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Above All Things
They were on their way to being a real family…until she came into their lives.
Expecting their first baby, Judd and Evette McGlin are thrilled at the prospect of becoming parents. But their marriage faces the ultimate test when Judd learns he already has a child: a six-year-old bi-racial daughter, born amid secrets and lies. Now, Evette must decide if she can accept the child—and forgive Judd. She thought she was open-minded—until hidden prejudices threaten the future of an innocent little girl, Evette's marriage, and the very notion of the woman she's believed herself to be. Above all things, this child needs acceptance and love. Needs Evette to discover what being a mother truly means. Needs Judd to face his past. And needs them both to discover what it truly means to be a family.
This novel was originally published in 2009 under the same title by Steeple Hill.It has been updated from the original edition.
Expecting their first baby, Judd and Evette McGlin are thrilled at the prospect of becoming parents. But their marriage faces the ultimate test when Judd learns he already has a child: a six-year-old bi-racial daughter, born amid secrets and lies. Now, Evette must decide if she can accept the child—and forgive Judd. She thought she was open-minded—until hidden prejudices threaten the future of an innocent little girl, Evette's marriage, and the very notion of the woman she's believed herself to be. Above all things, this child needs acceptance and love. Needs Evette to discover what being a mother truly means. Needs Judd to face his past. And needs them both to discover what it truly means to be a family.
This novel was originally published in 2009 under the same title by Steeple Hill.It has been updated from the original edition.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 26, 2009
866 people are currently reading
760 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Raney
77 books682 followersDEBORAH RANEY's first novel, A Vow to Cherish, inspired the World Wide Pictures film of the same title and launched Deb’s writing career. Twenty-five years, forty-plus books, and numerous awards later, she's still creating stories that touch hearts and lives. Her novels have won RWA's RITA Award, the ACFW Carol Award, the National Readers Choice Award, and the HOLT Medallion. She is also a three-time Christy Award finalist. Deb is a recent Missouri transplant, having moved with her husband, Ken Raney, from their native Kansas to be closer to kids and grandkids. They love road trips, Friday garage sale dates, and breakfast on the screened porch overlooking their wooded backyard. Visit Deb on the Web at www.deborahraney.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 221 reviews
April 26, 2012
A young wife pregnant with her first child after years of struggling with infertility, learns along with her husband that he fathered a child with his ex-Fiance 7 years ago. Now the little girl's mother lies in a hospital room and he is called to meet and take responsibility for the child.
It's a story I read before, but I was very in the "twist" to this story, the little girl is Biracial. This added what I hoped were cultural elements and even issues regarding racism which were addressed. My first thought was that there had to be a "hair" scene and I think it was very well written and accurate. I also enjoyed seeing the struggle(s) to accept this from Evvette's point, but It would have been nice to have more of Judd's struggles or even more of how the families reacted.
I've seen a few reviews where people dislike Evette for being petty and selfish but I didn't find her to be either. I though her struggle was very real and though that she actually came around a lot quicker than I expected. While he didn't cheat, finding out that something you though was true ( his chastity in this case) and that you held to high esteem is false and then seeing the evidence( his daughter) cannot be an easy thing. I think she grieved and stepped up in a somewhat realistic manner.
Overall, I enjoyed this books- it wasn't preachy or fake, but a interesting take one of the surprises that show up in life.
It's a story I read before, but I was very in the "twist" to this story, the little girl is Biracial. This added what I hoped were cultural elements and even issues regarding racism which were addressed. My first thought was that there had to be a "hair" scene and I think it was very well written and accurate. I also enjoyed seeing the struggle(s) to accept this from Evvette's point, but It would have been nice to have more of Judd's struggles or even more of how the families reacted.
I've seen a few reviews where people dislike Evette for being petty and selfish but I didn't find her to be either. I though her struggle was very real and though that she actually came around a lot quicker than I expected. While he didn't cheat, finding out that something you though was true ( his chastity in this case) and that you held to high esteem is false and then seeing the evidence( his daughter) cannot be an easy thing. I think she grieved and stepped up in a somewhat realistic manner.
Overall, I enjoyed this books- it wasn't preachy or fake, but a interesting take one of the surprises that show up in life.
August 20, 2017
Above All Things by Deborah Raney
Location: Lebanon, MO
Timeframe: Present Day
Main Characters: Judd and Evette
Jolie: Six year old daughter Judd never knew he had
Carla: Jolie's maternal grandmother
Tabrina: Jolie's mother
This was another different book for me. I rather liked it.
Synopsis:
There were little things that bothered me a bit throughout the story, but not enough to give it less than 4-stars, which I reserve for books that might not be among my favorites, but that in some way gripped me.
Location: Lebanon, MO
Timeframe: Present Day
Main Characters: Judd and Evette
Jolie: Six year old daughter Judd never knew he had
Carla: Jolie's maternal grandmother
Tabrina: Jolie's mother
This was another different book for me. I rather liked it.
Synopsis:
There were little things that bothered me a bit throughout the story, but not enough to give it less than 4-stars, which I reserve for books that might not be among my favorites, but that in some way gripped me.
July 14, 2017
2* - not really for me.
For whatever reason I've often wondered about being a step-mother so when this book came through as an Amazon suggestion I figured I would give it a go. I knew it was Christian fiction of some sort but I am often okay with that. Still at the beginning of the book I wanted to slap the narrow minded FMV and by the end I wanted to slap the author.
Still there was some good. I actually quite liked the MMC. Although I laughed at one point when he gave a highly preachy talk to the team he coaches and then decides to stop "before" he get preachy. I'm thinking that the writer might not really understand just how overboard he was. Still he loved the daughter he never knew about right from the first day he met her. And even upon hearing about her for the first time, and in the face of his wife's opposition he intends to care for the child. He works hard to be appreciative of the efforts his wife does make and reflects on his own feelings about assorted circumstances including residual feelings he has for the child's mother.
The FMC, Evie, on the other hand starts out as entirely selfish and judgmental. She seriously believes that her husband betrayed her by having sex one time with his then fiancee before he even met his current wife. Under no definition is there any cheating. So if you also feel that he betrayed a woman he did not even know by having pre-marital sex one time then this might be the book for you. She acted like this might be a good reason to leave him except that she is pregnant and does not want to have to go back to work. Now I am okay with a character thinking stupid things but it seems like perhaps the author feels this way too. Over the course of the book we do see Evie change and grow and come to love the child. That part of the book was well done. What we don't see is her accept that her husband did not wrong her and that the injured party is the child and not her.
Still right up until the end I was able to mostly enjoy the book but then custody issues come up. I'm sorry but if you have a child you need to consider see a damn lawyer. You can pray too but just doing nothing so God can work on it is the worst possible advice. Seriously giving my head a shake.
For whatever reason I've often wondered about being a step-mother so when this book came through as an Amazon suggestion I figured I would give it a go. I knew it was Christian fiction of some sort but I am often okay with that. Still at the beginning of the book I wanted to slap the narrow minded FMV and by the end I wanted to slap the author.
Still there was some good. I actually quite liked the MMC. Although I laughed at one point when he gave a highly preachy talk to the team he coaches and then decides to stop "before" he get preachy. I'm thinking that the writer might not really understand just how overboard he was. Still he loved the daughter he never knew about right from the first day he met her. And even upon hearing about her for the first time, and in the face of his wife's opposition he intends to care for the child. He works hard to be appreciative of the efforts his wife does make and reflects on his own feelings about assorted circumstances including residual feelings he has for the child's mother.
The FMC, Evie, on the other hand starts out as entirely selfish and judgmental. She seriously believes that her husband betrayed her by having sex one time with his then fiancee before he even met his current wife. Under no definition is there any cheating. So if you also feel that he betrayed a woman he did not even know by having pre-marital sex one time then this might be the book for you. She acted like this might be a good reason to leave him except that she is pregnant and does not want to have to go back to work. Now I am okay with a character thinking stupid things but it seems like perhaps the author feels this way too. Over the course of the book we do see Evie change and grow and come to love the child. That part of the book was well done. What we don't see is her accept that her husband did not wrong her and that the injured party is the child and not her.
Still right up until the end I was able to mostly enjoy the book but then custody issues come up. I'm sorry but if you have a child you need to consider see a damn lawyer. You can pray too but just doing nothing so God can work on it is the worst possible advice. Seriously giving my head a shake.
March 18, 2010
Above All Things is a beautiful and deeply moving story about faith and family values. The main characters are faced with tragedy, and at times serious emotional trauma.
Like many normal humans when they are at their lowest points they sometimes find themselves questioning whether they can make it through and overcome the problems they are currently faced with, but they reach above and ultimately allow their faith in the Lord to heal them.
The story is at times heartbreaking, and yet at other times inspiring and heart-warming. Based on the summary, I thought it sounded like a good book, but it was truly so much more.
Like many normal humans when they are at their lowest points they sometimes find themselves questioning whether they can make it through and overcome the problems they are currently faced with, but they reach above and ultimately allow their faith in the Lord to heal them.
The story is at times heartbreaking, and yet at other times inspiring and heart-warming. Based on the summary, I thought it sounded like a good book, but it was truly so much more.
June 14, 2023
4.5 stars
Above All Things is a beautiful and deeply moving story about faith and family values. Expecting their first baby, Judd and Evette McGlin are thrilled at the prospect of becoming parents. But their marriage faces the ultimate test when a serious tragedy occurs upsetting all their plans.
Above All Things is a beautiful and deeply moving story about faith and family values. Expecting their first baby, Judd and Evette McGlin are thrilled at the prospect of becoming parents. But their marriage faces the ultimate test when a serious tragedy occurs upsetting all their plans.
June 29, 2017
A real story of messy life. Well written and thought provoking. Keen to read more from this author.
March 17, 2014
Where to begin.... I bought this book by accident, but it was a good purchase. I love angst and this has it. I am not a big fan of christian romances with betrayal ...they tend to all love the sinner (cheater/liar/betrayer) whom is immediately forgiven..his foolish..wife/lover is the bad guy for not immediately letting the betrayal go. In the instances of a child being involved either from cheating or secret child...that child is always the most perfect of children...never a problem therefore it is the cheated upon spouse who is a monster for not seeing this child as a gift from god and not proof of either his cheating or betrayal.
SOME SPOILERS MAYBE INCLUDED::::::: read at your choice
This story has a new angle as this child that the hero had is biracial. His first fiance was black...they dated for two years and were engaged until the hero let his parents make him break up with her... uh he was an adult...and had dated her for years...asked her to marry him....(was the love of his life) and let this happen I think he was weak and non heroic ), he then marries on the rebound ( a fact that he lies to the heroine about...but tells us in his thoughts...okay going downhill now...creep to both women).
Hero is at first uncomfortable with the fact of his child...but then he sees she looks like his beloved and he is good to go...lets those feelings roll back that he loved the former fiance and baby momma, and yet pushes the heroine to accept this kid openly/quickly without any consideration at all for her feelings... she is expecting his child...their first/ a child now that means next to nothing to him as he has the promised child with the true love and that is exactly what he acts like... he is petty and arrogant in his behavior to heroine as if she was the villan...she is not. He is.. The story is drama filled which I love... but I also love hating characters that is no matter makes the book any less readable... my opinion is just that... my opinion of the characters I read.
The heroine I think gets the worst part of it... she is made the other woman in her own life... she is forced to take in a child that is proof of his laying with another woman (he let her believe he was a virgin), a child that looks like her mother (his true love) and who is also completely different from her).... the questions you get from friends are immediate but the family dynamics to outsiders or new people will be the assumption that she is adopted or that the scenario that did happen ...happened so in that sense the story is racial... as you can "hide" the facts of a out of wedlock child if said child is the same genetic makeup...but when it is different it takes on another level of explanation.
The male playing the hero in this story only starts to be nice to the heroine after she visits her racist parents and sees the error of her ways. I did not buy this... I think the story was more about the betrayal/lying about sleeping outside of marriage, then add to it the other woman who had been between them the whole marriage and his taking to fatherhood like a duck to water. He also judges heroine mentally that she may be a lousy mother to the kid she is having because she doesn't instantly love a child by another woman. His thoughts are more betrayal than most of what he has done....I thought racial was a smaller part of her upset...hers more to the fact that he more or less forgot about the child they were having and his whole world was just the new child.... and to be honest I think if the heroine was not pregnant and the first gf had shown up with the kid he
would have walked away from heroine without a thought and justified it to himself. As is with the scenario the story leaves you with we never get to see him explain/express his true feelings for either woman and it is like he "forgets' all the things he confided in us at the beginning how he still loved the mother of Jolie...and rebounded with his wife....but as shallow as it sounds...once his perfect woman wasn't perfect she no longer came into play....
The heroine was weak in her belief of his love for her (as she should have been) as he never seemed to love her as he loved his first gf and in fact he is rejoiced at one moment to discover she (his wife) still filled his heart while this was going on... EXCUSE ME...omg...yeah he does...no wonder she is accepting of whatever crumbs he throws her she is afraid he will leave her... and with his behavior toward her...she probably should be. He actually is at one point sitting in the car preening at how his wife has come into line and he recalls they have a ultrasound *he missed the first one* soon and he has the audacity to be hoping it don't take long so he can get to his game, the story was realistic in that there was racism in several people in the story white and black... Jolie's grandmother was equally as racist as both the heroine's family and her husband's family (perhaps it is generational) but since she was overwhelmed and angry she "dumped" her granddaughter on the lily white father....as she was working, had a new husband who was sickly and didn't like kids, and managing her daughters care...so she walked away but then once there is a change she strolls back in like she surrendered a purse and came back to get it now it was better timing for her. I was more upset with her behavior at surrendering the child,(than her racism) as the daughter did not tell him he had a child...she is angry at him for not being involved with her daughter/granddaughter... but her daughter chose to not use the child to keep him and went on with her life as she saw fit...but I felt the grandmother took some sort of glee in jerking his chain as she wanted him to suffer as she thought her child had.....after all she threatened to place the child in foster care....if he did not drop everything and come get her...so the real racists in the story were all the grandparents...
As the story ended though I still did not warm to the male character... he was once again gleeing after the last turn of events at how the heroine was now a better person....because of his behavior...he never seemed to grow from the butthead from page one...this is my opinion...mine alone...and yes I enjoyed the book and No I do not think I need to explain to you why I say I liked it if I did not like a character in it...as it falls under NOYC.... don't like my review...my review is MY opinion and my thoughts..no further explanation will be given to you.
SOME SPOILERS MAYBE INCLUDED::::::: read at your choice
This story has a new angle as this child that the hero had is biracial. His first fiance was black...they dated for two years and were engaged until the hero let his parents make him break up with her... uh he was an adult...and had dated her for years...asked her to marry him....(was the love of his life) and let this happen I think he was weak and non heroic ), he then marries on the rebound ( a fact that he lies to the heroine about...but tells us in his thoughts...okay going downhill now...creep to both women).
Hero is at first uncomfortable with the fact of his child...but then he sees she looks like his beloved and he is good to go...lets those feelings roll back that he loved the former fiance and baby momma, and yet pushes the heroine to accept this kid openly/quickly without any consideration at all for her feelings... she is expecting his child...their first/ a child now that means next to nothing to him as he has the promised child with the true love and that is exactly what he acts like... he is petty and arrogant in his behavior to heroine as if she was the villan...she is not. He is.. The story is drama filled which I love... but I also love hating characters that is no matter makes the book any less readable... my opinion is just that... my opinion of the characters I read.
The heroine I think gets the worst part of it... she is made the other woman in her own life... she is forced to take in a child that is proof of his laying with another woman (he let her believe he was a virgin), a child that looks like her mother (his true love) and who is also completely different from her).... the questions you get from friends are immediate but the family dynamics to outsiders or new people will be the assumption that she is adopted or that the scenario that did happen ...happened so in that sense the story is racial... as you can "hide" the facts of a out of wedlock child if said child is the same genetic makeup...but when it is different it takes on another level of explanation.
The male playing the hero in this story only starts to be nice to the heroine after she visits her racist parents and sees the error of her ways. I did not buy this... I think the story was more about the betrayal/lying about sleeping outside of marriage, then add to it the other woman who had been between them the whole marriage and his taking to fatherhood like a duck to water. He also judges heroine mentally that she may be a lousy mother to the kid she is having because she doesn't instantly love a child by another woman. His thoughts are more betrayal than most of what he has done....I thought racial was a smaller part of her upset...hers more to the fact that he more or less forgot about the child they were having and his whole world was just the new child.... and to be honest I think if the heroine was not pregnant and the first gf had shown up with the kid he
would have walked away from heroine without a thought and justified it to himself. As is with the scenario the story leaves you with we never get to see him explain/express his true feelings for either woman and it is like he "forgets' all the things he confided in us at the beginning how he still loved the mother of Jolie...and rebounded with his wife....but as shallow as it sounds...once his perfect woman wasn't perfect she no longer came into play....
The heroine was weak in her belief of his love for her (as she should have been) as he never seemed to love her as he loved his first gf and in fact he is rejoiced at one moment to discover she (his wife) still filled his heart while this was going on... EXCUSE ME...omg...yeah he does...no wonder she is accepting of whatever crumbs he throws her she is afraid he will leave her... and with his behavior toward her...she probably should be. He actually is at one point sitting in the car preening at how his wife has come into line and he recalls they have a ultrasound *he missed the first one* soon and he has the audacity to be hoping it don't take long so he can get to his game, the story was realistic in that there was racism in several people in the story white and black... Jolie's grandmother was equally as racist as both the heroine's family and her husband's family (perhaps it is generational) but since she was overwhelmed and angry she "dumped" her granddaughter on the lily white father....as she was working, had a new husband who was sickly and didn't like kids, and managing her daughters care...so she walked away but then once there is a change she strolls back in like she surrendered a purse and came back to get it now it was better timing for her. I was more upset with her behavior at surrendering the child,(than her racism) as the daughter did not tell him he had a child...she is angry at him for not being involved with her daughter/granddaughter... but her daughter chose to not use the child to keep him and went on with her life as she saw fit...but I felt the grandmother took some sort of glee in jerking his chain as she wanted him to suffer as she thought her child had.....after all she threatened to place the child in foster care....if he did not drop everything and come get her...so the real racists in the story were all the grandparents...
As the story ended though I still did not warm to the male character... he was once again gleeing after the last turn of events at how the heroine was now a better person....because of his behavior...he never seemed to grow from the butthead from page one...this is my opinion...mine alone...and yes I enjoyed the book and No I do not think I need to explain to you why I say I liked it if I did not like a character in it...as it falls under NOYC.... don't like my review...my review is MY opinion and my thoughts..no further explanation will be given to you.
September 3, 2017
Judd and Evette are happily married, expecting their first child. Judd receives a phone call: his former fiancée is hospitalized and for the first day time, he’s become aware that he has a six-year-old bi-racial daughter. He needs to come and get his child (Jolie) since the child’s mother cannot care for her.
Evette is stunned to hear this news. She has mixed feelings about bringing a biracial daughter into their home. Judd is just as stunned as he wonders why his ex never shared that he’d fathered a child.
This novel touches upon a lot of deep subjects. The main themes are race relations and forgiveness. Overall a good read. The author did a great job with research regarding African-Americans. I especially liked how she addressed the issue of Jolie’s hair – extremely realistic.
Evette is stunned to hear this news. She has mixed feelings about bringing a biracial daughter into their home. Judd is just as stunned as he wonders why his ex never shared that he’d fathered a child.
This novel touches upon a lot of deep subjects. The main themes are race relations and forgiveness. Overall a good read. The author did a great job with research regarding African-Americans. I especially liked how she addressed the issue of Jolie’s hair – extremely realistic.
November 2, 2020
What an emotionally charged story with a sweet little six-year-old girl who’s mother has a stroke and ends up living with her father, a man who never knew of her existence until he receives a call asking him to take her into his home. At first I really wasn’t sure I could warm up to Evie, his wife, but the author does an excellent job of redeeming her character. There’s several real issues in this story which made it an intriguing story. Happy reading!
July 23, 2017
Quick read
They seem to have it all as they prepare for the birth of their first child. Then a phone call changes everything. Six years before Judd broke up with his fiance and is shocked to learn he is a father to Jolie. Sadly Tabrina his ex is in a coma so Jolie needs a home.
An enjoyable read this book shows a family coming to terms with life changing events but the ending was never really in doubt. It was good at challenging Evette's attitudes which were influenced by her upbringing. It did also show well how forgiveness is not always easy. I did wonder at the term bi-racial, mixed race is the usual term
They seem to have it all as they prepare for the birth of their first child. Then a phone call changes everything. Six years before Judd broke up with his fiance and is shocked to learn he is a father to Jolie. Sadly Tabrina his ex is in a coma so Jolie needs a home.
An enjoyable read this book shows a family coming to terms with life changing events but the ending was never really in doubt. It was good at challenging Evette's attitudes which were influenced by her upbringing. It did also show well how forgiveness is not always easy. I did wonder at the term bi-racial, mixed race is the usual term
November 27, 2018
Full review to follow.
March 28, 2021
Above All Things is a thought provoking Christian fiction story that flows and maintains interest. It is a story of hidden prejudices, grace, forgiveness, and the true meaning of what a family is.
March 21, 2021
This book owes me stars. It’s so bad. Do not read it. The only way I was able to get through it was by running the Audible file at double speed. And even then, I feel like I lost time in my life.
The book is excessively religious, racist, and reeks of white saviorism. Not worth your time.
The book is excessively religious, racist, and reeks of white saviorism. Not worth your time.
November 9, 2018
Library Request. I should make sure books from the library I take out are not Christian based. Not that I’m a posed to Christian reads, but I find them all hypocritical they are are infidelity based, they preach for you to abstain, but they all have indulged in carnal relationships. Then throughout the story, now that they have been found out, the pray for forgiveness and for god to show them the path, really, I mean really.
The book was ok I’m glad Jolie came out in the end unscathed from all the bad mishandling of this smart little girl.
The book was ok I’m glad Jolie came out in the end unscathed from all the bad mishandling of this smart little girl.
September 16, 2009
This felt like reading Oceans Apart by Karen Kingsbury - same premise.
I was very irritated with the main character because she was so self involved and didn't seem to realize there were other people with feelings, too. And really, who cares what others think so much? And if your husband had sex with someone before he even met you THAT IS NOT CHEATING.
Luckily, she pulled it together and I liked the family by the end.
I was very irritated with the main character because she was so self involved and didn't seem to realize there were other people with feelings, too. And really, who cares what others think so much? And if your husband had sex with someone before he even met you THAT IS NOT CHEATING.
Luckily, she pulled it together and I liked the family by the end.
November 24, 2020
Oh my god, this book is THE WORST. It was a free audible book, so at least I didn’t pay for it. It’s soo terribly written. God awful. And this is the most pathetic approach to addressing race I’ve ever read in my life. Disgustingly white-centric. Congratulations, white people, on being less racist. 🙄 What a joke.
June 20, 2019
Couple, pregnant with first child, find out that husband's ex has his child. Lots of drama ensues.
Want to read
August 3, 2009682
632
594/
632
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Read
January 30, 2024I enjoyed listening to this story full of forgiveness and a journey to unconditional love and belonging in family.
July 27, 2017
Amazon Synopsis:
Expecting their first baby, Judd and Evette McGlin are thrilled at the prospect of becoming parents. But their marriage faces the ultimate test when Judd learns he already has a child: a six-year-old bi-racial daughter, born amid secrets and lies. Now, Evette must decide if she can accept the child—and forgive Judd. She thought she was open-minded—until hidden prejudices threaten the future of an innocent little girl, Evette's marriage, and the very notion of the woman she's believed herself to be. Above all things, this child needs acceptance and love. Needs Evette to discover what being a mother truly means. Needs Judd to face his past. And needs them both to discover what it truly means to be a family.
My Review:
I've never read any of Deborah Raney's books previously. I bought Above All Things because it was free. I haven't had the best of luck with the freebies that BookBub sends me. When a Kindle book is free there's usually a reason. But sometimes a good one is stuck in there so I keep trying. This was one of the good ones.
My favorite genres tend toward the more manly fast paced thrillers, detective, or legal genres than the Christian ChickLit, which Above All Things definitely is.
I enjoyed how the author set the foundation at first and introduced her Christian characters by showing, not telling. I enjoyed how she brought us through their issue, the unknown daughter Judd had 6 years ago and the other issues of pre-marital sex, betrayal, and blended family that come with it. Included in their issues to work through was also the biracial aspect and hidden prejudice. The characters were well-drawn, including the daughter, grandmother and in-laws. Raney's depiction of the change of heart and Christian growth were realistic. I especially enjoyed the scene where the couple is counseled by their pastor.
All in all, I was tremendously surprised when I looked up the length for the print version and saw it was 308 pages. It felt shorter.
Raney has been a Christy Award finalist and her first book, A Vow To Cherish earned a Silver Angel from Excellence in Media and was made into a movie of the same name. The print version of Above All Things was self-published. The writing wasn't nuanced or tremendously complex but it was a good, free book. All in all, a fine summer beach read.
Expecting their first baby, Judd and Evette McGlin are thrilled at the prospect of becoming parents. But their marriage faces the ultimate test when Judd learns he already has a child: a six-year-old bi-racial daughter, born amid secrets and lies. Now, Evette must decide if she can accept the child—and forgive Judd. She thought she was open-minded—until hidden prejudices threaten the future of an innocent little girl, Evette's marriage, and the very notion of the woman she's believed herself to be. Above all things, this child needs acceptance and love. Needs Evette to discover what being a mother truly means. Needs Judd to face his past. And needs them both to discover what it truly means to be a family.
My Review:
I've never read any of Deborah Raney's books previously. I bought Above All Things because it was free. I haven't had the best of luck with the freebies that BookBub sends me. When a Kindle book is free there's usually a reason. But sometimes a good one is stuck in there so I keep trying. This was one of the good ones.
My favorite genres tend toward the more manly fast paced thrillers, detective, or legal genres than the Christian ChickLit, which Above All Things definitely is.
I enjoyed how the author set the foundation at first and introduced her Christian characters by showing, not telling. I enjoyed how she brought us through their issue, the unknown daughter Judd had 6 years ago and the other issues of pre-marital sex, betrayal, and blended family that come with it. Included in their issues to work through was also the biracial aspect and hidden prejudice. The characters were well-drawn, including the daughter, grandmother and in-laws. Raney's depiction of the change of heart and Christian growth were realistic. I especially enjoyed the scene where the couple is counseled by their pastor.
All in all, I was tremendously surprised when I looked up the length for the print version and saw it was 308 pages. It felt shorter.
Raney has been a Christy Award finalist and her first book, A Vow To Cherish earned a Silver Angel from Excellence in Media and was made into a movie of the same name. The print version of Above All Things was self-published. The writing wasn't nuanced or tremendously complex but it was a good, free book. All in all, a fine summer beach read.
November 27, 2024
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3 stars)
Read: November 2024
Format: audiobook from Chirp
Narrator: Julie Lancelot (do not care for - makes most of the females sound ditzy or simple)
Book #125 of 2024: Out of the books I've read by Raney, this is my least favourite unfortunately. The premise is interesting. A married couple learns of a child that the husband unknowingly fathered in his previous relationship. The mom is unconscious from a stroke and requires constant care. The grandmother cannot provide care for the granddaughter as well. She contacts Judd and his life is instantly changed. In some ways it succeeded, and in others, it didn't.
Sometimes it seemed as though the book was pushing criticism over things where it shouldn't have. The hair and skin issues being the primary areas. Care for hair and skin of a little girl with half African-American heritage is something that Judd and Evette should have been told and shown. Evette was practically being shamed for not knowing. It felt like this story was back in the fifties with the attitudes of the main character's parents and some of the basketball parents.
I didn't care for Evette much at the start of this book. While the situation wasn't easy, she reacted as if her husband cheated on her. It took her a while before she ever acknowledged what the most important issue was in this scenario - a girl that needed support and love. However, I grew to respect her immense growth and adaptation to the turn in their life.
I liked Judd more as a main character. He was dedicated to praying and leaving things in God's hands. BUT his confusion about who he loved when he got married, however, was very disturbing and
disrespectful.
Parts of the story were dull and whiny for me. The best part of their story was that having his daughter in their lives gave them far more than they could have imagined. Their lives were much richer for having her.
Read: November 2024
Format: audiobook from Chirp
Narrator: Julie Lancelot (do not care for - makes most of the females sound ditzy or simple)
Book #125 of 2024: Out of the books I've read by Raney, this is my least favourite unfortunately. The premise is interesting. A married couple learns of a child that the husband unknowingly fathered in his previous relationship. The mom is unconscious from a stroke and requires constant care. The grandmother cannot provide care for the granddaughter as well. She contacts Judd and his life is instantly changed. In some ways it succeeded, and in others, it didn't.
Sometimes it seemed as though the book was pushing criticism over things where it shouldn't have. The hair and skin issues being the primary areas. Care for hair and skin of a little girl with half African-American heritage is something that Judd and Evette should have been told and shown. Evette was practically being shamed for not knowing. It felt like this story was back in the fifties with the attitudes of the main character's parents and some of the basketball parents.
I didn't care for Evette much at the start of this book. While the situation wasn't easy, she reacted as if her husband cheated on her. It took her a while before she ever acknowledged what the most important issue was in this scenario - a girl that needed support and love. However, I grew to respect her immense growth and adaptation to the turn in their life.
I liked Judd more as a main character. He was dedicated to praying and leaving things in God's hands. BUT his confusion about who he loved when he got married, however, was very disturbing and
disrespectful.
Parts of the story were dull and whiny for me. The best part of their story was that having his daughter in their lives gave them far more than they could have imagined. Their lives were much richer for having her.
November 29, 2018
This book is both a page-turner and a thought provoking book. Perhaps it would be even more accurate to say it is a conscience provoking book. Whatever you call it, it is a great read.
Neither Judd nor Evie are paragons as the story begins to unfold. The news of Judd's "love-child", Jolie, who also happens to be biracial, brings out a lot of selfishness in both. Together they face both racial prejudice and the feelings that naturally arise in a wife finding that her husband has a previously unknown child. Judd does not have the prejudice, but he struggles with the guilt of his past mistake.
Evie begins to recognize that she is not immune to the racial prejudice. There is a great story of character development in Evie, and also in Judd.
Racism is explored in several interesting ways. Many of the evils and hurts of racism are seen through the eyes of a white person watching the effects on a child of color.
This is an unashamedly Christian book. There is a bit of preaching, but it is all totally appropriate to the circumstances of the story.
Racism isn't the only problem that Judd, Evie and Jolie face as other issues pop up.
Mature themes: there is absolutely no sex or violence. As mentioned racism is a significant topic. A person trying to recover from a debilitating stroke is also a significant topic.
Neither Judd nor Evie are paragons as the story begins to unfold. The news of Judd's "love-child", Jolie, who also happens to be biracial, brings out a lot of selfishness in both. Together they face both racial prejudice and the feelings that naturally arise in a wife finding that her husband has a previously unknown child. Judd does not have the prejudice, but he struggles with the guilt of his past mistake.
Evie begins to recognize that she is not immune to the racial prejudice. There is a great story of character development in Evie, and also in Judd.
Racism is explored in several interesting ways. Many of the evils and hurts of racism are seen through the eyes of a white person watching the effects on a child of color.
This is an unashamedly Christian book. There is a bit of preaching, but it is all totally appropriate to the circumstances of the story.
Racism isn't the only problem that Judd, Evie and Jolie face as other issues pop up.
Mature themes: there is absolutely no sex or violence. As mentioned racism is a significant topic. A person trying to recover from a debilitating stroke is also a significant topic.
November 25, 2018
Wow, I really enjoyed this book!! Judd and Evie can’t wait for their first baby to come after years of infertility and miscarriages. Then, they find out Judd already has a 6 year old daughter with his African-American ex-girlfriend. His ex, Tabrina, has had a stroke and her mother tells Judd to take his daughter, Jolie, before she goes into foster care. Evie is angry that Judd has another daughter at first, but God works on her heart, and she agrees to take Jolie.
But God isn’t done with either of their hearts. Evie and Judd are forced to confront the racism they didn’t realize they had. Evie also has to deal with her fear about what other people think of her. This includes her and Judd’s families opinions.
I loved the character growth in these two people. I think them confronting their own racist thoughts and ideas was an important and timely topic. I cared for two biracial children for 9 months, so I could relate to Evie having no idea how to care for Jolie’s hair and skin (luckily I was clued in long before they came to me). As a foster parent, I could relate to Evie’s emotions about being the “other” mother and relationships with Jolie’s maternal side of the family. A great read for fans of Christian fiction.
But God isn’t done with either of their hearts. Evie and Judd are forced to confront the racism they didn’t realize they had. Evie also has to deal with her fear about what other people think of her. This includes her and Judd’s families opinions.
I loved the character growth in these two people. I think them confronting their own racist thoughts and ideas was an important and timely topic. I cared for two biracial children for 9 months, so I could relate to Evie having no idea how to care for Jolie’s hair and skin (luckily I was clued in long before they came to me). As a foster parent, I could relate to Evie’s emotions about being the “other” mother and relationships with Jolie’s maternal side of the family. A great read for fans of Christian fiction.
December 6, 2018
WOW! I loved this story. It is very emotional - happy, sad, gut-wrenching, joyous, real down-to-earth modern day life for many blended families (mine included). Sometimes I thought the author must have been reading our family history - conversations, joyous events and uncertainties popping up from time to time. I am sure there is something in this story that would touch the hearts and emotions of most families around this world of ours. I know exactly what little Jolie looked like because we have one in our lives, I know the frustrations of Evette trying to get her baby to sleep at nights and to nap during the day as I have seen that with family too. I have seen the difficulty of being a stepmother and trying to do the right thing. I know the heartache that Judd had to deal with over and over again as I have seen that too in our family and my heart has ached for sons missing their precious children through death and through separation from them due to unresolved issues. I know the ache of grandparents wanting to resolve the issues for their children but can't.
Without putting in spoilers, I want to thank Deborah Raney for putting something in this story for everyone. This was my first book by Deborah Raney, but I will certainly be reading more. Well-done!
Without putting in spoilers, I want to thank Deborah Raney for putting something in this story for everyone. This was my first book by Deborah Raney, but I will certainly be reading more. Well-done!
July 31, 2023
I agree with other reviewers in that the beginning of this book was difficult to read...and yet it was so essential to paint the picture. I had to push myself to get past the first third, then was so glad I did.
It is essential to know, reader, that Raney tackles the difficult topic of finding out--six years into Evie's marriage--that her husband, Judd, had fathered a child...he didn't know he had a daughter (the mother kept it a secret) and the mother suffered from a critical illness--which meant little Jolie needed a home. Emotions skyrocket. Very tense.
In the second third, while continuing to deal with emotions, we see Evie (a white woman) bumbling with Jolie's African-American hair issues and skin needs. Jolie's new school teacher refers Evie and Jolie to Macie, a black woman, who works at the town's salon. She is a whiz at dealing with Jolie's hair and shares great advice with Evie. This is my favorite part. Evie is willing to learn how to care for this little girl as well as grows to love her like a mother.
I won't lie, this is a difficult book to read...but I am confident every reader will walk away with something good.
Recommend.
It is essential to know, reader, that Raney tackles the difficult topic of finding out--six years into Evie's marriage--that her husband, Judd, had fathered a child...he didn't know he had a daughter (the mother kept it a secret) and the mother suffered from a critical illness--which meant little Jolie needed a home. Emotions skyrocket. Very tense.
In the second third, while continuing to deal with emotions, we see Evie (a white woman) bumbling with Jolie's African-American hair issues and skin needs. Jolie's new school teacher refers Evie and Jolie to Macie, a black woman, who works at the town's salon. She is a whiz at dealing with Jolie's hair and shares great advice with Evie. This is my favorite part. Evie is willing to learn how to care for this little girl as well as grows to love her like a mother.
I won't lie, this is a difficult book to read...but I am confident every reader will walk away with something good.
Recommend.
February 15, 2019
I just loved this book. The story of Judd, his wife and Judd's 6 year old daughter Jolie. I have to admit I was quite upset at Evette for the way she first acted when they found out about Jolie ( she is pregnant with their first child and she thinks that should come first no matter what). She had no compassion, no idea how this was making her husband feel, she was only thinking of herself and what people would think! Then we meet her mother...…. I love how Judd and Evette come together though and they both fall in love with Jolie, how faith plays a big roll. That faith is tested throughout the book. You will love this book because it makes you feel! You can not help but think, "what would you do in the situation?". I love Deborah Raney's writing, it is like reading about people you would want to know. Reading this book will make you sad, angry, happy, and it will make you laugh, it will also make you believe that everything does happen for a reason!
December 19, 2020
I've often reviewed Deborah Raney's books. She is a friendly acquaintance but this is my honest review. Her books ALWAYS take a couple and throw the worst or most disruptive thing they could dread at them. So the emotions are raw and the struggles are real. ABOVE ALL THINGS follows this expected pattern. Evette is Judd's expectant wife. They've waited for years for this blessed event to begin. But enter Judd's past--one he never knew about. Through her characters, Deborah Raney faces and deals head-on with racial prejudice. Evette's family is not going to be a help in this situation. And the birth mother's family is not perfect either. This story is real. Do I recommend it? Yes, but the first part is hard to read. Evette's hurt and pain are very real and painful to read. This book can help one dig into their own thoughts and pre-conceptions not only about race but also about facing hard realities with God.
January 12, 2021
That was one book I found it difficult to put aside.
Judd and Evette are expecting their first baby, when Judd gets the news that he has a 6-year-old daughter from an earlier relationship, and that he needs to look after her because Tabrina, her mother, is very ill and cannot look after her. The problem? Little Jolie is bi-racial. Apart from the fact that an illegitimate child is difficult to accept for a strictly Christian family, the fact that J0lie is not white makes Evette realise that she, and other people in their community, have prejudices which she needs to overcome if she wants to save her marriage.
A difficult story to narrate, and masterly done with lots of compassion, acceptance, and faith. The protagonists are very realistic, and the way the story unfolds will keep a reader glued to the pages. Unexpected twists and turns will either make you smile or cry or gasp.
I want more of this author!
Judd and Evette are expecting their first baby, when Judd gets the news that he has a 6-year-old daughter from an earlier relationship, and that he needs to look after her because Tabrina, her mother, is very ill and cannot look after her. The problem? Little Jolie is bi-racial. Apart from the fact that an illegitimate child is difficult to accept for a strictly Christian family, the fact that J0lie is not white makes Evette realise that she, and other people in their community, have prejudices which she needs to overcome if she wants to save her marriage.
A difficult story to narrate, and masterly done with lots of compassion, acceptance, and faith. The protagonists are very realistic, and the way the story unfolds will keep a reader glued to the pages. Unexpected twists and turns will either make you smile or cry or gasp.
I want more of this author!
December 29, 2023
*audiobook
I don’t remember how this one came across my to read list but I’m glad it did. A well told story about a family rocked by the revelation that the husband had a child with an ex, a child he never knew about. Evie and Judd’s life changes when they fine out about Jolee, his 6 year old biracial daughter. Prejudices come to light in the lives of this family and community as they navigate life trying to raise Jolee as her mother’s life hangs in the balance after a stroke. I felt the story was well told as Evie, a white woman, comes to terms with prejudices she didn’t know she had and learns to overcome them as Jolee takes a firm spot in her heart. A story that tells itself in a very realistic way, without a dramatic twists that wouldn’t happen in real life.
I appreciate the gospel truths woven in that weren’t pushy or over the top, just a husband and wife devoting their life to following God’s plans.
I don’t remember how this one came across my to read list but I’m glad it did. A well told story about a family rocked by the revelation that the husband had a child with an ex, a child he never knew about. Evie and Judd’s life changes when they fine out about Jolee, his 6 year old biracial daughter. Prejudices come to light in the lives of this family and community as they navigate life trying to raise Jolee as her mother’s life hangs in the balance after a stroke. I felt the story was well told as Evie, a white woman, comes to terms with prejudices she didn’t know she had and learns to overcome them as Jolee takes a firm spot in her heart. A story that tells itself in a very realistic way, without a dramatic twists that wouldn’t happen in real life.
I appreciate the gospel truths woven in that weren’t pushy or over the top, just a husband and wife devoting their life to following God’s plans.
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