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Epiphany

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She changed my life

She gave me hope

She saw me

If I get another chance, I’ll never let her go.

Israel Lewis was a scandal-ridden divorced pastor who recently accepted the Senior Pastor position at a new church—giving him the fresh start he so desperately desired. The church was in a beautiful city and was the city where she lived—the one who got away. Leona Aldaine was one of the top brokers in Sable Falls. After running into a childhood friend, she experienced a whirlwind love affair. He was everything she’d dreamt about in a man until he wasn’t. They are both in the same city. Will they deny the connection or work to find their way back to each other?

344 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 15, 2022

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Bailey West

31 books206 followers

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5 stars
367 (71%)
4 stars
114 (22%)
3 stars
32 (6%)
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2 (<1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
Profile Image for Dahyana.
697 reviews93 followers
March 18, 2023
Leona x Israel

She did it again. Ms. Bailey left us with a beautiful and inspiring love story. And this was a little deeper than the previous ones cause we're dealing with a divorced pastor, Israel, and the church. And because of that, the gossip blogs loved him. The pastor fell for Leona, a real estate broker and the one that got away. Leona grew up in church, but she really wasn't in the church per se. She has great head on her shoulders and tried hard not to fall for the pastor. But it was inevitable. I loved their journey, and I definitely side eyed the pastor a couple of times. The supporting characters had a lot going on, and I want a story for each one of them. Especially Israel's siblings.
4.6⭐️
Profile Image for ReadnliftwithShar.
1,944 reviews
January 27, 2025
♥️♥️🥺🥺

4.5⭐️

I did the audiobook for this one, the male narrator was good but I wasn’t the biggest fan of the female narrator. But I stuck it out because the story was beautiful. It was a slow-burn, with life lessons, angst, and “aha” moments throughout. The romance and chemistry between Leona and Israel oozed over the pages, as I followed along. I enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Tracy - loves to read .
1,026 reviews
March 17, 2022
Growth and changes

Wow! So many jewels of wisdom in this story. I felt like I highlighted the whole book!

Favorite quotes:
“I want you to stop for a moment, take a deep breath. Release it. Now realize you are living a prayer that you prayed. It could be the car you’re driving or the home you’re living in. Your health, your job, maybe your relationship or lack thereof. You, point to yourself and say I am living my answered prayer.”

“fresh, progressive, innovative, environment disruptors, generational curse destroyers, and generational blessing establishers.”

I’m a Christian and I enjoy when a book ties in stories about Christians and keeping it real. Now there was one thing that I didn’t agree with because of what he was and the reason/excuse behind it, BUT I still definitely enjoyed the book.

Israel needed time to reconcile who he is as a man and as Pastor Iz, what his life once was and what his life would be like going forward after getting a divorce and the gossip and messiness surrounding it. Not a man of the cloth getting a divorce, not infidelity, not still preaching after such a fall, all these people clutching their pearls and creating sermons about the wayward pastor.
Leona was a handling her real estate brokerage like the boss she was. She had a childhood crush and never had an opportunity to pursue it until a chance meeting with her real like Ken doll Israel.
Unfortunately, the timing was off, lack of proper communication and an explanation and this took a horrible turn.
BUT God has a way of making all things work together for your good. Years later and the opportunity comes around again. This time Iz knows himself, what his needs and desires are and is willing to see it through. Will Leona be willing to give a second chance?
I enjoyed this book!

Profile Image for Toya  Davis-Stokley.
2,689 reviews111 followers
March 3, 2022
What an amazing read! I love how Bailey West can give us a story, where spirituality can be felt, without being “preachy”! This story really resonated with me because, we were able to see Pastor Iz as a man, not only a pastor! A man with flaws, who did not want to continue with the façade of appearances, and old ways of the traditional church. He wanted to be and do different things in his ministry, that could touch people in ways that had never been done before! Israel’s heart was pure and loving. He could have exposed Gin to blow up her spot, but he chose to take the high road! Took all the heat himself, and let God work things out! I loved how were able to catch up with the Bluette family, along with Xander and Angel. Now, Israel and Leana were everything! They were both able to learn and grow during their time apart, so when they reunited the “plan” was set! Iz did not play about his family or Lee! Their chemistry was on point, and the love they had for each other could be felt through the pages! I am looking forward to more from this series. Hopefully Kem/Queen and Gail/Rylan get stories soon! Great job! 👍👍👍
Profile Image for Whit.
3,745 reviews55 followers
May 26, 2026

Absolutely love Iz and Leona on their own personal road to Damascus! They were forced to dodge quite a few emotional bullets! Iz's mama being one of the absolute worse!

I loved how Iz reassured Leona that their relationship was between just the two of them and not controlled by those "saints"in the church. Because some church folk are good at taking control over other people when they need to be controlling themselves!

Only complaint: way too many characters to keep track of - often disrupting the flow of this amazing story! Goes on the Read Again and again pile!
Profile Image for JazzReads .
1,171 reviews35 followers
July 4, 2025
One of my top Black Romance books of the year. I really enjoyed this book. I love the pastor as the MMC. He was that man…
Profile Image for Beverly.
782 reviews7 followers
November 24, 2022
Simply Beautiful

All I can say is this Story was simply beautiful and I will wait patiently for the next books in this series ❤️. I know there’s more to come because of all the budding romances that popped up😊


Israel and Leona’s Love story was special and held some meaningful life lessons. Leona had been crushing on Israel since she was a preteen and when they ran into each after she was all grown up that crush turned into something much bigger.
They spent some amazing time together and then the bottom fell out. My heart broke for Israel when Leona felt that he had lied to her and did not give him a chance to clearly explain something from his past.
I don’t want to spoil the story so I’ll say this, Israel was determined to be with her again no matter what it took and After five years they are reunited , but it wasn’t a piece of cake.


Let me say if you read Bailey West’s “ Blues Beauty” along with the other books in the Bluette Men series you will love this book.
Profile Image for Vonetta Augustine.
376 reviews
May 20, 2026
I love Israel and Leona.

Israel is a newly appointed Senior Pastor as Leona's family church. He's divorced which was highly scandalous due to infidelity which everyone thought was on his part but it was his ex-wife. As the head of his household and family he took the blame. Leona is a successful broker in her hometown who grow up with Israel due to his friendship in their life with her brothers. They met as adults and had a brief romance. She found out that Israel was supposedly still married, he wasn't but hadn't announced the divorce to the general public especially the church community. She ended up walking away from him.

Fast forward five years and these two with undeniable chemistry decides to date with the end game being marriage at least that's Israel's endgame. As this romance starts to grow, the reader finds out about the real cause of the divorce, the many "conveniences' that brought these two together.

TWO FAVORITE SCENES:
Leona's dream-she dreamt she was making love to Israel in particular house with lavender carpet. Later she received a call from one of our colleagues about a house that's not on the market but may meet the specs Israel is looking for. Leona and Israel goes to see the property and it's the one from her dream right down to the lavender carpet. She eventually tells Israel about the dream and it's confirmation of their future together.
Israel's confrontation-People in glass houses. Cara is one half of a you tube channel that reports on news in the black church community titled the Saints and Aints. She was all up in Israel's business when he was divorcing. He decided to tell her story about a married pastor paying for sexual favors and having outside children including the son living with the mother in Minnesota. Cara looks horrified because Israel is talking about her messy, unfaithful, and nasty father. He told her talk mess about my loved ones and I'll burn you and families whole to the ground, you'll find out I'm not that saved.

Israel's mom was interesting and you don't warm up to her until later. His siblings are great. Joe is mess and Abigail aka Gail is cool. She was an aside storyline as you find out her fiancée is having an affair her married armorbearer. That woman had the nerve to show up at the family house to talk to Gail. What was also sweet was Rylan (Leona's cousin and Gail's first love) showing up to comfort Gail.

In the end, this was such a beautiful second chance romance steeped in the word of God.

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1,167 reviews8 followers
May 11, 2022
2nd chance love

This book was everything! It gave me everything I needed and some I didn’t even know I needed. There were so many gems in this book about treating people how you want to be treated and not passing judgement as if you haven’t done wrong or are covering up wrong doing. It focused on minding your own business and praising God in the way you see fit without stressing over the ideals that have been passed down to us from the church and our elders about how to act if you’re a Christian and things you should and shouldn’t do. Pastor Iz dropped so much truth in this book and he came for his girl Leona and was determined to win her back. I loved their connection and love for each other. Leona didn’t allow her assumptions to keep her from a good man and addressed her concerns at the right time when she was ready for the answer. I have sat on this book since it’s release because I’m always hesitant to see how a pastor is portrayed especially if there’s a scandal but I was not disappointed and wished I had read this book sooner. I can’t wait to see what else comes from this series.
463 reviews2 followers
May 22, 2022
This was a little bit too slow and too soft but the wisdom and the quotations are the highlights of the story which warrant it a high 4 1/2 stars….

Albeit being too slow, too soft, too blah, this story was still phenomenal because of all the spiritual moments and most importantly because it’s a MS. West penmanship.
I though Iz was too soft and portrayed at being too gullible while Leona was at times outgoing and other times boring. I wouldn’t have mind if Pastor Iz was a reformed thug with tattoos all over, a rebel in his younger days and a heart stealer with the ladies, a little bit like Roman (my fav running close with Ezekiel) because Leona just like Queenie have this swag, hood chicks but classic one going on and she needs an alpha to tame her. Pastor Iz is definitely not an alpha. He is a gentle soul. Joe seems to be more aggressive, more Alpha and definitely more thuggish.
In any case I loved it and this definitely deserved a 4 1/2 star minus the slow action no drama story and definitely no ratchet actions except for the visit of Kelly which Apostle took care of that.
Can’t wait for the next one!!!
Profile Image for Imajin Consulting.
207 reviews5 followers
December 8, 2022
This story about a pastor starts off with controversy and shows us the challenges of a man who chose his career as a pastor yet shows flawed very realistic aspects of his personality. Pastors are people too with ups, downs, challenges, love, heartbreak and controversy with touches of humor throughout. It also highlights a female real estate broker and shows her life in a well- known family and her personal journey which intertwines with the pastor. We see this community of family, friends, colleagues and a congregation as they all work on fulfilling their purpose and finding happiness. It's a beautiful community of talented individuals with their own nuances and shows how getting things wrong can lead you to healing, self-discovery and ultimately lead you to a few turns in life that can make it all turn out just right. There's a little of everything in this book from serious heavy topics to lighthearted ones and i love the real estate details as they make anyone want to find a home and a love like the amazing couples and homes showcased in this story.
272 reviews5 followers
March 18, 2022
God’s Grace and Timing

Leona Aldaine, as a little girl had a childhood crush on her brother’s friend Israel Lewis. As adults life allowed their paths to intersect and a week long entanglement ensued. Love was on the horizon until miscommunications and life happened.

Five years later…God is answering Pastor Israel Lewis prayers.
Both Israel and Leona needed time to mature and come into their own. Thankfully they’ve accomplished life goals and are ready to receive the love that’s been missing in their lives.

I absolutely adore Leona and Israel. Their journey is beautiful. Epiphany, is filled with so many truths, life gems and laugh out loud moments.
The secondary characters are live and loud. They keep the story flowing and opens so many possible spin-offs. I hope Gail and Ry are up next.

This book’s release was long awaited and highly anticipated and I must say I was not disappointed. Download your copy today!

Well done Author Bailey West. Well done.
274 reviews
October 12, 2022
This book drops knowledge

I had to give this book a 4 for all of the good quotes. I'm not a fan of overly religious books but the characters in this story were pretty balanced with how they manage their relationships with God and living life. If not for such great quotes it may have been a 3. I hate all of the old names. My grandmother had a friend named Leona. The names were just very dated and there so many of them. My second issue was that the author didn't use contractions. I'm not sure if she thought it made the characters sound smarter or thought it was appropriate because it's a book. It's a fiction novel, not formal writing, i.e. a research paper. People don't talk that way and it was annoying for the reader. The third issue was overuse of the word "had". It's used in so many places where it's not necessary or not the right word.
100 reviews1 follower
August 15, 2022
Run and tell that!

Oh what a tangled web we weave, when we first practice to deceive… This is the basis of epiphany – the first book of the Metamorphosis series by Bailey West. Leona, whom we first meet in Loving Man and Pastor Israel from Bluette series, meet as adults and hook up. Unfortunately, that tangled web ensured their new relationship ends up shattered. His reputation damaged, and loyalty to the Church shaken, Iz rises above the fray and takes a new position in Sable Falls, where Leona lives. I love that we get updates of Loving Man, the Bluettes, and and surprise we even get a mention from Sam Valentine. Bailey West gives us a sweet sexy second chance story filled with love and redemption. Very good start for this series.
Profile Image for Celeste .
582 reviews6 followers
March 22, 2022
Israel and Leona, when the spirit binds

As a believer in Christ, it's always interesting when an author takes on the subject matter. In this journey of second chance, friends to lovers, the journey to forever for Israel and Leona wasn't easy. However it was authentic. You got a chance to see submission and obedience in a way that was not one sided.

Bailey, I appreciate the nuances of addressing the church ⛪️ and its responsibility to the community. As well as the nature of man against one's spirit.

The story brings smiles 😃 and always full circle of what it means to abide in Christ.
Profile Image for Meka.
296 reviews5 followers
June 8, 2022
1st time with Bailey West

This book was a long read. I like the concept of debunking some of the past traditions of the church. One that I am not in agreement is sex before marriage, especially as a leader in ministry. It’s biblical and the Bible instructs us on sex before marriage. It’s not a judgment call, but a biblical word. I’m in agreement with dress codes and so forth. People should come as they are and feel comfortable doing so. If God doesn’t approve, guess what? He’ll change their heart and minds. This was a nice read. I’ve never heard of a deconstructing Christian prior to this book. Someone enlighten me of this new concept, please.
14 reviews
February 22, 2022
I Knew This Was Going To Be Good

First of all, I adore Bailey West, she is one of my favorite authors! I love her writing about non traditional views and teachings in the church. A lot of us are unconventional Christians. I loved Pastor Israel and Leona story line. It was very refreshing and clean...just the right amount of drama and suspense without it becoming raunchy. It's always good to hear from the Bluettes. Very Good Book. Can't wait to see who will be in Book 2....Gail perhaps 🤔
Profile Image for TrueBookJunkie.
645 reviews16 followers
March 14, 2022
Bailey West never disappoints! She gave such a beautiful and spiritual read making me fall in love with both Leona and Israel. Her pen game is by far one of the best! There is so much I can say about this book but reading it will give you the best experience. There is something about the way Mrs. West writes that touches every part of me. This read had everything from laughter, romance, forgiveness, acceptance as well as quite a few gems being dropped to keep my mind stimulated. Bailey West is an outstanding author and always a one-click for me. I hate that this book ended but I was happy to meet the new characters I was definitely enjoyed reconnecting with the Bluette crew (mainly Paxton😁) and Xander, Angel and MAN. I can’t wait to see who’s up next, I’m hoping for Abilgail or Queenie.
Profile Image for 'The Book Queen'.
6,198 reviews131 followers
March 12, 2022
The story took a minute

The story took a minute for me to get fully invested in the story. The religious component pulled and tugged more, this time emotionally. Israel's mom was a bully most of the story; she was not a fan favorite. I was on the fence about how Leona allowed others to control her relationship narrative in her head. The Bluette women came, conquered, and saved Leona from herself. And ladies, Israel was a nice addition to the hot minister collection. The story was overall a good thing.
16 reviews
February 24, 2025
What a great read!

I must admit that I had a little bit of angst about some aspects of this book. Only because there were things he that didn't line up any personal spiritual beliefs. But, as I continued to read some of those issues resolved and others did not. I was ok with that because 1- its a fictional book and 2- each persons walk auth the Lord is just that-personal which is the point I think the author was tying to make. Overall, great read! Looking forward to trade more from this author😊
Profile Image for Tina Jackson.
615 reviews12 followers
February 20, 2022
Such a good read

I totally enjoyed Leona and Israel's story. This wa one of the sweetest love stories I have read all year. Loved seeing the Bluette Brothers and their wive again, as well as Angel, Xander and Man. Loved the strong family dynamic represented in this book. Outstanding story Bailey West. I look forward to the next book in this series, who will it be Abigail and Rylan, Queenie and Kem or maybe more about Tatum and Jacoby.
Profile Image for Annecia Smith.
Author 1 book3 followers
February 21, 2022
Worth the Wait!!

OMG!! I didn’t realize that I had been waiting for this story until it became available for preorder! Their story was a great one and it was nice to see a lot of the older characters come back for an update! I hate spoilers, so I’ll say that the love story was beautifully written and you will need to read her other books to fully understand the nuances here in this book! Highly recommend!!
Profile Image for martha fountain.
844 reviews18 followers
February 22, 2022
I am living my answered prayer

"I am living my answered prayer" by Pastor Iz speaks volumes on how powerful this love story was crafted. The chemistry between Leona and Iz was unstoppable and yet there were obstacles they had to overcome for their love to win, and win it did. This story taught us forgiveness, redemption, and reconciliation. My heart is so full after this read. Can't wait for this series to continue. Great launch!
Profile Image for Deirdre Davis.
530 reviews6 followers
March 19, 2022
Epiphany

I have learned to expect nothing less than the best when Bailey West drops a new book! Epiphany is all that and more! Israel & Leona’s journey, family and love was honest and refreshing. Loved catching up with the Bluette brothers along with new extended family and friends. This is a page turner with a glimpse into the thoughts of a pastor trying to find his way thru ministry, love and family conflict.
Profile Image for Camisha Crisp.
765 reviews18 followers
March 25, 2022
what an Epiphany!

What a beautifully written story. I loved Israel and Leona’a story so much. These two together just gave me alll the feels. What I loved more is the gems dropped all up and through this book. Especially when it pertains to waiting for what belongs to you. Praying for clarity and praying for being ready to accept what you have asked for. Bailey West has found a new reader in me!
7 reviews
March 28, 2022
What a Plan!

Bailey, you are most definitely blessed and have divine intervention within you. From the beginning to end, you kept my attention. Iz and Leona are so beautiful and the love they share is so down to earth. What makes it even better is the inclusion of so much of God's word. Not even going to lie, the sermons, prayers and wisdom given, were needed! Like I'm also believing I read this book in a time I needed to trust His plan! I can't wait for the next story!
Profile Image for Angela S.
298 reviews7 followers
April 26, 2022
Wow

I didn't have any expectations about this book and I didn't recall following the author but I am glad I did. Its pleasant to read about the ministry, second changes and a loving and balanced relationship. I do plan to read more from this author. I especially enjoyed learning how Pastor broke down reconstructing Christianity. It ready made me think about my own relationship with my God and the church. 5 stars across the board!
67 reviews
December 9, 2022
Iz and Le are one of my faves.

I loved the theme of “If you got a problem with one person in the family, you got a problem with the entire family.” Leona was ready at all times for her family and friends. Israel was patient and determined to make Le his wife. Loved how this all played out.

It was so many stories playing in the background, I am anxious to see who will lead the next novel.
Profile Image for Hyacinth.
2,173 reviews16 followers
October 6, 2023
This book has all the feels. I love reading black excellence in our stories. Leona and Israel's story was so adorable. As I was reading, I heard a couple of my favorite songs in my head. And yes, I teared up a time or tow. Baily is a writer that shifts me spirit realms. I struggled with a couple parts but understood why it was a struggle. Apostle was something else though. I know some like her and, whew, amen church, lol! I can't wait to read the next book to find out what happens.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews