What do you think?
Rate this book
Blessed Trinity #8
The Other Side of Dare
After seven years of marriage, Paris Simmons-Holyfield and her husband, Andrew, are still childless. Now Paris is determined to adopt orphaned nine-year-old Jasmine Noble. Trouble is, Jasmine's in the custody of ex-stripper Gabrielle Mercedes. Worse, Andrew is vehemently against the idea--and he's not alone. Paris's father, Lawrence Simmons, a powerful politician, has vowed to shut his daughter down. The only man to even dare be on Paris's side is shady Darius Connors. Unemployed and not quite out of the dog house with his wife, Darius is more than happy to help the beautiful, vulnerable, yet undeterred Paris. . .
Paris has her suspicions about why her husband and her father are so opposed to the adoption. But the reality is far more scandalous than she imagines. To get to the bottom of it, she'll have to deal with blackmail from the last person she ever expected--and battle Gabrielle, who'll fight with everything she's got--including the truth. Soon, all involved will learn just what's on the other side of dare. . .
Paris has her suspicions about why her husband and her father are so opposed to the adoption. But the reality is far more scandalous than she imagines. To get to the bottom of it, she'll have to deal with blackmail from the last person she ever expected--and battle Gabrielle, who'll fight with everything she's got--including the truth. Soon, all involved will learn just what's on the other side of dare. . .
306 pages, Paperback
Published December 24, 2012
14 people are currently reading
216 people want to read
About the author
Vanessa Davis Griggs
44 books249 followersVanessa Davis Griggs is the author of novels: DESTINY UNLIMITED, THE ROSE OF JERICHO, PROMISES BEYOND JORDAN, WINGS OF GRACE, BLESSED TRINITY, STRONGHOLDS, IF MEMORY SERVES and PRACTICING WHAT YOU PREACH, GOODNESS AND MERCY, THE TRUTH IS THE LIGHT, RAY OF HOPE,, REDEEMING WATERS, FOREVER SOUL TIES, THE OTHER SIDE OF GOODNESS, THE OTHER SIDE OF DARE, THE OTHER SIDE OF DIVINE, STEELY GRAY and COUNTLESS BLESSINGS.
Visit my Web site at: www.VanessaDavisGriggs.com"
Visit my Web site at: www.VanessaDavisGriggs.com"
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 21, 2017
I see that I read this series out of order, but it's cool I will go backward and forward when it comes to this series. But these Urban Christian Fiction stories. Be so lit; they're so different from Christian (regular one that focuses more on God in a good way). As to where the Christian (African American) version always ended up with the women or men acting a fool, but I will say, these stories aren't far from a lie. Because they're these Christian who are out here doing these things, the Urban Chrisitan Fiction, genre be stating the facts, and truth be told it's NOT only one race either.
The guy Darius will never learn If he does it'll be a miracle. I do need to go ahead and get book nine because I do want to know what will happen when Paris husband finds out that he is NOT the father. (I will say he is not. Because I do believe he is the one who cannot have children, because) They've been trying and soon she piggy wiggy with Dare she got pregnant yeah okay. Tell me something I don't know. But the way Andrew and her father were doing her was petty as them Sour Patch that is in the commercial, smh. So I couldn't blame her for stringing away from him and into the arms of the scam artist, seriously Dare was one, but I couldn't hate the guy he just doesn't listen when someone is trying to help him stay out of trouble and not lead himself into the arms of the Devil.
The guy Darius will never learn If he does it'll be a miracle. I do need to go ahead and get book nine because I do want to know what will happen when Paris husband finds out that he is NOT the father. (I will say he is not. Because I do believe he is the one who cannot have children, because) They've been trying and soon she piggy wiggy with Dare she got pregnant yeah okay. Tell me something I don't know. But the way Andrew and her father were doing her was petty as them Sour Patch that is in the commercial, smh. So I couldn't blame her for stringing away from him and into the arms of the scam artist, seriously Dare was one, but I couldn't hate the guy he just doesn't listen when someone is trying to help him stay out of trouble and not lead himself into the arms of the Devil.
July 27, 2017
https://ladiikeiii.wordpress.com/2017...
Few Spoilers here and there....
The Other Side of Dare is really good, and it getting juicer and juicer, lord I didn't want to put this book down and stop reading but I had to. I was like I have to find out what happened next. Lord knows I have to get and find the other book so I can find out if Andrew will learn about Paris sleeping with Darius, myself I couldn't figure out if they did or not. And the devil does not finish with Darius, it's like he doesn't want help or to actually fix his marriage in the right way. He may end up losing more than what he wanted and I bet Paris will be right inn the middle and lose Andrew. But I couldn't hate Gabrielle, as much as other people but she wanted her daughter back and I thought it was right for her to get a full custody of her own child. Hopefully, she will tell her daughter Jasmin who her father and siblings are instead of holding out on secret and be whiny when the girl finds out. But this book was not a letdown nor was I disappointed.
Few Spoilers here and there....
The Other Side of Dare is really good, and it getting juicer and juicer, lord I didn't want to put this book down and stop reading but I had to. I was like I have to find out what happened next. Lord knows I have to get and find the other book so I can find out if Andrew will learn about Paris sleeping with Darius, myself I couldn't figure out if they did or not. And the devil does not finish with Darius, it's like he doesn't want help or to actually fix his marriage in the right way. He may end up losing more than what he wanted and I bet Paris will be right inn the middle and lose Andrew. But I couldn't hate Gabrielle, as much as other people but she wanted her daughter back and I thought it was right for her to get a full custody of her own child. Hopefully, she will tell her daughter Jasmin who her father and siblings are instead of holding out on secret and be whiny when the girl finds out. But this book was not a letdown nor was I disappointed.
December 13, 2012
Paris Simmons-Holyfield wants one thing: a child. Although she’d love to conceive with husband Andrew and give birth as a first option, when that does not seem to be panning out for her, Paris reveals few concerns about how or where she gets that child, including making good on her threat against Gabrielle Mercedes to separate the ex-stripper cum dance ministry leader from the daughter Paris suspects might belong to her congressman father. Paris’s two-part quest leads her to get involved with Darius Connors, whose wife is a friend of Gabrielle’s and whose morals are less upstanding than Paris’s, and together they begin to unravel more scandal than either of them imagine or are prepared to address.
After reading this latest installment in the Grigg’s Blessed Trinity series, I figured out what Grigg’s books most remind me of: soap operas. Each book is an installment in a long-running story that keeps twisting, turning, introducing new characters, and wrapping up one plot line only to open up three more…just like a soap opera. Which is probably why I’ve enjoyed Grigg’s storytelling. Television soap operas are dying because viewers have too many options for their eyeballs. But there’s definitely an audience for this manner of storytelling and Grigg’s is firmly and successfully entrenched in this niche.
In THE OTHER SIDE OF DARE, the story of Paris Simmons-Holyfield builds upon what began in The Other Side of Goodness. There’s a family secret to be uncovered, and she’s bound and determined to do it. But her greater mission is to become a mother. At first glance, it seems that Paris is motivated by what is good for Paris, but she actually is trying to recreate the life that she has, until recently, believed that her parents have shared: a solid family structure in which each parent knows his or her role and in which children are born, bred and encouraged to soar. Paris had that growing up and she wants to relive it by recreating such a family with her husband, Andrew. She and Andrew have a mostly secure marriage, so the only thing missing is the child. She’s determined to have one.
Grigg’s, a consummate storyteller, weaves this bountiful cast of characters with ease, as seemingly unimportant characters in prior installments become focal points here. She pens dramatic twist after dramatic twist, each new one raising the stakes and causing readers to turn the pages as quickly as possible to keep up and discover how this will all end.
But, as with any soap opera, an end is not quite an end in Grigg’s work. To be sure, the stage is set for the next episode, leaving readers to wonder whether Grigg’s can write as fast as she makes them read.
My only gripes with Grigg’s writing remain the indulgent and excessive repetition of the title phrase within the story as well as the occasional lengthy prayer. I’d love to be in a prayer meeting with Griggs, but, with the context of the story, a little less would actually be more.
After reading this latest installment in the Grigg’s Blessed Trinity series, I figured out what Grigg’s books most remind me of: soap operas. Each book is an installment in a long-running story that keeps twisting, turning, introducing new characters, and wrapping up one plot line only to open up three more…just like a soap opera. Which is probably why I’ve enjoyed Grigg’s storytelling. Television soap operas are dying because viewers have too many options for their eyeballs. But there’s definitely an audience for this manner of storytelling and Grigg’s is firmly and successfully entrenched in this niche.
In THE OTHER SIDE OF DARE, the story of Paris Simmons-Holyfield builds upon what began in The Other Side of Goodness. There’s a family secret to be uncovered, and she’s bound and determined to do it. But her greater mission is to become a mother. At first glance, it seems that Paris is motivated by what is good for Paris, but she actually is trying to recreate the life that she has, until recently, believed that her parents have shared: a solid family structure in which each parent knows his or her role and in which children are born, bred and encouraged to soar. Paris had that growing up and she wants to relive it by recreating such a family with her husband, Andrew. She and Andrew have a mostly secure marriage, so the only thing missing is the child. She’s determined to have one.
Grigg’s, a consummate storyteller, weaves this bountiful cast of characters with ease, as seemingly unimportant characters in prior installments become focal points here. She pens dramatic twist after dramatic twist, each new one raising the stakes and causing readers to turn the pages as quickly as possible to keep up and discover how this will all end.
But, as with any soap opera, an end is not quite an end in Grigg’s work. To be sure, the stage is set for the next episode, leaving readers to wonder whether Grigg’s can write as fast as she makes them read.
My only gripes with Grigg’s writing remain the indulgent and excessive repetition of the title phrase within the story as well as the occasional lengthy prayer. I’d love to be in a prayer meeting with Griggs, but, with the context of the story, a little less would actually be more.
October 26, 2019
So much drama involved in this one. Gabrielle trying to get her biological daughter and Paris wanting to take her to court because she knows her father i Lawrence is the daddy.
Lawrence getting his daughter Paris a dog so she would forget about Gabrielle so he gave her friend Darius a job with the promise to keep an eye on his daughter and he even hired her with his firm. Paris had a nickname for Darius- Dare I Us but she called him Dare so no one would no who she was talking about.
I love reading Christian Friction because some of us are struggling with things in our life and me reading these encouraging words helps me a lot. So keep writing and I will keep reading and telling others about your novels.
Lawrence getting his daughter Paris a dog so she would forget about Gabrielle so he gave her friend Darius a job with the promise to keep an eye on his daughter and he even hired her with his firm. Paris had a nickname for Darius- Dare I Us but she called him Dare so no one would no who she was talking about.
I love reading Christian Friction because some of us are struggling with things in our life and me reading these encouraging words helps me a lot. So keep writing and I will keep reading and telling others about your novels.
May 4, 2013
This book continues the story of Gabrielle Mercedes and her everlasting struggle with Paris Simmons-Holyfield. Ms. Vanessa has done it again. She truly has a way of spinning a tale! She is certainly gifted! The story unfolds and truth comes to the light throughout this book. Folks don't know what to think about how their business is getting out! It is fantastically awesome! If you THINK you know what is likely to happen, you'll NEVER guess this. Some stuff goes down...and you are NOT ready for the who! But I love the story. I can't wait until the next book The Other Side of Divine comes out. I believe there is some more truth to be unveiled!
What I love about Ms. Vanessa's books is that there is ALWAYS a good message in them. With The Other Side of Dare, she does not disappoint! Pastor Landris makes some appearances in this book. Listen to what he says! My favorite line in the book is when he tells his wife why he is not worried about her and another....it was cute!
Bottom line: If you've read any book by Vanessa Davis Griggs, you need to read this one. It is certainly one worth the money.
What I love about Ms. Vanessa's books is that there is ALWAYS a good message in them. With The Other Side of Dare, she does not disappoint! Pastor Landris makes some appearances in this book. Listen to what he says! My favorite line in the book is when he tells his wife why he is not worried about her and another....it was cute!
Bottom line: If you've read any book by Vanessa Davis Griggs, you need to read this one. It is certainly one worth the money.
December 31, 2012
I really like this author and her writing! The book club I am in have read all of the Blessed Trinity books . This
Book did not dissapoint! I can't wait for her next book in the series! I reccommend this series to other bookclubs.
Very good disscussion! I want to tell any details, but I believe for Paris, what goes around comes around. We have to wait for the next book to see!
Book did not dissapoint! I can't wait for her next book in the series! I reccommend this series to other bookclubs.
Very good disscussion! I want to tell any details, but I believe for Paris, what goes around comes around. We have to wait for the next book to see!
February 12, 2013
VDG has done it again. I was so wrapped up in this story and the characters that I did not want it to end. You will find yourself talking out loud to the book. I can't wait for the next installment.
Darius... Lord..lord.. We all know someone like him. The man we all love to hate.
Darius... Lord..lord.. We all know someone like him. The man we all love to hate.
March 7, 2017
This is my first read of a book by Vanessa Griggs. I don't know how I missed her because this book was great. Yes it is Christian fiction and YES....it is full of drama!! You know, the normal stuff that we battle against or wth in the Christian life and the Church. I'm talking about lies, cheating, back-biting, gossip.....you name the sin and its in this book. But I LOVED IT!!! and I can't wait to read the next installment. In fact, I plan to go back to book one (in between catching up on my reading challenge :)). Dare (short for Darius) is the new Rev. Curtis Black (the Kimbrela Lawson-Roby series) and I need to get into his life!!!!
March 16, 2018
A good story but the writing was not. For example: he stood up on his feet. Excuse me, I had to read that one twice. And I don't know any man who knows cyan is even a color yet along would mention it in describing a dress. A good editor would make this story even better.
February 1, 2013
The Other Side of Dare by Vanessa Davis Griggs is book number 8 in the Blessed Trinity series. Nine year old Jasmine Noble has just lost her mother and is now living with her mother’s friend, Gabrielle. As her friend lay dying, Gabrielle promised that she would adopt Jasmine and let her in on the secret that both of them have been keeping for the past several years. Before Gabrielle can get started on the adoption, Paris Simmons-Holyfield steps out of the shadows and throws a wrench into the process. Paris knows some things about Gabrielle’s past and thinks that these things will make her an unfit mother. She feels like it would be in Jasmine’s best interest if she were awarded custody instead. Paris is on her own in her mission to adopt Jasmine because both her husband and her father are dead set against it. Paris will stop at nothing to reach her goal. During this trying time, Gabrielle confides in 2 of her closest friends. She tells them the secret that she and Jasmine’s mother had kept for so long. Friendships and loyalty are called into question when Paris comes to Gabrielle with knowledge of her secret.
This book had a slow start for me, as does most Christian fiction. There were a lot of scripture references. There were also a couple of scenes where I felt like the characters were being overly religious. Once I got past all of that, the book was pretty good. One of my favorite parts from the book was when one of the characters was being fired from his job.
“You didn’t heed my warning back then. Now you find yourself on the other side of dare.”
I would recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys Christian fiction. The story line was realistic and believable. I had not read any of the other books in the Blessed Trinity series, but I was able to keep up with things. The way that this book ended, I am pretty sure that there will be a sequel.
This book had a slow start for me, as does most Christian fiction. There were a lot of scripture references. There were also a couple of scenes where I felt like the characters were being overly religious. Once I got past all of that, the book was pretty good. One of my favorite parts from the book was when one of the characters was being fired from his job.
“You didn’t heed my warning back then. Now you find yourself on the other side of dare.”
I would recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys Christian fiction. The story line was realistic and believable. I had not read any of the other books in the Blessed Trinity series, but I was able to keep up with things. The way that this book ended, I am pretty sure that there will be a sequel.
June 9, 2014
This is book 8 in the series. I am surprised how far the Trinity series is going...but usually this author doesn't disappoint. The cover is one of the best I've seen up to date within the series.
*Side note: I openly and gracefully thank the author for mentioning my name in the acknowledgements. Usually I bypass this to get to the story and even don't read the synopsis until I get to a point of the story where I need clarification where the story is going or not going, or curiosity, or towards the end of the novel to see if I got all that it delivers on the synopsis. (Someone asked when I was getting my pedicure done yesterday if I do that or not: synopsis and we discussed books we like to read and why.)
I enjoyed how some characters were obvious and others unleashed what was really hidden deep within; the truth shall set you free. You will reap what you sow and some do not want to own up to their consequences based on their choices.
Leisure read 2014.
Adrienna Turner
Author of 10 books (mostly nonfiction).
www.dream4more.org
*Side note: I openly and gracefully thank the author for mentioning my name in the acknowledgements. Usually I bypass this to get to the story and even don't read the synopsis until I get to a point of the story where I need clarification where the story is going or not going, or curiosity, or towards the end of the novel to see if I got all that it delivers on the synopsis. (Someone asked when I was getting my pedicure done yesterday if I do that or not: synopsis and we discussed books we like to read and why.)
I enjoyed how some characters were obvious and others unleashed what was really hidden deep within; the truth shall set you free. You will reap what you sow and some do not want to own up to their consequences based on their choices.
Leisure read 2014.
Adrienna Turner
Author of 10 books (mostly nonfiction).
www.dream4more.org
January 17, 2016
Title: The Other Side of Dare
Author: Vanessa Davis Griggs
Publisher: Dafina
Series: The Blessed Trinity Series #8
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:
"The Other Side of Dare by Vanessa Davis Griggs
In a powerful new inspirational novel in the Blessed Trinity series, the award-winning author of "Redeeming Waters" weaves the compelling story of a family threatened by a shocking secret.
What I truly enjoyed from the read: The Other Side of Dare...
This was another one of this author's great Christian novels. It holds to the saying: " that what is done in the dark will come to light." I found this read so interesting that once I started reading I couldn't put it down until the end. Finding someone at their end but being able to turn your life around was truly part of this good read that was truly enjoyable.
This author writes so well of the reality of what can go on a 'todays church's' that will leaves you spell bound in the world that we live in today and are called Christians. I was definitely left saying wow...'Blessed Trinity' it is!
Author: Vanessa Davis Griggs
Publisher: Dafina
Series: The Blessed Trinity Series #8
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:
"The Other Side of Dare by Vanessa Davis Griggs
In a powerful new inspirational novel in the Blessed Trinity series, the award-winning author of "Redeeming Waters" weaves the compelling story of a family threatened by a shocking secret.
What I truly enjoyed from the read: The Other Side of Dare...
This was another one of this author's great Christian novels. It holds to the saying: " that what is done in the dark will come to light." I found this read so interesting that once I started reading I couldn't put it down until the end. Finding someone at their end but being able to turn your life around was truly part of this good read that was truly enjoyable.
This author writes so well of the reality of what can go on a 'todays church's' that will leaves you spell bound in the world that we live in today and are called Christians. I was definitely left saying wow...'Blessed Trinity' it is!
November 10, 2013
I loved reading this book. It was a suspenseful, nail biting, page turning, hard to tear myself away from book that kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. It was everything I love in a book. The characters was so real and funny. Awesome read. Ms. Griggs is such a great writer and I cannot wait to read her newest novel, The Other Side of Devine.
July 7, 2015
Great book, very riveting. I love that the author can write an interesting book without using a bunch of profanity and obscene language. The characters will have you going through the full range of emotions as you get involved deeper and deeper in the story. I can't wait to read the next one in the series.
January 23, 2013
This author can't write books fast enough for me. As much as I try to read them slow...I always have a really hard time putting her books down! Another awesome book by her...the clock is ticking & I am already waiting on the next one!!!
February 5, 2013
This book has so many twists and turns that keeps you wanting to know more. It was definitely a page turner and very hard to put down. Can't wait to read the final novel. Great Read!!
May 15, 2013
It was somewhat predictable but a good read.
July 25, 2015
Darius Conner is a hot mess! I have found myself so involved with this series I feel like I know these people! Lol
I love the messages and the points made along the way. Really good read!
I love the messages and the points made along the way. Really good read!
September 12, 2014
Enjoyed It
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews