Don't Blame the Devil

by Pat G'Orge-Walker

Hang on to your seat as Pat G'Orge-Walker spins a side-splitting novel of sin and salvation, heartache and love.  .  . Appearances mean everything to Delilah Dupree Jewel. So after hearing of her daughter-in-law's sudden death, Delilah decides that coming to the rescue of her long-estranged son, Jessie, and her granddaughter, Tamara, would be a good look.  .  .though Lord knows she'll have to dig hard to find her maternal instincts. But Delilah quickly discovers Jessie wants nothing to do with her. And Tamara, who's following in Delilah's musical footsteps, isn't interested in her career advice, especially since Delilah got ahead using the singing couch. And Delilah's old flame, Deacon Pillar, an ex-convict who's traded in his gangster ways for a Bible, is stirring up a past that's sure to shock... "Hilarious faith-based romp.  .  .Walker shines a little light on a wacky family reunion with her usual inspirational, knee-slapping style." -- Publishers Weekly "A comic novel about mistakes and second chances." -- Library Journal

Genres: Humor, Christian

320 pages, Paperback

First published August 19, 2010

Reviews

[T.A. Beasley · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Don't Blame the Devil by Pat G'Orge-Walker, Delilah Jewel has bet her life on appearances because to her they mean everything. After 40 years, Delilah has change a new leaf, supposedly and heads back to her hometown to right some wrongs. Delilah's opportunity comes when she finds out that a family member has passed. Delilah does not receive the response that she expected and realizes that she has her work cut out for her.

Deacon Pillar receives the shock of his life when he runs into an old flame. Deacon knows that her presence will not only affect him but others associated with him. On the other hand, being around her has the Deacon's feelings stirring.

Jessie and his daughter Tamara are dealing with the loss of their wife and mother. Jessie cannot handle any surprises or the fact his daughter wants to go into a profession of music. When he meets Delilah and starts deriving a conclusion this meeting will soon change his life along with his daughters.

Don't Blame the Devil is a story of one woman's journey to make amends for those she left behind. Delilah's encounters with Deacon Pillar will have you cracking up. This book is about forgiveness and a restoring a family unit. The characters were well developed and will have readers wanting to change the pages until the end. I recommend it to others.

Teresa Beasley
A&R Book Corner Reviews

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't Blame the Devil by Pat G'Ore-Walker - 5 stars

I haven't read anything this funny in years. Delilah and Thurgood are a old school couple that spent 40 years trying to find their way back to each other. After a hot mess at a night club separated their family, another drama filled few months may bring them back together.

G'Orge-Walker is a master writer of Christian comedy. I was falling on the floor laughing at Delilah's antics while Sister Marty was praying for the families salvation. Jessie, Tamara and countless church members fell in line keeping secrets, playing church and all things that families do.

[Cassandra Haywood · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this storyline of family, love, sorrow, abandonment, dysfunctional, forgiveness with a little bit of laughter.
Delilah Dupree Jewel-Pillar has lived a life of being in the limelight with her singing career so when her Playa pimp husband Thurgood Pillar goes to jail for her she abandons their son in foster care in pursuit of her singing.
Now 40 years later she runs into her estranged husband at one of the churches she visits and listen to the service in the church parking lot. Just so happens Thurgood is a Deacon at the church. Now Delilah wants Thurgood to help her find their son Jessie who is now a grown man.
The banter between Delilah and Thurgood had me in stitches but also their own way of seeking God in the mist of everything was a lesson to show that everyone has their own personal relationships with God.
There are plenty of secrets that come out and what an emotional rollercoaster ride it is for the characters.
I don't want to give any spoilers so you will have to read this book to see what happens. Does Delilah and Thurgood find their son? Will they become a family again?
I recommend reading this book. It was a good read that kept me guessing as to what will happen next.
Cassandra H.

[Donna Gividen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I finished this book because I started it but I found it very annoying. It’s about black people and the ‘n’ word is in it several times as they talk to each other. I find this confusing. Also they are supposedly Christian but …. Well I guess I’m being judgmental… but only 2 characters acted like they were.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this!

[SocialButterfly · Rating 3 out of 5]

As hilarious as always.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can’t Blame The Devil for everything, especially when she shows up 40 years later. Deacon Pillar has more skeletons in his closet than a graveyard. One he thought was long gone shows up in the church parking lot. Delilah has her own interpretation of religion, and she thinks she’s owed something. Delilah looks like Lena Horne, sings like an angel but is hell in a Navigator. She and the deacon have some unfinished business that has come to pass. Unknowingly the time has come. The aging but still sassy diva has found some skeletons too that she abandoned but had been searching for, wrapped up in a neat package that includes Deacon Pillar. Jessie and Tamara have no clue what is going on between the deacon and Delilah, or that there is any history. They are wondering what in the devil got into the deacon little do they know the devil is Delilah, and the deacon also finds out you can’t bargain with her either.

Don’t Blame the Devil is a 5 Star story was really hilarious. Pat G’Orge Walker did a phenomenal job with this "Devilishly" funny tale.

[African Americans on the Move Book Club · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prepare for deceit, faith, and love in G’orge-Walker’s Don’t Blame the Devil. Sixty-three year old Delilah finds her way back to her orphaned son and estranged husband after 40 years. Starting in a church parking lot, her life begins to unravel along with her family members. Though initially unwelcome by her son, husband, granddaughter, and her husband’s girlfriend, Delilah eventually finds the love of God and the love of family. This story took a while to build; in fact, the climax was about 50 pages from the book’s end. It seems that this story belongs with a set of related stories that, perhaps, take us through Delilah’s sordid past. The characters’ traits and expressions were well written. G’orge-Walker’s talent is sure to lead her to success in the future..

Natasha R. Hines
AAMBC Reviewer

[Carmen Blalock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!! It is always good to read a good drama. Don't Blame the Devil Was full of excitement and laughs and heart-stopping moments. Delilah Dupree Jewel and Decon Pillar are the funniest two characters since Sister Imahellraiser. This book has substance and depth with biblical references - whether is is King James version or Delilah Dupree, and it gives you a true storyline. The cast in this book could be your neighbors because their story is everyday life. Kudos to Pat G'Orge-Walker on this book, keep up the great work!

[Elaine Tomlin]

The book was interesting full of humor and showed how a realtionship that can go sour can reborn again. And that no matter if you were not a every day church goer does not mean that you do not read the bible. And prayer does work.

[ShayBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very hilarious book and a lil confusing at some times, but overall it was a good read I gave it a 4 but it is a 3.5 star read. I have read all of the Sister Betty ‘s books and have enjoyed them.

[Shannan Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've ever read a book by Pat G'orge Walker, you know you will get the gospel truth, as well as the elderly shenanigans. As always this story had a lot of lessons, a Whole lot of God and a ton of laughs.

[Lashonda Artis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was awesome!!!!!!!