Envy

Seven Deadly Sins #2

by Victoria Christopher Murray

The 7 Deadly Sins series that inspired four Lifetime original movies continues with this thrilling novel following a woman who wants more than just a relationship from her newly discovered half-sister—she wants her life .

A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.

Gabrielle Wilson has the perfect a Beverly Hills mansion, a loving family, and a massively successful PR firm. When her father admits that an affair he had years before resulted in a daughter, Gabrielle is shocked, but is actually happy . Could this be the sister she has been praying for all her life?

Keisha Jones’s life is a struggle. Her late mother worked on the streets, and school was its own nightmare. When Gabrielle offers to fly Keisha out of Arkansas to meet the family, Keisha instantly agrees. But Gabrielle doesn’t realize that Keisha has known about the Wilsons for years. Keisha is determined to have everything she has always envied, and nothing can stand in her way.

Includes a reading group guide with an author Q&A and discussion questions for book clubs.

Genres: Fiction, Audiobook, Christian Fiction, Christian, African American

352 pages, Paperback

First published June 19, 2018

About the author

Victoria Christopher Murray is the author of nine Essence bestselling novels, including The Ex Files; Too Little, Too Late; and Lady Jasmine. Winner of the African American Literary Award for Fiction and Author of the Year (Female).

She has received numerous awards including the Golden Pen Award for Best Inspirational Fiction and the Phyllis Wheatley Trailblazer Award for being a pioneer in African American Fiction. Since 2007, Victoria has won nine African American Literary Awards for best novel, best Christian fiction and Author of the Year — Female. After four nominations, Victoria finally won an NAACP Image Award in Outstanding Literary Work for her social commentary novel, Stand Your Ground.

Victoria splits her time between Los Angeles and Washington DC.

Reviews

[Camille · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was great! I tend to turn to VCM and RTB books for that “feel good” feeling after reading something especially heavy (In this case, American Dirt and The Sun Does Shine). This book added to the heavy load because it took me on quite a depressing journey. Like all of her books, I enjoyed the sermon and theme of the story and learned quite a bit. I’m happy to know that this series has been considered for movie adaptations as Murray has been writing for years and deserves all of the recognition.

[La Tonya Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick candy read book. The ending was a surprise and somewhat excepted. It will warm your heart on unconditional love. This story is told thru the eyes of Gabrielle and Keisha in alternate voices. At twenty-two years of age Keisha, who was raised by her loving whore mother in White Haven, Arkansas, meets her father for the first time. Her existence is a complete surprise to him. She has known his identity since she was fourteen years old. He is unaware of this information. Keisha wants to keep this a secret.

Keisha moves to Los Angeles, California to establish a relationship with her sister, Gabrielle and her father, Elijah and immediately feels bitterness and envy of the luxurious life they have lived compared to the struggles she and her mother had to endure. She now plots to become Gabrielle by destroying her. Very good dialogue and stereotypical characters that are well developed.

Quotes:

"Look, I don't have no money, I don't have no insurance, I don't have no friends. So the people here, they're gonna have to bury her."

She was taking me to Old Navy? She might as well have been taking me to where I used to buy all my clothes ---Walmart.

"Well" - he shrugged a little - "one morning I call you and tell you I have another daughter, and a week later, you have a new sister, a new assistant, and a new roommate."

Mauricio chuckled, but there wasn't any kind of amusement in the sound. "He doesn't have to come at you with sex; he can have you any time he wants with his money."

[Michelle Lindo-Rice · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the second book of the Seven Deadly Sins series. I have been a VCM fan for years and as usual she does not disappoint. I read this on an airplane ride. It made the ride enjoyable although there was a moment where I had to hold my tears. Themes of love and forgiveness prevail throughout the read.

[Ellowyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW WOW WOW! This was an excellent read. This book will have you feeling so many different emotions. One minute I feel sorry for Keisha and the next minute I am mad at her. I felt that Gabrielle was to trusting.

Victoria Christopher Murray has written another great book. She will have you connecting with the characters and the plot to this story was well thought out. This book is definitely a page turner. I look forward to reading more books by her.

[Despina Karras · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, until the last couple of chapters. They just didn't fit in with the tone of the rest of the book at all. Although the book dealt with some very emotional issues, it never really felt dark until the very last pages, and that just ruined it for me. There were also lots of loose ends that were never cleared up, like why Buck's last few texts to Keisha were so weird.. While I can honestly say the ending surprised me, it surprised me in a bad way.

[Hulean Lani · Rating 4 out of 5]

I understood the feelings of envy which resonated with Keisha. I definitely saw Reagan view point, to protect her sister, best friend and partner. What bothered me was the family, from the beginning that were naive and opened their doors and heart with ever really thing about the life Keisha lead or investigating her history. Immediately these successful individuals were too trusting. When ever thing was falling apart,Gabe still could not see the truth and was willing to champion a stranger more then listen to her best friend. The jealous ..added nothing to the story other than move it forward.
In the last chapter, the author motion that an ulterior motive was given...what happen. Wish it was the epilogue. Also that the epilogue was A few years later.

A great book...Which shows prematurely that forgiveness comes when love and understanding happens.

[LaWanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Envy was a very emotional read. It talks to the core of your heart. This book shows true sisterhood, its shows how when you have this bond; true protecting and love does not have to be begged for. This book also helped me understand perspective, how we choose to cope and see situations. It taught me about lost and how certain individuals deal with lost and hopelessness. I personally enjoyed this book, it taught me so many life lessons but truly learning that life lessons can't have us. I am excited for book 3, which will be "Greed". Kudos to Victoria Christopher Murray!

[Dee Cherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This 2nd book in the 7 Deadly Sins series introduced new found sisters Gabby & Keisha. Good storyline with a touch of suspense as the plot thickened. Well rounded characters. Bella was a doll. Regan was a good friend overall. Storyline held my interest as I completed this book in less than 1 day. Good read

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this author's story telling and loved this book. Sisters meeting for the first time and one wanted the other's life. Ending surprised me. Great read.

[Techlady · Rating 3 out of 5]

If reasons why you shouldn’t let a stranger move into your house without a thorough background check was a book….

[WriteVibeMagazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Envy is the second novel in the Seven Deadly Sins series by Victoria Christopher Murray. The title screams DRAMA and the author does not disappoint either. Envy tells the story of Gabrielle Wilson a woman who has it all but a family secret is revealed that changes everything and everyone.

When Keisha joins the family it is all good until it is not any longer and you see a side of her that you did not know existed. She's sneaky and conniving but at the same time, you feel sorry for her as she is a result of her parent's irresponsible choices. It is almost as if you love her and then you hate her but nonetheless Murray has cleverly woven together a storyline that keeps you engrossed. There is a fine line between where jealousy and being envious lives but forgiveness exists there too. Kudos for a good read!

Reviewed by Kisha Green for Literary Jewels
Format: Paperback
Review Copy Supplied By Publisher

[Valarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read overall because of I like and look forward to anything written by V.C. Murray. Keisha was a character that made you both dislike her and feel sympathy for her at the same time. Gabrelle was a little to good to be true but her best friend was my favorite character in the book. For me, there were a few loose threads left hanging like did Buck turn on Keisha and is that why he stopped answering her texts, what was the point in having he baby call her mama if the secret was never going to come out and cause drama and how did they resolve the issue with Justus. Plus the ending felt rushed everything was going along and then came the end. There was sort of no build up to the final drama.

[Carol Hornsby-mccoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome! It was interesting to see how the authors demonstration of ENVY came to life. I’m truly enjoying this series on the seven deadly sins. Lust was good but after reading envy this could only get better. It’s so like us to see the stains on everyone else but not ourselves. ( Lord forgive ME) As Gabby and Mauricio sat in church listing to Pastor Ford they search themselves for any actions of envy and jealousy because they felt convicted. Yet good old Keisha, simply say “I’m glad that’s not me”. Lol little did she know. When it all falls apart or when all is said and done, praise God for the power of forgiveness and his grace.

[Micheal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first read from author, Victoria Christopher Murray. This novel is the second in the series, "Seven Deadly Sins" so my review will be based on this novel alone. I have to say that this novel sure did pull out the emotions from me for the main characters, there were moments where I felt sorry for one of the main characters, anger, love and tears. This was an excellent and well written read. I also felt the suspense as well and really didn't know how it was going to end which by the way really surprised me because it was forgiveness. Just WOW! I highly recommend this novel if you enjoy those emotional reads.

[Brandi Armstead · Rating 3 out of 5]

Different From What I Expected

I am a fan of Victoria Christopher Murray. This book was a little slow to me. It took a long time to get to the point and fully understand the main characters. The book wasn’t what I expected, but I made it through. There was a message in the writing.

[Kanese · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an awesome book. I became so emotionally invested in the storyline. There times when I was rooting for each character. However, there were times I couldn't stand that very same character. This was indeed an emotional rollercoaster.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good!!

[Barbara Senteney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed very much the story of Keisha and Gabriella, sisters who have never met. Keisha's mother gets ill and send a letter to the man who is Keisha's father. Since Keisha's mother is a whore Keisha only found out about her father at age 14, with the aid of Mr. Stanley a teacher. It cost Keisha way more than she bargained for to get this information.
Gabriella and Keisha are polar opposites , Keisha being raised by a single mother who turns tricks for a living, and Gabriella who also lost her mother but was raised by her father.
Upon her mothers death Elijah Wilson shows Gabriella the letter from Keisha's mother along with a picture of Keisha, who is the spitting image of their father.
Keisha has little, a beat up truck that barely runs but can be slept in a few clothes and a blanket of her mothers as a remembrance.Gabriella, has it all , a loving husband named Mauricio , a daughter named Bella, her own company , and a best friend named Regan.
Regan and Mauricio do not trust this new found sister. Gabriella just wants to know Keisha, and Keisha just wants everything her sister has, minus the best friend. Elijah wants to make up for lost time. Who will get their just deserts?
I wanted to add I would love to read all the books in this series, so far I know the first one was called Lust, I can't wait to read more.

[Francica Cornwall · Rating 3 out of 5]

".....attacks of envy, attacks of jealousy cannot be fought with the flesh. It's spiritual warfare, and you have to know which fight you're having before you get into the battle."

Envy is in my opinion the deadliest of sins. Reading this book reminded me of that. Sometimes people hate you for no other reason but that they envy you. Having been on the receiving end of that I know. Keisha's envy in this book however was due to lack and loss. Having lost her those important to her, having been taken advantage of, she became envious of her new found sister Gabrielle who had it all; the husband, the daughter, the thriving business.

I think this story was also a reminder of how you have to be careful who you let into your life and home affairs, no matter what. I felt that Gabrielle and Elijah should have been more wary about letting Keisha into their lives. I didn't like that Gabrielle was so trusting even when Regan was trying to warn her about Keisha's motives.

The ending was really difficult for me, very emotional....(I will stop because if I go on I will spoil it) But I will say though that this book really made me believe that there are people who are willing to put animosity aside>

I really liked this book. It was an easy read but with many life lessons. I went out and got the rest of the books in the series to see what I would like best.

[Burgundy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Envy or Just Hurt

This is the story of Gabrielle and Keisha. Two sisters raised by two very different parents. Two very different lifestyles. Keisha who was raised in Whitehaven Arkansas and Gabrielle raised in California. Keisha mom was a lady of the night and on her deathbed decided tp write keishas father so he can take care of her after shes gone. Even though it was a shock to Gabrielle family they welcomed her with open arms. Not knowing the envy that Keisha has in heart. I liked her in the beginning but by the end I truly felt sorrry for Keisha. The life she lived and the thing she endured. This was a great book and I can't wait for book 3.

[Tamyka · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can always count on Victoria Christopher Murray to give me an interesting and engaging story with a realistic though dramatic plot! I enjoyed this one as I have her other ones. I’d recommend it to fans of her or her 7 Deadly Sins series and I look forward to reading the rest of the available books from the series.

[Tammy Washington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whewwww!! This is drama for the people! Love it!!

[Tazja Lewis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was better than the first one, but whew…I am glad that they were able to forgive in the end.

[Dr. Joy C. · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had a very slow start and an ok ending. I read it to see the lifetime Movie. It was not this author’s best story. The reason is because she made the antagonist so sad and troubled that we never got to dislike the character. I kept asking myself what’s the point? It was just drama no real climax. The envy part wasn’t even really envy or apparent until late into the story. She should have made the antagonist truly envious and hateful before really sharing the backstory like she did for her characters in the story. I yawned a lot and became angry at one point because I kept looking for the POINT.

I think the narration also spoiled the enjoyment because her voice seemed contrived and comical when she tried to be other characters. Whoever Marissa Meyer uses is actress quality, this author needs someone like her!

I love this author because although she writes Christian fiction she never shies away from sex, sin, and reality. I just want her to remember that sophisticated readers need something to hold on to in order to carry Amy’s to the ending and a reason to care. For me and those in my book club, we did not get that reason. We will support and watch the movie and read more of her work. This one for us, just wasn’t it.😕

[Shameka · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book much more than the first book in this series, Lust. While the ending was still super dramatic and didn't really fit with the rest of the plot, as a whole I found the story to be much more engaging and realistic than Lust.

At first, I found Keisha to be a very sympathetic character. While it was clear from the beginning that she wanted what Gabrielle had, I didn't make the leap that she was willing to kill for it. I understood why she wanted to have the same luxuries as her sister. They lived radically different lives. But you can want what someone else has without wanting exactly what they have if that makes sense. For instance if someone lives in a mansion you can want to live in one too without wanting to live in their specific mansion. Maybe you go off and find your own mansion and then you can both have one. For most of the book it appeared that Keisha wanted Gabrielle's lifestyle (she wanted the money, the nice car, the clothes, etc.) but at some point that desire escalated into her wanting to replace Gabrielle and take her husband, her daughter, and her business. I mean she even had Gabrielle's daughter calling her mama. She went from somewhat getting along with Gabrielle to trying to destroy her entire life. I'm not quite sure how that leap was made and it was yet another thing that didn't really fit what the author was revealing about Keisha's character.

I also didn't like that the author never explained what happened to Buck. One day he just stops responding to Keisha's calls and texts and then we don't hear anything else about him. That was disappointing because he was such an integral part of Keisha's life. It made the story seem unfinished.

[Mona Grant-Holmes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sisters

Keisha grew up in the small town of White Haven, Arkansas. It was always just her and her mother. Keisha grew up doing without many things. The one thing she missed the most was not having a father. At twenty-two, and had faced many obstacles. The latest blow is the death of her mother. At fourteen, Keisha learns she has a father and sister who live in California. Keisha has been following her older sister, Gabrielle, on Instagram since she learned about her. Gabrielle is a successful businesswoman, with a handsome husband and a glamorous lifestyle. The kind of lifestyle Keisha wants. How will she get to California so she can live the life she wants?

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

VCM can do no wrong! I am loving the Seven Deadly Sins Series. Two down, and ready for book three. Envy is a book about Gabrielle Wilson and Keisha Jones - two sisters who have never met, and the relationship that unfolds when they do. Gabrielle is the older sister, brought up by both her mother and father in a loving home, now married with a daughter of her own and a flourishing PR firm. Keisha was raised by her mother alone, in less than desirable circumstances. When the two meet and bonds begin to form, what happens is a roller-coaster ride of emotions from joy and happiness to envy and despair. The story is one of heartbreak and forgiveness and a ton of unforgettable characters.

[Tyiana · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was definitely a good message in this book however, I wasn't really feeling the characters. My favorite was Reagan, the tell it like it is, too-smart-to-pull-any-bullshit-on-me friend. Gabrielle was a little too naive, which is hard to believe because she is obviously successful and smart. Keisha, I didn't like her, not even in the ending. It took a while to reveal why she acted the way she did and even when revealed, I still didn't understand.

The ending was also very rushed as I felt like there were some unanswered questions. Very unrealistic for me but it was a fast read.

[Pearl Jessie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shocked

I LOVE VCM, but this book left a LOT of unanswered questions. They NEVER allowed for Gabrielle to find out about Keisha and allow us to experience it. It was NOT adequately addressed. Was she still working with Justus? No one EVER heard her being addressed as Mama by Bella? Nothing ever happened to the dirty school teacher? Did Buck get caught? So many others. I don't think I'll read the next one.

[Ranie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually saw the movie before reading the book.... Excellent storyline and well creative characters... Highly recommended