 November 2005
Crossing Jhordan's River
by Kendra Norman-Bellamy
Just as Joshua spoke unto the children of Israel, “Come here, and hear the words of the Lord your God” before they crossed over the Jordan on dry land, Kendra Norman-Bellamy commands the reader to “stand still” as she masterfully shows how Jhordan Adams crosses his own river. The doctrine of Christian faith permeates each page without saturating the story with religious idioms, sermons and testimonials. The author is a devout and talented Christian romance writer who enthralls, encourages and even entertains her readers in Crossing Jhordan’s River. As I read this novel, I imagined the construction of the bridge on the cover. Jhordan’s past hurts by women to whom he gave his heart forced a bridge between him and his new wife, Kelli. The fear in his own mind that Kelli would also one day abandon him threatened a schism from which their love for each other and God could not rescue them. On-the-other-hand, Jazmin, his seven year old daughter from his ill-fated first marriage was the love of Jhordan’s life and her new Mommy’s. Briefly, I saw flashes of A Love So Strong when “baby momma drama” ensued. The author made me hold my breath as I turned each page to see how the Adams would cross that bridge. Perhaps the cross formed by the bridge and waterfall would hold the key.
Kendra Norman-Bellamy creatively allowed her characters to develop in a realistic way. She portrayed their spirituality, humanity, vulnerability, vanity, fallibility and durability. Strong-willed like her mother, Kelli Adams had saved herself for her soul mate, yet less than ten months into their union; she was struggling to save her marriage. Mary Jenkins loved her youngest daughter and taught both daughters how to love a man, yet she resisted fully embracing the ready made family Kelli chose. Her soul mate of 38 years, Wesley Jenkins embodied that which so many women seek and so few readers find; an upright man who truly loves the Lord and his family. In contrast, Stuart McMillian proved to be a wolf in lamb’s clothing as he sought to devour Kelli’s naiveté.
The author’s artistic use of words advanced the story, keeping me riveted to the ongoing dialogue and action. She sated one’s appetite for romance with intimacy, sensuality and passion, void of carnality. Humor interwoven amidst conflict evoked a hearty laugh. I could see Kelli’s best friend Sasha having a showdown with Stuart. I could hear Napoleon Adams’ laughter in his native Trinidad accent when he met his daughter-in-law for the first time. I could feel the love Jeanette had for her baby brother. Certainly, I could taste the tears that formed Jhordan’s river.
I rated this book five out of five stars with appealing to a general audience as well as those who crave well-written, interesting and inspiring Christian fiction. Ms. Norman-Bellamy has definitely confirmed that good things await those who “cross over Jhordan’s river.”
Reviewed by Robin Pendleton for The Romer Review
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