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Still Divas #1
And You Call Yourself a Christian (Still Divas) by E.N. Joy
Out of all the divas at New Day Temple of Faith, Unique has to be the most colorful one--she and her mother Lorain, that is. Never one to hold her tongue in the name of keepin' it real, it's no surprise that Unique has not been saved all her life. It's safe to say that Lorain wasn't born on the church pew either. Let the church folk tell it, the apple hasn't fallen too far from the tree when it comes to Unique.
Lorain--once known as the tight skirt, V-neck blouse, too much makeup-wearing leader of the New Day Singles Ministry--claims she's there to look out for her daughter and try to keep her in check. But how in the world does Lorain think she can even begin to keep her daughter on the straight and narrow with her own crooked life?
Some might say Lorain has failed miserably as a mother when Unique ends up in jail for three counts of murder. One who would agree is the woman who raised Unique while Lorain was out living her life freely. As an all-out war takes place between Unique's birth mother and the woman who raised her, will Unique have any support while she fights for her life behind bars? Will all forsake her while they are too busy with their own agendas? Only God holds the answer to this one.
Lorain--once known as the tight skirt, V-neck blouse, too much makeup-wearing leader of the New Day Singles Ministry--claims she's there to look out for her daughter and try to keep her in check. But how in the world does Lorain think she can even begin to keep her daughter on the straight and narrow with her own crooked life?
Some might say Lorain has failed miserably as a mother when Unique ends up in jail for three counts of murder. One who would agree is the woman who raised Unique while Lorain was out living her life freely. As an all-out war takes place between Unique's birth mother and the woman who raised her, will Unique have any support while she fights for her life behind bars? Will all forsake her while they are too busy with their own agendas? Only God holds the answer to this one.
Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
53 people are currently reading
350 people want to read
About the author
E.N. Joy
37 books289 followersBLESSEDselling Author E. N. Joy is the writer behind the five book series, “New Day Divas,” the “Still Divas” three book series, the “Always Divas” three book series, and the "Forever Divas" three book series, all which have been coined “Soap Operas In Print.” Formerly writing secular works under the names Joylynn M. Jossel and JOY, this award winning author has been sharing her literary expertise on conference panels in her home town of Columbus, Ohio and cities across the country as well as instructing literary workshops.
Joy writes children’s and middle grade titles under the name N. Joy. Her children’s story, The Secret Olivia Told Me, received the American Library Association Coretta Scott King Honor. Book club rights were acquired by Scholastic Books and the book has sold almost 100,000 copies. Elementary and middle school children have fallen in love with reading and creative writing as a result of the readings and workshops Joy instructs in schools nationwide.
The former acquisitions editor for a decade for Urban Christian, an imprint of Urban Books in which the titles are distributed by Kensington Publishing Corporation, Joy is now a freelance editor. In addition, Joy is the artistic developer for a young girl group named DJHK Gurls. Joy pens original songs for the group that deal with messages that affect today’s youth, such as bullying.
Joy writes children’s and middle grade titles under the name N. Joy. Her children’s story, The Secret Olivia Told Me, received the American Library Association Coretta Scott King Honor. Book club rights were acquired by Scholastic Books and the book has sold almost 100,000 copies. Elementary and middle school children have fallen in love with reading and creative writing as a result of the readings and workshops Joy instructs in schools nationwide.
The former acquisitions editor for a decade for Urban Christian, an imprint of Urban Books in which the titles are distributed by Kensington Publishing Corporation, Joy is now a freelance editor. In addition, Joy is the artistic developer for a young girl group named DJHK Gurls. Joy pens original songs for the group that deal with messages that affect today’s youth, such as bullying.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
April 7, 2012
And You Call Yourself a Christian is a novel that showcases Unique and Lorain who attend New Day Temple of Faith Church and the reader is able to see how the title fits these two ladies so well. Unique undergoes so many trials and tests to see if she will uphold her Christian faith and beliefs, also being questioned during the most trying times. Lorain, her biological mother, but Mother Number Two in Korica's eyes since she raised her after the foster mother let her go, is also shaken up with her relationship with Nicholas then her daughters ordeal that takes her to jail for two separate charges. Korica and Lorain have a verbal battle on who is considered as Unique true mother, and how is Lorain a Christian based on her past. Korica constantly reminds and throws Lorain's past in her face, also wondering if her church knows of her past actions in reference to Unique. Korica's signature line in the book, "A Christian sitting up in church crying out 'Holy, holy,' when you ain't nothing but a ho, ho" (page 220).
Another character that is also challenged on his Christian faith is Lorain's fiance, Nicholas, who doesn't really go to church anymore but believes in God. This reminds me of my father, who is tired of people playing church and not realizing they are the church themselves...not the building which is a place of worship and being united with other members of the body of Christ. I loved how Nicholas' sister recognized his calling in him aside from his physician position which he blew her off by saying "stop prophesying" in so many words.
Overall, Unique and Lorain are challenged to prove they are Christians based on people's viewpoint of what a Christian should look or act like, circumstances, and incidents.
Another character that is also challenged on his Christian faith is Lorain's fiance, Nicholas, who doesn't really go to church anymore but believes in God. This reminds me of my father, who is tired of people playing church and not realizing they are the church themselves...not the building which is a place of worship and being united with other members of the body of Christ. I loved how Nicholas' sister recognized his calling in him aside from his physician position which he blew her off by saying "stop prophesying" in so many words.
Overall, Unique and Lorain are challenged to prove they are Christians based on people's viewpoint of what a Christian should look or act like, circumstances, and incidents.
January 15, 2013
Unique and her mother Lorain have become mother and daughter again after having a shaky past with each other. Even though neither of these women been in the church all their life, they are now living for the Lord. However, obstacles come into their lives that make others state "And you call yourself a Christian". After Unique is charged with murder and the woman who raised her constantly letting her know what her place is in Unique's life these women began to wonder if they could really be called Christians.
This was my first read by the author and I thoroughly enjoyed it. This did not come across preachy, instead it told a story based on how Christians actually react to situations. The one thing I wish there was more of is an actual closure to the Nicholas and Lorain situation. I kind of wish there was more at the end about them. I will be continuing with this series.
This was my first read by the author and I thoroughly enjoyed it. This did not come across preachy, instead it told a story based on how Christians actually react to situations. The one thing I wish there was more of is an actual closure to the Nicholas and Lorain situation. I kind of wish there was more at the end about them. I will be continuing with this series.
July 12, 2016
This book was good. I had to shake my head at unique at the end like really? If only you knew. I hope her adopted mother tell her before they do this custody thing, and Nicholas talks to Lorraine because she is shady for to me a Christian but they are some shady ungrateful Christians. Like Unique lost, her boys at least Lorraine could've give Unique chance to see the girls jeez I can't wait to read part 2 well listen to it
January 18, 2013
Man if we just have the faith that Lorain had to know that EVERYTHING works out good for those who love the Lord. She faced obstacle after obstacle, sometimes questioning God but never gave up her faith.
July 4, 2013
I could not put this book down..It can be a witnessing tool on just how great the Lord is no matter how horrible the situation. I loved how the author wrote the story so the reader could not assume what would happen next. I will read more works by this author.
September 20, 2012
This was a great read it was a very sad read but I love the outcome towards the end!!!!
December 19, 2012
I loved this book.it gives you Faith to always Trust God not Man
November 18, 2012
First time reading from this author and I really enjoy her work. On to the next one....
April 29, 2012
A Badge of Honor
What God has joined together let no man put asunder. Lorraine and Unique had been forced to work together on the singles ministry. Though different, the ladies began to talk, learn more about the other, and the respect for the other came natural. What they would later find out, that Unique is Lorraine's biological daughter, further solidified their bond. When Unique, a mother of three, learns that she's pregnant again, and this time with twins, she and Lorraine decide that Lorraine will raise the girls as hers. This is great news for all involved. Unique is still trying to make things work for her and her three sons and Lorraine finally gets the chance to be a mother, well a new mother.
Life is pretty much going well. Nicholas, Lorraine's boyfriend, has proposed. She fears that he may be too good to be true. She keeps praying that he is the one, but her past keeps insisting that she is unworthy of a good man. Not to mention that he is not saved.
Unique has decided that she's tired of begging for scraps from her boys' dads. She's going to make sure that they understand that she didn't have children on her own and force them to chip in their fair share. Though her Mary Kay sales are going well, she still needs help.
Just as Lorraine has made up her mind for happily ever after, and Unique has decided to take the law in her own hands, life happened. Unique is in jail and Lorraine is trying to figure out how to help. When she meets Korica, the woman that raised Unique, she feels anything but gratitude. Soon the two are involved in all kinds of tit for tat and trying to best the other in the eyes of Unique.
God has a way of bringing out testimonies from tests and making a message out of a mess. Despite all that these two have gone through, will they continue to trust God at his word? Or will they both walk in fear?
E.N. Joy has held my interest since the very first title in the "Divas" series. I really appreciate how you get to witness Christians trying, despite heartache, pain and fear, to manage everyday life. I look forward to reading the next book in the STILL DIVAS SERIES.
Reviewed by: Crystal
What God has joined together let no man put asunder. Lorraine and Unique had been forced to work together on the singles ministry. Though different, the ladies began to talk, learn more about the other, and the respect for the other came natural. What they would later find out, that Unique is Lorraine's biological daughter, further solidified their bond. When Unique, a mother of three, learns that she's pregnant again, and this time with twins, she and Lorraine decide that Lorraine will raise the girls as hers. This is great news for all involved. Unique is still trying to make things work for her and her three sons and Lorraine finally gets the chance to be a mother, well a new mother.
Life is pretty much going well. Nicholas, Lorraine's boyfriend, has proposed. She fears that he may be too good to be true. She keeps praying that he is the one, but her past keeps insisting that she is unworthy of a good man. Not to mention that he is not saved.
Unique has decided that she's tired of begging for scraps from her boys' dads. She's going to make sure that they understand that she didn't have children on her own and force them to chip in their fair share. Though her Mary Kay sales are going well, she still needs help.
Just as Lorraine has made up her mind for happily ever after, and Unique has decided to take the law in her own hands, life happened. Unique is in jail and Lorraine is trying to figure out how to help. When she meets Korica, the woman that raised Unique, she feels anything but gratitude. Soon the two are involved in all kinds of tit for tat and trying to best the other in the eyes of Unique.
God has a way of bringing out testimonies from tests and making a message out of a mess. Despite all that these two have gone through, will they continue to trust God at his word? Or will they both walk in fear?
E.N. Joy has held my interest since the very first title in the "Divas" series. I really appreciate how you get to witness Christians trying, despite heartache, pain and fear, to manage everyday life. I look forward to reading the next book in the STILL DIVAS SERIES.
Reviewed by: Crystal
May 19, 2018
This book was indeed a test of faith for the characters. I honestly felt I was on a journey with them as they dealt with their struggles (physically, spiritually, and mentally). This book makes you think about how much faith do you have if you faced unforeseeable circumstances. The Christian principles are throughout the book, but it is not "churchy" (I am sure it is not a word).
Without giving away the plot, Lorrain and Unique, mother and daughter, are tempted with various obstacles. Lorrain has several secrets that she hopes does not come to light. Unique faces traumatic life events because she was not living her best life. Korica raised Unique and does not approve of this new relationship between her daughter and Lorrain. You have to read to find out why! Korica continually reminds them about their so-called "Christianity" even if the crudeness leads to isolating someone.
There are other characters as well such as Renee, Nicholas, and cannot forget Eleanor who indirectly impacts their decision making. Must read!
Without giving away the plot, Lorrain and Unique, mother and daughter, are tempted with various obstacles. Lorrain has several secrets that she hopes does not come to light. Unique faces traumatic life events because she was not living her best life. Korica raised Unique and does not approve of this new relationship between her daughter and Lorrain. You have to read to find out why! Korica continually reminds them about their so-called "Christianity" even if the crudeness leads to isolating someone.
There are other characters as well such as Renee, Nicholas, and cannot forget Eleanor who indirectly impacts their decision making. Must read!
September 28, 2012
This was such an interesting read from start to finish. I was curious to see what happened to Unique. I'm glad she was finally freed, but look what all she had to go thru. Those two mothers of hers were a trip. They were only thinking of themselves. It shocked me when she wanted to sign the girls over to Lorain. I would recommend this book to anyone it is a two thumbs up novel. September 27, 2012
February 8, 2013
Quick and easy read. Still thinking about Lorain's actions towards her daughter Unique in regards to the twins. I feel very conflicted about it. Also wondering if Nicholas can really let go of the fact that Lorain somewhat tricked him into marriage.
June 27, 2012
I'm glad the ending was a happy one.
December 28, 2012
Totally enjoyed this book. E.N. Joy is a Christian writer indeed.
Read
March 21, 2013awesome
August 18, 2013
Unique is a believable character. This book reminds us that being a Christian does not exempt anyone from adversity.
July 24, 2013
What a great story. Unique's plight was inspirational.
March 21, 2012
Not what I expected.....
August 21, 2012
Another good book by her! Ready to move on to the next one!
February 24, 2024
And You Call Yourself a Christian by E.N. Joy
²Still Divas #1
related series: ¹New Day Divas, ³Always Divas, ⁴Forever Divas
384-page Kindle Ebook [Location Only] 3292
Genre: Christian Fiction
Featuring: Author's Bibliography, Columbus, Ohio; Mary Kay Representative, Single Mothers, Adoption, Child Death, Prison, Legal Woes, Birth Mother, Drug Dealers, Church-Folk, Discussion Questions
Rating as a movie: PG-15/R for adult content
Songs for the soundtrack: "Baby Mama" by Fantasia, "It's Goin' Down" by Yung Joc, "Cheers Theme" by Gary Portnoy and Judy Hart-Angelo
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️½⛪️💄👩🏿🍼
My thoughts: 🔖44% Location 1433 of 3292 Chapter Seventeen - I don't like this writing style at all, it's very conversational and goes back in forth telling you things are going to happen long before they do. I also feel like I'm in the middle of a series although this is book 1.
The reason it reads like the middle of a series is because it is the follow-up of a series. This author previously wrote "secular books" as Joylynn M. Jossel and JOY, which explains why this reads like censored Urban Fiction. I wasn't a fan of the telling and alluding writing style and several passages were repetitive but I'm somewhat interested in what's next for Lorain, Unique, and Korica I got all 3 books before starting this one so I'm going to finish the series, but I'm not likely going to read the previous series since this one has several spoilers for it.
Recommend to others: Maybe. If you're into messy Urban Christian Fiction this is along that borderline without jumping into the pot, but a few toes get in.
Still Divas
1. And You Call Yourself a Christian (2012)
2. The Perfect Christian (2012)
3. The Sunday Only Christian (2012)
²Still Divas #1
related series: ¹New Day Divas, ³Always Divas, ⁴Forever Divas
384-page Kindle Ebook [Location Only] 3292
Genre: Christian Fiction
Featuring: Author's Bibliography, Columbus, Ohio; Mary Kay Representative, Single Mothers, Adoption, Child Death, Prison, Legal Woes, Birth Mother, Drug Dealers, Church-Folk, Discussion Questions
Rating as a movie: PG-15/R for adult content
Songs for the soundtrack: "Baby Mama" by Fantasia, "It's Goin' Down" by Yung Joc, "Cheers Theme" by Gary Portnoy and Judy Hart-Angelo
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️½⛪️💄👩🏿🍼
My thoughts: 🔖44% Location 1433 of 3292 Chapter Seventeen - I don't like this writing style at all, it's very conversational and goes back in forth telling you things are going to happen long before they do. I also feel like I'm in the middle of a series although this is book 1.
The reason it reads like the middle of a series is because it is the follow-up of a series. This author previously wrote "secular books" as Joylynn M. Jossel and JOY, which explains why this reads like censored Urban Fiction. I wasn't a fan of the telling and alluding writing style and several passages were repetitive but I'm somewhat interested in what's next for Lorain, Unique, and Korica I got all 3 books before starting this one so I'm going to finish the series, but I'm not likely going to read the previous series since this one has several spoilers for it.
Recommend to others: Maybe. If you're into messy Urban Christian Fiction this is along that borderline without jumping into the pot, but a few toes get in.
Still Divas
1. And You Call Yourself a Christian (2012)
2. The Perfect Christian (2012)
3. The Sunday Only Christian (2012)
December 29, 2020
This is the story of a newly saved single mother, Unique. She's trying to provide a good life for her sons. It's hard raising three boys alone. The book highlights the ups and downs in Unique's life. When the unimaginable happens, her faith is tested. This book had took me through a lot of emotions. I'm not a crybaby but ummmm you get the point. I would recommend this book. It is Christian fiction but it was very realistic and not preachy.
EyeCU Reading Approved and Recommended
EyeCU Reading Approved and Recommended
May 16, 2017
Still Divas Book One was a great follow-up on the New Day Diva Series. Starting off with Unique was definitely worth the time to read, unfortunate events happened but it still turned around for her :-)
Can't wait to see what other events will occur as I'm sure there's more to come with her life.....
Can't wait to see what other events will occur as I'm sure there's more to come with her life.....
September 9, 2018
Hard To Get Through
I chose this rating because this was one of the most boring books I've read. I accidently read it twice because I forgot that I read it the first time. Once I start reading it I didn't want to start something and not finish it and I thought maybe it's better the second time around. WRONG! Sorry E.N.Joy but I'm keeping it honest
I chose this rating because this was one of the most boring books I've read. I accidently read it twice because I forgot that I read it the first time. Once I start reading it I didn't want to start something and not finish it and I thought maybe it's better the second time around. WRONG! Sorry E.N.Joy but I'm keeping it honest
July 24, 2018
Take a look.
To God be the Glory. What a wonderful thought provoking novel. There was no area of life, left unturned. Most of all, you could see God’s presence throughout the entire book.
To God be the Glory. What a wonderful thought provoking novel. There was no area of life, left unturned. Most of all, you could see God’s presence throughout the entire book.
December 3, 2017
Great read
October 9, 2018
God is an on time God! We just have to wait! His time is not our time, but He's always on time!
February 13, 2019
Looooooveeeed it
I Looooooveeeed it and I all E.N Joy books. One of the best collection I have of books so far.
I Looooooveeeed it and I all E.N Joy books. One of the best collection I have of books so far.
September 30, 2020
I loved loved this book and this author
I love the story line and her style of writing. I love how she keeps it real life and relatable with every character and situations in life.
I love the story line and her style of writing. I love how she keeps it real life and relatable with every character and situations in life.
June 2, 2021
Finished. An emotional roller coaster that kept my attention
Read
March 13, 2023Page-turner; gripping drama; like a soap-opera that you cannot tear away from
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews