Something Old, New, Borrowed & True: A Novel

Pamela R. Jeffers
Harvest Time Inner-vations (2009)
ISBN 9780615294865
Reviewed by Leslie Granier for Reader Views (01/10)


Tvoya Harrington and Dr. Byron Munroe are preparing for their upcoming marriage.  They are both feeling the usual stresses involved in planning a wedding, such as finalizing all the details and trying to keep their family members happy.  As time progresses Tvoya begins to doubt whether she is doing the right thing, but she does not know if it is last-minute jitters or something more.  When someone from her past resurfaces, her uncertainty increases as many secrets from their younger years come to light.  She realizes that in order to have a future free of deception, she must face her past decisions and come to peace with them.  If she does not, she will never experience a meaningful relationship with a man.

“Something Old, New, Borrowed & True” is a book that focuses on different types of relationships.  Tvoya was from a broken home due to her mother’s alcoholism, resulting in strained relationships with both of her parents.  It also in a way made her put everyone else’s needs ahead of her own.  Tvoya’s friendships with Valerie and Charlene also feature prominently in this story as they all need to lean on each other through difficulties that arise in their lives.  The main relationship - that between Tvoya and Byron - is filled with distrust and insecurity and they must decide if their marriage is meant to be.

This story starts off fairly slow, but once all the secrets many of the characters have been keeping begin to be revealed, the plot quickly thickens.  As Tvoya struggles with her past and her future, she is transformed into a new person.  Faith and religion play major roles which may cause some readers to be uncomfortable or unconvinced.  On the other hand, it may help some readers come to terms with issues in their own lives as they share Tvoya’s experiences.

The target audience for this book is definitely women, especially those with deep religious convictions.  “Something Old, New, Borrowed & True” is the debut novel of Pamela Jeffers and overall she does a fine job.  The characters are likable and the story is entertaining.  However, there are a number of editing issues that I found to be distracting at times.

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