The date is 1919-a time of unrest and drastic change. For Alena, though, life in Mississippi is perfect, and she prays she will never leave her home. That prayer is shattered when she makes a horrible discovery-a discovery that leads her to challenge all she believes. Against the backdrop of the Great Migration, from a quiet, country setting, Alena is catapulted to Chicago, the "city of broad shoulders." There, amidst riots, misplaced love, and post-war confusion, the outspoken young woman struggles to find herself and the one true thing that will save her. ------------- "Passing by Samaria takes a sensitive and 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."- Kweisi Mfume, former President and CEO, NAACP "A vibrant new voice in inspirational fiction offering insights that are deep, rich, and honest."-Liz Curtis Higgs, Author of Bad Girls of the Bible ------------- " Foster's] 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."--School Library Journal, 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. *Starred Review* "Passing by Samariais a rarity in Christian fiction: it features an African American heroine in a kind of female Black Boy. . .beautiful. . .This is a fine first novel and most welcome." - John Mort, Booklist