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Illusions
After three years of marriage, Denise Hightower discovers that her husband, Pastor Bryce Hightower, has a secret addiction that not only jeopardizes his marriage, but impairs his ability to effectively preach the gospel. Yielding to pressure from her mother and her husband, Denise agrees to keep his addiction a secret, although her self-esteem plummets. Her life as the perfect First Lady is falling apart at the seams. Self-centered and determined to uphold his pastoral image, Bryce is oblivious to his wife’s emotional state. He’s convinced that he can overcome his “little problem” on his own, so he rejects the spiritual help God sends him. But when his secret is discovered, will he be able to come clean with himself, God, and his congregation?
- GenresChristian Fiction
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2009
14 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
About the author
Wanda B. Campbell
20 books58 followersWanda B. Campbell is an extraordinary and talented writer who brings creativity, a new sense of hope, and restoration through the healing power of God to the Kingdom, by way of Christian fiction. She uses real life everyday issues to exhort, motivate, and give comfort.
Wanda B. Campbell believes there is nothing too hard for God and through His love and power, He can heal you in EVERY area you hurt. Wanda believes with God's help our darkest time can become our brightest moments. Her primary mission is to encourage everyone to experience the unfailing love of Christ. Wanda is not limited by race, age, sex, denomination or organization; believing the liberation that comes from Christ is free to all.
An avid reader since childhood, Wanda responded to the voices in her head and self-published her debut novel, First Sunday in October, January 2007. The novel gained national recognition and established her literary career.
Wanda B. Campbell's literary achievements include: Mommy's Present, a short story appearing in the anthology The Midnight Clear, November 2006, First Sunday in October, January 2007, Crusin for Christ I Short Story Contest winner with Illusions, which landed a multi-book deal with Urban Christian. Illusions, the novel, February 2009,Right Package, Wrong Baggage, August 2010, and Silver Lining, August 2011. Her fourth novel, Unresolved Issues, is scheduled for release August 2012.
Wanda is a two-time winner of the Urban Reviews Top Shelf Book Award, two-time winner of Coffee Time Romance’s Critical Review Award, and a three-time Black Expressions Book Club Bestselling Author. She has appeared on the BCNN1/BCBC National Bestselling List multiple times and was nominated at the 2011 African American Literary Awards Show in the Christian Fiction category.
In January 2010, Wanda launched Micah 6:8 Books, LLC (www.micah68books.com), a small publishing house dedicated to promoting words that edify the Kingdom. The company's first anthology, Home Again: Stories of Restored Relationships released November 2010 as was also nominated at the 2011 African American Literary Awards Show.
Wanda is a graduate of Castlemont High School , in Oakland , CA (Go Knights!) and Western Career College . In addition to building a career in healthcare, she completed Christian Ministry studies at the Leadership Institute at Allen Temple and is currently pursuing her Bachelor's degree in Biblical Studies.
Wanda is a mother of three and currently resides in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband of twenty-two years and two sons and enjoys spending time with her grandson. Her hobbies include writing and reading, traveling, and collecting magnets from around the world. Wanda is the self-proclaimed biggest Oakland A's fan.
Wanda B. Campbell believes there is nothing too hard for God and through His love and power, He can heal you in EVERY area you hurt. Wanda believes with God's help our darkest time can become our brightest moments. Her primary mission is to encourage everyone to experience the unfailing love of Christ. Wanda is not limited by race, age, sex, denomination or organization; believing the liberation that comes from Christ is free to all.
An avid reader since childhood, Wanda responded to the voices in her head and self-published her debut novel, First Sunday in October, January 2007. The novel gained national recognition and established her literary career.
Wanda B. Campbell's literary achievements include: Mommy's Present, a short story appearing in the anthology The Midnight Clear, November 2006, First Sunday in October, January 2007, Crusin for Christ I Short Story Contest winner with Illusions, which landed a multi-book deal with Urban Christian. Illusions, the novel, February 2009,Right Package, Wrong Baggage, August 2010, and Silver Lining, August 2011. Her fourth novel, Unresolved Issues, is scheduled for release August 2012.
Wanda is a two-time winner of the Urban Reviews Top Shelf Book Award, two-time winner of Coffee Time Romance’s Critical Review Award, and a three-time Black Expressions Book Club Bestselling Author. She has appeared on the BCNN1/BCBC National Bestselling List multiple times and was nominated at the 2011 African American Literary Awards Show in the Christian Fiction category.
In January 2010, Wanda launched Micah 6:8 Books, LLC (www.micah68books.com), a small publishing house dedicated to promoting words that edify the Kingdom. The company's first anthology, Home Again: Stories of Restored Relationships released November 2010 as was also nominated at the 2011 African American Literary Awards Show.
Wanda is a graduate of Castlemont High School , in Oakland , CA (Go Knights!) and Western Career College . In addition to building a career in healthcare, she completed Christian Ministry studies at the Leadership Institute at Allen Temple and is currently pursuing her Bachelor's degree in Biblical Studies.
Wanda is a mother of three and currently resides in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband of twenty-two years and two sons and enjoys spending time with her grandson. Her hobbies include writing and reading, traveling, and collecting magnets from around the world. Wanda is the self-proclaimed biggest Oakland A's fan.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
April 18, 2009
I was interested in reading this book because it deals with a really edgy subject matter that most authors are scared to talk about, but is actually a huge epidemic in our culture and our church. Pornography is a scary subject because it rips marriages apart but is hidden in shame and guilt. Consequently most people that are addicted to pornography never deal with their addiction and are never able to walk in freedom. Wanda Campbell approaches this subject with honesty and frankness as we meet Bryce and Denise who have been married for a few years now and Denise becomes abruptly aware of her husband's addiction to pornography. She is devasted and is ready to divorce him because in her eyes he has been committing adultry. Of course the fact that he is the pastor of their church could turn out to be a tragedy for the church... or will it?
Excellently done this book could be a wonderful tool for those who are addicted or living with those addicted and could lead to freedom for many people!
Excellently done this book could be a wonderful tool for those who are addicted or living with those addicted and could lead to freedom for many people!
July 23, 2015
This is an amazing book about love, forgiveness, and redemption as Pastor Bryce Hightower struggles to deal with his addiction to pornography, all while being a husband and pastor a church.
February 26, 2009
I love an honest story told with passion and conviction. Illusions has that. I also love a story with rich dialog and believeable characters. Illusions has that as well. The characters literally jump from the page. I felt like I knew them all by book's end. The storyline was very compelling, but I did get a bit lost a third of the way through the story due to a lot of head hopping. In some scenes you knew what everyone was thinking. I find that hard to follow. Plus, sometimes the characters' inner thoughts seemed more like the author instructing the reader than what the character would really be thinking. Not one to give up easily, I started reading again and tried to focus on the heart of the story.
So back to the good points...Illusions was at times so gut-wrenchingly honest it moved me to tears. I loved Bryce and I loved Denise. I wanted to see them happy together. I also wish more books told the truth like this one. The author did a fabulous job of exposing hypocrisy and lies in the church. The story also made me think. There are so many people who get respect by their leadership position in the church, but are they really serving God, or merely hiding behind Him? That's something to ponder. Also, the theme of digging down to the root of the "ivy" as the only way to completely heal was a powerful lesson.
The ending scene at the church also made me cry. It was beautiful and so true. If more people would allow themselves to trust and be transparent, God could do so much more with His people. So, bottom line is I loved the story...but the writing style? Not so much. Regardless, I highly recommend this book to people struggling with addiction and who are too ashamed to deal with it. This novel clearly shows how sickness only spreads when it's kept hidden.
So back to the good points...Illusions was at times so gut-wrenchingly honest it moved me to tears. I loved Bryce and I loved Denise. I wanted to see them happy together. I also wish more books told the truth like this one. The author did a fabulous job of exposing hypocrisy and lies in the church. The story also made me think. There are so many people who get respect by their leadership position in the church, but are they really serving God, or merely hiding behind Him? That's something to ponder. Also, the theme of digging down to the root of the "ivy" as the only way to completely heal was a powerful lesson.
The ending scene at the church also made me cry. It was beautiful and so true. If more people would allow themselves to trust and be transparent, God could do so much more with His people. So, bottom line is I loved the story...but the writing style? Not so much. Regardless, I highly recommend this book to people struggling with addiction and who are too ashamed to deal with it. This novel clearly shows how sickness only spreads when it's kept hidden.
April 22, 2011
Wow! So often preachers are put on a pedestal which allows them to sweep their sins under the rug while they ineffectively deal with those sons of the church members. I love how the pastor himself was ministered to and allowed himself to be ministered to so that he could be healed and get deliverance . . . and in turn, he was able to lead others to healing! After all, how can a pastor effectively lead if he is sick himself!
Finally, Christian Fiction that is correctly categorized into the Christian genre. I've read some books that only dealt with the sins running rampant in the church and through the church. However, some authors out there don't even bring God into the mix concerning deliverance or healing from such sins! Some other books I've read where soft porn books that were incorrectly categorized as Christian fiction because of their depiction of unethical church members!
Ms Campbell got it right when she wrote this book - she dealt with exposing the sin to the sinner, repentance, deliverance and healing! I appreciate her style of writing and being led by the Spirit during the writing of this book. I believe Ms Campbell even enlightened some of us that may have turned our nose up at those indulging in pornography. It was interesting to view that outward act as a vice to cover up and inward pain!
Pornography affects not just those outside of the church, but those inside . . . like Pastor Hightower's story, it's time for those in the church to address this issue too and get to the root of the problem . . . especially those in the pulpit . . . those entrusted with a FLOCK!
Thanks Ms Campbell, this was an excellent read!
Finally, Christian Fiction that is correctly categorized into the Christian genre. I've read some books that only dealt with the sins running rampant in the church and through the church. However, some authors out there don't even bring God into the mix concerning deliverance or healing from such sins! Some other books I've read where soft porn books that were incorrectly categorized as Christian fiction because of their depiction of unethical church members!
Ms Campbell got it right when she wrote this book - she dealt with exposing the sin to the sinner, repentance, deliverance and healing! I appreciate her style of writing and being led by the Spirit during the writing of this book. I believe Ms Campbell even enlightened some of us that may have turned our nose up at those indulging in pornography. It was interesting to view that outward act as a vice to cover up and inward pain!
Pornography affects not just those outside of the church, but those inside . . . like Pastor Hightower's story, it's time for those in the church to address this issue too and get to the root of the problem . . . especially those in the pulpit . . . those entrusted with a FLOCK!
Thanks Ms Campbell, this was an excellent read!
October 6, 2015
Pastor Bryce Hightower has been keeping a secret from his wife Denise for a very long time. She happens upon it one day when she decides to meet him at his office for a picnic lunch. She is devastated, and eventually decides to leave. But God he a way of working things out. Benny is Bryce and Denise's next door neighbor and a gift from God, although they don't know it yet. They will go through trials and tribulations, and an act of betrayal by Denise's best friend that she would never have thought would be possible. Through it all Benny and God are right there helping and holding them up. Just when it looks like things are crumbling, God has a way of building them right back up. Read: October 2015
September 5, 2018
Forgiveness, Patience and Love
I really enjoyed this book.
It makes you realise that The love of God is real and no matter where you are in life, God always knows what’s best for you. He knows what you need to live a full abundant life. At times things might feel uncomfortable but if you trust and believe God he will work things out for you. He will bring people in your life that will ease the season of difficult.
The book focuses on Pastor Hightower and his wife Denise. To Denise’s Knowledge she couldn’t have married a more perfect man. He makes her feel good, showers her with love and affection what more could a women want in her man.
But soon she discovers a secret her husband has been keeping from her. A secret that could ruin their church and their marriage. But with Gods Guidance and with patience could this marriage and church be saved ?
Many life lessons to be learnt and most of all no one is exempt from test trails and tribulations.
This is a great read, well written and it will also helps you to reflect on certain areas of ones life.
I really enjoyed this book.
It makes you realise that The love of God is real and no matter where you are in life, God always knows what’s best for you. He knows what you need to live a full abundant life. At times things might feel uncomfortable but if you trust and believe God he will work things out for you. He will bring people in your life that will ease the season of difficult.
The book focuses on Pastor Hightower and his wife Denise. To Denise’s Knowledge she couldn’t have married a more perfect man. He makes her feel good, showers her with love and affection what more could a women want in her man.
But soon she discovers a secret her husband has been keeping from her. A secret that could ruin their church and their marriage. But with Gods Guidance and with patience could this marriage and church be saved ?
Many life lessons to be learnt and most of all no one is exempt from test trails and tribulations.
This is a great read, well written and it will also helps you to reflect on certain areas of ones life.
September 13, 2020
Powerful
Life is full of sins we all endure be it physical or mental. So many of us live with childhood generational curses and abuses. Oh but God! Confessions, prayer, seeking therapy, and most of all God’s deliverance you can be made anew,
Life is full of sins we all endure be it physical or mental. So many of us live with childhood generational curses and abuses. Oh but God! Confessions, prayer, seeking therapy, and most of all God’s deliverance you can be made anew,
February 7, 2016
This was a very enlightening and refreshing read. It dealt very realistically with truth, accountability for one's actions, living with integrity and honouring oneself and those we love in intimate relationships, family, friendships and the importance of self-love, God and worship.
Its not preachy preachy hell and damnation, it’s woven nicely and comes across real and can easily be applied to real life dilemmas of human frailty in life and in the church. Campbell really humanizes her characters. I liked that. Though it is said to be fiction I didn’t mind the dose of reality when so well integrated in the characters/story line.
Its not preachy preachy hell and damnation, it’s woven nicely and comes across real and can easily be applied to real life dilemmas of human frailty in life and in the church. Campbell really humanizes her characters. I liked that. Though it is said to be fiction I didn’t mind the dose of reality when so well integrated in the characters/story line.
March 4, 2011
She writes beautifully and was very interesting in the earlier chapters, I was slightly bored after the middle until ending chapter. I'm glad there was a restored marriage overall Denise's feelings about Bryce pornography-masturbating scenes that he experienced since a teen. I didn't know that women could take it that far as adultery, since he was lusting after other women in the magazines. On some parts, I felt Denise went too far, but then as believers we do have to abstain from lustful eyes as well as lustful acts.
2.5/3 stars.
2.5/3 stars.
December 12, 2013
With ILLUSIONS, Wanda B. Campbell boldly addresses the issue of pornography and sexual addiction in the church. Sexual sins are often swept under the rug and rarely discussed in the confines of the church. However, Campbell brings it front and center with the experiences of Pastor Bryce Hightower. She also shares another deeply inspiring subplot that deals with healing from the hurt Bryce experienced from the lack of his father’s affections. The overall theme of the book is there is nothing that God’s love cannot overcome.
August 8, 2016
I commend Ms. Campbell on an excellent book. This book is a serious topic that is prevalent in many churches today. This is a topic that many people don't want to talk about. I encourage everyone to read this book. Good job. Ms. Campbell
July 12, 2015
A Very Real Glimpse of the Struggle
Through this fictional story, Ms. Campbell has been able to successfully capture the painful cycle of guilt and shame associated with sexual addiction. The impacts the the "father/son" relationships was also well-done!
Through this fictional story, Ms. Campbell has been able to successfully capture the painful cycle of guilt and shame associated with sexual addiction. The impacts the the "father/son" relationships was also well-done!
July 26, 2015
Illusions
Wanda Campbell has taken snatched the covers off the effects of pornography thru Bryce and Denise. This was eye-opening and entertaining. I recommend any and all books by Ms. Campbell a gifted story-teller.
Wanda Campbell has taken snatched the covers off the effects of pornography thru Bryce and Denise. This was eye-opening and entertaining. I recommend any and all books by Ms. Campbell a gifted story-teller.
August 8, 2011
Pretty good read, really liked the counsel given by the confidant character in this book. I would recommend this book to others who enjoy inspirational fiction.
July 15, 2012
It started off really good and just kinda went downhill for me. I skimmed through the last 100 pages.
January 19, 2013
A really good book as it touches a subject most Christians are afraid to talk about. A really great read.
November 19, 2013
Awesome book! A great book for Christians that may be struggling with an addiction. :)
July 18, 2015
I really enjoyed this story. Different.
July 18, 2015
Very Good Book!
I love this book! I would recommend it to anyone struggling with any type of addiction! God is Good and prayer is the key
I love this book! I would recommend it to anyone struggling with any type of addiction! God is Good and prayer is the key
August 18, 2015
Loved it!!!!!
What a fantastic story of how wonderful God is!! How an addiction can ruin more lives by not accepting there is a problem Great Read Ms Campbell
What a fantastic story of how wonderful God is!! How an addiction can ruin more lives by not accepting there is a problem Great Read Ms Campbell
September 8, 2015
Good Christian fiction. Very interesting story line and just a good book.. If you are looking for a good Christian fiction writer, I think we have found another one..
September 30, 2015
Loved It!
I absolutely loved this book. Genuine characters and a great storyline, but most importantly very inspiration. I look forward to reading more from this author.
I absolutely loved this book. Genuine characters and a great storyline, but most importantly very inspiration. I look forward to reading more from this author.
July 5, 2016
What a story!
Short and sweet read for the spiritual, Christian reader. Nicely written and relatable. Ms. Campbell put a beautiful touch on this one!
Short and sweet read for the spiritual, Christian reader. Nicely written and relatable. Ms. Campbell put a beautiful touch on this one!
November 22, 2011
Good!!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews