What do you think?
Rate this book
Samson
Samson Taylor has just been installed as assistant pastor at a thriving North Carolina church. He’s a man of God—and most definitely no saint. Handsome and charismatic, Samson is controlled by his lust for beautiful women, a weakness that stirs up trouble, heartache, betrayal, and damaging rumors—and soon costs him his marriage, his best friendship, and even his new job. Samson loves God and tries harder than ever to keep his temptations in check. Then he meets Delinda…
Beautiful, irresistibly sexy, and married to a famous NBA star, Delinda has Samson head-over-heels in love…in a dangerous affair that leads to a physical confrontation with Delinda’s husband.
Now, the disgraced pastor begins a journey he could never have anticipated, where his heart is now his guide—not a heart of lust, but of new wisdom and a new kind of seeing. God will forgive Samson’s past—but will Samson himself be able to let go of bitterness and regret, and find a new light in his life?
Inspired by the Biblical tale of Samson and Delilah, Jacquelin Thomas powerfully portrays a modern-day pastor’s dance with earthly desires…and the faith that made him whole.
Beautiful, irresistibly sexy, and married to a famous NBA star, Delinda has Samson head-over-heels in love…in a dangerous affair that leads to a physical confrontation with Delinda’s husband.
Now, the disgraced pastor begins a journey he could never have anticipated, where his heart is now his guide—not a heart of lust, but of new wisdom and a new kind of seeing. God will forgive Samson’s past—but will Samson himself be able to let go of bitterness and regret, and find a new light in his life?
Inspired by the Biblical tale of Samson and Delilah, Jacquelin Thomas powerfully portrays a modern-day pastor’s dance with earthly desires…and the faith that made him whole.
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
8 people are currently reading
274 people want to read
About the author
Jacquelin Thomas
122 books405 followersJacquelin Thomas is an award-winning, best selling author with 94 titles published. Her books have garnered several awards, including two EMMA awards, the Romance In Color Reviewers Award, Readers Choice Award and the Atlanta Choice Award in the Religious & Spiritual category. Jacquelin was a 2005 honoree at the Houston Black Film Festival for the movie adaptation of her novel, Hidden Blessings. She was the first recipient to receive the Writers Achievement Award at the North Carolina Book Festival in Winston-Salem. She also received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Romantic Times Magazine.
Jacquelin has published in the romance, women's fiction, inspirational and young adult genres. Her second book in the YA series, Divine Confidential was nominated for a 2008 NAACP Image Award.
Jacquelin is happily married to her best friend and is the proud mother of three children. Jacquelin and her family live in North Carolina.
Jacquelin has published in the romance, women's fiction, inspirational and young adult genres. Her second book in the YA series, Divine Confidential was nominated for a 2008 NAACP Image Award.
Jacquelin is happily married to her best friend and is the proud mother of three children. Jacquelin and her family live in North Carolina.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 20, 2010
Samson was called by God to preach his word and he knew it. He had come from a family of ministers and knew it was in his blood to teach the word of God, but somehow he was easily distracted. Money wasn’t an opposition in his life because he had plenty, but beautiful women were his downfall. Although he had a spiritual inside that wanted to do right, his fleshly outside caused him to do wrong. His desire for women made his life a living hell and left him with a lot of regrets.
After a failed marriage, revenge and adultery, Samson had to face the wrath of God. His wrong doings caught up with him and God took away his sight. That was the only way God could make him see what he was put on this earth for and after the pain, hurt, remorse and blaming God for his unbearable punishment, Samson finally comes back to where he should have been all along. He finds strength from his tragedy and manages to find the wife he desired. He moves forward and mends a lot of broken relationships.
This story based off the Samson of the bible was nicely done. The main character Samson drew me in because he wasn’t a goodie two shoes, he was a man going through what most people go through when they are struggling to do right. The story shows how even a man of God can fall short, but be redeemed and I like that Jacquelin kept the character real and not some phony that didn’t make any mistakes. I have nothing bad to say about this novel, overall it was an interesting read. Good job Jacquelin Thomas, this book was a great read!
Anna Black
AAMBC Book Reviewer
After a failed marriage, revenge and adultery, Samson had to face the wrath of God. His wrong doings caught up with him and God took away his sight. That was the only way God could make him see what he was put on this earth for and after the pain, hurt, remorse and blaming God for his unbearable punishment, Samson finally comes back to where he should have been all along. He finds strength from his tragedy and manages to find the wife he desired. He moves forward and mends a lot of broken relationships.
This story based off the Samson of the bible was nicely done. The main character Samson drew me in because he wasn’t a goodie two shoes, he was a man going through what most people go through when they are struggling to do right. The story shows how even a man of God can fall short, but be redeemed and I like that Jacquelin kept the character real and not some phony that didn’t make any mistakes. I have nothing bad to say about this novel, overall it was an interesting read. Good job Jacquelin Thomas, this book was a great read!
Anna Black
AAMBC Book Reviewer
January 17, 2014
This is an amazing story!
June 20, 2010
Amazing Grace
Samson Taylor has just joined Hillside Baptist Church as an associate pastor under the leadership of his uncle, Zachariah. A known womanizer, Samson tried to flee his calling, but he could no longer deny that he was indeed called into the ministry. Afraid that his father’s curse with women would in some way destroy his life, as it had his parents, Samson vows that he would not live the same way. Now if he can just find a way to curb his lustful ways, life would be that much easier.
After meeting Savannah Ramsey, a Buddhist, he is convinced that she is the one. Even at the thought of losing a long time friend, he can‘t imagine his world minus her. However, when betrayal enters the relationship, Samson’s Christianity takes a backseat as he allows his bruised ego and heavy heart to guide him from one rocky road to the next.
Caught up in a dangerous love affair, Pastor Taylor finds himself forced to see the world in a whole new way. Will his anger prevent him from seeing what God is trying to teach him?
I really enjoy reading Jacquelin Thomas’ books. It’s like taking a refresher course in bible study with a new approach. The characters are three-dimensional, with solid story lines that flow effortlessly. You can’t help but to embrace the message. Definitely a recommended read.
Reviewed by: Crystal
Samson Taylor has just joined Hillside Baptist Church as an associate pastor under the leadership of his uncle, Zachariah. A known womanizer, Samson tried to flee his calling, but he could no longer deny that he was indeed called into the ministry. Afraid that his father’s curse with women would in some way destroy his life, as it had his parents, Samson vows that he would not live the same way. Now if he can just find a way to curb his lustful ways, life would be that much easier.
After meeting Savannah Ramsey, a Buddhist, he is convinced that she is the one. Even at the thought of losing a long time friend, he can‘t imagine his world minus her. However, when betrayal enters the relationship, Samson’s Christianity takes a backseat as he allows his bruised ego and heavy heart to guide him from one rocky road to the next.
Caught up in a dangerous love affair, Pastor Taylor finds himself forced to see the world in a whole new way. Will his anger prevent him from seeing what God is trying to teach him?
I really enjoy reading Jacquelin Thomas’ books. It’s like taking a refresher course in bible study with a new approach. The characters are three-dimensional, with solid story lines that flow effortlessly. You can’t help but to embrace the message. Definitely a recommended read.
Reviewed by: Crystal
January 30, 2023
I really like this book. I like the way it ended where it wasn't a fairytale ending but a very realistic one. You will certainly have feelings for each of the characters. The book was really smooth not too fast not too slow. All in all a good book from one of my favorite authors
February 15, 2012
In Jacqueline Thomas’s Samson, we meet Samson Taylor, an anointed assistant pastor who can’t seem to control is flesh. The book’s plot parallels the biblical story of Samson, the infamous man who allows his desire for a woman to weaken him and almost thwart his calling from God. Thomas’s Samson is a modern day tale of lust, deception, revenge, destruction, and redemption.
Thomas pens an enjoyable read that keeps the reader coming back for more. The main character is well developed, causing an instant connection with the reader and a loyalty to him despite his continuous bad decisions. Although the book is well worth the read, I found it at times to be inconsistent. For example, Samson had a 2 million dollar trust fund and did not work for pay, but easily spent money as if $2 million lasts forever, to the point of giving away a $5 million dollar settlement. I also found it distracting that his name was Samson, he had the same struggle as his namesake (the biblical Samson), and his downfall was a woman name Delinda which is similar to the name Delilah, but the character doesn’t make the connection between himself and the Bible story until the end of the book even though he is supposed to be a pastor. Nonetheless, the book is entertaining and I look forward to reading more titles by this author.
Thomas pens an enjoyable read that keeps the reader coming back for more. The main character is well developed, causing an instant connection with the reader and a loyalty to him despite his continuous bad decisions. Although the book is well worth the read, I found it at times to be inconsistent. For example, Samson had a 2 million dollar trust fund and did not work for pay, but easily spent money as if $2 million lasts forever, to the point of giving away a $5 million dollar settlement. I also found it distracting that his name was Samson, he had the same struggle as his namesake (the biblical Samson), and his downfall was a woman name Delinda which is similar to the name Delilah, but the character doesn’t make the connection between himself and the Bible story until the end of the book even though he is supposed to be a pastor. Nonetheless, the book is entertaining and I look forward to reading more titles by this author.
June 19, 2010
Ms. Thomas modern twist on various bibles stories makes me want to read my bible on a daily basis to learn more and more. I appreciate her take on these biblical tales and look forward to reading more.
January 20, 2013
This book was just like the story in the Bible. Samson had an affair and a baby with Delilah and the baby died because of their sin. Excellent read. Jacquelin Thomas is an excellent author. Read: 2010.
September 6, 2015
This book is a modern adaptation of Samson and Delilah from the Old Testament of the Bible threat turns out to be a beautiful love story. Throughout the book, the author teaches numerous lessons about adultery, fornication and forgiveness. I give it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️because the ending was predictable.
May 30, 2019
Samson Taylor was getting ready to preach his first sermon as assistant pastor at Hillside Baptist Church in Raleigh, NC.
After the death of his parents, his uncle Zachariah continue raising him in the knowledge of his calling. Samson said he didn't want to stand up in the pulpit and be a hypocrite. He didn't want to be like his father.
Samson met a lady by the name of Savannah who his friend Trey introduce to him and she told Samson she liked him when she saw him a year ago at a banquet.
Samson and Savannah ended up getting married and having a Buddhist-Christian ceremony. They had started arguing a lot and after he came back in town after a Youth speaking engagement, he found Trey at his house, and they told him that they was in love. He put them out of his house, and Samson wanted revenge,so he met her sister Kenya at the mall and started dating her.
But things didn't turn out the way he expected, because at the time he was thinking about getting rid of her he found out she was pregnant.
I am going to end it here , but you can't mistreat people and think you are going to get away with it because you may not see it right away, but believe me you will see it one day.
After the death of his parents, his uncle Zachariah continue raising him in the knowledge of his calling. Samson said he didn't want to stand up in the pulpit and be a hypocrite. He didn't want to be like his father.
Samson met a lady by the name of Savannah who his friend Trey introduce to him and she told Samson she liked him when she saw him a year ago at a banquet.
Samson and Savannah ended up getting married and having a Buddhist-Christian ceremony. They had started arguing a lot and after he came back in town after a Youth speaking engagement, he found Trey at his house, and they told him that they was in love. He put them out of his house, and Samson wanted revenge,so he met her sister Kenya at the mall and started dating her.
But things didn't turn out the way he expected, because at the time he was thinking about getting rid of her he found out she was pregnant.
I am going to end it here , but you can't mistreat people and think you are going to get away with it because you may not see it right away, but believe me you will see it one day.
July 20, 2023
This was a fast paced read. Samson is a newly installed pastor, but he can’t get past his lust for women. He ends up in a few difficult situations because of this lust. I was disappointed at Samson for how he acted through most of the book. I loved his Aunt Hazel & Uncle Zechariah. I didn’t expect the ending but I can’t say I was surprised. This was a quick read with a few lessons that we could take from this.
Fun Fact: I believe this was a modern play on the biblical character Samson.
Fun Fact: I believe this was a modern play on the biblical character Samson.
June 25, 2022
A good retelling of Samson and Delilah. I thought the ending was going to be different but I'm glad it ended the way it did.
October 27, 2018
A Great modern retelling of Samson and Delilah. Loved this story and it didn't take me long to read it.
June 21, 2022
I read this book the first time in 2011. I never did a review. Samson gave his first sermon as the newly appointed Pastor but his behaviors were not in line with the will and the word of The Lord. But, like mankind, Samson thought he had it all under control.
Jacquelin Thomas does a phenomenal job with her writing. She illustrates with a mastery how Samson, just like man, was born with the flesh – that is our old nature. She goes on to show that surrendering our lives to Christ Jesus gives us a new nature. But, Lord that struggle inside us all between the old us and the new us – between our flesh and who we are in Christ…is real and and the consequences can be devastated when we stray and play!
Samson’s desires and temptations caused so much devastation. Relationships with loved ones, the congregation and the husband of his lover would be his own undoing. And, too, the plights that he would suffer personally is beyond what I could have ever imagined. But, our Father, as he would come to know, is still there and never gives up on his children.
Samson’s recklessness helps us to see that getting saved does not remove the flesh, it creates a struggle against sin. This struggle pushes us to depend on God. Samson, just as I have done in my life, ran, hid, rationalized, justified, tampered with things that he shouldn’t have, manipulated relationships and even dismissed on many occasions opportunities that could have prevented him from falling deeper in sin. When he thought he had lost it all….he came to know better.
Samson came to know that you don’t overcome your flesh by fighting the flesh first. You fight the flesh by coming in agreement in your mind and heart with what God says about you and not with the struggle you are currently going through. Thank you Jacqueline Thomas for illustrating that the Christian life is not about “don’ts” but without the “don’ts” we cannot have any “do’s”. Thank you for helping Samson to see that “I once was blind but now I see!” Similarly, thank you for showing that with every loss there can be a gain (it took Samson losing his sight to get his vision).
OAN: In 2011, I know my review would have been so different than today. I would have talked about the sinful nature of Samson’s fallen father, Tea not understanding his struggle, his Uncle and Aunt’s love, Delinda, Savannah being a Buddhist and his long time friend, Trey. All of those people were important to Samson and his pilgrimage. It takes a village for individuals to reach their full potential but the greatest investment has to come from the individual . Nevertheless, I wouldn’t have been as focused on the running to or running away from God and one’s calling.
Jacquelin Thomas does a phenomenal job with her writing. She illustrates with a mastery how Samson, just like man, was born with the flesh – that is our old nature. She goes on to show that surrendering our lives to Christ Jesus gives us a new nature. But, Lord that struggle inside us all between the old us and the new us – between our flesh and who we are in Christ…is real and and the consequences can be devastated when we stray and play!
Samson’s desires and temptations caused so much devastation. Relationships with loved ones, the congregation and the husband of his lover would be his own undoing. And, too, the plights that he would suffer personally is beyond what I could have ever imagined. But, our Father, as he would come to know, is still there and never gives up on his children.
Samson’s recklessness helps us to see that getting saved does not remove the flesh, it creates a struggle against sin. This struggle pushes us to depend on God. Samson, just as I have done in my life, ran, hid, rationalized, justified, tampered with things that he shouldn’t have, manipulated relationships and even dismissed on many occasions opportunities that could have prevented him from falling deeper in sin. When he thought he had lost it all….he came to know better.
Samson came to know that you don’t overcome your flesh by fighting the flesh first. You fight the flesh by coming in agreement in your mind and heart with what God says about you and not with the struggle you are currently going through. Thank you Jacqueline Thomas for illustrating that the Christian life is not about “don’ts” but without the “don’ts” we cannot have any “do’s”. Thank you for helping Samson to see that “I once was blind but now I see!” Similarly, thank you for showing that with every loss there can be a gain (it took Samson losing his sight to get his vision).
OAN: In 2011, I know my review would have been so different than today. I would have talked about the sinful nature of Samson’s fallen father, Tea not understanding his struggle, his Uncle and Aunt’s love, Delinda, Savannah being a Buddhist and his long time friend, Trey. All of those people were important to Samson and his pilgrimage. It takes a village for individuals to reach their full potential but the greatest investment has to come from the individual . Nevertheless, I wouldn’t have been as focused on the running to or running away from God and one’s calling.
July 11, 2010
Samson
By Jacquelin Thomas
ISBN# 978-1-4391-0940-3
pp.268
Samson is about 25 year old, Samson Taylor and his struggle to admit to his past sinssins and stop committing them and move on from them. This book is also about Mr. Taylor's struggle to have the strength to stop having sexual temptation and sexual relations with multiple women. And these relations Mr. Taylor had ended most of Mr. Taylor's sincere relationships he had with people. But what makes this book extra-ordinary is the fact that Mr. Taylor is the pastor of Hillside Baptist Church. You see, Pastors are suppose to be an example Christians can follow so that they can reach righteousness and peace and the forever love with the Lord, and have completely trust in Him. But Mr. Taylor was a hypocrite. He couldn't pull away from his sinful ways and put his complete focus and love in the lord. Until a tragic incident happen to Mr. Taylor that change his life forever. After that incident Mr. Taylor completely turned his life. He finally pulled away from his past sinful life and he was given "new" eyes so he can see. But in the end Mr. taylor fell in forever love with his soulmate.
I have to say that this book is phenomenal. I couldn't stop turning page after page and i was disappointed when it ended because it ended. Samson by Jacquelin Thomas is on of my favorite books. I related to Mr. Taylor even though i am female. Thomas kept me locked in and in love with Mr. Taylor's journey all throughout the book. My favorite part in thebook was when Mr. Taylor was in his hospital bed and his best friend Trey flew all the way from North Carolina to the Bahamas just to be by Mr. Taylor's side even though Mr. Taylor really didn't want him there. This is my favorite part because Trey is a sincere friend and it is very hard to find a friend like Trey today. Today there is a problem of trust. But if you have one true friend like Trey you are truly blessed. Thomas did a great job with this book and I can't wait to read more of her books. I would recommend this book to any teenager, but also to all christians.
By Jacquelin Thomas
ISBN# 978-1-4391-0940-3
pp.268
Samson is about 25 year old, Samson Taylor and his struggle to admit to his past sinssins and stop committing them and move on from them. This book is also about Mr. Taylor's struggle to have the strength to stop having sexual temptation and sexual relations with multiple women. And these relations Mr. Taylor had ended most of Mr. Taylor's sincere relationships he had with people. But what makes this book extra-ordinary is the fact that Mr. Taylor is the pastor of Hillside Baptist Church. You see, Pastors are suppose to be an example Christians can follow so that they can reach righteousness and peace and the forever love with the Lord, and have completely trust in Him. But Mr. Taylor was a hypocrite. He couldn't pull away from his sinful ways and put his complete focus and love in the lord. Until a tragic incident happen to Mr. Taylor that change his life forever. After that incident Mr. Taylor completely turned his life. He finally pulled away from his past sinful life and he was given "new" eyes so he can see. But in the end Mr. taylor fell in forever love with his soulmate.
I have to say that this book is phenomenal. I couldn't stop turning page after page and i was disappointed when it ended because it ended. Samson by Jacquelin Thomas is on of my favorite books. I related to Mr. Taylor even though i am female. Thomas kept me locked in and in love with Mr. Taylor's journey all throughout the book. My favorite part in thebook was when Mr. Taylor was in his hospital bed and his best friend Trey flew all the way from North Carolina to the Bahamas just to be by Mr. Taylor's side even though Mr. Taylor really didn't want him there. This is my favorite part because Trey is a sincere friend and it is very hard to find a friend like Trey today. Today there is a problem of trust. But if you have one true friend like Trey you are truly blessed. Thomas did a great job with this book and I can't wait to read more of her books. I would recommend this book to any teenager, but also to all christians.
April 3, 2013
I love how Jacquelin Thomas's books make you question what faith really is and how she accurately describes why people fear the church or do not go to church- the politics, the do as I say -not as I do mentality and actions. She always adds a little scandal a lot of real life and a person that is innately good but true of most Christians we are innately flawed. I love that she does not justify the flaws or condone the sins or sinners but she lets us know- everyone has something and we can all be better. This book is no different and came at a time when I needed reminding that God laughs while we make plans- Samson at the beginning of the book says he is in control and that is the problem we truly believe that, but no matter what faith you are from this book shows that truly you are not- someone bigger and of a higher power is in control. I loved the reminder that people can only hurt you when you allow their evilness to permeate your life. I loved the book and I thought it was fantastic!
November 16, 2017
Samson was a man who loved God. Samson was also man who loved women. Unfortunately, Samson was a man who heeded the lust of his flesh more than the call of God to Pastor. A story that shows when we let our fleshly desires continue to outweigh the call of a merciful God, there will be repercussions. Samson had an up close example of how chasing women could destroy a man's ministry and fellowship with God, but he choose to walk the same path his Daddy took. He learned the hard way that there are consequences for our sins and actions. Trials will come and "we can either ride the storm or struggle against it...the Lord is in control. Samson is also a story of redemption and repentance. It reminds us that if we have the faith to believe and trust in God He can and will restore us.
September 22, 2011
Jacquelin Thomas has done it again. She has made me fall in love with the characters and kept me turning the pages. This book is a great read for anyone. Sensual yet classy, Sexy but not raunchy. Good to the last drop. Jacqueline gives us the characters that we grew up reading stories about in Sunday school then adds a twist to make us understand more clearly that they were very much like some of the people that we know today. I can't wait to see what She will come up with next.
July 16, 2010
Samson Taylor has had a hard start to his young life but with the love of his Aunt and Uncle he has grown into a good man and a better preacher. Even though he is answering his calling, he is still weak for the flesh. This book has a powerful message and storyline. You have good times, bad times, loss of faith, and redemption. If you are looking for a good christian novel, this is it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2014
The author revealed the real temptations of Samson who had to endure pains, trials, and tribulations to reach his true calling in ministry. On Samson's self discovery, he learns how to forgive others and forgive God. The story line shows us if you leave God out of your life you suffer the consequences of every action.
September 6, 2015
Another great read by Jacquelin Thomas which I am rating 10. This book is so on point with the biblical story of Samson & Delilah. In fact the characters were named Samson & Delinda. This is a must read. I would read this book again. Filled with love and forgiveness. I'm not giving anything away. Read it!!!
Read
September 6, 2015Every Man Has a Weakness
This book is a modern adaptation of Samson and Delilah from the Old Testament of the Bible threat turns out to be a beautiful love story. Throughout the book, the author teaches numerous lessons about adultery, fornication and forgiveness. I give it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️because the ending was predictable.
This book is a modern adaptation of Samson and Delilah from the Old Testament of the Bible threat turns out to be a beautiful love story. Throughout the book, the author teaches numerous lessons about adultery, fornication and forgiveness. I give it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️because the ending was predictable.
July 20, 2010
Modern Day Samson
February 19, 2012
This was an enjoyable read in only a way that Jacquelin Thomas can write. She really delivered with this book.
April 23, 2013
Great book from beginning to end, but the ending was a little weak. I was expecting a different ending, but it wasn't horrible or anything. I definitely recommend this book!
March 17, 2018
Good Read
November 14, 2013
Great read, be sure you know the story of Samson in the Bible. This book brings it into everyday life
January 24, 2016
I love the way the author uses a biblical story and relates it to everyday life. The story was sweet, romantic, spiritual and funny at some points.
May 24, 2017
I absolutely love all of Ms. Thomas's books. This was a very good read.
August 7, 2014
Good Write kinda predictable towards the end but it keep ya wondering what the plot was through out
April 3, 2016
A good read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews