The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Real

The Yada Yada Prayer Group #3

by Neta Jackson

The Yada Yadas thought they had a handle on forgiveness, but it seems God has them on a crash-course to an even deeper level.


After everything the Yada Yadas had been through in the past eight months, I told God I could sure use a little "dull and boring" in the new year! But that was before Leslie "Stu" Stuart moved in upstairs. Ms. Perfect herself and me--Jodi Baxter--living in the same two-flat? A recipe for collision. Then Delores Enriquez's son Jose wanted to throw my Amanda a quinceanera--a coming-out party, Mexican style--and they're only fifteen!


At least Bandana Woman, who held up our Yada Yada Prayer Group at knife-point last fall, was safely locked up in prison . . . or so I thought. We visited her, like the Bible says; even sent her something for Christmas. But then she ends up back in our face. I mean, how far is forgiveness supposed to go?


I guess I should have realized that with eleven Yada Yada sisters as diverse as a bag of Jelly Bellies, life would always be unpredictable. All I know is that the longer we Yada Yada pray together, the more "real" things are getting, not only with each other but with God. Dull and boring? Not a chance.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian, Fiction, Chick Lit, Contemporary, Inspirational, Faith

404 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was good to find out a bit more about some of the other Yada Yada group members in this book. These books always touch on some meaningful issues - in this one, there is the ongoing foster/adoption/birth parent issue, continuing on with issues regarding forgiveness, plus abortion, faithfulness, adolescent love, baptism

I liked, as always, the insight into Jodi’s prayer life, and her insights about herself and how she relates to others.

I’m looking forward to the fourth in the series but I still need to buy it yet!!

[Dani]

In this installment of the Yada Yada Prayer Group series, our narrator Jodi Baxter is dealing with new aspects of the problems that plagued her in the first two books. These include her dislike for prayer group member Stu, her struggle to forgive the woman who invaded her house, and the fallout from her car accident. There are also several celebrations that keep the story from being a downer.

I've read several comments online from people who say they can't make it through the entire series because they find Jodi whiny and that it never lets up. I suppose your temperament will determine if you find her this way. I can identify with Jodi's ever-present inner dialogue because I also have a little voice in my brain that comments on everything and expresses my doubts and fears all day long. If you don't have that, then you may be one of those readers who find Jodi annoying. Others may find the story of how Jodi works to overcome those fears helpful, especially since everything isn't magically wrapped up in one book.

[Emily Agnello · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again I was deeply connected to all of the characters and their third wild ride, surprising me with every page. I love the way the women can sometimes fight but always come back together and grow stronger. I love that a new member was added to the group and I can't wait to see what kind of problems the Yada Yadas run into next.

[Ellie Revert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just finished this one---concluding in the marriage of Avis and Peter, and the baptisms of YoYo and former prisoner, Becky Wallace--------and have book #4 in my hand. These ladies are my imaginary friends!

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Real by Neta Jackson is the third novel in the series.
I totally enjoyed reconnecting with the Baxter family and members of the Yada Yada prayer group. The Yada Yadas thought they had a handle on forgiveness, but it seems God has them on a crash-course to an even deeper level. 5 stars

[Ivoree Malcom · Rating 5 out of 5]

The main theme for this book is how to forgive & how to feel accountable. accountability and forgiveness are both on hard feat to achieve. Both require you to dig down deep inside and really get real with yourself. Neither is easy or quick, both are a process the you must doggedly labor at. However, the end results always seem so refreshing & vindicating. I have said it before and I'll say it again, I am addicted to this series. Three books in & I am sure that I want to read all seven books in this series. And her series after this one. I absolutely love authors like this one.

[Cindi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book in the Yada Yada series. This one does a good job of helping us see how important it is to look at our own faults before judging others. Even when we do find fault, it's necessary to admit it and apologize for doing so.

The thing that struck me hardest about this part of the story is how Stu opened her heart to someone she knows is a violent criminal. That takes a lot of courage.

[Denean · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these books GREAT SERIES !!!! They just make your spirit feel good !!!!

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

It really blows my mind how Neta Jackson came up with this series, that so perfectly captures the life of a Christian woman. From the church culture to faith struggles....from the praise songs played to the prayers whispered....blows my mind in every book how real the women in this series and their walks are!

This third book in the series is the lightest so far, and seemed to focus on Jodi building relationships, and walking through life building up her faith. A new character is added, but there is still a strong focus on the Yada Yada group as a whole, with a few of the women playing more of a central role in this book. I just love Willie Wonka! And I loved the wintery setting of Chicago from New Years through spring, which was the time frame of this book. Really looking forward to the next book in the series. I love and adore this series and every woman featured....it truly makes me wish I had my own circle of Yada Yada sisters!

[Laura Zaring · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the situations they get in and how they get out of them. Can't wait for the next one.

[Elisabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like a bit of a grandma reading this series, but my 26 year old self loves these books! Looking forward to starting the next one in the series.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

THIS SUMMARY/REVIEW WAS COPIED FROM OTHER SOURCES AND IS USED ONLY AS A REMINDER OF WHAT THE BOOK WAS ABOUT FOR MY PERSONAL INTEREST. ANY PERSONAL NOTATIONS ARE FOR MY RECOLLECTION ONLY

Personal note:
So far this was my favorite which other reviewers has noted. Also way to much singing except for the last one. The male singer was excellent


In this installment of the Yada Yada Prayer Group series, our narrator Jodi Baxter is dealing with new aspects of the problems that plagued her in the first two books. These include her dislike for prayer group member Stu, her struggle to forgive the woman who invaded her house, and the fallout from her car accident. There are also several celebrations that keep the story from being a downer.

I've read several comments online from people who say they can't make it through the entire series because they find Jodi whiny and that it never lets up. I suppose your temperament will determine if you find her this way. I can identify with Jodi's ever-present inner dialogue because I also have a little voice in my brain that comments on everything and expresses my doubts and fears all day long. If you don't have that, then you may be one of those readers who find Jodi annoying. Others may find the story of how Jodi works to overcome those fears helpful, especially since everything isn't magically wrapped up in one book.

****************
concluding in the marriage of Avis and Peter, and the baptisms of YoYo and former prisoner, Becky Wallace

[Courtney Stanford · Rating 5 out of 5]

You cannot judge this book by its cover. I appreciate the character development of this series, but even more essential, I value the tough issues that the Yada Yada series explores. The cover makes this book look like fluffy, Christian, chick-lit. Rather, the entire series has real and relevant conflict, true to the time we are living. The characters have to face their own original sin issues including their own biases, inclinations to wander, and strong holds. I appreciate the numerous scenarios that leave fictional characters vulnerable to tackle real-life problems within their group of friends as they face multicultural differences. I will be sharing this series with many, many women! We need more circles of friends to be willing to live authentic lives with one another through prayer, empathy, and service. The Yada Yada series is a gift to women as we see life-like examples of this grace.

[Shelly Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is the 3rd of Yada Yada Prayer Group...I haven't found the 2nd book yet. I don't know what I am missing. I know that in ministries like this it can involve a whole lot of people. I like how when the group meets all of their families, and attends each one's church. How the group meets every other week at someone's designated home. I like how they support one another in every day living. I know that some people are well meaning, and a know it all, like Stu, but she had good intentions. Up until she didn't want to tell about her life. She keeps everything locked up inside. I didn't think that was fair for the whole group. But some of us are like that. Each one of them had a major problem. One of the woman were always there helping out. Its a good book, flows through easily. Fun and energentic. Even in hard times.

[Nellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am thoroughly enjoying this series. At first, I was a bit annoyed with the Jodi talking to herself. But when I thought about it, I also do the same things.

The story finishes on the one year anniversary of the Yada Yada group prayer group was formed.
Jodi continues to struggle with having Hakim in her class. She wants to help him but he continues to fall behind. Avis now has a beau. Chandra finally wins the lottery. Becky, the woman who robbed the group in book 2, is released on early parole. Florida's husband finally gets a job. Stu has a secret that is revealed. Jodi is learning how to trust in God and not try to control everything.

Looking forward to book 4.

[Libby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this whole series! The characters are real and funny and yet these books are far from fluff. In them we learn that we all struggle and to accept each other where we are each at and not to let race, church denomination ( or lack there of) separate us in the family of God. Excellent

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[Lorna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love this series. The re-cap parts can be a bit annoying, since I'm reading them one after another, but I imagine if there had been some time between each book, they would be necessary. The books are a bit convicting and I imagine that almost anyone will end up identifying with one or more characters on several levels.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honest and funny which is not what came to mind when picking up this book. I thought it was going to be very heavy on the prayer aspect, but religion was written in with a manner of understanding it isn't a one method understanding and solution. Many parts are thought provoking and bring up great conversations. Very enjoyable reading.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This group of christian women, and their families, really make you want to live a better life. I loved the part where the main character actually prays for each one of her students individually. We always talk and hear of doing this but she actually does it.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic series! Really makes you want to grow in Christ and care for others! This book has the most satisfying, touching, and triumphant ending of any book I have ever read! Read this series!!
*2nd reading...this is still my favorite one...that ending!💕

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can the Yada Yada Prayer Group series get any better?! I am constantly moved by the life experiences; the fellowship; the honesty between this group of ladies; and the way God is working in, through, and around their lives. What a wonderful series!

[Shawna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Without a long recap this was the best one yet. Full of twists and turns including a wedding. I find that I can relate to Jodi much more as these books go on and I am learning more about myself each time.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

another series that is better as it goes along. Over 400 pages, and throughout the reading, I kept wanting to read a little bit more. (Just one more chapter syndrome)

[Teesa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series, it moves me in ways I didn't expect. Real women dealing with everyday struggles. It lets me in on a world I wouldn't ordinary be exposed to.

[Sue Teachout · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is excellent. I recommend it highly for Christian readers interested in the power of prayer and redemption in a multicultural setting.

[Suellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book number 3 and I'm still lovin' these wacky ladies.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series! So wholesome, funny and wise.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second book was even better than first, hard to put book down!

[Amandasaved · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the best book in the series

[Melissa (Semi Hiatus Until After the Holidays) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Focuses on Stu moving in above Jodi, her reasons for why, and forgiveness.