Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

New Day Diva #5

I Can Do Better All By Myself

Rate this book
The singles ministry at New Day Temple of Faith is beginning to unravel, and the pastor is considering dissolving the ministry. Some members believe the only way to hold it together is by getting their pastor to join. And why shouldn't their leader show support by joining, considering the pastor's own single status? Some church members support the idea, while others frown upon the fact that they are being led by a shepherd who is single in the first place. It becomes an all-out war, with one side wanting the pastor to embrace singlehood, while others secretly play matchmaker.

Marriage has been the furthest thing from the pastor's mind, not because there hasn't been an opportunity, but because there really hasn't been time. With a needy congregation facing trials and tribulations, Pastor has no time to play the dating game. Being a pastor on call twenty-four seven, who has time for a serious relationship period, other than the one with God? Eventually, decisions have to be made around New Day. Will these decisions mend the ministry or destroy the church?

304 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published November 1, 2001

18 people are currently reading
213 people want to read

About the author

E.N. Joy

37 books289 followers
BLESSEDselling Author E. N. Joy is the writer behind the five book series, “New Day Divas,” the “Still Divas” three book series, the “Always Divas” three book series, and the "Forever Divas" three book series, all which have been coined “Soap Operas In Print.” Formerly writing secular works under the names Joylynn M. Jossel and JOY, this award winning author has been sharing her literary expertise on conference panels in her home town of Columbus, Ohio and cities across the country as well as instructing literary workshops.
Joy writes children’s and middle grade titles under the name N. Joy. Her children’s story, The Secret Olivia Told Me, received the American Library Association Coretta Scott King Honor. Book club rights were acquired by Scholastic Books and the book has sold almost 100,000 copies. Elementary and middle school children have fallen in love with reading and creative writing as a result of the readings and workshops Joy instructs in schools nationwide.
The former acquisitions editor for a decade for Urban Christian, an imprint of Urban Books in which the titles are distributed by Kensington Publishing Corporation, Joy is now a freelance editor. In addition, Joy is the artistic developer for a young girl group named DJHK Gurls. Joy pens original songs for the group that deal with messages that affect today’s youth, such as bullying.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
70 (52%)
4 stars
38 (28%)
3 stars
19 (14%)
2 stars
4 (3%)
1 star
2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Profile Image for Veronica Jones.
153 reviews5 followers
May 16, 2017
The final book of the New Day Diva Series was truly GREAT :-)

I loved how each character was able to overcome their circumstances & truly be able to say that they can do BETTER all by MYSELF
Profile Image for Sheryl Boyce.
397 reviews8 followers
June 27, 2017
I am sooo loving these books by E.N.Joy!!! This was the last one of this series and it was great. I can really relate to the storylines in her books. On to the next one!
Profile Image for Tan Mayes.
10 reviews
January 22, 2018
Loved it!

A must read! This series is a conclusion of a few women from New Day Divas series. This book is about Unique, Loraine daughter.
Profile Image for OOSA .
1,802 reviews237 followers
February 5, 2012
Walking in Deliverance

“I Can Do Better All By Myself” by E.N. Joy is book five in the New Day Diva series. Like its predecessors, book five is bursting with drama, secrets, lies and the Holy Spirit.

Paige’s happily ever after didn’t last long. Her prince was actually a bully who ridiculed and abused her. When she finally decided she couldn’t take it any longer, she found herself at Tamarra’s, her best friend, home. When Blake realizes that Paige is refusing to return to him, he reveals a secret that will shatter Paige’s world. Is she strong enough to forgive?

The mystery has been solved. Lorrain now knows for fact what Unique has to do with her past. The thing is, she can’t share that information with her mother. After speaking with pastor, Lorrain and Unique are satisfied for the time being. Unfortunately, bathroom gossip travels fast and Eleanor is unable to figure out why her daughter chose to keep a secret from her. Their close bond is in jeopardy. Can they find a way to work out their kinks?

Mother Doreen is back in Ohio and ready to see the singles ministry back in operation. She is also hoping that pastor would consider joining the ministry. Though Mother Doreen wholeheartedly believes that this is a good idea, she’s desperately trying to stay busy. Otherwise she’d have to admit to herself that she was felt something for Pastor Frey. If she opened her heart, that also meant revealing her past. Could she do that and keep him too?

For the first time in the series, readers get more acquainted with pastor. A single woman, Margie finds herself caught in the middle with some of her congregates. With all of their secrets floating around, pastor stands accused. Is there redemption for the pastor?

Every time I close one of these books, I feel closer to the members and look forward to the next book. I really appreciate the fact that E.N. Joy doesn’t scale back. Just like in real life, someone is dealing with the scars from their past, trying to deal with something or in need of deliverance, hope and forgiveness. I highly recommend this entire series as it is fitting for all.

Reviewed by: Crystal
Profile Image for Karen.
999 reviews1 follower
April 11, 2015
Another awesome book filled with drama, secrets, and lies. Paige thought her marriage to Blake was the best thing that ever happened to her…NOT…Blake had some serious issues and Paige left. Blake wanted Paige back so bad, that he reveals a secret that will hurt her.
Lorain is happy that she remembers her past. Lorain is afraid to share the information with her mother. Lorain is happy to be reunited with her daughter, Unique. Lorain’s mom Eleanor is a hot mess; she is filled with jealousy, because of the time that Lorain and Unique spend with one another. Eleanor hears a secret while in the bathroom at church that can ruin her relationship with her daughter Lorain.
Mother Doreen is ready to get the singles ministry back up and running. Mother Doreen needs to stay busy, to keep her mind off Pastor Frey. Mother Doreen is afraid to admit the feelings that she has for Pastor Frey. She is afraid to open up, because she will need to reveal her past.
Pastor Margie is a single woman and an awesome pastor to the members at New Day Temple of Faith. There are a few members that believe that Pastor Margie did not keep their conversations to herself. The truth comes out, thanks to Mother Doreen. I truly enjoyed reading this series….We all have a past!!!
Profile Image for T.A. Beasley.
Author 7 books117 followers
December 12, 2011
The New Day Divas are back at it again and this time some things have went a little too far. Paige and Blake's marriage has take a toll on her and she comes to the realization that sometimes the man is too good to be true. A person will show you who they really are and Paige decides this time to listen. Tamarra has always had her best friend hat on in all situations but when she keeps nagging Paige to leave her husband it makes one wonder. When the secret Tamarra has been keeping from her friend is revealed Tamarra may not like the consequences.

Mother Doreen is as stubborn as ever and when she moves in with her Pastor she learns the act of letting go and letting God. Mother Doreen will no longer let her past hinder her and once she opens her heart to the blessings God has for her, Mother Doreen becomes a changed woman.

In heading up the singles ministry the New Day Divas learn a lot and lives are changed. This series is so exciting to read and gives readers a glimpse into the lives are Christians in all walks of the Christian journey. This book incorporates forgiveness, reveals secrets and truth, and eliminates enemies. I hope this is not the end of the New Day Divas.
Profile Image for Adrienna.
Author 18 books242 followers
March 13, 2012
E.N. Joy has penned a novel, fifth one in the New Day Diva Series, and so far there is a dose of drama in every chapter.

"Maybe Satan was getting credit for something he had nothing to do with...nothing to do with (it) at all." (page 148)--I agree that we give Satan too much credit and call him a liar (which HE IS THE FATHER OF LIES, so we are giving him credit where it is due), when sometimes we are responsible for our own consequences.

The character that spoke to me in this series is Paige Dickerson, who married Blake Dickerson who really showed himself and beyond belief. We say, "those who seem too good to be true, is too good..."[but I wonder what is lurking underneath since the outer shell looks so tempting and pleasing to the eyes...internal versus external, demons kept hidden until smitten]. Currently in an odd relationship, and hope all the good I see in this man that God will reveal those things hidden before we tie the knot or get married.

I truly loved this book from page one until the last page!
Profile Image for Stephanie Wiley.
317 reviews12 followers
April 20, 2016
Be still my heart!
I would definitely give this book 5-Stars! This genre has more drama than my Urban Fiction Novels ... there were so many instances that I wanted the author to write in into the novel so that I may "assist" these wonderful divas of their matters of their hearts because frankly I have learned a thing or two the hard way; but thanks be unto our Father that HE delivers us all out of our troubles!
I plan to continue reading this author's wonderful tales of these very colorful divas!
I would definitely challenge anyone to pickup an E. N. JOY's novel and tell me that you were not blessed by her writing!
Profile Image for Marilyn Diamond.
710 reviews43 followers
January 16, 2016
Three different stories about betrayal, confusion, abuse, domestic violence and love...Quite the page turner and it was good....
Profile Image for Tshun.
13 reviews
June 8, 2012
This is the final book and I must say I am sad. I look forward to Still Divas' where the author will focus on each character individually. Great series....awesome must read book!
1 review
Read
September 14, 2013
no words to express my thoughts.. Thank God for knowing better than we do no matter what the situation!
Profile Image for Charlotte.
307 reviews1 follower
May 16, 2015
This was the fifth book in The New Day series and I must say this was the best one of them in my opinion. Now it's off to start the Still Divas series.
Profile Image for April.
325 reviews4 followers
July 25, 2015
Good page turner. Fast paced, suspensful novel filled with drama but mixed with life lessons you can use. Real characters, real issues, great end to this series.
Profile Image for Shannan Harper.
2,443 reviews28 followers
February 4, 2016
I re read this story for a discussion with the author, and I enjoyed it the second time around. As always, EN Joy doesn't disappoint. A wonderful read as always.
Profile Image for Sylvia Yvette Jefferson.
70 reviews1 follower
January 27, 2022
My thoughts

This was a great ending to the series. I must say I have learned appt from the characters in this book and the entire series.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.