IS GOD SOVEREIGN OVER LOVE STORIES?
Amara Ikezie is a new grad nurse who is thrilled to start her dream job in Atlanta’s biggest children’s hospital. But when her best friend gets engaged, Amara is faced with the looming pressure from her mom to find her own man. Determined to escape the pressure to marry, Amara takes on a task to find the ‘perfect’ man who ticks all the boxes on her list.
Raymond Aderinto is a pediatric cardiologist with a wall of accolades and a string of failed relationships. After his fourth girlfriend dumps him, Raymond vows to get confirmation from God first before entering into his next relationship—even though he’d love to find his bride before turning thirty.
When Raymond spills coffee on Amara’s scrubs, he becomes certain she’s the woman God wants to be his wife. But unfortunately for him, Raymond doesn’t tick Amara’s boxes, and worst of all, Amara is sure her Igbo mom would never approve of a marriage to a man from the Yoruba tribe.
Despite Amara’s efforts to stay away from Raymond and convince herself he is not the one for her, her growing attraction for his character, values, and vision gives her more reasons to wonder if she was wrong about her prejudices toward him. When another doctor walks into Amara’s life who ticks all her boxes and shows interest in her, she is caught between running into his ‘perfect’ arms, or going with Raymond who is turning out to be more perfect than she thought.
The One Who Loves Me, book two in the Sovereign Love series, is a beautiful standalone novel about surrender and learning to take comfort in the sovereign goodness of a loving God who writes the best love stories.
“God has a wonderful way of using our mistakes to teach us lessons and draw us closer to Him. It’s not the mistake that matters, Tessa. It’s God’s grace and forgiveness through it and what that tells us about His love for us.”
Tessa sighs. “I agree with you, but it’s hard when my mom keeps rubbing my mistakes in my face. Will it ever get easier?” Her dark gaze pleads for some words of hope and I cast my mind back to my relationship with Mom. I’m hoping that we’ll learn to understand each other more from now on, but dealing with her endless criticisms while growing up wasn’t easy.
“I think we should be hopeful, but I can’t promise things will get easier.” I shake my head “Our parents are human beings too and they make mistakes. Have you asked God to forgive you?”
Tessa nods. “Yes, I have and I don’t want to do it again.”
“That’s great. Are you willing to live your life fully as a Jesus girl?”
Tessa nods again. “Yes, I am.”
“Then that’s all that matters because God now sees you as flawless.”
“He does?” She asks as tears pool in her eyes.
“He sure does, girl. So even if your mom reminds you of it, remind yourself that Jesus has forgiven you and that’s all that matters.”
Excerpted from The One Who Loves Me by Joan Embola, Copyright © 2022 by Joan Embola. Published by Love Qualified Press.
MY REVIEW
The One Who Loves Me took me on a ride into Nigerian culture. I enjoyed the characters of Amara & Raymond. 'The Christian aspect of the story went further than just stating their faith in God but had an in-depth relationship message as well. I enjoyed following their relationship as it grew and also the related to the everyday issues that arose. God's love is what makes a relationship grow. The story spoke of praying for guidance while single and letting God lead you to that special someone. We are reminded to take things slow and embrace God's special plan for our life. The language phrases/slang were sometimes challenging but well worth the effort. A humorous rom-com and enlightening romp through a different culture. Couldn't put it down. I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily choose to review it. All opinions are my own.
IS GOD SOVEREIGN OVER TRIUMPH AND TRAGEDY?
Bullies and family disasters have left eighteen-year-old Teeyana Sparks filled with anxiety and doubt. She feels pressured to believe in God, but as she embarks on her college journey in the hope of one day working at Google as a graphic designer, the only thing she believes in is controlling her own life. Things change when she meets Jayden Williams—the guy with a charming smile and kind heart.
Struggling with grief and recovering from a season of depression, nineteen-year-old Jayden is determined to help Teeyana believe in God’s goodness again. But when yet another tragedy strikes close to home, Teeyana’s response exposes Jayden’s unhealed wounds and tips him into a mental health relapse.
With the looming possibility of not getting her dream life, Teeyana is caught between holding on to her illusion of control and surrendering to a God she’s rejected. And as Jayden strives to break out of his despondency, he has to face that letting God in may involve him letting go of his friendship with Teeyana. Teeyana and Jayden must wrestle with uncomfortable truths, and the pride in their hearts, in order to face their biggest giant—God’s sovereignty over both triumph and tragedy.
The One Who Knows Me, book one in the Sovereign Love series, is a heart-warming standalone novel about hope and learning to take comfort in the sovereign goodness of a loving God who knows all things.
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