Testimony
By Felicia Mason  

     The way things appear to be is not necessarily the way things are. Never has this been more apparent than in Testimony by Felicia Mason. This book made me exclaim several times "How did that happen?" Testimony is the story of a struggling choir, The Triumphant Voices of Praise, as they attempt to launch a CD tour. There are a number of mishaps along the way and things start to crumble and people to unravel. Ms. Mason has done a wonderful job of character development so that each of the players tells parallel stories in their own voice.

     This version of the choir is another of Roger's brainchildren. He's gone through a myriad of choirs and ensembles to get to this point and just when things start to go forward--a tour has been lined up, CDs have been pressed--disaster strikes. Choir members are facing uncertain futures, some fall ill. There is infighting, backbiting, and utter chaos. Disaster looms. People are forced to examine themselves. Is this the right place to be? The relationships are complex, but each character has value.

     I'm really impressed with the way Ms. Mason tells a story, so much so, that I want to go back and read her previous works. I'm hoping the level of writing maturity she demonstrates in this book isn't new.

     Through a strange turn of events, you will be caught up in the lives of twelve different people. It sounds like a lot to keep track of, but you'll be enthralled. Though it's classified Christian Fiction, it's not preachy. You're free to enjoy a story that recognizes that some Other Power has ultimate control and a sense of right and wrong. I thoroughly enjoyed Testimony. It reminds us that things aren't always what they appear to be and that everyone has a story to tell.