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Can I Get a Witness?
The irony of a divorce-court judge getting divorced herself is not lost on Vanessa Colton-Kirk. After all, she's seen everything in her notorious Houston courtroom, where she's presided over the breakup of countless unhappy and disillusioned couples. Even her own sister, Dionne, is dealing with a relationship drama of her own, a betrayal that's left Dionne hungry for revenge on the man she hoped to marry. But when career-driven Vanessa chooses to work late on the night of her fifth wedding anniversary, her husband, Thomas, decides he's had enough of her putting work before starting the family he so desperately wants -- and he tells her he wants out.
In a last-ditch effort to save the marriage, their own judge orders Vanessa and Thomas to attend a spiritual retreat. She goes -- but not without a fight. And just when she thinks she's won, fate steps in and helps her see things in a whole new light. Now Vanessa and her sister face the toughest choices of their lives. Can Dionne untangle herself from a payback plan gone horribly wrong? Can Vanessa rebuild a bond that she had a big part in destroying? Will she learn from her own mistakes and her years of experience on the bench? Or will she need something else to keep a tide of bitterness from taking over her life?
336 pages, Paperback
First published July 15, 2008
37 people are currently reading
973 people want to read
About the author
ReShonda Tate Billingsley
63 books1,481 followersReShonda Tate Billingsley is a general assignment reporter for KRIV-TV, the Fox affiliate in Houston, Texas. She is the author of the nonfiction book Help! I've Turned Into My Mother! and three previous adult novels: My Brother's Keeper, for which she received the prestigious Gold Pen Award for Best New Author from the Black Writer's Alliance and the Nova Lee Nation Award from the Greater Dallas Writing Association; the national bestseller Let the Church Say Amen, chosen for Library Journal's Best of 2004 list for Christian fiction; and I Know I've Been Changed, a Main Selection of the Black Expressions Book Club.
Her previous Christian teen novels are Nothing But Drama and Blessings in Disguise, both available from Pocket Books.
She is also a contributor to the story anthology Have a Little Faith.
Her previous Christian teen novels are Nothing But Drama and Blessings in Disguise, both available from Pocket Books.
She is also a contributor to the story anthology Have a Little Faith.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
January 26, 2023
I loved the pace of this story.
This is a quick light read, short chapters to help the book along.
This is a quick light read, short chapters to help the book along.
June 23, 2013
This was a great Change of pace from my usual reads. The author dropped more than a few literary gems for the readers to contemplate. I fell in love with this book. I think that this author is timeless in her own right as her writing resume has already proven. Well done.
January 24, 2021
Overall I have to say that I liked this book--three stars is my usual rating for romance, and I would say this fits in with Christian romance--at least one of the two stories did. The other with marriage.
This book is about two sisters and is told from both of their POVs. Vanessa is a divorce court judge whose marriage is on the brink of divorce, and her sister, Donne, is dealing with relationship troubles of her own, although she is single.
What I liked about this book is that it deals with real life problems, not all sugar-coated so they have little bearing on life It is about two women who are not believing God (ie not walking in faith and not much interested in it) for much of the book, although they are encouraged to by their older sister and their aunt. I was frustrated with Dionne many times, but then when one of her friends called her out for the very problem I was irritated about I was quite happy, and, to be honest, there are women of all colours who are a lot like her when it comes to relationships, but no spoilers here! It's a plus that the language was clean, since even though I know people swear, I don't care to read it or it creeps into my vocabulary. My favourite characters, hands down, are Shelly and Bruce.
This book is about two sisters and is told from both of their POVs. Vanessa is a divorce court judge whose marriage is on the brink of divorce, and her sister, Donne, is dealing with relationship troubles of her own, although she is single.
What I liked about this book is that it deals with real life problems, not all sugar-coated so they have little bearing on life It is about two women who are not believing God (ie not walking in faith and not much interested in it) for much of the book, although they are encouraged to by their older sister and their aunt. I was frustrated with Dionne many times, but then when one of her friends called her out for the very problem I was irritated about I was quite happy, and, to be honest, there are women of all colours who are a lot like her when it comes to relationships, but no spoilers here! It's a plus that the language was clean, since even though I know people swear, I don't care to read it or it creeps into my vocabulary. My favourite characters, hands down, are Shelly and Bruce.
January 14, 2009
As It Seems
As `Can I Get a Witness?' opens we're introduced to Vanessa, a divorce court judge hearing a case about a cheating husband. Every day it was the same case, just different participants. The only thing that was appeasing was that this was simply a stepping stone to her political career. But what happens when, suddenly, the case being heard involves Vanessa and her husband? Not so ordinary now is it?
Rosalyn, the older sister, appears to have it all right. She's married to a preacher, with one son, cooks cleans and works. Her life is flowing correctly. But what her sisters don't know is that she's dabbled with the wrong and is now an advocate for what can happen. Will her sisters heed her advice?
Dionne has the ideal relationship, or so she thinks. Well it has a few flaws, but they are manageable. When Dionne finds out that in addition to her boyfriend being married that he has a girlfriend, she is no longer able to idly sit by. Will a decision she makes in haste destroy her plans?
Aunt Ida, the matriarch of the family, has a way with words. Despite what the girls get entangled in and whether or not they want her assistance, she's there; ready, willing and able to get them in order verse by verse.
`Can I Get A Witness?' is a wonderful novel about family, marriage and forgiveness. This is just one of those feel good reads.
As `Can I Get a Witness?' opens we're introduced to Vanessa, a divorce court judge hearing a case about a cheating husband. Every day it was the same case, just different participants. The only thing that was appeasing was that this was simply a stepping stone to her political career. But what happens when, suddenly, the case being heard involves Vanessa and her husband? Not so ordinary now is it?
Rosalyn, the older sister, appears to have it all right. She's married to a preacher, with one son, cooks cleans and works. Her life is flowing correctly. But what her sisters don't know is that she's dabbled with the wrong and is now an advocate for what can happen. Will her sisters heed her advice?
Dionne has the ideal relationship, or so she thinks. Well it has a few flaws, but they are manageable. When Dionne finds out that in addition to her boyfriend being married that he has a girlfriend, she is no longer able to idly sit by. Will a decision she makes in haste destroy her plans?
Aunt Ida, the matriarch of the family, has a way with words. Despite what the girls get entangled in and whether or not they want her assistance, she's there; ready, willing and able to get them in order verse by verse.
`Can I Get A Witness?' is a wonderful novel about family, marriage and forgiveness. This is just one of those feel good reads.
December 14, 2008
If it weren't for the fact that I really do respect Ms. ReShonda's work, I would have given it a much lower rating probably because of my personal biases against a couple of the scenarios involving the main female character. Maybe I'm guilty of one of them, in particular, hitting too close to home for my comfort.
December 29, 2010
I liked it, It was realistic. There were some unexpected things that happened throughout the story, but I'm glad with the way that things ended.
June 19, 2011
Page turner!! Loved the outcome!!!
August 14, 2009
Can I Get a Witness? By ReShonda Tate Billingsley
I reviewed it last year for the Sexy Ebony Book Club Review Group.
This book hits the floor running. Ms. Billingsley does a good job of throwing the reader into the story and you find yourself feeling for the characters and caring about what happens in their lives. The plot and character development are both thorough but it seems a bit too short and slightly rushed at times. When I finished the last page I found myself wishing the book could was longer at certain points.
The story revolves around the lives of three sisters. The struggles they go through to cope with their relationships. The sisters are helped along by the well intended, sarcastic, yet funny at times comments and advice of their Aunt Ida, who raised them and encourages them to include God in their relationships.
Vanessa is a divorce-court judge whose marriage has been in trouble for a long time, and unfortunately, Vanessa was totally unaware of their marital problems. Nor is she prepared for the crazy ride she is in for dealing with her husband Thomas and his mistress.
Dionne is the youngest and brattiest whose whole life revolves around getting married before age 30. During her quest to find a husband, Dionne loves Roland; a not yet divorced man with doggish tendencies… which only the beginning of her troubles. Dionne has lots of growing up to do and doesn’t seem to actually figure this out until it’s almost too late.
The eldest sister Rosalyn is the most level headed. With a happy marriage to minister and a son - she comes off as the perfect sister with the perfect life. She is spiritually in tune with herself and seeks to help her sisters through their issues. But, she too has some drama of her own.
This book is a very fast read with strong characters. A story line that is crazy, funny, and serious. Ms. Billingsley delivers serious lessons with humor and care. I even found myself speaking out loud a few times at the audacity of some of the characters! A must read.
I reviewed it last year for the Sexy Ebony Book Club Review Group.
This book hits the floor running. Ms. Billingsley does a good job of throwing the reader into the story and you find yourself feeling for the characters and caring about what happens in their lives. The plot and character development are both thorough but it seems a bit too short and slightly rushed at times. When I finished the last page I found myself wishing the book could was longer at certain points.
The story revolves around the lives of three sisters. The struggles they go through to cope with their relationships. The sisters are helped along by the well intended, sarcastic, yet funny at times comments and advice of their Aunt Ida, who raised them and encourages them to include God in their relationships.
Vanessa is a divorce-court judge whose marriage has been in trouble for a long time, and unfortunately, Vanessa was totally unaware of their marital problems. Nor is she prepared for the crazy ride she is in for dealing with her husband Thomas and his mistress.
Dionne is the youngest and brattiest whose whole life revolves around getting married before age 30. During her quest to find a husband, Dionne loves Roland; a not yet divorced man with doggish tendencies… which only the beginning of her troubles. Dionne has lots of growing up to do and doesn’t seem to actually figure this out until it’s almost too late.
The eldest sister Rosalyn is the most level headed. With a happy marriage to minister and a son - she comes off as the perfect sister with the perfect life. She is spiritually in tune with herself and seeks to help her sisters through their issues. But, she too has some drama of her own.
This book is a very fast read with strong characters. A story line that is crazy, funny, and serious. Ms. Billingsley delivers serious lessons with humor and care. I even found myself speaking out loud a few times at the audacity of some of the characters! A must read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 27, 2012
This was a very good book. The main theme is forgiveness, and a side theme would be revenge is not always sweet. The main characters, Vanessa and Dionne are sisters who are having relationship problems, most at their own doing. Instead of taking their problems to God, like their Aunt Ida advices, they take matters into their own hands, and that is where the drama begins.
Vanessa almost loses her job because she is letting her personal life take front and center in her divorce court. She is granted divorces and giving everything to the wives are petitioning the court for because she can't get over the hurt her husband Thomas caused her. This decision may cost her her husband and her life
Dionne is so bent on being married by thirty, that she will take whatever Roland dishes out, because she firmly believes that he is her soulmate. When she finds out that not only is Roland married, but he has a girlfriend on the side, she plots revenge. She wants him to hurt just as much as she. This revenge puts Roland in a very comprising situation with some shady people, it will also leave her alone and....... read the rest to find out!
Aunt Ida and Rosolyn are the voices of reason for Vanessa and Dionne, but they just want take heed.
Vanessa almost loses her job because she is letting her personal life take front and center in her divorce court. She is granted divorces and giving everything to the wives are petitioning the court for because she can't get over the hurt her husband Thomas caused her. This decision may cost her her husband and her life
Dionne is so bent on being married by thirty, that she will take whatever Roland dishes out, because she firmly believes that he is her soulmate. When she finds out that not only is Roland married, but he has a girlfriend on the side, she plots revenge. She wants him to hurt just as much as she. This revenge puts Roland in a very comprising situation with some shady people, it will also leave her alone and....... read the rest to find out!
Aunt Ida and Rosolyn are the voices of reason for Vanessa and Dionne, but they just want take heed.
September 2, 2008
Family
Sisters Vanessa and Dionne seem to have trouble all over them. Older sister Rosalyn may not be in much trouble now, but she's seen her share and tries to assist as they try to get their selves in order.
Vanessa is brutal in her courtroom. She has dreams and her marriage sometimes collides with her time. When her husband is no longer capable of excusing Vanessa's missing in action tactics, she's caught up with pride and having to learn to not only forgive, but adjust. Is this marriage worth it?
Dionne, the baby of the trio, is used to being smothered with attention. She's in love with a man who hasn't vocalized his emotions for her. She knows he's married, but they are divorcing and Dionne is ready to be the newest Mrs. However, when love plays a cruel joke with her heart, Dionne is hell bent of seeking revenge. Will the woman scorned have love again?
I haven't had the pleasure of reading anything by ReShonda Tate Billingsley prior. I was engaged throughout the entire book and loved the way the bossy, intrusive aunt had her say. This is a book I'd easily recommend to all.
Reviewed by: Peaches
Sisters Vanessa and Dionne seem to have trouble all over them. Older sister Rosalyn may not be in much trouble now, but she's seen her share and tries to assist as they try to get their selves in order.
Vanessa is brutal in her courtroom. She has dreams and her marriage sometimes collides with her time. When her husband is no longer capable of excusing Vanessa's missing in action tactics, she's caught up with pride and having to learn to not only forgive, but adjust. Is this marriage worth it?
Dionne, the baby of the trio, is used to being smothered with attention. She's in love with a man who hasn't vocalized his emotions for her. She knows he's married, but they are divorcing and Dionne is ready to be the newest Mrs. However, when love plays a cruel joke with her heart, Dionne is hell bent of seeking revenge. Will the woman scorned have love again?
I haven't had the pleasure of reading anything by ReShonda Tate Billingsley prior. I was engaged throughout the entire book and loved the way the bossy, intrusive aunt had her say. This is a book I'd easily recommend to all.
Reviewed by: Peaches
July 23, 2009
Ah, between 3 and 4 stars - no halves huh?
This novel moves along at a good pace; it's about relationships, forgiveness, and the lack of both.
Vanessa spends more time working on her career as a divorce court judge than with her husband. She's late for the special anniversary dinner he prepares for their 5th. When she returns home late for the planned meal, he is packing his bags. They argue and he leaves.
Her sister Dionne's lover's wife is divorcing him because he cheated on her. Someone comes knocking on his door after a night of romance with Dionne.
Vanessa and Dionne's older sister Rosolyn is married to a preacher and things seem to be going okay for them.
This novel moves along at a good pace; it's about relationships, forgiveness, and the lack of both.
Vanessa spends more time working on her career as a divorce court judge than with her husband. She's late for the special anniversary dinner he prepares for their 5th. When she returns home late for the planned meal, he is packing his bags. They argue and he leaves.
Her sister Dionne's lover's wife is divorcing him because he cheated on her. Someone comes knocking on his door after a night of romance with Dionne.
Vanessa and Dionne's older sister Rosolyn is married to a preacher and things seem to be going okay for them.
May 30, 2015
After reading several of her books for the past month, I am seeing many similarities between the novels with storyline. However, I will see how this story plays out, and glad to see it from a Judge perspective since I am looking to obtain a degree in the legal field.
I really enjoyed the read and the characters as if I was there in their lives even though it was fictional.
Adrienna Turner
Author of God is in the Equation
adriennaturner.net
dream4more.org
I really enjoyed the read and the characters as if I was there in their lives even though it was fictional.
Adrienna Turner
Author of God is in the Equation
adriennaturner.net
dream4more.org
December 29, 2011
I enjoyed this book and It had a few twists and turns that you could see coming, but the overall theme was great and I'm glad I read the book. The aunt in the main story was nosy but what person that has raised children into their grown years isn't. The aunt dished out too much advise, but she reminded me of ladies in my family. I love how Roslyn's husband was really there for her and I really loved the theme of love and forgiveness. Love can come in so many ways!
August 28, 2015
Again I enjoyed this book which is based on forgiveness. It talks a lot about the sanctity of marriage. It makes you realize how God intended marriage to be. There was issues of adultery, trust,etc. but, We all fall short! We can and must forgive regardless of the pain and hurt. I'm always uplifted when I read books by Jacquelin Thomas, ReShonda Tate Billingsley, Victoria Christopher Murray, Kimberla Lawson Roby and a few others. The first 4 authors are my favorite Christian fiction writers.
March 2, 2019
This book was wonderful & amazing. Everything happens for a reason, season, & purpose. God has the best of intentions for us we have to learn to trust him & let him lead us. This book kept me intrigued & interested throughout. I'm really liking this author more & more. God turned every situation in this book into a testimony. This book showed so many attacks from the enemy & ended with the blessings, forgiveness, mercy, & grace that comes from the Lord.
May 29, 2018
This is a really good book if you like a lot of drama. I found myself mad, sad, and happy. I also found myself making comments to myself about different things that happened. I'd like to read another book from this author.
November 4, 2011
This is only the second book I've read by Reshonda Tate Billingsley, and it was awesome. I love reading books with a spiritual message. Would defiantly recommend this book as a must read.
March 22, 2013
Four stars because the narration was on hit and this is one of my favorite authors.
October 15, 2013
Very good book.. The characters were believable and the storyline kept my interest.
I hated Deon's ending :(
I hated Deon's ending :(
March 19, 2014
Pretty good reading...sometimes long winded but pretty good overall.
August 27, 2017
Enjoyable. I love reading books with positive stories and characters!
September 26, 2018
Theme: This story brings up serious issues within a marriage. The mindset of husband and wife, the core of a marriage and the forgiveness that must take place everyday. I was not expecting to learn so much from this novel. I have no complaints.
I found this to be a pleasant storyline about family, forgiveness and love.
I found this to be a pleasant storyline about family, forgiveness and love.
May 31, 2018
I didn;t enjoy this book as much as I'd hoped. Though the book was well-written, as is typical of RTB, I didn't find any of the characters to be endearing. Not even a little. I still don't regret reading it, but I likely will not re-read it.
October 16, 2019
I’m not a morning person, so it means something when I tell you that I started this book last night and got up an hour and a half early so I can finish up this morning before I had to leave. I have to say that I didn’t like the main character much in the beginning, but she grew on me.
January 17, 2021
Wonderful
It has been a while since I have read this author's works. Actually, ebooks were not an option. This book was a definite example for forgiveness and God's power. Romans 8:28 . I enjoyed reading your words and will continue.
It has been a while since I have read this author's works. Actually, ebooks were not an option. This book was a definite example for forgiveness and God's power. Romans 8:28 . I enjoyed reading your words and will continue.
February 19, 2023
Very quick read! The characters were interesting enough and the dialogue between characters had me laughing! However, the twists and turns were predictable and the “retreat” only lasted for one chapter.
December 30, 2017
Good read! Can I Get A Witness is centered around betrayal, family, faith, and forgiveness.
June 15, 2018
Excellent Read
This book held my attention from beginning to end. I enjoyed the characters and never knew what would happen next!
This book held my attention from beginning to end. I enjoyed the characters and never knew what would happen next!
February 20, 2021
Good book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews