I liked the themes in this book of confronting our own internatlized racism, of exploring the spectrum of Christianity - from the extremes at the ends - fire and brimstone vs prosperity gospel - to the encompassing middle of sacrifice and Christ-like behavior or embracing the stranger. Finding yourself and your own community, even if that means walking away from your family and their values and teachings. Seeing one another, through our differences as parts of the body of Christ. Some of the stereotypes written on the page in this book are hard to hear. Sometimes the characters who are in love aren't even nice to each other. It shows their passion, but can be uncomfortable to read. We want our romances to be perfect. Zora and Nicky are far from perfect, but they keep trying. I didn't realize this was Christian when I picked it up. I thought it was just young adult romance, so it wasn't as spicy as I thought it would be. If you're comfortable reading Christian themes, including all the language and buzzwords around religion and all the talk of Jesus, then this is a good book. I don't know if interracial romance is becoming more common in Christian Fiction. I've never seen it. It's the whole reason I picked up this book because it isn't a theme I see very much anywhere, but I'm interested in these relationships, in how they develop and how two people in love can overcome not just their cultural differences and their upbringing, but also survive in a world that can be hostile to their love. ( )

Sure made me think, since I've led a very sheltered life, and I don't venture out of my shell much. ( )

I must say if you're looking for a story that anyone can relate to. This is it. Zora's and Nicky's journey arouses emotions of anger, sadness, and joy. Each chapter deftly illustrates the continuous stereotypes we place on specific races. Not only that; it touches base on one's status in society.

When Zora and Nicky first met; there was this instant connection - an attraction. Not only physically, but emoitonally as well. They recognized similar feelings in each other about their roles in life.

The author, Claudia Mair Burney, eloquently weaves a touching romance about two individuals from opposite side of the colour spectrum. ( )

This character focused novel examines the issue of the relationship between the races in modern day US Christian circles. Nicky, the son of a prominent Baptist pastor, is sick of his father's hypocritical preaching and racially insensitive lifestyle. Zora, the daughter of a prominent African American bishop, is sick of her father's "prosperity gospel" messages. They meet at a Bible study group that welcomes all believers--even ex-prostitutes and recovering alcoholics--and thus begins a volatile yet passionate relationship. When they meet both Nicky and Zora are dating the ideal person according to their families, but they quickly come to the realization that ideologically they are much better suited to each other. When their families find out that they are involved with each other their reaction is worse than either Zora and Nicky expected and soon Zora finds herself cut off from her Father's money and love. Nicky is threatened and even physically abused by his father and racist grandfather. Yet Zora and Nicky know in their hearts that racial prejudice is wrong and that there should be a place in the Christian community for couples like them. Their struggle to find that sort of community makes for a powerful story with an unforgettable cast of characters that help Zora and Nicky find their way. This powerful exposure of the racial divide that exists among Christians will challenge the reader to examine this issue. If you enjoy thought-provoking Christian fiction with sympathetic characters I highly recommend this novel. ( )

Zora and Nicky hit hard and very thorough on a lot of key religious and social issues. One can tell that the author is very knowledgeable in these subject areas. This novel really sheds light on some of the unspeakable heart and flesh issues that Christian singles are currently facing.

Zora is a young, college educated, rich, African-American daughter of a preacher. Nicky is a young white, college educated, middle-class, rebellious preacher's son. These two come from completely different worlds. In the end love endures all things. Burney really promotes sound Christian values without over doing it. Zora & Nicky is truly a love story. It's a story about love between lovers, family, and friends.

The characters are amazing and Burney gives us enough of them. Enough of them meaning that they really touch your heart in a special way. There's a former prostitue, an alcoholic that loves Jesus and gives the best advice, a poor widow, and a racist grandfather just to name a few.

I was captivated by this story to the very end. This was a multi-faceted, three dimensional, inspirational story. My only problem with this novel is that towards the end it seemed rushed. I can't wait to read more from Claudia Burney! ( )