A Heart of Devotion

By Robin Caldwell

Author: Tia McCollors

A really good novel accomplishes the following: (1) engages the reader to ask “what happens next” and escorts them forward to the very end; (2) merges good writing skills with the ability to tell a story; (3) demonstrates very little of the author’s ego; and (4) adds something to the reader’s world be it entertainment value or life enrichment. A Heart of Devotion (Moody/Lift Every Voice) by first-time novelist, Tia McCollors, is a really good novel.

A Heart of Devotion follows the lives of two women, sisters in Christ, Anisha and Sherri as they deal with the complexities—the hard issues—of singleness: celibacy, loneliness and bad choices. Their friendship is depicted as empowering and uplifting even as Anisha faces a series of crises and Sherri encounters a major wrench in her plans to pursue a career in fashion design. The enduring power of a mutual love for Christ and sisterhood prevails and the end brings triumph.

The moral of this story: God uses adversity to mold our characters, fulfill His will and provide direction for our lives. Anisha and Sherri encounter one ugly twist and turn after another but learn the lessons intended for their spiritual development.

McCollors is adept at illustrating the hearts and circumstances of her characters including the seamier types. She also brings cultural richness to A Heart of Devotion that appropriately and inoffensively portrays the splendor and spectrum of African American lifestyles – from ‘round the way girls with seriously bad attitudes to black urban professionals to the folks and places in-between.

McCollors’ debut is promising at the very least and prophetic of greater works waiting to be released. She is a good writer who can also tell a story, which is becoming a rarity in Christian fiction for African Americans. A Heart of Devotion proves Tia McCollors truly consulted with God and allowed Him to direct her pen; if only others would follow suit.

Visit www.tiamccollors.com to read an excerpt or to learn more about the author.