BOOK REVIEW | Soul Matters
Soul Matters is Yolanda Tonette Sanders’ debut novel. Wendy Phillips is definitely living a blessed life when she finds out she is pregnant with her first child. Unfortunately, one phone call threatens to dampen her happiness with her husband Kevin. What seemed like a dream marriage has become a nightmare for the newlyweds as Wendy asks Kevin to move out. Wendy’s family is there to provide her support during her pregnancy, while her marriage hangs in the air. During this trying time, the once solid faith Wendy has relied on is tested.
Wendy’s sister, Kim, struggles with the Christian faith. As a mother with two children out of wedlock, she has been ostracized by those who called themselves Christians. One of Kim’s hard-nosed critics is her maternal grandmother, Frances, a bitter woman with a mean streak. As Kim observes Wendy’s continuous backsliding from her faith, she becomes more confused.
Standing in the gap between her judgmental mother and her two daughters is Marlene. Marlene and her husband have taken Frances into their home so she would not have to remain in a nursing home. With Frances meddling in Wendy’s marriage and needling Kim to an angry despair, Marlene tries to be the peacekeeper. Unknown to Marlene, keeping the peace with her mom will soon be very difficult as Frances’ long kept secret is unexpectantly revealed.
From start to finish this storyline flowed smoothly and the author did a wonderful job developing these three generations of women. Wendy was probably the character that frustrated me the most as a reader. Her separation from her husband and the ultimate spin-off of problems afterwards could have been avoided by ONE SIMPLE act. While I spent most of my reading experience upset with her, her character teaches readers especially women about acting on emotions versus praying through a situation and seeking God for the answer. As Wendy stayed focused on her emotions and assumptions her once solid faith slacked off thus causing her to make compromising decisions.
Kim was probably my favorite character because her development from the beginning to the end was encouraging. So many people don’t make that step toward accepting Christ because they simple do not see Christ represented in those who call themselves Christians. Her character brought up valid points and questions throughout the novel.
No doubt several themes have been well executed throughout the novel such as forgiveness, self-righteousness, honesty, communication and a host of other topics. This is a perfect read to take with you on the road this summer or anytime you need to sit back, relax and read.
