Who Do I Talk To? by Jackson, Neta [Tomas Nelson,2009]

Yada Yada House of Hope #2

by Neta Jackson

Who Do I Talk To? by Jackson, Neta. Published by Tomas Nelson,2009, Paperback

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Christian, Audiobook, Contemporary, Adult, Spirituality

Paperback

First published February 29, 2000

Reviews

[Beth Peninger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 in a series that I started a long time ago. Like other books, if there is a 2 or beyond, I had to read it. I will only not read a series if it is so horrible that I can't even stomach book 1! But I can stomach this series and I actually really enjoy it. Neta Jackson does a good job of realistically portraying faith. I think some authors/people/etc portray a life of faith in Christ as this happy-go-lucky, all sunshine and roses kind of life. Um. Yeah. It's not. Sorry to burst your bubble if you were striving for that. And I also like how Neta doesn't have her characters acting all self-righteous toward others who are struggling in their faith journey. Like I said, she gives a realistic portrayal of a life of faith. This book picks up on the same day, or the very next, of where book 1 leaves off. I love that. I like following a story that close! Gabby and her mom have been kicked out of Gabby's home by her selfish, pig headed husband. This book takes the reader through the next month and the aftermath of his sin and how the consequences have a trickle down effect. I'm looking forward to book 3.

[Mandy J. Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like I am stepping back into the arms of a beloved friend when reading this series. Especially this book. The sacrificial friendship stood out to me in this story and I could relate to Gabby as she learns to talk to the Only One who can help her.

We pick up in this book right where we left off in the first one of the House Of Hope series. Gabby has been thrown out by her husband and has gone from the lap of luxury to next to nothing. The Yada Yada Prayer Group and other new friends reach out to her and her mother in a way that changes lives. Forever.

This is a long book, but also a very enjoyable one. You get your money's worth when reading this and walk away feeling encouraged.

[Donna Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was an enjoyable read. I actually burst into tears a few times. Four stars because the genre can be so predictable, but this book caught me off guard a few times. It also didn’t complete all of the obvious courses the story “should” have taken. The story is about a woman who finds herself homeless after her husband changes the locks and leaves with the kids. I enjoyed it more than I expected to. I chose this book for a reading challenge, and I’m glad I did.

[Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy reading Neta Jackson. Her stories always seem to stretch her main character, bringing growth and depth to the character. This one was no exception.

[Ella Hachee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting one. I enjoyed reading it but didn't feel rushed to get to the end to find out what happens. I also didn't care for this nearly as much as the original Yada Yada Prayer Group books and all my favorite parts of this book were the ones with Jodi and the other Yada Yada ladies. I think I might need to take a break from this series for a while because I think I'm getting burnt out but I definitely will read the sequel to this.

[Lee Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book and I didn't even read the first book yet. I really want to get the next book in the series because I want to find out what happens to Gabriella and her husband. That is all I can say and also if you want to get plenty of sleep, stay away from this book because it will keep you up late at night!

By the way I have read some of the books in the Yada Yada series written by this author so I'm familiar with some of the characters in this book.

I probably should have read the first book before I read this book. Too late now. I don't think I missed much though and ready to read the next book "Who do I lean on?"

[Lynda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of the saddest yet most uplifting books in the series. So many difficult thingshappen to Gabby and her mother while they take refuge at Manna House where Gabby is employed. She learns a lot about herself and her "clients" while becoming a resident in the homeless shelter. She discovers a new depth of relationship with her colleagues and her family while also rediscovering a relationship with God as new developments lead Gabby to a project she never saw coming. I couldn't stop reading this one - tissues needed.

[Sonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful follow up to book 1. Love the way Jackson writes, in a way that you can relate to the characters and feel the plethora of feelings they go through. One gets submerged in the life of Gabby Fairbanks. You find yourself crying with her, laughing with her and rooting for her. Also very spiritually encouraging, making it more than a novel, but a spiritual guide.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I find that I am really a "series" type person. I enjoy reading series that allow me to meet characters and periodically check in with them and their progress. I recommend any books by Neta Jackson.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great one in the series! This lady can write books that really make you want to be closer to the Lord and love others!
*2nd reading was even better than the first! FANTASTIC series!

[Valerie Hochstetler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gave insight into what it is like to end up living in a homeless shelter. While many of the women have drug problems, there are women who just have had bad things happen to them and they need help to get through. While the main character, Gabby, works through her mother's death, her husband's emotional abuse, homelessness, and separation from her children, we see the support of the body of Christ and her growth through prayer.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading the 2nd novel in this series as much as the first. It makes you think about things in your own life. Love the characters. Starting the next one tomorrow.

[Maria Elmvang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Neta Jackson redeemed herself in this second book in the House of Hope series. I had been extremely disappointed by Where Do I Go?, because it ended on such a depressing note, and had seemed pretty pointless - using the entire book to get the main character down as low as she could get.

In Who Do I Talk To? it becomes apparent why Neta Jackson did this. I still think it's an extremely risky venture to write the first book in a series like that. If I hadn't already been introduced to her writing through the Yada Yada series, I think I would have given up on her then and there. As it was, it was with some reluctance I picked up the second book, and for once, I didn't start reading it immediately.

But thankfully the atmosphere was completely different. Still not as upbeat as in the Yada Yada series, but taking the topic into consideration, that would have been completely inappropriate. However, it was a lot more positive, and I ended up laughing and crying together with Gabby.

The characters were better fleshed out (especially Gabby's father-in-law) and I enjoyed getting to know them better, and seeing them interact with Gabby and her mother. And I LOVED the ending.

Still nowhere as inspirational as the Yada Yada series, but Neta Jackson has "won me back", and I'll definitely be reading Who Do I Lean On?.

[Libby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second in the "House of Hope" series, which is a spin off of the "Yada Yada Prayer Group" series. I have really enjoyed all of the Neta Jackson books that I have read . The characters are fleshed out and come to feel like old friends. You could read this series without having read the 1st one but it is just richer for it. However the first two in this series definitely need to be read together as they really read as one book. At the end of this book the author said that she started volunteering at a Women's shelter so she could learn what it is like and that she is using this to share some of the stories she heard there ro help people understand that homelessness can effect any of us and it is only by God's grace that it hasn't happened to us. . Like the college Professor of Literature that had a nervous breakdown and lost her job as well as her home, well her life, and after 2 years she is getting a small studio apartment. You can hear the authenticity in the stories like this. Well done

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[Tanx · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this, just as with her other book in this House of Hope series, the beginning always starts out strong, then it drags and I regret choosing the book (this is why I took 4 months to finish it!), but three-quarter into the book, the pace picks up again and it is hard to put down.
I always end Neta Jackson's books with lots of feel good vibes and encouragement to get closer to the Lord, which makes her one of my go-to authors, but I just wish my excitement wouldn't die down midway through the book...

Overall, this is an alright read, currently I'm already digging into the 3rd book of this series.
(Psst... the opening starts with Phillip! I hope to get to read more of him!)

For first time readers, you do need to read the books in order, recommended to start with The Yada Yada Prayer Group because the Yada Yada ladies are the best!

[Angela Belcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book began very slowly and took me a while to get into because of the many different characters. After I began reading I realized it was 2nd in a new series by this author so I probably would not have been so confused if I had read the first book. After getting into the book I really enjoyed the book. Gabby is thrown out of her home with her mother and her mothers dog. Her children are shipped to another state without her knowledge and she is forced to begin living in the homeless shelter where she had just quit her job. With the help of the ladies at the shelter and the ya ya prayer group she is able to hold on to seeds of hope and eventually get stronger. I wish this book had a more clear resolution but it definitely left me wanting to read the next book which was probably the author's reason for leaving it open ended.

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this, 2nd in the House of Hope series (following Where Do I Go?), we get to know the residents and staff of Manna House a bit more. There's Estelle, Precious, Sabrina, Carolyn, Jodi and Denny Baxter, Josh and Edesa Baxter, and Mabel, to name a handful. Oh, and Lucy. Let's not forget Lucy. Gabby continues to narrate.

Mama Shep has been experiencing headaches. Gabby tries to live up to the meaning of her name, Gabrielle which means "strong woman of God."

Not as good as "The Yada Yada Prayer Group" series but this second scores higher than the first in the House of Hope series.

[Kayce · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving this series and I am just sad I now have to wait until NEXT SUMMER for the next book! I can't wait to see what happens with Gabby. I'm not sure how much I can say without giving anything away for those who haven't read the first book in the series (Where Do I Go?). But I have enjoyed getting to know the characters of this book. I feel like they are my friends. They make me laugh, they make me think, and they've even brought a tear to my eye. These are fantastic novels to lose yourself in. Neta Jackson is a wonderful author; I love her story telling!

[Shannon · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked this book. I don't read a ton of Christian fiction but I've often appreciated it's ability to entertain while also causing me to reassess my personal spirituality.

I hadn't read any of the other books in the series before hand, so elements of the book felt very abrupt. I could also figure out what was going on in the story.I guess my only complaint is the book wasn't compelling enough to drive me back to the series because I can easily figure out what happened in the past books the next sounds like more of the same.

[Carla Still · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is better than the first series of Yada Yada books. This book incorporated the rest of the ladies in the Yada Yada group, so it does help to have read the first series. I liked had the main character from the first series formed a relationship with the main character in this series. It remained suspenseful and full of drama. I'm waiting for the parallel book to come in by the author's husband to read more about Mr. Bentley.

[Priscilla Perez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked reading this one because I already knew the characters and wanted to know how Gabby's life would continue to change. Events occurred to her that were unexpected, much like life for anyone, full of surprises. What makes me truly enjoy the book is that she learns to trust in God and realizes when things are at their worst, God turns it around for good, although we have a hard time accepting change.

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second book in the Manna House series - I love to read Jackson's books - such real characters and situations - this was a continuation of Gabby's life as the director of programs at a Chicago homeless shelter and her trials with her husband caused by her choices to help women in need - can't wait for number 3

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good to see Gabby grow a little more.
Excellent to have Jodi suggest Gabby pray for Phillip. Jodi realizes that he is lost and can benefit from prayer and God's help. Gabby should be praying for him to come to Christ. It would be the best thing for him.
Praying for our enemies and people who have hurt us is one of the traits that makes Christians different. Jesus told us to do this.

[Sarah Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all the Neta Jackson books and this one is another one to add to that list. It was an emotional roller coaster right up through the end. This one really made me excited to see the way God was working in the main character, Gabby's life. It will have you crying and praising Jesus all at the same time.

[Karen Rowe]

Trust

As Gabby grows more spiritually, Philip becomes more lost. Grabby begins to trust the Lord more and not to lean on her own understanding.

Gabby learns also that Philip's father does not agree with the decisions he has made.

The characters we loved in Yada Yada also appear in House of Hope.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Got this one for my birthday from Trever. Have been waiting months for its release. It was good, but I hate when I book leaves a lot of loose ends that force you to wait for the next one to wrap it all up. Especially when it won't be released until June of 2010. *sigh*

[Becky Willis]

I have loved all of the Yada Yada books. I finished this one today and cried for the last 100 pages. What an inspiration these books have been for me. I have followed many of the practices including studing the names of some of my students. Keep them coming. I cannot wait until June 2010.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book better than the first one. The main character is growing in her relationship with the Lord and making friends. I'll definitely be reading the next one to see what happens in her marriage.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Jackson's style of writing, but most importantly I love that she gives faces, personalities, emotions, and real life circumstances to homeless women. I can't get enough of this series. It challenges me to the core.

[Laura F. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm just absolutely loving this series. As Gabby is struggling with the new changes in her life, and her new understanding of homelessness she is also learning a lot about her faith, and to rely on prayer and God to help her through the struggles.