Review | ‘Illusions’ by Wanda B. Campbell

Illusions
Wanda B. Campbell
Urban Christian, February 2009
$14.95 US, ISBN 1601629435

Addictions…

'Illusions'

Admitting to an addiction is never easy, and if you’re the pastor of a church, that admission is even worse. It’s worse because if you’re the shepherd of a flock, you are to be pure, holy and blameless; suffering with an addiction is unthinkable. At least that is the situation that Pastor Bryce Hightower finds himself facing. For Bryce, there’s nothing that compares to the rush he feels each time he gives into his sinful nature when the call of the addiction is stronger than his resolve to do the right thing. Bryce’s addiction has become such a strong force in his life that he often succumbs to the temptation in the one place that he shouldn’t – the church that he pastors.

Denise, Bryce’s wife, had no clue about the demon that has ridden Bryce’s back for so many years; that is until she walks in on him satisfying the urge that has him in a grip so strong that escape seems impossible. Denise is devastated, to say the least. Feelings of anger and betrayal rush to the surface and despite her deep level of faith, being a forgiving, Godly wife is the last thing Denise wants to be.

As Bryce and Denise grapple with the ramifications of Bryce’s actions, they are tested in ways most can only imagine and in a way that only God can provide answers and relief.

Wanda B. Campbell has written a very compelling and inspirational novel. In a brash, in your face and highly effective method, Campbell takes readers deep into the lives of those affected by addiction, both the person afflicted and their families and friends. As someone who knows firsthand the power of addiction, it was at times painful to continue reading this story. But at the same time, it also strengthened my resolve to face my trials head on, instead of just giving up.

As powerful as this book is, there were instances where the novel seemed to change tenses which detracted from the story. But in spite of this, I was still quite moved by the depth of this story and look forward to Campbell’s future literary endeavors.

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Renee Williams, a freelance reviewer and promotional assistant for TheGRITS.com , is the CEO of Literary Signature Services, an event planning business specializing in literary gifts and events for authors and literary blogger/reviewer at All the Buzz .