Pound Foolish by Neta and Dave Jackson

Neta Jackson will always hold a special place on my bookshelf. I've loved walking with her many different characters through real-life circumstances. I could relate so much to Book 3 in this series, so I was excited to see what unfolded with Book 4.

Greg Singer was a man that, sadly, is common in our culture. It was so hard to read though as I thought about his wife and all that frustration that she had with him. Not only that, but other topics in this book that are easy to relate to are the economy, money decisions, and hearing things that you want to hear vs. hearing what God is really saying.

I'm not certain what's planned next for the Jackson's, but I know I won't be disappointed by the real, tough issues that are brought up in their books. I also like how familiar characters (i.e. Harry, etc.) pop back up, which just reinforces the relationship readers have with the characters when they've read from the Yada Yada series and on.

Look for more review on this book by going to http://litfusegroup.com/campaigns/pound-foolish-dave-neta-jackson.

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{More about Pound Foolish}

Pound Foolish | Book Four in the Windy City Neighbors series (Castle Rock Creative, October 2014)
Greg Singer coordinates consumer sports shows for powerboats, four wheelers, snowmobiles, and jet skis-macho toys for outdoor men like himself. But the job puts tremendous stress on his marriage with Nicole, who for the first time notices the handsome lawyer at the end of the block. “Greener pastures?” When the recession hits Greg’s industry, he thinks the crisis is merely an opportunity for God to bless him with unmatched prosperity, a promise he hears preached each Sunday, and he steps out in bold faith . . . But is he being “pound foolish”?
The fourth in the Windy City Neighbors series, Pound Foolish explores the economic upheaval and uncertainties challenging every family. Intersecting with Penny Wise (book three), the Jacksons employ the innovating storytelling technique of “parallel novels.” Though each book follows its own drama and story arc, the characters’ lives become intertwined and affect one another. Pound Foolish returns us to Beecham Street-a typical American neighborhood . . . where a growing friendship brings new meaning to prosperity.
Learn more and purchase a copy here.

{More About Dave and Neta Jackson}

Dave and Neta Jackson are award-winning authors living in the Chicago area where their parallel novels from the Yada Yada House of Hope and Harry Bentley series are set.
As a husband/wife writing team, Dave and Neta Jackson are enthusiastic about books, kids, walking with God, gospel music, and each other! Together they are the authors or coauthors of over 100 books.
Find out more about Dave and Neta at http://www.daveneta.com/.

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I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Penny Wise by Neta and Dave Jackson

I have enjoyed every book I have read so far by Dave and Neta Jackson.  I especially like the Yada Yada Prayer Group series and all of the spin offs because of the diversity in cultures and the focus on prayer.

This book is no different.  This is the 3rd book in the Windy City Neighbors series. I could sympathize with Michelle and I think many people could, too.  She's busy doing a lot.  And I mean A LOT!  Her and her husband have opposite schedules and trying to be involved in church ministry and work doesn't leave a lot of time for their own family.  If they don't take care of their own children, the kids on the street would be glad to fill in their role for them.  But Michelle and Jared don't want their children to be "street kids." At some point, choices will need to be made as to what to say "no" to and what to say "yes" to. Their journey isn't as easy as it sounds, just like ours isn't.  Michelle and Jared are your typical American family in today's world.

I liked seeing some familiar characters in this book, such as Estelle and those from the Manna House. It's always fun to see what old characters are doing.

My only dislike in this book was that there was a little bit of too much information in one of the bedroom scenes.  I understand that they're married and that's a natural thing to do in marriage.  However, there was one sentence that I wish had been left out completely because it didn't flow.  It felt completely out of place and it was a little strange to read.

Other than that, though, the book is very good.  I'm looking forward to seeing what book 4 holds!

Read more opinions on this book at http://litfusegroup.com/author/dnjackson.

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About the Book

                       Penny Wise | A Windy City Neighbors book
Michelle Jasper doesn’t have much time to hang out with her neighbors—not with thirteen-year-old twins, another teen with hoop dreams, a full-time job as a caseworker, volunteering at a crisis pregnancy center, and heading up the women’s ministry at Northside Baptist. Her husband’s constantly changing shifts as an air traffic controller at the world’s busiest airport—Chicago’s O’Hare International—and responsibilities as a trusted deacon at Northside only add to the juggling act at the Jasper household.
Her new neighbors, Harry and Estelle Bentley, mean well with their friendly efforts to bring people together, but how can she deal with neighborhood concerns—like Greg Singer, who lost his job and is now trying to recruit sales reps from the neighborhood for his new venture—when she’s confronted with tragic family situations daily in her job? Like little Candy and her baby brother Pookey, victims of neglect . . .
With the “tyranny of the urgent” crowding out the important, Michelle is blindsided by danger involving her own kids—and a personal crisis that calls into question the very values she holds dear. How could this happen? Does God even care?
As her life unravels, a missing penny—and a “penny from heaven”—give her a shred of hope. But will God just laugh at her penny test?
Learn more and purchase a copy here.

Dave and Neta Jackson

Dave and Neta Jackson are award-winning authors living in the Chicago area where their parallel novels from the Yada Yada House of Hope and Harry Bentley series are set. As a husband/wife writing team, Dave and Neta Jackson are enthusiastic about books, kids, walking with God, gospel music, and each other! Together they are the authors or coauthors of over 100 books.
 

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I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group and Castle Rock Creative Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Grounded by Neta and Dave Jackson

Neta Jackson has been one of my favorite authors that I have read every book by Neta Jackson since her Yada Yada Prayer Group series.  I had a hard time saying goodbye to those characters in that series.  I've been so glad to see familiar names pop up in each of her different series that she has written since then.  In this case, it's the Bentley's.

 

The style of this book is written almost in the same style of the Yada Yada books, which is why I think I like it so much.  It has a lot of characters and the story tells you all about them in different points of view.  It was a book that I put off reading some because I knew that when I did, I would want to read the next book right away.  I couldn't, of course, because it's not out but I am definitely anxious to get my hands on it now!  I just have to wait until the parallel novel, Derailed, comes out in the fall.

 

Grace is a contemporary Christian music artist who also has a past.  She's had some tough times and I afraid of speaking about them.  This is where the Bentley's come in...as neighbors to Grace.  They love Grace and guide her and cover her with their prayers.  Ah...the Bentley's.  They are like the familiar face in a crowd.  I instantly reconnected with this family as they are now investing themselves in new lives.  They help Grace comes to terms with her past and not just stop there, but to continue on living without fear.  I want a neighbor like them!

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I received this book free from CFBA and Worthy Publishing in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Come to the Table by Neta Jackson

I remember reading the first book of the Yada Yada Sisters and House of Hope series books by Neta Jackson and feeling so connected to the characters.  I loved them!  I felt that they were real and loved how God was the center of their friendship.  I was so sad to see that series come to an end and truly thought that her next series would be nowhere near as good.  I just thought I couldn't connect to any other characters like I did in the other series.  I should have known better because this new series has made me instantly fall in love with these characters as well.  I love Kat and her impulsiveness and how she is new to the faith but wants to know more.  She is one that will challenge those ones in the book who have been believers and active in the church to take a good look at themselves.

This is the second book in her new series, SouledOut Sisters series and I can hardly wait to see what the third book will reveal.  I, as an avid reader of her other series, really appreciate that she brought some of those other characters into this new series and offers updates on Avis and Peter and Rochelle.

Kat has so much enthusiasm about God and wanting to do something life-changing.  She is not shy when it comes to talking about healthy foods and how all need an opportunity to select healthy foods to eat.  This leads to her idea of a food pantry, but needless to say, those "seasoned" Christians are a little less enthused about her idea.  They have learned not to just jump into something without prayer and they know how hard it is to continue with something started.  However, Kat is so excited about God and wants to jump in headfirst with her plans. 

This book is one that is hard to put down and one that I found myself saying "just one more chapter...."  Neta's books tend to make me want to spend some time with the Lord as I'm reading.  I love that about her writing.  She makes it feel like you are spending time with God, but through her characters.  She opens up their spiritual lives so we can relate and I appreciate that.

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I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishing through their Booksneeze program in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Lucy Come Home by Dave and Neta Jackson

I am a huge fan of Dave and Neta Jackson.  I own all of the Yada Yada Prayer Group books, and all of the books that followed after that.  I was really excited to read this book because I've yet to read anything by them that I didn't like.

This is the first book in their new series, A Yada Yada Journey of Hope.  This book includes many of the old favorites in past series and introduces the reader to Lucy Tucker, a resident of Manna House Shelter.  The book goes back and forth between the present time and the 1940s to better give the reader a sense of Lucy's history and past.

Lucy is 80 years old and still lives on the streets of Chicago.  Why?  That's any one's guess until now.  The story goes back to the wars, the migrant workers, the carnival workers, and even the homeless.  Times were tougher then and she saw and experienced things that she shouldn't have had to at her age.

If you're a fan of the Yada Yada books, be sure to get this start of the new series.  I'm so glad they are continuing with some of the same characters.  I'm not ready to say goodbye to them yet so I'm very thankful they are being included in this book, as well. 

For more reviews on this book, go to: http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/13501702/lucycomehome

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I received this ebook free from Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Stand By Me by Neta Jackson

I am a HUGE fan of the Yada Yada Prayer Group series and the House of Hope series.  I have fallen in love with all of the characters.  Not realizing that the same characters would be carried into this book, I was thrilled to discover that they were still with me!  I have grown to love these characters and just when I thought I had to tell them "goodbye," I got to say "hello again!"

If I could sum up what I feel like when I read this book (as well as any of her Yada Yada books), it's that the entire book makes me want to set it aside and praise God and worship Him with my entire heart.  When I'm reading this book, it makes me feel like I'm in a spirit of worship and I love it!  Not many books give me that feeling, but this book focuses so much on the intent of worship and the spirit of worship that you, as the reader, just can't help but join in.

The summary of the book (which is extremely hard to condense), Kat is a graduate college student who is graduating and looking to work with students in the city of Chicago.  Her three friends join her and they begin to attend SouledOut Community Church.  Avis is a worship leader at the SouledOut Community Church and her husband, Peter, is an elder.  Avis's daughter is going through a rough spell and is needing extra help and attention by Avis.  However, Peter is thinking that God is really calling them to make a life change and do something different in their lives now while they are younger and have the energy to give more to God.  Before they can make this life change, though, Avis needs to be sure that her daughter is and will be okay.  This means that she stays put in Chicago for a bit longer and at SouledOut Community Church.  Kat seems to be drawn to Avis for some reason, but Avis thinks that Kat is just another student who is passionate but is a flake and all talk, no action.  Somehow these two come to realize that they need each other, despite the age differences, their racial differences, and their cultural differences.

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I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze® book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255