Where Do I Go? By Neta Jackson

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Where Do I Go?
Thomas Nelson (December 9, 2008)
by
Neta Jackson


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
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. In addition to writing several books about Christian community, the Jacksons have coauthored numerous books with expert resource people on a variety of topics from racial reconciliation to medical ethics to ministry to kids in gangs.

Dave and Neta live in Evanston, Illinois, where for twenty-seven years they were part of Reba Place Church, a Christian church community. They are now members of a multi-racial congregation in the Chicago area.

They're trying something new! Not just new for them, but something completely new in Christian fiction: “Parallel novels,” two stories taking place in the same time frame, same neighborhood, involving some of the same characters living through their own dramas and crises but interacting with and affecting one another … just the way it happens in real life.

It’s something that only a husband and wife writing team could pull off. While Neta has Where Do I Go?, her husband Dave has written Harry Bentley's Second Chance.



ABOUT THE BOOK

A story of seeking-and finding-God's will in unlikely places.

Gabrielle Fairbanks has nearly lost touch with the carefree, spirited young woman she was when she married her husband fifteen years ago. But when the couple moves to Chicago to accommodate Philip's business ambitions, Gabby finds the chance to make herself useful. It's there she meets the women of Manna House Women's Shelter; they need a Program Director-and she has a degree in social work. She's in her element, feeling God's call on her life at last, even though Philip doesn't like the changes he sees in her. But things get rough when Philip gives Gabby an ultimatum: quit her job at the shelter or risk divorce and losing custody of their sons. Gabby must take refuge, as in the song they sing at Sunday night worship: "Where do I go when there's no one else to turn to? . . . I go to the Rock I know that's able, I go to the Rock."

Romantic Times Book Reviews says, “Exquisite characters coupled with God's mercy and love emanate from each page.”

Publisher's Weekly adds, “Jackson's Yada Yada series has sold half a million copies, and this new offshoot series ... promises the same.... The book's dramatic ending ... leav[es] readers eager for the next installment in the series.”

To read the Prologue and first Chapter of Where Do I Go?, go HERE


MY REVIEW:

“Where do I go…when there’s no one else to turn to?

Who do I talk to…when nobody wants to listen?

Who do I lean on…when there’s no foundation stable?

I go to the Rock I know that’s able,

I go to the Rock!” (p. 205)

Neta Jackson’s much anticipated first novel in the House of Hope series, where do I go?, is a story that will touch your heart and linger in your soul. This is Gabrielle Fairbanks story, and she is a lady familiar with heartache and rejection. However after 15 years as the wife of Phillip Fairbanks, enjoying the comfort and financial success known only to old money Virginia families, Gabby is trying to make the best of their recent move to Chicago as her husband attempts to establish his own business. She and Phillip left their children in Virginia at a private boarding school to finish the school year, and Gabby feels rather directionless as she faces days alone in their new penthouse apartment.

Seeking a few moments of solace on the shores of Lake Michigan, Gabby literally trips over a homeless lady – Lucy – and from that moment on, her life is never the same. Meeting Lucy, and as a result the staff of Manna House – the local homeless shelter – awakens a part of Gabby’s heart that she has long denied. When she learns the shelter is seeking a program coordinator, she applies for the job. The only trouble is, she isn’t very up front with her husband about it. When she actually gets the job and tells Phillip about it…well, let’s just say that wasn’t part of Phillip Fairbank’s game plan.

Gabby tries to muddle along in her new job, surprised at how often these workers of Manna House pray and share encouraging scripture. Her spirit is awakened in a new way, but she can’t seem to find the right way to share any of this with her husband. When the boys finally come home from school and Gabby takes them to see her mother for a brief vacation, life begins unraveling at an alarming rate. She finds herself torn in many directions, and has no idea what to do. The only answer that echoes in her soul is, “Come to Me.”

What happens to Gabby is difficult and kind of shocking. But God’s handprint is all over this book, and I think you will reach the final pages not only hungry for more of the story, but hungry for a closer relationship with Christ. This is a phenomenal beginning to a series that promises to be life changing. Don’t miss it!!