For Friendship's Sake

Rating:
Summary: Debut novel does not mean amateur talent.
Review: A romance genre writer has to go some to keep me sitting bleary eyed 'til long past bedtime devouring every page, but Ms. Lackey managed that. It isn't that I don't like romance genre novels. I have my favorite romance writers, and none of them are famous. This author wormed her way into my top five best writers of romantic fiction before the end of chapter one.

The story begins in London. The year is 1937.
"A light mist from earlier rains swirled hazily in the streets. Street lamps shed filmy haloes of light, while up above a clear sky spread, laden with its own luminance, millions of sharp, bright pinpricks - diamonds on velvet." That sets the mood for a romantic dalliance between the sensually handsome Nick Stouffer and a less than innocent Lady Cynthia Holt. Obviously, they've known each other intimately for quite some time. Only one problem comes to mind with that scenario. Nick is engaged to Marjorie Peyton, and their wedding has been planned for quite some time.

When an unsuspecting Marjorie discovers her fiance' in the arms of Lady Cynthia, she leaves London in disgrace. Embarrassed, humiliated, and enraged, Marjorie gathers what few shreds of pride she can and heads to America to contemplate the situation. She keeps Nick's betrayal secret, even from his family, and walks a fine line between amusement and despair at the wretched turn of events. Amidst the friends, enemies, and social misfits she encounters in Nick's wake, one person shines. Jakin Christoper. Jake doesn't put on airs and lives his headstrong life with no apologies. And he's been burnt by love in far worse ways than Marjorie.

It was Jake and Marjorie's respectful and reluctant dance around the fringes of attraction that kept me reading 'til the small wee hours. And the fascinating way Ms. Lackey tied up each aspect of the story into one neat package was delicious. This is an inspirational story about very human people, told without platitudes or preaching. The characters are richly drawn and fully developed.. At the tender age of 21, Ella Deon Lackey has an impressive voice and presence that I believe will only improve with time and age. She is a winner, as is For Friendship's Sake.

Rating:
Summary: Midwest Book Review - both book and writer are winners....
Review: A romance genre writer has to go some to keep me sitting bleary eyed 'til long past bedtime devouring every page, but Ms. Lackey managed that. It isn't that I don't like romance genre novels. I have my favorite romance writers, and none of them are famous. This author wormed her way into my top five best writers of romantic fiction before the end of chapter one.

The story begins in London. The year is 1937.
"A light mist from earlier rains swirled hazily in the streets. Street lamps shed filmy haloes of light, while up above a clear sky spread, laden with its own luminance, millions of sharp, bright pinpricks - diamonds on velvet." That sets the mood for a romantic dalliance between the sensually handsome Nick Stouffer and a less than innocent Lady Cynthia Holt. Obviously, they've known each other intimately for quite some time. Only one problem comes to mind with that scenario. Nick is engaged to Marjorie Peyton, and their wedding has been planned for quite some time.

When an unsuspecting Marjorie discovers her fiance' in the arms of Lady Cynthia, she leaves London in disgrace. Embarrassed, humiliated, and enraged, Marjorie gathers what few shreds of pride she can and heads to America to contemplate the situation. She keeps Nick's betrayal secret, even from his family, and walks a fine line between amusement and despair at the wretched turn of events. Amidst the friends, enemies, and social misfits she encounters in Nick's wake, one person shines. Jakin Christoper. Jake doesn't put on airs and lives his headstrong life with no apologies. And he's been burnt by love in far worse ways than Marjorie.

It was Jake and Marjorie's respectful and reluctant dance around the fringes of attraction that kept me reading 'til the small wee hours. And the fascinating way Ms. Lackey tied up each aspect of the story into one neat package was delicious. This is an inspirational story about very human people, told without platitudes or preaching. The characters are richly drawn and fully developed.. At the tender age of 21, Ella Deon Lackey has an impressive voice and presence that I believe will only improve with time and age. She is a winner, as is For Friendship's Sake.

Rating:
Summary: Worth a read
Review: An ambitious inspirational novel written by a talented emerging writer for a younger readership. Pretty descriptions and thought-provoking insights. Keep writing!

Rating:
Summary: Debut novel does not mean amateur talent.
Review: I highly recommend Deon's novel for those who value quality reading in their literary repertoire. Her writing talent is prodigious to say the least, and her expression of detail is artistically mind-teasing -- psychedelic brilliance. As deemed a Christian novel, Deon finds balance between the sensuous and
spiritual, revealing her own spiritual maturity without a preachy tone, yet maintaining the steam of love. Her story is intricate and beautifully voiced -- tragic and triumphant. I give four stars because much happens in the novel with some of the twists seemingly left without full resolve at the end. However, a sequel could pick up quite easily to continue the drama. Sequel or not, I would look forward to a second book by Deon, followed by blooming success.

Rating:
Summary: Highest Recommendation!
Review: Marjorie Peyton is a beautiful, slightly spoiled, young woman living in the 1930's. She is madly in love and engaged to be married. Her world is shattered when she finds her fiancee, Nick Stouffer, in the arms of another woman. Marjorie takes off on a cruise to New York, running away from the blow life has handed her. On board the ship, she meets an old friend and agrees to stay at her home after they dock. Caroline Christopher has everything Marjorie doesn't - a devoted husband, and most of all, the happiness that she can't seem to find.

In New York, Marjorie is introduced to Caroline's brother-in-law, Jakin Christopher. Jake's deep hazel eyes and good looks draw her in, but she is still in love with Nick, and Jake, is nursing his own broken heart. Eventually, the two develop a deep and abiding friendship. When Nick comes back to claim Marjorie, Jake takes off, confused by his feelings. Could he feel more for Marjorie than just friendship? He ends up in Africa, where the woman he thinks he loves, tells him that she wants him back. Now, Jake and Marjorie have everything they want - or do they? As they look behind the masks of love, they find that what lies beneath can be something different than what they thought they saw in the light of day. Sometimes, there can be something dark - and even sinister, lurking behind the disguises we wear.

FOR FRIENDSHIP'S SAKE is a book that looks into the heart - and holds truth, love, and faith up to the ultimate test. Deon Lackey is an author of the highest caliber - one destined to write - as we are destined to read. Her delivery is flawless and her talent incredible. This twenty-one-year-old writer is on the brink of a career than should last her as long as she wants to share her talent with the rest of us.

I give FOR FRIENDSHIP'S SAKE my very highest recommendation - as well as its talented author.