Finding Jeena

by Miralee Ferrell

Jeena Gregory’s new job promised big things―new clothes, new townhouse, new car, new furniture. . . in short, a new life. But when rumors around town cast her boss in a shady light, Jeena starts questioning her employer’s integrity. Still, the money is good and his ethics aren’t her concern. Right? Wrong. The rumors are just the beginning. Jeena’s boss disappears just when hush-hush phone calls, unpaid salaries, and piles of bills attract the attention of federal authorities. Then, Jeena’s carefully crafted world begins to crumble and her struggle with alcohol rears its ugly head. Shaken to the core as she faces financial and emotional ruin, Jeena is confronted with her prejudices―and with a God she had long forgotten.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Inspirational, Contemporary, Christian, Fiction

304 pages, Paperback

First published April 30, 2010

About the author

Miralee Ferrell and her husband, Allen, live on eleven acres in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge in southern Washington State, where they love to garden, play with their dogs, take walks, and visit their grown children. She is also able to combine two other passions—horseback riding and spending time with her married daughter—since she lives nearby--and they often ride together on the wooded trails near their home.

Ironically, Miralee, now the author of over twenty books, with many more on the way, never had a burning desire to write—at least more than her own memoirs for her children. So she was shocked when God called her to start writing after she turned fifty. To Miralee, writing is a ministry that she hopes will impact hearts, and she anticipates how God will use each of her books to bless and change lives.

Reviews

[Christy Stewart · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm reading the smallest violin.

[Susan Hollaway · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jeena Gregory fought to get beyond her painful past. She’d finally made it – or so she thought. She took a lot for granted when she landed her new job. In order to help cope with some unexpected changes in her life, she focused on her too good to be true new job and spent money past the generous bonus she’d received. She thought she was happy with her life and was oblivious to whom she’d really become. In fact, she thought she was on the fast track to becoming famous in the design world.

A few things about her new boss and their office seemed unusual, but she shoved those thoughts aside, enamored with the opportunities her new job might bring her. Until the day came when life as she knew it changed forever. She soon realized her so-called friends were really into her status and money. Just when she thinks her life can get no worse, she ends up in a place she turned her snobbish nose up at a mere few months earlier.

Will she learn to trust God who she’s turned away from for so many years? How could He love her when she thought He didn’t love her enough to stop the pain she endured as a child? She couldn’t fathom why God would ever decide to hear her prayers when He ignored her all those year ago. She rarely feared much; men were the only thing that could hurt you --especially Christian men. She had no use for them or their God.

Jeena learns that God gives us free will to make choices, and sometimes those choices land us in situations that are difficult to escape from. Will Jeena ever trust God? What other surprises will she find? And will the last place on earth she thought she’d ever find herself turn out to be the best place to help her find God again and the meaning of true friendship?

This is the first book by Miralee Ferrell that I’ve read, but it won’t be my last. She told the story of Jeena beautifully and was truly able to convey her feelings of pain to the reader. There were many lessons in this book. You can either live for God or apart from God, but there’s no in between. Miralee leaves the reader with the wonderful message of God’s love and how He can transform your life. You just have to be willing to let Him.

I enjoyed reading this book and recommend it. It would be an excellent book to give to someone who’s struggling or doesn’t see a need for God in their life.

Congratulations, Miralee, on a job well done. May God continue to bless your writing ministry as you share His love and the message of salvation through Jesus Christ in your writing.

[Patty LeBlanc · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this novel, though I am begrudgingly writing this review, not for lack of good storyline but for fear of what I may reveal of my own not so pretty character. This novel came too close to home on so many levels and reached into my heart to make me take a look at myself that I didn't really want to see or even believe was there. Jeena is a lot like me and we have a similar story. Jeena grew up not having much and therefore strived to achieve the best for herself. In doing so, she tried to forget what and who she was before and put herself higher than she was. What was most important to her was herself. When Jeena found herself in a situation she could never have imagined, she found out about her own true character and did not like what she saw. As I said before, this is what "Finding Jeena" has done for me. I see a lot of the attitudes that Jeena had reflected in myself. I think when you see certain things in another person you may not always see them in yourself until they are pointed out to you. This novel has become one of my favorites because I do believe that it has impacted my life. I hope to make some changes in my life with the help of God guiding me to be a better person and look at people the way he sees them. I would highly recommend this book to anyone because I believe it can speak to just about any person who reads it. The storyline was heartfelt and engaging. It drew me into the story and gave me a dose of reality that was much needed. Funny how God works sometimes isn't it?

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book because, to be honest, it was entirely different from what I had expected. Having read The Other Daughter, I assumed this story would follow up with Jeena and Suzanne’s relationship, with Suzanne being the changing influence in Jeena’s life. As it turned out, Suzanne plays a very minor part in this story.

The story takes the reader on a journey with her character from the pinnacle of success to the valley of despair. The people who touch Jeena’s life, from her sweet, loving grandmother to the innocent and accepting little girl, Kirsten, all help her down a path that leads to the ultimate goal of renewal and redemption.

I found the plot to be well written and a reminder that we don’t realize how fortunate we are until we lose the things we think are most important to us. The author conveys the message that once we are stripped of our material possessions, we discover it is relationship with family, friends, and most important, God, that truly defines who we are.

Miralee Ferrell is an author who clearly proclaims the message of God’s guidance and desire for redemption for all of His children. She reveals that message through stories that entertain and enlighten her readers.

[Melissa (So Behind) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a sweet story of a woman who gets into some bad circumstances and has to find her way out. Nice tale of redemption and grace.

[Lauren]

I won this book! Can't wait to read it!

[Edward Arrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story and appreciated the lessons. Many people seem to think that they can live as they please, profess to be Christians, and what they do affects no one else. Quite untrue, particularly with our children. Jeena had a miserable childhood because of a father who spouted religion while constantly mistreating his wife and daughter. Consequently, she grew up and wanted nothing to do with Christianity. She still maintained certain standards because she had a dear Grammie who loved the Lord and tried to help Jeena see the truth. Like so many who have a relatively safe, predictable, comfortable life, she had a judgmental attitude towards those who were down on their luck. Interestingly enough, we often hear a lot about the prejudices those who have plenty hold toward the have-nots, but we seldom hear anyone mention the prejudices of the have-nots. Jeena had the opportunity to see both sides of that coin. The author brings out some wonderful truths in this beautiful story of a woman who appears to have it all but suddenly faces the possibility of having nothing. As the story unfolds, it becomes increasingly clear she has placed her faith in all the wrong things, even to the point she feels there is no one she can trust. Will she learn to place her faith in the only One who can heal her past and make her future promising?

[Doris Bernethy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. The author has done an outstanding job depicting how fleeting success can be and how quickly one can go from seemingly having it all to practically nothing. Jeena is very successful young lady with a high-paying job, BMW, and beautiful condo. Then her boss lands in trouble for embezzling, and her world falls apart. She has no job and the IRS has frozen her accounts because of her connection to her former boss. Within a short time, she has no job, no car, and no place to live, and eventually ends up at a women's shelter--the same one where she had formerly donated some of her cast-off designer clothes! Jeena has a lot of growing to do and meets some remarkable people along her journey. I highly recommend this book.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, though there were some hard parts to read. It's rare to see a character arc so very clearly defined. Jeena starts out being very snobbish and judgemental, but circumstances (both in and beyond her control) conspire in such a way that she is forced to confront her own prejudices and fears.
Without spoiling what happens, there were some minor characters that I really liked as well, and some scenes at the end that had me cheering for Jeena's transformation.
4.5 stars

[Linda Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read!

This book captured my attention and my emotions. The character Jeena was true to life of just how quickly a person can become homeless and what that means. I found myself loving her Grammy...The only thing i can say negative about this book is that it leaves you wanting more! I'm kinda sad to be finished with it...but maybe there will be another book???

[Nora St Laurent · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had read and enjoyed The Other Daughter and looked forward to getting the review copy of Finding Jeena and to learn more about Jeena’s story. Jeena Gregory is a woman on a mission to be successful at what she does and live the good life. Jeena lands a job that’s almost too good to be true. Her new job with 'Browning and Thayer' promised big things, and she intended to explore all her opportunities. She’d start her new life with a few new clothes, new townhouse, new car, and new furniture to start with. Jeena heard talk in the office that put a hole in her perfect job, and put her new boss in an unfavorable light, but she sets aside her uncomfortable feelings…she wanted to keep this job, her bosses principles weren’t her concern.

Soon, Jeena’s world turns upside-down. She doesn’t get paid, she hears money is missing from the company and the investors are making trouble. Then her boss vanishes leaving his partners to take the fall, along with anyone else associated with the company. She’s only been with them three months. How could they go after her? She’d soon find out.


With no money coming in and no way to pay her bills or eat Jeena looks at life in a whole new light, seeking ways to survive. Jeena starts to see the world around her with new eyes. Miralee captures the essence of our society today. People are out of work unexpectedly. These are people who have worked hard all of their lives, they’ve had good jobs for a long time, and they live in nice homes and have a pretty good savings. It’s staggering when they find themselves in food lines and no place to live! How did their lives end up like this? They have just become one of “those” people, the ones they used to judge!

Miralee captures the readers’ heart through her believable characters and gives hope in what seems to be a hopeless situation! God can do more than we can even imagine through us, if we let Him be in the driver's seat of our lives. Jeena realized all to well that people are far more complex, God loved us all, right were we are at and His ways are definitely not our ways. There is a battle for the heart and soul of people. God gives us all a choice of who we will serve.

This book will touch your heart and lifel. Miralee shows Jesus is alive and well and moving in the lives of those who let Him. He can move in our life, love us and fill the hole in our heart like nothing else will. Will you give Him the driver's seat of your life? It’s a question Miralee’s character face. Thanks Miralee for this hopeful story and a look at situations we don’t normally talk about!

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

[Jo · Rating 2 out of 5]

Two problems with me reading this book:
1) God-books make me uncomfortable. This has more to do with me than with the novel. Too often, I feel that the author of books like this is trying to convince me of something that I don't feel is any of their business. Maybe this is a flaw in my perception of religion, but it's just too much like unsolicited advice. Am I alone in this?
2) The prose didn't feel right. I can't quite put my finger on it, but there was something a little unrefined? and maybe childish? about how Ferrell put words together. Conversations rarely felt genuine to me; and the actions characters were taking didn't always fit the way that conversation was going. I think during these scenes, sentences shrunk and made everything feel abrupt and sudden. Other scenes, where Jeena's alone and Ferrell's describing her surroundings and inner monologue, flow more smoothly and struck me as awkward or robotic less often; but when she starts talking with someone else, it all starts to go downhill. I'm not sure I could correct it as an editor or write it better as an author (I'm neither, just so we're all clear), but I found it rather off-putting all the same.

Working in this novel's favor: I definitely appreciate that Ferrell attempted to confront not only the prejudices of others, but some of her own prejudices as well as she wrote Finding Jeena. Her author's note discusses how we can't know a person's circumstances from looking at them, though we often act as if we do.

So. Will I read a book by Ferrell again? Not intentionally, but it isn't like she's on my s**t-list, and I don't pay all that much attention to authors, anyway. Would I recommend Ferrell? I would definitely suggest, in the hopes that her prose has smoothed out with experience, that you perhaps try something more recent. If God-books are your thing. It looks like she's written a lot of light Christian romances, too, so if that's up your alley, she might be worth giving a try.

A free copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review.

[Keri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a win from Goodreads. I was absolutely in love with this book! The only reason I gave it a 4 star rating was due to the ending, which you can read about below.

The book was a sequel to The Other Daughter, which I didn't know. Had I known I probably would have read the first book before Finding Jeena. However, I will tell you that I did not have a problem getting started with the book, as soon as you started reading, you knew the story the beginning, as it didn't pick up where it left off, if you catch my drift! The more I read this book the more I couldn't put it down! As each page turned I felt I was living the story myself, and couldn't wait to see what the future of Jeena held. It was a great story line, while being a bit on the religous (but not to much) side and really it gives anyone who reads it hope and faith! Jeena had a great life and pretty much took it for granted then things took a much surprising turn for the worse! She wound up in places she never thought she would be and pretty much gained Faith in God in the end and things worked out for the better! They didn't end up like they were in the beginning but a bit better than the lowest time in her life to hear Jeena say it!

Now, the ONE thing I didn't like about the book is it left some questions unanswered. In a way I like this because it makes me want to read more Jeena books but in a way I hate it because I don't know how Jeena's life turned out! I think there should have been one more chapter explaining how she was doing on her own, if she ended up having a relationship with Stan, if she still has the ring and mainly did she continue to visit the shelter and perhaps donate money and time after she got back on her feet. I guess that leaves room for another book, perhaps, The New Life in Jeena!

[Delia · Rating 5 out of 5]

It seems Jeena Gregory can’t lose. She’s rapidly climbing the corporate ladder in a successful career she loves, lives in an upscale townhouse, drives a BMW, wears the trendiest clothes, and is in a relationship with a handsome man with similar dreams and goals. As for less fortunate people…well, Jeena has only contempt for their lack of ambition and drive. Her heart is a guarded fortress, untouched by anyone or anything save her beloved grandmother, whose carefully planted seeds of hope and Heaven seem to have fallen on dry ground.

And then it all falls apart. She loses everything. The boyfriend. The job. The house. The car. The clothes. The fair-weather friends. Her reputation.

Even Grammie.

Caught in a set of circumstances completely out of her control, Jeena learns what it means to literally not have a roof over her head or food to fill her stomach. When she’s forced to seek help at a women’s shelter, she knows she’s reached rock bottom.

But with nowhere to look but upward, it could be that she will find the greatest treasure possible.

Finding Jeena is a poignant tale of a woman whose life is turned upside-down and inside out. From designer décor to a park bench on the wrong side of the tracks, God chases Jeena Gregory and her fortressed heart, determined to show her His love. The author paints a vivid portrait of down-and-out humanity, handling a delicate subject with grace and finesse. Jeena’s crumbling life unveils the fragile structure of wealth and success and their frivolous accoutrements. This spirited young woman’s journey of revelation, realization, and redemption is a brilliantly told, riveting example of God’s ability to reach even the most hardened of heart.

Superb writing and a captivating storyline. Miralee Ferrell knows how to write a book.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: FINDING JEENA
Author: Miralee Ferrell
Publisher: Kregel Publications
March 2010
ISBN: 978-0-8254-2645-2
Genre: Inspirational/women’s fiction

Jeena Gregory is balancing caring for her aging grandmother with building her career. She hopes to move Grandma out of the nursing home and into Jeena’s home, but unfortunately, every time she goes to visit Grandma it seems she has slipped further downhill. And now Jeena has landed this wonderful new contract, and upgraded her apartment to a nicer townhouse.

But the cushy new job doesn’t seem to be what Jeena bargained for. Her new boss isn’t happy with her speed, he wants her to work slowly. Jeena is confused by this, but she agrees to slow down because he’s the boss. But then suddenly she finds her accounts frozen and her new boss is being investigated for embezzling.

Now Jeena is in a bad situation. She is facing losing her home, her car, and her job. Not only that but her reputation as an upstanding free-lance employee is shot. With no where to go, Jeena is forced to do the one thing she thought she could never do.

FINDING JEENA is the sequel to The Other Daughter and is the story of the woman that we all disliked in the first book. But Miralee has taken this snobby woman and put her in her own story, with her own insecurities, issues, and problems and created a character that we can’t help but fall in love with and care for.

I was totally fascinated with FINDING JEENA because in many ways I can relate to her. I enjoyed getting to know Jeena and cheering for her as she went through the growth changes in her life. I highly recommend this book. Discussion questions are included at the end of the book. $13.99. 297 pages.

[Carly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t even know where to start with this book. I’m at a loss for words. Finding Jeena is an absolutely amazing story of grace, forgiveness, and redemption. I love stories about redemption, I always have, but Jeena’s story is different. It is more real and much more profound that others I have read. It is amazing how quickly life can change and how little control we really have over our lives. Jeena had a lot to learn and God taught her what she needed to know in order to start over.

There were some parts of this book when I felt tremendous compassion for Jeena and other times I was so frustrated by her I wanted to shake her. I think there is a little Jeena in all of us, which is why this book will have such a strong impact on anyone who reads it. I also loved the strong cast of supporting characters in this book. They all added unique insight into Jeena’s life and her redemption.

Now, I did find that this book wrapped up a bit too tidy, but that is the way God works, so I that did not affect my feelings about this absolutely amazing story. God is perfect and his timing is perfect and this book shows us that. This book made me examine my faith and my view of other people. I also saw some of my judgments of others in Jeena, so I learned a great deal about myself while reading this book.

Overall, Finding Jeena is a fantastic book. Well, fantastic is not a big enough word for how I feel about this book. I loved every moment of it and I love the feeling it has left in my heart after finishing it.

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Goodreads win - May 1, 2010

First off, I didn't know that this was the sequel to The Other Daughter. If I did, I probably would have read that one first however, I don't think you HAVE to read it to understand Finding Jeena.

I felt that the storyline was a bit unrealistic. Would Jeena really just have accepted the fact that her banks accounts were frozen and that her possessions were being taken and not gotten a lawyer BEFORE she ended up on the street? Did she really not have any friends? At all? That's very sad. I guess if she did have friends though, her pride would have kept her from seeking out their help. Why did she not search for ANY job? ANYTHING to get her some money. It seemed like she went from the big money job to sleeping on the park bench and while it was mentioned that she was looking for a job, I'm sure she could have gotten something SOMEWHERE to get some money. Again, her pride probably kept her from doing a job "beneath" her. I wish the part about her corrupt boss was expanded a bit. Maybe a bit more of Jeena suspecting something. It seemed that part was over in the first 50 pages.

Aside from the unrealistic part, I think the moral of the story was good. I liked her relationship with Grammie. I also enjoyed the little "mystery/suspense" of the man that was following her and the Kevin storyline. It broke up the almost cheesy "I found Jesus" moment.

Overall, not a bad read. A good message at the end - anyone can change who they are and God accepts us all!

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Since my local library doesn't carry a lot of "Christian fiction," I was thrilled to have been chosen as a Goodreads "First Reads" winner of the book, "Finding Jeena: A Novel."

"Finding Jeena" is the story of Jeena Gregory, a successful career woman, who goes from being at the top of her field to being at the "lowest of lows." As Jeena experiences loss after loss, the reader sees her grow from being somewhat of a shallow, self-centered career woman to someone who values what is truly important--her family, her friends, and the Lord.

At times this book seemed a little unrealistic with all that Jeena was experiencing. Yet, as I reflect on what is happening in our current economy, it is not entirely out of the question.

I had mixed feelings about the character of Jeena as I read the book. At times I really liked her--like when she was interacting with her beloved Grammie and when she was interacting with little Kirsten. Yet, at other times, I couldn't believe how shallow and materialistic she seemed. I guess I don't relate too well to someone who doesn't seem too concerned about maxing out all her credit cards! I also didn't care for how judgmental she was through much of the book. But there was "redemption" at the end, as she realized the value of true friends and as she came to faith.

Overall, I'd recommend this book if you like Christian fiction (there are many sections of Scripture-based writing) and light reading.

[Margaret Metz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to thank Goodreads and Kregel Publications for providing this book. I won it on a contest right here. :o)

This was a great book to make you stop and think about how many things we take for granted in life, and how we judge people without really knowing what their life story is - and how God sees them.

The wrong priorities can bring you very little true happiness. A lot of people in our world today are spending all their time and energy seeking "stuff." Whether it's power, money, cars, houses, or any other kind of financial security - in the end those aren't the things that truly matter. Plenty of rich people die lonely and afraid.

We need to not trust in the things we can compile and build up with our own two hands - but rely on God. We also need to extend Grace and mercy to others. Jeena starts off wanting nothing to do with God and wanting nothing more than money. She has a lot to learn and none of those lessons come easy.

It was a rewarding and rich tale filled with great characters.

[Christy Trever · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finding Jeena by Miralee Ferrell takes a minor character from the author's first novel, The Other Daughter, and gives her a story of her own. Jeena Gregory is finally getting it all together: handsome boyfriend, great job with amazing pay, new house, new clothes, new life. But first the boyfriend leaves, then she starts getting a weird feeling about her new boss, and before Jeena can catch her breath, it all falls apart. What is a woman to do when everything she loves is stripped away? Jeena was a singularly unlikeable character in The Other Daughter, but here the reader understands her anger and bitterness. An abusive father who used God as a weapon makes the church the last place Jeena wants to turn to for help. Ferrell creates sympathy for Jeena, even in the midst of her selfishness, not an easy task. The ending seemed a bit far-fetched; coming to Jesus doesn't usually clear up a person's problems so easily. Ultimately, it's a story of hope and finding faith in adversity, and Ferrell portrays that very well.

[Holly (2 Kids and Tired) · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is a sequel to The Other Daughter, which I haven't read. Jeena was first introduced in that book and several other characters make an appearance in this book. I think that it is in a reader's best interest to have read the The Other Daughter first because then the significance of some of Jeena's behavior in this book might be better understood.

Jeena is incredibly unlikeable and I never really cared about what happened to her. Yes, her abusive childhood is revealed, which is supposed to make her more human and help us to understand her. Yes, she loses all her material possessions and ends up in a shelter where she, predictably, finds her faith and humility again. It all sounds good on paper, but really didn't affect me at all. Even her conversion isn't really enough to redeem her. I finished the book, but could have easily just set it aside.

The book has other great reviews and will appeal to many, especially those who enjoy contemporary Christian fiction. It just wasn't for me.

[Kathleen L. Maher · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a painful read. Not because it wasn't well-written. And not because it wasn't believable. The story of a successful, bright career woman losing everything was all-too realistic. No matter how well-insulated a person thinks she is from disaster, life is a great equalizer when God reduces the proud and exalts the humble.
Jeena Gregory hides the pain of her past abuse in materialism. But when her carefully constructed ivory tower crumbles beneath her, she finds herself in the very places she despises and the ones she feels contempt for become her salvation.
The pain of Jeena's journey is bittersweet. As hard as it is to watch, her journey bears lessons that restore deeper and more meaningful things to her than her repo'd beamer and her defaulted condo. Things like mercy, forgiveness, peace. And even a semblance of the family she lost.
Her end is better than her beginning, because her life is established on a foundation that won't crumble.
This is a timely read, and it will challenge you to examine your own priorities and prejudices.

[Jane]

What a journey. Jeena has a dream life - beautiful home, expensive car, fancy clothes, and dream job. Her world is one only many can dream about. In a moments time the bottom drops out.
From everything to nothing to find everything she's been missing. A book truly many in todays economy could gleam from.
I was struggling with issues and still am that differ from Jeena. This book offers hope God can meet my needs and answer my prayers even when they seem impossible.
A powerful book from beginning to end. You won't sleep as you won't be able to put the book down.
The stories of the Women's Shelter is so touching and you will look at them so differently. It would do all of us good to walk in these women's shoes for a while and maybe then we could understand.
God's provision is nothing we would chose but the right road all along.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another enjoyable read! Finding Jeena really delves into the problems that we can face when we fall into the trap of materialism, of 'living the dream' with a big house, new car, high paying job etc. The main character, Jeena, starts off on a high but soon finds herself in situations that she had never before dreamed she would be in. It is only at her all time low that she realises her prejudices against people in a lower position than her are wrong and recognises her need for a Saviour. I can't wait to read further books in this series.

To read the first chapter, visit ...She Reads...

[A J Hawke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel hit a little too close to home, the home of secret fears. The fear of getting so wrapped up in things that I lose sight of what is truly important. The fear that choices of boyfriends are not always wise. The fear that the job, the credit cards, the house, everything could go away and I’m left looking for a woman’s shelter to take me in. This is what happens to Jeena in Miralee Ferrell’s latest novel. A view into the world of what happens when everything is gone and one have to depend on the kindness of strangers for food and shelter. Even when the circumstances are not one’s own fault, consequences can still happen. How does one cope and how can one rebuild?

I recommend Finding Jeena: A Novel.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finding Jeena was a very good book for me. I liked the descriptions of the corporate world where Jeena gets inadvertently entangled in her pursuit of her career. I liked the homeless community where Jeena finds herself donating items and then a close and personal encounter with the community. I think the author describes the different environments well; describes the characters feelings very succinctly; develops the spiritual challenges well, leading to the culmination of Jeena's spiritual needs; and I liked the flow of the plots and characters in the book. I highly recommend this book to readers of Christian fiction and also to those who are in the secular business world struggling to get ahead.

[Alyssa · Rating 3 out of 5]

What I Liked: It was a refreshing read about a girl, Jeena, used to all the glitz and glamor life has to offer. When a dream job crumbles to the ground in the midst of a money scandal, she loses everything--her car, her new townhouse, all her money. She is then forced to live at a woman's shelter, and forced to rethink he prejudices and face the past she has been trying to avoid. I like that Miralee Ferrell chooses to write about and advocate the safety of women and children (especially those who could have possibly been abused).

What I Didn't Like: Dialogues that drag around in some parts, a couple of very minor grammatical errors.

[Joy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this book from GoodReads firstbook giveaway. I was not aware when I signed up for the giveaway that it was a Christian book. I am not Christian, and am not a fan of proselytizing. I just finished the book, and while I was annoyed at the religious aspect of the book, I thought the story was okay. Jeena is an independent young woman who hasn't made the best financial choices, and finds herself down and out for reasons beyond her control. She learns about life (and God) during her journey.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this on first reads.

I have not had the opportunity to read the first book yet but will be putting it on my to read list. I do not know if that would have changed how I feel for this book or not. I loved it. I think many women go through the "who am I, where am I and what am I doing here" feeling. I know it had christian tones in it but I read it more under the view of someone who has been through that (or is actually in that) instead of as a christian literature book. I found it interesting how she dealt with everything and where that journey took her.

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Won on Goodreads, look forward to getting it and reading. Thanks to the author and Goodreads!

Even though I am someone who is a Christian, I have not read alot of Christian fiction. I had a hard time with this book (did not finish it, but gave it a good girl scout try) because it just seemed to clicky to me. If I read alot of Christian based fiction, I imagine I might have liked it much better and not felt like around alot of the corners I was subtly being "preached" to - It' probably me, so give it a try if the story and plot are appealing.