MY REVIEW:
I have very much enjoyed the previous books in the Windy City Neighbors series. I love reading about the lives of these Chicago residents from a different perspective in each novel. In “Penny Wise” the focus is on Michelle Jasper and her family but never fear, all of her beloved neighbors make appearances throughout the story with some taking more of a part than others.
I could relate to Michelle and her stress levels. Our circumstances were different but I too had a habit of taking on more than I could handle easily but loved every minute of it and I also have a husband who used to work far too many hours which often left me to contend with the needs of our children alone. So yes, I understood why Michelle was on the edge of burnout. I also guessed her surprise early in the story but had to wait awhile for her to guess what it was.
My favorite part of the entire book was Michelle’s experience with the pennies but I will leave it to the reader to discover the significance on her own. I think the major thing I like best about this series is that the characters and their faith (or lack of) are so real. Estelle in particular is a walking, talking example of what she believes. She absolutely puts me and most Christians I know to shame. I wish I had someone like her in my own life. I also liked how Grace responded to Michelle’s confession of her struggles with her unexpected news.
Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of “Penny Wise” as well as the previous books in this series. They are so worth it.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Penny Wise | A Windy City Neighbors book
Michelle Jasper doesn’t have much time to hang out with her neighbors—not with thirteen-year-old twins, another teen with hoop dreams, a full-time job as a caseworker, volunteering at a crisis pregnancy center, and heading up the women’s ministry at Northside Baptist. Her husband’s constantly changing shifts as an air traffic controller at the world’s busiest airport—Chicago’s O’Hare International—and responsibilities as a trusted deacon at Northside only add to the juggling act at the Jasper household.
Her new neighbors, Harry and Estelle Bentley, mean well with their friendly efforts to bring people together, but how can she deal with neighborhood concerns—like Greg Singer, who lost his job and is now trying to recruit sales reps from the neighborhood for his new venture—when she’s confronted with tragic family situations daily in her job? Like little Candy and her baby brother Pookey, victims of neglect . . .
With the “tyranny of the urgent” crowding out the important, Michelle is blindsided by danger involving her own kids—and a personal crisis that calls into question the very values she holds dear. How could this happen? Does God even care?
As her life unravels, a missing penny—and a “penny from heaven”—give her a shred of hope. But will God just laugh at her penny test?
Learn more and purchase a copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
Dave and Neta Jackson are award-winning authors living in the Chicago area where their parallel novels from the Yada Yada House of Hope and Harry Bentley series are set.
As a husband/wife writing team, Dave and Neta Jackson are enthusiastic about books, kids, walking with God, gospel music, and each other! Together they are the authors or coauthors of over 100 books.
Find out more about Dave and Neta at http://www.daveneta.com/.
