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Controversial New Novel Challenges Traditional Christian Genre
Published: Wed, 30 Aug 2006, 11:21 EDT
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By Aria C. Munro
Staff Writer, Publishers Newswire
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ATLANTA, Ga. -- Today, Blessed and Highly Favored Publications announced the re-release of the novel, "Blessed and Highly Favored" (ISBN: 0615131433). The book promises to challenge and contradict traditional, Christian-based literature.
"Since 'The Passion,'" Stacy Terrell Dennis, author of "Blessed and Highly Favored," said, "the publishing and entertainment industry have continued to produce compelling Christian-based material. Who cares if its fact or fiction, as long as it's entertaining and controversial?"
"Blessed and Highly Favored" is no exception when it comes to controversy.
The author, who submitted the book to an Atlanta-based Christian bookstore, was told that the novel would not "sit well" with their Christian readers and therefore declined its promotion.
However, the author did not stop there. According to Dennis, "You can't stop God's plan." That same day, she was offered a book signing with two Barnes and Noble stores.
The author has also had recent signings with Divine Favors Christian Books and Tara Discount Mall. The second Barnes and Noble book signing will be held on September 9, 2006, at the Southlake Mall location.
"The response has been overwhelming," Dennis exclaimed.
So, what is all the controversy about? The novel, which is reality based, is harsh and complex. It has off-color language, sex, and violence and brings up issues of abortion and murder.
"It's not your typical Christian self-help book that promises a life of peaches and cream if readers say their prayers or follow a set of steps," Dennis explained.
The main character is a young woman named Melissa Bowan. She is a good Catholic girl who leaves home to become an airline stewardess. However, somewhere along the way, life takes a turn, and she finds herself working for an escort service, addicted to cocaine, running drugs for dealers and pregnant by a notorious gangster, who is subsequently murdered.
While Melissa's life is now engulfed by wealth, privilege and excitement, it is not quite what she intended. She soon discovers that Jesus has a plan for her, as does Satan.
As Satan plots to destroy Melissa, Jesus dispatches the Archangel, Michael, to protect her and guide her to a destiny that even she cannot imagine.
"I am speechless," Minister Carmen Avery Walker, MDiv, Candler School of Theology, Emory University, said. "Dennis' honest and riveting account of Melissa's true-life story captures her struggles with God and enables her to understand his direction and silences. The result is a masterfully-written book that chronicles Melissa's life, deliverance and salvation."
The author has written in such a manner that allows the reader to eavesdrop on conversations of angels and demons as they discuss their assignments to protect, or destroy Melissa's very life.
"This is a work that incites each of us to examine our lives in the light of the favor God lavishly showers upon us," Walker said.
Dennis resides in Atlanta with her husband and two children.
The book is currently available from major retailers such as Amazon.com, Barnesandnoble.com, and eBay.
For more information, visit: www.highly-favored.net
Send2Press(R) is the originating wire service for this story.
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