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Jezebel

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Known for delivering “African American Christian romance that will surprise readers” (Midwest Book Review), Jacquelin Thomas now re-imagines the Biblical story of Jezebel as a compelling modern drama of inveterate sin and one woman’s struggle for salvation.

All her life, small-town Georgia girl Jessie Belle Holt has known how to use men. Now it’s time to really put her talent to work. Her ticket out of Mayville is Traynor Deveraux. A trusting pastor with a brilliant career ahead, Traynor doesn’t realize that his cunning new bride isn’t just dreaming of a new life, but running from an old one—and from an irredeemable reputation that could destroy their futures.

Seduced by the material possessions that come with position and power, Jessie soon uses her wiles to move her unwitting husband to the forefront of the country’s leading ministry. She’s prepared to do it by any means possible—including sex, lives, betrayal, and blackmail—all the while building nothing more secure than her own private hell. And when the walls come tumbling down, Jessie Belle will pay a price she never imagined, and discover one last chance at redemption and forgiveness she never expected.

336 pages, Hardcover

First published March 4, 2008

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1016 people want to read

About the author

Jacquelin Thomas

122 books405 followers
Jacquelin Thomas is an award-winning, best selling author with 94 titles published. Her books have garnered several awards, including two EMMA awards, the Romance In Color Reviewers Award, Readers Choice Award and the Atlanta Choice Award in the Religious & Spiritual category. Jacquelin was a 2005 honoree at the Houston Black Film Festival for the movie adaptation of her novel, Hidden Blessings. She was the first recipient to receive the Writers Achievement Award at the North Carolina Book Festival in Winston-Salem. She also received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Romantic Times Magazine.

Jacquelin has published in the romance, women's fiction, inspirational and young adult genres. Her second book in the YA series, Divine Confidential was nominated for a 2008 NAACP Image Award.

Jacquelin is happily married to her best friend and is the proud mother of three children. Jacquelin and her family live in North Carolina.

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5 stars
609 (57%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
Profile Image for Katrina Burchett.
Author 1 book37 followers
August 4, 2008
All Traynor Deveraux wanted to do was live his life for the Lord and preach the Gospel, but his wife, Jessie Belle's , sights were set on him making a name for himself. She wanted the mega church, the Christian radio station, the big house, expensive jewelry, luxury cars, high-priced designer clothes, etc., and she would stop at nothing to get them. She gave the appearance of a dutiful, loving first lady of the church, but appearances can be deceiving.
Jessie Belle used manipulation, threats & blackmail to get what she wanted, and she didn't care who she hurt in the process, and that included her own family members.
When her schemes and manipulation caught up with her - the first time when her husband found out some things, that is, because she doesn't quit there - she wouldn't take responsibility for her actions, but blamed those who allowed themselves to be manipulated. She went from controlling her husband to controlling the life of her only son, and then justified her selfish choices by claiming she was doing it all for them.
Nearing the end of the story Jessie Belle must admit that she needs help to become a better person, and she knows that God is the One she must first turn to. This woman, referred to as Jezebel by many, repents of her wicked ways and works toward finding peace within herself and, most importantly, peace with God. But there's who I call a 'mini Jessie Belle' out there lurking - someone even more treacherous than Jessie Belle ever was; someone who brings much more pain to her life than she brought to the lives of others.
I will admit that I don't open up my Bible to the Old Testament as much as I do the New Testament, so, although I'm familiar with the story of Jezebel, I don't know it well. Since I've read this book, I plan to take time to read about this queen of ancient Israel in 1 and 2 Kings. Jacquelin Thomas did a good job when she penned her contemporary version of the biblical story.
Profile Image for Marva.
16 reviews
June 3, 2011
pretty good read..a story from the bible that was turned into a novel that deals with modern day issues..it's entertaining and non-threatening.
Profile Image for Michael.
1,275 reviews124 followers
May 14, 2016
Jessie Belle has lived a promiscuous life for a long time, even at her young age. Countless of times, she has been warned not to use sex as an advantage but to save herself for a godly man. Dismissing her mother thoughts, Jessie feels justified in doing what she wants to do. If men cannot control their appetite for sex, it is not her business. Knowing how to get even the strongest to submit to her beautiful features, settling down is the furthest thing on her mind. Living with her aging Father who pastors a church in a small town, many men has crossed her path. However when she meets Traynor Deveraux, the two of them are immediately attracted to each other.

Tryanor is a young youthful pastor sold out for God and he believes that He has a calling on his life. Jessie loves the fact that he is single, but her mother warns her not to get too close to a man whose heart is in the right place. Yet Jessie knows that Traynor likes her, for one he can barely stay away from her and he swiftly decides that she is the one for him. The talk around town thinks that Jessie is just a 'fast' girl who sleeps around to get what she wants. Needless to say, everyone is surprised when Traynor proposes marriage sweeping her away from the home she was raised. As the two embark on a life together,Jessie grows extremely materialistic and goes to extreme measures to keep her marriage safe. Traynor is worried that his life is all about competing with other people but he constantly forgives her for her many transgressions. The two start a family that hinders their progress of ever being happy when Jessie continues to deceive him in more ways than one.

The Biblical story of Jezebel is richly explored in this epic story of lust, greed and envy.

This is by far the best book I read in a long time, the characters were so authentic. Jessie was a conniving materialistic deceitful heifer! There were many chapters when I was screaming at her character to wake the hell up! Traynor was so loving and forgiving, how much more can one take before you decide that enough is enough? Despite Jezebel story, this is the story of redemption, cause no matter how far you have fallen..No one is beyond each of a loving God.

Highly recommended to all, even if you are not familiar with the story of Jezebel,trust and believe that after this book you will be!

Five stars AND favorite ( rarely happens with me but this is extraordinary!)
Profile Image for Nardsbaby Reader.
415 reviews74 followers
September 22, 2009
Salvation

Jessie Bell Holt's agenda at eighteen was simple, she wanted out of the small town of Mayville, Georgia. Luckily for her, fate was on the same path. Pastor Traynor Deveraux Jr. was sent to Mayville, Georgia, in place of his ill father to preach. Unable to fight the growing attraction, Traynor is counting this as a beautiful blessing. Jessie Bell considers this the opportunity of a lifetime.

With high expectations and plans to live an abundant and fulfilling life, Jessie Bell is disappointed when she discovers that while Traynor has a gift, he's not all that interested in treating the church like the booming business that it is. His ambitions fall just a little short for her sights. Fortunately, Jessie Bell is prepared to utilize her wiles, wit and sling a little mud to ensure her the luxuries that her heart desires. Will there be a change of heart for the conniving, deceitful woman who's stepped on many toes on her way up the ladder?

JEZEBEL is wickedly deceitful, cunning and resourceful. With GOD'S message clear and concise, readers are weaved into a drama that seemingly goes on and on. By the end, regardless of what you've done, how you've lived, if you're willing to repent, GOD is willing to forgive. I LOVED IT!

46 reviews6 followers
March 1, 2009
omg this book was so good, that it made me want to read about jezebel in the bible. I mean jessie belle holt would stop a nothing to get what she wanted, this book had me going oh no she didn't out loud, surprisingly i was saddened at the end, but knew it had to be that way. i was a fan of ms thomas books before she stared writing christian fiction and i will admit that i was hesistant to read her new style of writing, boy am i glad i read this book.
Profile Image for Stacey.
342 reviews16 followers
September 18, 2019
A modern day, bible story. Super clever and well written. Definitely adding this author to my top 5.
Profile Image for Nicole.
35 reviews
March 1, 2009
Good concept, horrible, horrible writing style.
Profile Image for Carmen Glenn.
Author 10 books19 followers
March 28, 2013
The main character Jessie Belle reminded me of Phaedra on the Atlanta Housewives series-sneaky and devious!
Profile Image for Iisha.
8 reviews1 follower
September 11, 2008
The story of Jezebel in the bible deals with a religious woman who was smart, deceitful and manipulative and she used her ways to get what she wanted at the expense of others. God deemed there was no redemption for Jezebel and she would befall a terrible death because of all the wrong she did. Jacquelin Thomas takes this bible story and reworks it for modern times and her character is just as cunning as the bible told. JEZEBEL is made modern which makes it is understandable and tangible for even those who don't know the story of Jezebel.

Jessie Belle meets her husband Traynor when he comes to her small town to preach at the revival services at her father's church. She is immediately taken with the young preacher and in a whirlwind they proclaim their love and marry, against the wishes of Traynor's father and aunt. Traynor is smitten and he knows Jessie Belle will be a good wife and refuses to hear any negativity about her character.

In all appearances Jessie Belle is a good wife and mother, but what Jessie Belle wants Jessie Belle gets. She doesn't care about the consequences or who will get hurt in the process as long as her dreams are realized that her husband is the most powerful preacher in the country and they have all the material trappings to accompany it. Jessie Belle had to do a lot of scheming, conniving, manipulation and some down right shameful things in order to make everything happen the way she wanted them to. Eventually, Traynor realized the lovely young woman he married was not the wife he thought her to be; in fact he didn't like what he saw, because his wife reminds him of the story of Jezebel. Will Jessie Belle's fate be the same as Jezebel's?

Jacquelin Thomas brought to vibrant life a bible story and placed it in reference to contemporary times and she makes the story accessible to all readers. Even with the preaching, bible verses and other reminders of Christianity, it wasn't a preachy story. It spoke of truth and the consequences of one's actions. The character development was done very well, as much as I disliked Jessie Belle, she was genuine. The pacing in the first section was a bit slow, but it was done to define Jessie Belle as a person. The book is broken into several sections: Her Character, Her Triumphs, Her Tragedy and Her Redemption. When I finished this book I felt I could truly speak on the story of Jezebel and relate it to my peers where they would understand and take away its true message. I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Adrienna.
Author 18 books242 followers
Want to read
March 19, 2022
This is the first time I read this author's work and heard so many raving reviews about her in the past. It opens about Jessie Bell (aka Jezebel) Holt who is laying in the hospital after a dreadful fall from the balcony, which nurse Helen thought she was a great woman but Jessie feels lead to share her story when it all began to her horrible demise. In the next few chapters, the reader gets an idea that Jessie is willing to use her beauty and goodies to get what she wants but always doesn't go as planned.

Jessie Bell only concern is bigger, better, and wealthier since she married Traynor. She will not stop at anything to get what her heart desires, and also acquired this skill from her mother! She even started an discreet escort service for men who lusted after her beauty and body, but this was to assure and secure to get the things that she wanted in return. Men usually desired sex and money, which she offered in these transactions but one refused these offers and only wanted her. I wonder how badly she wants it even if she says it's for her husband to have his own TV Evangelist ministry like a Billy Graham but started with a radio ministry instead. Jessie Bell reminds me so much of Delilah in the Bible by using her beauty but not her booty necessarily to get all that her heart desires more so than Jezebel.

I felt a few things were underdeveloped or rushed in the early chapters; transitions happen abruptly. The escort service she offered to lustful men when she demanded something from them seemed a little far-fetched.

I am familiar with the story of Jezebel in the Bible, and the spirit of Jezebel (in my studies for virtual ministry), and glad to read about the modern-day Jezebel version (which is also rampant) in the church versus reigning a kingdom.

This book was an okay read in the beginning to a decent read towards the ending.

Adrienna Turner
Author of "God is in the Equation" and "The Day Begins with Christ"
www.adriennaturner.webs.com
Profile Image for ShayBooks.
803 reviews17 followers
September 20, 2015
This book has been sitting on my shelf since 2008 when it was released, it was given to me and I just stuck it on the shelf in my to be read pile, I pulled it down to read due to our book club will be reading Jezebel's Daughter for our October book. I am so mad I waited so long. This was a very good book. Jessie Bell Holt went though great lengths to get what she felt like she deserved even it meant blackmail, scheming , flirting and lying. The bible says you reap what you sow, but I believe Jessie Bell thought since her husband was a pastor she would get away without reaping.
Profile Image for Mahoghani 23.
1,338 reviews
July 19, 2015
Jessie Bell, "Jezebel", was a very ruthless woman who was not used to anyone telling her no. From manipulation to running a prostitute ring was truly not the style of a First Lady married to a minister but that was Jessie Bell. Her demise started when she deceived the man she married and continued to build through all her antics. I hate what happened in the end but understood why. I'm so happy she redeemed herself to the Lord.
Profile Image for Lathanette.
79 reviews1 follower
December 2, 2015
OMG!! This was one of the best Christian books I have ever read. I read a lot of different books Christian, Urban, ect. this book was so good. It really makes you take a good look at yourself. Grat job Jacquelin Thomas. I enjoyed every page.
Profile Image for Dorothea.
3 reviews13 followers
June 1, 2008
I really enjoyed reading this book. Reading Jacquelin's books is like being at Bible Study. She's a great teacher. :)

Profile Image for Shone.
1,348 reviews28 followers
July 23, 2010
Loosely basednoin the seory of Jezebel in 1st and 2nd Kings. A story of blackmaul, decit, and lies, but finding Gods peace and forgiveness in the end.
8 reviews1 follower
April 1, 2009
It's an ok book, it's not boring but it is not a page turner either.
1 review1 follower
September 26, 2011
Contemporary and reminds you evil does not win in the end (there is goodness in all) just takes awhile from some.
101 reviews1 follower
May 29, 2015
good book shared the ups and down of Jezebel journey. I was surprised at the ending of the story
109 reviews3 followers
September 30, 2016
Jesse bell, was indeed a Jezebel. The book was excellent. When I got to the end I had tears in my eyes.
Profile Image for Bookedupwithsayde.
172 reviews7 followers
December 24, 2025
This is my first book by Jacqueline Thomas, and I’m so glad I came across the audiobook on Hoopla. It enjoyed it so much that it made me go ahead and purchase all five books no hesitation.

I did not expect this story to be this good or this messy. Jessie Belle was truly something else the lengths she went to just to reach the top were wild. Honestly, if she had listened to her father instead of her mother, things might’ve turned out very differently. Let’s be real: her downfall started with her mother’s influence and was sealed by her own actions. She only knew what she was taught.

I felt so bad for Traynor. If only he had listened to the rumors, his father, and his aunt. His love for Jessie Belle was beautiful, but he really should’ve walked away after the first issue and stopped worrying about what people thought.

As for Holt, I was glad he finally put his foot down and did what he wanted. I hate that he never got his record deal, though. I’m really curious to see if he finds out the truth in part two and how Frankie and Mary will reveal that they knew all along.

Mary Ellen was a great friend, and I truly hope she and Traynor start a relationship in part two. She deserves a happy ending.

And Jessie Belle? She definitely got her karma in the end. I wonder if she ever thought everything she did would come back to bite her.

Who pushed Jessie Belle???

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Read
🎧⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Audio
Profile Image for SerenaBeReading.
533 reviews24 followers
June 20, 2017
I was pleasantly surprised by how good this was! I love me some cussing and sex scenes but learned I don't need them in books to enjoy them lol. Jessie Bell was SOMETHING ELSE. Whoooo weee! What that woman wouldn't do to ensure her husband and her were rich and powerful. This was Christian Fiction but I was clutching my imaginary pearls many a time during this. I listened to the audio version on One Click Digital and thought the narrator did a great job. My eyes teared up a bit at the end. I wish Jess had seen the error of her ways a long time ago but some people are hard headed. I'm already on hold for the sequel to this, Jezebel's Daughter. Can't wait to read it.
Profile Image for Shelley Gingrich.
187 reviews7 followers
October 20, 2019
It had promise.

Somehow this book was published without a proofreader or an editor. Although annoying, I could deal with Serena becoming Selena, then back to Serena on the same page. I can even deal with the inane sentence following:'“The food’s ready,” Holt told them, referring to the food. '
But more than once the story completely changed! Traynor is driving towards the house looking forward to his date with Jessie Belle and saving their marriage. Very soon after that, referring to the same event, he was angry and on his way to demand a divorce!
This could have been a great book.
Profile Image for Tiffany.
81 reviews12 followers
July 24, 2018
I really like this book Jacquelin was the christian fiction author I ever read and she takes you on a trip every time. I loved Jessie Belle and Traynor. It so easy to cross the line to see your man win and not look at what it will cost you. I can't wait to read the other books in the series!!!! This book has you shaking your head with every turn of the page. I would recommend it to anyone that's looking for a great book with a great moral behind it.
13 reviews
October 7, 2018
I have been reading Ms. Thomas's books for many years but the Jezebel series was different than what I had become accustomed to. The first book was great, but the sequels seemed rushed with a LOT of time lapsing.
Profile Image for Angelica Hamilton.
115 reviews
October 11, 2019
I really enjoyed the plot of this book and it could have easily gotten 4 or 5 stars from me, but I was so confused with the author’s writing style. This book also needs to be edited better. There were so many errors. Reading a book with multiple errors makes it hard to read.
52 reviews
June 10, 2025
Jesse Belle Holt used her beauty to get a lot of things that she wanted, even if it meant being deceitful. She was very convincing while using sex, betrayal and blackmail all because she wanted the finer things in life. Even using her husband, son and best friend.
Profile Image for ToniReads_1.
594 reviews15 followers
October 11, 2017
A great read. Clarity on what exactly is a Jezebel. I love the fact that it was a Christian Romance. I am a true romantic. I like how she took a story from the Bible and expressed it in a modern day storyline
Profile Image for BernieMck.
618 reviews27 followers
December 24, 2017
Jessie Belle Holt believes in steam rolling over folks to get what she wants. I listened to the audio book to hear all the shenanigans she got herself into. The book was definitely entertaining.
4 reviews
August 26, 2018
Ew. Shallow, anti-feminist theology delivered in the form of a soap-opera-esque parable. Mildly entertaining if you know you’re reading a loosely Christianish telenovela.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews

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