They were on their way to being a real family…until she came into their lives.Expecting their first baby, Judd and Evette McGlin are thrilled at the prospect of becoming parents. But their marriage faces the ultimate test when Judd learns he already has a child: a six-year-old bi-racial daughter, born amid secrets and lies. Now, Evette must decide if she can accept the child—and forgive Judd. … forgive Judd. She thought she was open-minded—until hidden prejudices threaten the future of an innocent little girl, Evette’s marriage, and the very notion of the woman she’s believed herself to be. Above all things, this child needs acceptance and love. Needs Evette to discover what being a mother truly means. Needs Judd to face his past. And needs them both to discover what it truly means to be a family.
This novel was originally published in 2009 under the same title by Steeple Hill.It has been updated from the original edition.
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It made me think about how I respond to different or new situations.
I couldn’t get past chapter 5. I get being upset over the situation, but Evette was spiteful and in my opinion not very Christian like. I just couldn’t finish reading this book.
Very good
Sweet characters. Sweeter story. Very realistic.
Well written with some great daily marriage councel. Good story.
This was a thought provoking story.Makes you wonder what you would do under the same circumstances. The child and the grandmother were given more character than the husband and wife. I would have liked to seen more characterization building of the parents. All together it was a very nice book that I feel everyone will enjoy reading.
I loved this book! So relatable and beautifully written.
love it
Filled with eventual forgiveness, acceptance, and trust in God. A truly believable story.
A great story about painful mistakes and hard adjustments to the outcomes of those mistakes. Wonderful picture of God working all things together for good.
Learning to think of others needs ,not just our own . Loved it
Challenging story an delightfully real character. Author takes somewhat common but difficult situations and lets the reader work through them with the characters.
Another well written book by Deborah Raney.
I’ve often reviewed Deborah Raney’s books. She is a friendly acquaintance but this is my honest review. Her books ALWAYS take a couple and throw the worst or most disruptive thing they could dread at them. So the emotions are raw and the struggles are real. ABOVE ALL THINGS follows this expected pattern. Evette is Judd’s expectant wife. They’ve waited for years for this blessed event to begin. But enter Judd’s past–one he never knew about. Through her characters, Deborah Raney faces and deals head-on with racial prejudice. Evette’s family is not going to be a help in this situation. And the birth mother’s family is not perfect either. This story is real. Do I recommend it? Yes, but the first part is hard to read. Evette’s hurt and pain are very real and painful to read. This book can help one dig into their own thoughts and pre-conceptions not only about race but also about facing hard realities with God.
Wow, what a powerful book! Evette and Judd had been trying for a while and have finally conceived. With a phone call, everything changes. Judd finds out he has a 6 year old bi-racial daughter. Evette doesn’t want to tell family and friends. She is ashamed and is having a hard time coming to terms with it all. She thinks her family will be appalled. Jolie moves in with them while her mom is in the hospital. Evette has to take care of Jolie and provide travel to the hospital to visit her mom regularly while Judd is working. What she doesn’t expect is to come to love Jolie as her own. This is a great christian story with lots of learning experiences for all of us in this book.
When Jolie’s mother suffers a devastating stroke, grandmother Carla picks up the phone. Judd learns he’s a father and must take care of his daughter since her mother is no longer able. Judd’s wife Evette struggles to accept Jolie, to see beyond her husband’s history with Jolie’s mother, and to deal with racism in herself and others.
Very honest feelings were expressed that many don’t like to talk about in a politically correct society.
The book kept my interest from the beginning, It deals with a biracial child. The main character Judd has been married for the past six years to Evette He had no idea that a previous relationship had produce this beautiful child. The characters are believable, well written and show love, consideration and faith. A good read.
Page turner! Highly recommend
Good story line.