When a tragic discovery puts her own life in jeopardy, Alena is sent by her parents from her beloved Mississippi home. With thousands of other African-Americans, Alena begins making her way north to the Promised Land of turn-of-the-century Chicago. On the way she meets two men who will dramatically impact her life: James, a young African-American believer determined to establish a newspaper in Chicago, and Pearl, a man with questionable intentions. A stirring novel by an exciting new writer, Passing by Samaria beautifully shows readers the path to truth, purpose, reconciliation, and joy.

Passing by Samaria is a favorite of reading and church study groups.

Reviews for Passing By Samaria

"A sensitive, thoughtful look at a revolutionary time in American history. Foster's characters are unforgettable; full of life and unhesitatingly charming, they drive this powerful book."
--Kweisim Mfume, NAACP President and CEO

"Passing by Samaria is stirring novel from an exciting new author who dares to face racial prejudice head-on and searches the depths of purpose, reconciliation, and the high-calling of Christ's love."
--Francine Rivers, author

"Sharon Foster introduces a vibrant, new voice to inspirational fiction, offering wisdom and insights that are deep, rich, and honest. With uncanny accuracy, she climbs into the minds and hearts of her characters: young and old, male and female, black and white, rich and poor. Passing by Samaria is about much more than race; it's about grace, pure and simple. A glorious, life-changing read!"
--Liz Curtis Higgs

"...a rhapsody in prose. It is an intriguing look back, that also speaks loudly to the times we live in. For a religious novel to simmer in the African American religious tradition, yet carry a universal message is a rarity. Readers will be thankful for this rare and splendid work of love, faith, and art."
-- Dr. Barbara Reynolds, Reynolds News Service, author, commentor, columnist

"In this debut novel, Foster succeeds in showing readers that faith, hope, and love are still beliefs that people trust to weather the torrential storms that invade their lives. Her style compares with Bebe Moore Campbell's in Your Blues Ain't Like Mine (Putnam, 1992). This inspirational novel with believable characters and attention to detail will speak to readers throughout every page."
-- Connie Freeman, Ivy Tech State College, Fort Wayne, IN
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

"In this first novel, Foster's poetic telling is soft enough to capture and sharp enough to cut as she evokes the strength of faith needed to survive when all seems lost. This unique addition to the Christian fiction genre is highly recommended for all collections."-
-Library Journal
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.