Mitchell Andrews is an African American, but his story--of sustained personal losses resulting in depression and then alcoholism--feels universal. Mitchell plummets so far he becomes violent with his long-suffering wife, Virtue, who leaves, prompting Mitchell to fall even further. When at last he pulls himself together--with the help of God and the Betty Ford clinic--and tries to reclaim Virtue, it turns out that she, too, has done some falling. And Mitchell's bid for financial success is not so easy, either, as he restores his shaky confidence and deals with an unreliable partner. Call out to the Lord in hard times, Norman-Bellamy says, but don't let good times make you high and mighty.
One Prayer Away| Posted July 21, 2009
One Prayer Away deals with the broken relationship of Mitchell and Virtue. Mitchell and Virtue, who started out as the perfect couple in their courtship and in their marriage, headed down a turbulent path after the death of Mitchell's grandparents. Mitchell, who feels responsible for their deaths, turns to the alcoholic to nurse his wounds. Virtue tries her best to be there for Mitchell but as he continues to drink, he begins to abuse Virtue. Virtue stays by his side until he hits her a second time, causing her to fall and leaving with a physical scar, one that constantly reminds her of her past emotional turmoil. As Virtue tries to overcome her emotional pain and life without Mitchell, she has an unexpected encounter with Mitchell and is forced to deal with her hidden pain once again. Mitchell, who hasn't seen Virtue in years, has a newfound determination to set the record straight with her. One Prayer Away is a novel that deals with pain, true love and forgiveness and I would recommend it.
