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After #1.5
Jabez
Will he Succeed or Fail?
“The only stock you’ll ever sell is chik’n stock.”
Jabez Patrickson heard those gut-wrenching words dripping with sarcasm from his father at a tender age and knew the odds were strongly stacked against him. Not only will his father not support his goal to become a NY Stockbroker, he would stand against any chance of his succeeding. JB set his heart on his goal. But several odds stood in his way—lack of money, insufficient education, and moral support. Will he make it to the NY Stock Exchange as a stockbroker or will his dream be squashed before it begins? Will Louisville construction worker be the only job ever on his resume? Or with divine intervention, can he surmount the impossible odds to reach his dream? Be a part of his audience as he tells Candace his story for the first time.
JABEZ is a follow-up to Book 1, After. Reading After would improve your understanding of this story, though it’s not required to enjoy it. Continue the story by reading After 2.
JABEZ is a new contemporary Christian Inspirational novella in the AFTER Series, by Bestselling Contemporary Christian Fiction Author Joy Ohagwu. Her stories are richly twined in hope, faith, and love. Get yours now on Amazon Kindle to learn more.
94 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 26, 2016
476 people are currently reading
166 people want to read
About the author
Joy Ohagwu
179 books155 followersABOUT BESTSELLING AUTHOR JOY OHAGWU:
Who doesn't like to curl up with a good book? I certainly have, for as long as I could remember. Next to books, I loved movies just as much, especially if it had action and suspense. No surprise then that I'm now writing romantic suspense, and inspirational stories! I'm grateful to the Lord Jesus for His undeserved mercy and grace. I earned a Masters' Degree in International Affairs from American University, Washington DC; and a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from the University of Ibadan, Ibadan. Professionally, I've been honored with multiple awards for pioneer academic research, student leadership and overall excellence. I'm a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers(ACFW) organization. I pen stories during evenings, weekends, and whenever the food takes too long to cook. Despite the many hurdles I've faced in life, God has been crazy faithful! I live in the beautiful State of Maryland.
Available titles:
Series:
*The New Rulebook Trilogy
*After
*Pleasant Hearts
I) Christian Suspense:
*The New Rulebook 1
*The New Rulebook 2
*The New Rulebook 3 (coming soon)
*Uncommon Ground
II) Christian Inspirational:
*After
*After 2
Connect with me via:
Twitter: @Joyohagwu
Facebook Author Page: Joy Ohagwu (Author)
Email: joyohagwuauthor@gmail.com
Visit my Website: www.joyohagwu.com and sign up here: http://eepurl.com/bCteJz for updates on upcoming books and possible discounts and promotions, including book signing events near you.
Who doesn't like to curl up with a good book? I certainly have, for as long as I could remember. Next to books, I loved movies just as much, especially if it had action and suspense. No surprise then that I'm now writing romantic suspense, and inspirational stories! I'm grateful to the Lord Jesus for His undeserved mercy and grace. I earned a Masters' Degree in International Affairs from American University, Washington DC; and a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from the University of Ibadan, Ibadan. Professionally, I've been honored with multiple awards for pioneer academic research, student leadership and overall excellence. I'm a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers(ACFW) organization. I pen stories during evenings, weekends, and whenever the food takes too long to cook. Despite the many hurdles I've faced in life, God has been crazy faithful! I live in the beautiful State of Maryland.
Available titles:
Series:
*The New Rulebook Trilogy
*After
*Pleasant Hearts
I) Christian Suspense:
*The New Rulebook 1
*The New Rulebook 2
*The New Rulebook 3 (coming soon)
*Uncommon Ground
II) Christian Inspirational:
*After
*After 2
Connect with me via:
Twitter: @Joyohagwu
Facebook Author Page: Joy Ohagwu (Author)
Email: joyohagwuauthor@gmail.com
Visit my Website: www.joyohagwu.com and sign up here: http://eepurl.com/bCteJz for updates on upcoming books and possible discounts and promotions, including book signing events near you.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
March 6, 2020
Sweet Story of Forgiveness and Hope!
I'm glad this story was written. It helped me understand JB's side of the story from the first book in the series of After.
My heart was so heavy for JB and all that he had to go through. I kept picturing in my mind the story in the Bible of Joseph. How Joseph persevered even when things looked the darkest.
I loved how this author, Joy Ohagwu, has woven the first book in her After series into this book. Her way of storytelling in this book was a delight. It felt like we were actually listening in on JB and Candace's conversation.
I'm now excited to read the rest of the series.
I was given this book by the author which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I'm glad this story was written. It helped me understand JB's side of the story from the first book in the series of After.
My heart was so heavy for JB and all that he had to go through. I kept picturing in my mind the story in the Bible of Joseph. How Joseph persevered even when things looked the darkest.
I loved how this author, Joy Ohagwu, has woven the first book in her After series into this book. Her way of storytelling in this book was a delight. It felt like we were actually listening in on JB and Candace's conversation.
I'm now excited to read the rest of the series.
I was given this book by the author which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 29, 2016
Jabez by Joy Ohagwu is a wonderful novella of God's redemption from a life of brokenness and fear. JB and Candace are newlywed, flying on a private plane to their honeymoon--beginning an exciting and yet unknown future together. Can that future be secure unless the past is revealed? JB shares his heartrending past with Candace, how God has given him strength to go on without a shred of doubt, despite discouraging, depressing situations. Strength to pursue a dream. Strength that came from a changed heart, from a pastor who invested in JB's life and through God's Word. With this novella, Ohagwu fills in a little more story from her After series and gives readers an inspirational look at what it means to become a new person in Christ.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
January 5, 2018
The book
Jabez
fits into the AFTER series written by Joy Ohagwu. Book 1 tells the story of Candace and JB Patrickson. That book is an inspirational romance. Once Candace and JB are married, he then feels confident enough to tell his life story to her. So this book is the story he tells Candace on the way to their honeymoon. That would make this book 2, although I think of it more as book 1.5. It could be easily incorporated into book 1 as part of JB's back story.
When Jabez was ten, he was well used to the drunken rages his father would get into. He had a hiding place, and his mother had a hiding place. It was not enough to keep them safe, however, and eventually Jabez was beaten senseless and woke up in the hospital. Things only got worse from there when his father returned to their home. No one else knew the situation they were in. His father owned a reputable construction company and seemed like a straight up guy to everyone else. But JB and his mother often went entire days without a meal. His father had to control everything. When JB was old enough to work for his father, he was expected to work in construction and live at home.
One day, he and his mother found a safe place across the street to hide. They slept in the pews at night in the church to avoid getting beaten. Then he met Pastor Yohanna who began to help them in subtle ways. He encouraged Jabez to find his own path and became a role model for him. For the first time in his life, Jabez saw a father figure the way it was supposed to be. He began to attend church and special meetings the pastor set up for a few other young people who had challenges in their lives that blocked their successful entry into the world. His transformation was not an overnight success. It was a huge struggle far into JB's adult life.
This author writes in an understanding manner about the impact of abuse this type of experience has on a growing child and on an emerging adult. When a person has heard their entire young life they will not amount to anything good, they tend to believe what they hear, even though their minds can tell them otherwise. Parents are the first authority figure a child experiences, and what they are told is often taken for the truth. It's extremely difficult to shake off that first voice in spite of good influences in their lives afterward. The author does a great job showing us what this type of struggle to overcome abusive programming is like.
It was the faith of the Pastor that leads him to step out of his comfortable place to lend an understanding ear and a shoulder to lean on for the young people in JB's group. And it was faith in Jesus Christ that finally brought JB over the edge from abusive thinking to victorious thinking. This could be so many peoples' stories. I pray that this short novella helps many people to understand how difficult it is to shake abusive influences, but that it is possible.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a review, positive or otherwise. 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.
When Jabez was ten, he was well used to the drunken rages his father would get into. He had a hiding place, and his mother had a hiding place. It was not enough to keep them safe, however, and eventually Jabez was beaten senseless and woke up in the hospital. Things only got worse from there when his father returned to their home. No one else knew the situation they were in. His father owned a reputable construction company and seemed like a straight up guy to everyone else. But JB and his mother often went entire days without a meal. His father had to control everything. When JB was old enough to work for his father, he was expected to work in construction and live at home.
One day, he and his mother found a safe place across the street to hide. They slept in the pews at night in the church to avoid getting beaten. Then he met Pastor Yohanna who began to help them in subtle ways. He encouraged Jabez to find his own path and became a role model for him. For the first time in his life, Jabez saw a father figure the way it was supposed to be. He began to attend church and special meetings the pastor set up for a few other young people who had challenges in their lives that blocked their successful entry into the world. His transformation was not an overnight success. It was a huge struggle far into JB's adult life.
This author writes in an understanding manner about the impact of abuse this type of experience has on a growing child and on an emerging adult. When a person has heard their entire young life they will not amount to anything good, they tend to believe what they hear, even though their minds can tell them otherwise. Parents are the first authority figure a child experiences, and what they are told is often taken for the truth. It's extremely difficult to shake off that first voice in spite of good influences in their lives afterward. The author does a great job showing us what this type of struggle to overcome abusive programming is like.
It was the faith of the Pastor that leads him to step out of his comfortable place to lend an understanding ear and a shoulder to lean on for the young people in JB's group. And it was faith in Jesus Christ that finally brought JB over the edge from abusive thinking to victorious thinking. This could be so many peoples' stories. I pray that this short novella helps many people to understand how difficult it is to shake abusive influences, but that it is possible.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a review, positive or otherwise. 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.
May 3, 2022
This book is not what I was expecting. Rather than a novel, novella, or short story, it felt like a long monologue of someone talking about his life summary and testimony.
The style of delivery felt odd, perhaps a bit awkward, and, ultimately, not very satisfying. At the beginning of the book, when the author mentioned that this was not the first book in the series, but it could be read standalone, or out of order, I had the idea of going and finding the first book and reading it before reading Jabez. As I got into Jabez, I was glad I didn't go to the effort to read the first book first.
The book felt as if it needed better editing. I don't know if this was published only as an e-book and self-edited, but there were numerous times I found incorrect punctuation, misspellings, poor/wrong word choice, and awkwardly constructed sentences.
The most disturbing single snippet was, "...I knew I had more to lose... I would lose Jesus. I would then lose you." While this book was probably not meant to state theology, but "I would lose Jesus" was just strange.
I had my wife read the book right after I finished to see what she thought. In fairness, she seemed to have a better impression of the book/story than I did.
I won't be coming back for more.
The style of delivery felt odd, perhaps a bit awkward, and, ultimately, not very satisfying. At the beginning of the book, when the author mentioned that this was not the first book in the series, but it could be read standalone, or out of order, I had the idea of going and finding the first book and reading it before reading Jabez. As I got into Jabez, I was glad I didn't go to the effort to read the first book first.
The book felt as if it needed better editing. I don't know if this was published only as an e-book and self-edited, but there were numerous times I found incorrect punctuation, misspellings, poor/wrong word choice, and awkwardly constructed sentences.
The most disturbing single snippet was, "...I knew I had more to lose... I would lose Jesus. I would then lose you." While this book was probably not meant to state theology, but "I would lose Jesus" was just strange.
I had my wife read the book right after I finished to see what she thought. In fairness, she seemed to have a better impression of the book/story than I did.
I won't be coming back for more.
March 20, 2018
Tragedy Turned to Triumph
When life throws you lemons, you make lemonade... JB (Jabez) was not deserving of the life his parents provided. I was saddened reading JB’s experiences as a youth growing up with an abusive parent. I myself and many others can relate to his pain and the need to protect. The pain is real. (Thank you God for giving Joy words to write about this hard topic.) I felt the events JB experienced when God wanted him to forgive, because it’s not for the abuser but for the abused. For JB to follow God’s request to forgive his dad before it was too late is what we all must do. If the forgiveness can’t be given to the abuser then how can forgiveness from God, through Jesus, be given to the abused... JB’s story is difficult, emotional, and freeing! I look forward to reading After 2, and continuing to read books written by Joy Ohagwu.
When life throws you lemons, you make lemonade... JB (Jabez) was not deserving of the life his parents provided. I was saddened reading JB’s experiences as a youth growing up with an abusive parent. I myself and many others can relate to his pain and the need to protect. The pain is real. (Thank you God for giving Joy words to write about this hard topic.) I felt the events JB experienced when God wanted him to forgive, because it’s not for the abuser but for the abused. For JB to follow God’s request to forgive his dad before it was too late is what we all must do. If the forgiveness can’t be given to the abuser then how can forgiveness from God, through Jesus, be given to the abused... JB’s story is difficult, emotional, and freeing! I look forward to reading After 2, and continuing to read books written by Joy Ohagwu.
July 17, 2018
This is a book about abuse which all of us encounter in different degrees in our lives although for Jabez it is major. Sometimes it is verbal & sometimes it is physical. Both can be damaging to us. None of us deserves to be abused & we hate to forgive our abuser but Christ loves everyone. He died for all of us when we were at our worst. So I was glad you gave him the ability in the book to forgive his abuser. This is the only way that healing can be had. We make ourselves miserable when we hold bitterness & anger. It is hard on our bodies & our psyche. It is such a relief when we can do it! It gives us freedom!
February 11, 2019
Deep story
JB suffered much pain from family and didn’t expect much from life. He meets a Pastor who not only leads him to Christ but helps him dream big and set achievable goals.
JB tells his story on the day of his wedding, en route to Rome, their honeymoon destination
While I find JB’s story fascinating and deeply touching, i find it unrealistic that this story didn’t come up during the period of their courtship. However, this is an amazing read. I enjoyed it and it was short too.
JB suffered much pain from family and didn’t expect much from life. He meets a Pastor who not only leads him to Christ but helps him dream big and set achievable goals.
JB tells his story on the day of his wedding, en route to Rome, their honeymoon destination
While I find JB’s story fascinating and deeply touching, i find it unrealistic that this story didn’t come up during the period of their courtship. However, this is an amazing read. I enjoyed it and it was short too.
October 17, 2019
You never know what goes on behind closed doors. This is proven in Joy Ohagwu's book about a young man who endures hardships due to a father who likes his drink and drugs more than his family! Enter a pastor who can see what is going on and invites JB to join in a group he is starting. Enter God who becomes known to JB and the group! Accepting Jesus as his savior, prayer and trusting that God can make his dreams come true, JB still struggles, but things slowly turn around. A must read!
July 9, 2018
Kept me interested from the first page.
Jabez a became a Christian and his world changed. Not the happily ever after change found in most books, but a forever change the kind only Christ can do. It's good to read a book which tells the story of a new Christian's journey. We walk by faith and not by sight. Our God calls to us and helps all who choose to do his will.
Jabez a became a Christian and his world changed. Not the happily ever after change found in most books, but a forever change the kind only Christ can do. It's good to read a book which tells the story of a new Christian's journey. We walk by faith and not by sight. Our God calls to us and helps all who choose to do his will.
July 25, 2018
I had high hopes for this story and was disappointed. It really isn't much of a story. There is a lot of redundant filler - how many glasses of water can/should one drink during a flight? I felt no emotional connection to the characters. Not sure if I would give the other books in the series a read.
July 27, 2018
This is the first book I've read in this series, and it won't be the last. Joy is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. Her style of getting right into the story, then keeping the action going, is right on. I immediately liked the main character and was concerned for his, and his mother's safety.
Much of the book is written as memory. Great way to write a story. Perfect ending.
Much of the book is written as memory. Great way to write a story. Perfect ending.
October 1, 2018
God is good all the time.
This book has inspired me to get myself the help that I need. It was truly inspiring to see how God worked and how he moved in all of the people. When Candace fell to her knees, I was right there with her at the point of her surrender. God really came through for her.
Never give up to fear, just surrender to GOD!!!
This book has inspired me to get myself the help that I need. It was truly inspiring to see how God worked and how he moved in all of the people. When Candace fell to her knees, I was right there with her at the point of her surrender. God really came through for her.
Never give up to fear, just surrender to GOD!!!
December 22, 2018
A story of Jabez Patricksen, who overcomes numerous hurdles---abuse, isolation, and being told he'd never amount to anything. Yet a pastor saw the potential in jabez and 4 others and became their mentor through the hardships. Jabez had to come home eventually and confront his past and his biggest demon, his abusive father.
September 27, 2021
my life
My world was Mom and I against dad. It should have not been that way but it was. We tried to hide from him but he still found us. Beating us and then it came to the time he put me the hospital. We knew we had to do something different so we went to the church and waited out the night. Until the pastor came to visit
My world was Mom and I against dad. It should have not been that way but it was. We tried to hide from him but he still found us. Beating us and then it came to the time he put me the hospital. We knew we had to do something different so we went to the church and waited out the night. Until the pastor came to visit
July 29, 2025
What a testimony of God’s faithfulness. JB’s story taught me that everyone goes through hardships at one point or another. Forgiveness brings deliverance and a change of heart. God is always faithful when we commit to His will and brings about success that only Him can bring. A must read and it will touch your heart.
March 10, 2018
A peek into JBs past. It was told as JB explained his past to Candace while heading to their honeymoon destination on a private plane. I highly recommend if you read After book 1, this book will be a great compliment.
December 21, 2018
Excellent
Another excellent book by Joy Ohagwu. Each of her books I have read have all tackled a difficult topic but presented in a wonderful story. The depth of her writing draws you into the story as if you were actually there in the midst.
Another excellent book by Joy Ohagwu. Each of her books I have read have all tackled a difficult topic but presented in a wonderful story. The depth of her writing draws you into the story as if you were actually there in the midst.
February 2, 2020
Great Christian short story
I truly enjoyed reading this great Christian book about Jabez . I enjoyed his telling about his troubled childhood to his new wife so there would be no secrets between them as they begin their new life together
I truly enjoyed reading this great Christian book about Jabez . I enjoyed his telling about his troubled childhood to his new wife so there would be no secrets between them as they begin their new life together
June 17, 2020
After reading and enjoying the first book in this series, I was looking forward to this one. I must admit, I didn't really see the point f this story. I think it would have been better to add bits of this and incorporating it into bk 1. Just my personal opinion though. A bit disappointed.
November 18, 2021
Nice Read!
I enjoyed reading this book and learning JB's story. It brought tears to my eyes! I am glad that Candace was there for him to get his story out! Thank God for bringing these two together! I recommend this book!
I enjoyed reading this book and learning JB's story. It brought tears to my eyes! I am glad that Candace was there for him to get his story out! Thank God for bringing these two together! I recommend this book!
July 10, 2022
Jabez
When looking through titles of this series, I wondered if I was seeing correctly. Thought that book2 should have been next. Jabez surprised me. It was the story of Jabez and his past. How God had brought him to this point. A must read.
When looking through titles of this series, I wondered if I was seeing correctly. Thought that book2 should have been next. Jabez surprised me. It was the story of Jabez and his past. How God had brought him to this point. A must read.
March 5, 2019
Excellent storyline.
November 25, 2019
Heartfelt.
January 1, 2020
Wanting to live when in danger.
January 25, 2020
This story fills in Jabez's childhood life before marrying Candance. It's nice to know what he suffered at the hands of his father.
February 3, 2020
This was a very quick read, but I enjoyed reading Jabez' story. It gave more meaning to JB's character in After.
March 12, 2021
Well written and moving story. I read it in one sitting. Just didn’t want to stop.
December 7, 2021
God's Care
In impossible situations God cares.Well told story with the right amount of detsils. Keeping me racing until I reached the end.
In impossible situations God cares.Well told story with the right amount of detsils. Keeping me racing until I reached the end.
November 19, 2023
Jabez
This was an excellent read. The Excellence Club for Jabez was the foundation of his faith journey. I loved reading of his journey. It build my faith more.
This was an excellent read. The Excellence Club for Jabez was the foundation of his faith journey. I loved reading of his journey. It build my faith more.
September 17, 2024
CHRISTIANITY
As a born again Christian and believer in Jesus Christ I loved this story. I learned so much from it. Thank you for telling this story. God bless
As a born again Christian and believer in Jesus Christ I loved this story. I learned so much from it. Thank you for telling this story. God bless
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews