Strongholds

Blessed Trinity #2

by Vanessa Davis Griggs

The second book in Griggs' Blessed Trinity Trilogy combines the appeal of JanKaron and Terry McMillan in a powerful story of a congregation looking towardheaven while dealing with life right here on earth.

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

320 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Vanessa Davis Griggs is the author of novels: DESTINY UNLIMITED, THE ROSE OF JERICHO, PROMISES BEYOND JORDAN, WINGS OF GRACE, BLESSED TRINITY, STRONGHOLDS, IF MEMORY SERVES and PRACTICING WHAT YOU PREACH, GOODNESS AND MERCY, THE TRUTH IS THE LIGHT, RAY OF HOPE,, REDEEMING WATERS, FOREVER SOUL TIES, THE OTHER SIDE OF GOODNESS, THE OTHER SIDE OF DARE, THE OTHER SIDE OF DIVINE, STEELY GRAY and COUNTLESS BLESSINGS.

Visit my Web site at: www.VanessaDavisGriggs.com"

Reviews

[Marilyn Diamond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vanessa Davis Griggs took several members in a church.. so realistic, could be any church any Sunday and showed us the Stong holds that the enemy holds on to us for his purpose. It could be lying, adultry, gambling, maintaining debt, being a religious fanatic, workaholic. I grant you if you read this book you will find you there. This is the type of book that I keep on my private library to go back and refer to. Great story lines, great plot and wonderful message.

[Portia Taylor Daniels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book...not sure if it is a Christian Fiction or self help. The book leads you to take a look at your own issues in a gentle, yet urgent manner. This is my first encounter with Mrs Griggs, but I am currently reading Blessed Trinity because I just have to know what is going on with Faith. LOL. Vanessa Davis Griggs is now on my top authors list. I hope that she continues to publish her work because she not only has a talent to tell a story but a gift from God to make a difference in the lives of her audience.

[Kim Conwell-Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in one night. Yes, it was that good. I think that is all that needs to be said.

[Latanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

a story of real life issues...great encouragement! i loved how griggs weaved the word of God to those who believe...regardless of what was seen. as always, love her writing style & skill;-)

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let's start off with what a Stronghold is!
Stronghold- anything with a hold on you, anything that controls you instead of you controlling it.
Strongholds aren't always sins. Some people are people pleasers. That's not a sin, but it can be a stronghold. Some people might be habitual liars. It's not one of the "Ten Commandments", though it is addressed in the Bible. It's a major character flaw, and can be a stronghold.
Even things we think of as being good things can be strongholds.
Work can be a stronghold, abuse ( physically, mentally) can be a stronghold, food's and also various drugs can be a stronghold.
We all have some form of a stronghold in our life, some people just can't or won't consider what they are going thru as that.
Can't wait to read the rest of this series.

[Tonya · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series I am finding hysterical! So many Christian – ese sayings, actions, and even people becoming Christians without actually repenting of their sins. I don’t think the author intended for these books to be funny. But parts of this book I really enjoyed because I have a few strongholds in my own life that I would like to completely overcome. It’s been a long journey and I am doing well, but I need to take a few more steps to get to where I need to be.

[Dr. Joy C. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wasn’t crazy about this book. I don’t like how the author includes the entire sermon in the book when the pastor is preaching. It takes me out of the scene. I also didn’t like how there are plot holes with the gambling couple and a few others. It just wasn’t satisfying to me. I want to keep reading this series because a later book is being read in a book club at church. This was an early title so I’m sure the writing gets better.

[Keesha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wasn't sure I was going to like this one, but I thoroughly enjoyed it! I did feel that I was behind, since I guess it is part of a series and things were already in motion a bit. And the end left some things open for the next part of the series. But it was a good story that kept me entertained.

[Dawn Kinder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good read!

This book is AMAZING! It actually is a contemporary version of scripture that can help anyone that reads it. For those that are looking to read something encouraging, this series it it!

[Sarita Napoleon-Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading book one, Blessed Trinity, I could not wait to read book two. I was not disappointed. Once again, I could not put it down. It’s been a long time since I finished a book in a week. Trusting and listening to God, we can break the strongholds in our lives.

[Valarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say except I love this book. It was like getting a well-versed and right on time message. Even though the book is fiction the subject is all too real. This was my second read and it was even better this time as I read it more for content than just enjoyment (although I truly enjoyed it). The topic Mrs Griggs chose for this book is as timely now as it was when this book was written. The scripture references were all right in line with the topic and used in the most helpful way. The characters were relatable except maybe Arletha and then again we all probably know someone like her. Someone who is always right and everybody else got something wrong with them. To holy to be any good to anybody. I also like that she touched on the inner sins ( the sins of the heart) for anyone not struggling with the hot topics she covered as central to this book. Its something anyone can relate to if we are not struggling with her main issues. I'm glad that there is a sequel( which I have also read and will now reread) so I can continue with the story of Fatima, Trinity and hopefully Arletha. My only complaint is the continuing storyline of Mercy and Lena and that family. Its seems so drawn out and complicated that you kinda forget the storyline and you have to keep trying to remember who did what to whom whenever they did it. Who is related to who and how. That was just too much for me to keep up with. Maybe if they had their own book it would have been easier but they just keep popping up in this series. I just kinda want to pass over their story and get to the rest but I'm scared i'll miss something. Anyway loved this and would recommend it to anyone looking for a good Christian read. Oh, wait, to late I work in a library and have already done so numerous times. Now on the the next....

[Adeena]

my mom was very interested in me reading this cuz its aboout 'church' and she's says i need "Jesus"! i think its a good book,i can really relate to this it has alot of aspects from other people's lives that i know of. it tells a few sotries. one is about a maried woman who seems to have everything, the looks, the job , the man etc. only thing wrong is her mind and her marriage. it probaly wouldnt bother much women if the only problem they had with their husband was him being away all the time considering what happens now a days. her husband is always gambaling and it is slowing eating them out of house and home. the wife gets depressed because of being overwelmed by bills. soon their marriage is breaking apart. another story is about a highly respected man that cant get over his adiction for pornography. it ruins his family. all in one nutshell, the books speaks of strongholds which are some of these things i just wrote and its all about overcoming them. i went to the library and was intorduced to this book by another book that i already read called Rythms of grace.

[Honey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This will make the third book I have read by Vanessa Davis Griggs. I can say I have enjoyed all of them so far and I am looking forward to the next. Not only can I relate to the characters but the fact that she weaves the Bible into each chapter brings it home for me. I can actually see these people as if I belonged to their church. Who would have thought that you can enjoy a book like this? I think people who aren't church goers or very religious would still fall in love with Pastor Landris and his wife and the whole congregation. Any of the Trinity series would be a great discussion for a church book group. Oh, by the way, I read the books out of order on accident and I was still able to keep up with the story. Each book in the Trinity series is connected to the other but is still a great read by itself.

[Janene · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to say that after I reading some reviews where indidviduals where disappointed in the ending. I have to agree! I have loved and enjoyed all the books I have read by Vanessa Davis Griggs especially the series with Pastor Landris and Johnnie Mae. The most disappointing part to me was that at the end Pastor Landris seemed and felt actually Mega Church and my picture of him was a little different from this. I previously viewed him as a humble straight forward talker passionate about teaching the word of God in a way that everyday people can relate to. Johnnie Mae showed up as her usual beautiful self.

Overall it was still an enjoyable read and I will continue to read Vanessa Davis Griggs books, she has definetely been blessed with a wonderful gift.

[Diane Rembert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strongholds is the second book in the blessed Trinity series, and the most profound thus far. What is your stronghold? Do you know? Do you even know the meaning of a stronghold? Through Pastor Landris, this book will break it down, and then show you how each character overcomes their stronghold. I learned soooo much, that I couldn't hold it to myself and recommended it to all I came in contact with, in order to be blessed as well. The author has such an anointing in her style of writing, and I thank God for her sharing it with us. Vanessa Davis Griggs has definitely been added to my favorite author list!!!

[Nicole Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so glad I read this book! This book was not only enjoyable, but I felt ministered to in the end. I love how Ms Vanessa shows the process of freedom from strongholds. I also loved how one guy asked "how long will it take to be set free from my stronghold?" Lol. I've asked that question. Even asked for a date.

I think we've all asked that question. I learned many powerful things in this book. Here's 2:
1. Cut yourself some slack. God knows where you are and He will see you through. Don't give up.
2. Don't judge another person's relationship with God. They're just in transition. As we all are.

Thank you Ms Vanessa!

[Diane Rembert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strongholds is the second book in the blessed Trinity series, and the most profound thus far. What is your stronghold? Do you know? Do you even know the meaning of a stronghold? Through Pastor Landris, this book will break it down, and then show you how each character overcomes their stronghold. I learned soooo much, that I couldn't hold it to myself and recommended it to all I came in contact with, in order to be blessed as well. The author has such an anointing in her style of writing, and I thank God for her sharing it with us. Vanessa Davis Griggs has definitely been added to my favorite author list!!!

[Eryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes you read a christian book and thats just it.. it's christian. Some lovely girl, some handsome man knocked off balance by some indiscretion.

Vanessa Davis Griggs was able to create a brilliant list of characters that are really servants of Christ and reflect the issues that church folk go through, our issues.

Her book transports you from your home into Sunday mornings and Wednesday bible studies where everyone can say an Amen.

[Adrienna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vanessa gives the reader more clarity about Charity/Faith/Hope and you discover some of the hidden secrets about Memory/Elaine. I cannot wait to read the next sequel, If Memory Serves, to find out all these secrets that have been trailing throughout the previous series!

[Kianaw · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book started off great. It touches on many real-life issues, and it even made me evaluate the strongholds in my own life. I gave it a three because I was very disappointed with the ending. Perhaps the third book will pick up where this one left off?

[Ransom · Rating 2 out of 5]

this book is about people (couples) who are having issues and addictions within there lives (marriages) and they see they cant seem to handle them on there own and they need guidance and they turn to there pastor and his wife and god for assistance. its an ok book.

[Elaine]

#2 in the Blessed Trinity Trilogy
1098
1048
999

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Memory/ Elaine is still a mystery...can't wait to find out more about her.

[Janecia · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!! Absolutely one of the best books I have read!! Very moving, makes you think.

[Stephanie Shelton · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book!! I can't wait to read the next book, "If Memory Serves". Vanessa Davis Griggs is an awesome writer and I haven't been disappointed yet. Truly a must read!!

[Chaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 3 of Blessed Trinity series. Very interesting read that touch on many phases of strongholds we encounter.

[Ena Torres Almonte]

Everyone has one, holding them back from that personal relationship w/Christ - what's yours?

[Jackey · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I have ever ready. I love Vanessa Griggs style of writing and I give her 5 stars for this book.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book just get better nd better as you desire to know waht will happen to the characters in the book and how they overcome the strongholds that could possibly destroy families.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very powerful. Many Christians do not understand what strongholds are and most churches don't address it. I highly recommend this entire series.