Hello Ready Readers,
Okay, Okay... I know this is coming a bit late, but please forgive me. I am just now finding the time to sit down and get my bearings together. I'd like to personally thank all of you who were able to make it to the launch. Your presence helped to make the event a huge success. Kudos to you! For those of you who were unable to attend, thank you for buying the book. Your support means so much. If you have not yet gotten your copy, to you I say, "What are you waiting for!" www.readywriteriam.com
So, let's talk about Sabrina and Eric. What did you all think? Did you like the way their story ended or would you have preferred them to go off in different directions? I have heard very mixed perspectives from men and women alike, but I would like to have everyone participate in an open forum/discussion.
I'd like to hear about your likes and dislikes.
What made you laugh, cry or angry?
Did you see a part of yourself in Sabrina or any other character?
Is there someone you need to forgive or perhaps you may need someone to forgive you?
Have you already experienced your night before dawn? If yes, in what way?
Can't wait to hear from you all...
Regards,
Author Roschelle
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Ok....this blew me away. I don't read novels, but I was immediately caught up into this amazing story. As a deeply rooted Christian, I wasn't sure how to accept what began as a real, true to life senario which brought me into a world of "the world", which would inevitably be contrasted by an absolutely captivating, emotion- filled transformation; which was evident of God's healing and restoring power released.
ReplyDeleteA lesson learned from this book is when we let our will become God's will, then we will be liberated in our mind and emotions, and ultimately our soul.
What touched me? What didn't touch me. The unfortunate loss of physical life...the transfer of a renewed spiritual life....past hurts...future joy...What more can I say. If I have not experience my "Dawn" as yet, I have certainly realized that it will take my
relationship with Jesus Christ to achieve this.
This book has blown my mind. Roschelle McKenzie is quickly making her way up the ladder to my "favorite writer" section.
ReplyDeleteThe two major things I love about this book and Roschelle's writing in general is how she managed to humanize--and not demonize-- each and every character. From the sweet-hearted, homicidal grandmother, Grandie, to the unfaithful friend and fiance, Eric and Monique. Roschelle shows us an x-ray that looks beyond each person's actions and sees their souls.
Secondly, I love how this book challenged my level of forgiveness. I found myself happy--in fact, gleefully chuckling as Grandie's murderous plot is unveiled. What's up with that? I may need to get counselling. LOL! When you read the book, and for those who have read the book, you know why. I'm sure you were happy too-- don't front! I digress.
I also found myself angry when Sabrina offered forgiveness to Monique who pushed her down.... I won't give the story away. Anyhow, this book is powerful because it will speak to every reader who will ever lay eyes on it.
Ok... I finish reading the book. woo!!! great novel and true to life drama.
ReplyDeleteI had bitter sweet moments in the story. I was also sad when Monique had what is seem as her so call "revenge", also the sad story of how Bri and Melvin came into this world,but everyone has a purpose being here, Melvin had his.
I also see from this novel and know for a fact that as parent we should make wise decisions when having kids.Monique's son is abnormal for life and she is still "FLIRTING"
at the end of the day the kids are the ones who suffer.
All in all the amazing way how God can heal our broken hearts,familes friend and put our lives back in order.
May the lord touch your hands and heart Rochelle, as a readywriter and I'll be ready to read.
ps. I need me a Eric but I dont need a Monique. LOL!!!
I believe this book touched on many facets in life that one person can experience. Love, Joy, Pain, and Brokeness. Sabrina showed me that when you wait upon the Lord he does renew your strength. She was able to conquer the many fears that she had. Everything turned around for her good, and came full circle.. All the broken pieces of her life that were shattered, God simply put them back together. Her growth throught out the book was well written. I enjoyed the times that she found herself, found her purpose. The insecurities that she had at the beginning of the book disappeared as she gained strength along the way. I was pleased with the ending. It should that all things are possible with God. Never limit him!!
ReplyDeleteFirst and foremost I must congratulate you on a very well written book. From the very first page my interest was hooked. I didn't put the book down until I finished it (that's a lie, I had to bathe the little one..) But I did finish it in about 5.5 hours.
ReplyDeleteI related to "Bri" on so many levels, especially the turning away of friends, strangers and family when they talked about Jesus (I'm not like that anymore..I will talk about Jesus all day now)..
I felt her pain and her distress in everything she was going through and I felt as though all of the characters were real. Days later I still think about how they are all doing...that is powerful when you read a book and have a connection with the characters.
The Holy Spirit is definately evident through your work and I pray that everyone who reads it will be inspired to seek God when life is good or bad.
The book also made me realize that there is so much more that I need to be doing as a Christian and that there is nothing but happiness when you keep God in your life. It showed me that NO matter what...God will see us through.
I can NOT wait until your next release because I know it will be just as good or better.
I encourage you to keep your faith and to keep being about the Fathers business..You have been blessed with a gift and the world is ready to receive it.
Be blessed...
Your sister in Christ and BFF @ work...
Evelyn
From an email I sent to Roschelle last week:
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if you check the time and date stamp on your emails, but it is 12:15am. I just finished reading "Night Before Dawn" and oh, my how my soul was stirred. I bless God for the encouragement that the presence of your book provided to me. Without even opening the cover, I am grateful for your witness–a young woman who loves the Lord and uses her creative gifts to His glory!
Secondly, the book was so awesome. I picked up the book from a friend at about 5:00pm. I started reading at 5:30ish, left my house at 6:45 for church got home at 9:30pm and picked it back up as soon as I could. When I left for church, I was filled with tears for Bri. I also realized there was some stuff I hadn't given voice to that Bri's situation stirred up. The true test of a good book (and I am a nerd who loves to read) is the ability to connect with the characters. I connected with the characters in "Night..." in a way that I haven't in a long time reading fiction. When I walked away from the book before church Bri was almost at her lowest point and I couldn't wait to get home and read about the redemptive work of Christ in her life and in the lives of Eric and Gina.
I am eagerly anticipating not only talking with you for the Good Newsletter, but also having you on the HoneyComb Hideout in the Fall!
I pray that God continue to use you and that everything that you put your hand to prosper!
Well, I must say I've never been happier to have a flight laid over for three hours. I started this novel on the way back to New York from a family reunion and I finished it in a few hours. I spent the entire flight with my nose buried in this extraordinary book. I love how the story in this book is truly relevant to a facet of everyone's life. Who are we really without the saving grace of Jesus Christ? Thank you Roschelle for truly being an open vessel that the Holy Spirit can work through. Many will come into relationship with Jesus Christ after reading this divine novel. Surely God will continue to fulfill his plans to prosper you as you submit in obedience to his will. I love you girl! God bless you, and don't take to long to release the next book!
ReplyDeleteI am so excited to hear all your thoughts and feelings toward Night Before Dawn. It's also good to hear that your reading muscles were challenged. Man, some you read the entire book within hours. That's great!
ReplyDeleteAbout the book, I don't think that Tim is the only one who feels a tinge of satisfaction when learning about Grandie's murderous revenge. Many of us feel like she was justified by her actions, but does that make her better, worse or just as bad as Pete?
I wondered if anyone agreed with Monique when she assigned the blame to Sabrina for what happened to Gavin (Monique's son). What do you think the cause was?
The central theme that I aimed to convey was that even when we don't realize it, God is always there. He is in the details; He lurks in the shadows of our lives and it's usually not until we have come through our struggle or circumstance that we become conscious that His presence was with us all along. Like footprints in the sand. That was the case with Sabrina, Gina, etc. and it's also the case with you and me.
An interesting feedback I have received from several readers is that, they did not like Eric and did not believe his intentions were pure toward the end. Both men and women have expressed that they felt Eric had an ulterior motive for his conversion, and therefore it was not real. I'm curious, what do you think about that?
I am so thankful that God has used this book to be a blessing to so many, including myself.
I'm trying hard to complete the second manuscript; it's a bit challenging, but I'm pressing on.
Thanks for all your input and feedback. Keep 'em coming; I love hearing from you. Until next time, be blessed continuously!
Ready Writer
Rochelle:
ReplyDeleteI have read from page to page "Night Before Dawn" and I must say that I was not only impressed with your talent but I also found the book most interesting and captivating... I literally could not put it down until I finished it off. I have shared it with my friends as well.
I felt like I was "in character" as I followed the story, sharing every emotion (both good and bad)
In the end it left me thinking how well you have conveyed the message of Jesus to forgive and forget as well as to let go off past hurt and pain and move on, knowing that through God we will indeed do valiently for He it is that will tread down all of our enemies.
I am now a fan and I can hardly wait to read your next novel. Keep them coming...!
Rhonda
This is an email from my mother to Roschelle:
ReplyDeleteHello Ms. McKenzie: I read your story today and found it inspiring, hopeful and assuring. I received the book from my daughter, Evelyn S., a person with whom you are familiar. I'm very glad you decided to share your testimony with others.
I too had accepted the Lord as my savior when Evelyn was a 6 yr. old. However, I turned my back on him for many years until last year when I became very ill. Cancer had destroyed my will to live and was looking forward to my demise to rid myself of the pain and sleep, sleep, sleep. I spoke to my God and left it up to him to decide my fate. Obviously, He still needs me here to do some of his work. I still don't know what it is, but I'm looking forward to it.
I will probably pass your book to a member of my Cancer support group for inspiration, guidance and spiritual healing and acceptance.
Judy R.