“Finally brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind and live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you.” 2 Corinthians 13:11
In “The Winter Wedding,” author Rhonda McKnight hooks readers into an intense, love-hate, poignant, contrite, convicting, façade-peeling story of restoration. You can’t restore anything that has never been together in the first place.
Tamar Johnson and Stephen Pierce are inseparable as children, but scandal later rips them apart. She loses not only her virginity on prom night, but also the covering of her father; a pastor, when that intimate moment goes viral and her identity is revealed and reviled. McKnight craftily weaves through a marathon of shame, redemption, unforgiveness, spite, secrets and faith. Tamar has run from her past for 12 years. Stephen is a celebrated NFL running back. The taint of shame passes over him. Tamar needs God to restore the joy of her salvation as she wrestles with “Saint Stephen’s” renewed vow of love for her. Of course, if you love romance, you’ll root for the embers to rise from the ashes as a glowing flame. Still, there are other characters whose personalities are so vivid, it’s easy to imagine who should portray them in an on-screen version of “The Winter Wedding.”
When Stephen faces his own Job-like experience, will he remain steadfast or will his armor prove faulty? Will Tamar ever be able to believe according to Isaiah 61:7a, “Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion”? Is there a difference between a secret and a lie? So many challenges on the journey to restoration. Rhonda McKnight demonstrates once again her gift for edifying Christian fiction and for keeping readers enthralled. Perhaps she’s a spiritual collaborator with Kelontae Gavin [“No Ordinary Worship”]—he sings and she writes, “So, I’m going to give it all I have in this moment.” You’ll immensely enjoy all that she gives in “The Winter Wedding.”