Business Unusual
Linda Beed
ISBN-10: 0978589009
Reviewed By Latonya Franklin
Official Apex Reviews Rating: 
Temptation
doesn't always come in such obvious forms as beautiful women, fast
cars, fancy homes, and high-paying jobs; it can often be much more
subtle, creeping up on us under the guises of misleading friendly
"advice" or the silent betrayal of trusted co-workers. As with any
battle, it's difficult to fight an enemy that can't be readily
identified, so we're often left to rely on unproven means to defend
ourselves against the most daunting threats to our mind and person.
Welcome
to Hayes Davis's life: a born-again Christian determined to walk the
straight and narrow, he suddenly finds himself struggling to maintain
the new order of his life. Fueled by his desire to atone for past
mistakes, he remains resolute in keeping himself chaste in mind,
thought, and deed - until he meets the incomparable Bernadette Lewis. A
successful entrepreneur and all-around phenom, Bernadette is a prime
catch for any man - and Hayes refuses to let her be the one that got
away. The price of her love is not cheap, though, and Hayes soon
realizes that he can't hustle his way into her heart; rather, he must
earn her trust through the legitimacy of his walk with God.
Bernadette
is not entirely free of drama herself, though: back-biting colleagues
and a checkered family past serve as her own crosses to bear, and she
finds herself in the role of pupil almost as often as she aims to
instruct others - Hayes included. In portraying her so, Beed
effectively highlights Bernadette's personal evolution as a metaphor
for the fact that none of us are above any other in the greater
spiritual scheme of things. As much as she may appear to have it
together, she is still a work in progress, as are we all.
Business Unusual
is a revealing, introspective look into the true inclinations of the
heart. Peppered with colorful quotes and timely scriptures, Beed's tale
both enlightens and entertains. The language is a bit stilted and the
dialogue often stiff, which slows the pace of story at times. The
message comes through loud and clear, though, and speaks volumes to
those who may be seeking to cut corners on the way to Glory: there is
only one path that matters, and, while it's not straight and smooth,
the destination is well worth the journey.
Official Apex Reviews Interview: Linda Beed (Business Unusual)
Apex Reviews: Thanks for joining us for this interview, Linda. We're looking forward to learning more about your book.
Business Unusual goes deep into the heart of spiritual matters. What inspired you to give the book that particular focus?
Linda Beed: There is a scripture that says, "Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and [that] your fruit should remain…" It became very apparent to me that what I was to write was not for me. It was what I was ordained to write for others.
AR: Please explain for our readers the significance of the book's title.
LB: Business Unusual is a play on words that has far reaching implications. When people have the book in front of them most read the title as -- 'Business As Usual'. It is a phrase so often spoken that it is expected. Conversely, Business Unusual speaks to a way of life that is considered 'not the norm, unexpected, unusual', according to a majority of American standards. Within the pages you will become acquainted with people who have made a choice to walk with God. That choice brings about challenges attached to the option of choice.
AR: One of the major issues that Bernadette struggles with is forgiveness, specifically for past family matters. Why do you think forgiveness tends to be such a difficult task for people?
LB: I believe many of us struggle with the issue of forgiveness for a variety of reasons. For some it can be due to the trauma that the actions of others have visited upon them. On the other end of that spectrum the reason can be the belief that the harboring of unforgiveness wields a certain amount of power over another. And yet in someone else's case, it could be that they do not yet know how to forgive.
AR: In the book, you skillfully display the fact that temptation comes in forms we're often not prepared for, particularly in Hayes's case. What advice would you give to people to help them more readily identify that problem?
LB: The best advice I can give anyone seeking an answer to this question is – remain with or become connected with God. It is through our relationship with the Father that we will come to understand what is or is not for us as we face personal and professional challenges.
AR: Many of the issues in the book seem well tailored for presentation to the faith community. Have you done any readings at churches or church conferences/gatherings? If so, what have the reactions been?
LB: Opportunity to share Business Unusual with the faith community has been afforded to me. The reaction to the work has been very favorable. It has also presented opportunity to discuss questions readers have regarding their role/responsibility as a single, a parent and a friend.
AR: On the contrary, what kinds of reactions have you gotten from more secular readers?
LB: Not wanting Business Unusual to be sequestered to the Christian community, I have sought avenues of exposure outside of the traditional church setting. Responses to the content of the story have been mixed. I am pleased that the majority has been positive.
AR: Business Unusual is the first book in the Covenant Series. Please share more with our readers about what you aim to accomplish through the series.
LB: When initially writing this novel it became apparent to me that there was more of a story to be told. We see a process beginning with the characters in the current book. Subsequent books from this series will see the manifestation of the process within the main characters and others you will meet along the way.
AR: In addition to the Covenant Series, you plan to produce other written, spoken, and dramatic works through your company, On Assignment. Please expound on the company's overall aims and objectives for our readers.
LB: I am a voracious reader and have put much effort into finding works to my liking. I am compelled to help those seeking to produce such works. To that end, On Assignment's overall objective is to write, produce and/be a catalyst for presenting/supporting works (by others) of standard. These works will encompass a variety of art forms.
AR: You're also a retired teacher (having earned a Master of Theology and Doctorate of Religious Education. Do you have any intentions of returning to the education arena?
LB: Although I am not teaching within the conventional classroom, I have not walked away from my purpose. As an educator my passion for teaching is a flame that never goes out. Currently my gift is being utilized via the writing of novels such as Business Unusual, Children's ministry curriculum, the training of ministry educators, as well as planning and facilitating faith-based and literary workshops.
AR: Any final thoughts you'd like to share with our readers?
LB: To those of you who have read Business Unusual and those who soon will, I thank you. I leave you all with these words – There is no such thing as an acceptable loss in God's Kingdom!
AR: Thanks again, Linda, and best of continued success to you in all your endeavors!
LB: Thank you for the opportunity to share my work and my views with your audience.