Sex In The Sanctuary

Hallelujah Love #1

by Lutishia Lovely

As first lady of Kingdom Citizens Christian Center, Vivian Montgomery has it a beautiful home, lovely children, and a pastor husband who makes her shout hallelujah--and not just in church. There's no doubt Pastor Montgomery has a healthy appreciation for the Lord and for the pleasures of the flesh, namely his wife's flesh. If only Vivian's best friend, Tai, was so blessed. . .A first lady herself, Tai's husband, King, is pastor of Mount Zion Progressive Baptist Church. But with two affairs under his belt, Tai wonders just what "progressive" means. In fact, she strongly suspects her husband is at it again. Now, she can follow her mother-in-law's example and threaten to shoot any would-be-husband-stealing floozies, or she can take Vivian's advice and listen for God's instruction. But Tai's husband isn't the only one fighting temptation. . ."A spell-binding tale with some hilarious and righteous characters. Sex in the Sanctuary is a story about the power of forgiveness, how to forgive and the reason why we should forgive." -- The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

Genres: Christian Fiction, Romance, Fiction, Adult Fiction, African American, Drama

381 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Metris · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all I would like to start off by saying, before I started to read Sex in the Sanctuary I read a couple of reviews and the ones that got my attention were the ones that stated that this was NOT a Christian read; however when this book was recommended I was told it was Christian fiction....

With that being said, if this not a Christian, then I don't know what is...This was real life christianity not say that some of the action of Gods people were right, but we are all human and we all fall short of Gods Word & they are true events that happen in the church world everyday. I love the way Lutishia Lovely presented her story "NOT SUGAR CODED". A must read and looking forward to more of Derrick, Vivian, King (umph the verdict is still out on him), Tai, Sexy Cy and Hope!

[Diane Rembert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the perfect beginning to an excellent series! I would recommend it to anyone looking for a drama-filled book.

[Robbin Melton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not sure how I feel about this one...the title of the book is more exciting than the book itself, and the one story line in the book that could've proved the most entertaining and scandalous was glossed over. So, overall, this story's just okay. It took a bit to get into as the author felt the need to introduce readers to all the major players in the main church which sets the scene. Halfway through, I then realized there was another church and another pastor-wife couple. Way too confusing. The author would've done a better job if she'd focused on just a few characters instead of the entire congregation. Toward the end, the story improves, but the author glosses over what could have been an awesome climax, pardon my pun. Had high hopes, but this fell a little flat.

[Carla Love · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just what I needed, read this book while on a cruise vacation, it did not disappoint. Can't wait to read more about CY & Hope.

Great storylines, they seemed like people that you know in your everyday lives. Their stories make you take notice of your church folk.

[Bennita · Rating 1 out of 5]

I couldn't get past 15%. There are waaayyy too many characters to keep track of. All of these characters can't possibly contribute to the main story. I lost patience very quickly because of this and there was too much head hopping. Just too much to keep track of.

[Michelle Johnson-lane · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this book was a little too predictable. I wish I didn't see the end coming along some of the other backstories. I was disappointed in the a first lady accepting her husband's infidelities (3 times, come on... enough already... he needed to suffer by her letting him go... he still won). Overall, I thought it was a good read. I'll definitely give Lutishia Lovely another try by reading another one of her novels.

[Tammy]

This book is just like the Eddie Long story, a must read.

[Dorothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was, "Muy caliente!" It is a Christian novel with FIRE, so if you're holier than thou, do not pick this up! LOL! :)

[Bre · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was very disappointed with this story and I loveeeee Lutishia's writing and her 1st 2 books in her Shady Sister's trilogy. This was such a slow paced book because of the other church members. What I did was put tabs on the chapters with Tai and King's situation. I skipped the chapters with the other church members because I didn't care about what they had going go UGH!. I also had ordered LLH (Book 2) but I don't have the urge to read it at all. I saw good reviews on Book 3 so I'm gonna give it a try and see what's it about. I love Lutishia's pen game and how she stepped outside the box with the traditional Christian fiction stories but this wasn't my cup of tea. I'm still gonna read her work but pass on this church series.

[Pat Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love and Forgiveness

This book was filled with reality. It pointed out that all Christians aren't at the same stage in their walk - some strive to be more Christlike and some refuse to heed His voice. I loved that the author portrayed both a pastor worthy to be in the pulpit and one that needed to be yanked out. And I loved the women in this book, fiercely standing and walking for and with God. And I even enjoyed the antics of those busybodies who were true to life. But the greater message - forgiveness- well let's just say i have some maturing to do myself. Great read and looking forward to reading the rest of this series.

[Katherine · Rating 2 out of 5]

The best bit was the questions at the end, where the author showed that she had thought about some of the things that had worried me about the story!

This book reminded me of Crazy Rich Asians (now that I have only seen the movie) in some ways - marriage, sex, and looking good were very important to the main characters.

I have seen that other books in this series have more in-your-face romance covers. That would have given more of an idea of what I was in for.

[Rhoda Dede · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a refreshing read!!!! This book solidified my undeniable love for God. I always knew God has the answers we seek, as long as we listen and stay under his path anything is possible. Vivian, Derrick, Tai, King, Hope, Cy, and Millicent showed that with the power of Christ anything is possible. When dealing with love, lust, obsession, depression, and loneliness. I really enjoyed reading this book and I can't wait to devour the rest of this series by Ms. Lovely.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and this is the first one I have read by Lutishia Lovely. I can't find the majority of the books in the library so I buy them on Amazon and read the on my phone.
"Sex in the Sanctuary", is not them having Sex in the Sanctuary, but is referring to Pastors and their wives where as King went outside his marriage and found someone one else to fulfilled his need.
Goes to show we all have sin and no one is perfect.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny and sexy

And with a lot of truth in It too. Who knew preacher’s wives could be so down to earth? But these women can, and in a way that will make you laugh, cry, and enjoy life right along with them. Good light reading.

[Seyi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ya girl loved this. This was an interesting and entertaining book. I felt for the characters and felt bad for the women in the story who weren't being treated right and for the heartbreaks they go through, but everything worked out in the end.

[Felicia Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read

This book had me going off on King I don't care for him at all .this book got me feeling all my emotions mostly the sad emotions pissed off emotions . Get this book you will understand what I'm going though great read from open to close

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book by Ms. Lovely. I told all my coworkers & they read it as well.

[Hw Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

My introduction to Lutishia Lovely. My husband laughed at the title. I thoroughly enjoyed the story line! There is always forgiveness and redemption in her stories. 💕

[Catherine edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book good from beginning to the end. I would recommend this for a great read.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read this series multiple times. Love it!!

[Kim Melikian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is mine second time reading this book, I enjoyed it more this time than the first. The character, Millicent, two words cray cray. What she does in the book is unbelievable.

[Ericka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read! Looking forward to next one.....

[Shelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

A whirlwind of emotions throughout this book! The author really nailed it in this book when it comes to "reality" as it relates to singleness and the desire to be married at almost any cost and the attack of the enemy on men called to do the work of the Lord and how it affects their families. Infidelity is difficult to deal with from any standpoint, but when it happens in the First Family its magnified even the more.

In this story you will journey along and share in the emotional rollercoaster one first lady has in dealing with her husbands infidelity, a saved single women who is so sure she has heard the voice of God that she does the "unthinkable", a saved single man who is trusting God for His best for him and doesn't surrender to his flesh and a mirade of characters in between.

The language to me was at bit on the extreme for "contemporary Christian" fiction. It's raw, but real so if you can get past that as I did you will enjoy this story and feel that it is something that you could see played out in almost any church, BUT for God! This is how I felt until just before the very end when I was like "Why did she mess it up by putting this in the book!", LOL. The ending will having you cracking up in utter disbelief about what one character did, but you will feel sorry for her too.

If not for the lanquage and one too many steamy sex scenes I would have given this 5 stars

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the book...I was looking at the reviews and let me start off by saying that this book is not a Christian fiction book. It's fiction and it tells us what happens inside of a Christian family and on the Church grounds.

Now to make a long story short this book deals with a christian foundation with Vivian and Tai. Both are bestfriends and also first ladies of their husband churches. Vivian has the perfect life with her husband and Tai is going through hell with hers. When things goes wrong Tai runs to Vivian for advice. But will she take Vivian or God Advice?

Now you have Cy and he is the Millionaire and all the women in the church has their eye on him. But he only have an eye for one lady of the church. All the ladies does things to get his attention but Millicent will go way beyond the call from God to get his attention. The things Millicent do to get his attention shock the church that nobody will never... forget. She says it's God that tell her Cy is hers but is it really God that she is talking to her?

This author brings the book to life by taking you into the drama of the church that keeps you laughing. It's someone in this book that you can relate to. I highly recommend this book to all

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have the entire Hallelujah Love series on my Kindle when I started the first book I knew it was gonna be filled with juicy drama, and drama in the church the first book takes you through two different marriages.

Vivian has the perfect marriage, thriving ministry, two beautiful children, and the perfect life. While her best friend Tai is trying to hold her marriage together while her husband is not only burying himself with church work but a mistress who happens to be WHITE.

With the help of Mama Max, Vivian, and God Tai manages to pull herself together but will King lose his wife in the process?

[Zarinah · Rating 1 out of 5]

This particular book by ms Lovely was all over the place just a total narrative of everyone in the church. And it was not just focused on 2 marriages but church business, every member and their business, dance, preaching, and anything and everything else. This book did not work for me it was to slow and the relationship that sort of held interest preacher King and his wife Tai was stuffed with nonsense and tales of flashbacks and again church minutes.
I do plan to read more in the series because Latisha lovely has written other stories that shows that she has great talent once she gets focused.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am glad I gave this author another try. This was way better than Reverend Feelgood. This author is actually a good writer. I enjoyed this book. Way better than tht Reverend Feelgood garbage. The situations in this book were relatable. Good writing and story telling. Can't wait to read Love Like Hallejuah

[Elaine Tomlin]

It shows how women need to bring back sex morality and become the jewels in the relationship in regards to men. Because it makes it bad for all women married and single, becomes a trinkle down effect in all realtionships. It shows how men do not marry because women are giving up their most prized possession. Men are getting the cow with the milk. So why do they have to become married.

[Desiree Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book in the series. It was good! There was church business, funny business, monkey business, affairs, infidelity, adultery, everything was going on in this church with these church people. The pastor's were cheating and everything! I liked this book from the beginning to the end. Read this book in June 2010 on my kindle.

[Shamekia · Rating 5 out of 5]

🙌🏾😇

I thoroughly enjoyed this book from the beginning to the end. It reminds you that even the people in church have struggles with the flesh. It also reminds you that with God all things are possible. I connected with all the characters and I felt as if I’ve met them before in my real life. Amazing book , I will be sure to read the entire series,