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God's Timing #1
Three Fifty-Seven A.M.: Timing Is Everything
Under God's guidance, Essie Mae Richardson helps her neighbors, with the power of love and prayer, giving them much-needed strength, hope, and faith to overcome life's greatest challenges. Original.
- GenresChristian Fiction
288 pages, Paperback
Published March 1, 2007
126 people want to read
About the author
Kendra Norman-Bellamy
35 books84 followersWith multi-book deals with the highly esteemed publishers of Harlequin's Kimani Press (New Spirit imprint), Moody Publishing (Lift Every Voice imprint) and Urban Books (Urban Christian imprint), Kendra has risen to become one of the most acclaimed voices in Christian fiction.
Among other honors, Kendra has been named a bestselling author on the Black Expressions Bestsellers List, the Walmart Bestsellers List and the Essence Bestsellers List, where her novel, "Crossing Jhordan's River" peaked at #1 for paperback fiction. Most recently, Kendra was presented (by the African American Literary Awards Show) with the 2008 awards for Best Christian Fiction of the Year (for "Battle of Jericho") and Best Anthology of the year (for "This Far By Faith").
Among other honors, Kendra has been named a bestselling author on the Black Expressions Bestsellers List, the Walmart Bestsellers List and the Essence Bestsellers List, where her novel, "Crossing Jhordan's River" peaked at #1 for paperback fiction. Most recently, Kendra was presented (by the African American Literary Awards Show) with the 2008 awards for Best Christian Fiction of the Year (for "Battle of Jericho") and Best Anthology of the year (for "This Far By Faith").
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
November 17, 2021
What a sweet book. I want a Ms. Essie in my neighborhood!
November 8, 2022
I had never heard of Hank Stewart or Kendra Norman-Bellamy, but their book, Three Fifty-Seven: Timing Is Everything was free for Audible subscribers.I really liked the premise, so I decided to give it a try.
Ms. Essie is an elderly lady who lives alone. Her husband died very young, but she never wanted to remarry. The family for whom she acted as caregiver in their last days left her their home and enough income to be comfortable.
As Ms. Essie sits on her porch and knits, she can’t help but be aware of some of her neighbors’ problems. The single mother yells a lot, and her teenage son shows disrespect and stays out past curfew. A regular jogger from down the street seems to be running from something rather than just running for her health. Angel, her best friend’s granddaughter, is married and expecting her first child. All is well with Angel and her husband until an accident seems to have harmed the baby.
Ms. Essie decides to be as helpful and available as possible. When her neighbors are outside, she invites them in for lemonade and peach cobbler. She offers a listening ear, prayer, and a bit of advice. As their problems intensify, so do her prayers.
As the subtitle indicates, time is a factor in the book. Each chapter starts with the time of day.
We all need a Ms. Essie in our lives. Though I didn’t like the ending, I loved the story and the truth that God can work through us if we’re available to Him.
My only minor complaint about Essie is that the authors may have made her a little too special in the sense of knowing just what to say or how to get people to share their troubles. One character says Essie “had a direct line to heaven, and God told her things He told no one else.” I wish that had been dialed back a bit and she were more ordinary–that would be more encouragement to those who don’t reach out because they don’t know what to do or say.
Unfortunately, for me a major flaw was bedroom scenes or descriptions that went too far. I don’t want or need to know the details. For that reason, I probably wouldn’t look into a book by these authors again. And that’s really a shame, because otherwise this was a great book.
Ms. Essie is an elderly lady who lives alone. Her husband died very young, but she never wanted to remarry. The family for whom she acted as caregiver in their last days left her their home and enough income to be comfortable.
As Ms. Essie sits on her porch and knits, she can’t help but be aware of some of her neighbors’ problems. The single mother yells a lot, and her teenage son shows disrespect and stays out past curfew. A regular jogger from down the street seems to be running from something rather than just running for her health. Angel, her best friend’s granddaughter, is married and expecting her first child. All is well with Angel and her husband until an accident seems to have harmed the baby.
Ms. Essie decides to be as helpful and available as possible. When her neighbors are outside, she invites them in for lemonade and peach cobbler. She offers a listening ear, prayer, and a bit of advice. As their problems intensify, so do her prayers.
As the subtitle indicates, time is a factor in the book. Each chapter starts with the time of day.
We all need a Ms. Essie in our lives. Though I didn’t like the ending, I loved the story and the truth that God can work through us if we’re available to Him.
My only minor complaint about Essie is that the authors may have made her a little too special in the sense of knowing just what to say or how to get people to share their troubles. One character says Essie “had a direct line to heaven, and God told her things He told no one else.” I wish that had been dialed back a bit and she were more ordinary–that would be more encouragement to those who don’t reach out because they don’t know what to do or say.
Unfortunately, for me a major flaw was bedroom scenes or descriptions that went too far. I don’t want or need to know the details. For that reason, I probably wouldn’t look into a book by these authors again. And that’s really a shame, because otherwise this was a great book.
February 28, 2023
Excellent reading. Wonderful characters,each with their individual faith, trust disappointments with everyday issues. Essie Mae placed in their lives to help each one of them to rely on God and God placed them in her life to help her. Loved the story. Excellent writing. This was my second time reading. Loved reading it just as much as I did the first time.
November 20, 2021
This is a sweet, predictable, at times overly-sappy read. We all need to be reminded of the messages (second chances, forgiveness, kindness, love your neighbor) from time to time. I love Essie’s character; however, some of the writing was a bit simple for my taste.
January 12, 2023
This was a good book. It’s amazing how God can send one person into your life and they make a great impression on not only you but they being you together and build a family.
No matter your struggles he can make everything right.
Listened for free on Audible.
No matter your struggles he can make everything right.
Listened for free on Audible.
March 5, 2022
Tear jerker. A must read! I loved this audible. The plot was great. Loved every bit of it. Reminds me of my up bringing.
October 16, 2022
Sweet. Predictable. Could do with or without it, And yes, I still gave it 4 stars.
February 24, 2017
I enjoyed this book so much. Even though it was predictable, it was still something that I needed. I'm glad that I picked it up.
November 12, 2009
Essie Mae Richardson is an elderly woman who walks the path of God's wisdom. She lost her husband many years ago and has no desire to marry another man, so she lives alone. She doesn't leave her comfortable home much except to sit outside on her front porch or to go to church.
Angel Stephens is the granddaughter of one of Essie's friends who passed away some time ago. Angel and her husband, Colin, are expecting their first child.
Elaine Demps passes by Miss Essie's house most days during her morning run. She and her husband, Mason, are having problems that could end their marriage in divorce.
Jennifer Mays is a single parent who just doesn't understand why her teenage son, Jerrod, is so disrespectful toward her and acting out. Jerrod makes bad decisions - choices that aren't in his heart to make - because he's hurting. He gets caught up with the wrong people, trying to be accepted.
Seems God has put all of these people on Miss Essie's heart. At the appropriate times, she invites each of them into her life. She allows the Lord to use her in ways that helps her neighbors to deal with their problems and insecurities, start making better choices and draw closer to Him.
What a blessing it would be to one day meet an elderly woman like Miss Essie Mae Richardson. She's a prayer warrior with Godly wisdom. She reads her Bible everyday and has a way of getting important messages across to those who need a Word from God without being preachy. It was interesting reading about her and all the things that were going on with the other characters. I was most interested in the teenage life of Jerrod Mays and Elaine and Mason's marriage.
This was a good read; the story was gripping. I kinda thought it was going to end the way it did, which was disappointing because while it was touching it was also sad.
Angel Stephens is the granddaughter of one of Essie's friends who passed away some time ago. Angel and her husband, Colin, are expecting their first child.
Elaine Demps passes by Miss Essie's house most days during her morning run. She and her husband, Mason, are having problems that could end their marriage in divorce.
Jennifer Mays is a single parent who just doesn't understand why her teenage son, Jerrod, is so disrespectful toward her and acting out. Jerrod makes bad decisions - choices that aren't in his heart to make - because he's hurting. He gets caught up with the wrong people, trying to be accepted.
Seems God has put all of these people on Miss Essie's heart. At the appropriate times, she invites each of them into her life. She allows the Lord to use her in ways that helps her neighbors to deal with their problems and insecurities, start making better choices and draw closer to Him.
What a blessing it would be to one day meet an elderly woman like Miss Essie Mae Richardson. She's a prayer warrior with Godly wisdom. She reads her Bible everyday and has a way of getting important messages across to those who need a Word from God without being preachy. It was interesting reading about her and all the things that were going on with the other characters. I was most interested in the teenage life of Jerrod Mays and Elaine and Mason's marriage.
This was a good read; the story was gripping. I kinda thought it was going to end the way it did, which was disappointing because while it was touching it was also sad.
Want to read
July 22, 2009620
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516/561
573
516/561
September 4, 2013
great author...the book really comes to life!
October 31, 2014
This has got to be one of the best books I've read in a while. The characters were real and the storyline was engaging. Great read!! Job well done.
April 14, 2016
loved this book...Faith and love
September 6, 2016
I bought & read this book years ago and just re-found it in my closet. I read it again. Loved it as much as the 1st time!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews