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Miss Brenda and the Loveladies: A Heartwarming True Story of Grace, God, and Gumption
One woman’s fight to provide hope for the hopeless…
Seven ex-cons who changed her heart forever…
For Brenda Spahn, entrepreneur and businesswoman, wealth was a lifestyle—until a brush with the law threatened to send her to prison. In those dark moments, Brenda made a promise to God.
Spared incarceration, a renewed Brenda glimpsed into the lives of women serving time in one of the worst places in America—the Julia Tutwiler Prison for Women in Wetumpka, Alabama.
What she saw prompted a God-inspired vision.
With a heart to help and a will that couldn’t be crushed, Brenda fought the system and overcame tremendous obstacles to take ex-cons into her own home and help them navigate the alien world of life on the outside.
This is the story of Brenda’s journey from rags to riches to redemption. It’s the story of the first unlikely year of her “Whole Way House” and of the extraordinary lives of the first seven women who came to call her “Miss Brenda.” It’s a story that testifies to the power of faith and how God changes hearts every day.
Seven ex-cons who changed her heart forever…
For Brenda Spahn, entrepreneur and businesswoman, wealth was a lifestyle—until a brush with the law threatened to send her to prison. In those dark moments, Brenda made a promise to God.
Spared incarceration, a renewed Brenda glimpsed into the lives of women serving time in one of the worst places in America—the Julia Tutwiler Prison for Women in Wetumpka, Alabama.
What she saw prompted a God-inspired vision.
With a heart to help and a will that couldn’t be crushed, Brenda fought the system and overcame tremendous obstacles to take ex-cons into her own home and help them navigate the alien world of life on the outside.
This is the story of Brenda’s journey from rags to riches to redemption. It’s the story of the first unlikely year of her “Whole Way House” and of the extraordinary lives of the first seven women who came to call her “Miss Brenda.” It’s a story that testifies to the power of faith and how God changes hearts every day.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2014
30 people are currently reading
501 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
January 2, 2014
When Brenda Spahn narrowly escapes going to prison herself, she feels God calling her to start ministering to those in prison. But, as she works with those women in prison, she discovers a real need for a whole way house for the woman when they get out, since a lot of them just wind up back in prison. Armed with a vision, Miss Brenda opens her house to seven women and watches God work miracles.
I thought some of the mild language in this book wasn't necessary, though I do understand that it could of been a lot worse, with the background a lot of the women came from. That said though, overall, I thought this book has a powerful message about stepping out in faith and the wonderful things that can come from listening to God. Two thumbs up!
I thought some of the mild language in this book wasn't necessary, though I do understand that it could of been a lot worse, with the background a lot of the women came from. That said though, overall, I thought this book has a powerful message about stepping out in faith and the wonderful things that can come from listening to God. Two thumbs up!
December 16, 2013
In Atlanta, it's really easy to shield yourself and your children from poverty. Everything we need is often within a few blocks of our lovely, manicured middle class (and up) neighborhoods. Our churches are filled with people who may have terrible trauma in their pasts and current problems that would make us weep, but they usually put on a smile and tell everyone they are fine. We may participate in short term mission projects and trips, but they usually involve swooping into an area to help and then swooping out without really getting to know the people and what their lives are normally like.
When we insulate ourselves and our children from the realities of a broken world, we miss out on the ability to fully love and serve those around us. It becomes easy to make assumptions about what people "should do" or "know how" to do. We may even refuse to serve entire groups of people because they "deserved" what happened to them.
Brenda Spahn lived that insular life as an adult. As a wealthy business owner, she was more focused on spending the profits from her business than helping others. Then a series of circumstances led to her almost serving prison time. After avoiding jail, Ms. Spahn became interested in helping other women who had not been quite so fortunate.
Her journey resulted in the new book, Miss Brenda and the Loveladies: A Heartwarming True Story of Grace, God, and Gumption. Miss Spahn quickly moved from volunteering at a center to opening her own "whole way" house for newly released women ex-convicts. The book recounts not only the growth of Spahn and her program, but also allows some of the women to tell their stories in their own words.
Although I have spent many years working with people from a variety of horrible backgrounds, childhoods and traumas, hearing similar stories never fails to break my heart. Not only does it show the unbelievable need for people to experience God's love (or any real love at all), but also it reminds me how quickly our hearts can harden to people in agony.
Although Spahn does not go into great detail about the various aspects of her program, she does emphasize the important role faith and God play in the recovery of these women. The book is not at all preachy. In fact, some Christians may be a little surprised at some of her early attitudes, behavior and language. I found the language to be mildly offensive, but not enough to negate the ideas behind the story.
My only other criticism is that at first, the chapters written by the women threw me a little. I normally don't notice chapter titles, so it took me a few sentences before I realized someone else was telling their story. Since these are some of the strongest chapters emotionally, it would have been nice for the person to introduce herself by name in the first paragraph for those of us who missed the chapter title.
I would highly suggest reading this with your older teen children. The stories the women in the program tell are very rough, with details of sexual abuse, rape, drugs and more. While not appropriate for young teens, I believe older Christian teens need to understand what the world is like for many people. Only then will they be prepared to overcome fears and love people where they are as they teach them about God.
I believe the other valuable lesson from the book is that with God's help, anyone can make a huge difference in the lives of others. Spahn goes from a spoiled socialite to the founder of an innovative and evidently successful program for women who have not only been incarcerated, but have suffered other types of trauma in their lives.
The book isn't released until February, but what an excellent way to celebrate the idea of love! Read it with your older teen children or just read it for yourself. Use it to motivate you to begin really listening to and loving the people you meet every day. Share with them God's love and you may just be surprised what God can accomplish through you and your children.
An advance copy of this book was provided to me for free in exchange for my honest review. I found the book very moving and inspiring.
When we insulate ourselves and our children from the realities of a broken world, we miss out on the ability to fully love and serve those around us. It becomes easy to make assumptions about what people "should do" or "know how" to do. We may even refuse to serve entire groups of people because they "deserved" what happened to them.
Brenda Spahn lived that insular life as an adult. As a wealthy business owner, she was more focused on spending the profits from her business than helping others. Then a series of circumstances led to her almost serving prison time. After avoiding jail, Ms. Spahn became interested in helping other women who had not been quite so fortunate.
Her journey resulted in the new book, Miss Brenda and the Loveladies: A Heartwarming True Story of Grace, God, and Gumption. Miss Spahn quickly moved from volunteering at a center to opening her own "whole way" house for newly released women ex-convicts. The book recounts not only the growth of Spahn and her program, but also allows some of the women to tell their stories in their own words.
Although I have spent many years working with people from a variety of horrible backgrounds, childhoods and traumas, hearing similar stories never fails to break my heart. Not only does it show the unbelievable need for people to experience God's love (or any real love at all), but also it reminds me how quickly our hearts can harden to people in agony.
Although Spahn does not go into great detail about the various aspects of her program, she does emphasize the important role faith and God play in the recovery of these women. The book is not at all preachy. In fact, some Christians may be a little surprised at some of her early attitudes, behavior and language. I found the language to be mildly offensive, but not enough to negate the ideas behind the story.
My only other criticism is that at first, the chapters written by the women threw me a little. I normally don't notice chapter titles, so it took me a few sentences before I realized someone else was telling their story. Since these are some of the strongest chapters emotionally, it would have been nice for the person to introduce herself by name in the first paragraph for those of us who missed the chapter title.
I would highly suggest reading this with your older teen children. The stories the women in the program tell are very rough, with details of sexual abuse, rape, drugs and more. While not appropriate for young teens, I believe older Christian teens need to understand what the world is like for many people. Only then will they be prepared to overcome fears and love people where they are as they teach them about God.
I believe the other valuable lesson from the book is that with God's help, anyone can make a huge difference in the lives of others. Spahn goes from a spoiled socialite to the founder of an innovative and evidently successful program for women who have not only been incarcerated, but have suffered other types of trauma in their lives.
The book isn't released until February, but what an excellent way to celebrate the idea of love! Read it with your older teen children or just read it for yourself. Use it to motivate you to begin really listening to and loving the people you meet every day. Share with them God's love and you may just be surprised what God can accomplish through you and your children.
An advance copy of this book was provided to me for free in exchange for my honest review. I found the book very moving and inspiring.
January 18, 2014
This is a true story about a very successful career woman, Brenda Spahn, who suddenly starts working with women prisoners. She doesn't have any experience. She only knows she feels impressed by God to do this, and to do it from a Christian perspective.
At first, Brenda doesn't know what she has gotten herself into. As time goes on, Brenda begins caring more and more about helping the women, and less about making money. This is completely opposite of the way she has lived her life up to that point.
In this book, we follow Brenda from someone who has lots of worldly possessions, to someone who cares less about material things, and more about getting shelter and a new start for these ladies, whom she calls Loveladies. The first time she takes a group to Walmart will bring tears to your eyes.
As Brenda's heart and mind changes, she is truly shocked to find other people in the world don't want to be around her Loveveladies. Brenda is stunned when neighbors attempt to have the home she uses to minister to these women closed down. Her neighbors even bring criminal charges against Brenda that could lead to her going to jail.
Brenda ends up in a battle against her neighbors, as well as, friends and family members who do not understand the passion she develops for her work. She opens up her home, her heart and literally her closets to these women. As time goes on, she empties out most of her bank account to this cause.
Readers should be aware there is some coarse language and adult situations described in this book. Despite that, this is an uplifting story of Brenda Spahn's life, and the lives of many of the Loveladies. The stories of changed lives are incredible. Brenda is a likable lady, who has so much energy, she practically jumps off the pages of this book. She is careful to give God all the credit for the success she has had with people, and getting the material things she has needed to help them. Brenda also credits God for giving her the courage during the times she has felt she may have gotten into situations that were "too deep." This is a five star story, and I highly recommend it.
The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for the purpose of review. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner.
My Blog: http://fushiacat.wordpress.com/2014/0...
Author Information: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalo...
Lovelady Center: http://loveladycenter.org/Miss_Brenda...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LoveladyCenter
At first, Brenda doesn't know what she has gotten herself into. As time goes on, Brenda begins caring more and more about helping the women, and less about making money. This is completely opposite of the way she has lived her life up to that point.
In this book, we follow Brenda from someone who has lots of worldly possessions, to someone who cares less about material things, and more about getting shelter and a new start for these ladies, whom she calls Loveladies. The first time she takes a group to Walmart will bring tears to your eyes.
As Brenda's heart and mind changes, she is truly shocked to find other people in the world don't want to be around her Loveveladies. Brenda is stunned when neighbors attempt to have the home she uses to minister to these women closed down. Her neighbors even bring criminal charges against Brenda that could lead to her going to jail.
Brenda ends up in a battle against her neighbors, as well as, friends and family members who do not understand the passion she develops for her work. She opens up her home, her heart and literally her closets to these women. As time goes on, she empties out most of her bank account to this cause.
Readers should be aware there is some coarse language and adult situations described in this book. Despite that, this is an uplifting story of Brenda Spahn's life, and the lives of many of the Loveladies. The stories of changed lives are incredible. Brenda is a likable lady, who has so much energy, she practically jumps off the pages of this book. She is careful to give God all the credit for the success she has had with people, and getting the material things she has needed to help them. Brenda also credits God for giving her the courage during the times she has felt she may have gotten into situations that were "too deep." This is a five star story, and I highly recommend it.
The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for the purpose of review. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner.
My Blog: http://fushiacat.wordpress.com/2014/0...
Author Information: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalo...
Lovelady Center: http://loveladycenter.org/Miss_Brenda...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LoveladyCenter
December 15, 2013
My Review
This book reads like a novel, but it is really a true story. Wealthy, successful Brenda Spahn was spared spending time in prison because of a tough brush with the law. When Brenda was praying about going to prison herself, she made a promise to God. Being set free, she acts on her promise to God, leading her to the needs of women at Julia Tutwiler Prison for Women in Wetumpka, Alabama. In deciding what to do to help these ladies in prison, Brenda opened up Whole Way House. A house for women to go to after leaving prison to get back on their feet. Miss Brenda and the Loveladies tells the story of the first seven ladies who come to the house after their prison stay.
This read makes you think a lot, and makes you appreciate what you have. And I want to thank Ms. Spahn over and over again for giving these ladies a chance. Ladies that would have a hard time in the world otherwise. It was not always easy for Brenda, those working with her, or the ladies from prison, but God always worked in their situations. Forgiveness what a huge process each of the ladies had to deal with. And sometimes even Benda had to forgive others, even while she was teaching and encouraging the loveladies to forgive. Miss Brenda’s book shows readers that everyone deserves a second chance, and I am glad Brenda didn’t give up on any of these ladies. Also, God’s mercy, grace, love, forgiveness and redemption is so clear in the writing of this book that those reading are to definitely hear the gospel. I recommend this book to anyone. Everyone reading Miss Brenda and the Loveladies will get a blessing from reading it.
I received this book from Blogging For Books to read and review. I was not required to write 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 55.
This book reads like a novel, but it is really a true story. Wealthy, successful Brenda Spahn was spared spending time in prison because of a tough brush with the law. When Brenda was praying about going to prison herself, she made a promise to God. Being set free, she acts on her promise to God, leading her to the needs of women at Julia Tutwiler Prison for Women in Wetumpka, Alabama. In deciding what to do to help these ladies in prison, Brenda opened up Whole Way House. A house for women to go to after leaving prison to get back on their feet. Miss Brenda and the Loveladies tells the story of the first seven ladies who come to the house after their prison stay.
This read makes you think a lot, and makes you appreciate what you have. And I want to thank Ms. Spahn over and over again for giving these ladies a chance. Ladies that would have a hard time in the world otherwise. It was not always easy for Brenda, those working with her, or the ladies from prison, but God always worked in their situations. Forgiveness what a huge process each of the ladies had to deal with. And sometimes even Benda had to forgive others, even while she was teaching and encouraging the loveladies to forgive. Miss Brenda’s book shows readers that everyone deserves a second chance, and I am glad Brenda didn’t give up on any of these ladies. Also, God’s mercy, grace, love, forgiveness and redemption is so clear in the writing of this book that those reading are to definitely hear the gospel. I recommend this book to anyone. Everyone reading Miss Brenda and the Loveladies will get a blessing from reading it.
I received this book from Blogging For Books to read and review. I was not required to write 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 55.
January 3, 2014
In Miss Brenda and the Loveladies: A Heartwarming True Story of Grace, God, and Gumption by Brenda Spahn and Irene Zutell, Brenda Spahn feels like God is calling her to open a "whole-way" house for women leaving prison. When women leave prison, they end up back in their old neighborhoods, doing the same things that got them in prison the first time, and Spahn wanted to stop the cycle. Despite almost no one believing in her idea, she made it work, even when found in violation of zoning laws.
I wasn't sure what to expect when I started this book, but I really enjoyed it. The courage and gumption the author had to have to work with hardened criminals is amazing, and the changes she was able to bring about in their lives is even more amazing. Of course, she didn't bring about the changes; God did. Some of the women's stories are heartbreaking and hard to read, but they show how little hope some people have even from childhood.
This book should change your perspective of women in prison and the choices they made to get there (not that they don't deserve what they get), and it may even make you want to help them.
I want to thank WaterBrook Multnomah for my review copy of this book, but my opinions are my own.
I wasn't sure what to expect when I started this book, but I really enjoyed it. The courage and gumption the author had to have to work with hardened criminals is amazing, and the changes she was able to bring about in their lives is even more amazing. Of course, she didn't bring about the changes; God did. Some of the women's stories are heartbreaking and hard to read, but they show how little hope some people have even from childhood.
This book should change your perspective of women in prison and the choices they made to get there (not that they don't deserve what they get), and it may even make you want to help them.
I want to thank WaterBrook Multnomah for my review copy of this book, but my opinions are my own.
January 5, 2014
In an honest and heartwarming narrative, Brenda Spahn tells of her journey from a wealthy entrepreneur to the founder and executive director of the Lovelady Center. In MISS BRENDA and the LOVELADIES she traces her steps from almost going to prison to loving and helping the first seven women of her "Whole Way House".
Brenda is open and straightforward about her fears, her doubts, and her blunders in addition to her deep love for these women. She confesses to her own inadequacies and learns much about herself as she reaches out to teach them how to succeed in a world outside the walls of a prison.
At times it is almost comical as you read of the women's first trip into a WalMart and buying personal articles until you "Imagine" - if you had never been in such a store, never been to a party or a restaurant. Never received a birthday present or had a birthday cake.
What if you were born and no one wanted you? you were never held and rocked, tucked in at night with a kiss. Would you be different? What if you never even had a first chance?
I thoroughly loved this book applaud the work being done. Would there were more such places for teenagers and men also.
I received this book free from WaterBrook Publishers for an honest review.
Brenda is open and straightforward about her fears, her doubts, and her blunders in addition to her deep love for these women. She confesses to her own inadequacies and learns much about herself as she reaches out to teach them how to succeed in a world outside the walls of a prison.
At times it is almost comical as you read of the women's first trip into a WalMart and buying personal articles until you "Imagine" - if you had never been in such a store, never been to a party or a restaurant. Never received a birthday present or had a birthday cake.
What if you were born and no one wanted you? you were never held and rocked, tucked in at night with a kiss. Would you be different? What if you never even had a first chance?
I thoroughly loved this book applaud the work being done. Would there were more such places for teenagers and men also.
I received this book free from WaterBrook Publishers for an honest review.
August 18, 2022
3.25 stars
This book has been on my shelf for years and the title was the perfect fit for a reading challenge. This memoir had a bit of humour and was interesting, especially the lives of the women from prison.
I felt that the tone of the book had Miss Brenda looking down on the other women. If I read this book six years ago, I may not have noticed it or felt this way.
This is a good memoir of Miss Brenda, a lady I had never heard of before reading this book. She has done a lot of good work and is the founder and executive director of The Lovelady Center, the largest and most successful nonprofit transitional Center for women in USA.
This book has been on my shelf for years and the title was the perfect fit for a reading challenge. This memoir had a bit of humour and was interesting, especially the lives of the women from prison.
I felt that the tone of the book had Miss Brenda looking down on the other women. If I read this book six years ago, I may not have noticed it or felt this way.
This is a good memoir of Miss Brenda, a lady I had never heard of before reading this book. She has done a lot of good work and is the founder and executive director of The Lovelady Center, the largest and most successful nonprofit transitional Center for women in USA.
January 26, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. This book was about a woman, Miss Brenda, who takes women prisoners into her home and shows them how they can have a completely different life from what they had known before. The book explained some about the prison system, what these women had been through, and how Miss Brenda rehabilitated them.
I thought the book was very well written. It was easy to understand and the chapters flowed together nicely. There was some humor in the book. I got a kick out of the Loveladies’ first trip to Wal-Mart and how that was such a big deal to them. I also loved the story about the flaming fajitas at the Mexican restaurant.
Brenda seemed to be Jesus with skin on. She spent a lot of time with these women, not just teaching them life skills to survive life outside of prison, but spent a lot of time telling them about God’s grace and forgiveness. She was someone who really believed in the women, giving them responsibilities and telling them how much they are worth in God’s eyes. I loved the library talks she had with the women, explaining how to forgive, how to pray, and just letting these women share their stories.
Through the library talks, I saw another side to these hardened women. These women weren’t just these criminals, but women who had been so deeply hurt by the people who were supposed to care for them that they made some terrible decisions in order to cope. Many had been doing the only thing they have been taught, which was a life of crime…selling and using drugs, prostitution, etc.
There were just a few things I didn’t care for in the book. The sudden use of some of the nicknames in the middle of the book was a little confusing. Tiffany was all of a sudden being called “Suga Suga”. I had to look back and see who Suga Suga was. Also, Brenda had been called Oreo once towards the beginning of the book and then the name was used much later in the book again. I would have preferred that the use of nicknames be established early in the book and for the book to stay with that nickname for the duration of the book. I don’t think I have the attention span or the memory to remember these nicknames.
The other thing that I didn’t care for was some of the bad language. I know that was how some of the women talked. But the book could have been written without the language and achieved the same effect. I just don’t think swear words have a place in good literature, especially in books that are considered Christian. I read Christian books to get away from bad language.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book. I found it very easy to read and very interesting as well.
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.
I thought the book was very well written. It was easy to understand and the chapters flowed together nicely. There was some humor in the book. I got a kick out of the Loveladies’ first trip to Wal-Mart and how that was such a big deal to them. I also loved the story about the flaming fajitas at the Mexican restaurant.
Brenda seemed to be Jesus with skin on. She spent a lot of time with these women, not just teaching them life skills to survive life outside of prison, but spent a lot of time telling them about God’s grace and forgiveness. She was someone who really believed in the women, giving them responsibilities and telling them how much they are worth in God’s eyes. I loved the library talks she had with the women, explaining how to forgive, how to pray, and just letting these women share their stories.
Through the library talks, I saw another side to these hardened women. These women weren’t just these criminals, but women who had been so deeply hurt by the people who were supposed to care for them that they made some terrible decisions in order to cope. Many had been doing the only thing they have been taught, which was a life of crime…selling and using drugs, prostitution, etc.
There were just a few things I didn’t care for in the book. The sudden use of some of the nicknames in the middle of the book was a little confusing. Tiffany was all of a sudden being called “Suga Suga”. I had to look back and see who Suga Suga was. Also, Brenda had been called Oreo once towards the beginning of the book and then the name was used much later in the book again. I would have preferred that the use of nicknames be established early in the book and for the book to stay with that nickname for the duration of the book. I don’t think I have the attention span or the memory to remember these nicknames.
The other thing that I didn’t care for was some of the bad language. I know that was how some of the women talked. But the book could have been written without the language and achieved the same effect. I just don’t think swear words have a place in good literature, especially in books that are considered Christian. I read Christian books to get away from bad language.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book. I found it very easy to read and very interesting as well.
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.
July 18, 2017
I read this book at the request of my mother who had borrowed it from the church library. Family members have experience as corrections officers and she is a compassionate religious woman, she found the book inspirational and humorous.
I found the book less inspirational than she did. The book seemed less about God's grace and guidance than Miss Brenda's story of how she bulldozed her family, neighborhood and the ex-convicts into doing what she wanted. The stories of the ex-convicts, their past and their ability or inability to sustain a new life felt somewhat authentic, but presented with a measure of superiority and naivete....not compassion.
I'm glad that some women found this program helpful and created new lives for themselves; ways to be a meaningful part of society. I felt that this was less to do with prayer and conversion and more to do with the structure of a new "family," contribution of meaningful work and mentoring in budgeting, relationships and emotion management.
It made me uncomfortable that these important life skills were being addressed through well intentioned do-gooders and less from trained counsellors or psychologists. While it worked in some of these cases, I think it's not a recipe that can be replicated with as high a success rate.
I've spent many years in the business world and find it a little alarming that someone whose business is tax preparation and/or real estate development has such a slim grasp of community zoning laws. Her outrage at neighbors who didn't want a half way house next to them, were alarmed to find it was there and weren't easily convinced to let them carry on their work--is like a neighbor being surprised that they can't have cars up on blocks in the front yard, raise chickens in the city or have an uncertified nursing home/day care next door. City zoning and ordinances are there for a reason, and wanting to just do what you want to do on your property ignores the rights and liberties of others. As outraged as YOU get--THEY have every right to be outraged too.
Why not set yourself up for success? Why not think about a business plan (which ultimately they get to but didn't have a clue where they were going at the start of this) that could be communicated and shared with potential community partners?
This book implies Miss Brenda did this without establishing a connection and partnership with other community agencies, including her church, to provide a network of support for these ex-convicts. Maybe it would take a little time to do so--but people . . . if you want long term success for your program and for the ex-convicts, perhaps this is a good investment of your time!
Maybe there would be more long term job successes than staying employed by the Loveladies Whole-Way House. I'm glad the women who stayed with the program have a long term sense of family and success, but where's the reality of needing community partnerships, job training and job creation for the many other women? Partnerships with women's groups to collect gently used clothing for interviews and employment? Partnerships with beauty salons and/or schools for help with hair styling, hair care and maintenance.
The structure of the book including background stories told in the first person by the ex-convicts. There's a voyeuristic interest and blanket of compassion for these women. But they are only given voice to tell us their troubled past. We don't hear about their transition back into society, their dreams or their futures.
And we certainly never get a feel for authentic religious faith or conversion.
So no, I didn't find the book inspirational. Letting ex-convicts have access to your designer wardrobe and wear your mink coat (you're in Alabama--WHY do you need a fur coat?) as an example of how you built trust and showed them you cared feels out of touch and unrelatable.
I thought the story line where one of Miss Brenda' early projects "Stephanie" who worked in her office and in desperation stole money to try and find a new life for herself rather summed up the kind of help Miss Brenda was offering. Intense to start with and then distracted by other projects, leaving someone in need to figure things out on their own because they didn't take the "well you should do this" advice.
Life is complicated. Life is messy. Some of that is acknowledged in this book, but a lot of it is glossed over.
Ultimately this book was less about faith than it was about Miss Brenda.
I found the book less inspirational than she did. The book seemed less about God's grace and guidance than Miss Brenda's story of how she bulldozed her family, neighborhood and the ex-convicts into doing what she wanted. The stories of the ex-convicts, their past and their ability or inability to sustain a new life felt somewhat authentic, but presented with a measure of superiority and naivete....not compassion.
I'm glad that some women found this program helpful and created new lives for themselves; ways to be a meaningful part of society. I felt that this was less to do with prayer and conversion and more to do with the structure of a new "family," contribution of meaningful work and mentoring in budgeting, relationships and emotion management.
It made me uncomfortable that these important life skills were being addressed through well intentioned do-gooders and less from trained counsellors or psychologists. While it worked in some of these cases, I think it's not a recipe that can be replicated with as high a success rate.
I've spent many years in the business world and find it a little alarming that someone whose business is tax preparation and/or real estate development has such a slim grasp of community zoning laws. Her outrage at neighbors who didn't want a half way house next to them, were alarmed to find it was there and weren't easily convinced to let them carry on their work--is like a neighbor being surprised that they can't have cars up on blocks in the front yard, raise chickens in the city or have an uncertified nursing home/day care next door. City zoning and ordinances are there for a reason, and wanting to just do what you want to do on your property ignores the rights and liberties of others. As outraged as YOU get--THEY have every right to be outraged too.
Why not set yourself up for success? Why not think about a business plan (which ultimately they get to but didn't have a clue where they were going at the start of this) that could be communicated and shared with potential community partners?
This book implies Miss Brenda did this without establishing a connection and partnership with other community agencies, including her church, to provide a network of support for these ex-convicts. Maybe it would take a little time to do so--but people . . . if you want long term success for your program and for the ex-convicts, perhaps this is a good investment of your time!
Maybe there would be more long term job successes than staying employed by the Loveladies Whole-Way House. I'm glad the women who stayed with the program have a long term sense of family and success, but where's the reality of needing community partnerships, job training and job creation for the many other women? Partnerships with women's groups to collect gently used clothing for interviews and employment? Partnerships with beauty salons and/or schools for help with hair styling, hair care and maintenance.
The structure of the book including background stories told in the first person by the ex-convicts. There's a voyeuristic interest and blanket of compassion for these women. But they are only given voice to tell us their troubled past. We don't hear about their transition back into society, their dreams or their futures.
And we certainly never get a feel for authentic religious faith or conversion.
So no, I didn't find the book inspirational. Letting ex-convicts have access to your designer wardrobe and wear your mink coat (you're in Alabama--WHY do you need a fur coat?) as an example of how you built trust and showed them you cared feels out of touch and unrelatable.
I thought the story line where one of Miss Brenda' early projects "Stephanie" who worked in her office and in desperation stole money to try and find a new life for herself rather summed up the kind of help Miss Brenda was offering. Intense to start with and then distracted by other projects, leaving someone in need to figure things out on their own because they didn't take the "well you should do this" advice.
Life is complicated. Life is messy. Some of that is acknowledged in this book, but a lot of it is glossed over.
Ultimately this book was less about faith than it was about Miss Brenda.
January 28, 2014
Miss Brenda & the Loveladies
Wonderful book; all of my favorite elements, true story of hardship and redemption.
Brenda had her own rags to riches stories, then a potential prison sentence changed her life’s course of wearing herself out for more and more money and stuff to opening a ‘whole-way’ house for women leaving prison.
In Brenda’s life, looking back, it is beautiful to see how each huge hurdle was God’s turning point for the next best thing in her. The other ladies had so much evil in their young lives, and the book reveals it, graphically at times, but most are able to overcome. Its called a whole way house because Brenda added in the element of faith and trusting Christ.
I am not sure why the tag line is ‘Seven women fighting the odds for survival on the outside’, there were more than seven ladies’ stories shared. Also the book begins with cuss words not spelled out but --- then in the middle it changed to printing the whole word. It would be better for the same format to be used through out. I also wished there would have been some pictures.
Overall, Miss Brenda & the Loveladies was truly a page-turner: will they come back from Thanksgiving?, will they go back to drugs?...I stayed up too late to finish it one night. I really recommend this book for anyone, but especially anyone interested in prison ministry, poverty or drugs.
I got this book for free by agreeing to blog about it from Blogging for Books and WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing
Wonderful book; all of my favorite elements, true story of hardship and redemption.
Brenda had her own rags to riches stories, then a potential prison sentence changed her life’s course of wearing herself out for more and more money and stuff to opening a ‘whole-way’ house for women leaving prison.
In Brenda’s life, looking back, it is beautiful to see how each huge hurdle was God’s turning point for the next best thing in her. The other ladies had so much evil in their young lives, and the book reveals it, graphically at times, but most are able to overcome. Its called a whole way house because Brenda added in the element of faith and trusting Christ.
I am not sure why the tag line is ‘Seven women fighting the odds for survival on the outside’, there were more than seven ladies’ stories shared. Also the book begins with cuss words not spelled out but --- then in the middle it changed to printing the whole word. It would be better for the same format to be used through out. I also wished there would have been some pictures.
Overall, Miss Brenda & the Loveladies was truly a page-turner: will they come back from Thanksgiving?, will they go back to drugs?...I stayed up too late to finish it one night. I really recommend this book for anyone, but especially anyone interested in prison ministry, poverty or drugs.
I got this book for free by agreeing to blog about it from Blogging for Books and WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing
January 23, 2014
Great! A true inspiration.
January 26, 2014
A wonderfully written, inspiring story! LOVED LOVED LOVED it.
September 15, 2022
A story telling the sad situation of women getting sent to prison and the cycle of landing back in jail because of a lack of programs to get them back on their feet. Miss Brenda’s amazing determination to make a home for these ladies where they would experience and get to know God and His love for them is so inspiring. She started such a life giving work that has transformed so many lives. What I loved was how hard Brenda herself was willing to work and the transformation it made in her own life.
July 31, 2014
“’Oh my Lord, what have I done!’ I gasped. I stared out the kitchen window as six violent criminals stomped up my driveway” – Brenda Spahn (Miss Brenda and the Loveladies - Kindle Location 74).
Brenda Spahn had dreamed about and prepared for this day. Not only had she redone each of the bedrooms in the large house that was now being re-purposed into a release center for women from Julia Tutwiler Prison. She had also hired a driver, a cook, and a house-mother/manager to run the program.
But only hours later she found herself alone with the six newly released inmates—the driver, cook and house-mother having all quit at the first sight of the scary guests.
Spahn doesn’t quit. In Miss Brenda and the Loveladies she tells the stories of those first guests and the early days of The Lovelady Center of Birmingham Alabama—now one of the largest faith-based centers in the U.S. for released women prisoners as well as women with domestic abuse, addiction, homelessness, and other issues.
The story is inspirational as we see those first six being transformed from angry, suspicious, women with low self-esteem to women who themselves reach out to, lead, and serve others within the center and the larger community. Spahn’s philosophy of discovering the latent potential in each throwaway life and then helping each achieve her new destiny has, since the program’s beginning in 2004, impacted thousands of lives.
Spahn tells the story in first-person, using casual language and descriptions of people and events that bring to life her new friends and her feisty redheaded self. She also does lots of telling on herself, saying more than once that she needed these women as much as they needed her. Her transparency about her challenges, faults, and mistakes makes her a believable and likeable narrator.
Miss Brenda and the Loveladies is a testimony to the power of a dream, obedience to God, and determination. It’s a quick, interesting read, full of pathos and humor.
The story of these women opened my eyes to how I snap-judge people without having a clue what they’ve been through. The story of the Lovelady Center helped me see how God can turn seemingly insurmountable obstacles into the stepping stones to success.
I received Miss Brenda and the Loveladies as a gift from the publisher, Waterbrook Press via Blogging for Books, for the purpose of writing a review.
Brenda Spahn had dreamed about and prepared for this day. Not only had she redone each of the bedrooms in the large house that was now being re-purposed into a release center for women from Julia Tutwiler Prison. She had also hired a driver, a cook, and a house-mother/manager to run the program.
But only hours later she found herself alone with the six newly released inmates—the driver, cook and house-mother having all quit at the first sight of the scary guests.
Spahn doesn’t quit. In Miss Brenda and the Loveladies she tells the stories of those first guests and the early days of The Lovelady Center of Birmingham Alabama—now one of the largest faith-based centers in the U.S. for released women prisoners as well as women with domestic abuse, addiction, homelessness, and other issues.
The story is inspirational as we see those first six being transformed from angry, suspicious, women with low self-esteem to women who themselves reach out to, lead, and serve others within the center and the larger community. Spahn’s philosophy of discovering the latent potential in each throwaway life and then helping each achieve her new destiny has, since the program’s beginning in 2004, impacted thousands of lives.
Spahn tells the story in first-person, using casual language and descriptions of people and events that bring to life her new friends and her feisty redheaded self. She also does lots of telling on herself, saying more than once that she needed these women as much as they needed her. Her transparency about her challenges, faults, and mistakes makes her a believable and likeable narrator.
Miss Brenda and the Loveladies is a testimony to the power of a dream, obedience to God, and determination. It’s a quick, interesting read, full of pathos and humor.
The story of these women opened my eyes to how I snap-judge people without having a clue what they’ve been through. The story of the Lovelady Center helped me see how God can turn seemingly insurmountable obstacles into the stepping stones to success.
I received Miss Brenda and the Loveladies as a gift from the publisher, Waterbrook Press via Blogging for Books, for the purpose of writing a review.
July 29, 2016
Brenda Spahn was a successful business woman. She held wealth. Her family would soon find retirement on Gulf Shores. Then Brenda found herself under investigation for tax fraud, a crime she did not commit. In the midst of her troubles, she prayed.
When the storm passed, she found herself at The Julia Tutwiler Prison for Women in Wetumpka, Alabama to volunteer. Her prayer turned into a vision.
faith
Lovelady was Brenda’s maiden name. She prayed when her father died, to do something worthwhile and someday name whatever that might be after him. Overcoming enormous obstacles, Brenda welcomed seven newly released ex-cons into her home. This is the story of their first year together, including epic trips to Walmart.
You will fall in love with Shay, Tiffany, Quincey, Terry, Annette, Melissa, Suzanne, Parthina, and Miss Brenda and their comedy of errors and great love. I love that the book includes thoughts from the lovelady’s themselves.
So beautiful is Miss Brenda’s ability to see these women; not their past, but who are they are deep inside and all their potential.
every
When all seems well, the neighborhood protests that ex-cons are living in proximity to them, insurmountable odds, even a bullet through the window. People sometimes fear proximity. They fear what is different.
And then there is God who is bigger…
A 280,000 square foot, four story old and abandoned hospital.
In 2005, the Lovelady Center opened, and is now recognized as the largest faith-based transitional center for women and children in the country.
Some of the women now work at the center. Including Shay…
Shay now greets our new residents- women just as scared and angry as she was- and tells them her story. And her words reassure them that with hope, anything is possible.
When the storm passed, she found herself at The Julia Tutwiler Prison for Women in Wetumpka, Alabama to volunteer. Her prayer turned into a vision.
faith
Lovelady was Brenda’s maiden name. She prayed when her father died, to do something worthwhile and someday name whatever that might be after him. Overcoming enormous obstacles, Brenda welcomed seven newly released ex-cons into her home. This is the story of their first year together, including epic trips to Walmart.
You will fall in love with Shay, Tiffany, Quincey, Terry, Annette, Melissa, Suzanne, Parthina, and Miss Brenda and their comedy of errors and great love. I love that the book includes thoughts from the lovelady’s themselves.
So beautiful is Miss Brenda’s ability to see these women; not their past, but who are they are deep inside and all their potential.
every
When all seems well, the neighborhood protests that ex-cons are living in proximity to them, insurmountable odds, even a bullet through the window. People sometimes fear proximity. They fear what is different.
And then there is God who is bigger…
A 280,000 square foot, four story old and abandoned hospital.
In 2005, the Lovelady Center opened, and is now recognized as the largest faith-based transitional center for women and children in the country.
Some of the women now work at the center. Including Shay…
Shay now greets our new residents- women just as scared and angry as she was- and tells them her story. And her words reassure them that with hope, anything is possible.
February 4, 2014
This book was a delight to read. I truly enjoyed reading every page and was deeply touched by the stories of the Loveladies and Miss Brenda. It gives great insight towards women who have served time in prison, who are often shunned, feared and even hated by society. Miss Brenda is a shining example of God's love towards the unloved, and the Loveladies show how God chooses the weak, the foolish, the low and despised in this world to accomplish his will and to shame those of us who view them through the lens of our own prejudice. It is a book of grace, forgiveness, miracles, hope, faith, courage, laughter and love.
It was a nice surprise to receive an advanced reading copy in the mail (thank you Waterbrook Multnomah!) and I can't recommend this book enough.
It was a nice surprise to receive an advanced reading copy in the mail (thank you Waterbrook Multnomah!) and I can't recommend this book enough.
February 3, 2014
I did not think the story was heartwarming. The author did things her way. She made many people angry along the way. Her faith and God's Grace prevailed. Sadly, many do not continue through obstacles and naysayers. The "Loveladies" is a success. Thank you Brenda. We need them for men too,and in every county in America.
March 19, 2014
This book is the true story of Brenda Spahn and the Loveladies. It takes you on a journey with Brenda of a discovery in faith, forgiveness and following God's lead to make a kind of difference that matters deeply to so many who just need a second chance and someone to believe in them. This book will do so much more for you then just give you something to read.
August 24, 2014
I absolutely loved this book and that it was a true story made it much more interesting. I couldn’t put the book down. The main character Brenda Spahn had been very successful in her work, monetarily…..but she had a brush with the law, almost lost everything and just missed going to prison. She made a deal with the Lord to start doing work for him, to live for him, if he kept her out of prison. She didn’t go to prison as an inmate but she started going to the Julia Tutweiler Prison For Women in Wetumpka, Alabama.to speak to the inmates, she started a small church service there for them. She decided that wasn’t enough she wanted to do more. She learned that most of the women who were in the prison for much time at all, usually returned as they couldn’t make it when they got out on their own. She arranged to take one of the homes she owned that was vacant, to make it a “whole way” center for women. She wanted to teach them to live in the outside world to navigate the alien, and she also wanted to bring the Lord to them.
She got permission to turn the home into a “whole way house” but the expected ex-cons that they sent to her, were not the ones with the light sentence. She got the women who had rap sheets that were very long and they were not going to be easy for her, and the road was going to be long. She did things with these women that people who ran “half way houses” never could. She was expected to fail. She didn’t fail. She held classes in Christianity, also how to make beds, how to clean, how to manage money, things that we all take for granted but things these women never had the opportunity and so much more.
There were a lot of stories, true stories, of each of the lives of the seven women who originally were the first to come to Brenda’s home. The stories of each of these women were fascinating in that their lives included things most of us would never be able to even imagine. Brenda even got these women to laugh at some of the awful things that happened to these women, the past didn’t seem to have as much a hold on them when they could laugh at it.
Brenda called them Loveladies as that was her maiden name. She and her first seven women and her first unlikely year is what is included in this book. Brenda went from one small home to a very large facility for which four states now send women for the program. She has now been Miss Brenda to over 450 women to date.
Of course this is a faith based story and it’s inspirational in that Brenda turned her family and life as she knew it upside down in order to serve her community and her Lord. I found Brenda’s explanations to the women on different parts of the bible, how to pray, a different way to think of their Lord…..she let them know he was always with them. Her breaking down of the “Lord’s Prayer” to them in teaching them how to pray was a very interesting way to think about it. I had never heard it explained that way.
I so recommend this story to anyone. There is humor, biography, Christianity non-denominational, and a great feel good and the end of the book. It made me think that I have not done enough for the community I live with. I’m not sure how much I could do, but perhaps I should find some ways to serve…..as should everyone else. The community’s and the people who live in them could only be better for it. It’s too bad we all don’t go about things the way Miss Brenda did and continues to do! "I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review."
About This Book
One woman’s fight to provide hope for the hopeless…
Seven ex-cons who changed her heart forever…
For Brenda Spahn, entrepreneur and businesswoman, wealth was a lifestyle—until a brush with the law threatened to send her to prison. In those dark moments, Brenda made a promise to God.
Spared incarceration, a renewed Brenda glimpsed into the lives of women serving time in one of the worst places in America—the Julia Tutwiler Prison for Women in Wetumpka, Alabama.
What she saw prompted a God-inspired vision.
With a heart to help and a will that couldn’t be crushed, Brenda fought the system and overcame tremendous obstacles to take ex-cons into her own home and help them navigate the alien world of life on the outside.
This is the story of Brenda’s journey from rags to riches to redemption. It’s the story of the first unlikely year of her “Whole Way House” and of the extraordinary lives of the first seven women who came to call her “Miss Brenda.” It’s a story that testifies to the power of faith and how God changes hearts every day.
About The Author:
Brenda Spahn is founder and executive director of the Lovelady Center, the largest and most successful nonprofit transitional center for women in the country. It serves 450 women and children every day, providing substance abuse counseling, drug rehabilitation, meals, childcare, career counseling, and job opportunities to women working to establish successful lives outside of prison walls. Brenda is married and has four adult children as well as one young child who lives at home.
The Authors Web Site is located at http:/www.loveladycenter.org/The_Lovelady_C...
She got permission to turn the home into a “whole way house” but the expected ex-cons that they sent to her, were not the ones with the light sentence. She got the women who had rap sheets that were very long and they were not going to be easy for her, and the road was going to be long. She did things with these women that people who ran “half way houses” never could. She was expected to fail. She didn’t fail. She held classes in Christianity, also how to make beds, how to clean, how to manage money, things that we all take for granted but things these women never had the opportunity and so much more.
There were a lot of stories, true stories, of each of the lives of the seven women who originally were the first to come to Brenda’s home. The stories of each of these women were fascinating in that their lives included things most of us would never be able to even imagine. Brenda even got these women to laugh at some of the awful things that happened to these women, the past didn’t seem to have as much a hold on them when they could laugh at it.
Brenda called them Loveladies as that was her maiden name. She and her first seven women and her first unlikely year is what is included in this book. Brenda went from one small home to a very large facility for which four states now send women for the program. She has now been Miss Brenda to over 450 women to date.
Of course this is a faith based story and it’s inspirational in that Brenda turned her family and life as she knew it upside down in order to serve her community and her Lord. I found Brenda’s explanations to the women on different parts of the bible, how to pray, a different way to think of their Lord…..she let them know he was always with them. Her breaking down of the “Lord’s Prayer” to them in teaching them how to pray was a very interesting way to think about it. I had never heard it explained that way.
I so recommend this story to anyone. There is humor, biography, Christianity non-denominational, and a great feel good and the end of the book. It made me think that I have not done enough for the community I live with. I’m not sure how much I could do, but perhaps I should find some ways to serve…..as should everyone else. The community’s and the people who live in them could only be better for it. It’s too bad we all don’t go about things the way Miss Brenda did and continues to do! "I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review."
About This Book
One woman’s fight to provide hope for the hopeless…
Seven ex-cons who changed her heart forever…
For Brenda Spahn, entrepreneur and businesswoman, wealth was a lifestyle—until a brush with the law threatened to send her to prison. In those dark moments, Brenda made a promise to God.
Spared incarceration, a renewed Brenda glimpsed into the lives of women serving time in one of the worst places in America—the Julia Tutwiler Prison for Women in Wetumpka, Alabama.
What she saw prompted a God-inspired vision.
With a heart to help and a will that couldn’t be crushed, Brenda fought the system and overcame tremendous obstacles to take ex-cons into her own home and help them navigate the alien world of life on the outside.
This is the story of Brenda’s journey from rags to riches to redemption. It’s the story of the first unlikely year of her “Whole Way House” and of the extraordinary lives of the first seven women who came to call her “Miss Brenda.” It’s a story that testifies to the power of faith and how God changes hearts every day.
About The Author:
Brenda Spahn is founder and executive director of the Lovelady Center, the largest and most successful nonprofit transitional center for women in the country. It serves 450 women and children every day, providing substance abuse counseling, drug rehabilitation, meals, childcare, career counseling, and job opportunities to women working to establish successful lives outside of prison walls. Brenda is married and has four adult children as well as one young child who lives at home.
The Authors Web Site is located at http:/www.loveladycenter.org/The_Lovelady_C...
October 20, 2024
Awesome
I loved this true story about what God has done through Brenda Spahn. It’s even more astonishing to hear the ladies stories. The Lord does amazing things. Everoe should read this.
I loved this true story about what God has done through Brenda Spahn. It’s even more astonishing to hear the ladies stories. The Lord does amazing things. Everoe should read this.
March 4, 2014
Brenda Spahn was so eager to share hope with women inmates she once broke into a prison.
Sound crazy?
It was. But it's not even half the story of how a successful businesswoman in Alabama redirected her passion for making money to rehabilitating broken lives.
Miss Brenda and the Loveladies is the story of how it all started. (Disclaimer: I received a free copy of the book from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers through the Blogging for Books program in exchange for my review.)
Brenda Spahn has spunk, and she won't take no for an answer, even when she has no idea what she's getting herself into. When her tax preparation business came under scrutiny for some alleged improper practices, Brenda and her daughter, an employee of the company, faced possible jail time if found guilty. When they were spared serving even a brief sentence, Brenda realized she wanted to minister to women in prison because she could have been one.
The road was rocky at first, and she admits she was in over her head. She wanted to share a message of hope and thought she could just walk into a prison and do that. Eventually, seeing the need for a place for recently released women to turn their lives around, Brenda opened her lavish home to seven female ex-cons from the roughest women's prison in the country.
Everyone expected her to fail: the state, her family, the women themselves. But Brenda didn't give up, even at personal cost to herself and her family. She now runs the largest transitional center for women in the country.
Her story is eye-opening and sad. I cried reading about how prisoners are treated in the Julia Tutwiler Prison for Women. Their humanity and dignity are stripped from them, and they are often given no hope to ever change. Brenda challenged that idea and opened what she called a "whole-way" house, as opposed to a halfway house, to aid their restoration.
It's also funny and inspiring. I laughed picturing some of the ridiculous situations Brenda and the women often found themselves in, and I cheered for victory over each obstacle Brenda faced.
This is a book that will challenge readers to reform their own way of thinking, especially when it comes to the idea of God changing hearts. The work Brenda is doing is proof that He can restore and redeem even the worst of life's trials. It was a reminder to me of the very real horrors people face and that even those who have committed crimes are people with hurts and hopes.
Brenda describes her own change of attitude this way:
Hearing their stories changed me. Yes, most of them had done bad things. But, oh my, most of them never had a fighting chance. ... Truth was, I believed that these women had deserved what they were getting. Now I knew their stories. What so many of them "got" was not anything anyone should ever get ... They were survivors, and many were trying to live on, even though they barely had a chance. (32)
The stories told are gritty and raw at times, including "colorful" language. I appreciated that it was left in for the tone and topic of this book. Though that may bother some people, I think it's appropriate for accuracy and reality.
I'm not sure I could do what Miss Brenda did, but man, am I challenged to live the Gospel in a radical way. Almost no one thought her idea was any good, and now the good she has done is immeasurable.
Sound crazy?
It was. But it's not even half the story of how a successful businesswoman in Alabama redirected her passion for making money to rehabilitating broken lives.
Miss Brenda and the Loveladies is the story of how it all started. (Disclaimer: I received a free copy of the book from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers through the Blogging for Books program in exchange for my review.)
Brenda Spahn has spunk, and she won't take no for an answer, even when she has no idea what she's getting herself into. When her tax preparation business came under scrutiny for some alleged improper practices, Brenda and her daughter, an employee of the company, faced possible jail time if found guilty. When they were spared serving even a brief sentence, Brenda realized she wanted to minister to women in prison because she could have been one.
The road was rocky at first, and she admits she was in over her head. She wanted to share a message of hope and thought she could just walk into a prison and do that. Eventually, seeing the need for a place for recently released women to turn their lives around, Brenda opened her lavish home to seven female ex-cons from the roughest women's prison in the country.
Everyone expected her to fail: the state, her family, the women themselves. But Brenda didn't give up, even at personal cost to herself and her family. She now runs the largest transitional center for women in the country.
Her story is eye-opening and sad. I cried reading about how prisoners are treated in the Julia Tutwiler Prison for Women. Their humanity and dignity are stripped from them, and they are often given no hope to ever change. Brenda challenged that idea and opened what she called a "whole-way" house, as opposed to a halfway house, to aid their restoration.
It's also funny and inspiring. I laughed picturing some of the ridiculous situations Brenda and the women often found themselves in, and I cheered for victory over each obstacle Brenda faced.
This is a book that will challenge readers to reform their own way of thinking, especially when it comes to the idea of God changing hearts. The work Brenda is doing is proof that He can restore and redeem even the worst of life's trials. It was a reminder to me of the very real horrors people face and that even those who have committed crimes are people with hurts and hopes.
Brenda describes her own change of attitude this way:
Hearing their stories changed me. Yes, most of them had done bad things. But, oh my, most of them never had a fighting chance. ... Truth was, I believed that these women had deserved what they were getting. Now I knew their stories. What so many of them "got" was not anything anyone should ever get ... They were survivors, and many were trying to live on, even though they barely had a chance. (32)
The stories told are gritty and raw at times, including "colorful" language. I appreciated that it was left in for the tone and topic of this book. Though that may bother some people, I think it's appropriate for accuracy and reality.
I'm not sure I could do what Miss Brenda did, but man, am I challenged to live the Gospel in a radical way. Almost no one thought her idea was any good, and now the good she has done is immeasurable.
February 8, 2014
Miss Brenda and the Loveladies by Brenda Spahn and Irene Zutell
Brenda Spahn grew up poor, she worked hard, built a successful business, and became rich. She was busy with her family and her business, enjoying the good life and then she almost went to prison. During her legal struggles she prayed and promised God she would change her focus and give of her time, talent, and money to those in need.
She volunteered at the Julia Turwiler Prison for Women in Alabama. What she saw and heard there made her angry and broke her heart inspiring her to make a difference in the lives of at least a few these women prisoners. In spite of the opposition of officials and professionals in the prison system she was permitted to take women being released from Turwiler into her home.
This is the true story of Brenda Spahn and the first year of the Whole Way House. It was not all smooth and easy but it led to the founding of the Lovelady Center that today serves 450 women and children. At the Center the women and children are cared for daily; learning basic skills and receive counselling and rehabilitation, career counselling and job training preparing them for life outside of prison, with homes and jobs and success on their own.
The beginning of Brenda’s story with seven women straight from prison to her home is at times funny and often heartbreaking. She tells of trips to Walmart to buy underwear and toothbrushes and how difficult it was for the women to accept the fact that they didn’t have to wear “white cotton granny pants” anymore and that they could have whatever color toothbrush they wanted. Another anecdote tells of their going to out to dinner for the first time. How the women struggled with the menu and what to order and how to order. And when something frightened them they all hid under the table.
At home there were petty squabbles and childish behavior. The hard to learn lessons of how to eat and enjoy the meal, to do laundry and house-keeping. The lessons of responsibility, accountability, honesty, and trust. All the things we take for granted were new and unknown to them. I couldn’t help but admire their courage as they faced the frightening world of freedom for the first time.
Brenda’s story is not without its ups and downs. There are difficult family decisions to make and neighbors less than happy to have ex-cons living down the street and prison officials waiting for her to fail. There were the times Brenda wondered how it would all work out but she had faith in God and His purpose for her and the women in her care. Miss Brenda loved and respected all the women from the start and they came to love and respect her.
This book was sent to me free of charge by Blogging for Books in exchange for this review.
Brenda Spahn grew up poor, she worked hard, built a successful business, and became rich. She was busy with her family and her business, enjoying the good life and then she almost went to prison. During her legal struggles she prayed and promised God she would change her focus and give of her time, talent, and money to those in need.
She volunteered at the Julia Turwiler Prison for Women in Alabama. What she saw and heard there made her angry and broke her heart inspiring her to make a difference in the lives of at least a few these women prisoners. In spite of the opposition of officials and professionals in the prison system she was permitted to take women being released from Turwiler into her home.
This is the true story of Brenda Spahn and the first year of the Whole Way House. It was not all smooth and easy but it led to the founding of the Lovelady Center that today serves 450 women and children. At the Center the women and children are cared for daily; learning basic skills and receive counselling and rehabilitation, career counselling and job training preparing them for life outside of prison, with homes and jobs and success on their own.
The beginning of Brenda’s story with seven women straight from prison to her home is at times funny and often heartbreaking. She tells of trips to Walmart to buy underwear and toothbrushes and how difficult it was for the women to accept the fact that they didn’t have to wear “white cotton granny pants” anymore and that they could have whatever color toothbrush they wanted. Another anecdote tells of their going to out to dinner for the first time. How the women struggled with the menu and what to order and how to order. And when something frightened them they all hid under the table.
At home there were petty squabbles and childish behavior. The hard to learn lessons of how to eat and enjoy the meal, to do laundry and house-keeping. The lessons of responsibility, accountability, honesty, and trust. All the things we take for granted were new and unknown to them. I couldn’t help but admire their courage as they faced the frightening world of freedom for the first time.
Brenda’s story is not without its ups and downs. There are difficult family decisions to make and neighbors less than happy to have ex-cons living down the street and prison officials waiting for her to fail. There were the times Brenda wondered how it would all work out but she had faith in God and His purpose for her and the women in her care. Miss Brenda loved and respected all the women from the start and they came to love and respect her.
This book was sent to me free of charge by Blogging for Books in exchange for this review.
September 10, 2016
In the book, Miss Brenda and the Loveladies by Brenda Spahn and Irene Zutell you first meet Brenda in one of those life-altering moments. For Brenda Spahn, her moment of truth came in the form of a possible jail sentence when things went very wrong with her business, Fortunately, things worked out and she did not serve any time in jail, but she did get a wake up call from God and in that moment came a new calling on her life- a call to help women who were serving time find a way to actually make it back to lives that were meaningful and whole. The more Brenda tried to help these women, which so easily could have been her, the more she realized that there was a big need for a “whole-way” house to help them to really heal and live well and with meaning and purpose. And this is how the Loveladies house was born- a community of women fighting the odds for survival on the outside.
This story is utterly compelling to see a woman who according to the world’s standards had it all -a successful business, vacations, clothes, etc,- but whose focus was mostly on making money. When her very world and living are rocked and she finds what she is really meant to do, she literally rocks the world with this new idea- to open the Lovelady house. In march some pretty tough ladies who each have heartbreaking stories and who Brenda describes as “never having a chance” with the environments that they came from. As was usual with ex-cons, leaving the penitentiary system, they were issued a pair of pants and a shirt, 10$ and a bus ticket back to where they came from, which almost always resulted in re-offenses and they went right back to prison. Brenda was frustrated with the system and just knew that she could do better and help these ladies find hope. And so she does, by offering love, faith in Jesus and a listening non-judgmental ear, as well as lots of practical life lessons and encouragement.
This story is told with humor, love, passion and some heartbreak. The descriptive phrase on the front of the book describes it perfectly- “A Heartwarming True Story of Grace, God and Gumption. I was very moved by this book- the courage and obedience of Brenda in some pretty discouraging circumstances, the stories of the Loveladies are truly heartbreaking at first and then stand up and cheer inspirational by the end. All I can say is I hope this story is being made into a movie because these Loveladies are an inspiration to us all.
5 stars
I was given a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. I was not obligated to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
This story is utterly compelling to see a woman who according to the world’s standards had it all -a successful business, vacations, clothes, etc,- but whose focus was mostly on making money. When her very world and living are rocked and she finds what she is really meant to do, she literally rocks the world with this new idea- to open the Lovelady house. In march some pretty tough ladies who each have heartbreaking stories and who Brenda describes as “never having a chance” with the environments that they came from. As was usual with ex-cons, leaving the penitentiary system, they were issued a pair of pants and a shirt, 10$ and a bus ticket back to where they came from, which almost always resulted in re-offenses and they went right back to prison. Brenda was frustrated with the system and just knew that she could do better and help these ladies find hope. And so she does, by offering love, faith in Jesus and a listening non-judgmental ear, as well as lots of practical life lessons and encouragement.
This story is told with humor, love, passion and some heartbreak. The descriptive phrase on the front of the book describes it perfectly- “A Heartwarming True Story of Grace, God and Gumption. I was very moved by this book- the courage and obedience of Brenda in some pretty discouraging circumstances, the stories of the Loveladies are truly heartbreaking at first and then stand up and cheer inspirational by the end. All I can say is I hope this story is being made into a movie because these Loveladies are an inspiration to us all.
5 stars
I was given a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. I was not obligated to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
April 5, 2014
“For Brenda Spahn, entrepreneur and business woman, wealth was a lifestyle – until a brush with the law threatened to send her to prison. In those dark moments, Brenda made a promise to God. This is the story of Brenda’s journey from rags to riches to redemption. It’s the story of the first unlikely year of her “whole-way” house and of the extraordinary lives of the first seven women who came to call her Miss Brenda. It’s a story that testifies to the power of faith and how God changes hearts every day.”
Do not miss reading this book. This is an amazing true story captured me from the first page… and when I turned the last page, I wanted more. I wish that I could give it six stars.
In Miss Brenda and the Loveladies, we are given a small glimpse inside the head and heart of seven women that have been incarcerated for most of their lives. Miss Brenda sets out to “save” these ladies… thereby keeping her promise to God for saving her from going to prison. What happens is that while she is intent on saving them, they end up saving her. Suddenly they go from one of the worst women’s prisons in the US to a mansion on the hill with some “crazy white lady”. The stories about the “white drawers” and “flaming fajita’s” are just the tip of it all. While they are crazy funny stories that made me laugh out loud, they are a sad commentary about this lives these women lived and the future they could have expected had they not met Miss Brenda.
There are parts of this book that made me laugh, made me cry, got me angry, made me smile in delight. It is truly a blessing.
Be forewarned… there are parts to this story that are NOT for the faint of heart. There are personal accounts of drug use, sexual abuse, rape, physical and sexual abuse of children, extreme violence as well as some “colorful” language. Some may think it not necessary… but in my opinion you need to hear the stories of the lives of the Loveladies to understand and appreciate the full impact of this story.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group bloggers program. 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 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/wa... : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
*Reviews of this book were posted at the following locations:
Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Deeper Shopping, Goodreads, and to be featured on my blog at http://titus3.wordpress.com
Do not miss reading this book. This is an amazing true story captured me from the first page… and when I turned the last page, I wanted more. I wish that I could give it six stars.
In Miss Brenda and the Loveladies, we are given a small glimpse inside the head and heart of seven women that have been incarcerated for most of their lives. Miss Brenda sets out to “save” these ladies… thereby keeping her promise to God for saving her from going to prison. What happens is that while she is intent on saving them, they end up saving her. Suddenly they go from one of the worst women’s prisons in the US to a mansion on the hill with some “crazy white lady”. The stories about the “white drawers” and “flaming fajita’s” are just the tip of it all. While they are crazy funny stories that made me laugh out loud, they are a sad commentary about this lives these women lived and the future they could have expected had they not met Miss Brenda.
There are parts of this book that made me laugh, made me cry, got me angry, made me smile in delight. It is truly a blessing.
Be forewarned… there are parts to this story that are NOT for the faint of heart. There are personal accounts of drug use, sexual abuse, rape, physical and sexual abuse of children, extreme violence as well as some “colorful” language. Some may think it not necessary… but in my opinion you need to hear the stories of the lives of the Loveladies to understand and appreciate the full impact of this story.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group bloggers program. 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 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/wa... : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
*Reviews of this book were posted at the following locations:
Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Deeper Shopping, Goodreads, and to be featured on my blog at http://titus3.wordpress.com
March 23, 2014
Would you let a stranger sleep in your house? What about a stranger who was just released from the worst women’s prison in the United States after serving a sentence for attempted murder? What about 6 strangers - parolees who had been imprisoned for selling drugs, prostitution, armed robbery, and more? Women whom “the system” declared could not be rehabilitated. This is exactly what Brenda Spahn did. After being accused of a crime which, if convicted, could have landed her in jail, she felt called to help women turn their lives around. She tells her story in Miss Brenda and the Loveladies.
I rarely give a book 5 stars – a book has to be pretty darned good to get a “perfect” score from me. I’m also not a always a huge non-fiction, memoir fan. This book changed my mind, and I have no problem giving it as many stars as I can. I absolutely loved it. The tale of a self-confessed money addict drew me in from the first page. Miss Brenda was obsessed with possessions – houses, clothes, jewelry. Her life goals and desires changed, though, and she became “Mama” to some pretty hardened criminals. As I was reading, I assumed that the store would just be from Miss Brenda’s view, so I was pleasantly surprised when I turned the page to see a change in voice. Some of the Loveladies added their stories to give their “side” of life with the crazy redhead they came to love. Their stories touched my heart and really convicted me – how often have I looked a someone in jail and just assumed they were bad to the core? I cried as I read the Loveladies recall horrible childhood abuse which threw them into a cycle of drugs, prostitution, and other crimes. (A side note – some of these stories are really hard to read.)
The book tells it all – from Miss Brenda’s own childhood struggles, t0 the first day when the parolees showed up and the entire staff quit, to the 3 hour trip to Walmart to pick out underwear, to the day neighbors discovered who was staying at Miss Brenda’s large house. It’s the good, the bad, and the ugly. I think this quote sums up the heart of Miss Brenda’s story: ”It took a lot for God to get my attention. It took a lot of yelling for Him to get me to listen. He had to bring a group of ex-cons into my house to get me to truly understand the power of redemption — not only for them but also for that little girl.”
Click here more information on the Lovelady Whole Way House.
I rarely give a book 5 stars – a book has to be pretty darned good to get a “perfect” score from me. I’m also not a always a huge non-fiction, memoir fan. This book changed my mind, and I have no problem giving it as many stars as I can. I absolutely loved it. The tale of a self-confessed money addict drew me in from the first page. Miss Brenda was obsessed with possessions – houses, clothes, jewelry. Her life goals and desires changed, though, and she became “Mama” to some pretty hardened criminals. As I was reading, I assumed that the store would just be from Miss Brenda’s view, so I was pleasantly surprised when I turned the page to see a change in voice. Some of the Loveladies added their stories to give their “side” of life with the crazy redhead they came to love. Their stories touched my heart and really convicted me – how often have I looked a someone in jail and just assumed they were bad to the core? I cried as I read the Loveladies recall horrible childhood abuse which threw them into a cycle of drugs, prostitution, and other crimes. (A side note – some of these stories are really hard to read.)
The book tells it all – from Miss Brenda’s own childhood struggles, t0 the first day when the parolees showed up and the entire staff quit, to the 3 hour trip to Walmart to pick out underwear, to the day neighbors discovered who was staying at Miss Brenda’s large house. It’s the good, the bad, and the ugly. I think this quote sums up the heart of Miss Brenda’s story: ”It took a lot for God to get my attention. It took a lot of yelling for Him to get me to listen. He had to bring a group of ex-cons into my house to get me to truly understand the power of redemption — not only for them but also for that little girl.”
Click here more information on the Lovelady Whole Way House.
April 17, 2014
My Review:
The Doubleday Publishing Group|February 18, 2014|Hardcover|ISBN: 978-0-307-73217-0
One woman's fight to provide hope for the hopeless...
Seven ex-cons who changed her heart forever...
For Brenda Spahn, entrepreneur and businesswoman, wealth was a lifestyle-until a brush with the law threatened to send her to prison. In those dark moments, Brenda made a promise to God.
Spared incarceration, a renewed Brenda glimpsed into the lives of women serving time in one of the worst places in America-the Julia Tutwiler Prison for Women in Wetumpka, Alabama.
What she saw prompted a God-inspired vision.
With a heart to help and a will that couldn't be crushed, Brenda fought the system and overcame tremendous obstacles to take ex-cons into her own home and help them navigate the alien world of life on the outside.
This is the story of Brenda's journey from rags to riches to redemption. It's the story of the first unlikely year of her "Whole Way House" and of the extraordinary lives of the first seven women who came to call her "Miss Brenda." It's a story that testifies to the power of faith and how God changes hearts every day.
Brenda Spahn is a lot braver than I would have been to take on the women that she did. However, not only did Brenda teach these hardened and often unfeeling women how to be sensitive, society worthy human beings, they also taught Brenda more about herself and life than she ever knew possible. Brenda's whole outlook on life changed after spending time with her "Loveladies" and what a time it was. I read this book in one sitting as I couldn't put it down.
I had no idea that Brenda's "whole-way house" even existed in the United States and have since been to their website and what a place it is! I can't believe the number of people she has rehabilitated. People who every one else had totally given up on and cast aside as mere garbage. Brenda offered them something they'd never had in their lives before and that was an unconditional love and a place to be heard and to be themselves without fear of judgement.
This was an incredible story from the first page until the last and I'll bet any of you who choose to read about the "Loveladies", will also want to read it in one sitting!
The Doubleday Publishing Group|February 18, 2014|Hardcover|ISBN: 978-0-307-73217-0
One woman's fight to provide hope for the hopeless...
Seven ex-cons who changed her heart forever...
For Brenda Spahn, entrepreneur and businesswoman, wealth was a lifestyle-until a brush with the law threatened to send her to prison. In those dark moments, Brenda made a promise to God.
Spared incarceration, a renewed Brenda glimpsed into the lives of women serving time in one of the worst places in America-the Julia Tutwiler Prison for Women in Wetumpka, Alabama.
What she saw prompted a God-inspired vision.
With a heart to help and a will that couldn't be crushed, Brenda fought the system and overcame tremendous obstacles to take ex-cons into her own home and help them navigate the alien world of life on the outside.
This is the story of Brenda's journey from rags to riches to redemption. It's the story of the first unlikely year of her "Whole Way House" and of the extraordinary lives of the first seven women who came to call her "Miss Brenda." It's a story that testifies to the power of faith and how God changes hearts every day.
Brenda Spahn is a lot braver than I would have been to take on the women that she did. However, not only did Brenda teach these hardened and often unfeeling women how to be sensitive, society worthy human beings, they also taught Brenda more about herself and life than she ever knew possible. Brenda's whole outlook on life changed after spending time with her "Loveladies" and what a time it was. I read this book in one sitting as I couldn't put it down.
I had no idea that Brenda's "whole-way house" even existed in the United States and have since been to their website and what a place it is! I can't believe the number of people she has rehabilitated. People who every one else had totally given up on and cast aside as mere garbage. Brenda offered them something they'd never had in their lives before and that was an unconditional love and a place to be heard and to be themselves without fear of judgement.
This was an incredible story from the first page until the last and I'll bet any of you who choose to read about the "Loveladies", will also want to read it in one sitting!
December 24, 2014
This is a true story about Brenda Spahn.
As an entrepreneur and businesswoman, wealth was her lifestyle and what mattered.
Until a brush with the law involving her family's tax business threatens to send her to prison.
Spared from prison, and with a glimpse into the the hearts of women serving time at Julia Tutwiler Prison for Women, prompted Brenda's God - inspired vision.
Brenda's vision is to open and operate a " Whole Way House" to help women transition from prison to the outside world, where everything is different and sometimes the women have no help, fall back into the same routine as before, or feel like there is no other option then to go back to prison.
With everyone telling Brenda that this is a bad idea, she weathers the opposition of corrections professionals and other obstacles. After winning approval to take in the ex - cons, she gets to take on her first seven women.
This is a story of triumph, redemption, and a woman's dream to make a difference in others lives.
Today, the Lovelady Center that Brenda Spahn founded is the largest and most successful nonprofit transitional center in the country. It serves 450 women and children every day, providing substance abuse counseling, drug rehabilitation, meals, childcare and etc. to establish successful lives outside of prison walls.
I loved reading this book it was touching and an eye opener. These women that are in prison are just like everyone else, they have issues and problems and at times feel alone with no hope.
They have to act tough because the feel like they have to "Fight to Live," but deep inside they are loving, caring, and have hopes and dreams like all of us. I thank God there are people like Brenda out there to help women get their lives back.
This book goes on sale: February 18th, 2014
$ 19.99 / $ 22.95 Canada
also available in e - book
(Subject to change)
** I received this complimentary copy from Blogging for Books for my review and opinions. **
As an entrepreneur and businesswoman, wealth was her lifestyle and what mattered.
Until a brush with the law involving her family's tax business threatens to send her to prison.
Spared from prison, and with a glimpse into the the hearts of women serving time at Julia Tutwiler Prison for Women, prompted Brenda's God - inspired vision.
Brenda's vision is to open and operate a " Whole Way House" to help women transition from prison to the outside world, where everything is different and sometimes the women have no help, fall back into the same routine as before, or feel like there is no other option then to go back to prison.
With everyone telling Brenda that this is a bad idea, she weathers the opposition of corrections professionals and other obstacles. After winning approval to take in the ex - cons, she gets to take on her first seven women.
This is a story of triumph, redemption, and a woman's dream to make a difference in others lives.
Today, the Lovelady Center that Brenda Spahn founded is the largest and most successful nonprofit transitional center in the country. It serves 450 women and children every day, providing substance abuse counseling, drug rehabilitation, meals, childcare and etc. to establish successful lives outside of prison walls.
I loved reading this book it was touching and an eye opener. These women that are in prison are just like everyone else, they have issues and problems and at times feel alone with no hope.
They have to act tough because the feel like they have to "Fight to Live," but deep inside they are loving, caring, and have hopes and dreams like all of us. I thank God there are people like Brenda out there to help women get their lives back.
This book goes on sale: February 18th, 2014
$ 19.99 / $ 22.95 Canada
also available in e - book
(Subject to change)
** I received this complimentary copy from Blogging for Books for my review and opinions. **
March 4, 2014
Ok this one book I just can't give an overview of without my thoughts at the same time so here goes. This is a very powerful book about Brenda Spahn and her dream of helping women convicts become full members of society. Here is a link to her website The Lovelady Center. Brenda felt the Lord's calling for her to open a center to help women straight out of prison to become complete women and not just send them back to the life they had before. I will warn you that there is some strong language and details of the women's past but you can't expect flowers and sunshine from ladies that have been in prison. This was a wonderful book on how Brenda and her first group ladies overcame each others thoughts and prejudices about each other. We sometimes forget as Christian that we are too love all people even people that are just getting out of prison and they are sometimes the ones that need the most love. Miss Brenda shows that love and the ladies also show her the same love. The part of the book that really got me was how the women were just overwhelmed by a trip to Wal-mart. This book was a blessing for me as reminded me to love all people no matter where they have come from. We can't look on the outside to know if should love someone or not. I personally know people that if some people knew of their pasts they would probable have nothing to do with them and that is sad. Loving the unlovable is what we are to do as Christian and Miss Brenda does this beautifully. Now I will recommend this book with one exception I don't believe in women being ordained preachers (that was discussed in the book as being ok).
I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review
I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review
June 26, 2015
Miss Brenda and the Loveladies is a very good book that I found interesting and heartwarming. How a lady is very successful and almost goes to prison, but gets a second chance at life. So she decides to help those coming out of prison to get a new start and to make a difference in life.
I never really thought about how a woman would act or get along in society after being in prison her whole life or for most of it. It was eye-opening to me.
The chapter that really hit me is called Imagine. Here’s the first paragraph of that chapter. “Imagine if you could not remember any time in your life when you had been happy. Imagine if you’d never been to a party or a restaurant or an amusement park or a beach. It would be your birthday and no one would give you a present or bake you a cake or even say, “Happy birthday.” You never had a Christmas tree. You didn’t really know about Christmas or Easter or New Year’s. You never learned how to ride a bike or swim or play catch. You didn’t go to your prom or a dance or a school play or a football game.”
We just take for granted all that we have and all that we have learned. Some of these ladies only know about doing drugs or anything to make more or get the food and shelter they need. They also know sooner or later they will get caught. It’s just a way of life for them.
Brenda and her family start showing love and that they care. It takes a while, but then they start to trust again.
Good book that I recommend.
Thanks to WaterBrookMultnomah for providing this book for review. 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
I never really thought about how a woman would act or get along in society after being in prison her whole life or for most of it. It was eye-opening to me.
The chapter that really hit me is called Imagine. Here’s the first paragraph of that chapter. “Imagine if you could not remember any time in your life when you had been happy. Imagine if you’d never been to a party or a restaurant or an amusement park or a beach. It would be your birthday and no one would give you a present or bake you a cake or even say, “Happy birthday.” You never had a Christmas tree. You didn’t really know about Christmas or Easter or New Year’s. You never learned how to ride a bike or swim or play catch. You didn’t go to your prom or a dance or a school play or a football game.”
We just take for granted all that we have and all that we have learned. Some of these ladies only know about doing drugs or anything to make more or get the food and shelter they need. They also know sooner or later they will get caught. It’s just a way of life for them.
Brenda and her family start showing love and that they care. It takes a while, but then they start to trust again.
Good book that I recommend.
Thanks to WaterBrookMultnomah for providing this book for review. 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
July 17, 2015
`Miss Brenda and the Loveladies` is co-authored by Brenda Spahn and Irene Zutell. A non-fiction book about how Brenda rehabilitated seven hard-core women through the love of Jesus.
Although unobtrusive there are words I would have left unsaid. Just my opinion. However, a favorite quote from the book, by Martin Luther King Jr, is "Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase."
Brenda does go into detail about prison life (chapter seven). As I read the novel I would stop and pray for the inmates. Some think inmates have it easy and are wasting taxpayer dollars. A lot of inmates, I believe, are people who have never had a chance, and definitely not a second chance at life. In the book Brenda has a few of the `Loveladies` share their testimony. Sharing a little of their background, and where they are today. This book has lots of emotion.
I would like to see more people with means help other inmates have a second chance at life. The author reminds the reader that most inmates do not know what it is like to celebrate a birthday, New Years Day, or a school play.
I like how the author states, "These women need time and attention, not fast-food prayer (p. 28)
Personally, I think mature readers would do well to read this book and get a new perspective on the life of an inmate. This book tells of women who learned to trust God even through hard circumstances.
This is not my usual go-to book.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book complimentary for my honest review.
Although unobtrusive there are words I would have left unsaid. Just my opinion. However, a favorite quote from the book, by Martin Luther King Jr, is "Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase."
Brenda does go into detail about prison life (chapter seven). As I read the novel I would stop and pray for the inmates. Some think inmates have it easy and are wasting taxpayer dollars. A lot of inmates, I believe, are people who have never had a chance, and definitely not a second chance at life. In the book Brenda has a few of the `Loveladies` share their testimony. Sharing a little of their background, and where they are today. This book has lots of emotion.
I would like to see more people with means help other inmates have a second chance at life. The author reminds the reader that most inmates do not know what it is like to celebrate a birthday, New Years Day, or a school play.
I like how the author states, "These women need time and attention, not fast-food prayer (p. 28)
Personally, I think mature readers would do well to read this book and get a new perspective on the life of an inmate. This book tells of women who learned to trust God even through hard circumstances.
This is not my usual go-to book.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book complimentary for my honest review.
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