Practicing What You Preach

When Pastor George Landris, the dreadlock-wearing minister of the new mega-church, Followers of Jesus Faith Worship Center, urges his congregation to approach the altar and cast off their strongholds--also known as their weaknesses--it's the start of intense soul-searching for many.

From a married couple's twin addictions to gambling and gluttony, to a female member's adulterous affair and a computer expert's obsession with cyber-porn, the church family is about to open the proverbial floodgates. And that's just the beginning. The plot only thickens when the Pastor's wife lightens his load by helping him counsel--and finds herself at the center of a decades-long deception.

Insightful, witty, and always poignant, Griggs once again shows the amazing power of redemption and faith in people's lives.

"Vanessa's rich stories of faith in action always hit the writing trifecta--they make you laugh, cry, and yearn for more. Her wonderfully realistic characters leap off the pages, compelling you to join them in one life-changing adventure after another." --Angela Benson, National Bestselling Author

Memory Patterson has been hiding from her family for much too long. Her instinct has always been to run, and never more so than when a chance meeting with Pastor Landris and his pregnant wife, Johnnie Mae, leads to a shocking revelation about Memorys mother.

For all those involved, secrets have done nothing but tear them apart and destroy their families. And for Memorys family, only hope and the power of faith can mend their shattered, fractured lives …

"Vanessas rich stories of faith in action always…make you laugh, cry, and yearn for more.” -Angela Benson, National Bestselling Author

"Vanessas books are fascinating, full of wisdom, occasional humor, [and] a little romance.” -Cheryl Robinson, author of Sweet Georgia Brown

The newest member of Followers of Jesus Faith Worship Center stirs up more troubles than blessings when he decides to rededicate his life to God. . .

As the son of a well-known minister, Clarence Walker knows his decision to leave his father's flock and join Pastor George Landris's mega-church ministry is a controversial one. But little does he suspect it will ignite a firestorm of revelations that will shake the heart of the congregation--and his very own family. . .

From a long-buried secret that will bring the paternity of not one, but two women, to light, to a parishioner whose long awaited love match may be thwarted by resistance from an unexpected source, hidden truths are coming to the surface. But most shocking of all is that Clarence's own father, Reverend Marshall Walker, may not be the pious figure he claims to be. And since evidence of his transgressions lies in the hands of his arch nemesis, it's only a matter of time before Reverend Walker's life--and his church--falls like a house of cards.

Perceptive, moving, and emotional, Vanessa Davis Griggs once again celebrates church life with its triumphs, tragedies, and all-too-human mistakes--proving that without truth, there can be no light. . .

"Vanessa's rich stories of faith in action always hit the writing trifecta--they make you laugh, cry, and yearn for more." --Angela Benson, National Bestselling Author

"Vanessa's books are fascinating, full of wisdom, occasional humor, [and] a little romance." --Cheryl Robinson, author of Sweet Georgia Brown

"A smart novel that addresses an issue that many in the church shy away from--divorce--with frank realism . . .[and] characters who are refreshingly (for inspirational fiction) imperfect." --Library Journal on Practicing What You Preach

"Vanessa is a superb storyteller. . .her Christian-based stories will inspire you. . .." --ReShonda Tate Billingsley

"Vanessa's rich stories of faith in action always hit the writing trifecta--they make you laugh, cry, and yearn for more. Her wonderfully realistic characters leap off the pages, compelling you to join them in one life-changing adventure after another." --Angela Benson, National Bestselling Author

"Vanessa's books are fascinating, full of wisdom, occasional humor, a little romance, and enough suspense at times to make you want to pull your hair out." --Cheryl Robinson, author of Sweet Georgia Brown

"Vanessa is a superb storyteller. . .her Christian-based stories will inspire you..." --ReShonda Tate Billingsley

Faith Alexandria Morrell, the oldest of a mysterious trio of sisters, lives a troubled life and guards a horrifying secret. Yet few, least of all her new church family, would believe this always impeccably dressed woman is so utterly lost. But what lies beneath the surface of Faith's carefully constructed veneer could completely destroy her.

Needing help, Faith and her sisters, Hope and Charity, join Followers of Jesus Faith Worship Center. This new mega church, led by the dreadlock-wearing, Holy Ghost-filled Pastor George Landris, just may offer the solace she needs. But Faith soon discovers that all is not well in her new church home.

Vanessa Davis Griggs offers an incisive and affecting look at the inner-workings of mega churches and the transformative power of faith...

"[A] well-written narrative." --Booklist on Wings of Grace

Brianna was ten years old when she first met twenty-five year old David R. Shepherd, a devout and gifted gospel recording artist who would ultimately become world renowned megastar, King d.Avid. He left an impression on Brianna she would never forget. And they were destined to meet again…

Brianna's best friend, Alana Norwood, hasn't had the best encounters with men, but she's always been a good friend to Brianna, no matter what situation the two may find themselves in. But despite their bond, the next time Brianna encounters King, she's a lonely young wife seeking solace in religious studies. While Alana's quest for fame has her living a life that seems to be going nowhere fast, King's companionship offers Brianna the deep emotional connection she longs for. But when both a tragedy and a blessing enters Brianna's life, she finds herself wrestling with questions of faith, fidelity, forgiveness, and the sovereignty of God…like never before.

"Griggs address[es] the challenges of living by Biblical rules with homespun humor. Fans will be pleased.” -Publishers Weekly on The Truth Is the Light

"A smart novel that addresses an issue that many in the church shy away from-divorce-with frank realism.”-Library Journal on Practicing What You Preach

Fifty-year-old Alabama congressman Lawrence Rudolph Simmons will do whatever it takes to get re-elected--even switch parties from Democrat to Republican. With the political tide turning, Lawrence feels it's his best shot--along with his charisma, solid twenty-nine year marriage, and three great kids. But a buried secret from his past is about to be resurrected.. . .

It's been eight years since Gabrielle Mercedes gave up her baby for adoption. But when she learns the child desperately needs a bone marrow transplant, she doesn't hesitate to contact the congressman. Like Lawrence, Gabrielle will fight for what she wants, even if it means the truth could ruin someone else's life and career. . ..

"There are enough tears, hugs, and lessons learned before summer's over to appease readers, young and adult, who like a good dose of faith with their fiction." --Publishers Weekly on Ray of Hope

"Griggs address[es] the challenges of living by Biblical rules with homespun humor. Fans will be pleased." --Publishers Weekly on The Truth Is the Light

"A smart novel that addresses an issue that many in the church shy away from--divorce--with frank realism."--Library Journal on Practicing What You Preach

"I absolutely love Vanessa's unique writing style. She is one of a kind." --Mary Monroe, New York Times bestselling author

It started innocently: a coincidental meeting between old high school friends--first loves--at Butterfly's business, The Painted Lady Flower Shop. Then came lunch, then confessions of unhappy marriages, loneliness. It went on that way for years between Butterfly and Ethan. That's how they built the soul tie--the bond that, despite their devotion to God, has now led to adultery. And as with all things done in secret, they've been found out. Well, Butterfly has.

As a leader in her church, Butterfly is suddenly cast into the spotlight. But she soon realizes she's being used as a pawn to bring down a new pastor--a young man who is upsetting tradition by preaching about real-life issues real people deal with. People like Butterfly. And as she faces a challenging search for truth, forgiveness, and the real meaning of love, she may finally break out of her cocoon. . .

"There are enough tears, hugs, and lessons learned before summer's over to appease readers, young and adult, who like a good dose of faith with their fiction." --Publishers Weekly on Ray of Hope

"Griggs address[es] the challenges of living by Biblical rules with homespun humor. Fans will be pleased." --Publishers Weekly on The Truth Is the Light

"A smart novel that addresses an issue that many in the church shy away from--divorce--with frank realism."--Library Journal on Practicing What You Preach

"Vanessa's rich stories of faith in action always hit the writing trifecta--they make you laugh, cry, and yearn for more." --Angela Benson, National bestselling author

"I absolutely love Vanessa's unique writing style. She is one of a kind." --Mary Monroe, New York Times bestselling author

A first lady herself, Tai's husband, King, is pastor of Mount Zion Progressive Baptist Church. But with two affairs under his belt, Tai wonders just what "progressive" means. In fact, she strongly suspects her husband is at it again. Now, she can follow her mother-in-law's example and threaten to shoot any would-be-husband-stealing floozies, or she can take Vivian's advice and listen for God's instruction.

But Tai's husband isn't the only one fighting temptation. . .

"A spell-binding tale with some hilarious and righteous characters. Sex in the Sanctuary is a story about the power of forgiveness, how to forgive and the reason why we should forgive." -- The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers