The Favorite Son

by Tiffany L. Warren

Do family, faith--and fame--go together? In this captivating novel from award-winning author Tiffany L. Warren, two brothers reach for the stars, but are they prepared for a fall?. . .

They're handsome, smart, and musically gifted. Brothers Camden and Blaine Drake have put their talents together and founded a gospel group. The quieter one, Camden is the songwriter, while charismatic Blaine is the performer. At first, their Bishop father is against the idea--until Blaine, his favorite, wows the congregation with his performance at a church revival. Sure enough, once the bishop witnesses their effect on the crowd he wants them there every Sunday. But he may have set the stage for trouble. . .

As the group's popularity grows, so do the groupies--and promiscuous Blaine is more than happy to share his love. Gigs across the country, meetings with music execs, a chance to sign with a major label, and a sexy new band member bring new connections--and dangerous new temptations. Soon, a slew of rumors and a shocking betrayal threaten to destroy the group--and the brothers' relationship. But one event is going to rock their world forever. Do they have enough faith, forgiveness, and brotherly love left to find harmony once more?...

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian, African American

320 pages, Paperback

First published February 24, 2015

About the author

Tiffany L. Warren began her writing career in 2003 when she signed with Walk Worthy Press to publish her debut, What a Sista Should Do. She has gone on to publish over thirty full-length novels (eleven under pen name Nikki Carter) with Hachette Book Group and Kensington Books (Dafina). Tiffany has also independently published seven novellas.

In addition to writing books, Tiffany has a love for theatre, especially musicals. She has used her songwriting talent to write and produce several stage plays: What a Sista Should Do, The Replacement Wife and Just Like Yo’ Daddy, which featured many familiar faces like the late Tommy Ford (Martin), Grammy winning Shirley Murdock, Terri J. Vaughn (The Steve Harvey Show) and Christian Keyes to name a few.

Tiffany’s latest venture has been in the film realm with book to film projects. Her 2015 release, The Favorite Son, is now a movie produced by Swirl Films streaming on BET+ and airing on BET, starring Rotimi and Grammy winning gospel superstar Jonathan McReynolds. Her second film project is a holiday adaptation of The Replacement Wife called Sound of Christmas starring R&B stars Ne-Yo and Serayah. Both her films ranked number one on the BET+ streaming platform at the time of their release being produced by MegaMind Media. Currently in production is a holiday sequel to Favorite Son called A Favorite Son Christmas.

Tiffany’s latest project is a historical fiction novel, about the first black prima donna Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield. Published by William Morrow, the novel entitled A Swan’s Song hits shelves in Spring 2024. You can reach Tiffany on Facebook (@AuthorTiffanyLWarren), Twitter, Instagram, and Clubhouse (@tiffanylwarren), and online at www.tiffanylwarren.com.

Reviews

[Tumika Patrice · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Favorite Son by Tiffany L. Warren

The Wilson twins are polar opposites. Blaine is a fair-skinned, charming, outgoing, irresponsible, selfish, sworn womanizer. Camden is deep in color and character, quiet, introspective, thoughtful, respectful and focused. One is the favorite of the mother, the other is the favorite of the father. One can’t commit to settling down if his life depended on it, the other has been with one woman for ten years. One is highly anointed and is content to be in the background, the other is gifted and lives for the spotlight and all that goes with it. What they have in common is the overbearing pastor of a father, B.C. Wilson, who has been grooming them since birth to come into the ministry and help run his megachurch operation, and the love of music.

Obedience to the will of God has caused long awaited doors to open and their singing group, So G.I.F.T.E.D., is finally being recognized for the powerhouse that they are. However, this spiritual elevation flies in the face of all B.C. Wilson has planned for his sons, that is until he recognizes the cash cow that exists in this group. Where one son listens for the leading of the Holy Spirit and responds accordingly, the other son listens for the commands of his father and goes blindly into whatever is before him, if it means staying in his father’s good graces.

What is supposed to be the beginning of the best season of their lives quickly tears a family a part, while selfishness and hidden agendas dictates the actions of a few. No one who comes across their path is left untouched. Lives and destinies are altered, and even destroyed, in the quest for one man to maintain a tight-fisted reign on his kingdom.

It seems that God has turned a blind eye to all the treachery that is going on, while the bad guys win and prosper and those of pure hearts and honest intentions continue to get trampled on. But to everything there is a season.

This is the first book I’ve read by Tiffany L. Warren, but it certainly will not be my last. Her characters were richly developed, the plot was thick and engaging. From the first page, the book captured my attention and held it until the end, leaving this reader wanting more. I enjoyed the playful scenes between the characters, as well as the real depictions of what goes on behind the scenes of some “first families” when the pastor loses sight of why he’s been placed in the position. There were many lessons present that would cause a reader to take a quiet moment of reflection and scenes that made me wish the characters were real in order to “lay hands.” I experienced a wide range of emotions with this book, but at the end was extremely satisfied.

5 well deserved stars
_____
Reviewed by Tumika

[Michelle Chavis]

Absolutely Fantastic!!

Wow! This good was soooo good. Perfect example of you reap what you sow. Don't miss this treat. You will not be disappointed.

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh how different twins can be, brought up in the same house with both parents but yet turn out very different. I don't want to give any spoilers so I won't say much, but boy did I feel for Dawn and the choices she made. Blaine was a piece of work just like his father and Cam was a sweetheart. If you enjoy church drama then you'll enjoy this book. It wasn't pretty but it was probably more real than not. It definitely had some bittersweet moments but overall it seemed to have more heartache and scandal than happy tender moments. I enjoyed listening nonetheless.

[Dr. Nic Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tiffany L. Warren is a great writer and this was a Good read! I found myself say “Oh my goodness” several times throughout this page turning story. Camden and Blaine are twins who are as different as different can be in both looks and personality. This story explores some tough lessons of faith, love, happiness, and forgiveness. It tells a tale about powerful men in the church and the family dynamics that go along with it…God will truly humble you.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was SOOOOOOO good!!

[Shannan Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you do not know Tiffany, you should. She is an amazing author, and I just love her work. One of the best Christian fiction authors in the universe.

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read!

[Byron Washington · Rating 5 out of 5]

OooooWeeee!!!

This book here!!! Won't he do it?!?!🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 If you'd like to read a wholesome, clean, Christian novel with PLENTY of behind the scenes church foolery, chicanery and shenanigans then this book is for you. Sit down, buckle up and get ready for the ride of your life!! Tiffany L. Warren!!!👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

Buy it, read it and enjoy!!👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥

[Ellowyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tiffany L. Warren has penned another awesome book. I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars. We follow the lives of Pastor Wilson and the group So G.I.F.T.E.D. This book is full of drama, lies, infidelity, lust, deceit, faithfulness and forgiveness. What would you be willing to sacrifice in order to have fame, love and a great ministry. This book reminds me of the story of Jacob and Esau. If you are looking for a good read, I recommend you to pick up a copy of The Favorite Son. You will not be disappointed.

[Destiny “ Dee” · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a good CF book with plenty of drama, music, and life events. The message of forgiveness was well received. I enjoyed reading the story of Camden, Blaine, Amber, Dawn, Pastor Wilson, etc. Camden was my favorite character. He was such a great man. I loved Amber's spirit and spirituality. This was only my second book by this author, but I enjoyed it from the beginning to the end. My mouth hung open after that first pivotal scene. I didn't want to put it down, as I had to hear the back story. I highly recommend.

[Whit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This is a hot mess! All of these church folk are out of control. Pastor Wilson is running his mega-church like a Wall Street Hedge Fund. It's all about the money! Pastor Wilson moves his two sons, Blaine and Camden, around like pieces on a chess board. Problem # 1: He has his sons in competition against each other and they are beginning to resent him and his non-Christian like behavior. And then Blaine, like father, like son; betrays Camden in the most disgusting way. But both Blaine and Pastor Wilson will soon learn you do reap what you sow.

[ShayBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy Tiffany's work, I have read several of her books,this started off a little slow and then it picked up and I could not put it down. Amber and Camden were my favorites. I cannot believe how a few words of people you do not know can cause you to have a whole new outlook on people you claim to love, to the point you forget everything you knew and live about that person.

[Michelle Lindo-Rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tiffany L. Warren has crafted an edgy, meaningful Jacob-and-Esau cautionary tale with thought-provoking lessons and themes . The descriptive language brings the characters and scenes to vibrant life. Friends, all I can say is with all the drama going on, when God acts, He will leave you breathless. I imagine this will be a great discussion piece for many. I LOVED it.

[Qua'Tesha Ratliff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book today!! Cam was such a sweetheart! Blaine was a womanizer just like his dad, the bishop. I know Dawn wish she could go back and change her choices. Whew chile! This was full of church drama as well as family drama! This was so good! I have to watch the movie adaptation!

[LaChelle Weaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a good book with quite the ending I didn’t see coming. Brothers Camden and Blaine couldn’t have been more different in their journeys which made for great drama. And I loved every minute of it. I listened on audiobook and enjoyed the narrator.

[Maurice Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tiffany Warren took us readers on a thrill ride of friendships coming and going, calculating coldness, ruthless ambition, deceit and betrayal- all within the four walls of a church :-).

Blaine and Camden Wilson are the twin sons of a popular and influential pastor and are being groomed to one day succeed him. Rev. Wilson is determined that his church will remain popular and that his sons will carry on his legacy. He doesn't give them a choice, but they have dreams of their own regardless. Both are talented musicians and would rather pursue those dreams than their father's desire for their lives.

Blaine is the lead singer for the gospel group So G.I.F.T.E.D, but Camden is a gifted songwriter whose abilities hold the group together. Rev. Wilson enjoys having access to their talents for praise and worship, but isn't pleased when So. G.I.F.T.E.D. begins to succeed without his help. Blaine and group members Amber, Akil and Dawn (Camden's girlfriend) all support Camden when he has the opportunity to work with a major gospel producer- it will benefit him and the group and he has their total support.

Blaine is in line to take leadership of a satellite church his father is establishing, but his rampant womanizing may ruin everything. He tries hard to be ready for the responsibility his father is basically forcing on him and tries harder not to be like his father, but he can't resist women any more than his father ever could. I knew that sooner or later his lifestyle would jump up to bite him, but I didn't see the plot twist coming when it did.

I loved the fast-paced flow of the story and the fact that it wasn't predictable (the end sure surprised me). There was plenty of room at the end of the book for sequels, and I hope to see more of these characters in the future.

[Francoise Crowell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love to read Christian fiction because a truly gifted and anointed writer can bring the Bible to you and have you just as inspired as if you had read scriptures. Tiffany L. Warren has done just that with this book. It is filled with everyday life that may never be addressed properly/thoroughly in the pulpit. Ms. Warren does an excellent job of bringing the spirit of the Word to real life through fiction. Readers will be moved as she takes you on a journey through the lives of two brothers walking out their lives in totally opposite directions and different points of view. Follow as she depicts just how much individual choices and decisions affect the lives of others connected to their lives.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was WILD. I loved it. I was hooked from the beginning, when Camden walked into ... and it only got better from there. I felt so bad for Cam, who really did the best he could at all times and was mocked by the people who should have been most supportive of him. I also mourned for him as he reacted to the many betrayals he had to deal within a short period of time. I wish that the book had been more about him in the second part, but overall, I really enjoyed this whole story. The people who didn't act right got some measure of comeuppance, which I found especially delicious. I need to read more books by Ms. Warren, stat!

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had started this book but put it down for awhile. I was encouraged to pick it back up during the Blizzard of 2016...OMG!!! Why didn't I finish it??? The characters are so well developed and real...I wanted to reach into the book and slap Blaine and Dawn a few times!!! I almost stopped reading near the end because I didn't want the book to end (that's how you can tell it's a good read). I'm begging Tiffany Warren not to let the story end here, there are other possible stories...Blaine, Dawn, Kenya, Akil...heck, Ivy!!!

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 star rating for an exceptionally penned novel!! This book book is drama filled, full of infidelity, lies, betrayal, unforgiveness & life lessons. The characters were well developed and could easily remind you of someone you know. The events in the story were believable and emotions run high. There were moments where you will laugh, moments where you can cry & moments where you just want to slap the heck out of somebody. Kudos Tiffany L. Warren, this was a definite page turner!!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tiffany L. Warren has done it again!! Awesome job with this book! This is a story about Pastor Wilson and his two sons; Blain and Camden, the modern day Jacob and Esau. Blain and Camden are twins and total opposites. Blain was a womanizer just like his dad. Camden was a man that lives his life that was pleasing to Christ. This book is full of deceit, faithfulness, forgiveness and love. Excellent book…

[Nicole Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

I didn't think I would like this book. I don't know why, because this book is awesome! I felt the characters pain and their joys.

Needless to say I wasn't impressed at all with Blaine or his father. I had to remind myself this was just a book!

There is a clear message of hope and forgiveness. Theres also a warning. God loves us, but He's not gonna beg for us to live right. However, His hand is always reaching out to save and forgive.

[LaCeasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG this book was soooooo good. What happens when a father whose the pastor of a church thinks he's a dictator and at time thinks he's God (my opion)? Boy can it ruin a family. There are lots of unexpected twist and turns in this book. The writer does a wonderful job of holding your attention. I did not want to put this book down. You will not be disappointed with this read.

[Sharon Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was an intriguing read which entertained and also gave you a lot to think about. I loved some characters, hated some and was thoroughly surprised about some of the twists and turns, especially those I didn't see coming. I would recommend this book, especially to book clubs because it definitely gives you a lot to talk about.

[Marsha Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Speechless 😶

This book was one of the best over 20 books I have read in these last few months!! The characters, the drama, the storyline was sooo real. I couldn’t put it down and my neck is really hurting!!! The is a really good book for a book club to read and discuss. I had to remind myself this is fiction.

I gave the book 5 stars but it deserves 10!!!

[Antonette Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, though I believe it could have been a little bit better. There was a bit too much going on with the husband (Pastor) and the son...and no one called their hands or anything!! Then, at the end, the unthinkable happens!!

[Rosetta Mandisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I definitely enjoyed this work. It is a true page turner in that the writing seems very real and authentic. The situation with the brothers is very plausible as well as their relationship with their parents. A very good read.

[Carolynnette Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes!! Tiffany didn't disappoint!!

[Ruth Whyte · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was about Pastor Wilson and his twin sons Blaine and Camden. Pastor Wilson had favouritism with his boys he adore one and barely get on we with the other, his wife first lady Rita was treated like second best because of Pastor cheating. Camden separate himself from his family to do his musical career, his girlfriend for ten years cheat with his brother . She got pregnant and was force by pastor Wilson to married to Blaine. She went on to have twins. Blaine was living with another woman buying her house car , but she wanted more. When the tornado hit when pastor Wilson and his son Blaine was at the restaurant having celebration dinner, the restaurant too blow off Pastor Wilson was killed, Blaine lost one of his leg, Blaine's wife Dawn file for divorce. Good read.

[Hyacinth · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing storyteller, Warren weaves a story of heartbreak, lies, deceit and then flips the script and overlays it with love, forgiveness and acceptance in a way that you think not possible. All things ates possible with God. The Wilson clan is an upscale hot mess yet realistic family. Brian and Camden's story while heartbreaking is realistic...I've seen this dynamic of favor played out tint and time again. There are some twists and turns I surely did not see coming but added bite to the story. An interesting line of exploration for me was: is it possible for a man to be committed to God and not be sexually active with a woman and his masculinity not challenged?