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It's All About Him: Finding the Love of My Life

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Alan and Denise Jackson's life seemed like a fairy high school sweethearts marry young and leave small-town Georgia to pursue big dreams in Music City. They pay their dues, work hard, weather deep disappointments. Then their dreams come true.

In fairy tales, the Jacksons' material success?plus their "perfect" marriage, their three beautiful daughters, and their supportive families?would have signaled a happily-ever-after ending.

But real life is different from fairy tales.

At the pinnacle of their success, the Jacksons separated. For Alan, musical renown fame, and wealth still did not make up for the marital problems the Jacksons had struggled with for years. And for Denise, building her life around Alan and riding the tide of his success had somehow left her hollow, unsure of just who she really was.

You don't have to be rich and famous to go through struggles like these. Sooner or later, we all come to the point when we relize that real joy and peace isn't just around the corner of the next achievement, the next relationship, the next new thing.

That's why Alan and Denise Jackson's story isn't just a great read and a dramatic, intimate look at the golden world of celebrity. It's a story of the greatest love of all, the love that will never let you go . . . and how to find it, no matter who you are, where you live, or what you've done.

"Denise's story is an inside perspective on the results of the ups and downs of fame. Her personal struggles with life's ordinary and extraordinary consequences, her passion to have a stronger marriage, and her desire to have a closer walk with God make for a truly inspiring life." ?Carrie Underwood, 2005 American Idol Winner, ACM & CMA Female Vocalist of the Year

244 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2007

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About the author

Denise Jackson

14 books23 followers
Denise Jackson is a former teacher and flight attendant who married country superstar Alan Jackson in 1979 at the age of 19. Denise is credited with getting Alan a recording contract after she met country legend Glen Campbell at an Atlanta airport. Denise and Alan separated after 18 years of marriage in 1997, but reconciled after four months. They are committed to their relationship and to their faith in God. They have three daughters and live outside of Nashville. Denise is also a cancer survivor.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 225 reviews
Profile Image for Ruth Hill.
1,115 reviews646 followers
December 23, 2011
I have been an Alan Jackson fan for several years now, but I honestly did not know a lot about him or his family. I had the supreme joy of seeing him in concert this past summer, and I was impressed. I really enjoyed it.

I heard about this book a couple years ago when I was listening to a country radio interview with Alan Jackson (it was shortly after the Tiger Woods scandal). I was totally shocked when I heard that he had cheated on his wife, and their marriage had survived it. I saved this book to my list.

I happened to win this book (I selected is as my winning book), and I finally had a chance to read it. And I was completely impressed! I knew that they were Christians, but suddenly a few things made sense. There is a portion of Alan Jackson's career that just doesn't really impress me, and his music seems so "worldly" during that time. I now understand why.

I was completely impressed with the way Denise told her story. She did not ever put her husband down. She even took responsibility for some of the issues in their marriage. She explained that when her husband became famous, they kind of forgot about God, and that is when the trouble started.

Her message in the book was simple but sincere. God can work through any situation. He is always faithful even when we are not. This book will strengthen your faith, and it can truly encourage you in the midst of your trials. It sure did for me!
Profile Image for Yulia.
343 reviews321 followers
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May 26, 2008
Thank god Denise used her faith to save her marriage when others without such commendable devotion and cunning would have simply admitted their partners had married for the wrong reason, outgrown its "use," or simply weren't invested in making something wrong work. If only I could manipulate others to stay with me when I'm just too afraid to be alone or unwilling to find someone else more compatible . . . I imagine Denise Jackson has made every struggle into one fabulous celebration and victory. Bravo!

Pardon my cynicism, but the basis of their marital reconciliation does repel me.
Profile Image for Sherry.
85 reviews196 followers
February 20, 2021
All the money in the world can’t buy true happiness. I loved Denise’s honesty and her ability to see what she truly needed to be the center of her life, her Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ.
314 reviews2 followers
January 2, 2011
Didn't like her til 3/4 through the book. Way too much about all the 'stuff' that she owns (typical cheerleader) Writing style very choppy. Could have left out the whole first chapter (where she listed all the houses, cars, jewelry, cloths that she has) Even when she joined the bible study group it was still all about her. The book should have been titled "It's All About Me".
24 reviews
January 13, 2012
Denise Jackson did a fantastic job with being so descriptive and detailed in her journey and how her faith helped her get through these problems in life that all of us could potentially face. She not only deals with the problems and effects of a stranded relationship but the normal everyday small choke-ups everyone of us might face or are already facing but subconsciously. Denise begins with explaining how the fame and fortune of living a celebrity life might not be the happiest or most fulfilling. She also speaks very honestly about her feelings and thoughts during the temporary separation with her husband. This very personal books gets readers thinking about their own relationships, it teaches us to treasure the ones we love and the relationships we have right now. She shared about how the people around us that we often forget about or take for granted could be taken away from our daily lives for many reasons but there are also a group of friends who will stick by and with you through anything at all. And also, to choose your friends wisely. I deeply enjoyed this and though marriage doesn't really apply to me right now, this woman of God taught me much about appreciating my relationship with family, friends and of course, Jesus, and how important the people around you are. Even if you're not a Christian, get it and be inspired to live and love.
Profile Image for Karin.
1,825 reviews33 followers
June 17, 2020
My husband knows of this singer, but I have to say that not being a huge country music listener, I hadn't hear of Alan Jackson before that I can remember, even though the song he wrote after 9/11 made it onto mainstream charts (but my kids were tiny, so I was oblivious to the music scene at that time), "Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)."

This book is co-written by his wife and an actually author; it's about their marriage, which I knew, but it turns out it is also about her journey back to her faith when he left her for a while. It's not brilliant, but it's interesting many times. There is a 2 song CD included in the hardcover edition I borrowed from the library, so I listened to one of those songs (not the 9/11 one) and realized that yes, he has talent.
Profile Image for Pat.
882 reviews
June 24, 2011
I was disappointed in this book. It wasn't as revelatory as I had hoped on either the personal level or about their life now. I was hoping for more on the celebrity lifestyle, frankly. The emphasis on religion was not my cup of tea, either.
Profile Image for Tess.
211 reviews1 follower
May 10, 2011
I pretty much devoured this book. Aside from being a huge country music fan since I was a little one, I'm also a huge God fan. Put that combination into a book, and it's a winner for me.

It was inspiring to read about Denise's journey through surrendering her marriage to the Lord, and allowing Him to step in and heal something that she could not even fathom could be restored. This book brings to light the ultimate, true purpose of why we are created, and whom we should be setting our eyes on day to day, whether the day is awesome or whether it is difficult. I appreciated Denise's revelations in coming to understand that in the brokenness of her marriage, she was able to comprehend that to heal, she had to find her identify in Christ, and in Christ alone. This element was essential to her healing, and ultimately in her forgiveness. Her writings on forgiveness were spot on, as she describes that through our prayers, we can imitate Christ's example to forgive our fellow brothers and sisters, as our Father forgives a wealth of our sins miles wide. The intimacy she discovered in her relationship with Jesus was the foundation to her moving forward, and what allowed her to maintain who she was as a wife in a God-centered marriage. I cried at her description of the passing of her Daddy and how her Mother sat by his side whispering how much she appreciated and loved him, as it reminded me so much of what I experienced with my Grandma recently as she passed away peacefully with my Grandpa by her side. That the ending of one's life brings forward the preciousness and greatness of all things truly important in life, shadowing over emotions of resentment, anger, or miniscule negative feelings. That the ending of one's life is truly the beginning of a beautiful, infinite love story with our Savior that we all have the freedom to experience, if we accept it.

This is a tender, precious love story-- one that I will look forward to reading again and again.
Profile Image for Ash Wilson.
111 reviews5 followers
October 21, 2017
I am a HUGE Alan Jackson fan! I love, Love, LOVE his music! I love everything I’ve ever heard him say about his family. I have loved Denise in everything I have ever seen and heard of her. I love how brutally open and honest they have been about their lives, the struggles within their marriage and their spiritual strength and deep rooted faith in our Lord.

But sadly, this book just disappointed me. And I can’t even exactly pinpoint why.

I loved some of the stories, writing, and advice, but then some of it, (especially in the second half of the book), came off as really preachy to me, which I did not care for.

And there were parts where I felt Denise came off as very snobby and full of herself such as when she talked about her house keepers, bragged about her fancy lifestyle and material items or her need to always look fabulous on the outside and have her hair done up perfectly and what not. I was really surprised at how I ended the book feeling negatively toward Denise.

I don’t know. Maybe I just came into it with my expectations set too high because I am such a big fan of Alan’s music & had always felt so positively about public pieces Alan and Denise had shared over the years regarding their private lives, but this book just did not really click for me and I am really bummed about that.
Profile Image for Bethany.
267 reviews
March 16, 2018
I enjoyed this book, even though I felt like the author could've gone into a lot more depth on some subjects. (Her brother's suicide clearly changed the trajectory of her life, but he is only mentioned twice throughout the book). It isn't some dishy celeb bio about Alan Jackson and his troubled marriage. It is, however, a sincere look at her life from the wife of a man who is in the spotlight. Denise writes about her life growing up in a small town, meeting Alan, and their marriage at a young age. These things affected her perception of what their marriage should be like and her attitude toward marriage in general. As tragedy struck, her heart was opened toward living a God-centered life with her husband.
This book was grounded and real. Denise takes responsibility for at least some of the issues in her marriage, but also doesn't let Alan off the hook either. Now, they both play an active role in sustaining their marriage through faith. This is an affirmative read, one that makes me wish she had delved a little deeper. The writing was just a bit too simple. Although her issues are not the same as mine in my marriage, it inspires me to try to focus on God as the creator and sustainer of marriage.
Profile Image for Keasmea.
19 reviews5 followers
May 13, 2008
Alan Jackson is one of my favorite country singers (and Troy's too). But when I found out he cheated on his wife, I then thought he sucked and all his songs started sounding hypocritical. But his wife tells about their tough times--postpartum depression, being poor, the onset of fame, and their separation. She explains how her relationship with JC and HF was how everything got fixed. It's pretty Bible thumping--she's from the south and is from the whole baptist thing. She even gives little tid bits behind some of Alan's hits. Needless to say, I realized he wasn't a hypocrite but that his songs actually were very honest about his life/marriage and the different phases his life/marriage were in at the time he wrote certain songs. His wife also gives wonderful inspiration to better your relationship with JC and HF, including some great journal tips that I think I'll try.

You can finish reading this in a day or two...very easy reading.
Profile Image for Brenda.
1,538 reviews
August 3, 2020
Not a tell-all about a celebrity but a story of getting her life back on rack though her Christian faith.

Denise Jackson (maiden name Jackson!) met Alan Jackson while in high school in their hometown 40 miles outside of Atlanta Georgia. Alan was a hard working young man and she was the perfect example of the All American girl - head cheerleader, valedictorian, both raised in their local churches. They marry young and start a family before Alan makes it big in Country Music.

Wealth and fame really don't buy joy and peace. Denise looses herself in being Alan's wife and the mother of 3 young daughters. She has no opinions of her own. She hits bottom when Alan leaves her. Denise finds herself drawn back to her faith where she finds support in learning to grow in God. Alan still loves her as she does him and they work together to put their marriage back together with Jesus as their center.

Some very helpful insights into being an adult Christian.

A very quick read.

Profile Image for Melissa.
26 reviews3 followers
February 19, 2008
I wanted to read this book because I knew that Denise Jackson had lost a brother to suicide. I thought that it may help me some. Well, she did lose her older brother to suicide, but that only took up about half a chapter. Even though it wasn't what i expected, I found it Very inspirering, funny, easy to read, and relative to my life as well. While suicide was not a major topic in the book, I found great inspiration in Denise's story. It is the story of her relationship/marriage with Alan Jackson, but more than that it was about her finding a VERY POWERFUL relationship with God. In her title "It's All About Him, The Love of My Life", she is of course speaking about it all being about Christ Jesus (her/our Saviour)and how she came to know Him again and build a Wonderful relationship with Him. Which in the end, saved her marriage and her family.
Profile Image for Nancy S.
795 reviews2 followers
April 18, 2012
Wonderful Book! I laughed, I cried and I cheered for this amazing woman who was telling her very personal story of not only her private life, but her journey with God.

I admired the fact that these two were able to put their marriage back together after their much publicized separation almost a decade ago. But, this book provided me with a new appreciation for the woman "behind" the man. I'm glad that Alan realized, before it was too late, what a prize he had.

Although this book is largely about God, it is not presented in a heavy
handed or difficult to follow way. By sharing her personal story as
she has, Denise allows those of us that are searching for the kind
of peace she has found with God, to at least chart a path on our
own journey.

I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Brenda.
21 reviews1 follower
October 29, 2011
I don't even know who Alan Jackson is, but needed something to read while my daughter had a medical procedure so I grabbed it as I went out the door. I thought it was excellent. I really did not expect to like this book so much, just knew it would be a quick read, which it was. I read the whole thing while my daughter got a myelogram. I found it highly inspirational and I am planning to reread it soon. It is a book about Denise Jackson's walk with Christ and all I can think to say is that it spoke to me.
Profile Image for Latisha’s Low-key Life.
515 reviews17 followers
April 6, 2022
Ⓑⓞⓞⓚ Ⓡⓔⓥⓘⓔⓦ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

𝑰𝒕’𝒔 𝑨𝒍𝒍 𝑨𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝑯𝒊𝒎
Diane Jackson
Religious Biography
239 Pages

Sʜᴏᴿᴛ Sʏɴᴏᴘsɪs

Diane tells the story of her relationship with her husband, Alan Jackson. She talks of their ups and downs and how religion helped them through both.

Mʸ Tᴴᴼᵁᴳᴴᵀs

I have had my eye on It’s All about Him for years. I finally read it.

I liked the religious aspect strung throughout the story. Diane went to church while growing up but as her life became busier, she got away from it. During a dire time, she came back to her religious roots finding her relationship with the Lord growing. This began with an invitation to a women’s prayer group. She’s found her place and made some amazing friends.

I like that she was honest and wrote about Alan’s infidelity without going into detail. She also brought her shortcomings to the table.

God saved her marriage and brought her family back together.

~Read more sparkly reviews at Latishaslowkeylife.com
147 reviews
June 30, 2018
An inspiring book which spoke directly to my heart. I laughed, I shed many tears and I identified so strongly with Denise in her "life in the spotlight."

I highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Denise.
155 reviews2 followers
July 18, 2015
The back cover says it all -- "An all-access look into one of country music's most famous marriages." Denise Jackson tells her gripping story of how her marriage fell apart and how they managed to put it back together - one piece at a time!

This is an amazing and inspiring story about Denise & Allen Jackson, how to fight & work hard for something & in the end achieve the greatest love of all. Their bond of faith, not only with friends & family, but their strength together as a couple leaves me in awe. Their desire and passion of how they grew, learned about themselves and each other and their faith made for a true uplifting story. I have the upmost praise and respect for Denise and her faith supporters. I cherish 2 of her prayers, taken from a book, "The Power of a Praying Wife," that touched my heart and incorporated them into my own prayers from time to time. Thanks to mama Jackson for requesting a gospel cd called, "Precious Memories," it's a treasure!
33 reviews21 followers
February 29, 2008
When I was a young 21-year-old coffee shop waitress earning college tuition money during the summer, I happened to wait on Alan Jackson, although I didn't know that's who it was until someone told me. He was the most generous, nicest, non-celebrity-acting celebrity I've come across (not that I've rubbed shoulders with that many). I saw this book on the way out of the library and decided to check it out. I'm intrigued by the southern lifestyle (they're both from a little town called Newnan, Georgia) and the different ways they refer to God and Jesus. I thought it would be a nice little story about a high school romance and their path from rags to riches, which it does cover. But it's written by his wife so it details her transformation from insecurity to becoming a confident woman she never knew was there.
Profile Image for Bob.
101 reviews11 followers
July 30, 2008
An engaging memoir by Denise Jackson, wife of country musician Alan Jackson. Though I'm not a Christian, I could understand the usefulness of surrending to Christ in the sense of the old saying about the serenity to accept the things one can't change. And by letting go of what she couldn't control she was better able to take control of decisions she had abdicated to her husband, like her preferences in furniture and so forth. By giving up on what she couldn't control, she became reacquainted with her own identity, and in so doing, got back some of what she risked losing, including her marriage. Not a bad story; worth the time it took to read it.
Profile Image for Kimberly.
983 reviews107 followers
February 13, 2009
I started this book late one night and finally made myself put it down around 2:30 am. I couldn't wait to finish it the very next day. Denise was very open and honest as she described the many ups and downs she has encountered in her life and relationship with country star Alan Jackson. It was like sitting on the front porch swing with a good friend as she talked about her life. I admire the Jacksons for making the commitment to restore their marriage by putting Him first. This truly was a inspiring story that I will pass long to my family and friends.
Profile Image for Sara.
8 reviews1 follower
Read
January 22, 2008
I read this book thinking - ok this is going to be a fluff piece, a quick read. However it was interesting in the fact that Denise Jackson was very real about her relationship with her husband and also her journey with Christ. It wasn't some b.s. "you are going to start glowing and see angels ..blah, blah blah..." It was a nice reality and down to earth.
Anyway it helped me through a really rough time this past summer and clarified a lot for me. But for a light religous read I would recommend.
Profile Image for Cami.
185 reviews11 followers
January 31, 2018
Alan Jackson is one of my favorite Country artists in this day and age. He has always stayed true to his music and the genre. So it was very interesting to hear about how he started out and his relationship with his wife and kids. They have been so much, it’s refreshing to hear they’ve worked through it all especially for myself that just got married. I would encourage those struggling in their relationship to give this a read as it tells the tale that you truly need to put God first before anything. And that good things will come!
Profile Image for Melissa.
34 reviews3 followers
February 3, 2008
An incredible story about faith and relationships, love and loss, hope and forgiveness, written by country music star Alan Jackson's wife Denise. Amy Marks sent this to me and I would definately recommend that anyone who is female, and in a long-term relationship, read this book. It's not just a true story, but it will help you with your faith life also! You won't be able to put this one down either!
Profile Image for Desiree.
158 reviews
February 1, 2008
Husband got this from the library, so I took a day and read it - it's a very quick read and it kept my interest. Enjoyed the story of Alan and his wife. It was interesting to hear how their marriage began and how they survived before he made his big break into country music. I'm not all that religious, so the religious parts of the book really didn't resonate with me. I'm sure that if you are more into bible studies, etc., you may feel more moved by the book.
Profile Image for Lia.
72 reviews
July 8, 2008
Okay, no one mock me, but I liked this book. Debbie Allen lent this one to me and asked me to read it. It's a book written from Denise Jackson's point of view about her life and her discovery of her relationship with our Savior. Why did I like it? I enjoy finding truth where ever it's found and I found a lot of it here. She tells it strait. (Denise is the wife of Country singer Alan Jackson)
Profile Image for Kimberly.
13 reviews3 followers
June 20, 2009
"When everything is going well, we often can't hear God, because the music all around us is turned up too loud. But when the party stops-in those moments of crashing pain, sorrow, and sudden silence- we begin to hear His voice. I've learned that if I listen and lean on His strength, He can help me climb out of the wreckage. As I do, I have new perspectives about what is precious and what is truly important."
Displaying 1 - 30 of 225 reviews

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