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The Devil Made Me Do It
The voluptuous Esther Wiley has always known that she is special. She's a tiara-wearing, wand-carrying kind of Cinderella princess in disguise. The problem that her very own Fairy Godmother, the Prophetess Mother Reed, struggles with is getting her to live like it.
Briggs Stokes is the reluctant heir to his father's worldwide, multimillion-dollar televangelist ministry, yet he yearns to be his own man. His past mistakes have caused him a private life of hurt and loneliness.
Esther and Briggs meet and develop a deep soul connection, until tragedy strikes and the two are thrust apart. Their separation leads each down a different path scattered with emotional minefields. While each step they take brings them closer to who they were always meant to be, the devil is on assignment. He sends in reinforcements to usher in confusion and create chaos, and soon no one is safe. The members of Love Zion church reel from the rumors, innuendo, and downright sabotage that is going on around them.
When others devise evil schemes to seek the destruction of Esther and Briggs through jealousy, greed, and murder, only divine intervention can save them. As an all-out battle for dominion breaks out in the heavens, will Esther and Briggs become a casualty of war?
Briggs Stokes is the reluctant heir to his father's worldwide, multimillion-dollar televangelist ministry, yet he yearns to be his own man. His past mistakes have caused him a private life of hurt and loneliness.
Esther and Briggs meet and develop a deep soul connection, until tragedy strikes and the two are thrust apart. Their separation leads each down a different path scattered with emotional minefields. While each step they take brings them closer to who they were always meant to be, the devil is on assignment. He sends in reinforcements to usher in confusion and create chaos, and soon no one is safe. The members of Love Zion church reel from the rumors, innuendo, and downright sabotage that is going on around them.
When others devise evil schemes to seek the destruction of Esther and Briggs through jealousy, greed, and murder, only divine intervention can save them. As an all-out battle for dominion breaks out in the heavens, will Esther and Briggs become a casualty of war?
384 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
1 person is currently reading
60 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 16, 2016
We have heard the saying... When a reader opens a book, they are transported to a new world, and they never know what they may encounter. Maybe that's not exactly how the saying goes...
This author piqued my interest within the first few lines of the book. I started to reminisce on my childhood days growing up in Detroit. The book starts off with Esther as a kid experiencing her first disappointment in life. After standing in line for hours for an opportunity to try on Cinderella's slippers - when it fits she is told it doesn't and is sent on her way. As the book progresses - we get to witness the trials & tribulations Esther has to endure throughout her life.
"For each of his young assignments, he was just beginning. He knew from experience it was better to catch the fruit before it matured."
When I read that line I closed the book and started searching for my book tabs. This book shows how the enemy tries to build his "foundation" early on in our minds/lives. It can start with a simple heartbreak and manifest into something you think you have no control over. The author takes readers through each pivotal moment of the character's life which makes it easier to relate to their dilemma(s). This is a story of loss, love, family, faith, and forgiveness. The characters are well-written; the settings are so descriptive that you feel you are narrating the story.
The Devil Made Me Do It is a captivating novel from start to finish. Author Colette R. Harrell's debut novel will stay with the readers long after they have read the book. I highly recommend this book.
Hands Down! One of the best books I have read this year. (I'm on my 90th book for the year...)
This author piqued my interest within the first few lines of the book. I started to reminisce on my childhood days growing up in Detroit. The book starts off with Esther as a kid experiencing her first disappointment in life. After standing in line for hours for an opportunity to try on Cinderella's slippers - when it fits she is told it doesn't and is sent on her way. As the book progresses - we get to witness the trials & tribulations Esther has to endure throughout her life.
"For each of his young assignments, he was just beginning. He knew from experience it was better to catch the fruit before it matured."
When I read that line I closed the book and started searching for my book tabs. This book shows how the enemy tries to build his "foundation" early on in our minds/lives. It can start with a simple heartbreak and manifest into something you think you have no control over. The author takes readers through each pivotal moment of the character's life which makes it easier to relate to their dilemma(s). This is a story of loss, love, family, faith, and forgiveness. The characters are well-written; the settings are so descriptive that you feel you are narrating the story.
The Devil Made Me Do It is a captivating novel from start to finish. Author Colette R. Harrell's debut novel will stay with the readers long after they have read the book. I highly recommend this book.
Hands Down! One of the best books I have read this year. (I'm on my 90th book for the year...)
January 12, 2016
I have won several books over the years in on line contest, however this debut novel by Colette R Harrell is one of the best. There were a few things off when it came to years of automobiles but the story was so powerful that minor mistake would have been forgotten if I had not made a note of it. This was an awesome debut novel, loved Mother Reed, we all need a strong mother like her in our church and life.
July 31, 2014
While browsing through my twitter feed, I discovered that there's a genre called "Urban Christian Fiction." My curiosity was stimulated and I downloaded it immediately. I have never made it past five or six pages of so-called "urban books," or "street lit." I was pleasantly surprised with the writing in this one. The main characters were dynamic and the plot was suspenseful. Make no mistake that it is steeped in Christian beliefs. Most of the characters were deeply spiritual and spend a lot of time in prayer. Most of the plot revolved around the events during a pivotal time at the Love Vision Church. Most intriguing for me were the literal demons scheming in the background. The reader was privy to the demon's plans and how they affected the characters' lives. In addition to spiritual conflicts, the book also included romance and humor. This is the one and only book I've ever read of this genre; however, if other writers of it are as talented as Ms. Harrell, it won't be the last.
June 3, 2019
This book was absolutely Amazing! It has romance, reality, love, and family. I love how the author broke down the characters and had them intertwined. This book reminded me of the film, Crash. That movie is in my top five fo all time favorites as this book is now in my top five.
I am super excited to read part 2, Tell The Truth, The Devil Won't. I MUST know what the future holds for Esther. I love the interaction she had with Mother Reed. Having a "church mother" to help guide you is amazing! I most love how Mother Reed was kind, but direct.
I am really interested to see how her and her love interest end up.
This book touches on major subjects of domestic violence and adultery. Many people don't want to discuss these topics and the author did an amazing job!!!!
I am super excited to read part 2, Tell The Truth, The Devil Won't. I MUST know what the future holds for Esther. I love the interaction she had with Mother Reed. Having a "church mother" to help guide you is amazing! I most love how Mother Reed was kind, but direct.
I am really interested to see how her and her love interest end up.
This book touches on major subjects of domestic violence and adultery. Many people don't want to discuss these topics and the author did an amazing job!!!!
August 16, 2017
This took me a longer time to read than usual. I enjoy Urban Christian Fiction a lot but this is the first novel with the thoughts/plans of demons meddling in humans' lives also running throughout the story, which was different. It was not a bad story at all and I did enjoy it.
April 27, 2019
It's not often I re read books, but I'm so glad I did in this case. I really enjoyed this book and hopefully will be able to read book 2 sometime in the near future
February 3, 2015
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the next one! The story shows how the devil is on his job in our life. He comes in many forms to try and steal and kill you. But prayer still works and it does cover a multitude of sin. Esther in the story was broken in self-esteem and had relationships that didn't work out but her faith in God helped her to stand when she thought she couldn't. I'm so glad that in the end she trusted God enough to wait on her boaz, but is the enemy gonna cause her to not keep him? Pastor Briggs is finally operating in his calling and gotten his marriage on the right track but will the enemy come again and derail everything he has trusted God to do? Mother Reed hears from God and allows him to use her to minister to others but will she need someone to minister to her when her lost son appears in her life? Read the next book like me to find out! LOL
June 28, 2015
The Devil Made Me Do It
I wanted to like this story, but for some reason I felt duped; when you read the synopsis it leads you to believe that Esther and Briggs are going to be a couple who go through some serious turmoil and then you start reading and the car starts driving down a different street. Briggs has a wife(Monica) and Esther get engaged to Lawton and I was wondering what is going on with this story. Don't get me wrong it was good story, very good story, but I don't like when author gets me vested in a couple that we think are going to be together and then changes that. I will read book 2, but I'm disappointed and after reading this I know Esther and Briggs will never be together. I feel duped, but maybe book 2 can redeem my faith in this story.
I wanted to like this story, but for some reason I felt duped; when you read the synopsis it leads you to believe that Esther and Briggs are going to be a couple who go through some serious turmoil and then you start reading and the car starts driving down a different street. Briggs has a wife(Monica) and Esther get engaged to Lawton and I was wondering what is going on with this story. Don't get me wrong it was good story, very good story, but I don't like when author gets me vested in a couple that we think are going to be together and then changes that. I will read book 2, but I'm disappointed and after reading this I know Esther and Briggs will never be together. I feel duped, but maybe book 2 can redeem my faith in this story.
March 26, 2015
It took a little while for me to get into this Christian fiction novel, and first time reading this author.
What I took from the read thus far, Monica seems like a "snake in the grass" with her hidden agendas while married to Briggs. Then Esther lost her two best friends from unforeseen circumstances while trying to be with the man she once loved, once he is gone, he appears at her church she is so involved with. Yet she had no idea he was married, and wondering if she will let go of her feelings and not fight it anymore or just accept it was only in their H.S. days. I will see how this will play out..
Okay read 2.75 stars
Leisure read 2015
What I took from the read thus far, Monica seems like a "snake in the grass" with her hidden agendas while married to Briggs. Then Esther lost her two best friends from unforeseen circumstances while trying to be with the man she once loved, once he is gone, he appears at her church she is so involved with. Yet she had no idea he was married, and wondering if she will let go of her feelings and not fight it anymore or just accept it was only in their H.S. days. I will see how this will play out..
Okay read 2.75 stars
Leisure read 2015
October 15, 2014
In Colette's Harrell's debut novel, The Devil Made Me Do It, we meet Esther, Lawton, Briggs, Monica and a slew of other wonderful characters. I admit I was intrigued by Briggs and Monica and hope to see more of them, hint, hint. My favorite line in the book was, "Girl, I'm saved, not stupid." Infused with the right mix of spirituality, drama, realism and humor, I see a strong, new voice in Christian fiction. I look forward to hearing more from Colette Harrell.
August 8, 2016
God has truly blessed me to be introduced to some phenomenal christian authors through their books. I believe the greatest gift God blesses us with in addition to his Son, Jesus is the gift of "Choice." After reading this book I have an even greater respect for the power of choices I make, because my choices have choices.....
Thank you Colette for this wonderful book and the ministering tool that it is and has been to me.
Look forward to reading "Tell the Truth, the Devil won't."
Thank you Colette for this wonderful book and the ministering tool that it is and has been to me.
Look forward to reading "Tell the Truth, the Devil won't."
January 10, 2016
This book was a little different. It reminded me of The Lighter Side if Darkness by Troy Johnson. Evil forces are trying to wreck the lives of regular citizens. Monica was a trip and Briggs was right to be sceptical of her newfound devotion. A scene in the book reminded me of a Tyler Perry movie. I needed to finish it and might read the second part.
July 14, 2016
Rated 4 instead of 5 stars because I had read the 2nd book first and already knew the plot. These "series" books are confusing at times to me. Im old school and used to authors like Maya ,Donald, James, Alice and such giving a great and wonderful read IN ONE NOVEL! Nothing about these "series" books is so exciting that i will read parts 1,2,3,4,5,6,7, and so on.
April 24, 2019
My first time from reading from this debut author, and it will not be my last. Wonderful story line and an awesome message about keeping our Faith in God. I will be looking for more from her in the future.
December 15, 2015
Excellent story!
August 14, 2014
waiting for part 2 ...
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews