That Faith, That Trust, That Love

This book couldn't have come at a better time in my life! Talk about God being right on time...He has used Jamellah in a MIGHTY way. I only hope that others will be brave enough to explore the questions, emotions, & reflections that Marney's or any of the characters' story stirs up. I smiled out loud, laughed out loud, and cried out loud with a convicted soul at reading this profound story; I couldn't put the book down & literally finished it in less than 24 hours! Jamillah has revealed God's availability to everyone in a REAL and "regular" way; you don't have to move to feel His presence as you become a part of this beautiful story. You will be truly Blessed if you take the time to read it!

That Faith, That Trust, That Love by Jamellah Ellis is an excellent debut novel and a wonderful addition to the Christian Fiction genre. Marley Shepherd appears to have it all...good looks, a wonderful fiancee, and a great job as an attorney at a prestigious law firm. So what's wrong with the scenario that follows? As the story opens, An extravagant party is being held to announce Marley's engagement to Gerrard Shore, the son of one of Atlanta's prominent African-American families. With more than 200 family and friends present to celebrate the occasion why does Marley feel unhappy? And, why, only two weeks after the engagement party, is the "happy" couple meeting with a relationship counselor to determine what's wrong with this relationship? (Hmm...sounds like disaster ready to happen. Run quick. Forget about marrying Gerrard Shore because he's not as perfect as he appears to be.) Feeling disillusioned and downcast, Marley seeks advice and solace from her mom, Pam and her grandmother, Ma Grand. Unfortunately when these two women aren't busy sparring with each other, they're embattled in their own bitter world of turmoil and are not the role models that one would seek when it comes to matters of the heart. When Marley's family and friends suggest that Marley try attending church to strengthen her walk with God she initially shies away as she remembers the hypocrisy of the churches that she's attended in the past. It seemed that all of the churches that she visited previously were so busy being about everything except God and as such it had caused her to lose faith in the institution as a whole. So when Marley was invited by her secretary, Evelyn, to attend Gilead's Balm, a relatively small church,Marley was surprised when she found herself being inspired by the message and longing for a personal relationship with God.Ellis shows that Marley will still encounter trials and tribulations, however her faith, trust and love in God will help her to walk by faith and not by sight when the storms of life come her way. As Marley begins and continues in a closer walk with God, and her spiritually increases, others are able to see the positive changes in Marley's life. Marley's faith and her trust in God will be tested immensely as she shares a life threatening situation with her mom and realizes that the only person she can truly rely on is God.Jamellah Ellis has written an heart-warming and emotionally rich novel. It was compelling, engrossing and uplifting without being preachy. I enjoyed that the focus was on the Word of God versus just a sermon of a bunch of clichés which don't mean anything the moment the service is over. Ellis realistically portrayed real life folks, with real life situations making real life decisions. That Faith...is a refreshing change of pace and a reminder that no matter what happens in our life it is our faith, our trust and our love of God which will help us have victory in our lives. Ellis has written

Jamellah Ellis has hit the ground running with her debut novel That Faith, That Trust, That Love. Her comfortable writing style will make you want to laugh, cry and call a friend to recommend that they read it, all at the same time.Ellis deftly weaves together the stories of three generations of African-American women, each dealing with the same issues in their different ways. From Ma Grand's "never let 'em see you sweat" demeanor to Pam's "put on a happy face" attitude to Marley's determination to live life to the fullest but by her own rules, Ellis shows us that only God can bring true happiness, not the things we do or say to try and find it.Unlike some "sistagirl" books on the market, Ellis' male characters are vivid and true to life, showing the good, the bad and the ugly. Her female supporting characters (Marley's sistergirls Ashley, Deanna and Lynne) are strong enough to each carry a book by themselves. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I for one would love to see a sequel!

Jamellah Ellis has raised the bar on African-American Christian fiction with her powerful and poignant debut, That Faith, That Trust, That Love. This novel has it all: laugh-out-loud humor, gripping drama, familial struggles, true-to-life characters and situations, and prose that dances off the page and dares the reader not to take note. And all the while God and His Son Jesus Christ are glorified in the process. Hallelujah! I am so proud of Jamellah that she is walking in her life's purpose and sharing her talent with the world. She is a literary icon in the making and That Faith, That Trust, That Love is the first of many novels to prove it. If you know like I know, you'll get this book quick, fast, and in a hurry. Don't block the blessing!