Heavenly Places

I heard good things about this book and knew I needed to check it out for myself - what I found blew me away. Here we have a cast of characters that focuses on Treva, a wife and mother but mainly a career lawyer, who has her world pulled out from underneath her when they make a move for her husband's sake and she can't get her career going again. She is "forced" into a Bible study by her sister with 4 other women who she can't stand, barely tolerates being a mom and resents (and rightfully so) her own mother. Throughout the course of the book we get to sit in on the Bible study of Ephesians (very insightful), deal with many cultural issues (abortion, incest, modesty, career vs. family, etc...) as well as many spiritual issues (forgiveness, our Father's love for us, forgiveness, power of prayer, forgiveness, importance of the Word of God, forgiveness, etc...) and oh, did I mention forgiveness? There are too many things to even point out in a little 'ol review, but I was blessed by reading this book. I highly suggest finding a copy of this for yourself as I will be re-reading this one over and over. It is labeled as "African American Fiction", but I fail to see how the themes of forgiveness and God's love don't speak to everyone. Excellent book!

God's power is utterly amazing, when we allow Him to direct our lives, all things are possible. Treva Langston was living her life to prove a point - that she was worthy. She was a high powered attorney with a prestigious law firm in Chicago. Treva is married to a God fearing professor at the university and mother of two beautiful girls. Against her better judgment, she follows her husband back to where she grew up so he could accept a new position. Moving back home unleashes a string of emotions, reveals self-doubt and forces her to connect with the one person that can turn her heart around - God. After getting the home unpacked and ready for company, Treva continues her search for a new law firm. She also attempts to reconnect with her family, her mother Patsy who she despises, and her sister Jillian who wants to save her soul. The upheaval in her new world continues to spiral out of control while Hezekiah (her husband) and Darlene (her mother-in-law) remind her that a relationship with God and genuine interest in her family should be the center of her life. Tate has mastered the craft of storytelling. She painstakingly develops characters, carefully describes settings and emotions while delicately connecting scriptures that will soften any heart. The storyline is engaging, poignant and filled with God's Holy Word. This is a must read for anyone looking for direction, inspiration and loves the Lord. Select this book for your book club, women's group or yourself - we all need God's divine intervention and you may find what you need between the covers of this book. Deltareviewer Reviewing for Real Page Turners

Heavenly Places by Kimberly Cash Tate introduces an outwardly strong and confident African American woman, Treva Langston. We soon see that on the inside Treva is broken. That inside soon emerges when her family moves back to her hometown. Her hometown brings about memories of her childhood. Growing up she never felt like her mother loved her. Her husband assures her this is the best move but she has a hard time finding a job. Now she does not know what to do with her time and spending time with their three young daughters does not even cross her mind. Treva's sister, Jillian, invites her to join in a bible study with a group of stay-at-home mothers. Treva at first refuses because she finds it hard to believe she no long has her high-powered job. Despite her hesitation, she joins in on the group and finds that this is exactly what she needs. The group helps her deal with being a better mother, wife, sister, and daughter. Tate creates a great combination of a wonderful story and bible study. The main character seemed as if she would never come around. I found myself not liking her much. But as the story went on, Tate made sure that you understood Treva's point of view. You slowly began to love her and root for her to find that heavenly place. Entertaining, inspirational and abundantly filled with the truth of the Word, I definitely recommend this book for a pleasure read or even to read with your own bible study group. Donnica Copeland APOOO BookClub Sista Talk Book Club

As someone who enjoys both bible study and fiction novels, "Heavenly Places" offered a winning combination that kept me wanting more. The main character, Treva Langston, is beyond complex -- weak, strong, flawed, ideal, broken, whole. Whether you like her or not (at times I didn't), most women will surely relate to her on some level. Meticulous character development, vivid settings, and intricately woven scripture all made me feel as though I had secretly crept into the world that Kimberly Cash Tate has created -- the proverbial fly on the wall. If you're looking for a Christian novel that teaches, uplifts, inspires, strengthens and entertains without the forceful yoke of self-help and self-reflection, I would highly recommend "Heavenly Places". You will be blessed by this novel.

I've always been an avid reader, so once I began to explore my spirituality I turned to Christian fiction. I love stories that have a purpose and a connection to God. Lately, however, I've been yearning for something deeper than the standard Christian fare. That's why I'm so excited about Heavenly Places. This book went way beyond my expectations. From the first few lines in the "Foreword," I knew this book would be special. Once I began the story itself, it kept me glued to the pages as I first judged, then sympathized, then empathized with the main character, Treva. It made me laugh as I celebrated with the women's bible study group and cry as each layer of a character's past (and present) pain was unraveled. It also made me yearn to get into my bible more and have the intimate experience that was so superbly detailed in the book. It also connected me to some of the issues from my past relating to skin color and self-esteem while also allowing me to understand and accept how each person's Christian journey is different and designed just for them. It's amazing that one book could do so much - - but this book did. I encourage everyone to read it, think about it deeply, and share it with a friend. I guaranteed that you will be uplifted, enlightened, and blessed! Thank you Kim Cash Tate for sharing this story with the world. I can't wait to read your next novel!