Saturday, April 27, 2013

Grounded by Dave Jackson and Neta Jackson



About the Book:

Grounded

...But Hope May Be Just Across the Street.

Grace Meredith is a beloved contemporary Christian recording artist whose career—and personal life—hits unexpected turbulence. She feels grounded—in more ways than one.

Grace's fiancé, bothered by her outspoken stance on purity and her near-constant travel, has broken off their relationship. Exhausted and unable to continue her current concert schedule, Grace returns home to Chicago, where she is soon stranded in a major snowstorm.

Facing new questions about her future and her faith, Grace finds herself connecting for the first time with the residents of her neighborhood. What she discovers in these unexpected relationships could change everything.

My Thoughts:

Once again, the back cover description just doesn't do the novel justice.  Dave & Neta Jackson's new series has far more to say that any back cover could contain.  Their novels are rich, multi-layered and always a satisfying read.

The writing duo combine forces to craft a brand new series about the "Windy City Neighbors" of Beecham Street in Chicago.  Grace Meredith's singing tour is finally finished...now she's wondering if her career is finished as well.

She's the picture of a good Christian girl on the outside, but Grace harbors secrets down deep in her soul.  Her break up with fiance Roger has bubbled all the unworthy feelings she's kept to herself all these years.

Now, a change in representation with her booking agent has her in a tailspin.  Is everyone choosing to abandon her all at once?  Will being trapped in a snow storm of pure white convince her it's time to come clean with those she loves...with her fans...with herself?

Familiar characters appear in "Grounded" (Harry and Estelle Bentley and their grandson...as well as some familiar faces from Manna House), and the Jackson's give us more imaginary people to love.  Jeff, Grace's new agent, is sincere and believes in Grace.

Her assistant and might-as-well-be-a-sister, Sam, is my kind of friend.  She hangs in there through the good and the hard times with Grace, always supporting and loving her, even when the truth comes out.

Other characters are wonderfully created as well: Rodney, Tavis and Tabitha and their family...even Ramona, messed up as she is, is memorable.  You just want to wrap your arms around her, pray over her, hug her...

...whap some sense into that girl's head!  In Jesus' name, of course!

"Grounded" is an excellent beginning to a series I know I'm going to love.  I received an advance copy of the book via Wynn-Wynn Media from Worthy Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

"Grounded" releases May 2013, and is part of a unique event called parallel novels...stories that are told separately, but which are woven together in a beautiful fictional tapestry of hope, faith and laughter.  I'm looking forward to the next book, and I think you will as well.

"Grounded" is highly recommended.

Happy Reading!

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1 comment:

Neta Jackson said...

We appreciate the review, Deena! You "got it"--all the things we were trying to do with this complicated story. Thanks for the good words, and we're excited for you to read "the rest of the story" when DERAILED comes out in October!--Neta & Dave