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God's Timing #2
The Morning After
This compelling sequel to "Three Fifty-Seven A.M." from an "Essence"-bestselling author revisits the characters who were affected by Ms. Essie's redemptive prayers and are now facing desperate struggles and losing faith after her death.
When Essie Mae Richardson, the pillar of her upscale community, died a year ago, life for the residents who befriended her took a drastic turn...for the worse. The morning before Essie's death, it was business as usual in the Braxton Park subdivision. The morning after her death, every thread that held the friends and neighbors together begins to unravel. Colin and Angel, lovebirds by every definition of the word, had the perfect marriage. But the impact of Essie's death shakes their foundation like a massive earthquake. As a result, the love they share begins to crumble, and they find themselves in an awkward place. A place that could tear them apart forever.
When Essie Mae Richardson, the pillar of her upscale community, died a year ago, life for the residents who befriended her took a drastic turn...for the worse. The morning before Essie's death, it was business as usual in the Braxton Park subdivision. The morning after her death, every thread that held the friends and neighbors together begins to unravel. Colin and Angel, lovebirds by every definition of the word, had the perfect marriage. But the impact of Essie's death shakes their foundation like a massive earthquake. As a result, the love they share begins to crumble, and they find themselves in an awkward place. A place that could tear them apart forever.
- GenresChristian Fiction
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
7 people are currently reading
194 people want to read
About the author
Kendra Norman-Bellamy
35 books84 followersWith multi-book deals with the highly esteemed publishers of Harlequin's Kimani Press (New Spirit imprint), Moody Publishing (Lift Every Voice imprint) and Urban Books (Urban Christian imprint), Kendra has risen to become one of the most acclaimed voices in Christian fiction.
Among other honors, Kendra has been named a bestselling author on the Black Expressions Bestsellers List, the Walmart Bestsellers List and the Essence Bestsellers List, where her novel, "Crossing Jhordan's River" peaked at #1 for paperback fiction. Most recently, Kendra was presented (by the African American Literary Awards Show) with the 2008 awards for Best Christian Fiction of the Year (for "Battle of Jericho") and Best Anthology of the year (for "This Far By Faith").
Among other honors, Kendra has been named a bestselling author on the Black Expressions Bestsellers List, the Walmart Bestsellers List and the Essence Bestsellers List, where her novel, "Crossing Jhordan's River" peaked at #1 for paperback fiction. Most recently, Kendra was presented (by the African American Literary Awards Show) with the 2008 awards for Best Christian Fiction of the Year (for "Battle of Jericho") and Best Anthology of the year (for "This Far By Faith").
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
September 7, 2018
Audiobook Review.
My first by this author and I thought that this was a very nice listen. Was I bowled over ..no not in the least but it was just okay for me. There were parts I couldn't get into and I skipped through a couple of time.
3-Stars
My first by this author and I thought that this was a very nice listen. Was I bowled over ..no not in the least but it was just okay for me. There were parts I couldn't get into and I skipped through a couple of time.
3-Stars
September 26, 2010
I loved this sequel to one of my favorite Christian Fiction novels 3:57 A.M. by one of my favorite CF writers Ms. Normal-Bellamy, along with collaborator Hank Stewart. The characters from 3:57 return one year after the death of Ms. Essie, the seventy-year-old "matriarch" of the tight-knit Braxton Parks community. Although she left behind a legacy of motherly support, a strong example of a God-fearing lifestyle, and prayers that helped so many overcome their deepest trouble, the community has trouble moving forward when Ms. Essie is no longer around to assist them on their journeys.
Elaine is able to obtain her husband, Mason's, forgiveness after her infidelity, but is unable to get him to touch her. He says he has forgiven her as God commands, but he is still on the couch after one year. Instead of praying on it, as Ms. Essie would have told her to do, she becomes bulemic in order to cope with this separation.
Colin and Angel should be overjoyed that they have a beautiful new baby, a great household, friends, and wonderful memories of Ms. Essie's influence on their lives. But they are not. Angel, who had been closest to Ms. Essie, is unable to cope with her grief. As a result, she dives into motherhood, household tasks, helping friends, and settling Ms. Essie's estate. Problem is, she is neglecting her husband even as she tries to be superwoman for everyone else. Her husband, Colin, begins a dangerous "friendship" with a woman who will stop at nothing to destroy his marriage, unbeknownst to Colin who is just looking for someone outside of his friendship circle to vent to.
T.K. and Jennifer, who had been encouraged by Ms. Essie to start dating, are in love. Together, they have helped Jen's 15-y.o. son, Jerrod, get out of a gang and back in the church. They are in a wonderful courtship. Problem is that Jen is having trouble waiting for their courtship to go to the next level. T.K., a man in every way, is frightened about getting rejected if he were to propose due to a past heartbreak. Jen takes matters into her own hands causing a world of drama in her relationship with her beau, as well as her son.
Ms. Essie, poor thing, has to come to the rescue right from the grave.
I loved this story as much as the first one. I started the first ten pages three days ago, put it down to get my own writing done, and then picked it up on 9/25. I read from pages 10-end in one day. I couldn't put it down and believe me I had a lot to do! It was one of the best CF novels I've read this year.
Elaine is able to obtain her husband, Mason's, forgiveness after her infidelity, but is unable to get him to touch her. He says he has forgiven her as God commands, but he is still on the couch after one year. Instead of praying on it, as Ms. Essie would have told her to do, she becomes bulemic in order to cope with this separation.
Colin and Angel should be overjoyed that they have a beautiful new baby, a great household, friends, and wonderful memories of Ms. Essie's influence on their lives. But they are not. Angel, who had been closest to Ms. Essie, is unable to cope with her grief. As a result, she dives into motherhood, household tasks, helping friends, and settling Ms. Essie's estate. Problem is, she is neglecting her husband even as she tries to be superwoman for everyone else. Her husband, Colin, begins a dangerous "friendship" with a woman who will stop at nothing to destroy his marriage, unbeknownst to Colin who is just looking for someone outside of his friendship circle to vent to.
T.K. and Jennifer, who had been encouraged by Ms. Essie to start dating, are in love. Together, they have helped Jen's 15-y.o. son, Jerrod, get out of a gang and back in the church. They are in a wonderful courtship. Problem is that Jen is having trouble waiting for their courtship to go to the next level. T.K., a man in every way, is frightened about getting rejected if he were to propose due to a past heartbreak. Jen takes matters into her own hands causing a world of drama in her relationship with her beau, as well as her son.
Ms. Essie, poor thing, has to come to the rescue right from the grave.
I loved this story as much as the first one. I started the first ten pages three days ago, put it down to get my own writing done, and then picked it up on 9/25. I read from pages 10-end in one day. I couldn't put it down and believe me I had a lot to do! It was one of the best CF novels I've read this year.
December 16, 2021
The authors should have Googled realistic fast times for a HS boy running 100m (I'll give them a hint, it's not 13.4 seconds), and learn how to use quotation marks when the same speaker is continuing into the next paragraph. The writing just isn't very good, but I did like the story.
July 13, 2016
You could consider this another book that's not my genre what with the modernness of the plot. However, it is my kind of book because it's the story of several couples who are all intertwined. A friend from church told me about this book and when I was like "Oh hey, that sounds cool!" She let me borrow her library copy since, as she put it "You'll have no trouble reading it quickly." So I read this yesterday. It was pretty good. It reminded me a little of the Korean soap opera "I Love You" that my family and I watched a couple years ago.
I liked the intertwining stories. It was interesting to find out what the couples were all going through. It didn't feel super preachy and even though there was apparently a book before this, it didn't really feel like the second book in a series. A lot of times I can tell pretty quickly if a book is a second in a series but I was about halfway through this one before I started wondering so good job, author. The book stands just fine on its own.
I thought Elaine was kind of silly. I understand the point the author was trying to make about her communication with Mason, but I still thought she was kind of dumb about things.
Generally though this was a good quick read and I'd recommend it for some good mind popcorn.
I liked the intertwining stories. It was interesting to find out what the couples were all going through. It didn't feel super preachy and even though there was apparently a book before this, it didn't really feel like the second book in a series. A lot of times I can tell pretty quickly if a book is a second in a series but I was about halfway through this one before I started wondering so good job, author. The book stands just fine on its own.
I thought Elaine was kind of silly. I understand the point the author was trying to make about her communication with Mason, but I still thought she was kind of dumb about things.
Generally though this was a good quick read and I'd recommend it for some good mind popcorn.
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September 12, 2013I love Mrs Essie, because she was anointed woman of God. Mrs Essie believe strongly in keeping family together. When she pass apart of me was saden and I than realize she with God. July was the passing of my mother so I really can relate to this novel. My mother was highly anointed in the lord and alot of people loved her.
January 6, 2010
Probably the best I've read thus far. Coming from the popular 3:54am, the sequel talks about the lives of Mrs Essie Mae's neighbors after she has gone. Instead things are worse. But of course, Mrs Essie Mae comes and save the day.
May 3, 2015
Couldn’t get into this book at all! Disappointed.
January 19, 2016
"The Morning After" is the prequel to "3:57 a.m. timing is Everything".
June 16, 2017
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This book was good from beginning until the end.. Each character's story was interesting. Please read this story you will not be disappointed. Thank you Kendra for sharing.
This book was good from beginning until the end.. Each character's story was interesting. Please read this story you will not be disappointed. Thank you Kendra for sharing.
June 19, 2017
Excellent! Beginning, middle and end!
July 11, 2012
I enjoyed the biblical principles referrences in this book.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews