Who Is My Shelter? (Yada Yada House of Hope, Book 4)

I have read every Neta Jackson book - the entire Yada Yada Series, and more recently, all the House of Hope series, too. I have eagerly anticipated the release of "Who is my My Shelter"? as I've been so curious to find out the rest of Gabby Fairbank's story. From the start, when her husband, Phillip kicked her out of their home and his heart, she struggled with trying to get her life back on track, which was no easy thing. When I concluded reading the first 3 books of this series, Gabby was doing pretty well, all things considered, but was facing new struggles in her new life. Including the possible reconciliation with Phillip and the attentions & interest of her attorney, who had actually helped her a great deal to become independent. Without revealing how this 4th and last of the House of Hope series turns out, I do want to say that I found the author's writing to be as open and sensational as in all her other books. I was pleased with how Gabby's life turned out, although I'm sure there could still be a 5th House of Hope book as there as still so many things that could be said about Gabby and the others in her House of Hope. I found the women coming to live in the House of Hope believable characters, I found Gabby's relationship with God a good and honest one, and Philip surprised me in a lot of ways, perhaps a little too suddenly, which is OK, as a book can only go so far in the number of pages a story can be told within.However, I have one slight negative comment to make about this book, which is why I rated it 4 stars rather than the usual 5 stars I always give Ms. Jackson's books. In my opinion, the character Lee, was not developed enough in "Who is My Shelter?" I felt that he was mentioned far too little as a character, considering he was supposed to be someone Gabby was actually considering to become her "man". Gabby ignored him far too often, which I feel in reality, the guy wouldn't have just hung around waiting for her. Not only that, but I felt that Lee should have been developed more, the conflict within Gabby about him should have been dealt with either with more story plot and/or conversations between them. The reader is led to believe at the start of the book that Gabby really likes him, he confuses her mind and makes her heart do flip-flops. Yet, the conclusion with him is a very weak one, in my opinion.Otherwise, the book is excellent. The story plot extremely interesting and one that draws the reader. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to share someone's story about life's struggles and how faith can help you get through them.

"Who is My Shelter" is the last of the four books in the "House of Hope" series. This wraps up all the unfinished storylines while creating new ones for another series Neta Jackson is plotting. The action takes place in Chicago, creating an abundance of places, people and things that aid in bringing these Christ based books to life.Gabby Fairbanks is busy with her job at the woman's homeless shelter directing activities as well as running her House of Hope apartment complex for single mothers. Her two boys, P.J. and Paul, keep her hopping as do the eccentric, loveable characters that surround her whirlwind life. Paul Fairbanks Sr., Gabby's estranged husband, has gotten into major trouble with loan sharks because of his gambling, bringing serious danger to himself and his family. Lucy, street woman extraordinaire, has sprained her leg badly and needs rescuing. Mystery abounds with her and a young man named Will Nissan who helps find her hidden between walls of a recreation structure on Lake Michigan's beach. Harry and Estelle are having problems with their relationship because of Estelle's mentally ill son. These people, plus several others, keep the action flowing. Except.............I couldn't give five star to this offering as I have others in this series. Frankly, it was about 60 to 80 pages too long. Halfway through the drama slipped into repetitive writing which caused a tiring lapse. I would also ask Ms. Jackson to speak to the copy editors at her publishing house; there were really grievous errors that shutdown the flow as well.Bless, Ms. Jackson, that she pulled it out and picked up the pace in time to save this otherwise languishing story. The spirituality of Neta's writing is always beautifully presented and inspires my heart. I have read all of the "Yada Yada" series and now all "The House of Hope" books. I look forward to the "SouledOut Sister" series to come. Ms. Jackson and her husband Dave are fluent writers and I am simply amazed at how much they have published over the years. Bless them for their commitment in writing quality Christian fiction for all these years.

This is the fourth book in Neta Jackson's Yada Yada House of Hope Series. I strongly suggest that you read the first three books before this one, they're excellent!In this book Gabby is trying to finally settle now an have a normal life in her new apartment. The problem is, nothing ever stays normal in the Yada Yada scene! Phillip is dealing with his casino debts, a young man shows up looking for his Great Aunt Cindy, Estelle gets cold feet about her relationship with Harry, and Lee keeps poping up in Gabby's life! In the midst of it all Gabby is reminded that God is her Rock and Shelter in the midst of the storm.**SPOILERS** Review for those who have read the book!!I really enjoyed seeing a pleasant change in Phillips character and how how began to treat Gabby nicely. I understand Gabby's confusion in choosing between Phillip and Lee, but I felt that that issue was left unresolved and I hated how Gabby kept playing with his emotions and never really dealt with him, but kept putting him off. I was also surprised that we were left hanging with the Lucy situation! No one every sees her again and we're left to assume that she's wandering the streets somewhere?! Come on.As for the series as a whole, I loved the inclusion of Jodi, Denny, Estelle, Josh, Edesa, and Delores, but I would have loved to see more the Yada Yada Sisters! Stu is basically some mystery figure in the series, we get a brief mention of Florida, Yo-Yo and Ruth, and I don't remember Hoshi or Noni being mentioned at all. I understand that it was a different series, but we all like hear from old friends don't we?Other than those three points, the book was lovely :)

Nice read.