Standing at a Crossroad

In Angeleta Thornton’s debut novel, “Standing at a Crossroad,” a single traumatic night sets into motion a chain of events that will forever alter the lives of several people.

Best friends Toni and Jamie are enjoying a night out when it is upended by a chance encounter with Toni’s long-lost childhood crush, Jeff, now a pastor. Their evening is then shattered by a brutal attack from two young thugs, Guy and his reluctant cousin Gregory.

For Jamie, the assault becomes a catalyst for profound change. She finds new purpose and solace in the church, embracing a path that deeply strains her friendship with Toni. Toni, who has long rebelled against her strict religious upbringing, feels betrayed by Jamie’s new faith and the growing influence of Pastor Jeff. She is forced to confront a lifetime of painful memories, an unhealthy relationship with a younger man, and her own complicated feelings for Jeff. Simultaneously, one of their attackers, Gregory, begins his own desperate fight to escape a destructive past and forge a new future for himself.

Thornton, a pastor’s wife, mother, and artist, skillfully weaves these powerful stories together. She explores the universal themes of God’s redemptive power, the complexities of love, the resilience of friendship, and the liberating power of forgiveness. Ultimately, “Standing at a Crossroad” aims to inspire readers to reflect on their own lives and the personal crossroads they face.

Will Jamie’s newfound faith lead to the end of her friendship with Toni, or can it become a source of inspiration and reconciliation? Is it possible for Gregory to truly outrun the shadow of his past and find redemption? How will Pastor Jeff’s return influence their shared journey toward healing and forgiveness?