Khadesia Hill has a wonderful life, but she has secrets that not even her husband knows; secrets that would change their life and their marriage forever. Khadesia knows she will tell Malcolm Hill about her past life, but every time she tries, something happens. Then she finds out that the case of her boyfriend’s death twelve years earlier has been reopened and Khadesia just might be a suspect. This will ruin Malcolm, especially since he is next in line for the pastor of the church his father pastors at this time. Well, then there is the jealous sister-in-law who doesn’t like Khadesia for no reason.

Wow, Patricia Bridewell had her hands full figuring this one out! The characters are realistic, believable and well developed throughout the story, and there was enough drama going on between them that I couldn’t put the book down until I finished it. And it is really a pretty fast read too. I really liked Khadesia and kept wanting to do something to help her, since no one believed she was innocent. But of course all of the suspense and evil things done behind her back made the story more intriguing and raised the suspicion and tension to a much higher level. This is a well-written story by Patricia Bridewell. And I appreciate the way she shows the importance of trusting God when we really want to take matters into our own hands. And when we trust Him, God will carry us through out trials. In general, this is a pretty fast paced, interesting and intriguing story that would appeal to just about any woman. I encourage you to pick up a copy for a fun and interesting read.

"A Generation of Curses" by Patricia A. Bridewell & Faatima Albasir-Johnson is based on a true story. From the moment I began to read this tale I was enthralled. The message in this book will stay with me for a long time. I admit I am curious concerning how much of the story is true and how much is poetic license. Khadesia and Malcolm were happily married. She was a successful business woman and he was the assistant pastor at Solid Rock, his father’s church. When his father retired Malcolm was groomed to become the lead pastor and his older brother Corbin the assistant pastor. Corbin’s wife Stacie was very jealous and would do anything to become the “first lady” of the church including spreading rumors, partial truths and lies and using manipulation throughout the congregation. She did not care who she hurt. There is a lot of irony in this story. The Christian church teaches and preaches grace and forgiveness and yet, as demonstrated in this book, it doesn’t always practice what it preaches. I prefer not to give away too much of the plot. Suffice it to say that the church is not a building but people and people are fallible. It would do us all good to remember that no one is without sin. I would not want to be part of the church depicted in this tale. The pastor and the congregation could easily forgive Stacie’s sins and yet they were unforgiving when it came to Khadesia’s past. Khadesia had made foolish decisions but was the victim and yet even her father in law condemned her. I pondered over this book long after reading it. I found myself comparing Khadesia’s sins (both factual and imaginary) to those of Stacie. Khadesia was accused of a murder she did not commit. Stacie attempted to kill Khadesia’s reputation, marriage, and family life all in the name of power and prestige. I believe in offering forgiveness and grace. I would rather have grace than justice. I just don’t always understand people/churches.

Bridewell and Al-Basir -Johnson are talented writers. Their plot comes to life on the pages of this book. I could see the scenes unfold on the stage behind my eyes. I witnessed Stacie as she played the part of the serpent, tempting Maxie, to lure Malcolm to break his wedding vows. I found the character of Maxie appealing. Malcolm reminded me of the biblical story of Hosea. Daddy Hill reminded me of the Pharisees. The congregation comprises the men ready to stone the woman. The authors have done a fantastic job, creating a parable that we can all relate to.