What's the buzz?
TOMORROW: Look Forward To Something That May Never Come, April 27, 2010 By C. A. Webb "Conversations Book Club" (Jackson, MS)
This review is from: Tomorrow (Paperback) Jeral delivers a winner with TOMORROW: giving us characters that leap off the page and into our lives, leaving us saying "This person reminds me of...".
It also teaches us an important lesson about appearances and how much we put towards the life we want for ourselves and the future we hope to create. As we amass education and even wealth, we sometimes feel as though we have the power to will things into existence. The simple truth that we seem to deny at times is that we don't even know what today will bring, let alone if there will even be a tomorrow. This is bore out especially by the ending.
Thanks to authors like Jeral, we put can put things in perspective. Hopefully in the process we will remember what is truly important in life.
When I pick up a book, it's usually because someone I know has raved about this "incredible story" that they are certain I "simply won't be able to put down". More often than not though, these eager bookworms over-estimate my attention span, and I do...put it down that is, long before finishing it. Tomorrow was a pleasant exception to this rule. Not only did I finish it in days, but I was mad that it ended when it did. (If you like your endings with everything resolved and tied up nicely with a bow, this may not be the book for you). It left me with that feeling you get watching the season ending cliffhanger of your favorite TV show knowing that you've got to wait all summer before you can see what happens. (There's surely a follow up book in the works.)
Still, the ending is just one of many little surprises along the journey. You start off thinking the story is going to be one thing, then just when you're ready to say I've got this figured out, a new layer unfolds. The serendipitous meeting of preacher's daughter Juliana and mega-movie star Ben leads the way, but the reader soon learns that both characters have mysterious and dangerous secrets that could derail their budding romance before it's even had a chance to take root. Add in a provoking, yet altogether organic discourse about faith, forgiveness and redemption and you've got an in incredible story that you simply won't be able to put down. Wait a minute, where have I heard that before?
M. Folmar, LA, CA
I started and finished the book over the Christmas holidays - it's definitely a page turner. The ending caught me COMPLETELY off-guard. Bold move...I guess. Not sure I would have ended my first book this way but now I'm eager for the sequel.
D. Folmar, Atlanta, GA
Grab a cup of coffee and get comfortable in your favorite chair because once you begin reading Jeral Davis's debut novel, "Tomorrow", you will not be able to put it down. "Tomorrow" will touch every part of your heart and emotion as you delve into the lives of Ben and Juliana. Their journey is one of complex twists and turns and Jeral masterfully weaves this story of tragedy, love, intrigue and redemption.Gutsy book. Little about it is conventional. It tampers with every traditional view of God and male female relationships. It seems Davis purposefully wrote this novel to provoke a good hard look at Christian stereotypes and myths on who God is and why He desires a constant relationship with us all - the good, the not so good and the "bad". I'm telling you - by the last page, you will want to contact Davis and infiltrate her blog with several provocative messages on how her characters rattled you till the end.
I am an avid reader of all types of fiction and was dumbfounded that this was the author's first novel. As you approach the last pages you will yearn for more and hope there is a sequel to "Tomorrow".
L. Humphrey, Parker, CO
In her debut novel, Tomorrow, Jeral Davis does much to captivate her readers. The plot, characterization and message are strong and deeply rooted in Christian principles. Davis uses words in an intrigiung manner that makes you pause and ponder. The story, however, is not predictable. Just when I figured I had the story line cemented, Davis blindsided me. The plot shifts from contemporary romance to thrilling suspense. The romance is still intertwined in the story, but has a tendency to take second stage.
I enjoyed how Davis carried me through the main characters, Ben Powers and Juliana DeLauer's, personal growth. Juliana is deeply, spiritually convicted, yet emotionally torn by her attraction to non-believer, Ben Powers. Powers also struggles with not only his feelings for Juliana, but his belief that God is malevolent and vengeful.
Overall, I enjoyed Tomorrow. Ben and Juliana aren't cardboard people. You are welcomed into their hopes, dreams, fears and ambitions. If I had one discrepancy to pick with Davis, it is that Tomorrow's ending is hugely ambitious. It is very gutsy and risky - especially for a first time author. So as not to ruin it, I'll suffice it to say that you will be anxiously anticipating the sequel.
Ricky, Denver, CO
What a wonderfully powerful story. I am forever impressed by the message of Tomorrow and the love of God.
C. Folmar, Las Vegas, NV
"Tomorrow" begins in an unusual setting and grabs your attention during the very first chapter. The events through the entire book keep you wanting to read more to see the progression of the main character, Juliana. It has a lot of action that unfolds as the story is told. Each chapter leaves you wanting to find out what happens next. It is difficult to put "Tomorrow" down! There are a few times that I got a little confused because of the complexity of the story but became clear later in the book. It is a powerful love story between Juliana and Ben and between the Lord and Juliana and all the other people in "Tomorrow". Juliana is a strong, Godly woman whose journey to follow the Lord is a great example especially for young adults and all ages. She is convicted to always put the Lord first in her life. You are drawn into all the characters as their lives unfold and intertwine with each other. The book evokes many emotions including spiritually, happiness, sadness, disappointment and hope. Denver, Colorado is the setting of "Tomorrow" and because I live in Denver, it was exciting to feel a part of the book. Mrs. Davis, the author, sends a strong Christian message that needs to be shared with everyone while leaving us on the edge of our seats as "Tomorrow" ends. I have already shared my copy and can't wait for her next book!
Beth, Denver, CO
This review is from: Tomorrow (Paperback) Jeral delivers a winner with TOMORROW: giving us characters that leap off the page and into our lives, leaving us saying "This person reminds me of...".
It also teaches us an important lesson about appearances and how much we put towards the life we want for ourselves and the future we hope to create. As we amass education and even wealth, we sometimes feel as though we have the power to will things into existence. The simple truth that we seem to deny at times is that we don't even know what today will bring, let alone if there will even be a tomorrow. This is bore out especially by the ending.
Thanks to authors like Jeral, we put can put things in perspective. Hopefully in the process we will remember what is truly important in life.
When I pick up a book, it's usually because someone I know has raved about this "incredible story" that they are certain I "simply won't be able to put down". More often than not though, these eager bookworms over-estimate my attention span, and I do...put it down that is, long before finishing it. Tomorrow was a pleasant exception to this rule. Not only did I finish it in days, but I was mad that it ended when it did. (If you like your endings with everything resolved and tied up nicely with a bow, this may not be the book for you). It left me with that feeling you get watching the season ending cliffhanger of your favorite TV show knowing that you've got to wait all summer before you can see what happens. (There's surely a follow up book in the works.)
Still, the ending is just one of many little surprises along the journey. You start off thinking the story is going to be one thing, then just when you're ready to say I've got this figured out, a new layer unfolds. The serendipitous meeting of preacher's daughter Juliana and mega-movie star Ben leads the way, but the reader soon learns that both characters have mysterious and dangerous secrets that could derail their budding romance before it's even had a chance to take root. Add in a provoking, yet altogether organic discourse about faith, forgiveness and redemption and you've got an in incredible story that you simply won't be able to put down. Wait a minute, where have I heard that before?
M. Folmar, LA, CA
I started and finished the book over the Christmas holidays - it's definitely a page turner. The ending caught me COMPLETELY off-guard. Bold move...I guess. Not sure I would have ended my first book this way but now I'm eager for the sequel.
D. Folmar, Atlanta, GA
Grab a cup of coffee and get comfortable in your favorite chair because once you begin reading Jeral Davis's debut novel, "Tomorrow", you will not be able to put it down. "Tomorrow" will touch every part of your heart and emotion as you delve into the lives of Ben and Juliana. Their journey is one of complex twists and turns and Jeral masterfully weaves this story of tragedy, love, intrigue and redemption.Gutsy book. Little about it is conventional. It tampers with every traditional view of God and male female relationships. It seems Davis purposefully wrote this novel to provoke a good hard look at Christian stereotypes and myths on who God is and why He desires a constant relationship with us all - the good, the not so good and the "bad". I'm telling you - by the last page, you will want to contact Davis and infiltrate her blog with several provocative messages on how her characters rattled you till the end.
I am an avid reader of all types of fiction and was dumbfounded that this was the author's first novel. As you approach the last pages you will yearn for more and hope there is a sequel to "Tomorrow".
L. Humphrey, Parker, CO
In her debut novel, Tomorrow, Jeral Davis does much to captivate her readers. The plot, characterization and message are strong and deeply rooted in Christian principles. Davis uses words in an intrigiung manner that makes you pause and ponder. The story, however, is not predictable. Just when I figured I had the story line cemented, Davis blindsided me. The plot shifts from contemporary romance to thrilling suspense. The romance is still intertwined in the story, but has a tendency to take second stage.
I enjoyed how Davis carried me through the main characters, Ben Powers and Juliana DeLauer's, personal growth. Juliana is deeply, spiritually convicted, yet emotionally torn by her attraction to non-believer, Ben Powers. Powers also struggles with not only his feelings for Juliana, but his belief that God is malevolent and vengeful.
Overall, I enjoyed Tomorrow. Ben and Juliana aren't cardboard people. You are welcomed into their hopes, dreams, fears and ambitions. If I had one discrepancy to pick with Davis, it is that Tomorrow's ending is hugely ambitious. It is very gutsy and risky - especially for a first time author. So as not to ruin it, I'll suffice it to say that you will be anxiously anticipating the sequel.
Ricky, Denver, CO
What a wonderfully powerful story. I am forever impressed by the message of Tomorrow and the love of God.
C. Folmar, Las Vegas, NV
"Tomorrow" begins in an unusual setting and grabs your attention during the very first chapter. The events through the entire book keep you wanting to read more to see the progression of the main character, Juliana. It has a lot of action that unfolds as the story is told. Each chapter leaves you wanting to find out what happens next. It is difficult to put "Tomorrow" down! There are a few times that I got a little confused because of the complexity of the story but became clear later in the book. It is a powerful love story between Juliana and Ben and between the Lord and Juliana and all the other people in "Tomorrow". Juliana is a strong, Godly woman whose journey to follow the Lord is a great example especially for young adults and all ages. She is convicted to always put the Lord first in her life. You are drawn into all the characters as their lives unfold and intertwine with each other. The book evokes many emotions including spiritually, happiness, sadness, disappointment and hope. Denver, Colorado is the setting of "Tomorrow" and because I live in Denver, it was exciting to feel a part of the book. Mrs. Davis, the author, sends a strong Christian message that needs to be shared with everyone while leaving us on the edge of our seats as "Tomorrow" ends. I have already shared my copy and can't wait for her next book!
Beth, Denver, CO
