Worth a Thousand Words

Jubilant Soul #2

by Stacy Hawkins Adams

Life has always gone Indigo Burns's way. She's smart, pretty, and talented, and she knows exactly what she wants. A photography internship at her hometown's local newspaper is the next step in her well-laid plans for her future. But her long-term goals are put to the test when her boyfriend Brian proposes--two years before he's supposed to and in front of all the guests at her college graduation party. Too concerned about his feelings to say no, she heartily agrees, but inside she's cringing. Indigo knows in her heart that she's not prepared to sacrifice her dreams to become Brian's wife--not before she has achieved any of them. Will she find the answers among family and friends in Jubilant, Texas? Or will the picture-perfect life she dreams of be left behind?

Genres: Christian, Christian Fiction, Romance, Fiction, Inspirational, Contemporary, African American Romance

274 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2009

About the author

Stacy Hawkins Adams is an award-winning journalist, author and essayist who invites readers to explore life's truths through entertaining fiction and thought-provoking nonfiction.

In late 2019, she released a book of original quotes and inspirational musings titled "Abound! Principles for Next Level Living."

Her 9 novels feature themes of friendship and sisterhood, faith, forgiveness, grit and hope. You'll put down one of her books feeling like you've left behind people you know and love.

Her most recent novel, "Finding Home," is the third book in her Winds of Change series, and is written as a stand-alone title. Her novel "Lead Me Home," received a Publisher's Weekly starred review. Another novel,"Coming Home," was a 2012 Target stores Recommended Read.

Stacy's sole nonfiction book, "Who Speaks To Your Heart? Tuning in to Hear God's Whispers", is a spiritual, devotional guide for busy women seeking to strengthen their faith.

The three books in her acclaimed Jubilant Soul series are:
The Someday List (an Essence bestseller),
Worth a Thousand Words
and Dreams That Won't Let Go.

Visit http://www.StacyHawkinsAdams.com for more information about Stacy and her upcoming events, and visit her Amazon author page for more details and reviews on her books: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B001JSA12E

Visit her LifeUntapped.com blog for regular inspiration from Stacy and her guest bloggers.

And sign up here for Life Untapped!, the author newsletter she occasionally distributes to share updates on her work and to introduce readers to other great authors: http://www.tinyurl.com/LifeUntapped

Reviews

[Vondetta Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

What would you do if your dream job seems to be slipping away? What would you do if you have deep seeded doubt about getting married to a sexy, handsome man? Indigo Burns is a smart young woman who has overcome some serious situations in her life. Now she is graduating from college and about to enter grad school or is she? Indigo has an intern position with the local newspaper. Spots have been appearing before eyes and her boss doesn't like the dr's diagnosis and advises her to take a leave of absence. Indigo is devastated and more tragedy strikes when sickness attacks her aunt. Her prayer life finds itself becoming more intense.
Brian is Indigo's fiancé and is pushing her to get married as he pursues his career as a Navy officer. However, a friend from his past appears and causes him to question who he is and if he should marry Indigo.
As Indigo struggles in her choices, she finds that she can realize her vision for her career and that as one door seems to close others seem to swing open.
Even though her engagement maybe coming to an end, another opportunity may be just around the corner.

Great read with twists and turns that will have you laughing and crying but page turning see what happens next...

[M.L. Bull · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had already read the third book, so I guess I spoiled my read of the second a little. But, I knew there had to be a reason for Indigo to no longer be with Brian. Anyway, I enjoyed reading the book and loved the characters. I felt bad for Brian, but I'm glad he built the courage to be honest with Indigo about his personal struggle, and that they still remained friends in the end. This story explains the important concepts that looks are deceiving at times and the importance of not putting aside one's dreams just to satisfy someone else. I recommend Stacy's entertaining and inspiring read to others. :)

[Carol Hornsby-mccoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know I’m reading these out of order, but I’m getting them out of order 😆. Nevertheless, awesome! From this book so many great factors on life and it’s lessons learned came in view. This we should remember, “we’re only here for a set period of time, and we don’t get to do over some things. So it’s for our best to do them well the first time around. Follow your heart and your dreams and let God and faith lead the way.

[Hope Irvin Marston · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a gentle love story that makes the reader care about the two major characters with their strong personalities, but conflicting drives. The conclusion was satisfying, though totally unpredictable to me.

Hope Irvin Marston, author of THE WALLS HAVE EARS: A BLACK SPY IN THE CONFEDERATE WHITE HOUSE, a Charlotte Award 2021 nominee. www.HopeIrvinMarston.com

[Roshunda Hartison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful!!!!

I enjoyed every moment of this story. I simply couldn’t put it down. My God always redeems!!! I look forward to reading the next installment of the series.

[S. LaRue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth Reading....

This whole book was awesome, outstanding and a blessing in so many ways. What stands out the most for me is when Indigo's dad said 'she could type a letter of resignation or farewell.' That one statement ministered to my soul. We have a choice in how we leave a situation; we can give up, walk away or wish them well and move on graciously.

[Child960801 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is set around seven years after the first book in the series. It follows Indigo in the summer after she graduates from university and prepares for grad school. Her family still is dealing with health and well being issues and a finance all lead to a stressful summer.

[Nora St Laurent · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve never read anything by Stacy Hawkins Adams before this book. While reading this “slice of live” story I soon discovered what a honest and deep thinker this author is.

In her book Pastor Taylor, says this to a gathering, “We want God to fix things, or grant our desires, but we want Him to do it in the way that we think is best. We want the answer now, in the fashion that we’ve decided would be perfect. Am I telling the truth?”

Ouch, sometimes the truth hurts. I’ve felt this in my life at one point. Another character says, “Sometimes God leads us to the foreign land so we can take our eyes off of ourselves and our drama, and focus on Him.” I’ll Amen this one. Yes, I’ve experienced this too.

This story delves into the life of Indigo Burns, who is young and on the brink of having hear dreams come true. Her life has suddenly been filled with so many enticing choices. What to do? Is she supposed to throw her dreams away for someone else’s? She struggles to do the right thing in her life.

Another character says to Indigo,” The key is to keep prayer at the forefront of every decision. If God gives you a peace about the choices you’re making, then it really doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks. Have you prayed about this Indigo?”

She had to admit she hadn’t. I like how Stacy shows a slice of life where a young person is trying to walk out this Christian life in a very natural way. It’s not preachy or over the top church drama. It’s just gut level honest and innocent at times.

I also like how this author shows young people struggling but desiring to do what they feel God wants them to. “Learn how to thrive despite life’s challenges. I’ve learned that sometimes the turns we didn’t anticipate can lead us to our biggest blessings.” Indigo stops and really thinks about this one when life takes a sudden unexpected turn.

I was pleasantly surprised by Worth a Thousand Words. This story is honest, refreshing, revealing, intriguing, and it allows the reader to evaluate if they earnestly seek God for the decisions in their life or do they tell God how it’s going to go and seek His blessings on the plan they’ve come up with. You’ll want to read this story to discover how Stacy Hawkins Adams brings up this issue and many more inside this revealing book.

Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. 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”

Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Adams has an amazing ability to make the reader see a variety of perspectives without straying from Biblical truths. She doesn't always wrap things up in a tidy manner. I love that. I also love that every book Ms. Adams writes gets me thinking about people I know or situations I am familiar with and may even be struggling with myself. Her stories are solid and emotionally deep without being manipulative of the reader's feelings. They confront important decisions that young people need to make and challenge the reader to look at all angles.

I loved how this story dealt with the reasons why couples say yes to marriage when they should stop and evaluate where they are in life first. All angles are explored. I also love how the motivations of the heart come in to play here. Does real love give up something it wants for the betterment of the other person? What does that look like? Does healing mean that everything works out the way you want it to? Should you tell personal things that might hurt someone else when it's not your place to tell? How important is prayer in deciding when to speak and when to hold your tongue? What is most important to God in each situation? Should we allow ourselves to be defeated by doubt? What is the best way to make a decisions? What does God have to say on the subject?

All of those above questions come in to play in this story. Slowly (and throughout this story) my heart really connected with the characters and the lessons they learned. The conflict is believable and the drama is there but doesn't feel forced. Best of all, I enjoyed that this story was not predictable in any way. Each new issue that emerged surprised me. That's great plotting! I loved this story and the truths tucked within its pages. I highly recommend it.

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Worth a Thousand Words is the second book in Stacy Hawkins Adams' Jubilant Soul series. While The Someday List focused on a middle-aged married couple, Worth a Thousand Words is about Indigo, at whose college graduation party the story opens. At that party, her long-term boyfriend, who is about to join the navy, publically asks her to marry him. She loves him, but had planned to go to graduate school in New York.

She is in her hometown for the summer, working as a photography intern for the local paper. She loves her boyfriend, but isn't sure that she wants to marry him, at least at that time. She has health problems that summer which cause her to lose her internship, and her aunt, who owns a beauty shop, has a stroke, so she ends up spending the summer running the business end of the salon. She is trying to discern what to do with her fiancee, her schooling, her career. In the meantime, her fiancee is dealing with his own secrets. Telling you how it all worked out would be a spoiler, so I won't.

The book is Christian fiction, and it shows. It definitely preaches "trust God and He will work things out" and "pray and listen to God". It also strongly pushes Christian sexual morality.

Adams did a good job with her characters; they are complex people with many facets to their behavior and personality. However, she should have let them carry more of the story. There was too much narration, too much telling the reader what was going on rather than showing them-I'm not sure I'm explaining it right, but there was just something about the writing style that struck me as needing work, not quite there, but the characters themselves and the story were good.

[Melissa Diaz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I looked at the cover when I picked it up to read it and I thought to myself that it looked a lot like some of the Christian romance I've been known to read. And you know what? It was. And at the right time too! Not so much the romance, but the Christian.

Sometimes I feel a little overwhelmed by the "adult" language and situations that I come across every day, everywhere. It's nice to turn some of that off and indulge in just the story.

Worth a Thousand Words features Indigo Burns who is at the beginning of her career. She has just graduated with her bachelor's and is a summer away from beginning her master degree as a photographer. Her boyfriend Brian, soon to leave for Officer Candidate School with the Navy, has proposed and she has hesitatingly said yes. On top of her own personal dilemma, her family encounters crises that must be met with courage and grace.

Ms. Adams infuses her novel with a faith that is practical and beautiful. Her characters realistically approach their problems and, though it is a light book (it is a romance, after all) she does an excellent of not dismissing her character's problems in fluffy protestations of faith.



Favorite Quote:


"God can bind anyone in sisterhood, you know."


Overall Opinion:

This is a novel that knows what it is. It tackles romance, life and faith and does justice to all three.


Rating:

8

[Nardsbaby Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Word of God

In the second book in the Jubilant Soul Series readers meet now 22-year-old Indigo Burns. She is a recent college graduate with plans for graduate school in NYC while interning at the Herald newspaper in her hometown of Jubilant, TX. While feeling the effects of success, Indigo's life literally changes after accepting her long time boyfriend, Brian's, proposal. Is she really ready to be a wife?

Hesitant about marriage, Indigo was excited about working at the paper and the experience she would gain. Unfortunately, the Burns' family is dealt a serious blow as Melba, the wise and witty aunt, suffers a stroke. If that weren't difficult enough, Indigo is having issues at work. And younger sister, Yasmin, the model of the family, is experiencing her own growing pains. Can they continue to wait on the Lord to help them heal as a family?

I am absolutely enjoying this series. Stacy Hawkins Adams has written a series with a loving, god-fearing family that has real life issues. I really love the characters, the friendships, the love and the connection that the family has with one another. I like how the title, WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS, ties into the title and would strongly suggest this series to all.

[Britni · Rating 3 out of 5]

Worth a Thousand Words is a book I received from Tywebbins Blog Tours to review. It's a book about a mid-20s woman named Indigo that has everything going for her. She's got a partial scholarship to a visual arts school in NYC to pursue photography, a boyfriend who loves her, a wonderful family, and a strong faith. The book is about how she deals with things when that perfect world begins to fall apart piece by piece. How she learns to make decisions for herself rather than for other people, and how she learns to lean on God for help in making those decisions.

I thought the book was okay but nothing ground-breaking that I hadn't read a hundred times before. The writing was well edited and easy to follow, and the characters were well developed, but I didn't lose myself in the story like I have with other books. I won't give away the ending, but from about 100 pages in, I already knew what the ending would be, and it was exactly what I'd predicted. All problems were resolved, and Indigo found her niche in the world. I would recommend this book to anyone that likes a happy ending, a good wholesome novel, or a book written about faith that all things work out.

[Holly (2 Kids and Tired) · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Indigo's boyfriend, Brian, proposes marriage, she's not sure she's ready for it and knows it will interfere with her graduate school plans. His own life isn't as steady and sure as he would like, with uncertainty in his own future as he struggles with secrets of his own.

Indigo's desire has always been to become a professional photographer. When her life's plans seem derailed, she learns that she must let go and let God guide her life. Always easier said than done, Indigo finds the courage to face her uncertain future. I liked Indigo and her family. They are close and as they deal with some difficult issues, they do so together. Definitely Christian fiction as there are lots of life lessons and discussions about listening to God and trusting him guide one's life.

While it's the second book in the Jubilant Souls series, the book stands alone. You will find at least one unexpected twist, but as Stacy Hawkins Adams explores some difficult topics, she does so in a realistic, straight forward and non-offensive manner.

[Christy Trever · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worth a Thousand Words by Stacy Hawkins Adams is the second book in the Jubilant Soul series. This novel follows one summer in the life of Indigo Burns' (her elder sister Rachelle was featured in the first book) as gets ready for grad school to earn a Master's degree in photography and gets engaged to her longtime boyfriend, Brian. Her life is turned upside down by a health issue, an aunt's stroke, and pressure from her fiance to get married immediately despite her doubts. Indigo is a terrific character who readers will relate to as she tries to juggle romance with her dreams for the future. Her family is going through several crises that put her faith to the test as well. Adams bravely goes somewhere that most Christian fiction novels are afraid to go, and the way she addresses the issue may anger some readers. I think she handles it with tact and compassion which should be a model for Christians everywhere. I can't wait for the next book in the series!

[Katrina Burchett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Indigo Burns and Brian Harper dated three years in college. Brian asks Indigo to marry him and she says yes to his proposal. Then Brian goes off to Officer Candidate School so he can then move on to flight training school. Indigo's left in her hometown of Jubilant, Texas dealing with one issue after another and it begins to look like her life plan will have to be put on hold. Will she and Brian be able to work things out so Indigo will not have to give up on her dreams? Does Brian even care about her dreams? And why is he so eager to get Indigo to the alter in the first place?
This is Book Two in the Jubilant Soul series and it is a good read. Rachelle Covington and Aunt Melba are back and I like them; especially Aunt Melba. Things happened that I did not expect; some sad, some surprising. Serious issues were tackled and important lessons were taught.

[Mary M-b · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I was lucky enough to win this book from this website. When it came, I really wasn't sure what to expect. I hadn't heard of the author, and I was worried it would be too trite and cliched. I was absolutely blown away by this book. The more I read of it, the more I wanted to read, and the more deeply invested I felt in the characters lives.
The main character, Indigo, and her cast of supporting characters, are very well written. Through Adams's writing, I was able to get to know the characters, who suprised me at every turn. This book was not at all predictable, but instead it was beautiful and evoked great emotions in me. I look forward to reading more from Stacy Hawkins Adams in the future.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Indigo Burns and Brian Harper are in love with each other and they have big career plans. Indigo Burns aspires to become a professional photographer and plans to attend graduate school in NY after college. Brian Harper's ambition is a Navy pilot.

At Indigo's college graduation party, Brian proposes to her and she reluctantly accepts but she doesn't want to give up her dream and doesn't know how to tell him. He pushes her for a wedding date, wanting her to sacrifice her dreams, and he's harboring a secret.

Enlightening and inspiring, Worth a Thousand Words takes the reader on a journey of the characters sacrifices, the choices they make and how it will affect their lives and the ones they love.

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's hard to write a review for this book without giving away a major spoiler but suffice it to say that one of the reasons for Indigo and Brian's difficulties in making decisions regarding their relationship was unexpected. I've not personally known anyone having this issue so I can't say if it's realistic or not how the characters reacted.

While the book was a bit of a letdown due to the unexpected topic, I will be looking to read more of Adams' books. Overall I enjoyed the characters, the family relationships and the author's perspective on the compromises made when two individuals are heading toward becoming one couple.

[Benzette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great!! I received my free book on Tuesday and started it yesterday. Wonderful book. I can't wait until book 3 in Jubilant Soul book series. There has to be a book 3. The way the book ended it left me want to know more. I like the fact that it had twists in it that dealt with real life situations and not all of them ended perfect or with the perfect answer. This was a good read Stacy did a wonderful job with this book. I have read all of her books and I was fortunate to win this one from the goodreads competetion with revell books.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Indigo Burns, a recent college graduate is excited about her future. Summer internship and graduate school has Indigo on top of the world. Indigo’s boyfriend; Brian proposed which creates a setback in Indigo’s plans. Brian is headed off to the Navy and Indigo is headed to graduate school to become an awesome photographer. Indigo has to make some decisions about what she wants in life. Brian has a secret that he want to tell, but is afraid to tell Indigo. There are times when we will struggle, but we must give it to God!!!! Awesome job!!!

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth A Thousand Word, was quite an enjoyable read for me. It is filled with surprises, intrigue and is laced with a self and spiritual growth journey. Stacy Hawkins-Adams, characters are both intriguing and inspiring. Adams did a great job of dealing with life unexpected circumstances and the trying of ones faith in them. There were several times, I wanted to email Adams to inquire if she had ever met my family before. Her characters were just that believable.

~Vanessa

[Janiese Wesley]

First, I'll admit that this was my first time reading a, "Stacy Adams Hawkins," novel. It was simply divine, amazing, and refreshing.
Indigo Burns had a wonderful life, nice family, anand a promising future. When her boyfriend, "Brian proposed to her, she said yes. However, she wasn't ready to give up her dreams of becoming a Photographer.
As she goes through the summer, she finds out Gods plan for her life. I loved this book!

[Jessica Terry · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the overall positive message of this book; the struggles of the characters and how they overcome thier various trials and tribulations are very relatable and inspiring. Not to mention the goals and ambitions of Indigo, Brian, Shelby and even Yasmin were also very motivating; it made me want to rededicate myself to accomplishing my dreams. I dug the book.

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book and a quick read. Adams wonderfully depicts how a strong faith in God can allow a person to overcome serious life battles. However, this series compared to Adams previous series - which I love - has been a little preachy. I liked reading about photography, and the way Indigo uses her talent to touch other lives.

[Darlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the second book in the Jubilant Series and a very faith-based book. The central theme was: after praying and asking for an answer from God, listening to God to hear his answer/will. I loved the characters in the book and following them on their journey. This is an excellent read for anyone struggling to hear God's word in the midst of a trial.

[Sharon Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me crying tears of joy and sadness!

This author's book are life sermons without being too preachy. Indigo, Brian and her family and friends has some obstacles but with faith and trust in God they made it through!! After I read book 3, I will be purchasing other books by this author.

[Pamela Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very beautiful and touching book. I loved that there was so much love and compassion within the family which is a rarity seen today. The thought of working so hard for a dream and possibly seeing it all unravel is a lot for someone to have to deal with. But when you have faith even as small as a mustard seed makes all the difference.

[Leah Garcia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it but the whole homo-sexual thing really took me off guard and not sure how I feel about that..

[Danita Lawrence · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really great messages on marriage and ways to have a successful one. Nothing is done the quick and easy way. You have to be honest with yourself first and then the ones you love.