~ Review: Singsation ~

The inspirational romance is a growing genre that is gaining popularity with readers, both Christian and Non-Christian romance readers.  Harlequin’s Steeple Hill, Tyndale’s Heartquest, and Barbour’s Heartsong are only a few of the lines which provide romance novels with stories that acknowledge the importance of God’s love in our lives and our relationships.  Most readers of the African-American romance were disappointed when Angela Benson decided she would be writing solely inspirational romances.  But when she released AWAKENING MERCY in 2000, readers found her new book to be as refreshing and as well written as any of her previous books.  This month, popular Arabesque author, Jacquelin Thomas, the latest to join the ranks of inspirational author, releases SINGSATION, second in the co-publishing venture between Walk Worthy Press and Warner Books.

SINGSATION is the story of Deborah Anne Peterson.   Deborah has a wonderful voice and wants to be singer.  She knows that her talent comes for God, and wants to use her gift to give honor and glory to Him.  When she gets the opportunity to go to Los Angeles and meet the ‘right’ people, she jumps at the chance.  She is convinced that God is guiding her in this direction, and allowing her to realize her dreams.

In Los Angeles, things are not what Deborah expects.  She is faced with the realities of the entertainment world, and finds it difficult to maintain her faith while she is surrounded by the ‘bad’ and the ‘ugly’.  She slowly begins to compromise the very beliefs that have guided her for years.   Fortunately, before things get out of hand, she makes a decision that will change the direction of her life and career.

Along with the challenge of the Hollywood lifestyle, Deborah must face the change in her relationship with Triage, a man she has known for year, and one who has ignored his relationship with God.  The development of the relationship is a slow leisurely one, as both Deborah and Triage, acknowledge the growing feeling for each other. 

What is interesting about SINGSATION, is that Deborah’s story reflects the lives of so many of us knows the love of God, and compromise our beliefs for success.  Deborah’s stand at the end of the book is a stand for what she believes, and for this we applaud her.

If there were a weakness in SINGSATION, it would be the fact that I believe that more could have been done with the Deborah and Triage's relationship.  True, the focus of the book is on Deborah’s relationship with God, but at time Dehorah’s relationship with Triage seems trivial.  SINGSATION is not a romance novel, but it is a book about relationships, and a relationship of such important could have been used more effectively as a part of the overall message Ms. Thomas is trying to convey.

Despite this, SINGSATION is a fine example of what Ms. Thomas is capable of as a writer.  In whatever genre she writes, she demonstrated the talent that has made her one of romance’s best.  Her stories are fitting tributes to the power of love.  Only now she has added an element of spiritual faith that makes her message even stronger.  I look forward to Ms. Thomas’ next foray into this genre.

7th April 2001