Rating: 
Summary: Some Kind of Wonderful
Review: "Baby, yo' daddy showed you what God look like in a man, don't settle for anything less than God's best, ya hear me?" Tanya Marie Lewis shares these words of wisdom and many more in this inspirational and refreshing debut, MISDEMEANOR. Abounding with humor, insightfulness and laugh out loud moments, Lewis' message of family and spiritual awakening will warm your heart and soul. Eight year old Malena Dawson is wise beyond years and daddy's little girl. Being daddy's little girl has the obvious advantages, but for Mitchell Sr. and Malena, the love of God is the foundation and blessing of their relationship. In one moment everything changes when a deadly accident at work involving Mitchell leaves Malena fatherless. Too young to understand the implications of death and the anguish her mother would undergo due to Mitchell's demise, Malena aimlessly walks around in search of daddy, only daddy never returns. Experiencing hardship in their small town of Ft. Knoxsville, Mississippi, little Malena decides it is time to ask God for a "favor." It is this favor that relocates the Dawson family to the big city of Biloxi, Mississippi with the hopes of starting over and introduces Malena to a young man that will impact her life as she knows it. Ten year old Gary Carpenter is a unique young man. Full of wisdom, knowledge and understanding in the things of God, Gary is quickly drawn to Malena's spirit and what he often refers to as the bright light that encompasses her. Malena being four years his senior and turned off by Gary's know it all persona refers to him as the young "smelly bible boy" and discounts Gary's displays of affection. As Malena and Gary mature into young adults, Malena becomes more worldly while Gary remains faithful to his teachings of abstinence, spiritual commitment and the promise that one day he and Malena will be together. MISDEMEANOR is a beautiful debut from Tanya Marie Lewis. Through trials and triumphs, Malena and Gary experience the heartache of first loves and the temptations of worldliness. As the first contributor to Sadorian Publications' trilogy, "The Cradlerobbers", Ms. Lewis has definitely set the stage for this highly anticipated series. MISDEMEANOR is enriching and speaks to the hearts of young men and women who have believed and stood on the promises of God. Written with elements of family, hope, salvation and romance, Ms. Lewis clearly demonstrates that Christian Inspirational Fiction has emerged. Through the voice of Grant Carpenter readers will be comforted to know God is not slack concerning his promise and through the voice of Malena Dawson God will meet you where you are! Reviewed by Nicki Lancaster
APOOO BookClub
Rating: 
Summary: A Sweet Surprise Written by my Auntie
Review: A Sweet Surprise
I enjoyed this book so much. I really love the way the author changed the story lines(e.g. Malena's side then Grant's side) just when the readers are really getting into one of the characters story. So far I think this series is great and the readers will love how just when you think you're getting romance, and in actuality they are learning some good life and spirituality lessons. Again I enjoyed the book. It wasn't too long and the descrpitons of how the characters are portrayed is Perfect.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Writing
Review: Alright, I don't know whether or not I've become sappier in my old age or what, but this book was so romantic, so moving, so inspirational and hope filled that I'm sitting here typing this review through tear filled eyes. I know that it's a work of fiction but wonderfully told in a short 134 pages that I didn't want to end. The story starts off through the eyes of Malena, age 8, and her perception of the phrase told to her at the time, that "Daddy's not coming home". Unacquainted with death and the phrases that adults use such as "We're going to see Daddy tomorrow" and "Time to say goodbye" Malena and her 10 Year old brother Mitch, hadn't a clue that "Daddy had gone to glory". Told in an 8 year old's voice, the reader is immediately drawn into the story. The story progresses as Malena grows older, the tenure of the story changes, and more of her life is explored. The family moves from Ft. Knoxville Mississippi to the city of Biloxi where she continues to grow. Despite the tragedy of her fathers' death, the family remains strong, prayerful, God fearing and committed to life. As the story progresses, Mitch goes off to Morehouse and after graduation, marries a wonderful woman and they have a child and he remains ever committed to his family. Malena, two years later goes to college in Atlanta as well, meets for the first time a best friend and relocates to begin her new life. Their mother continues to be an ever-influential part of their lives, their friend and example of how to let go and let God control their destiny. Meanwhile, Malena struggles in love and relationship while all the time knowing that there is someone who is a little younger than her who is hopelessly in love with her. Grant Carpenter. He was a childhood friend who was "special", knew the bible better than the preacher and had an extraordinary relationship with God. As this "cradle robbing" relationship grew, the story turned tender, loving, and expectant. Ooh to read the words of this story really provides the reader with hope and a belief that all things really do work for good. The Cradle robbers is a series, this is the first installment. I can't wait to read the other works to follow. The authors/publishers have really taken Christian fiction to another level. If Misdemeanor is any indication of the things to come, the next book can't come about soon enough.
Rating:
Summary: Through the Eyes of a child
Review: Author Tanya Marie Lewis uses her main character, Malena Dawson to narrate her debut title Misdemeanor. The story starts off with eight-year old Malena, a daddy's girl dealing with the loss of her father. The concept of death is a difficult thing to wrap her adolescent mind around. In time, she begins to decipher what death is when her father never returns home. With the love of God instilled in her, Malena believes it is her father's voice she hears that guides her on her journey to adulthood. Throughout college and beyond Malena begins to forget her Christian upbringing and becomes someone that even she doesn't even seem to recognize. Her career, material possessions and carefree lifestyle have become the most important things in her life. But her childhood friend and admirer, Grant Carpenter, who told her early on that one day she'd be his wife, suddenly resurfaces in her life. Grant is a devout Christian with a staunch belief in God. Malena isn't certain that she needs to have a relationship with him because of their age difference. Unable to get over her father's death, she manages to push Grant away despite her love for him. It is only when she finds her life is empty and unfulfilled despite her successes that she realizes that she is spiraling out of control. She then realizes that no one can help her except the God that she has turned her back on. Will Malena heed to the voice within her head? If she does, will it be too late for Malena and Grant? Will Grant be able to forgive her for all her transgressions? Author Tanya Marie Lewis does a splendid job of answering all of these questions in this inspirational story. Although short for a typical novel, Misdemeanor, focusing on the important things in Malena's life, omitting unnecessary materialistic descriptions. I thoroughly enjoyed Misdemeanor, and I look forward to reading the second installment, Bloom, by Linda Dominique Grosvenor, in the Cradle Robbers Series. Vanessa A. Johnson Readincolor Reviewers
Rating:
Summary: A Sweet Surprise Written by my Auntie
Review: I LOVED THIS BOOK!! From the moment I read "I'm Malena, just turned eight yesterday so I don't know a whole bunch of stuff yet." I was hooked. When I sat down with the book I had planned to only read a couple of chapters and then go to bed. But when Malena waved bye to her Daddy and decided to hold on to his "tote bible" I couldn't put the book down. I felt like this was my little friend and I had to find out what would happen next. This book may be small, but it sure produces a big story. I would highly recommend this book to book clubs (secular and religious). There are lots of deep discussions that can evolve from this story. It was truly a blessing to read such a fascinating book about a young woman's spiritual and emotional journey in times like these.
Rating:
Summary: A True Blessing
Review: I LOVED THIS BOOK!! From the moment I read "I'm Malena, just turned eight yesterday so I don't know a whole bunch of stuff yet." I was hooked. When I sat down with the book I had planned to only read a couple of chapters and then go to bed. But when Malena waved bye to her Daddy and decided to hold on to his "tote bible" I couldn't put the book down. I felt like this was my little friend and I had to find out what would happen next. This book may be small, but it sure produces a big story. I would highly recommend this book to book clubs (secular and religious). There are lots of deep discussions that can evolve from this story. It was truly a blessing to read such a fascinating book about a young woman's spiritual and emotional journey in times like these.
Rating:
Summary: Keepin' It Real!!!
Review: I would first like to say, I have dubbed myself as a personal promoter of Tanya Marie Lewis'. It's been a long time since I've picked up a book and read it continuously- where every free moment of my time is dedicated to reading it, so that I can find out what happens next. Ms. Lewis kept it real (in so many ways) throughout the book. From the beginning with a young Malena trying keep her grammar as Daddy had taught her - "I and Mitch, Mitch and I". Ms. Lewis wrote as if it were Malena writing at the age of seven- making it so real. (...) You'll have to read it to know what I'm talking about... but she just kept it real, how even though we are Christians we can put ourselves in the wrong situation and make mistakes... and God is still gracious and merciful enough to forgive us- so long as we repent. I couldn't believe she went there but I'm thankful that she did. The twist and turns in Malena's life reminded me a lot of myself- from a subconscious sense of low self-worth to passing up a good thing for what others think is better. I identify with many aspects of Malena- too many to list. The book was EXCITING and ENCOURAGING... I am eagerly awaiting Ms. Lewis' next work... Where is that "Bittersweet Chocolate"? Smile. One last word "BUY THE BOOK!!!"- you won't regret it.
Rating:
Summary: An Earthly Story w/A Spiritual Truth
Review: Misdemeanor is the first in the series titled The Cradle Robbers which explore May-December relationships. Grant Carpenter; godly beyond his years,younger than Malena. But that does not stop him from persuing her. However Malena has issues with him being younger. Malena Dawson learned from her parents early on to live by the love of God within her. This value she held dear until she went away to college and began living in a worldly way. Church and prayer was jostled to the bottom of her to do list partying and sex was positioned at the top. What an amazing story this author weaves of God's sustaining grace and love! Tanya Marie Lewis demonstrates in Misdemeanor; what a wonderful gift to humankind God's grace is. It prepares us for a new life with Christ. Pick up your copy today and find out if Malena found her life with Christ or continued to indulge in her worldly ways feeding the flesh.
Rating:
Summary: Top Notch!
Review: Misdemeanor was one of the most moving books (novellas) that I've read in a good while. The characters were tangible and left a lasting impression on me as a reader. This story spanned the life of the main character Malena being a seven-year-old girl who is confused about death, through to her as a woman with a career-driven agenda as a broadcast journalist. The lessons being taught throughout the book are the same remarkable life lessons that you would want to teach your own family members. Without prejudice I can say that Misdemeanor is the kind of book you read hungrily the first time and then read it again to savor. Make room, Tanya Marie Lewis has arrived.
Rating:
Summary: Now that's what I'm talking about...
Review: This tale is a treat from start to finish. Who knew one could feel so much in the span of so few pages? From the books opening upon the confused sorrow of eight-year-old Malena until the gutwrenching end, this one held me, stabbed me, released me and pulled me in again.
Bravo, Ms. Lewis. If this is indication, the world can look to see more of you. Much more. I'm belting myself in for the release of Bittersweet Chocolate. I know it will be more than a treat.
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