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Steppin' into the Good Life
Shelia Rushmore thought she'd be the last woman standing when it was time to fight for her man. Instead Ace, her boyfriend of two years, chose to reunite with his ex-wife, leaving Shelia emotionally devastated. It's a year later when Sheila is convinced that sneaking into their wedding ceremony will put closure on the gaping hole in her heart. But it's on the back pew of the church where a new relationship begins for Shelia. She can't explain the touch she received from God on that day, but she's determined to be a better woman-a woman of faith. Since high school, Shelia has been chasing her definition of the good life - it's left her with no home, no man, and no money. But now that's she's living life for God, things should get better, right? Shelia learns that living a faith-filled life isn't always easy.
With faith, tough love, and some tough decisions, Shelia realizes that the life she'd been praying for she could have for herself is actually attainable. Being wrapped in God's arms, she decided, was by far the safest place she'd ever been.
With faith, tough love, and some tough decisions, Shelia realizes that the life she'd been praying for she could have for herself is actually attainable. Being wrapped in God's arms, she decided, was by far the safest place she'd ever been.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 27, 2011
26 people are currently reading
680 people want to read
About the author
Tia McCollors
21 books104 followersTia McCollors used to dream of being a television news anchor, but her destiny led her behind the pages instead of in front of the cameras. After earning a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from UNC-Chapel Hill, she went on to build a successful career in the public relations industry. In 1999, a job layoff prompted Tia to discover and pursue a writing career as an author. Following the birth of her son in 2006, she left the corporate arena to focus on her family and her expanding writing and speaking business.
Tia’s first novel, A Heart of Devotion, was an Essence Magazine bestseller. She followed her popular debut with four other inspirational novels including Zora’s Cry, The Truth About Love, The Last Woman Standing, and Steppin’ Into The Good Life. In 2012, she released If These Shoes Could Talk, her first devotion book of The Prissy Purse Devotions series. Tia’s sixth novel, Friday Night Love, will be released in May 2014, followed by Sunday Morning Song in October 2014.
In addition to being an author, Tia is an inspirational speaker as well as an instructor for writing workshops. Her speaking and literary works have been spotlighted in a growing number of publications, including Black Enterprise magazine, Who’s Who In Atlanta, The Good Life magazine and the Atlanta-Journal Constitution. In December 2013, she was honored to receive the Jubilee of Reading Heritage Award by the DeKalb County Library System.
Tia’s first novel, A Heart of Devotion, was an Essence Magazine bestseller. She followed her popular debut with four other inspirational novels including Zora’s Cry, The Truth About Love, The Last Woman Standing, and Steppin’ Into The Good Life. In 2012, she released If These Shoes Could Talk, her first devotion book of The Prissy Purse Devotions series. Tia’s sixth novel, Friday Night Love, will be released in May 2014, followed by Sunday Morning Song in October 2014.
In addition to being an author, Tia is an inspirational speaker as well as an instructor for writing workshops. Her speaking and literary works have been spotlighted in a growing number of publications, including Black Enterprise magazine, Who’s Who In Atlanta, The Good Life magazine and the Atlanta-Journal Constitution. In December 2013, she was honored to receive the Jubilee of Reading Heritage Award by the DeKalb County Library System.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
April 23, 2011
Sheila Rushmore just wants to live the good life. When her “six-foot, six-pack, six-figure man” dumps her for his ex-wife, Sheila is devastated. Clearly, he is not coming back and Sheila makes one last ditch effort to find closure for that part of her life. Her efforts are disastrous on the surface, but in the midst of the humiliation, Sheila finds God and her life slowly begins to change. However, things get worse before they get better. While learning about a God that satisfies her far more than any fancy shoes could, Sheila finds herself unemployed, single, almost homeless, and broke. Having God is wonderful, but Sheila still longs for that sweet place called the good life. When family issues arise and temptations of the past reappear, will Sheila hold to her faith in God? Will she ever find the elusive good life?
I loved reading Steppin' Into the Good Life by Tia McCollors. The narrator (Sheila) is real, witty, and engaging. This book will definitely appeal to people who enjoy fashion. Though the plot is completely different, it reminded me slightly of Confessions of a Shopoholic just because of some of the fashion references. I admire authors who can create catchy ways to convey information. McCollors does that repeatedly, but not repetitiously, throughout the novel.
The spiritual lesson behind the plot was effective and timely. Too often people are disappointed after becoming a Christian because they have the notion that Christians don't have problems. Contrary to that belief is the reality that having God in one's life doesn't mean everything is going to be rosy. Sometimes life is hard, but God is always good whether or not we are living the so-called good life.
Steppin' Into the Good Life is the second novel in this series. I have not read the first, Last Woman Standing, but I certainly intend to. I didn't feel like I was missing any information as I read the book. In fact, I didn't know it was the second novel in the series until I got to the end and saw the blurb for Last Woman Standing. I suspect there will be at least one more novel in this series. While the ending was satisfying to read, there were a few situations/relationships left open that could definitely be addressed in a third novel.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Moody Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
I loved reading Steppin' Into the Good Life by Tia McCollors. The narrator (Sheila) is real, witty, and engaging. This book will definitely appeal to people who enjoy fashion. Though the plot is completely different, it reminded me slightly of Confessions of a Shopoholic just because of some of the fashion references. I admire authors who can create catchy ways to convey information. McCollors does that repeatedly, but not repetitiously, throughout the novel.
The spiritual lesson behind the plot was effective and timely. Too often people are disappointed after becoming a Christian because they have the notion that Christians don't have problems. Contrary to that belief is the reality that having God in one's life doesn't mean everything is going to be rosy. Sometimes life is hard, but God is always good whether or not we are living the so-called good life.
Steppin' Into the Good Life is the second novel in this series. I have not read the first, Last Woman Standing, but I certainly intend to. I didn't feel like I was missing any information as I read the book. In fact, I didn't know it was the second novel in the series until I got to the end and saw the blurb for Last Woman Standing. I suspect there will be at least one more novel in this series. While the ending was satisfying to read, there were a few situations/relationships left open that could definitely be addressed in a third novel.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Moody Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
April 15, 2011
Sheila Rushmore is scrapping the bottom of the barrel. Her friend, Cassandra, has convinced her to crash her ex’s wedding, she only have $20 to her name, is living in a friends guestroom and recently lost her job. Sheila is a high maintenance woman that doesn’t have a man, money or future. That is until she opens her heart to God. As she rushed into a bookstore to cool off from Atlanta’s intense heat, she meets Eden and life takes a right turn.
Eden and Sherri were church members that quickly took Sheila into their sisterly group. Eden talks about how "crisis is change trying to take place...when in crisis you better believe you're being changed, too.” Sherri encouraged Sheila to ask God for her true passion and have that drive her into her destiny. With resistance, Shelia embraces her thirst for a better life by learning about what God, journaling and reading the Word. In step with the change she wants to be, Sheila sets out to step up her game by getting to know what she wants out of life, forgiving those that wronged her or she straight out dissed, and taking back what she easily gave away.
McCollors uses humor and Christian principles to show that change may not be easy but it’s definitely worth it. The supporting characters will keep you laughing and the situations are things that we all experience. Some of the sayings stopped me in my tracks and made me laugh uncontrollably like…"his looks had slid down like mud on a hill”. While paraphrased scriptures really gave me pause causing me to think about my own worldliness…”owe man nothing but love”. There were a few items that didn’t come full circle for me – Sheila’s job situation, her relationship with Lee, and her mother’s health. However, the idea did get across…are you “STEPPIN’ INTO THE GOOD LIFE” with the Lord, Jesus Christ?
Eden and Sherri were church members that quickly took Sheila into their sisterly group. Eden talks about how "crisis is change trying to take place...when in crisis you better believe you're being changed, too.” Sherri encouraged Sheila to ask God for her true passion and have that drive her into her destiny. With resistance, Shelia embraces her thirst for a better life by learning about what God, journaling and reading the Word. In step with the change she wants to be, Sheila sets out to step up her game by getting to know what she wants out of life, forgiving those that wronged her or she straight out dissed, and taking back what she easily gave away.
McCollors uses humor and Christian principles to show that change may not be easy but it’s definitely worth it. The supporting characters will keep you laughing and the situations are things that we all experience. Some of the sayings stopped me in my tracks and made me laugh uncontrollably like…"his looks had slid down like mud on a hill”. While paraphrased scriptures really gave me pause causing me to think about my own worldliness…”owe man nothing but love”. There were a few items that didn’t come full circle for me – Sheila’s job situation, her relationship with Lee, and her mother’s health. However, the idea did get across…are you “STEPPIN’ INTO THE GOOD LIFE” with the Lord, Jesus Christ?
August 28, 2011
3.5 stars
This was a really good inspirational book. The title is certainly deceiving because Sheila did step into the good life, but it was a good spiritual life. I didn't read the first book, so I don't know the whole story behind Ace and Sheila, but didn't feel lost reading this book, so I don't think the first book is a prerequisite. Sheila did start off like a stalker sneaking into Ace's wedding, but it's the point that she felt the calling, I will say that Sheila had a lot of luck on her side. For someone that was unemployed she always had someone helping her out which a times didn't seem realistic. Eden was a really great character. She is the mother everyone wants, and a good mother figure for Sheila. I wouldn't mind reading a follow up about Sheila ad Tim to see how their relationship progresses. Overall a good read, and I'd recommend it.
This was a really good inspirational book. The title is certainly deceiving because Sheila did step into the good life, but it was a good spiritual life. I didn't read the first book, so I don't know the whole story behind Ace and Sheila, but didn't feel lost reading this book, so I don't think the first book is a prerequisite. Sheila did start off like a stalker sneaking into Ace's wedding, but it's the point that she felt the calling, I will say that Sheila had a lot of luck on her side. For someone that was unemployed she always had someone helping her out which a times didn't seem realistic. Eden was a really great character. She is the mother everyone wants, and a good mother figure for Sheila. I wouldn't mind reading a follow up about Sheila ad Tim to see how their relationship progresses. Overall a good read, and I'd recommend it.
September 9, 2011
Good Christian fiction read. I enjoyed this book. Tia McCollors incorporated comedic moments and spiritual affirmations and assurances into an overall good storyline. Sheila Rushmore is unemployed, living with her bestie and alone, having recently lost her man who decided to remarry his first wife. Just when Sheila thinks that things can't get any worse, things take a positive turn whenever she has a spiritual encounter in the most unlikeliest of places.
I didn't realize that it's a sequel to The Last Woman Standing; nevertheless, this book stood alone on its own.
I didn't realize that it's a sequel to The Last Woman Standing; nevertheless, this book stood alone on its own.
September 15, 2017
Good book for women struggling with relationships and spirituality. Somewhat predictable and cliche. Lacks substance, but is entertaining. If you are seeking a quick read for a lazy rainy afternoon, this book is for you
January 27, 2017
I read this book a few years ago and I could really relate. I felt the pain and heartache the ladies went through.
March 16, 2022
Very good read!
This was a very good read! I never wanted to put it down! It also inspired me to spend more time with God!
This was a very good read! I never wanted to put it down! It also inspired me to spend more time with God!
October 7, 2025
This captivating book pulls you in more with every page, offering insights that truly resonate.
April 30, 2014
Sheila Rushmore dated Scott Bowers, better known as ‘Ace’, for three years. Today she is sitting in the back of the church as Ace marries his ex-wife. What happened? She cannot believe it is not she who walked down the aisle with Ace.
Just before the happy turns to face the crowd, Sheila with her teary eyes jumps up to leave. Her friend Constance is waiting outside to pick her up. Sheila is dropped off and walks into the bookstore, Eden’s Gates, not far from the church. There she finds solace and Eden, the owner, and immediately takes to the older woman who gives advice like a sage. Sheila begins to visit the bookstore frequently. Eden invites Sheila to Bible Study at her church. She is a little reluctant to go, but once the program starts, the tears freely flows.
With Sheila being on the singles scene once again, without a job, little money, having a car in much needed repair, and living with her crazed roommate Constance, she decides to reach out to ex-boss Clive for help. He helps Sheila, but wants be her ‘Sugar Daddy.’ Sheila is not having it, says no and tells him she will pay the money back.
Meanwhile, Sheila meets Reggie, Travis, and Lee. She is hoping one of the three will replace the love in her life since Ace re-married. She also has a problem with Cassandra’s boyfriend and his unwanted advances. Sheila has to handle her family problems as well. Since she has been going to church, she must work on herself first. Being the self-serving, Fashionista diva and materialistic woman that she is, Sheila turns to the only One who can really help her.
Tia McCollors Christian fiction novel deals with common situations in everyday life nicely. Everyone probably knows someone like the characters Sheila, roommate Cassandra, and Eden. The only piece missing was the back-story on Sheila and Ace’s relationship that led up to his re-marrying the ex-wife.The book could have been edited a little more, cut by a chapter or two. I recommend this book to readers who like Christian fiction novels.
I received this book free from Moody Publishers through the Moody Publishers Blogger Review Program for an honest and unbiased review.
Just before the happy turns to face the crowd, Sheila with her teary eyes jumps up to leave. Her friend Constance is waiting outside to pick her up. Sheila is dropped off and walks into the bookstore, Eden’s Gates, not far from the church. There she finds solace and Eden, the owner, and immediately takes to the older woman who gives advice like a sage. Sheila begins to visit the bookstore frequently. Eden invites Sheila to Bible Study at her church. She is a little reluctant to go, but once the program starts, the tears freely flows.
With Sheila being on the singles scene once again, without a job, little money, having a car in much needed repair, and living with her crazed roommate Constance, she decides to reach out to ex-boss Clive for help. He helps Sheila, but wants be her ‘Sugar Daddy.’ Sheila is not having it, says no and tells him she will pay the money back.
Meanwhile, Sheila meets Reggie, Travis, and Lee. She is hoping one of the three will replace the love in her life since Ace re-married. She also has a problem with Cassandra’s boyfriend and his unwanted advances. Sheila has to handle her family problems as well. Since she has been going to church, she must work on herself first. Being the self-serving, Fashionista diva and materialistic woman that she is, Sheila turns to the only One who can really help her.
Tia McCollors Christian fiction novel deals with common situations in everyday life nicely. Everyone probably knows someone like the characters Sheila, roommate Cassandra, and Eden. The only piece missing was the back-story on Sheila and Ace’s relationship that led up to his re-marrying the ex-wife.The book could have been edited a little more, cut by a chapter or two. I recommend this book to readers who like Christian fiction novels.
I received this book free from Moody Publishers through the Moody Publishers Blogger Review Program for an honest and unbiased review.
October 5, 2012
Sheila Rushmore is a thirty-four year old woman with expensive taste, but very little money. She has no job, no home and she thought she had a good man, but she is single once again. What will it take for her to finally step into the good life?
It’s been a good while since I’ve read ‘The Last Woman Standing’ by Tia McCollors, but I will never forget how much I enjoyed the story. I thought I’d like this book just as much because it is the sequel, but I didn’t find it as entertaining. I’m sorry I feel that way, I didn’t expect to – it’s an okay read, the author writes well and I love how she includes words of wisdom, giving the reader something to think about whether it has to do with God or not, but the story didn’t grab me the way the first book did. And, yes, I do know why that is –The Last Woman Standing made me laugh… a lot.
It wasn’t that I disliked Sheila, but she wasn’t an interesting character; she was kind of annoying, actually. She cared a whole lot about clothes, and not just what she was wearing but she always took notice to other people’s outfits and shoes. She idolized her car and loved the smell of money. She wanted what she wanted even if she had to use somebody else to get it. This woman was way too materialistic. However, as a Babe in Christ, she was a very believable character, and McCollors does an excellent job showing Sheila’s spiritual growth in a realistic way – getting her life right with God was challenging; she fell short and one time she took God’s grace for granted as Christians (new or seasoned) tend to do.
Eden Gates was an interesting character and an example of a true Christian. I felt for her because of her situation. Sheila’s friend, Cassandra, brought quite a bit of drama to the story, as well as Sheila’s brother’s female acquaintances. Gina wasn’t likeable, but she surprised me at one point, proving she was more mature than I thought and then I kind of liked her. And I don’t know what to say about Clive.
It’s been a good while since I’ve read ‘The Last Woman Standing’ by Tia McCollors, but I will never forget how much I enjoyed the story. I thought I’d like this book just as much because it is the sequel, but I didn’t find it as entertaining. I’m sorry I feel that way, I didn’t expect to – it’s an okay read, the author writes well and I love how she includes words of wisdom, giving the reader something to think about whether it has to do with God or not, but the story didn’t grab me the way the first book did. And, yes, I do know why that is –The Last Woman Standing made me laugh… a lot.
It wasn’t that I disliked Sheila, but she wasn’t an interesting character; she was kind of annoying, actually. She cared a whole lot about clothes, and not just what she was wearing but she always took notice to other people’s outfits and shoes. She idolized her car and loved the smell of money. She wanted what she wanted even if she had to use somebody else to get it. This woman was way too materialistic. However, as a Babe in Christ, she was a very believable character, and McCollors does an excellent job showing Sheila’s spiritual growth in a realistic way – getting her life right with God was challenging; she fell short and one time she took God’s grace for granted as Christians (new or seasoned) tend to do.
Eden Gates was an interesting character and an example of a true Christian. I felt for her because of her situation. Sheila’s friend, Cassandra, brought quite a bit of drama to the story, as well as Sheila’s brother’s female acquaintances. Gina wasn’t likeable, but she surprised me at one point, proving she was more mature than I thought and then I kind of liked her. And I don’t know what to say about Clive.
August 29, 2011
A book that starts with the heroine at her ex-boyfriend's wedding can only get better or severely disappoint. This did not disappoint, it just kept getting better with each page. Very realistic picture of the challenges of being a Christian single woman--she loves God and wants to do the right thing, but gets distracted by men and financial difficulties.
And it was free from Amazon, that was a great deal!
Grammar police alert! 1/3 through the book, page 110 of 330 to be exact, Sheila begins the annoying habbit of saying "me and ___________" "me and Devin" "me and Cassandra" etc. "Me" never goes first! Never! And especially not as a subject. "Me" doesn't go to church, "I" do. And mother feeds supper to Devin and me. And this phrase repeats ad nauseum through the rest of the book. It was enough that I almost stopped reading. And then I became fascinated that a college educated woman would think and speak in that manner. Verbs correct, "me and Devn were" and no other colloquialisms. It's bad enough that this is getting common usage in our language, please don't promote it.
Still, this is just a fun read and I would read more from this author.
And it was free from Amazon, that was a great deal!
Grammar police alert! 1/3 through the book, page 110 of 330 to be exact, Sheila begins the annoying habbit of saying "me and ___________" "me and Devin" "me and Cassandra" etc. "Me" never goes first! Never! And especially not as a subject. "Me" doesn't go to church, "I" do. And mother feeds supper to Devin and me. And this phrase repeats ad nauseum through the rest of the book. It was enough that I almost stopped reading. And then I became fascinated that a college educated woman would think and speak in that manner. Verbs correct, "me and Devn were" and no other colloquialisms. It's bad enough that this is getting common usage in our language, please don't promote it.
Still, this is just a fun read and I would read more from this author.
January 28, 2011
Steppin’ Into the Good Life is the sequel to The Last Woman Standing. I was head over heels for the The Last Woman Standing. Steppin’ Into the Good Life was an okay read. Sheila STILL has one item on her agenda: having a man. There was very little change with her character. Sheila’s trials were a little too easy and someone always rescued her very easily.
I love that Sheila had women of faith in her circle and I hope it eventually rubs off on her. No one is perfect. I know that. But, I saw no real growth in the character – reading your Bible and prayer is a start and it’s a great one.
I would recommend the book to read but I would suggest reading The Last Woman Standing first. Overall, it was an enjoyable read.
I love that Sheila had women of faith in her circle and I hope it eventually rubs off on her. No one is perfect. I know that. But, I saw no real growth in the character – reading your Bible and prayer is a start and it’s a great one.
I would recommend the book to read but I would suggest reading The Last Woman Standing first. Overall, it was an enjoyable read.
April 29, 2011
I liked it. I always try to read sequels to the books that I've already read. This sequel didn't disappoint. It was nice to see the transformation that took place in Sheila's life after giving her life to Christ. As in real life, she still had some things to work on even after she got saved. I like the fact that one of the characters in the story said that coming to Christ doesn't mean that you won't have anymore problems, it just makes the whole process worth going through. I can attest to that, seeing as how I have been saved for most of my life. I'm glad that Sheila was able to get closure for most of the ill-fated situations from her past. The ending was just perfect. I would read this book again, and I would recommend it.
August 25, 2011
This wasn't Tia McCollors best work. I found myself skimming through the book which I almost never do. I would of been really upset if this wasn't a free download. I enjoyed "The last Woman Standing" and this book was the sequel to that.I found it to be slow and really didn't make sense. Sheila the main character became a Christian but as you read further there's no growth shown. Usually in christian fiction the character grows and the storyline improves.
September 30, 2011
This book started out really well and interesting...but it just slacked off as it went, at least to me. The point of the book was really great - finding who you are by faith in God, not trusting a man to satisfy you - but some parts of the novel were a bit long-winded. And I can't say I always liked the main character, Sheila, either.
August 22, 2011
I wanted to love this book, I really did. But the trend in AA fiction is always a woman feeling like she needs a man. I enjoyed reading about her journey although at times I found her quite hypocritical at times but that is neither here nor there. It was a good book and I enjoyed it, I just wish so much of the book wasn't about another Black woman who needs a man.
October 10, 2011
This free download to my Kindle was a Christian book that had a good story, with a heroine who wanted, and tried, to be good. She had some good people along the way who helped her be the person she aspired to. In fact, some of those peripheral people inspired me to be a better person (I will continue trying).
September 3, 2013
This was such an interesting book. Shelia's story was awesome. I'm glad she finally let God into her life. Once she found God he directed her path. She did finally step into the good life. Eden was like her guarding angel and she looked out for her. Maybe things will work out for her and Lee afterall. I give this book a two thumbs up!
June 7, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. I felt I could relate to Sheila on many different things (Losing a job, finding herself, establishing a relationship with God). The characters were realistic and I found myself comparing them to several people I personally know. I look forward to reading other material by Tia McCollors.
October 20, 2012
I enjoyed the story of Shelia, she finally loved God more than Man, I liked how shelia found new friends Tia did a good job with this story it had its funny moments but it also had a good story line!!
June 7, 2013
A perfect book for a Christian women's book clubs. This is a story of a woman's journey to embrace her faith and change her past ways after the man she loved and schemed to hold returns to his wife. It has humor, humility and a realness that you can feel.
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January 28, 2015Another good book about trusting God!
So glad Sheila finally realized what the good life really was! When I first started reading this book I thought I don't want to read about Sheila. But the end of the book, I thought this was a great book!
So glad Sheila finally realized what the good life really was! When I first started reading this book I thought I don't want to read about Sheila. But the end of the book, I thought this was a great book!
February 19, 2024
All I can say is FAITH!!!! Tia truly hit a home run with this novel.
April 8, 2011
I enjoyed this sequel to The Last Woman Standing. This book was a good read to a woman's journey of self-discovery and self-worth. A great cast of characters and adventures.
August 14, 2011
This book could have been better. Characters need more development, and the writing needs to improve.
August 31, 2011
Loved it!!!
September 13, 2011
I was pleasantly pleased while reading. I wish the ending was different, though.
January 7, 2012
Light entertainment.
August 28, 2014
I have missed Tia and her story telling along with a real life message. Blessed to have read this. I needed it in more ways than one. Excellent.
June 22, 2014
Very enjoyable!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews