Jade

Lily Chau is the next member in the Garments of Praise team that we get to meet. She's in her late thirties, taking care of her sick mother, trying to get her foot into the fashion industry and trying to figure out her relationship with her boyfriend. She gets invited to compete in a Project Runway-like reality show with the help of a famous designer. Little does she know that the designer is the mysterious stranger that she keeps running into and finding a growing attraction with. Lily has to decide how she will manage her mother, her fashion, her boyfriends, and her life. This is one of the first Christian fiction novels where there is an Asian American female lead character. AND she happens to not be an immigrant or someone living in the 1800s . There aren't many Asian Americans portrayed without any sort of stereotypes in books in general so this was a welcome relief. I felt that Lily's character was very real. I understand her insistence of taking care of her mother. Family is very important in Asian culture. Like in Pink, I enjoyed seeing the going ons behind the fashion industry. And I also loved that while Lily is slightly bothered at being almost 40 and still not married, she's still managed to create a name for herself and not be bothered too much by it. I liked the contrast in Doug and Ken. Lily's mom's story with her dad was very moving and sad. The only thing I didn't get was when Lily and Doug first met. The way it was written, Doug looked like a homeless person and Lily falls head over heels for him like that. Now maybe I'm just being paranoid, but if I was alone on a street and a stranger looking like that came up to me, I'd be a little scared. Lily just seemed like she had let her guard down completely which is not a safe thing to do in a city at night. I really enjoyed this book. The series is great as it focuses on different ethnicities. I'm really looking forward to reading Tangerine.

Marilyn Griffith brings us another loveable character in the second book in the Shades of Style Series. Lily Chau is a talented fashion designer at Garments of Praise. At work, Lily shares a close bond with three other talented, dynamic and multicultural women. These women not only work together, they support each other professionally and personally. And that's a good thing because things at home are not too good for Lily. Her mother is sick and caring for her is beginning to take over her life. When Lily gets a chance to compete in the TV show, The Next Design Diva, she is thrilled and saddened all at the same time. How can she possibly compete and care for her ailing mother all at the same time. But a chance encounter with the elusive Doug LaCroix leads her to question her own abilities regarding her career, her family and her relationship with God. As her "working" relationship with Doug LaCroix grows stronger, Lily finds herself questioning all aspects of her life. Soon she is on a spiritual quest that changes her relationship with God and her mother. Marilyn Griffith's latest novel confirms that God is truly concerned about all areas of life. Submitted by: Tonya S. Hall for the GoodGirlBookClubOnline and The GOOD GIRL Book Club Worldwide

I enjoyed reading Jade and getting to know Lily Chau, the main character, and all the other characters that make up this dynamic multicultural read. Lily and her friends at "Garments of Praise" share a strong supportive bond that would make any sister of any color proud to know or work with them. This story was told with such emotional drama that I could actually empathize with every difficult decision that Lily made. I especially like the sensitive way that the relationship between Lily and her mother was handled. This novel also shows us that sometimes the very thing that we pray for is not necessarily the thing that we need or the thing that God wants us to have. Just like jade is a precious jewel, this novel is a precious gem. Marilynn Griffith has again created characters that seemingly jump off the page and into your life and heart. Keep up the good work, Marilynn, and we'll keep buying and reading your books. I'm definitely looking forward to the next installment in this series titled "Tangerine." I know it's going to be juicy fruit... Barbara Joe-Williams Author of "Falling for Lies"

Marilynn Griffith has written another winner. Jade is the second in her excellent Shades of Style series. Wow! What a writer she is! In Jade she's created an amazing, truly believable multi-culti ensemble cast unlike any other writer I know of. We get the wonderful people we grew to love in Pink, only we get to know them better. I loved Lily Chau, and her struggles resonated deeply with me. I loved that both the characters of Lily and Jean introduced in Pink became so very real in Jade that they nearly leaped off the pages. Marilynn made the Garments of Praise sisterhood so real I wanted to get an application to work there. Jade delivers the best Marilynn Griffith books have to offer: fun, sassy, crafty Godchicks, gorgeous, sensuous language, a spicy romance, vivid imagery, masterful characterization, surprising, delightful plot lines, and lovely prayers--in short a fabulous read. Can't wait to get my hands on Tangerine.

Jade is the second book in the Shades of Style series. Lily Chau is an aspiring fashion designer struggling with the desire to succeed and family obligations. Lily is given a chance to appear on a reality TV show, The Next Design Diva, but debates with her friends on whether or not she should compete. Once she makes a decision to participate, she almost backs out when she runs into the mysterious and intriguing Doug LaCroix. The chemistry between the two is so thick that you could cut it with a pair of scissors. Doug has his own set of issues to deal with and is surprised by the immediate attraction to Lily. Lily and Doug's relationship is tested many times. Only when they both grow in their faith in God will they be able to look past each other's faults and follow their personal and professional destiny. Griffith has penned a tale that shows the importance of trusting God in all areas of your life.