The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Rolling
by Neta Jackson
Published by Thomas Nelson
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Reviewed by Lacy J. Williams
Neta Jackson drops the reader right into the middle of the Yada Yada prayer group with minimal introductions. Jodi Baxter, mom, wife, third-grade teacher and Yada Yada member, is the reader's host for this installment.
You will identify with Jodi's main spiritual struggles: taking on too many activities, rushing ahead of God, not trusting Him enough. She also has a hard time letting go of her nineteen-year-old son, who is stretching his wings and thinking about leaving home. Yet she still finds time for her friends and their problems, including a daughter diagnosed with HIV, a son arrested for taking part in a gang robbery, twin babies born to a couple in their fifties.
Jodi's son talks her into volunteering at a local women's shelter. During the middle of the night, a fire burns down the entire shelter. Although none of the residents are harmed, Jodi's son believes the fire was his fault.
Where is God in the midst of all of the drama in the Yada Yada group? Can he turn all the bad things to good?
The author goes on to show just that.
Snappy, fast-paced writing keeps this novel moving and the reader involved in the action. Jackson doesn't pull any punches, but deals with real-world issues that affect everyone, even Christians. Each issue is handled delicately and makes the reader long for a support group like the Yada Yadas.
With so many characters slipping in and out of scenes, the reader could easily be confused; however, Jackson handles the challenge with grace. She mostly uses dialogue to distinguish between the characters, and she does a great job of giving each one a distinct voice, including different vocal characteristics and lingo.
Armchair Interviews says: If you enjoy a read that will uplift you and help you to see God's presence around you, check out The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Rolling.
Author's Web site: http://daveneta.com