A Heart of Devotion

Looking at the description of A HEART OF DEVOTION by Tia McCollors was enough to get me excited about reviewing it. I was intrigued by the idea of a Christian Fiction novel that included the elements of drama and entertainment that many readers require. What I found in this book was a truly engaging and uplifting experience. After a year's hiatus from the dating game to strengthen his relationship with God, Tyson has finally allowed himself to feel for and become close to a woman. His girlfriend, Anisha, seems nearly perfect for him as she inspires, motivates, and supports his every endeavor. However, there are loose ends from Tyson's past that are threatening to strangle his newfound love, and when Anisha tries to focus on her own goals, they move in for the kill. Anisha's best friend, Sherri, prides herself on being a devout Christian and living by the Word. She is quick to judge and preach to others about their shortcomings, but temptation can be a powerful force. Sherri must learn to step back and take a look at her own life and decisions before judging those of others. Tia McCollors is a breath of fresh air in the Christian Fiction genre. She had me wrapped around her finger, wondering where things would end up, how the story would twist, and how the characters would grow. Never preachy, never unbelievably saintly, always human, and constant works in progress, her characters formed a bond with me that caused me to admire their resilience rather than scoff at their perfection. Humans aren't perfect, but this addition to the Christian Fiction genre nearly is. With her expertly woven novel, Tia McCollors has placed herself as one of my favorite authors in this genre. Reviewed by CandaceK of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers

In a "Heart of Devotion", we experience the trials and tribulations of best friends Anisha and Sherri. These two women are dedicated to having a closer walk with Christ and serve as accountability and prayer partners, as well running buddies. Anisha has been dateless a year and a half (78 weeks to be exact). In the meantime, she and Sherri have been preparing themselves for the man God intends for them by actively participating in their church's singles ministry and preparing a list of dating "commandments". Shortly into the novel, a good friend of Anisha's who is also a dedicated church member seems to be turning up the heat on their friendship. Before long, Anisha and Tyson seem well on the path to a solid relationship. Along the way, Anisha's adherence to her "commandments" and her dedication to a closer walk with Christ will be severely tested. Through it all Anisha and Sherri's friendship and her intimate "conversations" with the Holy Spirit are infused into her path. While watching the advancements in Anisha's life, Sherri's facing some changes of her own. Also waiting for "Mr. Right", Sherri faces some tough choices about her standards for men. She has to question her values for the physical vs. spiritual and is making these tough decisions in front of her roommates, who are childhood friends who have not come to know Christ in the intimate way that she and Anisha have. Sherri will face tough choices as she first and foremost tries to make the right decisions for herself, even as she presents a close, personal witness to her friends. Anisha and Sherri change drastically throughout the novel, but through it all their friendship never wavers. This is a good, uplifting book for Christian singles and a good inspiring read for all. I'm eagerly awaiting Ms. Mccollors next novel.

Christian fiction readers watch out! Tia McCollors is a dynamite addition to this market. "A Heart of Devotion" was fabulous. It is well written with strong characterization, great dialogue and the kind of rhythmic pacing usually accomplished by multi-published, bestselling authors, not first time novelist. Imagine what Ms. McCollors will become with more novels under her belt when this one was so perfectly done. It's proof that "You can do all things through Christ". I really enjoyed this book. It was a blessing to my soul. It made me laugh, cry and challenged me spiritually while keeping me on the edge of my seat as I turned the pages at 2:30 a.m. and then again at 6 a.m. (Had to find out what was going to happen!) By the end of the novel, the characters felt like old friends. Boy was I rooting for Anisha and Sherri. I almost stopped to pray for them. Now you know that's real! I sense a sequel and look forward to it and more work by Tia McCollors. What a blessing! Rhonda

I am an avid reader. Recently my sister has introduced me to the new Christian fiction readers. I have read several of them and Tia McCollors' book is among the best. It is very obvious that she spent alot of time developing her characters and story lines. The situations that she deals with are very real and I love how she deals with them in easy to understand and comprehend way that is also very bible based. Her book does not come across preachy either which is something that I have found lacking in this new genre of books. She does manage to convict the reader, and this is partially because the reader is able to identify with her characters. This is a definite must read for individuals interested in Christian fiction. Bravo to Tia McCollors. I am definitely waiting for her next book.

I am an avid reader and very skeptical of new writers, but Tia McCollors blew me away! Tia did not compromise her Christianity to write a page-turner that holds the reader's attention. At the same time, one can't help but be challenged to strengthen their own relationship with Christ after reading this book. This book does not sugarcoat the struggles faced by Christian singles on a daily basis, nor does it deny the fact that we are all human. I absolutely love the way Tia shared the urging of the Holy Spirit. This is definitely a must read for all! Thank you Tia for writing such a wonderful book and I look forward to your next one.