The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Decked Out

The Yada Yada Prayer Group #7

by Neta Jackson

From Thanksgiving and Christmas to rolling in the New Year, the Yada Yadas are "decked out" to celebrate the holidays! Turkey dinners, tree trimming, and decking the halls--it's that time of year again! And I, Jodi Baxter, can't wait to celebrate. My kids are coming home for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and then all of us Yadas are getting decked out for a big New Year's party. But God's idea of "decked out" might just change the nature of our party plans. A perplexing encounter with a former student, a crime that literally knocks me off my feet, a hurry-up wedding, and a child who will forever change our family...it's times like these that I really need my prayer sisters. This holiday season, we Yada Yadas are learning that no one can out-celebrate God. So let's get this party started!

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian, Fiction, Contemporary, Chick Lit, Inspirational, Novels

247 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2007

Reviews

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5★ And that’s the end of the series! It was a lovely end, although I’d still love to know more about the women’s stories. I think I might give it a little break, but continue on at some point with either the SouledOut Sisters series or the House of Hope series , or both!

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

(books 1-7) * This books is #7
a. Excellent series of Jodie and her prayer group consisting of Adele, Edesa, Flo, Yo-Yo, Avis, Ruth, Leslie (Stu) Stuart, Delores, Hoshi, Nony, Chanda and Becky Wallace (Do I have all the names?)
b. We meet many other characters along the way including Jodie’s husband Denny and their 2 teenagers, Josh and Amanda and the families of the other Yada-Yadas.
c. There’s a fatal accident, a robbery, a shooting, as well as love and laughter, and many other goings-on in this series. These people are from all walks of life and nationalities. It doesn’t take long before the reader feels a part of their lives and longs for a group of friends like this.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last book of the Yada Yada Prayer Group series & it was one of the best! It seemed to be a closure to all of the books & ended well. I felt like part of all the "sisters". I will miss reading them & wish Neta Jackson would pick back up & start writing more of them! They were an inspiration in my life to read...enjoyed the scripture reading in each book. "Thank ya Jesus!" As one sister would also shout out....you will truly be missed!

[Carla Still · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful series!!! Very inspiring! This last book in the series read very fast in just a few days. Yada Yada (women) and Bada Boom (men) groups should be everywhere. I'm looking forward to reading the author's next series with some of the same characters.

[Melissa (Semi Hiatus Until After the Holidays) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sad to see this series come to an end. This one is excellent with themes of forgiveness throughout.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

How can something that is such fun to read, be so inspiring and spiritually challenging? This is the last of the Yada-yadas. I'm glad I read them.

[Bianca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally a Christian book that it's not based on romantic love- this book series is about friendship, prayer and culture. This is book that can challenge you in your walk with God, including your prayer life but thankfully it's done in a friendly, relatable kind of way.
How it saddened me that this series has ended, felt like leaving good friends forever but thankfully it's not exactly so as the author uses some of these characters in other books.

[Abbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to admit, this series is a secret pleasure of mine. They are easier-than-pie to read (take you 2 days tops) but are pretty hilarious if you are "in" on the Christianese lingo and have experienced some of the similar trials and tribulations the women in the plot have. The entire premise of the series revolves around the main character, Jodi Baxter, a Christian wife and mother of two teenagers who is talked into attending a women's conference by her boss. Jodi, a quiet, yet "soccer mom" type doesn't reall look forward to the conference and is uncomfortable when she is put in a group of 12 other women who aren't like her (aka--NORMAL people). Two of the women are ex-cons, one is a Japanese-American college student, one is from Jamaica, another from Honduras, there are two struggling mothers from inner city Chicago, etc etc. Jodi immediately judges these women due to their backgrounds but realizes they have far greater faith than she does--and ends up realizing that her own life pales in comparison to theirs. She inevitably makes a great group of "sisters" and they vow to continue to meet once a month (they all live in Chicagoland). The rest of the series details their monthly meetings, trials, blessings, prayers, and intimate lives. Though it may sound cheesy--I love 'em. They are my easy,light, fun reads when I need a pick-me-up.

[Catherine Noordenbos · Rating 3 out of 5]

This last book was so short... it could've been tacked on to the end of book 6 and been a long book. Oh well.

Overall, I loved most of the characters and how the plot lines in each story unfolded. I've learned a few things about prayer and how I want to pray. I also loved the setting. I grew up on the North Shore and loved the familiar references like Osco, Lakeshore Drive, and especially Ron's of Japan, where we used to eat on very special occasions.

That being said... I thought the main character was awful. Jodi was so self-involved (OK, maybe this was supposed to be metaphorical for the human race??) She was not a good example of a godly wife. She seemed to be so at odds with Denny, and it didn't feel like she respected him much. That isn't a good example for young wives these days who struggle starting out. I didn't feel like she respected her kids either, and she was so inconsistent with them. She drove me nuts as a main character.

All that aside, like I said, I did learn a lot about prayer and the story lines were good. Definitely worth reading these books.

[Lynda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was sorry to realize this was the end of the yada yada prayer group novels but the book culminates in a Christmas celebration summing up all of the threads spun out in the seven books. To tell much of the story would spoil it but a Christmas wedding and yada yada celebration for the new year enable the author to tie up all the plot lines but also enable Jodi to articulate what she and the readers have learned about faith and God's plans for mankind. Two years have passed since the last book. Josh and Edesa are completing their education and working in the rebuilt Manna House when they befriend a young drug addict who shows up on the doorstep with a baby. Amanda and Jose are now in college but return for the festivities. Nony and her family return from South Africa with unexpected news as does Hoshi from Japan. All in all this is a happy ending for the series but bring along kleenex.

[Moses · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was, as expected, awful. I read it on a bet, and I couldn't expect more. It was incoherent, mildly depressing, and haphazardly written. The protagonist is too awful to be believed, and her sordid, improbably life story is not what I want to read about. Why two stars then, you ask? It could have been worse. It has basically sound theology (If God is your copilot, move over) and it could have been alot longer. I recommend it to women over 35 and anyone willing to endure this torturous slog through the underworld of a 2-dimensional women's shelter in inner-city Chicago...

[Larisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although the final novella in the series is slimmer than its chunky predecessors, in THE YADA YADA PRAYER GROUP GETS DECKED OUT, author Neta Jackson again offers a thought-provoking story with a wonderful mix of sister friends that have spanned seven books.

Jackson has done a terrific job allowing these characters to grow in realistic ways while bringing up tough topics for them. There are many lessons about God's love and how he works all things for good for those who love and believe in Him.

The Yada Yads learned that NO ONE can out-celebrate God!!

[Ivoree Malcom · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, this was the last book of the series. & I have to say that I don't feel like it went out with a bang. I would have loved to got more in depth to other members of Yada Yada. & I really didn't expect for the homeless mother to die & will her daughter to Edessa. Some crazy stuff. I am happy for Becky Wallace though. She got her Andy back & moved out. Even though Jodie delivering her boxes got her robbed. But, in the end Hakim came back to her & his mother forgave her. I absolutely loved the Watch Night service. & I loved Josh & Edessa's wedding. I am just sad to see the series end

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

My parents have been part of a multi-ethnic church and community for many years. I enjoyed the first Yada Yada Prayer Group book because the interactions between the characters mirrored some of the things my parents did.

I'm glad I finished the series, but this book was a disappointment. The characters seemed to get flatter as the series went on, and there was really nothing new in this last book. I'm sorry that the series ended so poorly because the series had so much potential.

[Jennifer Alexander Reynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the first book in this series. It made we want to continue being part of these ladies lives. Unfortunately, the library only had the Book 7 on the shelves so a lot of time and events had taken place in their lives. Neta Jackson is a great writer because she gave a little back story which got me caught up. I love Jodie's character. She is so real and compassionate. I will continue reading this series when the other books become available.

[Dani]

I read this final book in the Yada Yada Prayer Group series only because I have trouble dropping a series in the middle. The book wasn't bad, but it wasn't really necessary since there weren't any unfinished plot lines. This installment felt like a reunion special with the cast of your favorite childhood show; you want to spend more time with your favorite characters, but it isn't the best writing of the series.

[Loretta · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series was a really good one for me to read. Unfortunately I could identify with "Jodie" way too much. It was interesting to read the multi-cultural differences both in lifestyle, traditions and religion but the emphasis on prayer throughout the whole series was both inspiring, motivating and encouraging to read. I started this series after a friend recommended it. So glad that she recommended it and that I finished the series. Well worth my time!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

And with this book, we say "so long" to our dear Yada Yada sisters. No more guessing of the feet on the book cover, no more YadaYada drama; yet, we know each character be with us in our hearts where ever we may be. The sisters, particularly Jodi, learn such within this book, and enjoy each other as a group one more time. I also liked the recipes at the end, especially the latkes (though, I tossed in a bit of sausage...sorry Ruth--hehehe).

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I couldn't get in to this book, but it wasn't all bad. Some things felt contrived to me, however, and so I'm not finishing it. Also, the reminiscing bugged me. I didn't feel like part of the action when the author did that. There were some touching scenes but having not read any of the other books in the series, this was wasted time for me.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book but there were a lot of gaps that could've been addressed. I don't know if the author just wanted to wrap up the series and didn't want to go into details but some of the major changes that happened in some of the character's lives or if she didn't think it necessary. But I would've liked more information.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, I finished the Yada Yada Prayer Group Series . . . it touched my life . . . the characters were so well developed that I know I will miss them! I hear Neta Jackson has a new series coming Soul Sisters??? not sure . . . but anyway, I also finished the House of Hope series . . . started the Harry Bentley series . . . can't get enough of the Neta and Dave Jackson author team!!

[Elisabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only negative thing I have to say about this book is that it is the last yada yada book. I haven't been able to get enough of the yada yada sisters! I'm so thankful for the reminder these books give about the importance of living in community. Looking forward to reading more of Neta Jackson's work, but I will deeply miss this series (that is when I'm not re-reading them)!

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful conclusion for this thought-provoking series. I would love to read this series again along with a book club & actually spend time discussing the study questions at the end of each one. This novella, in particular, inspired me to develop meaningful traditions for my family celebrations as a way to pass down a legacy of faith. Yes, I'll miss these crazy ladies!

[Libby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have just loved this whole series of 7 books. The characters have become friends!

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[Elly Knaggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so glad that I came across this series. I enjoyed watching Jodi go through the process of learning to pray and how she became closer to God and her sisters through all the bumps in the path. This series helped me to look at prayer through another perspective and forgiveness as well. I'm sad that it's over, but happy that it happened.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good - but I wish she didn't spend so much time "catching readers up" on the characters. By the time she gets to new material the book is almost over. A good resolution -- but as the last she should have designed it for fan only -- or been more subtle at reviewing past events/characters

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this as much as I did the other 6. Very light reading. Really identified with Jodi - she thinks she is a 'normal' Christian - then realizes that she is just playing religion. She learns thru life's challengese to truly trust in Christ and to look for Christ in all situations.

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this every bit as much as the first five in the series of seven. I identify with the main character, so I think I was more interested in how the story came out. It reminds me to rely on the still small voice and nudges I get from God when I am open to it.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had never read a Yada Yada book before... so to read this as my first was probably a mistake... none the less it was a good read. I love stories about differnet woman coming together and how all their lives blend and how they are there for each other.

[Maria Elmvang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taking place two years after book 6, everybody has grown up some in this book. I missed reading as much about Amanda, but on the other hand loved the Josh plot-line! I'm going to miss these characters.

A truly wonderful series, that's touched my heart.