FOR LOVE AND GRACE- Kendra Norman Bellamy
BET/New Spirit
November 2004
SYNOPSIS: A gifted surgeon must he choose between the friend he loves like a brother, the gift for healing God has bestowed on him, and the woman he knows he has been blessed to meet. READ REVIEW #2
INSPIRATIONAL FICTION: (4+) Tricia-Anne Blades
REVIEW: For Love and Grace is an emotionally moving story which speaks to the heart of friendship. Gregory Dixon and Derrick Madison are best friends whose friendship is threatened by the death of one who is dear to both of them and by Gregory’s desire to remain true to his calling and save the live of the woman who involved in the accident.
Gregory, the story’s central character, is a black outstanding surgeon who is truly a man after God’s own heart. Gregory believes strongly in the power which characterizes God. He is also very aware that his hands are only gifted by the anointing of God. He proves this by offering up his hands in prayer before he performs the operation that changes his life and the life of his beautiful patient. It is through Gregory that Ms. Norman-Bellamy shows that there are still praying men today. Gregory is acutely aware of the presence of God, and he is not ashamed to share the gospel with his fellowman. Because of these characteristics, he is able to deal with Derrick and the grief that assails them both.
Jessica Grace Charles is a significant supporting character. Although comatose for the first part of the novel, she impacts upon the life of each of the story’s characters. She becomes the nucleus and everyone gathers in her room at one time or another to build friendship, to share love, to vent anger, to create romance. Jessica shows that “…all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose” {Romans 8:26}. Happenstance in this character’s case was God’s plan in action. Indeed Jessica brings back the old adage that every disappointment in our life is His appointment.
Derrick is used to bring about the contrast within the novel. It is through him that the reader sees the comparison of casting your care on the Lord and allowing Him to give peace as opposed to trying to deal with the grief and pain alone. Derrick wears his grief like a blanket; he grieves so deeply that he shuts everyone who matters out. This causes him to be driven by bitterness and anger. These emotions could only lead to destruction. The power of forgiveness is shown him…indeed love and grace is extended.
For Love and Grace is a stimulating, heartfelt emotional novel through which the author builds her characters as she grabs the attention of the reader from the beginning. Appropriately named, the story outlines God’s unmerited favor and reminds the reader that love suffers long and is kind. Ms. Norman-Bellamy molds and shapes her characters to emphasize themes of friendship, the healing power of God, prayer, forgiveness, grief and love.
FOR LOVE OR GRACE, filled with humor and wit, clearly demonstrates Ms. Norman-Bellamy’s excellence. Thoroughly enjoyable!
tricia@romanceincolor.com (15th October 2004)