Penny Wise

Windy City Neighbors #3

by Neta Jackson, Dave Jackson

PENNY WISE (Book 3 in the Windy City Neighbors series) introduces us to yet another family in "the neighborhood"-the Jaspers, busy with demanding jobs, busy with church, busy volunteering, parents of three active teenagers, juggling sometimes crazy schedules. All good things. Until all those "good things" feed into a series of crises that affects the whole family. Something's gotta change!

PENNY WISE is a contemporary peek at an urban family wrestling with the spiritual and practical challenges of real life. The series employs the innovating storytelling technique of "parallel novels," each with its own drama and story arc, but whose characters' lives become intertwined with their neighbors and affect one another. Welcome to Beecham Street-a typical, isolated American neighborhood that is beginning to come out of its shell . . . for better or worse.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian, Fiction, Contemporary

316 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 22, 2014

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

If there ever were authors that I'd recommend that doesn't revolve around Amish fiction, Dave and Neta Jackson are who I'd tell you to read, seriously, they are that good. I've read all the Yada Yada series, SouledOut Sisters (Stand By Me and Come To The Table), Lucy Come Home and The Windy City Neighbors series with that being said next to read is the Harry Bentley and the House of Hope series. The Jackson's write what are called 'parallel novels' meaning that all the books interrelate to one another on some level so Yada Yada feeds into the House of Hope series and Harry Bentley (see their website for which order to read this in) - just like our real lives run parallel to others, at the same time you're doing dishes another friend may be out feeding her goats while another is reading a book to a child - and at some point our lives intersect with one another. Before I began Penny Wise, I ran to the library and grabbed books 1 and 2 that I hadn't read yet and I'm glad I did, while they could stand alone it helped to read these in order - while these are Christian fiction books I will mention that there were two instances that I counted the use of the word p**sed, when one of the characters were angry, so just a warning.

I sort of knew what was going to happen before Michelle figured it out, what with the extreme fatigue, sensitivities to smells and aversion to food - anyone who has been pregnant before will be like DUH! you're pregnant - but not Michelle, there is one scene that she and her husband are having marital relations and she uses her protection, so they are actively trying not to get pregnant. Their lives are running full steam ahead and stress is the norm with both working different shifts, volunteer, school stuff for their children then summer activities, and church obligations so it's just stress related, until Michelle goes to the dr. This is the part of the book that angered me, Michelle, a volunteer at a crisis pregnancy center contemplates having an abortion, no one will know since she hasn't told anyone! I can understand the feelings of being overwhelmed, in her 40's she and her husband are ships passing in the night and she has teenagers, but the thought of aborting your child. These feelings may have been very strong for me right now as I'm struggling with figuring out why God would give someone a child who doesn't want one but yet I've yet to have another after almost 8 years!

With that being said, the Jackson's books aren't ones that one can read and then put aside and forget, they make the reader think and they may even uncover some feelings that may not feel so good. Like me, being angry with Michelle - of course when tragedy strikes their family she realizes then just how precious life is (even working as a post abortion group leader, doesn't truly hit home) and she finally tells her husband who is shocked at first but happy. I must say despite my feelings I really enjoyed this book and read it through in 2 days, would have been quicker but I wasn't feeling good and I would definitely recommend it but be sure to read the series in order so you know what is going on! I'm really looking forward to book 4, Pound Foolish, which is about a homeschool mom and her husband and two children.

**I was given a copy of this book from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for my honest opinion, no other compensation was given.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saying I enjoyed this latest novel from the Jackson's just doesn't cut it. I really loved this book. They've captured the stressful busyness of everyday life and thrown in some unusual extra's for an amazing read. I especially loved the "pennies", it touched my heart and made me just stop and think about how much God cares for us.

The characters are interesting and I can't wait to read more about the neighbors on this block. Meeting them has been fun. The Jaspers are the focus of this book, they're much too busy with work, children, church, and volunteer activites. Having to deal with bullies, gangs, and then a parents nightmare. So well written... a treasure.

I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Kathleen (Kat) Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember when I was a child growing up in a small beachside neighborhood. All the neighbors knew one another and we lived in a small cul-de-sac. Holidays were celebrated in a big way because we got outside and hung out with the people who lived around us. Even late at night, parents would keep an eye out for all the kids, not just there own. But it seems like we have forgotten those great times where we look out for one another. Call it being busy or simply not interested enough, but Neta and Dave Jackson take us back to an old Chicago neighborhood on Beecham Street in each of their novels in the Windy City Neighborhood Series. In the third book, Penny Wise, we meet the Jasper family. The hard working father, Jared works crazy hours as an air traffic controller so the time he does spend with his family is split between work, church and family obligations. His wife, Michelle carries the weight of raising three growing teens, Destin who loves basketball and wants to attend summer camp to enhance his skills for a potential scholarship when he graduates from high school. The twins Tavis and Tabby, are growing 13-year-olds who are desperately seeking their own identities and trying to stay away from the gangs and drugs.

Michelle attempts to hold it all together while working at Bridges Family Services, along with volunteering at Lifeline, a crisis pregnancy center that helps young girls deal with the implications of dealing with the emotions of abortion and teen pregnancy. When she isn't there or working, she is raising a growing, busy family alongside helping out when she can at her church. What the Jasper family is dealing with the most is finding family time again with everyone being so busy in their own personal lives. Sure Jared and Michelle have to work to pay the bills, but it seems as if they are spiraling out of control and unexpected expenses keep piling up when they least expect them, which adds to the pressure that their marriage has to deal with. It isn't hard to understand even in today's tough economic times, that we can all relate to the Jasper's situation. Just how they work it all out is the premise behind this novel. It will showcase just how important family and neighbors can be and by the time you get to the end, you hope that we can all get out and meet with our neighbors a bit more.

Your favorite neighbors that you have met in the first two novels are back, from fun loving, blunt and honest Estelle Bentley, to Christian singer Grace Meredith, and Mattie Krakowski finally makes it home from recovering from her hip injury to take residence in the Bentley's new town home. You gain insight into the strengths and weaknesses that Michelle and Jared face in their marriage and in how they choose to work things out. It challenges us in our own marriages and parenting situations to see things from a different perspective.

I received Penny Wise by authors Neta and Dave Jackson compliments of Castle Rock Creative Publishing and Litfuse Book Tours for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions contained are strictly my own. I would recommend that even though you can read this as a stand alone, you would get more enjoyment reading this series in order, with Grounded being the first and Derailed following that one. I can't wait for the next one Pound Foolish to come out this fall that picks up the homeschooling family we meet in this novel and one I am sure I will relate to as well. I would rate this one a 4 out of 5 stars in my opinion.

[Gayle Pace · Rating 4 out of 5]

REVIEW

Neta and Dave Jackson write "parallel novels" that mean that all the novels connect to each other on some level. (Go to their website in order to know in which order to try to read the books) There are many to choose from, Yada Yada series, SouledOut Sisters, Lucy Come Home and the Windy City Neighbors. Next are the Harry Bentley and the House of Hope series. I haven't had the chance to read all of these but this book, Penny Wise was a wonderful read. It's just like real life. When one person is doing something in the house, a friend may be mowing the lawn. But at some point those two lives connect. The books are good Christian clean reads that can stand alone but are much better if read in sequence. There was a couple of instances when a character was mad and sayed "p**sed". Just be forewarned. I found it rather amusing when Michelle hadn't realized what was wrong with her. The smells, being tired all the time, foods that make you nauseated. Anybody who has been pregnant doesn't have to figure it out. You know. You are definitely pregnant. Michelle was even using protection during making love with her husband. They seem as though they don't want to get pregnant. With all the stress and rushing around in life, being tired just seems the norm. That is until Michelle goes to the doctor. Michelle is a volunteer at a crisis pregnancy center and she is now thinking of a abortion. What is wrong with her? I understand that she is holding this secret all by herself and she is just totally over whelmed and stressed out. I wanted to reach out and shake her. I have a little difficulty with how God lets people have babies who can't take care of them and don't even want them when there are people out there who want a baby so bad. The book may bring out some situations that have been in the back of your mind forever. They may not be something you want to think about but sometimes we have to face those unwanted feelings. I won't go into what happened to Michelle and her unborn baby. If she had an abortion or did she tell her husband and become happy about this wonderful thing that is happening?

I was given a complimentary copy of PENNY WISE from the authors Neta Jackson & Dave Jackson and Litfuse Publicity Tours for my view of the book. No other compensation took place.

[Victor Gentile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dave and Neta Jackson in their new book “Penny Wise” Book Three in the Windy City Neighbors series published by Castle Rock Creative, Inc. takes us into the life of the Jaspers.

From the back cover: But does God care about “just pennies”?

Penny Wise introduces us to yet another family in “the neighborhood”-the Jaspers, busy with demanding jobs, busy with church, busy volunteering, parents of three active teenagers, juggling sometimes crazy schedules. All good things. Until all those “good things” feed into a series of crises that affects the whole family. Something’s gotta change!

Welcome to the Neighborhood

The third in the Windy City Neighbors series, Penny Wise is a contemporary peek at an urban family wrestling with the spiritual and practical challenges of real life. The series employs the innovating storytelling technique of “parallel novels,” each with its own drama and story arc, but whose characters’ lives become intertwined with their neighbors and affect one another. Welcome to Beecham Street-a typical, isolated American neighborhood that is beginning to come out of its shell . . . for better or worse.

There is family and then there is extended family. “Penny Wise” covers them all. Extended family can be your neighbors that become like an outgrowth of your family. The Jaspers have their good points and their bad points, just like any other family you know. As we live with them through the course of the book we come to appreciate them and then when trouble strikes we are right there. As they struggle to find their center in God it is as though we struggle with them. “Penny Wise” is a wonderful, interesting story with power and depth that will keep you flipping pages.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. 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: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Jalynn Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

About the Book:

PENNY WISE (Book 3 in the Windy City Neighbors series) introduces us to yet another family in "the neighborhood"-the Jaspers, busy with demanding jobs, busy with church, busy volunteering, parents of three active teenagers, juggling sometimes crazy schedules. All good things. Until all those "good things" feed into a series of crises that affects the whole family. Something's gotta change! PENNY WISE is a contemporary peek at an urban family wrestling with the spiritual and practical challenges of real life. The series employs the innovating storytelling technique of "parallel novels," each with its own drama and story arc, but whose characters' lives become intertwined with their neighbors and affect one another. Welcome to Beecham Street-a typical, isolated American neighborhood that is beginning to come out of its shell . . . for better or worse.



My Review:

We go about our daily lives, all day, every day until one day flows into another and then they all look the same. God stands by and He watches us day in and day out live our lives without including Him. It's not that He isn't speaking to us its that our daily lives get so loud we can't hear Him anymore. In the latest release by the Jackson's, Penny Wise adds to the Windy City neighborhood another family---the Jasper's, a family just trying to survive while juggling it all. This family is just like the rest of us---will they hear Him in the midst of chaos? And who do they turn to and rely on when things get out of control?

This book just like the others in the series are captivating reads. The authors take many different lives and she how each relates to the other in a way that makes the characters feel very real, just like your own neighbors. Take that and mix God in with it and you get a masterpiece!

**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Litfuse.

[Veronica · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting story that was a little too stressful for me to really enjoy! The parents both work stressful jobs full time, have three teenagers, and volunteer at church and Michelle also with a crisis pregnancy center. It was constant running from one thing to another and Michelle's health starts to decline, but she takes a while to really worry about it. I need a lot of down-time to recuperate and relax, so I can't imagine keeping up that kind of pace for any length of time, though I know there are plenty of people who do. I think this really showed that people need to slow down and make wise choices about how they spend their time and that they can delegate or let other people run things. I also liked that Michelle starts to wonder why she does some of these things. Is she trying to earn God's favor or is she relying on grace? The spiritual elements were done very well in the story. I enjoyed her little experiment with pennies and the tough choice she makes felt realistic. I got a little frustrated with her husband sometimes with how he didn't seem to do any housework or cooking and with how he treated their oldest son at times. I liked Michelle and her daughter Tabby a lot, probably because I could relate to them more. I haven't read any of the Jackson's other books and this worked fine as a stand-alone, but it does tie in with some of their other series, too, as some of the other characters show up for a visit! I really liked the fact that the main family were African-American and also that there was such a diverse group of people in their neighborhood and that Michelle interacted with. It made for an interesting perspective that I don't see that often in Christian fiction. I would recommend this book if you like realistic stories about modern families.

I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Penny Wise by Dave and Neta Jackson is another delightful offering from the husband and wife team. It is the third book in the Windy City series, being set in Chicago, and I was blessed to receive an e-copy to review. The book focuses on Michelle and Jared Jasper of Beecham Street, and their relationships with their children and neighbours. Michelle is a social worker and Jared is an air traffic controller, working shifts, and deacon in their church. Both have their eyes set on God, and are so busy doing good works that at times they lose sight of what is really important...each other and their children. Michelle leads a group to support women who feel guilty after abortions, and works hard to promote this worthwhile group. Jared is always at the beck and call of his pastor, who knows that Jared can always be relied on. Neither realise just how neglected their teenage children are, until one day a crisis draws them back together, and their focus returns to both their family and God.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Penny Wise, as once again, the Jackson's portray realistic characters, who could be anyone of us. In trying to live out their lives for good and for God, the Jaspers become so caught up in busyness that family relations suffer. In the character of Michelle, the reader sees how easy it would be to submit to the lies of the enemy, rather than focus on the truths of God. The reader feels empathy for Michelle during her battles with her conscience, realising that her character, whilst ultimately good, still struggles to do the right thing all the time.
I devoured Penny Wise quickly, and just could not put it down. I certainly hope there will be another book to follow.

[Rachel DeVaughn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book in one night because I was caught up in the story line about the Jasper Family and how the book was going to end.

I haven't read anything by this author and although this is book 3 in the Neighborhood Windy City series, it could also be read as a stand alone book.

The Jasper family is a family of 5 who are Godly, kind and overly busy! Throughout the book the mom struggles with every day balance and trying to get things done for her family, work, and church responsibilities.

It was a good reminder for me to not be so busy and that I need to prioritize my own life before my two boys get older. Just reading about Mrs Jasper's daily schedule made me anxious! LOL.

Some events towards the end of the book help Mr. and Mrs. Jasper prioritize their life and recognize God's help in their lives and struggles. I really enjoyed reading this book and will be making a trip to my local library to find more books by this author.

You can read about this book and series here:
http://www.daveneta.com/books/Neighbo...

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

When things get out of control, it is often our wish to get things back under control...but often times it is a higher power that steps in and that is the case with the Jasper family as they struggle with work schedules, three teens, church obligations, volunteer programs, personal relationships, and just trying to find time to be a family.

When it becomes apparent that so much over-scheduling has to give way to keep the Jasper family from over-extending themselves and sacrificing family time, an unexpected turn of events makes it much easier to decide how to prioritize their wants and needs.

I love the Windy City Neighbors series, meeting up with old friends from the earlier novels, and meeting new friends yet to be spotlighted. I love the way flaws, doubts, disagreements, pricks of envy, frustrations, and resentments, which are real-life emotions, are a huge part of this inspirational series.

[Andi Tubbs · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the third installment of the Windy City series. There were things I liked, and things that I just didn't. Michelle and Jared are way too busy, they haven't learned how to say the word NO, which happens to a lot of young couples with growing kids and being active in a church. I remember those days, and learning to say NO was hard to learn, yet so freeing when you do.
I didn't care for the racial attitude in the book. Meaning the way one character would have thoughts about another based on ethnicity or religious difference. I lived in the beach area of Virginia for six years and I don't have a stomach for racial tension. Being a military brat and wife, I lived and hung out with all different types of races. I knew people not skin color.
All in all I would give this book 3 ***.

[Maria Elmvang · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think it's time for me to take a break from Neta Jackson. As much as I wanted to love this book, it just wasn't very good (compared to her usual standards, that is). First of all, it took AGES to get started. Secondly, I got increasingly frustrated by the main characters continuing to make bad decisions. Thirdly, Neta Jackson painted her clues with a far to0 heavy brush almost from the very start. And fourthly - and most importantly, as I could forgive this other sins otherwise - it just lacked the poignancy and spirituality (for want of better word) that I've come to love and expect from Neta Jackson's books.

I'll probably still read the last two books in this series eventually, but I think I'll return to some of her older books first, to get my head back on straight.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy the books by Neta Jackson. They are stories of people who live "normal" lives, who either apply their faith or come to faith in various life situations. This is the story of the Jasper family. Mom is a social worker who volunteers at a crisis pregnancy center. Dad is an air traffic controller with a crazy work schedule, and they have 3 teenagers who are navigating teen years and the problems that those bring. While there is not real deep character development, this is a perfect summer read! It is encouraging to those of us who are also struggling with consistently applying our faith in the face of life.

[Crystal Carney · Rating 5 out of 5]

*MY Review*
I've never read any of the Jackson's books before, but now that I've read this one...I want to read them all!Dave & Neta Jackson make us aware that in committing ourselves to family and church we can sometimes fail to see what God has truly established us to do. This book is truly amazing. I recommend it to everyone!

**Disclaimer** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Litfuse Publicity.

[Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd in the "Windy City" series by the author of the Yada Yada books. Neta Jackson is a very good author whose Christian books are entertaining with an often powerful message. She has several series and some, such as this one, are parallel novels with her husband Dave. The setting for all her books is Chicago and she writes with such detail that I often use google maps to see where in the city her characters are. Recommend all her books.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Penny Wise" by Neta and Dave Jackson, is Book 3 of the Windy City Neighbors series. I thoroughly enjoy reading books by this married couple. This one is another winner, hard-to-put-down, drama about contemporary people and life in today's trying times. I always end up caring about the characters! Book Four is out and is definitely on my to-read list.

[Clarissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was different than the first two in this series. The pace that this family tries to keep up is frenetic and I was relieved when they realized it was unrealistic. I also found a few of the scenes to be...unnecessary and a little 'adult'---a departure from Neta Jackson's norm. Overall though, I enjoyed the book and moved forward to the next.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read but lacking detail.

Another wonderful continuation in the lives of the Yadda Yadda Sisterhood! I have read them all and liked this story however, I felt it lacked some detail to keep my attention on some chapters. It seemed to repeat a "day in the life of the Jaspers" over and over. Especially when it came to Jareds' work schedule.

[Cmking14 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too Busy for Family

This book is a great example of what many Americans struggle with everyday, and that is a full schedule. The Jasper family is full with obligations. They are good obligations, but there are too many. It takes a family tragedy to show the Jasper family what really is important in life.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy these "parallel series" that Neta Jackson writes. This one centers on a neighborhood, with each installment bringing the neighbors closer into a community. This 3rd book in the series centers on Michelle and Jared, working parents of 3 teens. They're stretched to the limit financially and timewise, and feel like they just can't add one more thing to their lives.

[Shannan Harper · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 3rd story in the Windy City Neighbors series. I have loved every one of Neta Jackson's books since I first read The Yada Yada series. And this one does not disappoint. This book follows the Jasper Family, dealing with family and Faith. I am so ready for the next one to come out.

[phil lamoureux · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love getting to know the neighborhood

I always come back to these authors for a break in my own hectic schedule. The characters inspire me to be more intentional in relationship to the people God puts in my life. Woven into the story currant social issues we all face arise.




I

[AnnMarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always love Neta Jackson books! She has great characters that weave through many of here series. Also love all the familiar Chicago landmarks mentioned in her books! Can't wait to begin the next book in this series!

[Carmen Rodela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesomeness....

This book hit home, it brought out so many issues I went through when I was younger...I would've loved to have prayer sisters to help me ....I believe women will enjoy it very much....I love Neta. Jackson's books...

[Leigh Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in a set of 5 and each one introduces you to another neighbor on the same street. I loved this one, as I have the others. These authors are always great! It is a Christian series, but not heavy handed about it.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my favorite author. Love her books. This was not my favorite but still good.

[Mary Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Neta and Dave Jackson! They bring the everyday to life and remind us of what's important!

[Jane Clapp]

Very good book about a young family struggling to survive yet they are given an opportunity to re-evaluate their lives.

[Tina Putt · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Christine L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love every book of each series and this series is no exception. Uplifting stories of hope and compassion.