The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance. –John 10:10, AMP
Good Friday started off as anything but that for Melinda Black. After losing her job and self-dignity, a series of events cascade her onto an emotionally charged roller coaster ride that drastically changes her life forever.
Will Melinda be able to handle the pressure when she stands to lose what's most important in her life?
Once Upon a Sunday is an inspirational short story.
Renée McCoy is the author of numerous titles and has had work featured in the pocket devotional, The Upper Room, and the Christian magazine, Simple Grace.
With a heart to tell stories that will not only entertain, Renée hopes to enlighten readers to capture the message and power of God's saving grace.
Since I'm not a very religious person,I didn't really like the ending of the story,even though it's kind of a happy one.The writing is beautiful,on the other hand.Renée is a wonderful writer.I like the main character and I was really hoping that she will resolve her problems and struggles.
Even though this story is a short, it was packed with a powerful message of hope. I could truly understand why the main character, Melinda, was ready to throw her hands up in the air and run to the nearest exit. Sometimes we're hit with blows that seem unbearable and it's hard to keep-it-moving, if not for the grace of God. This is the reason why I'm so thankful for the "but God" moments like the one Melinda encountered. God's timing is truly precious. He knows when to show up.
I'm in agreement with some of the other reviews, I would have love to read more about, Melinda. Hopefully, we will see more of her from the author. :-)
What I liked about this book was the way the author allowed her characters to come alive. Life can really hit us with all types of obstacles. The author dealt with it all in a short period without dragging the storyline out. She showed the importance of things in life and what we can put before God that can cause a person to be blindsided. She also showed forgiveness.
This is a good quick read for a book club with questions for discussion at the end.
First time reading the author's ministry and will not be my last! The author wrote of God's infinite love, the message comes clearly. The writing was pleasantly wonderful, no spelling or grammatical errors. I'm happy that others see with a spiritual eye.
I wasn't really feeling this on towards the end of the book. I enjoyed the beginning and the development of the characters but then all of a sudden the book took one turn and it was over. Maybe this should have been extended to give more of a jaw dropping i cant put the book down type of feeling. I've read plenty of novellas and this is more like an creative writing essay to me. Sorry.
I like the book because it was so realistic to how people lives are today but I wanted more on how she began her life with Christ and stayed focused on God when she was just a non believer.
Book Review of McCoy’s “Once Upon A Sunday” By: Alexis Ellis In Renee Allen McCoy’s inspirational short story, “Once Upon A Sunday” she writes about a main character, Melinda, who is faced with many life hardships. These hardships ultimately test her sanity. In the story, McCoy gives you instant access to dive in to the drama, and allows you to see how Melinda handles the trials and tribulations that are plaguing her life. Melinda is in turmoil, however, as the story goes on she discovers a way for escape, but does she take it is the question. McCoy’s writing is compelling, suspenseful, and well-told. The reader is able to picture and feel the emotion of each character. As I was reading, tears welled in my eyes when reading the passages between Melinda and her young son, Sean. McCoy’s storyline gives the reader a chance to receive the message that was intended for the story. She tells a fictitious story that is true-to-life, real, modern, and relatable to anyone who has gone through hardships in life. Melinda questions the faith of others in her life, and this story teaches the reader the meaning of finding faith again, and most of all gaining repentance. The moral of the story is very enriching, and I found after reading McCoy’s story that you have to rethink your own doubts when it comes to your journey in life, and stop the negativity. Through finding this story on the Amazon Kindle app, I felt it can really make you see yourself, and McCoy weaves a story that allows the main character to grow, and go through the fire, to finally find herself, and the see the truth.
Good Friday is turning out to be anything but good for Melinda. The shameful way she loses her job may be nothing compared to how her marriage has recently crumbled. What's coming around the corner for her this Easter could be the making or breaking of her in Once Upon a Sunday by author Renée Allen McCoy.
I appreciate how much the author packed into a story of this length without overstuffing it or making it feel like disjointed chaos. There's enough backstory and tidbits about Melinda to help you understand and empathize with her. It's a very "come to Jesus" type of read for those who like an evangelistic message in their Christian Fiction.
I did find the story's confusion of tenses to be distracting. As Melinda relates her account to the reader in first person, she switches back and forth between past and present tense quite a bit, and most of the switches don't seem intentional. Also, as the story wraps up, it starts to wrap up a little too perfectly. I think some of the outcomes would've needed more time and development, so as not to feel Happily-Ever-After-like so suddenly.
Still, it's an uplifting story that deals with hard issues, and I think many other ChristFic fans will enjoy it.
Melinda was having an awful day and making poor decisions about life and her faith. This shows that God is just a prayer away. We only need to call on him and He's there through our Saviour Jesus Christ. Thank you for your umbrella as we get through this storm Renee Allen McCoy.
I truly enjoyed this book. We all go through trying times in our life. Melinda lost her job and son in the same day. Melinda was at the end of her rope and did not want to live any longer. Whatever God brings to you He will get you through it. God sent an angel to protect Melinda….Awesome story.
Aint God good?! I was looking for some audiobooks and came across this short story. I was not familiar with this author, so I decided to give it a shot as she had great reviews. My heart went out to Melinda, she was going through so much all at once, but I enjoyed her testimony! So encouraging! This was a great short story, and I look forward to reading more from this author.
This was a very short story, yet very good. We all go through situations where we fill like not only has God given up on us, but so has the whole world. Even if the world has, God hasn't! Thank you Ms Renee for a great read!
This was a short story and a phenomenal read... The message I pulled from this story is also one of my favorite bible verses.... TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL THINE HEART, LEAN NOT ON YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING. IN ALL WAYS ACKNOWLEDGE HIM, AND HE WILL DIRECT YOUR PATH. Proverbs 3:5-6.
A reminder that our super awesome God loves us so much that when we try to do our own thing and it goes wrong. He still has a better plan for us and He comes to save us from the hand of the enemy. Now, that's love everlasting, unconditional and never fake.
This is an amazingly and refreshingly clean book! True talent is exhibited by this author who can capture and keep her reader's attention without the filth!! TYSM for a great read!
When it seems you reached the bottom pits there's still hope. This book showcases the power of God's unwavering and unconditional love. God is with us even when we are to hardheaded to realize it for ourselves.