ago, I was walking through Half-Priced Books, and I came across The Ex Files. After reading the back, I decided to buy it for $4. Was it worth that $4? Hard to say…
Here’s what I gathered from the back: Kendall’s husband left her for her sister, Sheridan’s husband left her for another man, Asia’s baby daddy left her for his wife, and Vanessa’s husband committed suicide. Each woman deals with heartbreak in a different way--from depression to revenge. Interesting plot, right?
That’s what I thought! But now it’s over a month later and I’m just now finished.
Part of this is due to it being almost 400 pages long, but part of it, too, is because I actually had to put it down at one point.
It says on the cover that it’s a faith-filled novel, but I didn’t even consider everything that meant. So when I got to the part where two characters are casually talking about how homosexuality is a choice--and a wrong one at that--I was floored. It shouldn’t have come to me as a surprise, especially since one of these characters is a pastor, but I was shocked to be reminded that some people truly believe homosexuality to be a sin.
This along with some of the comments about suicide made me a bit uncomfortable, and when I first set it down, I didn’t pick it back up for three and a half weeks. Part of this is because second semester started and all of a sudden I was really busy, but it was also hard for me to go back to a book that was preaching ideas I just couldn’t get behind.
So that’s part of the reason why I give this book 3 stars. Other than that, the characters were alright, but not ones that I fell in love with. I didn’t really understand Sheridan or Vanessa, so I didn’t connect with them, and by the end of it I was so done with Kendall, I didn’t even want to read the chapters devoted to her.
Then we have Asia. I didn’t mind her, but her morals were pretty questionable. And I don’t want to spoil anything (in case this review for some reason prompts you to read the book for yourself), but what she does it horrifying and awful. I enjoyed watching her character develop, though.
Another sidenote is that some parts were really cheesey. There was one part at the end with Sheridan that actually had me rolling my eyes.
Also, I found a blatant typo, and I always find that to be weird. I mean, didn’t someone read this before it got sent to publishing? How was “reuion” missed? Did the editor just get bored and skip that part to get to the end? Because I’m not sure I blame them.

[Nardsbaby Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Connections

Kendall Stewart, Asia Ingrum, Vanessa Martin and Sheridan Hart are four women who all attend the same church and find themselves in the same boat, recently single, broken-hearted, and trying to figure out how to recover. Pastor Ford decides that connecting these women in a prayer group could perhaps benefit them all.

Though Sheridan is divorced and dating, she's still dealing with the loss of her father and trying to get her life together for the next level. Brock, her boyfriend, is ready for happily ever after, but he believes that Sheridan is still praying for the reconciliation of her marriage. When Pastor Ford announces that she wants Sheridan to head up this prayer group, with so much going on in her personal life, can she handle this?

Asia has faithfully been the other woman for ten long years. She's never fretted about his love, as she's been living comfortably, and their child is a part of his life. After finding out that her long-time lover is retiring from basketball, Asia is confident that she will no longer be grouped in the mistress section and is looking forward to her upgrade. Will she like her newest role?

Kendall eats, sleeps and lives for her work. So much so that she walks in on her husband being unfaithful. Talk about a slap in the face. Though Kendall is reminded of his adultery every single moment of every single day, her heart breaks as she learns that her ex is to wed his mistress, her sister. If that weren't enough, her sister is very sick, and Kendall`s father wants her to forgive her sister so that they may be a family again. Can Kendall let go and forgive?

Vanessa is a recent widow. Her husband committed suicide and while she`s taken the time off and has tried to adjust, Vanessa still doesn`t understand why he did it. Even worse is that though her family and new prayer group are trying to be there, Vanessa feels alone. Does she have the will to fight this loneliness?

THE EX FILES by Victoria Christopher Murray has been sitting on my shelves for years collecting dust. I'm really upset that it has taken me this long to pick it up, but I'm so glad that I have. I loved the uniqueness of each character and how each woman, while strong, still struggles and eventually grows and not only recognizes God, but the power that each woman brings to this group.

[Nochu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you find forgiveness the hardest thing to do in life? Are you afraid to make the necessary decisions because you are afraid of the outcome? How does your faith measure up when it comes to friends, relationships, family, and life itself?


Victoria Christopher Murray bought together 4 women from different walks of life to help each other on their journey of life. It was not an easy task because keep in mind, when it comes to women and personalities, you have a mixture of all types. Some women are strong and some are weak. In this novel, Victoria creates both types. Sheridan, Kendall, Asia, and Vanessa all have one thing in common, they all have ex's. Will their strength and their faith prevail throughout the novel?

The book started off really slow in the beginning and then it soon picks up. At one point, I had to put the book down because I actually had to cry. Do realize that with one of the characters, if you play with fire, you are bound to get burned. Holding on to the past does not promise you a happy future. Lastly, family can disappoint you quicker than a stranger. While you read this Christian fiction, believe it, if it exist in this world, its in this book. There is no color line here either. The things that happens in this novel, you would think it only happens in the "white girl world", think again ;-)

[WriteVibeMagazine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ex Files is a story of four women who meet in a support group and initially thinking they have nothing in common but after talking they realize they have more in common.

Sheridan is divorced from her ex-husband who preferred to be with a man. She’s still dealing with the hurt of losing her husband to man. She has moved on in the present but is her heart still in the past.

Kendall ex-husband had an affair with her half-sister Sabrina. And now her sister is engaged to her ex-husband. Kendall wants nothing to do with her sister at all even when a health care emergency Kendall isn't interested.

Vanessa husband committed suicide and that truly broke her heart.

Asia ex-boyfriend is a retired NBA player with a wife. After many years of cheating he breaks it off and Asia wants revenge.

This was a great read being as though I normally do not read Christian fiction. What was refreshing was even though these women had all of these different issues, they were still strong in faith. I give this book 5 stars. I’m continuing on to book 2 as it takes place eight years later.

Reviewed By: Kenisha Parker for Literary Jewels

[Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read all of this pop fiction author's books, even if I shouldn't say it :o). Of course, they're not high literature by any means, but I like how super quickly they read and the reminders of Los Angeles (they're all set there). They don't turn me off as much as they may (and do) turn off some of my friends (LOL). This particular one, which I'll finish tonight, has a part that made me raise an eyebrow for a long time, however, and think more about the super conservative form of Christianity that I despise. Murray also tries to throw a lot of stuff in when that's not truly necessary -- adultery, terminal illness, and domestic abuse all at once, for example. Still, I am warmed by the way I can relate a bit to the characters in these texts -- folk trying (sometimes feebly) to walk with God while living full and open lives here on earth. They pray and stuff when the going gets rough, and I do too. And Murray writes that.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting story of 4 women who are working through varied relationship problems: Sheridan - Husband left her for a man; Vanessa - Husband recently and unexpectedly committed suicide; Kendall - Husband was discovered in bed with her younger sister; Asia - Long-Term NBA star boyfriend left her to refocus on his marriage. These ladies are brought together by Pastor Ford, who suggests that they form a prayer group. With some twists and turns in the plot, Ms. Murray is able to string together a story of love, heartache, tragedy, and faith. Some parts had me angry with Kendall and her hostility towards her sister (while not as much, the ex-husband)and wanting to just strangle Asia for her destructive and disgusting decisions. Quick read, faith-based message.

[Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read I like the way the women came together to support each other. But it also shows that you never know what one is going through. and how they handle pain. I think if they were really paying attention to Vanessa they would have seen the signs of her telling them GOOD BY. instead they viewed her as one of the strongest of the group. THE person she tried to reach out to (her best friend) was too occupied with a man to see what was really going on with her. I really dislike Asia a very selfish person. she now consider these ladies as friends, but how can you be a friend when you lie and deceive the people you suppose to look up too?

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Victoria Christopher Murray is one of my favorite Christian fiction writers. She was all over The Ex Files. This book was about letting go and let God and also forgiveness. The characters were awesome: Asia, Sheridan, Vanessa & Kendall. They each had some heavy duty burdens to deal with. Excellent read! I notice whenever I read one of Victoria's book , her pastor remains as the same character in each of her books.

[Devon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book a lot until Vanessa committed suicide. I know that's real life but it seems like the punk way out and I think the author should have shown how people overcome their intense grief. While I know that she was taking a risk and it was such a great twist in the story, that part just bothered me. I love the author's style of writing and the topics in her books because they are very relatable and full of drama honey!! That's the kind of thing I need to help me escape my own drama.

[Michael Bell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought that this was a so so novel. The women going through emotional trauma and meeting in a prayer group was not really gripping. One young lady experiemented with her sexuality and it shouldn't have been a big issue. Asia lost out on her baby daddy and a child abuse case somehow arose. Maybe I need another one of her books.

[Ms Goss · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was okay, but I think that if I wasn't a christian I wouldn't like it. It was a little slow to read, and the characters were barley believable. They were too good, and I don't believe that anybody is as good as these characters supposedly are.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely a 5 star read. This book touched on 4 women who came together with prayer. They all had their own issues but with God's help they made it through their own way. I truly enjoyed this book from beginning to end. I would highly recommend this book.

[Sophie Sealy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very emotionally book for me. This is my second time reading it and my feelings never change. I connected with the despair Vanessa went through the super stubborn streak that Kendall possessed.

[Arnetra · Rating 2 out of 5]

I recently met the author so I'm going to make my best effort to finish this book.

[Mahoghani 23 · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book I enjoyed reading.

[Bridget · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. It kept my interest. I liked how short the chapters were which made it easier to read with my busy work schedule.

[Iona Sawyer]

Ex Files truly is a story for all. Gives you 4 very different experiences that truly give show how prayer can combine you.

[Dorothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book! :)

[Lyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional. Love love loved it. Awesome as always.

[Edna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the book, definitely a bingeable book. If you love reality tv shows this is the book for you. The book is classified as Christina fiction but it is more women's fiction, domestic fiction or simply fiction. The author mentions church and prayer but the behavior of the women in this book are not that of a Christian. The prayer group was not a prayer group, I don't know what it was, but it was not a prayer group. The four women in this book go to church on occasions and believe in God but their behavior was by no means Christ like. Each of the women are concerned only about themselves and only pray when they are desperate. Yes, I know that in real life that is when some folks pray but a true Christian takes prayer more seriously. These women did not take prayer seriously, it was more of a means to an end. I would not want any of the women in this prayer group praying for me.

[Cierra Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came to this book because I told my local librarian that I like the Bentley Manor series and she recommended this book to me since it's like the same structure. And she couldn't have been more right. This was like Meesha Mink's Bentley Manor for Christian ladies. Like I found myself deep in them book wanting to know what was going to happen next. But I also would say when it comes to one of the ladies who had the gay ex-husband and daughter who kissed her best friend. The way homophobia reign her chapters were crazy and the mindset her and the preacher had was WILD. I had to keep reminding myself that it's NOT 2025 in this book and we're in the space and lives of deeply devoted Christian women.

[Abby G. Amos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice Read!

I enjoyed reading this book, but I was confused on who these different women were! It took me several chapters in before I understood the connection between them all! It brought tears to my eyes when things happened the way they did with Vanessa! Asia is a Hot Mess for what she did! I think I would have felt the same way as Kendra about her husband and sister!!!! And Sheridan, well, she needed time to figure out who and what she wanted! This is a book everyone will enjoy! I definitely recommend it!