Where Do I Go?: A Yada Yada House of Hope Novel

To the outside world, Gabby Fairbanks would seem to have it all - a wealthy, successful husband, a penthouse apartment, and two sons she loves, but appearances are not everything. She has just been uprooted to Chicago for her husband's new business venture, is having marital difficulties, and her children are hundreds of miles away at boarding school. She is lonely and lost. When she trips over Lucy, a homeless woman, at the beach, she is introduced to Manna House, a local homeless shelter for woman. She soon begins to spend more and more time there, to her husband's chagrin. The staff and residents there offer her acceptance and an outlet for her God-given talents. She also begins rediscovering a relationship with God. She is attempting to trust in God and do what God wants, but it isn't helping things go any smoother. Her marriage is even more on the rocks, her mother needs care, and her relationship with her sons is challenging at best. Gabby is a likable character and readers will truly care about what happens to her. It is a very enjoyable read. The only caveat in reading this book is that there is no definite resolution. As part of a series, readers will need to wait another year to find out what happens to Gabby. I'm looking forward to the next installment.

I do enjoy Christian fiction, but this story would appeal to even those who usually don't. The characters were well developed, and although I could guess where a few of the story lines were going, I was surprised by the (great) ending.....although I hope there's a sequel SOON. The book was a really fast read, in part because the characters were realistic and I wanted to learn more about each one as I read--well, except for the jerk husband of Gabby whom I wanted to slap! I think one of the aspects I found appealing was that the novel took place over a short amount of time, so you really got in-depth details about the characters, story lines, etc.--yet not all at one time. The story unfolded like petals opening up on a flower. I am SO glad I found this author and series and can't wait to read more!! BUY THIS BOOK - you will not be sorry, and neither will your friends you tell about it either.

I have not read any of the other Yada-Yada books. In fact when I read that this was a second series I wasn't sure if I even wanted to start it. I am so glad that I did. The story introduces us to Gabby. The Gabby that you get to know in most of the story is rich and pampered--but you get the feeling that she'd be just as happy to be middle class. Her husband is verbally abusive. Like the other reviewer, I really disliked Gabby. Get a backbone, leave, stand up for your family. And then you watch her change and grow--and you start rooting for her. As Gabby makes friends at the homeless shelter she becomes a well rounded character. I enjoyed all the other characters in the book too that she meets at Manna House. At first I thought there was a few too many names tossed about--and while trying to remember names you're trying to remember what is going on with that character--but in just a few more pages everyone settles down and it's easy to remember everyone. Since this book is in a series it wasn't surprising that it ended on a cliffhanger and I find myself actually wondering what Gabby will do. I suppose that's a testament to how far this book reaches. The author is also very real with what I think are good issues--how are we supposed to be thankful when we're in a pit, and how can I go to God when my problems are small compared to everyone else's--and how do we come back to God when it was us who left. That was the best part of the novel--watching Gabby come back. All in all an excellent book and I highly recommend it.

When the storms of life assail you, when life seems to be no more than a juggling act out of control, when all else fails, Neta Jackson's book gently reminds you to "Come Home." The characters are real and the situations of life all too familiar. The story encompasses all of life's trauma: verbal spousal abuse, elder care, homelessness, adoptive issues, relocation, parenting, floundering faith, etc. Everyone can identify with something in this story, especially the basic need to "Come Home." I loved this book and can't wait for the next one in the series!