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Divas of Damascus Road
***Essence Bestseller***After being blamed for her baby sister's death, Dianne Rucker swore she'd never come back to Dentonville, Texas. But her Aunt Gloria, who took her in after the accident, is getting remarried. Going back home means Dianne must face her own demons as well as a drug-addicted mother who is now falling even further into schizophrenia.
But Dianne isn't the only one struggling. Her two cousins must come to terms with their own issues after having grown up in this dysfunctional family of women. And Aunt Gloria may be hiding the biggest skeletons of all.
The women must look to their faith in God as they attempt to turn their lives around like Saul on the Biblical road to Damascus.
But Dianne isn't the only one struggling. Her two cousins must come to terms with their own issues after having grown up in this dysfunctional family of women. And Aunt Gloria may be hiding the biggest skeletons of all.
The women must look to their faith in God as they attempt to turn their lives around like Saul on the Biblical road to Damascus.
309 pages, ebook
First published July 12, 2006
40 people are currently reading
709 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Stimpson
102 books675 followersHello, 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
October 18, 2007
When Dianne learns about her beloved Aunt Gloria’s upcoming nuptials, she must make a difficult decision. Dianne has lived away from Dentonville for over twenty years avoiding the woman who has brought her the most pain in her life, her mother. Besides staying away from Dentonville, Dianne has covered up her pain by seeking love in too many of the wrong arms.
While Dianne avoids her past, her two cousins, Yolanda and Regina have their own issues. Regina has the “perfect life” which includes a wonderful husband, a brand new baby and a thriving career. Unfortunately, Regina secretly continues to struggle with an eating disorder. With the “baby fat” not going anywhere, Regina kicks into overdrive with her weight obsession.
Yolanda, the overachiever, works in a career designed specifically for her passion for perfection. The pharmacist has one area of her life that she can’t get a handle on – her insecurities about men. When Kelan, a fellow bible study group member starts showing more than a friendly interest, Yolanda must face her fears or lose her chance at real love.
Dianne’s mother, Joyce Ann, is at the center of all the family issues or so it seems. Known as the black sheep, Joyce Ann has been really good at causing trouble and chaos for her sister Gloria all their lives. Now that Gloria is finally remarrying, Joyce Ann can’t tolerate the idea of letting go of her dependence on her older sister. With a new husband, Gloria will find her secrets she once kept so well hidden, no longer want to remain in the dark.
This was a really deep novel. Each woman had issues or secrets embedded so deep down, none of them realized on the surface how these issues affected their daily lives as well as each other. Readers are bound to be able to relate to one of these characters as the author touches on several detrimental issues like mental illness, eating disorders, drug abuse and grief. The mentality where a woman has to be strong, independent and not need a man can wind up leaving some mind-numbing effects especially when the woman forgets the importance of God’s role in her life.
Despite the deep issues, the author provides humor and blunt, but much needed wisdom through the character Aunt Zoe. This family matriarch didn’t play and her prayers were influential across the entire family as walls were broken and lives were healed.
Divas of Damascus Road is worthy reading material to pass on to friends, especially those in need of encouragement due to lost or broken relationships. Readers will walk away with the reminder that a life transformation is indeed possible despite the dimmest of circumstances.
While Dianne avoids her past, her two cousins, Yolanda and Regina have their own issues. Regina has the “perfect life” which includes a wonderful husband, a brand new baby and a thriving career. Unfortunately, Regina secretly continues to struggle with an eating disorder. With the “baby fat” not going anywhere, Regina kicks into overdrive with her weight obsession.
Yolanda, the overachiever, works in a career designed specifically for her passion for perfection. The pharmacist has one area of her life that she can’t get a handle on – her insecurities about men. When Kelan, a fellow bible study group member starts showing more than a friendly interest, Yolanda must face her fears or lose her chance at real love.
Dianne’s mother, Joyce Ann, is at the center of all the family issues or so it seems. Known as the black sheep, Joyce Ann has been really good at causing trouble and chaos for her sister Gloria all their lives. Now that Gloria is finally remarrying, Joyce Ann can’t tolerate the idea of letting go of her dependence on her older sister. With a new husband, Gloria will find her secrets she once kept so well hidden, no longer want to remain in the dark.
This was a really deep novel. Each woman had issues or secrets embedded so deep down, none of them realized on the surface how these issues affected their daily lives as well as each other. Readers are bound to be able to relate to one of these characters as the author touches on several detrimental issues like mental illness, eating disorders, drug abuse and grief. The mentality where a woman has to be strong, independent and not need a man can wind up leaving some mind-numbing effects especially when the woman forgets the importance of God’s role in her life.
Despite the deep issues, the author provides humor and blunt, but much needed wisdom through the character Aunt Zoe. This family matriarch didn’t play and her prayers were influential across the entire family as walls were broken and lives were healed.
Divas of Damascus Road is worthy reading material to pass on to friends, especially those in need of encouragement due to lost or broken relationships. Readers will walk away with the reminder that a life transformation is indeed possible despite the dimmest of circumstances.
June 8, 2014
Divas of Damascus Road follows the story of three women who are cousins: Dianne, Yolanda, and Regina. They are plagued with personal and familial problems and they hope to get through them. I expected a heart-tugging read as I watch the characters persevere through their circumstances, but I was disappointed. Instead, the whole book felt like I was watching a vain reality show that’s trying to milk too much drama out of each other in an attempt to boost viewer ratings. I have to admit, however, that the secrets Aunt Gloria is harboring are definitely worth the drama. If Stimpson writes a stand-alone book that just focuses on Aunt Gloria, I wouldn’t hesitate reading it. I’d love to know more about this character.
Another complaint that I have is the lack of clear transition within and between chapters. Just as I was starting to get comfortable with a scene, it very crudely moves on to another scene without any warning whatsoever. Most of the time, the scenes weren’t even remotely related. I lost track of how many times I got lost and backtracked because of the lack of transition.
Overall, Divas of Damascus Road is quite disappointing. Bland drama interspersed with constant religious references didn’t quite pique my curiosity. This definitely could have been done better.
Another complaint that I have is the lack of clear transition within and between chapters. Just as I was starting to get comfortable with a scene, it very crudely moves on to another scene without any warning whatsoever. Most of the time, the scenes weren’t even remotely related. I lost track of how many times I got lost and backtracked because of the lack of transition.
Overall, Divas of Damascus Road is quite disappointing. Bland drama interspersed with constant religious references didn’t quite pique my curiosity. This definitely could have been done better.
August 20, 2017
Spiritually guided, each diva in this story has a trial/tribulation to go through. Diane, Regina, Yolanda, Joyce Ann, Aunt Toe & Gloria have issues but because they are strong, Christian women, they are never far from their Heavenly Father and his guidance. God is always there when you need him and will provide the support and strength you need.
Written to provide insight about secrets and what they can do to a family. Also, believing in and relying on God. Provides a descriptive insight into how families try to hide serious and life-threatening illnesses and issues.
Written to provide insight about secrets and what they can do to a family. Also, believing in and relying on God. Provides a descriptive insight into how families try to hide serious and life-threatening illnesses and issues.
February 16, 2025
Divas of Damascus Road. 5 star Wow! This book had sooo much going on.
"I found out I can't expect people to give me what only God can give. We just don't have it in us. Nobody else can make me happy, keep me satisfied, fulfill that desire to love and be loved like God can and does everyday. It is my responsibility to seek Him out every day in order to maintain my sanity."
"I found out I can't expect people to give me what only God can give. We just don't have it in us. Nobody else can make me happy, keep me satisfied, fulfill that desire to love and be loved like God can and does everyday. It is my responsibility to seek Him out every day in order to maintain my sanity."
January 8, 2014
A completely and utterly frustrating read. So frustrating that I wasn't even able to finish is. Divas of Damascus Road follows three cousins, Yolanda, Dianne, and Regina, as they attempt to maneuver through life and deal with familial issues at the same time.
Yolanda: The younger sister of her and Regina, daughter of Gloria. I found absolutely nothing redeeming about her. The fact that she was so rude to Kelan when all he was trying to do was get to know her was enough to turn me off.
Regina: OMG! If I hear her whine about how fat she is, I'm going to cut her. Like her sister, I found nothing redeeming about her. Whiny and ungrateful, I was under the impression that Orlando was too good for her.
Dianne: Yolanda and Regina's cousin. What do I say about this one. Of the 3 girls, she was the only one that had a legitimate reason to be screwed up. Left alone as a young child by her drug addicted mother and the plethora of men her mother ran through, she was forced to mind her infant sister, Shannon, until her unfortunate death.
Fast forward to the present, Dianne is somewhat following in her mother's footsteps by changing men more than she changes her underwear. She is the only one that I was able to have some kind of sympathy for. She was held responsible for the death of her sister, her mother was an irresponsible addict that had NO business having children, and her father was MIA.
Religious References: When I initially plucked this Kindle freebie off of Amazon, I had no idea that this was in the Christian Fiction category. Had I known, I would have never picked it up. I'm well aware that the Ruckers were a religious family. But there is absolutely no reason for me, the reader, to be reminded of it on every page. All the "God is good", "Let us pray" type references became unbearable.
Overall: I wasn't able to finish this. I was too annoyed to do this. 1 star
Yolanda: The younger sister of her and Regina, daughter of Gloria. I found absolutely nothing redeeming about her. The fact that she was so rude to Kelan when all he was trying to do was get to know her was enough to turn me off.
Regina: OMG! If I hear her whine about how fat she is, I'm going to cut her. Like her sister, I found nothing redeeming about her. Whiny and ungrateful, I was under the impression that Orlando was too good for her.
Dianne: Yolanda and Regina's cousin. What do I say about this one. Of the 3 girls, she was the only one that had a legitimate reason to be screwed up. Left alone as a young child by her drug addicted mother and the plethora of men her mother ran through, she was forced to mind her infant sister, Shannon, until her unfortunate death.
Fast forward to the present, Dianne is somewhat following in her mother's footsteps by changing men more than she changes her underwear. She is the only one that I was able to have some kind of sympathy for. She was held responsible for the death of her sister, her mother was an irresponsible addict that had NO business having children, and her father was MIA.
Religious References: When I initially plucked this Kindle freebie off of Amazon, I had no idea that this was in the Christian Fiction category. Had I known, I would have never picked it up. I'm well aware that the Ruckers were a religious family. But there is absolutely no reason for me, the reader, to be reminded of it on every page. All the "God is good", "Let us pray" type references became unbearable.
Overall: I wasn't able to finish this. I was too annoyed to do this. 1 star
January 3, 2009
The Rucker Women,
DIVAS OF DAMASCUS ROAD is a very good read about strong family values and bonds with passionate spiritual ties. As an avid reader, I am confident that others will associate with DIVAS OF DAMASCUS ROAD mainly due to the fact that every family, at the minimum, has one person in their family who has it all together and is stronger than the others as well as a dysfunctional side that you can't hide regardless how hard you try.
Fortunately, for The Rucker family lies the lines of prayer, strength and togetherness which creates an all together different story.
Aunt Toe is the Matriach of the Rucker family. It is her job to keep everyone in line.
Gwen has it all together. She is definitely the strong one with all the answers
Aunt Joyce Ann is in need of some serious help! No one is certain where to begin.
Regina has had a problem all along but, everyone has ignored it until it hits them in the face.
Yolanda is certain that she is the ONLY sane member of the Rucker family.
Dianne is aware that there is a problem with her. She just is not sure what she can do about it.
DIVAS OF DAMASCUS not only shows the power of prayer, but how we are able to overcome consistent trials and tribulations. Isn't it amazing how something so simple can spiral out of control and lead to much larger things?
I really enjoyed reading Michelle Stimpson's contribution to the literary world. In my opinion I didn't think the title fit, THE RUCKER WOMEN would've been a more appropriate one.
Reviewed by: Carmen
DIVAS OF DAMASCUS ROAD is a very good read about strong family values and bonds with passionate spiritual ties. As an avid reader, I am confident that others will associate with DIVAS OF DAMASCUS ROAD mainly due to the fact that every family, at the minimum, has one person in their family who has it all together and is stronger than the others as well as a dysfunctional side that you can't hide regardless how hard you try.
Fortunately, for The Rucker family lies the lines of prayer, strength and togetherness which creates an all together different story.
Aunt Toe is the Matriach of the Rucker family. It is her job to keep everyone in line.
Gwen has it all together. She is definitely the strong one with all the answers
Aunt Joyce Ann is in need of some serious help! No one is certain where to begin.
Regina has had a problem all along but, everyone has ignored it until it hits them in the face.
Yolanda is certain that she is the ONLY sane member of the Rucker family.
Dianne is aware that there is a problem with her. She just is not sure what she can do about it.
DIVAS OF DAMASCUS not only shows the power of prayer, but how we are able to overcome consistent trials and tribulations. Isn't it amazing how something so simple can spiral out of control and lead to much larger things?
I really enjoyed reading Michelle Stimpson's contribution to the literary world. In my opinion I didn't think the title fit, THE RUCKER WOMEN would've been a more appropriate one.
Reviewed by: Carmen
September 26, 2017
Divas of Damascus Road begins with a prologue that provides insight into what the childhood conditions were for sisters Dianne and Shannon. This is the type of novel that just moves along at a very slow leisurely pace. The novel is set in Texas, a state I know and love. The novel makes mention of Dallas and Galveston. It also makes mention of fictitious cities Dentonville and Darson which I thought was kind of dumb. If you're going to be real then be real. There was a scene in the mall that I was getting really excited about. Joyce Ann goes running through the mall towards Yolanda and Kelan. She's running! Yes! Action, something is getting ready to happen. When she reaches them she says hi. I kid you not. All that build up in a slow moving story and she says...hi. In this novel you get to go to church service and Bible study with the characters. That was a nice touch. The unfortunately named Aunt Toe was my favorite character in the book. She provided my comic relief since I couldn't get any action. Sticking with the book was a struggle because of the pacing. Keep reading though. There are twists in the end you most likely won't see coming. It is well written. The story has good messages.
August 23, 2011
At first, I didn't want to give this book a chance. But I am SO glad I did! I found myself laughing out loud at some parts, my favorite character is Aunt Toe. This book will hit home with a lot of African-American women because we know how our mamas, grandmamas, and great grandmamas can keep some secrets! They will keep these secrets for generations and then when all the mess hits the fan... well this book shows you what can happen. It was a great read, very relatable characters, and I would read it again.
February 4, 2014
It took me a while to get my thoughts together about this book. This family had so many secrets that once one spilled out , all of them came out. Aunt Toe was the rock of this family and she was determine before she died to get her family back on the right path. It took a sad situation to bring the ladies back as one,but with a little prayer it worked.
August 23, 2014
I have not read any books by Michelle. This book was good. I loved the how the story was told. It is a reminder that life is too short to hold grudges and have anger in your heart for what others have done or what they allowed to happen due to the choices made or not. Good reminders.
January 26, 2015
Loved it. We all have some family secrets and chains hindering us family wise and this book proved that prayer and sticking together along with forgiveness can help you all make it through
July 27, 2019
I'm not sure why I can usually predict a books ending. Nevertheless, I enjoyed reading this book. Yes I hollered at the characters like they were my real friends and like they were sitting right next to me. Don't judge me. Good book though. I think this author will go far in her career. Everything ive read from her so far has been good.
September 9, 2024
Excellent Read!!
October 19, 2024
Church Folk, Secrets, False Sense of Perfect Image will divide a family in a blink of an eye…. It will lead family members into crazy love/hate relationships…..
March 31, 2013
Dianne left Dentonville, Texas vowing never to return until she got a call from her aunt Gloria begging her to come to the wedding. Dianne did miss her family. She always had an excuse for the major events of life cousin Yolanda's graduation from pharmacy school, her sister - Regina's baby shower, great aunt Toe's birthday party, and it would be heart-wrenching to miss aunt Gloria's wedding. Dianne called on her trusty male friend to accompany on her the long bus trip from Conroe back home. Things were fine until her mom, Joyce Ann, showed up in town. All the family secrets started falling out of the closet and they can only hope prayers will be enough as their family is sinking fast.
Just like Boaz Brown, Stimpson's first book, Divas of Damascus Road is a page-turner that will capture your attention from page one. The characters are easy to identify with. You can place them within your own family while they grow and develop into people you love at the end. The storyline has twists and turns you will never see coming with outcomes only the Lord can workout. Stimpson carefully weaves God's love and forgiveness into the story by changing the hearts and actions of the women within the family. The implied lessons can be used in reader's everyday lives. Bravo for a story brilliantly written!
Just like Boaz Brown, Stimpson's first book, Divas of Damascus Road is a page-turner that will capture your attention from page one. The characters are easy to identify with. You can place them within your own family while they grow and develop into people you love at the end. The storyline has twists and turns you will never see coming with outcomes only the Lord can workout. Stimpson carefully weaves God's love and forgiveness into the story by changing the hearts and actions of the women within the family. The implied lessons can be used in reader's everyday lives. Bravo for a story brilliantly written!
February 22, 2014
This was captivating, albeit, not in a fairly good manner. When this was listed as Christian fiction, I really wanted the character of God to be at the forefront of the book. This family just WENT to church. Yes there was some prayer, thanks to Kelon. As I read, I began my AA checklist. Stereotypical, yes, but I did so with apology. With that said, here we go as I remember: lies (check), adultery (check), fornication (check), anger (check), bitterness (check), lust (check), etc etc etc. The "good" gossipy storyline that brought the climax of the book deserves a great cup of joe. Now, I did love the storyline about one sister stepping in to raise her sister's child - courage/love/family/responsibility! As for the title, Divas - 1, Damascus Road - excellent. Bottom line, a lot of drama with a few strained relationships coming together. Maybe if there's a sequel, there can be a brighter light at the end of the tunnel
December 2, 2017
The Rucker family was a family of beautiful, strong, smart women holding secrets. Dianne Rucker moved away from her family to avoid the pain and guilt that she had. Dianne was called back home for her Aunt Gloria’s wedding. Dianne did not want to return to her hometown because she did not want to see her mother. Regina was an excellent lawyer, married with a new baby, but she had issues with her weight. Yolanda is a pharmacist with a touch of OCD. Everything had to be perfect in her life. Gloria is recently married after being a widow for years. Gloria takes care of her sister Joyce Ann, who is a drug addict. Gloria and Joyce Ann have been holding on to secrets for years. Once secrets are revealed their lives change. One must remember to call on God, for healing and forgiveness.
September 28, 2012
I was not sure about this book when I picked it up...I mean, I have never been a drug addicted, black, single black mom living in Texas I've never been drug addicted, black, a single mom or never visited Texas let alone live there. However, I gave it a try.....and all I can say is wow. The book can be summarized as love conquers all and as long as you trust in God, everything will be okay. However, that does not even begin to bring justice to this book. It made me think of things in a different way, it made me consider things I've never considered.....I really, truly enjoyed every bit of it.
May 5, 2014
This book is about family! There are many secrets in this family that hurt others by not telling them sooner. When tragedy strikes and Shannon dies, the family struggles to deal with it. What they could have done different doesn't matter, it's how they accepted or did not accept it is what affects them all. Joyce Ann struggles with a life of drugs and alcohol. Dianne struggles with relationships. Regina struggles with weight and eating disorders. Will they each learn to lean on God and realize the men He brought into their lives will help them be better?
I did enjoy this book, it was a little long, but well worth it to see how this family pulled together and overcame so much!
I did enjoy this book, it was a little long, but well worth it to see how this family pulled together and overcame so much!
April 23, 2015
This was not my favorite by this author but I didn't hate. While I enjoyed the different points of views I found it to be very jumpy and that there were some dramatic personality changes that were never fully fleshed out and the story seems to kind of rush to get to an end. Also there were many times that the women were completely unsympathetic not to mention disrespectful to their mother and great aunt in the story. That alone was hard to read since it made me want to reach through my Kindle and pop them all at least once during the story. A decent read but I prefer the Mama B stories over this one.
January 11, 2014
Editing?
I love every character in this story as a matter of fact it left me looking for more. is there a sequel in the works? the only issue I have is with grammatical errors that at times became a distraction. other than that I can't wait to read more from this very talented author.
I love every character in this story as a matter of fact it left me looking for more. is there a sequel in the works? the only issue I have is with grammatical errors that at times became a distraction. other than that I can't wait to read more from this very talented author.
May 11, 2014
I really loved this book. I was not sure what to expect based on the title but what I read I enjoyed. I loved all the characters who all played an active kart in the storyline. Dianne, what a woman. She went through a lot but she came through. I lob the relationship between Yolanda and Kelan. I could go on but I won't. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
August 10, 2016
This was a good book. Not great as Stimpson's Stepping Down book but not bad either. I read the e-book version and there were a ton of grammatical errors. Reading e-books, this does not bother me too much but would if it were a hard copy. The story line was good but the transitions were not smooth and at times frustrating. A predictable book but a good read.
July 29, 2014
The book's beginning may be a bit rough since the story is difficult, but keep at it! The main charachters are trying to figure out who they are as adults each with a different lesson to be learn and gift to exchange.
If you are a Christian you will enjoy the message and the way the story is woven with the story of love, forgiveness, and healing.
If you are a Christian you will enjoy the message and the way the story is woven with the story of love, forgiveness, and healing.
February 8, 2016
Dianne hasn't been home for almost 20 years and is going only because her Aunt Gloria is getting married and requested her presence. Gloria raised her, after a horrible accident for which she blames herself occurs and her mentally ill mother is not fit to care for her. It's the story of making peace with the past and moving on. Some of the characters were entertaining.
March 15, 2014
this was a good read about family and all of the secrets that are hiding in the closet. and, we all know that all secrets/skeletons seem to come out and without God and prayer those secrets can hurt. love this author.....great book.
January 1, 2015
Teachings through pain a loss!
Surprising developments in this family. It is an exciting story with a lot to teach about human nature and mental illness. I enjoyed this book very much!
Surprising developments in this family. It is an exciting story with a lot to teach about human nature and mental illness. I enjoyed this book very much!
January 5, 2015
Strong stories powerfully told.
Stimpson skillfully weaves stories of several strong characters as they develop practical, lifestyle faith and grow through difficult situations. Readers are left with a good story and much to ponder.
Stimpson skillfully weaves stories of several strong characters as they develop practical, lifestyle faith and grow through difficult situations. Readers are left with a good story and much to ponder.
July 16, 2008
One of my favorite books. There is so much to enjoy about the writing and the message.
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August 6, 2011We had an awesome time discussing this book! Very good!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews