A Time to Speak

Mama B #1

by Michelle Stimpson

The good folks at Mt. Zion Baptist are doing their best to keep the church flowing smoothly while Pastor Phillips takes time off to be with his wife in her final days. Beatrice "Mama B" Jackson even opens her home so that the women's groups can continue to meet faithfully after some “rascal” stole the copper from the church’s air conditioning unit. With her semi-estranged granddaughter and great-grandson staying in the guest room, Mama B soon has a full house. When the interim preacher and his wife start touting messages that don’t line up with the Bible, Mama B wonders how and if she can intervene without causing strife in the congregation or discouraging the young couple. However, Mama B can only take so much of this foolishness. Though her own faith might be intact, she can’t have her great-grandson believing that God is a Sugar Daddy in the sky. Soon enough, Mama B will realize that there is much more at stake than she or anyone else at Mt. Zion ever imagined. And it’s time to speak. A Time to Speak, the first novella (short novel) in the Mama B series, is full of godly wisdom and humor that will make you take a deep breath after that last page and smile from the inside out.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian, Fiction, Inspirational, Family, Contemporary, Religion

153 pages, ebook

First published September 6, 2012

About the author

Hello, Goodreads community! I'm Michelle Stimpson, and storytelling is my heartbeat. I've found my calling in penning heartwarming women's fiction that offers a seat at the table of family, humor, and hope. As an author, my greatest joy comes from crafting narratives that resonate with anyone seeking to find laughter and light in the pages of a good book. My tagline, 'Read. Love. Repeat.', is a promise of the emotional journey I aim to provide—engaging stories you’ll love and yearn to revisit.

Happy Reading

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Reviews

[LadyCalico · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the finest examples of Christian literature that I have ever read. So much of what passes for Christian fiction is just a Harlequin romance with some Bible quotes thrown in. However, the Word in Mama B's heart is indeed alive and active and sharper than any two edged sword. Medea may need guns and a chain-saw to look after her family and community, but Mama B. doesn't since she has the Holy Word and the Holy Spirit alive within her. She knows there is a time to act and a time to pause, a time to rescue and a time to wait for the Lord to use consequences to grow a person, as well as a time to speak and a time to hush up--and only the Holy Spirit can tell you when those times are, if you listen. In short, a well-crafted novel by a talented writer who knows Scripture in her heart as well as her head. I have never before read a fiction novel in which I highlighted so many lines to re-read later.

[Diane Rembert · Rating 5 out of 5]

The world is not ready for Mama B! She gives it to you straight…no chaser, but with a little humor. We all know a real-life Mama B that comes to mind when we read this book. For me, a beautiful soul named Mother Rosa Henry from Zion Canaan Baptist Church is that lady. You could not be in her presence and not walk away without a little bit of encouragement and a whole lot of wisdom. This book was a breath of fresh air from some of the other things this industry has to offer. Way to go Michelle Simpson!

[A'ndrea Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved, loved, loved this novella. A great story told by a 72-year-old woman with a lot of spunk and a heart for God. Stimpson does a wonderful job with creating relateable characters, addressing real life issues from prosperity-only ministries to the mis-classification of secular-themed books as Christian fiction. If you're looking for a laugh-out-loud read mixed with some good old fashion truth, Mama B is your woman!

[Kari Beasley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Mama B is everyone's grandmother. She loves everyone and everyone loves her. She's strong in her faith and while she shares her beliefs with those around her it's not forced. I'm not a very religious person, but found myself remembering all my Sunday school teachings from years ago.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book as a free Kindle read the other day and was pleasantly surprised!

A very well-developed story that grabbed my attention and held it. I even read it while dining out alone and caught one of the servers watching me with a little grin on his face, only to realize I was smiling as I read.

My favorite aspect of the book is the fact that it's written in dialect, which I absolutely love!

I enjoyed how Mama B attempted to maintain Christ-like character but wasn't afraid to realize she's just human, albeit a human with Jesus in her heart (and in her court). Stimpson did a great job of writing realistically; it wasn't all rainbows and roses but it was typical of how the world is today with joys, struggles, death, redemption, and love. The only other author I've read who writes like that is Karen Kingsbury whose writing I thoroughly enjoy!

[Jeanette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read! Mama B reminds me of both of my grandmothers and my great-grandmother. If you're looking for a great Christian fiction book that rings with the truth, this is it! I will purchase the other two books in the series because I do want to know how things turn out. Read this in less than 24 hours!!

[Desiree Watson]

I love Michelle Stimpson. She is an excellent author and always keeps you engaged. Mama B is just as sassy as she wants to be! she tells it like it is in a nice way ... If she can. If she can't then you get it straight up.

[Carolynnette Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

enjoyed...Mama B is hilarious. ..

[Mrs. Arvia · Rating 4 out of 5]

MAMA B- Mama B has spoken

I absolutely enjoyed Mama B she reminds me of both my lovely Grandmothers. She loves the Lord and her family. She will do anything for in reason.

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the pastor of a Dallas-suburban church tends to his dying wife, a new minister steps in with a determination to shake things up - to the dismay of Mama B and other regulars at Mt Zion Baptist Church. When Bible studies become multi-level marketing meetings and the pulpit a platform for name-it-and-claim-it, blab-it-and-grab-it teachings, Mama B feels the need to speak up. But will doing so alienate her from her visiting granddaughter and great-grandson who've taken a shine to the new direction the church is heading?

A Time to Speak is filled with down-to-earth characters with real-world challenges and heaven-sent solutions. A refreshing change from the emotional porn of mainstream Christian fiction. Read it and be encouraged and a little more grateful for your own lot in life.

(This review is of the Kindle edition)

[Kiera · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Mama B- A Time to Speak, author Michelle Stimpson gives us a character we can all relate to. Mama B is a faithful member of her church, who won't hesitate to give you an opinion, advice, or some tough love, whether you want it or not. She does it in such a loving way, that many can't get angry with her. Once she puts her foot down, she truly means it; she reminds me so much of my Grandma, I was smiling throughout the book.

I truly enjoyed the book; it is well written, with characters that you will either love or hate, and has a storyline that is easy to follow and believable. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series, and would definitely recommend it to others looking for a fun, short, enjoyable read!

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading several more heavy and serious novels, I chose to lighten my mind with "Mama B, A Time To Speak". This Mama B novella had a little more drama in it than I had anticipated, but - Mama B was a breath of fresh air! Everybody needs to have their own Mama B in their life! I loved reading about her and her positive outlook on life, led by her Christian ways.

I will certainly read the rest of the Mama B series! I love the premise of the series Ms Stimpson has created - that we should respect and listen to our elders. They have a lifetime of experiences to draw from. Though certain ideas and things in our environment may change through time, the most important things will always remain the same. Family, God, love.

[Cathy Beckett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stimpson's book was full of love, laughter, and good old fashioned Christian values. It wasn't preachy but it did point out that Christian values need to be taught at every church sponsored program.

I really enjoyed this book. Mama B reminded me of my own grandma. I really miss her but reading Mama B helped me to remember the good times.

[Kesha K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story just warmed my heat! I could actually visualize myself there talking with Mama B drinking lemonade and eating tea cakes. It showed what we truly compromise when we try to being the world in to the church instead of taking the church out into the world. Looking forward to reading more from this author.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

So true

There is a time to speak, and when lead by the Lord you will know when that is. This book will help a believer get back on the narrow path, while being relatable. Sometimes we don't think to pray when we face challenges. Mama B reminds you that no matter what always pray.

[Lynn McClelland · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good story, written with colloquialism styling of the Southern Bible Belt. Provides a valuable lesson for those who haven't yet figured out the religious/financial ideology.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Between the humor and the Christian walk Mama B is trying to make in life, my interest ws held. Have the 2nd book and can't wait to read it

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Want to read a wholesome book? Full of wisdom and humor. Well written. I enjoy the Mama B series.

[Keisha Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Momma D is a True Christian through and through and her faith was on point. Even though there were a lot of things going on that wasn't right in the pastor absent. The pastor and his wife that was covering for pastor Phillips was a complete hot mess and Rev. Martin was very wrong to let it continue to let it go on he acted like he was scared of them. Momma D had to learn that God knows Everything and when we ask him to do something we have to sometimes wait because we are not in control of Nothing and he moves when He is ready. She did ask she could do and let them know in a peaceful manner that what they was doing didn't line up with the word of God and with them being leader of there flock they needed to change how they did things. I hated that when Momma D's granddaughter ex-boyfriend came into the church with that gun the way he did God had to show them who was Really in control.

[Venessia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the BOM for my local bookclub for this Month and my first read by this Author. Beatrice "Mama B" Jackson is a faithful member at Mt. Zion Church and a devout follower of Christ. After the church was the victim of theft and Pastor Phillip's wife Geneva falls ill, Mama B and the rest of the congregation are left to try to keep the church together with the interim preacher. Tired of the prosperity preaching, Mama B decides that she will stand up for the Lord if no one else does. The book was a quick easy read, with lot of humor, and some funny interpretations of what goes in Churches today. For me the book was just okay and didn't interest me enough to read anymore of the series. I do like that even tho this is part of a series the Author ended it like a standalone and wrapped up all the issues she presented in the book in a neat little bow at the end of the story.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mama B’s Character is a 72-year-old season witty, vibrant and sassy woman who stayed current in what she was saying. Mama B kept her church family on their toes in the absent of Their Pastor Omar Phillips as he takes his beloved wife Geneva to her treatment center with stage four cancer there is never a dull moment, mean while Mama B has her eyes on Rev Martin in his prosperity messages she wants Pastor Martin to stick!! To the word of God.

In spite of Mama B’s wisdom when her beloved
granddaughter MS. Nikki-Nik and her son Cameron came in the picture Mama B knew something was up, what? is she running from under the headlines of just visiting her grandmother hum!!. Mama B had to face her Sons dark secret of negating his daughter and grandson. This book is filled with family lesson for all Mama B cut no corners

ESP Presents

[Nancy DeValve · Rating 5 out of 5]

The air conditioning at the church goes out and at the same time, the pastor's wife is dying of cancer. Mama B ends up hosting groups at her house where the air conditioning works, her granddaughter and great-grandson move in, and a health and wealth preacher substitutes for the pastor. Mama B has to learn when to speak and when to remain silent and what to say when she does speak.
I think I have found a new favorite author! Ms. Stimpson does a great job of bringing her characters to life. She writes truth without being preachy. And she can be funny, too. I will be reading more of her books.

[Gladys Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mama B-A Time to Speak. This book was inspiring. I heard some good advice about when to speak and when to be quiet. Learning when it is the right time to speak up and tell someone what you are thinking can be hard. Mama B was put into some crazy situations where she had to call on Jesus to help her to decide whether she should say something to a person or just let the situation play out. Mama B knew her responsibility to her granddaughter and great grandson was important, but having them learn for themselves about which direction to go was just as important to them learning why God allows certain things to happen. This book is really good and gives a great message to all.

[Diane Wachter · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mama B, Bk #1, EBK-M, Kindle, @ 9/6/12, Read 4/7/24, Christian Fiction. Folks at Mt Zion Baptist Church try to keep the church flowing smoothly while the Pastor takes time off to be with his dying wife. Beatrice "Mama B" Jackson even opens her home to the Women's Group so they can continue to meet after a thief stole the Cooper from the church's AC.
When the interim preacher and his wife show up to these meetings with messages that don't line up with the Bible, Mama B needs to speak up!
2☆'s = Okay.

[Diane Wachter · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mama B #1, EBK-M, Kindle @ 9/6/12, Read 4/7/24. Christian Fiction. Folks at Mt. Zion Baptist Church try to keep the church flowing smoothly while the Pastor takes time off to be with his dying wife. Beatrice "Mama B" Jackson even opens up her home so the women's group can continue to meet after a thief stole the copper from the Church's AC. When the interim Preacher and his wife start bringing messages to these meetings that don't line up with the Bible, Mama B needs to speak up! 2☆'s = Okay.

[Shannon L Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Read

I decided to take a break from Urban Lit and the summary of this book caught my attention and I am glad that I read it. It was a very good story and more importantly the message it delivered was divine. I got the first book for free but I will be purchasing the second one!!

[Janice Bates · Rating 5 out of 5]

While the beloved pastor from Beatrice (Mama B) Jackson's church is on leave to care for his ailing wife, an interim pastor from a modern church comes in. Mama B holds her tongue as her church goes through certain changes. Then she reaches her limit and has to speak up.

[S. LaRue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mama B and me...

Loved this book and Mama B. I laughed out loud several times. There were a few "tidbits" I plan to implement in my life. God Bless all the Mama B's around the world!

[Tammy Chaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought provoking and inspiring

I really enjoyed Mama B and her mother wit and genuine love for God! She was sensitive to The Lord’s guidance and direction that made all the difference in the story and is a life lesson for me to live by!!! I recommend reading this book!

[Shonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hadn't read in a while, good book to get back to basics. There were a few typos, but other than that a good read.

I recommend to anyone wanting light read, and reading for entertainment. This book was already apart of my library of reads.