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GUILTY OF LOVE - Pat Simmons
Urban Books/Christian September 2007 |
SYNOPSIS: In this moving and inspirational new novel, a woman's guilt over a past mistake threatens her new chance for happiness.
INSPIRATIONAL FICTION |4+| Tricia-Ann Blades
REVIEW: Pat Simmons has created a powerful novel in GUILTY OF LOVE. This novel weaves the story of a young woman who has been ridden with the guilt of her past actions but with the unexpected love of the present she is able to gain victory in her life. Through this novel Pat Simmons explores the themes of forgiveness, love, guilt and the importance of relationships to man.
Cheney Reynolds is the main character of the novel; through tragic circumstances, she separated herself from her family and from her God. Driven by guilt, she closes herself away from anyone and anything that can bring her joy. Her scars are so deep that her subconscious rides her in the times of rest and the guilt of the past pursues her during the day. But Cheney realizes that she cannot continue to live her live this way. She tries to make amends, but closed doors are sometimes the hardest to open. Here Pat Simmons does not leave her character hanging but shows that love can arise in the most unexpected places and when it does, especially if it is persistent, it can form new relationships to replace the old and develop the whole man. It is through this character that the writer shows the power of God’s love to give the oil of gladness, the garment of praise instead of ashes and glory in the place of despair.
“In his heart a man plans his course but the Lord determines his steps” {Proverbs 16:9}. Such was the case of the supporting character Parke Kokumuno VI. A man in search of his true mate, one strong enough to carry on the powerful bloodline from which he descends, is weakened by a woman who does not ‘appear ‘ to fit his description or taste. But soon Parke realizes that when the spirit makes a divine connection that there is no preconceived plan that can change the course of destiny. The uses this character to bring the oil of gladness to the main character.
Contrasting characters come in the form of a couple who appears to have love, forgiveness, understanding and all the basic ingredients of the prefect love affair. But Hallison is a prodigal daughter, running from her true nature, moving from her Father’s house, believing that all would be well. She has found love in Malcolm but when she enters into her Father’s house, she is unequivocally drawn back into His presence, leaving Malcolm hanging and broken……
GUILTY OF LOVE is an excellent work of fiction. Read with an open heart, it is a powerful tool of witness and a gentle reminder of the power of prayer in an individual’s life.
reviewer@romanceincolor.com | 10th April 2008