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Right Package, Wrong Baggage
For five years, Pamela Roberts, has balanced the demands of being a single mother and a devoted Christian. She unselfishly places the needs of her son, Matthew, above her own. Although she tries to convince everyone that she's happy with Jesus alone, Matthew handpicks the perfect present for her--a husband. Everything about the man her son chooses is perfect, except for his past. Micah Stevenson is excited when he learns the son of the woman he has been praying about wants him to join their family permanently. Believing Pamela Roberts is his soul mate sent from God, Micah pursues her. Once he is certain of her love for him, Micah reveals his dark history, shaking the foundation of the once loving and stable relationship. Trust is broken as judgments and prejudices threaten to deny the couple's destiny. Will the man he used to be prevent Pamela from loving Micah for the man he is now?
284 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
11 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
About the author
Wanda B. Campbell
20 books58 followersWanda B. Campbell is an extraordinary and talented writer who brings creativity, a new sense of hope, and restoration through the healing power of God to the Kingdom, by way of Christian fiction. She uses real life everyday issues to exhort, motivate, and give comfort.
Wanda B. Campbell believes there is nothing too hard for God and through His love and power, He can heal you in EVERY area you hurt. Wanda believes with God's help our darkest time can become our brightest moments. Her primary mission is to encourage everyone to experience the unfailing love of Christ. Wanda is not limited by race, age, sex, denomination or organization; believing the liberation that comes from Christ is free to all.
An avid reader since childhood, Wanda responded to the voices in her head and self-published her debut novel, First Sunday in October, January 2007. The novel gained national recognition and established her literary career.
Wanda B. Campbell's literary achievements include: Mommy's Present, a short story appearing in the anthology The Midnight Clear, November 2006, First Sunday in October, January 2007, Crusin for Christ I Short Story Contest winner with Illusions, which landed a multi-book deal with Urban Christian. Illusions, the novel, February 2009,Right Package, Wrong Baggage, August 2010, and Silver Lining, August 2011. Her fourth novel, Unresolved Issues, is scheduled for release August 2012.
Wanda is a two-time winner of the Urban Reviews Top Shelf Book Award, two-time winner of Coffee Time Romance’s Critical Review Award, and a three-time Black Expressions Book Club Bestselling Author. She has appeared on the BCNN1/BCBC National Bestselling List multiple times and was nominated at the 2011 African American Literary Awards Show in the Christian Fiction category.
In January 2010, Wanda launched Micah 6:8 Books, LLC (www.micah68books.com), a small publishing house dedicated to promoting words that edify the Kingdom. The company's first anthology, Home Again: Stories of Restored Relationships released November 2010 as was also nominated at the 2011 African American Literary Awards Show.
Wanda is a graduate of Castlemont High School , in Oakland , CA (Go Knights!) and Western Career College . In addition to building a career in healthcare, she completed Christian Ministry studies at the Leadership Institute at Allen Temple and is currently pursuing her Bachelor's degree in Biblical Studies.
Wanda is a mother of three and currently resides in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband of twenty-two years and two sons and enjoys spending time with her grandson. Her hobbies include writing and reading, traveling, and collecting magnets from around the world. Wanda is the self-proclaimed biggest Oakland A's fan.
Wanda B. Campbell believes there is nothing too hard for God and through His love and power, He can heal you in EVERY area you hurt. Wanda believes with God's help our darkest time can become our brightest moments. Her primary mission is to encourage everyone to experience the unfailing love of Christ. Wanda is not limited by race, age, sex, denomination or organization; believing the liberation that comes from Christ is free to all.
An avid reader since childhood, Wanda responded to the voices in her head and self-published her debut novel, First Sunday in October, January 2007. The novel gained national recognition and established her literary career.
Wanda B. Campbell's literary achievements include: Mommy's Present, a short story appearing in the anthology The Midnight Clear, November 2006, First Sunday in October, January 2007, Crusin for Christ I Short Story Contest winner with Illusions, which landed a multi-book deal with Urban Christian. Illusions, the novel, February 2009,Right Package, Wrong Baggage, August 2010, and Silver Lining, August 2011. Her fourth novel, Unresolved Issues, is scheduled for release August 2012.
Wanda is a two-time winner of the Urban Reviews Top Shelf Book Award, two-time winner of Coffee Time Romance’s Critical Review Award, and a three-time Black Expressions Book Club Bestselling Author. She has appeared on the BCNN1/BCBC National Bestselling List multiple times and was nominated at the 2011 African American Literary Awards Show in the Christian Fiction category.
In January 2010, Wanda launched Micah 6:8 Books, LLC (www.micah68books.com), a small publishing house dedicated to promoting words that edify the Kingdom. The company's first anthology, Home Again: Stories of Restored Relationships released November 2010 as was also nominated at the 2011 African American Literary Awards Show.
Wanda is a graduate of Castlemont High School , in Oakland , CA (Go Knights!) and Western Career College . In addition to building a career in healthcare, she completed Christian Ministry studies at the Leadership Institute at Allen Temple and is currently pursuing her Bachelor's degree in Biblical Studies.
Wanda is a mother of three and currently resides in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband of twenty-two years and two sons and enjoys spending time with her grandson. Her hobbies include writing and reading, traveling, and collecting magnets from around the world. Wanda is the self-proclaimed biggest Oakland A's fan.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 7, 2020
Wow, this book! I would have probably rated it 5 stars except that the first 30% was so slow that I put it down for two weeks before finishing it. When I did pick it up again, the next 10% made me so mad, I couldn't hardly sit down to keep reading. From there it was a roller coaster. Certainly not slow anymore!!
I have toyed with the idea of starting a Christian Fiction book club. If I ever do, this book will be on the list. There is so much to unpack.
I have toyed with the idea of starting a Christian Fiction book club. If I ever do, this book will be on the list. There is so much to unpack.
October 25, 2010
We all have things in our past we'd rather others didn't know; maybe not things as bad as what is in Micah's past, but things that are truly not indicative of who we are today. The question we all have to deal with is how much of who we were do we allow those who know us now to know--and if we find out about someone's past, what are we foolish to ignore, and what are we wrong if we don't? It's a hard decision, and it is a hard decision for Pamela, though Micah is shown to readers in a very sympathetic light.
I liked the characters and I liked the story, which could be heart-wrenching at times. Sometimes I thought the religious elements were a little much, too many people mentioning God/prayer etc. at times when it just didn't seem natural. We went to church and heard the sermon several times. In short, this is book is definitely there to promote a message. While I would have preferred a more subtle message, I did enjoy the book.
I liked the characters and I liked the story, which could be heart-wrenching at times. Sometimes I thought the religious elements were a little much, too many people mentioning God/prayer etc. at times when it just didn't seem natural. We went to church and heard the sermon several times. In short, this is book is definitely there to promote a message. While I would have preferred a more subtle message, I did enjoy the book.
November 11, 2010
It can be hard for some people to let go of their past but holding on to it can ruin their future. In Right Package Wrong Baggage by Wanda Campbell, Pamela Roberts finds out the hard way. Pamela is a loving mother and Christian who puts everything into raising her son while forgetting about herself.
Pamela’s son Matthew has a solution and his name is Micah Stevenson. Micah pursues a relationship with Pamela and soon realizes that she is his soul mate. Micah wants to move forward but he must first reveal his secret. Will Pamela accept all that Micah has to tell her?
Right Package Wrong Baggage is the compelling story of two people learning to move from their past to have a future. The author does an excellent job in expressing the raw emotion in each character. The underlining truth of this book will shock readers. I recommend this book to others.
Teresa Beasley
Authors & Readers Book Corner
Pamela’s son Matthew has a solution and his name is Micah Stevenson. Micah pursues a relationship with Pamela and soon realizes that she is his soul mate. Micah wants to move forward but he must first reveal his secret. Will Pamela accept all that Micah has to tell her?
Right Package Wrong Baggage is the compelling story of two people learning to move from their past to have a future. The author does an excellent job in expressing the raw emotion in each character. The underlining truth of this book will shock readers. I recommend this book to others.
Teresa Beasley
Authors & Readers Book Corner
January 21, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. It was refreshing to see that both characters had "baggage" and redemption was sought and obtained by both characters. I liked that it wasn't a man bashing novel but a true story of love and lessons learned.
August 30, 2023
This book was a great read! It moved quickly and I enjoyed the topic, which is something I’ve never seen in a book. The interesting thing was how the author decided to handle Micah’s past. I was really conflicted on this one. Micah didn’t willingly engage in that relationship, he was groomed. No one in the book seemed to have talked to Pamela about that even after what happened with Matthew and it was extremely frustrating. Pamela as a character really lost her sweetness after the way she treated Micah. After what happened with Matthew, I was hoping that Pamela would open up to Micah and apologize, instead she still treated him with contempt and that REALLY bothered me. She needed a bigger wake up call than the one she had. Regardless of her surprise about his past, she treated him horribly and her past trauma was not enough to justify her behavior. Micah was a sweet character and I was glad that he had such a great support system. I almost didn’t want him Pamela to get back together when they did. But I do love to see reconciliation so 🤷🏾♀️. Pamela never really redeemed herself in my eyes. This was still an amazing read, I just wish this sensitive topic was handled better than just everybody was past sin.
February 25, 2018
Baggage either breaks or builds
The book is preachy.
The book has some grammatical mistakes.
Some times, a scenario went on too long, when a quick paragraph was all that would have been necessary.
The package was neat and the bow was tied, quickly and neatly.
I would read this book again.
I am give the author 5 stars because of how the issues unfolded and were dealt with correctly by scripture.
The psychological process of healing many times takes longer than the spiritual outward healing. I was happy to see the author confront the two issues. This issue harm the church more than any other..judgement because I been changed while battering the person looking for Christian acceptance because the inner scares of the 'devoted' have not been reconciled with the outside facade.
I look forward to used this book older woman ministry.
I know Micah issues, are important...it's more important to confront any prejudices that will allow the 'Devoted' to judge anyone sin. Judge less we be judged. Love as Jesus loves us!!!
Great read, thought provoking and will present a moment to be your our assessor as to what your legacy will be when others stand to speak about you#
The book is preachy.
The book has some grammatical mistakes.
Some times, a scenario went on too long, when a quick paragraph was all that would have been necessary.
The package was neat and the bow was tied, quickly and neatly.
I would read this book again.
I am give the author 5 stars because of how the issues unfolded and were dealt with correctly by scripture.
The psychological process of healing many times takes longer than the spiritual outward healing. I was happy to see the author confront the two issues. This issue harm the church more than any other..judgement because I been changed while battering the person looking for Christian acceptance because the inner scares of the 'devoted' have not been reconciled with the outside facade.
I look forward to used this book older woman ministry.
I know Micah issues, are important...it's more important to confront any prejudices that will allow the 'Devoted' to judge anyone sin. Judge less we be judged. Love as Jesus loves us!!!
Great read, thought provoking and will present a moment to be your our assessor as to what your legacy will be when others stand to speak about you#
May 13, 2022
Excellent storyline. The book did have some typos and I didn’t like that the transitions from the different characters weren’t clearly separated but overall, this was a good book and well worth the read. Not at all what I was expecting.
February 27, 2011
I loved this book!
It tells the story of Pamela, a widow, and her 6-year-old son Matthew. Matthew has decided to give his mother a very special gift for Christmas: his basketball coach, Micah Stevenson. Micah and Pamela begin dating, and fall in love. Pam is ready for Micah to propose to her, and instead, one night he tells her something about his past that totally changes their relationship. Pamela has to decide if she can look past his former indiscretions, as well as some of the skeletons she's hidden in her own closet, and decide if she will let Micah into her family.
I was a little put off at the beginning of the story, which starts with Matthew giving Micah as a present. Micah and Pam had already met each other, and I'm so used to stories like this starting with the main characters seeing each other for the first time in the book. But Pam and Micah had already met, and Micah had been interested, but never acted on anything until Matthew decided to give him as a present.
I was totally shocked when I found out what Micah's secret was. I thought it would be something like dealing drugs or murder, or something like that. I give Micah major props for admitting it to Pam. Due to my own ignorance, after finding out his secret, I was ready to complete write him off myself and thought there was no way Pamela should be with him. But Micah actually ended up as my favorite character in the book. Very sympathetic character. I liked Pamela also, she reacted in the same way I would have. Her secret was a shock to me also, and I liked the growth she showed throughout the book. I was happy with the story's ending, and would even love to know more about what happens to Pam and Micah in the future.
I also enjoyed the minor characters in this book. I thought little Matthew was cute and not too annoying/grown like a lot of the little kids in books can be. The side story with the romance between Micah's friend AC and Pamela's friend Jessica, was cute, also and thankfully kept small and didn't take over the main story. Also, although this is Christian-fiction, it didn't get too overdrawn and preachy, but had a very good message.
I definitely recommend this book!!!
It tells the story of Pamela, a widow, and her 6-year-old son Matthew. Matthew has decided to give his mother a very special gift for Christmas: his basketball coach, Micah Stevenson. Micah and Pamela begin dating, and fall in love. Pam is ready for Micah to propose to her, and instead, one night he tells her something about his past that totally changes their relationship. Pamela has to decide if she can look past his former indiscretions, as well as some of the skeletons she's hidden in her own closet, and decide if she will let Micah into her family.
I was a little put off at the beginning of the story, which starts with Matthew giving Micah as a present. Micah and Pam had already met each other, and I'm so used to stories like this starting with the main characters seeing each other for the first time in the book. But Pam and Micah had already met, and Micah had been interested, but never acted on anything until Matthew decided to give him as a present.
I was totally shocked when I found out what Micah's secret was. I thought it would be something like dealing drugs or murder, or something like that. I give Micah major props for admitting it to Pam. Due to my own ignorance, after finding out his secret, I was ready to complete write him off myself and thought there was no way Pamela should be with him. But Micah actually ended up as my favorite character in the book. Very sympathetic character. I liked Pamela also, she reacted in the same way I would have. Her secret was a shock to me also, and I liked the growth she showed throughout the book. I was happy with the story's ending, and would even love to know more about what happens to Pam and Micah in the future.
I also enjoyed the minor characters in this book. I thought little Matthew was cute and not too annoying/grown like a lot of the little kids in books can be. The side story with the romance between Micah's friend AC and Pamela's friend Jessica, was cute, also and thankfully kept small and didn't take over the main story. Also, although this is Christian-fiction, it didn't get too overdrawn and preachy, but had a very good message.
I definitely recommend this book!!!
October 31, 2015
Quick and enjoyable read. Another good book dealing with homosexuality in the church.
Pamela & Micah's story is everyone's story. We all have a past we wished would remain there. You meet someone, you are both interested in one another, a relationship blossoms, then you find out the dirty on them. What do you do?
One thing I liked about this story is the integrity of the characters. Micah decides to come clean about his past not because he has to but, he wanted Pamela to know about the total package before she was neck deep in the relationship. Her reaction...unforgettable! I laughed so hard when she washed her face. As much as Micah's feelings were hurt, dude, how did you expect her to react??? If the tables were turned, how would he have taken it?
Pamela too, has a past that is less than ideal. She tells Micah about her insecurities and struggles not to let them cloud her way forward. But the skeletons are silently rattling in background, ready to make a comeback. Her son is her number one priority and how she handled weaning him off of Micah after the 'reveal' was commendable.
But, I had issues with the way Pamela sort of allowed her son to attach to men (Micah & the pedophile next door) - calling Micah 'my dad'; that he would give her Micah as a gift and she went along with it...didn't sit right with me. She allows people she doesn't quite know to watch & care for her son...a bit naive. I guess as a child he has the need for a male figure in his life but that doesn't mean go with everything he says or don't question people's intentions.
Overall, their journey back to one another and healing was an enjoyable read.
Pamela & Micah's story is everyone's story. We all have a past we wished would remain there. You meet someone, you are both interested in one another, a relationship blossoms, then you find out the dirty on them. What do you do?
One thing I liked about this story is the integrity of the characters. Micah decides to come clean about his past not because he has to but, he wanted Pamela to know about the total package before she was neck deep in the relationship. Her reaction...unforgettable! I laughed so hard when she washed her face. As much as Micah's feelings were hurt, dude, how did you expect her to react??? If the tables were turned, how would he have taken it?
Pamela too, has a past that is less than ideal. She tells Micah about her insecurities and struggles not to let them cloud her way forward. But the skeletons are silently rattling in background, ready to make a comeback. Her son is her number one priority and how she handled weaning him off of Micah after the 'reveal' was commendable.
But, I had issues with the way Pamela sort of allowed her son to attach to men (Micah & the pedophile next door) - calling Micah 'my dad'; that he would give her Micah as a gift and she went along with it...didn't sit right with me. She allows people she doesn't quite know to watch & care for her son...a bit naive. I guess as a child he has the need for a male figure in his life but that doesn't mean go with everything he says or don't question people's intentions.
Overall, their journey back to one another and healing was an enjoyable read.
November 12, 2010
I never would think that a young son would send her mom a man as a Christmas present. The relationship started good until Pamela heard Micah's secret while she had her own baggage she was carrying that she had to let go and accept his past for what it was PAST. I was glad when Pamela let go and got over Micah's past indiscretions. Yet, most women would have acted or responded like she did, although sometime she was over the top with it. Either love him and accept the man for who he is now, not what he was or let him go for good. Pamela made the best decision.
4.5/5 stars.
Adrienna Turner
www.adriennaturner.webs.com
www.dreams4more.com
4.5/5 stars.
Adrienna Turner
www.adriennaturner.webs.com
www.dreams4more.com
September 23, 2016
Ok
Whew, what a ride. Good Lord Mrs. Campbell. Don't get me wrong, it was good! What I love about Wanda B. Campbell is that she creates incredible books with awesome story lines that don't shy away from rawness of life. Her characters are real, believable, & imperfect like all people are. The relationships are realistic. The people have issues. Let's be honest, none of us become instantaneously performed fect when we become saved. We have to deal with sin too, and what we deal with is portrayed in her books. I love it. I will continue to read all she has to offer
Whew, what a ride. Good Lord Mrs. Campbell. Don't get me wrong, it was good! What I love about Wanda B. Campbell is that she creates incredible books with awesome story lines that don't shy away from rawness of life. Her characters are real, believable, & imperfect like all people are. The relationships are realistic. The people have issues. Let's be honest, none of us become instantaneously performed fect when we become saved. We have to deal with sin too, and what we deal with is portrayed in her books. I love it. I will continue to read all she has to offer
January 8, 2013
WOW!!! "Right Package Wrong Baggage" was such a Powerful powerful story! There were several times I laughed so hard, that Ms Helen was a hoot, kept it real. There were a lot of times I just wanted to hug Micah and tell him it was going to be okay, I have to admit Pamela made me mad some times!!!! The worship service (thumbs up). I honest enjoyed this book, it opened my eyes on a lot of issues. Thank You & May God continue to bless you! ohhhh and the Lil Matthew was too adorable a true angel
November 19, 2010
I liked it. It only took me a day to read (that only happens when I'm reading a good book). I had a feeling that the secret would be what it was; I was hoping that it wasn't so, but I'm happy with the way that things turned out. I know that God can deliver a repentant soul from anything. I was so scared for Matthew, though, that had me turning the pages. I knew something was up with that cat.
January 2, 2013
This book is truly original from the beginning when six-year-old Matthew gives his mother a special gift all the way through to the end. I am often disappointed when I am able to predict the end of a book halfway through, but this was NOT the case with "Right Package, Wrong Baggage." If you want a book that will challenge your thoughts on redemption and forgiveness, then this one is for you.
January 15, 2014
This was a great story of forgiveness, deliverance, and a true love story! I loved this book though it started off VERY SLOW, near the middle the story started to speed up and I couldn't put the book down! I thoroughly enjoyed reading, "Right Package, Wrong Baggage." Excellent novel! :)
December 7, 2011
Campbell challenges us to think about the decisions that we are faced with. We learn that sometimes love is not easy, but with God, all things are possible. Very interesting and real life concept.
July 18, 2012
Too predictable.
April 27, 2013
I enjoyed this book. I was surprised with what the baggage was. It was a trip and I liked how everything turned out.
Read
January 23, 2014Wow!
June 10, 2014
Very good! Author illustrates that we can not allow our past to define us , how unforgiveness can cripple us and with God all things are possible!
September 17, 2015
Great read. Her books deals with real issues and the way she presents them is just great.
January 27, 2016
Forgiveness & facing your own flaws is so overwhelming..,,good book.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews