From Faythe To Ever-increasing Faith

Rating:
Summary: The substance of things hoped for...
Review:
Ever since college, Faythe Alexander has been attracted to David Karlson. Although she never made her feelings known, she secretly hoped that the feelings were mutual. When it became apparent that the relationship would never progress beyond friendship, Faythe gave up hope, which prompted her to eventually marry someone she didn't truly love.

Sixteen years later, Faythe is divorced, but still pining for David. When they meet again, they finally profess their love for each other. Will their road to happiness be all hearts, flowers and perfection as Faythe has wished for so long?

Told in first person, FROM FAYTHE TO EVER-INCREASING FAITH was a good debut novel. While the plot is basically the same as other Christian fiction novels, there were parts of the story that really spoke to my heart. I look forward to future works from this promising new author.

Reviewed by Renee Williams
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers


Rating:
Summary: Enriching and Entertaining..Truly Enjoyable to Read
Review: Faith is a driving force in the lives of many people, helping to cope with not only the every day chores of work, paying bills, taking care of families, but also in the hereafter that is to come. It is written that if you have faith the size of a mustard seed (which by the way is pretty small in case you didn't know) that you could tell a mountain to move and it would. But no one has that much faith. Oh we come close, maybe an eighth of a seed, maybe a quarter, the most stalwart of us even a half, but never enough to say "Mountain, move!" and then watch it go. Moreover, while we may wish to walk the straight and narrow, it is not an easy path. We all have faults-it's what makes us human, it's what makes us real. And being real is one of the many things I liked about From Faythe to Ever Increasing Faith by first time author Donna L. Patton, and the character that has the title role in her novel, Faythe Alexander.

Ms. Patton has created a young successful attractive African/American woman to be the star and strong role model in this highly compelling story, and with her, a world where people make mistakes, and learn. People grieve and go on, people love, and know heartache, yet love again. And people believe-they believe in a greater power; a God that is real, and alive, and helps them get through the struggles of existence, always there to guide and support. It is obvious from the way that Ms. Patton uses her gift of writing to minister, that she is a firm believer in the Lord, and walks with him on a constant basis.

Don't get me wrong, this is not a book that preaches, but instead shares within the confines of a richly developed story one of love lost and found; of friendships renewed and reinterpreted, and the vastness and abounding love of a Savior for one of his creations, and the return of that love.

Is it a romance novel you might ask? Well, yes, and it could easily fit on the shelves of any secular bookstore in the romance section; however, it is far more. Is it a Christian book? Well, again, it could go next to any book at a religious bookstore with pride, but to pigeonhole it into any narrow confine does an injustice to the writing skills that Ms. Patton displays.

From Faythe to Ever Increasing Faith is a rare find; a book that ministers to the needs of the reader without hitting them over the head; yet never once compromising the message for the sake of the story. I would say that Ms. Patton should be proud of what she wrote, but I think her answer would be she didn't write it alone, she had help from someone `higher up'. And I think she would be right.

-Rick Mohr
Syndicated Book Reviewer

Rating:
Summary: Extraordinary Book!!!
Review: I enjoyed the book and rated it excellent because it was so easy to relate to on so many levels. As an African American christian and businesswoman, I understand the struggles and demands Faythe Alexander dealt with. I can relate to the feelings of unworthiness and self-doubt and bad decision-making as well as relationship complexities with saved/unsaved friends and relatives. It was a blessing to see this story unfold and witness the reward she received as a result of being yielded to God's ultimate plan for her life. Not only will obedience to God's word and a personal relationship with him produce a fruitful life but it will also spiritually take you to higher heights!!! I recommend it to everyone!!!

Rating:
Summary: Extraordinary Book!!!
Review: I enjoyed the book and rated it excellent because it was so easy to relate to on so many levels. As an African American christian and businesswoman, I understand the struggles and demands Faythe Alexander dealt with. I can relate to the feelings of unworthiness and self-doubt and bad decision-making as well as relationship complexities with saved/unsaved friends and relatives. It was a blessing to see this story unfold and witness the reward she received as a result of being yielded to God's ultimate plan for her life. Not only will obedience to God's word and a personal relationship with him produce a fruitful life but it will also spiritually take you to higher heights!!! I recommend it to everyone!!!

Rating:
Summary: Keeping the Faith
Review: In Donna L. Patton's, From Faythe to Ever Increasing Faith, Fathye Alexander is a black woman riding the clouds above success. Throughout her life, Fathye has constantly battled with never feeling pretty enough, good enough, or smart enough. When her long-time friend David resurfaces, she must destroy old demons and claim her right to love long denied. It is only through her faith that she succeeds and comes full-circle into God's devine plan.

Patton managed to deliver an exciting story without compromising God's word. Her character's story was a testimony to God's unconditional love, never-ending patience and undying forgiveness. At times the pace of the story was slowed dramatically with back stories and dreams, but overall I found this book to be a good read.

If you are looking for a story to entertain the mind while ministering to the soul, increase your faith by picking up a copy of this book!

T. RHYTHM KNIGHT
APOOO BookClub

Rating:
Summary: Real Christian Love
Review: Thank you Donna L. Patton for writing the first true Christian romance novel I have ever read. From Faythe to Ever Increasing Faith was an extremely realistic book to me as an African American Christian woman who is seeking to truly know God's purpose and plan in life because this is exactly what Faythe does throughout the book! Although Faythe has to continually remind herself of God's purpose and plan for her life, her strength and perseverance are a true testimony to her friends, family and even . . . the love of her life.

Unlike other Christian books and movies that are currently available, this book is true to God's purpose and plan because it addresses our relationships with God on a personal but realistic level by showing how God is truly in control of every aspect of our lives. Faythe is successful in so many areas of her life because she allows God to be in total control. As a result, she lives the joyful life God intends for all of us.

This well-written novel is an excellent gift for young, old, women, men and people of all cultures! I encourage everyone to purchase a book for themselves, several more to give to others (because you will want other people to read it) and look forward to more of God's work through Donna L. Patton!



Rating:
Summary: From Faythe ... One of the Best Books Ever Written
Review: This book is truly a page-turner! It kept me on the edge of my seat, wanting more and more. It made me laugh and cry all at the same time. This heart-felt book truly reached the heart of its readers and I'm sure it reached the heart of God. I recommend everyone read this book. Excellent!!!

Rating:
Summary: From Faythe ... One of the Best Books Ever Written
Review: This book is truly a page-turner! It kept me on the edge of my seat, wanting more and more. It made me laugh and cry all at the same time. This heart-felt book truly reached the heart of its readers and I'm sure it reached the heart of God. I recommend everyone read this book. Excellent!!!

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful Book
Review: TITLE: FROM FAYTHE TO EVER-INCREASING FAITH

AUTHOR: DONNA L. PATTON

This is a Christian romance fiction story of how true love stands the test of time. Faith Alexander and David Karlson have been friends since college. After sixteen years of separation each carries a special place in their heart for the other. Faith is an African-American female holding her own in the corporate world. David Karlson has gone off to peruse his ambitions as an entrepreneur all over the world. They reunite after sixteen years, of communicating occasionally, and find they're still attracted to each other, and each has accepted Christ in their lives.

Other characters in the book are Charleta (Faith's best friend) she endures crisis in her marriage after giving up her career as director of nursing. Her husband Stonewall made partner at a major law firm and she opted to be a stay-at-home mom for her three sons.

Thaddeus (Faith's administrative assistant) who's very intelligent, posses great organization skills, and great ambitions. He leads a life of confusion about his sexuality and the church.

Read From Faythe Ever-Increasing Faith and share with these characters the experience of overcoming some of life's biggest crises by just having faith. This story will lift your spirits and give you increased faith in your life when crisis come.

Betta Pruitt
Sophisticated Souls of Learning Book Club