What do you think?
Rate this book
12 Saturdays
Homelessness on the streets of New York was the last thing on newly engaged, advertising executive, Jenna Russo’s mind. A family heirloom and her alcoholic father’s dying wish turned out to be a powerful incentive to take notice. Jenna has to either spend 12 Saturdays on the streets of New York City feeding the poor with a Christian outreach, or risk losing her beloved grandmother’s ring to an estranged and manipulative sister. Will she see the lost through the eyes of faith and learn that there are blessings beyond the family heirloom? Or will she fall victim to her past and crumble under the great expectations of her deceased father?
288 pages, Paperback
Published July 23, 2017
15 people are currently reading
301 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 9, 2017
I've been following F.P. Lione from their first novel, and I have enjoyed each one. 12 Saturdays continues in the Lione tradition of compelling, relevant fiction that hits you right in the gut. This is a novel that was believable and gripping. Lione's details about New York and the gritty social issue of homelessness made me think about it in a new light. God and the truth are woven into the narrative seamlessly in a non-preachy way that will resonate with readers, Christian or not. I highly recommend 12 Saturdays.
October 23, 2017
12 SATURDAYS By F.P. Lione
5 Star read!
This is the first time I have read anything by F.P Lione, but it will not be the last.
I grabbed it up after finishing up a read from Joann Durgin and found the recommended.
I was so happy to find this gem and truly hope you enjoy it too.
5 Star read!
This is the first time I have read anything by F.P Lione, but it will not be the last.
I grabbed it up after finishing up a read from Joann Durgin and found the recommended.
I was so happy to find this gem and truly hope you enjoy it too.
December 31, 2016
F.P. Lione's talent is certainly showcased in 12 Saturdays!
Jenna Russo has escaped her painful, abusive childhood and has it all - including a rich, handsome fiancee? Or does she?
Jenna is practically forced by her father to spend 12 Saturdays serving with a Christian outreach team ministering to the homeless. Initially she is disgusted and afraid of them, but over time as she learns their names and stories, she begins to really see them. That's not all she sees. And her cleared vision not only brings a fresh perspective, it brings personal transformation. Jenna discovers over the course of 12 Saturdays what's really important.
12 Saturdays is filled with flawed, quirky characters that are easy to love and relate to. It is a tender story that delves into some serious social issues - including homelessness. Once you read it, you'll not be able to look at the homeless the same again.
Jenna Russo has escaped her painful, abusive childhood and has it all - including a rich, handsome fiancee? Or does she?
Jenna is practically forced by her father to spend 12 Saturdays serving with a Christian outreach team ministering to the homeless. Initially she is disgusted and afraid of them, but over time as she learns their names and stories, she begins to really see them. That's not all she sees. And her cleared vision not only brings a fresh perspective, it brings personal transformation. Jenna discovers over the course of 12 Saturdays what's really important.
12 Saturdays is filled with flawed, quirky characters that are easy to love and relate to. It is a tender story that delves into some serious social issues - including homelessness. Once you read it, you'll not be able to look at the homeless the same again.
March 2, 2017
“12 Saturdays,” by F.P. Lione, is a story set in New York City about a young woman (Jenna Russo) who is an advertising executive, who is recently engaged to a young man who lives in upper class society. On the day of their engagement, she is alerted that her father is dying and has “an assignment” for her which she must do in order to receive a family heirloom. She had not had a good relationship with her father (or other family members) because of their alcohol and abuse.
She discovers that her father had become a Christian and was serving to the homeless in NYC. His dying wish is for his daughter to spend 12 Saturdays serving the poor and homeless. She begrudgingly begins the task and meets various individuals that become friends and “family.” The story has a meaningful story.
She discovers that her father had become a Christian and was serving to the homeless in NYC. His dying wish is for his daughter to spend 12 Saturdays serving the poor and homeless. She begrudgingly begins the task and meets various individuals that become friends and “family.” The story has a meaningful story.
March 20, 2017
This was my first read of F P Lione and I was not disappointed!! This book deals with abuse, addiction, homelessness , faith and giving. These are all real issues in todays world. I loved how Jenna worked through her own issues by giving of herself and her time to help others. She goes from being a reluctant volunteer to a dedicated one. Through every situation this book shows how love and faith can make a difference.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for reading and posting my honest review.
Pam and Frank both show their love for Christ and for their fellowman in the way they write and the way they live their lives. This will not be my last book to read of theirs. Excitingly looking forward to reading more.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for reading and posting my honest review.
Pam and Frank both show their love for Christ and for their fellowman in the way they write and the way they live their lives. This will not be my last book to read of theirs. Excitingly looking forward to reading more.
March 20, 2020
Reels you in from the start
The transformation of character from the beginning to end was so engaging. It shows that family is not always blood, and that God has a plan for all of us. There were a lot of difficult topics covered like addiction, child abuse, self mutilation to name a few. It was all done without being preachy or judgemental while getting the point across. This was my first time reading anything by the authors.
The transformation of character from the beginning to end was so engaging. It shows that family is not always blood, and that God has a plan for all of us. There were a lot of difficult topics covered like addiction, child abuse, self mutilation to name a few. It was all done without being preachy or judgemental while getting the point across. This was my first time reading anything by the authors.
October 24, 2017
Onterresting!!!
Great read. I like the christian notions and the mix of people.
I am sorry that we don't get anything from the mother.
Great read. I like the christian notions and the mix of people.
I am sorry that we don't get anything from the mother.
December 2, 2017
Kept my interest
This book simplifies what is true. I really never gave it much thought. It makes me realize things like this really happens. Another great book!
This book simplifies what is true. I really never gave it much thought. It makes me realize things like this really happens. Another great book!
May 28, 2018
Exciting transformations
Outstanding story highlights reality of homelessness and child abuse. Author clearly writes the love of Jesus and forgiveness. Romance and suspense too
Outstanding story highlights reality of homelessness and child abuse. Author clearly writes the love of Jesus and forgiveness. Romance and suspense too
June 24, 2018
New in Christ
Christ can make us new. He also brings healing: emotionally, spiritually & physically. I really liked this book. Family is not always blood kin
Christ can make us new. He also brings healing: emotionally, spiritually & physically. I really liked this book. Family is not always blood kin
June 17, 2022
Aside from the Christian references, this book didn’t really work for me… It’s geared more for the female audience.
September 15, 2017
Twelve Saturdays
is like an "everything" bagel; it has a little bit of everything in it. The setting is New York City: Staten Island and Manhatten. It has a little bit of suspense and tension with a few bad guys thrown in. There's fun humor and a few giggles. Some romance, some psychology, some tragedy, some adventure, and lots of relationship dynamics. All this is blended very well into an unforgettable storyline.
The premise is about family relationships. Jenna had been out on a date when she learned that her father was in the hospital. By the time she got there, it was too late, and she was overcome by so many regrets. She had not known he had a brain tumor. Then she learned that her father had some rather odd requests for her after his death. And that's the beginning of an unforgettable series of 12 Saturdays.
I enjoyed reading this book so much. There were moments of levity which balanced out the revelatory nature of the story. The one driving character, Jenna, was a real, living, breathing person to me. I found myself relating to her on so many levels. The more her background was revealed, the more her life spoke to me.
One element of the book I really enjoyed was the "girl power" feel of Jenna's friendships. The best of the humor as well as the best of her strength came from these close ties. There were also a few twists and turns as the book progressed that kept me turning the pages.
Finally, this is a faith-based story. Jenna wasn't exactly the picture perfect Christian; she was a work in progress, just as we are. I took comfort in the growth in her character shown to us through her trials and triumphs. At a crucial point in the story, she knows where she belongs. I felt a great deal of satisfaction in this conclusion.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from CKN Christian Publishing on behalf of 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."
The premise is about family relationships. Jenna had been out on a date when she learned that her father was in the hospital. By the time she got there, it was too late, and she was overcome by so many regrets. She had not known he had a brain tumor. Then she learned that her father had some rather odd requests for her after his death. And that's the beginning of an unforgettable series of 12 Saturdays.
I enjoyed reading this book so much. There were moments of levity which balanced out the revelatory nature of the story. The one driving character, Jenna, was a real, living, breathing person to me. I found myself relating to her on so many levels. The more her background was revealed, the more her life spoke to me.
One element of the book I really enjoyed was the "girl power" feel of Jenna's friendships. The best of the humor as well as the best of her strength came from these close ties. There were also a few twists and turns as the book progressed that kept me turning the pages.
Finally, this is a faith-based story. Jenna wasn't exactly the picture perfect Christian; she was a work in progress, just as we are. I took comfort in the growth in her character shown to us through her trials and triumphs. At a crucial point in the story, she knows where she belongs. I felt a great deal of satisfaction in this conclusion.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from CKN Christian Publishing on behalf of 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."
February 9, 2017
12 Saturdays is a touching story by former police officer Frank Lione and his wife, Pam, a homeless advocate. It portrays the change that is possible in people’s lives, rather they were addicts, victims of abuse, caused the destruction of their families, or just living their lives for themselves, without regard to how they can affect others for the better.
The characters are real and their stories affecting. Jenna is a tough, independent woman who loves her work (though not her job), her apartment, and her fiancé. All is fine in her life, until she learns otherwise when her estranged father, at his deathbed, blackmails her into working for the homeless for 12 Saturdays. Her decision to work in the cold of winter, for those who caused their own problems, as she sees it, rewards her with more than just her grandmother’s wedding ring. It changes her life, as well as the lives of her best friend, another young woman who’s run away from her abusive family, and her future mother-in-law.
I felt the story could have progressed a little quicker. But once I got well into the stories of the homeless and Jenna's and her best friend's lives, I was hooked. This is a worthy read that will move the hearts of Christians and, hopefully, non-Christians alike.
The characters are real and their stories affecting. Jenna is a tough, independent woman who loves her work (though not her job), her apartment, and her fiancé. All is fine in her life, until she learns otherwise when her estranged father, at his deathbed, blackmails her into working for the homeless for 12 Saturdays. Her decision to work in the cold of winter, for those who caused their own problems, as she sees it, rewards her with more than just her grandmother’s wedding ring. It changes her life, as well as the lives of her best friend, another young woman who’s run away from her abusive family, and her future mother-in-law.
I felt the story could have progressed a little quicker. But once I got well into the stories of the homeless and Jenna's and her best friend's lives, I was hooked. This is a worthy read that will move the hearts of Christians and, hopefully, non-Christians alike.
August 10, 2017
Jenna Russo left all her family behind and disappeared into the city of Manhattan. She got a posh advertising job, new friends, and bought an apartment. She even got herself a classy and rich boyfriend. Then her world began to change. Her alcoholic father she hadn't seen in years, due to being in prison, was out and now was dying. Her terrible past had caught up with her again.
The author does an excellent job with well fleshed out characters. This is Jenna's story and her voice comes through loud and clear. She's bitter, but quirky.
Because of her father's dying wish, she is faced with a life change that she never saw coming. Everything she was sure of, she begins to question.
12 Saturdays is a story of healing and overcoming your past, trusting in God that he has a better future for you.
This was a very emotional read, so make sure you keep the tissues handy. I would highly recommend 12 Saturdays.
The author does an excellent job with well fleshed out characters. This is Jenna's story and her voice comes through loud and clear. She's bitter, but quirky.
Because of her father's dying wish, she is faced with a life change that she never saw coming. Everything she was sure of, she begins to question.
12 Saturdays is a story of healing and overcoming your past, trusting in God that he has a better future for you.
This was a very emotional read, so make sure you keep the tissues handy. I would highly recommend 12 Saturdays.
December 21, 2017
An incredible story of 'healing'! I would recommend this book to anyone and I will continue to read all that F.P. Lione writes. Feeding the homeless, the message of the Lord - "Love thy neighbor" is strengthen in this delightful, heartfelt story.
April 27, 2017
Great book
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews