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THE PRODIGAL HUSBAND
Jacquelin Thomas BET/New Spirit April 2002 (4+) Wayne Jordan |
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PLOT SYNOPSIS: The talented author of "Singsation" delivers a poignant, passionate, and inspirational novel about one couple's journey from betrayal and sorrow to forgiveness, healing, faith, and joy. BET/New Spirit launch title.
REVIEW: When Jake and Tori Madison’s baby daughter dies in an accident, they are devastated. Jake, especially, suffers from intense guilt as he is driving the car when his daughter dies. Tori, too, is grieving, but knows that God can help them through this difficult time. However, with their already strained relationship, a result of Jake’s moment of weakness with his business partner, Sheila Moore, Jake cannot face Tori and runs away.
A year later, Jake is ready to return home. He knows that he has to face up to the reality of what happened a year ago. He knows that he needs to talk to his wife, and resolve the issues that still haunt him.
Tori, on the other hand, though she still loves her husband, is no longer willing to wait for him to return. Ready to move on with her life, she gets a complete makeover, goes on a date with the “drop-dead gorgeous” Nicholas…and then Jake returns.
The strength of THE PRODIGAL HUSBAND lies in the strong characterization and the unwavering focus on the importance of God in our lives.
Jake and Tori are not perfect. In fact, there are times when I felt annoyed at their action. But that’s where Ms. Thomas’ forte lies. Her characters are never the stereotypical ones that fail to move the reader, but real characters that takes the reader through a range of emotions.
To me, a journey of self discovery for the main characters of any work of literature is an essential ingredient. Both Jake and Tori must make this journey, and it is only when they embrace the love that God offers that they are able to forgive and move on with their marriage.
Any review of THE PRODIGAL HUSBAND cannot fail to look at Sheila Moore, the other woman. Sheila is a woman who knows what she wants and is not afraid to go after it. Sheila is the perfect villain, and is a perfect example of Ms. Thomas’ skill at characterization. The epitome of evil, Sheila seems to have no redeeming qualities, but her visit with her mother hints at an intriguing past. Sheila is demanding her own journey of discovery.
Strong characterization and a wonderful sense of place (South Carolina is the setting), makes this release one of Ms. Thomas’ best books. THE PRODIGAL HUSBAND is a fitting launch title for the new BET/New Spirit line of inspirational romances.
11th March 2002