Songs of Deliverance

by Marilyn Griffith

Fifteen years ago, Zeely Wilkins and Ron Jenkins were students the school district stopped believing in. Lucky for them, their teacher knew something the principal didn't; they were cream of the crop but they just hadn't sprouted the way people expected.Though they went their separate ways, the past is calling them back to the school and the teacher who wouldn't give up on them. Now they'll have to decide what love really means--and whether they're willing to dance to a new tune to get it. But can they rediscover the songs of deliverance that once brought them together? Or will secrets keep them apart?

Genres: Fiction, Christian Fiction, Christian

337 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2009

Reviews

[Camille · Rating 1 out of 5]

I started this book at an extreme disadvantage because I did not read the first installment.

I found this book to be very confusing.

Everyone was dating, and whoever wasn't dating...was related.

Then at a point two of them were dating-and related?

I found it hard to keep up with the writing structure and story line.

[Andi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deliverance is something I rarely think about but this book was a beautiful tribute to the songs we hold in ourselves and the songs we make in our hearts. I got the book free and thought - I am not a Christian will I like it? And will it be preachy and turn me off? It was a resounding no! I was captured by the first chapter then couldn’t put the book down.

I cried a lot for I felt the pain the characters felt. I also cried also because I felt their joy. The author made me want to continue to hope even though life gets rough sometimes. I was put off initially by the characters being the chapter titles but the writing wove the patterns of these individuals story together with enough suspense, great story telling, and with enough spirituality to lift me up but not put me off. I fell in love with each and every character for who they were and I can imagine who they will become in the future.

As a woman, teacher, and mother I felt drawn to the six degrees of separation that encompasses us all in the world. I was reminded that we do all connect in this universe even when don’t feel connected to anyone. Marilynn Griffith is an author I will keep my eyes open for because I see a bright and long future in writing beautiful stories. I wish to Thank her for brightening my day with Hope!

I got the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.

[Nichole Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, Lord!

This book was really confusing for me for several chapters, but I couldn't stop reading. There was everything needed to make this an incredible story. Heartbreak, trauma, so much reality, beautiful scripture and preaching, and the very best endings! Read this book!

[Minnie Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Real life of church kids

I loved how this story came together. I can see this being true in small towns. Lots of secrets ...

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading Songs of Deliverance with a major disadvantage. Though I’d been under the impression that this was a standalone novel, the events that fill the pages of Songs are closely tied to Griffith’s preceding book, Rhythms of Grace. That said, having stuck with this book, once I caught on to the rhythm of the story I couldn’t stop turning the pages. This story covers so much more territory than the back cover copy would lead you to believe. Songs is the story of Zeely and Ron, childhood sweethearts torn apart by choices and a past history marked with breathtaking pain and suffering, defined by regrets. Brought back to the school where their story began, by a dying teacher who’d loved them and believed in them in spite of the road of heartache their lives had taken, there’s a chance for a new beginning. But before that is possible, ugly truths must be confronted, and light must illuminate the dark scars that have given voice to the lie that one’s mistakes are irredeemable. Songs is also the story of Grace and Brian, also called back to face their pasts by the same teacher. As a teenager, Grace’s life changed forever the night she was raped, and now, years later, she’s hungry to know the child she gave up for adoption. Brian also has mysteries in his past that need uncovering, But as secrets come to light and truths are revealed, this each of these individuals must choose whether or not God’s grace can make beauty from the ashes of their pasts.

This book opens with a bang, literally – an attack on Grace, a shooting, and then the aftershocks settle in as the trauma of that night shakes the lives of Zeely, Ron, Grace, and Brian to the core. It’s a shocking moment that works as a trigger, bringing each person to a fork in the road where they have to start choosing life or death, and choosing life is a hard choice that comes with its own perils, because in order to fully embrace life and redemption, scars have to be ripped open from decades-old wounds. As I mentioned earlier, not having read the preceding book I started Songs at a disadvantage. This wasn’t helped by the story’s point of view changing constantly. Chapters are devoted to each of the four principle characters, and even a few secondary players get their own spotlight chapter. The constant back-and-forth, with no regular order to the changes, is enough to give a person whiplash. But the story here is so compelling that sticking with it for the payoff is worthwhile.

I can’t think of the last time I read a novel where the brokenness of the characters, the heartache they experience, their journey towards wholeness left me broken open as well. There’s a raw, aching, refreshing authenticity to the faith found within the pages of this book. I could see where the spiritual thread of this story could be too heavy for some readers, but there’s no other way in my view for Griffith to resolve the issues facing her characters without honest, desperate faith she gives voice to in these pages. This isn’t a comfortable read – Griffith tackles the results of rape, abuse, and abortion, to name a few, and the result of lies made and kept for years, and secrets buried for generations to preserve an image or hold on to a prejudice. A valid argument could be made, I suppose, that the storyline teeters on the edge of soap-opera. But while that may have kept me engrossed in the novel, what I’ll take away from this book is the inspiring, raw and honest authenticity of each character’s faith. Songs of Deliverance is a beautifully-rendered story of the beauty that can come from brokenness, and of God’s never-failing redemptive power.

[Nora St Laurent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marilyn Griffith writes with such sensitivity, passion and distinctiveness, all of my senses were at attention. This author had me witness, hear, feel and experience the believability of the characters, and the intimate details of their lives woven together by the intensity of their individual situations. These characters and their stories touched me deeply; I carried Song of Deliverance with me everywhere I went until I read the last page. It was that gripping.

Marilyn’s passion and love for the Lord drips off the pages and into your heart. This author has a way of putting you into the action in a very real way. I haven’t experienced anything like it before. She has a unique style of writing that I soon adapted to. I was swept up into the story and fascinated by her rich array of characters. Marilyn writes whole chapters in different characters points of view. In the beginning of each chapter there is the name of the character so you know who is doing the talking. I quickly got into the rhythm and was hooked.

After I finished Songs of Deliverance, the sequel to Rhythm of Grace, I knew I had been part of something special, amazing and eye opening. Just as Marilyn’s characters felt, I, too, felt I’d been kissed by good and deemed lovable. No matter what happens in this life, our heavenly daddy is there with open arms to love us thru this journey called life. He will give us songs of deliverance if we are brave enough to sing the song He has specifically for us.

I wanted to give you a sneak peek into Marilyn’s style of writing. “The bubbles tickled my shoulders but brought no humor to them. I’d thought that a good, hot bath might numb the pain, but some things couldn’t be soaked or scrubbed away. Some things stained deep into the soul.”

Dr. Joyce Rogers – gathers her best students to teach at a school she runs for troubled kids. These kids have been wounded by life. Dr. Rogers’s mission is to love the unlovable kids, the throw a ways, and the abandoned and to give them a second and third chance no one else will give them.

Marilyn Griffith pens a story that will stay in your heart and make you contemplate all that God does in the characters lives. Nothing is tied up in a pretty bow at the end. Life is not like that, but God does promise us healing, grace and a love ever lasting. Thanks to Revell for the review copy.

Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I read the last page of Rhythms of Grace, I knew I could not wait for the sequel to be released. Once Songs of Deliverance was released I could hardly wait to get my hands on a copy. The first night I started reading Marilynn Griffith's latest release I breezed through the first 70 pages. I realized I did not want to drink this story up as fast as I did the last, but it was unavoidable. Griffith had once again pulled me into the small town of Testimony and the lives of the people.

Everyone was back looking for closure to the different choices that either they made or was made for them. Grace had returned to Testimony, in Rhythms of Grace, when her old dance teacher had summoned her. Grace did not realize her returning was necessary in order to fill in the pieces of another person's incomplete life. She was accustomed to running from all her troubles. The time had finally come for her to stand her ground. Would she be able to handle the harshness of reality? Or would she once again runaway from it all?

Zeely was willing to settle in life and in love. She had made choices that would surprise some and affect others. Zeely had kept her secret desires to herself for so long that she was coming undone with each passing second. She was used to doing what was expected of her. When her mother was alive, she constantly told her she should marry Jeremiah, however, his heart belonged to another. Would Jeremiah and Zeely both look past their true love and commit to one another finally?

Best friends Brian and Ron are so different but yet they are so much alike. They grew up as close as brothers, but their lives seemed to be a bit more than they could control. Are any of them really in charge of where they were and where they were headed?

Griffith is a skilled novelist. Her stories provide food for thought and entertain. Life in a little town is easier to understand after reading Rhythms of Grace and/or Songs of Deliverance. In order to enjoy these characters you do not need to read Rhythms of Grace first because Griffith recalls the information throughout the story. However, I would encourage reading both books.

I received this book for review purposes from the publisher.

Jennifer Coissiere
APOOO BookClub

[Deb Lester · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Synopsis:


Songs of Deliverance by Marilynn Griffin continues the story of Zeely, Ron, Grace and Brian and all the other people who interact in their lives from Griffin's novel Rhythms of Grace. This novel ties together all the stories that left readers wanting more. It can be read and easily understood as a stand alone book as well.

Zeely and Ron face the fact that they are both in love with each other, yet they are engaged to other people. Their relationship is one of loss and heartache, yet at it's center there is a deep abiding love for each other and their faith.

Grace struggles with who she really is and must face up to her past and the circumstances that brought her back to the town of Testimony. Brian watches and waits as he tries to help Grace find the true meaning of love.

My Thoughts:

This book has many layers. The story of each character is intertwined with the other in complicated and interesting ways. I found myself wondering who was related to who and how many twists and turns the story would make.

It seemed as though the action in the story began on the first page and never stopped. Revelation after revelation continued on each page. It was a bit daunting to try to figure out how the story would end. The fast paced rhythm was different from most novels and definitely kept me interested.

The issue of faith in this book was handled in a very open manner. It was central to the story and tied everything together. The characters explored how they felt about their faith and how that faith was to be manifest in their daily lives. I found this refreshing.

Another underlying theme of the book was tolerance and being able to judge people, not based on what color they were or where they came from, but on their hearts and what they believed and did in their lives.

[Kaylea · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off, I liked the book in general. I thought Griffith wove the stories of four friends together in an interesting way. I also thought she kept the novel moving quickly, as things began to unfold in the lives of her main characters - Ron and Zeely.

The book is a sequel - to Rhythm of Grace (see below for info about this book), but billed as a "stand alone" novel. Honestly, I think that billing is a disservice to the reader, and to Griffith.

I spent the first half of the book trying to figure out what was happening. The story jumps so quickly, that if you didn't read the first book, it was like coming into a play in the second act. I assume (haven't picked up the first book) that the first book lays the ground work so you can appreciate the direction, rhythm and flow of Songs of Deliverance.

With that said, I loved Griffith's description of worship - although, I'm not sure I've ever encountered a service with so much emotion and feeling. I also love how she describes the feelings and interactions between Grace and Brian and Zeely and Ron.

But, because I "jumped" into the story in the second book, I spent way too much time trying to figure things out, and understand why things were happening. Even now, as I reflect on the book, some questions are still unanswered, because the foundational elements were in her first novel.

I truly think, in order to enjoy this novel, you should take the time to first pick up Rhythms of Grace. Only then will you truly find the deliverance Griffith writes about - and appreciate the journey of faith the four characters take in the final manuscript.

I am pleased that this book came across my desk. It's introduced me to a strong, Christian writer. I look forward to seeing what Griffith comes up with next.

[Shantelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, I must say, Songs of Deliverance isn’t quite like any other book I’ve ever read. That could be because it was set in modern-times, centered on African-Americans and their styles of living, and tackled a lot of hard issues that go on in this day and age. I don’t generally read books like that.

But I loved it. Through all the slightly strange parts and the parts that made me laugh and go, “What?!” … it really was a great book! The overall message was incredible. The way each precious life turned around for the good when they started trusting and following God’s lead was unspeakably beautiful! :)

It was a bit confusing and hard to get into at first… (I wondered if possibly it was a sequel to another book??) But once I got a bit through, I started figuring things out. I admit, I got frustrated with Grace a whole lot for the way she kept shunning Brian… but in the end, their wedding was ever so sweet because of the long wait they had gone through before deciding to take the leap and get married. Each story for each individual came to an incredibly sweet conclusion at the close of the book.

Strange story? Yes. Different story? Yes. Absolutely beautiful story? Yes! Marilynn Griffith has a captivating way of writing. I have to give this book five stars. It’s unlike all my other five star books, but it touched me in some way. So yes, try out Songs of Deliverance! :) 

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Songs of Deliverance contains beautiful prose and insightful moments that make the reader think. I feel like I did myself a disservice by not reading the first book first, though. It seems like several foundations were laid in the prior book that I didn't have full access to since I began with the second in the series. I don't recommend that because it took away from my overall experience. That said, this story also contained more than a few "no way" moments for me. I felt like I was watching a talk show similar to Maury Povich where skeleton after skeleton came out of the closet. There were several situations that were unbelievably coincidental. But I have to say that made for great drama like you'd see in a soap opera. People were discovering all kinds of things they never expected and parents that were not who they thought they'd be etc. And tortured characters? This author has mastered that technique. The romantic elements were fabulously yummy and the message about true love and marrying for the right reasons and not to rescue someone were believable themes that were very well done. The faith element was strong and the book wrapped up the loose ends. I read this book quickly, and while a bit confused at first (due to starting with the second book) I was able to pick up on things and move on. I recommend it.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Songs of Deliverance is a book that is intense, it addresses issues often not seen in Christian fiction, such as out of wedlock pregnancies, domestic violence, and abortion.
Centered around four adults, who were students of a special woman, who had great love for her students, these adults have now made names for themselves. Going further than the system ever thought they would. However these four adults are still stuck in the stigmatism of their raising, the expectations placed upon them by family, community and people in general.
Zeely, Ron, Brian and Grace/Donna all come face to face with their pasts, their present and their futures. Will they overcome? Will they rise above the things that haunt them from their past? Will love come to them?
As I said an intense story, that is not casual reading, but a excellent book. Marilynn Griffith addresses hard situations in this book with great finesse. 324 pages, $13.99 US, 4 stars.

This book was provided for review purposes only, no payment was received for this review.
To learn more about this author visit her website at www.MarilynnGriffith.com
Available January 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

[Christy Trever · Rating 5 out of 5]

Songs of Deliverance by Marilynn Griffith is the powerful sequel to Rhythms of Grace. The story picks up in the middle of an attack on dancer Grace Okoye and her rescue by her friends Zeely, Ron, and Brian. Each character has a rich, multi-layered history entwined with the others. Ron and Zeely have loved each other since high school, but each is engaged to another, and Grace and Brian are soulmates who can't seem to get past their history to find each other again. I wish that I had read the previous book, because it is important to untangle all of the lines of connection between the characters as well as the minor characters, although in Griffith's writing there are no minor characters. Every one is brilliantly rendered and completely real. Her writing is thick and rich, trapping readers and pulling them in this story of love, faith, and friendship. I want to know these people. I want to see Grace dance, Zeely sing, Brian play the drums, and Ron preach. Their story broke my heart and then put it back together again. I've been a fan of Griffith's for years, but this is absolutely her best work yet.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zeeley and Ron, and Brian Mayfield and Diana Grace were all students of Joyce, the Ohio teacher who believed God could use all of them, even others didn't think so. After many mistakes, hurts, and false starts, all are reunited at the school when Joyce has cancer. The secrets in each one's life threatens to shatter the love rekindled with each couple, but the prayers and unfolding secrets brought about by Joyce give choices once again.

Those who complain about Christian fiction being "unreal" haven't read this book. Written in each viewpoint (chapter headings tell whose,) the reader is pulled into the consequences of being out of God's will. The book contains adult content and is well written. A sequel to Rhythms of Grace, it can stand alone. Set in Testimony, Ohio, steeped in the racially-charged history of runaway slaves of pre-Civil War, this story triumphs.

Published review in Church Libraries Journal, Summer 2010, modified slightly by reviewer (me.)

Published by permission.

[Kristina Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book could have been soooo much better (in my opinion). I don't normally have a problem with books that tell the story from different points of view. Usually, that helps round out the story, giving it depths and layers usually not found when the story is told from only one character's perspective. When done right, it's a great writing tool. I don't feel the author used this tool to the best of her abilities. First of all, there were too many disconnects between all the stories. One character would mention a past event and the reader was just supposed to "KNOW" what was happening. (For example, all of the characters talk about Joyce bringing them back to help with her magnet school - but back from what, where were they all scattered, why did they return at the cajoling of this one woman? None of those questions were adequately answered). And, I guess because of all the filling in I felt I had to do along the way, it took me waaaay too long to get to the end of this book. It could have been better. I was disappointed when I finally got to the end.

[Pauline · Rating 2 out of 5]

The back of the book proclaims, "In this soul-searching and suspenseful story, Marilynn Griffith invites you to believe in the power of truth, love, and redemption." Four main characters and more minor ones were woven together, each with their own story that came together in the end--I think. This is a book for I wish I had written down characters and story lines for each one as it was a very confusing book. Who did what to whom, who was related to whom? I found myself going back to check if I was understanding correctly. I needed a visual timeline or relationship line for each of the characters, but didn't make one. Lots of shooting, lots of twists...I finished it, but even then it left me confused. I felt like this might be one of the final books in a series and I was just dropped into a complicated mess--but I couldn't find any evidence to prove this.

[Jennifer Penn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally Urban Christian Fiction that isn't riddled with poor grammar and ghetto language. But beyond that this book was amazing. Not many Urban Christian Fiction novels really get down to the nitty gritty of the characters real relationship with God but Marilynn Griffith got it right. The things these characters go through and the true to life reactions and feelings to those situations and their relationships with the Lord make this a truly refreshing read. There was something about all of them, Zeely, Ron, Grace/Diana, and Brian that I could relate to on both a spiritual and wordly level.

[Carina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read the first book quite a while ago it took me a few pages to get back into the swing of things, but after I did I couldn't put this book down. Griffith speaks to the soul. I can honestly say that I felt God through this book in a strong way. I cried through some of the chapters and felt chills go down my spine as the characters realized the deliverance and redemption that God brings. A must read for Christians. Those of you out there who don't believe read it anyway and let God pull you in.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

¡¡¡TO EVERYONE CONFUSED/NOT LIKING THIS BOOK!!!

Took me a while to get into. Initially, I thought the beginning chapters jumped around a lot leaving me disoriented since so many things were being alluded to that weren't explained. Then FINALLY, I realized that this is book 2 or a sequel to Rhythms of Grace.

Ok so pause....

Go read Rhythms of Grace first, then read Songs of Deliverance. ¿Much better, right?

I wish I'd known that from the start. Note to the author to make that much clearer next time. I almost gave up on this book...

[Rochelle Brockenborough · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible

Incredible

I have read many books and this book moved me more than anything I have ever read. What an awesome writer. The first book was beautiful the sequel was just so emotional. She is a Christian writer but she wrote with passion and truth verses several Christian writers who have written for years. You nailed it out the park. Keeping writing....

[Danyelle Scroggins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome Sequel!

If you've read Rhythms of Grace you do not want to stop there!! I went directly from one right into the other and it was like watching a wonder mini series. Songs of Deliverance is sure to cause a tear or two to fall from your reading eyes but the fulfillment of reading is watching how deliverance takes place. You will not be disappointed if you grab both Songs of Deliverance and Rhythms of Grace!

[Deanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book thorugh goodreads. I foung this book to be very moving. I think that all can relate to it's message. We all have something in our past that we need to let go and be forgiven for, before we can move on.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I started reading this book, I was a little weirded out by the strangeness of the world these folks live in, but by the end I was really loving their honesty and their openness to the spiritual elements of the real world.

[Renee Plentiful · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing!

Simply amazing! This book had me on my toes. I definitely felt the character and the plot. I heard the rhythms of the drum and most importantly, the use of scriptures topped it of...To God be the Glory. The word of God is essential in our daily living.

[Kaity-Jane Culbertson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Terrible book...put it down.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though it seemed like a soap opera, I plowed through this sequel to Rhythms of Grace. I enjoyed reading more about Grace, Brian, Zeely, and Ron.

[Margot M. Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome story

Awesome story

This was a great read. Would be a great book to read and discuss with you teen. Will look for more books by this author.

[Chiquedee]

Sequel to Rhythms of Grace, I enjoyed reading Ron and Zeely's story. Didn't think it was as good as book 1 but a good read nonetheless.

[Barbara Williams]

Excellent Read!

Great story of forgiveness, healing and restoration! God bless Marilynn Griffith for blessing readers with this great work. Highly recommended

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Struggling to follow the narrative in this book.