That One Day

by Norelle Smith, S. P. W. Mitchell (Co author )

The course of life can change in the blink of an eye.

For Vivian Newman, it all started her sophomore year of high school—the day of the solar eclipse. After walking home from school with her best friend, Destiny Mays—Vivian receives devastating news of her mother’s death. With no father in the picture and a brother who ran away from home, she’s left alone. Destiny tries convincing her everything will be ok—but Vivian panics…and disappears.

For 14 years, Vivian is homeless—battling addictions and surviving as a prostitute—until fate reunites her with Destiny. Her life is rerouted as she goes through rehabilitation attempting to overcome a lifetime of ruin. Then, Vivian faces the greatest hardship of all—one that only faith and hope can heal.

ebook

First published August 8, 2022

Reviews

[Paige Norman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vivian comes from a pretty rough family -- her father is dead, and her mother is an addict. Her older brother leaves, and when her mother dies, she leaves the only friend she knows to search for her brother. She spends many years living in addiction and prostitution, trying to live. It's not until she runs into her childhood friend, Destiny, that her life begins to change.

I like how the main theme of salvation is woven through the story, but it's not shoved down anyone's throat and is brought out in a very loving and gentle way. This is a story about friendship, love, families that stay together (and ones that get torn apart), addiction, despair, rehabilitation, and the love of God. I'd call this a sweet Christian romance, but it's so much more than that. I feel the ending wasn't quite as satisfying as I would have liked -- it would have been great to have more of Vivian's story as a missionary. The ending isn't happy in a traditional sense, but it's not a sad ending, either.

I was pleased to meet Ms. Smith (one of the authors) at a local book fair. (I was not paid for this review.)

[Mary Padovich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Accepting Jesus in our lives heals and restores our souls but it does not make us immune to the trails of this life. I loved how the authors brought to life the torment and agony from past choices either from themselves of from others. What I really enjoyed was the difference of how two siblings ran away from their life in two different ways. The hope of Christ healed one sibling and the reader is left to wonder what happened to the other sibling. Just as in life, not everything is wrapped up in a nice bow but with Jesus at the helm, we know everything will be all right.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked seeing the story of God’s redemption and that nobody is too far gone. It was also fun to read about a family who shows unconditional love. There is a lot happening in the story - 60+ years are covered and that’s a lot of ground the author tries to cover. Due to some inconsistencies including a married pastor doesn’t give a mass and the shocking brain cancer twist with a very unrealistic timeline based on my personal experience I cannot give it more stars.

[Amy Maren Rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book full of interesting and well developed characters who show the love of God to someone in great need of it through their forgiveness, understanding, and support. A great read!

[Amber D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hurt/Comfort are present throughout and strength is gained through worship. Don't expect a happy ending