Singsation

Deborah Anne Peterson knows that her amazing singing voice is a gift from God and fully realizes that when He gives you a gift He means for you to use it.

Deborah Anne Peterson is grateful for her loving family, loyal friends, and the peaceful Georgia town that has sheltered her since childhood. But most of all, she gives thanks to God for giving her a phenomenal voice. Every time Deborah sings her heart out in church, she's transported by spiritual joy and a secret dream of superstardom that glorifies God before people all over the world. Her dream seems hopeless . . . until handsome rapper and hometown-boy-made-good Triage Blue hears her sing. With Triage's help, Deborah's demo tape lands on the desk of Lavelle Roberts, one of the R&B industry's biggest stars. Before she knows it, Deborah is hired as one of Lavelle's glamorous backup singers--and is plunged into a lifestyle far beyond her small-town ways. Under the guidance of sultry singer Phoebe Garland, Deborah finds herself at the hottest parties, wearing incredibly fancy clothes, and making more money than she'd ever thought possible. In the midst of all the excitement, she discovers that her gratitude and affection for the down-to-earth Triage is blossoming into something more. Yet in a world where having it all is never enough and mega-talent can't shield you from loneliness and pain, Deborah is about to face challenges she never imagined. Through the sheer, backbreaking work of touring--and dealing with out-of-control egos--she must work harder than ever to put aside time for personal prayer and worship. Tested by the temptations of the road, and of Triage himself, Deborah must struggle to hold fast to her faith. And through fame's darkest, most dangerous passages, when unprecedented commercial success as a solo artist depends onputting her most precious values at risk, she must search deep within herself to uncover her deepest desires . . . and make a choice about God's place in her life.

Publishers Weekly

This second release from copublishers Warner Books and Walk Worthy Press makes a solid contribution to the limited pool of quality Christian fiction titles written for and by African-Americans. Deborah Anne Peterson sings hymns at her small hometown church, but envisions herself performing in much glitzier venues. A fortuitous encounter with rap star Triage Blue gives her a chance to break into the big time. As she climbs the ladder of success and wrestles with the temptations that go with it, she wonders is this really what God wants her to do with her talent? The novel pushes the parameters of traditional Christian fiction with characters who have long discussions about underwear and thongs, engage in some French kissing and exclaim, "Oh my God!" The sexual situations aren't graphic, but they are more titillating than most CBA readers are used to, although noticeably toned down from Walk Worthy's first book, Temptation. The reader must sometimes suspend belief; in less than a year, Deborah changes from a country girl into a music star who performs at the Grammys. Another character's deathbed conversion is also less than satisfying. But the portrayal of Deborah's loving relationship with her parents is both touching and refreshing. This is a laudable effort to bring an African-American perspective and a slightly edgier tone into Christian fiction, while keeping the gospel message up front and center. (Apr.) Forecast: An author tour of five Southern cities and carefully targeted advertising on gospel and Christian radio stations and in Black Issues and Essence will get the word out to a large and mostly untapped set of potential readers. Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.