Decision to Love

Michelle Sutton doesn’t deny that her writing is controversial. On the contrary, she considers it a joy to be a writer “Edgy” Christian Fiction. No doubt God has gifted her with the honesty, sensitivity and integrity to tackle such themes in a God honoring way.

You won’t find sensationalism in her story or judgement either. Those aren’t the point of her writing. Nope, her motivation is to address the areas that Christians all too commonly sweep under the rug and expose them to the light of God’s truth extending love to all people while recognizing all sin equally. 

Take a look at the book trailer and come back for my thoughts on Decision to Love. 

Decision to Love will walk you through a frightening picture of the effects of sin.

Long after Tony and Hope have come to grips with their affair the scars continue to present themselves through haunting memories, guilt and maybe even in the choices made by their children. 

Hope wonders if her infidelity could be the cause of her son’s recent confession of homosexual desires. After all, he was raised in the church, surely he knows better.

A new believer, Tony is still struggling with lustful memories of his encounter with Hope and the shame these thoughts bring. He wonders if he is the cause of his daughter’s relationship woes. Fearing that ”The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” he seeks to show her better in her relationships.

Hope’s son, Jimmy, brings a very relivent picture of the mental and spiritual anguish of having homosexual feelings. His heart is in turmoil as he battles whether to act on feeling or follow his faith. 

Meanwhile, Tony’s daughter, Nina, struggles with the decision to have an abortion and the wave of emotion that comes after making her decision. Believing that she is too dirty, broken and flawed to ever be loved by God, her father works to introduce her to the forgiving nature of his new savior.

I especially like that the author never undermines or elevates Jimmy’s mistakes or those of any character. The flaws of all characters are carefully and fairly addressed.

Decision to Love is a discussion starter for sure. How would you handle it if your child was on the precipice of such a monumental choice? Could you decide to love?

If controversial topics don’t leave you squeamish, and you can appreciate an edgy approach this might be the book for you.

I enjoyed Decision to Love and felt challenged in my reactions to all forms of sin. The only area that bothered me was that Tony repeatedly entertains his lustful thoughts by engaging in masterbation. I don’t doubt that this occurs frequently even among christian singles, however, it’s not something I want to read about. The story itself was not benefited from these scenes being included and I feel I would have liked it better had they not been added.

You can learn more about the author (Michelle Sutton) at: http://www.michellesutton.net/pb/wp_f320c606/wp_f320c606.html

If you are a fan of this type of book check out Michelle’s social media network Edgy Christian Fiction Lovers.

*I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.