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Unconditional
Samantha Crawford, an acclaimed storybook artist, seemingly had it all until losing the love she cherished most. Now fighting despair, she is obsessed with tracking down the murderer of her husband. With no leads and no hope, Sam prepares to take her life until providence intervenes and she is reunited with her childhood friend, Joe Bradford.
Dying of kidney disease, Joe spends his last days serving fatherless children in an under resourced community. Observing Papa Joe’s tireless love for “his kids,” Sam begins to find new purpose until she comes face to face with her heart’s desire. The innocence and hope of a child competes with the lure of revenge in an effort to show Sam how, even in life’s darkest of circumstances, Love is above all.
Dying of kidney disease, Joe spends his last days serving fatherless children in an under resourced community. Observing Papa Joe’s tireless love for “his kids,” Sam begins to find new purpose until she comes face to face with her heart’s desire. The innocence and hope of a child competes with the lure of revenge in an effort to show Sam how, even in life’s darkest of circumstances, Love is above all.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 22, 2012
21 people are currently reading
510 people want to read
About the author
Eva Marie Everson
61 books361 followersEva Marie Everson is a best-selling, multiple award-winning author of both fiction and nonfiction. She is the CEO of Word Weavers International and the director of Florida Christian Writers Conference. She enjoys teaching and speaking at writers events across the US. Eva Marie was the 2022 recipient of the Yvonne Lehman Legacy Award and the 2022 recipient of the AWSA Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2023 her book, The Third Path, won the Golden Scroll Book of the Year.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
September 5, 2012
During the last week of Billy Crawford's life we learn what a wonderful life he and Samantha had.
Samantha, who wrote children's books, and Billy, who worked for the power company, lived on a farm near Nashville, Tennessee. They had two horses to ride, cows to milk, and chickens to feed. There was enough acreage to go camping together. Billy was her whole world and when his life was taken, hers began to end.
His death was sudden and violent, with no time to say goodbye. He'd been called out to a rough neighborhood called the Commons for an emergency power failure during a storm. The police assumed he was shot during a robbery attempt, but nothing appeared to have been taken.
Samantha lost her faith and her will to go on after Billy was killed. She couldn't finish the book she was working on, even though Billy had told her it would be her best yet. All she managed to do was to take care of the animals on their farm. Instead of drawing birds for her new book, she drew a faceless killer wearing a red hoodie, from the description of the suspect given to her by the police.
A year after Billy's death, at the insistence of her agent, she manages to get out of her self-imposed solitary confinement to attend an event where she was honored for a previous book. Instead of talking about her books, she starts telling the attendees about Billy and how he gave away two-dollar bills to strangers. This caused her to break into tears and run out of the building.
Two years after that, on another rainy night, Samantha drives Billy's old pickup truck to the spot where Billy died. She loads the pistol he kept in the glove compartment and prepares to end her life. Before she can pull the trigger, she hears a cry for help from a young boy. Unable to go on with her plan, she finds the boy and learns his sister, Keisha, was the victim of a hit-and-run accident. Samantha takes the injured child, and her brother Macon to the hospital in her truck. At the hospital, Samantha meets up with Joe Bradford, a childhood friend she'd lost contact with.
And so the story begins. And it is a wonderful story about how Samantha finds a reason for living after joining Joe in his effort to help underprivileged children in the Commons while giving her an opportunity to search for Billy's killer.
A movie by the same title, starring Lynn Collins as Samantha and Michael Ealy as Joe is scheduled for release September 21, 2012. The book is a novelization of the movie which is based on the life of a real person. Joe Bradford, out of prison for computer hacking with years tacked on for trying to save the life of a prisoner, has taken on the job of being the father he didn't have to the children in the Commons who had no fathers.
I was intrigued by the story from the beginning. Although I was most drawn to Samantha's story, Joe's story is strong, too. The important story is how the lives of these two people crossed at critical times. She saving him and he saving her. There were lots of tears throughout, but many tears of joy.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.
Samantha, who wrote children's books, and Billy, who worked for the power company, lived on a farm near Nashville, Tennessee. They had two horses to ride, cows to milk, and chickens to feed. There was enough acreage to go camping together. Billy was her whole world and when his life was taken, hers began to end.
His death was sudden and violent, with no time to say goodbye. He'd been called out to a rough neighborhood called the Commons for an emergency power failure during a storm. The police assumed he was shot during a robbery attempt, but nothing appeared to have been taken.
Samantha lost her faith and her will to go on after Billy was killed. She couldn't finish the book she was working on, even though Billy had told her it would be her best yet. All she managed to do was to take care of the animals on their farm. Instead of drawing birds for her new book, she drew a faceless killer wearing a red hoodie, from the description of the suspect given to her by the police.
A year after Billy's death, at the insistence of her agent, she manages to get out of her self-imposed solitary confinement to attend an event where she was honored for a previous book. Instead of talking about her books, she starts telling the attendees about Billy and how he gave away two-dollar bills to strangers. This caused her to break into tears and run out of the building.
Two years after that, on another rainy night, Samantha drives Billy's old pickup truck to the spot where Billy died. She loads the pistol he kept in the glove compartment and prepares to end her life. Before she can pull the trigger, she hears a cry for help from a young boy. Unable to go on with her plan, she finds the boy and learns his sister, Keisha, was the victim of a hit-and-run accident. Samantha takes the injured child, and her brother Macon to the hospital in her truck. At the hospital, Samantha meets up with Joe Bradford, a childhood friend she'd lost contact with.
And so the story begins. And it is a wonderful story about how Samantha finds a reason for living after joining Joe in his effort to help underprivileged children in the Commons while giving her an opportunity to search for Billy's killer.
A movie by the same title, starring Lynn Collins as Samantha and Michael Ealy as Joe is scheduled for release September 21, 2012. The book is a novelization of the movie which is based on the life of a real person. Joe Bradford, out of prison for computer hacking with years tacked on for trying to save the life of a prisoner, has taken on the job of being the father he didn't have to the children in the Commons who had no fathers.
I was intrigued by the story from the beginning. Although I was most drawn to Samantha's story, Joe's story is strong, too. The important story is how the lives of these two people crossed at critical times. She saving him and he saving her. There were lots of tears throughout, but many tears of joy.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.
July 24, 2015
Нешто како да ми недостасува во целата приказна, нешто недоречено, недовршено.Сепак, мотивот за да се напише приказната е тоа што пресуди на крај да ми се допадне книгава!
November 17, 2012
This book starts with a heart-wrenching story of a short-lived marriage between Billy and Samantha Crawford until a bullet took Billy’s life. Eva has written with clarity the life Samantha was living as a recluse after her husband died. It’s heart-rending, deep and personal. You can easily put yourself in her shoes as she drowns herself in grief. No one being able to pull her out of herself.
Before his death, she was a daydreaming children’s book writer. Her mischievous ways followed her into her marriage with Billy. The scenes are hilarious and have you relishing the scenes. The romance is exquisite!
While rescuing a young child hit by a car, Eva subsequently renews her friendship with her old friend, Joe Bradford, from grade school. Though both were shunned in school, they had become fast friends. He was African-American and she was Caucasian. Eva brings Samantha back to life through the life of Joe in ways one would never expect. It’s heartwarming and delightful.
This book, Unconditional, is a powerful story of love triumphing over tragedy. God is ever close throughout the circumstances–only a prayer away!
Before his death, she was a daydreaming children’s book writer. Her mischievous ways followed her into her marriage with Billy. The scenes are hilarious and have you relishing the scenes. The romance is exquisite!
While rescuing a young child hit by a car, Eva subsequently renews her friendship with her old friend, Joe Bradford, from grade school. Though both were shunned in school, they had become fast friends. He was African-American and she was Caucasian. Eva brings Samantha back to life through the life of Joe in ways one would never expect. It’s heartwarming and delightful.
This book, Unconditional, is a powerful story of love triumphing over tragedy. God is ever close throughout the circumstances–only a prayer away!
January 31, 2016
Unconditional by Eva Marie Everson
Samantha lost her husband, killed in a senseless murder. Sam prepares to end her life but doesn’t because of a child, then is reunited with her childhood friend, Joe Bradford.
The story begins.
My Thoughts:
I give a book a five-star rating when it has made an impact upon me. Unconditional is such a book. The characters will stay fresh in my mind for a long time.
Samantha’s pain must have been beyond human possibility. The nightmare of losing someone you love lurks in each person. For Samantha, the nightmare became reality, then became unbearable.
Joe entered her life at the right time and demonstrated a love that heals all wounds. Mix that with children and a perfect story is told.
Traveling to a Native American Reservation on Sundays, ministering to Native children, caused me to connect to the children in Unconditional. I understood the love Joe had for children.
I look forward to watching the movie Unconditional.
Samantha lost her husband, killed in a senseless murder. Sam prepares to end her life but doesn’t because of a child, then is reunited with her childhood friend, Joe Bradford.
The story begins.
My Thoughts:
I give a book a five-star rating when it has made an impact upon me. Unconditional is such a book. The characters will stay fresh in my mind for a long time.
Samantha’s pain must have been beyond human possibility. The nightmare of losing someone you love lurks in each person. For Samantha, the nightmare became reality, then became unbearable.
Joe entered her life at the right time and demonstrated a love that heals all wounds. Mix that with children and a perfect story is told.
Traveling to a Native American Reservation on Sundays, ministering to Native children, caused me to connect to the children in Unconditional. I understood the love Joe had for children.
I look forward to watching the movie Unconditional.
October 10, 2012
Reading this novelization of a screenplay is like getting the extended version DVD of the movie. The movie was awesome but left me with a few questions about the characters and what happened next. The novel answered those questions and more. This book and the movie are based on incidents from the life of Joe Bradford. He is affectionately called Papa Joe by the at-risk kids he works with. Joe changes the life of his childhood friend Samantha when they reconnect many years later. The murder of Sam's husband has left her desolate and hurting. The story takes the reader through the themes of forgiveness and healing. Lots of surprises as Sam longs to solve the mystery of who killed her husband.
January 19, 2019
I loved it :)
February 7, 2017
Als een jonge Amerikaanse vrouw na de dood van haar man het leven niet meer ziet zitten, ontmoet ze bij toeval een oude jeugdvriend die kansarme kinderen helpt en haar een nieuw levensdoel geeft. Dit boek is gebaseerd op ware gebeurtenissen. Het leest vlot weg. Er zat een plotwending in, die ik niet had verwacht. Het was spannend en ook een beetje treurig.
October 22, 2018
Easy read & understandably & some basic true story.
November 12, 2013
Unconditional is the novel by Eva Marie Everson that's based on the Christian drama film of the same name. The story is based on the true story of a man named Joe and his wife Denise who decided to make a difference in the lives of the low-income children of Nashville, TN. Their inspiring story gives others hope just as it does for the character Samantha in the novel.
Three years after the murder of Samantha's husband Billy, she find herself in the parking lot ready to succumb to the darkness when a shout for help breaks through that storm. A young girl named Keisha has been struck by a car that doesn't stop to help her. Sam drives Keisha and her brother Macon to the hospital. Before she's set to leave the hospital, she runs into a childhood friend, Samurai Joe.
Unconditional took only a few hours to read and should appeal to fans of Christian fiction with its message heavily geared towards the love of God and lots and lots of prayer. I often find that the message is what's most important so I don't grade higher or lower for the freqent God references or Hail Marys. The moving story of one family trying to make a difference in the lives of people who even the police had essentially counted out, is one worth reading.
On one hand, Sam is the quinessential person who seemingly would have a reason to smile. Sure it's devastating that she's lost her husband in such a violent manner, but she doesn't wake up to the constant reminder of life in the Commons projects. Death there is just as frequent but doesn't deter any of the children she meets from facing the day with a smile and the will to go on. To attempt to walk on the clouds.
Unconditional is a good read and I look forward to watching the movie now. The message of finding purpose and love again after all hope is gone is a powerful message for such a short book to handle but is done so with ease.
Copy provided by Netgalley
Three years after the murder of Samantha's husband Billy, she find herself in the parking lot ready to succumb to the darkness when a shout for help breaks through that storm. A young girl named Keisha has been struck by a car that doesn't stop to help her. Sam drives Keisha and her brother Macon to the hospital. Before she's set to leave the hospital, she runs into a childhood friend, Samurai Joe.
Unconditional took only a few hours to read and should appeal to fans of Christian fiction with its message heavily geared towards the love of God and lots and lots of prayer. I often find that the message is what's most important so I don't grade higher or lower for the freqent God references or Hail Marys. The moving story of one family trying to make a difference in the lives of people who even the police had essentially counted out, is one worth reading.
On one hand, Sam is the quinessential person who seemingly would have a reason to smile. Sure it's devastating that she's lost her husband in such a violent manner, but she doesn't wake up to the constant reminder of life in the Commons projects. Death there is just as frequent but doesn't deter any of the children she meets from facing the day with a smile and the will to go on. To attempt to walk on the clouds.
Unconditional is a good read and I look forward to watching the movie now. The message of finding purpose and love again after all hope is gone is a powerful message for such a short book to handle but is done so with ease.
Copy provided by Netgalley
September 20, 2012
I had been hearing buzz about the film for several months, so my curiosity was already piqued when I was asked if I had interest in reviewing the book. I have read several other books by Eva Marie Everson and knew I loved her style. I was not disappointed. Within the first paragraph, I was already drawn into the story and could not wait to find out what would happen next. I quickly learned to care about each of these characters and read the entire book that day.
The power of making the best use of your time and knowing God is with you each step of the way still awes me. I was also reminded of the quote I have seen in a variety of places: "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass...It's about learning to dance in the rain." (I have seen the quote attributed to several people). I don't want to give away anything in the book, but it is one of those that has numerous characters who strike a chord within me. It also one of the few I will give a top rating to simply because...several days later, I am still thinking about these people and comparing what changes I should make in my own life to live the life God wants me to live and make the best of the circumstances I am in.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review.
The power of making the best use of your time and knowing God is with you each step of the way still awes me. I was also reminded of the quote I have seen in a variety of places: "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass...It's about learning to dance in the rain." (I have seen the quote attributed to several people). I don't want to give away anything in the book, but it is one of those that has numerous characters who strike a chord within me. It also one of the few I will give a top rating to simply because...several days later, I am still thinking about these people and comparing what changes I should make in my own life to live the life God wants me to live and make the best of the circumstances I am in.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review.
September 11, 2015
Where do I begin , what can I say about Eva Marie Everson's book " Unconditional". It was heart wrenching and eye opening. Why can't we live in a world with unconditional love? Why is there evil? You go out to do something to help someone and evil raises its ugly and head and takes your life. That is what happened to Billy-- a man full of love and ready to spread it to anyone he met. I was pulled into this story from the very beginning. I love Eva's style of writing and how her descriptions of the characters are brought to life. As with any "good read" you are pulled into the story and you become a part of it. Love is amazing when you open your heart to it. God loves us unconditionally. We continue to mess things up and He continues to forgive and love us no matter what. "CAIN'T NOTHING OUTSHINE LOVE". I really felt this book in my heart and totally recommend it to everyone to read.
August 16, 2013
A very touching story that made me cry. The author evokes readers' feelings and emotions. The main character loses her husband and discovers a childhood friend. She's lost, lonely, and broken after shedding enough tears to dry her soul, but when she's just about to give up, she finds she still has a purpose, though not the one she'd originally planned. The short novel weaves a pattern and illustrates how people in real life touch each other, sometimes when we're not even aware of it. I loved Papa Joe. This book is based on a true story, and the story illustrates unconditional love. It also demonstrates how appearances can be so deceiving, just as in real life. I'm glad I didn't miss this one. It's a touching love story in more ways than one. Eva Marie Everson is one of my favorite authors, and I'm honored that she was also my writing mentor.
June 5, 2016
I loved reading this story after I watched the movie. The book adds a little more to the fullness of the story, but follows the movie very well. Eva Marie Everson knows how to beautifully describe a scene and portray depth of feeling. I felt like I was living the story with Sam, the main character, and I felt what she felt. This story of loss, love, and hope will stay with me for a long time. Of course, I would love a story about an artist/writer. The themes of love and renewal have etched a place in my heart. Walk above the clouds!
September 5, 2012
This was a quick read with a very good storyline. It will keep you turning pages, and at times, it can tug at your heart. Through the book, you will witness Joe and Sam (Samantha) go through their seperate struggles, but they succeed in the end...finding purpose, love and joy. It was easy to picture Michael Ealy in the lead role. I am looking forward to seeing the movie.
March 17, 2014
The main character, Samantha Crawford, really drew me in. Her road from tragedy to a deeper faith was a joy to read. I love Eva Marie Everson's stories and this is one of her best.
June 2, 2015
This book is so dramatic and beautiful that I can't find something to dislike.
Couldn't guess the main twist and that makes me happy :)
Couldn't guess the main twist and that makes me happy :)
September 27, 2015
A quick read with a heart wrenching story of love, loss, friendship, faith and hope. No matter where you are in life, this book has a life lesson for you. Read it :)
August 13, 2017
This book was so good 👍🏽I loved it ❤️ it was a tear jerker though 😭
September 8, 2021
Unconditional by Eva Marie Everson is based on a movie by the same name, which in turn was based on true events.
Samantha Crawford loves her life, living on a ranch with her beloved husband, Billy, riding her horses, and writing and sketching children’s books.
Then tragedy strikes. Billy is gunned down in an alley in a poor part of town.
Samantha loses her belief in God’s love and goodness. She doesn’t write any more.
At her lowest point, Samantha encounters a child hurt by a hit-and-run driver. Taking the child and the child’s brother to the hospital, Samantha runs into one of the children’s neighbors—her best from from school, Joe Bradford.
As Samantha reconnects with Joe, she learns he has kidney disease. But he spends his time ministering to the children in his neighborhood. He and his girlfriend, Denise, provide after-school snacks, attention, affirmation, and encouragement. But Joe’s time is running out unless he can get a kidney transplant.
Observing Joe’s simple faith and ministry, Samantha’s heart starts to warm again. But she’s also driven to find her husband’s murderer, convinced that the police have given up on the case. And she thinks she just may have found him—in Joe’s neighborhood.
I had not heard of the movie, but picked up this book on a Kindle sale because I had enjoyed some of Eva Marie Everson’s books. I didn’t know when I started reading it that it was based on a true story. “Papa Joe” Bradford started Elijah’s Heart to aid at-risk children.
Finding out the story was true made it even more heart-warming and inspirational than it already was. In an interview, Joe Bradford says about 97% of film is true to his life and the Samantha character is a composite of different friends.
Samantha Crawford loves her life, living on a ranch with her beloved husband, Billy, riding her horses, and writing and sketching children’s books.
Then tragedy strikes. Billy is gunned down in an alley in a poor part of town.
Samantha loses her belief in God’s love and goodness. She doesn’t write any more.
At her lowest point, Samantha encounters a child hurt by a hit-and-run driver. Taking the child and the child’s brother to the hospital, Samantha runs into one of the children’s neighbors—her best from from school, Joe Bradford.
As Samantha reconnects with Joe, she learns he has kidney disease. But he spends his time ministering to the children in his neighborhood. He and his girlfriend, Denise, provide after-school snacks, attention, affirmation, and encouragement. But Joe’s time is running out unless he can get a kidney transplant.
Observing Joe’s simple faith and ministry, Samantha’s heart starts to warm again. But she’s also driven to find her husband’s murderer, convinced that the police have given up on the case. And she thinks she just may have found him—in Joe’s neighborhood.
I had not heard of the movie, but picked up this book on a Kindle sale because I had enjoyed some of Eva Marie Everson’s books. I didn’t know when I started reading it that it was based on a true story. “Papa Joe” Bradford started Elijah’s Heart to aid at-risk children.
Finding out the story was true made it even more heart-warming and inspirational than it already was. In an interview, Joe Bradford says about 97% of film is true to his life and the Samantha character is a composite of different friends.
February 22, 2018
Such a beautiful piece of writing. Straight to the point. I slept at 2am reading and had to force myself to put it away so I could get some rest for work that morning. Read it on my break and continued reading it after work. Got my brother to drive home so I could finish it and Of course cried a few times lol tears of joy for most of the story.
I found it amazing how they crossed paths at such perfect times for them both. I’m a huge believer in prayer being so powerful. This was proof. It really is the most powerful weapon. God has the best plans for us all and this story was proof of that. There’s times in my life where something happens and I just sit there in awe of how amazing my God is. Wow.
Now that I’ve finished reading this book, I’m off to watch the movie in hopes it’s as good as the book 🤗
I found it amazing how they crossed paths at such perfect times for them both. I’m a huge believer in prayer being so powerful. This was proof. It really is the most powerful weapon. God has the best plans for us all and this story was proof of that. There’s times in my life where something happens and I just sit there in awe of how amazing my God is. Wow.
Now that I’ve finished reading this book, I’m off to watch the movie in hopes it’s as good as the book 🤗
November 4, 2017
This novel appeared simple and refreshing but it sure did pull at my heart strings, making me tear up while reading it during my commute, that several times I wondered if people would be startled by my tears.
Lovely when novels like these are made, since they reflect one's life and how easy one can lose their faith and how it's possible to gain it.
I liked that the fact that no particular religions were highlighted, if any were I can't remember, which means that this novel can appeal to a lot of different people.
Wouldn't mind seeing this movie though.
Lovely when novels like these are made, since they reflect one's life and how easy one can lose their faith and how it's possible to gain it.
I liked that the fact that no particular religions were highlighted, if any were I can't remember, which means that this novel can appeal to a lot of different people.
Wouldn't mind seeing this movie though.
December 21, 2017
EXCELLENT READ! BEAUTIFUL NOVEL!! I enjoyed this book and the wonderful story of hope, friendship, healing, and restoration that took place in this novel. At first, I was thinking I was not going to enjoy this book because I saw the movie already and I kind of knew how the story ends, however this book took me on a journey that I was not expecting and I could not wait to turn the page even though I already knew the ending! Great READ!
January 13, 2022
3.75*
This one was worth picking up. Based loosely on true events made it even more enjoyable. Will now need to see the movie. I'll also need to see if Eva Marie Everson has written anything else, she is now on my radar.
This one was worth picking up. Based loosely on true events made it even more enjoyable. Will now need to see the movie. I'll also need to see if Eva Marie Everson has written anything else, she is now on my radar.
April 8, 2023
This is such a beautiful story! It is a wonderful reminder of how God works things in our lives. I haven't read a book that moved me like this one for a long time! A new-to-me author but I will definitely be reading more!
July 1, 2017
Great fiction which lots of mystery. Heartfelt characters
September 6, 2019
A heartwarming and a very inspiring story.
Excellent!
Excellent!
April 4, 2020
This is the most inspirational book I've read this year and no one who reads it will regret picking it up
June 21, 2020
Read this book as a place to start in understanding just a few of the differences among the races. A powerful story.
January 2, 2022
A moving story, based on real life events, that glorify God and remind us He is always with us. Love one another! ❤
March 8, 2025
Absolutely beautiful story
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews