This is the first book in the Yada Yada House of Hope series. Gabrielle “Gabby” goes from a young, carefree college woman visiting Paris to a married woman and mother of two boys. Her personality clashes with that of her ambitious, controlling husband, Philip. She wants to find her purpose and make a difference in the world, but she is impulsive and makes poor choices. This continually exasperates her husband, Philip. Gabby takes a job at a shelter for homeless women, which further irritates her husband, who is concerned about image. When she brings her mother, and her mother’s dog, Dandy, to live with them, it is the last straw for Philip. Even though Gabby’s poor choices were irritating to her husband, his actions against her were not justified. The issues of homelessness, career building, social status, separation from her children, unhealthy marital relationship, the mental decline of her mother, and her need to stand up for herself kept me interested enough to read this in one day. There are many timely issues covered in this book, and I plan to read the second one in the series. My drive time to and from work each week is around 12 or so hours so since I don't have time to read books these days, I listen to them on CD. Clearly, that limits my options for for quality listening material, so I research books that I want to read and ask the library to order them for me. Occasionaly though, I strike gold as I am browsing my local library shelves as was the case when I found this book, one in a series by Neta Jackson. The thing with books on CD is, if the readers voice does not fall just right on your ears, it is difficult to get through the entire book. This was not the case...I loved the reader and the story. If you are a believer or searching for answers in your life, this story and the others in Jackson's series are good and will have you wanting to stay up way too late or as in my case, spend more time driving, just to listen. I will leave the story line and hooks to others but trust me, if you love women, families and God, you will fall in love with all of these characters. Plus, the story takes place in Chicago, where I lived for 15 years and Jackson has the city down pat. This is not the first book in the series but it is how I started and I will read everything this woman writes. Check it out.
Do You like book Where Do I Go? (2008)?
This was the first sort of Christian based or faith based novel i have read. It was enjoyable.
—vandi
I liked this story. Unfortunately, it did not have a happy ending. I am intrigued....
—witty_patty
I enjoyed this book and I'm currently reading the second one of this series.
—ajwags
