First Comes Love by Shana Burton
By Jennifer Coissiere • Jan 24th, 2009 • Category: Book Review 2009 •
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I have heard that if you want a lasting marriage, then you ought to marry your best friend. London Harris and Bernard Phillips, the main characters in Shana Johnson Burton’s First Comes Love, may beg to differ. London and Bernard have been best friends since they were very young, but after what they have done their friendship may be changed forever.
While consoling each other, London and Bernard hastily got on an airplane heading for Las Vegas to try to have some fun and cheer up. They went as friends, but returned to Atlanta as man and wife. Usually what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, but not for them. Determined to right the wrong they have made, the two agreed to have the marriage annulled first thing Monday morning, but not if London’s grandmother, Essie, has anything to do with it. Essie pulls out her worn Bible, providing them with the scriptures that say they must stay married. Will they listen and do as God would want them to do? Or will their friendship finally come to an end?
First Comes Love is filled with real-to-life feelings of regret and confusion. I felt the hurt and the pain of London and Bernard sacrificing their happiness to please someone other than themselves. The emotions were real and at times raw. My favorite character was Essie; she reminds me of myself. She told it to London and Bernard how it was with no sugary words; straight no chaser. That is always the best way. The editing needed to be polished, but it was not anything too distracting. I recommend First Comes Love to Christian and contemporary fiction readers.
Jennifer Coissiere
APOOO BookClub
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Jennifer Coissiere is an aspiring author, a mother, and a wife. She has been reading books as far back as her memory will allow her to remember. She has always used books as an escape from her everyday life. Her passion for words became evident to her English teacher in the eighth grade. Since then Jennifer has been writing non-stop, but it was not until 2006 when she finally realized her passion. She reviews books because she truly loves reading, and wants to spread the word to more than just the people she knows.
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Very good review. I voted accordingly in amazon.
Lashonda Silver´s last blog post..Change is good
I really enjoyed this story as well. London got on my last nerves sometimes, but I couldn’t put it down. I don’t remember seeing editing stuff. I guess I was too busy reading.