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Lady Jasmine

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Lady Jasmine: A Novel

400 pages, Paperback

First published June 2, 2009

19 people are currently reading
827 people want to read

About the author

Victoria Christopher Murray

69 books2,410 followers
Victoria Christopher Murray is the author of nine Essence bestselling novels, including The Ex Files; Too Little, Too Late; and Lady Jasmine. Winner of the African American Literary Award for Fiction and Author of the Year (Female).

She has received numerous awards including the Golden Pen Award for Best Inspirational Fiction and the Phyllis Wheatley Trailblazer Award for being a pioneer in African American Fiction. Since 2007, Victoria has won nine African American Literary Awards for best novel, best Christian fiction and Author of the Year — Female. After four nominations, Victoria finally won an NAACP Image Award in Outstanding Literary Work for her social commentary novel, Stand Your Ground.

Victoria splits her time between Los Angeles and Washington DC.

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5 stars
673 (61%)
4 stars
303 (27%)
3 stars
107 (9%)
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18 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
Profile Image for Sandra Menefee.
32 reviews6 followers
September 22, 2012
Interesting reading. Almost getting weary of Jasmine's antics but it was interesting enough to complete the reading. I love reading Victoria Murray's books but the chaos that Jasmine creates is getting the best of me. Putting myself in the novel, I feel for her as she does not realize the more she tries to take control, the worse her situations become. I do feel her getting "it" though. Loved the book, hated the anticipation of what was going to happen next.
Profile Image for reneeNaDaCherry.
2,441 reviews1 follower
March 23, 2017
The truth is the light according to the main character in this series, First Lady/Lady Jasmine/Pepper Pulaski aka Jasmine Larson Bush...lol. I whole-heartedly have to agree with the author who has written a clear and concise storyline which gives the reader some things to ponder. IMO, the series engages you to explore book after book after book, etc. It's worth the coins... IJS.
Profile Image for Pearl.
174 reviews
February 24, 2010
I am currently reading. Thus far it isn't as exciting as her other two books, but my God Daughter told me it gets better towards the end so I will keep reading.

I finished this book 2/24 what an amazing ending. I really enjoyed this book and I like Victoria's writing style at some points in this book I was laughing out loud at the characters and the many lies that Jasmine told throughout the story. It was worth the read.
Profile Image for Barbara.
799 reviews132 followers
March 11, 2014

Jasmine is back with more lies and secrets.
A blackmailer threatens to ruin all that Jasmine and her husband have worked so hard to achieve. Jasmine didn’t not tell her husband a major part of her past. This lie could not only affect Jasmine, but her husband and the church of City of Lights as well. Should she tell Hosea the truth?
The twists and turns make for an unexpected edge to the story.
This is an excellent series, I am enjoying very much reading
Profile Image for Dee Cherry.
2,945 reviews68 followers
August 16, 2017
Great continuation of the series. This was one of the best books of the series yet. While Jasmine has her wicked ways, I couldn't deny that she truly loves Hosea. Her growth was noticed as she attempted to do the right thing. I'm sure those members regret ever stepping wrong to her. Storyline kept me reading all day.
Profile Image for Karen Miller.
Author 21 books192 followers
July 31, 2012
Well, she finally did it. Jasmine Cox Larson Bush is finally First Lady of City of Lights of Riverside Church in Harlem, a position she coveted since first marrying Hosea Bush – son of the church’s founding pastor. The position may be only temporary – just until her father-in-law recovers from a gunshot wound received in a drive-by shooting – but Jasmine intends to make the most of her time as First Lady.

But then she gets an anonymous note: Get your husband to step down from the pulpit, or else everyone will know what you did in the summer of 1983.

For those who’ve read Victoria Christopher Murray’s earlier books about nefarious but lovable Jasmine – Temptation, A Sin and a Shame, and Too Little Too Late – you know that Jasmine has a bit of trouble telling the truth. For instance, she conveniently forgot to tell hubby about the adulterous affair she carried out before her marriage with her best friend’s husband. Or that she had been married before. Or a true age. Or even her true shoe size. Lying comes easily to Jasmine, but somehow her lies always seem to come to the surface. Even the most damaging of all – that while being courted by Hosea she became embroiled in an affair with a married man and passed his child of as Hosea’s. But somehow she’s managed to maintain her marriage, thanks largely to her husband’s seemingly unending ability to forgive and forget. Unfortunately, her lies have been revealed not only to her husband, but to the church members. And the one thing that that the good members of City of Lights enjoy almost as praising the Lord, it’s gossiping about Jasmine and her exploits.

And Jasmine is sure it’s one of those members who has sent her the anonymous note threatening to reveal her summer of 1983 summer exploits.. But which one? Pastor Wyatt, who’s upset that her husband was promoted to interim head pastor over him? Sister Whittington, who’s never forgiven her for trying to seduce Rev. Bush before switching her attention to Hosea. Ivy, a childhood of friend of Hosea’s who back on the scene and has made it clear she wants him for herself? Or Jerome Viceroy, a City Councilman who wants to purchase part of the church’s property. Jasmine’s got to find out, because this is the one secret that she knows that can never be forgiven. And what the blackmailer doesn’t count on is coming across a woman who is a master at playing games and ruining those played by others.

.And Jasmine does not disappoint, though as she goes about rooting out the various secrets and scandals of the people she suspects may be her blackmailer she finds herself not only unraveling their pasts but coming close to inadvertently revealing her own. And all this while trying to support her husband who is struggling to maintain her place at the pulpit against well-intentioned church members who think he’s not ready to step into his father’s shoes.

Murray, an Essence bestselling author, does a wonderful job of weaving a plot full of twists and turns that will leave the reader both rooting for Jasmine, and hoping she finally gets her comeupperance. There’s something about Jasmine that anyone in a relationship can relate to; no matter how honest we are with our mates there are some things that we simply believe or better left unmentioned; whether it’s or weight, our dress size, or past relationships. It’s just that Jasmine’s secrets are so scandalous, and so many!

It should be said that for all evil ways, Jasmine has a relentless faith in God, promising that if he’ll get her out of this mess, she’ll never tell a lie or hide another secret. Of course she’s made this promise before, but we want to believe Jasmine because it’s so evident that she honestly believes herself.

Lady Jasmine is a definite page turner, but the one real criticism is that the climax is just not as climatic as the reader might help. Still, the journey is not only one worth taking, but one that shouldn’t be missed.
Profile Image for OOSA .
1,802 reviews237 followers
September 7, 2009
Ms. Psychotic,

Jasmine is back and still married to her husband, Hosea, with her daughter, Jacquie. Of course, the only difference is that she is the First Lady of City of Lights at Riverside Church and Hosea is now Reverend Hosea Bush. Readers many have thought that Jasmine did change and was ready to put her devious past behind her and move forward. But then there is always that thing called...karma. With her back against the wall, will she reveal all the lies and drama to Hosea about her past? Will Hosea stay this time?

"Lady Jasmine" by Victoria Christopher Murray is an absolutely fantastic read for everyone! I did not realize I was reading a Christian novel because it contained so much drama that made it impossible to put the book down. This novel really made a detour down "Drama Street!" I enjoyed every page.

Victoria, you have done it again! Job well done. I recommend "Lady Jasmine" to others as a "wake up" call. I will continue to look for more of Victoria Christopher Murray's books in the future.

Reviewed by: Tekisha

Merged review:

Ms. Psychotic,

Jasmine is back and still married to her husband, Hosea, with her daughter, Jacquie. Of course, the only difference is that she is the First Lady of City of Lights at Riverside Church and Hosea is now Reverend Hosea Bush. Readers many have thought that Jasmine did change and was ready to put her devious past behind her and move forward. But then there is always that thing called...karma. With her back against the wall, will she reveal all the lies and drama to Hosea about her past? Will Hosea stay this time?

"Lady Jasmine" by Victoria Christopher Murray is an absolutely fantastic read for everyone! I did not realize I was reading a Christian novel because it contained so much drama that made it impossible to put the book down. This novel really made a detour down "Drama Street!" I enjoyed every page.

Victoria, you have done it again! Job well done. I recommend "Lady Jasmine" to others as a "wake up" call. I will continue to look for more of Victoria Christopher Murray's books in the future.

Reviewed by: Tekisha
Profile Image for His Wife7474.
135 reviews32 followers
May 23, 2018
I really enjoy the Lady Jasmine series. Jasmine just can't seem to keep herself on the straight and narrow lol. However, if she had more sense there wouldn't be a story to tell. When we last left our she-ro lol, Jasmine was forced to come clean with Hosea about all the skeletons in her closet. However, with so many bines lying around it's no surprise that she forgot a few. In this installment, Jasmine is getting blackmailed. The person doing the blackmailing is more surprising than the secret Jasmine is so desperately trying to keep.

This book moves at a good pace. There are other sub-plots that kept my attention. Readers who are familiar with this series will see some growth in Jasmine's character. Still, it's easier to hate than love her :-) .
Profile Image for Benzette.
29 reviews
June 11, 2009
This chick just doesn't quit. If Jasmine could just have faith she would be alright. She can't stop lying to Hosea for nothing. Everyone can see what she can't see and she won't stop. I won't tell the book, but all I can say is the mystery and thrill of who is it was great!! I wasn't surprised at all at who was behind it. But I am glad that in the end Jasmine did do SOMETHING right. Victoria did a great job on this book and I can't wait to see her and discuss her new book that will come out next year.
15 reviews2 followers
September 10, 2009
Fun and quick read. Really did not like all the lying and deception amongst Christians, but just kept reminding myself that it is entertainment...not to imply that there isn't lots of lying and deception in the church, because I know better. I just always hope for better amongst Christians.
11 reviews
July 15, 2012
Like Father...Like Daughter, or Maybe I should say "daddy little girl" awesome read!
Profile Image for Lisa Brown.
17 reviews3 followers
January 14, 2014
Lady Jasmine. She draws you in. Its a love hate relationship. Awesome book. Great read.
Profile Image for Serena.
392 reviews2 followers
January 16, 2025
I found this book to be an engaging tale of love, betrayal, and self-discovery. Following the journey of the titular character, Lady Jasmine is seen as a woman who finds herself being caught between her high-society world and her desires for something more genuine and fulfilling. I did enjoy the character development, which was one of the highlights. Jasmine’s internal struggles are realistically portrayed. To me, this made her be seen as a relatable protagonist that goes on a journey of personal growth and overcoming societal expectations.

Murray’s writing is smooth and the pacing is steady. However, there were times where the narrative feels predictable. There were some plot twists that were interesting and there were some that did not land as powerfully as they should. Not only that, there were a few moments in the story that feel somewhat formulaic from the start. Additionally, while the themes of love and redemption are important, they felt a bit heavy-handed at times. It detracted from the more subtle aspects of the story. But what holds this novel back from a higher rating, to me, was the lack of depth in some of the secondary characters. To me, they came off as plot devices, instead of being seen as fully realized individuals. This made some of the emotional stakes have less of an impact.

Overall, I did enjoy my read and my take of Lady Jasmine but it doesn’t break new ground in terms of its storytelling. It’s a solid choice for those looking for an easy, character-driven narrative, but it might not leave a lasting impression for someone who might want to venture into this genre.
Profile Image for Rachel.
379 reviews7 followers
May 10, 2020
This is a reread for me (that I finished a couple of days ago). I don't remember my first impressions of this book, I probably was just as irritated with Jasmine then as I am now lol. I can say she is the type of Christian that people use as an example for why they don't want to hear anything about God. The way she lies and then asks God to get her out of the mess she causes, or rather be a accomplice to her lies...at what point does she change her backsliding behavior? I can rant and rave about all the non-biblical "traditions" and sayings that was dumped in this book, but no one is here for a sermon. There was just a lot of erroneous sayings in this book that has been part of the black church that its become its own doctrine. Anywho, there's not much more I want to say other than if you want to see someone constantly get in their own way because they're a pathological liar, then this might be right up your alley. Drawback? It features one-dimensional characters with a one-dimensional plot.
Profile Image for Barbara.
103 reviews3 followers
June 28, 2019
Brother Hill called Hosea to inform him that his father Reverend Bush had been shot twice, one in the shoulder and one in the head.
Jasmine started receiving letters in the mail from someone that was trying to blackmail her, and the letter stated that if she didn't get her husband to step down from the pulpit that they would reveal that she was a stripper years ago, but she found out that it was Mrs.Whittingham the church secretary and she told Jasmine that the Reverend had got an investigator to check her background.
It was a lot going on with the board members and it was harder to tell the saints from the sinners.
Profile Image for Dawn “D-Love”.
129 reviews
November 21, 2020
When God Takes Control All Secrets Are Lost

The selfish Jasmine returns this time with a stop at nothing to get what she feels she’s entitled to attitude. She’s ready to expose everyone else’s secrets except her own, but when fate rears it’s head she has no choice but to reveal her own and suffer the consequences no matter what they may be. Will Jasmine now have more compassion for others after she experiences first hand what God can do? Or will her manipulatative, deceptive ways that have been on the back burner return?
4 reviews
October 29, 2018
Great read

I recommend this series of books. A well written, suspenseful Christian story. Sorry the book has ended
I wonder if there will be a sequel.
3 reviews
June 8, 2021
Lady Jazemine is about a lady who will not let anyone or any thing stand in her way and read the rest of her series
Profile Image for Joselyn.
32 reviews1 follower
October 15, 2024
Jasmine back at it again. You don’t know whether to root for her or hope her world comes crashing down.

I’m thoroughly enjoying this series and off to order the next book.
Profile Image for Amanda Morgan.
774 reviews12 followers
June 25, 2014
It’s hard to categorize “Lady Jasmine.” I thought maybe it was a religious book, being that Jasmine Bush is the wife of Pastor Hosea Bush, whose father is Reverend Bush. Then I thought it might be romance when the semi-graphic sex scenes started rolling in.
Rather than classify the genre, I’ll just appreciate it for what it is.
Jasmine is torn when her father-in-law is gunned down in the City of Lights parking lot one night. Reverend Bush ends up in a coma with an undetermined amount of damage to his brain. This means the Reverend’s son, Jasmine’s husband Hosea, will take over as Senior Pastor of one of the biggest churches in the area. Which means, Jasmine will become First Lady, a spotlight role Jasmine has always aspired to, although not necessarily if it meant her father-in-law paid the price.
The only problem is that Jasmine has quite a past. One that includes tricking her husband into thinking he’s the father of Jasmine’s daughter, sleeping with married men, stripping and prostitution.
In a previous novel, Jasmine thought she had told Hosea all her secrets, however in this installment, a blackmailer turns up threatening to compromise Jasmine’s First Lady status with some forgotten sins of her past.
I cannot understand how Jasmine and Hosea ended up together, and maybe that’s because I missed the previous novel. Jasmine is a manipulative, greedy, slutty woman who doesn’t seem to want to spend any time with her young daughter, and would in fact rather dig up dirt on the other members of their church just in case one of them is her blackmailer.
It was gratifying to eventually learn exactly how mortifying Jasmine’s past sins were, since in the beginning we were only doled out the information that she was worried about Hosea finding out she was a stripper. In fact she did much worse things than that.
The story seems pretty contrived, however, and it felt like the author started making things up as she went along, never revising earlier parts of the story that pertained to the outcome. By the way the book ends I’m betting the author wants us to like Jasmine, however she does not paint Jasmine as a very likeable person no matter how much Christian faith she proclaims to have.
Profile Image for Diana Townsend.
Author 14 books36 followers
November 3, 2011
I rated this book before I finished it and I was dead on with the two stars, really it should be one but I'm in a generous mood. These books are getting so predictable, the shock value is low, and it's like if you read one then you've read them all. This book is about a stripper/prostitute who becomes First Lady of a church and is worried her secret is going to come out. She's annoying because she is a liar and then she credits God with why her she never gets caught... wow. Giving God the glory for scheming and lying without getting caught. What a great story (heavy sarcasm).
Profile Image for Sheila Peacock.
52 reviews5 followers
April 30, 2013
The main idea revealed in this book is the consequences of keeping secrets. The key concepts the author addresses in this book forgiveness,compassion, and love. In contrast,she addresses un-forgiveness, deceit,hate, revenge, and ambition. The author gives a real-life approach to how Christians deal with real life issues of family, death, marriage, and relationships. The author has once again delivered a well-written story with issues we may or may not confront in the Christian Faith.
Profile Image for Destiny “ Dee” .
209 reviews98 followers
September 1, 2014
This was a good book. A nice transition from the last book. Jasmine was back at her antics in this one. I thought she was a bit over the top, but desperate times call for desperate measures. Just goes to show that we all fall short of the glory. Even those that you think are perfect truly are not. Hosea once again is the great husband to Jasmine. We need more great men in this world. I look forward to continuing with the series. A truly enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Lucy Bilik.
241 reviews3 followers
February 21, 2011
This book has too much strife and drama for my taste. I did not like high school drama and there's no need for me to revisit it now, only this is set in the church hierarchy settings. Lived thru it in one of the churches and there is just no desire to relive it over again. Liked one of V.C. Murray's other book but is one was not my cup of tea.
Profile Image for Susan Frazier-Kouassi.
235 reviews2 followers
September 28, 2011
Lady Jasmine, the main character, just doesn't seem real at times. She is so bad, so scheming, so conniving - you really wonder if her heart has been changed towards God. I wasn't convinced that she was truly sorry for her past and had been converted. But, maybe that is true of many of us - have we really been convicted and converted towards God?
Profile Image for Desiree Watson.
213 reviews4 followers
January 19, 2013
Lady Jasmine is always involved in some type of drama! She has a secret that she doesn't want her husband to find out about. Of course he eventually does and she is devastated! Victoria Christopher Murray is an excellent Christian fiction author. I recommend her books to everyone. Read this book in 2010.
Profile Image for Titilayo.
224 reviews25 followers
December 10, 2009
i started reading the book two days ago. my second victor christopher murray book ever. lady jasmine is real ambitious and her i like her imperfections. not too preachy. enjoyable so far..it was what i expect it to be. i might read some more stories about her. i like the author.
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