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Everybody in the Church Ain't Saved
Meet the members of the Love, Joy, Peace and Deliverance Community Choir, a group of young adults joined together through their passion for singing the Lord's praises--although their hearts are far from the things of God.
Patrice Russell was raised in the church, but she is hell bent on living like the devil, not even trying to get help for the sex addiction she knows she has.
Lorene McCall has been Patrice's best friend since childhood. When she's not singing, Lorene is cussin' like a sailor. Then she meets the man who inspires her to turn her life around.
When an enemy from his past shows up to settle a score, Glen Pearson is out to win by any means necessary, even if it means violating the woman he loves.
Dwayne Mitchell is battling with his sexual identity. When his mother makes a startling confession on her deathbed, Dwayne promises to stop allowing men to use his body. How long will he be able to hold to that promise?
They may be faithful churchgoers, but this group proves that everybody in the church ain't saved!
Patrice Russell was raised in the church, but she is hell bent on living like the devil, not even trying to get help for the sex addiction she knows she has.
Lorene McCall has been Patrice's best friend since childhood. When she's not singing, Lorene is cussin' like a sailor. Then she meets the man who inspires her to turn her life around.
When an enemy from his past shows up to settle a score, Glen Pearson is out to win by any means necessary, even if it means violating the woman he loves.
Dwayne Mitchell is battling with his sexual identity. When his mother makes a startling confession on her deathbed, Dwayne promises to stop allowing men to use his body. How long will he be able to hold to that promise?
They may be faithful churchgoers, but this group proves that everybody in the church ain't saved!
300 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2008
7 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
September 29, 2019
Definitely NOT "Christian" Fiction....🙄😳
'Everybody In The Church Ain't Saved' is Patti Trafton's Debut book, Supposedly in the 'Christian Fiction' genre. However, the way the book was written and the way the characters came across.....there is NOTHING "Christian" about the book nor the Majority of its characters!!!🙄😲 Outside of This revelation, it was written rather poorly-More Juvenile in language AND Prose.😕 Furthermore, this read was Predictable and with a Not-so-Original storyline......😒 I give credit to Miss Trafton for putting forth the effort in releasing her book, But for this to be her very First, MORE (Editing & Proofreading)....should have been put forth, to Command AND Keep, a Loyal audience, following!💯💯💯💯 Bottom Line?🤔 NOT Impressed by the writing, plotlines, as well as the *Obvious* Deception of Genre because THIS book belongs in Urban/Street-Lit or Contemporary Fiction!😑 A few times mentioning God or quoting Bible Scriptures, does NOT constitute a "Christian Author", so Please......go back to the "drawing board" Miss Trafton and decide, EXACTLY Whom YOUR Audience *Really* are!👊
'Everybody In The Church Ain't Saved' is Patti Trafton's Debut book, Supposedly in the 'Christian Fiction' genre. However, the way the book was written and the way the characters came across.....there is NOTHING "Christian" about the book nor the Majority of its characters!!!🙄😲 Outside of This revelation, it was written rather poorly-More Juvenile in language AND Prose.😕 Furthermore, this read was Predictable and with a Not-so-Original storyline......😒 I give credit to Miss Trafton for putting forth the effort in releasing her book, But for this to be her very First, MORE (Editing & Proofreading)....should have been put forth, to Command AND Keep, a Loyal audience, following!💯💯💯💯 Bottom Line?🤔 NOT Impressed by the writing, plotlines, as well as the *Obvious* Deception of Genre because THIS book belongs in Urban/Street-Lit or Contemporary Fiction!😑 A few times mentioning God or quoting Bible Scriptures, does NOT constitute a "Christian Author", so Please......go back to the "drawing board" Miss Trafton and decide, EXACTLY Whom YOUR Audience *Really* are!👊
January 18, 2013
I have to give this book 2 stars because it was not well written and some of the thoughts expressed by the characters in Trafton's novel probably reflect her thoughts about homosexuality and, as a result, the novel is just horrific. My problems with the book are as follows:
1) Dwayne is gay because his father molested him. This claim is so ridiculous and a typical stereotype that afflicts the Black community (for whom and to whom I think Trafton is writing. I am not a homosexual nor do I know any homosexuals (I don't think) and I found these claims offensive. Moreover, I felt that the subject matter of homosexuality, promiscuity, pedophilia, child abuse, sexual abuse, and sexual abuse by a parent were handled far too lightly.
2) Patrice does not know what rape is. I'm not sure what lesson I was supposed to learn from Patrice's early allegations that she was raped by Glen and enjoyed (?) it. I mean, it was the most ridiculous thing ever.
3) The situation with Donald just happened way too quickly...heck, the whole book happened too quickly. Trafton did not develop that part of the story at all. I cannot tell one how to write his/her book, however, I can presume that Everybody in the Church Ain't Saved would have been much more intriguing had she decided to fully develop the lives of each of the characters in their own novels. Who knows, she could have taken this theme and done wonders with it. This novel falls flat.
4) Faye's cursing. I'd have to say that was literary trash. It was the most pointless part of the book ever. If the woman doesn't curse, wouldn't she be more inclined to say "kick his butt" instead of "kick his tass"? I mean, it was just foolish. I don't know if Trafton did that for comedic relief, if so it was a fail, and if not, it was a fail.
5) Jessica. Her capture was wild. This is another example of an event that could have been explored further in the novel that would have enhanced the content and made it more interesting.
6) DIALOGUE! Lord have mercy! I couldn't tell if I was reading a novel or a script! Trafton relied wayyyy too much on conversation and not enough on description. Set the scene for me, I'm picturing this in my head as I read it and it's like a movie in my mind. I cannot fulfill my literary duties as a reader when all I have is page after page after page of conversation between characters and dialogue from the narrator.
Though I had many problems with Everybody in the Church Ain't Saved, I must admit that it kept my attention long enough that I finished it and for that Trafton deserves some credit. I still feel that the book could have been written much better. Since this one was so average, I cannot say that I'd read another novel by Trafton again, which is sad, because I like to give everyone second chances. You could completely skip this book. You'd miss nothing.
1) Dwayne is gay because his father molested him. This claim is so ridiculous and a typical stereotype that afflicts the Black community (for whom and to whom I think Trafton is writing. I am not a homosexual nor do I know any homosexuals (I don't think) and I found these claims offensive. Moreover, I felt that the subject matter of homosexuality, promiscuity, pedophilia, child abuse, sexual abuse, and sexual abuse by a parent were handled far too lightly.
2) Patrice does not know what rape is. I'm not sure what lesson I was supposed to learn from Patrice's early allegations that she was raped by Glen and enjoyed (?) it. I mean, it was the most ridiculous thing ever.
3) The situation with Donald just happened way too quickly...heck, the whole book happened too quickly. Trafton did not develop that part of the story at all. I cannot tell one how to write his/her book, however, I can presume that Everybody in the Church Ain't Saved would have been much more intriguing had she decided to fully develop the lives of each of the characters in their own novels. Who knows, she could have taken this theme and done wonders with it. This novel falls flat.
4) Faye's cursing. I'd have to say that was literary trash. It was the most pointless part of the book ever. If the woman doesn't curse, wouldn't she be more inclined to say "kick his butt" instead of "kick his tass"? I mean, it was just foolish. I don't know if Trafton did that for comedic relief, if so it was a fail, and if not, it was a fail.
5) Jessica. Her capture was wild. This is another example of an event that could have been explored further in the novel that would have enhanced the content and made it more interesting.
6) DIALOGUE! Lord have mercy! I couldn't tell if I was reading a novel or a script! Trafton relied wayyyy too much on conversation and not enough on description. Set the scene for me, I'm picturing this in my head as I read it and it's like a movie in my mind. I cannot fulfill my literary duties as a reader when all I have is page after page after page of conversation between characters and dialogue from the narrator.
Though I had many problems with Everybody in the Church Ain't Saved, I must admit that it kept my attention long enough that I finished it and for that Trafton deserves some credit. I still feel that the book could have been written much better. Since this one was so average, I cannot say that I'd read another novel by Trafton again, which is sad, because I like to give everyone second chances. You could completely skip this book. You'd miss nothing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2020
Really good and fun read
April 1, 2021
I was weighing on 3.75 or 4 stars for this book. I chose 4 because the lessons in this book are good. Your following 4 peoples lives and how they lived it and grew from them to learning what God ask of them. The Drama is real in this book as it still is going on today. The choices you make will be the outcome of your choices wither they be good or bad, remember it is your choice and you have to take the punishment or joy from what you have decided. Everyday we make choices from getting out of bed to what we eat to how we behave, so in the end all these choices lead to being happy or low down on yourself that you feel you can't get up.. Patrice was a theft, Glen was a womanizer and fell in love with Patrice. Patrice learned a valuable lesson in her choices. You have Lorene who found GOD and the love of Keith even when she was rough around the edges. You have Dwayne who is gay and suffering from memories of abuse and God. Then you have all of them as friends and add Faye in the mix who went from man to man until she found one. They sing in the Choir and go to church but like the book says not all are saved and yet they know what God ask of them, some just aren't ready to accept that yet, which is if you are asked today if you accepted God or not just remember that if you were to die today without God where do you think your going. It's free and if you are told and told and told about God and you ignore it then God will ignore you he does not know you because you do not know him.. Choices that is this book and lesson that were learned the hard way none the less just about everyone learned. There is two favorite parts in this book I loved so much. One was Keith telling Lorene why he loved her and wanted to marry her. Just beautiful.. (page 156) and then the sermon Lorene's dad Rev McCall did at church could not have been done better then any pastor I ever have read or heard.. It was the best and most eye opening sermon written in a book.. Loved it (page 192,193,194, 195).. The only thing that made this book not a 5 star was to much sex talk and details that I did not want to read. Way to much TMI and it was always sex in every chapter. Very unnecessary for this book. Recommend to all adults but please note there is rape, abuse, drugs, cussing and strong sex in this book.. Gina Clabo
January 16, 2013
This was an okay read. It took a little while for me to get into the book, but after a few chapters it picked up a little. It shows you over and over that "fast money aint good money" and that's the truth. At first I didn't like Glen at all, but after a while he grew on me and by the end of the book I loved him. Also I loved Keith and Lo together. I have to admit, after getting to the end of the book, I'm waitting for a part 2. I wasnt to know what happens to Donald...I hope they put him under the jail house. And I would love to see what happens with Dwayne and his love life. With all the dirt that Patrice did I think she got away a little to easy. I still don't understand why Christina didn't listen to her when she warned her about Leslie. But again "fast money aint good money". Greed takes over and that's what get you in trouble. Also why didn't Glen hire a PI in the very beginning. I feel like he brought a lot of the trouble on by being so dumb. And why take Patrice with him to see Tiffany for the first time in 2 years? That was crazy to me. And how dumb was Lisa? There's no way in the world I would put my job on the line for someone that I just met. I wouldn't even do if for someone I've know all my life. And the 10,000 dollars wouldn't make me break either because even though it's a lot of money, you could make that ten times over by keeping your job! All in all this was an ok read, and I hope she does a second part to it.
July 27, 2012
I started reading this book telling myself to keep an open mind, as I am usually wary about stories that are centered around church (for various reasons). And initially, I wasn't sure I was going to be able to roll with it, but I'm glad I stuck with it and kept reading. Overall, I dug it. Around halfway through, I got to the point where I didn't want to stop reading. I was intrigued by the progression of the characters, especially Lorene and Patrice; I wished the author had focused on Faye as much, since she was part of their circle. It was interesting how Glen and Patrice ended up, considering how they met and their first encounter.
There were some portions of the book that I thought could have been explained/drawn out a little more, and there were several occasions where a character was mentioned that I had no idea who they were or where they had come from, but once I got to the end of the book, I didn't bother going back and trying to figure it out.
This was my first time reading Ms. Trafton's work and she did a good job, in my opinion.
There were some portions of the book that I thought could have been explained/drawn out a little more, and there were several occasions where a character was mentioned that I had no idea who they were or where they had come from, but once I got to the end of the book, I didn't bother going back and trying to figure it out.
This was my first time reading Ms. Trafton's work and she did a good job, in my opinion.
September 29, 2012
Well the title definitely fit the book! If I had or knew of all the foolery going on inside a congregation I attended, I wouldnt be able to pay attention in church! Let alone receive the word!
Alot of topics were touched on in this book: racial divide between dark & light skin african americans, homosexuality, promiscuity, forgiveness, as well as the struggle with spirituality
I laughed out loud at Dwayne and Peaches (why is there always a gay man named Peaches?) and got upset with the games Jessica played with Glen and how she treated Tiffany.
There were also a lot of positive elements and messages here ...... Jesus always has your back and giving your life over to him can create the positive change in your life you have been looking for.
This book had sooo many characters and while the book was entertaining I felt like some of the characters stories just were not wrapped up. I dont want to contain spoilers but I felt the storyline with Donald was added for the element of surprise and drama and just went flat.
You read and judge for yourself, ....... 3.5 stars.
Alot of topics were touched on in this book: racial divide between dark & light skin african americans, homosexuality, promiscuity, forgiveness, as well as the struggle with spirituality
I laughed out loud at Dwayne and Peaches (why is there always a gay man named Peaches?) and got upset with the games Jessica played with Glen and how she treated Tiffany.
There were also a lot of positive elements and messages here ...... Jesus always has your back and giving your life over to him can create the positive change in your life you have been looking for.
This book had sooo many characters and while the book was entertaining I felt like some of the characters stories just were not wrapped up. I dont want to contain spoilers but I felt the storyline with Donald was added for the element of surprise and drama and just went flat.
You read and judge for yourself, ....... 3.5 stars.
June 20, 2013
Pleasant Surprise
I enjoyed reading this book. Based on the title, I was expecting it to be Christian fiction, but it wasn't. This book gave a glimpse into the lives of 3 very realistic characters. They all went to church and had different experiences. I think the point that the author was trying to make is that you can't use your relationship with God to measure everyone elses. We are all at different places in our spirituality. I would definitely recommend this book!
I enjoyed reading this book. Based on the title, I was expecting it to be Christian fiction, but it wasn't. This book gave a glimpse into the lives of 3 very realistic characters. They all went to church and had different experiences. I think the point that the author was trying to make is that you can't use your relationship with God to measure everyone elses. We are all at different places in our spirituality. I would definitely recommend this book!
June 19, 2010
Several of the characters reminded me of my friends and I during our teens and early 20's. We would party all weekend and attend church. We were active church members but active nightclub goers as well. Thank God for change. This is a wonderful tale of love, friendship, and salvation.
August 27, 2014
My goodness this was a story...
My goodness this was a story...
the story was slow starting but once it got going....omg!!! I don't consider this Christian fiction, it was too urban for that title, but still a good read.
My goodness this was a story...
the story was slow starting but once it got going....omg!!! I don't consider this Christian fiction, it was too urban for that title, but still a good read.
December 26, 2011
Loved it!
November 29, 2012
Just an okay read. Did enjoy a few of the characters.
June 7, 2013
I really enjoyed the book. The girls were really a trip.
May 6, 2013
This is a great book . fantastic love the chracrers personality
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August 6, 2013I LOVE THIS BOOK THIS IS THE FIRST BOOK I HAVE READ BY THIS AUTHOR BUT I AM GOING TO READ MORE OF HER BOOKS BECAUSE I LOVE THIS BOOK.
July 25, 2013
Great read!
October 3, 2013
its a awesome book
December 11, 2021
Great book. It’s amazing that things that happen in your past can alter your future. My heart hurt throughout the book for Dwayne and all that his father did to him.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews