What do you think?
Rate this book
First Sunday in October
Julia Simone has been through some very hard times. Her first husband died, leaving her a single parent; her second husband abusive. She has overcome all those difficulties and is now very successful. Julia has everything she could ever want: a beautiful daughter, a loving family, a best friend, and financial security. The only thing missing from her life is a true love, but Julia has given up on ever finding that.
Rev. Reginald Pennington is a man with a past that would surprise many. He is ashamed of his past, but he is now a different man. He is a man with a purpose—to spread the word of God. When his path crosses with Julia's, the electricity between them is very evident to everyone but him. He keeps her at arm's length, wanting to be with her but telling himself he has no plans to get involved.
Julia and Reggie become fast friends after a business deal between her company and his church. At first, they tell themselves it is merely friendship. Julia's feelings change when Reggie sends mixed signals. Each has a past that they must come to terms with; things for which they must forgive themselves in order to move forward. Life-altering events bring surprises and sorrow that test their faith in God, themselves, and each other.
Rev. Reginald Pennington is a man with a past that would surprise many. He is ashamed of his past, but he is now a different man. He is a man with a purpose—to spread the word of God. When his path crosses with Julia's, the electricity between them is very evident to everyone but him. He keeps her at arm's length, wanting to be with her but telling himself he has no plans to get involved.
Julia and Reggie become fast friends after a business deal between her company and his church. At first, they tell themselves it is merely friendship. Julia's feelings change when Reggie sends mixed signals. Each has a past that they must come to terms with; things for which they must forgive themselves in order to move forward. Life-altering events bring surprises and sorrow that test their faith in God, themselves, and each other.
- GenresRomance
268 pages, Paperback
First published December 9, 2006
4 people are currently reading
219 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
January 4, 2013
This was an excellent book from the beginning until the very last page. I always appreciate an unpredictable book and that exactly what I got. Julia was a true woman of God; I loved her character and everything she stood for and believed it. Job well done Wanda Campbell (this is the 1st book I have read by you and I look forward to more).
November 6, 2023
Julia Simone has had her fair share of love and loss. Her husband died, leaving her a widowed, single mother. Her next relationship was abusive. So, she was determined to focus on her daughter and her thriving business. Her best friend invited her to church and on the first Sunday in October, she met Reverend Reginald Pennington.
What started out as a business deal, slowly became so much more. Every time life threw either one a curve ball, the other was there to help swing the bat. These chain of events led to do many milestones that took place on the first Sunday in October.
This transparent book by @writingwanda ministered to my soul and I highly recommend that you check it out for yourself.
What started out as a business deal, slowly became so much more. Every time life threw either one a curve ball, the other was there to help swing the bat. These chain of events led to do many milestones that took place on the first Sunday in October.
This transparent book by @writingwanda ministered to my soul and I highly recommend that you check it out for yourself.
June 13, 2020
First Sunday in October
This was a very good story regarding Julia and Reggie’s love affair the Godly way. Both were in denial about their feelings for each other. It proves that it’s worth the wait.
This was a very good story regarding Julia and Reggie’s love affair the Godly way. Both were in denial about their feelings for each other. It proves that it’s worth the wait.
June 14, 2014
I didn't think this book would ever END !!!
TOTALLY PREDICTABLE is an understatement in describing this ridiculous book. This was the most UNREALISTIC book I've ever read. Everything was so PERFECT and even when something went wrong the main characters made everything PERFECT again. If you like "Romantic Love Story Fantasies" then this book is for you. I enjoy more REALISM in my reading. Julia was gorgeous, rich, successful, RELIGIOUS, all her family were perfect, etc. it was totally sickening. I could not wait for this book to END !!! I'm staying away from this author.
TOTALLY PREDICTABLE is an understatement in describing this ridiculous book. This was the most UNREALISTIC book I've ever read. Everything was so PERFECT and even when something went wrong the main characters made everything PERFECT again. If you like "Romantic Love Story Fantasies" then this book is for you. I enjoy more REALISM in my reading. Julia was gorgeous, rich, successful, RELIGIOUS, all her family were perfect, etc. it was totally sickening. I could not wait for this book to END !!! I'm staying away from this author.
September 9, 2016
Ooookay
Good. Real good. My favorite part, as it often is, was the big fight. The one at the banquet. It was simply beautiful. If you know me, you know that a book isn't at its best for me if there is never a good, loud, emotional, soul baring fight. At least 1. Love in a book just isn't authentic without an argument. Only set back is that it was LONG. I liked that and I don't at the same time. I like that I got to experience every phase of the relationship and nothing was rushed, but I hate be reading a book while also think I'll Nguyen about the next book I'll pick up.
Good. Real good. My favorite part, as it often is, was the big fight. The one at the banquet. It was simply beautiful. If you know me, you know that a book isn't at its best for me if there is never a good, loud, emotional, soul baring fight. At least 1. Love in a book just isn't authentic without an argument. Only set back is that it was LONG. I liked that and I don't at the same time. I like that I got to experience every phase of the relationship and nothing was rushed, but I hate be reading a book while also think I'll Nguyen about the next book I'll pick up.
April 15, 2013
Reverend and his first Lady kept me held tight from start to finish. Regret and Julia had so much past "stuff " in their past lives but somehow with the love they had for each other gave them a greater future. Your past doesn't have to dictate your present or future. I really enjoyed the book.
March 26, 2014
Such a good story...
Such a good story...
It is a good story of finding love and learning to love. The Christian romance is a special one it is different and learning to love someone with Christ at the lead is amazing.
Such a good story...
It is a good story of finding love and learning to love. The Christian romance is a special one it is different and learning to love someone with Christ at the lead is amazing.
Read
February 2, 2016Loved this story!!!
An amazing story...whew!!! Get it for yourself to rekindle love & forgiveness! I will definitely miss these characters! I loved every single second of this book!!!
An amazing story...whew!!! Get it for yourself to rekindle love & forgiveness! I will definitely miss these characters! I loved every single second of this book!!!
June 7, 2013
What a beautiful story about faith, love, and forgiveness.
November 7, 2013
YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED IN THIS BOOK THIS IS A GREAT BOOK AND I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO READING MORE OF WANDA CAMPBELLS WORKS.
April 26, 2014
Excellent book
If you wait and be patient good things will come your way. Remember to include God in all your decision.
If you wait and be patient good things will come your way. Remember to include God in all your decision.
December 8, 2014
Another excellent story by this wonderful author. I really loved the suprises and It ended pretty good.
July 15, 2015
Sweet, old school courting.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews